What is 'Sanatana Dharma'?

Sanatana Dharma is an ancient term that describes the eternal, natural way of living and the divine order of the universe. The word "sanatana" means eternal or timeless, while "dharma" refers to the natural order of things or righteousness. Sanatana Dharma is the foundation of Hinduism and is considered to be the oldest religion in the world.

What is the origin of Sanatana Dharma?

The origin of Sanatana Dharma is believed to be from the Vedic civilization, which was present in the Indian subcontinent around 5,000 years ago. The Vedas, which are considered to be the oldest scriptures in the world, are the primary source of knowledge about Sanatana Dharma. These scriptures contain hymns, mantras, and rituals that provide guidance for a person's life.


Sanatana Dharma is a way of life that emphasizes spiritual and moral values, including non-violence, truthfulness, self-control, purity, and charity. It is not just a religion, but a way of living that is in harmony with nature and the universe. It teaches that all living beings are interconnected and that everyone has a duty to live a righteous life.

Are Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism same?

Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. While Sanatana Dharma is an ancient term that refers to the eternal, natural way of living and the divine order of the universe, Hinduism is a modern term that encompasses a variety of religious and spiritual traditions.
The main difference between Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism is that Sanatana Dharma is a way of life, while Hinduism is a religion. Sanatana Dharma is not based on any particular religious text or doctrine, but rather it is a collection of spiritual and moral values that have been passed down from generation to generation through the Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient scriptures.
Hinduism, on the other hand, is a term that was coined in the 19th century by British colonialists to describe the various religious traditions and practices that were present in the Indian subcontinent. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and philosophical ideas, including the worship of various gods and goddesses, the practice of yoga and meditation, and the study of Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana.

Influence of Sanatana Dharma in other religions

Many religions are believed to have originated from Sanatana Dharma.
One of the most well-known religions that originated from Sanatana Dharma is Buddhism. Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha, who was born in what is now Nepal and was a follower of Hinduism before he began his spiritual journey. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Upanishads, which are a collection of philosophical texts in Hinduism.

Jainism is another religion that has its roots in Sanatana Dharma. Jainism was founded by Mahavira, who was born in what is now Bihar, India. He was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and was also influenced by the teachings of the Upanishads.

Sikhism is a religion that was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, who was born in Punjab, India. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that is heavily influenced by the teachings of Sanatana Dharma, particularly the concept of karma and reincarnation.