Books on Hinduism: Top 5 Books Revealing Ancient Indian Mysteries

Hinduism, which is known as the most popular religion worldwide, is the Dharma, or you can say a way of life. It is clearly mentioned in one of the most excellent Books on Hinduism, The Holy Geeta.

Before we jump to see the Hinduism sacred text, Let’s see on what books are Hinduism based? In other words, what’s the Hinduism definition? 

Hinduism definition

Most of the population consider Hinduism as the “oldest Religion” in the world. 

In my opinion, Hinduism is a collection of the experience of the Greatest sages, Yogis and Emperor, who taught its generation to a principle-based living. 

Hinduism is based on humanity, The true nature of a human being. These Books, Vedas, Upanishads, and other scripture, including The Holy Gita, only provide ideas to live a better life. 

I won’t say that it is religion because there is no founder, unlike other religions. What we know as “Hinduism” nowadays is a collection of ancient philosophies and beliefs.

If you’re willing to explore Hinduism deeply, you need to read this book.
Let me Suggest one thing; These books are profound and full of wisdom. Therefore while reading, Don’t read them like other books.

Read a few paragraphs and think about it. These books have a confounding effect on the mind. If you give a thought to those words, you will develop your insights and answer many unanswered questions.

In other words, you will get every answer which you are looking for. It’s within you. These books can open the doorway to a different dimension of life.

Also Read: Tam Mantra: Meaning, Benefits And How To Chant For Results

5 Books on Hinduism Revealing Ancient Indian Mysteries

As I mentioned earlier, They are not religious books, but a way to life. Begin to Explore different dimensions of life!

Here are best 5 books on Hinduism every human being needs to read once in life.

1- The Bhagavad Gita

People often misunderstand and consider it a part of Mahabharata. Yes, it is a part of Mahabharata, but Its The most Important part of Mahabharata.

I learned from this book that to teach these life lessons, Ved Vyas wrote the full story of Mahabharata. Gita is the words of God to teaching us how to live a peaceful yet fulfilled life. Most importantly, In today’s scenario.

During the war between cousins in Mahabharat, Arjuna denied fighting with his relatives. Although he was very much aware that if he would not compete, they won’t get anything from the royal family.

Arjuna was emotionally attached to them; Attachment made him blind on the battlefield. To teach Arjuna his Dharma, The word of Gita was written.

Gita is one of that books on Hinduism which one needs to re-read. If you read it with an open mind, You are going to connect the situation with today’s world, and you will understand the real meaning of Gita.

Original Bhagavad Gita is written in the Sanskrit language in the form of Shloka. The Shloka describes the dialogues between Arjuna, and his charioteer Krishna, the manifestation of God.

I want to recommend you read the easy explanation of Gita, recorded by Brahmakumaris foundation. Also, you can listen to the secret of Holy Gita on youtube.

2- The Upanishads

The Upanishad will make you experience the deepest wellspring of spirituality that is found in the Indian tradition. The idea of Atman and Brahman can have a profound effect on current beliefs.

The book is a collection of scripts and sketches in the forms of an aspect of our highest realization. Most importantly, these scattered linguistic sketches represent diverse personalities divided by expanses of historical change.

The Upanishads and their approach are entirely up to individuals. The word “Upanishad” itself says to be in the most profound connection with the Master.
In other words, Upanishad means the communion between two hearts.

Just sit by the Master and feel the wonderful happening among the two.
The Upanishads are written in Sanskrit between 800 and 400 BCE by saints.

Original Upanishad is a part of Vedas, which is the divine and ancient scriptures of Hinduism.

Each Upanishad represents the attainment of spiritual bliss to karma, rebirth, and meditations on life, death, and immortality.

In conclusion, The substance of Upanishad is that truth can be attained only by developing faith rather than by knowledge.

Upanishad also teaches that the essence of God is within you. Therefore, you need not fear death as you carry the eternal life within yourself.

The Upanishad is the other books on Hinduism, everyone must-red.

Also Read: 7 Life-Transforming John Maxwell Books You Must-Read in 2021

3- Books on Hinduism- Ramayana

Those who have the desire to live an abundance of life should definitely read Ramayana.

Ramayana is a high-spirited tale of romance, Family drama, Love, friendship, Relationship, promises, hate revenge, and humanity.

Most importantly, Every character of Ramayana will teach you something and help you live a sacred and happy life!!

Ramayana is one of the best books on Hinduism and the second Epic story from Ancient India. The Mahabharata is the first one, but I am not going to include it in this list as I already added The Gita.

However, If you are interested in reading the Mahabharat story in detail, Go on, and you won’t regret it.

