texts: What is the meaning of Atharva Veda 6.77.1, 6.44.1, 13.1.6, 6.88.1?

texts:
I provide some translation by Griffith here:

Atharva Veda 6.77.1 Firm stands the heaven, firm stands the earth, firm stands this universal world

Atharva Veda 6.44.1 Firm stood the heaven, firm stood the earth, firm stood this universal world. Firm stood the trees that sleep erect: let this thy malady be still.

Atharva Veda 13.1.6 …Rohita with his might hath established Earth and Heaven.

Atharva Veda 6.88.1 Firm is the sky, firm is the earth, and firm is all this living world;
  Firm are these mountains on their base, and stedfast is this King
   of men.


texts: Who were the custodians of scripture in different eras?

texts: In the Vedic period they were called Rishis, then we hear about Sutas.  Was the occupation of scribe known in Hinduism?


texts: Hindu scriptures say Sun moves in a Chariot pulled by horses. What does this mean?

texts:
Rig Veda 1.50.8, 1.50.1 O, Bright sun, a chariot named harit with seven horses takes you to sky. Bhagavata Purana also says the same.
But Sun cannot physically travel in Chariot.


texts: What is the nimbArka view of the bhAgavata purANa?

texts:
The bhAgavata purANa is famous in the gauDIya and vallabhA traditions because of how it glorifies kRRiShNa in verses such as 1.3.28. Several other purANas also say that it is the foremost. The nimbArka tradition also worships kRRiShNa as supreme, so one might expect it to also use this purANa. As discussed in this question, rAmAnujAchArya probably never quoted from this purANa, and I have found that nimbArka and his disciple SrInivAsa never quoted from it either in their main work. I have searched for purANa quotations in their vedAntapArijAtasaurabha and vedAntakaustubha
and found only quotations from the viShNu purANa , along with one from the padma purANa. See here.
This answer also discusses the views of different traditions on the bhAgavata purANa, but does not include nimbArka. I would like information on their view of this purANa. Page 250 of this book says of the nimbArka followers that "Their chief authority is the bhAgavatam". I remember reading another book that said nimbArka may have rejected the bhAgavata purANa for some reason, but I can't find the quote now. The siddhAnta pradIpikA is a nimbArka commentary on the bhAgavata purANa.
Why did nimbArka and SrInivAsa not quote from the bhAgavata purANa when both seem to affirm the supremacy of kRRiShNa? Did they consider viShNu purANa to be the foremost instead, like yAmunAchArya did?


texts: Ancient reference to Shankaracharya by name

texts: Has any ancient non-advaitic acharya/author referred to Shankaracharya by name in his work? For example I understand that Bhaskara in his Brahmasutra bhashya does not refer to Shankara by name.


texts:
The Verse 6.20.2 of Rigved says that Indra 'leagued' with Vishnu to destroy Vritra:

  2 Even as the power of Dyaus, to thee, O Indra, all Asura sway was by the Gods entrusted,
  When thou, Impetuous! leagued with Viṣṇu, slewest Vṛtra the Dragon who enclosed the waters.

  3 Indra, Strong, Victor, Mightier than the mighty, addressed with prayer and perfect in his splendour,
  Lord of the bolt that breaketh forts in pieces, became the King of the sweet juice of Soma.

How did Vishnu help Indra in killing Vritra?


texts: Which language Kauravas and Pandavas were speaking?

texts: What were the spoken languages during the time of Mahabharata?


texts: Chance of Ravana to win the war against Ram

texts:
If Vibhishan is not in the Rama's side . What is a chance of Ravan to defeat Ram in the war. As we can see that Vibhishan has pretty good impact in the war. like;

1) He told Ram about real Makarakhsha's(Son of Khar) identity among all clones or fake Makarakhsha.

2) When Laxman(Ram's Brother) had severe injury cause by the dagger of Indrajeet(Son of Ravana) He gave the idea to consult Raj-Vaidhya(Royal Physician) of Lanka (I think his name is Shushurna) which gave the idea of Mrit-Sanjeevani (Some kind of shrub which has property to give life to person who is dead or about to die) which eventually save Laxman.

3) He told Ram about Indrajeet worshipping Nikumbla to get Chariot and If he ride that Chariot, He will be Invincible and hence Laxman with the help of vanaras failed Yagna in between.

4) He told Ram that Ravan has amrit in his belly that is why he cant be kill until you dry amrit from his belly.

This is very important information provided by Vibhishan to Ram. Is Vibishan is actually a cause for defeat of Ravana ?

Note : All information is gathered from Ramanand Sagar's Television Series Ramayan


texts: What is the scriptural source of Yugala Maha Mantra used by Nimbarka Vaishnava?

texts:
Yugala Maha Mantra is a mantra used by Nimbarka Vaishnava. The mantra is as follows.

Radhe Krishna Radhe Krishna Krishna Krishna Radhe Radhe Radhe Shyama
Radhe Shyama Shyama Shyam Radhe Radhe

It is similar to Maha Mantra used by Gaudiya/Chaitanya Vaishnavas. Just replacing 'Radhe' with 'Hare' and 'Shyama' with 'Rama'. Gaudiya claim this mantra to be from Kali Santana Upanishad though with a different order.
So my question is what is the source of Yugala mantra?


texts: Do Advaitins believe in two types of Purushas?

texts:
There are two things that i would like to discuss here, that are related and so there's no need to open two separate topics.

(1)

In the Gita, under ch.15 v16, Swami Chidbhavananda has mentioned the following in his commentary -

  The jivatman being an upadhi or limiting adjunct to Ishwara, the upadhi is also called the Purusha.

Jivatman can surely be considered as an upadhi, but if you ask me, jivatman should be an upadhi to Nirakara Brahman and not to the saguna Ishwara.

I mean, its nirakara brahman who manifests as the gross mind/body (upadhis) and then starts recognizing ITSELF as the mind/body (upadhis), and ends up being called as the jivatma aka jiva.

But saguna or Ishwara never thinks of himself as the upadhis. Infact its beyond maya and its products like mind/body, which are the upadhis.

..........

(2)

Then, the next point is, you can clearly see in the quoted text, that he calls this jivatma as the purusha.
But then later, in that same commentary, (not included in quotes, check the image attachment) he says that purusha is God.
To him there are two Purushas. One is the jiva/jivatma and the other is the cosmic being, the saguna god.

So do advaitins consider two different types of Purushas? Image Attachment


texts: Which characters in Mahabharata and Mahabharata war are fit in definition of 'Yoga'

texts:
Definition of Yoga as Defined by Bhagwan Shri Krishna in Bhagwad Gita Chapter 2 verse 48 is

  योगस्थ कृरु कर्माणि सङ्गंत्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय |
  सिद्ध्यासिध्यो समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते||२.४८||

  Yogasthakuru karmani sangam tyaktva dhananjaya|
  siddhya-asidhhyoh samo bhutvasamatvam yoga uchyate||2.48||

Meaning

  Abandoning attachment and established in Yoga, perform works, viewing success and failure
  with an even mind. Equipoise is said to be Yoga.

Commentary by Bhagwad Ramanujacharya :

  Abandoning the attachment to kingdom, relatives etc., establish yourself in Yoga, engage
  in war and other such activities. Perform these with equanimity as regards success and
  failure resulting from victory or defeat which are inherent in them. Yoga is defined in this
  verse as "equanimity with regard to success and failure.”

So formally Yoga is defined in this verse as  :

Samtvam yoga uchyate
or
"equanimity with regard to success and failure."

My question is about the Characters in Mahabharata and most known people who were present in Kurushketra war whose behaviour was such that they are fit to be known as yogi according to this definition.

For E.g. Yudhishthir was every time in yoga because irrespective of situation good or bad he was always following Dharma as in Dharma Shastras, without a second thought so he can be a yogi.

Bhishma on the other hand was trapped in his own karma (words to different people) and was not following dhrama even thought he knew it , it means he didn't have a sama buddhi to analyze the situation and thus he was not fit for the title of yogi. etc etc.

PS: If this question is too broad to answer let me know in the comments section I will edit the question and restrict the parameters of analysis (characters).


texts:
One of the vidwans of a Madwa mutt said in a discourse that homa/yajna kunda should be made properly and can not be of iron like it's done in cities today. He said fire in iron is like in hell and not yajna.
I want to know if any scriptural details on how yajna kunda should be, and also any views on iron kundas (is it prohibited/ill effects of it).


texts: Are there yajnas that can be done to increase the quality of life and happiness of all people?

texts: In Kaliyuga, there is a lot of adharma, so people are becoming more and more sad and because of adharma, we are causing many species of animals to become extinct. Is there any yajna that I can do for the well being of all living beings?


texts: What is the difference between Yantrik, Shastrokata(Vaidik\Puranik) and Tantrik ritual(vidhi)?

texts:
What is difference between Yantrik, Shastrokata(Vaidik\Puranik) and Tantrik vidhi?

What are advantages and disadvantages of each of them?

Does any scripture provides any illustration of them?


texts: What are the 32 auspicious traits of Narayana or Lord Vishnu?

texts:
Shree Narayana is the Vedic Supreme God according to Vedas, Itihasas, Bhagavata Purana and Other Puranas (including his different avatars ) in Hinduism. He is also known as Vishnu and Hari and is venerated as Purushottama. See More

While reading more about him , I came to know that Shree Narayana or Lord Vishnu is having 32 auspicious traits ( lakshan लक्षण) ie. similarly like  Physical characteristics.

Question -: What are these 32 auspicious traits. In which scripture these are described?


texts: Why certain impurities (related to birth/death) are considered to be as ever lasting in a Sannyasi's life?

texts:
The Maitreya Upanishad, which is regarded as one of the Sannyasa Upanishads, gives two interesting reasons as to why a Sannyasi can not perform Sandhya worship. Among which,one reason is related to impurities associated with birth/death.

  To meditate on the One is almsfood and on the many is proscribed
  food. For almsmen is prescribed almsfood that is in accord with the
  directions of the teacher and of the scriptures.

  "A sage should leave his native land right after he has renounced.
  He should live far away from his own, like a thief just released from
  jail.

  "Pride is his son and wealth his brother. Delusion is his house and
  lust his wife. A man is freed, there is no doubt, as soon as he
  abandons these.

  Delusion, our mother, has died. Enlightenment, our son, is born.
  With a double impurity at hand, how can we per- form the twilight
  worship?

  "The sun of consciousness always shines brightly in the sky of our
  hearts. It does not set and it does not rise. How can we perform the
  twilight worship?

  Maitreya Upanishad Chapter 3.

...............................

Now of course, these examples are symbolic, as the real mother has not died nor a son is actually born. Still, the two impurities are assumed (or stated)  to exist in a Sannyasi's life forever. And, that's why he can never perform Sandhya worship.

However, in normal circumstances, for all persons, these impurities (Asaucha) exist but only for few days (from 10 to 30 days depending on Varnas).

So, i am curious to know:

Question- Why certain birth/death related impurities are considered to be as ever lasting for Sannyasis when normally they exist only for a few days?

