Literally, it is Sanatana Dharma, the word Hindu as well as India has foreign origins, In Persia, the word s is pronounced as H that is why, they called it Hindu, instead of Sindu, and also, the word Hindu came to existence during Moghul periods, earlier it was Sanatan, the word India comes during British period as they called Sindu as Indos valley civilization and from there they derive word India, language is a continuous process and that is why it has been changed and influenced by invaders as well as foreign rulers, if a language does not evolve then it is a dead language.

This is what I know from the search from Google, though it is a topic to be researched and also a nice ingredient for writing, it is the oldest religion of the world, and that is why all the other religion people who are in India, and their descendants surely be once in Hindu or Sanatana dharma as the term is self explanatory in the present conquest and for this, there are many similar characteristics in terms of foods and some other customs, as there is no doubt that Hindu is a separate religion.

In 1995, Chief Justice P. B. Gajendragadkar was quoted in an Indian Supreme Court ruling:


"When we think of the Hindu religion, unlike other religions in the world, the Hindu religion does not claim any one prophet; it does not worship any one god; it does not subscribe to any one dogma; it does not believe in any one philosophic concept; it does not follow any one set of religious rites or performances; in fact, it does not appear to satisfy the narrow traditional features of any religion of creed. It may broadly be described as a way of life and nothing more."

My central question yet remains answered. What is 'Sanatan Dharma'
and who decided that from which point of time??? I know of so many interpretations which go into explaining it as a more of a way of life than a religion.

'Sanatan' literally means 'universal' or that which always existed and will always. But such self praise is in every n religion. The Islamic teachings are direct from God communicated through his messenger called 'Pagambar'. Similarly Moses got 'Ten commandments ' direct from God. Bhagawat Geeta, as the very title implies is 'bagvat vad' or 'said by God'. Thus every religion claims as God given and is 'sanatan'.

Now the question. When Sanatan dharma began. The Arya Samajis claim that Vedas came first and these were received by sages direct from God. So Vedas are old. But the Sanatanis are opposed to Arya Samajis and they claim that 'Sanatan' is older and genuine. Even among Sanatani, there is difference between Shiva and Vishunu followers (Shaivas and Vaishanav).

Thus this is all confusing. It is best to listen to your own conscience and adopt what appears best for the world, nation, family and yourself without bothering about any particular religion.

Literally, it is Sanatana Dharma, the word Hindu as well as India has foreign origins, In Persia, the word s is pronounced as H that is why, they called it Hindu, instead of Sindu, and also, the word Hindu came to existence during Moghul periods, earlier it was Sanatan, the word India comes during British period as they called Sindu as Indos valley civilization and from there they derive word India, language is a continuous process and that is why it has been changed and influenced by invaders as well as foreign rulers, if a language does not evolve then it is a dead language.

This is what I know from the search from Google, though it is a topic to be researched and also a nice ingredient for writing, it is the oldest religion of the world, and that is why all the other religion people who are in India, and their descendants surely be once in Hindu or Sanatana dharma as the term is self explanatory in the present conquest and for this, there are many similar characteristics in terms of foods and some other customs, as there is no doubt that Hindu is a separate religion.

In 1995, Chief Justice P. B. Gajendragadkar was quoted in an Indian Supreme Court ruling:


"When we think of the Hindu religion, unlike other religions in the world, the Hindu religion does not claim any one prophet; it does not worship any one god; it does not subscribe to any one dogma; it does not believe in any one philosophic concept; it does not follow any one set of religious rites or performances; in fact, it does not appear to satisfy the narrow traditional features of any religion of creed. It may broadly be described as a way of life and nothing more."

My central question yet remains answered. What is 'Sanatan Dharma'
and who decided that from which point of time??? I know of so many interpretations which go into explaining it as a more of a way of life than a religion.

'Sanatan' literally means 'universal' or that which always existed and will always. But such self praise is in every n religion. The Islamic teachings are direct from God communicated through his messenger called 'Pagambar'. Similarly Moses got 'Ten commandments ' direct from God. Bhagawat Geeta, as the very title implies is 'bagvat vad' or 'said by God'. Thus every religion claims as God given and is 'sanatan'.

Now the question. When Sanatan dharma began. The Arya Samajis claim that Vedas came first and these were received by sages direct from God. So Vedas are old. But the Sanatanis are opposed to Arya Samajis and they claim that 'Sanatan' is older and genuine. Even among Sanatani, there is difference between Shiva and Vishunu followers (Shaivas and Vaishanav).

Thus this is all confusing. It is best to listen to your own conscience and adopt what appears best for the world, nation, family and yourself without bothering about any particular religion.

If it has no prophet it has how many thousands of Gods whose oppressively unfair commandments have torn us apart. Divine command was invoked to burn a person alive at the pyre in the name of 'Suttee'!!!