RELIGIOUS LITERATURE AS CULTURAL MEMORY: A STUDY OF HINDU LITERARY TRADITIONS

Abstract

Religious literature has played a fundamental role in preserving the collective memory of Hindu civilization for thousands of years. Beyond serving as sacred texts, Hindu literary traditions transmit religious doctrines, ethical values, historical narratives, philosophical concepts, and cultural practices across generations. This study examines Hindu religious literature as a form of cultural memory that contributes to the continuity of religious identity and cultural heritage. Employing a qualitative library research approach, the study analyzes classical Hindu scriptures, traditional literary works, and contemporary scholarly publications. The findings demonstrate that Hindu literary traditions function not only as repositories of theological knowledge but also as dynamic cultural instruments that shape religious life, moral education, artistic expression, and social cohesion. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of preserving Hindu literary heritage through education, digital documentation, and interdisciplinary scholarship. The research concludes that Hindu religious literature remains a living cultural memory that strengthens the resilience of Hindu communities in the face of globalization and cultural transformation.