Hinduism and its basic texts

In Hinduism, all religious paths lead towards this ultimate goal. The division of people into castes, originally based on occupation, form an important part of Hinduism. Rituals, while not essential, form a major part of Hinduism. The principal texts of Hinduism are the Vedas and related literature; the Mahabharata and Ramayana , the two Epics of north India; and the eighteen major Puranas . All these texts are composed in Sanskrit. Some of the aspects of Hinduism can be traced even to pre-Vedic times. The Rig Veda is primarily a religious text, with prayers to various deities, usually for success, health and wealth. The Brahmanas are a category of texts that were probably composed after the three later Vedas and before 600 BCE. They are attached to the Vedic Samhitas , that is the Rig , Sama , Yajur and Atharva Vedas , and provide explanations of the rituals and guidance for the priests in conducting them.