There must be some deeper significance behind saying all these and which i am failing to understand.


texts: Do the astika philosophies directly subscribe to the vedas?

texts: Among the six darshanas how many of them subscribe to vedas and directly mention about vedas or hold vedas as authority?


texts: Why Lord venkateshwara has a white spot on the chin?

texts:
Lord  venkateshwara is adorned with white camphor (that looks like a white spot) on his chin.

What is the story behind this application of camphor at his chin & what's the significance of this?


texts:
In Geetha there are many slokhas that clearly say that rebirth exists. Does it mean multiple rebirths?

But I listened to some speeches that say that there is no mention of multiple rebirths in the Vedas.

Is it true? Do Vedas tell anything about the existense of multiple rebirths?


texts: Is turiya the ultimate state of pure consciousness void of senses, dreams, that is to say, are all siddhis such as ability to become light/float, divine, inner, cosmic visions, insights, automatically attained as a byproduct/side effect when one attains the turiya state? Or do they require mantra sadhana or meditation after attaining the turiya state?


texts: Why do sinful people get punished by God if they are puppeted by the Lord?

texts:
Why do the evil-doers get continuously hurled into demoniac wombs by the Lord without ever attaining God, if they are puppeted by the Lord who resides in their hearts?
Key points:

It is God who punishes the evil-doers
The (unrepentant) evil-doers will never attain liberation
It is God who is the puppeteer of all living beings

From BG 16.19-20:

These cruel haters, the worst among men in the world, — I hurl all
these evil-doers for ever into the wombs of demons only. Entering into
demoniacal wombs and deluded birth after birth, not attaining Me, they
thus fall, O Arjuna, into a condition still lower than that!

From BG 18.61:

The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings, O Arjuna, causing all
beings, by His illusive power, to revolve as if mounted on a machine!


texts: Who are the parents of Indra and Brahma mentioned by Basava?

texts:
The term "Shaivite" is overused nowadays. For instance, Iyer Brahmins are often called Shaivites, but they're actually followers of Adi Shankaracharya's Smartha sect (which I discuss here and here) and simply adopt Shiva as their Ishta Devata. True philosophical Shaivism is relatively rare nowadays (in contrast to Vaishnavism which is pretty common). Now one genuine Shaivite sect is the Lingayat sect, which I discuss here.  It was founded by the 12th century philosopher Basava.

Now in one of his Vachanas or poems, Basava says this in an attempt to prove that Shiva is supreme:

  Indra was born to Amritavati and Somasambhu
  Brahma was bom to Satyarishi and Jyesthadevi
  Visnu born to Vasudeva and Devaki
  The Enlightened was born to Nabhiraj and Marutadevi
  All known to the worlds as fashioned out of the womb
  Has Lord Kudalasangamadeva, who lives outside
  The cycle of birth and death
  Any father and mother?

Some of these are recognizable: Vasudeva and Devaki are the parents of Vishnu's incarnation Krishna, and Nabhiraj and Marutadevi are the parents of Rishabha the founder of Jainism.  But my question is, who are Amritavati, Somashambhu, Satyarishi, and Jyeshthadevi, the parents of Indra and Brahma mentioned by Basava?

Note that I'm not actually asking who Indra and Brahma's parents are.  Indra's parents are Kashyapa and Aditi, and Brahma's father is Vishnu, or Vishnu's Vyuha form Aniruddha to be more precise.  But I want to know who the figures are mentioned by Basava.  Are there any scriptures that mention them in connection to Indra and Brahma?


texts: Apart from the Padma Purana, does any other Purana say that Adi Shankaracharya will teach mayavadi philosophy?

texts:
In the Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 236, Lord Shiva says to Parvati that He would incarnate as Adi Shankaracharya to teach the mayavadi philosophy:

  mayavadam asac chastram pracchannam bauddham uchyate
  mayaiva kalpitam devi kalau brahmana rupina (Padma Purana 6.236.7)

  Translation: "Mayavada or Advaita philosophy is an impious, wicked belief and against all the conclusions of the Vedas. It is only covered Buddhism. My dear Parvati, in Kali-Yoga I assume the form of a brahmana (Adi Shankara) and teach this imagined philosophy.

  apartham sruti-vakyanam darsayan loka-garhitam
  sva-karma-rupam tyajya tvam atraiva pratipadyate
  sarva-karma paribhrastair vaidharma tvam tad ucyate
  paresa-jiva-paraikyam maya tu pratipadyate (Padma Purana 6.236.8-9)

  Translation: "This mayavada advaita philosophy preached by me (in form of Adi Shankara) deprives the words of the holy texts of their acutal meaning and thus it is condemned in the world. It recommends the renunciation of one's own duties, since those who have fallen from their duties say that the giving up of duties is religiosity. In this way, I have also falsely propounded the identity of the Supreme Lord and the individual soul."

  brahmanas caparam rupam nirgunam vaksyate maya
  sarva-svam jagato py asya mohanartham kalu yuge (Padma Purana 6.236.10)

  Translation: "In order to bewilder the atheists, in Kali-yuga, I describe the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Krishna to be without any form and without qualities."

  vedante tu maha-sastrera mayavadam avaidikam
  mayaiva vaksyate devi jagatam nasha-karanat (Padma Purana 6.236.11)

  Translation: "Similarly, in explaining Vedanta scripture, I described the same non-scriptural and inauspicious mayavada philosophy in order to mislead the entire population toward atheism by denying the personal form of my beloved Lord."

Are there any similar verses in other scriptures saying that Lord Shiva would appear as a Brahmana to preach the mayavada philosophy?


texts: According to Dvaita philosophy,what are the duties of Vaishnava in Vaikuntha?

texts:
According to Dvaita philosophy, Jivatma reaches to Parmatma loka to attain moksha. However it is not clear what will be the duties of Jivatma towards the Parmatma.

My questions are:

After moksha,what are duties of Jivatma towards the Parmatma?

What happens to the Jivatmas in Vaikuntha when Parmatma leaves Vaikuntha to reincarnate on Earth?(for example Krishna reincarnated on Earth leaving his abode to fulfill his karma.Do the Jivatmas following Parmatma also reincarnate on Earth?)


texts:
Agamas as shruti :
Hindpedia says Sruti, the eternal word, is said to be of two forms – Nigama (Veda) and Agama
Also, Sri Vaishnava Acharya Yamunacharya (who was Ramanujacharya's guru's guru) composed a work called the Agama Pramanya, defending the scriptural authority of the Pancharatra Agamas
This scripture says agamas as shruti
ref1: Hindupedia
ref2: What are the Agama scriptures? Are they related to Shruti/Vedas?

Agamas are not shruti:

"By Sruti is meant the Veda, and by Smriti is meant the Dharma ShAstra"
                                      - Manu Smriti 2.10.

Hence, agamas are not shruti, as per manusmriti.

Question:
As shruti is base root of hinduism pramana, hence how can we reconcile this very important difference in opinion on agamas being shruti or not? Will "Agama Pramanya" work be considered more or less pramana than manusmriti opinion in this regard?
Are Agamas shruti or not?


texts:
At the end of the Kurukshetra war, Duryodhana was undefeatable during the fight with Bheema.

Bheema was able to defeat him by hitting on his thigh, that was against the rules of the war.

The question is: Why did Bheema have to take help of unfair means to defeat Adharma?? Why did the side of Adharma become so powerful (although through Gandhari's blessings)? If on that day Bheema had been defeated, the Kaurava side or the Adharmic side would have won.


texts: Prayer for requesting forgiveness from GOD?

texts:
Are there Mantras, stotra, anything; to seek forgiveness of God, for ignorance, for the Sins committed, or Sins your gonna committ. पापमोचन, क्षमा

Especially If you chant Mantra wrong or wrong pronounciation, and If you chant Mantra without Initiation..

I thought, Brahmopadesham is Initiation into all Mantras and chanted Mantras which require Initiation, I didnt know that each Mantra requires to be Initiated. Even after reading In this site, that Initiation is required, I ignored them, I thought Why would God punish his Devotee.. Its OK if the mantra doesnt work without Initiation, but its a issue if Mantras give Bad results, or has opposite effects..

So does really, chanting Mantra without Initiation, gives Bad result or has opposite effect.


texts:
How does Vaishnava theology reconcile Brahman having no desire but desiring to create?
For example, the Vishnu Purana says:

He is all, he knows all, he sees all, he possess all strength, all knowledge, all power, all wealth. He is without fatigue, without lassitude, without fear, without anger, without desire and other such blemishes.

However, many Upanishads, like Taittiriya, say:

so'kAmayata | bahusyAm prajAyeyeti
He desired, let me be many

How to reconcile?


texts:
The author of popular Lingashtakam stotram extolled Shiva as destroyer of Yagnya conducted by Daksha (father in-law)  describing it as suyagna that is contradiction in its very terms.

Can we explain how the Supreme power viewed the act to be right and justifiable to all? Non-invitation to a function may appear to be a minor insult but what adharma background proved cause for his destructive revenge?


texts: Which scripture contains the event of Shiva beheading Vinayaka?

texts:
Consider the sequence of events : Parvati making Vinayaka, Vinayaka disallowing Shiva, Shiva beheading Vinayaka, Shiva joining Elephant's head on Vinayaka's body, etc.,

Which scripture contains this sequence of events?


texts:
In ancient India, we had world famous educational institutions like Takshsila, Nalanda and Benaras etc.
My question:
How was the education system in ancient India? Institutions willing to provide free education to everyone? or specific group of people?


texts:
What are the main reasons of Arjuna for not wanting to fight the Mahabharata war initially?

How could he change his attitudes?


texts:
I have looked both online and in a library for a source that contained information about this question, but could not find it.

Could somebody tell me if Gods have an atman?


texts: Is Guru Nanak's advent present in any scripture?

texts:
According to this website, the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism religion, is said to have been foretold in the scriptures. Though most of the verses they quoted were feeble attempts to potray Nanak as an incarnation, I found one  interesting verse from the Vishnu Purana they quoted:

  Vishnu Purana:

  In the Vishnu Purana there is recorded an interesting dialogue between
  Vishnu and a famous Rishi Umbreek. Vishnu is said to have informed
  Umbreek that he will once again take birth in the Kali Yuga. The Rishi
  then enquired when about will that be and what will be your name then?
  Vishnu replied that this will happen when the Kali Yuga has proceeded
  for 4500 years and that I will take birth in the Shatri Sooraj Bansi
  clan, when I will be named, Nanak.

  In this same Purana it is further recorded:

  "Sri Nanak santang saageaami Sri asech, sri asech, sri asech, sri
  asech"

  English meaning: "Sri Nanak will once again appear in the world in a variety of incarnations; this is for sure, this is for sure, this is
  for sure."

  Computing the date of Guru Nanak's birth from the above mentioned
  figure that took place when the Kali Yuga had proceeded for 4550
  years, reckoning the total durations of Kali Yuga now to be about 5090
  old. It is to be noted that this figure of 4550 is pretty close to the
  4500 years predicted by Vishnuji above. Incidentally, the clan in
  which Guru Nanak was born was also known as a Shatri Sooraj Bansi
  indicated above.

Is the site correct to say such verses exist in the Vishnu Purana?


texts: What are the earliest references to Bhakti Yoga?

texts:
From my understanding the Bhakti movement did not start until around 700 - 1000 CE in Tamil Nadu.

