texts: Why is Brahma referred as Viranchi in Scriptures?

texts:
In some scriptures Brahma is referred as Viranchi (विरञ्चि):
Whenever I see sun raising in early morning, following mantra automatically pops out from my mind/month:

नमः सवित्रे जगदेकचक्षुषे । जगत्प्रसूती स्थिति नाश हेतवे  त्रयीमयाय त्रिगुणात्म धारिणे । विरञ्चि नारायण शङ्करात्मने॥
Salutations to the Sun God, the Eye of the Universe, the Cause of Creation, Maintenance and Destruction of the Universe, the three Gunas, taking form as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Above mantra is from Surya Mandalashtaka.
Another example from memorized Narmadashtakam:

विरिञ्चि विष्णुशंकरस्वकीयधामवर्मदे त्वदीयपादपङ्कजं नमामि देवि नर्मदे ॥
The presence of Brahma, Vishnu and Shankara in Your Holy Dhama (i.e. River body) provides a Protective Shield (of Blessings to the Devotees), O Devi Narmada, I Bow down to Your Lotus Feet, Please give me Your Refuge.

As you've seen in above examples, Brahma is referred Viranchi (विरञ्चि). So, I want to know why is Brahma referred as Viranchi in Scriptures?


texts:
Parasara Smriti 4.30 “A widow, who immolates herself on the same funeral pile with her deceased husband, resides in heaven for ten millions of years, which is the number of hairs on the human body.”

Agni Purana 222.23 “The woman (widow) who enters the funeral fire along with the dead husband will also reach the heaven”

These scriptures suggest that a sati will attain heaven but Mahanirvana Tantra 10:80 is contrdicting these statements.

Every woman is Thy image–Thou residest concealed in the forms of all women in this world. That woman who in her delusion ascends the funeral pyre of her lord shall go to hell (80).

Why scriptures have a contradicting opinion on this issue?
Source


texts: Is there any erroneous belief to worship of Shiva Linga?

texts: As we know that penis is the most hidden part of body, and society could not accept to see any one nude. Then isn't it disrespecting to worship Lord Shiva's penis ?


texts: Do any scriptures mention which yoga asanas should be performed everyday?

texts: Do Patanjali's yoga aphorisms or any other scriptures mention anything about which yoga asanas we should practice everyday?


texts: Why after the death of a family member or a close relatives they won't pray till the 11th day ceremony?

texts:
When my grandfather passed away, my family did not pray for 11 days till the 11th day ceremony. Also we were vegetarian during that period.

I asked my family but I did not get a convincing answer.

Why should we be vegetarian these days?
Why we should not pray these days?


texts: Origination of Shuklya Yajurveda 16 shakas

texts: It is known that Shuklya Yajurveda was taught to great Yajnavalkya by Survya deva. Then Yajnavalkya Rishi taught it to his many shishya. This resulted in 16 shakhas. My question is if Yajnavalkya taught what he learnt from Survya deva as it is to his shishya how come there are 16 shakhas instead of 1. There can be 2 possibilities. First Yajnavalkya learned all 16 shakhas from Surya deva. Second one is that all the 16 shishyas altered it and created their own shakha. Which one is right?


texts:
Sri Rama was an  Avatar of God Vishnu. Sita, his wife, was also an  avatar of Goddess Lakshmi.

Sita personifies the ideal wife in the epic, Valmiki Ramayana. She complemented Sri Rama in every aspect of life.

The values that  Sita  enshrined and adhered to, at every point  in the course of a demanding life,  as exemplified in  the Valmiki Ramayana,  are also the values of
womanly virtue held sacred by countless generations.
The great monk, Swami Vivekananda described the immortality of  Sita’s story as under :-

"All our mythology may vanish, even our Vedas may depart, and our Sanskrit language may vanish for ever, but so long as there will be five Hindus living, even if only seeking the most vulgar patois, there will be the story of Sita present."

Are there any written works or commentaries where the great monk, Swami Vivekananda has talked about Goddess Sita?


texts: What are the primary authentic sources of Hinduism?

texts:
Which books are considered the most authentic (not popular) in Hinduism , please provide the ranking of such books by its authenticity?

Here authentic would mean how old and how well the particular work is preserved and is considered to be the closest approximation of God's will.


texts: Why casteism (varṇa system) is based on birth instead of present guṇa-s & karma-s?

texts:
I've witnessed many Dwija-s behaving in lowly manner resorting to material pleasures, cruelty, ignorance, etc. & bereft of dhārmic conscience. On the other hand, I have witnessed many Śūdra-s behaving in nobler ways. How to explain this anomaly if we were to accept birth-based varṇa system to be the correct one?
Following questions are worthy of our attention,

How can a Dwija affirm that all its forefathers were not a product of intermixing of castes (varṇa-śankara), otherwise the complete generation must be outcaste. i.e, a Brahmaṇa is a Brahmaṇa if and only if all his forefathers since creation were strictly Brahmaṇa?

If we classify castes (varṇa) based on karma or guṇa, then how to determine someone's varṇa?

Is there really a need of caste (varṇa) at all? Can't all live in unity without any distinction of caste (varṇa)?


texts: Why is it not recommended to turn back immediately after praying in a temple?

texts: I heard this long time back that one should not immediately turn back after praying, instead take at least 2 or 3 steps back and then turn around. The reason is one should not make their back face the deity immediately after praying. Is this true? If so why?


texts: When kaliyuga will end then yuga cycle again rotate to Sat-yuga then what will happen, like Shree Râmaji take avatâr again?

texts: As we are living in the Kaliyuga when it will become end then again yuga cycle rotate to Sat-yuga. Then my question is that then there will be same leelâ of my god like they will take avatâr of Lord Râma, Lord Křishňa in their respective yuga? Please resolve my curiosity.


texts: What is the difference between Yuga Dharma and Santana Dharma? What is the Yuga Dharma for each Yuga?

texts: I'm really confused about the Yuga Dharma of each Yuga. Some say Daan is the Yuga Dharma of Kaliyuga while some say chanting the name of God. Someone please explain this concept in detail.


texts:
When does a Mahadasha start for an individual?

For eg, for a person born in Punarvasu nakshatra when does his Guru-Mahadasha start? Just at the time of his birth or any other particular time? How to find it?


texts: According to the Vedas, what are the properties of time?

texts:
I'm interested to know:

Is time an eternal aspect of all the worlds or is it specific to our particular world?
How is this concept of eternity handled? Specifically, Is it different when it is future looking as opposed to the past? In other words, how is the qualitative experience of the past reconciled with the qualitative experience of future(according to the Vedas)?


texts:
Does anyone know the exact location of the following text in the Padma Purana?

The text is found here.

  ṣaṭ-karma-nipuṇo vipro
  mantra-tantra-viśāradaḥ
  avaiṣṇavo gurur na syād
  vaiṣṇavaḥ śva-paco guruḥ


texts: What is the Pashupatastra? Did Arjuna use it in the Kurukshetra war?

texts:
What is the Pashupatastra?
Why did Lord Shiva get it in first place?
Did Arjuna really use it in the Kurukshetra war? If he didn't, why did he get it from Lord Shiva?
Was it the all-knowing Krishna who urged Arjuna to acquire this astra?
With regard to today's nuclear weapons, it is often said that they would result in MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) meaning both the assailant and the target would be destroyed. However, owning one supposedly has the advantage of being used as a deterrent, so in hindsight, was that Pashupatastra's real purpose in the Mahabharatha war?


texts: When paramatma can control souls why does he need various weapons?

texts: When paramatma can control his own souls why does he fight with weapons ?


texts:
Rig Veda X.78.6 says that Maruts are sons of Sindhu.

  These noble sons of Sindhu  are like grinding-stones, they are always
  like Soma-stones , tearing everything to pieces; these sons of a good
  mother are like playful children, they are by their glare like a great
  troop on its march.

Rig Veda 6.66.3 says that Maruts are the sons of Pṛśni.

  They who are Sons of the rain-pouring Rudra, whom the long-lasting One
  had power to foster: The Mighty Ones whose germ great Mother Pṛśni is
  known to have received for man's advantage.

Can anyone explain reason for this?


texts: Why it is important to squat while performing achamana?

texts:
An Achamana is a purificatory ritual that consists of sipping small amount of water from right palm after sanctifying it(the water) with mantras.

An Achamana precedes all Vedic ritual.

There are certain rules which are needed to be followed while doing it.A recommended posture for doing it is the squatting position(although i don't think that this is mandatory).

From this page:

  Achamanam Sipping water sanctified by mantras

  Sit in a squatting position, facing east or north. The hands should be
  between the knees. Bend all the fingers other than the thumb and the
  small finger slightly so that a hollow is produced in the palm. Take a
  very small quantity of water in the palm and sip, uttering the
  following three mantras (one sip for each mantra):-

   Achyutaya namah
   Anantaya namah
   Govindaya namah

Question-Why it is important to squat while performing an achamana?What are the advantages of squatting(in this regard) over any other postures like say Sukhasana or Padmasana?

A video demonstrating Achamana being performed in a squatting posture.


texts: Why do Smarthas and Vaishnavas have differences regarding dates (tithi) of festivals like Ekadashi?

texts:
Generally it's seen that ekadashi or any other date for that purpose falls on two days. Normally Smartha observe say,ekadashi one day earlier than Vaishnavas. Most calendars only show Smartha dates but some show both. For instance my local calendar has two days for Janamashtmi,11 august for Smarthas and 12 august for Vaishnavas . This distinction is very acutely observed in North India even though Hindus there are not much sectarian other wise.
Why is it so?


texts: How does Advaita explain analogy of two birds on the tree(body)?

texts:
A well known analogy of two birds seating on the tree appears in Mundaka Upanishad.(Similar verse also appears in Svetâsvatara Upanishad)

  Two birds, inseparable friends, cling to the same tree. One of them eats the sweet fruit, the other looks on without eating.
  On the same tree man sits grieving, immersed, bewildered by his own impotence (an-îsâ). But when he sees the other lord (îsâ) contented
  and knows his glory, then his grief passes away .

Here two birds are Jiva/Atma(individual soul) and Lord/Paramatma(Super Soul).

As per Advaita Doctrine there is no difference between these two and that individuality appears only owing to our Avidya(Ignorance). As per Shankaracharya the individuality appears only at empirical level of existence.

As famous verse of Shankaracharya says:

  Brahma satyam jagat mithya, jivo brahmaiva naparah

  Translation: Brahman is the only truth, the world is unreal, and there
  is ultimately no difference between Brahman and individual self

So How does Advaita interpret this analogy of two birds seating on a tree?


texts: Does the concept of enlightenment apply to sects which only believe in Bhakti?

texts:
Enlightenment as applied to enlightened being such as Ramana Maharishi implies a radical change of consciousness from the everyday state.

Does that apply to followers of sects that only believe in Bhakti?


texts: Is it allowed to preserve a body in a temple's premises?

texts: Ramanujacharya's body is preserved in Sri Rangam temple by mummification. Is it allowed as per agama or other shastra to bury/preserve a body inside a temple premises?


texts: What's the correct translation for this sloka which is used for Ghanta Puja

texts:
While reading through the purvanga kramas of Sri Vishnu Pooja vidhi laid down by Sri Jayatirtha in the padhyamala, i have come across the below verse.

