texts: Can a 24 year old renounce the material world and live a life solely dedicated to realization of God through meditation?

texts:
I'm going through a really dark phase in my life and I constantly think about killing myself. However, I don't want to repeat the cycle of life-death and so on. And I believe, suicide is an action that will definitely impact my karma and put me in the lower realms of the journey to enlightenment.

I've been through a lot and finally understood that desire is the cause of all worries and pain in this material world. I just want to "wake up" and free myself from this illusion. Therefore, I'm thinking of renouncing this material world, my family, relationships and live a life of deep meditation on the realization of God. Is this something that will be accepted by God? I know the path is not easy but I'd like to truly surrender unto God. I'm tired of living a meaningless life accumulating wealth, career and other material desires. I'd like to concentrate all my desires and thoughts to God selflessly. (no desire for moksha too.)


texts:
I have been gifted a statuette by a friend of mine, but based on my limited knowledge of the Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon, and their varied iconography, I have not been able to identify the deity.

I am fairly confident that it is of Indian origin. Here are pictures of it with and without flash:

I tried a reverse image search as well, but just came up with a generic search tagged as an "antique".


texts: Can anyone decipher the code in this text?

texts:
Recently I found an answer on this post, Scripture showing ways to summon Gandharva, Yaksha and Kinnar

  I have recently bought the KAmAkhyA Tantram. The 5th chapter of this text is called "Mohini VidyA". In that chapter Lord Shiva tells Goddess PArvati different Mantras and methods of "Mohana KAryas" or methods of attracting beings.

  There a Mantra is given that will attract every beings when mastered. It is capable of attracting (or summoning like you have said) Yakshas, deities, evil beings, human beings and everyone and even everything.

  The Mantra is given in a code (as is quite usual in the Tantras):

  ChaturthavarnamAkrishya dvitiya varga samsthitam |
  KritvA trividha hAhAntam tadante he dvitiyakam ||
  AmkAram shirasam kritva pratykshara prajApanam |
  SahsrArdhasya japena phalam bhavati shAshvatam ||

  In the above quote the first 3 lines are containing the Mantra in a hidden code which when decoded gives us a 8-lettered Mantra (which is not safe to give here).

  The line which is highlighted says that "Siddhi of the Mantra will be attained by 500 chants only."

  The utility or the power of the Mantra is given by Lord Shiva in the next verse:

  MAnushyAsuradevAshcha yakshoragarAkshasAh |
  SthAvarA jangamAishchava AkrishtA ste varAngane ||

  This attracting Mantra (Mohini VidyA) can attract human beings, demons, gods, Yakshas, NAgas, RAkshAs and everything movable and immovable.

I understand the code cannot be given in public, so if you know the answer we can chat in private elsewhere.


texts:
As I discuss in this question, every Brahmana is a descendant of sages, which is why every Gotra or clan of Brahmins has an associated list of Pravaras, a list of the sages they're descended from. For instance, I am a Brahmin belonging to Vadhula Gotra, and my Pravaras are "Bhargava, Vaitahavya, Savedasa", which means that I am descended from the sage Savedasa, who is a descendant of the sage Vitahavya (whom I discuss here), who is a descendant of the sage Bhrigu.  But Brahmanas are not the only ones with Gotra Pravaras; here is what the Baudhayana Shrauta Sutras say about the Pravaras for Kshatriyas and Vaishyas:

  Kshatriyas have a three-rishi (pravara) "Manava, Aida, Paururavasa" for the Hotri, "like Pururavas, Ida, Manu", for the Adhvaryu.  Vaishyas have a three-rishi (pravara) "Bhalandana, Vatsapra, Mankila" for the Hotri, "like Mankila, Vatsapri, Bhalandana" for the Adhvaryus.

Now the Pravaras for Kshatriyas make some measure of sense; you have Vaivasvata Manu, then Vaivasvata Manu's son/daughter Ila, and then Ila's son Pururavas who is the ancestor of lunar dynasty kings.  (Although there is still the issue of how these Pravaras would apply to solar dynasty kings.). But I'm interested in the Pravaras for Vaishyas.

I think Bhalandana and Vatsapri refer to the figures mentioned in this chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam, who were descendants of Vaivasvata Manu's son Dishta:

  Diṣṭa had a son by the name Nābhāga. This Nābhāga, who was different from the Nābhāga described later, became a vaiśya by occupational duty. The son of Nābhāga was known as Bhalandana, the son of Bhalandana was Vatsaprīti, and his son was Prāṁśu. Prāṁśu’s son was Pramati, Pramati’s son was Khanitra, Khanitra’s son was Cākṣuṣa, and his son was Viviṁśati.

But my question is, who is the third figure Mankila mentioned in the Gotra  Pravaras for Vaishyas?

If it helps, the name Mankila is sometimes spelled as Manktila.  Does anyone know any scriptures that mention a Vaishya named Mankila or Manktila?

EDIT: It looks like this Vaishya Rishi may be named Sankila, not Mankila; here's what this excerpt from the Matsya Purana says:

  Bhalandaka, Vashashva, Sankila are the chiefs of the Vaishya clan and are the great Mantrakrits.

And this excerpt from the Anusanga Pada of the Brahmanda Purana says the same thing:

  Bhalandana, Vatsa and Samkila - these three are composers of Mantras and are remembered as the most excellent ones among Vaishyas.

Also, using the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here, I found out that three hymns of the Rig Veda were heard by Vatsapri son of Bhalandana: Book 9 Hymn 68, Book 10 Hymn 45, and Book 10 Hymn 46.  I haven't found any hymns heard by Bhalandana or Mankila/Sankila though. Finally, I found the stories of Nabhaga, Bhalandana, and Vatsapri in this excerpt from the Markandeya Purana.


texts: Did Sudras have Varnashrama Dharma as opposed to Varna Dharma only?

texts: I guess they only had to follow Grihastha ashrama when they attained the appropriate age, learning and renunciation being denied to them.


texts:
I am very excited because yesterday I was viewing a Geeta shloka from a Mahabharata video present on YouTube. In the shloka, Krishna says to Arjuna:

  Partha, every time, you and me are present on the earth. It has never happened that you and me were not present.

So in this context, is Krishna present on the earth? If yes, where is he? Why he is not coming near people?


texts: What are the good books available on all the Four Vedas in English

texts: Can anyone please suggest me some good books on all the four Vedas in English. Books can be either in Hardcover or in Paperback but not ebook. If anyone has good sources or knowledge regarding this please suggest me the books.


texts: Why do we need to worship nirguna brahman?

texts:
If nirguna brahman is just consciousness, form less etc then why do we need to worship nirguna brahman?

Note: This post is just to better understand nirguna brahman but nothing else.

Till now I believed that if we worship lord shiva or vishnu then they will give boons to us, but if Lord shiva or vishnu are just saguna brahmans and nirguna brahman is on top which is of just consciousness, form less etc then how nirguna brahman is going to give boons to devotees. I am just understanding what is nigruna brahman and what we do with nirguna brahman. How nigruna brahman is going to help us from bad people?


texts:
I read in this question that Sagarollanghana is prohibited and leads to a loss of caste. Now Sagarollanghana literally means 'leaping over the Saagara'. It appears from the answer that the Manusmriti also corroborates this though I don't know the exact Sanskrit term used there.

Was there any sin attached to Hanuman in this case? If there was, was there anything in particular that Hanuman did to recover from this possible sin / loss of caste? I am looking for something in scripture if possible. (I don't doubt the greatness of Hanuman, only interested in knowing if there was something mentioned about this)


texts:
Who composed the Mahishasura Mardini stotram?

Was it Adi Sankaracharya ?


texts: Which scriptures ordain honor killing as the punishment for marrying someone from a different Varna?

texts: Is honor killing a Dharmic punishment for those who perform intercaste marriages?


texts: Do all Shaiva Siddhantins reject Vamachara practices as sinful?

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

In any case, one of the defining works of the Shaiva Siddhanta sect is Meykandar's Siva Jnana Bodham, a commentary on twelve important verses from a Shaiva Agama called the Raurava Agamas. Now Meykandar's shishya Arulnandi Shivacharya wrote a work called the Sivajnana Siddhiyar, which is a commentary on Meykandar's work but also tries to refute rival schools of philosophy. In particular, he refutes the Charvakas, an materialistic atheistic school of Indian philosophy.  In this excerpt, Arulnandi Shivacharya pretends to be a Charvaka and identifies Vamachari people as having a kinship with the Charvakas:

  O hail to you, O Vami, give me your hand.  You are my real incomparable friend, since you pursue like myself the paths of murder and robbery and vice which the cowards call evil, and [you] are the light of an admiring group of girls with lovely braids of hair.

I found this interesting, because many Shavite and Shakta sects follow Vamachara practices.  So my question is, do all Shaiva Siddhantins reject Vamachara practices as sinful?  Or do some Shaiva Siddhantins disagree with Arulnandi Shivacharya on this?

There are basically three kinds of Shaiva Siddhantins.  There's the mainstream Shaiva Siddhantins, who follow Meykandar, which would include Arulnandi Shivacharya.  Then there's Shrauta Shaiva Siddhantins, like Srikantha Shivacharya and Appaya Dikshitar.  And then there's the Saiva Siddhanta Church, which I discuss here.  Do all three groups have the same opinion concerning Vamachara practices?


texts: Ayurveda is a part of which of the four veda?

texts:
Is there a part of veda which has been categorized as aayurveda. I want to find, read and investigate the shlokas which give direct advice on health and medicinal cure.

I wanted to understand and learn the ancient medical practices, medicines and the health benefits described about the practices of yoga. And even possibly have some secrets about the inner spiritual workings of the human body.


texts: Oldest scripture that mentions Lord Parashurama?

texts: Which scripture (Itihasa, Purana, etc.) mentions Lord Parashurama for the first time?


texts:
What is the importance of celebrating temple festivals every year?
What is the concept behind this celebration?
Does any scriptures/texts include rules to be followed in temple festivals?


texts:
I found a comment in following question

  Is it true that in the battle of Mahabharata, the Son of Lord Krishna
  fought from the Kaurava side?

in that there is comment that is asking for specification of Son name. I think he has only one son (Pradyumna), so my question is How many son(s) and daughter(s) did Lord Krishna had? Name them.


texts: Did Tamil Vaishnavites (Iyengars) descend from Shaivites (Iyers)?

texts:
Wikipedia article on Iyer has a passage without citations which says:

  The title 'Iyer' was used as a designation for all Tamil Smartha
  Brahmins during the medieval period, during which they were organised
  into single community. However, during the 11th century, a breakaway sect formed a new community called "Iyengars", worshipping Sri Vaishnava.

