texts:
Are the sub-castes within lingayatism similar to the hindu caste system like the Sharana/Ainor(priests), Shettar(merchants/vaishyas), holeya(shudra) etc ?

NOTE: What will be the accepted references for this answer?
Answer: Actually, Sikh scriptures also explicitly deny casteism "- but finally practically they do have khatri etc lots of caste and caste discrimination  prevalent in them https://www.quora.com/Who-is-better-and-why-Jatt-sikhs-or-Bhapa-sikhs/answer/Kunal-Kakkar-1 .
 In the same way, in the above question asks that - "although lingayats scripture says that there is no caste, is it true that on practical world lingayats are having the same rigid caste system prevalent in them too, even if their scriptures do not sanction it? " . Hence, not just the scriptures, BUT ALSO newspaper reports, govt. reports and normal article links about prevalent castes -will also constitute valid reference for the answers.


texts: I was told by an elder that according to the oldest Purana, the formless Krishna is supreme and he created the Trinity. He is not that Krishna who is lord Vishnu's avatar and all the other gods including the tridev and tridevis are Vaishnav and worship him also. There are no mantras or way to worship him. There are many explanations for creation of this universe but which one is true?


texts: What is the difference between Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna

texts: Hi difference in Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.


texts: Why is Lord Krishna called Upendra? Any scriptures which mention the reason?


texts:
Akashic Records are defined by some hindus and theosophists as  a compendium of thoughts, events, and emotions  encoded in a non-physical plane of existence known as the astral plane.

Its been believed that , nothing actually lost in the world.Each thought , event , all books are perfectly recorded in this infinite medium. Only few people who are capable of reading it can access it.

One recent example is , pandit subbaraya shastri , who accessed portions of vaimanika shastra( written by sage Bharadvaja) , which was supposed to be lost.But I couldn't find any references or quotes of its existence in any of books I have read.

Does any one aware of explicit references of such things in any hindu scriptures?


texts: Can dharma change with desa and kAla paristhiti?

texts:
Is it explicitly mentioned anywhere that dharma can change with desa-kAla conditions? If not explicit mention, is it implied anywhere? If it can change, how much can it change? What was considered dharma/adharma before can become adharma/dharma at some later point in time?

Comment
I am aware of yuga dharmas. My question is more simple. Whether something that was considered as dharma/adharma, say 1000 years ago, can be considered the opposite now.


texts: How do I know what the will of God is, if I want to surrender to it?

texts: I've seen some mentions of complete self surrender, or for example Krishna's 'abandon all dharmas and surrender unto me'. Fine, suppose I decide to do that. How would I know what God's will is at any moment? Whatever I innately feel like doing? I can never know what God's will actually is, only what I believe/feel it to be (which is probably wrong). Should I just forget all my duties and act spontaneously all the time? An adult can't function like that.


texts:
It is said that Nara-Narayana sages were born as Arjuna and Krishna respectively. But at the same time Arjuna is biological son of Indra.

Also it is said that Draupadi is incarnation of wives of Dharma, Vayu,Indra and Aswini Kumaras.

So my questions now are

Whose soul did Arjuna have? Indra's or Nara's ?
If Arjuna had Nara's soul (Atma), is this the reason why Krishna exhorted Bhagavadgita to Arjuna, indirectly saying to himself ?( Lord Vishnu was born as Nara and Narayana brothers.).
If assumption in second question is correct, is this the reason behind their friendship?


texts: Why did Shri Krishna show his power to everyone

texts: I am trying to understand something about Hinduism particularly Shri Krishna. I want to understand why he would show how powerful he is. I guess I am looking at this in terms of today. If someone said they were an incarnation of Krishna and showed the powers that they had and proved it. Then people would come and ask for favors. Wouldn't it be the same then. If not why not and if so then why did he show the infinite power that he has?


texts: Reconciling the Kalpa Bheda between Devi Sati and Devi Parvati taking basis from the Puranas, including Srimad Bhagavata Purana

texts:
According to the Skanda Purana, Dēvī Sati was born in the previous Kalpa (Pitri Kalpa) before the present Śvetavārāha Kalpa and after self-immolation was reborn as Goddess Pārvatī near the end of the present Chakshusha Manvantara. (Refer this answer). The very same part of the Skanda Purana also mentions that Goddess Parvati shall have a life for a period equal to Brahma’s 6 months i.e. 180 Kalpas (6 x 30 days, each Kalpa being a day of Brahma).

(A) It could thus be stated that the birth and immolation of Sati is not a recurring event in every Kalpa. There is a difference of more than one Kalpa between Sati and Parvati.

However,
It is said that different Puranas tell different versions of the same story owing to the concept of Kalpa Bheda, according to which most events (though there are some new ones) recur in each Kalpa. One such repetitive event is the Yajña of Daksha Prajapati, where his daughter Sati self-immolates herself owing to an insult from Daksha. We come to know this is a repetitive event owing to the following-
1) In the Shiva Purana Chapter 14 (describing the birth of Sati) of the Satī-khaṇḍa of the Rudra-saṃhitā says as follows:

  केचिद्वदंति तां ज्येष्ठां मध्यमां चापरे शिवाम्।
  सर्वानन्तरजां केचित्कल्पभेदात्त्रयं च सत॥९॥
  Some say that Śivā (Satī) was the eldest of his daughters, some say that she was the middle and some say that she was the youngest. All the three opinions are correct in different Kalpas.  9

2) The story of Kakabhushundi in the Puranas says that he witnessed the Ramayana and Mahabharata with different outcomes. He also witnessed the Daksha Yajña episode multiple times and it always had the same outcome i.e. ending with Devi Sati’s self-immolation and Lord Shiva’s fury.

(3) Furthermore, the events narrated in the Śrimad Bhāgavata Purana belonging are from the the Pādma Kalpa (same as the present Śvetavārāha kalpa [also stated to be the same in the purport to ŚB 2.10.47 and Tattvasandarbha of Jiva Goswami]) as is stated in ŚB 2.10.47. In the Bhagavata Purana (while talking in context of the present Śvētavārāha Kalpa) the story of Daksha Yajña is given as being in the Swāyambhuva Manvantara, after which he is reborn as the son of the Pracētas (ŚB 6.6.1)

(B) From this we can see that the birth of Sati is repetitive. Sati was born in the Swayambhuva Manvantara of the current Śvētavārāha Kalpa and was later born as Goddess Parvati towards the end of the Chakshusha Manvantara of the present Kalpa only.

Reconciling (A) and (B)

(i) If we go by the logic that the Yajña of Daksha is a repetitive event happening in every Kalpa, then the case of Sati (Pitri kalpa) and Goddess Parvati (Svetavaraha Kalpa) being more than a Kalpa apart does not hold good.

(ii) Goddess Parvati and 180 Kalpas wouldn’t hold good and Devi would have to give up being with Lord Shiva at the end of every Kalpa

(iii) Usually it is said Trideva (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and Tridevi (Saraswati, Lakshmi and Uma) are not affected by Kalpa ending, why then should the Devi Sati episode and Devi Parvati’s birth happen in every Kalpa? By that logic the Skanda Purana talking about more than a Kalpa’s difference between Sati and Parvati, and also the life of Parvati being more than one Kalpa holds good. (Though why only 180 calls for a separate discussion)

My question is how do we reconcile the above?


texts: What is the english meaning of this shloka? Draupadyaa damantyaa cha savitryaa susheelayaa- Duritaani jitaanyeetajjapaadaaptam cha vanchitam

texts:
“Draupadyaa damantyaa cha savitryaa susheelayaa- Duritaani jitaanyeetajjapaadaaptam cha vanchitam.”
Its from sri krishna saharanama stotram.
And also i found another shloka similar to it.
द्रौपदी दमयंती चाय सावित्री सुशीलिया - दुरीतां जीतनजितजपदपटम: चाय वंचितं
Can you please give english meaning to it also and please let me know the source of this shloka too.


texts:
who  arrived first in satyug ?
Lord Ram or lord krishna
According to  this
Lord krishna arrived first in satyug  but Valmiki written ramayan  before  Ved Vyas- Mahabharat
So here  im   confused


texts: Where can I read Manusmriti along with all its commentaries in English?

texts: Manusmriti has more than six commentaries so far (Bhāruci, Medhātithi, Govindarāja, Kullūka, Nārāyana, Sarvajnanarayana, Nandana, Raghavananda, Ramacandra). Only Medhatithi's commentary which has been translated to English is available online as per my knowledge. Where can I read the other commentaries in English?


texts: Who were the Vedic composers (qualitatively)?

texts:
I am seeking something different from all that has already been touched upon.

I am aware of the fact that Vedas are 'Apaurusheya' and 'Anaadi' and that they were revealed to the sages by the Gods during meditation. And after revelation the sages gave them to the disciples and people by putting them into the form of Sanskrit verses as hymns. And Vedavyasa is the one who gave Vedas the textual form. So no queries on that. And so please, no discussion on that.

What I wanted to know is; if there is any historical or scriptural or customary evidence or information regarding, '"What was the qualification for a sage/person whose hymn would be accepted as a Vedic hymn?"

Let me elaborate below;

Not all the Vedic hymns were composed instantly by one sage, in one revelation. There are numerous sages who composed the hymns at diferrent times. The Vedas were composed for thousands of years. As and when a new hymn was revealed and composed it was incorporated into the corpus of the already prevalent body of hymns of Vedas. So for a hymn to be accepted as a Vedic verse, it certainly had to have some qualities, moreover the composer too had to have some qualities.

There must have been some qualification as to which sage's which hymn becomes part of the vedic scripture. Certainly not all hymns composed by any person, who said this verse was revealed to me by the Gods, could become a vedic hymn.

In that case "What is the qualification for a hymn to be accepted as a vedic hymn and what is the qualification of a sage to compose a vedic hymn?"

So the question is; "Who were qualitatively regarded as the ones who could compose Vedas?"

Further, it is also said that, even today, Vedas are edited by certain people who have the sole authority to do so. Is this true? If so who are they? Where do they derive this authority from?


texts: I know panchakshari mantra, But want to know clear explanation, What is intent of panchakshari mantra?


texts:
It is well known that moon affects the ocean tides 1,2 and the effect is more during new moon, full moon days.

Is this phenomenon mentioned anywhere in the scriptures?


texts: Which festivals trace their origin stories to Vedas

texts:
There are many hindu festivals. Most of them derive their origin in Itihaasa (Ramayana and Mahabharata) and Puranas.
So, are there any festivals that have their origin in Vedas ?


texts: What's the meaning of Satyam Sivam Sundaram?

texts: What's the exact meaning of combo of these words in context of Hinduism? And what's the meaning of these words in general sense? Which Hindu text  has this sentence?


texts: There is a famous Varaha temple at Srimushnam right next to a highway in Tamil Nadu. I don't recall any temples to Varaha in North India, are there any? Is Varaha worshiped mostly in South India?


texts: Is it necessary to read the Mahatmya in Bhagavad-Gita?

texts:
I read the Bhagavad-Gita every day. There are stories at the beginning of each chapter named "Mahatmya" from the book I have. I skip the story before any chapter of Bhagavad-Gita.