  Āgamārthaṃ tu devānāṃ gamanārthaṃ tu rakṣasām ।
  kuru ghaṇṭāravaṃ tatra devatāhvāna lā'ñchanam |15|

  ajñānatho'jñānatovāpi kāṃsya ghaṃṭān navādayet |16|
  rākṣasānāṃ piśācānāṃ taddeśe vasatirbhavet ।
  tasmāt sarva prayatnena ghaṃṭāmAvadayettataH |17|

Can someone help out with the translation (into english) from line 3 onwards, i.e., from "ajnAnAjjnAnato.." upto the last line ending with verse 17.


texts: Will one get liberation, if at the time of death one doesn't remember God though the one has been remembering God throughout his life?

texts:
As this question explains one is liberated on remembering God during last time. Actually, whatever object one has meditated on throughout one's life, that very object he attains at the time of leaving his body. So, only such people (Yogi) will be able to actually remember God at the time of death. Remembering God at the time of death is impossible if one has not remembered God throughout one's life as other impressions which are powerful will influence less powerful impression (God's impression here).

In short, Stronger impressions at the time of death decide one's attainment.

Now, the question is reverse. What will happen during premature or sudden death of a Yogi? Or what happen if the Yogi remembers accidentally water or food or wife or children at the time of death due to some unexpected reasons possibly? Will he get liberation even in such case?


texts: Is there any verse to have nice husband?

texts:
Many of my friends married recently and all of them were either unhappy or divorced.

Can any one tell me any verses/slokas to get married to nice husband?


texts: Description of 7 bhumikas of Patañjala Yoga Sutras

texts:
In Patañjala Yoga Sutras II.27, there is stated that

  tasya saptadhā prānta-bhūmiḥ prajña

  In his case the highest stage of Enlightenment is reached by seven stages.

So my question is, which are those 7 bhumikas? In which scriptures they are good explained?

some translation say II.27 as

  One’s wisdom in the final stage is sevenfold.  [One experiences the
  end of 1) desire to know anything more; 2) desire to stay away from
  any thing; 3) desire  to gain anything new; 4) desire to do anything;
  5) sorrow; 6) fear; 7) delusion.]

http://yogasutrastudy.info/yoga-sutra-translations/ysp-sutras2-21-2-40/

Is there some 7 bhumikas correlation on vedanta?


texts: How does Arya Samaj intepret Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.3.1?

texts:
As some of you must be knowing, Arya Samaj is a Hindu organisation that rejects the notion of idol worship and teaches God is only formless. This is due to the controversial verses in the Yajurveda such as "Na tasya pratima asti".
As a result, the Arya Samajis reject Puranas and Agamas (but accepts the Itihasas and the Dharmasastras though they believe these texts have a lot of interpolation) and accept the Vedas and the Mukhya Upanishads as the only true authoritative texts of the Vedic religion.
However, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.3.1 says God is both formless and has form:

dve vāva brahmaṇo rūpe, mūrtaṃ caivāmūrtaṃ ca
English Translation: God (Brahman) has two modes, formless (nirakara, asambhuta) as well as form (sakara, sambhuta).

Of course Sanskrit words can have multiple meanings so I guess Arya Samaj has an alternate translation and interpretation to the above verse. So how do Arya Samajis translate and interpret this verse?


texts: Is there any mention of Amrit falling at different places after quarrel between Dev and Daityas

texts:
I saw an episode of  'Shiv Mahapuran' serial and there it was shown when Amrit came out of Samudra Manthan, Dev and Daityas were running after one another, quarrelling and snatching the Amrit holding vessel(Kumbh) and then Some Amrit fell at different occasions at different places. There were 4 places mentioned, river Ganga in Haridwar and Prayag, Godavari and Shipra rivers. And therefore these places have Kumbh Snaan at different times.

I wanted to know which book has this story of Amrit falling at these/more places. Also, can we calculate the time gap between these Kumbh Snaan such that we know exactly for how much time Dev and Daityas were running/quarrelling for Amrit.


texts:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Section V, Verse 1.5.16 states:

  There are indeed three worlds, the world of men, the world of the Manes and the world of the gods. This world of men is to be won through the son alone, and by no other rite; the world of the Manes through rites; and the world of the gods through meditation. The world of the gods is the best of the worlds. Therefore they praise meditation.

What is meant by "the world of the Manes"?


texts: Does the word Purusha occur in the Rig Veda other than Purusha Suktam?

texts: Purusha Suktam of Rig Veda contains the word "Purusha". However, I would like to know if the word Purusha can be found in any other Sukta other than this Purusha Sukta in the Rig Veda.


texts: Why does the Apsara Menaka keep abandoning her children?

texts:
It is well known that Menaka had a daughter with Vishvamitra by the name of Shakuntala, whom she abandoned during infancy because she didn't intend to have the child. This daughter was later adopted by the Rishi named Kanva.

Another story is featured in the Pauloma Parva of Mahabharata:

  At that time, Viswavasu, the King of the Gandharvas, it is said, had
  intimacy with Menaka, the celestial dancing-girl. And the Apsara,
  Menaka, when her time was come, brought forth an infant near the
  hermitage of Rishi Sthulakesa. And dropping the newborn infant on the
  banks of the river, Menaka, the Apsara, being destitute of pity and
  shame, went away. And the Rishi, Sthulakesa, of great ascetic power,
  discovered the infant lying forsaken in a lonely part of the
  river-side.

Why does she keep doing this? And why doesn't she use birth control? And has she ever kept a child and not abandoned it?


texts:
The leader of Asuras, also known as Asurapati. The only one alive is Raja Bali who is now under protection of Shriman Narayana in the form of Vamana avatar.

If he is in some other place and not ruling asuras, then who is the
current Asurapati?


texts: What is the Vishishtadvaitin equivalent to "Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya Jeevo Brahmaiva Naparah"?

texts:
The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta was summed up by Adi-Shankara in a single verse:

Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya, Jivo Brahmaiva Naparah
English Translation: Brahman is the only Truth, the world is unreal (objectively), and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and the individual self.

Now my question is what is the Vishishtadvaitin equivalent of this? What is the one verse that sums up the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta?


texts: Which is pronouncement of Lord mentioned in Vivekachudamani?

texts:
Vivekachudamani is one of the popular works of Adi Shankaracharya. 233th verse of Vivekachudamani is as follows:

  ईश्वरो वस्तुतत्त्वज्ञो न चाहं तेष्ववस्थितः ।
  न च मत्स्थानि भूतानीत्येवमेव व्यचीक्लृपत् ॥ २३३॥

  Īśvaro vastutattvajño na cāhaṃ teṣvavasthitaḥ ।
  na ca matsthāni bhūtānītyevameva vyacīklṛpat ॥ 233॥

  233. The Lord, who knows the secret of all things has supported this view in the words: "But I am not in them" … "nor are the beings in Me".

This verse says that Ishwar made the procurement or utterance that "But I am not in them" … "nor are the beings in Me". I want to know where Lord said this. Which scripture is this present?


texts: Is Taj Mahal really a Shiva Temple in the past?

texts:
I have seen many blogs which claims that Taj Mahal was a Shiva temple in the past.
Links for few those blogs are

1. The Tajmahal is Tejomahalay, A Hindu Temple

2. Taj Mahal A Shiv Temple

Is there any scripture/text or evidence available in our history that can prove this claim correct or anything related to this that can contradict these claims?


texts: Was/is there animal sacrifice at dakshineshwar?

texts: Since it is a Kali temple, animal sacrifice probably does take place there.  Did Ramakrishna Paramahamsa sanction it?  How about Vivekananda?


texts: Why animals other than Goat, Chicken and pigs are not given as animal sacrfice?

texts:
Goats, roosters and pigs are given as sacrifice to gods.
There are also many other animals and birds living but they are not Sacrificed.

QUESTION :

Why certain animals like Goat, roosters, pigs are given as animal sacrifice and others NOT ?


texts: Is the complete Shiva Purana available online in English?

texts: I already have a PDF of 812 pages in Hindi language but I find that the language/words used are sometimes a bit tough to understand. I have visited some sites which have downloadable versions in English as well but there it seems to be a bit shortened. Through this site I came to know about Sacred-texts, etc., sites which have authentic versions and verse by verse translation so just wanted to know if any such translation is present for Shiva Purana. If yes then please provide me the links.


texts: Why does Vishnu tell Padmavathi that he is a member of the Solar dynasty?

texts:
The Venkatachala Mahatmya of the Skanda Purana describes how Venkateshwara (the Vishnu deity in Tirupati, AKA Balaji or Srinivasa) meets Padmavathi for the first time.  He saves Padmavathi from an elephant, and when Padmavathi and her friends ask him who he is, he says this (from page 24 of this excerpt):

  Those conversant with ancient traditions say that our family is that of the Sun.  Our names are innumerable.  They sanctify learned men.  By colour and name the ascetics say that I am Krishna.  My discus instills fear in the minds of the enemies of Suras and those who hate Brahmanas.  On hearing the sound of my conch enemies become confounded.  Even among immortal beings there is no bow equal to mine.

My question is, why does Vishnu say his "family is that of the Sun"?  Vishnu is actually an ancestor of Surya the sun god, not a descendant; Surya is the son of Kashyapa, who is the son of Marichi, who is the son of Brahma, who is the son of Vishnu.  So I don't see how it makes sense to call Vishnu a member of the family of the Sun.

There are two possible reasons that I see:

He could be referring to his incarnation (avataram) as Vamana the dwarf, who is one of the sons of Aditi and Kashyap.  (Surya the sun god is another one of the sons of Aditi.)
He could be referring to his incarnation as Rama, who was a member of the Solar dynasty.

Can anyone shed light on what Vishnu meant?


texts: Why did Muni Jahnu drank entire water of holy river Ganga?

texts:
Recently at a vedic discourse I heard about this saint Jahnu who drank the entire river Ganga, so my question is:

Why did he drink the entire river?
What is the origin of this story?

Please cite authentic references in your answers, preferably from our scriptures.


texts: What are the letter of alphabets (varnas) associated with each of the Seven Chakras?

texts:
Body consists of mainly Seven chakras as I discuss here. In the Netra Tantra book I have; in the introductory preface part it is written:

  Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahat, Shakini and Ajna these six chakra contains lotus petals from 'अ' / 'A' to 'क्ष' / 'Ksha' for 50 letters of alphabet made yantra. Muladhara etc.. from this order contains petal numbers in the order 4, 6, 10, 12, 16 and 2. ie. Muladhara contains 4 and Ajna contains 2 letters. Or kundalini which is also called Chidagni or Chaitanya (Consciousness).....

This means that each petal consists seperate letters (varnas) and total is 4 + 6 +10 +12 + 16 +2 = 50 which is formed like a Yantra in the body.

What are the letters associated with each Chakra which forms this Yantra? I'm mainly wanting answers from Agamas/Tantras.


texts: To what extent should a Hindu follow the rules of a country with a Non-Hindu majority?

texts:
To what extent should a Hindu follow the rules of a country (with a Non-Hindu majority) and where is the limit when a Hindu has to protest or to disobey?
Also, which rights of the Hindu religion should be observed by all countries?


texts: What is the significance of the ghata-sthapana in the puja?

texts:
What is the significance of the ghata-sthapana in the worship of the hindu Gods? I have never seen ghatas in temples of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. It is seen primarily in the worship of the Goddess in any form.