Did Tamil Vaishnavites (Iyengars) descend from Iyers? Or did they evolve from generic Hindus who were not Iyers?


texts: What does "Chitagnikunda Sambootha" mean in Sri Lalita Sahasranama?

texts:
The very first invocation para of Sri Lalitha Sahasranama begins with the title words "Chitagni kunda".
It appears to me that "chit-agni-kunda sambhootha" represents the "spark of thought or imagination". So essentially it starts off with the prelude that this whole Sahasranama of Sri Lalitha is the "spark of the imagination" of a poet describing Sri Lalitha.


texts: Why can't we walk full clockwise in shiva temple?

texts: While on Shiva Temple, we does not walk full clockwise around the temple, why? What is the reason behind it?


texts: Who would be the survivors after end of Kali Yuga?

texts: What do the scriptures say about would be the survivors after end of Kali Yuga?


texts: What is Kumarila Bhatta's view of the relation between Jivatma and Paramatma?

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 that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads.  But 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 focuses on analyzing the Karma Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Samhitas and Brahmanas.

Now as I discuss in this answer, the Purva Mimamsa school was often borderline agnostic/atheist.  But some Mimamsakas, most notably Kumarila Bhatta, acknowledged the existence of a supreme being, although they did not believe that this being was responsible for creating the Universe. (They thought the Universe was uncreated and eternal.). But this excerpt from Kumarila Bhatta's Tantra Vartika sheds light on one role he did envision Brahman as playing:

  As for the knowledge of Self; both by Conjunction and Disjunction it is found to help the sacrifice as well as the Person; because unless are knows his self (to be something other than the body that perishes) he would never undertake the sacrifices whose results are said to accrue to the man in another birth. And then again, such passages as - "the Self free from all evil...is to be sought after, etc.," "one should worship the Self" - lay down the knowledge of Self as accomplished by a process accompanied by due reflection, etc.; and then from such knowledge, we find that there accrues to the agents both kinds of result - Happiness as well as final Deliverance, as is shown by the following passages: - "He obtains all worlds and all desires, passes beyond all sorrow, etc., etc.," - which speaks of all the eight perfections of Yoga accruing to the person knowing the self; and the passage - "passing his life thus he, after death, reaches the regions of Brahma, and from there he never returns" - which points to the attainment of the Supreme Self (Final Deliverance) also as following from a due knowledge of the Self.

As you can see, Kumarila Bhatta at least relates Moksha to the Jivatma attaining Paramatma.  But my question is, what is the relationship between Jivatma and Paramatma according to Kumarila Bhatta? And which Vedantic philosophy is his view of the Jivatma-Paramatma closest to?

Now as a Mimamsaka, Kumarila Bhatta diagreed with the Vedanta school on many subjects.  As I discuss in this question, he believed in a theory of multiple omnipresent Jivatmas, in contrast to most Vedantic philosophies which see the Jivatma as atomic in size.  So there's clearly disagreement about the nature of the Jivatma, but are his beliefs concerning the relationship between the Jivatma and Paramatma similar to any Vedantic philosophy?  I don't think his beliefs had much in common with Advaita, since he believed in a multiplicity of Jivatmas.  But did he believe that Jivatma and Paramatma are absolutely different as Dvaita says, or that they have a body-soul relationship as Visistadvaita says, or what?


texts: Which Scriptures say that by chanting Lord's name during the time of one's death one can attain "Moksha"?

texts:
In Bhagawat Gita Sri Krishna says that one who remembers the Supreme Lord and Pranava(OM) while dying reaches the higher states of bliss or the Supreme Lord Himself.

  ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् । यः प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स
  याति परमां गतिम् ।। – Shrimadbhagwadgita, Adhyaya 8, Shloka 13

  Meaning-Meaning : (Shrikrushna says) The one who dies while chanting
  ‘Om’ and remembering me is elevated to a very high level after death.

  अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् । यः प्रयाति स मद्भावं याति
  नास्त्यत्र संशयः ।। – Shrimadbhagwadgita, Adhyaya 8, Shloka 5

  Meaning : (Shrikrushna says) There is no doubt that the one who
  remembers me while dying reaches me.

Question-Are there any other Scriptures that say by chanting Lord's name while dying one can attain moksha(liberation)?


texts:
Where is the exact reference about Santatita Kala in the Saivagamas?
Please provide scriptural references.


texts: Can a chillum consider as bad habit of the sadhus?

texts:
This post is a specialization of Does lord Shiva smoke Chillum?

Does most of the sadhus smoke Chillum or just a few of them?
Does the proportion of consumers increases (among the sadhus)?
Is "too much smoking Chillum" (as some sadhus seem do) not good spiritually?

Some sadhus do not look like very high level spiritual men, but just junkies. In my opinion, such an increase is not at all good for the Hindu spirituality. It looks like (in some sense) the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, it's a disaster !!!


texts: What is the agama being followed by the Sri Nataraja temple in Chidambaram and why is it different from other Shiva temples?

texts:
Shaiva agamas form the basis of worship in temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, it seems like the Sri Nataraja temple in the town of Chidambaram, Tamilnadu is not built and/or not follows the standard shaiva agamas. This page also mentions the same.

  The Shiva Agama system of temple rituals followed in almost all of the
  Saivite temples in Tamilnadu, is not followed at Chidambaram. It is a
  unique worship protocol said to have been prescribed by Patanjali that
  is followed at this temple.

It is also well known that the temple is not run by the traditional Shivacharyas but by Dikshitars, who are termed as vaidika brahmins here.

Both sites mention that the temple in Chidambaram follows rules laid down by Patanjali but give no more details, which then brings us to the question:

What agama is being followed in Chidambaram temple? Do we have evidence of the text being put forth by Patanjali? What is the reason, historical or/and scriptural, this temple alone does not follow the Shaiva agamas?


texts: Is there any verse or historical evidence suggesting that manusmriti is more authoritative than other smritis?

texts:
1) Among Dharmasmritis(Manusmriti, Naradasmriti , Parashara Smriti,Yajnavalkya Smrti ... etc) , is there any verse or historical evidence which suggests that manusmriti is more authoritative/followed than others(Narada smriti, Parashar Smriti,..) or whether all have equal authority? What if two dharma shastras verses clash with each other, which one will prevail.

2) Dharma shastras which are of later date, is there any evidence that Dharma shastras's law has to be more authoritative than older 'Dharmasutra' (like Gautama dharmasutras)?


texts: What is meaning associated with the name Dasharatha?

texts:
Dasharatha was a great Ikshvaku King(of Ayodhya) and Bhagawan Shri Ram's father.

When we take the literal meaning

Dasharatha or Dasharath  means ten Chariots, because sandhi viccheda for Dasharatha would be
Dasha + Ratha : Dasha means ten and Ratha means chariot.

How can someone have a name like 10 Chariots? is there another meaning or story associated with this name?

Note: I prefer answer from valid sanskrit dictionary like Apte and/or Valmiki Ramayana.


texts: What is the story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

texts:
Lord Shiva has been worshipped in Linga form from time beginning as described in answer here. Among the Lingas there are 12 Jyotirlingas which are of special importance.
Mahatmya of 12 Jyotirlingas is described in Koti Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana in the chapter "Dwadash Jyotirlinga Mahatmya". It states:

सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्री शैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् ।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोंकारे परमेश्वरम् ।।
केदारं हिमवत्पृष्ठे डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम् ।
वाराणास्यां च विश्वेशं त्रयम्बकं गौतमीतटे ।।
वैद्यनाथं चिताभूमौ नागेशं दारुकावने ।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये ।।
द्वादशैतानि नामानि प्रात्यस्त्थाय यः पठेत् ।
सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तं सर्वसिद्धिफलं लभेत् ।।
Somanath in Saurastra, Mallikarjuna in Shri Saile, Mahakala in Ujjaiyana and Parameshawara also manifested as Omkara. Kedara in Himavat and Bhima Shankara in Dakinya. Vishewaswara in Varanasi and Trayambaka in side of Gautami. Vaidyanath in ChitaBhumi and  Nageshwara in forest of Daruka. Rameshwara in Setubandha and Ghusmeshwara in Shivalaya. These name of 12 Jyotirlingas who recites in morning, he gets freed from all sins and is eligible to get all Siddhis.

There are twelve Jyotirlingas mentioned in the similar popular verse.

Saurāṣṭre Somanāthaṃ ca Śrīśaile Mallikārjunam
Ujjayinyāṃ Mahākālam Omkāram Mamleśhwaram
Paraly Vaidyanāthaṃ cha Ḍākinyāṃ Bhīmaśhaṅkaram
Setubandhe tu Rāmeśaṃ Nāgeśhaṃ Dārukāvane
Vārāṇasyāṃ tu Viśveśaṃ Tryambakaṃ Gautamītaṭe
Himālaye tu Kedāraṃ Ghuśmeśaṃ ca Śivālaye
etāni jyotirliṅgāni sāyaṃ prātaḥ paṭhennaraḥ
saptajanmakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇena vinaśyati

I have already asked a question about Somanath What is the story of Somanath Jyotirlinga?. Now I want to know the story of Mallikarjun Jyotirling.
Please mention the scriptural reference.
Mallikarjun temple is situated in Srisailam Andhra Pradesh.

(Taken from official website of Srisailam Devastanam).


texts:
Feng Shui is the concept of living in harmony with nature and is used for constructions mainly in China and western countries.
Vaastu shastra is the Hindu system of construction and its origin has been described in Matsya Purana.

More information about origin of Vastu can be found here: What is the mythological origin of Vastu?

My question is whether Feng Shui has been derived from vastu shastra and if so:

1.Are there any proofs or records available to support this claim?

2.Are the Gods mentioned in Feng Shui originally from Hinduism,e.g Gods of Wealth Fuk Luk Sau?


texts: What is Lord Hanuman's weapon of choice from scriptures?

texts:
Lord Hanuman always depicted with carryinging a mace:

But during few conversation with our in-house user Sree Charan, he said

  There is no explicit reference that Hanuman used Gada/mace. In Sundara Kanda(a chapter in Ramayana an epic of India), he used a iron club which he finds in Lanka instantaneously. - src

Which made me wonder, then how come Hanuman is always depicted with Mace/Gada as primary weapon? What is the primary weapon of Hanuman from scripture then?


texts: What is the meaning of Rig Vedic 'Jishnu' in scripture?

texts:
In  RV.7.35 Rishi Vashist MaitraVaruni  describes various gods, things and places which were auspicious. Here in the hymn 5 we find a term  jishnu -

  sham no rajsaspatirstu jishnu

T.H.Griffith translates this as -

  gracious the Lord victorious of the region.

But, I have found this term Jishnu  in GujarAti Dictionary as an another name of Lord Indra. Now I want to know - do other other scriptures validate or contradict the meaning found in GujarAti Dictionary?


texts: What is Vishnu's body made of according to Vaishnavism and Advaita?

texts: What is Vishnu's body made up of? What are the bodies made of when he incarnates as Rama, Krishna, Narasimha? Is Vishnu soul or the body? When he incarnates does he enter other avatars bodies? I want to know from both Vaishnav and Advait perspective


texts: Madhurya bhava towards goddesses such as Radha, Parvati, etc.,

texts:
I've seen that many people do devotion in madhurya bhava (the emotion of lover-beloved) to male Gods e.g., Krishna, Shiva, Rama etc.

In a similar way, can a devotee have madhurya bhava towards goddesses such as Radha, Parvati, etc. or is it forbidden?

