texts: Is there a reference to Muslims, Parsis and Christians in Hindu scripture?

texts:
Wiki says :

  "the first ship bearing Muslim travellers was seen on the Indian coast as early as 630 CE. H.G. Rawlinson in his book Ancient and Medieval History of India[21] claims that the first Arab Muslims settled on the Indian coast in the last part of the 7th century CE. (Zainuddin Makhdoom II "Tuhafat Ul Mujahideen" is also a reliable work.)[22] This fact is corroborated by J. Sturrock in his Madras District Manuals[23] and by Haridas Bhattacharya in Cultural Heritage of India"

Many scholars see Christian influence in the theology of some sects.  Parsis came some time between 8 and 10 A.D.. So there is opportunity for all three religions to be mentioned in Puranic works.


texts: Why is aarti performed to deities in temples?

texts:
In all temples Aarti i.e a lamp with camphor or ghee is lit and is shown in circular motion in front of the deities. Is this just a ritual for revering Agni or does it have a deeper significance?

Also as a sub question: In south Indian temples(and maybe in north Indian too) devotees touch the Aarti and touch their eyes. Why is this done?


texts: What scriptures describe Vishnu freeing the Bhutas from the curse of Shiva?

texts:
I just came back from a trip to India, and one of the places I visited was Sri Perumbudur.  As I discuss here, it is the birthplace of the famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya.  But my question about the Vishnu temple here, the great Adi Keshava Perumal temple.  The story of this temple is that the Bhutas, a race of ghosts who answer to Shiva, once laughed at Shiva for dancing naked in Mount Kailash, so he cursed them to go down to the Earth.  The Bhutas then went to Sri Perumbudur and prayed to Vishnu, who appeared before them and relieved them of the curse.  That is why the original name of Sri Perumbudur is Bhutapuri, or city of the Bhutas.

In any case, my question is, what scriptures describe this story of Vishnu relieving the Bhutas of Shiva's curse in Sri Perumbudur?  This webpage claims that it's told in the Skanda Purana:

In the Skanda Purana the mythological history of this holy place is narrated by Lord Skanda to sage Agastiya.  Once the sages residing in Naimi-saranya, approached Suta, (a disciple of Veda Vyasa) to learn about the Lord Vishnu's holy ksethras (places where Lord Vishnu had His pastimes). Suta narrated the history of Bhuta-puri (Sri Perumpudur) to the sages, as how it was original imparted by Lord Skanda to Agastiya....  Once Lord Shiva was dancing nude in the assembly of the bhutas (troll-like attendants).This amused the bhutas (trolls) who burst into laughter. Angered by their behaviour, Lord Shiva cursed them to lose the association of His abode. The disheartened bhutas approached Brahma and narrated their plight.
Brahma advised them, "Listen, O Bhutas! In Jambuvipa's Barata-varsa exists a holy ground south of Tirumala, known as Satya-vrata kshestra. Moving north east from Satyavrata, is Aruna-ranyam a forest, spend time there and meditate on Lord Vishnu and be redeemed of Lord Shiva's wrath".  As instructed, the bhutas arrived in Aruna-ranyam and spent a thousand years in meditation of Lord Vishnu. Touched by their determination, the Lord appeared and blessed them. He then granted the bhutas their wish to be with Lord Shiva and requested His serpentine couch Adisesha to build a large pond .The Bhutas took a dip in the pond to cleanse themselves before approaching Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva appeared in Aruna-ranyam at the request of Lord Vishnu. He accepted the Bhutas back to His abode. The Bhutas with the blessings of Lord Shiva, then built the temple city for worshipping Lord Vishnu in his Adi Kesava deity form.

But where exactly is this story in the Skanda Purana?  I can't seem to find at glance; see the table of contents of the Skanda Purana here.
Does anyone know any other scriptures that mention this the story?


texts:
Why do enlightened people contradict each other? For example, Adi Shankara was enlightened and he taught Advaita Vedanta, while Mahavira (founder Of Jainism) was also enlightened and he taught and Jainism.
One accepted the Authorities of the Vedas and other rejected the Authorities of Vedas.
Both of them realized the truth, and both of them were enlightened.
If two people realize the absolute truth ,then they should not contradict each other.
Why did two people who realized the truth, and became enlightened, contradict each other?


texts: Which were the Holidays in ancient Indian culture?

texts:
In today's time the Indian government offices are full of holidays, so are many western corporations.

How were the weekly/monthly/yearly Holidays in earlier times?(e.g. Weekends, Seasonal holidays, Vacation)
Were there specific Hindu tithi-s for them?
"Extra Qn" -- Any specific activity during those days apart from resting & enjoying?


texts:
Dispassion means being free from material desires. That means the person doesn't have any desire for any object in this material world even for a living being. But I would like to know what is meant by a Samsaric being dispassionate.

What does it mean being dispassionate towards one's wife and children?
Does that mean not caring about them or just caring very little about them or not doing Samsara with his wife (means not giving birth to children) or not loving her or taking it lightly when she has a problem or not thinking about her?
How can one be dispassionate towards his wife and children?
The Great Annamayya, Sri Madhvirat Pothuluri Veerabramhendra Swamy, Kannappa Nayanar etc. were married and yet great sages. How could they also lead their married lives?
What did Lord Krishna teach about this?
What did the Vedas teach about it?


texts: What are the characteristics of kerala mAntrikam?

texts:
It is lesser known fact that the tantra flourished in southern India in the state of Kerala. Like that of Kashmir and Bengal.

Kerela tantrism is also specialised and is called as kerala mantrikam or kerala mantravaadam.

What are main features of this ?

Are there any lineages or scripture related to this ?


texts: Generally all Hindus Visit temple for to perform prayers. But according to Hindu ideology why we need temple as we can perform prayers at our home as well?


texts: Is there any connection between Vishnu and Rudra in Rigveda?

texts: Does the two deities ever interact or ever mentioned together anywhere in Rigveda?


texts: Meaning of the " tri " in trishulam - Is it english or sanskrit?

texts: The word trishul I think denotes the three points of the shulam. The "tri" in trishulam = is it from Sanskrit or English like trinity.


texts: Is setting a goal useless if Bhagavad Gita says to work without expecting the rewards?

texts:
So, I have this doubt in my mind. I have read Bhagavad Gita and in that book I remember that Krishna told Arjuna to focus only on your actions but not on the results of your actions. Now if I follow this advice to succeed in materialistic world then I don't think it will work. Because in that sense all the concept of goal setting will be useless.

Without a proper goal we won't be motivated towards doing our work. And to focus only on actions can be interpreted by me that one should do his best in every work which one does. But doing the best thing is not always enough since a deadline is always required to achieve a particular goal or desire. And as far as I know, successful people are those who are obsessed with their goals.

For example, I am studying nowadays to switch my job to a better company then the current one. I think setting a goal is absolutely necessary here on what kind of salary do I want from my new job, and how much time would it take for me to prepare for interview properly and this is a goal. So I have to work by constantly looking at my goal or the deadline which I set unless I will just pass the time.

Can someone please answer this question with a suitable example? It would be great if that example would be similar to my situation.


texts: Fastest and easiest way in KALIYUGA to attain LIBERATION

texts: What are the fastest and easiest ways in KALIYUGA to get rid of LUST, ANGER, GREED,FALSE PRIDE and ENVY of ONE's SELF?


texts: Just like there is a Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana, is there a Purana praising Brahma?

texts:
Title. I want a book about Brahma. It can be in the form of a Gita like Shiva Gita or Bhagavad Gita or it can be in the form of a Purana.

Thanks.


texts: Narakasura story through various Vishnu avatars

texts: Narakasura is the son of Vishnu (varaha avatar) and Bhoodevi.  He is mentioned only in Krishna avatar. So what happens in between? Was he quietly ruling all through the other avatars of Vishnu? Does he find mention elsewhere?


texts: What should I do if I already have a small metal Shivalinga?

texts: I was 14 years when out of devotion I bought a small metal Shivling from a pilgrimage. But I got to know that Shivling is not kept at home. I am unable to worship it daily, especially I am unable to do even a simple abhishek daily. I read and heard that this is not a good thing to keep Shivling and not worshipping. I also read that we cannot also put the Shivling out of house as it is insult to Lord Shiva. It's not that I am not devoted to Lord Shiva , but I am unable to do daily poojan to the Shivling. What should I do? Can I keep it in a temple, our should I flow it in river, or should I keep it at home , or what. Please guide and help me come out of this sorrow.


texts: Are these claims about Puri Jagannath Temple really true?

texts:
Now I am interested to visit Lord Jagannath temple in Puri after reading
 following facts about it (source). Are these claims true?

  The flag always flaps in a direction opposite to the direction in which the wind is blowing.
  Gaze from any place in Puri, and you will always find the Sudarshan Charka (charka at the top of the temple) always facing you.
  Normally during day-time, the wind blows from the sea to the land and in the evening, the opposite happens. But in Puri, the opposite happens.
  Birds or planes do not fly above the temple.
  The shadow of the main dome is invisible at any time of day.
  The quantity of cooked food inside the temple remains same the entire year. And the same prasadam can feed whatever be the number of devotees - a few thousand people or 20 lakh people. It never gets wasted.
  In the temple kitchen, seven pots are kept on top of each other and cooked on firewood. In this process, the contents in the top pot get cooked first, lastly, the bottommost one!
  On entering from Singhadwara, as one takes the first step inside the Temple, you can’t hear any sound produced by the ocean. But when you cross the same step outside the Temple, you can hear it.


texts: English translation of Madhva Bhashya on Mandukya Upanishad

texts:
I am looking for translation of following Bhashya text of Madhvacharya on Mandukya Upanishad

  तां सृष्टिं बहुधा प्राहुः ज्ञानिनोऽज्ञानिनस्तथा ।
  विष्णर्विकृतिमायाति महदादिस्वरूपीणीम् ।
   तत्तद्विविधभूतिरस्तु सृष्टिः प्रोक्ता ह्यपण्डितैः ।
  स्वप्नमायासरूपां च केचिदज्ञा जनाः विदुः ।

  अविकारस्यचिन्मात्रस्वेच्छयैवाखिलं जगत् ।
  उत्पद्यत इति प्राज्ञाः प्राहुर्ब्रह्मादयोऽखिलाः ।
  पूर्णशक्तेः कुतो माया सर्वज्ञात् स्वप्नवत् कुतः ।
  सर्वदोषव्यतीतस्य विकारः कुत ईष्यते ।

  तस्मादेवाविकारस्य विष्णोरिच्छावशादिदम् ।
  यथार्थमेव संभूतमिति वेदवाचोऽखिलम् ।
  केचित्कालात् एवैतां सृष्टिमाहुरकोविदाः ।
  केचिद्रुद्राद्ब्रह्माश्चप्रधानादिति चापरे।

  विमूढाः सर्वे एवैते यतो नारायणः पराः ।
  सर्वकर्ता सर्वशक्तिरैक एव न चापरः ।
  प्रधानकालब्रह्मेश सर्वेऽपि तद्वशाः ॥

Is there English translation of Madhva Bhashya available?


texts: Where can I find the English translation of the Vedas?

texts: I am aware of Griffith's translation. But I am not very satisfied with that. Is there any other translation available?


texts:
I always think what was the start.

