texts: Difference between old and new temple of Yadagiri gutta

texts:
I recently visited Yadagiri gutta sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple with my parents and siblings.

While going back I came to know that we don't visit the old temple. I did search on the wiki about the difference between these temples. But still, I didn't figure out the difference.

Is old temple and new temple different?

If different then why people are visiting only new temple instead of the old temple? Did I miss the actual temple visit? I visited the temple on hill but not old one.


texts: What are the luxuries of Swarga Loka? And how Swarga Loka has been defined in the Vedas?

texts: Can some one fulfill his unsatisfied desires. And after enjoying in sawarg lok can one decide how he /she wants to reincarnate him/herself.reincarnation happens with our will or against our will.


texts:
Everywhere in the Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna keeps asking us to worship cows, not to harm them etc.

Why only cows, why not other animals?

All animals do something or the other for nature. Together they all keep the food cycle alive. Then why give special importance to cows?


texts: Are there any verses which say Vishnu is source of all avatars?

texts: I read answers about Krishna and Rama as source of all avatars on this site. Are there any verses that support Vishnu as source of all avatars? Since there are different Vishnus and such complexity in pancharatra, I want to know about root Vishnu from whom all other Vishnus and avatars emanate. Which Vishnu is talked about when we say Vishnu's 10 avatars. Please quote Sanskrit verse and translation.


texts: Does mAnasika puja or mAnasika anushtanam or mAnasika UpAsana have any basis in ItihAsAs or Smritis or Upanishads or Vedas?

texts: mAnasika pUja is lauded & bheema is given as an example. If so, what stops one who is lying down in sleep at 4am everyday, instead of getting up, just continue lying down and then do in his mind mAnasika  sandhyAvandanam and be done with it?


texts: I have read about cosmology in Puranas as well as Agamas to an extent. What is the main difference between Puranic and Agamic cosmology? Is there any difference at all?


texts: Is the Parashurama avatara still active?

texts: I don't recall any scripture talking about how he left the earth.  He spans two itihasas, so he obviously lived for a long time.


texts: Which scripture mention about Lord rama eating fruits eaten and bitten by shabri?

texts:
Valmikiramayana.net says:

By the way, where is the scene of Rama eating fruits and eatables bitten and tasted by Shabari? Has this old woman not offered the fruits to the guests, or just said that they are available? We listen many stories and see many pictures telling that she gave many fruits after biting them with her own teeth to test the taste. All that is not in Valmiki Ramayana. This amplification is from Padma Purana. phalaani ca supakvaani muulaani madhuraaNi ca | svayam aasaadya maadhuryam pariikShya paribhakShya ca | pashcaat nivedayaamaasa raaghaabhyaam dhR^iDhvrataa |

However this isn't found in padma purana(a verse number would be helpful). Do any other scripture mention about this?


texts: What is the relative importance of the six Darshanas in the practice of different sects today?

texts:
The Darshanas are listed as

Nyaya.
Vaisesika.
Samkhya.
Yoga.
Purva Mimamsa
Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta.

Do different sects emphasize some Darshanas more than others?


texts: If we don't have a guru is it better not to read bhagavat gita or read it?

texts:
Bhagavat gita should be read under a guru's guidance for getting proper knowledge without misleading.
All people cannot get a guru in practical as some are of low wealth and need to work almost 12 hours a day.
People who don't read Bhagavat gita live a chances of ignorance and adharmas are highly possible.

QUESTION :

If we don't get a guru is it better not to read the Bhagavat gita by ourselves as knowledge may be misleading ?
Is it better to read Bhagavat gita without guru's guidance as being aware of the paramatma and karma life is better than living with more chances of ignorance and  adharmas ?


texts: If Vyasa is Vishnu's Incarnation, Will Ashvatthama who's the next Vyasa, will he be considered as Vishnu's Incarnation?

texts:
As per the respective shloka, from Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram:-

व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे ।
Which means vyasa is vishnu's form and vice-versa.

But If veda-vyasa is a title given to a person, as that person organizes the format of the scriptures, then ashvatthama who's the next veda vyasa will he be considered as vishnu's Incarnation? But how's that possible because Bhagavatam says that the current vyasa is personally a direct and the 17th Incarnation of Vishnu?
As per this shloka

tataḥ saptadaśe jātaḥ
satyavatyāṁ parāśarāt
cakre veda-taroḥ śākhā
dṛṣṭvā puṁso ’lpa-medhasaḥ
Thereafter, in the seventeenth incarnation of Godhead, Śrī Vyāsadeva appeared in the womb of Satyavatī through Parāśara Muni, and he divided the one Veda into several branches and subbranches, seeing that the people in general were less intelligent.

So will Ashvatthama become Vishnu?


texts: Can a saint who is not in physical plane be called a Guru?

texts:
I often see people considering a saint as their Guru who is no longer in physical plane. Many such saints lived hundreds of years ago.

When a Guru is not in physical plane, how you will get your doubts cleared or get guidance? At least when you are a newbie and have not reached a level where Guru being in a physical plane doesn't matter.

I want to know whether such saints are Guru-Tulya (like Guru) but not actual Guru. Can I have multiple gurus (Guru Tulya) unless I get a guru where I get personal attention, which is not possible these days? I mean if one is inspired by the divinity and spiritual ecstasy of few saints.


texts: What are duties and goals of a Brahmin and how should he behave?

texts:
Can anyone say the duties of a Brahmin and how he should behave? What should be his goals?
As said in Bhagavat Gita, One should follow his own duties to attain liberation and so. If with any references It would be nice.


texts: I have heard about Kundlini powers but nobody talks about these powers on a public platform nor have I ever heard about these powers by any religious guru or Yogi. I am curious to know if Kundlini Powers really exist Or is it a part of Yoga.


texts: Why don't men wear the likes of Mangal-Sutra to signify they are married?

texts:
In Hinduism, brides wear Mangal Sutra to signify that they are married. Additionally, the use of sindoor, red kumkum powder also applied along the parting of the hair, is also worn by married women. These are all symbols that signify that a woman is married.

Why don't such symbols exist for men?


texts: Is Anushasan Parva from Mahabharat an interpolation? It is claimed by many scholars and also it is not mentioned in the spitzer manuscript

texts:
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/index.htm

I have read at many places that Shanti parva and Anushasan parva were later added in the original mahabharata. Does that also make vishnu sahasranamam un-authentic?

I am sorry if there is any mistake in my question, I am new here and this is my first question.


texts: I want to know more about Brahm Bhatt Brahmins/Pandits. Who are Brahm Bhatt Brahmins? Is there any difference between Bhatt and Bhaat.


texts: Custom of covering head with handkerchief in temple?

texts:
Us Punjabis cover the head with handkerchief in temples and even during home worship (panchopchar puja) but I haven't seen others do it
I was wondering whether we have any scriptures which hints at it or is it borrowed from Sikhism? (usually non-turban wearing Sikhs cover their heads in the Gurudwara with rumaal)


texts: Is Mata Saraswati really the Goddess of knowledge?

texts: We generally say that Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom and all the knowledge that can ever be attained by the mankind was originated from herself. So if she is indeed the Goddess of knowledge, did she knew about modern day topics like, 'Calculus' and 'Quantum Mechanics'? If yes then why didn't she told the mankind about such useful tools? If no then how is her title of "Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge" justified?


texts: Oneness of different Indian philosophical thoughts

texts: Do six schools of Indian Philosophy accommodate each other or are they watertight compartments each to the exclusion of other?


texts: When did Krishna first meet Vishnu's bird Garuda?

texts:
The Srimad Bhagavatam describes how Krishna flew on the back of Garuda to kill the demon Narakasura, which is the inspiration for the holiday Deepavali:

  After Bhauma [Narakasura] had stolen the earrings belonging to Indra’s mother [Aditi], along with Varuṇa’s umbrella and the demigods’ playground at the peak of Mandara mountain, Indra went to Lord Kṛṣṇa and informed Him of these misdeeds. The Lord, taking His wife Satyabhāmā with Him, then rode on Garuḍa to Prāgyotiṣa-pura, which was surrounded on all sides by fortifications consisting of hills, unmanned weapons, water, fire and wind, and by obstructions of mura-pāśa wire.

My question is, is this the first time that Vishnu's incarnation Krishna met Vishnu's bird Garuda?  Or did he meet him earlier than that?

A couple chapters earlier, there's a description of Krishna's chariot already having a flag of Garuda on it:

  My dear King, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma mounted Kṛṣṇa’s chariot, which flew the flag of Garuḍa and was yoked with tremendously swift horses, and pursued Their elder’s murderer.

When did Krishna first put Vishnu's Garuda flag on his chariot?  Did he use it ever since he started riding chariots in Mathura, since unlike Rama he always knew he was Vishnu?  Or did he start using it after some encounter with Garuda?

Note that Garuda is referred to in the story of Krishna defeating the serpent Kalinga, but the two don't actually meet then.

(On a side note, Garuda also had an encounter with Vishnu's incarnation Rama, where he saves Rama and Lakshmana from the snake weapons of Indrajit, as I discuss in this answer.)


texts: Current time of Universe and reincarnation

texts:
There is no possibility to synchronize time of whole universe.

Now question is- how super soul/nature synchronize the time of universe and follow reincarnation theory if it is true?


texts: How many types of Dasa are there in total?

texts:
Although Vimosttari is popular and more applicable dasa among all, there are still may other type of dasa.
Some of them are Astottari,  Shodsottari,  Dwadasottari,  Panchottari,  Satabdika,     Chaturshiti-sama,  Dwisaptati-sama,  Shastibayani,  Shatvinsa-sama,     Kalachakra,  Chakra,  Chara,  Sthira,  Kendra,  Brahmagraha,     Mandook,  Yogardha,  Shoola,  Drig,  Trikona,  Rasi,  Panchaswara,     Yogini,  Naisargik, Pinda,   Sandhya,  Ashtavarga,  Pachaka,  Tara.
The list has been taken from the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.
Do any scripture contains the total list of types of dasa? How many types of dasa are there in total and what are their names?


texts: Did Ikshvaku Rama rule Ayodhya or Vishnu avatara Rama?

texts:
As we know the purpose of Rama avatara was to liberate Ravana, and for this purpose Vishnu had to forget his divinity. But in the Yuddha Kanda, after the Agni Pariksha, all the devas headed by Brahma arrive and praise Rama reminding him of his Divinity. They tell him that he is Vishnu and Sita is Lakshmi. You can read the praises of Brahma here

After this Rama becomes the King of Ayodhya. So now did Rama rule with the knowledge that he was Vishnu or did he forget it again? That is did Vishnu sit on the throne of Ayodhya or Dasaratha's son?

