texts: Is it common in the previous yugas for a women to have multiple husbands? Like Draupadi had

texts: Draupadi had five husbands but no where in the Mahabharatam its described as out of the ordinary, as of my knowledge, or its described as a sin. Is it common in those eras to have multiple husbands just like men having multiple wives? Is society more broad minded and men and women are equal in all aspects?


texts:
Meaning of the words used :

Kundali - Horoscope
Mangal - Planet Mars
Peepal Tree - Ficus religiosa or Sacred Fig
Dosh - Blame

Indian people often match Kundalis before they allow the boy and the girl to marry. The most often thing I always mark is that they see whether a boy or a girl is mangalik or not so why they need to see that?

I've heard people saying that if an individual has mangal dosh in his kundali, he suffers from tensions in his relationship, unfavorable for marriages and also, ones life can end.

Moreover, they are resolved by doing a Kumbh Vivah i.e a mangalik first marries a Banyan tree or a Peepal tree, or they are married to Gold or Silver idol of lord Vishnu.

So coming to the point, what is Mangalik (Mangal Dosh) and why they marry a tree before they marry a real person?


texts: How could Ravana be an Asura  and Brahmin at the same time? Although he was born Brahmin (as son of Pulasthya Brahma) did he become or get declassified as Asura after his egoistic  sin ? Are there other examples of mythological personalities who had undergone such conversion?


texts: Where can I get Daksha smriti in English or Hindi translation?

texts:
Daksha smriti is a part of 18 major smritis and an English or Hindi version is not available on internet other than a google book which costs too much.
Does anyone has daksha smriti in Englsih translated version?


texts: Why all the gods insulted their sage Brihaspati? Mostly Devraj Indra insulted Brihaspati in Amaravati, which is the Capital of Devaloka. What is the reason behind it?


texts: Which Sri Vaishnava Acharya called Nammalwar Dirgha Chintayanti?

texts:
By far the most famous commentary on Nammalwar's Thiruvaimozhi is the Eedu, aka the 36000 Padi, which was composed by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai, father of Pillai Lokacharya.  Now in the introduction to the Eedu, Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai discusses the fact that sometimes Vishnu would appear before Nammalwar and other times Nammalwar would suffer pangs of separation from Vishnu:

  Thus, he showed unsurpassed devoton to our Lord who has many qualities. To him happiness consisted only in union with Him and grief in separation from Him. And he knew nothing other than Him. Whenever the joy of the experience of the Lord overflowed, he would regard all other things as attaining the Lord and rejoicing like him. He would not even remember that such a contingency as separation was possible; and he would forget even the physiological needs of life. And when the grief of separation overpowered him, he would not remember the joy of union. He would regard all other things as being afflicted with pain, like himself, through separation from the Lord. He would grieve for them also: “Has your heart also been stolen by the Consort of Laksmi?” (11-1). Thus, for him, there is no end to the experience of the joyful and the painful, coming by turns one after the other, and continuing as in the case of Chintayanti endlessly. Therefore, our respected teachers have given the name of Dirgha Chintayanti to our Azhvār.

I’m interested in the part in bold.  As I discuss in my question and answer here, when Krishna played his flute to summon all the Gopis for his Rasa Lila dance, there was one Gopi known as Chintayanti who was unable to leave her house and go because her in-laws were watching her.  So she sat listening to the music of Krishna's flute, regretting that she could not join him.  The blessing of hearing Krishna's flute burnt away all her good Karmas, and the suffering of not being able to go and join Krishna burnt away all her bad Karmas, and she soon gave up her body and attained Moksha.

But my question is, which Sri Vaishnava Acharya gave Nammalwar the name Dirgha Chintayanti?  Dirgha means long-lasting, and the name refers to the fact unlike Chintayanti who had this combination of enjoyment and suffering concerning Sriman Narayana for a short time before she departed the Earth, Nammalwar experienced this combination his entire life.

In any case, there were many Sri Vaishnava Acharyas who wrote commentaries on the Thiruvaimozhi before Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai’s time, for instance Ramanujacharya’s cousin Thirukurugai Piran Pillan who wrote the 6000 Padi.  Did one of them use the name Dirgha Chintayanti?


texts:
A Yogi is completely detached from all life attachments and material world.

And my questions is- up-to my knowledge there is a bachelor (unmarried) person can't be fulfilled as yogi. In Hinduism I came to know the same rule for all yogi's. Is this true or not?


texts: All the websites mention the Gayatri, but no source seems to mention the meaning of the names involved in that Gayatri.


texts: Ramayana and Mahabharata epics age period

texts: We are in the 21st century. How old is the Ramayana and Mahabharata in terms of centuries?


texts:
When I was randomly looking at the chat room,I saw this.

  Ok, so Indra got 1000 eyes and Shiva 5 heads because of Tilottama

I did some research on this and found this.

  Another tale in the Mahabharata (Book 13) narrates that Tilottama comes to tempt him. Eager to see her as she circumambulated him, Shiva developed four visible faces,

I also found this.

  an apsara named Madhura arrives at Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva, to pay her respects. In absence of his wife Parvati, Madhura has clandestine coitus with Shiva . When Parvati returns, she finds traces of ashes from Shiva’s body on the breasts of Madhura.

What is this?!How can Shiva even do this?!I think it is very demeaning to think that Shiva who is the destroyer of lust,Kama, falls prey to two mere apsaras.I would understand if he was seduced by Devi but he wasn't.Somebody please clear my doubts.


texts: Does the Kalika Purana identify itself as "Srimad Bhagavatam"?

texts:
The identity of which text being the real "Srimad Bhagavatam" has often (unfortunately) been a source of tension between Vaishnavas and Shaktas. Vaishnavas claim that the Bhagavata Purana dedicated to Vishnu/Krishna, is the real "Srimad Bhagavatam" whereas the Shaktas claim that the real "Srimad Bhagavatam" is none other than the Devi Bhagavata Purana.

However, it seems that the Bhagavata Purana and the Devi-Bhagavata Purana aren't the only texts to claim themselves to be the real "Srimad Bhagavatam".

Quoting from the "Puranic Records On Hindu Rites And Customs
by R C Hazra":

  THE BHAGAVATA-PURANA.

  The Bhagavata is the most popular of the extant Puranas. It
  belongs to the Bhagavatas and is divided into 12 Skandhas or books
  dealing with cosmogony, genealogies, myths, legends etc. It also
  contains a few chapters on Smrti-matter, viz., Ill, 30 on the results
  of actions (Karma-vipaka) , VII, 11-13 and XI, 17-18 on the duties
  of the castes and Asramas, and VII, 14-15 on funeral sacrifices and
  holy places.

  It has been held by the Saktas that the Bhagavata is not a
  Mahapurana as the Vaisnavas claim. But these Saktas themselves
  are not unanimous about the indentity of the ‘Bhagavata’ named in
  the lists of the eighteen Mahapuranas. Some of them say that it is
  the Kalika-Purana which, on account of its treatment of the birth
  and exploits of Bhagavati, is called ‘Bhagavata’. Some, again, claim
  that it is the Devibhagavata. It is, therefore, necessary to see which
  one is the real Mahapurana.

My questions are:

• Does the Kalika-Purana explicitly state itself to be the "Srimad Bhagavatam"?

• Does the Kalika-Purana make any mention the other two contending Puranas i.e. the Bhagavata Purana and the Devi-Bhagavata Purana (since the Devi-Bhagavata Purana mentions the Bhagavata Purana dedicated to Krishna/Vishnu as an Upapurana as well as the Kalika Purana)


texts: Why did Indra showed himself to Nema in Rigveda 8.100.4?

texts:
Question

There is an episode between Indra (here the God) and Nema (here the sceptic) in Rig Veda, that highlights this point I made. Nema, a sceptic, does not believe in God's existence.
He says:
"There is no Indra; who has ever seen him?" (Rig Veda 8.100.3)
Now, this is the most common objection from a sceptic. Since we can't see God why to believe in his existence?
But Indra did not get angry with Nema for saying so but instead gleefully revealed himself to Nema.
Indra says:
Here am I, adorer! Look upon me here!. All that exists I surpass in my glory. The Truth make me mighty, And I also rend the worlds asunder. (Rig Veda 8.100.4)
This shows that everyone is welcome (in the eyes of God) and no one is discarded for their beliefs. But scriptures, overall, do condemn atheism.

MY QUESTIONS : Why did Indra showed himself to Nema?
And what kind of karma did he did for Indra to show himself to him?


texts: What commentaries on the Samkhya Karika are available in English?

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As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya. My question is about the Samkhya school, founded by the sage Kapila. There are three works which are variously claimed to be the oldest surviving work of the Samkhya school: Kapila's Samkhya Sutras, Kapila's Tattva Samasa, and Ishwara Krishna's Samkhya Karika. Of these three, scholars consider the Samkhya Karika to be the oldest; the original defining work of the Samkhya school was composed by Kapila, but scholars believe that work is lost and that the Samkhya Sutras and Tattva Samasa are just later works attributed to Kapila.

My question is, what commentaries on Ishwara Krishna's Samkhya Karika are available in English?


texts: What is the reason to touch the elder person's feet for blessing?

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In India, it is tradition of touching feet of a relative who is elder in age (like grandfather/mother, uncle/aunt, in-laws) for blessing.

What is the reason/story behind this ?


texts: How would dualistic schools of Vedanta (Vishistadvaitha and Dvaita) debate with a Buddhist?

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As far as I know, Vishishtadvaitha and Dvaita base their arguments on Vedas.
As Buddhists reject the Vedas, how would the dualistic schools of Vedanta debate with Buddhists and establish Veda pramanya?
For Eg: just adreess the existence of soul.  Buddhists hold there is no soul. Vedantists hold there is soul. What is the proof according to Vedantists?


texts:
In which scripture Ashwini mudra is mentioned?

Ashwini mudra is a beginner yoga technique that involves contracting the anal sphincter in a rhythmic way in order to direct prana (life force energy) upward along the spine through the sushumna nadi, or the body's main energy channel. The name, ashwini mudra, comes from the Sanskrit, ashwa, meaning “horse,” and mudra, which means “gesture” or “sign.”

Ashwini mudra is often practiced in a comfortable seated posture such as padmasana (lotus pose), siddhasana(accomplished pose), sukhasana (easy pose) or vajrasana (thunderbolt pose)


texts: I often heard the term Karma-Bhumi, and also heard that India is Karma-Bhumi? So any one Know or is there any evidence in scriptures? Kindly share.


texts: Does Hinduism Say Anything About Snake People, Reptilians, or Snake/Reptilian Like Enities?

texts: Are there any references to reptilian-like entities in Hinduism? Are they friend or foe, what kind of acts have they committed, etc.


texts:
A background:
We have seen a lot of prominent Hindu Leaders, spiritual and Socio-political alike answering the question: that all the religions are the same. I have yet to see this answer when asked to an Islamic or a Christian Clergy.So, Are all religions the same or is just Hinduism engulfed in the myth of Sameness of all religions?


texts: What's the origin of the verse "Mangalyam tantunanena mama jeevana hetuna...?"

texts:
In many South Indian marriages while the groom is tying the maṅgalasūtra to the bride, the priest usually chants the following verse.