How it started?
Who was the creator?
Who created god?
Who created the creator?
Where did the solid material, to create planets, come from?

Can anybody explain me the above points in detail?


texts: Does the Saura Purana foretell the appearance of Madhvacharya?

texts: Madhvacharya was a Dvaita philosopher who propounded Dvaita philosophy by writing commentaries on Prasthanatrayi. I heard that his appearance was foretold in Saura Purana as an incarnation of a demon named Mukhasura. Now, even Wikipedia article on Saura Purana also says chapter 38 to 40 of Saura Purana attacks Madhvacharya. Is this true?


texts: I try to repeat the shloka in the rhythm of my breath and I find that always saying "om ganeshaya namaha" before the shloka breaks the rhythm.


texts: Why is lord hanuman worshipped in the form of stone, side faced & not in form of photo?

texts:
In many temples, we see lord hanuman carved on a big stone covered with sindoor and Hanuman facing sided. Why there won't be his vigraha just like other gods? Is there any story behind his side posture?
Could be a silly doubt, but i just like to know :p


texts:
There are several English translations of the Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Shankara, by Swamis speaking English.  I've never found a (complete) French translation.

Question: Is there a French translation of the Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Shankara?

Remark: Perhaps there is such a translation by a Swami native close to Pondicherry.


texts:
I want to learn Sanskrit. Can anybody guide me how to start???
Because I know Marathi, Hindi , English three languages I can not justified which medium will help me to learn Sanskrit in easy and perfect way.


texts: When did Rama tell Hanuman the Muktika Upanishad?

texts:
I've read the Wikipedia article on Muktika Upanishad which contains the list of 108 Upanishads. There it is written that:

  The canon is part of a dialogue between Rama and Hanuman. Rama proposes to teach Vedanta, saying "Even by reading one verse of them [any Upanishad] with devotion, one gets the status of union with me, hard to get even by sages." Hanuman enquires about the different kinds of "liberation" (Mukti, hence the name of the Upanishad), to which Rama answers that "the only real type [of liberation] is Kaivalya"

So, I want to know when and where in Ramayana, the above dialogue between Rama and Hanuman, took place?


texts: Is there a verse in the Vedas that confirms the existence of the Para-brahaman in materialistic form?

texts: I'm looking for a source from the Vedas and not from Purana and Upanishads about confirmation of the existence of Para-brahman in Materialistic form.


texts: Do certain Vaishnavites take ceremonial vows to never worship Lord Shiva?

texts: I have heard that there is a practice prevalent among some Iyengars of Tamil Nadu in which they take a vow to either avoid worshiping Lord Shiva or not recognize him as a deity. Who started this practice and does it have any connection with Daksha Prajapathi's vow along similar lines? Which sects of Iyengars follow this practice?


texts: If Brahman is everything, then why does Krishna (Brahman) describe himself as "best of things" in Bhagavadgita?

texts:
Supreme Brahman is everything. He has two forms: Manifest and Unmanifest. All dualities such as good&bad, evil&virtue are indeed Supreme Brahman's MAYA.

Krishna describes Himself as Positive entities of all dualities, deliberately leaving negative entities. For Example,

Bhagavad Gita 10.22

  vedānāḿ sāma-vedo ’smi

  devānām asmi vāsavaḥ

  indriyāṇāḿ manaś cāsmi

  bhūtānām asmi cetanā

  Of the Vedas I am the Sama Veda; of the demigods I am Indra, the king
  of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the
  living force [consciousness].

Bhagavad Gita 10.23

  rudrāṇāḿ śańkaraś cāsmi

  vitteśo yakṣa-rakṣasām

  vasūnāḿ pāvakaś cāsmi

  meruḥ śikhariṇām aham

  Of all the Rudras I am Lord Shankara, of
  the Yakshas and Rakshasas I am the Lord of wealth [Kuvera], of the
  Vasus I am fire [Agni], and of mountains I am Meru.

Here, Lord Krishna says He is Kubera. All Raksasas are indeed born from Supreme Brahman indirectly. But Krishna describes himself as Kubera who is good. All Vedas are emanated from Brahman but Krishna says He is Samaveda. Similarly in all verses he describes himself as strongest or best of things.

If we assume Krishna (or Vishnu) as Supreme Brahman (no offense), then why does he describe himself as "best of things"?


texts: Is there a scriptural basis for the celebration of Kojagari Purnima?

texts:
There are many stories that mention the belief that Goddess Lakshmi roams on the earth on the night of Sharad Purnima, a day which is also known as Kojagari Purnima. Many people make kheer or payasam and keep it exposed to moonlight before having it.

Is there any scriptural basis for the origin of this particular celebration and the rituals followed in it?


texts: What Puranas and Shastras comment about the reason behind pandemics?

texts: I am thinking if the Corona pandemic we are suffering is the result of similar and collective  bad Karma of almost all we people on earth. What Puranas and Shastras comment about the reason behind such pandemics?


texts: I have heard that Gandhari cursed Sri Krishna .But I dont know why ,can anyone please explain. And I also want to know that whatever Sri Krishna was 100% correct then Why did she curse.


texts:
Keeping geographical location aside, who is considered to be a Hindu? (i.e. not belonging to other religions)

Should that person accept authority of someone (Vedas, some God, philosophy etc.)?


texts: Why was vasuki used in Samudra Manthan great ocean Churning

texts: Why did trimurti use Vasuki Naga instead of Ananta AdiShesha of Shriman Narayana, for Samudra Manthan?.


texts: How did Dronacharya get his name "Drona"?

texts: Drona is the guru of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. How did he get his name 'Drona'? What is the incident or reason which gave this specific name to him?


texts: What are nigamas, agamas, tantras and yamalas?

texts: How is any scripture classified as nigamas, agamas, tantras and yamalas? What is the origin of each? Where can I find them online?


texts: What changes were done in people's mindset by Ramanujacharya?

texts:
After Adishankaracharya, people started to know about hinduism, nirguna brahman, jiva, worship etc, so similarly what our people known from Ramanujacharya.
What changes are done to people mindset and what traditions are added and how people are influenced by Ramanujacharya with his vishishta advaitha?
Are there any changes in definitions of rebirth, brahman, moksha etc.?
What revolutions he made in public?


texts: Who were the sons of Varuna killed by Ravana?

texts:
In Yuddha Kanda, Chapter 7, when the ministers are eulogising Ravana about his qualities, they say that the four sons of Varuna were killed (defeated?) by Ravana.

  śūrāḥ ca balavantaḥ ca varuṇasya sutā raṇe | nirjitās te mahābāga
  catur vidha bala anugāḥ || 6-7-12

  Oh, illustrious king! Varuna's sons, valiant strong and who were
  followed by an army having four limbs (viz. elephants, chariots,
  cavalry and infantry) were defeated by you in a battle.

Who are those sons and why were they killed by Ravana?


texts: Where does the soul goes after moksha according to Samkhya?

texts:
Samkhya is a atheistic school of thought that does not believe in God.
According to Samkhya after moksha soul has consciousness but no bliss.
So where does the soul goes after moksha according to the Samkhya school.


texts: Whom & how to worship to develop fearless or fierce instincts?

texts: One wanted to become fierce or fearless, according to scriptures/āchāryas who one should worship? And what is the method? Better if worshipping include reading only Stotra or hymns.


texts: Difference between Palankarta and Palanhaara

texts:
We all are aware of the fact that Lord Vishnu is Palankarta because he takes care of all the lokas like a mother and protects them like a father. He plays Father and Mother role for all lokas. He is palaka of all lokas same as parents is palaka of their child, that's why he is known as Palankarta.

But I am confused with the word Palanhar, which is mostly used for Lord Shiva. I have seen this word is being used for Lord Shiva a lot. Palanhaara word sounds similar to Palankarta, So this means Shiva's work is similar to Vishnu, but I know Shiva is Lord of Destruction. He is destroyer, then why palanhaara word is used for Shiva.

What is exact meaning of word palanhaar and why this word is used for Lord Shiva and what is the difference between both words? What our scriptures says about this?


texts: Does maya in Advaita necessarily mean unreal?

texts:
According to Advaita Vedanta, Jivatmas are all under maya and the universe too is made of maya. A jeevatma sees Brahman as Saguna which is too maya. When a Jivatma gets rid of this, merges with Brahman attaining the Highest State. Now, my question is whether Shankara ever say specifically in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras ever said maya is unreal? Is there any chance that maya can be real in Advaita Vedanta?

P.S. Please correct me if I am wrong about whatever I said about Advaita Vedanta in the first few lines.


texts: Repetition of Time and Yugas in Hinduism

texts:
The following is the time span of yugas. Now we are in kaliyuga.

Will these yugas repeat?

If the same yugas repeat, then what about the incidents happening in the universe? Will they also repeat? E.g., I'm typing this question now; will it occur again in the next kaliyuga or a different yuga? Will new incidents also happen?

If yugas do not repeat, then what will happen after kaliyuga?


texts: Are there any examples of incest in Hindu mythology?

texts:
I am wondering if there are examples of incest relationships such as between Father/Daughter, Brother/Sister in Hindu mythology?

I would be thankful if you could mention the source.


texts: Why did they hit coconut on dead Jayendra Saraswathi's head?

texts: Jayendra Saraswathi passed away recently. During his funeral at Kanchi, one of his followers, hit coconut on the head of Jayendra Saraswathi's body. Why did they do so?


texts: In one version of Ramayana, Lord Hanuman visited Patala loka to save Lord Rama. But how did he find way to Patal loka?


texts: Does a person in spiritual path gets his worldly desires fulfilled?

texts:
I would like to know if a person in spiritual path gets his worldly desires fulfilled. Because in the path of spirituality, the person gets away from desires slowly, however if he wills to stick to a particular desire, then that will be an obstacle for him in the path of spirituality.

This man is said to have vital energy which he uses for spiritual destiny. Now, can that energy be used or help him to fulfill his material desire?


texts: Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa - Whats the difference between Samhita and Brahmana

texts:
Would like to know, whats the difference between Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa and Samhita.
I heard that, in Samhita there are some 44 chapters and contains mantras that includes Srirudram-rudraprasna.( Especially am asking this from the Krishna Yajurveda Context(Not shukla yajurveda )
But, whats the content in Brahmanas? Whats it talks about majorly.


texts: Why is the description of Dwaraka not how shastras tell us?

texts:
Vishnu purana, chaturtha anksha, verse 91

  Brahma says, "The place of kushasthali will be known as Dwarakapuri"

Brahma purana, adhaya 7, verses 29-32

  Raja Raiwat, after returning from brahmalok, staying there for only one 'muhurtha'; noticed that many decades had passed in Earth. He also saw that the Yadavas had taken over his kingdom "kushshalipuri" and renamed it to "Dwaravati"

Skanda purana, Avanti khanda, avanta kshetra mahatmya, adhaya 47, verses 5-7

  Ujjaynipuri will be known as Swarnasringa in the first kalpa. In the second kalpa, it will be known as Kushsthali. In the third kalpa, it will be known as Avanti. In the fourth kalpa, it will be known as Amaravati. In the fifth kalpa, it will be known as Churdamani. In the sixth kalpa, it will be known as Padmavati and in the seventh kalpa, it will be known as Ujjayni.

Here we see that the name of the place changes in kalpas but the location is still the same.