Now it is also said that tvameva sarvaṃ mama deva deva  (you truly are my all, my god of gods)

How to make sense of this?


texts: Administration belongs to the Kshatriyas,  business or trading is allowed for the Vaishyas, can we classify software engineer's job as a sudra's job?


texts: Have any Hindu acharyas debunked shunyata as propounded by Madhyamika? I am a former Tibetan Buddhist, and to my knowledge emptiness depends on co-dependant arising,if we refute that then all of Buddhism and anatta etc are refuted,even Buddha said something to the effect that dharma is paticasamutpada and that his whole religion rests on that. I heard Adi Shankara refuted Buddhism, are there any writings in English I can read of his?


texts: What names of Lord Shiva used today are from Vedas?

texts:
Generally people have a severe misconception that Shiva is represented by the name 'Rudra' only in Vedas. Various names used today used for Lord Shiva are from Vedas.

Some names are only in Puranas and Mahabharat whereas some names are directly from Vedas. Shiva is known by various names like Sambhu, Shankara, Bholenath, Nilakantha, Mahadeva, Maheshwara and so many other names.

What are the most popular names of Lord Shiva used today which are taken from Vedas? And What is the meaning of those names?


texts: According to hindu religon who is the ultimate creator?

texts:
According to hinduism , who is the ultimate creator ?

i.e who created the god ? then who created the thing which created god ? and so..

Thus who is the first creator ? And who created the first creator ?


texts: Why Dattatreya is shown surrounded by 4 dogs and cow?

texts:
Simple google search with word "Dattatreya" shows many images of lord Dattatreya. but 1 important point to note is in most of those images, lord Dattatreya is shown surrounded by 4 dogs and cow.

And below,

As per Wikipedia Article on lord Dattatreya, the 4 dogs is a symbolism for the four Vedas and mother earth.

  he is surrounded by four dogs and a cow, which is a symbolism for the
  four Vedas and mother earth that nourishes all living beings

The citation given in Wikipedia does not point to any scriptural reference for above point and links to this book

Is there a scriptural reference which explains why lord Dattatreya is shown surrounded by 4 dogs and cow?


texts:
What are the stories/facts behind the origin of word Hindu?
Another Question , What is the life vision of a Hindu?


texts: Washing husband's feet and drinking that water

texts:
The practice of washing the feet of one's husband and then drinking that water is prevalent across many Hindu communities.
A. Is this a compulsion for all married women?
B. Does it have scriptural sanction?
C. Which Devi has been mentioned to be the first one to observe this custom?


texts: How many rebirths does a soul go through?

texts:
I heard that an Atma (soul) will take 7 births on the earth. Is it true?
If it is true, then seven janma-s apply only for humans or animals or combinations of them?


texts: Can an unmarried girl keep Karva Chauth?

texts:
In our culture, Karwa Chauth is an important festival for all married women. From sunrise till moonrise, she keeps a fast for the safety of her husband.

But my question is can an unmarried girl keep Karva Chauth?

If yes, are the rituals the same as married women or are there other rituals for unmarried girls?


texts: Does Bhagwat Puran mention that Lord Krishna was born to annihilate Kshatriyas?

texts:
In Annihilation of Caste, Section 18, Dr. Ambedkar says that

  The Bhagwat tells us very definitely that Krishna had taken avatar for
  one sacred purpose: and that was, to annihilate the Kshatriyas.

Is it correct? Does Bhagwat Puran mention the above?


texts:
I would like to know whether the ultimate consciousness is finite or infinite.

Can anyone know the supreme being completely or even for the liberated souls, there would be something still they should learn about the supreme being?

Also, what does it mean to learn completely about him?

Is it understanding how he pervades the universe?
Is it understanding all of his deeds/powers?


texts: What scriptures describe peacocks producing children through tears?

texts:
A Rajasthan High Court judge recently made the following statement:

  Peacock is a Bramhachari and it does not have sex with a peahen. The peahen gets pregnant drinking the tears of the peacock. Even lord Krishna carried the feather of a peacock on his head.

The judge was roundly mocked for this, but I think he is conveying a Hindu concept.  Here's what this article says:

  There is a mythological belief (albeit false) that peacocks do not use sex for reproduction but rather, the peahen drinks the tears of the peacock to conceive. Thus, Krishna is as pure as a peacock and that is what the feather signifies.

And here is what this religious discourse by a Swami named Shiv Baba says:

  Peacock is even today considered the National Bird of India. Why is it considered so? Why is not any other bird taken as the example. Any other bird could have been chosen as the national bird. Because, all other birds procreate by sexual contact. Only Peacock (male) is such an unusual bird. That the peahen (morni ) swallows the tear drops of the Peacock ( mor ) dancing in stately courtship around her. Then the peahen becomes pregnant. It shows that even today the example of such a bird prevails in this creation. And that same bird is considered as the National Bird of India.

So my question is, are there any scriptures which describe peahens getting pregnant from the tears of peacocks?  This is similar to the phenomena discussed in my question here.


texts: Are there any hindu texts on Machiavellian ways one should know ? Or on how to handle people of different kinds

texts: Maybe Arthshastra as an ancient text fits the description,But I am looking specifically for hindu texts on such subject or related to it .


texts: What is and where is story of Ahobila Nava Narasimhas found?

texts:
There are 9 deities of Narasimha in Ahobilam.

What is the story of each Narasimha and name of each deity? Is Ahobila kshetra described in any puranas?


texts: Is there any Sarvo Sapa Vimochana Mantra for all type of Curse?

texts: By mistake I had given a Sapa (Curse) to somebody but later I realized I should not. Is there any Sapa Vimochana mantra for overall?


texts: Why didn't Lord Krishna in His time just tell everyone that He's God so everyone could see God?

texts:
As we know, Lord Krishna had shown his viswa rupa (universal form) to Arjuna. So why couldn't Lord Krishna tell everyone that He's God or show his viswa rupa (universal form) to everyone so everyone could get to see God and attain His blessings?

Thank you.


texts:
The Skeptic's Dictionary while arguing that astrology is nothing more than a superstition brings up some interesting questions:

  Astrologers emphasize the importance of the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, etc., at the time of birth. However, the birthing process isn’t instantaneous. There is no single moment that a person is born. The fact that some official somewhere writes down a time of birth is irrelevant.

  Do they pick the moment the water breaks? The moment the first dilation occurs? When the first hair or toenail peeks through? When the last toenail or hair passes the last millimeter of the vagina? When the umbilical cord is cut? When the first breath is taken? Or does birth occur at the moment a physician or nurse looks at a clock to note the time of birth?
  Why are the initial conditions more important than all subsequent conditions for one’s personality and traits?
  Why is the moment of birth chosen as the significant moment rather than the moment of conception?

I'm looking for answers to some or all of the above with regard to Hindu astrology.


texts: Is there a punishment for breaking the vow of celibacy? If yes, what are the ways to clear the sin?

texts: What if a person broke the vow of brahmacharya by indulging in sexual activity like masturbation? Is there a punishment? Something a person would do to clear the sexual sins?


texts: What is scope of arthavada in Hindu scriptures?

texts: What is the scope of arthavada in Hindu scriptures? It can be used to explain or explain away lot of inconsistencies in Hindu scriptures? Like an eulogy to a particular deity can be called arthavada. Some other examples can be: Benefits of chanting some names, worshipping a deity etc..  Similarly, one may say the difference between jiva and isvara is given in scriptures so that jiva can worship isvara. Or one may say that everything is brahman is told so that we don't feel dejected seeing our condition. Some sects are monotheistic, some accept three gods, some accept 5 gods, 6 gods etc.. Everyone of the sect leaves out or explains other things differently. For eg.. some monotheistic sect have their explanation when other deities are called brahman. Neither can we say that accepting 5 gods is unifying because they also have to explain statements where Indra, Agni are called brahman. I don't even know how many more are referred by brahman in whole of the Hindu scripture. If one says everything is arthavada, scriptural study is simply a waste of time and better to leave it altogether.  Where do we draw the line between arthavada and actual truth?


texts: Is concept brahman mentioned anywhere in Valmiki Ramayana?

texts: Is upanishadic concept Brahman (neuter gendered word ब्रह्मं meaning absolute reality/all encompassing being) mentioned anywhere in Valmiki Ramayana? I only remember reading about brahma, a grandfather of all etc (ब्रह्मः masculine gendered word)


texts: Did Karna really play dice with Duryodhana's wife, Bhanumati?

texts:
Wikipedia cites the following story to show how strong the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana was. But what's the origin of this story? Did Karna really play dice with Duryodhana's wife, Bhanumati, according to Vyasa's Mahabharata?

  Act of Friendship

  Duryodhana's wife Bhanumati and his close friend Karna were playing a game of dice. The stake between them was substantial. As the game progressed, it was evident that Karna was winning and Bhanumati was losing. Just then Duryodhana entered his queen's chamber. Seeing her husband coming, she was about to stand up. As she was just rising, Karna, thinking that she was trying to get away from the embarrassment of certain defeat in the game, snatched at her drape, studded with pearls. Tugged at by Karna's powerful hands, the thread snapped and all the pearls rolled on the floor. Queen Bhanumati was stunned and did not know what to say or do. Seeing her shocked state, Karna turned around and saw his friend Duryodhana. Karna was embarrassed; here he was, in the royal chamber, playing a game of dice with his friend's wife and, as if this was not enough, he had the audacity to catch her clothes. Surely, Duryodhana would not tolerate such immodesty. He readied himself for the inevitable punishment. As both she and Karna look down sheepishly, unable to meet Duryodhana's eyes, the Kaurava scion only asks:

  "Should I just collect the beads, or string them as well."

  Both Bhanumati and Karna had misjudged him. He had implicit faith and great love for his queen and greater was his faith on his friend Karna. He does not suspect or get angry with Karna but instead helps him in picking up the pearls.[15][16]


texts: Does rAmAyaNa mention women chanting vedic mantras?

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In some place I read that the queens KausalyA and Kaikeyi are mentioned chanting vedic mantras.
For example they chanted when lord Rama and his brothers were born.

Also Sri Kaushalya used to offer oblations to Agnihotra fire when king Dasharatha was away.

I am looking for such references from the epic.


texts: Can a woman take the deeksha for mudra (applied on daily basis just like men - but only on hands and face) after or before menopause?

texts: Can a woman take the deeksha for Thaptha mudra after menopause?


texts: Is Sharanagati (jiva soul's self surrender to the Lord) based on Sruti?

texts:
In Vaishnava traditions it's often emphasized that Sharanagati or self surrender to Lord Vishnu is the key concept in Hindu dharma. The sum and substance of devotional life is that thing called Sharanagati.
It is exactly Sharanagati the means to attain the ultimate goal of life, namely Lord Vishnu, and when finally the Lord is attained Sharanagati is the goal itself, namely Sharanagati or self surrender to Lord Vishnu is to be maintained forever.

The concept or an idea of Sharanagati is seen in many verses in Smriti scriptures. For example the famous charama verse of the Bhagavad gita 18.66 sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender (śaraṇam) unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear." Vaishnava traditions often say represents the most important or the key verse of the Gita.