Can anyone provide the scriptural reason and reference?


texts: Eating non-vegetarian on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

texts:
My family follows the rule not to eat fish and chicken on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Last Saturday, when I was ordering take-out from a restaurant, the person in front of me ordered chicken biriyani, but asked the chef to not put any chicken pieces in the biriyani, because he was observing the same rule as me.

Is this cheating?

Where is the scripture for this rule?


texts: Need reference to iron (shyama-ayas or krishna-ayas) in Vedic Samhitas

texts:
I'm trying to find exact verse where shyama-ayas and/or krishna-ayas are mentioned in Vedic samhitas, brahmanas, aranyakas and upanishads.
I could find a lot of pages claiming such references exist. Many say that they exist in Atharvaveda. But I haven't actually found any page with actual verse.
Searching Vedas using the following didn't yield any results.
Search Results for कृष्णा (Krishna) in all Vedas
Search Results for स्यामा (Syama) in all Vedas
I think this website does not have all the shlokas.
Many references to iron in answer here  are really references to "ayas" and not shyama ayas.
Can someone give specific details about where such verses are?
Perhaps these indexes might help:


texts:
Janmejaya performed Nag-Yagya and killed all snakes from the face of earth to avenge the death of his father Parikshit who was killed by the snake Takshaka.

(It was a curse by rishi Shringi because Parikshit insulted his father Rishi Shameek.)

Then how do snakes still exist?


texts: Why are crows considered to be a link to our pitris (spirits of ancestors)?

texts:
In Devasams (srardham) or annual memorial ritual performed to the deceased, rice is fed to crows. I was told by elders at home that the crows represent our Pitris.

What is the reason behind crows acting as a link to our Pitris and not any other bird or animal?


texts: Information on list of Sri Vishnu's weapons requested

texts:
Sri Madhvacharya, the propagator of Dvaita siddanta and the Brahma sampradaya,  has authored a book called TantrasArasaMgraha.

In the same book, under adhyAya 4, verse 18-20, Sri Madhvacharya lists the set of weapons which Sri Vishnu holds. There, Acharya mentions that the list weapons is not limited to the below;

Shanka and Chakra - Conch and Disc
Gadha & Padma - Mace and Flower
Khadga & Kheta - Sword and Shield
SharaNga & shara - Bow and arrows
Musala & Vajra - Club and a weapon made of Diamond (Indra's weapon)
Hala & shUla - Plough (Balarama's Weapon) and Trident
pAsha & Ankusha - Noose and Goad
bhindipAla & Pattasa - Javelin (like the Subramanya's Shakti) and ??
Varamudra & Abhayamudra - Mudras bestowing boons and dispelling fears
Agni & Tatvamudra  - Fire and Hand displaying Tatva Mudra
AkshamAlA & Pustaka - Rosary Beads and a Book

I am familiar of the first 2, they being a common mention in many texts. I am aware of the next 2 (3 & 4) from the Bhagavatha. The rest are news to me.

Is there any other scripture that talks about Sri Vishnu holding / using these weapons, specifically the Agama texts?

PS- i am aware of a various interpretations of deities holding weapons, or all these weapons being surrendered to one deity by others. I request that such interpretations not be a part of the answer unless it is backed by scripture such as this one. Seeking more info on the same lines.


texts: How safe it is to perform Das Mahavidya anushthanas or sadhanas?

texts: I want to perform Das Mahavidya sadhanas. But I don't know how safe are they? Does anyone has experience of such sadhnas? Which mahavidya sadhna is beneficial to attain success in any field?


texts: Is it true that Ghatotkacha had the Ravana bow as well as demons from the Ravana clan?

texts: Quora answers, like this claim that Ghatotkacha had Ravana's bow, demons of Ravana's clan and even his floats. Is this true?


texts: What are the stories of Brahmanas defeating Kshatriyas mentioned by Bhishma?

texts:
In the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhishma gives advice to Yudishthira and the Pandavas concerning how to be a good king and how to be good person, while he's lying on a bed of arrows after the end of the Kurukshetra war.  In this chapter, Bhishma tells Yudhishthira about the importance of giving respect to Brahmanas.  He recounts a number of occasions where Brahmanas used their magical powers to defeat Kshatriyas in battle:

  The energy and might of those Kshatriyas who scorch everything with their energy and might become neutralised when they encounter the Brahmanas. The Bhrigus conquered the Talajanghas. The son of Angiras conquered the Nipas. Bharadwaja conquered the Vitahavyas as also the Ailas. O chief of Bharata's race. Although all these Kshatriyas were capable of using diverse kinds of arms, yet the Brahmanas named, owning only black deer skins for their emblems, succeeded in conquering them effectually.

My question is, what are the stories of all these incidents alluded to by Bhishma?

The Bhrigus defeating Talajanghas is clearly a reference to Vishnu's incarnation Parashurama, who was a Brahmana descended from Bhrigu and who defeated the king Kartavirya Arjuna and his Haihaiya army. (The Talajanghas are a tribe of the Haihaiyas.) And the sage Bharadwaja defeating the Vitahivyas is a reference to the story of how Bharadwaja went into the body of the prince Pratardana in order to fight the Vitahavyas, described in an earlier chapter of the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata.

But when did the sage Bharadwaja fight the Ailas?  For those who don'f know, Ailas are more commonly known as the kings of the Lunar dynasty, who are called Ailas because they are descended from Ila, grandson of Chandra the moon god.  It seems strange that Bharadwaja would fight them, considering that he was raised by the Lunar dynasty king Bharata (after whom India was named) and was the ancestor of a lot of Lunar dynasty kings, as I discuss here.  And when did the son of the sage Angiras fight the Nepas?


texts:
How marriage mantras will work? Are they really mantras or just some meaningful sanskrit sentences? If those are just sentences then what is the significance of reading them in sanakrit? cant they be converted to some regional languages or simply ignore them as those are just sentences?
Some marriage mantras I am talking about are
mangalyam thanthuna mena mamajeevana...
dharmecha ardhecha mokshecha...
those are also mantras only? Then those mantras praises which god or goddess?


texts: Why different gotra marriage is not practiced in North India fully?

texts:
"asapiNDA cha yA mAtuH asagotrA cha yApituH
  sA dvijAnAM prashastA strI dArakarmaNyamaithunI"

- Manu Smriti

  "asamAnArSheyAmaspRShTamaithunAM avaravayasIM bhAryAM vindeta"

-vasiShTha

  "mAtRtaH panchamAdUrdhvaM pitRtaH saptamAditi"

-yAJjavalkya

As per the above, a boy should not marry a girl who is sapiNDa that is descendants of the same womb or a girl who is of the same gotra as the his father. However there's no bar on a 7th gen boy marrying a 5th gen girl of the same lineage. A boy marrying his paternal aunt's daughter or a maternal uncle's daughter therefore doesn't contravene these provisions and hence permitted. However, we do see girls marrying own maternal uncles in south I don't know how.

other provisions in regard to marriage is that the girl should not be elder to the boy and should not have had pre-marital relationship.

My doubt is why is same thing not practiced in North India?

So for a background, In North paternal aunt's daughter and maternal
uncle's daughter are treated as sisters even though their gotra are
different considering their father's gotra.


texts: What is the meaning of seeing Devi Durga in dream for non-Hindu?

texts: I saw Devi Durga twice in dream this week. In the dream, I was offering pooja to the Devi, I am Muslim. what is the meaning of the dream according to Hinduism? what does seeing Hindu god in the dream signify?


texts:
In many epic stories, sages always do yajnas. What is the reason behind it? I am assuming there might be a universal reason such as "for the good of the realm".

But does someone know the exact reason?


texts: Is it possible that new events are going on and will be added in next scriptures

texts:
Pardon me if this question does not comply with the forum rules.

Some stories/events like Ramayana and Mahabharata took place on earth but others related to non-worldly deities like Shiva, Karthikeya, Ganesha took place in Kailash.

Similarly, some events like the birth of Saraswati, the curse of Jaya-Vijaya at Vishnu's place may happen in space or some other place.

Since these events didn't take place on earth, is it likely that the planning of new avatars is taking place right now?

So is it possible that the events that took place after the books were written, and those that are happening currently will be in the next version of Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas?

Some say that, in Kaliyuga, probably no one is capable of getting that information. But in the next yugas some Rishi's or Veda Vyas may get that information and add it to the scriptures?

Or are these events unlikely to happen because the whole Kalpa which is repeating is already compiled in to the currently available scriptures and just the number will change in the next set of scriptures.


texts:
For example, Brahmanas who drink liquor will have molten lead poured down their throat in hell, men who commit adultery will be forced to embrace a burning hot, iron image of a woman, those who eat meat unlawfully will be devoured by dogs, etc.

What is the punishment in hell for women who commit adultery?


texts:
I think one need to have the purest heart to get a Darshana of God, let alone a boon from God.

But how Mahisasura, Hiranyakashipu and many more Asuras got boons from God with all their evil intensions?


texts: The Shiva Linga is generally symbolized in stone as an external object of worship. Can the true Shiva Linga be seen within the body of man via the minds' eye?


texts: Why does the Udambara post being covered with cloth contradict the Vedic verse saying the post should be touched?

texts:
As per Mimamsa, whenever Shruti contradicts Smriti, Smriti should be discarded:

  Pûrva Mîmâmsâ ('But where there is contradiction Smriti is not to be regarded,' I, 3, 3)

A commonly cited example of a contradiction is this:

  (a) The Smriti rule that the whole of the Udumbara-Post should be covered is in conflict with the Shruti rule that one should sing a Saman, touching the Post [no touching of the Post is possible when the whole of it is covered with cloth];

I don't see how the vedic rule contradicts the smriti rule; if the post is covered in cloth, you can still touch the post, just like how if a person is wearing clothes, you are still touching the person even if you touch his clothes.

If not, then one can rightfully sexually harass women by touching them in inappropriate places because they're wearing clothes. In that case, one would be able to claim they aren't touching the women because they are wearing clothes. Hence, there is no sexual harassment.


texts: Is it true that cow has 33 crores god in it?

texts: Is it true that cow has 33 crores gods in it? If so, where it is written and what are all the names of those 33 crores gods.


texts: Why did Ganga kill seven sons immediately after birth? What is the reason behind this?

texts:
Shantanu, the King of Hastinapur, fell in love with Ganga- the river Goddess. Ganga agreed to be his wife on one condition-that he does not question her for her acts. Shantanu agreed.

Ganga gave birth to seven sons-all of whom she drowned immediately after birth. When she was drowning the eighth child, Shantanu couldn't control himself any longer and stopped her, thus breaking his vow.

Ganga kills seven sons. What is the reason behind this?


texts: Suggestions for Hindu books regarding political philosophy

texts:
I am wanting to read and learn about Hindu political philosophy. I know about the "Laws of Manu", but I am unsure of any other books that relate, I would like to read similar things such as the famous "The Prince" by Machiavelli, but obviously with the Hindu perspective.