Skanda purana, Avanti khanda, avanta kshetra mahatmya, adhaya 51, verses 3-6

  Veda Vyasa asked sanatkumar, "why was Ujjayinipuri known as Kanakasringa and then  Kushthali then Avanti then Padmavati and finally Ujjayini?"

Currently Ujjayinipuri is in another location to Kushsthali (Dwaraka)

The name of Dwaraka has been changed few times according to puranas, first from kushasthali to dwarakapuri then finally to Dwaravati. Also Ujjayinipuri and dwarika are at two different locations when shastras say they are the same. So is the current Dwaraka the same as how the puranas are describing it?

Note: I do not wish to offend anyone regarding my question. Our current thirthas are as holy regardless of their authenticity and I respect their location. Being a Hindu, I would never disrespect any thirtha just because they do not match with shastras. Many thirthas have changed locations and this is why I try to find their original location. Sorry if I have offended anybody.

Shiva Puran, Koti Rudra Shamhita, Tryambkeshworjyotirlingamahma adhyaya 27  Verse 17 to 20

Vayu Puran adhyaya 88 Verse 196 to 200

Brahma Puran, adhaya 78, shloka 77:

Above Vindhya Parvat lies Kushsthali Puri according to Vayu Puran. Kushwarta is below the Gangadwar according to Shiva Puran. According to bramhapuran, Vagirathai & Gautami Ganga originates from Vindhya Parvat. Due to this reason, Kussthali & Kushwarta lies in the Vindhya Parvat.


texts: do Hindu scriptures talk about which relatives you may marry?

texts: In Southern India, Hindus can marry first cousins - in other words you and your wife may have the same grandparents.  Also girls can marry their uncle - mother's brother.  Obviously the law sanctions this - but how about Hindu scripture?


texts: Murti Sthapana - why, what and when to do

texts:
I have seen murti sthapana puja for common festivals like Ganapati.
Do we need to do Murti Sthapana for all the Gods we have in our home-temple?
Is it like we don't need to do Sthapana for photo-frame in the temple?
If we wish to bring in new Idol in our home-temple, is there anything specific we need to do? Like sthapana or anything else?
Can someone explain me the importance, conditions and requirements of such puja?


texts: Which are authentic Prakarana grantha of Adi Shankaracharya?

texts:
We know that Adi Shankaracharya has written three type of texts:

Bhashya (भाष्य)
Prakarana Grantha (प्रकरण ग्रंथ)
Stora (स्तोत्र)

You can find the full list here and here. But I've heard that not all texts are believed to be authentic work of Adi Shankaracharya. (Some works may be written by his shishya which have been also known as Shankaracharya).

I want to discuss about Prakarana Grantha of Adi Shankaracharya. You can find them with list at here - 1, 2, 3 and at sringeri.net.

I've read some Prakaran Grahtha but later on heard scholars don't believe Sarva Vedanta Sidhaanta Saar Sangrah as authentic work of Adi Shankaracharya.

So, Let me ask a question: Which Prakaran Grantha are believed to be an authentic work of Adi Shankaracharya by scholars?

Note: I know that this question can be considered opinion based at some extent but I think it is important to find and know about the fact.


texts: What is the meaning of this verse from Parashara Smriti?

texts:
Chapter 1 verse 32 of Parashara Smriti says

  Life in the Krita has its seat in the bones ; in the Treta it has its
  seat in the flesh ; in the Dvapara the blood is the seat of life ; in
  the Kali, however, life is dependent upon food and the like

I would like to understand the meaning of this verse. It is understandable that our life depends on food in kaliyuga and we cannot live without food.

But what is meaning of rest of the verse?


texts: Who is the Kshetrapala god who lives on the Pariyatra mountains?

texts:
Most people only know about Chanakya's Artha Shastra, a work about Hindu statecraft.  What is not as well-known is that it's based on an older work on statecraft called the Brihaspati Sutras, composed by Brihaspati, the Guru of the gods.  In any case, this excerpt from the Brihaspati Sutras describes what god lives in each of the mountain ranges of India:

  On the Vindhya dwells perpetually Durga, and Bhadrakali;
  On Kumara Kumara dwells perpetually;
  On Sahya Ganapati;
  On Raivataka the Teacher;
  On Mahendra Garuda;
  On Pariyatra Kshetrapala

Now "On the Vindhya dwells perpetually Durga" is a clear reference to Yashoda's daughter Vindhyavasini, whom I discuss here.  And "On Sahya Ganapati" is probably a reference to the story of Ganesha and the Kaveri river.

But I'm interested in the line "On Pariyatra Kshetrapala".  The Pariyatra mountains are the northwestern portion of the Vindhya mountain range.  But my question is, who is the god "Kshetrapala" who lives there?

The word Kshetrapala means "guardian of the place".  But what place is that?  Is it saying that the guardian of the Pariyatra mountains lives in the Pariyatra mountains?  Or perhaps the guardian of some larger area, like India as a whole?  Does anyone know any scriptures which describe a god living in the Pariyatra mountains?


texts: What is the Vedic/Puranik meaning of 'Graha' and 'Nakshatra'

texts: There has two confusing word in Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads etc. These are 'Graha' and 'Nakshatra'. In Vedas Surya(Sun) and Soma/Chandra(Moon) is Graha(planet). But we know that Sun and Moon are not actually planet. And also the word Nakshatra not actually mean Star/Asterisk. So what is the actual meaning of these words according to these books?


texts:
In this answer Rickross provided exemption for Sandhya Vandana during ashoucha period.

Sandhyopaasana needs to be performed both during ‘Jaataashoucha’or ‘Mritaashoucha’ or Ashuddhi on account of births or deaths, by maanaso cchaarana or recitation of mantras mentally without resorting to pranaayama, confirms Pulastya Maharshi.

Question is, which steps in Sandhya Vandana are allowed and which ones not? Like cleansing/aachamana, pranayama, sankalpa, arghya, guru Vandana, dik-vandana, nyasa, dhyana, japa (only Gayatri allowed or others like astakshari too)? Which of these should be Manasa?
Read somewhere that one should do without Kusha and water.
If not from full references, I am fine to accept the practice/experience as an answer here.


texts: Why did Lord Rama accept Indra's rath (chariot) in the Ramayana?

texts:
In Ramayana, when Lord Rama was about to kill Ravana, Indra sent his glorious and prestigious rath (chariot) to aid Lord Rama.

While taking leave from Ayodhya, Lord Rama had promised his father Dasharatha that during his vanavas (exile), he shall not make use of any royal thing whatsoever, and that he will only depend on things that poor men normally use. He had stated clearly that during his vanavas, he will reject anything which will give him the feeling or pleasure of royal experience.

In that case, why did he accept the rath?


texts: where is free will located?Is it located in ahamkara or mind?

texts: Where is free will located.It is located in ahamkara or mind or ahamkara has a special capacity(freewill) When it takes birth as human.


texts:
The place where the deity in a temple is placed (prathishtana) is in english called Sanctum Sanctorum.  We refer to it as Garbha Griha. The simple sanskrit meaning of this term is 'Home of the Womb' (Garbha = Womb Griha = Home).

My question: Why is the Sanctum Sanctorum called Garbha Griha?

To maake it amply clear I do not need an opinion based reply, but "A reply substantiated by references to Itihasa Puranas, Vedas, smritis of such sources."


texts: Is Moksham guaranteed if have Phanchasamskaram done for me?

texts: Is Moksha guaranteed if I have Pancha Samskaram (Samashrayanam) done for me? I heard that Perumal promised Swamy Ramanujacharya that anyone who has Pancha Samskaram (Samashrayanam) done will get Moksha. Is that true?


texts: Sri bhagavad ayya says "There is nothing to be done"

texts:
"Everything which is achieved, has to be loosed away" which means Liberation is not a sate which can be attained because we are already liberated, we just have to see it.

Liberation is very simple thing, like the normal taste of tongue, (not sweet, not bitter just no taste at all). It's like I am waiting for something great to happen, but there is nothing to be happened.

This book "Renounce God be Good", Which is telling us the way to achieve a state of Nirvana, Mukti, Liberation, self realization.

This Guru says something interesting that "There is nothing to be done", that is all we need to realize.

He says 2 ways:

1: One directly feels I am Atman and got liberated, but it happens to 1 in a billion.

2: One totally surrenders himself to God, his every action everything is GOD, this happens to 1 in a Million.

One the same page it says but with understanding 100 out of 100 can be liberated. (That understanding is just let the mind work)

By letting our mind work naturally. I do not get it, what is Sadhna here?

What I understand from this book is he is trying to say had actually confused me (Guru's always confuses Layman) by saying there is nothing to be achieved.

It says let the mind work naturally and you will find out active state becomes a dream state.

Can any one please help me What this book is trying to say or if some one know the teachings of this Guru, Kindly explain.


texts: Is there any yoga which helps in levitation and disappearing?

texts:
Is there any yoga that helps in levitation and disappearing? Heard enough stories about this that Baba Yogis do it in Himalayas but without any proofs.
What type of Yogis are they? Are they referred to Aghoris or plain Yogis? Can a common man attain such levels?


texts: Is the notion of Bhishma preferring Arjuna's bed of arrows to pillows brought in by Duryodhana authentic?

texts: I remember that at the folklore level.  Apparently after he had been pierced by arrows and he was incapacitated, his head was hanging down and it needed support.


texts: What is the dharma behind Lord Vishnu in killing of sage Bhrigu's wife?

texts:
Explanation :

1. In Ramayan serial Sage Bhrigu's wife gave shelter to Asuras and refused to hand over them to Lord Vishnu and devas.

2. In end Lord Vishnu killed sage Bhrigu's wife with his Sudharsan Chakra and sage Bhrigu cursed Lord Vishnu to be Born as Human and spend half of his Life without his Spouse.

Question :

1. Is this Story real or Tv Shows Made up ?

2. If it is true please tell me the Dharma behind killing sage Birgus wife for protecting Asuras ?

3. Giving shelter and protecting the guest is one human's duty isn't it and killing him is confusing


texts: Bhagavad Gita was first recited to whom?

texts: Some people say that it was first said to Suryadev Vivasvaan and other say, it was recited to Arjuna, Sanjay and Drithrashtra? So, who is supposed to be the first to hear Bhagavad-Gita?


texts: Is Goddess Mahakali stated to be superior to Lord Vishnu in Sruti?

texts:
Certain Shaktas (followers of the Goddess, ie Shakti) used to quote verses from some Upanishads on Goddess Mahakali and her relation to the Lord Vishnu/Narayana/Krishna.
Thus they quote the Devi Upanishad also known as Devi Atharvashirsha Upanishad which belongs to the Atharva Veda:

  I uphold Soma, Tvastir, Pusan and Bhaga,
  The wide-stepping Vishnu,
  Brahma, Prajapati.

Other verses they quote are from the Bahvricha Upanishad of the Rig Veda:

  Om. The Goddess was indeed one in the beginning. Alone she emitted the
  world-egg. (She) is known as Love’s Part (IM) [Kamakala]. (She) is known as the
  half-syllabic instant after OM.
  Of Her was Brahma born; was Vishnu born; was Rudra born.

Obviously Shaktas and Vaishnavas interpret these verses differently.

