What is Itihaas?
- Itihaas is a Sanskrit word that means “thus it was” or “so it happened”. In Hinduism, Itihaas refers to the ancient historical narratives of India, particularly the two major epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which are considered the most important Itihaas texts. These texts contain the stories and legends of ancient India, including the lives and deeds of the great sages, warriors, kings, and other prominent figures.
- The Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his battle against the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife Sita. The Mahabharata, on the other hand, is a much larger epic that tells the story of the great warrior Arjuna and his brothers, who engage in a battle against their cousins for the throne of the kingdom. The Mahabharata also contains the Bhagavad Gita, which is considered one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism.
- In addition to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, other texts such as the Puranas, the Vedas, and the Upanishads are also considered to be part of Itihaas. Together, these texts form an important part of Hindu mythology and provide insights into the religious beliefs, social customs, and cultural practices of ancient India.