Since Sharanagati is so much important concept to the Hindu dharma it is supposed to be based on Sruti. So, I wonder where in Sruti do we find the concept of Sharanagati or jiva soul's self surrender to the Lord Vishnu.

Please specify any verse from Sruti in which you recognize the concept of Sharanagati to the Lord, even if names "Vishnu" or "Narayana" are not seen in the verse. Also please explain why you think the verse that you quote is about Sharanagati, ie what do you see in the verse makes you think it's about Sharanagati. This is especially important if in the verse some words or expressions such as "surrender" or "I take shelter (in the Lord)", etc, are not seen.


texts: In Hinduism Moksha is the name for eternal freedom. Is there a name for its opposite eternal bondage?

texts: Moksha is eternal freedom, Is there such a place that is its opposite a place of eternal bondage? Man is the only vehicle to Moksha, is he also the only vehicle to eternal bondage if there is such a place?


texts: What do the Vedas say is the relation or difference between Ishwar and Brahman?

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The Vedas appear to speak of one Ishwar that manifests as other beings, but it also speaks of Brahman being one. I'm confused as to what Ishwar is, and why Ishwar differs from Brahman.

Is Brahman the immaterial side of Ishwar, the material side?


texts:
May be some of you know about god aryaman really who is he? even god indra has been asked to recieve gifts from him. He is an aditya. In the Rig Veda Aryaman is
described as the protector of
mares, and the Milky Way
(aryamṇáḥ pánthāḥ) is said to be
his path.

source:— https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryaman

  23 Indra, whatever deed of might
  thou hast this day to execute,
  None be there now to hinder it.

  24 O Watchful One, may Aryaman
  the God give thee all goodly things.
  May Pūṣan, Bhaga, and the God
  Karūḷatī give all things fair.

— Rigveda:book 4:hymn30.24

What are the verses revealing Aryaman?

Is god Aryaman present in post-vedic texts?


texts: How did Shalya discourage Karna during the Mahabharata war?

texts: A related question here discusses the role of Shalya in general during the Mahabharata. It is said that Shalya tried to discourage Karna in the midst of the war. How did he do that? Also, how did Karna respond to this?


texts: Is it possible to convey the message through telepathy?

texts: Is it possible to read minds with telepathy? Is it mentioned anywhere like Vedas?


texts: How come Shukadeva did not undergo Upanayanam?

texts:
From the Srimad Bhagavatam:

  Text 2: Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī said: Let me offer my respectful obeisances
  unto that great sage [Śukadeva Gosvāmī] who can enter the hearts of
  all. When he went away to take up the renounced order of life
  [sannyāsa], leaving home without undergoing reformation by the
  sacred thread or the ceremonies observed by the higher castes, his
  father, Vyāsadeva, fearing separation from him, cried out, “O my son!”
  Indeed, only the trees, which were absorbed in the same feelings of
  separation, echoed in response to the begrieved father.

Also, did he become a Shudra by doing this?


texts: Can scriptures ever be properly translated into English or any other languages?

texts: Hindu scriptures are written in Sanskrit. We know Sanskrit is a language where each word has multiple meanings. Most of us are ignorant about Sanskrit. If we translate a sanskrit word into English, then the equivalent English word will not have same synonyms as the Sanskrit word in Sanskrit have. In that case how trustworthy are any english translations since by translating into English, it just gives one meaning to the end reader? This may apply to other languages as well. What's the way out then?


texts: Why is sadaari not placed for new borns?

texts:
Why sadaari is not placed for new borns?
Eager to know the reason.


texts: What scripture does the sloka 'deho devAlayaH proktaH..' come from?

texts:
देहो देवालयः प्रोक्तः जीवो देवस्सनातनः ।  त्यजेदज्ञाननिर्माल्यं
सोऽहं भावेन पूजयेत् ॥
deho devAlayaH proktaH jIvo devassanAtanaH |
tyajed agnyAnana nirmAlyaM sohaM bhAvena pUjayet ||

Which scripture is the source of the above sloka?


texts: What is the Guru Parampara of the Samkhya philosopher Ishwara Krishna?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya. My question is about the Samkhya school, founded by the sage Kapila.  There are three works which are variously claimed to be the oldest surviving work of the Samkhya school: Kapila's Samkhya Sutras, Kapila's Tattva Samasa, and Ishwara Krishna's Samkhya Karika.  Of these three, scholars consider the Samkhya Karika to be the oldest; the original defining work of the Samkhya school was composed by Kapila, but scholars believe that work is lost and that the Samkhya Sutras and Tattva Samasa are just later works attributed to Kapila.

But my question is, what is the Guru Parampara of Ishwara Krishna, the author of the Samkhya Karika?  How many generations removed is he from Kapila?

Here is all the end of the Samkhya Karika says:

  etat pavitram agryam munir āsuraye anukampayā pradadau |
  āsurir api pañcaśikhāya tena bahudhākṛtaṃ tantram ||
  śiṣyaparamparayā gatam īśvarakṛṣṇena caitad āryābhiḥ |
  saṃkṣiptam āryamatinā samyag vijñāya siddhāntam ||
  saptatyāṃ kila ye arthās te arthāḥ kṛtsnasya ṣaṣṭitantrasya |
  ākhyāyikāvirahitāḥ paravādavivarjitāścāpi ||

  This sacred and supreme (Knowledge), the sage (Kapila) gave to Āsuri out of compassion. Āsuri (gave it) to Pañcaśikha, who elaborated the doctrine. Handed down by tradition of disciples, this was summarised in Ārya verses by Iśvarakṛṣṇa of noble mind, having fully understood the demonstrated truth.
  The topics of these seventy verses are those of the entire Ṣaṣṭitantra; they are devoid of anecdotes and also omit discussions of rival views.

So Kapila's shishya was Asuri, whose shishya was Panchashikha.  But what is the Guru Parampara between Panchashikha and Ishwara Krishna?  Do any commentaries on the Samkhya Karika shed light on this?


texts: When did Duryodhana know that Karna is Kunti's son?

texts: When did Duryodhana know that Karna is actually one of Pandava's brothers and a son of Kunti (Kuntiputra) and how did he react?


texts: Will other family member be punished for the sins of another family member

texts:
I have read that parent's sins affect their children also, but my question is different/opposite, which is-
Is the punishment of any individual's sin will be carried by that individual only or his/her deeds can affect other family member also? Will they also be responsible for his/her sins?
Reference from Bhagavad Gita or vedas will be appreciated.


texts:
Rig Veda I.114.5 (dedicated to Rudra) says

दि॒वो व॑रा॒हम॑रु॒षं क॑प॒र्दिनं॑ त्वे॒षं रू॒पं नम॑सा॒ नि ह्व॑यामहे
। हस्ते॒ बिभ्र॑द् भेष॒जा वार्या॑णि॒ शर्म॒ वर्म॑ च्छ॒र्दिर॒स्मभ्यं॑
यंसत् ॥५॥
We call down with reverence the boar of heaven, flame-red, with
braided hair, turbulent in form. Bearing in his hand desirable healing
remedies, he will extend shelter, covering, and protection to us.

In Puranas it was used to indicate the incarnation of Vishnu.
My question is - Why was the epithet varAha (वराह) used for Rudra in Rig Veda I.114.5?
Edit 31-8-2020
In the mantra व॑रा॒हम॑रु॒षं Can be split into varAham + aruSa . aruSa indicates shape of a varAha.


texts: Do any Acharyas support a return to Hindu monarchy?

texts:
Throughout most of its history, the system of government in India was Vedic monarchy (the claims of P.C. Dharma notwithstanding).  But in modern times, India has turned into a democracy.  My question is, are there any Acharyas living today who support a return to monarchy?

Have the heads of any Shankaracharya Mathams addressed this?  What about Sri Vaishnava Acharyas?  If there aren't any Acharyas who support a return to monarchy now, when is the last time an Acharya supported a return to monarchy?

Note that Nepal had a Hindu monarchy until just a few years ago, so there may well be Acharyas who support a return to monarchy in Nepal.  But I'm interested in what they have to say about monarchy in India.


texts: Which scripture classifies the 18 mahapuranas based on the three gunas (sattva, tamas and rajas)?

texts:
We all know that there are 18 Mahapuranas and have also heard that 6 each are categorized in different gunas - sattva, tamas and rajas.

I would like to know the reference if any of the purana or upanishad describe the 18 mahapuranas and also the source of the guna-categorization of the 18 puranas?

It would help to give the exact reference and if possible kindly give the relevant sanskrit text.


texts: Where can I find the complete English translation of the Vishnusmriti and Naradasmriti along with commentaries if possible?

texts: I would like to read the Vishnusmriti and Naradasmriti in English along with commentaries online. Can anyone provide me relevant links?


texts: Is initiation of tantrik mantras of many people together in a hall permitted by the scriptures?

texts:
Gurus of many organisations across the globe nowadays initiate many individuals collectively in a hall by the same beeja mantra. Very often, these mantras seem constructed and so have no specific rishi, devata and chhanda.

So far as I know, this type of initiation is not approved by our scriptures. But so many are doing and so there must be some basis.

Could anyone provide the scriptural basis?


texts: is this mentioned in scriptures that lord kridhna's son shamva ji sailed eastwards and reached japan and lived there?

texts: Some historians say that the Japanese people were a group of Indians following the story that the Shamva, the son of Lord Krishna sailed eastwards thousands of years ago from India to settle in the Land of the Rising Sun. India is the mother of all oriental civilisations. Samurais are the descendants of Krishna the God of justice, and Shamva ji was the origin of the Samurais.


texts:
Consider the following paragraph from raksha-bandhan.com

  Raksha Bandhan finds a mention in Mahabharata when Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthir to perform the ceremony to protect himself and the army from the dangers of the war. It is said that Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas tied rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi to Lord Krishna.

My doubt is that where can I find sloka Draupadi tying Rakhi to Krishna?


texts: Distance between Bhur lok (Earth) and Indra lok?

texts:
Is there any explanation of distance between Bhur lok (earth) and Indra lok? For example, I have seen Arjuna visits Indra lok to meet his father (Indra) while he and his brothers are in exile.

There might be some explanation about the distance in Hindu mythology. Please share it if it is available in any upanyas/book rather than just Mahabharatha.


texts: What is meaning of wearing yagopavita and its disposal techniques

texts:
I was initiated with yagopavita 2 years back, I was told it was required for performing rituals and to study the scriptures. Now I had(and still) have 2 questions in my mind -

  What is meaning of wearing a yagopavita while many realized persons don't wear it ??

Scriptures can be studied without it, purity of rituals can be maintained without it, then Why should we wear yagopavita, just as fashion or there is more deep and more justified factual meaning ('other than keeping the body fluids intact while urinating' fact) to it.

Many yogis and great saints like Swami Vivekananda, Shri RamKrishna etc didn't wear yagopavita so I feel no necessity of it to become a yogi or to become realized with vedic knowledge.

