texts:
Dattatreya, who is said to be avatar of Tridev, was born in 10th Treta yuga of the current Vaivasvara Manvantra and is believed to have acquired the knowledge of Yoga. In his history, there was no Guru for him but he rather attained the enlightened state by observing 5 elements of nature (Panchabootha), people etc.

Recently I heard he has prescribed yoga shastra for Moksha. Do any of scriptures describe it?


texts:
This article mentions the forests, and healing properties of plants and animals

  ...Similarly the Rig-Veda mentions about the forest goddess and healing
  properties of plants, tribes of fishes, goats, and etc.

What does the Rig Veda say about the forests and healing properties of plants and animals?


texts: Besides marriage (i.e. not marrying a person of the same gotra), how is gotra significant today? Does one need to perform a ritual related to gotra?


texts: Is Brahmaputra the only river with masculine name?

texts:
Normally we have all major rivers in Bharat with feminine names for instance: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Gomti etc but Brahmaputra seems to be an exception with masculine name.

My questions:

Why a river with masculine name?
Is there any other major river with masculine name?


texts: Humans (at least Asians) are wheatish-brown in color. Why was Krishna portrayed as blue? Is it just to show his purity, or is there some story background of it (e.g. is it based in reality)?


texts: Will there be ill-effects from universally disseminating scripture to non-Dvijas?

texts:
Westerners who are not Dvijas and are probably not Hindus have done yeoman service in translating Vedas and other scripture into English.
The prohibition against writing down scripture has universally broken down and everything is available everybody, Hindus (regardless of caste) and Non-Hindus at the click of a button sitting at home, whether bathed and in ritually clean status or not.

Does scripture talk about the ill-effects, if any, from such universal dissemination of scripture?


texts: What are prerequisites for inquiry into brahman?

texts:
Many schools have written commentary on Brahma Sutras.

In the commentary to first verse, each school explains their meaning of atha and the prerequisites for study of brahman.

What do major schools say about prerequisites of study of Brahman? I mean advaita, dvaita and vishistadvaita school. I just read in one Brahma sutra commentary that study of Vedas is one of the prerequisite. What does this mean study of all the Vedas and Upanishads or anything else? Does it mean that one can't study Brahma Sutra commentaries without having studied all the Vedas first?


texts: Is Nandī, the vehicle mount (vāhana) of Śhiva, a Bull or an Ox?

texts:
Nandī, the vehicle mount (vāhana) of Śhiva, is commonly referred to as "Nandī baila" (नंदी बैल), in the popular hindi jargon.
However, there's a difference between a Bull (सांड) and an Ox (बैल). A bull is a natural male counterpart of a cow, while an ox is an unnaturally made (castrated) cattle.
So, the question is, Śhiva is many a times shown mounted on Nandī,
What form does he assume as a vāhana, a bull or an ox?


texts: Exactly when did Vishvamitra become Brahmarshi?

texts: In Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayan, Vishvamitra's war with Vashishta is mentioned. After his defeat, he leaves for penance and becomes Rajarshi. Indra sent menaka to disturb his penance. Menaka later revealed her true purpose of living with him, he abandons Menaka and his new born daughter Shakuntala to go for another penance and finally becomes Brahmarshi. Markandeya Purana has the stories of Vishvamitra taking the kingdom of Harishchandra who was an ancestor of Rama. Then Viswamitra appears in the court of Dasratha to take Rama and Lakshmana with him to kill the demons of Ravana's army. According to Vayu Purana and Matsya Purana, Ramayana happened in 24th Tretayuga and Mahabharat in 28th Dwapara. My question is whether Vishvamitra was already a Brahmarshi during Ramayana. If yes then can we conclude that Shakuntala and her son Bharata are more ancient than Lord Rama?


texts: Where i get pdf of Madhaviya Shankara Digvijayam slokas

texts: Where i can find pdf of Madhaviya Shankara Digvijayam slokas with Hindi/English translation


texts: History behind Mahishasura Mardini Stotram?

texts:
I was listening to this powerful stotram on YouTube.
Don't know why but there were tears in my eyes it's so powerful!

For knowledge sake just wanted to know some facts about it for instance:

Who wrote it and when?
What was the prime reason behind writing this stotram?
Any other important known facts worth sharing.


texts: How many commentaries have there been of the Vishnu Purana?

texts: I would like to have the list of commentators of the Vishnu Purana. How many of these commentaries have being translated to English? Are any of the commentaries available online?


texts: Is Cat a vahana of any deity in Hinduism?

texts: While we encounter many animals as vahanas of the different forms of Hindu deities I am not aware of any references to cats. Can anybody throw light on this? Is there any deity whose vahana is a cat? If not is there a mention anywhere why it is not?


texts: Is there a text explaining the full story of Lord Parasurama?

texts: In Ramayana is one part of his story and other in Padma Purana. Is there an specific text with the whole history,


texts: Is Malayappa Swamy Vigraha Swambhu/Self Manifested

texts:
Swayambhu Vigraha means incarnated figure or an idol which has no human involvement in its creation, generally such Idols/figures are more important and considered to be more sacred than man-made idols/figures. The Mulavar or the main deity in Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is one of the Swayambhu idols.