My question is that is it necessary to read those stories related to Mahatmya before reading the Bhagavad-Gita's any chapter?


texts: Was the time temporarily stopped by Lord Krishna during Geeta upadesham?

texts:
The narration of Geeta took place just when Arjuna refused to fight the battle and was becoming emotionally weak. How did it happen that everyone waited until the whole Geeta of 18 chapters was completed ?
Some people say that Krihna had stopped time while narrating it, If so then is there any reference for this in Geeta or Mahabharata?


texts: What happened to Kripa after Mahabharata War?

texts: During the last day of Mahabharata war, Kripa accompanied Aswathamaa and helped him to execute the bloody murder of the Upapandavas and other soldiers in Pandava Army. After which there is no mention about Kripacharya in Mahabharata. What happened to him after that? The immortality conferred on him (It is well known that he is Chiranjeevi) is a blessings or curse like Aswathmaa?


texts: What argument did adi shankara made to prove Vedas are not authored by humans?

texts:
Advita Vedanta believes that vedas are authorless and not authored by any human.
So what are the arguments of Adi Shankara to prove Vedas are authorless.


texts: Is there a difference between Vedic Dharma and Hindu Dharma or Sanatan Dharma?

texts:
I observed difference in Vedic and Puranic deities, worshiping methods and philosophies.

I want to know is there any difference between Vedic Dharma and Hindu Dharma or Sanatan Dharma?

And is there any sect or denomination of Hindu that are non-vedic?


texts: The importance of "Harichandra" for the human last funeral ceremony

texts:
In Hinduism, the people follow some process called "Harichandra" at the last time of human body in the burial ground. And they also say some slogans at the time of the same.

Does anyone know about the things and any scriptures we are following in this kaliyuga?


texts: During what Yugas did Hiranyakashipu, Mahabali, and Ravana rule?

texts:
This excerpt from the Prabhasa Kanda of the Skanda Purana describes how long different demons ruled the three worlds for:

Hiranyakashipu shone as the king for one hundred seven million two hundred eighty thousand years.  He was the emperor of the three worlds.... He performed a very severe penance for a hundred thousand years.  Formerly he had stayed in the womb of Diti for ten thousand years.... After his term was over, Bali became the king for ten million three hundred sixty thousand years....The rule of the Daityas continued thus for ten Yugas without any enemy.  Then for eighteen Yugas, the entire region of the three worlds was protected carefully by Mahendra....Kaikasi ... gave birth to Ravana who later became the lord of Rakshasas.... He was a king for fourteen Yugas as a Rakshasa.  O my beloved, in terms of years, the time extended to five crore sixty-one lakh sixty thousand years.

So to sum up according to the Skanda Purana, Hiranyakashipu ruled for 107.28 million years, Mahabali ruled for 10.36 million years, and Ravana ruled for 56.16 million years.  And the Asuras collectively ruled for 10 Yugas, the Devas ruled for 18 Yugas, and Ravana ruled for 14 Yugas.  Whew!
But my question is, during what specific Yugas/Mahayugas did Hiranyakashipu, Mahabali, and Ravana respectively rule?  For those who don't know, as I discuss in this answer we are currently living in the 28th Kali Yuga of the Vaivasvata Manu, Rama was born in the 24th Treta Yuga, and Krishna was born in the 28th Dwapara Yuga.
By the way, I think at least some of the instances of the word "Yuga" in this passage actually refers to Mahayuga; Ravana is said to have ruled for 56.61 million years, which works out to 13 Mahayugas, close to the figure of 14 that's given in the passage.
Note: I'm not looking for answers that dispute the traditional Yuga lengths or the notion of people living millions of years.  I just want answers that explain what Yugas the Skanda Purana is referring to.


texts: How to refute the article claiming Buddhism influenced Upanishads

texts:
Especially Part 4-It claims Buddhism influenced Upanishads and they are post-Buddhist and lists many contemporaries of Upanishadic Sages during Buddha's time.
http://bps.lk/olib/wh/wh150_Joshi_Brahmanism-Buddhism-and-Hinduism.html#IVDateoftheOldestUpani7779ads


texts: What is the difference between consciousness and matter?

texts: I want to know the difference between consciousness, awareness, energy and matter. Also how could we define if any thing is consciousness or not?


texts: In Rig Veda, what is the reference to the "faith hymns"?

texts:
In this answer by a hindu scholar
What is the reference to the hymn of faith in the Rig
Veda? What are these? Does this kind of terminology exists?

Creation x 3
Dadhikras x 2
Dadhikravan x 1
Dadhikris x 1
Dakshina x 1
Dawn x 21
Dice x 1
Dream Charm x 1
Faith x 1


texts: Is the Jallikattu festival connected to Hinduism? If so, what is its significance?

texts:
The famous Jallikattu festival of Tamil Nadu, India was temporarily banned and then reinstated recently. My questions are:

Is the Jallikattu festival connected to Hinduism?
If so, what is the significance of Jallikattu according to Hinduism?
Are there any Hindu rituals associated with this festival?


texts: How can Draupadi be a pathivrata (dutiful wife) while being married to 5 men?

texts:
What are the qualities and requirements needed to be a pathivrata?

Draupadi is considered to be one of the Panchkannyas, and a great pathivrata too. This link says why Draupadi married 5 persons (the Pandavas). Is that sacred or pure? Does it have any effect on the pathivrata state?

If there's nothing wrong, according to Hindu scripture (forget current law), can a Hindu woman marry more than one person at a time?

My question is, briefly explain the Hinduism and Veda perspective on polyandry.

Can a woman achieve pathivrata state even though she marries more than one person at a time?

(P.S. My main question is about the Veda perspective on polyandry; my other questions and statements were made in support of the main question. Please answer this considering Draupadi as an example and the Hindu woman in real time)


texts: Did Lord Vishnu give Lord Shiva his trident? Isn’t this the opposite way around?

texts:
Why is it said that Lord Vishnu has given Lord Shiva his trident when there seem to be only 2 tales in this regard?:

1st as per Shiva Purana, the opposite happened, i.e. Shiva gave Vishnu his Sudarshana Chakra.
2nd as per Vishnu Purana, Vishwakarma gave both Shiva and Vishnu their respective weapons. If there is a tale about Vishnu giving Shiva his trident please share with proof.


texts: Death of a worker on the site during construction- should the house warming ceremony be postponed?

texts: If one of the construction workers died accidentally on the site while building the house, should the house owners postpone the house warming ceremony?


texts: Who founded "Pushti mArga" and how is it different than "Vaishnavism"?

texts:
Typically in Gujarat region of India, the devotees of Shrinathji follow "Pushti mArga". I would like to know:

Who founded it & when?
How is it different than conventional Vaishnavism?


texts: Do Hindus mourn the death of animals the same way they mourn their deceased relatives?

texts:
Hindus remain austere and refrain from participating in any religious ritual for a specified number of days (mostly 13) when any family member expires.

The popular thought is that the home becomes "ashuddha" and requires purification (either by virtue of 'Garuda Purana' or 'Gayatri Paath'). While I agree that these rituals may be necessary for the peace of the departed soul and their afterlife, but I am finding it difficult to understand why the home becomes contaminated.

My questions are:

What is the need to follow a period of aśuddha or aśauca following the death of a family person?
Does the same aśuddha or aśauca apply when a pet or any other living being dies, as the soul departs in all of these other cases too?
Is there a logical explanation for all this?


texts:
Where in Mahabharata is found the story of Vashishta trying to commit suicide in Sutlej river?  And Sutlej dividing itself into different channels to avoid that?

Does this story has a Vedic connection?


texts: Whenever Goswami's meet, why do they say Aum Namo Narayana?

texts: Whenever two Goswami's meet then why do they say Aum Namo Narayana?


texts: What was the name of 'Hindustan' before 'Bharat'?

texts: Well I know that 'Hindustan' was called 'Bharat' after the name of king Bharat, but curious to know what was the ancient name prior to that?


texts:
In an old book on The Harivamsa Purana, I had read that Shvetaketu and Uddhava fought against each other for Shaibya.
Both wanted to marry her, who then married Lord Krishna.
They were Brahamana-Khsatriya friends of Lord Krishna.
Shaibya was the niece of Paundraka Vaasudeva.
Can one elaborate this story with some textual proof.


texts: How can Rama's action of Sita's abandonment be better understood?

texts:
Lord Ramachandra abandoned Devi Sita when he learnt about the rumors regarding her chastity. However, in the work of Ramayana there are two incidents:

Ahalya redemption
Reunion of Tara with Sugriva after death of Vali

In these incidents mentioned above Sri Rama was involved in a similar situation of that of Sita's. But this act contradicts with regard to Sita's abandonment. It is well known that Rama is Maryada Purushottam. Then how can this act of his be better understood?


texts:
Varkari sect is Vaishnava community in Maharashtra which serves Panduranga(incarnation of Shri hari) in Pandharpur.

Since every Vaishnava tradition traces its Guru parampara back to Shriman Narayana, what is varkari guruparampara.


texts: Who is Queen Choladevi and what is she doing with Sage Angiras in this painting?


texts: Does the body parts of Devi Sati get cremated?

texts:
I have heard somewhere that, after Devi Sati's dead body (after her self immolation in her own yogAgni) was cut into several pieces by Sri Vishnu's chakra, they fall in various places on earth. For Shakti to get re-united with Shiva, it was necessary for her to re-incarnate as Parvati. For this purpose, Shiva had cremated each of her body part separately (today's shakti peethas) and dissolved it's ashes in the river Ganga.

Does this version have a scriptural source (i am looking for a source that says Shiva 'Cremated' the various body parts of Sati's body).


texts: Runanubandha is the physical memory that a person carries within himself. I think most of the information about this issue is given by Jaggi Vasudev. I am intrigued by this topic and want to know in which scripture is this particular type of memory mentioned? What is the main purpose of washing runanubandha? Which is the best method of washing this type of memory?


texts: Are there any Hindu historians? If so, are their writings available?


texts:
What do holy books say about inter-caste marriages? I heard somewhere that marriages between different castes causes वर्ण संकर (Varna Samkar) and our holy books don't support inter-caste marriages.

