Shruti
Shruti (श्रुति) means that which has been heard or communicated by a tradition with no starting point. Shruti is like direct divine revelation — the core, unchanging foundation of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. The Vedas are seen as eternal truths “heard” by rishis from the divine source, not invented by them.
In case of conflict between Shruti and Smriti , the priority is always given to Shruti.
Main Shruti Scriptures
Main Scriptures considered as Shruti are four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda) and the associated texts like Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.
Smriti
Smriti (स्मृति ) means which is remembered or authored by an individual using human intellect. Smriti consists of remembered traditions and practical applications — they explain, interpret, expand, and apply the eternal principles of Shruti to everyday life, society, rituals, ethics, and laws. Because they are human-composed, they can vary by era, region, or school of thought, and are considered less authoritative.
Main Smriti Scriptures
Main Scriptures considered as Smriti are Dharma Shastras (like Manu Smriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti), Itihasas (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Puranas , Vedanga (वेदाङ्ग) and Upaveda (उपवेद)
Importance of Both Shruti and Smriti
Lord Manu has highlighted in Manu Smriti 2.10, the importance of both Shruti and Smriti
श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः ।
ते सर्वार्थेष्वमीमांस्ये ताभ्यां धर्मो हि निर्बभौ ॥
Shruti should be considered as Vedas and Smritis as Dharmashastra. Both of these should not be doubted as proof in all matters, because religion has originated from them.