But my question is, what do Bhashyas say about these verses and what they reveal about Goddess Mahakali's relationship to the Lord Vishnu? Do these verses state any possible superiority of the Goddess over Lord Vishnu? Note that I'm not asking what users think the meaning of these verses is, just what Bhashya have to say.


texts:
In Hinduism, there is considerable importance to राशि or Zodiac sign. In earlier times, it was common to check the zodiac sign of marrying girl and boy to see if the marriage can be decided.

It was believed that a person's nature (habits,likes and dislikes etc.) is influenced by his/her zodiac sign.

I would like to know what is the राशि or Zodiac sign of Lord Krishna when he took his incarnation. Same question can be extended to Lord Rama too.

So, are there any scriptures which has this information about the zodiac sign of Lord's incarnation(Rama and Krishna )who are from different era?


texts: Is Indra not included in twelve Adityas?

texts:
As per this answer:

अष्टउवसव ,एकादश रुद्रा ,द्वादशादित्यास् , तएकत्रिंशद् , इन्द्रश्चैवप्रजापतिश्च त्रयस्त्रिंशाविति
Eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas. These are thirty one,
Indra and Prajapati make it thirty three.
— Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3.9

As Indra is mentioned other than 12 Adityas. So is Indra not included in twelve Adityas? Or are there 13 Adityas (12 + Indra)?
Please note that my question is not on the identity of the other two deities that fill out the 33 as it varies from list to list. Another list include the two Aśvins instead of Indra and Prajapati.
Update: If Indra is not included in 12 Adityas, then please provide list of 12 Adityas too. Or if Indra is included as post then does that mean there are only 32 Devas and not 33 when Purendra, the son of Aditi holds the title of Indra.


texts: Is there only one soul that is incarnated again and again at different times?

texts:
According to this video, there is only one soul in the universe which is incarnated at different times. Do scriptures agree with this theory?
Edit:
If Link Dies here is the story


texts: Can a Shudra/Mleccha become a Guru if he is self realised?

texts:
Is a self realised shudra an exception to varna ashram dharma and can become guru?
Or can he simply become mentor?
And can he give any form of diksha to disciple?


texts: Are som rasa and Madhu different kind of juices (alcohol?) or are they the same thing?

texts: I've been reading puranas, and at many places the demi gods take part in somapanam which might be some kind of juice or wine, but the word for hard alcohol in Sanskrit is madhu. So my question is whether madhu and soma are the same thing or not.Is there mention of the making procedure of these liquids in puranas? I'm guessing that soma is not alcohol and is some kind of Divine juice.


texts: What is Natal chart and where it has been mentioned?

texts:
What is meant by Natal chart?

Which text describes about Natal chart in detail?


texts: Are animals depicted as talking in Rig Veda outside of mandala X?

texts: In Ramayana, hanuman speaks chaste Sanskrit to Sita. Jambavan, jatayu et al are also able to talk.  As far as I know this is a post-rigvedic development. An  Indo-European parallel is Hector's horse talking to him in the Iliad.


texts: Does the gita say that the individual essence of who we are is eternal or that only the universal aspect of the self never dies?

texts:
What does Lord Krishna mean when He says in Bhagavad Gita 2.12 that never was there a time when He did not exist, neither Arjuna nor the assembled Kings? Does it mean that Krishna and we all are eternal individuals?
Obviously  it doesn't mean that our bodies will live forever ,but the question is whether the individual essence of who we are is eternal or is it only that the universal nature who we are lives on.


texts: Is Chitragupt of Yamlok mentioned in any scriptures?

texts:
In many movies, there is a scene about Yama-Loka where Chitragupta records good and bad deeds of people who arrive there after death.

My questions:

Is there a scripture that describes this part after death in detail?
Is there a real character called Chitragupta?
Does Yama really decide the fate of each person?


texts: What are the characteristics of the 4 Yugas?

texts: What are the characteristics of the 4 yugas? What is the quality of souls in each of those? What are the other things which would be observed in each of the yugas as per the yugas? What marks the end of one yuga and start of another?


texts: Is there an english translation of Manusmriti by Dr. Surendra Kumar available?

texts:
As I understand Dr. Kumar has identified shlokas that are adulterated or interpolated, and he has accompanied it with an explanation. His work is on archive.org but in Hindi. 50% of verses seem out of place - 1471 out of 2685 shlokas.

I could not find an english translation of his work. Has anyone gone through his work in Hindi ? Or better still is there an english translation available anywhere?


texts: Are Trideva creator themselves or only corporeal of God(Ishwar)

texts:
As written in the title I want to know that what are Trideva(Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)- Creator or corporeal of God(only).
Many people say that Trideva are creator themselves and other say that they are only corporeal of God.
For that I am quite confused. I think they are only corporeal of god like other Devas. What do you think about it?


texts: How can subhuman treatment of a person be justified because he was "born" in a particular varna?

texts:
I was very shocked to read recently that venerated gurus of vedanta like Adi Shankara and Ramanuja said shudras (and women) have no right to study vedas when infact vedas clearly don't say so . Quite to the contrary .

Then there're horrible punishments like "pouring molten lead in shudra's ears incase he heard vedic mantra" . "To slice his tongue incase he uttered a mantra"
and to "chop his body" incase he preserves a veda.

Were these punishments actually carried out ?

How is it justified when vedas themselves say it is open to all ?

I simply don't get it ? how can smritis be upheld more than shruta (vedas) ?


texts: Why are there restrictions for women in Hindu temples (in general)?

texts: I am here talking in general & not related to a specific temple or place. Why are women not allowed to touch an idol of God or come near it? Is it related to their menstrual cycle? If so, why is it considered impure because of it?


texts:
I have read somewhere that in the process of Sagar-Manthan, along with Goddess Lakshmi came her sister Alakshmi. Opposite of Lakshmi, Alakshmi is the goddess of misfortune. There are some other stories also that tell us that she resides in the Peepal tree on Sundays and that's why Peepal tree is not worshipped on Sundays.

Now, I want to know the following:

Is there any scriptural basis for Alakshmi?
What is the story of her birth? I am not talking about Sagar-Manthan. Goddess Lakshmi existed before Sagar Manthan, she just disappeared because of curse of Rishi Durvasa and later came back from Sagar Manthan. If Alakshmi is her sister then she might have existed earlier as well.
Are there any other stories related to Alakshmi and their source?


texts: If a particular group of people in a family is cursed, does the curse also apply on their descendants? Example - If a family member or group of people is cursed that they will never visit a place or never perform an action on a particular day, does that also apply on descendants? Does the curse keep on applying to descendants for centuries to come?


texts:
Can you please recommend some high quality texts on pure Advaita philosophy from an academic standpoint which are complete and exhaustive by themselves?

Academic works like that of P. S. Roodurmum (Bhamati-Vivarana schools) or translation of some classical texts like Bhamati by S. S. Shastri, Bhasya (Swami Gambhirananda) would be ideal.

It would be nice if you could also recommend some of the most popular translations of all the major advaitic texts both intermediate and advanced.


texts: Did the Samkhya school believe that destroying plants in Yagnas is a sin?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya.  My question is about the Samkhya school, founded by the sage Kapila.  Verse 2 of Ishwara Krishna's Samkhya Karika, the defining text of the Samkhya school, describes the flaws of pursuing happiness through Dharma, and advocates pursuing happiness through knowledge of Purusha and Prakriti instead:

  dṛṣṭavadānuśravikaḥ sa hyaviśuddhi kṣayātiśayayuktaḥ ।
  tadviparītaḥ śreyān vyaktāvyaktajñavijñānāt ॥

  The [means of happiness revealed by the Vedas] is like the evident one, It is linked with impurity, destruction and inequality. Other than that is better,—proceeding from the right cognition of the Manifest, Unmanifest and the Knower.

Now I had assumed the word "impurity" referred to the Samkhya school's belief that animal sacrifice in Vedic Yagnas is a sin, albeit an easily remedied one as I discuss here.  (This is in contrast to the Vedanta school which supports animal sacrifice, as I discuss here.) And indeed, that's exactly the sort of explanation given by the Samkhya Karika Bhashya, attributed to the Advaita philosopher Gaudapada:

  Linked with impurity, because of the slaughter of animals. As it is said: “According to the injunction in the aśvamedha, six hundred animals, minus three, are employed (i.e., slaughtered) at midday.”

But this excerpt from the Tattva Kaumudi, a commentary on the Samkhya Karika by the Advaita philosopher Vachaspati Mishra, suggests that the supposed impurity of Vedic Yagnas is not limited to animal sacrifice:

  [The means of happiness revealed by the Vedas] is "impure" because sacrifices like soma yagna, etc. are performed by the sacrifice of animals and destruction of corn, etc.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, did the Samkhya school believe that the destruction of plants like corn in Vedic Yagnas is a sin?  Or is this just a belief of Vachaspati Mishra, given that he was an Advaitin and not an actual follower of the Samkhya school?

I've never heard a Hindu criticize the destroying of plants in Yagnas before.  I've only heard Charvakas and other non-Hindus criticizing wasting food in Yagnas.  But are there any Samkhya works which discuss this issue?


texts: Karna pushing Arjuna's chariot by two steps

texts:
During the fight between Arjuna and Karna in the Kurukshetra war, Karna's chariot moved backwards by more than 7 steps when Arjuna's arrow hit the chariot, while Arjuna's chariot moved backwards by only two steps when Karna's arrows hit.

Krishna applauded Karna. To this, Arjuna asked that why was Krishna applauding Karna when he was able to bring back the chariot only by two steps. Krishna replied that on the chariot, Mahabali Hanuman was sitting, Krishna himself was sitting; even then Karna moved the chariot backwards by two steps; Krishna also asked Arjuna to imagine what would have happened if they were not on his chariot.

Now, my question is: Hanuman was in the flag of the chariot and he was without a material body. If the weight would have been too great, then how did the horses pull the chariot?

Taking into account these facts, then what is so special about Karna being able to move the chariot?


texts: Can any one tell the significance, importance of Chandi Homa  ?


texts:
My dear son Nārada, know from me that there are seven lower planetary
  systems out of the total fourteen. The first planetary system, known
  as Atala, is situated on the waist; the second, Vitala, is situated on
  the thighs; the third, Sutala, on the knees; the fourth, Talātala, on
  the shanks; the fifth, Mahātala, on the ankles; the sixth, Rasātala,
  on the upper portion of the feet; and the seventh, Pātāla, on the
  soles of the feet. Thus the virāṭ form of the Lord is full of all
  planetary systems. (Srimad Bhagavatam 2:5:40-41)

The universe is divided into fourteen planetary systems. Seven planetary systems, called Bhūr, Bhuvar, Svar, Mahar, Janas, Tapas and Satya, are upward planetary systems, one above the other. There are also seven planetary systems downward, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla, gradually, one below the other.

Pitr are souls of those who are deceased from the family. Where is Pitra loka situated?

How are Pitr related to Pitr loka? When do they come here? For how much time do they stay in Pitr loka?


texts: Why is Venkateshwara called a descendant of sage Vasishta?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, the book "Venkatachala - Its Glory" by G.V. Chalapathi Rao is an English translation of the Sthala Purana (temple scripture) of the famous Tirupati temple and this temple scripture consists of excerpts from various Puranas that discuss the story of Venkateshwara (the Vishnu deity in Tirupati, AKA Balaji or Srinivasa).

