In the ancient world, the main religious texts were the holy books of the different religions. In India, the most important of these was the Vedic scriptures, which were compiled and written down in a language that is still used today. 

One of the most important Vedic scriptures is the Vishnu Sahasranaama, which is the thousand names of Lord Vishnu. This text is part of the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata. It was written by Sanaka, one of the Kumaras (eternal living Youths), and was transmitted by Bhishma. The main purpose of the text is to teach the young boys and girls the Vedic philosophy of how the universe was created, how the different elements were created, and how life and the living creatures were created.