  Mangalyam tantunanena mama jeevana hetuna:
  kanthe badhnami subhage twam jeeva sarada satam

It's meaning from this blog:

  This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck, O maiden having many auspicious attributes may you live happily for a hundred years.

Word-for-word meaning:

  Mangalyam thanthuna anena – This mangal sutra (This sacred thread) (thantu – thread)
  hetuna – is essential (hetu – reason, purpose)
  mama – my
  jeevana – life (long life) (for my long life)
  Kante – around your neck (in, on etc. prepositions are signified by the 'e' ending)
  badhnami – I am tying
  Subhage – oh, maiden of many auspicious attributes
  twam – you (may you)
  jeeva – live
  sarada – years (from Sarad ritu)
  satam – hundred

What's the origin of the verse? Which scripture contains this śloka?


texts: What are must to do daily ritual for a brahmin.


texts:
One astrologer at Kakinada told us that Lord Venkateswara is actually the Goddess Bala Tripurasundari, with long hair at the back. Hence the name Balaji!

Here's the experience of Swami Brahmananda at Tirumala: (God Lived
With Them, page 106, bottom)
In Tirupati Maharaj [Swami Brahmananda] saw the Divine Mother in the
image of Lord Venkateswara. His body shivered in ecstasy. Later he
said to Sharvananda: "I have distinctly seen the form of the Divine
Mother. Please inquire about it." After inquiry and close examination
of the image and sanctuary, it was found to have been originally a
Shakti temple, later converted into a Vishnu temple, probably under
the influence of Ramanuja.

Another claim is found here.

The idol in Tirupati temple :
Legend has it that Ramanujacharya took over the temple from jains and
driven away jains from south India. To win over the Jains, he
presented the deity with golen sankh and chakra, which were not there
originally (for which he added a story that these were given away by
lord Balaji to warring Tondaman Chakravarthy).
However, it is not the Jain Thirthankara's idol but Devi Bala Tripura
Sundari's. Earlier to jains, it was worshipped as Kumara Swamy for
ages. prior to that may be many others too might have worshipped it
considering it as their dieties.
In support of claiming it as Devi's idol, there are many evidences.
Few among being:

the deity has lot of long hair, like for Stree Murthy.

the sculpture norms has it that for stree (woman) sculpture, the upper portion is longer than the legs portion and the idol has short
legs.

The Anandanilaya sikhara has lions, which is evident that it is Bala Tripura Sundari.

that's how the name Balaji derived.

Is the temple at Tirumala really the abode of the Goddess Bala Tripurasundari?
What do scriptures say?


texts:
What shall we do if we get a bad dream?
Are there any hymns to be recited to get rid of ill effect of a bad dream?
What shall we do if we get a good dream?
What are good signs & bad signs(objects/creatures/incidents) that appear in dreams as future predections?
What type of dreams will become true and how soon?
Where is the reference of dreams and its effects in any scriptures?


texts: Why did Vishnu want to see Krsna and Arjuna?

texts:
As discussed in this question, Krsna and Arjuna go to Svetadvipa to retrieve the Brahmana's sons. Now when they reach there, Vishnu says this (of all the beautiful words he could say):

  I brought the brāhmaṇa’s sons here because I wanted to see the two of you, My expansions, who have descended to the earth to save the principles of religion. As soon as you finish killing the demons who burden the earth, quickly come back here to Me.

Now, why in Svetadvipa would Vishnu take so much trouble just to see his expansions? And that too just to say, "Hi, you are my avatara, so after your purpose is over you will return back here. Off you go."

I don't know, but Vishnu's answer seems pretty unsatisfactory. Why exactly did Vishnu want to see them? Srila Prabhupada says (I'll post the reference as soon as I find it) that Mahavishnu couldn't control his desire to behold Lord Krsna (from the POV that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead), and thus arranged this leela. That explains Krsna. But there is another person standing next to Krsna. What about him?


texts: Did Ravana from Ramayana lust over Goddess Parvati?

texts:
I was reading an answer on quora which states that Ravana lusted over Goddess Parvati.
Did Ravana lust on goddess Parvati ?


texts: Can a married woman take out her Mangala Sutra and keep it anywhere?

texts:
I have seen many of our sisters and mothers wear the Mangala Sutra. The question Why do brides wear a mangal sutra? answers why they wear it in the first place.

But my question is:

Nowadays we see many working women who don't prefer to wear the Mangala Sutra to work, they just keep it in a cupboard before going to work.

Is a married woman allowed to take out her Mangala Sutra and keep it anywhere for the sake of convenience?

What do the shastras say in this regard?


texts:
In Geetha it is said that lust and anger are worse qualities.

But it didn't stress any where that fear is a bad quality. Am I correct? Is there any slokha explicitly saying that fear is very worse quality?

If not, is fear not as bad as lust and angry?


texts: What are the four forms of Vishnu mentioned by Krishna in the Drona Parva?

texts:
On the 12th day of the Mahabharata war, Narakasura's son Bhagadatta, who was fighting on the Kaurava side, launched the Vaishnavastra or weapon of Vishnu at Arjuna, but Krishna covered Arjuna and absorbed the weapon with his chest.  Arjuna asked Krishna why he would break his promise not to fight.  Krishna responded that it's because the Vaishnavastra is an absolutely invincible weapon, capable even of slaying Indra and other gods, and can only be stopped by Vishnu, as described in this chapter of the Drona Parva of the Mahabharata:

  Listen, O Partha, to this secret and ancient history as it is, O sinless one! I have four forms, eternally engaged as I am in protecting the worlds. Dividing my own Self, I ordain the good of the worlds. One form of mine, staying on the earth, is engaged in the practice of ascetic austerities. Another beholdeth the good and the evil deeds in the world. My third form, coming into the world of men, is engaged in action. My fourth form lieth down in sleep for a thousand years. The form of mine which awaketh from sleep at the end of a thousand years, granteth, upon awakening, excellent boons to persons deserving of them. The earth, knowing (on one occasion) that that time had come, asked of me a boon for (her son) Naraka. Hear, O Partha, what that boon was. Possessed of the Vaishnava weapon, let my son become incapable of being slain by the gods and the Asuras. It behoveth thee to grant me that weapon. Hearing this prayer, I then gave, in days of old, the supreme and infallible Vaishnava weapon to the Earth's son. I said also at that time these words, 'O Earth, let this weapon be infallible for the protection of Naraka. None will be able to slay him. Protected by this weapon, thy son will always, in all the worlds, be invincible and crush all hostile hosts.' Saying, So be it! the intelligent goddess went away, her wishes fulfilled. And Naraka also became invincible and always scorched his foes. It was from Naraka, O Partha, that the ruler of the Pragjyotishas got this weapon of mine. There is none, in all the world, O sire, including even Indra and Rudra, who is unslayable by this weapon. It was for thy sake, therefore, that I baffled it, violating my promise.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what are the four forms of Vishnu listed by Krishna?

Do they have any relation with Vishnu's four Vyuha forms Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha described in the Pancharatra Agamas, whom I discuss here?  The fourth form who sleeps for 1000 years sounds like a description of Vishnu's Vyuha form Aniruddha, who sleeps during the Mahapralaya and then wakes up and creates Brahma from his navel.  (Although a Mahapralaya lasts for a hundred years of Brahma, not a thousand.)  And the third form sounds like Vishnu's Vyuha form Vasudeva, insofar as he dwells in Shwetadvipa in Bhuloka and he engages in actions when the gods go to him seeking help.  But I don't see any correlation with the remaining two Vyuha forms.

The first form who stays on the Earth engaging in Tapasya sounds like Vishnu's incarnation sage Narayana.  And I'm not sure what the second form, who witnesses good and bad deeds, is.  It could be Antaryami Vasudeva, who is present as the indweller in the hearts of all beings and thus observes their actions.  In any case, are there any scriptures or works of Acharyas which shed light on who these four forms are?


texts: Bhishma enumerating avatars of Krishna to Yudhisthira

texts:
Bhishma enumerated all the popular avatars of Krishna just before the killing of Sisupala by Krishna. Bhishna told it to Yudhisthira. But, it is not present in some translations.
Did Bhishma enumerated all avatars of Krishna in Sabha parva? If not, in which parva Bhishma enumerated all rhe avatars of Krishna? Or am I missing something?


texts: Does Lord Shiva do tandava dance in joy too?

texts: We all have heard his fierce Tandava dance when he got angry. World seems to be an end when he dance in anger. But since he is lord of dance (Natraja) then it's not like that he will dance only in anger (which we heard mostly). If God of dance and destruction shows his anger in form of dance then do he shows his joy too in dance? If yes, then when Shiva do Tandava dance in joy? What are those incidents when Shiva did dance in joy and what was the reason of his joy when he did dance?


texts: Why Sarasvati is considered as goddess of knowledge?

texts:
In Hinduism, Saraswati Devi is often considered as the goddess of knowledge. Also, it is very common practice to celebrate Vasant Panchami festival (the fifth day of spring) in her honour.

Some Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami and mark the day, by helping young children learn how to write alphabets on that day.

Source

This clearly shows that Saraswati is considered as the goddess of knowledge as per the faith and common practices.

Below is the how Rigveda mentions about her.

  अपो अस्मान मातरः शुन्धयन्तु घर्तेन नो घर्तप्वः पुनन्तु | विश्वं हि
  रिप्रं परवहन्ति देविरुदिदाभ्यः शुचिरापूत एमि ||

– Rigveda 10.17

Meaning:

  May the waters, the mothers, cleanse us, may they who purify with
  butter, purify us with butter, for these goddesses bear away
  defilement, I come up out of them pure and cleansed.

Is there any interesting story/event mentioned in Hindu scripture which leads her to be designated as goddess of knowledge?


texts:
This question refers to the link Does Hinduism offer solution for each and every problem of human life?

It appears Hinduism offer solution or at least a path to find a solution. So is there any known way to give the "life" back to someone dead? It appears somewhere in Mahabharata it is mentioned that Krishna gave back life to someone dead. Is it true?


texts: What is the significance of the janeva (sacred thread)?

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In Hinduism, all male brahmins are required to go through an initiation called thread ceremony (upanayanam or yagnopachhedan) in which their heads are shaved before they are given the sacred thread (janeva, yajñopavītam (यज्ञोपवीतम्) or upavīta), to wear on their torso for the rest of their lives. I have also seen some non-brahmins wearing one.

The sacred thread is called by other names depending upon the region and community; a few of which are Bratabandha, Janivaara, Jandhyam, Poita, Pūṇūl, Janeu, Lagun, Yajnopavita, Yagyopavit, Yonya and Zunnar.

