For children, they are exciting stories. For adults, they teach important lessons about the gods and the way to worship. Many Hindu actors and dancers use parts of the stories in their performances. .
"The basic concepts put forth in the Vedas were that of Atman, Brahman, Maya, Karma, and Moksha. These ideas are the base, which modern Hinduism stands on. The Upanishads were written later between the ninth and fifth century B.C.E. and were interpretations, reflections, and additions to the Vedas. Even later the Dharmashastras gave people guidance for action in their daily lives and the pursuit of enlightenment"(Global History, 2003, pg. 161-162). (Global History, 2003, pg. 161-162).
In Hinduism the concept of self is quite complicated. Atman is yourself, more precisely, the undying subconscious self, capable of enlightenment and higher spiritual consciousness. Atman is just a small part of the totality that exists; a spacio-temporally located actualization of infinite potential is what you are. Through the process of Samsara you are reincarnated again and again until you become aware of the reality of your existence. It can take many lives to become aware of the truth. You are trapped in this reality of desire and emotion until Atman becomes aware to the truth of Brahman. (Global History, 2003, pg. 161-162).
Above and beyond, yet also including the gods, everything material, and Atman, is Brahman. Brahman is the eternal truth and oneness that makes up the cosmos and everything in them. Since Brahman encompasses Atman, and Atman is Brahman your probably wondering how or why you don't grasp your own everlasting connection to everything. This is because of Maya, the illusion that we mistake for reality. Atman is bound in Maya because of the human conditions of desire and emotion that make up Karma. Karma is the "cosmic law of cause and effect"(A Cross - Cultural Dictionary, 1998, pg. 121). Everything you have done in this life to fulfill your desires has further sealed Atman into the illusion of Maya.