The Sthala Purana describes the wedding of Vishnu and Padmavathi in great detail.  Padmavati's father Akasa Raja, in the course of giving his daughter away, has to recount the ancestry of the groom.  This excerpt describes what he says about Vishnu's "ancestry":

  Born in the lineage of Vasishtha, great grandson of Yayati, grandson of the valiant Surasena, son of Vasudeva, Oh! bridegroom, kindly accept this bride.  I am dedicating to you Purushottama, this bride.  Be pleased to accept her.

Now of course, as the Bhagavad Gita says Vishnu is unborn and without beginning, so it's hard to describe an "ancestry" for him, so it looks like Akasa Raja is using the ancestry of Vishnu's incarnation Krishna instead.  And sure enough, Krishna is the son of Vasudeva, son of the Yadava king Surasena, and the Yadavas are descendants of Yadu son of the very ancient king Yayati.

But my question is, why does Akasa Raja say that Vishnu is descended from the lineage (gotra) of the sage Vashishta?  Vasishta is one of the mind-born sons of Brahma, but Krishna wasn't descended from him.  As I mentioned above, Krishna was a descendant of Yayati, and Yayati was a king of the Lunar dynasty, which means that he was a descendant of Chandra the moon god.   But as I discuss in this answer, Chandra is the son of the sage Atri, another mind-born son of Brahma, not Vashishta.  (In fact Padmavathi is described as having Atri gotra for this very reason, since Akasa Raja is a king of the Lunar dynasty as well.)  So why would Venkateshwara have Vasishta gotra?

Could it be that just the "lineage of Vasishta" part alone is referring to the ancestry something other than Krishna?  The only descendant of Vashishta I can think of who's an incarnation of Vishnu is Vyasa, but it's unlikely that Akasa Raja would just arbitrarily refer to Vyasa of all people.


texts: Why did Rama and Sita wait so long to have kids?

texts:
I just had this doubt and I'm not asking this in a bad sense.

Rama and Sita get married and later they go to forest for 14 years. Then they come back to Ayodhya. Sita is then sent away when she was pregnant. My question is why did it take so long for them to have children? Thank you.


texts:
I would like to know what is the use of reading the Upanishads. I ask this because, in order to realize the self and the Supreme being one must experience it. And all of those experiences are written in Upanishads. Merely learning the Upanishads without understanding them is of no use.

Except that, as Lord Krishna said, one who have learned them but not attained liberation will take re-birth in a Bramhin family.

Puranas induce Bhakti and Vedas contain mantras in the praise of the Lord both are useful in coming closer to the supreme being.

However, Upanishads contain things which must be experienced. And we see that saints who have realized the self and the ultimate consciousness talk about things in the Upanishads without learning them explicitly.

Then why are some people said to learn those Upanishads when they should only experience them?


texts: How is birth time rectification done in astrology?

texts:
In astrology, there is the concept of "birth time rectification (BTR)".

As that website says (the site seems to be copy-protected), in natal astrology, knowing the time of birth (TOB) is vital for the predictions to be correct. But most natives are unsure of the exact TOBs for whatever reasons.

So, the astrologer corrects the TOB by using some methods. What I find strange here is that in the calculations, the astrologer uses the TOB that the native provides him with (which is inaccurate).

So my questions are how the astrologer does the BTR using the TOB of the native, which according the astrologer, is inaccurate? What methods are used here?

How can the astrologer come up with the correct TOB by using a chart which is cast using an incorrect/approximate TOB?


texts:
I have started reading Bhagvat Gita.

I am going through Chapter-2 in which Shri Krishna explains Sankhya Yoga to Arjuna.

I would like to understand exactly what the Sankhya Yoga means ?
What is Sankhya Yoga ?
Why the lord tries to make Arjuna understand Sankhya Yoga ?
What is its importance ?
What does it means ?


texts: Is Hinduism religious philosophy mono-theistic (Paratma) or bi-theistic (Prakriti and Purush)?

texts:
According to Chapter 11 of Gita, Lord Krishna while showing the ViswaRoop (Universal form vision) to Arjun said that

  Behold the two Adityas, the eight Vasus, the eleven forms of Siva,
  the twin Aswins  as well as the forty nine Maruts. Behold at once the
  whole universe of moving and  stationary beings situated in this one
  part of body of Mine.

Arjun could see Brahma and Siva, the Gods of creation and destruction are seated within His body. I think this Gita chapter symbolizes the hypothesis that all Gods are nothing but different manifestations of the same God (Paratma).

However, the Gita doesn't mention anything about the Shakti (energy) or the Prakriti (nature), the female counterpart of this Universal Being.

So, my question is does the Hindu religious philosophy suggest bi-theism, i.e. two distinct Gods - the Prakriti and the Purush, or is it the case that it is essentially mono-theistic with both Prakriti and Purush being again two manifestations of the same Supreme Being?


texts: Ganesha's broken tusk. Is it the right or left one

texts: Is it the left tusk of Lord Ganesha, or could it be the right one instead. I have seen statues in which it is the right tusk the one broken, and held in the right front hand.


texts: एकोद्वात्रिंशोपचार they are called. There are many types of upachaara pujas. Minimum is panchopchaar 5 upchaar one.. & maximum I got to know is 132. Raajopchaar is 64 upchaar & only till there's information is available on internet. Please tell about what are those 132 upchaaras.


texts: Which of the Dasha Mahavidyas are associated with each day of Navrathri?

texts: In what order do the Dasha Mahavidyas correspond to each day of Navrathri?


texts: How prevalent is animal sacrifice in India as part of Hindu ritual?

texts:
I was under the impression that animal sacrifice as Hindu ritual was a minority phenomenon in India.

Am I wrong? Are there any statistics available?

Note that I am not asking if it is justified, that has already been answered many times before.


texts: What is the proper procedure to light the puja lamp in the altar?

texts: What is the proper procedure to light the puja lamp (Kamakshi vilakku) in the puja altar?


texts: Why do Hindus follow the quote "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam"?

texts:
I often hear about "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" which means "The whole world is one family".

What is the story behind this quote?


texts: What are the Hindu Code of Conduct (Ethics)?

texts:
Codes of Conduct or Ethical codes are very essential norms, rules and values that guides the right living practices and standard behaviour for individual as well as social welfare.

For example Code of Conduct for organizations or project-- StackExchange, Ubuntu, Python, GNU Health etc.

Similarly I've heard about Religious Code of Conduct for Christianity, Hinduism.

So, I want to know what are the Codes of Conduct (Ethics) or Ethical Codes of Hinduism?


texts:
This is Keshava Vishnu.

Keshava means His hair is curly and black.

I have heard many times that Krishna (or Vishnu) is very merciful, however, as He holds different objects on His hands - Mace, Discus, lotus flower and Conch-shell, so His mercy can be given in different ways.

Generally the lotus flower and the conshell are for devotees, so to say - an example of lines I have heard.

the question is:

where in the scriptures is this described?

in anyways, Keshava Vishnu, (or Krishna) is always beyond the reach of our material senses, and we can never understand the full picture.


texts:
In the Kalki Purana 3.42 (chapter 3 verse 42) it is stated that:

"Now I would like that all of you worship Me by the
performance of a Rajasuya sacrifice and a horse sacrifice."

Why would lord Kalki accept an offering in which an animal is killed?


texts:
This page says

  As per Hindu beliefs, Lord Krishna used to have 8 meals per day. Once to save his village from the fury of Lord Indra, he lifted the Govardhan Parvat (Mountain) under which everyone took refuge. He remained in the task continuously for 7 days until Indra gave up after realizing his mistake. Further, the villagers offered him 56(8x7) food items to compensate for what He had missed.

What are the names of 56 Bhog offered to Lord Krishna?
Is it mentioned in Hindu scriptures?


texts: Is there a good book in English on Divya Prabhandam?

texts: Is there a good book written in English on Divya Prabhandam?


texts:
What logical arguments do our scriptures advance to show that Atma is not something material like the body?
How do the six astika schools of Hindu Philosophy(Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika and Vedanta) deal with this question?
Do the different vedantic philosophies like VisistAdvaita, Dvaita and Advaita, etc,. share the same stance on this issue? In what ways do they differ?

Note: I want the core philosophical view only for 2) & 3) i.e couple of statements or brief information only needed for each, no need to elaborate descriptively.


texts: Is there any mentions about the benefits of using crystals in any Hindu Scriptures?

texts:
Crystals are widely used by many people around the world for various purposes.
Does Hindu Scriptures support the usage of crystals?


texts: Is the complete English translation of the Padma Purana available online?

texts:
The Padma Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, and it includes many important things, including a retelling of the Ramayana, a religious dialogue between Shiva and Parvati known the Shiva Gita, and several Sahasranamams (lists of 1000 names of a god), including a Vishnu Sahasranam (different from the more famous one that Bhishma told in the Mahabharata), a Rama Sahasranamam, and a Venkatesha Sahasranam (in praise of Venkateshwara).

As far as I know, the only unabridged English translation of the Padma Purana is this 10-volume translation by N.A. Deshpande from the 1950's, published by Motilal Banarsidass.  My question is, is the whole translation available for free on the internet?  I've found most of the volumes of it online, as I discuss in my answer, but the whole thing still eludes me.

Naturally, since this is a reputable site, I only want legal sources, nothing that involves any copyright-infringement.


texts: Which 4 Vishnu / Vaishnava Puranas are called Tamasic and not meant for Brahmins?

texts:
Sholkas 45-50 in the 2nd Adhyaya of Sambhav Khand which is part of Shiv Rahasya Khand of Sankara Samhita of Skanda MahaPurana, plainly state that the 10 Shaiva Puranas are Sattavik and 4 Vishnu Puranas are Tamasic.

दशशैव पुराणानि सात्विकानि विदुर्भुदः

वैष्णवानि च चत्वारि तामसानि मुनिश्वरः।

Moreover it seems Shiva Puranas are for Brahmins only but Vaishnava Puranas are not. The full verses are below:

This is for purely unbiased debate about Hindu scripture, not to put anyone down.
Are these considered spiritually harmful for Brahmins or lead to hell?


texts: How to use Prayascitta to negate the effect of karma?

texts:
Various prayascittas are specified in scriptures to negate the effect of bad karmas done by a person knowing or unknowingly.

Are these useful for this purpose?
Do Vedas mention prayascittas? If, as per law of Karma, the effects of Karma can not be evaded, what is the use of prayachittas?


texts: What does this statement mean in the Atri Smriti about the Devas enjoying girls?

texts:
These verses are cited in the work known as the Mitākṣarā, commentary on Yajnavalkya Smriti:

  “A woman is not rendered guilty by her connection with her paramour, nor a Brãhmaia by his performance of non-Vedic rites, nor a (river) water, by urine and excreta; nor fire, by burning impure articles. (194). Women were first enjoyed by the Celestiais; then, by the moon, the Gandharvas and the Fires. Afterwards came men to enjoy them. They are never affected by any sin” (Atri Samhita (Anandashrama Edition, 1905, verses 193 and 194)

The Yajnavalkya Smriti says something similar, but makes no mention of Devas enjoying women:

But what does it mean that women were enjoyed by the Devas first before men came? Can someone provide a commentary that explains the meaning of these verses.


texts: Tripurāri pūrṇima festival story and its significance?

texts:
The other names of Tripurāri  Pournami are  Tripurī  pūrṇima, Karthika Pūrṇima, Deva Deepāwali or Deva Diwāli, or Tripurāri pūrṇima.