My understanding of Bhakti is that it is a pure, selfless love towards a deity. A path which can ultimately lead to self realisation, as described in the Bhagavad Gita.

There have obviously been great proponents of bhakti yoga since this period.
E.g. Vallabha Acharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu etc.

So to me,it's clear this was a post vedic movement. But as a concept is there any origin in the Vedic age?

The vedas mentions worship of primal gods such as Agni, Vayu, Indra etc. But was this really the same bhakti as described in the Gita? To me, worship in the vedic age was to appease gods, so as to receive their benefaction.

Is there any reference to bhakti as a concept in the vedic age, with the same meaning as described in the Gita? I.e. as a path that can lead to knowledge of the Self, and not merely for appeasement?


texts: What is the (potentially lost) text of the Jabalas quoted by Adi Shankaracharya?

texts:
In his commentary on Adhyaya 4 Pada 1 Sutra 3 of the Brahma Sutras, Adi Shankaracharya presents a number of scriptural quotes to support his Advaita view that the individual soul of jivatma is the same as Brahman.  In particular, he says this:

  The highest Lord must be understood as the Self. For in a chapter treating of the highest Lord the Gâbâlas acknowledge him to be the Self, 'Thou indeed I am. O holy divinity; I indeed thou art, O divinity!'

My question is, what is the text of "the Jabalas" that is quoted here?  I assume the Jabalas were a Vedic Shakha or school related the sage Jabili, who tried to use atheist arguments to convince Rama to come back to Ayodhya, as described in the Ayodhya Kanda of the Ramayana.  (See my answer here for more information on Vedic Shakhas.)

Now there is an Upanishad called the Jabala Upsnishad, which you can read here, and a Shaivite Upanishad called the Brihadjabala Upanishad, which you can read here, but neither one of them contain the verse I'm looking for.

I did find the verse in a Vaishnava Upanishad called the Varaha Upanishad, which you can read here:

  Prostrations—prostrations to me who am in all the elements, who am the Chiḍāṭmā (viz., Āṭmā of the nature of wisdom) that is eternal and free and who am the Praṭyagāṭmā. O Ḍevaṭā, you are I. I am you. Prostrations on account of myself and yourself who are infinite and who are Chiḍāṭmā, myself being the supreme Īśa (Lord) and yourself being Śiva (of a beneficent nature).

But it's unlikely this is the text that Adi Shankaracharya was quoting from, since it has nothing to with the Jabalas.  The Varaha Upanishad may be quoting some older text here.

I should add that this verse is also quoted in Adi Shankacharya's commentary on the Vishnu Sahasranamam, Vidyaranya's work the Brahmavid-Ashirvada, and Ramanujacharya's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (see here).  If it helps, here is the verse in Sanskrit:

  tvaṁ vā ahamasmi bhagavō dēvatē'haṁ vai tvamasi


texts: What is the story behind the nature of Asuras and Devas?

texts: Asuras and Devas both trace their lineage back to Rishi Kashyapa - Asuras being the sons of Kashyapa and Diti while Devas being the sons of Kashyapa and Aditi. So why did the Asuras choose the path of Adharma (with exceptions like Mahabali) and Devas choose Dharma and gained administratorship over the cosmos as well as Amrutha?


texts:
The pretext of this question is Sati(from Swayambhuva Manvantra) is mentioned in the Vedas, but Parvati(of the current Vaivasvata Manvantra) is not. Correlating the absence of characters who come in the later Manvantra(after Swayambhuva manvantra) with the perceived time of compilation the Vedas(In the beginning of each Kalpa) it seems like the timelines do add up. The aim of the question is to ascertain that no characters who come in later Manvantras find mention in the Vedas(specifically Rig Vedas), except in cases where the Vedas may predict the arrival of an Avatar or other prominent characters in later Manvantras.

With the above given pretext, my questions are the following.

Is it true that the name Parvati does not appear explicitly in the Vedas? American Sanskrit scholar Edward Hopkins notes that While the word Umā appears in earlier Upanisads, the earliest known explicit use of the name Pārvatī occurs in late Haṃsa Upanishad (Yoga / Shukla Yajurveda) [1]. Does this mean that Yajurveda was compiled much later than the Rig Veda?
Does any character in Ramayana/Mahabharatha find mention in Vedas?
Since the first written collection of Rig Veda was compiled by Rishi Vyasa, was it updated to include characters in the time between the first Manvantra and time of compilation?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvati


texts: Special attributes of Brahman in Vishishtadvaita?

texts: The key difference between Advaita and Visishtadvaita is the latter's teaching that the Brahman has special attributes compared to the Atman. What are these attributes? Are there any other differences between the two philosophies?


texts: Guidance about visiting temples after a 13th day of death of any family member

texts:
I am a Hindu and Maratha Kshatriya from Goa.

I just wanted to ask few questions which I believe to have different answers from different brahmans I consulted so far.

It's been a month, I lost my grandmother. My Father performed her last rites.

I understand and believe that, we should not celebrate any coming festival on large scale, as we are still in a deep sorrow of my granny's death and we will continue to do that for at least 1 year.

But what I am not sure about is if we can visit any famous or averagely famous religious temples in this 1 year?
If not why? What is the reason behind that? Does Shastra recommend that? If yes, where should I refer this?

I would appreciate the reference of Shashtra/vedic documents/religious references rather than just a mythologically suggested do's and dont's.


texts: Theory of GOD from Ramcharitmanas? No date of end of world theory

texts:
What is theory of GOD as per Ramcharitamanasa?

  Jake bal biracnhi hari isa
  palat srujat harat dasasisa

Sunderkanda

Means?


texts: Are there any temples for Matsya, Kurma, and Varaha avatars?

texts:
Are there any temples for the following three avatars of Vishnu?

Matsya
Kurma
Varaha

If yes, please share some information about some popular temples for them.


texts:
Why did Hiranyakashyap make Prahlad sit on Holika's lap and burn, I know after that Prahlad survives the fire since he chants Lord Vishnu.

Thus Holi is celebrated as Good over Evil.


texts: Does the Srivaishnavite sect say that Vishnu created Chaturmukha Brahma?

texts:
Siva is said to have incurred sin by cutting off Brahma's fifth head.  The Srivaishnavite sect accepts this and if I recall correctly, some Vaishnavite temples in the South have sthalapuranams that say that Siva got rid of his sin by praying to the deity of the temple.
Do Srivaishnavite scriptures say that Vishnu created Chaturmukha Brahma?
How do they reconcile that account with Brahma originally starting with five heads?


texts: Does chanting Mahishasura Mardini stotram bestow occult powers?

texts:
Are there occult powers attributed to chanting the holy Mahishasura Mardini stotram?

The reason behind asking this is -
1.  some mantras/shlokas are chanted for invoking the specific deity for general well-being.
2. And there are some that have more potency - giving much higher perception to one who chants.
Does Mahishasura Mardini stotram come under the second category?


texts:
Srisailam is one of the most ancient kshetras in our country. There are legends associated with this sacred place. Srisailam is one of only three kshetras which is a jyotirlinga Kshetra and also a Shakti peetha. The other two are Kashi and Ujjain.

SriSailam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The jyotirlinga at this place is called Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga. This is also one of the 18 shakti peethas. The neck part of Sati Devi fell in this place. The deity form of goddess is Bhramaramba.

Besides this information, I have read in a magazine that this place is also one of daśa bhāskara kṣetras.

Other Bhāskara kṣetrās I found are

Thirukkudanthai - Sri Sarangapani Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam. This is also one of the 108 divya desams. Divya desams are sacred places for Sri Vaishnavas.
Surya Narayana temple near Tiruchanoor Padmavati temple located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

I want to know what is a Bhāskara kṣetram?
what are the other Bhāskara kṣetrās?
Is there any mention of any of these  kṣetrās in any puraṇa like that of Jyotirlingās and other sacred places?


texts: What are the different concepts of Maya available in different scriptures and different sects? Please mention the uniqueness of each concept clearly.


texts: Did ancient Yogis float in the air and what is the method to do it?

texts:
"In Ancient India Yogis used to float in the Air" I am not sure about this statement but I heard people who have more concentration (possibly through Yoga) floated wherever they wanted.
My question is, is it true that ancient Yogis floated in the Air? If Yes, what are the methods used to float in the air?


texts: Commentary on Kena Upanishad besides Shankara's?

texts:
Which commentaries of the Kena Upanishad exist?

Besides Shankara's well-known commentary, are there other commentaries which are recommendable?

EDIT: I did not find the answer to my specific question in the link.


texts: English or Hindi translation of Vyasa Smriti

texts:
Is there any site or way to get a pdf or epub of Hindi/English translation of Vyasa Smriti?
I have searched many sites and couldn't find it.
Please of someone has it kindly provide a link.
Thanks


texts:
It looks like the below stotra or mantra is not complete. This stotra of Shiva is taken from Yajurveda. Can anyone provide details about where in Yajurveda, this stotra is mentioned and also the complete chapter text related to this stotra.

कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं
संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे
भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥


texts: Do any scriptures prohibit charitable giving in Devaloka?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, the Kedara Kanda of the Skanda Purana describes Mahabali's previous birth as a gambler who was a sinner all his life.  Before he dies, the gambler accidentally makes an offering of betel leaves, flowers, and sandal paste to Shiva.  As a result, in the afterlife Yama the god of death gives him an hour and twelve minutes to rule Devaloka.  The gambler spends his short reign as Indra giving away all of Indra's possessions, including the wish-giving Kalpavriksha tree and the flying horse Ucchaishravas (which I discuss [here]), to various Rishis.

When the actual Indra regains his throne, he finds that all his possessions are gone, and when he finds out what has happened he complains to Yama.  Yama chastises the gambler, saying that charitable giving is only allowed on Earth, not in Devaloka:

  Charitable gift is commended on the earth where the fruit of Karman is had.  In heaven charitable gift should never be given to anyone at any place.  Hence, O stupid one, you are worthy of being punished.  What is opposed to the injunctions of the scriptures has been perpetrated by you.

Yama is just about to punish him, when Chitragupta points out that charitable giving is allowed even in Devaloka when it is done out of devotion to Shiva:

  Everything that is given away with Shiva in view either in heaven or in the world of mortal men is, it should be known, everlasting.  It is called a flawless Karman.  Hence there is no question of this gambler falling into hell.

So the gambler is freed from the sins he had committed in life, and he is reborn as Virochana's son Mahabali, although his father Virochana dies before he's born for reasons that I discuss in this answer.  But my question is not about the gambler himself, but rather about what Yama says to him.

My question is, why does Yama say that the gambler's actions are "opposed to the injunctions of the scriptures"?  Are there any statements in Hindu scripture that charitable giving is not allowed in Devaloka?  I'm not familiar with any scriptures that give particular rules for inhabitants of Devaloka.

