HINDUISM, the most ancient religion is not based like some religions on a single scripture or the utterance of a single prophet. Since its undated past, it has grown with time. Sruti, Smriti, Puranas, Dharma Shastras, have all contributed to build it up in the thoughts of its adherents and in their practices. Universal in scope and all accommodating all kinds of adherents it makes infinite allowances to their temperaments and capacities.
Hinduism has no beginning. It is Sanaatana [eternal]. Its originator is God and its principles are related to life and the universe. These principles exist eternally. Hinduism, unlike some religions, has no founder. It was not started by any one person or Prophet. It has no one particular saint or Prophet around which it revolves. Hinduism is evolutionary and is the result of actual and direct experiences of countless saints and sages who were God-realised. It is an inheritance of thought and aspiration, living and moving with the movement of life itself. While the dates of the beginning of other religions are fixed, none can be fixed for Hinduism. Hindu Dharma is not limited by time and space since the principles upon which it is based are not limited by time and space. That is the reason why it is called SANAATANA or ETERNAL, viz., that which knows no age.