Hindu mythology: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Known to Hindus as "itihasa," (thus verily happened), the most significant works of Hindu mythology are the Mahabharata (incl. the Bhagavad Gita) and the Ramayana as well as a voluminous group of works known as the Puranas.

They are often classified as 'Hindu' or 'Indian' 'mythology,' though the label does not capture the centrality of religious and spiritual affiliations of the texts that ring true today for most Hindus. They are replete with long philosophical discourses and are often seen as sourcebooks for Hindu ethics and practice. A parallel would be to term the Old Testament 'Christian mythology.'

The epics Mahabharata and Ramayana are very much religious scriptures. Their stories are deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy and serve as parables and sources of devotion for Hindus into the present day.