Or is the point of this story that Yama is misinformed on this issue? Chitragupta says that charitable giving "with Shiva in view" is allowed in Devaloka.  But what about someone who engages in charitable giving for other purposes, like if he's just feeling generous?


texts: Was the Akshay Patra ever used before Mahabharat?

texts:
Chapter 9 of Book 12 of the Devi Bhagvat Puran mentions the following benediction by Devi Gayatri to Rishi Gautam:

Thus praised and worshipped, the World-Mother appeared and gave to the Risi one vessel full to the brim by which every one can he fed and nourished. The Mother told the Muni :-- “This full vessel, given by me to you will yield whatever you wish.” Thus saying, the Devî Gâyatrî, Higher than the Highest, vanished.
Then, according to the wish of the Muni, came out from that cup, mountains of cooked rice, various curries and sweetmeats, lots of grass and fodder, silken clothings, various ornaments and various articles and vessels for sacrificial purposes. In fact whatever the Muni Gautama wished, that came out of the brimful cup, given by the Devî Gâyatrî. Then the Muni Gautama called the other Munis that came there and gave them wealth, grains, clothing, ornament, and the sacrificial ladles and spoons and cows and buffaloes for the sacrificial purposes.

The vessel thus serves a smilar purpose as the Akshay Patra given to the Pandavs by Surya but surpasses it by providing even other items of need to Rishi Gautam. I want to know if it was the same vessel or a different one and if different is it mentioned with its name in any other scripture?


texts: Difference between the Shiva Purana and the Linga Purana

texts: Both the Shiva Purana and the Linga Purana are books on Lord Shiva. I have read Shiva Purana. Can somebody please explain what is extra or differently told in the Linga Purana? Also, if possible please add a link of verse by verse English translation of the Linga Purana.


texts: History behind the name Lakshmi Ganapathi

texts:
What is the history behind the name Lakshmi Ganapathi

Why is it said that to keep idol of Lakshmi Ganapathi inside the house such that Ganapathi won't allow Lakshmi to leave the house? What was the history behind that?


texts: I heard that one can become Indra if he does 1000 rajsuvi/ashwamedha yajna(not sure). But is there anywhere in shastras written how can one become one among tridevs?


texts: Why did Goddess Lakshmi choose Lord Vishnu as her consort?

texts:
Lakshmi is also called Sri. Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness,
grace, charm and splendour. She was born from the churning of the primordial ocean
(Samudra manthan) and she chose Vishnu as her eternal consort and is the divine strength of Lord Vishnu.

My question is - Why did Goddess Lakshmi choose Lord Vishnu as her consort ? Is there any specific reason for that & What was her criteria for the same?


texts: Original sanskrit e-book of 'Tripura Rahasya'

texts:
Can someone post me a free downloadable link to the original Sanskrit e-book of 'Tripura Rahasya'?

I have the English translation given by the wikipedia. But I was in need of the Sanskrit version.

Could anyone help me in this regard. I would appreciate any help forwarded.


texts: Is it true that one who put ash to their forehead will go for Kailas after death?

texts:
Is it true that one who put ash to their forehead will go for Kailasa after death?

This belief is trusted by smartha brahmins community


texts: What are the names of Lakshmi Devi as consort of Vishnu in His form as Kurma and Matsya?

texts:
Lakshmi Devi always accompanies Vishnu in each of His incarnations.
What are Her specific forms and names as Shakti of Kurma-Avatara and Matsya-Avatara?


texts: Why do people celebrate Holi? Why do they throw colored powder at each other?

texts: Holi is meant to be a happy ritual, I agree. But what is the historical context behind this whole ritual, and what do the colors represent?


texts: Can one chant Mantra on behalf of the other person

texts:
Does it have a benefit or sense (a positive result) to chant Mantra on behalf of someone else in the way that the person in question is receiving result from Mantra chanting?
E.g. someone is ill and having headache and I chant Mantra for him for headache relief: Om Ksheem Ksheem Ksheem Hah Swaaha, will it help?
What if that person has no faith in Mantra healing power, will it help?
What if that person is far away from one who is chanting Mantra for him, will it help? Or should both persons be nearby each other?
Can I charge water by chanting Dhanwantari Gayatri Mantra 21 time over the water and give to that person for good heath, will it help (even if that person does not have a faith to Mantra power)?
Thank you!


texts: Rules of achamana to be followed by the Sudras and the Strees(women)

texts:
What is achamana?

From wiki:

  Achamanam (achamana, achmana) is one of the most important rituals in
  the Hindu tradition. It is a male purification ritual that is believed
  to cure all physical and mental illnesses.1 As such, it is performed
  prior to almost all other Brahmin rituals.

Achamana is basically sipping small drops of water from right palm.It is purificatory ritual.The word "achamana" literally means "sipping".It is thus the very first act that is performed prior to any Vedic or Hindu Ritual.

Prohibitions on Sudras and women regarding participating in religious rites:

It is well known that Hindu Shastras impose a lot of restrictions on women and sudras when it comes to performance of religious activities.

Specially,the Smritis,also known as the Dharma Shastras ,impose these restrictions.

For,example,Manu Smriti,the first of its kind,declares that there is no Vedic initiation for neither the sudras nor the women folk.

So,the sudras and women are not allowed to study the Vedas.

Similarly,i have read the Brihat Tantra Saara book which says that  women and sudras are not allowed to chant the Pranava(OM),the Shri Beejam(Shrim),the Savitri(Gayatri mantra),Swaha etc.

But ,the Sudras and women can still worship.It is stated in Puranas that everyone reserves the right to worship the Almighty be it a Sudra or a woman.

For example,the Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana states that the composition of the Puranas are done in each Dwapara keeping specially in mind the benefits of women & the Sudras.

  18-24. At every Manvantara, in each Dvâpara Yuga, Veda Vyâsa expounds
  the Purânas duly to preserve the religion. Veda Vyâsa is no other
  person than Visnu Himself; He, in the form of Veda Vyâsa, divides the
  (one) Veda into four parts, in every Dvâpara Yuga, for the good of the
  world. The Brahmânas of the Kali age are shortlived and their
  intellect (Buddhi) is not sharp; they cannot realise the meaning after
  studying the Vedas; knowing this in every Dvâpara Yuga Bhagavân
  expounds the holy Purâna Samhitas. The more so because women, S’udras,
  and the lower Dvijas are not entitled to hear the Vedas; for their
  good, the Purânas have been composed

Now coming to my question.If women and Sudras are allowed to worship ritually ,they should first have rights to perform Achamana.

Question-Do the Scriptures allow women and Sudras to perform Achamana?


texts: Why does Manu Smriti state that meat can never be obtained without injury to living creatures?

texts:
According to this answer https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/a/44832/22493:

Manu Smriti 5.48. Meat can never be obtained without injury to living creatures, and injury to sentient beings is detrimental to (the attainment of) heavenly bliss; let him therefore shun (the use of) meat.

Why does Manu Smriti state that "meat can never be obtained without injury to living creatures"?  What about dying from old age?


texts: There are many yantras in Hinduism for example Sri Yantra. These yantras are usually worshiped and used to attract positive energies or discard negative energies of some kind. Since these yantras would have been designed ages ago, how it was achieved?


texts: Was Sage Vishvamitra self -realized when he fell for Menaka's beauty?

texts:
EXPALANTION :

Sage Vishvamitra is one of the great sages and was seduced by Menaka who was sent by Lord Indra to break his penance.
He was the only Sage (AFAIK) who was seduced by lust or women.
Self-realized beings know everything and will be in great spiritual bliss in each moment and they will not be interested in material pleasure

QUESTION :

Was Sage  Vishvamitra Self - realized while falling for Menaka's beauty ?
Can Self - realized beings also be affected by (or fall for) lust ?


texts: Why do Hindus still perform cremation now that it is known that cremation will kill microbes?

texts:
Scientists tell us that 90% of the cells in (or on) a human body are microbes (bacteria/viruses, etc.). Most of these are essential for human life.

When the dead body of a Hindu is cremated, all these are burned alive.

How does a religion which believes in karma and in not killing (if possible) any lifeforms deal with this predicament?

I understand the ancients had no clue about these bacteria and their role, but now that modern Hindus know about the microbes, why won't they change?


texts:
According to the dictionary meaning, a 'Vaishnava' is necessarily a 'Worshipper of Vishnu'.

  वैष्णव a. (-वी f.) [विष्णुर्देवतास्य तस्येदं वा अण्] 1 Relating to Viṣṇu; गां गतस्य तव धाम वैष्णवम् R.11.85. -2 Worshipping Viṣṇu. -वः 1 One of the three important modern Hindu sects, the other two being Śaiva and Śākta sects

I have found some people brand Sri Vishnu' as a 'Demi-God' while calling  themselves 'Vaishnavas'! Reference : http://www.krishna.com/info/demigods

What is the position of Lord Vishnu in the different 'Vaishnava' sects?


texts: Who composed "Lingashtakam" & what are the "Asta Daridras" mentioned there in it?

texts:
The Lingashtakam is one of the most popular Ashtakams(a Stotram with 8 verses) dedicated to Lord Shiva which praises Him in the abstract "Lingam" form.

You can read it  here.

However,till date,i have never  encountered any website that provides any information about the author of this beautiful octet.

Question 1-Who composed the Lingashtakam?

Verse 7 of the said Ashtakam ends with the following line :

  Asta Daridra Vinasita Lingam,Tat Pranamami Sada Siva Lingam,

which refers to the Asta Daridras or the 8 types of poverties.

Question 2-What are these 8 types(forms) of poverties?


texts:
Yagnopavitam is worn by dwijas, it should be changed when it gets impure or during Upakarma, what gṛhya sūtrās or Dharma śāstrās discuss the situations or conditions under which we have to change the sacred thread(the situations when it becomes impure)?
Is it possible that the rules are different(slightly varying) for gṛhastās and Bramhachāris ?


texts: Are there Pan-Indian Hindu festivals dedicated to Vishnu or Narayana?

texts: Janmashtami and Ram Navami are dedicated to Vishnu's avataras and are Pan-Indian. But are there any such festivals dedicated to Vishnu or Narayna?


texts: How can we calculate planet transits mathematically for a particular planet like Jupiter or Saturn from date of birth


texts: What does Krishna mean when he says falsehood may be uttered on the occasion of enjoying a woman?

texts:
From here

  "Listen to it, O Dhananjaya! One who speaks truth is righteous. There
  is nothing higher than truth. Behold, however, truth as practised is
  exceedingly difficult to be understood as regards its essential
  attributes. Truth may be unutterable, and even falsehood may be
  utterable where falsehood would become truth and truth would become
  falsehood. In a situation of peril to life and in marriage, falsehood
  becomes utterable. In a situation involving the loss of one's entire
  property, falsehood becomes utterable. On an occasion of marriage, or
  of enjoying a woman, or when life is in danger, or when one's entire
  property is about to be taken away, or for the sake of a Brahmana,
  falsehood may be uttered. These five kinds of falsehood have been
  declared to be sinless. On these occasions falsehood would become
  truth and truth would become falsehood. He is a fool that practises
  truth without knowing the difference between truth and falsehood. One
  is said to be conversant with morality when one is able to distinguish
  between truth and falsehood. "

Does he mean whispering sweet nothings to your wife or lying to seduce a woman who is not your wife?


texts: Why does lord Krishna love cows so much?

texts: Why only cows, why not buffaloes or goats or any other animal whose milk is edible for humans?


texts: Scriptural reference about avoiding non vegetarian food on every Hindu festival?

texts:
It is mentioned across Hindu scriptures to avoid non vegetarian food on certain days or months, which may include some festivals also.

