If you are searching “what are Upanishads and how many are there”, you are seeking the very heart of Indian spiritual philosophy. The Upanishads are not mythological stories or ritual manuals—they are direct teachings about reality, self-knowledge, and liberation.
This article explains what the Upanishads are, how many Upanishads exist, and why they remain deeply relevant today, along with guidance on how to study them clearly through modern books.
What Are the Upanishads?
The Upanishads are ancient Indian scriptures that form the philosophical foundation of Vedanta.
The word Upanishad literally means:
- Upa — near
- Ni — down
- Shad — to sit
It signifies sitting near a teacher to receive direct knowledge.
In essence:
The Upanishads are teachings that reveal the nature of the Self, reality (Brahman), and liberation (moksha).
What Do the Upanishads Teach?
The Upanishads focus on:
- Who am I? (Ātman)
- What is reality? (Brahman)
- Why do we suffer?
- What is liberation?
- How does ignorance arise?
Their central declaration is:
Ātman (the Self) is Brahman (ultimate reality).
This insight is the foundation of Advaita Vedanta.
How Are Upanishads Different from the Vedas?
The Vedas and Upanishads are not separate traditions—they are connected.
- The Vedas focus on rituals, duties, and cosmic order
- The Upanishads focus on knowledge, inquiry, and liberation
The Upanishads are therefore called Vedānta—the culmination of Vedic wisdom.
How Many Upanishads Are There?
The Short Answer
- There are over 200 Upanishads in total
- 108 Upanishads are traditionally listed in the Muktika Upanishad
- 10–13 are considered Principal (Major) Upanishads
The Principal (Major) Upanishads
These are the most studied and philosophically significant Upanishads, commented upon by Adi Shankaracharya.
Some of the most important ones include:
- Isha Upanishad
- Kena Upanishad
- Katha Upanishad
- Prashna Upanishad
- Mundaka Upanishad
- Mandukya Upanishad
- Taittiriya Upanishad
- Aitareya Upanishad
- Chandogya Upanishad
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
These Upanishads alone are considered sufficient for liberation when properly understood.
What About the Other Upanishads?
The remaining Upanishads explore themes such as:
- Yoga
- Renunciation
- Meditation
- Devotion
- Symbolism
- Specific deities
They support and elaborate on the core non-dual vision of the principal Upanishads.
What Is the Goal of the Upanishads?
The Upanishads do not aim to:
- Create belief
- Promote ritual
- Establish religious identity
Their goal is simple and radical:
To remove ignorance and reveal what is already true.
Liberation, according to the Upanishads, is:
- Not an achievement
- Not a future event
- Not heaven after death
It is clear understanding here and now.
Why the Upanishads Still Matter Today
In a world filled with:
- Anxiety
- Identity confusion
- Constant seeking
- Information overload
The Upanishads address the root problem—mistaking the temporary for the permanent.
Their wisdom remains timeless because human confusion has not changed.
Understanding the Upanishads Without Confusion
Many readers struggle because traditional Upanishad texts are:
- Extremely symbolic
- Linguistically dense
- Written for advanced students
To make this wisdom accessible, Dr. Surabhi Solanki has authored modern, faithful retellings that preserve depth while offering clarity.
Recommended Books
- Power Beyond Perception: Modern Insights into the Kena Upanishad
- The Hidden Secrets of Immortality – Katha Upanishad Retold
- Divine Truth Unveiled: Hidden Secrets of Gaudapada’s Mandukya Karika
- Awakening Through Vedanta: Timeless Wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya
These books are ideal for readers who want:
- Authentic Vedantic insight
- Clear modern English
- Practical relevance
- Philosophical depth without academic burden
Final Answer: What Are Upanishads and How Many Are There?
✔ Upanishads are philosophical teachings revealing self-knowledge
✔ They form the heart of Vedanta
✔ Over 200 Upanishads exist
✔ 108 are traditionally listed
✔ 10–13 are considered principal and essential
The Upanishads do not tell you what to believe.
They help you see clearly.
Continue Your Exploration
If this article clarified your understanding, the books by Dr. Surabhi Solanki offer a guided, modern path into the Upanishads—faithful to tradition, yet perfectly suited for today’s seeker.
Knowledge does not add anything.
It removes what never belonged.
Dr Surabhi Solanki 