texts: Do any texts explicitly forbid Hindus from eating beef?

texts:
I have been told many a times that I shouldn't eat beef because I am a Hindu by religion. Even though I have never worshiped a cow in my life or interacted with any on more than exotic basis, I find it hard to understand the logic behind not eating beef.

My argument against this has been the same as many others who choose to do those things which may or may not be explicitly forbidden in Hinduism. For instance, the consumption of alcohol is a controversial subject in Hinduism.

As a country India does not sell beef so I haven't been exposed to it earlier, but traveling often increased my curiosity and now I tend to not mind eating it.

Are there any specific logical or better arguments or textual facts which suggest that eating beef is explicitly forbidden in Hinduism except the idea of worshiping cows?


texts: Do all Vedic mantras start with "hari om"?

texts:
I've seen Sri sukta starting with hari om, do other mantras of vedas also start with "hari om"

Does it have another meaning.


texts: Was one of Yamunacharya's verses to Vishnu inspired by a verse of Thirumangai Alwar?

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

Now Nathamuni's grandson was also a Sri Vaishnava Acharya, known as Yamunacharya or Alavandar, whom I discuss in my questions here.  Among other things, Yamunacharya composed a famous hymn to Vishnu known as the Stotra Ratna.  It is revered even by non-Sri Vaishnavas, and it is this poem that inspired the famous Ramanujacharya to become a Sri Vaishnava in the first place!  Here is a verse from it:

  Let us submit one piece of information before You, dear Lord. It is not at all false, but it is full of meaning. It is this: If You are not merciful upon us, then it will be very, very difficult to find more suitable candidates for Your mercy.

When I read this verse, I was reminded of a poem of one of the Alwars, known as Thirumangai Alwar, who once visited the town of Indaloor to see the Parimala Raganatha Perumal Vishnu temple.  But when he arrived, the temple was closed, and Thirumangai Alwar was so eager to see Vishnu that he spontaneously composed this paraclausithyron poem expressing his frustration that Vishnu would not allow Thirumangai Alwar to see him.  In particular, he says this:

  Oh! indaLooreerE [lord of Indaloor]! I want to say something to You. I shall certainly express it now. I cannot keep quiet. Listen. You think I am one of Your numerous dAsas. I am not. You know who are good and who are bad. In fact You know everything. But You don’t know one thing i.e. me!

In both verses, the devotee claims to be presenting Vishnu with a new piece of information, and that piece of information is that the devotee is unique among the devotees of Vishnu.

So my question is, was Yamunacharya's verse in the Stotra Ratna inspired by the verse of Thirumangai Alwar?  It wouldn't be too surprising, considering that Yamunacharya was part of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam, and Sri Vaishnavas place a high value on the poetry of the Alwars.  And considering the Yamnunacharya was the grandson of Nathamuni who compiled the poems of the Alwars.

Does anyone know of any commentaries on the Stotra Ratna which connect the verse to the Thirumangai Alwar verse I quoted?


texts:
Garga is a well known rishi in Hinduism. He authored a couple of books in Hinduism which cover Krishna's pastimes and astrology.

At which time he was born?


texts: I am looking for scriptural references that list all the gotras that were formed. If there is no such listing, is there any scripture that mentions the total number of them?


texts: Have any Hindu philosophers attempted to solve the Riddle of Epicurus?

texts:
The Epicurean Paradox or the Riddle of Epicurus goes something like this:

  If God is willing to prevent evil but not able, then He is not
  omnipotent.

  If He is able (to prevent evil) but not willing, then He is
  malevolent.

  Is God both able and willing? Then where did evil come from?

  If God is neither able nor willing, then why call Him God?

Some people also call this The Problem of Evil.

Have any Hindu philosophers attempted to solve this riddle? If yes, how?


texts: Can imported flowers be used to decorate God?

texts:
I live in Australia. The management committee of Lord Siva Temple here imports flower garland from India. After the arrival The Australian quarantine department spray chemicals on garland to stop any insects spreading.

Please let us know that can we use these garlands for God?


texts: What is Dharma according to Veda or Upanishad?

texts:
I know that the question asked before What is dharma? but the question and answer shows what Dharma is according to Bhagavad Gita.

I am interested in the explanation of Dharma according to shruti. So, I want to know what is Dharma according to Veda & Upanishad. Upanishad constitutes of teaching the knowledge to shishya (student) from guru (teacher). So, I think Upanishad may defines and explains what is Dharma.


texts: What are the consequences of not doing shraddha for the departed ancestors?

texts: I have heard people say that they can be bad.  Are there ways to compensate for missed Shraddhas?


texts:
last time i  was reading the  bhagavad Gita, i found one  word very curious that  is nasta Moha .

Nasta  Moha  in Bhagavad Gita?  what  is    exact  meaning   of  nasta Moha ? why  lord krishna  used  this  word in Gita ?


texts: Are the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads revealed texts, or are they composed?

texts:
No Hindu disputes that the mantras in the Samhita part of the Vedas are direct revelations by Rishis.

But what about the texts of the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads? These don't seem to be revealed by Rishis.

The Srimad Bhagavata Purana also says that Vedavyasa just divided the Samhita portion of the Vedas only at the end of the Dwapara yuga:

  The most powerful and intelligent Vyāsadeva called four of his
  disciples, O brāhmaṇa, and entrusted to each of them one of these four
  saṁhitās.

This implies that the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads were authored in the Kali Yuga.

The Srimad Bhagavata Purana also says that the people of Kali Yuga will have diminished intellectual faculties:

  Verse 47: Observing that people in general were diminished in their
  life span, strength and intelligence by the influence of time, great
  sages took inspiration from the Personality of Godhead sitting within
  their hearts and systematically divided the Vedas.

This makes sense because the Brahmanas serve as a manual for Yajnas, and the Aranyakas and Upanishads talk about the symbolism of Yajnas and the nature of Brahman and moksha, respectively, and manuals and commentaries are only needed when people are not intelligent enough to understand the original source itself, which are the Samhitas in this case.


texts: What were the seven curses said by the goddesses to Lord Vishnu?

texts:
It is believed that when Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Venkateshwara Swamy, the goddesses (Lord Vishnu's two wives) gave seven curses to Him. For each curse, Lord Vishnu took one step back from them and at last became a statue which is in Tirupathi.

What were those seven curses by which Lord Venkateshwara became a statue?


texts: Why should i believe in vedas? Any scientific proof for the same?

texts:
Someone who has read Vedas, please answer these questions to strengthen the belief of any person in Vedas.

Is there anything written in Vedas which seems to be non-evident to common sense/is otherwise non-trivial and thus requires higher consciousness to be aware of?

In other words any fact which ancient people would not not be able to know in those times by ordinary means  but are written in Vedas and have been proven by modern science eg. something like sun being the center of solar system or age of universe or something of this sort?

Thanks in advance.

[The question is not duplicate of the below mentioned one as I am specifically asking facts written in Vedas not a general proof based on logic as given in that answer. Please provide facts which seem to be known only via supernatural powers but are written in Vedas. So please remove duplicate tag.]


texts: Are pornographic sculptures part of sanatan dharma?

texts:
I stay in a small town in west bengal, india, I found a temple ruin/old temple of very low archeological importance which had orgy position. if you need will upload photos.
My question is since many hindu temples including konark have orgy positions are they part of Santana dharma?


texts:
will in near future Democracy end in India and will Kshatriya's again rule Our country coz in Kalki Puran they have told that Shri Kalki will have 2 wives and both wives father will be king

King Vrihadrath and King Shashi dhwaja

Hence will Kshatriya's again rule in near future to come ?


texts:
Bhagavad Gita says:

Bg 12.9 — My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot ﬁx your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain Me.

Bg 12.10 — If you cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage.

Bg 12.11 — If, however, you are unable to work in this consciousness of Me, then try to act giving up all results of your work and try to be self-situated.

Bg 12.12 — If you cannot take to this practice, then engage yourself in the cultivation of knowledge. Better than knowledge, however, is meditation, and better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action, for by such renunciation one can attain peace of mind.

My question is: Out of Bhakti marga, Karma Marga, Jnana Marga do we need to strictly follow one particular marg to achieve the ultimate goal or can it be combination of them? Are they mutually exclusive?


texts: (Broad level) Classification of ghosts in Hinduism

texts:
This question is intended to know about broad level classification only. Further classification is not needed.
In English language, words may not exist for each category of ghosts. So I am using an umbrella term ghost to cover all such beings.
I heard and know the names of Bhoota, Pretha, Pisacha only.
Are these three only the classes of ghosts? If no, what is the broad level classification of ghosts?


texts: Can Vishnu's multiple avatars exist at the same time on earth?

texts: I thought Vishnu takes an avatar to remove adharma from our planet yet two avatars of Vishnu can exist at the same time on earth? Why is there a need for two avatars at the same time? Parashu Rama and Krishna existed in the same time frame right or am I wrong? Can someone please elaborate?


texts: What is the reason behind donating our own hair to God?

texts:
Most of the devotees have a regular habit of donating their hair for their beloved Gods.Men ready for full hair donation and there is a priority for women such as donating of few of their hair (it is named as 'Pumudi' in Tamil side).
Famous temples like Tripati,Palani are well known for these donations.

The question is,

Is there any puranas and Vedas evidence or reasons for this practises?

If so who actually starts these practises?


texts: What are the best resources for Vastu Shastra?

texts: Can any one please describe the resources for Vashtu Shashtra ?


texts: After Dhritarashtra, why was Yudhishthira and not Duryodhana considered the next in line to be the king?

texts:
Duryodhana was the son of a king and should be made the next king but still generally all people consider Yudhishthira to be the righteous owner of the throne. Why should Yudhishthira be the crown prince when Pandu and his wives had already left their kingdom and appointed Dhritarashtra as the king?

Also, Yudhishthira was not a direct son of Pandu. Pandu himself was not the righteous owner of the throne. He got the throne because Bhishma said that Dhritarashtra will have problems due to his blindness, but later on also he became the king. So, it was Dhritarashtra's right to be king and later on he became the king and therefore rightful owner to succeed him should be Duryodhana. I also think, between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana, if there was no such confusion as to who should be the next king, then there wouldn't have been any Mahabharata.


texts:
Why do people do evil actions? Is it due to karma?

People who do evil actions do so because they get evil thoughts and desires. Why do they think these evil thoughts and desires?

What do the scriptures say?


texts: Rithambara Pragnya experienced by mathematician Ramanujan

texts:
Ramanujan Video RajyaSabha

The above  link (in epilogue, time 52 min 39secs has at the very end)  while concluding it mentions a stage of "Rithambara Pragna", an attainment of a direct cognitive power of Cosmic Order.