But, is there any mention to not eat non vegetarian food on every Hindu festival?

Any counter example that allows to eat non vegetarian food on a festival day can be an answer.


texts:
Can one use ghee coated Akshadhai (Akshat raw rice) for daily pooja in place of flowers?

What is the best material to be used in absence of flowers to perform pooja?


texts: What is the meaning of this verse 2:2:10 of Krishna Yajurveda?

texts:
Asavadityo na vy arocata tasmai devah, prayascittim aichan tasma etam.
   Somaraudram carum nir avapan tenaivasmin rucam adadhus  (Krishna Yajurveda 2:2:10)

What is the exact meaning of this shloka?

Is it related to Surya & Rudra?


texts: What are the differences between the Indonesian Mahabharata and the Hindu Mahabharata?

texts:
Indonesia has a different version of theMahabharata from the Indian version ofMahabharata in many parts of the story. TheMahabharata was translated into (old)Javanese under the reign of king Dharmawangsa of Medang (r. 990-1006).

source:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata_(Indonesia)

Apparently there are many differences in the Indonesian Mahabharata and the one Ved Vyasa wrote.Could somebody tell me the differences of this two tales?


texts: How can one reverse the impression of a karma knowing that it is wrong?

texts: Being a Hindu, we are all aware that all karma eventually gets back to us. If we  perform a negative karma, sooner or later the negative effects of our earlier karma will catch us up. In addition, we are aware that every karma leaves a deep impression in the mind (samskara). Now, despite having a firm belief in the theory of karma, and also feeling penitent about such, why does a jiva act out the karma as if under the control of some forces in spite of his best wishes to prevent such action. For instance, consider the simple case of addicts, who are well aware of the harmful effects of the addiction but are unable to break out of the addiction. What results in the auto-pilot of the mind? Is the jiva still responsible for the karma?


texts: Do Vedas mention Suryavanshi kings or are they focused only on Chandravanshis?

texts:
Vedic Samhitas cover the glories of the gods as well as how they helped certain human kings but I find it surprising and perhaps suggestive of some later political intervention that there are NO Suryavanshi Kings mentioned!

There are many specific mentions of the sacrificer's Chandravanshi lineage such as in this verse but none mentioning Suryavanshis:

  30 Praise yea, praise him. Of princes these are the most liberal of their gifts, These, Paramajyā, Ninditāśva, Prapathī, most bounteous, O Medhyātithi.

  31 When to the car, by faith, I yoked the horses longing for the way-
  For skilled is Yadu's son in dealing precious wealth, he who is rich in herds of kine.

  32 May he who gave me two brown steeds together with their cloths of gold,
  May he, Āsaṅga's son Svanadratha, obtain all joy and high felicities.

Again, the names of many Chandravanshi kings can be found throughut the texts for example in this verse:

  4 Agni thou madest heaven to thunder for mankind; thou, yet more pious, for pious Purūravas. When thou art rapidly freed from thy parents, first eastward they bear thee round, and, after, to the west.

  11 Thee, Agni, have the Gods made the first living One for living man, Lord of the house of Nahuṣa. Iḷā they made the teacher of the sons of men, what time a Son was born to the father of my race.

  17 As erst to Manus, to Yayāti, Aṅgiras, so Aṅgiras! pure Agni! come thou to our hall. Bring hither the celestial host and seat them here upon the sacred grass, and offer what they love.

Also, the progenitor of the Chandravanshi race - Ila is mentioned as a goddess in the same vein as Saraswati:

  9 Iḷā, Sarasvatī, Mahī, three Goddesses who bring delight,
  Be seated, peaceful, on the grass.

Considering the fact that Brahmarishi Vasishth, one of the key contributors to the Vedic corpus, was the chief preceptor of the Solar Clan & Brahmarishi Vishwamitra, another contributor and the discoverer of the Gayatri Mantra was also associated with many Suryavanshi kings such as Satyavrat & Harishchandra it is extremely surprising that none of them find mention in the Vedas. Even Mandhata, who was nursed by Indra, the quintessential hero of Vedas, seems to be missing.

So my question is - Are there any Suryavanshi kings mentioned in Vedic Samhitas or do these texts focus only on Chandravanshi kings?


texts: Why does nirguna brahman manifest only in 5 forms?

texts:
I know that Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Surya and Ganesha are counted as manifestations of Nirguna brahman. Or in other way when nirguna brahman is seen through lens of maya, it is seen in 5 different ways. What I fail to make sense of is how come Vishnu is there in the list, but his wife is missing. Similarly, how same saguna brahman Shiva, Durga, Ganesha are related as husband , wife, son and then instead of another son Karthikeya we have Surya as fifth. I am also not able to make sense of the number 5 and one family having 3 saguna brahman. The thing is since all are manifestations of Nirguna brahman, there should be no hierarchy between each of them.

I am not interested in Adi Shankaracharya's views because I already asked a similar question before. There may be different advaitic sects each with their own variations. This question is for those who believe nirguna brahman & saguna brahman seen in 5 ways depending on the person's nature.

Can some explain logically how it is possible?


texts: What is the reason behind ShaligrAma worship?

texts:
One of the important worship forms of the Vaishnava are ShaligrAmas.

But I am asking this question because they are not normal stones which are used for idols.

Actually, these are the fossilized shells of extinct species of marine animals. (marine mollusc animals in the subclass Ammonoidea of the class Cephalopoda).

Is it allowed in general for hindus to worship fossils (dead objects) ?

Is there any reference of such fossils worship in ancient scriptures other than shaligrama?

On what basis are these included in the mainstream worship? what is its significance?


texts:
Many vedAntins quote the following verse while talking of VedAnta and samnyAsa.

  na karmana na prajaya dhanena tyagenaike amrutatvamanashuh |

  parena nakam nihitam guhayam vibhrajate yadyatayo vishanti || (Kaivalya Up)

  Not by work, nor by progeny, nor by wealth, but by renunciation, some
  attained immortality. Higher than heaven, seated in the cave (Buddhi),
  that shines, (which) the self-controlled attain – the self-controlled,
  who being of pure minds have well ascertained the Reality.

So is immortality and moksha one and the same?

Are they related to each other?

Is immortality the goal of renunciation?


texts: Earth era description in Hindu mythology

texts: Does any Hindu mythology has spoken about existence of ice age or dinosaurs or any other nature related historical stage? As per Yugas, is there any reference of proof available to cite that these events happened on which era as per timeline of evolution?


texts: Was slavery allowed in Mahabarata times?

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I found this.

  Yudhishthira supporteth eighty-eight thousand Snataka Brahmanas leading domestic lives, giving unto each of them thirty slave-girls.

Source: The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Sisupala-badha Parva: Section XLVIII

  And thus the Emperor of Indra-prastha and his family were deprived of every possession on earth, and became the bond-slaves of Duryodhan. The old king Dhrita-rashtra released them from actual slavery, but the five brothers retired to forests as homeless exiles.

I'm referring to sale of people as personal property.

Does this mean that slavery was prevalent?

Were there any rules for slavery?

Please state your sources.


texts: What boons did Ravana receive from Lord Brahma?

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In Ramayana, it is told that, Ravana, after performing many great penances, received powerful boons from Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. It is also said that he was protected by Goddess Durga's blessings with which he defeated Sugriva, Lakshmana and even Hanuman.

The following question already asks what boons he received from Shiva:
Boons given to Ravana by God Shiva

My questions are:

What boons did Ravana receive from Brahma?

Which boon gave him mystical powers and strength ?

Did he receive any boons from Goddess Durga too?


texts: What is the difference between Surya nadi and Chandra nadi?

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This question is extend of my previous question. There are beliefs that some works should be done only when we have Surya nadi and other works should be done in Chandra nadi.

Is the specific works related to Nadis mentioned somewhere in scriptures? please explain.


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Are Thor in Norse mythology and Indra in Hindu mythology the same? Do the people of that particular area know  Indra as Thor?

I had seen ancient aliens Program in history channel About Thor they compare Indra with Thor thats why I asked the Questions.


texts: Scriptures about announcement of possessing mantra siddhi

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Suppose a person attains siddhi over a particular mantra.

Is it recommended by scriptures to hide about possession of such siddhi from public?


texts: What references are there to Vamana's ancient Tika on the Brahma Sutras?

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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 which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras  here.)  Now presently the oldest surviving commentary on the Brahma Sutras is the Brahma Sutra Bhashya composed by the Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.  But that is by now means the oldest commentary on the Brahma Sutras; there used to be many pre-Shankara commentaries which are now lost.

Now the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya felt that Adi Shankaracharya had distorted the meaning of the Brahma Sutras, so in writing his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, known as the Sri Bhashya, he relied on the works of as many pre-Shankara commentators as could find.  This excerpt from a journal paper lists some of them:

  Bodhayana, the Vrittikara, was the first commentator on the Brahma Sutras, a well-known Rishi and a contemporary of Vyasa, from whom Sri Ramanuja makes quotation here and there. Then come Brahmanandi, the Vakyakara and Dramidacharya - the Bhashyakara, Vamana - the Tikakara on Dramida Bhashya, about whom references are made not only by Sri Ramanuja but also by Yamunacharya his predecessor and Sudarshanacharya who wrote an every wide and brilliant commentary on [Ramanujacharya's Sri Bhashya].

Now I'm aware of references in the works of Sri Vaishnava Acharyas and others to most of these figures.  I provide quotes from Baudhayana/Upavarsha, the Vrittikara, in my answer here. I provide a quote from Tanka/Brahmanandi, the Vakyakara, in my question here.  And I provide a  quote from Dramidacharya, the Bhashyakara who wrote a commentary on Tanka's Vakya, in my answer here.  But my question is, what references are there to Vamana, the Tikakara who wrote a commentary on Dramidacharya's Bhashya?

Now the Dvaita philosopher Narayana Panditacharya lists Vamana as one of the 21 commentators who lived before the time of Madhvacharya, as you can see here.  But do the Sri Vaishnaava Acharyas Ramanujacharya, Yamunacharya, or Sudarshana Suri make any reference to Vamana's Tika as the journal paper suggests?  In this excerpt the Vedartha Sangraha, Ramanujacharya lists various pre-Shankara Vedantic philosophers:

  The philosophical approach herein is one that has been presented by the Vedas, whose import has been clearly revealed by the ancient commentaries on the Vedas and Vedanta and has been unanimously adopted by the great ones like Bhagavan Bodhayana, Tanka, Dramida, Guhadeva, Kapardin and Bharuchi.

So Vamana isn't mentioned, unless he's mentioned under a different names.  By the way, are there any surviving quotes from Vamana's Tika, just as the surviving quotes from Baudhayana's Vritti, Tanka's Vakya, and Dramidacharya's Bhashya?


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As I know and I've heard from my Hindu friends that, someone put the fire on tail of Hanuman and he lit the whole island of Lanka.