And similarly was Sita sent to the forest where she lamented her fate to Lakshmana - or did Mahalakshmi lament to Anantadeva?


texts: How can Purusha be God when he was sacrificed to bring about creation?

texts:
From

http://www.indicstudies.us/Hinduism/SelectSacredTexts/purusha_sukta.htm

text 7:

  saptasyasan paridhayaha

  trissapta samidhah kritaha

  deva yadjajnam tanvanaha

  abadhnan purusham pashum

  For this (yajna or spiritual ceremony) there were seven paridhis (fuel >pieces serving as borders). And, twenty-one items were made the samit or >sacrificial fuel sticks. When the devas were performing this yajna or >ceremony, they tied the purusha (himself) as the pashu (sacrificial animal).


texts: According to the overall Hindu scriptural tradition, does meat-eating impede spiritual progress? I know that the classical Vaishnava traditions seem to prohibit it.  How about the other sects and paths within the grand Hindu Faith? Do the Vedas comment on this aspect?


texts: After dying, why are Saints buried instead of burning?

texts:
According to Hinduism, a dead person's body is supposed to be cremated and no memorial should be erected over it.

On the contrary, the body of a dead saint is buried and a memorial (i.e., Brindavan) is constructed over it.

So why are saints buried? What is the need for such a practice?


texts: Age of Brahma, 1 day of Brahma and Science

texts:
1 day of Brahma equals about 8.6 Billion Years or 2 Kalpas.

According to this the day itself or 1 Kalpa is just 4.3 Billion Years.

Our Universe should be destroyed during the night of Brahma or for the 2nd Kalpa.

So the current Universe should only be 4.3 Billion Years old.

But the current Universe is about 13 Billion Years old according to Science. How's does this match with science?

Also, it goes on to say that this is 1st Day of the 51st year of Brahma which is equal to approx.

155 Trillion Years. But again, the Universe is just 13 Billion Years according to Science. So should we say that science is just talking about the current universe?

How does this calculation match with science?


texts: What is the Purpose of own Antyesthi (Cremation) before taking Sanyasa?

texts:
Everyone knows there are 16 Sanskar in Hinduism. In this 16 Sanskar, Antyesthi (Cremation) is the final Sanskar performed after death (of a person) by his or her descendents.But I came to know that the person (who wants to take Sanyasa from Vanaprastha) before taking Sanyasa have to perform his own Antyesthi (Cremation). If it is true,then

What is the Purpose of Own Antyesthi (Cremation) before taking Sanyasa?

And I came across that respective Guru gives a different(new) name to Sanyasi or Shishya (Disciple). Like: Swami Vivekananda (Narendra Nath Datta) name has given by his Guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

On which Basis(Spiritual Qualities) does Guru gives a new name to Sanyasi or Shishya(Disciple)?
Is there any Co-relation of above two questions?(Own Cremation and a New name)


texts:
How God decide who should die first or later. If karma is real then why don't bad people die first, shouldn't bad things only happen to bad people. But it's not the case, why some good people die before they become people(Children). Why some good people die before the bad people. Shouldn't god give a glimpse of him to the world sometimes to set fear in the minds of wrong doer and reduce crime.
If everybody are god's children
then why aren't they getting the same treatment from God?


texts: More information about the idea of Asvattha, the tree of transmigration found in Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita

texts:
Almost a decade ago I saw the movie the Matrix. I had to see it twice to understand the full idea. It seemed like a new idea at the time: that the world we live in is just an imaginary world; in the real world we are enslaved by machines.

Now in the course I took on meditation, the instructor, Robert Wright, mentioned that many people he spoke to drew parallels between the movie The Matrix and and also Buddhism.

It wasn't until I picked up the Bhagavad-Gita sometime after seeing the movie that I was able to see the same idea in the Asvattha Tree, the tree of transmigration found in Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita.

  Its branches spread from earth to the heavans, and the powers of nature give them life. Its buds are the pleasures of the senses. Far down below, its roots roots stretch into the world of men, binding a mortal through selfish actions.

  Men do not see the changing form of the that tree, nor its beginning, nor its end, nor where its roots are. But let the wise see, and with the strong sword of dispassion let him cut this strong strong-rooted tree, and seek that path where-from those who go for refuge never return...

I also found a picture of the Asvattha tree that I found in a book owned by my aunt.

I'm really fascinated by this idea.Are there any other mentions of the Asvattha tree anywhere else that I can go to to find out more information? Is the tree mentioned in any of the commentaries?


texts: What is markathe? And why does King Vali calls Hanuman a markathe?


texts: Why did Lord Chaitanya appear on earth? Is he a Vishnu Avatar?


texts: What are the Vedas technically? How can Upanishads be called Vedas when some parts are neither revelations nor hymns dedicated to any specific deity?

texts:
It is believed that the Vedas are the revelations from the Almighty to the seers in exalted states of consciousness.

Further, it is also believed that the Vedas are authorless.

Keeping these definitions in mind, what actually constitutes the Vedas?

Is it the Samhita portion of the Vedas where each mantra has it own seer to whom it was revealed and the particular deity of that mantra?

Apart from these, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads are also considered to be the parts of the Vedas. However, these do not have a specific seer to whom it was revealed nor they have any deity to which it is dedicated.

In that case, the above three sections do not fulfill the basic definition of being a direct revelation and authorless. Then how can they be called as Vedas?

It is also known that there are Upanishads and other sections where Vedic mantras are present partly or fully.

For example, in Isha Upanishad of Shukla Yajurveda, the verses are nothing but some of the mantras of Samhita itself. There is no confusion about such sections as it is fully taken from the Samhita.

However, there are other Upanishads, brahmanas, and aranyaka where some of the Vedic mantras are partly mixed with other verses to constitute the scripture. There are also many of these which do not have any Vedic mantra at all.

So the question arises here,

Suppose an Upanishad is having 100 verses out of which 80 are Vedic mantras and 20 are other verses. Then how can it be called as a part of Veda where some of the portions is not a revelation nor have any specific deity?

On what basis do Vedantins declare Upanishads are the Vedas or concluding parts of the Vedas? Are they Vedas in actual sense?


texts:
Arthavada is a term associated with the least famous Purva Mimansa established by Rishi Jaimini.

What is Arthavada and how does Uttara Mimansa counteract against this Arthavada?


texts: Why is there so much diversity b/w north and south and still both hindu

texts:
I have myself observed it, all the things b/w north and south are very different, may it be the language, eating habits and in terms of religion both consider themselves as Hindu but have different ways of expressing prayers.

Certain observations:
 1. In south temples the prasada is different (mainly rice).
 2. The deities are avatars of same God but quiet different like venkateshwara, tirupati which are not famous in north.
 3. Eating habits(religious) like non veg is mainly eaten in south and rare in north.
 4. in south temples everytime someone offers prasada to God, they lit the diya and ring bells and do short aarti.

There is a vast difference b/w the festivals, even same festivals are celebrated in completely different ways.

Marriage: In north people don't marry there cousins.

Kundali matching technique and precautions also different in north/south(not sure)

There is much more then this , mainly in north tulsidasa scriptures are preferred over old Sanskrit ones I think because it's close to Hindi, where as south Indians have different languages like Kannada, Tamil etc.

Tamil and Sanskrit both claims to be oldest languages of world.


texts: Why is Lord Ganesha depicted with a snake around his belly?

texts:
Lord Ganesha is always seen with a snake wrapped around his big fat belly.According to the Ganesha Purana,the serpent Vasuki is wrapped around his neck. Other depictions of snakes include use as a sacred thread.It looks that serpent is a common feature in Ganesha murthi.

What is story/connection between Lord Ganesha and snake?


texts: What are the prerequisites to get initiated in Shaiva or Shakta Agamas?

texts: I wanted to know the qualifications or qualities one should possess to get initiation in Shiva or Shakta agamas?


texts:
I am from North India and everyone pronounce this vowel ऋ as रि. I know this is wrong because vowel is a constant sound and when रि is pronounced for long it only comes as इ which is wrong. I did some research and found some pronounce it as रु but again this is wrong because of the above mentioned reason.

I have been struggling to find the correct pronunciation of it. Most of the videos tutorials of teaching Sanskrit pronounce it wrong. Some might be right but I have no way to verify and on top of that I have no means to mimic it as they do not show the tongue movement. I came to this thread and it explains a lot but because still I am unable to grasp anything concrete on the subject.

I finally resort to listening to Rig Veda chanting here and listening to the sound of ऋ but still it hasn't helped at all. It sounds like they are pronouncing it as रि which is probably because they are speaking it in a word.

So how shall I arrive at correct pronunciation of ऋ?

Please also do mention how to pronounce ऋ when it occurs with a consonant like कृ, मृ etc and how its different from क्र, म्र.


texts: Is there solid proof of Hindu scripture?

texts:
Is there solid proof of Hindu scripture--namely, the Sruti (श्रुति) scriptures like the Vedas (वेदाः) and the upanishads (उपनिषदः)?

How do we know what they say is correct?

Some of you might say--"Hindu scripture agrees perfectly with science and has references to several modern scientific discoveries."

This may be true, but this does NOT prove the theological validity of Hindu scripture. So is there any proof of such a kind?


texts:
I have a feeling that all puranas which describe events happened in Satya yuga talk about events happened in other lokas, different from Bhumi (our planet). I personally know only one purana which talks about events which for sure happened in Satya yuga: Bhagavata purana, canto 7, talks about Narasimha avatara, and events there presumably happened here on Earth, but I am not sure. Ramayana is about Treta yuga, and Mahabaharata together with Bhagavata purana canto 10 talks about Dvapara yuga.

Am I wrong? Are there any other puranas which talk about events happened in Satya yuga here on Earth?


texts: Are there any temples exclusively for women?

texts:
I have listen that, there are some specific god's and temples where women are not allowed to go and touch the idols. And men only can worship them, or go to their temple or touch them like Shani Dev or Sabrimala also Hanuman ji but I don't know reason for Hanuman ji.

Similarly,
Are there any gods and temples only for women, where only women are allowed to enter and priest & god are also women.

Are there any god who listen to the problems of women only?


texts: How to do meditation if I've got negative thoughts?

texts:
When ever I try to concentrate in either my breath or a word I am not able to concentrate. Please give me some solution to it.

If I do concentration by ignoring those thoughts than after I open my eyes I don't feel good. So what should I do?


texts: Do Hindus believe that one can see god after death as per Advaitha?

texts:
Can we see god after death as per Advaitha.

Advaitha says that we can see the god when we went into deep medidation state, then what about death? so as death is not that deep meditation state, then we cant see the god even after death? We cant even see Lord Yama after death?

This birth and death cycle keep on rotating without the appearcance of god to a common person, then how he realizes that there is a god who can pull him out of  this cycle?


texts: "Sarva Dharman Parityejya Mamekam Sharanam Vraja..." in Shiva Gita?

texts:
One of the most important verse of Bhagvad Gita is the 66th verse of 18th Chapter where Lord states as:

  सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज |
  अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच: || 66||
  sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śharaṇaṁ vraja
  ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣhayiṣhyāmi mā śhuchaḥ

  Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.

Shiva Gita is a part of Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda).