Is there any proof regarding this?


texts: Untimely death, heaven/hell, ghosts and rebirth

texts: If there is an untimely death of a person before a person is scheduled to die or if a person commits suicide before he is scheduled to die, does he become a ghost and has to live as a ghost until his time arrives to go to heaven or hell? And after heaven or hell, does he enter into a new life?


texts: How to thank god in sanskrit/hindi in Sanatan Dharm? As christians use hallelujah, muslim use allahmudillah !!


texts: What is the story of the cowherd who died of shock after Shrinivasa's Darshan?

texts: In story of Srinivasa/Venkateswara,a Cowherd loses prana by the shocking Darshan of Shriman Narayana. The cowherd must be very lucky man to have died after having darshan of Shriman Narayana and he must have been granted moksha. So what is the past of the Cowherd, did he attain moksha after that birth. Why was the jiva inside the body of cowherd chosen for this task?


texts: Is uttarkand an interpolation theory new or some old texts give references to it?

texts:
This is what the blog narayanastra says:

  objections against the authenticity of these two kANDas are modern. Such objections are fit to be rejected by Vedantins. The Vedantins who commented on the Ramayana did not raise any question about the authenticity of these two kANDas. Nor did any of the poets like Kalidasa, bhAvabhUti etc. raise or mention any such doubts.


texts: With link to my previous question , it is verified that whatever is given in havan(yagyas etc) is what is the nourishment for heaven. But, in this day and age where the havans and yagyas are so minimal, I wonder if heaven is suffering from poverty and malnutrition. What do the sastras/vedas/scriptures say about this?


texts: Is it mandatory to shave beard also along with head

texts:
After someone's demise, I know family member's go through a ritual where they shave off their head but I heard a new thing from my house Pandit Ji, he said now it is mandatory to shave beard also, however you can keep a little mustache.
I had to do it but still I have a doubt that head I know but why beard?
Can anyone tell me the reason behind shaving beard?


texts: What is the earliest source available to the worship of Prana?

texts:
What is the earliest reference available for the fundamental belief in worshiping Prana?
Where is it documented the belief that Prana created the world?


texts: Which shloka or scripture states that there are 33 crores of Hindu gods?

texts:
Please mention the shloka that explicitly states that there are 33 crores of Hindu Gods.

Please do not quote Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, because I think it just states that there are 33 gods. Not 33 koti (33 crores)!

Just the shloka please.

EDIT:

The purpose of the question is to find out if such a thing is even mentioned anywhere in Hindu scriptures. If not, we can say the general thinking is incorrect and we all can move on. There is no need to defend, refute and explain it.

So my question really is:

Is it accurate to state that, "No, Hindu scriptures do not mention anywhere that there are 33 कोटि (crores) देवी देवता (devi-devata)"?


texts: What is the view of different dharma shastras on domestic violence against women?

texts: What do different dharma shastras say about domestic violence against women, is domestic violence treated as sin in majority of them? I would like to know from different dharma shastras especially the shastra by ved vyasa and parashar.


texts:
I remember in my childhood many elders advised me to avoid seeing owls.

That bird is considered inauspicious by many in the Hindu community. The most common reason cited for owls being inauspicious is that they have been associated with bad luck and death, and hence avoid them.

Contrary to this belief, an owl is generally depicted as the Vahana (mount) of Goddess Lakshmi who in Hinduism is considered the deity of wealth and prosperity.

So, confusingly, from one point of view seeing an owl is inauspicious, but in many images and idols, an owl is shown with Goddess Lakshmi, thus making this "inauspicious" bird visible to followers of Goddess Lakshmi.

Do any Hindu scriptures associate owls with bad luck and death? If not then what could be the reason for owls being believed to be inauspicious?


texts: What are the consequences for the mangalik people born in Atiganda yoga?

texts: Atiganda Yoga seems to be one of the most inauspicious yogas out of the 27 yogas. What are the effects of being born in this yoga?


texts: Is it true Mahamrityunjaya mantra is not dedicated to Lord Shiva?

texts: I have found a lot of guys claiming over here, Maha Mrtyunjay Mantra is not dedicated to Lord Shiva. Is it true? I mean, are there any evidences from scriptures which clearly say the Mantra is for Lord Shiva only? Also, an enthusiastic guy was freaking here telling this Mantra is not for Moksha. Also please clear this second doubt whether the Mantra is for Moksha only or not? I mean is there any possibility of different translation of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?


texts: Can families that have been Vratyas for 3 generations or more perform the Vratyastoma ritual?

texts:
Vratyastoma is a ritual performed by Vratyas (people who have failed to perform Upanayana in time) to readmit themselves to the fold of Varnashrama Dharma. Many Westerners who convert into Hinduism perform this ritual. However, Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati MahaSwamiji in his book "Hindu Dharma" says:

If the Gayatri has not been chanted for three generations in the family of a Brahmin, its members lose caste (they cease to be Brahmins). The quarter where such Brahmins live cannot be called an "agrahara". It is perhaps not yet three generations since Brahmins gave up the Gayatri. So they still may be called Brahmins.
In the same way if the Brahmin family has not performed sacrifices for three generations its members will be called "Durbrahmanas", degenerate Brahmins. Even though degenerate the label "Brahmin" sticks to them. There are prayascittas (expiatory rites) by means of which the corrupted Brahmins will be remade true Brahmins. But there is no such hope for a Brahmin in whose family Gayatri has not been chanted for three generations. A member of such a family ceases altogether to be a Brahmin and cannot be made one again. He is just a "Brahmana- bandhu", a kin or a friend of Brahmins. The same rule applies to Ksatriyas and Vaisyas with regard to the Gayatri mantra; they become "ksatriya-bandhus" and "Vaisya-bandhus" respectively.

Do any scriptures validate MahaSwamiji's claim that families where the Gayatri Mantra has not being chanted for 3 generations cannot return to the fold of Varnashrama Dharma?


texts: Is the Bindu chakra realization way forgotten now?

texts: Is the Bindu now only a symbol of  a forgotten realization ?


texts: Has any Advaita Acharya or scholar resolved/answered/refuted Sapta Vidha Anupapatti?

texts:
As, I've mentioned in previous question, Sapta Vidha Aupapatti, also called seven untenables are said to be an objection raised against the concept of Avidya of Advaita Vedanta.

I want to know has any Advaita Acharya or scholar resolved/answered/refuted those seven untenables?


texts: What is the meaning of RashmimAlA Mantras

texts:
What are RashmimAlA Mantras? What's the importance of these mantras and
Only Goddesses have these mantras ?


texts: Why we haven't discovered different planetary systems yet as described?

texts: While I was reading more and more, I got to know that there are different lokas below and above earth and the distance described for them is only some yojana sway (1 yojana = 8 miles = 12 kilometers), we have discovered planets hundreds of light years away ( 1 light year = 9.46 × 10^12 km). These planetary systems are around 10000, 25000, 80000 yojanas away then why we haven't found these planets and any person on these planets?


texts: Why two avatars of Lord Vishnu, Rama and Parasurama meet in the same timeline?

texts: Lord parashurama came to fight with lord Rama when lord Rama broke the hara dhanu. Now, why these two avatars meet with each other? What was the main motivation of this occurrence? Does it mean that lord parashurama wanted to say/give something (his bow to defeat Ravana) to lord Rama?


texts: What is the importance of rock salt (sendha namak) in fasting?

texts:
Rock salt is given special preference in fasting, while there are several parts of India where no form of salt is consumed during fasts. What is its importance and why it is not followed everywhere in India?

Rock Salt is known as Sendha Namak in Hindi.


texts: Authenticity of Sanskrit Verses containing the word "HINDU"

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We all know that the word Hindu is a Persian word for the Sindu river and was later used to refer to the region to other side of the Sindu river as Hindustan which then became India. But this page says there are some people who try to justify the word "Hindu" was used by Rishis several thousand years ago by citing this verse:

  Aaasindo Sindhu Paryantham Yasyabharatha Bhoomikah

  Mathrubhuh Pithrubhoochaiva sah Vai Hindurithismrithaah

  Rough Translation: Whoever considers the land of Bharatha Bhoomi between Sapta Sindu and the Indian Ocean as his or her motherland and fatherland is known as Hindu.

The above verse is said to be from Vishnu Purana, Padma Purana and the Bruhaspati Samhita.

Is the verse authentic or this verse just interpolation?


texts: How many Shaivite commentaries on the Brahma Sutras are there?

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. You can read the Brahma Sutras here; they consist of concise aphorisms, so people usually read them with the help of a commentary.  The oldest surviving  commentary on the Brahma Sutras is the Brahma Sutra Bhashya written by the Advaita Acharya Adi Shankaracharya.  And then there are numerous commentaries written by Vaishnava Acharyas, including the Sri Bhashya by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya, the Govinda Bhashya by the Gaudiya Vaishnava Acharya Baladeva Vidyabhushana, and the commentaries of Madhvacharya, Vallabhacharya, and Nimbarka.

But my question is, what Shaivite commentaries on the Brahma Sutras are there?  In my question here, I discussed the Srikantha Bhashya, written by Srikantha Sivacharya (aka Nilakantha Sivacharya) who belonged to the Shaiva Siddhanta sect. You can read it here. And in my answer here, I discuss the Shrikara Bhashya, written by Shripati who belonged to the Lingayat sect of Shaivism.  I don't have a copy of his commentary, so if anyone has it I'd appreciate it

But are these the only two Shaivite commentaries on the Brahma Sutras?  The reason I ask is that as I discuss here, there's a section of the Brahma Sutras that seem to be refuting the philosophy of the Shaiva Agamas, so I'm wondering how different Shaivite commentators interpret that section.   (I posted a question about that here.)  Srikantha interprets it as refuting those who misinterpret this Shaiva Agamas, rather than criticizing the actual teachings of the Shaiva Agamas.  Perhaps others make sense of Vyasa's criticism of the Shaiva Agamas in a different way.  (By the way, Vaishnava have a somewhat analogous issue which I discuss here.)

Now it's true that philosophical Shaivism went into decline after the time of Adi Shankaracharya, because the Vedanta school became dominant and a lot of Shaivite sects were not affiliated with the Vedanta school.  But aren't there other Shaivite sects which subscribe to Vedanta, and if so what commentaries on the Brahma Sutras have they written?


texts: What were the Vedic stories recited during the Ashwamedha Yagna?

texts:
Many Vedic Yagnas (fire-rituals) would last for months or even years, so it was customary to take breaks at regular intervals, and during those breaks a story would often be recited.  In fact, it was during a 12-year Sarpa Yagna (ritual to kill snakes) that Arjuna's great-grandson Janamejaya heard the story of the Mahabharata from Vyasa's disciple Vaishampayana.  But I'm interested in the stories told during another kind of Yagna.  In the Ashwamedha Yagna or horse-ritual, a horse was allowed to roam free for one year.  In the meantime, priests would conduct the procedures of the Yagna, and they would take a scheduled break known as the Pariplava every 10 days, during which stories were told.
Now the Purva Mimamsa school tried to argue that these stories are nine other than thee stories found in the Upanishads, and thus that the Upanishad's teachings should be dismissed as meaningless utterances redired during the Pariplava.  But in Adhyaya 4 Pada 1 of the Brahma Sutras, Vyasa refutes the notion that the Upanishads are recited during the Pariplava break, on the grounds that the The Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda specifies exactly what stories should be told during the Pariplava, or it at least mentions who the main character is in each story:

'King Manu Vaivasvata,' he says;--'his people are Men' ...
'King Yama Vaivasvata,' he (the Hotri) says, 'his people are the Fathers' ...
'King Varuna Âditya,' he says; 'his people are the Gandharvas' ...
'King Soma Vaishnava,' he says; 'his people are the Apsaras' ...
'King Arbuda Kâdraveya,' he says; 'his people are the Snakes' ...
'King Kubera Vaisravana,' he says; 'his people are the Rakshas' ...
'King Asita Dhânva,' he says; 'his people are the Asura' ...
'King Matsya Sâmmada,' he says; 'his people are the water-dwellers' ...
'King Târkshya Vaipasyata,' he says; 'his people are the Birds' ...
'King Dharma Indra,' he says; 'his people are the Gods'

My question is, what exactly are these stories?  Most of these names are familiar, like Vaivasvata Manu (i.e. the present Manu), Yama god of death, Varuna the ocean god, Chandra (AKA Soma) the moon good, Arbuda the Naga, Kubera god of wealth, etc.  But what is the specific story about each of these gods that is supposed to be recited?
Does anyone know if these stories are contained in some scripture, perhaps in the Shatapatha Brahmana itself?


texts: What sect believes in an Ishwara-stream with a different Ishwara in every age?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, the Isha Upanishad has a special property that other Upanishads don't: it's part of the Samhitas of the Vedas. In any case, here's the first verse of the Isha Upanishad:

  īśā vāsyam idam sarvaṁ
  yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat
  tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā
  mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam

  Whatsoever changeable is in this world, all this is fit to be indwelt, by the Lord. With that (World) renounced enjoy.  Covet not anyone's wealth.