My questions are: -

Why do we celebrate Karthika or Tripurāri paurṇima  Festival?
What are the stories associated with it?
In what different ways it is celebrated across India ?


texts: What is the most recent reference to wild Sharabhas existing?

texts:
Most people only know the story of how Shiva took an incarnation as the half-lion half-bird Sharabheshwara in order to try to subdue Vishnu's incarnation Narasimha, as I discuss here.  What's not as well-known, however, is that Sharabeshwara wasn't a one-of-a-kind creature; Sharabhas are legendary animals described in Hindu scripture.  They're eight legged half-lion half-bird creatures that are the natural predators for lions.  They're mentioned in numerous places in Hindu scriptures.   For instance, this  of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda prohibits eating the Sharabha meat:

  The man (purusha) whom they had offered up became a mock-man (kim-purusha). Those two, the horse and the ox, which they had sacrificed, became a bos gaurus and a gayal (bos gavaeus) respectively. The sheep which they had sacrificed, became a camel. The goat which they had sacrificed, became a sharabha. For this reason one should not eat (the flesh) of these animals, for these animals are deprived of the sacrificial essence (are impure).

And here this chapter of the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata says:

  Eight are the bags containing a hundred fold; eight is the number of the legs of the Sarabha, which preyeth upon lions; eight Vasus, as we hear, are amongst the celestials; and eight are the angles of yupa (stake), in all sacrificial rites.'

And in my question here, I discuss a story told in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata of a Rishi who transforms a dog into different animals in order to save it from the threats of leopards, elephants, lions, and Sharabhas.  And the Pandavas encountered Sharabhas on the Gandhamadana mountain.

But obviously we don't encounter Sharabhas today.  So my question is, what is the most recent reference to wild Sharabhas still existing?  And conversely, what is the earliest reference to wild Sharabhas not existing anymore?

Note that I don't want scientific speculation about equating Sharabha with dinosaurs and the like, I just want to know when they were known to still exist and when they were known not to exist anymore.


texts: What is meant by Lord Vishnu as protector?

texts: I would like a more detailed meaning of this. Whom does he protect? From what does he protect?


texts: How does western model of human evolution fit with Vedic literature?

texts: As per western model of human evolution, modern humans are more advanced than our ancestors thousands and millions years ago. Then how could our ancestors could have built up such a massive literature of Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads with knowledge of everything if they are considered to be primitive by western models of evolution?


texts: Are the nakshatras of Hindu gods and figures discussed in the scriptures?

texts:
I have heard from multiple people, even priests, that Krishna was born in the star Rohini. My mother tells me that Kartikeya (a.k.a. Subrahmanya) was born in the star Pooyam; Arjuna, in Uthrattathi; and Shri Rama, in Punartham.

Are there any scriptural references for these? If so, is it true that a person born under a character's/God's nakshatra be influenced by that character/God?

Edit:
Pooyam -> Pushya; Uthrattathi -> Uttara Bhadrapada; Punartham -> Punarvasu


texts:
Who is the Rama in the Harekrishna Mahamantra?

There are different Rama's like Parasurama, Balarama and Dasarathi Rama. Who of these three is referred to as Rama in the Hare Krishna Mahamantra?


texts: Why do most of the people visit India to achieve high spiritual state or for becoming great?

texts:
I am always curious to know why do most of the people visit India to achieve high spiritual state or for becoming great ?
Example Steve Jobs, Mark Zukerburg etc.. the list is long.


texts: In which text Om mangalam Bhagavan vishnu mantra is found?

texts:
The famous mantra is

  मङ्गलम् भगवान विष्णुः, मङ्गलम् गरुणध्वजः।
  मङ्गलम् पुण्डरी काक्षः, मङ्गलाय तनो हरिः॥

This is famous mantra Of Lord vishnu composed in weddings,so I want to know in which scripture/text this mantra is found?


texts: Is there any relation or similarity between Rudra & Indra?

texts:
According to Tejaswee's Answer on What is the Vedic Origin of Lord Shiva?:

  Similarly, Indra is also a manifestation of Lord Rudra. AtharvaVeda
  calls Rudra as slayer of Vritta which is actually Indra:

    “sahasrākṣáu vr̥trahánā huveháṃ dūrégavyūtī stuvánn my ugráu | yā́v asyéśathe dvipádo yáu cátuṣpadas táu no muñcatam áṃhasaḥ ||”
    (Atharvaveda 4:28:03)  “The thousand-eyed slayers of
    Vritra both do I invoke. I go praising the two strong gods (ugrau)
    whose pastures extend far. Ye who rule all these two-footed and
    four-footed creatures [Pasupati], deliver us from grief and
    trouble”.

  YajurVeda which
  states
  everything like fire, water, air, sun, moon, etc... gained their
  characteristics features because Lord Shiva manifested as Ashtamurti
  Rupa ie. He entered in all those 8 things as Purusha and made them
  active. Satapatha Brahmana of YajurVeda from 6.1.3.10 to 6.1.3.17
  states:

    Rudra is Agni. Sarva is Water (Varuna). Pasupati is Plants (Vanaspati). Ugra is Air (Vayu). Asani is Lightening.
    Bhava is Raingod (Parjanya). Mahadeva is Moon
    (Chandra/Soma/Mind). Ishana is Sun (Surya/ Atman)

  Thus, it is clear the whole world is pervaded by the forms of Lord
  Rudra. So as Rudra is actually Agni, Vayu, Varuna, Soma, Surya, etc..
  as seen from above Shruti passage (of YajurVeda). So actually Vedic
  hymns to all these Gods are actually praying various forms and
  manifestations of Lord Rudra.

According to Rig Veda 2:33:03:

  “śreṣṭho jātasya rudra śriyāsi tavastamastavasāṃ vajrabāho |
  parṣi ṇaḥ pāramaṃhasaḥ svasti viśvā abhītī rapaso yuyodhi ||” (Rig Veda 2:33:03)

  “In beauty thou art the most beautiful of all that exists, O Rudra, the strongest of the strong, thou wielder of the thunderbolt! Carry us happily to the other shore of our anguish, and ward off all assaults of mischief”.

Source: Glory of Lord Kameshwara- VI: Kama Sukta - India Facts

I have read about Rudra being described as vajrabaahu(holder of thunderbolt), asani (lightening or vidyut) or meghapati (master of clouds). How can this be briefly explained?


texts: What were the three good things Ravana thought to do?

texts:
I heard that Ravana thought to do some good things to this world, specifically three things. I remember only one which is removing salt from oceans and making the water drinkable.

I heard that these thoughts were before he abducts Goddess Sita.

Can someone please list those three things which Ravana thought to do? and also why he didn't do those things? (Was he got diverted somehow?)


texts:
As we all know indra is not a name rather a title
Sources : -http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12a020.htm ,
.So are there any scriptures describing next birth of previous indra's??.Like many puranas give ideas about previous birth's of an individual.


texts: For whom to use "om" and for whom to use "sri"

texts:
We use "om" to some gods like for example, we say "om namah shivaiah", "om namo vaasu devaiah"
Also we use "sri" as "sri vigneshwara", "sri vishnu", "sri rama", "sri krishna" etc.
But I never heard of "sri shiva".
Are there any rules to use "om" and "sri" to gods.
I think we use "sri" to the gods in human form (born on earth) like "sri rama", "sri krishna" (but we wont use "om rama", "om krishna" etc.) but now a days we are hearing "sri vigneshwara" and "sri vishnu" also, are they correct?
If we use "sri" for god in human form (born on earth), then is it correct to say "sri vigneshwara", "sri vishnu" etc
Also "kreem" will be used only to asuraas?


texts: Is Karma different for accidental killing than intentional killing?

texts:
For the past few months I have stopped killing any type of insects as killing it will cause bad karma but during the course of time I have accidentally killed few insects when I had no intentions of harming them like
1) While using touchscreen a tiny insect of few millimeters in length came between my screen & finger.
2) Accidental killing mosquito in sleep as they bite us.
3) Ants come under my feet whenever I am busy going from A to B (Here I mean totally immersed in work mode where you don't have time to think of anything else.

So is Karma different for such types of incidents because I never intent to harm such beings, forget about killing them or will I get the same punishment for intentional killing?


texts: What are the rules associated with the ritual of kshoura/kshavaram (shaving of hair)? And do these differ between sampradayas?

texts:
Almost all samparadayas and communities have some set of rules associated with the kshoura karma. There are rules related not just to the days on which such activities can be performed but also related to the shape and size of the shikha, sarvanga, rules for kshoura during apara karma etc. These vary significantly between communities within the same sampradaya or tradition.

It would good to compile here as to What are those standards and wherefrom are they cited.


texts: What does the vedas say about diet & what & how to eat?

texts:
A friend mentioned that guy who is a "Vedic Scholar" he met on a train told him that as per "our scriptures" we are only suppose to consume 1 types of oil. The preferred is just Ghee. If you just follow that one point, you will be healthy.

I want to know:

Is that correct? Where or in which scripture does it say that?
Is there any online versions of Vedas that I can read more about it?

FYI: I am totally new to all vedic related matters. I just born to a Hindu parents, but dont know anything about Hinduism. I just starting to learn. Figured I shall start with food, as I am a foodie.


texts: Some questions regarding Valmiki Ramayana

texts:
Are only male vanaras monkey like? In all shows and serials wife of vanaras are shown as humans
Is there no enounter with humans in South India is Ramayana?
Arent vanaras mlechhas since they are not humans?
Since only Kshatriyas are allowed to fight are all vanaras kshatriyas?
The amount of time mentioned is to be taken at face value or as exaggeration for poetry? Dashrath is said to have waited 6000 years for children. Ram and Sita are said to have ruled for 10000 years together before Ram banished Sita. Ravanas age is said to be in crores.
Any mention on women warriors?
I was watching Ramananad Sagar's Ramayan. In one scene while taling about Rishi Agastya Ram said he gave rules for Tamil. Is this mentioned by Valmiki or in Ramcharitmanas?


texts: Is Naath Sampradaya on the verge of extinction?

texts:
The great Naath Sampradaya is a jewel of Hinduism. Saint Gyaneshwar from Maharashtra belonged to the Naath Sampradaya. But there has been no significant personality after him who preached Vedanta. Has anyone come across any Naath Sadhu recently. Why we don't see them even in Kumbha Mela?
Does this mean Naath Sampradaya is on the verge of extinction?


texts:
Can someone please describe some of the theories of creation as per the Hindu ancient texts?

How about the origin of matter ? I seem to remember a reference to something akin to the Big Bang; when the sound of Omkar created the universe.


texts: Why is Lord Shiva always worshiped alongwith Shakti and never alone?

texts:
Lord Shiva is distinct from other Gods primarily because he is always worshiped not as an idol but in an abstract form of a Lingam .

Secondarily, He is always worshiped along with Goddess Shakti (also known as Amba, Gowri, etc). In fact, in a Shiva Lingam the lower half resembling a yoni is the Mother Goddess (Amba ,Gowri).

Even when we do puja at home, we say Asmin Bimbe/Linge sumukham Samba Parameswaram Dhyami,avahayami and not Parameswaram dhyami avahayami..(Samba means Sa+amba Or with Amba).