Also if Shiva, Krishna ,& Rama are realized beings then why do they wear yagopavit they should drop it(or atleast should be potrayed to do so).

  How to dispose it off without hurting environment and also without
  breaking vedic laws .

We have to usually change yagopavita within 4 months or atleast once a year and there are massive number of people who wear and throw it in a river or flowing water body saying समुद्रम् गच्छ स्वाहा
meaning we are throwing it to go into ocean.

But in reality the water body is polluted by such acts, the thread is non-biodegradable and insoluble in water and it stays there for nearly 500 years, similarly if it is thrown out of water body it pollutes soil by mixing in it.

  So the wole point is If it is necessary to wear yagopavita then
  how and where should we dispose it off so that it can be done without
  hurting envrionment or without breaking or changing the rules of disposal.


texts: Why Shivling was worshipped as per Mahabharata?

texts: I know that as per puranas like Shiva puran & Linga puran that , Lord Shiva had emerged as a fire pillar. Later on which became shivling. But are there any reasons as per Mahabharata that why it was worshipped? Does it mention about it?


texts: Why do we use bananas and coconuts as offerings while praying?

texts:
As I saw from my childhood while doing prayer we use banana/coconut as one of the puja ingredients.

Why do we use these particular fruits rather than others? Why do we give special importance to them?


texts: Is there any religious significance for the Invention of Zero?

texts: The world knows that Zero was invented/discovered by the Indians. It is profound thought process that led to the birth of Zero / Shunya. I would like to know if there was any part played by the Hinduism in the discovery of Shunya or was it a total random event which could have happened anywhere in the world ?


texts: Was the Vedic commentator Sayana a Vaishnava?

texts:
I am talking about the Vedic commentator Sayana.

Was he known to be a Vaishnava?


texts: Did Yajnavalkya commit Brahmahatya by killing a Brahmana?

texts:
From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

  Yâgñavalkya said: 'In the Samâna. That Self (âtman) is to be described
  by No, no! He is incomprehensible, for he cannot be (is not)
  comprehended; he is imperishable, for he cannot perish; he is
  unattached, for he does not attach himself; unfettered, he does not
  suffer, he does not fail.'

  'These are the eight abodes (the earth, &c.), the eight worlds (fire,
  &c.), the eight gods (the immortal food, &c.), the eight persons (the
  corporeal, &c.) He who after dividing and uniting these persons, went
  beyond (the Samâna), that person, taught in the Upanishads, I now ask
  thee (to teach me). If thou shalt not explain him to me, thy head
  will fall.'

  Sâkalya did not know him, and his head fell, nay, thieves took away his bones, mistaking them for something else.

Did Yajnavalkya threaten to kill, and end up killing, a Brahmana who didn't know a theological fact?

According to the ancient Sri Vaishnava commentator Ranga Ramanuja, it is true that Yajnavalkya murdered a Brahmin, and the story isn't merely allegorical. This is what he says:

  Yajnavalkya cursed that Shakalya's head will fall if he did not tell him clearly about that Purusha.


texts: Does God really exist or Its just psychological concept

texts:
Does God really exists physically, virtually or in any form?

or

Is God just a term intelligently used for psychological satisfaction and for making our life easy?


texts: How to do the Hindu meditation for enlightenment and samadhi?

texts:
I was reading Raja Yoga from swami Vivekananda , does it have the correct process for meditation.

I have heard that Hindu meditation for third eye and stuff.


texts: Which Rig-Vedic Gods have spouses who are also mentioned in the Rig Veda Samhita?

texts:
Famous spouses Lakshmi and Parvati don't occur in Rig Veda Samhita, as far as I know.

Which Gods also have their spouses mentioned in the Rg Veda Samhita?


texts:
What is Ratha Saptami? Is there any reference in our scriptures regarding its celebrations.

What is the significance keeping the Arka patram (Calotropis Gigantea i.e Erukku  leaves)on the head while bathing on Ratha Saptami day?


texts:
Names of many Indians are derived from names of various Hindu Gods. Even here on Hinduism.SE, we have many users with such names, for example, Keshav Srinivasan, Krishna, Ram, Hari, Damodaran, Shiva, etc.

People belonging to other religions also give their God's name to people, but I assume this was started and widely used by Hindus before other religions.

So, why do Hindus name their people using Gods' names? Is there any specific reason behind this?


texts: Does the story about Ṛbhus indicate practice of religious rituals other than Spirituality in Vedic era?

texts:
Rig veda I.110 says about Ṛbhus

When, seeking your enjoyment onward from afar, ye, certain of my kinsmen, wandered on your way, Sons of Sudhanvan, after your long journeying, ye came unto the home of liberal Savitar.
Savitar therefore gave you immortality, because ye came proclaiming him whom naught can hide; And this the drinking-chalice of the Asura, which till that time was one, ye made to be fourfold.

Can we infer from the above that religious rituals other than Spirituality were being practised in Vedic era?  Any commentator of any period on Veda gave explanation to this mantra?


texts: What are the scriptures that describe Lord Shiva?

texts:
I am interested to learn more about Shiva.

What are the Puranas to follow?
Apart from Puranas, are there other works which are authoritative and talk about Shiva?
Are there any epics which have Maheshwara as the core subject?


texts: What is the difference between Narayana and Brahman?

texts:
I understand that deities are One while seeming distinct in our perception of reality. Yet we do differentiate between deities (e.g. Hanumān is seen as distinct from Gaṇeśa).

So, before I read that the Bhāgavata Purāṇa states that Nārāyaṇa is Para Brahman I already understood that they are One. But, the statement itself would be unnecessary if everyone already knew they were One. So, how do/did people see Nārāyaṇa and Brahman as distinct?


texts: How Does Hindu Dharma Differ from Other Religions?

texts:
There are so many religions and every religion believes that there is some God.
There are good people who want to do good Karma. Why is the need for so many religions and why isn’t there only one Dharma, when everybody believes there is only one Bhagwan (God)?


texts: When doing Ajna meditation, what should I visualize?

texts:
I am currently trying to do meditation, focusing on opening (awakening) my Ajna (third eye) chakra.
I already imagine a candle flame slightly moving when I breath in and when I breath out, it moves faster.
What should I visualize?
Should I visualize a candle or even a purple (or indigo) aura ball?
By the way, should I meditate before sleeping (at night)? I've read somewhere when it says that the third eye awakens more in complete darkness.


texts: Even though Hinduism teaches us about a lot of aspects of life I was curious to know which ones of them are the most influential in our daily life ?


texts: Can we tell meaning of mantras in other languages instead of Sanskrit in Homam,Sandhyavandhanam,etc?

texts: Why I am asking this is because ,Sanskrit is a language ,why cant we tell the meaning of mantra in other language in ritiuals like Sandhyavandhanam,homam etc because I think god knows also other languages and also It is easy for us for remembarance and also help others understand our mantras.


texts: Who were the previous Indras that incarnated as the Pandavas?

texts:
It's well-known that the Pandavas were all sons of gods: Yudhishthira was the son of Yama god of death, Bhima was the son of Vayu the wind god, Arjuna was the son of Indra king of the gods, and Nakula and Sahadeva were sons of the twin Ashwini Kumaras.  But these weren't the only gods they were incarnations of.  Let me explain.

This chapter of the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata describes how the gods were once conducting a Yagna when they saw a golden lotus floating in the Ganga river.  Indra traced the lotus back to the source of the Ganga, where he saw a woman weeping while her tears being transformed into golden lotuses.  When he asked her why she was crying, she took him to a mountain in the Himalayas where a young man and a woman were playing dice.  Indra tried to introduce himself as the lord of the Universe, but the young man showed no interest in it.  Indra angrily repeated his statement, when suddenly the young man revealed himself to be Shiva.  To punish Indra for his arrogance, Shiva forced Indra into an underground cave, which contained other five people.  It turns out that Shiva had given the same test to five previous Indras as well, and he imprisoned them because they failed it.  But Shiva offered the Indras a way to redemption:

  Those that are of disposition like thine never obtain my grace. These others (within the cave) had at one time been like thee. Enter thou this cave, therefore, and lie there for some time. The fate of you all shall certainly be the same. All of you shall have to take your birth in the world of men, where, having achieved many difficult feats and slaying a large number of men, ye shall again by the merits of your respective deeds, regain the valued region of Indra. Ye shall accomplish all I have said and much more besides, of other kinds of work.

As a result, the five previous Indras were born as the five Pandavas.  The present Indra served as the father of one of them, Arjuna, to redeem himself as well.  And the weeping woman, referred to in the text as Sri or Lakshmi, incarnated as the Pandavas' wife Draupadi.  (Madhvacharya says that this isn't Vishnu's wife Lakshmi, however, but rather an almagamation of the goddesses  Syamala, Bharati, Sachi and Ushas, denoted as Sri because of their opulence.)

But my question is, who were the five previous Indras who were born as the Pandavas?  All the Mahabharata tells us is that their names were "Vishwabhuk, Bhutadhaman, Sivi of great energy, Santi the fourth, and Tejaswin".  But what were their life stories, and when did they live?

There are fourteen Manvantaras in a Kalpa, and during each Manvantara a different Indra rules the three worlds.  As described in this chapter and this chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam, before the current Indra (named  Purandara or Sakra), the previous Indras of the present Kalpa were Yagna (an incarnation of Vishnu), Rochana, Satyajit, Trishikha, Vibhu, and Mantradruma.  None of these seem close to the names of the five cursed Indras.  So did they rule in a previous Kalpa?


texts: Why didn't Rāma leave his ring back in Ayodhya before setting out to the forest?

texts:
It is well-known that, in Kishkindha Kāṇḍa, before Hanumān begins his search for Sītā, Rāma gives his signet ring to Hanumān which he later hands over to Sītā saying:

  O illustrious lady! I am a monkey and a messenger of the wise Rama. O princess! Look at this ring too, marked with Rama's name.

  I brought this ring given by the high souled Rama, for the purpose of gaining your confidence. Get consoled indeed. Happiness to you! You are now free from the object of your grief.

Back in Ayodhya Kāṇḍa, Kaikeyi's second wish was:

  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.

But unlike his other ornaments, why didn't Rāma leave his ring back in Ayodhyā before setting out to the forest? Why was he carrying his ring with him?


texts: Why do rigveda and yajurveda contradict with each other on supremacy of rudra

texts:
This page on wikipedia claims that vedas are contradictory, contradiction is as follows.

The verse Rig Veda 2.33.9 calls Rudra as "The Lord or Sovereign of the Universe" (īśānādasya bhuvanasya).

sthirebhiraṅghaiḥ pururūpa ughro babhruḥ śukrebhiḥ pipiśehiraṇyaiḥ
īśānādasya bhuvanasya bhūrerna vā u yoṣad rudrādasuryam (RV 2.33.9)

With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations:
The strength of Godhead never departs from Rudra, him who is Sovereign of this world, the mighty.[31]

However, Yajur Veda – Taittiriya Aranyaka (1-10-1) quotes Rudra and Brihaspati as Sons of Bhumi and Heaven.This directly conflicts with the claim of Rudra being Supreme as declared in Rigveda 2.33.9.