Now in this excerpt from his commentary on the Isha Upanishad, the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desikan discusses the question of what the word "Isha" or Lord refers to in this verse.  As a Sri Vaishnava, Vedanta Desikan believed that Ishwara or Saguna Brahman (who is the highest Brahman according to Sri Vaishnavism) is the same as Vishnu.

So Vedanta Desikan interprets the word "Isha" as referring to Vishnu, and he spends some time refuting rival theories.  First he refutes the notion that Isha refers to Shiva here.  Then he refutes the notion that the word Isha is a moving target, referring to a different Lord in every age:

  (If it be said that instead of one perpetual All-lord, we may have one Ishvara-stream, one All-Lord in one cosmic age and another in another age and so on, or else we may have several Ishvaras, rulers, at the same time and at all times eternally, but who divide their absolute lordship between themselves by limiting their powers to specific regions, we reply)

  But the theories of Ishvara-stream and multiple Ishvaras are rejected by a number of (scriptural) sources of right knowledge, which establish the Lord existing at all three times (past, present and future) and destining all processes.

The notion of different gods controlling different domains is understandable.  But my question is, what sect of Hinduism believes that there is an "Ishwara-stream" and that in every cosmic age there is a different supreme lord of the Universe?

Note that I'm only interested in sects that existed in the time of Vedanta Desikan or earlier.  Also, what is this "Cosmic age" the passage is speaking about?  How often does the "Ishwara stream" produce a new Ishwara?  Once a Kalpa, once a Mahakalpa, or what?


texts: Are relatable worlds and peoples mentioned in scripture?

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Are there other worlds with relatable peoples described in scripture?

By relatable,

the people should be mortal
the people should have free will for good and bad, and can allow themselves to be happy or sad
the world should be accessible by a very fast rocket from Earth, not in another universe


texts: Who has created Trimurti? Adishakthi or Brahman?

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In my childhood, I heard a myth that Goddess Adishakthi created Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu (I am familiar with this myth).  But now I am listening new myth such as Brahman is the one who made Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

Which one of them is true? or have I misunderstood?
How were Trimurti (Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu) formed?


texts: What are the benefits of chanting gayatri mantra?

texts: What are the benefits of chanting gayatri mantra, either spiritual, material, mental or physical?


texts:
Brahman / Brahma is frequently mentioned in the Upanishads as in the famous statement from Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1:

  सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म
  sarvam khalvidam brahma
  All this is Brahman

Is the term Bhagavan also mentioned in any Upanishad, and if so does it convey the same meaning as in Vishnu / Bhagavata Purana?


texts:
I undertook 'Dosha' quiz here on this site, the results of which were are follows:

Your Dosha Is: Kapha

Kapha: 6 Vata: 3 Pitta: 5

What exactly does this result mean in Ayurveda terminology? I mean how to analyze the result? I would like to understand what is Kapha/Vata/Pitta dosha?


texts:
What type of action can be considered sin, is the action irrelevant but the motive? What if the action and motive are not good but it has no direct adverse effect on anyone. Like if a person gains some unwarranted benefit somehow without anyone's loss, what it will be?
What makes wrong wrong and right right?


texts: What are the guidelines on child adoption?

texts:
A neighborhood couple adopted a child a while back. The main criteria they saw, was if the skin colour & general appearance of that child is matching with them, so that it looks natural to others.

What are DhArmik criteria for any such adoption with respect to cast/class, age, region, religion, economy etc.?

Note: Certain tags are removed. See meta discussion: Delete tags: "scripture" and "dharma-shastras"


texts: Hymn or slokas for eliminating evil thoughts and cultivation positive and good thoughts?

texts:
I came to know by chanting "Aditya Hrudayam" slokas we can win over enemies and get good friends.

I would like to eliminate negative thoughts, ideas, emotions in our mind and stop generation of those(evil thoughts) in mind.

And at the same time I would like to cultivate continuous generation of positive and good thoughts and always mind filed with those good and positive thoughts, ideas and emotions in my mind.

Are there any Hymns, slokas those can help to achieve above stated objective?


texts: Expense Management with Diwali-to-Diwali Diary

texts:
This question can be asked in many different ways, and can be a fit for many different sites on the Stack Exchange network, but I think it is best fit for this site.
I wanted to better manage my day-to-day expenses, and combining it with my (continued) exploration of Indian culture, I decided to try out something called a Diwali-to-Diwali diary:

The problem now is that I actually don't know how to use it. I can guess that one side would be for debits and one side for credits (roughly circled in red in the image below), but I cannot tell which is which (neither basis the Hindi abbreviations, nor using the Gujarati abbreviations):

I would be very grateful to someone who can explain the significance of, and right way to use, such a traditional khata.
Secondly, can someone tell me if this is traditional, or whether this is just a marketing gimmick by printers to capitalize on the festival?


texts: Can married couples climb hills in first six months after marriage?

texts: Is there any restriction in Hinduism that newly married couples should not climb hills for the first six months after their marriage?


texts: Why did Lord Krishna side with the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra battle?

texts:
Lord Krishna stood along with the Pandavas during the battle at Kurukshetra.

What is the exact reason for this?


texts: Why did Lord Parshurama kill the Kshatriya kings?

texts:
We have heard that Lord Parashurama killed Kshatriya kings one by one. He was a very angry  person. So, I want to know why he killed many Kshatriya kings?

Was he alive during Ramayana and as well as Mahabharata times? Because I have heard that he did fight with the Pandava sons.


texts: What are the different kinds of Viveka and how can we develop them? Is questioning enough or is ceiling on desires a must?


texts: Is it fine to consume Sattvic food prepared more than 3 hours ago?

texts:
Bhagavad Gita says:

  Bg 17.10 — Food prepared more than three hours before being eaten,
  food that is tasteless, decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of
  remnants and untouchable things is dear to those in the mode of
  darkness.

Any food cooked more than three hours before it is eaten (except prasādam, food offered to the Lord) is considered to be in the mode of darkness. Because they are decomposing, such foods give a bad odor, which often attracts people in this mode but repulses those in the mode of goodness.

My question: Is it fine to consume Sattvic food prepared more than 3 hours ago or is it not permissible?


texts: What are the different hasta (hand-postures) which Sri Vishnu holds in temples?

texts:
Sri Maha Vishnu resides as Archa-avatara murti (idol form) in many temples throughout Bharata, especially in 108 Divya Desas, most of which are in Tamil Nadu.

There is a sthala purana (story) behind each temple, why Bhagavan came down to that particular place, to give darshan to which rishi, to fulfill what boon or lift what curse etc.

In addition, He also holds a particular posture of his right and left hands e.g. Abhaya Hasta (fear not), Varada Hasta (boon) etc.

What are all the different hastas, along with an image depicting it, and their meaning and significance ?


texts: Correct Ruchi krut Pitra stotra in sanskrit and the benefits of chanting everyday

texts: Please let me know Ruchi krut Pitra stotra in sanskrit and English transliteration. Also the benefits of chanting everyday.


texts: How many Rudras have been actually born?

texts:
We have been told that the Rudras were the incarnation of Lord Rudra (Shiva).

Who they actually were and how many were they ?

What were their duties ?

and will they come again in future?


texts: Do charvakas believe in reincarnation ? The thing is it is not fitting in quality standards so I have to write this. just ignore it


texts: I have heard about ' Prophecies' about the World's Future offered by this Great Saint: however, I have not found them mentioned in any biography I could find. So true or hoax?


texts:
It is well known that most of the Indian women use to cook for family and is really a great opportunity for a woman.
It is mentioned in Mahabharata that Nala, Bhimasena could cook food and performed their skill during hard times. Bhimasena cooked during agnatha vasa at Virata kingdom. Nala cooked food at Rituparna kingdom. But I never come across any mention of men cooking for wife and family under normal conditions.
Are there any scriptural references of men cooking food for wife and family? Or is it mandatory for women to do so?
Note:  I want answer only from scriptures, as I told, not from the opinions or books by historians, archeologists, modern experts etc.,


texts: Did lord Krishna tell Arjuna that all the names (such as Rudra, Indra) refer to Krishna only?

texts:
I have found many people saying that all the names found in vedas and upanishads ( like Agni, Aditya, Rudra, Indra, etc.) refer to Krishna only; and Lord Krishna himself told this to Arjuna in the Mahabharata.
So my question is if it is so, then in which chapter is it mentioned and about what is the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna?


texts: Who are the creatures that will torture us in hell according to purans?

texts: There are many tortures mentioned in purans. So who will torture bad people in hell.


texts: How do gods like Shiva procreate? Do gods do sex like humans?

texts:
I have found people claiming that gods do not procreate like humans but procreate without any bodily union on Quora, does this idea have scriptural backing?
I thick virya(or)teja means fire spirit in the case of devatas.
For example :
Kumarasambavam(birth of kumaraswamy according to Mahabharata,skanda Purana,shiva purana,Ramayana.:
Story tells that
1)lord Shiva and Lord pravati make sex many 100 years . [ how it is possible]. I thick it is tapa.
2)Agni Deva Drunk semen of lord Shiva.[ what this is idiotic ]. I thick Shiva virya is fire spirit for that Agni Deva merge  the great fire spirit .
3)Agni Deva discharge Shiva virya to ganga Devi [ how can Agni discharge Shiva virya ].I thick agni un-merge Shiva virya and gives to ganga devi.
my main question do any script tell devatas procreate like human
Do not tell this is duplicate question .
In that question no one answer rightly.


texts: Who is the Lord of Obstacles - Vighnaraj?

texts:
The Markandeya Purana mentions the following story about Harishchandra's tryst with Brahmarishi Vishwamitra in the forest:

  In Treta Yug, there was a king named Harishchandra. Once he was hunting in the Mahabaahu forest when suddenly, he heard loud cries of a woman- 'Save me! Save me!' It was followed by the cries of many women. Hearing those cries, King Harishchandra shouted loudly- 'Don't be afraid' and dashed in the direction of the cries. The cries however were an illusion created by Vighnaraj, the lord of the obstacles. At that time when King Harishchandra heard those cries, sage Vishwamitra was observing severe penance in the forest. In order to test Harishchandra's virtuosity, Vighnaraj entered his body. As soon as Vighnaraj entered Harishchandra's body, Harishchandra lost his temper and began to abuse Vishwamitra, which enraged him. His anger destroyed all the knowledge, he had acquired due to his severe penance.