Just as Arjuna is distressed in Bhagvad Gita and Krishna instructs Arjuna. In the similar way Rama is distressed due to loss of his wife Sita in the Dandakaranya Vana. Maharshi Agastya comes there and instructs Rama to do Pashupata Vratam. Then Rama performs it as per instructions by Agastya and then Lord Shiva manifests there and teaches him Gita. This forms the origin of Shiva Gita.

Since we do not find this story in Valmiki Ramayana it is likely that this occurred in Ramayana of previous Kalpas.

So, are there any verses in Shiva Gita which is same as Bhagvad Gita 18.66 or verses which gives the same message...?


texts: I know that the eldest son takes precedence.  What happens in case of someone who dies without sons?  Can daughters cremate their dead father?


texts: Is preaching recommended or mandatory to a temple priest?

texts: Every temple in India has at least one priest. The act of preaching scriptures a recommended act or mandatory act for him?


texts: Does any principal upanishad advocate devotion to a personal God?

texts:
According to Wiki: "Bhakti in Indian religions is "emotional devotionalism", particularly to a personal god or to spiritual ideas"

Do any principal upanishads recommend devotion to a personal God?


texts: What are some good modern interpretations of the Mahabharata?

texts: What are some good books with a modern outlook at the Mahabharata? The older books carry the weight of conservatism. I'm looking for a writer with an inkling for modern views to interpret the Mahabharata.


texts: Does Mimasa philosophy believe in Ithihasa and Puranas?

texts: Though various devatas and gods are mentioned in Karma Kanda of Vedas, Mimasa doubts their existence. But there are many Puranic characters mentioned in Samhitas. Even Brahmanas of Vedas contain Ithihas and Puranic legends. How Mimamsa explain this?


texts:
Are mantras cursed not to work in Kali Yuga?
Is it true that all mantras are cursed and they will not work in kaliyuga?
When invaders attacked India why the mantras were not used to defend if mantras are working?


texts: Why does Kulasekhara Alwar call Vishnu "Vitruvakodu's Lord"?

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 collection of their 4000 poems, known as the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam, 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 ultimately gave rise to the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member).

In any case, one of the Alwars was a king called Kulashekhara Alwar, and here is a poem from his Perumal Tirumoli, taken from JSM Hooper's book "Hymns of the Alvars":

  If Thou wilt not my portion'd grief dispel, I have no hope but Thee,
  Vitruvakodu's Lord, girt with its groves of flowers with fragrant smell
  I'm like a babe, which weeps, yet thinks of mother's grace, though she with anger fierce has thrast it from her face.
  Girt on all sides by walls that heaven touch, Vitruvakodu's Lord, e'en like a well-born girl who only knows her husband, though deeds such as men may mock her lover does, so will I sing, Though thou'lt not be my Lord, Thy anklets tinkling.
  Surrounded by wide lands which fishes see, Vitravakodu's Lord, e'en if Thou wilt not look on me, I have no other hold but Thee - like subjects looking to the rod of wreathed king, though he regards them not and works deeds harrowing.
  Though by illusion from Thee woe I have without a remedy, Vitruvakodu's Lord, At Thy grace only win I look, Thy slave, Like a sick man, who, though physician cut with knife
  And brand, yet loves him with a love as long as life.
  Slayer of elephant great and fierce of eye Vitravakodu's Lord,
  Where shall I go and live?
  Save for Thy feet, like a great bird am I
  Which goes around and sees no shore and comes at last
  Back o'er the tossing sea and perches on ship's mast !
  Though red fire conies itself and makes fierce heat,
  The lotus red blooms not
  Save for the fierce-rayed one
  Who in the lofty heavens has his seat.
  Vitruvakodu's Lord, though Thou will not remove
  My -woe, my heart melts not save at Thy boundless
  love.
  E'en when forgotten wholly by the sky
  The green crops only look,
  (Vitruvakodu's Lord!)
  At the great black clouds as they rise. So I,
  Thy servant, more and more will set my mind on
  Thee,
  Though Thou wilt not remove my human misery.
  With gathered waters all the streams ashine
  Must spread abroad and run
  And enter the deep sea
  And cannot stand outside. So refuge mine,
  Save in the shining bliss of entering Thee, is none,
  Vitravakodu's Lord, thick cloud-hued, virtuous one !

My question is, why does Kulasekhara Alwar address Vishnu as "Vitruvakodu's Lord" in every stanza of the poem?  The only help the translator provides is that Vitruvakodu is "a place in the Chera country." (The Cheras were one of the empires that ruled South India, Kerala in particular, and it was the empire that Kulasekhara Alwar ruled.)

But why is Vishnu called the lord of Vitruvakodu?  Is Vitruvakodu one of the Divya Desams, the 108 sacred places of Vishnu praised by the Alwars in their poetry?  Did Vishnu or one of his incarnations (avataras) do something famous in Vitruvakodu?


texts: what does the canon say about the clash between truth and social order? Do I let "untruth" exist for the sake of social order and harmony or am I obliged to correct mistakes even if it causes unrest?


texts: How can Brahman/consciousness be all pervading including living and non living things?

texts:
Brahman is defined as Existance,Consiouness and Bliss(Satchitananda). Aitareya Upanishad 3.1.3 says Brahman is consciousness and pure awareness. Isa Upanishad 1 says its all pervading.
1)But how can Brahman or Awareness or Consciousness be there and be all pervading in Non Living things like Pots,Ornaments etc which have no sence of awareness or Atman?
2)How can Brahman be all pervading as Isa Upanishad says when its just pure awareness ? It only exists individually as Awarness or life force or Atman in all beings. Atman is just awarness. I am not the body,mind,intellect. This same I is in all. How does that mean this awareness is all pervading???
How can a concept like Brahman exist? There cannot be a principle which is awareness and all prevading.
3)What is Sat feature of Brahman?? What exactly is that existence that is conscious of all things including non living things??
4)How to see one's self alone in all non living things which don't have Atman and in what sense whole Universe is our body as per Bramha Vidya Meditations??


texts:
Before the birth of Lord Krishna, was anyone else named Krishna?

How did the name Krishna come into usage and why was the Lord named Krishna?

EDIT:

Why Arjuna was also addressed sometimes as Krishna is explained here. Any others with the name Krishna from the Mahabharata time and why they were addressed by that name?


texts: Prayer on Kala(time) and Savitar(speed)?

texts:
Who is God of Time, and any Mantra or Prayer, stotra anything related to Time aspect.. or for God of Time or Kala and Savitar (god of speed)

Kala Bhairava is manifestation of Shiva in the form of Time.. is there any prayer, stotra related to that God, prayer in which he is described as controller of ones Time.. Is Kali God of Time too..?

Anything(mantra,stotra,prayer) related to Time and Speed aspect of God and Savitar, is Helpful,,

While Searching I Found these related to Time.. Hymn on Time One Two


texts: Where does the Nilamata Purana sanction consumption of alcohol?

texts:
According to Bodhayana Dharma Sutra 1.1.2.4:

  Now (the customs peculiar) to the north are, to deal in wool, to drink rum, to sell animals that have teeth in the upper and in the
  lower jaws, to follow the trade of arms, to go to sea.

And the footnote for that Sutra says:

  The first two customs mentioned still prevail in the north, especially
  in Kasmîr, where Brâhmanas commonly deal in wool and woollen cloth.
  Spirituous liquor is not now drunk openly, but its use is sanctioned
  in the Kasmîrian Nîlamata-purâna. Many Brâhmanical families in the
  north, especially in the North-western Provinces, subsist by enlisting
  as soldiers in the British and native armies.

Where does the Kashmiri Nilamata Purana sanction consumption of alcohol?

Also, the footnote for Sutra 5:

  A similar argument is given by the Kasmîrians for the lawfulness of
  the consumption of meat, which they justify by a desaguna or 'virtue
  of their country.'


texts: What scriptures describe the world’s population in earlier Yugas?

texts:
This chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam describes the extremely large number of Yadavas who lived during the time of Krishna:

  I have heard from authoritative sources that the Yadu family employed 38,800,000 teachers just to educate their children. Who can count all the great Yādavas, when among them King Ugrasena alone was accompanied by an entourage of thirty trillion attendants?

But of course there were more humans at the time than just Yadavas.  So my question is, what the total number of humans in the world at the time of Krishna?

Or if that isn’t described in Hindu scripture, are there any scriptures that speak about the total number of humans in the world in some other time in a previous Yuga?

Note that I don’t want scientific speculation, I just want to know what Hindu scripture says on the subject.


texts: Is Goloka mentioned in the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam? If yes, what does it say?

texts: According to a website I saw yesterday, Goloka, the abode of Krishna is said to be mentioned in the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam. Is it really present? If yes, what does the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam say about it?


texts: English Translations of Hayagreeva Stotrams by Sri Vadiraja Teertha

texts:
Sri Vadiraja Teertha, considered amongst the highest saints in the Madhva hierarchy and next only to Srimad Ananda Teertha(Madhva) and Sri Jayateertha, was an unshakable devotee of SriHayavadana Perumaal(also known as Sri Hayagreeva Perumaal or Thiru Parimuga Perumaal).

It is said that Sri Vadiraja Teertha used to offer daily prasadam to Perumaal Hayagreeva by holding the prasadam on his head. Hayagreeva Perumaal is said to appear in the form of a horse and eat the prasadam by kneeling on Vadirajateertha's shoulders.

Apart from the above, Sri Vadiraja Teertha famously composed many Stotrams on Hayagreeva Perumaal, some of which are the following:

Hayavadana Astaka
Hayagreeva Panchaka
Hayagreeva Dhyana Prakarana
Hayagreeva Stuthi
Hayagreeva Sampada Stotra
Varaha Hayavadana Stotra

My question is in two parts:

Is the list of Stotra on Perumaal Hayagreeva that is given above exhaustive?
Are there English Translations of the same available?


texts: Can people wear iron ring even when they already have good effect of Lord Shani in their lives?

texts: I wanted to know if the ring will nullify even  the good effects of lord Shani from their lives.


texts: What do Scriptures tells us about Kundalini?

texts:
People have been talking about kundalini shakti for a long time, Can any one suggest me which scripture should I refer to know more about kundalini and how to do "kundalini jagran"

Thanks


texts: If Parmatma is within me then can I pray to myself?

texts:
It is said that Parmatma is within me. And it is also said that prayer to any demigod or ghosts or spirits indirectly goes to Parmatma only.

So my question is : Can I pray to myself and receive the blessings of Parmatma ?


texts: Did Dhritarashtra arrest Shakuni and his family?

texts:
I read at some point Shakuni had 100 brothers and were arrested by Dhritarashtra, because of hiding first marriage of Gandhari with some tree or something and Dhritarashtra feed them with only one peice of rice in plate for each member.
So by sacrificing that pieces of rice to Shakuni all of them died?

I'm seeking is this true or just a gossip? but not why it happened and Gandhar is the present Afghanistan?


texts: Number of times to chant ऐं (aim) to attain siddhi

texts:
ऐं (aim) is said to be beeja mantra for vaak.

