What is the significance of the Vedas in Hinduism?

The Vedas hold immense significance in Hinduism as they are considered the oldest sacred texts and serve as foundational scriptures for Hindu beliefs and practices. Composed in ancient Sanskrit, the Vedas encompass a wide array of hymns, rituals, philosophical discussions, and guidelines that have shaped various aspects of life and spirituality in Hindu culture. Their ancient origins—dating back to approximately 1500 BCE—make them not just religious texts but also crucial historical documents that reflect the early spiritual and social frameworks of Indian civilization.

The Vedas encompass four main collections: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, each contributing uniquely to the understanding and practice of Hinduism. They provide the basis for a multitude of rituals, spiritual philosophies, and notions of dharma (righteousness) and moksha (liberation), influencing many subsequent religious and philosophical developments within Hinduism.

While they play a central role in the tradition, they are not the only scriptures that Hindus may follow—later texts such as the Upanishads, Puranas, and the epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana also hold significant places in the religion. In contrast to the idea presented in the other options, which