Who is this Vighnaraj? His role seems to be exactly opposite of Vighnaharta Ganesh so do they have any connection?


texts:
Gaudiya literature such as the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta sheds light on Guru Tattva, the ontological position of the spiritual master.

In CC 1.1.44/45 we find the following:

  yadyapi āmāra guru — caitanyera dāsa
  tathāpi jāniye āmi tāṅhāra prakāśa
  guru kṛṣṇa-rūpa hana śāstrera pramāṇe
  guru-rūpe kṛṣṇa kṛpā karena bhakta-gaṇe

  Although I know that my spiritual master is a servitor of Śrī Caitanya, I know Him also as a plenary manifestation of the Lord.
  According to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa. Lord Kṛṣṇa in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees.

Furthermore, Śri Hari-bhakti-vilasa 4.346-365 quotes a variety of scriptures where the Guru is equated with the Lord Himself. Examples are "know the acarya as Myself" (SB 11.17.27 ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān, quoted in 4.437), "the Guru is Viṣṇu" (4.352) and "He who is known as the Guru is known as Hari" (yo gurūḥ sa hariḥ smṛtaḥ, quoted in 4.353). In Bhakti Sandarbha (202, 211, 213), Jīva Gosvāmī also raises the topic of the nature of the Guru in relation to God.

All works mentioned above are native to the Gaudiya tradition and I was hard-pressed to find any writings of members of other Vaiṣnava traditions which would address the issue at play.
Are there any works of non-Gaudiya Vaiṣnavas who elaborate on Guru Tattva (whether the Guru is as good as God or God Himself)?


texts:
After Lord Krishna kills evil king Kansa and frees his parents from prison, he studies at an Ashram.

The teacher says he is pleased with Lord Krishna's progress because he learned 64 Arts and 14 Sciences in 64 days.

What are these 64 Arts and 14 Sciences. Here is the video clip


texts: Nagas are believed to be a real tribe what about Garuda?

texts:
A lot of evidence points to the fact that Nagas and Nagaloka etc. in Mahabharata might be losely connected with modern day Nagas.

Do we know if Garuda also maps to some tribe ?


texts: Was Krishna's father Vasudeva a Brahmin?

texts: I have seen a image that Lord Krishna's father Vasudeva was wearing a sacred thread. Was Vasudeva a Brahmin or non-Brahmin?


texts: Can a son perform amavasya tarpanam in place of his sick father?

texts:
Doing tarpanam (water libations) on the day of Amavasya is a well-known fact. My father was doing it very sincerely on all Amavasyas.
But now, since he became very old and has health issues, he is not able to do it.  My question is, can I do it in place of my father?
I know that if one's father is alive, one should not do tarpanam. But in this case, the father is not able to do it for health reasons.


texts: Which scripture describes Hanuman as Brahman?

texts:
Hanuman is a well-known god of Sanathana Dharma. He is popularised as a dootha for Rama. But, many believe that Hanuman is a saguna brahman.
Is it true that Hanuman is a Brahman? Which verses from scriptures describe Hanuman as ParaBrahman?


texts:
As I discuss in this answer, each of the four Vedas consists of four portions: Samhitas, the core part of the Vedas which consist of hymns heard from the gods; Brahmanas, commentaries on the Samhitas which provide instructions on the proper conducting of important rituals; Aranyakas, which provide instructions for  rituals meant for forest-dwellers and hermits; and Upanishads, which consist of conversations between teachers and students which clarify the philosophical message of the Vedas.  But when someone says, e.g. "I read the Rig Veda" without qualification, they usually mean the Samhita of the Rig Veda, because the Samhitas are the core part of the Veda which are of divine origin; the verses of the Samhitas come from sages known as Dhrishtas (literally "seers") who heard them directly from the gods, and then these verses were compiled by a sage named Krishna Dwaipayana Veda Vyasa (or Vyasa for short).  The Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads are works that were mostly later added on as supplements and commentaries for Vyasa's Samhitas.

But there is one Upanishad that has a very different origin - the Isha Upanishad, AKA the Ishavasya Upanishad.  It isn't some supplement or commentary, it's actually part of one of the Samhitas themselves; it's the 40th Adhyaya of the Vajasaneyi Samhita, which is the Samhita of the Shukla (white) version of the Yajur Veda.  (Here is another translation of the Upanishad.)  This means that the Isha Upanishad isn't just someone's philosophical teachings like the other Upanishads, rather it's a hymn heard directly from the gods.

So my question is, who is the seer of the Isha Upanishad, i.e. the sage who heard it from the gods?  If I had to guess, I would guess that it's the sage Yajnavkya, who's associated with the Vajasaneyi Samhita in general, but I'm not sure.  Also, since the verses of the Vedas are usually addressed to some god or the other, who is the Isha Upanishad addressed to?  The last few verses are addressed to gods like Pushana and Agni, but who are the earlier verses addressed to?

This is the sort of information that can be found in the Anukramanis, a set of systematic indices for the Vedas which, among other things, documents the sage who heard each verse from the gods, and the deity that each verse is addressed to.  In this answer, I compiled the sage and deity information for most of the hymns from the Anukramani of the Rig Veda Samhita, but the Yajur Veda Anukramanis don't seem to be so easily accessible.  Apparently there is one Anukramani for the Vajasaneyi Samhita, as described in this book:

  The third Anukramani, that of the Madhyandina-Shakha of the Vajasaneyaka, is ascribed to Katyayana, who is mentioned also as the author of an Anuvakanukramani.  It gives the names of the poets, the deities, and the meters, for all the verses of the Samhita, including the Khila (Adhyaya 26-35), and the Sukriya portions (Adhyaya 36-40).

That seems like exactly the work I want, because it has information for Adhyaya 40, which is the Isha Upanishad.  So does anyone know whether Katyayana's Anukramani of the Madhyandina Shakha is available online, or if it's even been published in book form, whether in Sanskrit or in English?

EDIT: I posted a seperate question to try to find the Anukramani information for the Vajasaneyi Samhita.


texts: I was searching over the Internet for a long time to find and read the Vedas but it didn't help. Few persons have mentioned that the Vedas will not be in a readable format. Is there any source where I can read the Vedas online or offline?


texts: What is the significance of facing East?

texts:
When I was brought up, I was told to face East when starting some new task or while doing prayers or chanting mantras.
My guess is that it might have come out of ancient sun(Surya) worship as sun rises in the east.
Is there any real significance for considering the Eastern direction to be auspicious?


texts:
Hare Krishna
How Srimad Bhagavad Gita benefits us as described in Shastras, spiritually and in daily life?
I know some scriptural reference, but I want to know detailed references from Puranas, previous Acharya commentaries, reference from Gaudiya Sampradaya work, or related information with any research also welcome as well. Also if reference of Acharya Prabhupada related to benefits in any works very good.
Om Namah Shivaya
Jay Shri Krishna


texts: Does BIBI Nanchari has any scriptural evidence?

texts:
Many people in South India believes that Bibi Nanchari is a female goddess married to Venkateswara and belongs to the Muslim religion.

Is there any scriptural evidence for her or just created in folktales in south India like Sasirekha.


texts: Which is the oldest written preserved version of Mahabharata?

texts: There must be many old written versions of Mahabharata, probably as manuscripts or on leaves. I wanted to know that which is the oldest preserved written version of Mahabharata


texts: Was Surya's son Karna with his Kavachakundala as strong as Krishna and Arjuna taken together?

texts: Was Surya so powerful in the Mahabharata even Nara (Arjuna) and Narayana (Krishna) together could not defeat his son when he had all his power?


texts: Why is the moon referenced with the Vyahriti Mahah?

texts:
The Shikshavalli of the Taittiriya Upanishad mentions:

भूरिति वा अग्निः । भुव इति वायुः । सुवरित्यादित्यः । मह इति चन्द्रमाः । चन्द्रमासा वाव सर्वाणि ज्योतीँषि महीयन्ते ।

Why is moon equated with the Vyahriti Mahah? It is not that the luminaries derive their glory from the moon because it is well known that the sun empowers the luminaries.

I found an alternative explanation here. The explanation that Agni, Vayu, Aditya respectively represent the tongue, the ears, and the eyes and that the moon represents the manas and that the manas is the controller of the senses seems to make some sense although I do not understand why only these three are picked. Also, if this correlation were to be accepted, later, in the same Upanishad, we find a section on PAnkta UpAsana (meditation on quintets) where, according to some schools, the three groups of quintets in the external world (macrocosm/universal body) are to be correlated with the three groups of quintets in the internal world (microcosm/body). If such a correlation were to be brought between the "agnir, vayur, adityas, chandrama, nakshatrani" in the macrocosm and the quintet "chakshus srotram mano vak tvak" in the microcosm, then, although there is a correlation between the first two, I am not able to draw a further correlation between the rest of the elements.


texts:
Are there any quotes from ancient texts that talk about Karnavedha?

Although there are various reasons that are cited to justify it as in it helps regulate menstruation in women, or that it helps in the regulated flow of the etheric forces through the body and so on. I have also heard that susrutha had mentioned when, how and why ear piercing must be done.

Where can I find texts relating to this.

I know this question had been asked before but there were no answers so posting again.

Appreciate your help.


texts: What is the significance of Marriage as per Sanatana dharma?

texts:
Firstly would like to know the Deeper significance of a Marriage.

Few enlightened souls tell no need to marry(adopt sanyasa ashram) to achieve God but few others do tell Gruhastha ashrama is the one of the best(Shreshta) way to achieve the divine.

Could any one please share your thoughts on this and shed some light which is the path very near to the God and loved by him and listens to his devotees prayers.


texts: What is the scriptural definition of scripture (shAshtra)?

texts:
Since childhood I am a big fan of SwAmi VivekAnanda and I used to read (and still do) a lot of books written by him.

Now, when I have grown up, I have the understanding that although they are important books on the topics they deal with, but they are not scriptures. I know that they can't be called so. But I want to know the reason why?

Do the scriptures (Vedas, Smritis, PurAnas, Agamas, Tantras etc) define the term ShAstra? If yes what is the definition?


texts: How is the main deity at an ISKCON temple chosen?

texts:
For example, at the ISKCON London temple, the principal dieties are Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa according to their website.