The Utsava Murty in Tirumala Tirupati Temple is known as Malayappa Swamy, all the sevas like Arjita Vasantaotsavam, Sahasra Deepa Mala etc., are performed to Malayappa Swamy.

Is Malayappa Swamy self-manifested? What about Sri Devi and Bhu Devi Vigraha with swamy?


texts: What is the inner meaning of Saraswati following Sage Kavasa?

texts:
The following is an extract from Aitareya brahmana.
In the Eausitaki Br&htnanam (12, 3), the story of Kavasa is reported in the
following way:

the Risis, called the "middle ones" (Gritsamada, Visvamitra,
Vaniadeva, Atri,  Bharadvfija, Vasistha, see Asv. Grihya Sutras, 3,
4), hold once a sacrificial session on  the Sarasvati. Amongst them
there sat Kavasa.
These (Risis) reproached him (that  he had come
among them) saying : " Thou art the son of a slave girl, we shall
neither eat  nor drink with thee." Having become angry, he ran to the
Sarasvati, and obtained her  favour by moans of this hymn (pra devatrd
braUmane).
She followed him. These Risis  then thought that he was
guiltless. Turning to him, they said, "Risi ! adoration be to  thee,
do us no harm ! thou art the most excellent among us, for she
(Sarasvati) follows  thee."
They made him the manager of the
sacrifice, and thus appeased his wrath. This  is the importance of
Kavasa, and he it was who made that hymn known.

What is the inner/esoteric meaning of Saraswati following Sage Kavasa?


texts: I've heard varying reasons behind tonsuring, some that it is a way of shedding one's ego, others that the hair is a sacrifice.  Which reasoning is correct?


texts: Difference in life of Shri Krishna in Puranas and Mahabharata

texts:
An Arya Samaj Influencer Rahul Arya claims that All fake stories have been planted in Srimad Bhagavatam, Skanda Puran and Brahma Vaivarta Puran about Krishna that he is playing with girls, Krishna taking girls' clothes, placing hands on thighs of girls all those activities are fake.

It is done to malign Krishna ji's image .

Krishna ji left Vrindavan at the age of 12 years. How can a kid do such vulgar things with girls.

Please provide answer with accurate reference.


texts: What is the symbolism of the two pools of water in this picture

texts:
On each side of this picture there is a pool of water. It looks to be flowing in from the right ear and flowing out of the left. What is this about?

THIS IS NOT A DUPLICATE:
The previous question deals with the water coming from the crown of the head. I'm talking about the pools of water water at the ears.


texts: Is there any scriptures written that who does not offer anything to god before daily activities is a thief?

texts:
As per i listen from some people, is it written in Bhagavat Gita? that

  If someone don't offer anything to god before he starts his daily activities then that person is considered as a thief.


texts: Is there any dhyana shloka which mentions Lord Shiva's colour as shyam?

texts:
At many places, Shiva's colour is mentioned white as karpoor or silver.

But, there are many images of Lord Shiva where he is depicted in same colour as of Lord Vishnu.

So, is there any dhyana shloka which mentions Lord Shiva's colour as shyam?


texts: The idols are made by stapathis. What are the various phases the statue will be put to test? How many phases are there for testing? How is the power acquired to the statue after the tests are over?


texts: Why we are breaking coconut before start any new-work?

texts:
In our Hinduism, there is one Custom, that we break the coconut before start any new-work, like opening of shop and so many other-things, So what is Important of breaking a Coconut before starting new things,
Is there any evidence in our Scriptures which claimed this thing?
Please share your Idea.!!
Thanks.


texts: What debate took place between Shree Yajnavalkya Rushi and his Guru Shree Uddalaka during the King Janakas sacrifice?

texts:
While reading about great Rushi Shree Yajnavalkya , I have came across a story about him Read here
This is the short story -

Once King Janaka of Videha wanted to know from which real
Brahmanishtha (one who is well-versed in  the scriptures and
established in Brahma Jnana. to receive Brahma Vidya.)  In order to
find out who was the real Brahma-nishtha, Janaka performed a huge
Bahu-dakshina   sacrifice to which all the Rishis from far and wide
were invited. And he offered one thousand   cows with their calves,
all their horns being decked with enormous gold. Then he proclaimed to
the assembled ones, "Whosoever is the best Brahmana amongst you may
drive these cows home".   None dared to get up and take away the cows
as they were afraid of censure by the others. But  Yajnavalkya stood
up and asked his disciple Samasravas to drive the cows home.
The other Brahmanas got angry at this and said to one another, "How
can he declare himself to  be the best among us?". Thereupon several
Rishis challenged Yajnavalkya with many questions on  transcendental
matters to all of which Yajnavalkya gave prompt reply. There was a
great debate  in which Yajnavalkya won over all the others. Janaka was
convinced that Yajnavalkya was the  best Brahma-nishtha and received
Brahma Vidya from him thereafter.