Lets me provide a little brief about Ramayana. Ramayana is the story of the most exceptional Prince Rama, who is the character of every quality a human being can ever own. Sita, the wife of Rama, a perfect example of wife and mother.

The connection between Rama, Laxmana, Hanuman & Sugriwa is Brother’s goals. The devotion of Bharat for his elder brother is unbelievable. Laxman,s love and care towards ram and site is impressive.

Rama is a role model for everyone in this entire world. One of the best books on Hinduism teaches lessons on how to live life.

4- Hindu Goddesses

This book represents an excellent introduction to Hindu goddesses and how they function. If you want to understand the divine feminine deeply, This book is a must-read for you.

In the first chapter, the author provides a summary of all the goddesses in Vedic history. Second chapter onwards, he has given a detailed description of well-known Indian goddesses, such as Sri-Laksmi, Parvati, Sarasvati, Sita, Radha, Durga, Kali, and Mahadevi.

The author also included groups of goddesses like the Matrkas and the Mahavidyas.
It is visible in the book that Saraswati is the author’s favorite, as she is the Goddess of Art and Communication. There is less description of kali, Might be because she is the Goddess of Destruction.

Allow me to clarify one thing here; Kali represents the destruction of massive and all darkness in the world.

Worshiping Goddess has been a vast and significant aspect of Hinduism.
The author has provided enough space to present the origins of each Goddess, her centers of worship, and traditions relating to her in detail.

Most Importantly, The author has done enough research in understanding Hinduism and its value. Not to mention that its one of the best books on Hinduism and feminine power.

One of the best books on Hindu mythology you must read. 

5- Books on Hinduism- Autobiography of a Yogi

This book is a real gem. It doesn’t matter from which religion you belong to. If you have a desire to understand real Hinduism, and practice yoga, just read it.

The book has recorded an extraordinary life story and an in-depth introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and meditation.

Autobiography of a Yogi is the autobiography of one of the most well-Known spiritual leader, Paramahansa Yogananda. The author will take you to his own life journey, which has insightful stories and wisdom.

The book has everything from his childhood to his encounters with different spiritual masters, and to finally becoming a monk.

The author describes ordinary events of everyday life and the extraordinary circumstances called miracles as well.

Thus, his engaging life story becomes an unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence.

The book has been one of the best-selling books on Hinduism and translated into more than twenty languages.

Most importantly, It is widely used as a reference work in colleges and universities these days.

One of the most beautiful journeys is establishing Yoga centers worldwide and spreading Kriya Yoga teachings in western culture. Autobiography of a Yogi has touched the hearts of millions of readers worldwide and changed their life.

Controversial Books On Hinduism

Few books, In India has been ban because of misguiding Hinduism or any other religions. Hinduism is a part of the world that respect, accept and treat everyone as brothers. 

Few books that were breaking the rules or misguiding the readers were ban in the past few decades; a few of them listed below. 

• Satyarth Prakash
• Ramayana: A True Reading
• Bhavsagar Granth
• Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India
• The Epic of Shivaji: A Translation and Study of Kavindra Paramananda’s Sivabharata
• Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India

FAQS

#1 How Old is Hinduism?

The world already agreed that Hinduism is the oldest Religion, which means it started when Life started on this planet. According to Vedas and Upanishads, it was founded in 30000 BC, which means more than 30000 thousand years old. 

#2 What is the main book of Hinduism?

The Veda is considered the main Hinduism book; however, reading The Holy Gita clears the text mentioned in Veda more profoundly. 

#3 How do I start reading Hinduism?

If you want to read for academic purpose, start with Purana, then God for Ramayana and Mahabharata. However, to understand the more profound concept of Hinduism, communicate with people. 

#4 What are the 7 concepts of Hinduism?

Dharma, Varna, Karma, Samsara, Purushartha, Moksha, and Ishwar are the seven concepts of Hinduism. All of them are a crucial part of our life; if we balance all of these, Life will be peaceful and worth living. 

#5 What are the 5 Hindu beliefs?

• Truth is Eternal.
• The soul neither born nor dies; it only changes costume. 
• Following and honoring Dharma is The correct way of Life.
• There is One God, and He only Comes Once. 
• Remembrance of God is the only way of Liberation.

#6 How many Hindu religious books are there?

Hinduism is wide enough, so there are many books considered Hindu religious books. However, Reading four Veda will offer you all the essence of the Hindu Religion. Vedas 

#7 What Hindu text should I read first?

Ramayana Will be the best choice following Mahabharata and The Holy Gita. 

#8 Which Veda should I read first?

Picking the Rig Veda will be an excellent choice for someone who is just starting with Vedas. 

Final Words: I hope you will read at least a few of the books on Hinduism and understand the core message. Let me know your experience in the comment box with these books.

Stay Blessed