In general, every mantra has a corresponding number associated with it such  that if repeated under proper conditions attains to siddhi.

How many times the mantra has to be repeated, as given in scriptures, to get siddhi for mantra ऐं?


texts: “You don't strike a woman even with a flower”

texts:
There’s a proverb “You don’t strike a woman even with a flower” (or … (your) wife …; at least “ženu ani květinou neuhodíš” in Czech language/culture — there's also a comedy movie based on that).
Ethics author Guth-Jarkovský in his 1914 book Společenský katechismus (“Social catechism”) claims (without any reference), that it's an Indian proverb.
I might have seen a mention elsewhere that it’s related to Ashoka. After I was unable confirm  with available translations of his edicts, I decided to ask here, whether someone knows more about that.


texts: Where is the sacred place near Indraprastha upon which Yudhisthira's Rajasuya-yajna occured?


texts: Do children accumulate karma? At what age are you responsible for your karma?

texts:
If I do a bad karma without knowing or realizing properly will I receive fruits for that or not?

What about children? Do they accumulate karma too? Don't they make lot of mistakes unknowingly?

At what age are you responsible for your own karma?


texts: Before this suggested edit was rejected I had the impression that Yamalokam is Naraka(the hell). And I was told in the chat that Yamlokam is not the hell. So I am really curious. What is Yamlokam? How is it different from Naraka?


texts: Where can I read English/Hindi version of Mudgala Purana?

texts: I want the English/Hindi translation of Mudgala Purana. Where can I find this?


texts: What's is the relative sacred body part name for Lord Brahma similar to Padmanabha and Shivalinga for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively?

texts:
I have noticed that the names denoting the sacred body part of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are Padmanabha and Shivalinga respectively.
I am thinking "Head" is the sacred body part of Lord Brahma.
But what is the appropriate word for it similar to "Padmanabha" and "Shivalinga" described anywhere in Hindu Literature?


texts: How was Krishna's wife Satyabhama related to Indra's mother Aditi?

texts:
One of Krishna's most famous deeds is the killing of the demon Narakasura, which is the inspiration of the festival Deepavali.  Narakasura was tormenting the gods and had even stolen the earrings of Indra's mother Aditi, so Indra sought the help of Krishna.  As I discuss in this question, Krishna rode on Garuda, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama, and defeated Narakasura.

But this Wikipedia page claims that in addition to Indra reaching out  to Krishna, Indra's mother Aditi also approached Krishna's wife Satyabhama:

  All the Devas, led by Indra went to Vishnu, to ask him to deliver them from Narakasura. Vishnu promised them that he would attend to this matter, when he would be incarnated as Krishna. As promised to Mother Earth, Narakasura was allowed to enjoy a long reign. At last Vishnu was born as Krishna. Aditi, who was a relative of Krishna's wife Satyabhama (believed to be an Avatar of Bhudevi - Narakasura' mother), approached Satyabhama for help. When Satyabhama heard of the Narakasura's ill treatment of women and his behaviour with Aditi, she was enraged. Satyabhama approached Lord Krishna for permission to wage a war against Narakasura. As promised to the Devas and Aditi, Krishna attacked the great fortress of Narakasura, riding his mount Garuda with wife Satyabhama.

This book says the same thing:

  During a war he defeated Lord Indra and snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi who was not only the ruler of Suraloka but also a relative of Lord Krishna's wife, Satyabhama.

My question is, is it true that Satyabhama was related to Aditi?

For those who don't know, Satyabhama was the daughter of Satrajit, a Yadava who obtained the famous Syamantaka gem after worshipping Surya the sun god.  Satrajit accused Krishna of stealing the gem, and when it was discovered that Krishna had nothing to do with it, Satrajit gave Krishna his daughter's hand in marriage.  In any case, this chapter of the Vishnu Purana describes the ancestry of Satrajit:

  The sons of Satwata were Bhajina, Bhajamána, Divya, Andhaka, Devávriddha, Mahábhoja, and Vrishńi.... Vrishńi had two sons, Sumitra and Yudhájit; from the former Anamitra and Śini were born.  The son of Anamitra was Nighna, who had two sons, Prasena and Satrájit. The divine Áditya, the sun, was the friend of the latter.

And for completeness the previous chapter describes how Satrajit's ancestor Satvata descended from Yadu, the founder of the Yadava race whom I discuss here.

So I don't see how Satrajit was related to Aditi, who is the daughter of Brahma's son Daksha and the wife of the sage Kashyapa.  Is it possible that Satyabhama was related to Aditi on her mother's side?  Who was Satrajit's wife?  Also, Satyabhama was the incarnation of Vishnu's wife Bhumidevi, goddess of the Earth, so is it possible that Wikipedia is referring to Bhumidevi as the relative of Aditi?


texts: Where can I get the complete English translations of the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Charitamritam & Sri Chaitanya Charitamritam Mahakavyam?

texts: I would like to read the Sri Chaitanya Charitamritam Mahakavyam by Kavi Karnapura and the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Charitamritam by Murari Gupta in English. Can anyone provide me some links for these biographies?


texts:
See I am not asking about the law of karma. But karma it self.
There is an Indian philosophy that think the karma is atoms(or like it) .
So what about Hinduism. Do karma physically exist. Is karma attached to soul?
If karma is attached to soul what makes it attached to soul?

 What is karma? To make it easy to understand.
Let me give an example. If I ask what is gravity, one can say it is a force of nature. That's what I mean by my question


texts: I have heard that Brahma washed Vamana's feet with water he kept in a pot and that ultimately became Ganga. Are there other stories how Ganga originated?


texts: In the end of kaliyuga , Will people live only for 20 years and eat only non veg?

texts:
In this article, it is mentioned that in the end of kaliyuga , people will live only 20 for years and eat only non-veg.

  By now already 5000 years of Kali yuga have passed and it is predicted that by the end of the yuga people will hardly be older than 20 years and their only food will be meat.

Question : why ?


texts: When Brahaman is formless how can we have description of this aspect in Vedas through Abhetha, Betha and kadaka sruthis?

texts: Here we are saying Brahman is formless. But in Vedas some truth is saying there is only one, in some it is saying it is having divine form, in some say soul and supreme soul are always different and we can not attain supreme soul stage anytime through Mukti or ultimate liberation and in Vedas it is explained by non dual, qualified dual, dual truths.How is it this to be considered as a proper explanation when spoken in three different voices in Vedas itself.


texts: Why do we need to take another birth to pay the karma of past life?

texts: We do not remember what we did in our past lives and what we are being punished for. We don't decide where to born, who will be the parents, relatives and lot of other things? If People do really bad deeds, they should get punishment in the present life, not in the next birth. At least they will realize that they did wrong. Getting a new body & soul and paying the past karma is not the solution. If somebody has done very bad and spoiled somebody's life and if we don't see him/her getting punishment for that in the present life, the suffering persons life will be waste. Then its a Endless journey, doing bad/good karma, coming again and again in this World.


texts: What should be our decision making strategy at each point of time pertaining to goal setting according to Hinduism scriptures?

texts: Kindly elaborate on the decision-making strategy we should use every time regardless of whether any problem is there or not according to mainly Bhagavad Gita? How should we take action in small daily life issues while still being a BG follower? Is there any religious scripture on decision-making? Small issues are like for example there is a person X who is studying, but suddenly his friends show him his new phone. Now technically seeing won't take much time but actually, it would be against the spirit of our purpose of life. Reiterating - Kindly explain decision-making strategy, accrd. to any scripture, one can employ at each point of life including small and minor issues


texts: Is a similar statement on 10th topic of a purana from Bhagavata found in any other purana?

texts:
Bhagavata 2.10.1-2 reads:

  (1) S'rî S'uka said: 'In this [book, the S'rîmad Bhâgavatam] the
  following [ten] subjects are discussed: primary creation [sarga], how
  the interactions of life and the lifeless came about [visarga], the
  planetary order [sthâna], the maintenance of belief [poshana], the
  impetus for action [ûtaya], the administrative eras [manvantaras],
  stories about the Lord's appearances [îs'a-anukathâ], renouncing a
  material life [nirodha], liberation in devotional service [mukti] and
  the shelter [the refuge of Krishna, âs'raya].

  (2) Great souls, sages, reasoning from Vedic texts and their purport,
  state that the purpose of the first nine characteristics of this book
  is to offer a clear notion of the tenth subject.

Major Puranas deal with 10 topics indicated in the first verse. The second verse says first nine are delineated to explain 10th topic(asraya) clearly.

The question now concerns only the 2nd verse of the above two verses. Is a similar statement found in any other purana?


texts:
We ought to destroy those who eat cooked as well as uncooked meat, meat involving destruction of males and females, foetus and eggs.(Atharvaveda 8.6.23)

So in this verse meat is bad.
But

He who wishes that a son should be
born to him who would be a reputed scholar,
frequenting the assemblies and speaking delight-
ful words, would study all the Vedas and attain
a full term of life, should have rice cooked with
the meat of a vigorous bull or one more advanced
in' years, and he and his wife should eat it with
clarified butter. Then they would be able to
produce such a son.(6.4.18 Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)

Atharvaveda is say meating eating is bad but upanishad is saying that one should or can eat meat to have a good son.
My question : Is there a contradiction between Atharvaveda 8.6.23 and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 6:4:18?
You can say that in upanishad (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 6:4:18) there is a possibility or you have an option, but in Atharvaveda it is strictly prohibitin as it say destroy people who eat meat.


texts: Is there a human mentioned in the Vedas that has got the boon from the God?

texts: There are many asura's that got boon from the God but are there humans that got boon from God.


texts:
The henotheism, a kind of halfway house between polytheism and monotheism reflects the demotion of the many gods of the Hindu pantheon to the position of portions (amsas) of one primary God.
This concept is frequently found in bhakti literature, particularly in the Puranas.
Which passages best represent it?


texts: What is Mantra? What is the criteria by which a word turns into mantra?

texts: Saying a mantra has energy inside can't be true as every word has energy within it. Then what's the criteria of Mantra? On what basis a word should be called Mantra?


texts: Meaning of "Yaa" in Rudram first Anuvaka, second verse

texts:
This the second verse of Sri Rudram

yAta ishus-shivatama shivam babhUva te dhanuH /
shivA sharavyA yA  tava tayA no rudra mRRiDaya //

The first word in the first line can be divided into या | ते | इषुः =या त इषुः. I want to know the meaning of या. Especially since it also seems to be repeated in next few verses.
Or is my Sandhi Vichhedh wrong?


texts: Does Shri Rama return in the month of Chaitra or Vaishakha?

texts:
The main question is right below, if you want to avoid the scriptural reference in the middle. also below we are following Amanta calendar (similar to South India)
Valmiki Ramayana
Shri Rama was supposed to be crowned as the heir in the month of Chaitra when the moon was in Pushya constellation (VR 2.3). It is very clear that the very next day in the morning Shri Rama is compelled to go for his fourteen year exile.
Shri Rama met Bharadwaja on the fifth tithi on the completion of fourteen years (VR 6.124.1) and Bharata was informed that Ramaji will meet him the next day (VR 6.126.54). (i.e. 6th tithi)
This means as per Ramayana, the fourteen year period is completed on the 5th tithi and since it started in Chaitra, the ending also should fall on the 5th tithi of Chaitra Shukla (In order for him to return on the 6th tithi).