Can someone throw  light on how this happens and evidences from the past for some realized souls?


texts: Are our dreams associated with our past or future?

texts: There are certain situations in my daily life which seems like I had dreamt of them before. Also sometimes I get dreams regarding my past which are blend of two different situation which can never be true(totally vague/random). Are these an indication about something or something to be neglected?


texts: Nakshatra is the term for lunar mansion in Hindu astrology and Indian Astronomy which are 27 in number. I want to know about the complete biographies of 27 Stars.


texts: Some call it Rajasik. Some call it Tamasik. Is meat mentioned as Rajasik or Tamasik food in our texts?


texts:
As per Hinduism we get 84 lakh yoni time birth on this earth. So how many times we get birth as human being ? is it true that we get human birth only once out of 84 lakh yoni ?
Please let me know If anyone knows that...


texts: Are Bala and Ati Bala mantras different from and superior to Gayatri mantra?

texts:
Sage Vishvamitra imparted a group of hymns, Bala (strength) and Ati Bala (super strength) to Sri Rama, on the southern riverbank of Sarayu. (Bala Kanda 22 Sarga 11-20 Slokas). He told the greatness of hymns, Bala and Ati Bala as follows:

On receiving these hymns neither tiredness nor fever, nor disfiguring of personality can effect you, nor the demons can charge you either you are sleeping or unvigilant. As it is none whosoever on earth can equal you in dexterity, Rama, and by reciting these hymns none can equal you in the three worlds.
My dear Raghava, if bala atibala hymns are practised, none can equal you in the world by your handsomeness, calibre, erudition, by your discernment, and even in replying or rebutting you.
On receiving these two teachings there will be none similar to you, for bala and atibala are the mothers of all knowledge. Oh, best one among men, Raghava, if you go on reciting bala and atiblala hymns, my dear Rama, there will be no hunger or thirst to you.
And if these twin teachings are practised an inestimable renown will also accrue, oh, Raghu's legatee, these two hymns that possess brilliance are the daughters of Forefather Brahma, and I intend to impart these hymns to you, as you are the most eligible one, hence take the teachings that are kept safe from the world.
Though all of these numerous qualities are undoubtedly available with you, that too in abundance, yet these hymns if ascetically nurtured will yield various results.

Sage Viswamitra goes on to say that Bala and Atibala are daughters of Lord Brahma and mothers of all knowledge.

Later, it was narrated by Sage Valmiki that, while going along with Sage Viswamitra, Sri Rama and Lakshmana did Sadhyopaasana (worship at the junctions of sunrise/sunset).

तस्य ऋषेः परम उदारम् वचः श्रुत्वा नृप नरोत्तमौ |
स्नात्वा कृत उदकौ वीरौ जेपतुः परमम् जपम् ||
(Bala Kanda 23rd Sarga 3rd Sloka)
On hearing the benign words of the sage those valorous and best ones among men got up, bathed, and on offering water oblation they mediated upon the supreme hymn.

The supreme hymn, which meditated upon can be the Gayatri mantra.

My doubt is, if Sri Rama was already practising/meditating a supreme hymn like the Gayatri mantra, why did Sage Vishvamitra impart him the Bala and Ati Bala hymns, which are said to be the mothers of all knowledge?
Are Bala and Ati Bala hymns superior to the Gayatri hymn?


texts: In what context is the word Bhavin(भाविन) used in Hindu scriptures?

texts: I would like to know if the Sanskrit word Bhavin(भाविन)is mentioned in Hindu scriptures and in what context is it used?


texts: Did any one use before similar phrase that Sri Krishna used - śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ (BG 3.35)?

texts:
In Gita Sri Krishna says

  श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् | स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय:
  परधर्मो भयावह: || 35||

  śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt swa-dharme
  nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ

  It is far better to perform one’s natural prescribed duty, though
  tinged with faults, than to perform another’s prescribed duty, though
  perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one’s
  duty, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with
  danger.

My question is - Did any one use before similar phrase - śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ - in any  EPIC/Brahmana/Upanishad,  that Sri Krishna used in the above sloka?


texts:
There are various prophecies made Mother Durga in 11 chapter of Durga Saptashati (also known as Devi Mahatmya or Chandi path) present in Markandeya Purana. These prophecies are made by Devi after slaying Shumbh Nishumbh and Devas' prayers. These are as follows.

The Devi said:
40-41. ‘When the twenty-eighth age has arrived during the period of
Avaisvsvata Manu, two other great asuras, Sumbha and Nisumbha will be
born.

‘Then born from the womb of Yasoda, in the home of cowherd Nanda, and dwelling on the Vindhya mountains, I will destroy them both.

‘And again having incarnated in a very terrible form on the earth, I shall slay the danavas, who are the descendants of Vipracitti.

‘When I shall devour the fierce and great asuras descended from Vipracitti, my teeth shall become red like the flower of pomegranate.

‘Therefore when devas in heaven and men on the earth praise me, shall always talk of me as the ‘Red-toothed.’

‘And again when rain shall fail for a period of hundred years, propitiated by the munis I shall be born on the drought-ridden earth,
but not womb-begotten.

‘Then I shall behold the munis with a hundred eyes and so mankind shall glorify me as the ‘hundred-eyed.’

‘At that time, O devas, I shall maintain the whole world with life -sustaining vegetables, born out of my own (cosmic) body, till rains set in.

‘I shall be famed on the earth then as Sakambhari. At that very period I shall slay the great asura named Durgama.

50-53. ‘Thereby I shall have the celebrated name of Durgadevi and
again, assuming a terrible form on the mountain Himalaya, I shall
destroy the raksasas for the protection of the munis. Then all the
munis, bowing their bodies reverently, shall praise me, and thereby I
shall have the celebrated name of Bhimadevi. When the (asura) named
Aruna shall work great havoc in the three worlds, having taken a
(collective) bee-form, consisting of innumerable bees, I shall slay
the great asura for the good of the world.
54-55. ‘And then people shall laud me every where as Bhramari. Thus
whenever trouble arises due to the advent of the danavas, I shall
incarnate and destroy the foes.’

I assume the incarnation/avatar of Devi from womb of Yashoda as child of Nanda Who later went to Vindhyas has already happened. My question is which other avatars of Devis have already appeared and which are to appear in future that is in which Yuga/Manavantara.


texts: How can Shiva puranam and Vishnu puranam be interpreted?

texts:
I would like to know how have those things happened as stated in the puranas. For example,

In Shiva Puranam, we talk about mother Parvathi's kalyanam (marriage). How did it take place? Did both Shiva and mother Parvathi take the shape of a humans like Lord Rama and Goddess Sita? Mother Parvathi is considered nature and Shiva is the energy which operates that. Now how can we imagine their marriage?

And how can I imagine Goddess Shakthi getting into fire and Lord Shiva removing the nose of Goddess Saraswati and punishing several other gods for not doing anything?


texts: So far I have been breaking the word into nara (नर) + Ayana (आयन) = home of nara (jiva). But lately I have realized I couldn't break it this way because to make it nArAyaNa (नारायण), nAra (नार) is needed instead of nara (नर). So what is the correct etymology of nArAyaNa? Was I correct anyhow?


texts:
According to the Indraloka Gamana Parva, Vana Parva, Mahabharata, when Arjuna goes to Svarga during his 13 years exile before the war, he lived there for five years. Now if we take this calculation in earthly terms, 1 year of the devas is 360 years for us. So five years would be 5x360=1800 years on earth! Yet Arjuna was gone only for five earth years, which would mean five days on Svarga.

There is an alternate possibility of Arjuna having visited the city of Indra on the Meru Mountain, which is on earth. But this is not described in the Mahabharata. So how is this time difference reconciled?


texts: Manu 3.271 - Which translators/commentators interpret 'gavyena' as beef (cow meat)?

texts:
I shall now fully describe what offering-material, on being offered to
  the Pitṛs, according to role, serves for a long time, and for
  eternity.—(266)

  By the proper offering of sesamum, rice and barley, māṣa, water, roots
  and fruits, men’s ancestors are satisfied for one month.—(267)

  For two months by fish-meat; for three months by the meat of deer; for
  four by that of sheep, and for five by that of birds.—(268)

  For six months by the meat of goat; for seven by that of spotted deer;
  for eight by that of the black antelope, and for nine by that of the
  Ruru deer.—(269)

  They are satisfied for ten months by the meat of boars and buffaloes;
  and for eleven months by the meat of the hare and the tortoise.’—(270)

  Manusmṛti 3.271:

  संवत्सरं तु गव्येन पयसा पायसेन च ।
  वार्ध्रीणसस्य मांसेन तृप्तिर्द्वादशवार्षिकी ॥ २७१ ॥

  saṃvatsaraṃ tu gavyena payasā pāyasena ca |
  vārdhrīṇasasya māṃsena tṛptirdvādaśavārṣikī || 271 ||

  For one year by cow’s milk and milk-preparations; and by the meat of old goat there is satisfaction lasting for twelve years.—(271)

Commenting on this controversial verse, Medhātithi says:

  As between direct and indirect connection, the former being more authoritative, we construe ‘gavyena’—‘cow’s’—with ‘payasā,’ ‘milk and not with ‘māṃsa,’ ‘meat,’ which forms the subject-matter of the context.

  Others, however, explain the particle ‘ca’ as having a cumulative force, and then explain the passage to mean, ‘meat of the cow, and milk or milk-rice.’

Who were these other translators/commentators? Were these Medhātithi's predecessors?

Also, how does Patrick Olivelle translate this verse in his translation?


texts: Why many worships, pujas and even yoga recommend sleeping on the floor?

texts: Please cite texts from where you write something as well if possible.


texts: Who was Sri Vathsa Somadeva Sharma and how valid are the following shortcut mantras/slokas?

texts:
Several short Slokas/Mantras are found on this page and they are said to be compiled by Sri Vatsha Somadeva Sharma.

The mantras are shortcut ways of solving various day to day problems and are also claimed to be useful for achieving several other benefits.

It is claimed, for example, that by chanting the following mantra three times one is supposed to get the benefits of chanting the Shiva Sahasranama Stotram:

  Shivo, Maheswaraschaiva , Rudhro , Vishnu , pithamaha , SAmsara
  Vaidhya , Sarvesa , Paramathma SAdashiva.

And, one is supposed to get the benefits of doing a Homa
/Yagna by chanting this rather simple mantra/sloka:

  Namaskara Smrutho Yagna , sarva Yagna , uthamam, Uthama , Namami
  sathatham Samedhava Praseedathu.

Further slokas:

  53.Places of salvation

  Daasanath Abra sadasi , jananath Kamalalaye , Kasyanthu maranath
  mukthi , Smaranath arunachale

  6.To avoid bad dreams (Chant 3 times before retiring to bed)

  Achyutham, Kesavam , Vishnum , Harim , SAthyam , Janardhanam, Hamsam
  Narayanam Krishnam japeth Duswapna SAnthaye.

  For increase in knowledge , to pass in examination (this has to be
  chanted eight times in the morning

  15.Bhashyathi sarva sashtraani , yechanye niyamaa thadhaa , Aksharanicha sarvaani thwanthu devu namosthuthe.

  17.To destroy sin committed by the mind (This has to be chanted eight times at dawn and dusk)

  Vibhatheeya Shivasane , Shivena saakam avyaya, Hiranmaye Athinirmale
  Namami thaam Himathrijaam.