What is the reason behind the thread ceremony (upanayanam), especially the shaving of the head?
What is the significance and origin of the practice of wearing a janeva (yajñopavītam)?


texts: Did Swami Vivekananda believe in intelligent life on other planets?

texts: He spoke about all life throughout the universe being one, but did he specifically talk about intelligent life on other planets?


texts: Shukracharya was the preceptor of the asuras and was the only one who knew the sanjeevani mantra. Since he commanded such power, I'm wondering if he was a brahma-rishi. The wiki page as well as other sites do not mention this but I just want to make sure.


texts:
Do the liberated beings after Mahakalpa are again thrown into Samsara ?
Is the liberated stage after Moksha only for 1 kalpa ? If moksha is really permanent ?
<img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/nFbiX.jpg" alt="Here after doing the dwadshi fast followed by ekadashi the man went to Vaikuntha for 1 kalpa , after which he was reborn .
This is from Varha Puran (Motilal Banarsidas Edition " />
In the above picture it also says he went to Vaikuntha for 1 kalpa ( Varaha Puran { Motilal Banarsidas Edition} )
In the Kathopanishad bhashya for 2.3.16 Shankara cites a Vishnu purana verse:
तया नाड्या ऊर्ध्वम् उपरि आयन् गच्छन् आदित्यद्वारेण अमृतत्वम् अमरणधर्मत्वमापेक्षिकम्  ‘आभूतसम्प्लवं स्थानममृतत्वं हि भाष्येत’ (वि.पु. २.८.९७) इति स्मृतेः । ब्रह्मणा वा सह कालान्तरेण मुख्यममृतत्वमेति भुक्त्वा भोगाननुपमान्ब्रह्मलोकगतान् । विष्वङ् नानागतयः अन्या नाड्यः उत्क्रमणे उत्क्रमणनिमित्तं भवन्ति संसारप्रतिपत्त्यर्था एव भवन्तीत्यर्थः ॥
which says: ‘Eternality’ means that state/position that will exist till the dissolution takes place.
So is the same case with moksha . What happens after Mahakalpa ?
Can anyone clear this doubt


texts: Is Bala Tripurasundari the daughter Parvati?

texts:
I have come across the goddess Bala Tripurasundari.She is described as specifically being the daughters of Parvati(Tripura Sundari/Lalita,to be exact) .Bala Tripurasundari is mentioned in the Brahmāņḍa Purāņa in this excerpt of it:

  On hearing that the sons of Daitya Bhaņḑa the chief of whom was Caturbāhu had come for the purpose of fighting, Bālā (the daughter of Lalitā) showed interest in it.She was the daughter of Lalitā Devi. She came from the golden kavasa of lalita. She always stayed near the goddess. She was worthy of being worshiped by all Śaktis. She was adept in martial feats and exploits. Her form and features were like those of Lalitā. She was always like a nine-year-old girl, yet she was a great mine of all lores. Her body was like the rising sun. Her creeper-like slender body was [missing text] in complexion. She was perpetually present near the footrest of the great queen. She was as it were the vital breath of the goddess moving externally. She was her fourth eye. She became furious and thought thus  : "I shall immediately kill those sons of Bhanda who have come here". After making up her mind thus, Bālāmbā submitted to the great queen."Mother, the sons of Bhaņḑa, the great Daitya, have come to fight. I wish to fight with them. I am interested in this because I am a young girl. My arms throb with an itching sensation for war. This is my playful activity. It should not be curbed by your orders for prohibition. Indeed I am a girl loving toys and playful pastimes. By this play of fighting for a moment, I shall become delighted mentally."Dear child, your limbs are very tender and soft. You are only nine years old. This is your first step and performance. Your training in warfare is fresh and recent. You are my only daughter. Without you, my breathing activity does not go on even for a moment. You are my very vital breath. Do not go in for the great war. We have Daņḑinī, Mantriņī, and crores of other great Śaktis for fighting. Dear child, why do you commit this blunder?"
  Although prevented thus by Śri Lalitādevī, the girl was overcome by curiosity. She requested once again for permission to fight. On observing her steadfast decision, Srīlalitā, the mother, granted her permission after closely clasping her in her arms.She took off one of her armors and gave it to her. From her weapons, she gave her the requisite weapons and sent her off.Kūmārikā got into the covered palanquin that had been extracted by the great queen from the staff of her bow and to which hundreds of swans were yoked for drawing.She killed all 30 sons of the daemon Bhandasura which was extremely difficult to do.

My question is,is Bala Tripurasundari really the daughter of Parvati.If so,why is she only mentioned as Parvati's daughter and not Shiva's(Although the link above states that she is the daughter of Lalita (Parvati) and Kameshwara (Shiva),the excerpt of the Purana claims that "She came from the golden kavasa of lalita" and I am going to believe the Purana)?Also,as far as I have seen,Bala Tripurasundari is either an avatar or epieth of Lalita(Parvati),rather than her daughter.Also,are there any scriptures that describe her as specifically being Lalita's daughter?


texts:
I wasted my youth. I am 35 years old. I had a toxic relationship with my parents, especially my mother. My career never started and am still looking for a fresh start and finding it humiliating at my age.

What does Hinduism says about wasting your youth? Is redemption possible?

Thanks.


texts: Is it allowed for a married women to participate in sex during her menstrual cycle?

texts:
I am asking this question due to the confusion between popular notion in current society and the scriptural references.
Consider the following statement by Vyasa in the Mahabharatha

(The house-holder) should never summon his wife to bed except
in her season.
[Section 243, Mokshadharma Parva, Santi Parva, The Mahabharata]

It is clearly saying that one can order the female partner to participate in sex during her menstrual cycle. And should not order her any other time. But, there is a popular (and also obvious) notion and some scriptural statements that women should not participate in sex during her season. Both seem contradictory to me.
Am I going wrong anywhere? Which one is correct?
Or any separate context is needed to understand in totality?


texts: Where is the verse ''sahasra-namnam punyanam... prayacchati'' found?

texts:
sahasra-namnam punyanam, trir-avrttya tu yat phalam;
  ekavrttya tu krsnasya, namaikam tat prayacchati

  Meaning: If one utters shri-krishna-nama once, one obtains the same
  result that comes from chanting the pure visnu-sahasranama
  three times.

Where is the above verse found?

Many websites claim the above verse is found in the Brahmanda Purana while some say the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.


texts: Wherein Aithreya Brahmana of Rig Veda has the word "Telugu"?

texts:
The Etymology of Telugu is believed to be derived from word "TRILINGA" or Trilinga Kshetras. Those three Shiva Temples are Kaleswaram, Bhimeswarama  and Srisailam.

With time Trilinga became Tenugu and Tenugu became Telugu. These three Shiva Temples are present in three regions (Kosta Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema) of Telugu land. Telangana Region which is located approximately amid these three Shiva Temples is named after Trilinga Desa. (Trilinga- Telugu- Telangana).

But some people believe Telugu is still older language and it is mentioned in Aithreya Brahmana of Rigveda. So, wherein Aithreya Brahmana of Rigveda, "Telugu" is mentioned?


texts: What is the definition of dharma as per Karna? I read somewhere that actions that weakens the soul is not dharma. Can anyone cite some reference on the same.


texts: Who are the different gods/ people in the cosmic from of Shri Krishna?

texts:
In this Image there are many heads with all different faces some I can identify like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha. But others I can't.
So who are they?


texts: What's the general views of both the modern and of past's, recognized gurus, with regard to accepting the presence of different kinds of sexuality?

texts:
I'm not asking if it's forbidden or not, or if its sin or not,
I'm asking that, if the presence of whole spectrum of sexuality (LGBTQI) with Male and Female pinned as two binary opposite points of the spectrum, is referred to or recognized by culture and the relevant gurus and personalities?
Do gurus recognize the presence of anything beyond Male and Female binary?
please try to give answer from cultural, and commentators perspectives.

Vedas and Vedic dharma on homosexuality, this QnA only gives the scriptural perspectives and not from recognized ancient and modern gurus and personalities in hinduism. I only wants perspectives from both modern and past , authoritative peoples, gurus, acharya, recognized teachers of hinduism, known teachers, acharyas, commentators viewpoints only. thanks


texts: What Kavacha's are being read in the attached video by Sachidananda swamy?

texts:
Namaste!

Does any of you know which Ganesha Kavacham is being read by Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamy  in his Kavacha Manjari?

I found the Shiva Kavacham on sanskritdocuments.org but I'm unable to find the Ganesha Kavacham, there seems to be multiple Kavacha's for Ganesha. It'll be great if any of you can provide me with the pdflinks for other Kavacha's also including the Ganesha Kavacha

Link to the video of "Six Divine Kavachams by Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamy with Timestamps" is  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvj46-M1kIs


texts: Is Maya superior to Brahman as per Advaita philosophy?

texts:
As per  Advaita school of Vedanta; living entity is identical to supreme brahman.
Advaitins generally interpret 'Aham Brahmasmi' as 'I'm supreme Brahman'(please correct me if i'm wrong).
We are Brahman but right now covered by ignorance(Maya).

so my question is

1.Does that mean Maya is superior to brahman?

2.Vedanta Sutra(1.1.2) says 'Janmadyasya yatah' ; meaning 'from which origin  etc'.That would mean Maya has also come from Brahman. Then how can(/has) this maya taken over Brahman?

3.According to Advaita After Moksha does living entity retain the individuality or merge in Brahman?(If yes then how it got its individuality the 1st time?)


texts: Does Atman hear, speak, taste and see after we die?

texts:
It is said that Atman is one's true Self. It remains in existence after we die, for Atman never takes birth nor does it die.

My question is : does Atman hear, speak, taste and see after we die? If yes how? Does it have eyes, ear, mouth?


texts: Why didn't Indrajit use Brahmastra against Rama and Lakshmana in the main war?

texts:
Indrajit was capable of using Brahmastra as he did against Lord Hanuman in Ashoka Vana (this incident is narrated in Sundara Kanda)

Question:

Why didn't Indrajit use the Brahmastra against Lord Rama or Lakshmana or the vanara army in the main war (Yuddha Kanda) just as the Nagastras he used?


texts: Did Ravana have knowledge about Rama being an avatar of Vishnu?

texts: Did Ravana have knowledge about Rama being an avatar of Vishnu before the battle? If he knows that Ram is Vishnu's Avatar and will be killed by him then why didn't he change himself to save his life?


texts: In many stories there are demons who ask Brahma for immortality boon and he refuses. But there are other stories where Shiva and Vishnu grant immortality boon. How can they grant this boon? What other gods have granted immortality?


texts: Was Chatur-ashram applicable for all the different castes?

texts: Were chaturashram (4 stages of life) applicable for all the 4 castes (Brahmin, Vaishya, Kshatriya, Shudra)? Did lower castes really get the chance to observe bramhacharya, i.e. to be educated?


texts: What exact questions were asked to Shankaracharya by Mandan mishra's wife ubhaya bharti?

texts:
When Mandan Mishra was defeated by Shankaracharya, then UbhayaBbharti asked questions about grihastha ashram and about science of sex. Then shankaracharya had to go into body of a king, to be able to answer those questions.

So exactly what were those questions asked by Bharti?


texts: Has Hinduism ever tried to enfold Christianity (or other semitic religions)?

texts:
I am currently reading Swami Prabhavananda The Spiritual Heritage of India (1962) and find it very clear and informative (better than e.g. Heinrich Zimmer's Philosophies of India so far). Early on it explains that

  the gods of the Hindu, or devas as he calls them, must always be
  sharply distinguished from God. God is the one supreme being, the
  uncreated, while the gods, through supernatural, belong (together with
  many other orders of supernatural beings) among the creatures.

  [...]

  perhaps the highest conception of the gods with concrete names is
  Hiranyagarbha: Before the universe appeared, there first appeared
  Hiranyagarbha. He, being manifest, became the one lord of the
  manifested universe. Out of himself came the invisible world, out of
  himself came the sky and the earth.