I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post the question but I would really appreciate book/scriptural suggestions, if you could specify the specific translator/writer of the book also (I read in English) that would be very helpful (a lot of the western translators seem to put their own Hinduphobic spin on the translations).

Thank you!


texts: Is Shri Rama biological son of Dashratha?

texts:
In VR balakand-26-11

"Then Dasharatha on entering palace chambers spoke this to queen Kausalya, "Receive this dessert to beget your son."".

In my opinion which hints about Dashratha being biological father.
However the commentary of govindaraja says:

This divine dessert is meant for the 'eligible' queens, as informed the Ritual Being and also in order to maintain the divinity of Ram's birth. In the context of seed and field, the field has no equal importance to the seed biija-kShetra nyaaya . Hence the seed is divine in the form of dessert and fields are therefore shall 'be eligible' for the seedling. As such the First Queen and Empress Kausalya is being addressed firstly, and given firstly.

Which hints something different.


texts:
Why didn't Krishna take a more active part in Battle of Kurukshetra in Mahabharata?

Krishna was the Saarthi (Charioteer) of Arjuna and rode his rath (Chariot) around during battle and was a valuable adviser to Pandavas but why didn’t he fight in the battle with his weapon(s)?


texts: Cross-cousin(mother's sister's daughter) marriage? [Please refer to questions I linked]

texts:
I came across these posts:

Cross-cousin marriage and hinduism
How can Sage Kashyap marry daughters of Daksha, even they are parallel cousins?

After reading these and a couple of more posts on hinduism.stackexchange.com and Quora.com, a weird doubt comes to my mind.

does Vedas, Shastras, Purana's or any other Grantha has any rules on whom to marry or whom not to marry? I seriously never came across any readings where it is written that you can marry your maternal uncle's daughter or paternal aunt's daughter (apart from the arjuna-subhadra story - please correct me if I'm wrong).
If it is right or not a adharma to marry maternal uncle's (Mama) daughter, than why is it wrong to marry maternal aunt's (Masi) daughter? Is there any reference to this in Vedas or Shastras? There is a quarrel on this everywhere! But never a proper justification or logic...

I know this sounds very odd, even to me to be frank, but yeah! I need to know.

Note: I, myself, I'm against such marriages. So please, peace. Just tell me if Vedas and Shastras have this.


texts: Why is the queen required to sleep next to the dead horse at the end of Aśvamedha Yajña?

texts:
From the Wikipedia article on Aśvamedha Yajña:

  After this, the horse, a hornless he-goat, a wild ox (go-mrga, Bos gaurus) are bound to sacrificial stakes near the fire, and seventeen other animals are attached to the horse. A great number of animals, both tame and wild, are tied to other stakes, according to a commentator, 609 in total.

  The chief queen ritually calls on the king's fellow wives for pity. The queens walk around the dead horse reciting mantras. The chief queen then has to spend a night with the dead horse.

Why is the queen required to spend a night with the dead horse? Is it to test her courage or is it symbolic of something else?

UPDATE

I found some verses from The Harivaṃśa that support Wikipedia's claims:

  rAjApi hAstinapuraM jagAma svajanAvR^itaH |
  anvashAsachcha muditastadA pramuditAH prajAH || 3-5-10

  The king (janamejaya) also returned to the city of elephant, surrounded by his own people and happily protected his subjects, who lived happily.

  kasyachittvatha kAlasya sa rAjA janamejayaH |
  dIkShito vAjimedhena vidhivadbhUridakShiNaH || 3-5-11

  After the passage of some time, king janamejaya, who offers plenty of tributes (in sacrifices) observed the horse sacrifice as ordained.

  saMj~naptamashvaM tatrAsya devI kAshyA vapuShTamA |
  saMviveshopagamyAtha vidhidR^iShTena karmaNA || 3-5-12

  devI vapuShTamA, the daughter of the king of kashi, went and slept with the slain horse, according to the ritual as prescribed.


texts: Are Shiva & Vishnu etymologically connected?

texts: It has always struck me as interesting, or perhaps odd, that the root phonemes of Shiva, [sh]+[v], are the reverse of the root phonemes of Vishnu, [v]+[sh]. Is there any accounting for this?


texts:
The main difference (I know) between Hinduism and Buddhism is that the first defends Ātman theory whereas the second defends Anātman theory.
Shankara is known for having debated (and won) with Buddhists on this difference.

Question: What are the main arguments in favor of the Ātman view over the Anātman view?

I reside in India since almost two years, and I've discussed about Buddhism with some Hindu friends. Most of them think that Buddhism is a part of Hinduism, in the sense that one aspect of Hinduism can defend the Ātman view whereas another aspect can defend the Anātman view. The Hinduism does not state that the Ātman view is the truth and the Anātman view is wrong, but the Hinduism (in its purest aspect) questions every dogma in one sense or another. When Shankara fought against Buddhism, I didn't fight against the Anātman view, he fought against the Anātman dogma.


texts: What did Kartikeya do to get blessings from the Lords that Hanuman had met?

texts:
Two days ago, I saw the series "Sankat Mochan Hanuman" on Sony TV. In
that Lord Hanuman got lots of blessings from Devtas & Lord Shiva. At that time, one of the Devta told Hanuman that he was second in race to get lot of blessings
from Devtas, first was Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva).

My question is, what did Kartikeya do to get blessings from the Devtas that Hanuman had met?


texts: Which scriptures contain information about Stri Rajya?

texts:
Stri Rajya is a matriarchal kingdom located somewhere in Uttarpath and mentioned in several Hindu Scriptures like Kama Sutra and Sanskrit works (based on Hindu Scriptures), like Raghuvamsa and Rajatarangini.

Information about it is relatively scarce on the internet and even Wikipedia doesn't have an article on it.

I'd like to know the list of all scriptures which mention Stri Rajya or anything related to it.


texts:
I was reading stories of Samudra Manthan in Bhagavata Purana. It has been described that, Indra had insulted sage Durvasa and was cursed in return to loose all his material opulence.

That time, they also started losing battle with asuras and some devas getting killed in battle. Samudra manthan was done to extract nectar to make them immortal.

Following link says that, it happened in Chakshusha Manvantara, with Mantradruma as Indra.
http://vedabase.com/sb/8/5/en.

Does it mean that, previously all devas were NOT immortal?

What about in current manvantara ?


texts: Is there a Hindu Scripture that prescribes monogamy?

texts:
Polygamy in Vedas

Krishna Yajur Veda 6.5.1.4

  therefore as one goes many follow; therefore one becomes superior
  among many; therefore one wins many wives

Polygamy in Ithihas:

Mahabharata Adi Parva 1.160.36

  There is no sin in this. For a man polygamy is an act of merit,
  but for a woman it is very sinful to betake herself to a second
  husband after the first.

Mahabharata Anusasana Parva 13.47

  It has been laid down, O grandsire, that a Brahmana can take four
  wives, viz., one that belongs to his own order, one that is a
  Kshatriya, one that is a Vaisya, and one that is a Sudra, if the
  Brahmana wishes to indulge in the desire of sexual intercourse.

Many smritis allow Brahmin to have 4 wives, for a Kshatriya three, for a Vaishya 2 and for Shudra one. Now, is there any scripture which condemn polygamy?


texts: When does universe merge back into the Supreme Brahman?

texts:
From my understanding there are multiple universes which are created and destroyed continuously. Every universe arises from within the Supreme Brahman. Within each of these universes we have Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara. Please correct me if I am wrong here.

Assuming the above, now when does the (current) universe merge back into the Supreme Brahman?


texts: Purva Mimansa and Vedanta commentaries on RV 10.129

texts:
RV 10.129 also known as Nasadiya Suktam is vedic hymn which explain's act of creation of the universe.
What is Purva Mimansa Sutra commentary on this hymn specifically 10.129.7 which is used by Nastikas(Atheists) to point out that Shruti's reject omnipotence  of Bramhan because the verse 10.129.7 is

इयं विसृष्टिर्यत आबभूव यदि वा दधे यदि वा न |
यो अस्याध्यक्षः परमे व्योमन्त्सो अङ्ग वेद यदि वा न वेद ॥७॥
Whence all creation had its origin,
he, whether he fashioned it or whether he did not,
he, who surveys it all from highest heaven,
he knows - or maybe even he does not know.

Rishi and Devta of this Hymn are Parameshti Prajapati and Bhavvruttam respectively, so most probably the context of this hymn is from the experience of Bramha or Prajpati.
Is there any Advaita/Vishitadvaita commentary(Vedanta Bramhasutra Bhasyakars preferably) or any Sri Vaishnava commentary on RV 10.129.


texts: What is the difference among Shruti, Smriti and Purana traditions?

texts: What are the differences among the traditions of Shruti, Smriti and Purana traditions as in Shrauta Parampara, Smarta Parampara and Pauranika Parampara?


texts: Why did Sanat Kumar gave Curse to Dawarpaala since they were just doing their job?

texts:
The story that I'm talking about is of the Sanat Kumaras (Son of Brahma) visit to the Vaikuntha. And they gave curse to Jaya and Vijaya to reborn for 3 times. As result they reborn as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyapa in the first birth.

Why Dwarpaala did stop Sanat kumars and what excuse/reason they gave to Sanat Kumar that this is why we are stopping you. And what was response of Sanat Kumar on that reason of Dawarpaala. Did Sanat Kumar got convinced with the reason? Did they believed that the reason of stopping them was valid?

If Sanat Kumars believed that reason of stopping them was valid then why they gave curse to them OR..
If they thought that the reason is not valid then did they immediately gave curse to them or they try to teach them first that you are wrong?
If they teach them about their deeds then what Sanat Kumar teach them?

So why they thought Dawarpaala should not stop them since Dawarpaala were just doing their job? Did they thought that we are son of Lord Brahma and great sages too, so no one can stop us? OR they thought stopping them was against dharma?


texts:
I came across the following assertion in an online text- "Aprapta parpako Vidhi". Translated into English, it means, "A Vidhi is that which puts one in a position which ordinarily one is not apt to get into"
I can't understand 'parpako' Is it a misprint? What is the text from which this maxim is taken? Any ideas?


texts: Does vedas mention the ways for Liberation ? And I mean specifically Vedas but not others as some Puranas, and  texts like Gita (Bhagavadgita) mentioned ways of liberation.


texts: Phrases like "Reflection of the real self" and "Space inside the pot", are they simply theories?

texts: Are they simply theories or are they actually mentioned in the upanishads? ... When it comes to the example of the two birds sitting on a tree, is it mentioned anywhere in the mundaka & svetasvatara upanishad along with this example, that the so called lower bird is just a reflection ... OR is the word reflection purely invented by the advatins to popularize their own philosophy?


texts: Is Kaivalya only way for Soul to go back to it's original nature of infinity?

texts:
We have four types of Moksha - Salokya, Sarupya Samipya and finally Kaivalya.
Even in Yoga tattva upanishad - Lord Vishnu talks about Kaivalya Moksha is the way to be free from influence of Maya.

So my question is this: Does Kaivalya Moksha alone grant the soul to become absorbed in Parabrahman? Then what about other Mokshas? If that's the case, Is there a chance of falling to this world again in other Mokshas?


texts:
I have read in multiple forums, which talks about Hanumana being rewarded as future Brahma.

