There are Six Orthodox sections that form the authoritative Scriptures. They are: ( i ) Srutis or Vedas, ( ii ) Agamas, ( iii ) Smritis or Sasthras, ( iv ) Dharsanas, ( v ) Ithihasas and ( vi ) Puranas. The Vedas are the oldest books in the library of mankind. Every Hindu considers the Vedas as the ultimate authority of Hindu religious teachings, of the practice and the philosophy. Besides the four Vedas, we also have six [6] Vedangas, a set of books as explanatory limbs on the Vedic language, rituals and astrology. There are also four [4] Upa-Vedas on science and arts of health, archery, music and politics [Ayurveda, Dhanur Veda, Gandharva Veda and Arthasasthra]. Agamas, independent of Vedas, are texts given by God as a devotional form of the faith and rules for Temple worship and ritualistic practice of the Religion, with God in a manifest form, as Saguna Brahmam. Dharsanas are explanatory texts of Vedas for the learned authors. Dharsanas explain the Vedic teachings and Philosophy for daily practice and understanding.

The Smrithis or the Sasthras, Ithihasas and Puranas, essentially based on the Vedas, are the vehicles to carry these teachings to the common man to practice the faith. Smrithis are the sacred law codes written by the Rishis based on the Vedic teachings. They deal with the duties of all men, Sanatana - Varna - Ashrama Dharma. Ithihasas and Puranas give the religious teachings and philosophy as simple stories for the common man. They form the Secondary authority and are based on the Vedic teachings. All these teachings, mythology and rituals are helpful to instruct the people about the great philosophy of Vedas and Agamas in simple words to make them understand and follow the faith. The teachings of Vedas and Agamas remain the foundation of their faith, principle and philosophy. The rituals, puranas and sasthras remain the simple guide to practice that faith. The major scriptures of Hinduism are written in Sanskrit language. These scriptures form the basic knowledge and teachings of this ancient civilization and its literary treasure.