Question-How authentic/valid are these mantras/slokas and who was Sri Sharma who compiled  them?


texts: I need to know the names of the angels and their actions in Hinduism

texts: I have a research and I need to know all the names of angels in different religions and their actions, and since I am an Arab, my sources are not enough and I need the names of angels in Hinduism


texts: Does one eye of Lord Shiva always remain open?

texts:
The three eye God is famous for his penance most. At time of penance his eyes remain close and time duration of his penance is also extremely long. But I heard an incident in which Parvati asked Shiva to close his eyes. Then whole universe turned dark. Even Sun's light turned off. Then Shiva did open his third eye and all universe become light up again. He didn't open his two eyes because Paravati asked to close them but didn't say anything about third eye so Shiva opened that eye.

Then Parvati was also suprised by seeing that Shiva opened his third eye. She asked to open his eyes again. Then he closed his third eye only after open his primary two eyes.

Parvati asked to Shiva, Why you open your third eye? What was need to open it? Then Shiva told, It can never happen when I close my all eyes from this world. I have to always keep one eye open to see the world. I can't turn my eye off from this world. If in any case I have to close my eyes for some reason then its becomes mandatory to open my third eye.

If this is really true then what about time of penance? On penance he sure remains close his two eyes but is third eye remain open when Shiva does penance? Do scriptures says something about his third eye? Is it true Shiva keep one eye open even in penance? Or penance is exception?


texts: Why is Lord Hanuman known as "Pavan putra Hanuman"?

texts: As I know, Lord Hanuman's parents were Anjana (mother) and Kesari (father). Then why is Lord Hanuman also known as "Pavan putra Hanuman" (Son of lord Pavan)?


texts: Which denomination do majority of contemporary Hindus adhere to?

texts: I know more Vaishanvas and Shaivas exist in South India and Shaktas are more prominent in the east,But in North what are the major denominations of Hindus?


texts: Why Guru Raghavendra Swamy has not wore Yagnopavitam in any photos?

texts: Though Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy belongs to Madhwa Brahmin community, I haven’t seen a single photo of his wearing Janivaara (Yagnopavitam i.e., sacred thread). Is it because he is not reserved to one community after entering to Vrindavan or all who take Sanyasa should remove Janivar? Please enlighten me here


texts: What is the explanation for the following vedas?

texts:
From the Anandavalli section of the Taittiriya Brahmana:

आकाशाद्वयुः । वायोरग्निः । अग्नेरापः । अद्भ्यः पृथिवी । पृथिव्या ओषधयः ।
From ether came air. From air came fire. From fire came water. From water came earth. From earth came plants.

What is the explanation for this verse.
Because water can not come from fire and from water, earth can not come.
Is there any explanation for this vedas.
Source of this verse is an answer from this website


texts: Do good people cause rain regardless of Yagnas?

texts:
The Tamil poet/saint Auvaiyar says:

http://www.edubilla.com/tamil/moothurai/

  நெல்லுக்கு இறைத்த நீர் வாய்க்கால் வழி ஓடிப்
  புல்லுக்கும் ஆங்கே பொசியுமாம் - தொல் உலகில்
  நல்லார் ஒருவர் உளரேல் அவர் பொருட்டு
  எல்லார்க்கும் பெய்யும் மழை

  nellukku iraitta niir vaaykkaal vaZi ohDi
  pullukkum aangeh pochiyumaam - tol ulagil
  nallaar oruvar uLarehl aver poruTTi
  ellarukkum peyyum maZai1

  The water poured to irrigate the paddy runs along the canal
  and benefits the grass that grows along the bund.
  If there is a good person living in this world
  It will rain on their behalf to benefit all

Does Sanskrit scripture also say that good people living in a town or village cause it to rain there?

1Note on transliteration: retroflex consonants are indicated by capital letters. Lower case d or t (or l) represents a dental sound. "Z" represents the retroflex approximant /ɻ/ which sounds not like /z/ but somewhat like /r/ or /l/. Double vowels or consonants have a longer sound.


texts: Did Parashurama give Sudarsana chakra to Krishna?

texts:
As per BR Chopra' Mahabharata TV serial, Parashurama gifted Sudrasana chakra to Krishna.

But comments under How was the succession sequence of the Sudarshana Chakra among the avatars of Vishnu? question say Parashurama didn't have Sudarsana. If so, how he could give it to Krishna?


texts: What do you do during Brahma muhurta? What is your sadhana like?

texts: Could anyone please share what their sadhana is like during Brahma muhurta? What rituals and mantras do you chant and in what order? Do you do achamanam and pranayama? Chant mantras or sing bhajans? Meditate?


texts: Really Long Breath intake while meditation

texts:
Hi I am so called Brahman Hindu(although i am an atheist) but i have been meditating since the last 2 weeks and i want to say it is hands down one of the most beautiful experience ever.Although lately i have been going deeper as people like to call it and want to share my experience regarding this deep state and also need some guidance if any one can help me.

So this happened yesterday while my meditation (i do it by concentrating my breath) i guess i was so deep that my breath felt like really long i got scared and snapped out of it.Today while doing it again i counted the seconds i can intake air through nose which was around 10 seconds which is weird i guess and long considering my past xD(calculated using the sound of the second's hand of wall clock). I am curious as to how should i go deeper by the same breathing concentration exercise or should i stop breathing kind of a thing after i reach this state(cause i can hold my breath also for a long time).Also what is next for me from here on.

Thanks for the help/guidance and sorry for wasting your time.
TL;DR:- deep state i feel like taking real long breath intake which is scaring me should i go deeper or like do something else also how to proceed forward


texts:
Who was the original owner of Vijaya bow?

However it is wielded by Indra Dev, Parashurama and Karna. Who created this bow?


texts: Is it true that anyone who is born, is a Shudra by default?

texts:
I have heard that any one who is born is shudra by default.
How true is it?


texts: Why is Janmashtami an important festival in Hinduism?

texts: As per my interpretation of the message of the Bhagwad Geeta, the soul is eternal. The birth and death of the body are incidental and material. If this applies for mortals, then why does the birth of a deity considered a special occasion? Shouldn't it be considered an ordinary event?


texts: What items should not be kept in new home before house warming?

texts:
Are there any rules to be followed before doing house warming in new house?
I heard that no god photos should be kept inside before house warming, are there any restrictions on keeping cloths, iron, gold, sand, bricks, soaps, broom, wood etc., inside the house?
Is it okay to do bath in new house before doing house warming?


texts: Why is Somnath of higher value than other Shiva lingas?

texts:
There is one sloka:

  Saurashtre Somanatham cha Srisaile Mallikarjunam|
  Shankaram|
  Setu Bandhe tu Ramesam, Nagesam Darukavane|
  Varanasyantu Vishwesam, Tryambakam Gautamee thate|
  Himalaye tu Kedaaram, Ghrishnesam cha shivaalaye|
  Etani jyotirlingani, Saayam Praatah Patennarah|
  Sapta Janma Kritam pApam, Smaranena Vinashyati Ujjayinya Mahakalam Omkaram amaleswaram|
  Paralyam Vaidyanatham cha, Dakinyam Bheema

Now the question is, on what basis was the order decided? And I also heard that Somnath Mahadev has higher values then other Shiva lingas. Is that true?


texts: Which Vaishnava Sects consider Vaishnava Agama Sruti and which don't?

texts: Do any Vaishnava sects consider Vaishnava agamas as "Sruti" by their own internal sectarian definition of "Sruti"?


texts: Source of the Shloka Yad bhavam tad bhavathi

texts:
I see this Shloka in many places which means "as you think so you become". The Sanskrit verse is Yad bhavam Tad bhavathi.

Is there a scriptural source for this verse?


texts: "Akasam Lingamityahu..." which Purana is the source of this verse?

texts:
I have a small book on Lord Shiva called "Shiva Tattva Pradipika".

In the final chapter of the book i found the verse in question. The author says its a Puranic verse but does not mention which Purana contains it. The verse extols the greatness of Shiva Lingam.

  AKasam LingamityAhuhu Prithivi Tasya PeethikA |

  Alayaha Sarva DevAnAm LayanAllinga Muchyathe ||

  Meaning

  Akasha is called the Linga. And Prithvi  its Peethika ( or the
  Yoni Peethika or Gauri Vedika ). The Akasha is famous as the Linga as
  its the home of all Gods and as it is in which everything ends (or go to at their end ) ( Laya ).

Question- Which Purana is the source of this verse?


texts:
Are there any verses in Manusmriti saying about a plant sap that can make humans invisible, when applied to their feet?
If yes, what is the name of that plant?


texts: Are there any references to the word 'purushartha' in vedas?


texts: Fraternal Polyandry in Mahabharata,The Reasoning?

texts:
Draupadi Vivah in Mahabharata can be cited as an example of fraternal polyandry in ancient Indian social custom, which still exists in some parts of India (ref. 'Himalayan Polyandry'by D.N.Majumdar,Asia Publishing House London,1963).

But Mahabharata presents it as a stray event and provides few reasons for happening  of this kind of marriage. What are those ?


texts: What was the meaning of "Achar Samhita" 2000 years ago?

texts:
In this video is talked about that Jesus Christ studied the  "Achar Samhita" 2000 years ago somewhere in India. When I'm looking on the internet they talk about political elections.
So I am not sure what the Achar Samhita meant 2000 years ago? Is this still a used book, what is written in it, and is it a Buddhism book or Hinduism book?

min 49:28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfEkM2tl_lg


texts: Who created this shloka? "kar charan krutam va kayajm karmajm va"

texts:
Who created this shloka? What is its source?

करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा ।
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं ।
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व ।
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो ॥

karacharaNa kRRitaM vAkkAyajaM karmajaM vA | shravaNanayanajaM vA mAnasaM vAparAdhaM | vihitamavihitaM vA sarvametatkShamasva | jaya jaya karuNAbdhe shrImahAdeva shambho ||


texts: In her second boon, why does Kaikeyi say नव पञ्च च वर्षाणि (nine and five years) instead of चतुर्दश वर्षाणि (fourteen years)?

texts:
Revealing her second boon to Daśaratha, Kaikeyī says "नव पञ्च च वर्षाणि" (nine and five years) instead of चतुर्दश वर्षाणि (fourteen years). Is this just Vālmīki's play of words or is there a deeper significance to it?

नव पञ्च च वर्षाणि दण्डकारण्यमाश्रितः || २-११-२६
चीराजिनजटाधारी रामो भवतु तापसः |
26.
raamaH = Rama; aashritaH = has to take refuge; daNdakaaranyam = in the forest of Dandaka; nava paJNcha cha varshhaNi = for fourteen years; bhavatu taapasaH = let him become ascetic; chiiraajiina jataadhaarii = wearing rags; deer skin and matted hair.
"Rama has to take refuge in the forest of Dandaka for fourteen years and let him become an ascetic wearing rags, deer skin and matted hair".


texts: Why did Ram give up Sita instead of the throne?

texts:
I haven't read Ramayan and have a hazy memory of seeing it on Doordarshan. But due to current political & social climate in India with respect to mob justice and punishment by public opinion, I came across a blog (can't remember link) which said (paraphrased) that even Ram abandoned Sita based on public opinion rather than standing by her. What hope do we have. We are mere mortals.

That left me wondering. Why did Ram not give up his throne & decide to leave Ayodhya with Sita? During his exile of 14 years, Ayodhya was ruled by Bharat. And I supposed Bharat ruled Ayodhya well.