Can anyone point out, where exactly it is mentioned that he is going to be future Brahma?


texts: Maha Deva as Trivishtapa : The Three Paths of Swarga, Mrityu and Paatala Lokas

texts:
Maha Deva is also caled " Trivishtapa " or the Provider of the Three Paths of Swarga, Mrityu and Paatala Lokas.
What are Swarga, Mrityu and Paatala Lokas?


texts: Is there any stotra for worship of Nagaraja (Adishesha or Vasuki)?

texts: I know the Navanaga sloka, but I could not find any stotra for Nagaraja.


texts: Meaning of the slokas from Naradiya Purana and Srimad Bhagavatam

texts:
1-Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa 3.8.126 and

2-Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 6.3.24.

Here it is told to chant the names of the lord but I am confused because I do not know the names? Is it "VishnuSahasraNamam"?


texts: Does controlling one sense ease controlling other senses?

texts:
According to Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, senses drive towards the objects and the asuras will incarnate the sensual desires like wanting to eat something tasty, wanted to see something beautiful etc.

My question is, if we can control one sense, for example, restricting our self eating tasty food will ease the controlling of the other senses?

From my experience, I have found that, when I am able to control my mouth by stopping it to talk unnecessarily, I found it quite easy to control other senses. But I would like to know if this is explicitly stated in any Upanishads.

I feel, it is because the asuras in oneself will lose their power as each sense is controlled. Am I right?
Is there any particular order of controlling senses so that it will be easy for one to stop getting desires? For example, controlling mouth first, then tongue, nose, eyes, mind etc.
Is it also true that one who controls the senses are dearer to the Supreme being? Because, as restricting of desires is to make the God within oneself to win. So where the God wins, the Supreme being loves to be there?


texts: Why did Lord Krishna attack Bhishma (Bhishma Pitamaha), in spite of vowing that he would not pick up a weapon in the Kurukshetra war?


texts: Prefixing "Om" or "Jai" before mantra. What is the difference?

texts:
I want to know the significance of using Om and Jai before the mantra.

E.g. When I chant:

Om Vishnu Devtaya Namah and when I chant Jai Shri Vishnu Devtaya Namah am chanting 1 mantra more significant/powerful than other?


texts: Nigamantha Maha Desikan was a great Vaishnava acharya. He has composed many slokas. What are the titles given to him by the Srirangam Divya dampathis Lord Ranganatha and Goddess Ranganayaki  for which slokas? If puranic reference is there it will be better.


texts: Why restriction on taking images and publishing 'some' mantras

texts:
Why people are not allowed to take images of god/goddesses in Garbha gudi (sanctum sanctorum) of a temple. Is it a sin according to scriptures? or any other reason behind such restriction?

In addition with the above I also  heard that some mantras should not be published any where and should not be printed on papers and should not be digitized. why?


texts: Who has the authority to change the procedure for vedic rituals and under what circumstances?

texts:
Being born in a smartha brahmana family, I have had the chance to observe and also perform many vedic rituals at home and other places, starting with nitya karmas like sandhyavandanam to major homams/yajnas like Ganapathi, Navagraha, Sudharasana, Mrtyunjaya homa. As I grew familiar with the rituals over the years, I have begun to notice that the procedure for the same rituals have become modified here and there, depending on which Vaadhyaar (brihaspati/purohit) is guiding the execution. Even sandhyavandanam seems to have been modified with some mantras which were never part of it since my grandfather's days.

So my question is who decides on changes to rituals, for what purpose and by what authority? Under what circumstances can they be justified?


texts: What are the famous Catus Peethas according to the early Tantra and Sakta tradition?

texts: Now, the number of Sakta Peethas (seats of the mother-goddess) are 51. But ancient Tantra and Sakta tradition mentioned four important Peethas. These are known as Adi Peethas. What are these Peethas?


texts:
This question is asked by the curiosity created by my previous question.

Are shudras allowed to wander near sacrifices?

Are they allowed to put a sight on a sacrifice?

Are they allowed to touch sacrificial butter or other things?

Can they participate in a sacrifice?


texts: Is Bhagavan Krishna's sister a Nityasuri?

texts:
Many of us are familiar with the story of Bhagavan Krishna's birth. Specifically, when Kamsa finally arrives to kill the eighth child of Vasudeva and Devaki, the child who has taken Krishna's place, in ethereal voice, proclaims the safe arrival of Bhagavan Vishnu as Krishna avatara on Earth and announces the doom that is to befall Kamsa and then disappears.  Puranas attest that this child is none other than incarnate of Vishnu's YogamAyA.

According to SriVaishnavam, Is YogamAyA identified as a Nityasuri? If not, what is the relation to Bhagavan Vishnu? Sometimes, YogamAyA is also referred to as VishnuDurga, what is the reason behind this?

Note: Nityasuris are the attendants of srimannArAyaNa. They are jivAtmas like any other mukta in Paramapadam except that they have been in Moksha eternally. Some famous examples include srimannArAyaNa's weapons like ChakrathAzhwar & ShankAzhwar, his general Viswaksenar or SenaiMudaliar and his eternal serpent couch SheshAzhwar.


texts: Why did parshuram curse stotras? Why Gita, Vishnu Sahasranama and Chandika Saptashathi among some more are free form all dosha?

texts:
Varahi Tantra says that in the age of Kali yuga, most stotras are cursed by Parashurama and hence are ineffective. While listing the ones which are free from this curse and hence suitable during Kali Yuga, it is said, "Gita of the Bhishma Parva, Vishnu Sahasranama of Mahabharata and Chandika Saptashati' (Devi Mahatmyam) are free from all Doshas and grant fruits immediately in Kali Yuga."

Why did Parshurama curse the strotas? Why did he didn't curse others? Should we still practice the cursed strotas and what are the harms otherwise?
What happens if we follow them anyways?


texts: I am looking for original Sanskrit texts of the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita. Is it possible to find scanned versions of these texts online?


texts: Bhuj seer's claim on menstruating women cooking for husbands

texts:
Swami Krushnaswarup of Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj claimed recently, that “menstruating women who cook food for their husbands will take birth as dogs in their next life while men consuming food prepared by women having periods will reborn as bullocks.”

This is the Youtube video of his speech (in Gujarati)

Is there a scriptural basis for this assertion?


texts: What is the story of Lord Shiva and Vasuki?

texts: Lord Shiva blessed Vasuki and wore him as an ornament around his neck. What is the story of Lord Shiva and Vasuki and for what reasons Lord Shiva blessed him?


texts: Does Atalashanti prakarana of Mandukya Upanishad contradict/demolish karma siddhanta?

texts:
The gist of Atalashanti Prakarana of Mandukya upanishad appears to be that cause and effect are constructs of an unrealized mind, and consciousness is unborn/eternal. Several verses in this scripture hammer home this conclusion, such as the following:

  IV-28. Therefore consciousness is not born, nor are things perceived
  by it born. Those who perceive it as having birth, may as well see
  footprints in the sky.

  IV-46. Thus Consciousness is unborn; thus the souls are regarded to be
  unborn. Those who realise thus certainly do not fall into misfortune.

  IV-54. Thus external objects are not born of Consciousness; nor is
  Consciousness born of external objects. Thus have the wise settled the
  birthlessness of cause and effect.

  IV-55. As long as there is fascination for cause and effect, so long do
  cause and effect come into existence. When the fascination for cause
  and effect ceases, there is no further springing up of cause and effect.

Am I misunderstanding this prakarana of Mandukya Upanishad or does it indeed demolish karma siddhAnta?


texts: After how many years of gap did the Dwadash Madhav yearly Parikrama restart?

texts: After how many years did the oldest parikrama on Earth, bhagwan shri dwadash madhav parikrama, tirthraj Prayag of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu restart?


texts: Is the Karma theory falsifiable? Is there an accurate definition of the Karma theory?

texts:
Do we understand enough about the Karma theory that it can be accurately defined so that if someone wanted to refute the theory, they can provide evidence to disprove it?

In other words, is the Karma theory falsifiable?

For example, let's say Person A belongs to the Flat Earth Society and Person B subscribes to the Round or Spherical Earth theory. If A wants to refute the Round Earth theory, B can suggest a couple of tests for A to perform. One of those tests could be to sail a ship with a red beacon on it, on the open sea, in the night, towards the horizon, for about 50 km and check if the beacon is still visible to anyone standing on the roof of a 100 meter tall building located on the beach from where the ship set sail.

Can a person who believes the Karma theory to be a fact, come up with a test like this?


texts: Was Polyandry allowed prior to Mahabharata?

texts:
I read in ACK Mahabharata-3 that Pandu convinces Kunti to have sons with Gods by giving reason that Polyandry was allowed in earlier times and it was Rishi Shwetaketu (son of Rishi Uddhalak) who has made rule for a women to not follow polyandry. He did so as his mother also use to follow polyandry and he was not happy with that.

I want to know whether this story is correct and were there any other examples of Polyandry prior to this story. Also, who were Rishi Shwetaketu and Rishi Ullapad. Have they did any major work. I mean they were so influential that they made such a rule and it was followed till today so they must be real influential people.


texts:
Pandavas, along with Draupadi, at the end of the Mahabharata, traveled through Himalayas. It should be remembered that they travelled through Yoga.
Consider the following excerpt

Vaishampayana said: "Those princes of restrained souls and devoted to
Yoga, proceeding to the north, beheld Himavat, that very large
mountain. Crossing the Himavat, they beheld a vast desert of sand.
They then saw the mighty mountain Meru, the foremost of all
high-peaked mountains. As those mighty ones were proceeding quickly,
all rapt in Yoga, Yajnaseni, falling of from Yoga, dropped down on the
Earth. Beholding her fallen down, Bhimasena of great strength
addressed king Yudhishthira the just, saying, ‘O scorcher of foes,
this princess never did any sinful act. Tell us what the cause is for
which Krishna has fallen down on the Earth!’
[Section 2, Mahaprasthanika Parva, The Mahabharata]

But is it mentioned any where in earlier parts of the Mahabharatha about Yudhistira practicing yoga or becoming an yogi?


texts: Why Vigyan Bhairav Tantra have a different story of enlightenment?

texts:
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra is know for its 108 methods of meditation which I think are not in vedas or not given by patanjali rishi.

So what is the essence of this book, Do we know when it was written (people says it was written by Lord Shiva).

Not a fan of any guru as if now, but Osho and many gurus have been talking about power of now, they just mean that living in the present moment is the way to enlightenment.

How true is that it is different than the knowledge or the way vedas taught us in the path of self realization.

Because they only talk about the power of observation, am i missing tons of things here?


texts: which hindu sect's sectarian literature places itself having more authority than veda

texts:
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/hinduism-and-diversity.asp
this above url mentions that:

  The Vedas are considered supreme and inviolable. However, not all Hindu traditions hold them with the same esteem. Followers of certain Tantra and Shakta etc. traditions recognize Agama and other Saiva texts as supreme instead of the Vedas.