My question is, how did Hanuman's tail catch fire or to be more specific, who put the fire on his tail? And what was the purpose for lighting up the tail?


texts: Why do Srivaishnavas not give shiva related names to their children?

texts: Why are Srivaishnavas averse to give shiva-related names to their children, as others, like even Madhvas (Shiva Rao, Shankaranarayana, Manjunatha, etc. are available among Madhvas), do? Is it because of Periyazhwar's injunction: naaranan tam annai narakam pugaal? (The mother of a child named Narayana will not go to hell). When Srivaishnavas hold all Rudra-related vedic mantras, including Srirudram, to be a prayer to Narasimha, and all names like Umapati, Nilalohita, Nilakantha, Trilochana, etc. refer to Narasimha only, why should not these names be given to their children as the names are legitimately  those of Vishnu according to them? Is there any work of Sri Vedanta Desikar that prohibits giving Shiva-related names?


texts: Context and meaning for a rig veda mantra

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Consider the following mantra from Rig Veda

  Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah

In which context it has been told and what is the exact meaning and interpretation for it?


texts: Which mantras from Tāṇḍya Mahābrāhmaṇa can only be recited by women?

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This Times of India article claims that certain mantras from Tāṇḍya Mahābrāhmaṇa (a.k.a Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa) can only be recited by women:

In fact, there is nothing mentioned in the Vedas that points towards the prohibition of women from learning Vedas.
People have misconceptions that reciting Vedas mantras would affect the childbearing capacity of a woman. Neither do the Vedas nor Hinduism discriminate against women. In Hindu scripture Tandya Brahmana there are some mantras which can only be recited by women.

This answer cites an article from The Hindu that makes the same claim:

"It is a misconception that reciting mantras from Vedas would affect child-bearing. In fact, there are some mantras like those found in Tandya Brahmana which should be recited by only women," he pointed out.

Which mantras from Tāṇḍya Mahābrāhmaṇa are these two articles referring to?


texts: Did Parashurama perform any expiation for killing his mother?

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We know that Parashurama killed his mother Renuka on the command of his father Jamadagni as Pitruvakya Paripalana (following father's words obediently). After doing this, his father offered a boon. Due to his love towards his mother he asked for resurrection of his mother and brothers who refused followed Jamadagni's command.

However, this act of killing is still counted as a killing and killing mother is a great sin, did Parashurama perform any expiation for performing this act?

There is a recommendation from Prashurama's father sage Jamadagni in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 9 chapter 15 to perform tapasya and pilgrimage to sacred places. But this is for atonement of killing a ruling emperor Kartavirya Arjuna and not for killing mother.

Is Parashurama's expiation for killing his mother mentioned in the Puranas or Itihasas?


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Parabrahma, Paramatma, ParaShiva, Parampitha, Paraparam

When we insert Para before a word it becomes great. So what is meaning of Para as per our scriptures?


texts: Are there any associations between Dus (Dasha) Mahavidyas and Shreman Narayana and or Shree Vishnu?

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In the many manifestations of Maa Shakti as Adi ParaShakti, we encounter the Dus Mahavidyas which some practicioners in tantra sadhana consider also to perform the bhakti and the sadhana towards Maa Bhuwaneshwari and with a particular procedure.
QUESTIONS:

I would like to ask what exactly do Her represents and what are Her tasks as Divine Manifestation of Supreme Adi ParaShakti.

2.I would like also to ask if and when are there any relations among Her and Maa Bagalamukhi. Lastly I want to ask if are there any relationships between These Forms of Shakti and Shreeman Narayana or Shree Vishnu. Thank you


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What are Mudras ? How they help human maintain physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium and what are their type ?

I know this might be huge, but I will only like to have a small brief about Mudras, mostly their types if any, with usage.

My main context is, I have seen suggestion related to Mudras which are due to modifiable position of palm and figures. Are Mudras related to hands only, or they are also verified through different parts of body.


texts: Difference between Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu bows

texts: Kodanda and Sharanga are bows of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu respectively. Are both of them same or different? If different ,in what aspect they differ?


texts: What scriptural verse proves (or disproves) that water is as pure as the container in which it's stored?

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For the sake of some arguments, i need to know which among the following two propositions is true.

Prop A: The water is as pure as the container in which it is stored.

That is, the original purity of the water gets lost due to getting in touch with the container whose purity is questionable.

Prop B: The water's original and inherent purity stays intact irrespective of the container in which it is stored.

So, i am looking for some verses which prove either A or B to be true.

NOte- It is quite common to find such verses in the Smritis.


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wiki says
"Brahmo Samaj (Bengali: ব্রাহ্ম সমাজ Bramho Shômaj) is a Hindu reform movement. It is the societal component of Brahmoism, a monotheistic reformist movement of the Hindu religion that appeared during the Bengal Renaissance. It is practised today mainly as the Adi Dharm after its eclipse in Bengal consequent to the exit of the Tattwabodini Sabha from its ranks in 1839"


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If Krishna had killed Duryodhana, a lot of bloodshed could have been avoided, because the Kaurava army would have been demoralized.

Why didn't Krishna kill Duryodhana?


texts: Was Vivekananda a proponent of birth-based caste-system or the guṇa-based?

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What type of caste-system did Swami Vivekananda advocate? Birth-based or guṇa-based? And on what basis?
If he believed one's varṇa is determined by their guṇa:

Did he reject smṛtis such as Manu which seem to advocate birth-based varṇāśrama?

How did he interpret the Puruṣa-sūkta verse brāhmaṇo 'sya mukham ... padbhyāṃ śūdro ajāyata (brāhmaṇa was born from Puruṣa's mouth ... śūdra from his feet)?


texts: Is there any temple where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a pillar without pedestal?

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As mentioned in What does linga literally mean in Shiva Linga? post,

  The pedestal shaped as the vagina and the phallus fixed therein are symbolical of the eternal creative forces personified as Śivā and Śiva.

The above mentioned form is found in most of the temples.

But before the story of Hāṭeśa, Shiva's Niṣkala (nameless and formless) aspect was just like a pillar which appeared in the Brahma-Vishnu conflict.

Is there any temple where Shiva is worshipped just as a pillar without any pedestal shaped as the vagina?


texts: Does following line states Brahma repeats same incidents everyday?

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BG 2.12 - But certainly never was a time, when I did not exist, nor you, nor these rulers of men. And surely it is not that we all shall cease to exist after this.

I read this line on this answer and it's stated that meaning of this line is that we all exist earlier also. This line is shown as proof that Cycle repeates same evens on each day of Brahma. Means I will be asking this same question on next day of Brahma also.

But there is some points which are contradicting with my information. For ex. It is said in same answer that "whatever Shri Rama, Krishna, Shankara, Ganesha did during their live, exactly same things they will do in the next day of Brahma as well."

If the above mentioned statement about Rama/Krishna/Ganesha is true then this should also be true in case of Parvati... Isn't it? Because Parvati took birth as daughter of Haimalya. So that's mean She will take birth as daughter of Himalya on next day of Brahma also. BUT One day of Brahma is equal to 2 kalplas. So that's simply mean after 2 kampas Parvati will take birth as daghter of Himalya again. And She will continue to take birth as daughter of Himalya after every 2 kalpas(One brahma's day).

But there is one more fact that is conflictin with this. In post What is the lifetime of parvati and present age of her? the asnwer given that Parvati's lifetime is 6 months in the life of Brahma. Now question here is that if Parvati will take birth as daughter of Himalya on every day of Brahma(after each 2 kalpa) then how her age can be six month of Brahma(aprox 360 kalpas)? Those two points/answers are contradicting with each other.

There are many more points can be found in which this theory(same events repeat on each day of Brahma) can leave so many questions and seems fake. Like Sati incident din't happened in this kalpa. I don't know in which Kalpa but no existance of Sati now and Parvati exist instead in this kalpa.

So by the above contradiction I conclude that meaning of above mentioned line is not what claimed in this post. It must be some other meaning and need to find out. The correct meaning must not contradicting with any of other fact. Brahma's one day fact is also contradicting with other fact that Moksha is permanet state. So please give your views about it.


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Is there an English translation of Parimala of Shri Appaya Diskhita available?
Please provide the link for the same.
More about this work (from here):

Kalpataruparimala :

Bhagavadpada Adi Sri Sankaracharya wrote a classic commentary on the
Brahmasutras of Badarayans. For this commentary or Bhashya of Sri
Sankara, a great advaitic teacher, by name Sri Vachaspati Misra wrote
another commentary called Bhamati. For this work Bhamati, another
subsequent advaitic teacher by name Amalananda wrote an abstruse and
difficult commentary called kalpataru. The kalpataru is an extremely
difficult piece of work, which would require extensive scholarship to
understand. For this work kalpataru, Sri Appayya Dikshita wrote an
extensive and easily understandable detailed commentary called the
Parimala.


texts: Where is the exact date of start of kaliyug mentioned?

texts: The generally held belief is that kaliyuga started around -3102bc. Where is the exact verse or inscription which states this? Also is there any verse which states when dwapara started or treta started? Please quote astronomical reference with planetary positions if any?


texts: How do Purva Mimamsa followers explain the etymology of the caste word "Brahmana"?

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Not all Purva Mimamsa followers believed in the existence of Brahman, but they all believed in the Jivatma.

They also believed the verses in the Upanishads that speak of Brahman actually refer to the soul.

Now, the word "Brahmana" means 'one who knows Brahman,' but since they believed Brahman refers to the Jivatma, does this mean they thought "Brahmana" means one who knows the Jivatma?

But they didn't consider self knowledge all that important, so how did this etymology affect their views?

Or perhaps there is another valid etymology of "Brahmana" ?


texts: Who is "Umayah" and "Devi" in the following mantra?

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i found this mantra on a Book (Devi Bagavatam). But I cannot find the meaning for Umayah. The total form was :

  OM Saraswatheyah Namaha.(1)
  OM SriLakshmiyayah Namaha. (2)
  OM Umayah Namaha. (3)
  OM Devi Bhagavati.(4)

The first is the consort of Brahama.
The second is the consort of Sri Vishnu.

Who are third and fourth?


texts: What do theistic hindus think of charvaka philosophy and why? What is the reason that it  was not popular among people ? Is charvaka philosophy considered to be under the roof of sanatan dharma?


texts: I'm curious to know if throughout my rebirths I have stayed the same religion, race, etc. or if I was of a different classification? I wonder this because Hinduism is an all-embracing religion and so it is not necessary for one to be Hindu to be graced and/or blessed by God? I am Hindu myself and would never change that, but I really do wonder if/how identities that are derived from social constructs traverse through all of the rebirths? I thought only our soul travels through rebirths.


texts: Is there a pramana to know the existence of the pramanas?

