The Upanishads are the philosophical-religious texts of Hinduism (also known as Sanatan Dharma meaning "Eternal Order" or "Eternal Path") which develop and explain the fundamental tenets of the religion. The name is translated as to "sit down closely" as one would to listen attentively to instruction by a teacher or other authority figure. At the same time, Upanishad has also been interpreted to mean "secret teaching" or "revealing underlying truth". The truths addressed are the concepts expressed in the religious texts known as the Vedas which orthodox Hindus consider the revealed knowledge of creation and the operation of the universe. The word veda means "knowledge" and the four Vedas are thought to express the fundamental knowledge of human existence. These works are considered Shruti in Hinduism meaning "what is heard" as they are thought to have emanated from the vibrations of the universe and heard by the sages who composed them orally before they were written down between c. 1500 с. 500 ВСЕ. The Upanishads are considered the "end of the Vedas" (Vedanta) in that they expand upon, explain, and develop the Vedic concepts through narrative dialogues and, in so doing, encourage one to engage with said concepts on a personal, spiritual level. There are between 180-200 Upanishads but the best known are the 13 which are embedded in the four Vedas. Their origin and dating are considered unknown by some schools of thought but, generally, their composition is dated to between c. 800 c. 500 BCE for the first six (Brhadaranyaka to Kena) with later dates for the last seven (Katha to Mandukya). Some are attributed to a given sage while others are anonymous. Many orthodox Hindus, however, regard the Upanishads, like the Vedas, as Shruti and believe they have always existed. In this view, the works were not so much composed as received and recorded. The Upanishads deal with ritual observance & the individual's place in the universe. The Upanishads deal with ritual observance and the individual's place in the universe and, in doing so, develop the fundamental concepts of the Supreme Over Soul (God) known as Brahman (who both created and is the universe) and that of the Atman, the individual's higher self, whose goal in life is union with Brahman. These works defined, and continue to define, the essential tenets of Hinduism but the earliest of them would also influence the development of Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and, after their translation to European languages in the 19th century CE, philosophical thought around the world. There are two differing claims regarding the origin of Vedic thought. One claims that it was developed in the Indus Valley by the people of the Harappan Civilization (c. 7000-600 BCE). Their religious concepts were then exported to Central Asia and returned later (c. 3000 BCE) during the so-called Indo-Aryan Migration. The second school of thought, more commonly accepted, is that the religious concepts were developed in Central Asia by the people who referred to themselves as Aryans (meaning "noble" or "free" and having nothing to do with race) who then migrated to the Indus Valley, merged their beliefs and culture with the indigenous people, and developed the religion which would become Sanatan Dharma.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh is presently serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of History at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Government Degree College, Anaugi, Kannauj. With more than 20 years of distinguished teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, he has established himself as a dedicated academician, researcher, and mentor in the field of higher education. Many student completed their Ph.D. under his guidance. He completed his Postgraduate degree with First Division and was awarded his Ph.D. in 2005 for his significant research on Urbanization in the Middle Ganga Plain Region. His academic and research journey reflects a deep commitment to scholarly excellence and intellectual advancement. Dr. Singh has made notable contributions to academic research through the publication of 25 research papers in reputed national and international journals and research publications. He has also actively participated in 44 national seminars and international conferences, demonstrating his continuous engagement with academic discourse, research exchange, and professional development. As a research guide, he has played an important role in shaping future scholars, with more than five students successfully earning their doctoral degrees under his supervision. His dedication to research guidance highlights his commitment to nurturing academic excellence and promoting advanced scholarship. He is a life member of several academic institutions and professional committees, reflecting his strong involvement in the academic community and his contribution to institutional and professional development. Before joining his present institution, Dr. Singh served as Assistant Professor at Digvijay Nath Postgraduate College, Gorakhpur, and was also associated with Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. Throughout his academic career, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, leadership, and institutional growth, making him a respected figure in the field of History and higher education.
The Upanishads are the philosophicalreligious texts of Hinduism (also known as Sanatan Dharma meaning "Eternal Order" or "Eternal Path") which develop and explain the fundamental tenets of the religion. The name is translated as to "sit down closely" as one would to listen attentively to instruction by a teacher or other authority figure. At the same time, Upanishad has also been interpreted to mean "secret teaching" or "revealing underlying truth". The truths addressed are the concepts expressed in the religious texts known as the Vedas which orthodox Hindus consider the revealed knowledge of creation and the operation of the universe. The Upanishads are the supreme work of the Indian mind, and that it should be so, that the highest selfexpression of its genius, its sublimest poetry, its greatest creation of the thought and word should be not a literary or poetical masterpiece of the ordinary kind, but a large flood of spiritual revelation of this direct and profound character, is a significant fact, evidence of a unique mentality and unusual turn of spirit. This book not only with the grave concern of the careful scholar, but also with the profound reverence and fervor of the true devotee.
Vedas (1261)
Upanishads (526)
Puranas (643)
Ramayana (783)
Mahabharata (388)
Dharmasastras (174)
Goddess (545)
Bhakti (252)
Saints (1881)
Gods (1324)
Shiva (419)
Journal (181)
Fiction (71)
Vedanta (395)
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