Now with that a large notion of gods (specifically including ones that existed before the universe existed) Hinduism could perhaps argue that Christianity's deity is just another god, but not God (tad ekam). It could then perhaps argue that many of Christianity's myths and symbols fit inside its own umbrella like many others do. (In doing so, it would choose to ignore Christianity's particular "myth" of monotheism.)

Have serious branches of Indian philosophy (i.e. Hinduism's "theology") ever argued in this way, or is Hinduism perhaps not interested in establishing such hegemony over foreign religions?


texts: Do any scriptures say you're not allowed to read multiple Shakhas of a Veda?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.) But the Vedanta school didn't always have the dominant position in Hindu philosophy; before the time of Adi Shankaracharya the dominant school of Hindu philosophy was the Purva Mimamsa school, which I discuss here. In contrast to the Vedanta school which is devoted to analyzing the Jnana Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Upanishads, Purva Mimamsa focuses on analyzing the Karma Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Samhitas and Brahmanas.

One famous Purva Mimamsa Acharya was Kumarila Bhatta, whose shishya Mandana Mishra was defeated in a debate by Adi Shankaracharya.  In this excerpt from his Tantra Vartika, Kumarila Bhatta discusses the subject of the same Yagna being discussed in multiple Shakhas of a Veda.  For those who don't know, each of the four Vedas comes in multiple Shakhas or recensions as I discuss in this answer.  Now the question arises whether someone reading descriptions of the Jyorishtoma Yagna in multiple Shakhas of a Veda will get confused and think there are multiple Jyotishtoma Yagnas.  Kumarila Bhatta responds that such confusion will never arise, because a single person is not allowed to read multiple Shakhas of the same Veda:

  Objection: "But then one who reads the Texts of two Recensions, could very well know the Jyotishtoma as mentioned in on text to be different from that mentioned in another text[.]" ... [Reply:] This is no argument at all; because the texts of various Recensions are never meant to be read by one man; and the reason for this is that the injunction for Vedic study distinctly points to a single Text being read, specially as it is a general rule that when several things are found to serve the same purpose, they are accepted as optional alternatives; and this would be possible only when the same Action is taken as spoke of in the various texts.  That is to say, just as the Class inheres in each Individual, so does the character of "Veda" in each Recensional Text; and then again, in the Injunction "svadhyayo'dyetavyah" (Veda should be read), we find that the Veda is enjoined to be learnt for the purpose of knowing Dharma; and as such we must assign due significance to the singular Number in "svadyayah"; and this distinctly shows that only one Text should be studied.... Then again, if the mere fact of one's being very intelligent could justify his reading of the texts of various Recensions, then the fact of his being exceptionally rich would justify his making an offering of the Yava and Vrihi mixed up.

Kumarila Bhatta's position here is interesting for a couple reasons.  First of all, it seems like a position unique to him, since Shabaraswami does not seem to mention this in his commentary on the same part of the Purva Mimamsa Sutras.  Second of all, Kumarila Bhatta seems to have violated this rule himself, since he discusses what different Shakhas of the same Veda say!

But my question is, do any scriptures say that you're not allowed to read multiple Shakhas of the same Veda?  By the way, I should add that Kumarila Bhatta thinks it's fine to read multiple Vedas (for instance Rig and Yajur), he just has a problem with reading say, two Yajur Veda Shakhas.


texts: How was Hanuman able to burn Lanka down?

texts:
While searching for Sita in Lanka,  Sri Hanuma saw many arches/windows/doors made of gold, some houses decorated with gold, floors studded with many precious stones.
When Sri Hanuma started setting the Lanka to fire, he moved from roof-top of one house to another with his burning tail. Sage Valmiki describes this episode in detail.  He also described that after catching fire, those houses burnt down completely and quickly.

न अग्निः तृप्यति काष्ठानाम् तृणानाम् च यथा तथा |
हनूमान् राक्षस इन्द्राणाम् वधे किंचिन् न तृप्यति || ५-५४-२८
न हनूमद्विशस्तानाम् राक्षसानाम् वसुन्धरा |
As the fire does not get satisfied with any amount of firewood and straw fed to it, Hanuma was not wearied in killing any number of demons. The earth was not then wearied in receiving the number of demons killed by Hanuma.
युगान्तकालानलतुल्यवेगः |
समारुतोऽग्निर्ववृधे दिवस्पृक् |
विधूमरश्मिर्भवनेषु सक्तो |
रक्षः शरीराज्यसमर्पितार्चिः || ५-५४-३२
That fire diffused on those buildings, together with the wind picked up a speed equal to that of a fire at the time of dissolution of the world. It grew taller, touching the sky with a smokeless splendour. Those flames of fire shot up, as inflamed by ghee.

Till the invention of cement, concrete of Lime was mostly used for construction of houses. Now a question arises, if the same methodology was used even in Lanka also, how can a concrete structure catch fire so quickly?
After thinking for so many days,  the following explanation flashed in mind.
The architects of Ravana's period might have used wood in most of the areas in construction of houses, as we see in Western societies now.  The houses will not catch fire immediately, if they were made of lime concrete.
And, some type of varnish might have been used to protect the wood to withstand from changing seasons.
In my opinion,  the wood, coated with some type of varnish, in the houses caught fire quickly, and spread rapidly.
Am I correct?


texts: Did the Soma drink contain psilocybe cubensis?

texts: Russian archeologists claim to have discovered the recipe of Soma or Haoma. How strong is this claim?


texts: Was Lord Muruga Guru to Lord Shiva and taught him the complete explanation of OM?

texts:
EXPLANATION :

Movies and Serials say Lord Muruga was Student of Lord Brahma and  asked for Explanation of OM
Then Lord Brahma tried to give Explanation of OM  but Lord Muruga was not satisfied with his explanation.
After that Lord Shiva tried to give the explanation of OM even after that Lord Muruga was Not Satisfied.
Finally Lord Muruga became a Guru to Lord Shiva and taught him the Complete Explanation of OM .

QUESTION:

Was Lord Muruga Guru to Lord Shiva and gave the complete explanation of OM ?
Did Lord Muruga gave OM explanation in 2 Crore verses.


texts: Which Sri Vaishnava works discuss Parashara’s Sharanagati for all Jivas?

texts:
The Sri Vaishnava sect has two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai. Vadakalais follow the teachings of Vedanta Desikan, whereas Thenkalais follow the teachings of Pillai Lokacharya. My question is about Vedanta Desikan.  The Rahasyaratnavali is a short work by Vedanta Desikan on the subject of Sharanagati, complete surrender to Vishnu as a means of attaining Moksha.  And Vedanta Desikan himself wrote a commentary on this work, known as the Rahasyaratnavali Hridayam.  In this excerpt from the Rahasyaratnavali Hridayam, Vedanta Desikan discusses the fact that one person can perform Sharanagati on behalf of another person:

  “This surrender of the burden may be effected either by oneself or by an Acharya and the like on one's behalf.”

  This means: Just as the fruit of the Prapatti will be attained by a person if he adopts it himself the fruit will no doubt accrue to a person if it is performed on his behalf by the Acharya and the like:

  Since the performance of certain religious rites by the father and others on behalf of the son and the like is quite in accordance with the Sastras, even though there is a general rule that the fruit of an act enjoined by the Sastras will accrue only to the doer of the act.
  Since there are statements by the sages Parasara and Saunaka to the following effect: "May Lord Hari confer on all souls the prosperity of being free from birth, old age and so on." “When I have now meditated on Vasudeva, who is the ruler of all rulers and the creator of the Universe.”
  Since there are stories of many other Maharishis.
  Since it is seen that Prahlada, Vibhishana, Dasharatha, Draupadi and others have performed [Sharanagati] on behalf of some of those connected with them.

He presents many more reasons; I just included the first four.  But I’m interested in the part in bold.  That is a reference to the end of the Vishnu Purana, where the Rishi Parashara, father of Vyasa, says this:

  I adore him, that first of gods, Purushottama, who is without end and without beginning, without growth, without decay, without death; who is substance that knows not change. I adore that ever inexhaustible spirit; who assumed sensible qualities; who, though one, became many; who, though pure, became as if impure, by appearing in many and various shapes; who is endowed with divine wisdom, and is the author of the preservation of all creatures. I adore him, who is the one conjoined essence and object of both meditative wisdom and active virtue; who is watchful in providing for human enjoyments; who is one with the three qualities; who, without undergoing change, is the cause of the evolution of the world; who exists of his own essence, ever exempt from decay. I constantly adore him, who is entitled heaven, air, fire, water, earth, and ether; who is the bestower of all the objects which give gratification to the senses; who benefits mankind with the instruments of fruition; who is perceptible, who is subtile, who is imperceptible. May that unborn, eternal Hari, whose form is manifold, and whose essence is composed of both nature and spirit, bestow upon all mankind that blessed state which knows neither birth nor decay!

So Vedanta Desikan is saying that Parashara performed Sharanagati on behalf of all Jivas.  My question is, do any Sri Vaishnavas discuss the nature of this Sharanagati by Parashara?  For other scriptural examples of Sharanagati, like those Bharata, Vibhishana, and Draupadi, various Sri Vaishnava works like Vedanta Desikan’s Rahasyatraya Saram and Abhayapradhana Saram and Pillai Lokacharya’s Sri Vachanabhushanam analyze the nature of each Sharanagati.  For instance whether the five Angas or Anukulya Sankalpam, Pratikulya Sankalpam, Karpanyam, Goptritca Varanam, and Mahavishwasam we’re fulfilled, and whether the two prerequisites of Akinchanyam and Ananyagatitvam were met.

So are there similar analyses for the Parashara case?  Like analyses what was deficient in it that led to it not being granted?


texts:
Somebody said in one of my other questions "In the beginning when creation occurs, God Himself enters the creation as good and bad and manifests as different material nature".

But why would God Himself enter the creation as BAD? Was it just because God wanted to have some fun?


texts: What should the praja (citizens) do if their ruler is adharmic?

texts:
Are they suppose to endure it ? Or they should collude with a dharmic king to overthrow him ? While there were quite a few evil kings - from Ravana to Kamsa, I am unsure of their behavior towards praja. I am more interested in knowing if there were kings who were cruel towards their praja. In such scenario what should the praja do.
Looking for an answer supported by scriptures.


texts: Did the Rig Vedic Aryas consider any tribes friendly?

texts:
The Aryas mention Dasa, Dasyus, et al but they were not very friendly towards them.
Who were the Aryas friendly with?


texts: Why do we worship Devas? Because they are immortal etc., ?

texts:
The followers of Hindu religion generally worship Devas(Devtas), whereas we know that real creator of this world is Trideva, not Devas. And also we know that all Devas are son(next generation and furthermore) of sage Kashapya and Aditi. So my question are:-

Why are devas immortal? Whereas all creature take birth on earth(Marta)
have to die one day. I said this because they are of generation from
human.
Why is the responsibility of controlling  this world is reposed to
them? Why don't we(human) have any responsibility?
And also Devas are created by Trideva like other creatures. So why do
they have supernatural powers?

Update:- I asked about Devas in this post, not Trideva. So don't confuse with Trideva(Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).


texts: What is the symbolic meaning behind Lord Shiva sitting in snow clad mountain Kailasa?

texts:
We often see lot of pictures of Lord Shiva sitting in the snow clad mountain of Kailasa.