Padma Purana
As per this answer, quoting from the Padma Purana, the Ramayana war lasted till Chaitra Krishna Chaturdashi.
The Padma Purāṇa and Skanda Purāṇa (containing almost the exact same Sanskrit verses) do mention Shri Rama meeting Bharadwaja on the 5th tithi and entering Ayodhya on the 6th tithi, but instead of Chaitra, the month is stated as Vaishakha, (i.e. same tithi as Valmiki but of another month) which is clearly one month beyond the exile period mentioned in Ramayana. (Refer this answer)

Jyotisha Perspective
If we consider Pushya Nakshatra (the nakshatra when Shri Rama left for the forest as well as when he returned to Ayodhya) to occur on the 6th tithi as mentioned in the Ramayana, then as per basic Jyotisha principles, the month must be Vaishakha (i.e. in line with the Padma Purāṇa). Yet the discrepancy is created because before leaving for the forest the Ramayana mentions the month as Chaitra (as referenced above), which is not accurate, speaking from the Jyotisha perspective (i.e. Pushya Nakshatra on 6th tithi of Chaitra is not accurate).
In further support of the inaccuracy of 6th tithi of Chaitra and Pushya Nakshatra, it would be pertinent to note that Bharata’s birth occurs in Pushya Nakshatra but on the 10th tithi of Chaitra (VR 1.18.15), which is absolutely correct from the Jyotisha perspective. (The 10th tithi of Chaitra and Pushya Nakshatra is correct but the 6th tithi of Chaitra and Pushya Nakshatra is inaccurate)

In the event of such an extension, Bharata would have entered the fire (VR 2.112.25-26). The dates in the Purana look very convincing but yet the Ramayana and Purana apparently don’t match.
Question:
Which is the correct date of the above two on which Shri Rama alongwith Devi Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya?
Is it Chaitra Shukla Shashthi or Vaishakha Shukla Shashthi?

Kindly note: this is not a duplicate of Did Lord Rama reach Ayodhya after 20 days from Dusshera? as this seeks a clarification regarding the dispute between two scriptures rather than focusing on disproving Kartika Amavasya (Purnimanta calendar, Diwali) as the return to Ayodhya.


texts: Vedantha and Nigamantha are different in terms of philosophy. Saiva Sidhantha is Agamic and if so, how is it different from vedantha or upanishads


texts: Yantras: creation, significance and importance?

texts:
I've seen lot of Yantras till now, the famous being the Shri Yantra. What are these yantras? How are they made? and What they signify?

I also heard that the Hinduism supports Pattern Energy, which is the basic foundation of Yantras. Is it true?


texts:
What are the etymologies for the word Rudra?

There is a story in the Vedas where Rudra was born crying and then Brahma, his father, said "Don't cry", (mA ruda), so then he got the name "Rudra", or one who cries.

Another etymology is rukh draavayathi it rudra, which means "one who removes sorrow".

Wikipedia also says:

  The commentator Sāyaṇa suggests six possible derivations for rudra. However, another reference states that Sayana suggested ten derivations.

What are some other etymologies?


texts: If Hindus can't kill animals, how do they get tiger carpets?

texts:
I read some Yoga books, and saw Swami Sivananda saying to not kill animals, but himself can be found in a photo making asana over a tiger's skin carpet, even pictures of Lord Shiva show him over a tiger carpet.
So, if a Hindu can't kill animals, how do they get those tigers carpets?


texts:
In the Bhagavad Gita 7.11 Krsna says according the translation of His Divine Grace Swami Prabhupada:

  ... I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles ...

I think many people misinterpret this shloka as meaning that sex life is not contrary to religious principles. But I think what he is trying to say is that there exist regulative rules for sex life.

The full shlokha, translation and purport from here (http://www.vedabase.com/en/bg/7/11):

  balaṁ balavatāṁ cāhaṁ  kāma-rāga-vivarjitam  dharmāviruddho
  bhūteṣu  kāmo ’smi bharatarṣabha

  Translation:  I am the strength of the strong, devoid of passion and
  desire. I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles, O
  lord of the Bhāratas [Arjuna].

  Purport: The strong man’s strength should be applied to protect the
  weak, not for personal aggression. Similarly, sex life, according to
  religious principles (dharma), should be for the propagation of
  children, not otherwise. The responsibility of parents is then to make
  their offspring Kṛṣṇa conscious.

I would like to know what these "rules" or "principles" are exactly and where these are stated in our scriptures.

According to his Divine Grace Swami Prabhupada intercourse is only for procreation.


texts:
While searching for relation between the life span of Sun and present Shri Bramha Day, I came across a very interesting fact by calculations. The age of our Sun is nearly equal to Shri Bramha's day i.e 14 Manavantar. We are half way in Shri Bramha's day i.e. 7th Manavantar. Please let me know if this is mentioned any where in Vedas.

If this is true it means that the Pralaya that will be coming at the end of this Kalpa is due to fire. The fire that will be emanating from the Sun due to its Red Giant nature towards the end of the Kalpa. Please let me know if this is true.


texts: I hear a few yoga gurus talking about "anuloma viloma" pranayama or breathing technique.  What is it and how does it compare with alternate nostril breathing?


texts: From where can I get english translation of BhaavaArthBodhini or Critical Edition Of RamCharitManas by Swami RamBhadrAcharya?

texts:
I would like to know where I can get either soft or hard copy of english translation of Swami RamaBhadrAcharya's critical edition of Tulsi Das's Sri RamCharitManas aslo known as BhavaArthaBodhini.
I think the hindi version of the book is available online but I can't seem to find english translation.


texts: Where in Mahabharata is panini the grammarian mentioned?

texts: Panini who wrote astadhyayi on Sanskrit grammar was present during the time of mahabharata, some sites claim that he was also a character in Mahabharata, which passages in the epic mention Panini?


texts: What are the valid and foolproof methods of determining whether a certain scripture is interpolated or not?

texts:
It is believed that certain Hindu Scriptures (specially portions of some of the Puranas) were interpolated on a date much after its original creation.

Such interpolated texts are often used by small groups of sectarians for spreading disharmony, differences & hatred among the Hindus.

Questions:

Are there some foolproof methods of differentiating the originals from the interpolated texts in such cases? If yes, what are those?
Are those methods mentioned in Hindu Scriptures themselves?


texts: Can anybody post the gayatri of all seven rishis, used in rishi homam. Looking for it since so long


texts: Where did Parashurama teach Dronacharya & Karna?

texts: What is the present name of the place where Parashurama taught Dronacharya and Karna from the Mahabharat? Is the place currently an aashrama?


texts: On whom does Lord Rudra meditating in Kailash? Any reference to scriptures about it?

texts: We have seen Lord Rudra in Kailash sitting firmly in deep meditation. Does anyone of us have come across on whom does he meditate? He meditates on Parabrahman or whom?


texts: It is easy to understand why Lord  Vishnu, descended on Earth taking avatars. To finish evil. But why is it necessary for him to descend on earth? If he comes to earth to save us, that means he is the cause for destruction also. Because he will descend on earth upon his free will? Why can't he finish the earth peacefully? This would, by me, mean that he will descend on earth to prove his ego, his power. Tell me an answer to prove me wrong.


texts: Why at end of all rituals  and prayers we chant श्री कृष्ण अर्पण अस्तु (Sri Krishna arpan mastu)? Can Rama or Shiva names replace Krishna's name? From which scripture is this phrase taken?


texts: Can dharma śāstras be suspended during emergencies?

texts:
Can a Hindu king or ruler suspend the dharma śāstras and other law books at difficult times e.g., during famine, floods, internal conflicts or when the state is actively engaged in a war?

If yes, can the king also impose a curfew on his citizens and suspend civil liberties?


texts: What is the significance of wearing the namam on the forehead?

texts: What is the significance of wearing the "namam" on the forehead? What do the red and white components indicate?


texts: I read online that 'Prati Prasav Sadhana' is helpful to recall ones past lives. But I couldnot find anywhere how to do it. Can you please let me know how to practise it at home.


texts: A person who attained pretha janma may come in dream and disturb. What is the Pariharam for that and in which purana it has been mentioned?


texts: why are Nayanars associated with Shaiva Siddhanta?

texts: Why are Nayanars associated with Shaiva Sidhhanta philosophy? Did they themselves say so? Were they initiated from Shaiva Siddhanta mutts?


texts: Have anyone seen golden arch at Gandi Kshetra?

texts: Have anyone seen golden arch built by vayu for Rama, at Gandi Kshetra, British officer Thomas Monroe has apparently seen? Is it visible to those who're turiya?


texts: Should we chant mantras before eating food?

texts: Usually, we pray before having food. Are there any mantras which should be chanted before taking food? If such mantras exist, do they differ according to the meal e.g., breakfast, lunch and supper?


texts: Are the human sacrifice based practises by "tantrika babas" a part of any tantra system, as popularly shown in the tv shows?

texts:
Several Indian tv shows have portrayed the popular trope of a "tântrik guy" performing some rituals and ultimately sacrificing a human, especially a Child.
In fact, occasionally one can read these kinds of news itself, in real, when a human was apparently sacrificed by a tantrik baba, as part of some "tantrika" based rituals.
So the question is: Are these kinds practices involving human sacrifice of child, etc., a part of any tantra, or can one safely reject these popular cinematic tropes as mere examples of "creative artistic cinematic license" and thus, should not be regarded as a part of Hinduism ?


texts: Is it ok if I misspell the mantras as I am a beginner?

texts: I want to learn and chant some mantras to control my stress,fear and to control my sensual feelings(I am also planning to do meditation to control my stress). From where should I start ? Is it okay if I misspell the mantras ?


texts: Why is Lakshmana not considered an incarnation of Vishnu?

texts:
According to the Mahabharata, Balarama is mentioned to be an incarnation of Adi-Shesha-Naga:

  And Baladeva of exceeding strength was a portion of the Naga, Shesha. (Mahabharata 1.61.91)

On the hand, the third chapter of the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam states Balarama to be an incarnation of Vishnu:

  In the nineteenth and twentieth incarnations, the Lord advented Himself as Lord Balarama and Lord Krsna in the family of Vrsni [the Yadu dynasty], and by so doing He removed the burden of the world. (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.23)

The two "contradictory" verses are reconciled by the Srimad Bhagavatam itself in the second chapter of the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam:

  When Kamsa had killed six of the children born from Devakî, the seventh one, a plenary expansion of Vishnu who was celebrated with the name Ananta, therefore [was born] as an embryo in the womb of Devakî ... [Vishnu] instructed His spiritual potency [Yoga-mâyâ] as follows: ... "In the womb of Devakî there is the embryo known as [Ananta-]S'esha who is a plenary expansion of Me. Take care of a smooth transition from her womb to the womb of Rohinî.... Because He changes wombs [from Devakī to the womb of Rohinī] the people of the world will address Him with the name Sankarshana, because He brings pleasure to the people [of Gokula] He will be called Râma and because of His great physical strength He will be named Balabhadra."

