Sanatan
About Sanatan
Sanātana Dharma (Devanagari: सनातन धर्म, meaning "eternal dharma", or "eternal order") is an alternative term used by some Hindus to refer to Hinduism instead of the term Hindu Dharma. The term is found in Sanskrit and other Indian languages. It is generally used to signify a more traditional outlook of Hinduism.
The term denotes the "eternal" or absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect.
Currently many Hindus in Indian subcontinent call themselves Sanatanists, that is, those who follow the 'eternal dharma', to evoke a certain homogeneity in Hinduism, although it's also sometimes used by Jains and Buddhists who believe in concepts like rebirth. Its use to signify Hinduism as a religion was popularised since 19th century by the champions of Hindu orthodoxy such as Pandit Shraddha Ram in order to react against missionaries and Hindu reformers such as Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj. Aside from its use in socio-religious contexts, it also sustains a political necessity for many Hindus to this day.
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