Dipika is committed to publishing accurate, transparent and well-researched educational content about Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism).
This Sources & Citation Standards Policy explains how we select, evaluate, reference and present information used throughout the Website.
Our objective is to ensure that readers understand where information comes from, how it has been interpreted and how they can continue their own study.
1. Our Philosophy
Sanatan Dharma has one of the world’s richest literary and philosophical traditions.
Dipika seeks to present this knowledge responsibly by:
- Using reliable sources.
- Distinguishing between scripture and commentary.
- Acknowledging differing interpretations.
- Citing sources wherever reasonably practical.
- Encouraging readers to consult original works.
Our purpose is education—not the promotion of any single interpretation.
2. Source Hierarchy
Where practical, Dipika follows the following order of authority.
Level 1 — Primary Sources
Primary sources are given the greatest weight.
Examples include:
- Vedas
- Upanishads
- Bhagavad Gita
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
- Bhagavata Purana
- Shiva Purana
- Devi Bhagavata Purana
- Vishnu Purana
- Agamas
- Dharma Shastras
- Sutras
- Other recognised Hindu scriptures
Whenever possible, articles discussing scripture should reference the original source.
Level 2 — Traditional Commentaries
Where interpretation is required, recognised traditional commentaries may be referenced.
Examples include commentaries by:
- Adi Shankaracharya
- Ramanujacharya
- Madhvacharya
- Abhinavagupta
- Vallabhacharya
- Other recognised traditional scholars
Level 3 — Scholarly Sources
Academic works may be used to provide:
- historical context;
- archaeological evidence;
- linguistic analysis;
- comparative studies; and
- cultural research.
Preference is given to:
- peer-reviewed publications;
- recognised academic publishers;
- universities;
- reputable research institutions.
Level 4 — Contemporary Sources
Modern books, journals and educational publications may be referenced where appropriate.
These sources are generally used for:
- explanation;
- historical context;
- educational discussion; and
- practical guidance.
3. Scriptural References
Whenever practical, scriptural quotations should include:
- Scripture name
- Book (where applicable)
- Chapter
- Verse
Example:
Bhagavad Gita 2:47
rather than simply stating:
“The Gita says…”
This allows readers to locate the original passage themselves.
4. Translations
Many Hindu scriptures have multiple translations.
Where translations differ, Dipika may:
- select a translation considered suitable for educational purposes;
- compare multiple translations;
- explain significant differences where relevant; or
- provide the original Sanskrit alongside the translation where practical.
No single translation should automatically be regarded as the only authoritative rendering.
5. Sanskrit
Where practical:
- Sanskrit terms should be retained.
- English explanations should accompany specialised terminology.
- Transliteration should be reasonably consistent throughout the Website.
Example:
Dharma — righteousness, duty or the sustaining order of the universe.
6. Multiple Traditions
Sanatan Dharma encompasses many traditions.
Where accepted differences exist, Dipika will endeavour to:
- identify the tradition;
- identify the source;
- explain differing viewpoints fairly; and
- avoid presenting one interpretation as universally accepted without evidence.
Readers should recognise that regional, cultural and philosophical differences are part of the richness of Sanatan Dharma.
7. Historical Information
Historical topics should distinguish, where possible, between:
- scriptural accounts;
- traditional beliefs;
- historical evidence;
- archaeological findings;
- scholarly interpretation.
Where certainty is unavailable, this should be stated openly.
8. External References
External websites may be referenced only where they are considered reliable.
Preference is given to:
- universities;
- museums;
- government institutions;
- recognised educational organisations;
- reputable publishers.
Commercial websites, anonymous blogs and unsourced material should generally not be used as primary references.
9. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence may assist with:
- organising references;
- formatting citations;
- identifying related material;
- summarising publicly available information.
AI is not regarded as a primary source.
All important references should be verified by human editors wherever reasonably practical.
10. Citation Style
Dipika aims to use a clear, reader-friendly citation style.
Where practical, references should include sufficient information for readers to locate the original work.
Examples:
Books
Author
Title
Publisher
Year
Scriptures
Scripture
Book
Chapter
Verse
Academic Articles
Author
Article title
Journal
Year
DOI or URL where appropriate
11. Images
Images should include attribution where required.
Credits may include:
- Photographer
- Artist
- Publisher
- Licence
- Source
AI-generated illustrations may be identified where appropriate.
12. Ongoing Review
As scholarship evolves and better sources become available, Dipika may update references to improve:
- accuracy;
- clarity;
- completeness; and
- educational value.
13. Reader Feedback
Readers who identify:
- inaccurate citations;
- incorrect references;
- broken links;
- missing sources; or
- outdated information
are encouraged to notify us.
Constructive feedback helps improve the quality of the Website.
14. Transparency
Where a statement represents:
- historical evidence;
- scriptural teaching;
- scholarly opinion;
- regional custom; or
- editorial interpretation,
Dipika aims to make that distinction clear whenever reasonably practical.
Transparency helps readers understand both the source of information and its context.
15. Our Commitment
Our objective is not simply to publish information.
Our objective is to build one of the world’s most trusted educational knowledge repositories dedicated to Sanatan Dharma.
Accurate sourcing, transparent citation and intellectual honesty are fundamental to that mission.
Contact
Questions, corrections or suggestions regarding sources and citations may be sent to:
Website: https://dipika.co.za
Email: info@dipika.co.za