Does it represent anything symbolically?

P.S. I'm not interested in the story of how Shiva came to live on Mount Kailasa.


texts:
Ok, this might be a little weird question, but are there any sort of references to Srimati Radharani INDIRECTLY in the two epics we have (viz. Ramayana and Mahabharata)? Just like Brahma extols Rama as Krsna in the Yuddha Kanda and Rama himself refers to Nriga's curse being uplifted in the future in the Uttara kanda, and a reference to Goloka in the Ayodhya Kanda...
And in the Mahabharata there are a couple or three references to Goloka, both in the Shanti Parva, including one where Krsna says something like, "I will be found residing in Goloka,"?

So in that way, is there a similar reference to Radha? Like Krsna's favourite gopi (the way it is described in the Bhagavata)?

I know there are several mentions of Radha in the various Puranas though... so any similar mentions in the two itihasas we have?

P.S. I do not seek answers like Radha is a created character, the verses of Ramayana and Mahabharata are interpolated and so on... I just want to know whether there has been any sort of mention of anything related to Krsna and his consort...


texts: Is Hinduism a bit partial to Kshatriyas?

texts:
As we go through various sections of the Mahabharata, we can see that:

Although it's not encouraged, a Kshatriya can force sex upon a woman and marry her as explained in this answer (Does Hinduism forbid sexual intercourse before marriage?):

  The sages state that the first four are approved (in the case) of a Brahmana, one, the Rakshasa (rite in the case) of a Kshatriya, and the Asura (marriage in that) of a Vaisya and of a Sudra. But in these (Institutes of the sacred law) three of the five (last) are declared to be lawful and two unlawful; the Paisaka and the Asura (rites) must never be used. For Kshatriyas those before-mentioned two rites, the Gandharva and the Rakshasa, whether separate or mixed, are permitted by the sacred tradition.

  So "the sages", whoever they are, apparently say that the Gandharva marriage is forbidden for everyone, but the Manu Smriti is saying that they're wrong, and that a Gandharva marriage is actually permitted for Kshatriyas.

A Kshatriya will go to heaven if he dies fighting in battle no matter which side he was on, as discussed in this answer (Why Yudhisthira went to hell?):

  Regarding Duryodhana, he was in heaven not because he has been
  untruthful, but because it is said that if a Kshatriya dies while
  fighting in a battle, he attains heaven because this is Kshatriya
  dharma. He died during battle performing his duties therefore he was
  ought to get heaven.

So,  in general, is Hinduism a bit partial to Kshatriyas?


texts: Who was goddess Sita's father? Why are there multiple stories? Which one should we believe?

texts:
There have been many accounts as to who actually was the father of goddess Sita.

Contrary to what Valmiki's Ramayana says, some of them states that Sita was Ravana's first child whom he abandoned; when it was prophesized that his first child will destroy him.

According to another version; Sita was the reincarnation of Vedavati (the learned woman) who cursed Ravana when he misbehaved with her.

Who was goddess Sita's father?

Why are there multiple versions on Sita's birth?

Which one should we believe in?


texts: Well so my question is, when are you born a Hindu? So must a parent be Hindu or both? (Like in Judaism where the mother must be jew in order the child to be too) does this exist in Hinduism? If no, how do we know that we're Hindus?


texts:
What is the best way to do Lakshmi Puja in Diwali?

So how should one go with the following before starting with the puja?

What are the things that we need to use?
What is the actual process?


texts: How were the physical characteristics in the Mahabharata?

texts:
In Kaliyuga, we human have a defined set of normal physical characteristics like height and weight based on the gender male and female.

Similarly, were there any mention of standard physical characteristics of a human, deity or other characters in the previous yugas? Is there a mention that all the people had same characteristics or are they different? Particularly in Mahabharata, Karna, Arjuna etc. did these characters have normal human heights and weights (like us)?

And also I read in some answers on this site where all the characters are aged below hundred years. Are these years counted in demigod years or normal human years?


texts: Is there any rule in Shastras for women to be kanyas even after marriage

texts:
Manu Smriti Says

  Sixteen (days and) nights (in each month), including four days which differ from the rest and are censured by the virtuous, (are called) the natural season of women.
  3.46

  But among these the first four, the eleventh and the thirteenth are (declared to be) forbidden; the remaining nights are recommended.
  3.47

  He who avoids women on the six forbidden nights and on eight others, is (equal in chastity to) a student, in whichever order he may live.
  3.50

So it is possible for male grihastas to have innocence and chastity similar to that of Bramhacharis

Is it possible for women to have similar rules to posses chastity equal to that of a kanya(damsel) after marriage, to be specific marriage followed by loosing virginity.


texts:
How can the integrity of a Vedic verse be verified?

A Vedic verse is revealed to rishi, and the rishi orally transmits that revelation to his students.

Now suppose two of his students learn correctly the same verse from the rishi. They go their own ways and return to meet each other 50 years later. They both recite the same verse and find out there are slight differences in word choice and swaras, but they both claim that that is how they remembered the verse was taught to them.

How does one go about reconciling this discrepancy? Does any Hindu text talk about reconciling transmission errors?

In my other question I talked about how one can verify the integrity of a verse through supernatural means.

But short of supernatural means, is there a way to verify the integrity through normal means?


texts: According to one story god shiva became unconscious due to drinking of the poison halahal from samudra manthan and goddess tara had to come to his rescue.In different versions of the story goddess manasa comes to his rescue while in some other versions goddess parvati drinks some of the poison ,loses control and turns into goddess kali. It is also said parvati grabs god shiva's throat , wraps the snake vasuki around his neck to save shiva . Which is true?


texts: have any scriptures other than Puranas been classified based on Gunas?

texts:
Puranas are supposed to have one of three gunas - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.  Commentators like Ludo Rocher have found this classification to be "fanciful".

have other categories of scripture like Brahmanas, Upanishads etc. have been classified along similar lines?


texts: How the communication,food,resting place,disposal of dead, etc managed in kurukshetra war with such a huge number of warriors?


texts: Is it true that there is some Jyotirling that still floats on air?

texts: I have heard that there is a jyotirlinga that from starting till now floats in air. Please tell me which jyotirlinga is that and what is the reason of its floating in air.


texts: Is Enlightment the destiny of every soul?

texts: Is every soul bound to be liberated eventually? Does the timing depend on the soul, or divine intervention?


texts: Shiva Manasa Puja of Sri Adi Shankaracharya and the Champaka flower

texts:
Shiva Manasa Puja of Sri Adi Shankaracharya has the verse below:

  रत्नैः कल्पितमासनं हिमजलैः स्नानं च दिव्याम्बरं
  नानारत्नविभूषितं मृगमदामोदाङ्कितं चन्दनम् ।
  जातीचम्पकबिल्वपत्ररचितं पुष्पं च धूपं तथा
  दीपं देव दयानिधे पशुपते हृत्कल्पितं गृह्यताम् ॥

  ratnaiḥ kalpitamāsanaṃ himajalaiḥ snānaṃ ca divyāmbaraṃ
  nānāratnavibhūṣitaṃ mṛgamadāmodāṅkitaṃ candanam ।
  jātīcampakabilvapatraracitaṃ puṣpaṃ ca dhūpaṃ tathā
  dīpaṃ deva dayānidhe paśupate hṛtkalpitaṃ gṛhyatām ॥

  Meaning: I Offer You Flowers composed of Jaati (Jasmine) (Jaati) and Champaka (Magnolia) (Champaka), along with Bilva Leaves (Bilva), and wave Incense sticks ...

But according to the scriptures the use of Champaka flowers are forbidden in the worship of Lord Shiva. Reference : Which flowers & leaves ought to be offered to Lord Shiva? ;

  Excepting the Campaka and the Ketaka there is no flower which does not appeal to Śiva. All other flowers can be used for worshipping Him.

then what is the reason why Adi Shankaracharya mentioned Champaka flower?  Is that a possible mistake that happend later on when passing down the Stotra?


texts: Why did Krishna steal the Gopikas clothes from the tree when they were bathing in the little river?

texts: What is the reason behind the Lord Krishna stealing clothes of Gopikas and give them back after seeing their nudity ? What is the meaning of this story?


texts:
Rama send Angadha as peace envoy before the war start. Krishna goes himself as peace envoy before the great war. There is always first try to resolve by peaceful process and eat is last resort.
Along these lines...did Rama try to convince Vali to give up his hatred towards Sugriva and and also Sugriva's wife?


texts:
What is the purpose, modality and purported benefits of the above   Vedic/Yagnyas/procedures handed down  to us ? Are they performed in the exact Yogic way in modern times too?

The Soma Yagnya is in appeasement/worship of Shiva and the latter is to Indra but that is all one gets to know..


texts:
Lord Krishna told us to surrender to him and do our duties for him and not for dharma and adharma and if we do it (for dharma or adharma) we will take rebirth to take the effects of good deed or bad deed.

My question:

If a man provides food to another who's starving, only to help that person, then, will it be considered dharma? And because it's dharma will he take rebirth just because of that (good) action?

Assume the man is not aware of any scriptures and is uneducated and does not know about moksha or anything but he shows affection towards others and helps them without knowing about punya or papa, then will he ever attain moksha?


texts: Is chanting “OM” naam japa or mantra japa?

texts:
does one need some form of Diksha to chant OM or can it be chanted by anyone?
Are there any benefits of simply chanting OM?


texts: I'm not sure of the particulars but I remember someone telling me that Krishna or Vishnu is the very embodiment of the concept of time or something like that. Is it true?


texts: Is there any vedic statement which deny entry of Shudra in temple?

texts:
As per Parashara smirti, Shudras were considered less pure to perform some auspicious activities.

Is there any vedic statement which supports this claim?


texts: Is the Sattva-Rajas-Tamas classification considered important in Advaita?

texts:
Since the Advaitic Brahman has no qualities - it must be that all these Gunas are obstructions to achieving Samadhi.

Are there Advaitic statements that one must transcend all three Gunas?


texts: Why are we under Maya and Avidya if we are Brahman?

texts:
According to Advaita Vedanta, we i.e. Jivas are all Brahman in reality but are under Maya and Avidya. I want to know how Maya and Avidya came into Brahman?

P.S. I am aware that Maya has no beginning.


texts: Why is there no mention of 'life review' after death in any scriptures of Hinduism?

texts:
I have came across many accounts of near death experiences (NDEs), Past life regression therapists, Mediums, Channelers in the West, who say that what happens after death is a standard process.

According to this theory, after death, you cross to the other side and meet the 'light', after which you have a life review. In the review, you re-experience your life events from the point of view of the other person and then judge your-self according to your deeds, choosing to go to the different 'lokas' according to your Karma.

Many new age spiritual gurus in India have also promoted this theory to the question of 'what happens after death?'

If this is what happens, why is there no mention of 'life review process' in any scriptures of Hinduism?

PS: I was born and raised as a Hindu.


texts: Are there any verses containing prescriptions or advisements to build up muscular strength?

texts: As in instructions to maintain bodily strength, to be able to fight, overall just emphasizing physical strength?


texts: Do any scriptures talk about Astradhari Sannyasis?

texts:
Sannyasis can be divided into two groups:

• Shastradhari Sannyasis: Ascetics who deal with the study of scriptures.

