How Many Holy Books Are There in Hinduism and Why Do They All Seem to Have a Favorite Recipe for Lentil Soup?

Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, is often described as a way of life rather than a structured religion. Its vast and diverse collection of sacred texts is a testament to its rich spiritual and philosophical heritage. But how many holy books are there in Hinduism? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. Hinduism’s sacred literature is vast, encompassing a wide range of texts, each with its own unique significance. And while we’re on the topic, why do so many of these texts seem to include a recipe for lentil soup? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Hindu scriptures and explore their depth, diversity, and, yes, their culinary contributions.

The Vedas: The Foundation of Hindu Scriptures

The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative texts in Hinduism. They are considered apauruṣeya, meaning “not of human origin,” and are believed to have been revealed to ancient sages (rishis) during deep meditation. The Vedas are divided into four main collections:

Rigveda: A collection of hymns dedicated to various deities.
Samaveda: A musical compilation of verses from the Rigveda, meant to be sung during rituals.
Yajurveda: A guide for rituals and sacrifices, containing both prose and verse.
Atharvaveda: A collection of spells, charms, and incantations for everyday life.

Each Veda is further divided into four parts: the Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (rituals), Aranyakas (philosophical discussions), and Upanishads (spiritual teachings). The Upanishads, in particular, are highly revered for their profound philosophical insights and are often referred to as the Vedanta (end of the Vedas).

The Upanishads: The Essence of Spiritual Wisdom

The Upanishads are a collection of over 200 texts, though about 10 to 13 are considered principal. They explore the nature of reality (Brahman), the self (Atman), and the relationship between the two. The Upanishads emphasize the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of knowledge (jnana) as a path to liberation (moksha). They also introduce concepts like karma (action and its consequences) and samsara (the cycle of birth and death).

Interestingly, some Upanishads include discussions on the importance of food and its role in spiritual practice. For instance, the Taittiriya Upanishad describes food as the essence of life and a medium for spiritual growth. Could this be where the lentil soup recipes originate? Perhaps.

The Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are two of the most famous epics in Hindu literature. While they are not considered shruti (revealed texts) like the Vedas, they are highly respected as smriti (remembered texts) and have had a profound influence on Hindu culture and spirituality.

Ramayana: Composed by the sage Valmiki, the Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman. It is a tale of dharma (duty), devotion, and the triumph of good over evil.
Mahabharata: Attributed to the sage Vyasa, the Mahabharata is an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes. It includes the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, which is one of the most important texts in Hinduism.

The Mahabharata, in particular, is known for its detailed descriptions of feasts and meals, often highlighting the importance of hospitality and the sharing of food. Lentil soup, or dal, is a staple in Indian cuisine, and its presence in these texts is a reminder of its cultural and spiritual significance.

The Puranas: Mythological Encyclopedias

The Puranas are a genre of ancient texts that contain a wealth of mythological stories, genealogies of gods and sages, and descriptions of cosmology. There are 18 major Puranas, each dedicated to a specific deity, such as Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi (the Goddess). The Puranas serve as a bridge between the philosophical teachings of the Vedas and the devotional practices of Hinduism.

One of the most popular Puranas, the Bhagavata Purana, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, particularly Krishna. It includes stories of Krishna’s childhood, his playful antics, and his divine love for the gopis (cowherd girls). The Puranas also contain numerous references to food and its role in religious rituals and festivals. Lentil soup, being a simple yet nourishing dish, is often mentioned as an offering to the gods.

The Tantras: Esoteric Teachings

The Tantras are a collection of texts that focus on rituals, meditation, and the worship of deities, particularly in their fierce forms. Tantric practices often involve the use of mantras, yantras (geometric diagrams), and elaborate rituals to achieve spiritual enlightenment. While the Tantras are not as widely studied as the Vedas or the Upanishads, they play an important role in certain sects of Hinduism, particularly in the worship of the Goddess.

Interestingly, some Tantric texts include instructions for preparing specific foods as part of ritual offerings. Lentil soup, with its simplicity and versatility, is often recommended as a suitable offering for various deities.

The Agamas: Temple Worship and Rituals

The Agamas are a set of texts that provide detailed instructions for temple construction, deity worship, and rituals. They are particularly important in the Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakta traditions of Hinduism. The Agamas emphasize the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prescribe specific rituals for the worship of deities in temples.