Since supremacy of Shriman Narayana is well established, why does vedas make such empty claims, and if claims are non empty then why are they contradictory?


texts: How did Hanuman know that Ravana abducted Sita?

texts:
Lakshmana did not tell the name of Ravana while introducing themselves and their situation to Hanuman and Lakshmana told the following to Hanuman

  "He who aspires to keep up the well-being of all the beings, and he
  who is merited for all comforts and respectability is now devoid of
  his prosperity and predisposed to forest dwelling... such as he is,
  his wife is abducted by a guise changing demon in a lonely place, of
  whom we know not... we know not which demon stole his wife... [4-4-13,
  14]

But later Hanuman told to Sugreeva that Ravana stole Sita

  "Ravana stole the wife of this principled one and great soul Rama
  when dwelling in forests, such as he is, he came seeking your
  refuge... [4-5-6]

How did the Hanuman come to know that Ravana stole Sita when Lakshmana explicitly told that they don't know who abducted Sita?


texts: Why does Advaita insists on 'non-dualism' and not 'monism'?

texts:
What is the difference between non-dualism and monism? Advaita texts stresses on the non-dual aspect of things (probably as a negation to dvaita schools) over calling things monistic. Why is it so?

Why is negation stressed so much in Advaita? Is it to create a 'Zen' kind of effect?


texts: Baijnath is famous for its 13th-century temple dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. The Baijnath temple has been continuously under worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D.The Swayambhuva form of Shivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara.The famous Madurai Meenakshi temple in Madurai also has a Swayambhuva Shiva linga.It is understood that the Swayambhuva form of Shivalinga is also there in other places.What is the meaning/significance of the Swayambhuva form of Shivalinga?


texts: Why is the rishi of the Gayatri Panjara hymn listed as "So 'ham" - "I am That"?

texts:
The Gayatri Panjara, AKA the Savitri Panjara, is a hymn to Gayatri, five-headed wife of Brahma and goddess of the Vedas.  Here is the preamble to the hymn given in this excerpt from the Narada Purana:

  The sage of the Panjara is So'ham, the metre is vikriti.  The great Hamsa is the deity and the great Brahman etc. are the deities, its utility and application is for the attainment of virtue, wealth, desire and salvation.

My question is, what does it mean to say that the sage who heard the Gayatri Panjara from the gods is "So'ham"?

For those who don't know, So'ham is Sanskrit for "I am That".  It's an expression taken from the Isha Upanishad, and in Adi Shankaracharya's philosophy of Advaita it's taken to be a central insight revealing the individual soul and Brahman as one and the same.

But why would "I am That" be listed as the seer of a mantra?  Who was the actual seer of the Gayatri Panjara?  This forum post claims that it "was given to Lord Brahma at the time of creation of universe by Lord Narayana Himself".  So is Vishnu the one being described as "So'ham", since he is the Supreme Soul or Paramatma?

Does anyone know if there are any other scriptures which discuss the seer of the Gayatri Panjara?


texts: Did any Purana or Veda predict there would be democracy in Kaliyuga?

texts:
Did any Vedas or Puranas tell that in Kali Yuga Democracy will be there and kings will be elected by public?

Please answer with reference.


texts: Does "PARIVEDYA LOKAN LOKAJITAN BRAHMANO NIRVEDAMAYAT" mean truth is silence or emptiness?

texts:
someone gave the meaning

After examining all these things and finding that they are of no use to you, then you must step out of it

where is this from?  and what meaning is given to this line in the original scripture?


texts:
I came across a text similar to the Smṛtis or Law Books which is called the Harita Samhita.

He seems to be somebody of significance because his laws are repeated by Ṛṣi Markandeya in the book. The Ṛṣis also refer to him as the son of Bhṛgu:

This could either imply that he was a direct son of Bhṛgu Ṛṣi or someone who belonged to his lineage. But the only information I could get on him was a vague mention in the Charak Samhita:

Now Punarvasu, out of friendliness, and prompted with compassion for all
creatures, bestowed the virtuous Ayurveda upon his six disciples- Agnivesa, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parasara, Harita and Ksarapani. Su1#30-31

So my question is - who exactly is this Ṛṣi Harita?


texts: Is there any way to cancel or take back pran(vow)?

texts: A pran/pratigya(vow/serious promise) taken in front of photo of God just by saying that the person will restrain from doing something.


texts: was Vishnu beheaded in Shatapatha Brahmana?

texts:
I remember reading he went to sleep next to his bow and the other gods sent ants to gnaw the bow-string.  When the string broke the bow straightened out and took Vishnu's head off (in some versions the severed head becomes the Sun).   Does any other pre-puranic scripture talk about this?

I want an answer based only pre-puranic scripture.


texts: If I am correct, "Tvaṣṭṛ" seems to be synonymous with Viśvakarman, while "Tvaṣṭā" is the name of an Asura. It seems that both are identified as Prajāpatis, and this has me wondering: Are these two deities identical?


texts: How king Janaka attained perfection through karma-yoga?

texts:
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादय: |
लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि ||  Shlok 20, Chapter 3, Bhagvat Geeta.

Lord Krishna had given an example of king Janaka for how to attain a perfection through karma-yoga. How King Janaka achieved perfection(Purnata) through karma-yoga?


texts: Is there anything in scripture that is explicitly called fictional or imaginary?

texts:
Do astika schools of thought in Hinduism believe that itihaas(Ramayan and Mahabharata) are really historic and not mythology?
This question asks whether scripture regards the epics as real.
But the default status of all narratives in all scripture seems to be that it really happened.
Are there stories in scripture that are explicitly said to be fictional or imaginary or mythological?


texts: Do the Nagas ever try to conquer the 3 worlds?

texts:
It's well known that the Asuras, and sometimes the Rakshasas, try to conquer the 3 worlds.

My question is, do the Nagas, who live Patala, try to conquer the 3 worlds?


texts: What role did sage Vashishta play in the Ramayana? He was Rama's guru, but then, is there any other significant role? What weapons did he give Rama?


texts: What is the Kanya region of Bharatavarsha, identified as the only residence of the four castes?

texts:
Lalla's Shishyavriddhida Tantra is a Hindu astronomical work dating to the 8th century.  In this excerpt from the Shishyavriddhida Tantra, Lalla describes the geography of Bharatavarsha, i.e. the Indian subcontinent:

  There are (nine) parts of (the country of Bharata), viz., Aindra, Kaseru, Tamraparna, Gabhastimat, Kanya, Saumya, Naga, Varuna and Gandhaarva.  There are seven principal mountains (in Bharata), viz. Mahendra, Shulti, Sahya, Vindhya, Pariyata, Malaya and Riksha.  Kumarika (Kanya) has all four castes (as inhabitants); the remaining eight parts of only the outcastes.

My question is, what is the Kanya region of India which the Shishyavriddhida Tantra identifies as the only place where the four castes live, at least as of the 8th century?

Considering that it is known as both "Kanya" and "Kumarika", I think it may refer to Kanyakumari, which is the Southern tip of Tamil Nadu.  If so, it would be consonant with what the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desikan says in this chapter of his Rahasyatraya Sara:

  Holy regions like Aryavarta have, owing to the nature of the Yuga (Kali) become unfit for abode, owing to the rites of varna and ashrama getting mingled....  [W]e are also told about places where Bhagavatas live in Kali Yuga: "In Kali Yuga there will be born, here and there, noble souls who consider that Narayana is the supreme object of attainment.  They will be born in number in Tamil Nad on the banks of the Tamraparni, of the Kritamala, of the Palar, of the renowned Cauvery and of the river which flows westwards[.]" ... As stated in these passages, it is these places inhabited by Bhagavatas, that are suitable for the residence of the prapanna in this Kali Yuga.

In any case, are there any commentaries on the Shishyavriddhida which shed light on this?


texts: Can non brother sisters wish each other Happy Raksha Bandhan?

texts:
Can people who are not (and cannot be) brothers and sisters wish each other Happy Raksha Bandhan without tying Rakhis?

People like friends, lovers, spouse etc.


texts: A few questions about being Hindu in America

texts:
I am involved in a class focused on studying different civilizations and cultures. I chose to study Indian culture and focused on religion.

If anyone is willing to give me a few answers, I would love to have personal insight about the following:

What is the biggest challenge about being Hindu in America? Or is there a challenge at all - maybe you have only encountered tolerance and acceptance?
What do you believe to be the most misunderstood part of your religion?  For example, do you encounter people who believe that people of Hindu faith are polytheistic?
In what ways do you think Hinduism and Indian culture have begun to influence American culture?
What do you believe to be the most profound idea(s) in Hinduism?
What would you say to a person who values the spiritual aspects of Hinduism but is an atheist? That is, can religion and spirituality be separated?
If you have experience with the caste system - please tell me a bit about how belonging to a caste might shape your perspective of the world, influence how other people perceive you, influence how you perceive your religion etc.

I am new to these ideas so please forgive me if I have asked anything that I shouldn't. I am incredibly fascinated by all of this and am eager to read your answers!


texts: How do orthodox Hindus interpret these Vedic mantras that seem to suggest that the Rishis authored the mantras?

texts:
It has been asserted that these mantras suggest that the Rishis authored the Vedic mantras:

RV 1.61.4: asmā idu stomaṃ saṃ hinomi rathaṃ na taṣṭeva — “For him, I
design this hymn, just as a carpenter designs a chariot”
RV 1.77.1: kathā dāśemāgnaye kāsmai devajuṣṭocyate bhāmine gīḥ — “ How
shall we offer to Agni, what kind of words should we say to him the
bright one, which will be divinely acceptable?”
RV 1.94.1: imaṃ stomamarhate jātavedase rathamiva saṃ mahemā manīṣayā
— “This stotra we make for the most sacred Jātaveda with deep
meditation, just like building a chariot”
RV 1.143.1: pra tavyasīṃ navyasīṃ dhītimagnaye vāco matiṃ sahasaḥ
sūnave bhare — “I offer this newest and most expansive ritual and
words to the Son of Strength”
RV 2.19.8: evā te gṛtsamadāḥ śūra manmāvasyavo na vayunāni takṣuḥ —
“Thus, we Gṛtsamadas have designed these words for you, O Indra, just
as a pathfinder makes paths”

In particular, this verse seems to strongly suggest that:

RV 1.61.4: asmā idu stomaṃ saṃ hinomi rathaṃ na taṣṭeva — “For him, I design this hymn, just as a carpenter designs a chariot”

But how do those who believe that the Vedic mantras are unauthored, like the followers of Vedanta and Mimamsa do, interpret these verses?


texts: What are the right rituals & food for Maha Shivaratri fast?

texts:
I would like to know the following:

The right type of food for the fast, so what to eat & when to eat?
The rituals to be performed before & after the fast?
Any precautions to be taken?
Any other additional information if you have related to this fast.

Agni Puran:

  The chaturdashi in krishnapaksha that comes between the months of
  Magha and Falguna is known as Shivaratri. Then one has to fast and
  stay awake the whole night. Earlier, there used to be an evil hunter
  named Sundarasena. But because he performed a vrata on Shivaratri, all
  his sins were forgiven.