Thus, Balarama can be regarded aa an incarnation of Vishnu. Similarly, many Sri Vaishnavas who claim Ramanujacharya as an incarnation of Adi-Shesha-Naga at times, call Him an incarnation of Vishnu. So if Ramanujacharya and Balarama can be considered incarnations of Vishnu since Adi-Shesha-Naga is simply an expansion of Vishnu Himself, why is Lakshmana, who is also considered as an incarnation of Adi-Shesha-Naga, not called as an incarnation of Vishnu?


texts:
As we all know that Bhagwad Gita was told to Arjuna by Krishna in kurushetra.  At that time, many people were also present there.

Many scholars/people explain  that Krishna paused the time when he was narrating Gita to Arjuna. Apart from  Arjuna, Dhritrashtra and Sanjay also heard Gita.

Now  I have some questions.

1.Why Bhisma, Karna and others did not hear Gita even they were also present there?

2.If time was paused, how Sanjay heard Gita?

3.Is there any reference in Mahabharata or Gita, which proves that Krishna paused the time?


texts: Did Vivekananda say "God does not create man in his image; man creates God in his image"?

texts:
This document says that:

  Swami vivekananda had said that "God  does  not  create  man  in  his
  image;  man  creates  God  in his image.  If  we  were camels  we
  would  have conjured  up a  super camel in  the  sky."

Now I understand the meaning of the above sentence, but I am trying to find this quote from Vivekananda's works from publications of Belur Math or at Complete works of Vivekananda from Wikisource etc, but I am not able to find it. Can somebody please tell me, where has Vivekananda said this?


texts: Contentment (santosha) is one of the five niyamas in yoga. How does one actively practice contentment? Is it through meditation on certain feelings or something else? The other niyamas (cleanliness, austerity, self-study, prayer) seem more obvious in terms of what actions to do. Contentment almost seems like the opposite of actions. With contentment, what everyday actions does one take to practice this part of yoga?


texts:
While the story of Rama worshipping Shiva has been subjected to immense controversy in South India for centuries, there has been a similar debate in Bengal (where I have been born and brought up) among Hindus on the story of Rama worshipping Devi Ambika.

As many of you must be knowing, Durga Puja is considered the biggest festival in Bengali culture. It begins with the occasion of Mahalaya (actually Puja doesn't begin on this day) where it is said Devi Durga who vanquishes Mahisasura. Incidentally, Bengalis also believe that on this day, Sri Rama worshipped Devi Durga to ask for her blessings for the war against Ravana. According to the story, Sri Rama collected a total of 108 flowers and Devi Durga to test his devotion, hid one of the flowers. The humble Sri Rama then is about to take one of His eyes and offer it as the 108th flower resulting in Devi Durga appearing in front of Him and blessing Him.

Now, I want to know whether this story of Rama is a simply a folklore in our culture (no offense to my fellow Bengalis) because this story is neither present in the Valmiki Ramayana nor the Ramcharitmanas. So my question is whether this story of Rama worshipping Ambika has any scriptural reference or is simply a Bengali folklore? Do any scriptures mention this story?


texts: Why are all mantras still in Sanskrit only even after the emergence of local languages?

texts:
If you see all marriage mantras or mantras to praise God are written only in Sanskrit, why can't those mantras be converted to local languages like hindi, telugu, tamil, malayalam etc so that everyone can understand. Imagine if a priest is pronouncing them in local languages it would be easier for everyone to understand.

Some people say that syllables are important in mantras but don't we have those syllables in other languages? God is for everyone so why are we limiting the mantras to only those who know Sanskrit. Are there any reasons for people to not know the meaning of mantras? Why is Sanskrit so famous?

EDIT: This is not duplicate as I am not asking are there any mantras in languages other than Sanskrit, it is about converting mantras to local languages


texts:
I am interested to have an English Commentary on Kamba Ramayana with the original verses in Tamil. It may be a particular sitr, but I am interested in the same in form of a-book, priced or free.

Please give links.


texts: What is the difference between puja and aarti rituals?

texts:
It is often confusing as to what is the difference between puja and aarti. Is aarti a part of puja?

Can any one enlighten the differences between these two ?


texts: Did lord Krishna took Avatar when sons of Shatrughna were king of Mathura?

texts:
I heard like lord Rama had two sons, similarly all other brothers had also two sons each. I would like to know their names.

Later two sons of Shatrughna become king separately at Mathura and Brij.

Did lord Krishna took Avatar when sons of Shatrughna were king of Mathura in their period?


texts: Who are the Rashmi gods worshiped before a Yagna?

texts:
In this excerpt from the Baudhayana Shrauta Sutras, a text associated with the Yajur Veda, a ritual is described where a person who wants to perform a Yagna (fire ritual) begs the priests to give him the place where he's planning to perform in turn.  And the priests in turn pray to the gods to grant the person that place:

  Now he begs the sacrificial place to the priests. To the Adhvaryu, “O Adhvaryu, do you give me the sacrificial place." (He says), "God Aditya is the divine Adhvaryu, may he grant you the sacrificial place." "Be it so," is the reply. To the Brahman, "O Brahman, do you give me the sacrificial place.” (He says) "God Chandrama is the divine Brahman; may he give you the sacrificial place.” “Be it so," is the reply. To the Hotr, "O Hotr, Do you give me the sacrificial place." (He says), "God Agni is the divine Hotr, may he give you the sacrificial place." "Be it so," is the reply. To the Udgat, "O Udgatr, do you give me the sacrificial place." (He says) "God Parjanya is the divine Udgatr; may he give you the sacrificial place." "Be it so," is the reply. To the Sadasya, "O Sadasya, do you give me the sacrificial place." "God Akasa is the divine Sadasya; may he give you the sacrificial place." "Be it so" is the reply. To the Hotrakas, "O Hotrakas, do you give me the sacrificial place.” “Goddesses waters are the divine Hotrasarhsins; may they give you the sacrificial place." "Be it so," is the reply. To the Camasadhvaryus, "O Camasadhvaryus, do you give me the sacrificial place." "Gods Rasmis are the divine Camasadhvaryus; may they give you the sacrificial place." "Be it so," is the reply.

I discuss some of these types of priests, like Hotri, Advaryu, etc., in my answer here.  But I'm interested in the gods mentioned in this passage.  Most of them are recognizable: Surya the sun god, Chandra the moon god, Agni the fire god, Parjanya the rain god (whom I discuss here), and the various goddesses of the rivers.  And even Akasha, who isn't familiar, can easily be inferred to be the god of space.

But my question is, who are the "Rashmi" gods, who are the Chamasadhvaryus of the gods? The Chamasadhvaryus are a group of 10 or 11 priests who bear the drinking vessels during a Yagna.

If it helps, the Sanskrit word rashmi means rope or string, for instance it denotes the reins of a horse.  And it can also mean ray of the Sun.


texts: Is the Bramhamuhurta timing different for mumbai and delhi?

texts:
Bramhamuhurta time is same pan India?
What shall one do in Bramhamuhurta?


texts:
According to Wikipedia and other blogs, when Ravana's sons and brothers perish in the war, he performs a Yajna to ensure his success. At that time, Rama sends his army to disrupt the Yajna and as a part of the disruption, Angada and the other Vanaras drag Mandodari to the Yajnashala by her hair and torture her in front of Ravana, forcing him to leave his Yajna to rescue her. Thus Ravana's Yajna is disturbed. The story is mentioned to be present in Valmiki Ramayana. But this story is neither present in valmikiramayan.net nor in the copy I have. So which Valmiki Ramayana is this story in?

Furthermore pulling a lady's hair is supposed to be a heinous crime, at least when Duhshasana does it. So why are the Vanaras spared of punishment?


texts: Is there a written Aghori/Aghor Shastra or are teachings based purely on guru-shishya transmission?

texts: If there are shastra that are specific to Aghora can you please name it or them? I know Aghoris have their own mantras but I don't know if they are written down and based purely on memory.


texts: How are (ashta) Siddhis related with Chakras and kundalini? What are the powers one can gain by mastering chakras and kundalini ? Is there any scriptural basis for these?


texts: Why does the Srimad-Bhagavatam say that mumkshus reject worsipping of the fierce forms of God?

texts:
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1/2/26 says:

  mumukṣavo ghora-rūpān
  hitvā bhūta-patīn atha nārāyaṇa-kalāḥ śāntā
  bhajanti hy anasūyavaḥ

  English Translation: Those who want salvation reject the fierce forms like Bhutapati (Shiva?) without having any hatred against them and worship the gentle forms of Narayana.

Why do Mumukshus reject the fierce forms according to Srimad-Bhagavatam?


texts: Why did Lord Rama and Lord Krishna choose to born at (12 O'clock) day and night time respectively?

texts:
I have heard that Lord Rama was born at afternoon 12 O'clock (In day time) in Treta yuga. Same as in Dwapara yuga, Lord Krishna was born at mid night 12 O'clock (In night time). Both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna were avatara of Lord Vishnu, then what is the need of choosing specific time? They can born anytime, time never bond to gods as per my understanding.

Why did Lord Rama and Lord Krishna choose to born at 12 O'clock in day and in night time respectively?
What is significance of birth timing in both case?

We commonly perform Krishnastami pooja and Ramnavami pooja at same time which I mentioned. I have heard from my elders, those people, who are in "Bhojan or external desires" were unaware of Lord Rama's birth and those people, who are in "Kama bhog" were unaware of Lord Krishna's birth.

Update:
I got birth time (12 O'clock) details of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna from one of the article based on "Stotra mantranche vignyan"(page no.25) by Parampujya Swami Savitanand which is published by Prasad prakashan, Pune. Soft copy link for this is not available online, but from here get the hard copy. Scriptures are only defining that Lord Rama was born at mid-day and Lord Krishna was born at Midnight. Beside this I did not find any scriptural reference of exact birth time.


texts:
As I was looking through this question Why is Shiva primarily worshipped in a linga form?
I came across an answer by keshav, where he narrates the story of sage Brighu cursing Brahma and Shiva. We have also read many stories and incidents where God's were being cursed by saints and mortals. Just to note a few, we have the story of Tulasi cursing vishnu and Gandhari cursing krishna.

