Shruti — revealed
Shruti is the Veda — the Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads — believed to be apaurusheya, not of human authorship, "heard" by the rishis in deep meditation. It is the highest authority in Hindu tradition.
Smriti — remembered
- Itihasa — the epics: the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (with the Bhagavad Gita)
- Puranas — the eighteen Mahapuranas and the Upapuranas
- Dharmashastras — texts on law and conduct, such as the Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti and Parashara Smriti
- Vedangas and Upavedas — the sciences supporting the Veda
- Agamas and Tantras — texts of temple worship for Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta traditions
- Stotras, bhakti poetry and the works of the saints
How they work together
Smriti explains and applies shruti for each age and place; the Puranas and epics, it is said, were given so that the teaching of the Vedas could reach everyone. Tradition holds that where a smriti seems to contradict shruti, shruti prevails — and the Dharmashastras themselves allow customs to change with time and place (desha-kala).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bhagavad Gita shruti or smriti?
Technically smriti, as part of the Mahabharata; but it is so revered that it is often called an Upanishad and is one of the three foundations of Vedanta.
What is the highest authority in Hinduism?
Shruti — the Vedas, especially the Upanishads.