• Astradhari Sannyasis: Ascetics who deal with warfare.

Astradhari Sannyasis are known to have played a crucial role against Islamic invasion in mediaeval North India.

My question is do any scriptures talk about Sannyasis who actively bear weapons and engage in warfare? Are there examples of renowned Astradhari Sannyasis in any scriptures?


texts: Why is Lord Hanuman portrayed as tearing-open his chest and showing Lord Rama is within it?

texts: I have seen many images like the following that portray Lord Hanuman tear-open his chest and reveal Lord Rama and Sita inside it. What is the story behind this?


texts: Importance of cow, calf & milk during housewarming ceremony

texts:
While doing housewarming ceremony, what's the significance of the below?

Bringing a cow and its calf inside the new home
Boiling milk and then let it spill over


texts: Raja/Hatha yogi or yoginis mukthi should be through brahmarandhra?

texts:
Is it mentioned anywhere in the scripture that Yogis and Yoginis who follow Hath/Raja yoga mukthi should be through brahmarandhra/sahasrara?
If there is no sign should we conclude that they will be reborn?

What are the obvious signs of mukthi?


texts: Origin of the practice of Piśṭa paśu in Vedic Yajnas?

texts: Piśṭa paśu is said to be the replacement of animals with images of animals made of corn-flour in Vedic rituals. My question is, in which scripture is this practice mentioned and what are the details associated with the practice. Also, is the practice an internal evolution within Hinduism or was it mainly due to Jain or Buddhist influence?


texts: Need corresponding Sanskrit verses for the following Skanda Purana verses

texts:
For the Skanda Purana 7.1.2.87-88, the English translation given in the website hinduscriptures.in say the following:

  In the Sattvika Kalpas, the greatness of Hari is supreme. They know that the greatness of Brahma reigns supreme in the Rajasa
  Kalpas.
  Similarly, the greatness of Siva is to be found in the Tamasa Kalpas. In a Purana of a mixed nature, the greatness of
  Saraswati and Pitrs is narrated.

I am asking because 87th verse says "In the Sattvika Kalpas and In the Rajasa Kalpas" But in the 88th verse, even though in the beginning it says "In the Tamasa Kalpas" but thereafter it says "In a Purana of a mixed nature"(I mean it doesn't say in the Kalpa of a mixed nature).

Why at last it is written that "In a Purana of mixed nature" instead of "In a Kalpa of mixed nature"? Is it a translation error?


texts: What place does a thing like prostitution occupy in the Hindu context?

texts:
As to why I was curious upon a question like this : given that ancient Hinduism has given world the popular literature work of kama sutra, so surely there must be some reference as to a thing like this in our religion, moreover this occupation/practice is as old as any other ancient puja or culture, so surely there must be a piece of script regarding this topic.

what I exactly seek to know : Are there any specific piece of literature discussing about this very topic ? Was this taboo practice considered a sin and why so ? Were there any instances where gods were directly involved in any such thing ?

N.B. : I don't wish to offend anyone.


texts:
In a Mahabharata text of Telugu language, a verse is saying that Siva sat in Siddhasana and playing a game of dice. It occurs in Adi Parva. But, when I read English translation, it is as follows

"Vyasa continued, 'The woman thereupon answered, 'O Sakra, thou mayest
know who I am and why, unfortunate that I am, I weep, if only, O chief
of the celestials, thou comest with me as I lead the way. Thou shall
then see what it is I weep for." Hearing these words of the lady,
Indra followed her as she led the way. And soon he saw, not far off
from where he was, a handsome youth with a young lady seated on a
throne placed on one of the peaks of Himavat and playing at dice.
Beholding that youth, the thief of the celestials said, 'Know,
intelligent youth, that this universe is under my sway.' Seeing,
however, that the person addressed was so engrossed in dice that he
took no notice of what he said, Indra was possessed by anger and
repeated, 'I am the lord of the universe.
[Section 199, Vaivahika Parva, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata]

This was told by Vyasa in conversation with Drupada about previous lives of Draupadi and Pandavas.
The English translations does not contain about Siddhasana. So, it may be up to the interpretation.
But, is there any mention about Siddhasana in Mahabharata?


texts: Did deva Ganesha ever manifest himself in front of any devotee?

texts:
I have traveled across to many states in India, but I have never heard of a place where a pandit or purohit or local villagers would say, "here is the place where lord Ganesha" manifested in front of so and so.
I have heard and personally seen so many places where locals would say, Shiva, Jagadamba, Narayana, deva Krishna, and deva Hanuman appeared here to give boon to their devotee(s).
So, has deva Ganesha ever manifested in front of devotees of Dwapara and Kaliyuga?
P.S. manifestation means to appear in as-is form.


texts: Who wrote or composed (put together) the Puranas?

texts: I want to know who has written our Puranas? Where in our scriptures, is it mentioned about the author? Are the Puranas created and composed ('put together out of existing material') by the same person(s)?


texts:
There are many beliefs regarding the people who born on Amavasya.
Do scriptures comment about people who born on Amavasya? If yes, what are those comments?


texts: If Human birth is so Auspicious and Rare, why does God let some people be born as - Lunatic, Autistic, Schizophrenic et cetera?

texts:
मानुष्यं च समासाद्य स्वर्गमोक्षप्रसाधनम्।
  नाचरत्यात्मनः श्रेयः स मृतः शोचते चिरम्॥३०॥

  The human body is the means for achieving of the heaven and moksa and even after achieving the same, he does not do good to himself. After death he keeps on thinking for a long time.

  देवासुराणां सर्वेषां मानुष्यं चातिदुर्लभम्।
  तत्सम्प्राप्य तथा कुर्यान्न गच्छेन्नरकं यथा॥३१॥

  It is difficult for even the gods and the demons to achieve the human body. Therefore after achieving the human body, one should act in a way that he has not to face the agonies of the hell.

  The above verses are from TheDestroyer's answer.

And we all along find several verses through Hinduism saying this- Human Birth is extremely rare and auspicious. We must not waste it and effect our Moksha practicing Yoga (Karma, Gyaana, Bhakti, Kriya, Raaja Yog: means of attaining Brahma).

Now, God knows this very well. Then how can it (from 'it' I mean genderless Brahma) make some people Lunatic, Autistic, Schizophrenic et cetera.
There is no method of their Moksha(the highest duty of their Human Birth), until unless God itself comes to give them moksha, or Some Real Guru comes and enlightens them.

Then, Why God produces them like that, where it is certain they are never going to achieve no goals?

If it be argued- 'God gave those human being punishment of previous Karma' , then also God could have given them inferior births such as- fishes, birds, animals, et cetera. Why does God give them Human Birth?

Why does God need to deliberately make them Human Beings, and then deliberately defy this law- 'Human Birth is rare and meant to attain moksha.' .

Why does God need to create this 'divine holy body'(meant for Moksha) just to see it 'wasting'(as a lunatic person can never use his Human form for Moksha)?


texts: Which is the oldest commentary on any of the scriptures?

texts: Which is the oldest commentary on any of the scriptures mainly upanishads, any gita or any puranas or brahma sutras? When did the tradition of commenting texts start? Who is the commentator? It can be either available now or just referenced in some commentary available today.


texts: What/Who is guru? Can it be a concept/idea/teachings or necessarily be a physical person?

texts:
As the guru is made up with two syllables gu & ru. Gu means darkness & ru means dispeller. Thus the term Guru means one who dispels our darkness.

As it is said,

  शिवे क्रुद्धे गुरुस्त्राता गुरौ क्रुद्धे शिवो न हि।
  तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन श्रीगुरुं शरणं व्रजेत्॥४४॥ Translation: When Śiva is angry, the Guru is the Protector, but when the Guru is angry, Śiva is not the Protector, undoubtedly. For that reason, with all one’s own effort one should take refuge in the venerable Guru.
  Commentary:This famous stanza where He says that when Śiva is angry with you, Guru can protect you, but when Guru is angry with you, not even Śiva can protect you. Common human minds think that Guru is a guy maybe… or a higher entity (like a light or something). And Śiva is another light (or something like this). They think like this. No, it’s not like this. The meaning is like this.
  In this case (in the context of Gurugītā)… It’s vedic context with some touch of Śaivism… In this context, Śiva is your Self – your Self, your inner Self, your nature. And Guru is Śiva teaching (Śiva revealing nature). So if Śiva is angry with you –if Śiva doesn’t want to reveal that you are Him–, you are alone; Śiva doesn’t want to reveal that you are Him. You are Him! But He doesn’t want to… Guru can protect you. Guru can force Śiva to be revealed, yes? It’s very strange concept. Because it’s vedic. It’s Gurugītā. It’s the way they speak about Guru and Śiva. So Guru is Śiva teaching. So this aspect of Śiva can force the aspect like the Self to appear and to reveal that you are Him!

Now after this commentary, I want to ask -

Does guru necessarily be physically present? Or Guru is anything which dispels our darkness?


texts:
Drona is great Brahmin acharya (professor) for Pandavas, Kauravas and many other Kshatriyas of that time. He has revenge on Drupada due to insult made by Drupada and hence Dronacharya took revenge on Drupadha.

Chanakya is a famous Brahmin mentor for Chandragupta. He has revenge on Dhana nanda due to insult made by Dhana nanda and hence chanakya took revenge on Dhana nanda.

There are many such famous 'take revenge's' in mythology and in Indian history.

I have doubt regarding this take revenge stories. Is taking revenge for some insult a sin or not?

What if some one excuses other in-spite of getting insult? Is it dharma to take revenge for getting insult?


texts: Nature of vidya of dice possessed by Shakuni

texts:
Shakuni wins over the game of dice against Pandavas.
Shakuni declares that no one can defeat him in the game of dice.
Does any statement of Vyasa Mahabharata or any other scripture declare that  Vidya possessed by Shakuni is of bad-natured or by evil means or obtained in the wrong ways?


texts:
What is "performing penance" in Chapter 3 of the Taittiriya Upanishad, and what methods are involved?
Performing penance is said to be the means of knowing Brahman, via the 5 koshas (sheaths).


texts: Why were the Mandehas cursed to try to eat the Sun every day?

texts:
Sandhyavandhanam is a ritual that all Brahmanas (in fact all Dvijas) are required to perform three times a day.  This chapter of the Vishnu Purana describes one reason why Sandhyavandhanam is done, namely to destroy demons called Mandehas who try to eat the Sun:

  The night is called Ushá, and the day is denominated Vyusht́a, and the interval between them is called Sandhya. On the occurrence of the awful Sandhya, the terrific fiends termed Mandehas attempt to devour the sun; for Brahmá denounced this curse upon them, that, without the power to perish, they should die every day (and revive by night), and therefore a fierce contest occurs daily between them and the sun. At this season pious Brahmans scatter water, purified by the mystical Omkára, and consecrated by the Gáyatri; and by this water, as by a thunderbolt, the foul fiends are consumed. When the first oblation is offered with solemn invocations in the morning rite, the thousand-rayed deity shines forth with unclouded splendour. Omkára is Vishńu the mighty, the substance of the three Vedas, the lord of speech; and by its enunciation those Rákshasas are destroyed. The sun is a principal part of Vishńu, and light is his immutable essence, the active manifestation of which is excited by the mystic syllable Om. Light effused by the utterance of Omkára becomes radiant, and burns up entirely the Rákshasas called Mandehas. The performance of the Sandhya (the morning) sacrifice must never therefore be delayed, for he who neglects it is guilty of the murder of the sun.