My question is how can someone curse the supreme being just like that!? Do they have more power and authority over God? Or was it meant to be that way?


texts: Is comparing (assuming) self with god a sin?

texts: Is it allowed to compare god with self. Can I consider myself as Lord Ram, Lord Krishna or is it a sin to compare myself with such gods?


texts: What is the story of Janaka meeting with the gods of the Days and Nights?

texts:
This excerpt from the Taittiriya Brahmana of the Yajur Veda describes the building of the Savitra altar, during which the names of the days and nights of the Hindu calendar are recited.  The Taittiriya Brahmana mentions a story which demonstrates the importance of knowing the names of the days and nights:

  Janaka, the king of Videha, met the Days and the Nights. They (these deities, the Days and the Nights) said to him: “Verily, he who knows us will go on living, free from evil; he will attain the full measure of life, he will conquer the heavenly world, and for him food will not waste away in the yonder world.”—Verily, he will go on living, free from evil; he will attain the full measure of life, he will conquer the heavenly world, he who thus knows; and for him food will not waste away in the yonder world.

(A bit redundant, isn't it?) My question is, what is the story of Janaka meeting the gods of the days and nights?

First of all, who is this king Janaka?  Most people only know Janaka as the name of Sita's father.  But Janaka was the name given to pretty much all the kings of Videha, not just Sita's father, whose personal name was Siradhvaja.  However, I think it may refer to Sita's father in this instance, because he is known to have had contact with the gods.  When Mithila was under siege by kings who wanted to marry Sita, he got the armies of the gods to help defend the city; see this chapter of the Bala Kanda of the Ramayana.

But does anyone know any scripture which describes Sitaa's father Janaka or any other Janaka meeting with the gods of the days and nights?  And who are the gods of the days and nights anyway?  The Taittieiya Brahmana gives their names, but is anything more known about them?


texts: Which scripture mentions Vishwakarma made the idols at Jagannatha?

texts: I had always head that Vishwakarma was designing the deities at Jagannatha when he was disturbed that is why he left them incomplete. But I couldn't find any reference in the scriptures for the same. Can some tell me which scripture narrates the story of Vishwakarma creating the idols of Lord Jagannatha, Balbhadra and Subhadra?


texts:
I have read Ramayana and I know little bit about Bhagavad gita. In these, as per dharma, parents wishes and promises are more important than wife. And this might be acceptable in those days because women's dharma was to follow husband. (Correct me if I am wrong)

But in today's modern world, everyone prefer equal rights to women and their wishes also should be honoured.

So, when there is a conflict between parents and wife, what decision a man should make as per dharma, if both are correct from their perspective?

Is there any Purana addresses this situation?


texts: which one is more effective /powerful writing the mantra or chanting the mantra?

texts:
which one is more effective /powerful  writing the mantra  or chanting the mantra ?
It is not possible to write mantra all times  ,by writing mantra our hands getting  pain also
I have read some  swami sivananda books . Mantra writing suggested in his books


texts: According to Vedas, which people will go to Hell?

texts: Do the Vedas say about hell and the actions that lead to hell ?


texts: What bodies (Koshas or layers) do Devas, Trimurthis and their Shaktis (consorts) have?

texts:
The two questions What are Five Layers (Pancha Kosha) of Human? and Where does a Soul attached to the Body? explain various koshas (Sheaths) of human body. Trimurthi and their respective Shaktis are believed to be different aspects of Supreme Brahman. Same is the case of Devas but they are less powerful than trimurtis and their Shaktis.

What Koshas do Trimurthis and their Shaktis have? For example, Goddess Saraswati represents Knowledge. Does she have Vijananmaya kosha and Anandamaya Kosha?
What about Devas living in Swarga Loka?. Agni Deva represents fire but has form. What Koshas do devas have?


texts: for gods that are worshiped in both north and south india are their faces depicted similarly in the two areas?

texts: do scriptures like agamas prescribe how different deities should look? to me except siva,durga/kali and ganesa all other gods look quite dissimilar in north and south india.


texts: What is a ratha, atiratha and maharatha?

texts: I want to know what is the difference between ratha, maharatha and atiratha. I do not mean Maharathi, rathi, atirathi, etc.


texts: How should marriages be decided and done according to hinduism?

texts: In hinduism, what things are to be considered for deciding correct match of bride and groom? Also what rituals and practices are needed to be done for the marriage?


texts:
I heard that shakti patam is related to conscious flow of energy inside human body, but do not know in detail.

What is meant by shakti patam exactly and which scripture deals with it in detail?


texts:
While listening Lalitha Sahastranaama, I came to know about the mention of a 9 month diet for a pregnant women. It may be for the well being of both mother and offspring.
As we know that there are four varnas and many scriptures recommend food items based on the varna.
I am searching for mention of complete diet for any varna. Is there any mention of such diet in any of the scripture instead of just recommendation of items?


texts:
From this link and a commentary on Pratyabhijnahridayam by revered acharya Kshemraj we find the following quote which is a spiritual technique (Shambhavopaye) leading to immediate realization if followed -

  O Mother, "when, in ordinary daily life one repels the actions of the mind and shatters dependence on the senses, by which one is enslaved, causing one to follow them according to their every wish, and instead diverts his senses towards God consciousness, then by your grace he instantly achieves that supreme state of God consciousness, which floods him with the unparalleled nectar of bliss (ananda)."

Now both the sources are claiming this verse belong to Jnanagarbha sotra. Where can I find the stotra?


texts: Do the official Shankaracharya Peethams recognize the validity of Neo-Vedanta?

texts:
Do the official Shankaracharya Peethams recognize the validity of Neo-Vedanta as equivalent to traditional Vedanta?

Have any of the Shankaracharya heads of these Peethams said anything regarding Neo-Vedanta?


texts: What was the first object that came out of Samudra Manthana?

texts:
This wiki article gives an overview of the Samudra Manthana.

What was the very first thing/person that came out of it?


texts: Are idols only imagination or someone had really seen God(s)

texts: I'm always thinking how Lord Krishna is seen different in every photo , sculpture idol etc . Was there anyone who drew the first painting of him or what we see everywhere is only imagination?


texts: If a person is born in hindu religion, he will have some caste. And is there anything that mentioned about foreigners? There are some civilizations like babylon that started in mesopotamia, along with indus valley, and ever mixed. What caste those people come under?. Is there anything that mentioned about foreigners and other religions in our sacred texts? I know Hinduism is a way of living more than a religion! But people following a different way of living come under which caste?


texts: Is meat eating outside of yajnas considered sin for Varnas like kshatriyas and sudras too?

texts: Just like all religions Hinduism also maintains that eating animals outside of religious sphere, without offering it to god (s) leads to sin/bad karma, is this applicable unto kshatriyas too?


texts: Is there anything in our scriptures where it says something similar to "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he"

texts:
I've read the major parts of the Bhagavad Gita where my interpretation is that 'Anyone who is attached to the FRUITS of the reward, he will dwell in misery always'.

Now I'm reading many books like 'The Power of the Subconscious Mind', where it says, you will only attract whatever you think. It quotes a lot from the Bible. This, based on my limited knowledge of my scripture (the Bhagavad Gita), makes me think that this whole Power of Attraction is non-sense.

Is there anything in the other scriptures where it has been hinted that your future is created by your thinking?


texts: Which philosophy does devi bhagavatam teach?

texts:
There are different types of philosophies like Advaita, vishistadvaita, dvaita etc..

What kind of philosophy does devi bhagavatam teach? What is Devi's relationship with Brahman?


texts: Was Abhimanyu's death, a plot by Krishna?

texts:
I heard that while Kamsa was dying, he cursed Shri Krishna that he (Shri Krishna) will also die in the hands of his nephew.

Shri Krishna had only one sister i.e Subhadra. So, while she was pregnant, Shri Krishna was telling her the secret of Chakravyuha, as it was a boring topic for her, she slept soon but the child inside her womb was listening to Shri Krishna's explanation.

The child was acknowledging that he is listening to the explanation by doing hmm sound frequently.

I heard that:

Shri Krishna told the child about how to enter the Chakravyuha but not how to exit it so that the child will die in Chakravyuha and Shri Krishna can get rid of the curse. But some other sources say that Arjuna was explaining the Chakravyuha to Subhadra, when he explained the entering of Chakravyuha, Shri Krishna interrupted him and took him away.
And also during the battle (Mahabharata), Shri Krishna as a charioteer diverted Arjuna's (who is aware of Chakravyuha) Chariot far from the Chakravyuha when Abhimanyu was entering in to it.

Is this true?

PS: There were other nephews of Shri Krishna known as upa-pandavas. Though they weren't in direct relation with Shri Krishna, they died on the night of the end of Mahabharata war.


texts: Is the adhyatma Ramayana part of the brahmanda purana?

texts:
It is traditionally accepted that adhyatma Ramayana is a part of the brahmanda purana but according to Wikipedia it was written in 14th century.Does that mean it was added later to the brahmanda purana? This website here https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-brahmanda-purana
Doesn't include adhyatma Ramayana in the Translation.Matsya purana Chapter 53 says that brahmanda purana consists of 12,200 verses.If we include adhyatma Ramayana,the number of Verses excede 18000.


texts:
In the Narayaneeyam, 77th Dashakam, there is the story of Lord Krsna blessing Sairandhri and Akrura. It follows the Bhagavatam until the 3rd sloka. Then the fourth sloka says this:

  O Lord! Subsequently Thou on some nights delighted the doe eyed one in secret. Thou gave her a son who came to be well known as Upashloka. He learnt the knowledge in Satvata Tantra from Narada and shone as an exponent thereof.

So what is this new story of Krsna's son from Sairandhri, and that too before he married Rukmini?! And what else did Upashloka do?

P.S. I don't consider this story as imagination, since Narayana Bhattatiri composed it in front of Guruvayurappan, and therefore, if it was wrong, Guruvayurappan would have shook his head to deny the story.


texts: In what manner, we are qualitatively one with God/Krishna?

texts:
According to achintya bhedabheda philosophy started by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, we the living entities are qualitatively the same with God but are different quantitatively (i.e. those same Godly qualities are in us but in less amount or in small quantities).

So what are those qualities of God or Krishna, that we also possess? Would love to hear what the Hare Krishnas or ISKCON members have to say.


texts: What do the astika schools believe, is story of Urvasi and Pururava mentioned in the rig veda and Satapatha Brahmana real or mythology?

texts:
According to astika schools, is the story of Urvasi and  Pururava mentioned in the rig veda and in Satapatha Brahmana real history or legend or mythology .
What does scholar say about it?


texts: What is the source of the Panchakanya sloka?

texts:
Does anyone know from which scripture this sloka is cited? Wikipedia doesn't help much. I've heard this sloka almost everywhere so I'm curious and want to find out it's source.

  अहल्या द्रौपदी कुन्ती तारा मन्दोदरी तथा ।
  पञ्चकन्याः स्मरेन्नित्यं महापातकनाशिनीः ॥

  ahalyā draupadī kuntī tārā mandodarī tathā ।
  pañcakanyāḥ smarennityaṃ mahāpātakanāśinīḥ ॥

  Ahalya, Draupadi, Kunti, Tara and Mandodari. One should forever remember the panchakanya who are the destroyers of great sins.