Many Rushies asked so many questions to him about various subjects during this question answer session including "Asvala" -King Jankas priest ,
Rishi "Artabhaga" of the family of Jaratkaru , Rishi "Bhujyu" of the Lahya family ,Ushasti Chakrayana , Kahola Kaushitakeya. And Gargi,(a female rushi) the daughter of
Vachaknu. Read here

Similarly, he also debated with another of his teachers, Uddalaka, thus overcoming him during this. Read Here

My question is -
What is the debate that was took place between Shree Yajnavalkya and his Guru (Teacher) Shree Uddalaka during  the King Janakas sacrifice.?


texts: How is Vaara (day) Determined/calculated?

texts: How do you know today is somavaara or mangalavaara ? what determines it ?


texts: According to srimad bhagvatam and Vishnu purana is saguna brahman superior to nirguna brahman?

texts:
How is the relation of of parmatma-brahman- bhagvan shown in sattvic puranas, is saguna brahman the basis of nirguna brahman as found in some verse of bhagvad geeta?

I'm asking this as bhagvatam plays a major role in gaudiya vaishnava beliefs and Vishnu purana in other vaishnava sects. Bhagvatam is also considered commentary on Brahma sutras by vyasa(by some and garuda purana), so who do these puranas claim to be supreme?


texts: Are there references to sharks or dolphins in hindu mythology?

texts:
Both sharks and dolphins have been known to live in and around India. The Irrawaddy dolphin and the Ganges shark are species that actually live in seas or swim up rivers. It seems like there should be some mention of either of these creatures in Hindu mythology.

So are there any references to them in scriptures?


texts: Where do Vaishnava Scriptures declare Shiva as supreme god?

texts: Some Shavaite scriptures declare Vishnu as supreme in some cases. Is there any mention of Shiva as supreme deity in Vaishnava scriptures?


texts: What is the origin of Chandrashekhara Ashtakam?

texts:
Chandrashekhara Ashtakam is believed to be created by Sage Marakandeya. It is believed that when Yama is trying to take life of Sage Marakandeya, then he had sung this Stotram and thus Lord Shiva has saved him.

I have read this story in Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda downloaded from vedpuran.net website. But this story is not found in any other version of Padma Purana. So, I think the Padma Purana which I have is interpolated. That's why I am looking for the source of Chandrashekhara Ashtakam.


texts: What are the differences in teachings between Yoga Vasista, Ashtavakra Gita, and Vivekachudamani?

texts: Yoga Vasistha (योग-वासिष्ठ), Ashtavakra Gita (अष्टावक्रगीता), and Vivekachudamani (विवेकचूडामणि) are teachings about Enlightenment and (Moh)Maya. What are the Philosophical differences between these scriptures ?


texts:
It is mentioned, in the Ramayana, that Maharishi Agastya  gave the "all powerful and eternal" Adithya Hridhyam Strotra to Sri Rama, immediately before his final encounter with Ravana.

राम राम महाबाहो शृणु गुह्यं सनातनम् |
येन सर्वानरीन्वत्स समरे विजयिष्यसे ||
O Rama, the mighty-armed one! Hear the following eternal secret, by which you can conquer all the enemies in battle, my child!

What is the Adithya Hridhyam Strotra ? During what times of the day, can it be chanted? What is the procedure, for chanting the Strotra?


texts: Why Shivalinga sthapana in temple is unique in Hinduism?

texts:
I have seen that in many hindu temples, all other deity's statues are brought from the entrance of the temple and some "Pran Pratistha" ritual Vidhi(method) is performed.

  But when the shiva Linga is established, the roof is cut and `Shiva Linga_ is established from sky only!!

In gujarat,India in one temple, I have seen such establishment of Shiva Linga. So because of my curious nature, I asked people why such a unique way of Shiva Linga only? Other statues were taken from entrance only..

They said, Shiva is unborn, so his incarnation is not possible from any mother's womb. So in hinduism Shiva linga is established from sky, means the Shiva directly comes from sky(Paramdham or Kailash) only.

Does anybody know about this? Is there any explanation in some hindu scripture?