My question is, why did Brahma curse the Mandehas to die and come back to life every day and night? What did they do to incur this curse?

By the way, another chapter of the Vishnu Purana uses Mandeha as a term for certain low-caste inhabitants of Kushadvipa, but I think that's unrelated.


texts: Is sexual activity by *devadasi* sanctioned in Hinduism?

texts:
In a YouTube comments discussion between an American Christian and myself, he keeps bringing up the immorality of devadasi being forced into sex work. I know that such activity is illegal in India. I also know of no scriptures which call for or promote this practice. So, my response in our discussion is that these are outliers and not representative of Hinduism, just as there are extremist Christians and Muslims who do not represent the mainstream.

However, for my own clarity I want to verify that this is not only uncommon, but either not sanctioned or forbidden in Hinduism.


texts: Does gender change during reincarnation in Hinduism?

texts: Can a man be born as woman or vice versa in their next birth?


texts: I have seen few friends of mine wearing anklets with symbol Om on them these days! Heard somewhere that an Om pendant can't be worn with an anklet. Is that true? If yes, why?


texts: Who is nighasa? Was he a worshiper of lord shiva?

texts:
Who is nighasa i listened he swalowed lord vishnu and he got this boon from lord bramha? Is he mentioned in any scripture?

And was he a worshiper of lord shiva?


texts: From somewhere I came to know 'Hindu' is a geographical word, it is not a religious one. Original word is 'Sanatana'. Is it true?


texts: Moola Nakshatra and Aslesha Nakshatra Myths

texts:
One who believes in horoscopes and especially during the time of match making, they strictly look into these factors before proceeding towards gana count and manglik.

It is said that Moola Nakshatra bride is not suppose to marry a groom who have Father and Aslesha Nakshatra bride is not suppose to marry if groom has Mother in South India.

Why, whats the reason? They say if they oppose and marry, then they will die and hence nobody takes chance. Is there any Significance behind this or its just a myth?


texts: As titles of some Acharyas, the word 'Desika' or 'Desikan' are used.What is the meaning of this word according to the scriptures?


texts:
Are fire cracks really a part of diwali celebration? We're crakers always used in ancient times or they are just something that we cameup in recent times?
And is there any scriptural reference to this practice?


texts: Is Naradha Muni a Mischief Maker as Depicted in popular culture

texts:
Few South Indian movies portray Naradha muni as mischief maker involving in creation of quarrels between Wives of Trimurti (Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma & Lord MahaVishnu). He also involves in creating fights between Deva's and the Asura's.

Vaishnavas describe him as an elevated soul devoted to Narayana bhakthi.

Are there any credible sources to portray him as a trouble maker?


texts: Do new God's emerge from Parabrahman at the end of each Mahapralaya?

texts:
Please clarify the following:

If other Mahapralayas have occurred before, have the same God's always emerged from Parabrahman (such as Shiva, Shakthi, Vishnu etc) or do different God's emerge at the beginning at each Shristi(creation)? For eg. How do we know Lord Ram will appear in the next Creation and has appeared in previous ones?

Does Parabrahman create different God's each time a new creation begins?

Do our scriptures specify on the creation of God's after the Great Dissolution?


texts: When does the soul enter the body at birth?

texts:
I know this is kind of an atheistic and weird question. But people have asked me this in discussions and I was never able to answer it. And it seems a plausible argument against the theory that there is such a thing as soul.
I believe that there is a soul - jivatma - because I have experienced it.

But when does it enter at birth?
Is it in the masculine part (semen) or in the feminine part (egg cell)?
Or is it in neither and enters exactly at the time of insemination?

Is this process described anywhere in our scriptures?


texts: Which incarnations of Vishnu has different skin colors?

texts:
Here is the verse of Bhagavata purana where Garga explains the colors of body of Vishnu in different incarnations.

  Your son Kṛṣṇa appears as an incarnation in every millennium. In the past, He assumed three different colors — white, red and yellow — and now He has appeared in a blackish color. SB.10.8.13

I understand that in Krishna-avatar He was blackish but I don't know which other avatars He was white, red and yellow.


texts: Are Panchabhutas mentioned in the Vedas?

texts:
Fire, wind, water,sky, earth are Panchabhutas.
So are they mentioned and explained in the Vedas?


texts: Lighting of earthen lamps in evenings in Karthika month and in mornings in Margasisha month

texts: This month being Karthika 2 earthen lamps will be lit and kept in the Pirai Maadam [in old types houses there will be a construction like this for keeping lit earthern lamps] during sunset. Nowadays the lamps are kept in the entrance of the front door. Similarly in Margasisha month 2 earthen lamps will be lit and kept in the pirai Maadam  by 5 AM.  Any significance for this thru puranas or scriptures.


texts:
Many people tell us that Shiva's semen flows everywhere. How is it possible?
Do Shiva has semen?
Is it Shiva's power or his  semen
Do shiva has a human body(physical).


texts:
There is already a question on this topic Rama Rajya, but the content of this question is different.  And, hence, it is not a duplicate.

Sri Mahatma Gandhi said about Rama Rajya (Rule of Sri Rama) as follows:

  Whether Rama of my imagination ever lived or not on this earth, the
  ancient ideal of Ramarajya is undoubtedly one of true democracy in
  which the meanest citizen could be sure of swift justice without an
  elaborate and costly procedure. Even the dog is described by the poet
  to have received justice under Ramarajya.

Now, the following is the description, from Bala Kanda, about status of people in the rule of King Dasaratha.

I am providing only 4 slokas for understanding of the reader as to how the rule of King Dasaratha was like.  Remaining slokas can be read at the link provided above.

  तस्मिन्पुरवरे हृष्टा धर्मात्मानो बहुश्रुताः | नरास्तुष्टा धनैः स्वैः
  स्वैरलुब्धाः सत्यवादिनः ||१-६-६

  In that best city Ayodhya all are exuberant yet virtuous ones, and
  scholars are variously learned ones, people are satisfied with their
  own riches, they have no greed, and they advocate truthfulness alone.

  नाल्पसंनिचयः कश्चिदासीत्तस्मिन्पुरोत्तमे | कुटुंबी यो
  ह्यसिद्धार्थोऽगवाश्वधनधान्यवान् || १-६-७

  None with meagre accumulations is there in that great city and no
  householder is there without unearned means, and without cows, horses,
  monies or cereals and who could not sustain his family.

  कामी वा न कदर्यो वा नृशंसः पुरुषः क्वचित् | द्रष्टुं शक्यमयोध्यायां
  नाविद्वान्न च नास्तिकः || १-६-८

  None can see a lustful person, or a miser or a cruel one anywhere in
  that Ayodhya, along with nondescripts or non-believers, for there are
  no such persons.

  सर्वे नराश्च नार्यश्च धर्मशीलाः सुसंयताः | उदिताः शीलवृत्ताभ्यां
  महर्षय इवामलाः || १-६-९

  All the ladies and gentlemen in that city are virtuous in mind,
  self-controlled ones, they are all self-satisfied like great saints,
  and both in their conduct and character they are blameless.

My question is when the rule of King Dasaratha is like an idealistic society, what is the speciality of Rama Rajya?


texts: Can a human of degraded character become demon or rakshasa? Or can a demon become human through his good character? Justify with refrence of scriptures.


texts: Can somebody be a Vaishnava and believe in Hari-Hara-abheda?

texts: The most commonly accepted definition of Vaishnavas is people who believe Lord Vishnu to be supreme. But can a person call himself a Vaishnava while believing in Hari-Hara-abheda? What do different Vaishnava Sampradayas say regarding this?


texts: Where is lord Shiva mentioned as guru (teacher) of saptarshis?

texts:
Where lord Shiva is mentioned as guru (teacher) of saptarshis, Sanatakumara and universal teacher?

I was wondering this question but please mention smritis along with shrutis.


texts: Is the influence of current materialistic nature a feature of this Kaliyuga?

texts: Is the influence of current materialistic life with technology a feature of this Kaliyuga? Did this happen before i.e., during previous Kaliyugas? Did Indian kings alone rule the world in previous Kaliyugas?


texts: Why did Rudra fight against the devatas in the Tārakāmaya war?

texts:
One of the famous wars between the Devatas and Dānavas is the Tārakāmaya war.  This war took place when the Soma, the moon god abducted Tāra, the wife of Bṛhaspati. devatas took the side of Bṛhaspati whereas dānavas fought for Soma due to their enmity towards devatas. It is mentioned in various purāṇas. Similarly it is mentioned in Brahma Purāṇa also.

What interesting is that Rudra fought against devatas in the war. Following is an excerpt of the chapter from Brahma Purana in which the birth of Soma is described.

  स याच्यमानो देवैश्च तथा देवर्षिभिर्मुहुः |
    नैव व्यसर्जयत्तारां तस्माऐ त्र्प्रम्गिरसे तदा ||

  Although repeatedly requested by Devas and celestial sages, he(soma) did not handover Tārā to Angiras.

  उशना तस्य जग्राह पार्ष्णिमन्गिरसस्तदा |
    रुद्रश्च पार्ष्णि जग्राह गृहीत्वाजगवं धनुः || 9.21

  तेन ब्रह्मशिरो नाम परमास्त्रं महात्मना |
    उद्दिश्य देवानुत्स्रुष्टं येनैषं नाशितं यशः  || 9.22

  Ushanas attacked Angiras from the rear. Taking his bow Ajagava, Rudra did the same. A miraculous missile named Brahmishiras was launched by that noble deity Rudra against Devas. Thereby their fame was destroyed.

Why did Rudra fight against the devas, sages and support moon god?
Is the reason mentioned in any other purāṇa besides Brahma Purāṇa?


texts:
Famous religious orator Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj has spoken that if we keep domestic animals like DOGS, CAT AND PIGS in our house we will go to Narak.

And whatever religious things we do will become useless

So according to PURANAS is this true ??


texts:
I have heard of different (tantric?) sadhnas like Vetal Sadhna,Pisach Sadhna,Bhuvaneshwari Sadhna,Hamjaad Sadhna etc..where the beings invoked through the said Sadhna will perform certain tasks/fulfill certain desires of the sadhak/provide him/her with wealth/act as an advisor and a helper to the Sadhak.
I have also heard a story of an aspiring  sadhak who wanted to learn and perform the Karnapishachini Sadhna(in hope of wealth),and hence approached the guru Narayan Dutt Srimaliji.Srimaliji promptly refused to teach a vammargi sadhna,but upon the to be sadhak’s insistence,Srimaliji eventually taught him the Sadhna.
The sadhak recounts that because of him practising such a Sadhna,he had lost his Brahmin status,and the right to chant the Gayatri mantra or to involve in the worship of any deity.
There is also an account of how he killed the Pishachini using a Vetaal’s help.
Please elucidate,and share your views (with scriptural evidence,if possible),on the paragraphs above and also explain why the guru refused to teach it initially;thank you.
Here is the video that describes how he got the Sadhna: https://youtu.be/CTYTNf3zP4I
Here is the playlist of the channel that describes him killing the Pishachini: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh_uTl4W6Tr5xzaCAHS-uovqF_JLlrSpk


texts: Why are festivals not celebrated for one year after a person's death?

texts: Why are festivals not celebrated after the death of a family member for a full year? What is the reason?


texts: What are the mantras using which Kak Bhushundi survived the Pralaya?

texts:
The Yog Vasishtha narrates the fascinating story of an immortal crow named Bhushunda who is met by Brahmarishi Vasisth. In the course of their conversation the rishi asks him how he has managed to stay unaffected by the various pralays and stuff:

  Chapter 21 Verse 14 Vasishta replied, “But tell me, O sagely bird who has borne the blasts of dissolution, how could
  you remain unhurt and unimpaired when many suns, moons and stars have fallen and faded away?”