Upon returning & being crowned as the King, when people started raising suspicions on Sita's fidelity, why couldn't he just step down & let Bharat rule. If people had problems with a Queen (Sita) being unfaithful, he could just quit & leave Ayodhya & live with Sita instead of abandoning her.

So, why did Ram choose to not give up his throne but instead choose to give up his love Sita?


texts: Can someone identify the source this story which mentions about relativity of time

texts:
The below text is a rough outline of a story from Hindu Purana. But I don't know the exact story and the source text of that story. My interest in that story is that, it gives us an hint about relative nature of "Time" which was an "Unthinkable concept" before the introduction of relativity theory.

Outline of story:

A King from earth wanted to marry most perfect women in the world, Since he was not able find any perfect match from earth, he traveled to Deva-Loka and tried to Meet King Indra.
At the time he asked for an appointment, the King Indra was watching in a Song/Dance performance. So, Indra asked him to wait for some time till the performance finishes.

After some time, Indra came and met our king who came from earth. They discussed something ( I don't remember those ), and after that the King returned to earth.

When the King reached earth, He faced a new problem.
That is, while we was waiting for the performance to finish in Deva-loka, Many hundred years got passed here in Earth and everything changed. it is because, the Time runs slower in Deva-Loka the scale is different

Notably, the size of people changed drastically . People had became smaller in size.

Then some sage reduced the size of the king through using his magical powers,  and finally, he married one girl .

This is the story.
Can anybody remember the exact story and its reference ?


texts: Is changing or altering rituals allowed in Hinduism?

texts:
I hear some people say as time changes rituals need to change in order to make them compatible with the modern world.

Is it possible to change or alter rituals that are found in scriptures followed since hundreds or thousands of years?   Does Hinduism allow such changes? If yes what scriptures advocate changing or altering of rituals?


texts: What is mimamsa interpretation of upanishadic verses that are against ritualistic part of the Vedas?

texts:
The eighteen persons necessary for the performance of sacrifice are
transitory and not permanent and karma in its nature inferior, has
been stated as resting upon these. Those ignorant persons who delight
in this, as leading to bliss, again fall into decay and
death. (Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.7)
The ignorant following the diverse ways of ignorance, flatter
themselves that their objects have been accomplished. As these
followers of karma do not learn the truth owing to their desire, they
grow miserable and after the fruits of their karma are consumed, fall
from Heaven. These ignorant men regarding sacrificial and charitable
acts as most important, do not know any other help to bliss;
having enjoyed in the heights of Heaven the abode of pleasures, they enter again into this or even inferior world. (Mundaka Upanishad
1.2.9-10)

All these verse are against ritualistic part of the Vedas(strictly against)
What is Mimamsa's interpretation of these verses?

This verse from the gita says the same :

[BG 2:42] : Men of small knowledge are very much attached to the flowery words of the Vedas, which recommend various fruitive activities for elevation to heavenly planets, resultant good birth, power, and so forth. Being desirous of sense gratification and opulent life, they say that there is nothing more than this.


texts: Is there any historical evidence for persecution of vaishnavaites by kulothunga chola II?

texts: This question is motivated after watching the story portrayed in the opening scene of the Tamil movie Dasavatharam starring Kamal Hassan where the scene is claimed to be based on historical events of 12th century. In the scene a vaishnavite Rangaraja Nambi played by Kamal Hassan is drowned in the ocean along with the idol of Vishnu for not converting to Shaivism and for not revealing the location of Ramanuja - the great exponent of Sri Vaishnavism. My question is, is there any evidence that the Cholan king persecuted vaishnavites?


texts: How have other translators translated RV4.17.16 hymn besides Griffith?

texts:
Eager for booty, craving strength and horses, we-singers stir Indra, the strong, for friendship, Who gives the wives we seek, whose
  succour fails not, to hasten, like a pitcher to the fountain

This is Rig Veda mandala 4 hymn 17 verse 16

What is the word here for booty, is this correct word to word translation?


texts: What are the counter-arguments within Hinduism against the Satī (sahamaraṇa) system?

texts:
Are there any counter-arguments within Hinduism against the concept/practice of Satī?

I heard that some commentators/interpreters of scripture believe the widow actually goes to hell since self-immolation is tantamount to suicide.

Wikipedia has very little info. regarding this.

P.S. I couldn't find the answer under the more general 'What is the truth behind the practice of Sati? How is it related to Hinduism?' so asking it as a separate question.


texts: What shloka in Bhagvatgita says that it is a sin to tolerate injustice?

texts: I have seen many pages which attribute this quote to Geeta, but I could not find the shloka which says this.


texts: According to vedas killing and eating animal meat are forbidden and also a sin to hindus but according to manusmiriti eating non-veg is allowed.So which is true, Manusmiriti or Vedas?  and which should I follow ?


texts: Intercaste marriage was not uncommon in ancient India. However, Smriti shastras criticize it. How to reconcile?

texts:
Smriti Shastras unequivocally criticize intercaste marriage.
However, there are many instances of intercaste marriage in Hindu Epics, where we get a sneak peek of ancient Hindu society. I can give many examples.
But for the time being, let me give one example. In Mahabharata, King Shantanu married Satyavati, who was a daughter of a fisherman. Even the great Sage Vyas was the son of Satyavati and Rishi Parashar. Though it was not a formal marriage. Still, Vyas is a very respected figure in Hinduism despite his origin from an intercaste union.
How Hinduism reconcile the differences between authoritative injunctions and social prevalence?


texts: Why is there a Bheem temple in Gorakhnath Mandir ,Gorakhpur?

texts: There is a temple of Bheem also known as Bhimsena or Mahabali Bhim in the premises of Gorakhnath math in Gorakhpur. What is the importance of this temple? Give references from scriptures to validate your answer. Bheem is the Pandava who was very strong.


texts:
When I write this, is it the mind that is making me write this, or the Self? Is the mind always consciously achieved? Is the self never perceived consciously? Was the true Arjun (the Self) listening to Krishna's words or was it the mind that thought it was Arjun? Was Krishna (the Self) talking, or was it the mind that understood it was not the Self?
For any answerer, are you (the Self) answering, or is the mind thinking and answering?


texts:
I want to know the method of calculating  Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana AKA Panchanga  of a specific day . Does anybody know it?

Update

Please be in mind that I'm not asking any websites/apps for calculating panchanga , but I just want to know the mathematical formula/way of calculating panchanga.


texts:
In Christianity, God dies. Something similar concept is there  in Norse mythology. Are there any stories in Hinduism about the death of Gods?

P.S. I am not talking about avatars.


texts: What do Sri Vaishnavas and Nimbarkites say regarding impersonal/formless/Nirakara Brahman?

texts:
ISKCON which advocates Achintya-Bheda-Abheda, believes that the impersonal Brahman is an expansion of the personal Brahman i.e. Krishna as you can see in the following web article:

  The Vedic texts give the analogy of the sun regarding the personal and impersonal aspect of the Absolute truth. The sun has form as a celestial globe and is formless in its widespread effulgence. Similarly, God or Supreme Brahman has form as the Supreme Person, Krishna, and is formless as the all-pervading effulgence known as impersonal Brahman. Just as the sun globe is the source of the sunlight, Krishna is the source of the impersonal Brahman (as is confirmed in the Gita (14.27) and other Vedic literatures).

So I'm assuming this is the view of Achintya-Bheda-Abheda. Advaitins, on the other hand, believe that the impersonal Brahman i.e. Nirguna Brahman is the original Brahman and people under Maya perceive it as personal i.e. Saguna Brahman.

Goswami Tulsidas, who belongs to the Ramanandi Vaishnava sect, which advocates Vishishtadvaita, writes in the Ramcharitmanas that Brahman is originally formless and takes a form only for the sake of His devotees:

  “Though as a woman I am not qualified to hear it, I am Your servant in thought, word and deed. Saints do not withhold even an esoteric truth wherever they find a man smitten with agony, and therefore qualified to receive it. I ask You with a heart sore distressed; be gracious enough to narrate the story of the Lord of Raghus. First tell me after a mature thought what makes the unqualified Brahma assume a qualified form. Then, my lord, relate the story of Sri Rama’s descent, and tell me next the charming exploits of His childhood. Then let me know how He wedded Janaka’s daughter, Sita, and the fault for which He had to renounce His father’s kingdom later on. Then describe the innumerable deeds performed by Him while He lived in the forest; and further tell me, my lord, how He killed Ravana. Then relate, O blissful Sankara, all the numerous sports that were enacted by Him after his coronation. (Spoken by Mother Parvati to Lord Shiva in the Bal-Khanda of the Ramcharitmanas)

However, the Ramanandi Sampradaya's Vishishtadvaita philosophy may differ slighty from the Vishishtadvaita philosophy preached by Sri Vaishnavas.

So I wish to know what are the views of Sri Vaishnavas and Nimbarkites on the notion of Brahman being originally formless/impersonal/Nirakara? Do they agree with Gaudiya Vaishnavas that Nirakara Brahman is simply an expansion of Sri Hari? Or do they agree with Tulsidas that Brahman is originally without any form but for the ease of Jivas, takes a form so they be able to comprehend Him?


texts: Why are there different classes of पुराणs (Puranas)?

texts:
The Padma Purana mentions that the eighteen Puranas are divided into three groups of six: Sattvika, Rajasika, and Tamasika. Why do the Rajasika and Tamasika Puranas exist at all? Does the Padma Purana explain this division, is there another Hindu scripture that explains this, or has a Hindu philosopher explained this?

Should only the Sattvika Puranas be taken as valid scripture and the Rajasika and Tamasika Puranas ignored?

I am not looking for wishy-washy answers like "the Puranas encourage Hindus to worship their Ishta Devata; therefore, all the Puranas are valid." I want a scriptural or a traditional philosophical explanation of this statement of the Padma Purana.

UPDATE: Sai has helped me a lot in gaining an understanding of the nature of the Puranas and their classification and Hindu scripture in general. However, I am still looking for other views. These are definitely welcome and will help me a lot.


texts: What are the four Quarters of Purusha as per Purusha Sukta?

texts:
Can Somebody explain me, what are the four Quarters of Purusha? As mentioned in the Sukta, I've been searching for a valid concrete answer for a long time, However I've personally come to certain conclusions(I maybe wrong). That सोऽयमात्मा चतुष्पात्- That Atman has four Quarters, a verse from Mandukya Upanishad, As Atman is Interchangeably referred as Purusha in the Upanishads, So maybe Vaishvanara, Taijasa, Praajna, And Turiya must be the four Quarters. To make my conclusions I refer some reference of Rangaramanuja muni's Bhashya
Please Refer from the Screenshot here:-

From:-

यद्वा भगवद्व्यूहाभिप्राय पादोस्य विश्वा भूतानित्यादि
Translation :- Herein is the shloka from "पादोस्य विश्वा भूतानि" and rest(related to four Quarters of Purusha) are referring to the four Vyuha forms of the Lord.