Now my question is that: please tell the exact verse number of the sectarian scriptures of those sects of tantra and shakta etc. traditions in which there is any 'explicitly written reference' in their scriptures, which says that - "their sectarian literature has more canonical pramana/authority than veda".


texts: What is difference between Shruti and Smriti?

texts:
The Hindu texts are classified in Shruti (श्रुति) and Smriti (स्मृति). I want to know:

What is the difference between Shruti and Smriti?
What scriptures are included in Shruti & in Smriti?


texts: Since cow is one of the sacred animals in Hinduism, are there any cremation rituals that need to be followed when a cow dies? If yes, what is the exact process?


texts: Is Narasimha versus Hiranyakashipu divine retribution versus human rage?

texts:
Would be appropriate to ask as today is Narasimha Jayanti.
Can we look at Hiranyakashipu as our (Human) rage and Narasimha as a god who can help us to get rid of this aspect of our ego.


texts: Why doesn't Lord Krishna give Moksha to everyone?

texts:
If Krishna wants, he can give Moksha to everyone.
Bhagavad Gita 18.66:

sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
Meaning:- Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

By his grace, he can free anyone from sins. Why his grace will only fall if one surrenders to him? Why doesn't he give Moksha to everyone? Because everyone's ultimate goal is Moksha so just give them Moksha.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said:

There is another class of devotees, known as Kripasiddha, that is to say, those on whom the grace of God descends all of a sudden and who at once attain His vision and Knowledge.  Such people may be likened to a room that has been dark a thousand years, which, when a lamp is brought into it, becomes light immediately, not little by little.

So it is possible that every single creature could get Moksha just by the grace of God.


texts: What's the meaning of Sūrya Maṇḍala Stōtram?

texts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32TGOFRIVmE

It appears to be from Bhaviṣya Purāṇa because it ends with:

  ...

  sūryamaṇḍalasustrōtraṃ yaḥ paṭhēt satataṃ naraḥ |
  sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā sūryalōkē mahīyatē ||13||

  || iti śrī bhaviṣyōttarapurāṇē śrīkṛṣṇārjunasaṃvādē sūryamaṇḍalastōtraṃ sampūrṇam ||


texts: Why should prasad offered to a shivling not be consumed?

texts: I have heard from a few sources that the Prasad offered to Shivling should not be consumed by us. On searching stackexchange I found this post "Can devotees drink Abhishekam water"  which talks about the water offered to the Shivling and there is no mention of prasad. So my question is are there any references in religious texts that clearly prohibit us from consuming the Prasad offered to Lord Shiva. And if it cannot be consumed then what should be done with that Prasad?


texts: How can the entire Vedas be the primary or root source of dharma?

texts:
According to Manu 2.6,

vedo'khilo dharmamūlaṃ smṛtiśīle ca tadvidām |
ācāraścaiva sādhūnāmātmanastuṣṭireva ca || 6 ||
The entire Veda is the root-source of Dharma; also the Conscientious Recollection of righteous persons versed in the Veda, the Practice of Good (and learned) Men, and their self-satisfaction.—(6)

It's proclaiming the entire Veda to be the root-source of dharma. How the Vedas, that too collectively, bring about convictions about dharma and adharma? There are many portions in the Vedas which ain't apparently dealing with dharma. Moreover, smṛti-s ain't included in the Vedas but mentioned separately in the given verse.
I wonder how do the entire Vedas (including samhitā, etc.) deal with dharma? Like, do we have even handful of instances where the Samhitā-s are apparently dealing with dharma? So, what are the implications and connotations of "the entire Vedas" here?


texts: Who is Vratya mentioned in the Atharva Veda?

texts: The Atharva Veda Book 15 mentions about Vratya who created this universe and roused Prajapati/Brahma to action. So, is the Vratya described Lord Shiva as 15:1 says he becomes Mahadev Or is it a Supreme  being similar to Purusha or Viraj?


texts: Are/were there Hindu sects whose sectarian practices include martial arts?

texts:
I have read that sectarian clashes in the past would sometimes become violent.  Did some sects practice martial arts for defensive and/or offensive purposes?

Kumbh melas were apparently scenes of sectarian clashes at times:

https://www.swindia.us/kumbha-mela-kumbha-fair/


texts: What is the correct interpretation of these verse from kaushitaki upanishad?

texts:
He going by the path by which the immortal gods travel reaches the world of Agni (fire), then to the world of Vayu (air), then to the world of Varuna, then to the world of Aditya (sun), then to the world of Indra, then to the world of Prajapati, then to the world of Brahma. In this world of Brahma, verily, is the lake Ara, points of time called Yestiha, the river Viraja, the tree Ilya, the city Salajya, the court of Aparajita, the door keepers Indra and Prajapati, the hall Vibhu, the throne Vicaksana, the couch Amitaujas, the beloved Manasi and her twin Caksusi weaving the worlds with flowers, Ambas (mothers), Ambavayis (nurses), Apsaras (celestial beauties), and the rivers called Ambayas. To this world comes the knower of this. To him Brahma says, "Welcome, you have my glory and you have reached the ageless river Viraja and you will never age."

From chapter 1 verse 3

Five hundred Apsaras (heavenly beauties) come to him from the other side, one hundred holding fruits in their hands, a hundred with ointments in their hands, a hundred bearing perfumes in their hands, one hundred with garments in their hands, and one hundred with powder in their hands. Then they adorn him just like the way Brahma is adorned. Then, with the adornments of Brahma, goes the knower of Brahma into (the world of ) Brahma. He comes to the lake Ara and crosses it with his mind, coming to which others who know only the present (world) sink. He reaches the points of time called Yestiha and they flee from him. He comes to the lake Viraja and crosses it with his mind. There he washes away his both good and evil deeds. Of those deeds, his beloved ones receive the results of good deeds and his and his unpleasant relations receive the results of bad deeds. Thus just as a man in a chariot looks at the two wheels so does he look at the day and night, at good deeds and bad deeds and all dualities. thus leaving behind both good deeds and bad deeds, the knower of Brahman goes towards Brahman.

Chapter 1 verse 4
Are these verse say about eternal heaven.


texts: Was Goddess Durga really an avatar of Shiva's wife Goddess Parvati?

texts:
When Goddess Durga comes out from Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva & other goddesses, where was Goddess Parvati then? I am asking this question because Parvati was an avatar of Goddess Adi Parashakti and Durga too.

Does the later appearance of Durga mean she was an avatar of Parvati?


texts: Why do only some Brahmins have a tuft of hair? Is it mandatory to cut the tuft of hair before leaving India?

texts:
Why is it that some Brahmins have a tuft of hair and some don't? Is it optional?

Furthermore, the great Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan before leaving to Cambridge University cut his tuft of hair. Why did he do this?

Is it mandatory to cut the tuft of hair before leaving India?


texts: Is being a bystander considered as being a sin?

texts: If a fight is taking place or someone is being harassed/bullied, what do the Shastras say we do? If for instance, I do nothing to help the victim but just take no action, will this be wrong?


texts: Punishment for bad karma after death also and after getting new body also?

texts:
I was reading this short story of Ajamila from hindu purana.

It was clearly stating that :

  The Yamadutas were bewildered. "Why are these effulgent and beautiful personalities checking our action? It's our duty to take sinful men to Yamaraja for punishment; then they are awarded another material body for the next life so that they can get the result of their sinful activity."

Is this mean we get punish by yamaduta after death also and get results of sinful act in new birth also?
Why these two kinds of punishments?


texts:
Is it necessary for a soul to attain enlightenment in order to attain liberation after death?

Or is it sufficient to just focus the mind on God in order to attain liberation after death(even if the soul fails to attain enlightenment during lifetime), as Lord Krishna says "Focus your mind on Me. I promise you, you will come to Me".

As some people are of the opinion that "No enlightenment means No Moksha".


texts: Is it possible to re-enter the birth and death cycle of life after one has achieved Moksha/Nirvana ?


texts: Which scripture contains the famous Ganesha Sloka "Vakratunda Mahakaya..."?

texts:
The following Sloka(in bold ) is probably the most popular among all Ganapaty Slokas

  "Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Surya Koti Samaprabha
  Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva sarva Karyesu Sarvada".

  Meaning:O Lord Ganesha, of curved trunk, large body and with the Brilliance of a Million Suns, please make all my works free from obstacles, always.

Question-Which scripture contains this Shloka?


texts: Did Shri Rama take Jal Samadhi to leave his bodily form?

texts: How did Shri Rama leave his bodily form? Did he take a Jal Samadhi? If yes, what is a Jal Samadhi?


texts: Is the practice of bringing an idol to a temple to be sanctified and then taking it home sanctioned?

texts:
A practice I saw reported:

  I actually just bring my deities (if brand new) to the Mandir... specially wrapped and carried in like a baby... and ask the Priest to do PranPrastishta for my new Murti. And so he does a simple prayer with the murti (and me too?? - I forget)... And from there I bring the murti home and when I wanna pray or have formal puja I just begin by ringing the bell... etc..

I have seen a "renewal of power" ceremony of an idol and it is based on capturing the power of Vedic chants in water in kalashas and bathing the idol using the sanctified water by bathed and sanctified priests.  The idol is sanctified where it would be worshipped going forward - not sanctified somewhere else and carried by the devotee back home.

This semi-"Do it yourself" procedure seems new.  Is it allowed per scripture?


texts: Is there any verse or mantra to become opulent?

texts: Is there any verse or mantra to become opulent, rich , magnificent and wealthy?


texts: What is the difference between Jijnashu and Jnani Bhaktas mentioned in Bhagavad Gita?

texts:
There are four types of Bhaktas (devotee) mentioned in Srimad Bhagavad Gita:

Arta (आर्त)
Artharthi (अर्थार्थी)
Jijnashu (जिज्ञासु)
Jnani (ज्ञानी)

  चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन।
  आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ।।7.16।।

  Four types of devotees of noble deeds worship
  Me, Arjuna, the seeker after worldly possessions,
  the afflicted, the seeker for knowledge, and the
  man of wisdom, O best of Bharatas.(16)

Here Arta and Artharthi are obviously sounds bit selfish (i.e it looks like they actually not interested in knowing or realizing Brahman, rather they just want their material satisfaction) but Jijnashu and Jnani are inherently want to know and realize Brahman only (i.e not want to fulfill any material purpose)

And Jnani is said to be best among these four:

  तेषां ज्ञानी नित्ययुक्त एकभक्तिर्विशिष्यते।
  प्रियो हि ज्ञानिनोऽत्यर्थमहं स च मम प्रियः।।7.17।।

  Of these, the best is the man of
  wisdom, ever established in identity with Me and
  possessed of exclusive devotion. For, I am extremely
  dear to the wise man who knows Me in reality,
  and he is extremely dear to Me.
  (17)

Now, what I interpret them is, Jijnashu doesn't know the Brahman and seeking for Brahman (may be beginner and curious)  whereas Jnani may knows Brahman or at-least on the way to realize Brahman and (expert who can calmly meditate on Brahman).  So, I think Jijnashu should eventually become Jnani. (help me to correctly interpret).

Thus, I want to know/elaborate the difference between Jinjnashu and Jnani to understand why Krishna appreciated Jnani and not Jijnashu. So, who are termed as Jijnashu and Jnani and what's the difference between them?