  About the Deities

  On the right-hand side of the shrine, you will see Radha-Krishna deities...They are the principal deities at our Temple.

  On the left-hand side of the shrine, you will see Lord Jagannath (another form of Krishna on the right-hand side of this part of the shrine), Lord Baladeva (Krishna's brother, on the left-hand side) and Lady Subhadra (Krishna's sister, in between Jagannath and Baladeva)...These unusual deities are based on the original deities in Jagannatha Puri located in Orissa, India.

  In the centre part of the shrine, you will see Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai - the incarnations of Krishna and Balarama - and who are the propagators of harinama sankirtan which is the process for spiritual perfection in this age.

While at ISKCON Hawaii, the main deity appears to be Pañca-tattva:

So how does ISKCON decide which deities to install at any temple and which should be the principal deity?


texts: After a meditator or yogi enters into samadhi state what should he concentrate at?

texts:
After a yogi enters into samadhi state by doing concentration in some object, i've heard and read that he enters into such state where all the physical sensations, sound, sight goes. And his mind becomes totally silent. reference After this i don't understand it logically that how should he again progress his concentration, or at what object he should concentrate since all his sensations have gone.
I am only trying to understand how meditation works logically. I am little confused with this part.


texts: What are the verses of the Mahabharata on the apsara Tilottama?

texts: The Mahabharata mentions twice the apsara Tillotama. Once, in the Adi Parva and the other time in the Anusasana Parva. What do these verses say about the apsara Tilottama?


texts: Where does Vyasa say this shlokha in the Mahabharata?

texts:
In which parva and in what context does Vyasa say the following shlokha in the Mahabharata?

You can listen to it here: https://clyp.it/bqm01ao5, I tried transliterating it as below.

  yasmin yadAvartitavyO yOmanushyaha tasmin tadAvartitavyam sadharmaha mAyAcharo mAyayAvArarenah sAdhvachArah sAdhunA prathyupeyah

He's supposedly speaking on how to beat adharma with adharma.


texts: Sai Baba is said to have stayed in a dilapidated mosque in Shirdi chanting 'Allah Malik'for 50 years. How did he come to be associated with Hindu beliefs? Did Sai Baba himself hold any beliefs about Shiva, Vishnu, Hanuman, etc?


texts: Did Rama tell lie while departure from Ayodhya

texts:
Consider the following slokas from Ayodhya Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana.

  Rama again and again saw that Kausalya, his mother who was crying
  thus, running after that chariot as though dancing, shouting"Oh, Rama,
  Rama!" "Oh, Seetha!" and "Oh, Lakshmana!" trickling tears descending
  from her eyes for the sake of Rama Lakshmana and Seetha.

  Dasaratha exclaimed saying "Stop!" while Rama called out "Go on,
  proceed!" (In that way) Sumantra's mind became confused, as in between
  two (opposing) whirl pools.

  Rama said to him: "You can say to the king that you did not hear (his
  call), even when scolded (later). seeing their grief for a long time
  is quite unbearbale."

  The charioteer, doing as per Rama's words, took leave of those
  citizens and drive the horses more speedily even while they are going.

In normal perception, it is surely a lie. If not a lie, then, is there any scriptural justification regarding this?


texts:
In short,  now a days marriage is defined as a legal agreement.

Is there any explicit,  exact,  and precise definition for marriage in Hinduism texts?


texts: Why didn't Krishna kill only the Kauravas instead of allowing the death of many innocent people?

texts:
If Krishna was ready to break all rules and promises why didn't he just kill only Kauravas?
He was ready to fight against Bhishma and was ready to break promise by lifting a wheel. But why didn't he kill everyone at once? He even told Arjuna that he will kill everyone if Arjuna won't kill. Why didn't he just kill the Kauravas?


texts: Is it possible for the Vedas to have been authored?

texts:
According to Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta, the Vedas are eternal and unauthored. That is, the Vedic words and sentences were not composed or created by any sentient being, human or divine.

Yamunacharya, an ancient Sri Vaishnava acharya who predates Ramanujacharya by a few generations, says this in his Agama Pramanyam, or "validity of the Pancharatra Agamas":

  Moreover, if the Vedas were created by someone, this creator would be
  remembered: [as,] "He is the one who has composed them." It is not proper to assume that he has been forgotten, just as the
  digger of an exhausted well is forgotten. The latter is justifiable
  because the well no longer serves a purpose. But in the case of the
  Vedas, who, without remembering that the author was reliable, would
  give credence to all the Vedic rites which are to be performed at the
  expense of great trouble involving the loss of various properties?

  Therefore, the Vedas do not originate from a person.

Are there works from any school of philosophy in the world, that address this argument?


texts:
I have heard many times that Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Lord Ram was to teach people how to live life. But it is not possible for me to understand this.

Could any one Please help me in understanding the exact teaching of Lord Ram.


texts: Is bathing required if puja is done in the evening?

texts:
Typically we bathe in the morning, go to work and come back home in the evening and plan to do Puja. However, it may not be possible to bathe in the evening for reasons like health, timing, water scarcity, etc.

Is it okay to do Puja without bathing?
What can we done to "purify" ourselves, is putting Vibhuti solution some other alternative?


texts: Is there any account of life stories/life styles of ganas of Lord Shiva?

texts: So far I have primarily heard about Nandi and Veerbhadra, about how they were born and about their other deeds but are there any other ganas being described in any texts regarding their birth stories or how they became ganas of Lord Shiva or any other stories having their specific role. Also, is there any other details about how was there life style. Since they were involved in battles also, were they trained warriors? In that case who use to train them or provide weapons,etc. Also, want to know whether they had families, ie, wife and children or they remain single.


texts: Why is Janmashtami always celebrated in the evening?

texts:
I read the post about why Janmashtami is celebrated on two different days. But why evening? Like people who give preference to ashtami thithi do it on 23rd Aug 2019 evening, while people who give importance to rohini nakshatra do it on 24th Aug evening

But according to the pamchang, ashtami and rohini is converging in the early hours of 24th morning. So is it okay to do the pooja early in the morning at 4am?

Or is there a stipulation as to why Janmashtami celebration should be done only in the evening.


texts: Which scriptures mention Siva beheading Brahma?

texts: This is not the same as Rudra stabbing Prajapati at the request of the other Gods for his incest with his daughter.


texts: Durga Kavach - Please confirm the correct version

texts:
I've been asked to read Durga Kavach daily. Until now, I was reading this:
https://www.drikpanchang.com/lyrics/durga-saptashati/patha-vidhi/devi-kavacham/durga-saptashati-devi-kavacham.html
But today I discovered another version here:
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Durga_Kavacham
Even on YouTube, there is confusion. Please let me know which version is correct, as it is very important that I read it correctly. Thank you in advance.


texts: What scriptures describe swans separating milk from water?

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. Now in Adhyaya 4 of Kapila's Samkhya Sutras, one of the defining texts of the Samkhya school, Kapila discusses various scriptural stories which illustrate different Samkhya teachings. In particular, here's what he says in Adhyaya 4 Sutra 2:

viraktasya heyahānamupādeyopāvānaṃ haṃsacāravat
In the case of the dispassionate, there is the avoidance of what is to be avoided and acceptance of what is fit to be acquired, - as in the case of the swan and milk.

Here is how Vijnanabhikshu interprets this Sutra in his commentary on the Samkhya Sutras:

Perfect development of knowledge takes place in the case only of the dispassionate.  In regard to this the author mentions an illustration.  Of the dispassionate only, there is avoidance of things to be avoided, such as Prakriti, etc., and the acceptance of that which is to be accepted, i.e. the Self.  Just as, out of milk and water, formed into a mixture, by giving up the inessential water, the taking of the essential milk is possible for the swan only, but not for the crow, etc. Such is the meaning.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what scriptures describe swans separating milk from water?  It must be in some scripture or it presumably wouldn't be in Adhyaya 4 of the Samkhya Sutras.
I've come across lots of claims that the term "Paramahansa" used for certain saints comes from this property of swans.  For instance here is what Srila Prabhupada says in his commentary on the Srimad Bhagavatam:

A paramahaṁsa accepts only the active principle of everything. Just as a swan accepts only the milk from a mixture of water and milk, a paramahaṁsa accepts only the Supreme Personality of Godhead as his life and soul, neglecting all external, material things.

But does this notion have a scriptural basis?


texts: What are two sutras in Bharadwaja gotra. One is Aswalauja sutra which is explained here. What is the other sutra . ( of yajur Veda )


texts: After lives of Lord Narasimha and Lord Varaha

texts: Lord Narasimha and Lord Varaha are incarnations of Lord Vishnu but unlike other incarnations eg, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Nara-Narayana, Lord Vamana, etc, I do not see them to be having a full life span. They seem to be incarnations for fulfilling a purpose and as soon as that purpose is fulfilled we donot find what more happened in their life. Ofcourse there is a story of Lord Narasimha fighting Lord Shiva who was in Sharabha form but not more than that. Do we have any account of lives of Lord Narasimha and Lord Varaha apart from their main incidents of killing of Hiranyakashyapa and Hiranyaksh and the one I briefed above. Also, is their any mention of whether they are still alive or about their death or submerging into Lord Vishnu.


texts: I am looking for translated versions (English/Hindi) of Manusmriti with commentary of Kulluka Bhatta online .


texts:
Where the original manuscript (Since Vedas are not written by its creators themselves, First hand-written or most complete version) of Hindu Vedas such as Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda are kept?

I heard someone saying that two of the most important Vedas are kept in a German Museum and the other two are kept in India.


texts: Do any scriptures say that women must worship God instead of their husbands and become self-dependent?

texts:
Usually Hindu scriptures have stressed at woman being subservient to their husbands and they can never be independent et cetera.

The reason behind this must be because (especially in that ancient times) a husband looks for all goods and bads of his wife, so if a woman is subservient to husband then also she can attain higher levels. [At least in my opinion]

But, these days women are as capable as men (and they always were, even at that ancient time). And moreover, it is not even a fight of gender or inequality. It is a moral thing that women and men are equal.

Anyways, so, this "Woman cannot be independent" has been a great source of support to Anti-Hindus or Anti-Religion people to refute Religion, and Hinduism also.

So, have there been mentions that women should worship God and become independent?


texts: Is ramayana a history or an entertainment?

texts:
I believe in God. I fully support scriptures & their ideals. I came across many hindus (including educated persons) & saw that most of hindus believe in Ramayana. Please know the views of some qualified experts here:

However, some or a few of them say that it is just an entertainment or fiction written by sage/poet Valmiki who exaggerated & inflated many things to make it interesting such as Lord Rama was God, he had supernatural power to do many abnormal things which a human can't. Can someone provide me some proof or any line in Ramayana that says that it a real history not a fiction?

One thing I want to know:

Is there any descriptions or a single line in Valmiki's Ramayana which ensures that Ramayana was a history not an entertainment.