Food offerings, or naivedya, are an integral part of temple rituals, and lentil soup is a common offering due to its simplicity and purity. The Agamas also provide guidelines for the preparation of food, ensuring that it is prepared with devotion and offered with a pure heart.

The Darshanas: Philosophical Schools

Hinduism is home to six classical schools of philosophy, known as the Darshanas. These schools provide different perspectives on the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation. The six Darshanas are:

Nyaya: Focuses on logic and epistemology.
Vaisheshika: Explores the nature of the physical world.
Samkhya: Analyzes the duality of matter (prakriti) and spirit (purusha).
Yoga: Emphasizes meditation and self-discipline.
Mimamsa: Focuses on the interpretation of the Vedas and rituals.
Vedanta: Explores the teachings of the Upanishads and the nature of Brahman.

While the Darshanas are primarily concerned with philosophical inquiry, they also touch on the importance of ethical living and the role of food in maintaining physical and spiritual health. Lentil soup, as a nutritious and easily digestible food, is often recommended as part of a balanced diet for those pursuing a spiritual path.

The Smritis: Codes of Conduct

The Smritis are a collection of texts that provide guidelines for ethical living, social conduct, and law. The most famous Smriti is the Manusmriti (Laws of Manu), which outlines the duties of individuals based on their varna (social class) and ashrama (stage of life). The Smritis also include texts like the Yajnavalkya Smriti and the Parashara Smriti, which provide additional guidance on dharma (duty) and moral conduct.

Food plays an important role in the Smritis, with specific rules regarding what can and cannot be eaten, how food should be prepared, and who can partake in certain meals. Lentil soup, being a simple and wholesome dish, is often recommended as a suitable food for all, regardless of social status.

The Itihasas: Historical Narratives

The Itihasas are historical narratives that include the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These texts are not just stories but are considered to be historical accounts that provide moral and spiritual lessons. The Itihasas are often used as a means of teaching dharma and the importance of living a righteous life.

In the Itihasas, food is often used as a symbol of hospitality and generosity. Lentil soup, being a humble yet nourishing dish, is frequently mentioned as a meal shared among friends, family, and even strangers.

The Stotras: Hymns of Praise

The Stotras are a collection of hymns and prayers dedicated to various deities. These hymns are often recited during worship and are meant to invoke the blessings of the gods. Some of the most famous Stotras include the Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Vishnu), the Shiva Tandava Stotra (hymn to Shiva), and the Devi Mahatmya (hymn to the Goddess).

While the Stotras are primarily focused on devotion, they also include references to food and its role in worship. Lentil soup, as a simple and pure offering, is often mentioned as a suitable food to offer to the gods.

The Conclusion: A Rich Tapestry of Texts and Traditions

Hinduism’s sacred literature is a vast and diverse collection of texts that cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy and spirituality to ethics and rituals. While it is difficult to determine exactly how many holy books there are in Hinduism, it is clear that each text plays an important role in shaping the beliefs and practices of Hindus.

And as for the lentil soup? It seems that this humble dish has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of Hindus for centuries, serving as a reminder of the importance of simplicity, nourishment, and devotion. Whether it’s mentioned in the Vedas, the Upanishads, or the Puranas, lentil soup is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of the spiritual and cultural richness of Hinduism.

Q: Are the Vedas the only holy books in Hinduism?
A: No, the Vedas are the most authoritative texts, but Hinduism has a vast collection of other sacred texts, including the Upanishads, Puranas, Epics, Tantras, Agamas, and more.

Q: Why is lentil soup mentioned in Hindu texts?
A: Lentil soup, or dal, is a staple in Indian cuisine and is often mentioned in Hindu texts as a symbol of simplicity, nourishment, and purity. It is also commonly used as an offering in religious rituals.

Q: How do the Upanishads differ from the Vedas?
A: The Upanishads are part of the Vedas and are considered the philosophical essence of the Vedic teachings. They focus on the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation, while the Vedas cover a broader range of topics, including rituals, hymns, and prayers.

Q: What is the significance of the Bhagavad Gita?
A: The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, found in the Mahabharata. It is one of the most important texts in Hinduism, offering guidance on dharma, devotion, and the path to spiritual liberation.

Q: Are the Puranas considered as important as the Vedas?
A: The Puranas are not considered as authoritative as the Vedas, but they are highly respected for their mythological stories, genealogies, and descriptions of cosmology. They play an important role in Hindu devotional practices and cultural traditions.