While for all the other Gods its typically as given below:

Mahaganapatim Dhyami, Mahavishnum dhyami, Gowrim Dhyami, Adityam Dhyami(for Surya puja).

What are the reasons for this distinction?


texts: Did Sayanacharya believe in the authority of Ithihas and Puranas?

texts: As you might be knowing, Sayana is one of the classical commentator on Vedas. My question is what was his opinion on the authority of Ithihas and Puranas? Did he believe in them?


texts: Was there anyone else besides Arjuna in Mahabharata who was known as Parthas?

texts:
In Mahabharata, at many places the word Parthas is used. It means there were many Parthas in addition to Arjuna.

Is there any clear reference of a person who was known as Partha.


texts: What is the explanation for Yajur Veda 19.37?

texts:
Yajur Veda 19.37

Cleanse me the Fathers who enjoy Soma! Grandfathers make me clean! May Great-grandfathers cleanse me with a sieve that brings a century. May my Grandfathers cleanse me, may my Great-grand-fathers make me clean. With sieve that brings a century may I obtain full length of life.

Why is this prayer asking or praying to fore fathers to clean them?
I mean how it is possible, because once you are dead your soul goes for reincarnation. And takes birth on earth.
So the souls of the grandfather and great grandfather will also go for reincarnation/rebirth. How can they clean.
What is the reason behind this verse and explanations to this verse.


texts: I would like to know if possible, the real story viz Hindu Version of Kurukulla according to the Veda texts.


texts: Does every universe has different events?

texts:
Many slokas in The S'rîmad Devî Bhâgawatam says that there is an infinite number of universes. Consider the following excerpt for example:

  Nârâyana said:-- “O Devarsi! ......... In his every pore countless universes are existing. So much so that even S’ri Krisna could not count them. If it were possible to count the number of dust particles, it is impossible to count the number of universes. ............;

My doubt is whether the events in every universe is the same? If not, are they same at least at an abstract level (repetition of yugas and avatars of god etc.,)?


texts: According to Dvaita philosophy, how does a Jivatma view another Jivatma in Vaikuntha?

texts:
As per my understanding, according to Dvaita philosophy Jivatma enters the Vaikuntha Loka but the Jivatma doesn't become Paramatma. It is also known that in Vaikuntha loka the primary duty of Jivatma is to pray to the Paramatma.

Here Paramatma says that :

  For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never
  lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.

Suppose me and my friend enter the Vaikuntha. We both pray to the Paramatma.

My questions are:

Will my friend be able to see and hear me in Vaikuntha?

If yes, will my friend see and hear me as Parmatma or Jeevatma?(In other words will my friend consider me a Jeevatma or Parmatma?)

Finally, if my friend will be able to see and hear me in Vaikuntha Loka then can we say that Jeevatma can see and hear without the physical body?


texts: Did Kuntī deliver Karṇa through her womb?

texts:
How was Kuntī able to hide her very first pregnancy? Did Kuntī deliver Karṇa through her womb or a healthy baby just appeared out of nowhere?

How about the Pāṇḍavas (both Kaunteyas and Mādreyas)? Did they take birth the normal way? Didn't Mādrī just kill herself by jumping into fire immediately following Pāṇḍu's death?


texts: What is the difference/relation between Chitta and Manas

texts:
Can you clarify these two? What is the exact definition and function of Chitta (heart) and Manas (mind)?

It is confusing that desires are formed in the mind, but they are also in heart. So there should be some relationship between them.


texts: What scriptures describe Brahma creating a weighing scale?

texts:
This excerpt from the Matsya Purana describes the Tula Purusha Dana, where a king would weigh himself on a giant scale and then donate an equal amount of gold to the Brahmanas.  In the process of doing so, the king is supposed to utter the following verses to the scale:

[Y]ou are the strength of all the Devas and rest on truth.  I salute you, O Jagaddhatri! you have been designed by the Lord Brahma as the witness.  You hold yourself between the Truth and the Untruth.  You are the life between the Virtuous and Vicious.  You weigh all.  Weigh me then, and carry me across the ocean of the world.   I salute you.  Only in you is the Lord of the twenty-five elements inherent.  I therefore salute you.  I salute you, O Govinda! in the form of this scale.  O Hari! be gracious enough to see me taken across this ocean of the world.

My question is, why does it say "you have been designed by the Lord Brahma as the witness?"  Are there any other scriptures which describe Brahma creating a scale?
Also, why is the scale praised as a form of Vishnu, and why does it say "[o]nly in you is the Lord of the twenty-five elements inherent"?  For those who don't know, the Samkhya school of philosophy posits 24 elements which arise from Prakriti, as well as a 25th element called Purusha.  The Yoga school goes one step further and posits the existence of an Ishwara or Lord, as I discuss in my question here.  But why would the Matsya Purana say that Ishwara is only present in the scale?
Is the scale supposed to be symbolize something?  In Greek mythology the goddess of Justice holds a scale in her hand, symbolizing the impartiality of justice.  Is something similar going on here?


texts:
In the Devi Bhagvata Purana, in the rules for performing the Kumari Puja, it said that girls embody certain goddesses according to their age:

  41-43. The virgin aged two years is named the Kumârî ; aged three years is named the Trimurtî four years, is called the Kalyânî ; five years, Rohinî; six years, Kâlikâ; seventh year, Chandikâ; eighth year, S’âmbhavî ; ninth year, Dûrgâ; and a virgin, aged ten years, is called Subhadrâ . Virgins aged more than ten years are not allowed in all ceremonies.

Who are these goddesses? The only goddesses I know of (a little bit) are Rohini and Subhadra. Rohini is the wife of Chandra, the moon god, and Subhadra is the sister of Krishna(I am not really sure if Subhadra is the avatar of the goddess who Kansa tried to kill, as I think she became Vidhya Vasini) and both goddesses have not, to my knowledge, displayed the power as goddesses.As for their roles, the Devi Bhagvata Purana says this:

  45. The worship of Kumârî leads to the extinction of miseries and poverty, to the extirpation of one’s enemies and the increment of riches, longevity and power.

  46. The Trimurtî Pujâ yields longevity, and the acquisition of the three things, Dharma, wealth, and desires, the coming in of riches, sons and grandsons.

  Those who want learning, victory, kingdom and happiness, they should worship the Kalyânî, the fructitier of all desires.

  48-49. Men should worship Rohinî duly for the cure of diseases. For the destruction of enemies, the worship of the Kâlikâ with devotion is the best. For prosperity and riches, Chandikâ is to be worshipped with devotion. O king! For the enchanting and overpowering of one’s enemies, for the removal of miseries and poverty, and for victory in battles, S’âmbhavî worship is the best.

  50-51. For the destruction of awfully terrible enemies and for happiness in the next world, the worship of Dûrgâ is the safest and best. People worship Subhadrâ when they want their desires to be fulfilled

It is also said that:

  53. The Goddess who can create without any difficulty all the sacred tattvas of the Kumâr Kârtikeya and who effects, as if in sport, the creation of all the Devas Brahmâ and others; I am worshiping the same Kumârî Devî.

  54. She who is appearing under the three forms as differentiated by the three gunas Sâttva, Râjas, and Tâmas, and who is appearing in multiple forms, owing to the differentiations of the three gunas again into various minor differences, I am worshipping Her the Trimûrtî Devî.

  55. She who being worshipped always fares us with auspicious things, I am worshipping Her, with devotion, the Kumârî Kalyânî, the awarder of all desires.

  56. I am worshipping the Rohinî Devî with a heart, full of devotion who is germinating all the karmas in seed forms, that have accumulated owing to past deeds.

  She who, at the end of a Kalpa gathers unto Her in the form of Kâlî all this Universe, moving and unmoving, I worship that Kâlikâ Devî with devotion.
  She, who is furious and wrathful and hence is called Chandikâ and who killed the two Demons Chanda and Munda I bow down to Her humbly with devotion, to that Chandikâ Devî, who destroys the terrible sins.

  59. I worship that S’âmbhavî Devî, the giver of all pleasures and happiness, whose form is the Veda Brahmâ, and whose origin is without any cause, and whe is so recited in the Vedas.

  She who saves from danger her devotees and who always delivers from various difficulties and troubles, whom all the Devas are incapable to know, I worship with devotion that Dûrgâ Devî the destroyer of all calamities.

  61. I, with my mind devoted, offer my salutations to that Subhadrâ Devî, Who procures all auspiciousness to Her devotees and removes all inauspicious incidents.

Who are these goddesses? Are they mentioned in any other texts?


texts: Did Lord Buddha really not believe in God and the Vedas? If so, why?

texts:
I am going to be completely open here in hopes to get the right answer.

I am always kind of... full of dread when I hear about such big saints and sages like Lord Buddha did not believe in God and did not believe in the Vedas. I sincerely love Lord Buddha being a Hindu because he helped so many people attain salvation from the cycle of birth and death and helped them do this comparatively quicker than if they would have tried to do that without His help. And to know that someone you look up to and adhere to disagrees with the main scripture and aspect of your religion fills my heart with sadness. Or am I mistaken here? Why do so many personalities like Lord Buddha and those of other religions disagree with each other when our duty is the same? The main goal for a Buddhist is to attain nirvana, which means freedom from the cycle of birth and death which is basically the same as moksha in Hinduism. Both religions differ in many aspects but the ultimate goal and lesson taught is the same. Which is love, brotherhood, morality, sympathy. And also, both religions strive on meditating. The only difference being is that when Hindus meditate, they keep God in mind and chant sacred mantras of God while Buddhists meditate on other things. But both attain salvation with either methods.

Basically, what I wanna know is:

Did Lord Buddha really not believe in God and the Vedas?
Did Lord Buddha have any oppositions with the Vedas, Brahman and Vedic rituals, cultures and deities?

EDIT

This question is not a duplicate of "Why there is a separate religion for Buddha if Buddha is a Hindu god?" as the two questions I have asked above are very different from the other one.


texts: Does scripture enjoin Saatvic food on Kshatriyas?

texts:
It is generally believed that meat,eggs etc. are needed to build strong bones and muscle.  These would be called Rajasic foods.  Does scripture allow Kshatriyas to directly eat Rajasic/Tamasic foods?  Or do these foods have to be made Saatvic through mantras/rites before they can be eaten?
This question is not focused on meat.  It is about non-Sattvic food in general.


texts:
Do people who go to swarga after death still have their earthly memories?
Like do they still remember their human life? Or are they born in swarga and forget their past life on earth?


texts: Where does Adi Shankaracharya explain the meanings of "Shruti" and "Smriti"?

texts:
I came across this quote of Shankaracharya:

  Shankarāchārya says, "Shruti is a means of direct perception [in the sphere of transcendent knowledge], since, in order to be an authority it is necessarily independent of all other authorities; while Smriti plays a part that is analogous to induction, in that it derives its authority from an authority other than itself."

What's the source of this quote?

Edit: I want the source from Shankara's works. Because the author has claimed that Shankara has said this. I want to verify this.