  15 Bhushunda said:— The order of the world and the laws of nature are broken and dissolved at the end of a kalpa period.
  Then I am compelled to forsake our nest as an ungrateful man alienates his best friend.

  16 Then I
  remain in the air freed from my fancies, the members of the body become defunct of their natural
  functions, and the mind is released from its acts of willing.

  17 When the zodiacal suns shine in their
  full vigor and melt down the mountains by their intense heat, I remain with my understanding under the
  influence of the power of the Varuna mantra.

  18 When the doomsday flood winds blow with full force,
  shattering and scattering huge mountains everywhere, then by remembering the Parvati mantra I remain as fixed as a rock.

  19 When the earth with its mountains is dissolved in water and presents the
  face of a universal ocean over its surface, then by virtue of the flying power of the Vayu mantra I keep
  myself aloft in the air.

  20 Then I convey myself across this visible world and rest in the holy state of the spotless spirit. I
  remain in a state of profound sleep without any agitation of body or mind.

  21 I remain in this mentally
  tranquil state until the lotus-born Brahma is again employed in his work of creation. Then I reenter
  into the limits of the re-created world, where I again settle on this tree of desire.

I want to know which are these mantras mentioned by the immortal bird?


texts: How should contrition (repentance for sins) be performed?

texts:
If I worship or chant a mantra, is it considered contrition i.e., repentance for my sins or is contrition done differently?

What do scriptures say about contrition? The right way to do it?

I heard that in Shiva Purana, Narada abuses Lord Vishnu, so Vishnu tells him that incantation of Shiva's mantra can give him contrition (i.e., Shiva can pardon him for his sins).

So if we perform incantation in mind or chant a mantra out loud, is it considered contrition the right way? If not, as per Hinduism, how should contrition be performed?

Fasting on an ekādaśī is different, here, I am only talking about incantation (chanting a mantra).


texts: Where do the Vedas discuss Yagnas only bearing fruit in the afterlife?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.) But the Vedanta school didn't always have the dominant position in Hindu philosophy; before the time of Adi Shankaracharya the dominant school of Hindu philosophy was the Purva Mimamsa school, which I discuss here. In contrast to the Vedanta school which is devoted to analyzing the Jnana Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Upanishads, Purva Mimamsa focuses on analyzing the Karma Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Samhitas and Brahmanas.

Now the Purva Mimamsa school was agnostic on whether there was an actual world called Swarga which souls can go to when they die.  But they did believe that when the Vedas say that performing a certain Yagna leads to Swarga, that's a promise of happiness for the soul in the afterlife, whether that happiness involves going to an actual world or not.  But in this excerpt from Shabara's commentary on the Purva Mimamsa Sutras, the defining text of the Purva Mimamsa school, Shabara discusses the question of whether Yagnas that promise a result other than Swarga, like obtaining a son or acquiring cattle, also bear fruit in the afterlife, or whether they can bear fruit in this life itself.   A hypothetical opponent argues that all Yagnas only bear fruit in the afterlife, not in this life:

  [W]hen we are told that a certain sacrifice brings cattle to the performer, it should be understood to mean that as a result of the performance of that sacrifice, the performer obtains (in his next life) such a special kind of Body and Sense-organs and the rest as enables him to acquire cattle.  That this is so is clearly indicated in the following passage - "Kaikaya, being desirous of performing a sacrifice, said to Dalbhya: - 'Please help me perform this sacrifice, which is calculated to bring me a kingdom.':- Dalbhya replied:- 'Do not, my boy, think that the sacrifice brings kingdom in this life.  In fact, sacrifices are performed for results to come in one's next life.'" Here it is clearly shown that the results of sacrifices appear in another life.

Shabara responds to this by arguing that Dalbhya is merely telling Kaikeya that the specific Yagna he'll perform for Kaikeya will yield results in the afterlife rather than in this life, not that it's impossible to perform a Yagna that will yield results in this life.  For the record, Shabara's interpretation of the passage seems a bit tenuous to me.

But my question is, where is the scriptural passage about Kaikaya and Dalbhya from?  Based on the subject matter I assume it's from one of the Brahmanas of the Vedas, although it could be from the Aranyakas or Upanishads.

Google searching the names Kaikaya and Dabhya doesn't seem to turn up anything other than references to Shabara's commentary, so perhaps this is from a lost Shakha of the Vedas.  (See my answer here for more information on Vedic Shakhas.)


texts: How is the existence of Krishna's 8 Chief Wives reconciled with the idea of Vishnu/Lakshmi?

texts:
Krishna's 16100 junior wives come with an explanation of rescue from a life of indignity.

Rukmini and Radha are both supposed to be avatars of Lakshmi.

But then, how is Krishna's marriage to his other 7 chief wives reconciled with the idea of the LakshmiNarayana duality / trimurti-tridevi combination?

Both Shiva-Parvati and Brahma-Saraswati pairs seem to be exclusive, and the idea of exclusivity is considered highly ideal in the story of Sita-Ram, and even Radha-Krishna to some extent.

So what is the reason/origin of this seeming discrepancy when it comes to legends associated with Krishna, and do any texts attempt to explain it?


texts: Is Thenkalai Iyengar sect really Brahmin? Why do they claim as Sri Vaishnava Brahmins?


texts: When exactly were the puranas were written?

texts: Many western scholars agree that Puranas were written during 2nd century and so on.but some scholars give date before 200 BC. Like some scholars agree Vishnu Purana to be written in 3rd century, while some scholars give the date before 300 BC? So when exactly they were written?


texts: I want to know the procedure of re-energizing the gemstones. We wear them for long time so should we re-energize them from time to time? If so then how should we do that?


texts: Meaning of Bhartrihari verse on Brahma and a swan's ability to separate milk from the water

texts:
Verse 18 from Bhartihari's Nītiśataka says:

  ambhojinī-vana-vihāra-vilāsam eva
  haṃsasya hanti nitarāṃ kupito
  vidhātā |
  na tv asya dugdha-jala-bheda-vidhau prasiddhāṃ
  vaidagdha-kīrtim apahartum asau samarthaḥ ||

Which I translate as:

  Extremely (nitarāṃ) angry (kupita) Brahma (vidhātṛ) destroys (hanti) only (eva) the game (vilāsa) of a swan (haṃsa) [that is a] play (vihāra) in a bed (vana) of lotus flowers (ambhojinī). But cannot (na tu samartha) he (asau) take away (apahartum) a glory (kīrti) of his (asya) wildly known (prasiddha) dexterity (vaidagdha) in ability (vidhi) to separate (bheda) milk (dugdha) from the water (jala).

My assumptions here:

Swan is a metaphor for paṇḍit (scholar).
Bhrahma is a metaphor for
kings who can in some ways put scholars into trouble, but unable to
take away their wisdom

The questions are:

In Hinduism, what is the relationship between Brahma and swan that could result in such a behavior (Brahma destroys his game)?
If swan stands for scholars, then what this "game" means from the scholar point of view?
What lotus flower stands for and why the swan plays exactly there?


texts: How can one fulfill wishes through rituals?

texts: Are there rituals (including vrat, tapa, japa, anusthan, purasharan,etc) through which one can fulfill one's wishes and overcome obstacles?


texts:
In my ancestory, no one celebrates Diwali. The reason for this is given that a long time ago a female member died on the day of Diwali. In the Garud Purana, there is description about period of Sutak for different castes, and also it is written that festivals/occassions should be avoided till one year after death of a male member and till one month in case of female member. I didn't believed this rule of never celebrating a festival again if someone dies on that day. It's easy to prove something written in texts, but we can't disprove something that's not mentioned. I found that something related to this is written in the Atri Smriti:

  There is no sin, if any intervening impurity, consequent on a birth or
  death, takes place, in the celebration of a marriage, festivity, or a
  sacrifice, determined upon before. So Atri has said.

  Atri Smriti

This partly disproves the notion I described above but not completely. Are there any other statements like these in other smritis also?


texts: Did sage Narada call sage Durvasa a Donkey?

texts:
Many sites claim that sage Durvasa was called a donkey by Sage Narada  as his Knowledge was only book based.

MY QUESTION :

Is it true that Sage Durvasa was called Donkey by sage Narada?


texts: According to Advaita philosophy , what is the meaning of word Dharma?

texts:
What is the meaning of word Dharma as used by Sri Krishna in Bhagwat Gita sloka
"yada yada hi dharmasya
glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya
tadatmanam srjamy aham"?

If there are multiple meanings depending upon dvaita or advaita understanding then I will like to know the definition of word Dharma from Advaita point of view.

Do animals also have a dharma ?

Is there anything which is beyond Dharma?


texts: Where can we get unabridged version of puranas, uppuranas in Sanskrit - Hindi Translation with some commentary in PDF format?


texts: How could Lord Krishna kill Bhishma even if he wanted to?

texts:
There is an incident in Mahabharata when Bhishma was destroying the Pandava army furiously and Arjuna was still not fighting with high spirits. At that time, Krishna became furious with Arjuna and he used a wheel of a chariot as his chakra and spoke angrily to Arjuna that if he isn't willing to kill Bhishma, he will have to do the job himself. This is what I have seen/read in TV serials/comic books based on the Mahabharata.

The question is, even if Krishna wanted to kill Bhishma, he couldn't have, because of the ichcha-mrityu (death at will) boon of Bhishma, so why would Krishna even attempt to do such a thing?


texts: Death formalities done under wrong Gotra

texts: I want to know what happens if all the death related formalities ie, Puja, Antim Sanskar, Pind daan, Asthi Visarjan, etc are done unknowingly using wrong gotra. Are there any remedies mentioned in any Hindu texts regarding the same if later the correct gotra is known.


texts: Why doesn't the position of the Lunar Node (Rahu and Ketu) overlap with that of Sun during a complete solar eclipse?

texts:
This year's total solar eclipse took place on 3rd Jul 2019 at 00:52:57 Hydrabad time.

The position of Sun, Moon, and Rahu, are as follows :

Sun : 76:30:20
Moon : 76:34:13
Rahu : 83:29:11

My understanding is that solar eclipses occur when no Moon takes place on the points of lunar nodes. Here, in this case, the Sun and Moon perfectly overlap each other, but Rahu is off by a few degrees.

Why is that? Should not all three (Sun, Moon, Rahu/Ketu) be on the same degree for total eclipse to take place? Or is there some mistake in my understanding?

The same observation holds true in the upcoming solar eclipse of 26 Dec 2019.