Note: Jijnashu is translated as "seeker of knowledge" and Jnani is termed as "man of knowledge/wisdom" in various English translation to these verses.


texts:
There are two related and interesting questions on this site
Number and Types of Gotras
What are the main gotras and the upagotras among Brahmins?
I don't know whether gotras are creatable or not? I mean, is it true that the number of gotras can increase by time or the list of gotras is constant?


texts: What's the difference between a Māyāví & Siddha?

texts:
Śrī Kṛṣṇā at various instances in the Mahābhārata showed his various divine opulences in myriad ways. But, several people used the word Māyāví for dismissing it as something tāmasī or non-divine. Moreover, generally, as far as I understand, the word Māyāví is mostly used in a negative connotation only.
Also, there's a concept of a divine person Siddha (here to be taken as, one in possession of the eight great perfections - Aṣṭa Siddhīs  ).

Generally if one looks explicitly in material sense, both, a Māyāví &  a Siddha can portray or exhibit the "miraculous activities" that  are considered supernatural or not achievable for a normal human in any Yuga perhaps.
So, how may one distinguish between these two, a Māyāví &  a Siddha?
Does scriptures talk about this difference / indifference, in any way?


texts:
They say one shouldn't dig into rishi-moolam and nadi-moolam, cos it is very hard to find source.. but still curious.

When mentioning gotra during abhivaadaye, there is a rishi-pravara : Vaishvamitra, Aaghamarshana, Koushika - is the lineage for koushika gotra.

Was this Koushika the same as Vishvamitra before he became Brahma Rishi by tapas? Or was it another rishi called Koushika in the Vishvamitra lineage ? cos it is common to call someone by a distinguished ancestor's name (e.g. Raghava, or Kourava).
Was this Koushika a Brahma rishi or Raja rishi ? Are his descendants brahmanas or kshatriyas ?


texts:
Varnas are mentioned in Vedas.

There are four varnas. On the other hand, there are many castes and sub-castes.

Many posts on this forum use varna and caste as interchangeable word. Many resources on internet also do the same. But are they really interchangeable? Are they same?

I found some contradicting explanation here:

  Caste system is recently introduced by human society. Earlier there was Varna system.There are 4 Varnas(Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaishya,Shudra). Since different offspring of 1 person may belong to different varnas(although that was not very common in ancient times); it is possible that these different people of different varna , over a time got scattered and now began to be identified by different castes. i.e say some descendants of Atri sage became Brahmins, other kshatriyas and so on over a period of time. But now we started mis-classifying these Varna systems as caste system and as it appears now that these people now belong to different castes but have same gotra.

So, what is the correct understanding? Is there any proof mentioned in any scripts?


texts:
My friend took a few pictures of what appears to be a Hindu goddess and asked my help to identify them. Unfortunately, I am unable to definitively say who they are. My first guess was Lakshmi or Parvati but I don't think that's correct.

I do not have these images in higher resolution. I'm sorry if this is not the right place to ask this question. Thanks!


texts: To what extent Manu Smṛtī was followed in Burma (Myanmar), Siam (Thailand), Cambodia and Java-Bali (Indonesia)?

texts:
From wikipedia it's evident that Manu Smṛtī was followed by Buddhist Kings of aforementioned countries,

The Dharma-sastras, particularly Manusmriti, states Anthony Reid, were "greatly honored in Burma (Myanmar), Siam (Thailand), Cambodia and Java-Bali (Indonesia) as the defining documents of the natural order, which kings were obliged to uphold. They were copied, translated and incorporated into local law code, with strict adherence to the original text in Burma and Siam, and a stronger tendency to adapt to local needs in Java (Indonesia)". The medieval era derived texts and Manusmriti manuscripts in Southeast Asia are, however, quite different than the "vulgate" version that has been in use since its first use in British India. The role of then extant Manusmriti as a historic foundation of law texts for the people of Southeast Asia has been very important, states Hooker.

I wonder to what an extent Manu Smṛtī was followed as in,

Did they impose class system (Varṇa Vyavashthā)? If yes, was it birth based?
How did they incorporate Hindu philosophy of Manu Smṛtī onto Buddhist population?
Can we have specific areas where the Smṛtī was followed? Or it was followed out and out?


texts:
What does Padma Purana I.43.128b-133b say? Does it say the following:

  Joining her lotus-like hands and concealing her face the beloved of the Mountain saluted the sage, a heap of lustre…Then the respectable daughter of the Himalaya mountain, whose mind was amazed, saw the sage Narada of wonderful form. The sage also addressed her with (these) affectionate words: ‘Come, O daughter’. But embracing the father, she sat on his lap. The mother said to the respectable girl: ‘O daughter, salute the revered sage, blessed with penance. (Thereby) you will obtain a husband of your liking’. Thus addressed by her mother, she, having covered her face with her garment and with her slightly trembling, did not utter any word.

Is the above English translation of the verse correct?


texts: How can dualists belong to dashanami Sampradaya?

texts: The title is the question. The question arises with Vijayindra Tirtha and Sri Vadiraja Tirtha. It was Shankara who created the dashanami Sampradaya, right? He wanted to propagate the advaita vedanta philosophy through monks belonging to a sampradaya, right? How dualists can have Thirta name?


texts: I fast every Tuesday since 3 years. Firstly I used to eat jaggery with wheat chappati but someone told me that once a day I can eat salty food also. But I watched somewhere and someone told me that only jaggery along with wheat we should eat. Is it right or we can eat any food once on Tuesday?


texts: If I donate at some place is it considered as good karma (Punya)?

texts: Yesterday I was thinking about donating some money to charity who help people. But at the same time a thought come that if that money will be used for things other than help, say in bad things, then am I responsible for that bad karma done by the charity? And if the money is used in good way, then again upto which level am I responsible for that good karma?


texts: What is the exact story of Lord Shiva & five Indras?

texts: What was the exact story behind Lord Shiva & five previous Indras as per Mahabharata ? What was happened to them? What happened to the current Indra? How Lord Shiva had punished them?


texts: What are the stories of Mhasoba and Khandoba?

texts:
Mhasoba and Khandoba are very popular Maharastrian deities. Their temples are popular pilgrim places.

What are their respective stories ?

Are they mentioned in any scriptures ?


texts: What is the authentic source which says Shri Madhvacharya had a vison of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

texts:
In the book Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya, page 355, there is a mention of Shri Madhwacharya having a vision of Shri Chaotanya Mahaptabhu. This was a book written by Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakura who lived in the 19th century.

So what is the authentic and ancient source from which he got this information?


texts:
Lord Dattatreya is referred to as बालोन्मत्त्पिशाच
 in many scriptures.

  The word itself is made up of three words

  1) बाल-
  Literally meaning the child (It is a jeevanmukta lakshana)

  2) उन्मत्त-
  Meaning the one who acts like a enthusiastic crazy person (Jeevanmukta Lakshana)

  3) पिशाच-
  Demonic , It is a special type of bhoga-yoni created for people with bad karma.

A pisacha is one with deteriorated human body which is bleeding from many sides and is decomposing, they eat humans and other dead animals, they have very big nails and totally black skin and a continuous bad odour from their body.

My question is why is lord dattatreya is called a पिशाच he is jeevanmukta and an avatar of lord Vishnu, so how can he be in pishacha yoni which is meant for people with heavy load of bad karma.


texts: Is Kali yuga the last yuga of the world?

texts: Is our Kali Yuga is the last yuga of the world? Please somebody answer my question!


texts: What are the scriptural evidences suggesting Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the incarnation of Lord Krishna?

texts:
The Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya claim that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
What is the scriptural evidence behind this claim? Is he mentioned in Puranic literature?


texts: Does scripture explain how the castes became different after birth from Purusha?

texts:
The authoritative Rig Veda says in the Purusha Sukta

  ब्राह्मणो''ऽस्य मुख'मासीत् | बाहू रा'जन्यः' कृतः |
  ऊरू तद'स्य यद्वैश्यः' | पद्भ्याग्^म् शूद्रो अ'जायतः ||

  The ‘brāhmaṇa’ was his mouth, the ‘kṣatriya’ was made of His two arms, then His two thighs became the ‘vaiśya’, from His feet the ‘śūdra’ was born. (12)

This means that the four castes started exactly the same way - ayonija birth from the same Purusha, or Cosmic Man.

Modern Genetics says one's genes are the same throughout the body with some small exceptions.  At least according to modern genetics, the four castes were genetically largely identical in the beginning.

Does scripture say how they became differentiated after their birth from Purusha?


texts: Padmavathy consort of Lord Venkateshwara - Who was She?

texts:
Sri Venkateshwara was married to the adopted daughter of Akasha Raja Padmavathy Devi (Alamelu Manga). Padmavathy Devi was so named because She appeared at Padma Sarovar at Pushkarini in the Seshachala Hills.

Tales abound - She is an incarnation of Bhoomi Devi - She is an incarnation of Lakshmi Devi - She was Vedavati of Ramayana whom Sri Rama promised to marry in another birth - etc.

My question is what Pauranic or other references are available stating that Padmavathy Devi is Vedavati reborn to marry Lord Vishnu. If indeed Padmavathy Devi is Vedavati a second question who then was Satyabhama - one of the eight wives of Lord Krishna?


texts: Can the soul meet the souls of his beloved ones? Can I after my death meet my parents' souls? Will they have feeling when they were alive and shall I have feeling as I have now? If yes, how the conversation takes place?


texts: Just like Sita accompanied Lord Rama during "vanavasa", were it not the dharma of Urmila to accompany Lakshmana?


texts: Are there any signs (or lakshnas) that determine the ItihAsha scriptures?

texts:
We know that the PurAnas have 5 signs or lakshnas. If a scripture does not have those 5 signs then it can not be called a PurAna.

These 5 signs are shared by all PurAnas i.e by the 18 major (mahA) and the 18 minor (upa) ones.

For the major PurAnas, however, there are additional 5 signs, so in all 10 signs are there for any major PurAna.

Likewise, the Tantras also have several lakshanas. The YAmala Tantras too has separate such lakshanas of their own.

I want to know, whether the ItihAshas too have some signs? If yes, what are those and in which scriptures are they mentioned?


texts: Do Agama shastras say anything about how small/big temples can be?

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From website qz.com,

Angkor Wat could potentially lose its status as the world’s largest religious monument to a $78 million upstart being conceived in the backlands of Bihar, one of India’s most impoverished provinces.
The proposed temple, named Viraat Ramayan Mandir (Majestic Ramayan Temple), will be 379 feet tall with 18 spires spread across 200 acres of land. In comparison, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat—sprawling over 500 acres, equivalent to more than 300 football fields—is 215 feet tall with nine spires, but will remain the largest temple in terms of land size."

Is this consistent with Agama shastra? In other words, do Agama shastras say anything about how small/big temples can be?


texts: Is it possible that Lord Shri Krishna may reveal himself to his ardent devotees in the physical world itself?

texts:
What I mean is.. the final goal which we bhakts seek is just a glimpse of the particular God we are devotee of...
As the folklores keep on mentioning instances of thousands of divine lovers and bhakts lastly meeting God and getting boons ... The present day yogi's deny the same for numerous reasons. Their point is all about finding the true nature of your own self and becoming enlightened!


texts: Devshayani or Harishayani or Toli Ekadashi : Is there a Scriptural references?

texts:
Today 15-July-2016, As per Hindu calendar, the day is being celebrated as Dev-Shayani Ekadashi or देवशयनी एकादशी.

Note that this is different from the usual Ekadashi which is discussed in this post on Hinduism.SE

As per Wikipedia, On this day images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers.