I'm also interested in scholarly content* that compares the authority of Shruti and Smriti. Does Smriti have less authority or the same authority in comparison with shruti?


texts: Any scripture other than Chaitanya Charitamrita that confirms that He is verily Lord Sri Krishna?

texts:
hare krishna.
I am new to ISKCON culture, but believe strongly that Lord Sri Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I am yet to read any work of Srila Prabhupada completely. Since it is essential to have complete faith in the acharyas before setting out on the spiritual path laid out by them, I would like to get my query clarified, and hope that this forum will be able to shed light on it:
My limited experience with various Gaudiya Vaishnava literature has informed me that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is considered by His followers verily as Lord Sri Krishna Himself. But while Srimad Bhagavatam mentions Kalki avatar as the Lord's next incarnation in the Kali yuga, I have not heard of any prediction regarding the advent of the Lord in the form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in any discussion. Is there any scripture other than Chaitanya Charitamrita that mentions Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as verily Lord Sri Krishna?
I am a believer that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is a pure devotee of the Lord, but am finding it difficult to believe that he is the Lord Himself. And this is holding me up from proceeding forward from completely accepting Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Kindly mention any scripture other than Chaitanya Charitamrita that confirms Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as Lord Sri Krishna.
I apologise if I have ruffled any feathers, but I submit that I ask the question in all sincerity.


texts: Is the purported "Buddhist Cosmology" found in the Vedas?

texts:
The Buddhist Pali suttas (the purported words of the Buddha Gotama) contain a "cosmology", which, in the Pali language, includes:

  Gods of the Four Great Kings: Cātumahārājikā Devā
  Gods of the Thirty Three: Tāvatiṃsā Devā
  Gods of Yama: Yāmā Devā
  Joyful Gods: Tusitā Devā
  Gods Who Love to Create: Nimmānaratī Devā
  Gods Who Control the Creations of Others: Paranimmitavasavattī Devā
  Lord of Creation: Pajāpati
  Brahmā
  Gods of Streaming Radiance: Abhassarato Deva
  Gods Replete with Glory: Subhakiṇhato Deva
  Gods of Abundant Fruit: Vehapphalato Deva
  The Overlord: Abhibhū

Are all of the above twelve gods found in the (pre-Buddha) Vedas or, if not, in later Upanishads?


texts: Clarity regarding Vali's father and his golden pendant

texts:
If not mistaken Vali's father is Indra. But in the sarga on Vali's fight with Dundubhi in Kishkindha Kanda there is a verse which says Vali wore the pendant given by his father Mahendra
 http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/kish/sarga11/kishkindha_11_frame.htm (see 4-11-39)

Can someone help explain who is Mahendra ? I don't think it is another name for Indra

Also this golden pendant apparently gave him half the strength of his opponent . Any references to how he obtained this pendant ? What happened to it after Vali was killed ?


texts: Need help identifying the deity in the below image. I’m thinking this is image of Shiva sitting in the cremation grounds?


texts: What exactly is Anumana Pramana? Guessing the past happenings with the available evidence also come under Anumana Pramana? And how does it differ from Artapatti Pramana?


texts: Why do Hindus believe in doing 'Sraddha ' (annual death anniversary) of ancestors, even though they believe in the concept of rebirth?

texts:
'Sraddha' (death anniversary) is performed every year by Hindu. if the departed soul takes rebirth as believed, it is in some physical form  . Then how does those rituals reach to ancestors? So some or other is performing those rituals for our souls at present even though we exist?

I found some answers in this link, but felt it was all opinion based.

I Was looking something from the scriptural point of view. Like how does it explain the whole rebirth concept behind the ritual?


texts:
Our scriptures describe about 28 types of Narakas, what are they and what are there levels?

Here with levels I want clarification on which Naraka is considered bad to worst in punishments?


texts: Did Swami Prabhupada reject Advaita with a direct statement anywhere?


texts: Was the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Nathamuni an incarnation of Ganesha?

texts:
The Alwars (also spelled Azhwars) are a group of 12 ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu and are famous for their poetry in praise of Vishnu. The 4000 verses of the Alwars were compiled by the Vaishnava Acharya Nathamuni into a book called the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam, which is considered by many to be the "Dravida Veda", or South Indian Veda. The Alwars are crucially important figures in the history of Vaishnavism; it is the principles and beliefs embodied in the Alwars' poems that Nathamuni used to found what we now call the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member).

Now the Alwars are believed to be incarnations of various attendants and attributes of Vishnu; for instance the Alwar Nammalwar is considered an incarnation of Vishwaksena, the general of Vishnu's army.  But the early Sri Vaishnava Acharyas are also considered to be incarnations of gods, as described in this website:

  Gajaananar is a nityasuri in Sri Vaikuntham who is an assistant of
  Vishwaksenar along with Kumudan, KumudAkshar and Harivaktrar.

  Gajaananar took avataaram as Nathamuni

  Kumudan took avataaram as Uyyakondar

  Kumudaakshar took avataaram as Manakaal Nambi and

  Harivakktrar took avataaram as Yamunacharya

As you can see, Nathamuni is believed to be an incarnation of Gajanana, an elephant-headed god who is an attendant of Vishnu's general Vishwaksena.  My question is, is this Gajanana the same as Shiva's son Ganesha?

In most Hindu temples, there is a statue of Ganesha in the front, because he is the remover of obstacles.  But in very conservative Sri Vaishnava temples, this is replaced by a statue of Gajanana (called Tumbikkai Alwar in Tamil).  Similarly, while most Hindus have Ganesha in mind when they say "Suklambharadaram Vishnum...", a lot of Sri Vaishnavas consider it to be a prayer to Vishwaksena.

So there seems to be at least some connection between Ganesha and Vishwaksena's attendant Gajanana, insofar as they play similar roles.  But are there any scriptures or works by Sri Vaishnava Acharyas which say whether the two figures are the same or different?


texts:
Prarabdha is a type of Karma that a living organism undergoes during its life time.
Many scriptures suggests that prarabhas that affects human negatively (leading to bad experiences) can be avoided or diluted by the performing some activities prescribed in scriptures.
Is it true for all possible prarabdhas?
Are there any prarabdhas that cannot be either escaped or even diluted  by any kind of effort by human?


texts: Is Lord Bhairava same as Lord Shiva, or are they a little different? Is Bhairava a part incarnation or complete Shiva?

texts: Like there is no difference in Vishnu, Krishna, Raama, NriSimha and other manifestation. But sometime Bhairavanatha appears a little different from Lord Shiva, as if He is a part incarnation of Lord Shiva. Is Bhairavanatha completely same as Shiva or is He a part incarnate?


texts:
According to Wikipedia, it is said:

  The study of Sanskrit scriptural texts which accepted the authority of the Vedas were taught. They included the Vedas, Upanishads, Aranyaka, Kashika, Nirukta, Mahabhasya, Ashtadhyayi, Darshanas.

But this is also said:

  The members of Arya Samaj reject other scriptural works such as the Puranas, The Upanishads, the Bible, and the Quran.


texts: Are pregnant women allowed to go to temples?

texts:
Is it allowed for pregnant women to go to temples?

If not allowed, what are the restrictions?

And are those restrictions based on scriptures or just traditions followed?

Much appreciate religious evidence like scriptures (vedas / argama or any). Because I get to know people use to tell after 5 or 7 month not preferable. But it is as some tradition not as a reference from higher books.


texts: In their old age, who should take care of Hindu parents who don't have any sons?

texts:
We see many Hindu couples who don't have a single male child also.

Now assume one such couple have a single girl child and they find a suitable groom for her, get her married and send her off to the in-laws place.

According to smṛtis and dharma śāstras, who's responsible for taking care of the girl's parents in their old age? Is it their daughter, son-in-law, the society or all of them?

PS. Related questions but not duplicate:
1. Are Hindu children meant to serve their parents forever whether they like them or not?
2. Poem on taking care of parents at their old age


texts: Does Shiva or Vishnu or Trikaladarshi Yogi know our Aagami Karma or our free will?

texts:
Aagami Karma is actions we do in this birth. This is generally said to be free will. See this question: Is our destiny predetermined? If yes, then why do our actions affect our karma?.

Does Shiva or Vishnu or a Trikalagnani Yogi (who can know past, present, and future) know our Aagami Karma? Or do they just know consequences of our Prarabda Karma?


texts:
Namaste!

Is there a book (pdf file) in English available for Nitya Karma and Pooja? The one I obtained is in Hindi.

http://webstock.in/001-Epics-PDF/Nitya-Karm-Pooja-Prakash/Nitya-Karm-Pooja-Prakash.pdf

An English version would be of great help.


texts: What view does Hinduism take of same sex union?

texts: Christianity and Islam detest same sex union or more accurately same sex marriage, I am not saying this but world over priests and imams are , I was curious if there is any mention of same sex union in the Hindu scriptures and do they disapprove or approve this move ?


texts: Reconcilling Vedas with existence of Rama, Krishna and related questions

texts:
I've read Satyarth Prakash and my religious notions held for decades were shaken. I need to know answers to the following questions.

If Vedas say God is unborn formless, how were Rama and Krishna born?
In Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana also, God is said to be formless and infinite, how could Rama in earthly bodily form fulfill these conditions?
In Gita, why importance is given to feeding priests for the dead person's soul, while Vedas are strictly against any such practice. Is Gita in conflict with the Vedas?
Why chanting name of God would bring relief to a person, when Vedas don't support such a practice?
Why giving donation to temple is held as a good practice? Why does God want to be given alms when he alone is the giver of everything?


texts: Is there a universal symbol for Hinduism?

texts:
I have come across many symbols like ॐ , Swastika , Yantra and Lord Shiva's Trident that are generally associated with Hinduism.

Just like the cross represents Christianity or crescent represents Islam, is there any universal symbol for Hinduism?


texts: Were there religious wars in Hinduism itself? As it was the case for Christian between Catholics and Protestants?

texts:
An introduction would be better I guess to understand my initiative. I am new here. I am French, and most of the French people do not understand English. So, I want to bring some knowledge to French people who want to know better Hinduism and Satana Dharma to be more global. We have a huge lack of informations in French contents. That's why I ask the stack community, because most of the time your answers are sourced on scriptures contrary to what do people in my FB group... Or what I read in French websites. They only refers to their own mystical experience not to what rishis said. So what I am searching for here is serious people, like many I read here, who answers with sources.

So I asked once, in French contents if there were historical events in hinduism itself, that can blunty be qualified as religious war? All I received is the speech about the tolerance in hinduism but nothing that show if it was the case or not.They just recognized they ignore it actually. So, what I expect is really an historical point, and sourced one, not a philosophic speech. That's not to make a bad painting at all. That's just to know what really happened in the history of this religion. And to take it as a lesson for all of us.

Besides, if it was not a war between hindus theirselves, was there the case with other religions? And if not, how was the harmony ruled? And based on what?


texts: Please translate Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 1.2.10

texts: Namaste. Could someone  translate this: tasmād etad brahma nāma-rūpam annaṁ ca jāyate [Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 1.2.10] , please.


texts: What is the difference between Sun and Sun God?

texts:
What is the difference between a graha and a deva in both astrological sense as well as in spiritual sense? For example when we say Sun (Surya), we mean the star (planet astrologically) but is it same as Surya Deva?

There is Surya, Surya Deva and Surya Loka, how to connect these 3 things? So when I chant Aditya Hridaya Stotra, whom is it exactly referring to, the Planet Sun or Surya Deva and how are Adityas different from Surya Deva?


texts:
I know one was Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, and the second was Parvati, daughter of Raja Himanchala.

How many others are there?