In above reference by whole night does it means after the sunset till 12.00 midnight or after 12.00 midnight till sunrise?


texts: How is moha (मोह) different from kaama (काम)?

texts: To my best understanding moha (मोह) is enchantment and kaama (काम) is desire. However, I am looking for textual references differentiating the two!


texts: Is the goddess of devi suktam Durga? is she same as adi shakti, or is adi shakti the goddess of devi suktam different from Durga.


texts: Description of seasons in Hindu Scriptures

texts:
We know that environment has considerably changed comparatively to 20th century and is changing todays. We sometimes hear the discussion of our elders about systematic environments/seasons of 50-100 years before.

So, I just thought whether the description of seasons (viz. winter, summer & monsoon) had nicely described in any ancient scriptures? so-that we can get the imagination of seasons in ancient times!

I've found one related question: How Monsoon Season or Rainy Season (वर्षा ऋतू) has been described in Ancient scriptures of Hinduism?

So, How the seasons are described in Hindu scriptures?


texts: What is the story and significance of the Dashashwamedh Ghat?

texts:
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the famous Ghats of river Ganga in Varanasi (Kashi). It is mentioned on the official site of Varanasi that Lord Brahma has performed ten horse sacrifices their.

  This is the most busiest and the ancient most referred ghat. According to the myth related to Divodasa, Lord Brahma (" the creator" in the Hind trinity gods) performed the ten-horses sacrifice (dasa-asvamedha) at this site. The historical sources infer that at this site the revivalist Hindu dynasty of the second century, the Bhara Siva Nagas had performed ten-horses sacrifice. The KKh (52.1-10:61.38) records many verses describing glory of this ghat. The temple of Sulatankesvara, Brahmesvara, Varahesvara, Abhaya Vinayaka, the Ganga ("goddess"), and Bandi Devi are closeby at the top of the ghat. These shrines are linked to several important pilgrimage journeys. The southern part of the ghat was made pucca in 1740 by Bajirao Pesava-1, and late in c.1774 by Ahilyabai Holkar of lndore.

I want to know in which scripture, the story of Lord Brahma performing ten horse sacrifices on this Ghat is mentioned and what is the significance of this Ghat?


texts: How many people were brought back to life by Lord Dattatreya?

texts:
I have heard "Datta Bavani" many times. In this there are verse

"Kidho sajivan te nirdhar"

Means Lord Datta brought someone to life back after death. I would like to know, how many people were brought back to life by Lord Dattatreya?


texts: Where in the Vedas do we find : 'aharahah sandhyAm upAsita'?

texts:
In Ahnik-Krutya, Shyamacharana Kaviratna Vidyavaridhi mentions that 'aharahah sandhyAm upAsita' (Sandhya should be worshipped everyday) is a Vedic instruction. But he did not mention where exactly in the Vedas this instruction is found.

Can anybody provide the source?


texts: Where can I read the works of Bellamkonda Ramaraya Kavindrulu online?

texts: Bellamkonda Ramaraya Kavindrulu was a Vishishtadvaitin turned Advaitin and he is said to have refuted the interpretations of Sri Bhashyam of Ramanujacharya especially in his works "Sankara Sankara Bhasya Vimarsha" and "Siddhanta Sindhu". Where  can I read those works online in English?


texts: Can anyone give me a list of people mentioned in our ancient texts who attained Siddhis through meditation only

texts:
By siddhis, i mean the superpowers mentioned in Hanuman Chalisa, Asta Siddhis like growing large and small, flying and other powers.
Can someone give me a list of people who attained super powers through meditation only.


texts: Does surgical text 'sushrut samhita' mention circumcision ? Has this procedure ever been performed on a man in ancient india for medical reasons?

texts:
We know its associated mostly with abrahamic religions. But considering that we have our own surgical treatises like 'sushrut samhita' .

was this ever done in ancient india to cure medical problems ?


texts: Map of Nadis, Chakras and Marmas in Human body

texts: It is said that there are 72,000 Nadis in the Human body. Is there any sophisticated Map indicating the Chakras, important Nadis and Marma points in the Human anatomical diagram ?


texts: Where do souls stay until they reincarnate?

texts:
I'm certain that they do not reincarnate as soon as they die.

So where do they stay until they reincarnate?


texts:
Sanskrit is a very rich language and old language. One word may have multiple meaning.
Language evolve on change time to time. Vedas were at least written around 1500bce.
So how do we know that the translation we are reading and understanding is correct. And that's how people have understood the Vedas when they were first composed.
[Skandaswami's commantary is the oldest but he commentated on vedas at around 7th century that still more than 1700 years late]


texts: What kind of clothing did epic and purana characters wear?

texts:
Please mention the sanskrit words/titles for clothes, Are there instances where kind, type of clothing should be used is discussed? Or even in suggestive types in puranas?

Like gods wearing clothes, characters wearing clothes, names, kind, type given about clothes?


texts: Which scriptures mention the Garbhodakshayi and Karanodakshayi forms of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
I have heard of different forms of Lord Vishnu such as the Garbhodakshayi, Karanodkashayi and Kshirdakashayi forms. I want to know which all Puranas or Vedic scriptures mention these three?

EDIT:
Some people are commenting that no scriptures mention it from which I guess they mean no Puranas mention it but in that case whichever texts mention these forms please share with references.


texts:
This question was taunting me since I watched Animal Planet's revelation on Mermaids wikipedia about mermaids I wonder that as we have a great culture and mythology, this fact should be included in that.

Animal planets mermaid video.


texts: Karna and Krishna's conversation about Karna's birth

texts:
Krishna discussed Karna's birth with him when leaving Hastinapura; all the followers were asked to go back to the city and only Karna continued on Krishna's chariot. Interestingly this conversation was narrated by Sanjaya to Dhritarastra (Sanskrit, translation).
In that conversation, Karna says he knows about his birth.

I know all that thou hast said unto me.

I have many questions here.

How did Sanjaya came to know about this when the conversation told place in private. At that time Sanjaya did not have the devine sight

After knowing about Karma's birth, why didn't Dhritarastra act? Did other Kaurava's (Duryodana for example) heard this narration from Sanjaya (because Dhritarastra asked Sanjaya to narrate when Kauravas were discussing about the peace deal)?

How did Karna know about his birth before Krishna said it to him?


texts: Difference between CHANDI NAVASATHI MANTRAMALA and Durga Sapthasathi!

texts:
The Sri Devi Mahatmyam, Sri CHANDI NAVASATHI MANTRAMALA' restored by 'Sri Sri Sri Gopanandanatha' adheres to the principle of Sanathana Dharma and guides one to achieve 'Gnana' and eventually attains the goal of 'Moksha'.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPB_Cxk39X19puayq2RXsCvCkmtx7v-UM

Did anyone read Sri CHANDI NAVASATHI MANTRAMALA?  If so, what are the differences  between CHANDI NAVASATHI MANTRAMALA and Durga Sapthasathi?


texts: Which Purana talks about the incident of Lord Shiva saving The Sage Markandeya?

texts:
There is this popular story that Sage Markandeya was saved from death by Lord Shiva. Does any one know the source of this account? In which Purana is this described?

As far as I know there is no mention of this incident in The Shiva Maha Purana, Linga Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana. I am not sure about Skanda Maha Purana. Neither do I find this in Markandeya Purana.

In The Skanda Maha Purana, Prabhasa Khanda, 209th Chapter, Lord Shiva tells Mother Parvathi that it was Lord Bhrahma who blessed the Sage Markandeya as a boy, to live for long (followed by the blessings of the other sages). Here is the reference:

https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13000/page/n5/mode/2up (check the chapter 209)

Added more comments on this for one of my own questions here

As per the Puranas like Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Nrsimha Purana (considered as a upa-purana) it was Lord Sriman Narayana who saved sage Markandeya from the clutches of death.

That said, even in Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Brahma Purana, and Sri Skanda Maha Purana, the accounts involve Lord Shiva, (and in some accounts like the one in Sri Skanda Purana, Lord Brahma as well) with Markandeya finally offering prayers and prostrations to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. In Bhagavatam the sage obtains boons, and in Brahma Purana, the divine sage builds a temple for Lord Shiva as per the directions of Lord Vishnu.

In The Linga Purana, there is a story very similar to the popular story of The Sage Markandeya, but involving Swetha Muni (being saved by Lord Shiva) from the clutches of death.

In Sri Skanda Maha Purana, there is the story of King Swetha (contrast with Swetha Muni of The Linga Purana) who was saved from death by Lord Shiva burning The Kala (who is portrayed as a different one from Yama).

So in which Purana do we find this account involving sage Markandeya  saved by Lord Shiva?


texts: Could i be still a 'source energy' specimen without having to follow ANY religion or any of it's religious based rules?

texts:
This stroke me many-a-times. I am not ready to accept any religion, nor any rules. I just wanted to be able to differentiate between right or wrong without any rules (which judges on the body or out of the body {mentally}) or anything what is worldly specific that is to be done to be able to impress any of gods, demi-gods or even barely humans (I do not adhere principles to any rules which prevents or lowers the scope of goodness). If a certain rule overrides the most obvious fact and leads to wrong - to that I wanted to plain surrender 'wrong'.

Is this strange for me? or even though If I wanted to follow the principles of a hindu, muslim, jain, a Sikh, a Buddhist, monk, etc or whatever that is worldly describable  or whatever it mattered, I just wanted to pick up the basic good of every religion and mix it into what might be a principle to live a life and just to stick onto what is betterment universally or the least cosmetically (cosmos theories with scientific alignment). Is that against Hinduism?

Basics: If that is against any (not just hinduism) system, I am looking forward to follow none because this isn't a set specified documentation. There's something more constructive I am looking for to reference and to find something which triggers myself.


texts: What scripture describes the story of Vishnu's boon to Shatarupa?

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In Balakanda of Rama-Charitmanasa there's this famous story of Manu and Shatarupa's penance to Vishnu (Rama). Manu asks Vishnu to be born as his son. Shatarupa asks for unending devotion to Vishnu.

  Doha - 148 The compassionate Lord then said, "knowing that I am highly
  pleased with you and recognizing Me as a great donor, ask whatever
  boon you will.

  Doha - 149 "O crest -jewel of donors , O gracious lord , I tell You my
  sincere wish : I would have a son like You. I can have nothing to
  conceal from You ."

  Chaupala - On seeing his love and hearing his invaluable words, the
  compassionate Lord said, "Amen But where shall I go find My equal?
  Myself, O king , shall be a son to you."

  Then seeing Satarupa with her hands still folded , He said , O good
  lady . ask whatever boon you please. "O gracious Lord the boon which
  the clever king has just asked has appealed to me much.

  Doha - 150 "Grant me in Your mercy , O Lord, that very bliss, the same
  destiny, the same devotion the same attachment to Your feet, the same
  insight and the same mode of living."