It is believed that Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar - cosmic ocean of milk - on Shesha nāga, the cosmic serpent. That is why the day is also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi.

Vishnu finally awakens from his slumber four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi. And this 4-month period is also called as Chaturmas (meaning "four months")

My Question is : Are there any Hindu scriptures which mentions about this day when Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar for the duration of 4-Months?


texts: What scriptures mention the location of Kartikeya's marriage to Devasena?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, Shiva's son Kartikeya, AKA Skanda or Muruga, has two wives, Valli and Devasena.  Now I just came back from a trip to India, and one of the places I visited was the Thirupparamkunram Kartikeya temple, which is the place where Kartikeya married Devasena.  For those who don't know, Devasena was the daughter of Daksha, and Indra took it upon himself to find a suitable husband for her.  Indra was in need of a general at the time, and he decided that only the Deva Senapati or general of the gods would be fit to be the Devasena Pati or husband of Devasena.  After Kartikeya was born and had proven himself in battle, Indra gave him Devasena's hand in marriage.

But my question is, what scriptures mention that Kartikeya's marriage to Devasena happened in Thirupparamkunram?  This chapter of the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata just says this:

  The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of Devasena, whom he has rescued before. And considering that this being (Skanda) was undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this lady by Brahma himself, he had her brought there, dressed her with the best apparel. And the vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda, 'O foremost of gods, this lady was, even before thy birth, destined to be thy bride by that Self-existent Being [Brahma]. Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like beautiful right hand with invocation of the (marital) hymns.' Thus told, he duly married her. And Vrihaspati learned in hymns performed the necessary prayers and oblations. She who is called Shashthi, Lakshmi, Asa, Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Saivritti, and Aparajita, is known among men as Devasena, the wife of Skanda. When Skanda became united to Devasena in indissoluble bonds of matrimony, then the gods of prosperity in her own personal embodiment began to serve him with diligence.

But are there any scriptures which mention the location of the marriage?

Also, Thirupparamkunram is the Tamil name for the place, but is there a Sanskrit name for it?  That may help finding references to in scripture.


texts:
I have been looking around for correct Sri Yantra for some time but not sure which one is the right one to be used. Some of them are:

Black & White, circular with petals & triangles
Colored, circular with petals & triangles
Black & White, circular with petals & triangles but have square boundary with T shaped openings at the center of each side of square.
Colored, circular with petals & triangles but have square boundary with T shaped openings at the center of each side of square.

Also I would like to know the correct way of using it. If possible I would like to know if there are some scriptures associated with this yantra. Thanks.


texts: As after treta it was dvapara and then kaliyug but what after kaliyug?  will it be again satyuga as cycle rotates or there will be a new yuga ?


texts:
Recently I saw the serial called Suryaputra Karn. There is a character called Paundraka Vasudeva who claims that he is the Original Vasudeva.

Who is this Paundraka Vasudeva?


texts:
What are the alcoholic beverages suitable for consumption by a Kshatriya?

What about other three varnas? Are they allowed to consume alcohol?


texts: Are there scriptural references that rebirth is not possible if lineage is finished?

texts: Many times I have heard elders saying that lineage must be continued so that Pitris/ancestors can born again as human. Are there any scriptural references about it?


texts: VirAja Homa Mantra of Maha Narayana Upanishad

texts: I would be glad if anyone please post the VirAja Homa Manthra text of Maha Narayana Upanishad in English with right connotation.


texts: Can we compare Big Bang theory with the beginning/ending of a Kalpa?

texts: There is a recent statement by the Nobel Laureate Prof. Roger Penrose, who says that the Big Bang was "not the beginning" of our universe rather it was the end of the previous one. This seems to be in line with cyclical nature of Universe as explained in various puranas and siddantas.


texts: In the Mahabharat,there was a snake and he was also a friend of Lord Indra and he was defeated in the Mahabharata war and his name was "Takshak". So,who is he and what is his story?


texts: Was Nityananda Mahaprabhu a non-vegeterian?

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Mahaprabhu Nitayananda took sannyasa at an early age. As per the Sri Sri Chaitanya-Bhagavata, the first authentic biography of Sri Chaitanya by Srila Vrindavana Das Thakura, Sri Advaita Acharya says Nityananda Mahaprabhu lovingly:

matsya khay mansa khay kemata sannyasi/...tare boli sannyasi ye kichu naahi chhay/bolaye sannyasi dine tinbar khay// (Madhya-KhaNda, Chapter 24).
Meaning : You eat fish! You eat meat! How are you a sannyasin? A sannyasin should eat food once in a day, but you claim to be one and eat thrice.

Was Mahaprabhu Nityananda a non-vegeterian?


texts:
There are supposed to be more than one aspect of Lord Shiva. Sri Hanuman is Rudra, the 11th aspect of Lord Shiva, can someone shed some light on the other aspects of lord Shiva? In particular the 9th.

Thank you.


texts: Where is the bridge that was built between Sri Lanka and India in the epic Ramayana?

texts: I have a question about our epic ,Ramayana  .It was said that Lord Srirama built a bridge between India and Sri Lanka with the help of his vanara senna ,if so where is that bridge ?


texts: What does Brahma sutras say about Susupti state?

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Susupti is a state of deep sleep in which there is no experience of dreams (Svapnanubhavah)

What does Badarayana say about it in Brahma sutras and what is take of Advatin, Visiatadvaitins and Dvaitins on this susupti state?

Please provide relevant quotes from scriptures and various explanations as per valid commentators and commentaries?


texts: During the Kurukshetra war, Shri Krishna recited the holy Gita to Arjuna. My question is, why did he choose to do that only to Arjuna and not to the other Pandavas?


texts: Parbrahman was the real author of Bhagvad Gita and Krishna was the mere medium?

texts:
There's one section of Mahabharata after the war where Arjun asks Sri Krishna to recite again the knowledge the latter recited during war, and Sri Krishna rebukes him for having weak memory and says I cannot recite it because then I was in yoga (union) with Parbrahman .

So it means, the real source of Bhagvad Gita is Parbrahman, not Vishnu or Krishna . Am I right ?

so everytime , it seems Sri Krishna is saying "I am ....(some greatness)" , it is actually the hidden Parbrahman who'se saying that from the mouth of Sri Krishna.

for eg :

  Of the Adityas I am Vishnu, of lights I am the radiant sun, of the
  Maruts I am Marici, and among the stars I am the moon. (Bhagavad Gita
  10.21)

So , it is Parbrahman who's actually saying this ? Now Mahabharata (incl BG) was written by Krishna Dwaipayan (Ved vyasa) , so why we attribute BG to Sri Krishna when he's just being messenger of god ?

no offense intended by this question . apologies in advance


texts: What is the source of "ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param" (of all methods of worship, Viṣṇu worship is the topmost)?

texts:
Prabhupāda, starts a lecture in August, 1972 by quoting a verse from the Śiva Purāṇa. To strengthen his argument he cites another verse (ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ...) supposedly from the Padma Purāṇa.

  There are two kinds of bhāgavata: book Bhāgavata and devotee
  bhāgavata. So in the Śiva Purāṇa, there was a question by Pārvatī to
  Lord Śiva. Lord Śiva and Pārvatī, husband and wife. Pārvatī means the
  material nature. Sṛṣṭi-sthiti-pralaya-sādhana-śaktir ekā chāyeva yasya
  bhuvanāni bibharti durgā (Bs. 5.44). Durgā-devī.

  Durgā-devī is in charge of this material world. It is called durga,
  durga, just like fort. And the superintendent of this fort is Durgā.
  You cannot go out of this fort; you are imprisoned. Such Durgā-devī,
  who is so powerful energy—she can create, annihilate, maintain,
  sṛṣṭi-sthiti-pralaya-sādhana—she is always sitting by the side of her
  husband, Lord Śiva, and questioning about spiritual enquiries. Just
  see. Such powerful deity is also ignorant about spiritual life. So the
  husband, Lord Śiva, is Vaiṣṇava, and she's always asking, and sitting
  down underneath a bael tree. She can create so many universes, but for
  her, no building; only underneath a tree.

  So the question was, "Which worship is best?" So Lord Śiva replied,
  ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param (Padma Purāṇa): "My dear
  Pārvatī, of all methods of worship, Viṣṇu worship is the topmost."
  There are many demigods' worship, even Lord Śiva's worship, but Lord
  Śiva says, "Viṣṇu worship is the best." Then he says again, tasmāt
  parataraṁ devi: "My dear Devi, better than that Viṣṇu worship is
  tadīyānāṁ aradhanam." Tadīya.

  Tadīya means those who are in relationship with Viṣṇu, tadīya. Just
  like His devotee, tadīya. Tulasī-vṛkṣa. Tulasī is tadīya. Or temple
  tadīya, preaching tadīya. Tadīyānāṁ samarcanam. This is bhāgavata. So
  Lord Śiva recommends that "Of all methods of worship, Viṣṇu worship is
  the best, and better than Viṣṇu worship is to worship His devotee or
  things in relationship with Him." Tadīyānām, that is bhāgavata.

However, in a previous lecture from 1966, he states the same verse is from Śiva Purāṇa:

  So from this verse, Lord Caitanya wants to impress upon us that "Don't be misguided for worshiping different demigods. The ultimate issue—the Viṣṇu is worshipable." Ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param. Even in the Śiva Purāṇa it is stated that Pārvatī, the wife of Lord Śiva, she was asking Lord Śiva that "Sir, worship... Which worship is the best?" There are different kinds of worship mentioned in the Vedic literatures. So Lord Śiva replied, ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param: "There are different kinds of worship, but the best and the supreme worship is worship of Viṣṇu." Then again he gives more stress, ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param, tasmāt parataraṁ devī tadīyānām ārādhanam: "And more than Viṣṇu worship is to worship devotee of Viṣṇu." Tasmāt parataraṁ. Viṣṇu ārādhanam is the best. And better than the best worship is to worship the devotees of Viṣṇu, Vaiṣṇavas. This is recommended in the Śiva Purāṇa.

What is the actual source of this verse? Do both Śiva and Padma Purāṇas contain it?


texts: What are the ages of Radha and Krishna when they were in love with each other while both are not get separated?


texts: What is the philosophy of brahmakumaris?

texts:
I saw a certain new group active now a days in my home town. The organisation is called Brahmakumaris. Do they follow any scripture? What is their philosophy?

Does it come under the Vedic umbrella?


texts: What was the opinion of Swami Dayanand Saraswati about the Purva Mimamsa?

texts: What was the opinion of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj, about the Purva Mimamsa?


texts: What is the actual interpretation of following Bhagavad Gita shlokha?

texts:
In Chapter 2 Sloka 38 of Bhagavad Gita, it is said that;

Maintain equanimity when faced with happiness and distress, gain and loss, victory and defeat – fight, and in this way you will not incur impiety.
( sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā
  lābhālābhau jayājayau
  tato yuddhāya yujyasva
  naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi )

My interpretation:
If I do any task with out any feelings then I am not doing sin.
Is my interpretation correct?
If wrong, what is its actual interpretation?


texts: why is it called munitraya sampradayam? Who are the three munis?

texts: What is the munitrayasampradayam of vadakalai in Srivaishnava sampradayam? who are the three munis in this sampradayam