I also refer some verses from the rîg vèdic Sämänya Vèdänta ūpanishad called Müdgala ūpanishad.
Please Refer from the Screenshot here:-

From:-

महापुरुष आत्मानं चतुर्धा कृत्वा त्रिपादेन परमे व्योम्नी चासीत् to स च पादनारायणो जगत्स्रष्टुं प्रकृतिमजनयत्
Translation :- The Great Purusha having divided himself into fourfold Quarters the rest three shines in the celestial empyrean's to and he (Aniruddha) the Fourth Quarter form of Narayan creates the world by forebearing Prakriti.

In both of these reference it concludes that fourth Quarter of Purusha is the fourth Vyuha form of Narayana - Aniruddha, who then Creates the Manifest world by forebearing Prakriti, While the rest three vyuha's are the rest three quarters of the supreme purusha.
Now Here we too see, that there are citations of some pänchrätra ägama's that Four Vyuhas forms of Näräyañ also represent the four states of Ätmä.
And also Please refer the screenshot here

Here there's a line that says:-

अस्य व्यूहवासदेवस्य परवासुदेवेन समस्तप्रणवरूपेणातिसन्निकृष्टैक्यसूचनार्थमोङ्कार इति समस्तनिर्देश
Translation :- Hereby is advised that Paravasudeva's all Vyuha forms are perceived as one with (The Four Phases with four respective Vyuhas's) of Omkara. ~ Rangaramanuja muni's Mandukyopnishat Bhashya.

So my question is:-

Are really the four Quarters of Purusha as mentioned in the Purusha Sukta are the four Quarters of Atma, As They're referred and correlated by the same entities--->The Vyuha's of lord Vishnu ? From a Bhashya reference and even from a Upanishad(Which Also marks it's presence in Muktika list).

If so, but then the Sukta says that Manifest world which forms the fourth Quarter of Purusha, Only gets created and desolated again and again, while the rest three quarters shines above as Immortal spiritual realms, but on the contrary, in four quarters of Atman the first two(viz Vishva and Taijasa) gets created and desolated again and again, especially Taijasa, as per our daily experiences.


texts: Influence of the classical Upanishads on the belief of the maiority of contemporary Hindus

texts:
Nearly every book about the classical Upanishads emphasizes their importance for every Hindu. The Upanishads are considered part of Shruti.

My question asks for the relevance of the Upanishads for the religious belief of the majority of contemporary Hindus. Please note that my question refers to contemporary Hindus and to the majority.

I assume that most non-theistic passages of the Upanishads are too abstract and their basic terms like atman, brahman, vidya too sophisticated to play a decisive role for the religious belief of the majority.

In addition, I assume that the theistic myths from the Puranas, the bhakti way, and murti puja are much more relevant in daily life than the study of the Upanishads.

But because I do not live within any Hindu community I cannot check my assumptions.


texts: Does the individual soul actually feel pleasure or pain?

texts:
In Gita ch.13 v23 , the Lord says that the Supreme Purusha in this body is the upadrista (observer) , the anumanta (permitter) , bharta (supporter) and bhokta (the experiencer /  the one who experiences).

upadrashtaanumantaa cha bhartaa bhoktaa maheshvaraha |
paramaatmeti chaapyukto dehesmin purushaha paraha ||

Swami Chidbhananda, in his Gita commentary, explained the bhokta part by saying that the jivatman which is the reflection of the Supreme Lord, 'experiences' the insentient Prakriti. (In his Gita, it's ch.13 v22)
So does this mean the soul actually experiences, pleasure & pain?
Like when we feel sad, besides observing all the drama, does the soul also experience or feel sadness ... or ... experience/feel emotional & physical pain?


texts: At many places I have heard that lord shiva likes abhishekam so much and also he blesses the devotees with their desires. Why does shiva like abhishekam so much?


texts: Karma & Rebirth: If you're too attached to your pet and are reborn as that pet, what happens to your karma?

texts:
According to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam a.k.a Bhāgavata Purāṇa, King Bharata a.k.a Jaḍa Bharata was reborn as a deer at some point because he was too attached to the deer which he adopted when it was still very young:

  Although Bharata Mahārāja was very elevated, he fell down due to his attachment to a young deer. One day after Bharata Mahārāja had taken his bath as usual in the river Gaṇḍakī and was chanting his mantra, he saw a pregnant deer come to the river to drink water. Suddenly there could be heard the thundering roar of a lion, and the deer was so frightened that it immediately gave birth to its calf. It then crossed the river, but died immediately thereafter. Mahārāja Bharata took compassion upon the motherless calf, rescued it from the water, took it to his āśrama and cared for it affectionately. He gradually became attached to this young deer and always thought of it affectionately. As it grew up, it became Mahārāja Bharata’s constant companion, and he always took care of it. Gradually he became so absorbed in thinking of this deer that his mind became agitated. As he became more attached to the deer, his devotional service slackened. Although he was able to give up his opulent kingdom, he became attached to the deer. Thus he fell down from his mystic yoga practice. Once when the deer was absent, Mahārāja Bharata was so disturbed that he began to search for it. While searching and lamenting the deer’s absence, Mahārāja Bharata fell down and died. Because his mind was fully absorbed thinking of the deer, he naturally took his next birth from the womb of a deer. However, because he was considerably advanced spiritually, he did not forget his past activities, even though he was in the body of a deer. He could understand how he had fallen down from his exalted position, and remembering this, he left his mother deer and again went to Pulaha-āśrama. He finally ended his fruitive activities in the form of a deer, and when he died he was released from the deer’s body.

There are several things that don't add up in this story. Namely:

The story seems to suggest that your final thoughts play such a crucial role that nothing else matters. Then whatever happens to your past karma and karma of your most recent life?
In the final moment, if you think of money and gold you have accumulated all your life, will you be born in to a wealthy family? And if you die thinking of a close relative (a human), you'll be reborn as a human being again?
So according to Hindu scripture, you can be born as a deer in at least two ways: a) constantly thinking about deer -or- b) committing a sin that would cause you to be born as a deer. Correct?

Given all the above inconsistencies, is the story meant to be taken literally or was it merely written to convey a message?

P.S.
- Related but not duplicate: What happens to a person's Karma if he attains salvation at the time of his death?
- Please don't answer citing blogs or Wikipedia.


texts: What scriptures did people follow before Dwapara Yuga?

texts:
Bhagavad Gita was told by Krishna to Arjuna in Dwapara Yuga. Since then Bhagavad Gita is followed by many and is an important scripture.

But what did the people follow before Dwapara Yuga when the Bhagavad Gita wasn't there?


texts: What is the story of Krishna rescuing kings abducted by Shakuni's uncle Nagnajit?

texts:
In this chapter of the Udyoga Parva of the Mahabharata, Arjuna delivers a message to Duryodhana, urging him to reach a peaceful resolution to avert the impending war.  Arjuna says that if they go to war, the Pandavas will surely win because they have Krishna on their side.  He recounts the wondrous deeds of Krishna:

[T]hat Vasudeva, viz., who having mowed down in battle by main force all the royal warriors of the Bhoja race, had carried off on a single car Rukmini of great fame for making her his wife; and by her was afterwards born Pradyumna of high soul. It was this favourite of the gods, who, having speedily smashed the Gandharas and conquered all the sons of Nagnajit, forcibly liberated from confinement king Sudarsana of great energy.

I discuss Krishna's so-called "kidnapping" of Rukmini here, but my question is, what is the story of Krishna rescuing the king Sudarshana from "the Gandharas and ... the sons of Nagnajit"?  The only Nagnajit I'm familiar with is the king who was the father of Krishna's queen Satya, but this book says that this is a different Nagnajit:

This Nagnajit was a king of Gandhara and had imprisoned Sudarshana and other kings.  Krishna liberated them.  There is yet another Nagnajit, who was king of Koshala.  Krishna married his daughter Satya.

And indeed, this chapter of the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata mentions a king of Gandhara named Nagnajit:

Then was born the disciple of Prahlada, viz., Nagnajit, and also Suvala. And from Suvala was born a son, Sakuni, who from the curse of the gods became the slayer of creatures and the foe of virtue. And unto him was also born a daughter (Gandhari), the mother of Duryodhana.

So that makes Nagnajit Shakuni's uncle.  In any case, why did Nagnajit kidnap a bunch of kings, and how did Krishna get involved in freeing them?
Are there any other scriptures that discuss this?
EDIT: Nagnajit of Gandhara is also mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana of the Rig Veda, see my question here.


texts:
Gayatri mantra starts with "Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ". It praises god Savitr (Sun God) for illuminating worlds Bhu (Earth), Bhuva, Svah (Svarga).

We all know that , there are seven lokas above earth as enumerated below :-

Bhu (Our Earth)
Bhuva
Svah (Svarga/Heaven)
Mahar Loka
Jana Loka
Tapa Loka
Satya Loka (Abode of Brahma)

Why Sun god just illuminates only three upper lokas(planes)? Why didn't they mention other Lokas?

I completely understand, there can be different interpretations for the very same words. For example, they translate Bhu, Bhuvah and Svah as :-

Bhu - Embodiment of Vital Spiritual Energy (Pran)
Bhuvah - Destroyer of Sufferings
Svah - Embodiment of Happiness

But Vedas contains multiple layers for very same words, I believe there is something in first interpretation too.


texts: What is the purpose of personal life if one inevitably winds up undoing his carma and personality to merge with the absolute?

texts:
The purpose of life according to most hindu and vedic traditions is liberation from rebirth. But ultimately this just seems like going back to square one in every sense.
How is it possible then that beings like Krishna and Rama have been born and reborn despite being fully realised and free from carma.

Most hindu people live life with a goal of not living again. This seems extremely contradictory in every way especially also in the light of bhagavad gita where the main instruction is to live life and act  without pertaining to the fruit of action. But freedom from rebirth and merging with the absolute is again a fruit of action one can be attached to.


texts:
I heard several times of the word Vibrations what does it mean?

People say, some temples like Tirumala, Srikalahasthi etc are so powerful because of the vibrations present there. What does it mean?

What are vibrations and what is their significance?
Can vibrations be created by chanting mantras, realizing the self, thinking about God etc?
How can these vibrations protect us?


texts: The various commentators of the Shad Darshan system make references to the Charvakas and the Lokayatas.  These two groups seem to have been the Materialists and Naturalists of ancient India.  I think that there may have even been a third group termed the "Nihilists" (doctrine that human life is meaningless).  I don't know the Sanskrit term for the Nihilists.  At any rate, all three groups are vilified by the proponents of the six classical schools in the Shad Darshan system.  Did any of these marginal and atheistic groups play a positive role in the development of classical Hinduism?


texts:
According to the chapter three of the Todalatantra, the eight forms of Devi Kalika are 1. Dakshinakali, 2. Siddhakali, 3.Guhyakali, 4.Srikali, 5.Bhadrakali, 6.Chamundakali, 7. Smashankali and 8.Mahakali.

The descriptions of all but Srikali is available. Can anyone provide the details of Srikali?


texts: Why we don't eat non-veg, don't intake liquor and some people don't shave while Shravan Maas?

texts:
I'm confused that why we don't eat non-veg, don't intake liquor and some people don't shave while Shravan Maas?