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In the Vedic epistemology (theory of knowledge), there are three pramanas (means of knowledge):

Pratyaksha (perception, experience, memory, etc.)
Anumana (logic, inference, reasoning, etc.)
Shabda (testimony of trustworthy persons)

These are the means of knowledge. Knowledge in Vedic epistemology is "valid cognition": a cognition that gives information about the external world. So the pramanas are means of valid cognition. An invalid cognition is something like imagination. It's invalid because it doesn't give any information about the world since it is made up in one's mind. Illusion, hallucination, etc. are also invalid cognitions.
But how is the existence of these pramanas known? Is there another pramana separate from these 3?
To me, it seems like the existence of these pramanas is known through pratyaksha, since all these pramanas are directly experienced. But if pratyaksha as a pramana is established through pratyaksha itself, then it's a circular argument.
But the invalidity of a circular argument is only valid if we accept that anumana is a pramana. But what's the pramana to show that anumana is a pramana?
Well, Hindu scriptures, rishis, and other trustworthy people told me that anumana and pratyaksha are pramanas. So, they must be pramanas. But again, I can only believe this if I accept shabda as a pramana. But what is there to show that shabda is a pramana?
So, it actually seems like these pramanas are accepted axiomatically.


texts: Is it right as cannabis addicts addressing themselves as shiv bhakts?

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In India everywhere I see people are addressing themselves as shiv bhakts smoking weed and chillum and all sorts of herbs. Even some of the guys are making songs over it and some even smoke cannabis saying that Lord shiva used to smoke it so it's not harmful. People are making songs over it.
So coming to my question I would like to ask if it is right that Lord shiva is being an inspiration to the youths smoking weed? And how to enlighten them with sacred texts where we can show them the right path showing them the positive side and why it's harmful even if the Lord did it.
Also can I get the reference to the veda where Lord shiva is addressed as such a guy and are there any contradictions to that?
Thank you.


texts: Did the Shavite poet Tirumular believe new souls could be created?

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The term "Shaivite" is overused nowadays. For instance, Iyer Brahmins are often called Shaivites, but they're actually followers of Adi Shankaracharya's Smartha sect (which I discuss here and here), and simply adopt Shiva as their Ishta Devata. True philosophical Shaivism is relatively rare nowadays (in contrast to Vaishnavism which is pretty common). I discussed one genuine Shaivite sect, the Lingayat sect of Basava, in my answer here. But my question is about a more famous sect of Shaivism, known as Shaiva Siddhanta.

Just as the Sri Vaishnava sect is based on the works of the 12 Alwars, a group of ancient Tamil saints famous for their devotional poetry to Vishnu, the Shaiva Siddhanta sect is based on the poetry of the 63 Nayanars.  In any case, the largest Shaiva Siddhanta organization is called the Saiva Siddhanta Church.  As I discuss in my question and answer here, in contrast to the vast majority of Hindus, the Saiva Siddhanta Church does belong to the Vedanta school.  In particular, their website says that it's possible for new souls to be created, which is something that Vedanta school rejects:

  God Siva created the soul. How did he do this? Was it like a potter shaping clay into a pot? Was it like a carpenter creating a house out of lumber? It was more like the tree. In order to create another tree, the tree sends out its branches and the fruit grows on the branches and the seed grows within the fruit. The fruit drops off and the seed sprouts and a shoot comes out; that shoot becomes a twig, then a sapling, then a small tree, and then a large tree. Finally, the tree is fully matured and sends out its fruits and begins the process all over again. In a similar way Lord Siva has created individual souls. Saint Tirumular assures us of this in one of his many statements about Siva the Creator: Of yore He created the worlds seven, Of yore He created celestials countless, Of yore He created souls without number, Of yore He created all-Himself, As Primal Param, uncreated. TANTRA TWO VERSE 446

For those who don't know, Tirumular is one of the most famous Nayanars.  My question is, is it universally agreed that Tirumular believed that new souls could be created, or are there alternate interpretations of this verse?

The reason I ask is that as I said, the Vedanta school rejects the idea that individual souls can be created; the Brahma Sutras make clear that each individual soul has always existed and has taken infinitely many births going infinitely far back in time, as I discuss here.  And apart from the Saiva Siddhanta Church, most other follow of Shaiva Siddhanta belong to the Vedanta school.  Now the standard Shaiva Siddhanta commentary on the Brahma Sutras is the Srikantha Bhashya, which was written Srikantha Shivacharya based on the philosophy of Shiva Advaita as I discuss here.  Here is what the Srikantha Bhashya says about whether souls can be created:

  [T]he birth of Jiva is an impossibility that deeds go for nothing and that something accrues from what is not done.

The idea is that if there were a first birth of soul, then it would incur rewards and punishments even though it has not yet done any deeds to merit them.  In any case, given that Srikantha was part of the Shaiva Siddhanta school and thus believed in the authority of the Nayanars, how would he reconcile his views with Tirumular's verse above?

Apart from the Saiva Siddhanta Church, most other followers of Shaiva Siddhanta believe in the interpretation of the Nayanars' poems given by Meykandar.  Does Meykandar interpret Tirumular's verse differently than the Saiva Siddhanta church, in a way that does not imply that souls can be created?


texts: How many Vedic hymns are attributed to Soma?

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We see that the Soma (plant and its extract) is one of the chiefly mentioned subjects in the Vedic literature. Especially in the rig veda there are many mantras and hymns dedicated to soma and its extraction and related rituals.

How many hymns are there in the vedas (rig veda or other) which are exclusively dedicated to soma?


texts: What are the rules of parenting or parenting quotes according to scriptures?What does the scriptures say about the qualities of a good parent/guardian and a bad parent/guardian?What should a child do who has terribly abusive parent?Can the child decide to seperate from them,is there an instance where such a thing happened?What are the quotes regarding dharma of protection and treatment of children ?


texts: What is the meaning of this shloka and in what context it was written?

texts:
ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पूर्णमुदच्यते।
  पूर्णस्य  पूर्णमादाय  पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते॥

When I fed it to search engine, I got many explanations by different people according to their understanding. I want to know in what context originally it was written and what is it's meaning?

I read it on front page of Ishavasyopnishad.


texts: Are Vedas re-revealed every mahayuga, manvantara or kalpa?

texts: I'm trying to understand, the Hindu timescales, but unable to understand if Vedas are revealed in every mahayuga or manuvantara, does any purana provide info as to when were Vedas revealed?


texts: What to do with a damaged Bilva tree at home?

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I have an old Bilva tree at my home and it got damaged after Varda cyclone and it is not growing after that. I have tried every thing to restore it but all methods failed.

Are there any instructions from scriptures regarding whether one should keep the damaged tree as it is in the home or how to deal with it (or dispose it in case it's not ok to keep it) or plant a new one?


texts: Was there ever an Aindra sect? Devotees of Indra who believed that only Indra and no other Deva is Brahman?

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Many people today are saying that Indra is the supreme Brahman. This theory is primarily advocated by people who reject the Upanishads and believe that the Rig Veda Samhita is the only true Veda.

Similar to Vaishnavas and Shaivas, was there ever an Aindra sect? Devotees of Indra who believed that only Indra and no other Deva is Brahman?

If so, who was the earliest Vedic scholar to identify as an Aindra?

NOTE: To clarify, I am looking for someone who is identified as an exclusive Indra-devotee, similar to vaishnavas and shaivas. Basically, someone who thinks only Indra is the parabrahman. I'm not looking for people who say all gods are identical or brahman or anything like that.


texts: Why did Drona become Kaurava's and Paandava's Guru?

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Why did Kauravas and Paandavas considered Drona as their Guru?

What made them to consider Drona as a Guru?


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How many Vyuhas were created in Mahabharata?
Who were the creators of the Vyuhas and who all knew how to destroy those Vyuhas?
I heard that 40 Vyuhas were created in Mahabharata like:

Chakravyuha
Kronchvyuha
Garudvyuha
ArdhChandrakarvyuha

I want to briefly know about who were the creators and destroyers of these Vyuhas?


texts: How do I find a spiritual Guru for this particular Indra sadhana?

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I am in need of a Guru who can help me in performing the Indra Sadhana (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOo5m4azAN8). How to perform the yagna ? Who can help me on this ? How can I prosper ?

I am very much dedicated to perform this yagna, please help me. Please don't give comments which are not related to the video nor unnecessary comments.


texts: Why Hindus write Shubh and Labh with a Swastika?

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I've seen this written at various places say shop entrances, home entrances and other places.

These terms are generally written besides Lord Ganesha's image.  Not only this, it is also written on marriage invitations and Diwali greetings.

The terms are often associated with swastika symbol (well, most of the time).

So why they write the terms Shubh which means auspiciousness and Labh means Profit?

Image Credits : zns.india.com


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I read in an article somewhere that as our body have 7 major Chakras, so does the Earth. Energy flows through each of Earth’s main Chakra and makes up the spiritual body that is our world.

My question: Is this fact stated anywhere in our scriptures? If yes, where are these centers? Please do cite authentic references in your answer.


texts: Can a person change his caste in Hinduism?

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Each person born as a Hindu has some caste attached to him. As per my understanding he remains in the same caste throughout his life. Currently, I don't think anybody can change his/her caste, but was it possible in the early days of civilization?

Also, Hinduism is a open religion. It allows you to choose your favorite God, the way you want to worship, the custom you want to follow. You can even be an atheist while following Hinduism. Then why is Hinduism so strict with the caste system?


texts: Which is the Shaiva Itihasa that Linga Purana is talking about?

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By Itihasa we usually only mean the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. But have a look at the following passage/verses from Linga Purana (Tr-J.LShastry-Part1, Ch-26):

  For the propitiation of the eighteen Puranas beginning with Brahma,
  for the propitiation of the eighteen Upa-Puranas beginning with Saura,
  and for the propitiation of holy Itihasas starting with Saiva he
  shall touch his ears and cardiac region.

Here, actually the process of Achamana (the ritualistic sipping of water) and the allied rites are being described.

Now coming to the passage, I know that we have 18 Puranas and the 1st one among them being the Brahma Purana. Similarly, I am also aware of Saura Purana, an Up-Purana.

But which is the Shaiva Itihasa being talked about here?


texts: What is the need of a physical guru for easy mantras

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Easy mantra in the title refers to the mantra whose pronunciation and other aspects of mantra are easy to comprehend. Such as small bheeja mantra of length varies from one to maximum three characters. Now-a-days the pronunciation and other rules can be obtained or verified from internet.

In this context, as per scriptures, what is the need for a physical guru inorder to get mantra siddi for such mantras?

Is it only because of the reason that it has been mentioned in scriptures that guru is mandatory for any such mantra?


texts: Where is Buddhism also considered a Valid Path in Hindu scriptures?

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The Philosophy of Buddhism is directly refuted itself in Brahma Sutras. But refutation of Philosophy doesn't mean that the path is not Valid.

  For eg. Adi Shankaracharya also refuted the Philosophy of Pancharatra Agamas. But he still considered Pancharatra are able to give Mokshya.

Adi Shankara himself respects Buddha in Hari Shankara Stotra as:

  पाठितकेतोर्जयिने प्रतीतसर्वज्ञ्यभावाय दयैकसीम्न्ने | प्रायः क्रतु द्वेषकृतदराय बोधौकदाम्न्ने स्पृहयामि भूम्न्ने || १०
  I worship the spiritual radiance manifested as Buddha, who was all-knowing, who was the conqueror of Mara, who was full of mercy, who was of the nature of Bodha (spiritual conciousness), and who was the adored of those who were opponents of Yajnas.