Also why are the names of Ahalya,Draupadi, Kunti, Tara and Mandodari 'sin-destroying'?


texts: Is it adharma to give Dana without considering what we are giving and to whom we are giving?

texts:
Dana is a dharma action followed in every yuga as it prevents selfishness, ignorance and helps other beings to live very peacefully.
But, the Dana which helps society can also bring problems to it if Dana is given to anyone without contemplating what Dana we are giving and to whom.

Example:

Giving money to a lazy person will make him lazier.
Assume he has a powerful weapon(nuclear bomb) and giving dana to any terrorist will cause destruction.
Giving knowledge of yogic powers to an ignorant man will cause only problem to society.
Karna gave his kavacha to lord Indra and it brought him death.

Questions:

When we give Dana, should we consider what we are giving and to whom we are giving?
Can we refuse to give Dana to a person who seeks it to do adharma and if we give it, will it cause bad karma to us?
Giving Dana to an adharma  person and help him to do more adharma is of adharma or not?
What are the rules for giving Dana?


texts: Is there a Darshana/Philosophy based on Agamas?

texts:
We know that Hindu philosophy refers to Shad Darshana viz. Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa and Vedanta. These Darshan/philosophies are based on various Darshan Sutras witten by Rishis. The most popular Vedanta school is further classified as Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, Achintya Bhedabheda, Suddhadvaita etc. These are classification is based on the different interpretation or Bhashya written by Acharyas on Brahma Sutras.

Among various Shruti & Smriti scriptures, Agamas are those scripture not so popular or say people usually don't know much about them. That was the primary purpose of asking the question - What are the Agama scriptures? Are they related to Shruti/Vedas?.

Now I want to know is there any philosophy or Darshana based on Agamas?


texts: Why are only 3 pramanas accepted in Vishishtadvaita?

texts:
The 3 pramanas accepted in Vishishtadvaita philosophy are Pratyaksha, Anumana, and Shabda.

How come the others like Upamana (Comparison), Arthapatti (Necssary Assumption), Anupalabdhi (Non-apprehension), Aitihya (Tradition), Chesta (Gesture), Parishesha (Elimination), and Sambhava (Inclusion) are not included? Could it be because these 7 just fall under the category of Anumana, which is generally logical proofs, or are they excluded for a reason?

Many scriptures like the commentaries on the Brahma Sutras use lots of logical reasoning and things like comparison, inclusion, tradition, etc to make arguments, so I am wondering.


texts: For a woman with two married daughters (with no children) but no husband, who is in-charge of the cremation rite? This site says the precedence goes to the eldest daughter, but it is highly unusual for women to do that I believe. Is the precedence list given in the site correct?


texts: Scriptural mentions of the ability of other people to influence your life trajectory by being envious of you, what is the remedy?

texts:
My mother would always say, 'Don't show off too much, other people being envious will ensure you don't prosper'. I know rishis in Treta Yuga have gotten into spats with other individuals and cursed misfortune upon people! (An example being Karna).

Are there scriptural mentions where people just being envious of other people's accomplishments completely destroyed their life?


texts:
I'd like to make clear the destination and fate of murders.
According to Manusmriti 12.54-55,

Those who committed mortal sins (Mahapataka), having passed during large numbers of years through dreadful hells, obtain, after the expiration of (that term of punishment), the following births. The slayer of a Brahmana enters the womb of a dog, a pig, an ass, a camel, a cow, a goat, a sheep, a deer, a bird, a Candala, and a Pukkasa.

So, my question is this:
Will a killer of brahmana get a fate to be killed by the karmic reaction of his previous life, after long reincarnation from lower birth to the human body again?
If so, the murderer will suffer

Severe punishments in hell.
Will get lower birth and suffer birth and death many many times before getting the human body again and
Will be killed by his karmic reaction of murder in human life.

Committing sins are so foolish, isn't it? They will just cause many many suffering.


texts: Is there any mention or description of Karwachauth in Hindu scriptures?

texts:
Please provide a description of why Karwachauth is celebrated.
As far as I know, there is some story about fasting by a woman and due to her mistake ( in not doing the fasts properly, she mistook a diya as the moon), her husband dies. So, Karwachauth maata tells her to take fast on a day which we, Hindus, now celebrate as Karwachauth.


texts:
I heard from many teachings that 'Guruvu leni vidya ranimchadhu' (telugu) which means the skill or knowledge gained without guru doesn't shines.

Which text says the above phrase and who says to whom?

If it is true, then my doubt is that does guru has to be in-person or guru can be remote person? Suppose now a days world is going online, if a guru is posting videos and people are following, such vidya shines or not?

Note that here Vidya refers to skill in any field such as mantra siddhi, archery, research, martial arts etc., not only brahma gyan. Suppose Arjuna became skilled archer with the help of his guru Drona, suppose a person learns archery as ekalavya, does it shine?

In Ramayana and Mahabaratha there are gurus such as Vashistha, Kripacharya, Drona etc., they gave focused guidance to their sishyas. Does vidya shines if guru-sishya relation is not face-to-face?


texts: What were the reasons for adding "ôm" at end in Subrahmanyôm?

texts:
In this answer it was explained the meaning of Subrahmanya as "su—brahmaṇya very kind or dear to Brāhmans".
In the Subrahmanya litany, it was mentioned as Subrahmanyôm (3:3:4:17 of Satapatha Brahmana), while referring to Indra.
My question is as to why ôm  was  added at the end of Subrahmanya?


texts: Does Karma of our previous lives determine the lifetime of our present birth?

texts:
Karma gives the situation, parents, physical body,etc,... to a soul according to type of Karma that it accumulated.
Living beings face untimely death and face unexpected problems in which they didn't involve.
People say that these are due to their previous life's bad Karma and his age is only upto it.

MY QUESTION:

Does Karma of our previous lives determine the lifespan of our present birth?


texts: Which recension of Mahābhārata did K M Ganguli use for his translation?

texts:
A lot of answers and questions on this site use the translation of Mahābhārata that's freely available at sacred-texts.com.

This translation was done by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (a.k.a K M Ganguli) over a 13-year period spanning 1883 and 1896.

Which version/manuscript/recension of the Mahābhārata did Ganguli use for his translation?

Did he use a combination of different Mahābhārata recensions?

I know he did not use the BORI critical edition because the Bhandarkar Institute was only founded in 1917 and the full version of the critical edition wasn't completed until 1966.


texts: Is Gita from Yogananda a translation or commentary?

texts:
I'm looking for a Gita in English to replace the current version we have, which is the Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is by Parabhupāda.

I'm drawn to The Essence of Bhagavad Gita by Paramahansa Yogananda because I love his writing, but I cannot tell from the online descriptions whether this version is a translation or a commentary. If it is only commentary, I will look elsewhere for a Gita translation (likely Ghandi's transition).


texts: Why did Krishna give away his own Narayani Sena to Duryodhana?

texts:
In the Mahabharata, there is a mention of Duryodhana and Arjuna going to Krishna to seek assistance in the war. The proud Duryodhana sat beside Krishna's head and Arjuna sat near his feet, while Krishna was asleep.

On opening his eyes, Krishna first saw Arjuna and then Duryodhana, and asked them the reason for their visit, which was seeking his assistance for the war. Krishna had put forth two options: One, he himself but will not take up arms, and the other, his formidable Narayani sena. As we all know, Arjuna chose Krishna and Duryodhana had chosen the army.

Question:

Why did Krishna, albeit indirectly, assist Duryodhana in annihilation of his own Narayani army?

Does it mean Krishna had indirectly taken part in adharma?


texts: What was the exact philosophy of Swāmi Vivekānanda?

texts:
From this answer we find the following quote of Swāmi Vivekānanda:

  ...You can swallow the stars by the handful if you want; such is your real nature...

Further, from this answer we find the real nature of Nīrguna Brahman is not omnipotent enough to swallow the stars, moreover Nīrguna Brahman is inactive. ( Actually stars ain't existing on plane of our real nature, then also the quote doesn't make any sense )So according to Advait/Sankara Vedànta, Swāmi Vivekānanda shouldn't have said so because such is not our real nature (real nature is Nīrguna/inactive).

Then what exactly was the philosophy of Swāmi Vivekānanda? Or I'm missing something? In any case please answer.


texts:
Pandu explains 12 types of sons to Kunti, and says 6 are heirs & kinsmen, other six are kinsmen only.

The religious institutes mention six kinds of sons that are heirs and kinsmen, and six other kinds that are not heirs but kinsmen. I shall speak of them presently. O Pritha, listen to me. They are: 1st, the son begotten by one's own self upon his wedded wife; 2nd, the son begotten upon one's wife by an accomplished person from motives of kindness; 3rd, the son begotten upon one's wife by a person for pecuniary consideration; 4th, the son begotten upon the wife after the husband's death; 5th, the maiden-born son; 6th, the son born of an unchaste wife; 7th, the son given; 8th, the son bought for a consideration; 9th, the son self-given; 10th, the son received with a pregnant bride; 11th, the brother's son; and 12th, the son begotten upon a wife of lower caste. On failure of offspring of a prior class, the mother should desire to have offspring of the next class.

Questions:
a) which six in this are heir and kinsmen, and which are kinsmen only?
b) #2 is born to wife but by kindness of another man (e.g.: Pandu by Vyasa); #3 is born to wife but by another paid man?
c) #4th example would be Pandu himself and #5 is of Karna as Pandu's heir?
d) "the mother should desire to have next class": is number #6 (unchaste wife; wife having other relationship) is better than having, let's say, brother's son?
e) #7 is son adapted (given by someone; no money involved)? And, #8 is adapted (but purchased)?
Note: This question is related but not same as this one.


texts: The Kalki avatar is the last avatar of Lord Vishnu (or) final avatar of Dashavatara. Why did Lord Vishnu take up this form or avatar? Why is he riding a white horse and why he is carrying a sword in his hand?


texts: What are the qualities a good astrologer should possess? Who is true Astrologer according to Jyotisha texts?

texts:
Jyotisha is one of the six ancient Vedangas, or ancillary science connected with the Vedas The term Jyotisha also refers to Hindu astrology. This field of study was concerned with fixing the days and hours of Vedic rituals or in other words "Time Keeping" The person who learns this science is called a jyotisha or an astrologer. And the predection or foretelling past and future events is one of the part of this time keeping science.

So I am interested in the rules of this Jyotisha Shastra and my current questions are -

What technical concepts a good astrologer should throughly understood?
What other good qualities besides these an astrologer should have?
Who is true Astrologer according to Jyotisha texts.?


texts: What exactly is the basis/reason behind calling Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata as myths/mythology

texts:
Many people (specially left-leaning) like to call Hindu epic books such as Ramayana and Mahabharata as myths.

So my question is what is the exact reason for the use of this word myth or mythology despite so many archaelogical, astronomical and historical research into the events mentioned in both the texts?

So in short my question is, is there any special reason for using the word myth in describing the two great epics of Hinduism or is it something else?