What is the relation of not eating non-veg in Shravan Maas?
What is the relation of not intaking liquor in Shravan Maas?
What is the relation of not shaving in Shravan Maas?


texts: Why is Lord Surya also called Suryanarayana?

texts: Narayana (Nara+Aayna) is the one who rests on water. But why is this Narayana, epithet of Lord Vishnu, used as suffix for Lord Surya, the Sun God? Is there any story behind this name?


texts:
It creates lot of confusion when incarnation has the same name. For example, Laxmi was daugther of Khyati and also emerged from Samudra manthana; Daksha was son of Brahma and later became son of Prachetas too; Braham was born from golden egg but in one kalpa emerged from lotus of Vishnu's navel; Vishnu is from Trimurthi gods but his incarnation Vamana also shares the same name Vishnu (Krishna also shares few names of Vishnu such as Vasudeva, Madhava). Now many related stories differ a lot, for example, name and number of Daksha's daughters and their further progeny.
Is there any text that describes creation stories in chronological order? There is no beginning point as such because time is cyclic but is there any text that describes stories of current Kalpa or current manvantra at-least.


texts: Why did Hanuman say that he can't liberate himself from Indrajit's Brahmastra?

texts:
When Indrajit fired Brahmastra towards Hanuman, Hanuman say he has no capacity to liberate himself from Brahmastra. Here is the quote from Sundara Kanda Sarga 48.

"I have no capacity to liberate from the bondage of the missile due to
the power of Brahma the father of the world. Thus knowing the bondage,
through the missile presided over by Brahma the self-born creator
imposed by the enemy, it must be obeyed by me."

But just before Hanuman entered Lanka, Jambavanta reminded him that Brahma gave him a boon of indestructibility from any kind of missile. This is what Jambavanta told to Hanuman as per Kishkinda Kanda Sarga 66.

"Oh, chivalric warrior at war, while the Air-god is being supplicated,
oh, dear boy, Brahma gave you a boon decreeing your 'indestructibility
by any missile...'

So inspite of having a boon of not getting harmed by any weapons, why Hanuman said he has no capacity to liberate himself from Brahmastra?


texts: Which parts of Virāṭ Purūṣa are constituted by Varṇa Saṃkara-s & Mlechcha-s?

texts:
The famous Purūṣa Sukta mentions how all Varṇa-s are constituted by the Purūṣa,

The Brahmana (spiritual wisdom and splendour) was His mouth; the Kshatriya (administrative and military prowess) His arms became. His thighs were the Vaisya (commercial and business enterprise); of His feet the Sudra (productive and sustaining force) was born...

I tend to maintain that the mouth, arms, thighs & feet are Sattwa, Rajas, Rajas+Tamas & Tamas respectively because Vedas do talk about causes with language of their effects as commented upon by Adi Śankara in Brahman Sutra, so it's possible this verse implying the same. If it is so, then the question is answered but its' my own interpretation which might go wrong, So I am looking for the answer from scriptures, seers, ācāryā-s, etc.
So, the questions remains — Since everything sprung from the same Purūṣa, from which part did Varṇa Saṃkara-s & Mlechcha-s spring forth?


texts: Can anyone identify as to the scripture in which Sri Sankara stated sloka?

texts:
The following is from Letters from Sri Ramanasramam.
Sri Ramana Maharshi quoted therein a sloka from Sri Adi Sankara.

Can anyone identify as to the scripture in which Sri Sankara stated so?


texts: Are Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi different goddesses?

texts:
Lakshmi has a history from early scriptures and eventually became Vishnu's consort in the Puranic period.  She seems to have become subservient to Vishnu after that.  So much so that one of the sub-sects of Iyengar Vaishnavites regards her as a Jivatma, if I am not mistaken.

http://advaitham.org/who-is-mahalakshmi

this site says
'Mahalakshmi is the supreme Deity Who is also known as Tripura Sundari or Sri Vidya or Lalithambika or Lalitha. Mahalakshmi is the confluence of Lakshmi (satvic), Saraswathi (rajasik) and Kali (tamasik) powers. Here, the term “Maha” is not an adjective used for the noun “Lakshmi”.'


texts: What do hindus think about parbrahm or brahman/parabrahm? Why don't they directly pray to parbrahm?

texts:
I am a Sikh by birth and also by choice, having read many scriptures.
Although I consider gurbani as my sole and soul guide, I am also pretty impressed by vedantic philosophy and upanishads, which in my understanding are very close to philosophy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

We Sikhs believe in Parbrahm whom we call waheguru or Akaal purakh (timeless being).
Gurbani also says that Parbrahm = Allah = Waheguru, and is known in gurbani by many adjective names like Karunakar (merciful), Deen dayal (merciful to poor), Bhagat vachhal (protector of his devotees), Raheem (merciful), Rehman, Kareem, and so on.

I also got to know that Hindu brothers also worship one god in many forms, but is it really so in practical life?

Because whenever I ask a vaishnav he says Vishnu ji is supreme most (parbrahm),
if I ask a shaiva, he says Shivji is supreme most.

But I never saw a hindu who directly worships parbrahm (via meditation on name).
Why is a deity always required? Be it Sri Ram, Sri Krishna, gods, and goddesses.

No offense intended. I am just wondering what hindu brothers think of parbrahm, because gurbani calls it the only adorable worthy of worshipping and utter dedication. And calls it alone Hari, Raam (pervading), Narayan (abode of all creatures), Nirankar, Madhava, and so on.


texts: Where does the Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana state that it is the best among the 18 main Puranas?

texts:
The importance of the Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana can be ascertained from the following two passages:

  The Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, also known as Devi Purana, was composed
  into 12 chapters, containing 18000 verses by the great Veda Vyasa.
  Though classified as an upa-purana it is the only purana Vedavyasa
  called “Maha Purana” meaning the great purana. At the end of each
  chapter of the 18 main puranas or the upa puranas is the verse “This
  is the end of the fifth section of the Vishnu Purana”, or “Thus ends
  the first chapter of Ganesha Purana Upasanakhanda called “The
  Description of Somakanta”. Where as in the Devi Bhagavatam it is
  clearly – “Thus ends the eighth chapter of the first Skandha in the
  Mahapurâna Srimad Devî Bhâgavatam of 18,000 verses by Maharsi
  Vedavyâsa”

Source-Astrojyoti.com(Translation of Devi Purana by Swami Vijyananda)

  The unfolding  of  the subject matter was  that of Devi Bhagavata
  Purana, originally recited by Krishna Dvaipayana Maharshi Veda Vyasa,
  who described it as Maha Purana, elevating its status above the
  Eighteen Main Puranas, viz. Agni Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Bhavishya
  Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Brahma  Vivarta Purana,
  Garuda Purana, Kurma Purana, Linga Purana, Matysa Purana, Markandeya
  Purana, Narada Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Siva Purana,
  Vamana Purana, Varaha Purana, and Vishnu Purana.

Source-The preface of the book "Essence of the Devi Bhagvatam" hosted by Kamakoti.org.

My Question-Is it explicitly stated in Devi Bhagvata Mahapurna itself that it is the best among the 18 main Puranas?If so where?


texts: Significance of Parrot, Khadga etc in the hands of Matangi

texts:
Whats the significance of Parrot, Khadga and Veena and naarakapaala in the hands of  Ucchista ChandAli MAtangi.
Who is the Upasakar of this devi ?whether these people ONLY chant dhyanams of Goddess Matangi Devi ?
OR
is it mandatory that, we need to go for sreevidya upasana to reach the stage of performing upasana of Matangi, only after Kaali,Tara,Bhuvaneswari,Shodashi etc .. in order to reach this 9th Goddess.
in one of the mantras of HER,its given "namo bhagavati... chandali" and i read somewhere in web that, as "namo bhagavati... chandaliNI"
which one is correct ?


texts: Is the dharma of giving/offering own wife to others is relative with time?

texts:
There are four yugas: Satya Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, Treta Yuga, Kali Yuga.

It is well known that dharma is relative w.r.t. the time. Many dharmas which are valid in one yuga may not be valid for the other. Inorder to remove the ambiguity, dharma sastras and other scriptures come into the picture.

With this context, I got the following doubt.

I read one story of Oghavati from Mahabharata, and words of Rama from Ramayana.

Observe the following lines by Sudarsana:

  The son of Agni, O king, said to Oghavati,--Do thou never act contrary
  to (the wishes of) those that seek our hospitality. Thou shouldst make
  no scruple about the means by which guests are to be welcomed, even if
  thou have to offer thy own person.

  [SECTION II, Anusasanika Parva, The Mahabharata]

Similarly observe the following lines by Rama:

  "O gracious lady! Therefore, this has been spoken by me today, with a
  resolved mind. Set you mind on Lakshmana or Bharata, as per your ease.
  O Seetha! Otherwise, set your mind either on Shatrughna or on Sugreeva
  or on Vibhishana the demon; or according to your own comfort."

  [22-23, Sarga 115, Yuddha Kanda , Valmiki Ramayana]

and also these lines by him:

  "Without being asked, I myself would have gladly offered even Sita
  with kingdom, even my life, loved ones and wealth."

  [7, Chapter 19, Ayodhya Kanda, Valmiki Ramayana]

It is well known that Ramayana happened during Treta Yuga and the story of Oghavati happened mostly before Dwapara Yuga.

Even it seems to be extreme step in those yugas also. It was still treated as dharma during those days.

Is that dharma of giving/offering own wife to others is invalid in Kali yuga according to scriptures? If yes, which scripture mentions about relativity of this particular dharma?


texts: Does the karma from the previous life affects the current life?

texts:
I was reading this post recently where @jabahar explains about Are people always reborn as people? where user answers as —

  Depending upon karma a jivatma (spirit) may reborn in the body of
  other animals. As per Shrimad Bhgagavatam:

  bhūtāni tais tair nija-yoni-karmabhir bhavanti kāle na bhavanti
  sarvaśaḥ [SB - 7.2.41]

  In course of time every being receives a material body as per his
  corresponding actions.

So I got that we can be incarnated as any species but does the karma of previous life affect the new life?

The question I asked is because some people say that we pay for our sins in the same life, so if this is true than why we are reincarnated based on karma as we have already paid for our bad deeds in the same life?

Also, if karma of past life isn't considered than why people have troubles with their lives because on the other hand people say you are getting troubles in this life because you did something bad in the past life?

I also read about How exactly does karma work but I am syncing the two major aspects i.e karma and rebirth.


texts: I somewhere heard that same gothras cannot get married. I have a friend who belongs to the gothras Srivatsa loved a boy of gothra Bhargavasa. Is there any possibility that both gothras are same but have different names?


texts:
Are there any Mantra, prayer for Good Health of Eyes, Ear, Body_Parts, overall good-health, good nutrition of Body..

I tried to search, but all I could find was Mantras for Long life..
What is the point long life without Good health..


texts: I am confused between two shlokas of the Bhagvad Geeta, Bg 9.23 & Bg 9.25

texts:
I am confused between two shlokas of the Bhagvad Geeta, namely Bg 9.23 & Bg 9.25. The first is:

ये ऽप्य् अन्य-देवता-भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः ते ऽपि माम् एव
क्औन्तेय यजन्त्य् अविधि-पूर्वकम्
ye ’py anya-devatā-bhaktā
yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ
te ’pi mām eva kaunteya
yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam -- Bg 9.23
Krishna said Those who are devotees of other gods and who worship them
with faith actually worship only Me, O son of Kuntī, but they do so in
a wrong way.