The name Buddha is itself Sacred in Hindu scripture. He is also considered as 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu among the major incarnations. Although there are also Hindu scriptures which call Buddha as deceiver. Padma Purana itself state that 'uttering' name of Buddha can cleanse the sin of Brahmahatya.

  Padma Purana Uttarkhanda chapter 71.26-29
  Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narsimha, Vamana, so also Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and after him is said to be (the incarnation of) Kalki. These ten are said to be (Vishnu's) ten incarnations on the earth. Merely by (uttering) their names, (even) the killer of a brahmana is always purified. He, by reciting, muttering, meditating upon Vishnu's name in any manner, is freed. There is no doubt that he would be Vishnu himself.

Such is the power of just name of 'Buddha'.
Another popular misconception about 'Buddha' in people is that he rejected the Vedas. But in fact Buddha rejected the Vedas because he considered Vedas avaliable at his time were altered.

  In the Buddhist Vinaya Pitaka of the Mahavagga (I.245) section the Buddha names these rishis. The names of the Vedic rishis were "Atthako, Vâmako, Vâmadevo, Vessâmitto, Yamataggi, Angiraso, Bhâradvâjo, Vâsettho, Kassapo, and Bhagu" but that it was altered by a few Brahmins who introduced animal sacrifices. The Vinaya Pitaka's section Anguttara Nikaya: Panchaka Nipata says that it was on this alteration of the true Veda that the Buddha refused to pay respect to the Vedas of his time.

So, the reason why Buddha rejected Vedas was because he considered True forms of Vedas were altered.

My question is, Are there any Hindu scriptures which Validate also the path of Buddhism ? Is Buddhism also considered a Path which can help to realise the supreme ?


texts: How does God decide who becomes a nityasuri?

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If God is fair and square, why are we baddhatmas(Those jivas that are temporarily bound by karma), while some atmas get to become nityasuris(These are the members of the Divine Ministering Assembly  ).
What did I do to first get stuck in samsara and suffer?


texts: History of “Daridrya Dahan ShivaStotram”

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Sage Vashistha created this beautiful stotram in praise of lord Shiva. You can read it in Sanskrit on this website https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_shiva/daaridryadahan.html?lang=sa

And, the stotra translated into English can be read from here.

I would like to know in what condition or situation sage Vashistha wrote this?

For e.g when Ravana created Shiva tandava stotram, he was praising Shiva for mercy as he was being crushed under Kailasha. Similarly, is there any background about this stotram?


texts: Why did they invent Sanskrit as Veda language not any other script?

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I've a doubt since long time, I thought this is the best place to ask.

How did Sanskrit has become main language in ancient times?
Why did they choose Sanskrit as Veda language?
Does those Veda hymns have any effect if they are uttered in other languages like English ( I mean when they are translated) because all mantras are vibration related and vibrations are caused due to proper pronunciation of mantras. Does this have any relation to Sanskrit language?

Please clear my doubts.


texts: What is the significance of fire in rituals?

texts: In all the Hindu rituals that I have attended, I have seen that there is always a fire burning. Why is fire so important?


texts: Sources to read about human body described in hinduism

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I want to read about human body described in hindu scriptures.
If there is any please provide links or references or books?


texts: English translation (and source) of the Sanskrit shloka from Prabhupada's commentary on SB 3.20.18

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Srila Prabhupada quotes the following shloka(s) from Viṣṇu Purāṇa in his commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam 3.20.18, but he did not give us the English translation.
So I'd like to know the precise English translation of the following. And the verse number too from Viṣṇu Purāṇa.

Especially in this Age of Kali, everyone is overwhelmed by the madness to accumulate paraphernalia for material enjoyment. These definitions are very nicely given in Viṣṇu Purāṇa, wherein it is said:

tamo ’viveko mohaḥ syād
antaḥ-karaṇa-vibhramaḥ
mahā-mohas tu vijñeyo
grāmya-bhoga-sukhaiṣaṇā
maraṇaṁ hy andha-tāmisraṁ
tāmisraṁ krodha ucyate
avidyā pañca-parvaiṣā
prādurbhūtā mahātmanaḥ


texts: What are the names of Lord Srinivasa residing in the seven hills of Tirupathi?

texts: Tirupathi consists of seven hills. What are the names of the individual seven  hills and what are the synopsis of these hills? What are the names of the five Srinivasans residing in these seven hills?


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We all know that there were many great Rishi Munis (Sage) who have blessed our motherland and we also know that genes are passed on from one generation to the next one, so would it be correct to assume that among us, some where, we do have lineage of them?

Are there any known ones?


texts: The story of Sri Krishna, Yudhishtira and the bitter gourd

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Is there any scriptural basis to this story of Sri Krishna, Yudhishtira and the bitter gourd?

The story goes like this:
After the Mahabharata war, King Yudhishtira and his brothers decide to go on a pilgrimage to cleanse themselves of sins committed during the war. Yudhishtira requests Sri Krishna to accompany them on their voyage. Krishna obliges but instead of accompanying himself, sends a bitter gourd in his place, telling Yudhishtira to treat the bitter gourd as (Krishna) himself, dip it in the holy waters and bring it back to him.
Yudhishtira doesn't question or doubt Krishna's reasons and does as advised. He dips the bitter melon in the sacred waters at all holy places he visits and brings it back to Krishna. Krishna then cuts the bitter melon and serves it to all the Pandavas and asks them to eat it. The Pandavas don't seem too happy chewing it down their throats as the gourd was still bitter. They complain. Krishna then offers them some wisdom, that just as the bitter gourd took dips in holy water and still remained bitter as ever, so do your sins. It's a mere whim that you can wash away your sins by going on a pilgrimage or immersing in holy water.

Moral of the story:  You cannot wash away your sins by simply dipping yourself in river Ganga or any sacred waters.


texts: What is the connection between Munitrayam and Swayamacharyas in Sri Vaishnavism?

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As I discuss in this question, the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member) is divided into two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai.  Now each of these sub-sects has a bunch of Mathams belonging to it, and each Matham is headed by a Sri Vaishnava Acharya, just like the four Shankaracharya Mathams in Advaita.  Most Sri Vaishnavas belong to one of these Mathams; for instance my Dad's family belongs to Vanamamalai Matham and my Mom's family belongs to Ahobilam Matham.  But there are some Sri Vaishnavas who don't belong to any Matham at all, known as Swayamacharya people.  For them their father functions as their Acharya. Swayamacharya people are rare; usually only the families descended from famous Sri Vaishnava Acharyas are Swayamacharya people.  For instance my maternal grandmother comes from the Swayamacharya family of Agnihotram Tathachariar, a descendant of Nathamuni, the founder of Sri Vaishnavism.

Now I have noticed a pattern among Swayamacharya people, or at least among Vadakalai Swayamacharya people.  Most of them seem to belong to Munitrayam.  For those who don't know, the term Munitrayam, which means "the three sages", refers to three Vadakalai Acharyas who were all disciples of Gopala Desikan, an 18th century Vadakalai Acharya.  The most prominent of the three is Ranga Ramanuja, the Sri Vaishnava commentator on the Upanishads.  In any case, two Vadakalai Mathams, Sri Rangam Andavan Ashram and Poundarikapuram Andavan Ashram, trace their Guru Parampara to Munitrayam.  But my question is, what is the connection between Swayamacharyas and Munitrayam?

Most Vadakalai Swayamacharya people I know belong to Munitrayam, and it's not just anecdotal evidence; this Wikipedia article says the same thing:

  Munitraya – Followers of Srimad Andavan of Andavan Ashramams, and Swayamacharyas.The Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashramam, Poundarikapuram Andavan Ashramam, and most of the present-day Vadagalai 'svayam-acharya purusha' families are directly connected to this acharya parampara, and follow the worship and ritual patterns outlined by Sri Gopalarya Mahadesikan.

But how can Swayamacharyas be connected to the Munitraya Parampara?  By definition the Guru Parampara of a Swayamacharya is just his line of biological ancestors.  For instance if you look at my maternal grandmother's relative Agnihotram Tathachariar, his guru was his father, whose guru was his father, etc., all the way back to Nathamuni.  So where would Munitrayam enter the picture?  Or is it that Swayamacharya people don't trace their Guru Parampara to Munitrayam, but rather they just "follow the worship and ritual patterns" of Munitrayam as Wikipedia suggests?  I'm not even sure what these worship and ritual patterns are, but if that's the case what is the reason why so many Swayamacharya people follow Munitrayam?  Is there some historical event or circumstance which led to this?


texts: Is it true that thieves kidnapped some of Krishna's wives?

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I heard that, after the Kurukshetra war, some of Krishna's wives were kidnapped by thieves.

If true, what are the reasons behind this?


texts:
If Kapila muni lived during Svayambhuva-manvantara, did he live approximately 426 Maha-yugas back?.
Reasons for this question:

Current Manu is 7/14. Swayambhu Manu is 1/14. Each Manu rules 71 Maha-yugas

So 71×6 = 426 Maha-yugas.


texts: Is it true that the next life depends on our thoughts while dying?

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I heard from many preachings that whatever the person thinks while dying, will eventually decide the persons next life.

Is it true?


texts: Is it true that lord Vishnu gave his own eye to lord Shiva?

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Lord Vishnu was worshipping of Lord Shiva and he was also anointed with 1,000 Lotus flower on the shivalinga. In the end, when he saw that a one Lotus flower was less then he could not get out of the middle so he offered his one eye to Shiva for completion of worship.

I have no authorized reference for this story. If I am wrong please correct me.


texts: Do grama devathas have capability of giving moksha?

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Krishna, Rama, Hanuman, Siva, etc., are capable of giving moksha to an aspirant.
Is it valid for Grama Devatas (village goddess) as well?


texts: Why didn't Dronacharya kill Ghatotkacha with his divine weapons?

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Karna had to waste his shakti weapon on Ghatotkacha but at the same time Dronacharya was the leader of the army and he was well versed in almost all the divine weapons.

Why didn't Dronacharya kill Ghatotkacha with one of his divine weapons (divyAstra) instead of Karna wasting the only shakti-astra he had?


texts: Sarvato-Bhadra-Mandala is drawn and used in worship of many deities in hinduism. What is it actually and how is it drawn and worshipped?


texts: How was the behavior of Agni before he was cursed by Bhrigu?

texts: How was the behavior of Agni before he was cursed by Bhrigu to be "Sarva bhakshakha" (consumer of all things)?


texts: What is the significance of wearing dhoti during puja and other rituals?

texts: What is the significance of wearing dhoti during puja and other rituals ?


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Are there any Sources (Books/Websites/Apps) with Authentic Mantras, Original form of Mantras, Meaning of Mantras and how to pronounce/practice it.

These days, there are Mantras for everything; so many online gurus popping up and giving Mantras by randomly mixing various Sanskrit words.
So I got little skeptical and started to believe in Mantras from Vedas only.

Should I trust all Mantras or old Mantras written in Vedas only?


texts: In which year of exile did Hanuman meet Bhima?

texts: It is said that Hanuman met Bhima for the first time when the latter was going through the 13 year exile period but do scriptures tell anything about the exact year in that period when the two met?