Jai Sri Ram!


texts: What happened to Valmiki, after the Ramayana ended?

texts: By Ramayana ended, I mean to denote the period of time after Valmiki completed writing Ramayana. What happened to sage Valmiki?


texts: Who among the Pāṇḍavas supported the main Kurukṣetra war and who didn't? What were their reasons?

texts:
Who among the Pāṇḍavas were for the main Kurukṣetra war and who were against it?

What were their reasons for supporting or not-supporting?

What about Draupadī? Did she support the war? What were her reasons?


texts: How is Adi Shankaracharya's Philosophy is it called Mayavadi Philosophy as called by many?

texts: The Vaishnavas call the philosophy proposed by Adi Shankaracharya to be Mayavadi. On what basis is that said and is it correct if not why?


texts: Will Lord Kalki be aware that He is Vishnu avatara?

texts: We know that of the Dashavataras, Lord Krishna was the most divine and poorna avatara of Lord Vishnu while Lord Rama's divinity is questioned. But what about Lord Kalki? Will He be aware of his divinity?


texts: Should we not pluck leaves of Tulsi after sundown?

texts: My aunt refused to pluck a leaf from the Tulsi plant after sundown and when I asked her for a reason, she gave an answer with which I was not satisfied at all. So can anybody tell me if we should not pluck leaves of Tulsi plant after sundown or if there is no rule as such.


texts: What is Adi Shankara referring to when he says "He has Vajra marks on his feet"?

texts:
Vishnu Sahasranama stotra are thousand names of Vishnu said by Bhishma to Yudhishtira and other Pandavas. This occurs in Mahabharata while there are other versions of thousand names in Garuda Purana, Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. These thousand names which are a conversation between Bhishma and Yudhishtira are popular.
The 187th name among these thousand names is "Govinda". Many acharyas like Adi Shankaracharya, Parashara Bhattar, Baladeva Vidyabhushana etc., have written commentaries on Vishnu Sahasranama stotra. My question is about Adi Shankaracharya's commentary on the name Govinda. Adi Shankaracharya gives the following meanings to the name: (From Vishnu Sahasranama With The Bhasya of Sankaracharya)

The Mahabharata, Mokshadharma (San., 343-41) says: "I first knew (vinda) the Earth (go) which was carried away and hidden in a cave (by an Asura), hence I am praised by the appellation 'Govinda' by Gods, and Scriptures." The Harivamsa (76-45 and 279-49) says: "I am Indra (Lord) over the Devas, thou art lord over the cows, hence the world will ever praise Thee as, Govinda '; speech is named 'Go,' and since thou conferest speech, 0 Lord, the Sages call you 'Govinda'."
Ka Go+ Vide has the following tell meanings: Go
1. Svarga (Heaven). He transcends the Heaven.
2. Arrows (He knows all the weapons).
3. Cattle. He is the leader of the ignorant ones.
4. Speech. He is to be known by the Vedas.
5. Thunderbolt; He has the Vajra marks on his feet.
6. Quarters; He is known in all quarters.
7. eyes; He is in the person residing in the eyes.
8. The sun ; He is in the form of the Sun.
9. Earth; He recovered the Earth from the Titans.
10. Waters; His seat is in the waters.
And Vid, to know.

My question is on the fifth meaning Adi Shankara gives. He comments "Thunderbolt; He has the Vajra marks on his feet".
Where is it stated that Vishnu (or Krishna) has marks of Vajra (thunder bolt) on his feet?
Related: The iconography of Laddu Gopal's soles
It is generally believed that Lord Krishna has various markings on his feet as stated in the above question. Is Adi Shankara referring to them? What verse or incident is he indirectly referring to?


texts: What is the source for poet Kambar's description of Rama's physical features in Kamba Ramayanam?

texts:
Kamba Ramayanam is the most famous Tamil version of the epic Ramayana.

Sometime back, I was told that Valmiki does not describe Rama's looks anywhere in his original Ramayana.

Whereas, poet Kambar, who had Valmiki Ramayanam for the basis of his work in tamil, is said to have described Sri Rama's beauty in detail.

What is the source for this description by Kambar? Or was it divine revelation for him?


texts: Which flowers & leaves ought to be offered to Lord Shiva?

texts:
I know of Bilva leaves and Datura flowers. Are there any other leaves & flowers which are dear to Lord Shiva?

Scriptural references and/or pointers would be highly appreciated.


texts: Mitra is supposed to have got transformed to Mithra. It also made into Zoroastrianism. Sun seems to widely popular deity in ancient cultures. Is there any good book that relates Hindu Culture and other ancient cultures?


texts: Can one marry more than one women now (in the modern times)?

texts:
Therefore, there are several wives for one man, but not several husbands for a woman simultaneously - Aitareya Brahmana III. 3.

So this verse supports polygamy.
Can someone now marry more than one woman, is it allowed.
See I am not asking about legal or illegal.
But I am asking, if someone marry 3 women will it is bad karma, will he be sinful for this.
Will he cause adhram in the land.

 What is the explanation for Aitareya Brahmana III. 3


texts: What was the age of Hanuman when Bheema met him?

texts:
Here is a question out of curiosity:

What was the approximate age of Hanuman, when Bheema met him in the Mahabharata?


texts:
If Rudram, Namakam & chamakam are related to Shiva, why they are chanted for abhishekam of other gods?

Are there any other prominent alternative hymns for abhishekam?

Are they chanted only in shiva-agama or it is same in vishnu-agama?


texts: What is the story of the scene carved on wood?

texts: Can someone enlighten me on the scene carved in wood here? Seems very interesting but I'm quite new to Hinduism.


texts: What scriptures describe the story of Vishnu's "subservience" to Lakshmi in the Nachiyar Koil temple?

texts:
In most Vishnu temples, the statue of Vishnu is in the center of the shrine, with his wife Lakshmi (and sometimes his wife Bhumidevi) at his side.  But I recently went to a famous Vishnu temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu that's quite different.  It's technically called the Narayur Nambi Vishnu temple, but it's more commonly known simply as Nachiyar Koil, or "Lakshmi temple".  It has a famous stone Garuda statue which magically gets heavier as it leaves the temple in processions.  But more importantly for our purposes, the main shrine has Lakshmi at the center, with Vishnu off to the side!

The story as I understand it goes roughly as follows.  The sage Medhavi once prayed that he would have Lakshmi as a daughter.  Sure enough, Lakshmi took an incarnation as a baby appearing under a Vanchula tree, whom Medhavi named Vanchulavalli.  When Vanchullavalli grew up, Vishnu came in his Venkateshwara form to Medhavi's house, accompanied by Krishna's brother Sankarshana (Balarama), Krishna's son Pradyumna, Krishna's grandson Aniruddha, and Krishna's great-grandson Puroshotthama.  (It's not clear to me whether they came in the flesh, or they just appeared there.)  Vishnu asked for Vanchulavalli's hand in marriage, but Medhavi was reluctant to part with her, so Vishnu agreed to stay in Medhavi's house.  Thus despite being a Vishnu temple, Lakshmi is the one in charge of the household because it's her father's house.  Her statue even holds the keys!

My question is, is this story discussed in any Hindu scriptures?  The reason I ask is that the sage Medhavi seems to be mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana, as quoted in this web page.  (I can't verify the quote, because I haven't found the Bhavishyottara Purana online, as discussed in my question here.). The quote discusses a sage named Medhavi son of Chyavana who was engaging in Tapasya, but was distracted by a dancing girl, and then repented for his sin by following the Papamochani Ekadashi fast.  Is this the same sage Medhavi?  Are there any scriptures that mention him having a daughter?

On a side note, it's said that the reason Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, and Puroshotthama came is that along with the main deity (Vasudeva), they constitute Vishnu's Vyuha forms.  But Vishnu only has four Vyuha forms: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.  (I discuss Aniruddha in my question here.). So what is the role of Puroshotthama in the Vyuha forms of Vishnu?


texts: Does Dirghatamas ever call Vishnu Keshava in the Vedas?

texts:
One of the most popular names of both Krishna and Vishnu is my name, Keshava.  There are two common explanations of the name: "one who has Keshu", i.e. long hair, and "the killer of Keshi", a demon killed by Krishna.  But in this chapter of the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Krishna gives another explanation of the name:

  The rays that emanate from the Sun who gives heat to the world, from the blazing fire, and from the Moon, constitute my hair. Hence do foremost of learned Brahmanas call me by the name of Kesava.

Krishna then tells Arjuna a story of someone who benefited from chanting the name Keshava, namely the sage Dirghatamas.  For those who don't know, Dirghatamas was the father of Vishnu's incarnation Dhanvantari and the son of Brihaspati's brother Uchathya.  As I discuss in this answer, once Brihaspati impregnated Uchathya's wife Mamata. But there was already a child in Mamata's womb, and this unborn child objected to the impregnation. Bribaspati was angered by this and cursed the child to be blind. As a result, Mamata gave birth to two sons, Brihaspati's son Bharadhwaja and Utathya's son Dirghatamas, who was indeed born blind.  In any case, Krishna explains how Dirghatamas was cured of his blindness:

  Through this curse of that foremost of Rishis. the child of Utathya was born blind, and blind he remained for a long time. It was for this reason that, that the Rishi, in days of yore, came to be known by the name of Dirghatamas. He, however, acquired the four Vedas with their eternal limbs and subsidiary parts. After that he frequently invoked me by this secret name of mine. Indeed, according to the ordinance as laid down, he repeatedly called upon me by the name of Kesava. Through the merit he acquired by uttering this name repeatedly, he became cured of his blindness and then came to be called by the name of Gotama. This name of mine, therefore, O Arjuna is productive of boons unto them that utter it among all the deities and the high-souled Rishis.

Now Dirgahtamas was one of the sages who heard the Vedas during Tapasya.  So my question is, does Dirgatamas ever address Vishnu as "Keshava" in the Vedas?

As you can see in the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here, Dirghatamas is the seer of hymns 140-164 of the First Mandala of the Rig Veda, and of these, hymns 154-156 are addressed to Vishnu.  But I can't seem to find the name Keshava anywhere.

Was Dirghatamas the seer of hymns in any of the other Vedas, and if so is the name Keshava mentioned in those?


texts: What does Hinduism say about castrating bulls?

texts:
Farmers sometimes castrate some bulls so that they aren't aggressive and that they don't reproduce.

Are there any Hindu scriptures that discuss this practice, like if it's sinful or not?


texts: What defines the Vedanta school from other schools? Is it believing that meditating on Brahman gives moksha? Is it the acceptance of the Prasthana Trayi (Upanisashads, Vedanta Sutras, Bhagavad Gita)?


texts:
There are various tribes of RigVeda is described in later scriptures but none of them mentions Ang and Magh as RigVedic tribe. Most of the scriptures mentions Maghadh (whose inhabitants are called Magh) and Ang as area/ country located in present Bihar,but not recognised as RigVedic. Even in AtharvaVeda Maghadh is considered to be outside of RigVedic Aryan sphere.