  Chaupala - Hearing the soft, pregnant, charming and excellent speech
  of Satarupa, the gracious Lord gently replied, "Whatever desire you
  cherish in your mind I have granted; you should have no doubt about it
  Mother , by My grace your uncommon wisdom shall never fail.

My question is which scripture is this story of Vishnu's boon to Shatarupa?

I have read of Manu's penance in UttaraKhanda (pg 39) of Padma Purana and Vishnu's subsequent avatar as Rama. But which scripture describes Shatarupa's side of the story?


texts: What is the story of Yashoda's daughter fighting the rebirths of the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha?

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As I discuss in this answer, the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha once defeated the gods and took over the three worlds.  The gods went to Mount Kailash to ask Durga for help.  After they said a prayer to Durga, Shiva's wife Parvati walked by, and out of her body came a form of Durga known as Ambika, AKA Kaushiki, who defeated Shumbha and Nishumbha in battle and restored the rule of the three worlds to Indra and the gods.

In any case, in this chapter of the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, after the battle Durga tells the gods about her future incarnations, and in particular she says this about an incarnation in the present Mahayuga:

  40-41. The Devi said : 'When the twenty-eighth age has arrived during the period of Vaivasvata Manu, two other great asuras, Shumbha and Nishumbha 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.'

For those who don't know, around the same time that Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki, a daughter was born to Nandagopa and Yashoda.  She was an incarnation of Yogamaya, the illusory power of Vishnu who is often associated with Durga.  When Vasudeva brought Krishna to Nandagopa and Yashoda, he took Yashoda's daughter back to the prison and presented her to Kamsa as the eighth son of Devaki.  When Kamsa tried to kill the baby girl, she revealed herself as a goddess and said something along the lines of "Fool!  The eighth son of Devaki is still alive and he'll kill you!" And then she flew up into the sky.

Afterwards, this goddess is said to have gone to the Vindhya mountains, which is why she is known as Vindhyavasini.  But my question is, what is the story of her fighting the rebirths of the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha?  Who were they reborn as?

Are there any scriptures that describe this story?


texts: Who is Goddess Sarasvatī? How the Goddess of River transformed into the Goddess of Knowledge?

texts: The identity of the Goddess Sarasvatī changed over time. Initially, she was the personification of the sacred river. Later she was transformed into the Goddess of Knowledge. How did that happen?


texts:
Sri Eknath was one of the famous saints from the Varkari line of Bhakti tradition.

Whose incarnation was he ?


texts:
When Ravana was dying in the battlefield after getting hit by Lord Rama, Lord Rama sent Lakshmana to Ravana.

Ravana and Lakshmana had some conversation. What was it all about?


texts: Who is the swan avatar of Vishnu who taught the Vedas to Bramha?

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In the Kamba Ramayana, a Gandharva praises Rama as such:

  2575.Oh Rama   who is a boar  unearthed the earth by your horn,
  Taking  the shape of a swan , you taught   Vedas  to Lord Brahma,
  Who taught you that Vedas before? Were they all dead at that time?
  If those which separated from a thing  , join together   to form  ,
  That same thing, does it mean they are    the same thing  or,
  Does it mean they have not come by division,
  I am not able    to understand   this  illusion.”

Which avatar of Vishnu is this? Is he mentioned in any other texts?


texts: What are the names of 18 Mahapuranas?Some resources have Bhavisya Purana but do not have Shiva Purana in their list, while some have Shiva Purana in place of Bhavisya Purana. I came across this difference in lot of websites. Please clarify why there is such a difference, why there is such a difference. Thank you.


texts: Why can't mother see son's Upanayana ceremony?

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Recently in March 2020 month, we performed the Munj/Thread/Janeau/Upanayana ceremony of my 10 year old son. During the actual Muhurtam time ritual (which was at 9:52 am), my wife was not allowed to view this ceremony according to the Hindu ritual.
Is this a traditional practice in Munj ceremony? Why can't a mother see this specific ritual? What are the reasons for the same?
My personal opinion :
Mother should be allowed to view this ritual in "Munj" ceremony.


texts: What is the source of "Bootha hitha yathartha bashanameva satyam"?

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In which context of which Upanishad, the following statement is present?

  Bootha hitha yathartha bashanameva satyam

Provide reference, if available.

Watch this for a minute for more details (in Telugu language).


texts: In trying to win Karna over to the Pandava side, did Krishna suggest that Draupadi would accept him as her sixth husband?

texts:
After Krishna's efforts to avert the Kurukshetra war fail, as one final attempt, he tries to win Karna over to the Pandava side, but in doing so, does Krishna suggest that Draupadi would accept Karna as her sixth husband?
Ganguli translates this verse as:

15 rājanyā rājakanyāś cāpy ānayantv abhiṣecanam
      ṣaṣṭhe ca tvāṃ tathā kāle draupady upagamiṣyati

Let queens and princesses bring golden and silver and earthen jars (full of water) and delicious herbs and all kinds of seeds and gems, and creepers, for thy installation. During the sixth period, Draupadi also will come to thee (as a wife).

An alternate translation from here is:

हिरण्मयांश्च ते कुम्भान् राजतान् पार्थिवांस्तथा।  ओषध्यः सर्वबीजानि सर्वरत्नानि वीरुधः।।१४।।
राजन्या राजकन्याश्चाप्यानयन्त्वाभिषेचनम्॥१५॥  षष्ठे त्वां च तथा काले द्रौपद्युपगमिष्यति।

Golden water pots as also silver and earthen ones (filled with water) and medicinal herbs and all sorts of seeds and gems, let the wives of kings and daughters of kings bring for your anointment (in the kingship). During the sixth period Draupadi too will come to you as to a husband.

What does "sixth period" in the above mean? And in what sense did Krishna say "will come to you" in the second line or verse?


texts: How does the Karnataka's Lingayat community worship differently compared to other Shiva Linga devotees?

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The community name is derived from the "Linga", & hence it should be part of Hinduism.
However, recently Karnataka government proposed special religious status to the Lingayat community.

Is the worship form of this community any different than the other devotees of "Shiva Linga"?


texts: does the RigVedic verse "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti" refer to impersonal Brahman?

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Ṛg Veda 1.164.46
इन्द्रं॑ मि॒त्रं वरु॑णम॒ग्निमा॑हु॒रथो॑ दि॒व्यः स सु॑प॒र्णो ग॒रुत्मा॑न् ।
एकं॒ सद्विप्रा॑ बहु॒धा व॑दन्त्य॒ग्निं य॒मं मा॑त॒रिश्वा॑नमाहुः ॥४६॥
Sat is grammatically neuter:
सत् n. that which really is, entity or existence, essence, the true being or really existent (in the Vedânta, ‘the self-existent or Universal Spirit, Brahma’) .
Is the verse saying what is ultimately real is impersonal, and personal Devas or deities like Indra,Mitra,Varuna et al. spoken of by sages are manifestations of the impersonal truth?


texts: What is the list of things needed for Vedic marriage?

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There are descriptions of several marriages in Hindu scriptures such as marriages of Sita Rama, Parvati parameswara etc.,

Is there any mention on the complete or partial list of the necessary things needed for marriage? The things (not persons) I'm referring are only things used during the marriage event(ritual).


texts: What are the names of the saints mentioned in the Bhaktamal?

texts: Bhaktamal is a Ramanandi text written in in Braja language by Nabhadas in the seventeenth century. Written in poetry form, the work depicts the lives of more than two hundred Vaishnava saints across all sects. What are the names of these saints mentioned in the Bhaktamal?


texts: I recently read that Kubera is exemplified by Eight Treasures or Ashta-nidhi. What are they?


texts: Where can I find the commentary on nAtya shAstra (abhinavabharati)?

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Bhagwan Sri Abhinavagupta's most important work on the philosophy of art is Abhinavabhāratī – a long and complex commentary on Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni. This work has been one of the most important factors contributing to Abhinavagupta's fame up until present day.

Can I find an online version or a printed version?

Does this book have any translation ?


texts: Madhusudana Saraswati on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

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Madhusudhan Saraswati, the author of the famous work, Advaitasiddhi was a Vaishnava belonging to the Shankarite sect. A great devotee of Shri Krishna, he is said to have been initially against Advaita but later accepted it to be the highest truth. It is often said that he was highly influenced by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in his early days.

So my questions are:

• Did he accept Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to be an incarnation of Krishna?

• What was his opinion of Mahaprabhu's Achintya Bheda Abheda philosophy?


texts: Rishi Bharadvaj's association to Saamveda

texts: Some say Bharadvaj Rishi was a main contributor to the Saamveda. But the vedas that we know are composed by Rishi Ved Vyasa. So how Rishi Bharadvaj is related to Saamveda ?


texts: Does the Kamma caste existing today fall into Sudra Varna?

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There was no strict varna system in South India outside Kerala. They had only three classes namely Brahmin, non-Brahmin and Dalit. So their divisions are different from varna system. Since the Brahmin class of south India may be similar to Brahmin varna of Hinduism. Kamma generally does not fall under Brahmin varna.

Considering the other two classes: non-Brahmin and Dalit, Kamma generally falls into non-Brahmin. So they can be either kshetriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, outcast or mlechhas.

In recent history they are considered as upper Shudras. So it may be inferred from history that they fall into Shudra varna.

Source: Wikipedia

But my doubt is that how Kammas can be categorized in to shudras if they do not follow varna system? And to which varna the kamma caste can be classified into if they can be categorized among remaining four varnas?


texts: Beliefs on the chronology of Mahabharata

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Many scientific studies have been done on the chronology of the Mahabharata. This research paper uses astronomical data  mentioned in the Mahabharata to establish that the events of the Mahabharata happened around 3000 BC (nearly 5000 years ago).

Although, many people believe that Mahabharata might have happened millions of years ago. My question is this: Is there any scriptural basis of these beliefs?


texts: Where does Devi Bhagavatam say followers of Vaishnava Agamas go to hell?

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In my question here Why does Devi Bhagavatam say some Agamas as tamasic?

A user commented

  Devi Bhagavatam talks against many other Tantras too .. Like Vaishnava
  Agama is also criticized as saying followers will go to dreaded hells
  .. the branding of hot metal marks on body is censured.

Where does Devi Bhagavatam say this?


texts: How are rishis not able to control anger despite doing meditation?

texts: Lord Shiva does Dhyana almost all of the time. Then why can't he control his anger? There were some very famous Rishis known for their bad tempered. How also they unable to control their anger?


texts: Why Lord Krishna says he is Bhrigu in sages?

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Why Lord Krishna says he is Bhrigu in sages whereas Bhrigu rishi put leg on the Lord Vishnu's chest? Is there any reason behind calling himself as Sage bhrigu?

reference geeta ch-10 verse 25


texts: Were Hindu scriptures tampered with by the British?

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I am not sure if this claim is true. I often read in some online forums that our scriptures were tampered by the British when they invaded us.

One of the speculated reasoning while doing so was to Divide and Conquer a secular country.

Some links are:

Youtube
Blog

So, my question is: Were the Hindu scriptures really tampered with by the British?
And were the original scriptures exported from India in some form? If so, is it possible to compare the two versions and see what the differences are?