The other is:

यान्ति देव-व्रता देवान् पितॄन् यान्ति पितृ-व्रताः भूतानि यान्ति
भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्-याजिनो ऽपि माम्
yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām -- Bg 9.25
Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods;
those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship
ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who
worship Me will live with Me.

My Question is, if devotees of other gods worship them with faith actually worship Lord Krishna, according to Bg 9.23, why does verse Bg 9.25 say those who worship demigods or others take birth among them and not live with Lord Krishna?
Please clarify if I am wrong in understading these two slokas.


texts: In garbha upanishad, in what way the seven types of colors were classified? And what are the significant of it?

texts:
In garbha upanishad it says,

  the colors are basically of seven types viz., white, red, black, smoky gray, yellow and golden white.”

What are these seven types? How these are categories in 7 types?


texts: How did rishi Bhringi take birth with 3 legs?

texts:
There are many sculptures of rishi Bhringi in temples of South India; which show he has 3 legs. Is there any scriptural basis that he had 3 legs by birth or did he get them after birth?
Here are some pictures of sculptures:


texts: Where do the Puranas say the Earth goes above Devaloka?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.) But the Vedanta school didn't always have the dominant position in Hindu philosophy; before the time of Adi Shankaracharya the dominant school of Hindu philosophy was the Purva Mimamsa school, which I discuss here. In contrast to the Vedanta school which is devoted to analyzing the Jnana Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Upanishads, Purva Mimamsa focused on analyzing the Karma Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Samhitas and Brahmanas.
Now as I discuss in this question, in this excerpt from Jaimini's Purva Mimamsa Sutras, the defining text of the Purva Mimamsa school, Jaimini discusses the question of whether Sanskrit words used in the Vedas have the same meaning that they have in ordinary usage, or whether they mean something entirely different.  The Purvapakshin or opponent makes the argument that they have a different meaning, on the basis of the following quotation:

Uttana vai devagava vahanti
Cows that belong to the deities move on their backs

This statement appears in the Apastamba Shrauta Sutras, but in this question I argue that it must have originally come from the Vedas.  In any case, the argument is that the word cow as it is used in the Vedas refers to an animal which walks on its back, whereas in ordinary discourse the word cow refers to an animal that walks on its feet.  Jaimini refutes this by saying that this quote is an Arthavada.  For those who don't know, the Purva Mimamsa school believed that the Vedas consist primarily of two kinds of statements, Vidhis or injunctions concerning Dharma, and Arthavadas or statements that were just intended to glorify the actions prescribed in the Vedas.  The Purva Mimamsa school even classified the Upanishads' statements about Brahman as Arthavada, as I discuss here and here.  So Jaimini thinks that the statement about cows of the gods were just intended to glorify some action, perhaps Yagnas did in honour of the gods.
But in this excerpt from Kumarila Bhatta's Tantra Vartika, a commentary on Purva Mimamsa Sutras, Kumarila Bhatta gives an alternative interpretation of the quote, namely that it refers to how as the Earth makes its revolution, sometimes it appears to the residents of Devaloka like the ordinary cows that are on Earth are upside down:

Or, the passage [of the Purva Mimamsa Sutras] may refer to the fact that it is the ordinary cows of the Earth that are referred to in this [Vedic] passage, as appearing to walk on their backs, owing to the revolutions of the Earth together with all the three worlds, as described in the Puranas.  That is to say, just as we see the gods above us, so too, when in the course of revolution the Earth reaches a point above the abode of the gods, they see the things on the Earth as above them; hence, it is only natural that to them the cows walking on the Earth should appear to be walking on their backs.

Kumarila Bhatta, by the way, was the guru of  Mandana Mishra, the Purva Mimamsaka whom Adi Shankaracharya defeated in a debate as I discuss here.  And apparently Kumarila Bhatta is considered by some to be an incarnation of Shiva's son Kartikeya, aka Skanda or Muruga.
But my question isn't about Kumarila Bhatta and his interpretation, but rather his statement that "the revolutions of the Earth together with all the three worlds" are described in the Puranas.  My question is, where do the Puranas describe the revolutions of the three worlds?  And does the Earth ever "reach[] a point above the abode of the gods" as Kumarila Bhatta says?
The Brahmanda Purana may be a good place to start, since I recall it having a lot of information about Hindu cosmology.


texts: Is underage sex for pleasure considered bad?

texts:
Do Hindu scriptures consider engaging in sex for pleasure an evil malpractice when the persons involved are juvenile?

If not, why does the orthodox Indian/Hindu community believe so?


texts:
What are the significant points that can be captured from the teachings of Sri Shankaracharya and Sri Madvacharya.

Are these concepts purely philosophical or are they religious?

If they are religious, what are they derived from?


texts: Existence of mantras that does not need concentration for attaining siddhi

texts:
Mantras are of different kinds.
Some mantras can be uttered loudly and some can be done by internal monologue.
But are there any mantras that can be either uttered or chanting inside, but gives siddhi by mere chanting without any concentration or increasing love towards deity?
Note that all other requisites are satisfied.


texts:
As said in some puranas and in this question, Hanuman will become the next Bramha. Also, as we all know, Bramha's wife, or to be exact,shakti,is Saraswati. Now, the shakti provides power to their respective husbands. In Bramha's case, his shakti is very important as Saraswati provides the knowledge and creativity needed for creation.

However, since Hanuman is a bachelor,he would not marry Saraswati. Hence, will she still exist in the future?

Morever, without her, he would lack the knowledge and creativity needed for him to creation. Plus, he would not have power/energy without a shakti and may cease to exist to. Besides, even Mahadeva (greatest of the gods) requires his shakti to function. Thus will Hanuman be able to create the universe?


texts: Liberation according to dual (Dvait) or semi dual (Vishishta Advait) schools is temporary?

texts:
Short Question (or say subset of below longer question - Just to make long question easier to understand) -

Will Vaikuntha be ever over populated by liberated souls? If not, Lord Vishnu is not benevolent as some poor souls will never get Moksha which is cosmic injustice. If yes, how will he deal with such situation?

Note -
Replace Vaikuntha with any other permanent physical place where you believe you will reside permanently after getting Moksha and Lord Vishnu with any God with whom you believe you are gonna live forever.

Long Question -

There are only three non dual schools of thoughts namely Sāntabrahmavāda (Sankara Vedanta), Ishvarādvayavāda (Kashmiri Shaivism) & Shuddhadvaita. In all these systems, liberation is assimilation of empirical self into universal self (in simple terms). Therefore, there is no empirical self or monad exists after liberation, it's identity is with universal consciousness only after liberation.
Apart from these 3 systems, all systems are either semi dual or dual. According to these systems, empirical self isn't assimilated into universal consciousness rather exists even after liberation although in purer & bliss form.
My question is from later systems of thoughts -

There are infinite creations.
Because there are infinite creations, every individual empirical self is destined to get liberated. If it isn't, God is not benevolent. But God is benevolent therefore every individual self surely attains liberation in some point in time however very long.
Once liberated individual self won't take birth once again, otherwise what use of liberation?
From 2, there would be a point of time when all individuals souls would be liberated however may be so long.
Now after point 4 is accomplished, on what basis creation would be accomplished?,
If answers are one among -
New individual self would be created. Then on what basis? Even if we accept they are created somehow then it would imply the increasing number of individual selves, which leads to infinite number of individual selves at some point of time!!!
Same individual selves will again take part in creation & will take births. If it is then what is the use of liberation? Doesn't it imply liberation according to these systems are temporary only.


texts: How many types of idols are there in temples?

texts: We can see a lot of type of idols in different temples. Can we categorized it  ? Also how many types of idols are there? Explanation with pictures will be perfect.


texts: Ability to give 'Shraap' (curse) is a type of Siddhi or what?

texts: The answer to this question describes the various siddhis that are achieved when one attains turiya but my question is whether the ability to give shraap (curse, श्राप) is also a type of Siddhi attained or is it something totally different altogether?


texts: Timing of Mahabharata writing? Was it written after or before the war?

texts:
Mahabharata with narration of events from Snake Sacrifice and Vaishampayana's narration of Mahabharata. He heard that from Vyasa before.
So, Mahabharata includes the flashback of Mahabharata. The question is,

was Mahabharata written after Kurukshetra war? If so, huge did that story include snake sacrifice details?
was it written well before the events...may be when Vyasa was young and arranged Vedas. And, at that time he (using his powers) wrote what's going to happen in future?
or, any other time?

Any references on the timing of the composition event (in relation to Vyasa's life and events in Mahabharata) where Brahma adviced Vyasa to ask Ganesha and Ganesh wrote this?


texts: Why do Bramha sutras say that Shudras cannot listen to Vedas?

texts:
Bramahasutras mention that it is forbidden for Shudras to listen to Vedic Mantras.
Any specific reason for this?


texts: Why should we not hang the photos of the living people on the south side wall?

texts:
MY Parents refuse to allow photos hangings on the south direction of the room. Why is it so?
does hindu scriptures forbids it?
Thanks.


texts: What is the story of the son of Ravana who was a devotee of Narayana?

texts:
I recently saw an episode of TV Serial 'Siya Ke Ram' and there it showed that there was a son of Ravana apart from the common ones we know. I am not sure of his name but it was shown that he was a devotee of Narayana (Lord Vishnu) and Ravana earlier kept him in a secluded place and forcing him not to worship Narayana. But later, Ravana offers him that if he fights against Lord Rama then he will be allowed to worship Narayana. Son accepts the offer and goes to fight again Lord Rama. What comes next is yet to be seen in further episodes.

I want to know whether this story is described in Valmiki's Ramayana. If not then where is this story covered. What is the actual story of this incident according to the scriptures.


texts: Why Vrishketu not ascended the throne of Hastinapur

texts: Karna was elder brother of Pandavas. As per the ancient Indian monarchial system, eldest son has a right over throne of his father. Vrishketu was the only son of Karna survived after Mahabharat war and real owner of throne. So why he didn't get the throne?


texts: Was verse 3.7.2 of Brihadaranyaka upanishad, a forerunner to Sri Krishna's statement in BG?

texts:
The verse 3.7.2 of Brihadaranyaka upanishad says :

  He said, 'Vayu, O Gautama, is that Sutra. Through this Sutra or Vayu
  this and the next life and all beings are held together. Therefore, O
  Gautama, when a man dies, they say that his limbs have been loosened,
  for they are held together, O Gautama, by the Sutra or Vayu'.'Quite
  so, Yajnavalkya. Now describe the Internal Ruler'.

It says vAyu binds all being together indicating vAyu a Cosmic Spirit or God.

Vayu is called Brahman in Shanti Mantra - Namo brahmane namaste vaayo twameva pratyaksham Brahmaasi.

Sri Krishna says in BG 7.7 as follows:

  मत्त: परतरं नान्यत्किञ्चिदस्ति धनञ्जय | मयि सर्वमिदं प्रोतं सूत्रे
  मणिगणा इव ||

  There is nothing higher than myself, O Arjun. Everything rests in me,
  as beads strung on a thread.