But RigVeda is a text of very ancient origin and consisting of a language from which classical Sanskrit emerged.Yet Sanskrit helps us only in a limited way to understand RigVedic language because it contains a large number of archaic words and uses. The best way to understand RigVeda is to derive the meaning of words from the internal structure of its corpus. Many words are repeated at several places and it gives us an opportunity to extract a viable meaning by extrapolating the contexts. Magh and Ang are two words here which appears quite frequently in RigVeda and mostly meaning as tribes of great importance.

My question here is - Can it be proved or disproved that Magh and Ang are tribes from the facts described in Rigveda only?


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Are there any instances of Satī in the Vedas?

Do Vedas support this practice?

Some people argue RV 10.18.8 is evidence against Satī. What is the context of this hymn/verse?

  HYMN XVIII. Various Deities.

  Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent.
  Decked with fair jewels, tearless, free from sorrow, first let the dames go up to where he lieth.
  Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest.
  Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion, who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover.
  From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory.
  There art thou, there; and here with noble heroes may we o’ercome all hosts that fight against us.


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In Gujarat there was a saint named Narasih Mehta, it is heard that he is a renowned saint and famous as well as the kind person.

I would like to know his full story. What I heard about him was Lord Krishna himself gave apparent(darshan) to him. Not only that, Lord Krishna also fulfilled his curses of money too.

What are the legends of Narasih Mehta?


texts: What scriptures describe Vishnu's general Vishvaksena defeating three Asura brothers?

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It is well-known that Shiva's son Ganesha is the general of Shiva's army of Ganas. What is not as well-known, however, is that Vishnu also has an army, led by the god Vishvaksena.  The Skanda Purana describes Vishvaksena's birth in Tirupati, as I discuss here. And Vishvaksena plays an important role in the Sri Vaishnava sect, as I discuss here and here.
But Vishvaksena is supposed to be the general of Vishnu's army, and yet I hadn't heard of Vishvaksena ever leading this army into battle.  But now I've come across such a story, in this excerpt from the Sthala Purana of the world-renowned Tirmala Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati.  It talks about how three Asura brothers named Devajit, Mrityujit, and Satrujit once threatened the the three worlds, so the gods sought help from Vishnu in Tirupati, and as a result Vishnu's army led by Vishvaksena came and defeated the Asuras.

Devajit, Mrityujit and Satrujit were three brothers. They were demons, descendants of Hiranyaksha, and experts in spreading illusion. They obtained a boon from Brahma that no God could kill them. They troubled everyone and were a menace to all. Due to their atrocities, the Gods, who enjoyed a share in sacrifices hitherto, lost it. The demons usurped that. Consequently, sages could not carry on penance. Sacrifices had to be given up. The Sun did not shine. Fire did not burn. None could oppose the three demon brothers. Gods had to approach the Lord residing on Narayanachala for protection. The Lord deputed Vishwaksena to eliminate the demons. Vishwaksena, accompanied by his mighty forces and powerful chiefs, marched. He attacked the demons, who gave a fierce fight. It looked as though the sky was burning. Then Devajit released is illusory powers against Vishwasena. Vishwaksena's army fell in a swoon. But Kedhavi, a minister of Vishwaksena, who as also a master of the same craft, neutralised the powers of ie demon. Most of the demons army perished. Mrityujit then put his illusory powers into action. Satrughna, from Vishwaksena's army immediately cut off the ornaments on Mrityujit's head. A fierce battle took place. Kalagni, another minister of Vishwaksena put into action his illusory powers and destroyed most of the demons' army. The demon fell down struck by the force released by Kalagni.
At last, Vishwaksena released the Narayanastra, the most powerful. It rushed to the enemy like the great fire at the time of destruction of the Universe. Oceans trembled and mountains quivered. The Gods and sages witnessing the battle thought that the world was going to end. Finally, Narayanastra reduced to ashes the demons' army and the demons. Everyone sang the praise of Vishwaksena and his army and departed.

My question is, what scriptures describe this story if Vishvaksena defeating three Asura brothers? As I discuss here, the Sthala Purana of the Tirupati temple consists of extracts from various Puranas, so which Purana is this passage from?  This passage comes right after an account of Vishvaksena's birth, which is apparently from the Vamana Purana as I discuss here.  So could this story also be from the Vamana Purana?
All I could find so far is a single verse from the Venkateshwara Ashtotthara hymn of the Varaha Purana, which alludes to this story:

Salutations to Sri Venkatesa, who destroyed hordes of asuras, led by Devajit!

But do any scriptures actually tell the full story?
Also, on a side note do any other scriptures mention Vishvaksena's attendants Kedhavi, Shatrughna, and Kalagni?  I discuss four of Vishvaksena's attendants in my question here.


texts: Why did Karna fight under Drona when he too had labelled him as "half a Ratha"?

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In consequence of the curse of Rama (his preceptor in arms) as also of the words of a Brahmana (who cursed him on another occasion), owing also to his deprivation of the accoutrements of battle, he, in my judgment, is only half a Ratha. Having approached Falguni (in battle), he will not certainly escape with life!' Hearing this, Drona, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, said, 'It is even so as thou hast said. That is not untrue! He boasteth on the eve of every battle, but yet he is seen to retreat from every engagement. Kind (out of season) and blundering, it is for this that Karna, in my judgment, is only half a Ratha!'

Source Here

Here Drona humiliates Karna more than Bhisma itself, yet Karna decided not to fight under Bhisma alone, but took up arms and fought under Drona's command.

  It is for this that thy heart hath been such. Through pride, and owning also to thy companionship with the low, thy heart hateth even persons of merit! It is for this that I spoke such harsh words about thee in the Kuru camp! I know thy prowess in battle, which can with difficulty be borne on earth by foes! I know also thy regard for Brahmanas. thy courage, and thy great attachment to alms-giving! O thou that resemblest a very god, amongst men there is none like thee! For fear of intestine dissensions I always spoke harsh words about thee. In bowmanship, in aiming weapon, in lightness of hand and in strength of weapons, thou art equal to Phalguni himself, or the high-souled Krishna! O Karna, proceeding to the city of Kasi, alone with thy bow, thou hadst crushed the kings in battle for procuring a bride for the Kuru king! The mighty and invincible king Jarasandha also, ever boastful of his prowess in battle, could not become thy match in fight!

source here

Here Bhisma reveals why he hurt Karna during the tales of Ratha and Atiratha  and says his reason for claiming him to be Half a ratha (during his death bed). Yet Drona with no clue of what's going in the mind of Bhisma, just blatantly agreed to him or is this a hint of Drona too was  aware of Karna's birth secret ?

So is this a custom way back then, of focusing on the one who started the conversation than the one who joins in the middle ? I don't see how he ignored Drona's comment, but was deeply concerned about Bhisma's comment alone.


texts: Is sin associated with karma or karma along with thoughts?

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There are several tasks (karma's) a human being can do.

Does sin is associated with the task that human is performing? or it is associated with the thoughts of the human being, who is performing the task?

I will illustrate with an example,

let us assume two persons named F,N. Suppose F believes a set of rules and follow them accordingly without fail. But N believes that no task in this universe is wrong unless the particular person thinks that it is wrong. So, both are performing karma by fully believing they are performing correct karma.

Who is performing sins? Both are strongly believing in their thoughts and performing karma.
Is bad/good associated with karma or with thoughts ?
If bad/good associates with karma, then if N believes strongly a bad karma as good one and performs his karma, then is he committed sin?

Simple instantiate: F believes killing anyway is bad task, but N believes strongly that killing others for self survival is very good task.


texts: Is there any difference between Shuddhadvaita and Advaita Philosphy

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From a purely philosophical stand point, is there any any difference between Shuddhadvaita and Advaita Philosphy? If yes, can anyone please point me the changes between two philosophies and references to them.

I have already searched a couple of forums including stackexchange and couldn't find what i was looking for. Any help here to understand would be grateful.


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An important and famous part of pooja is aarati or nIrAjanam where ghee lamp or camphor light is used at the end of the pooja.

Does it come under puranic ritual or vedic too?

And what is the significance of deepArAdhana and deepadAna ?


texts: How listening to and reading Bhagvat Gita or the Puranas can remove sins?

texts: It is said that if you read or listen to Bhagavat Gita then all your sins will be removed. I also believe this. But like to know, how do they remove the sins?


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I've been trying to find out whether Krishna used a bansuri flute (6 holed North Indian traverse flute), or the venu (7 to 8 holed South Indian/Carnatic traverse  flute). I couldn't find a clear answer on Wikipedia.

On the bansuri page it says:

  The bansuri-like flute is depicted in ancient Buddhist,[10] Hindu[11]
  and Jaina temple paintings and reliefs, as well as is common in the
  iconography of the Hindu god Krishna.[12][13] it is intimately linked
  to the love story of Krishna and Radha.[14] The bansuri is revered as
  Lord Krishna's divine instrument and is often associated with
  Krishna's Rasa lila dance.

And on the venu page it says:

  The venu is associated with the Hindu god Krishna, who is often
  depicted playing it. This kind of flute is mainly used in South
  India.The Lord Vishnu is portrayed as Sri Venugopala - playing the
  flute of Creation.

So what type of flute did Krishna actually use?


texts: Who is the author of the scripture named Maya Samhita?

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Wikipedia contains the following information about Maya Samhita

  Maya Samhita (Sanskrit:मय संहिता,Mayasaṁhitā) is a treatise on Hindu
  Shilpa Shastras. A certain Maya is said to have written this book
  along with Hora Shastra.

What does it mean by certain Maya? Is there any other name for the author?


texts: How does Vishishtadvaita interpret "One without a second"?

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There are some Advaita sounding verses in the Upanishads which declare that there is only one without a second in the beginning:

Aitareya Upanishad 1.1.1:

  ॐ आत्मा वा इदमेक एवाग्र आसीन्नान्यत्किंचन मिषत् ।

  In the beginning this was but the absolute Self alone. There was nothing else whatsoever that winked.

Chandogya Upanishad 6.2:

  सदेव सोम्येदमग्र आसीदेकमेवाद्वितीयम् । तद्धैक आहुरसदेवेदमग्र आसीदेकमेवाद्वितीयं तस्मादसतः सज्जायत ॥ ६.२.१॥

  कुतस्तु खलु सोम्यैवꣳस्यादिति होवाच कथमसतः सज्जायेतेति। सत्त्वेव सोम्येदमग्र आसीदेकमेवाद्वितीयम् ॥ ६.२.२॥

  VI-ii-1 'In the beginning, dear boy, this was Being alone, one only, without a second. Some say that, in the beginning, this was Non-being alone, one only, without a second. From that Non-being arose Being.'

  VI-ii-2: Aruni said, 'But now, indeed, dear boy, could it be so? How could Being arise from Non-being? In truth, dear boy, in the beginning (before creation), there was Being alone, one only, without a second.

I am interested in knowing how Vishishtadvaita interprets this, as according to Vishishtadvaita, there are two realities – Jivatma and Paramatma. (World or Universe emerges and dissolves into Brahman but Jivatma doesn't).

English translation quoted from Vedanta Spiritual Library.