The two monumental epics
• The Ramayana, relating the history of Prince Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu) of Ayodhya.
• The Mahabharata, relating the struggle for power within the Bharata Dynasty. One portion of the 6th Book is the famous Bhagavad-Gita, in which the charioteer Krishna reveals himself as the incarnation of Vishnu.
Shastras
Religious, ethical and juridical textbooks, often quite long, composed in verse form.
Sutras
Religious, scientific and practical instructions composed in concise form.
Puranas
Religious “textbooks” devoted to the worship of diverse gods, including creation myths, genealogies, legends and stories.