My question is whether verse 3.7.2 of Brihadaranyaka upanishad, a forerunner to Sri Krishna's statement in verse 7.7 of BG?


texts:
As we all know, the Brahmanas of the Vedas describe rituals to attain to the post of various deities through the performance of Yagas(or Yajñas) among other things.

The most famous of these is the one where the fruit is the post of Indra, with the prescribed ritual being the Ashwamedha Yagna performed a hundred times. The deities such as Indra, Brahma, etc,. are part of the world cycle cosmogeny and have finite lifespans (though it seems infinite in comparison to short human lives).

My Question is as follows: Do any of the scriptures talk about the ritual(s) to be followed to attain to the Post of Brahma?


texts: Is there a scriptural statement anywhere elevating Rig Veda Samhita over the rest of Shruti?

texts: From what I understand there is a lot of overlap between Rig Veda Samhita and the other Vedas.  Atharva Veda is considered a late addition to the Vedic corpus.  At least linguistically, Rig Veda Samhita is the oldest Hindu scripture (although other works occasionally have older material).


texts: Where is the Sharavali river that Sugriva gave directions from?

texts:
In the Kishkindha Kanda of the Ramayana, Sugriva sends Vanaras in all four directions to look for Sita.  He describes the locations they’ll come across when they go in these directions in this chapter and subsequent chapters of the Kishkindha Kanda.  Now scholars have noted that these are not directions relative to Kishkindha.  Govindaraja, the Sri Vaishnava commentator on the Ramayana, gives more specificity on what place these directions are in relation to.  Here is what page 299 of this book says:

  [Different commentators] all try to establish a center in relation to which these geographical locations may be considered east.  They choose a middle country, the Aryavarta, “abode of Aryans”, lying between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas.  But they give no north-south Axis. [Govindaraja] even describes a river named Sharavali, which flows like a bracelet between those two mountain ranges, and names that as the center.

My question is, what is the Sharavali river mentioned by Govindaraja?  Are there any circular rivers today that flow between the Himalayas and Vindhyas?


texts: Do the mleccha civilizations become stronger than the vedic civilization in kali yuga?

texts:
Does Hindu scripture say that Hindus will become weaker compared to the mleccha races/civilizations in kali yuga?

The puranas and itihasas say that when sattva guna is prominent in the universe, the devas and rishis become strong. When rajo guna is prominent, the asuras and nagas become strong. And when tamo guna is prominent, rakshasas and pisachas become strong (and the others become weak and powerless). Does this same concept apply to different human races? Like are mlecchas more prosperous and stronger in kali yuga, whereas the vedic civilization is stronger in satya yuga?

Do scriptures say that the mleccha civilizations will outperform Hindu civilization in kali yuga, the time of mlecchas?


texts: Wish to Circumambulate Around Mt. Kailash

texts:
I wish to circumambulate around Mount Kailash on foot. This is roughly 33 miles of mountaineous terrain.

Many people do this for spiritual reasons, i.e circumambulate once to wash away your sins, circumambulate 108 times to attain nirvana.

I just want to circumambulate around Mount Kailash because I want to.

What type of training do I require? I understand this can take years, even decades.

Some information about me.

lady in mid-30s (people swear I am in early 20s)
5'4", 140lbs (last time I weighed myself was Jan 2016)
mostly eat fruits, veggies, fiber
exercise 4 to 5 days a week, perform Surya Namaskar (started with 3 reps in Summer 2015, I'm up to 69 reps now, goal to reach 108 reps by end of 2017), plus light weights


texts: Where in the Shiva Purana does Lord Shiva say " ekam prasamshati yastu sarvAneva prasamshati...."?

texts:
Supposedly, in the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva says to Goddess Parvati the following verse:

  Ekam prasamshati yastu sarvAneva prasamshati | Ekam nindati yasteshAm
  sarvAneva vinindati ||

  Meaning

  One who praises one, praises all and one who censures one thereby
  censures all.

The context here is of condemning Iswara Ninda ( that is condemning the act of criticism of God).

I want to know where exactly in the Shiva Purana is this verse found.

If by chance it is not there in the Shiva Purana, then the follow up question is- Which scripture contains it?


texts:
In the 'Ganapati Atharva Sheersha', these shlokas describe him as --

  एकदन्तं चतुर्हस्तं पाशमङ्कुशधारिणम् ।
  रदं च वरदं हस्तैर्बिभ्राणं मूषकध्वजम् ॥
  रक्तं लम्बोदरं शूर्पकर्णकं रक्तवाससम् ।
  रक्तगन्धानुलिप्ताङ्गं रक्तपुष्पैस्सुपूजितम् ॥

Here, "रक्तवाससम्" means He is wearing Red Garments (Rakta Vasam).

In the Aarti (Marathi) by Samartha Ramdas Swami, it is described as --

  लंबोदर पीतांबर फणिवरवंदना|
  सरळ सोंड वक्रतुंड त्रिनयना|
  दास रामाचा वाट पाहे सदना|
  संकटी पावावे निर्वाणी रक्षावे सुरवरवंदना|

"पीतांबर" means yellow garment.

Since both the sources are authentic, I am in a dilemma as to which color should be taken into consideration.
Any hint?


texts: Should we try to act in Sattva Guna or Transend Gunas?

texts: Isn't acting in Sattva Guna not enough? Bhagavadgita (14.20) says one must transcend all Gunas. How do we transcend Gunas and why should we transcend even pure Sattva Guna?? How can we transend and how does it look like?


texts: what does being maanglik means. Is it bad or good?

texts: I want to know if a person is maanglik(a person with kuja doṣa), is it a good sign or bad. If bad, what problems one will face in life?


texts: What is the glory of hymn of shiva in spiritual life?

texts: What is the glory of hymn of Shiva in spiritual life ?


texts: What is the Vedic definition of Sannyasa?

texts: As I've heard,according to the Vedas, sannysa, the fourth Vedic ashrama, is to follow vanaprastha, the 3rd Vedic ashrama, and meant to attain moksha. Thus, the right definition of snnyasa seems to be the renunciation of the world, and so a true sannyasin is expected to be lost in deep meditation in a solitary mountain cave or a dense-forest retreat till death. Nevertheless, Adi Shankara, Vivekananda, etc. Great sannyasins are known Not to have renounced the worldly life. Vivekananda also defined sannyasa as ' the love of life ' and thus justified a sannyasin's stay among worldly people, leading a worldly life and enjoyment of almost all pleasures of life. Thus, I feel most confused. I'm curious to know the Right Vedic definition of sannyasa.


texts: Can I perform Puja in home during menstruation of anyone in my home?

texts:
I would like to know whether I can perform Puja to Lord Shiva during menstruation period of my sister in my home?

I think, she cannot perform Puja but what about myself being a male member in her family?


texts: What language did people at the time of Ramayana and Mahabharata use to communicate? Sanskrit?

texts:
What was the mode of communication among the people at the time of Ramayana and Mahabharata? Was it Sanskrit?

Did Krishna, Pandavas and Kauravas (who I think had origins near the state of Bihar, where Bihari is now the official language) also spoke Sanskrit?


texts: What happens if a person without Upanayana gets married?

texts:
In Brahmins community, it is said one have to attain Bramhachari by having Upanayana and later get into married life. Suppose what if the person never got Upanayana but married? Like run away from home and got love marriage even from the same community or different?
Is he considered to be out of Brahmins community? Can Upanayana be considered even after marriage?
Also how is this applicable with Vishwakarmas and other communities who follow similar Upanayana concept?


texts: Is Brahmi Script older than Devanagari Script? If yes, how this can be reconciled with ॐ Parvat?

texts:
Sanskrit Language is believed to have no written native script. History says Brahmi Script was used for Sanskrit Language during the reign of legendary Emperor Ashoka which was around 3rd century BC. But there are some claims that Brahmi script was even used before period of Ashoka.
Wiki says Nagari Script was developed from Brahmi scripts and Nagari Script is very similar to Devanagari. But Brahmi Script appears very different from Nagari script. See this page and this page and compare the scripts.
And ॐ (OM) Parvat is a mountain in Himalayas which is situated partially in India and Nepal. Snow clad OM parvat looks like Shabhda Brahman ॐ.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
OM symbol is generally written as ॐ in Devanagari. OM in OM Parvat is similar to "OM" of Nagari Script and Devanagari Script. Himalayas were formed 50 million years ago and so was the OM Parvat. Even according to Mythology, Himavat, personification of Himalayas and father of Parvati and Ganga was born at the beginning of Vaivasvara Manvantara as he was present during the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. So, OM Parvat was an ancient one.
So, Is Brahmi Script older than Devanagari Script? If yes, how this can be reconciled with OM Parvat? Is OM symbol same for all Scripts, which I think not correct? I asked a question how OM is represented in Brahmi Script here.


texts: Is Devika river mentioned in any Hindu scripture?

texts:
Devika river located in Udhumpur (J&K). There are many folk stories about it being Ganga's bigger sister and about getting a curse and boon.

In the burial place of Devak river, even bones of dead can't survive the fire, only ashes remains. And its said that the burial place of Devika river never remain empty and at-least one person's always comes everyday for burial and its part of that boon or curse. Even it is said to be cursed for being non popular. But I can't find any Purana/Veda or any scripture on this holy river.

Is there any scripture mentioning this holy river and about her curse and boon? And her relationship to Ganga?


texts:
Is human the ultimate species according to Hinduism? This is somewhat related to karma, hence is it considered ultimate to be reborn as a human?

An individual can be reborn as any species based on karma of his past life. So can we say that a person did good things in his previous life and hence, now he is a human?

Some people regret their lives because they think that they were bad in their past life and hence they got an avatar of human whereas on the other hand, people pray god for giving them a life of human.

Also, when an individual does good things, he attains Moksha, but immediately before he attains that, is there any other species he lives the life of instead of a human? Or is it that he attains moksha from any life form?


texts: What word from Hindu scripture translates to "demi-god"?

texts:
The most obvious candidate "deva" is now an English word and needs no translation:

Merriam Webster:

  Definition of deva plural -s : a divine being or god in Hinduism and Buddhism

From wiki,

  This is a list of notable offspring of a deity with a mortal, in mythology and modern fiction. Such entities are sometimes referred to as demigods, although the term "demigod" can also refer to a minor deity, or great mortal hero with god-like valour and skills, who sometimes attains divine status after death.[citation needed]

Since "demigod" is practically never used in Hinduism for mortal heroes - it seems have devolved into a term of denigration (minor deity) used primarily by Hare Krishnas whose works have "demigod" strewn everywhere.

Is this term of any value to translate Hindu scriptures for Hindus?


texts: Did Nakula and Sahadeva really treat Karna after donating his armour?

texts:
Star Plus Mahabharat (S20 E7) shows that when Karna is in a lot of pain after cutting off his armour and ear-rings and donating them to Indra, Nakula and Sahadeva cure him of his wounds. Karna then regains consciousness.

Is this story found in Vyasa Mahabharata?


texts:
Everyone says that the prime holy book of Hindus is Vedas but if it is true then why Hindus take oath on Gita, and why not on Vedas?

Is there any other reason for taking oaths on Gita? or Veda is not the prime holy book?