- one of the most imp phases in institutionalization of Hindu religion
- temple construction
- literature compiled
- ramayana
- mahabharata
- bhagwat gita
- major puranas
- concept of Trivedi formalized
- 3 forms of goddess Durga (Shakti) emerged
- Parvati
- Saraswati
- Laxmi
- favored dev & consolidation of Hinduism
- but also accommodative towards other religions like Buddhism, Jainism