But I heard this again from Pujari also. I asked some Brahmakumari sisters also to verify, they also told me the same thing. So I trusted what everybody told me. But now this made me more curious about this. Can anybody please cite some sources?


texts: Are there any female trinities in Hinduism?

texts:
Every Hindu is well aware of (male) trinities, but I have also heard that there are female trinities too.

Is that correct?


texts: Why couldn't or why didn't Lord Rama withdraw his Brahmastra when Arjuna could?

texts:
There are a few instances in Ramayana about Lord Rama firing Brahmastra weapons but couldn't withdraw it saying that a Brahmastra weapon never goes waste, but we see in Mahabharata that Arjuna while fighting with Ashwathama withdraws his Brahmastra.

This answer describes the above instances of Brahmastra being used.

So why couldn't or why didn't Lord Rama withdraw his Brahmastra when Arjuna could?

From here:

  mogham astram na shakyam tu kartum iti eva raaghava || 5-67-16
  bhavaamstasyakSi kaakasya hinasti sma sa dakSiNam |

  16.
  raaghava= O Rama!; ityeva= because; na shakyam= it is not possible; kartum= to make; astram= the missile; mogham= a waste; bhavaan= you; hinanti sma= destroyed; dakSinam akSi= the right eye; kaakasya= of the cow.

  O Rama! Since it is not possible to make the missile a waste, you destroyed the right eye of the crow.

If a Brahmastra can never really be withdrawn, how is that Arjuna was able do it but Rama couldn't? How to make sense of all this?


texts: In T.V. serials, Ravana is always portrayed as a demon and never shown as a musician. Did Ravana compose any music?


texts: Does anyone write books on analyzing ( or reviewing) Hinduism?

texts:
Did any non-Hindu write any analysis (review) of Hinduism about why Vedas said like this and why our Puranas said like that etc?

The concepts in our Vedas and Puranas are far away from reality, so there must be some circumstances for people to believe the concepts in Vedas and Puranas.

Not all the people went into deep meditation state and learnt Vedas right? They learnt from Rishis who declared themselves as they went into deep meditation and learnt about Vedas. Then did they directly go to the people and explained what they learnt?

Or else Rishis tried to say something, but as people did not understand, so they come up with some easy superstitious stories for people to understand?  and now they are looking unbelievable to people like me in 21st century?

For example, if a person who lived some 3000 years ago went to another person and said that the ball that we see in night sky is not just moon, but it is a person called "moon god", then what could be the basis for that person to simply believe that concept? ( he will definitely ask how you are saying it right instead of simply believing whoever says whatever right)

Another person says that the cash in your hand is not just cash, it is goddess Laxmi Devi and she looks very similar to moon god means it looks completely strange for a person who listens those sentences very first time. There must be some proof shown for people to believe them. It simply looks strange that if someone says I have seen a goddess in place of cash on my deep meditation state right?

Is there something that the people of that time did not understand the inner meaning and came up with different superstitious stories to penetrate the thoughts into people's brains? On the other hand, not just Puranas, but how come mantras, Stotras, Suktas also will say that moon god is brother of Laxmi goddess? If we assume that the Puranas are some stories for people to understand the concept of god, then there is no problem as we can treat them as just stories for people entertainment just like movie stories, but how come mantras also say the same meaning ( mantras are designed to provide results to those who chants them, they are not like Puranas which are stories for people to make understand the Hinduism concepts, they must have correct truth information as they are supposed to give gifts upon saying them and cannot give if they have wrong information).

I am combining real world history during Vedic period and Hinduism, but not the spiritual world or the history that we see inside our mythologies.

History in Puranas talks about world which is 432000 years back, in Threthayuga, there lives Rama, Sita etc., I am not talking about that history, I am talking about the current history that was proven to be existent by our scientists.

Sorry if my post is vast and not understandable,  I tried my best to make things clear, but please edit if anything is not clear.


texts: What exactly is the issue between Shankaracharya of Dwarka peeth and the Sai Trust?

texts:
I just need one simple answer, "Is Sai Baba of Shirdi really a God? [closed]" and, if he is, then why is Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati (Shankaracharya of Dwarka peeth) having an issue with worshiping Sai Baba? If Sai Baba is not a God, then why has the Swami waited for at least 50 years to say this?

And in Sanatana Dharma do we have any restriction on who we can worship or can we worship any one (such as Sai Baba)?


texts: When was sage Valmiki accused of killing a Brahmin?

texts:
In this chapter of the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, different sages tell Yudhishthira about the benefits they received by praying to Shiva. In particular, the sage Valmiki, author of the Ramayana, says this:

  Once upon a time, in course of a dialectical disputation, certain ascetics that were possessors of the homa fire denounced me as one guilty of Brahmanicide. As soon as they had denounced me as such, the sin of Brahmanicide, O Bharata, possessed me. I then, for cleansing myself, sought the protection of the sinless Isana who is irresistible in energy. I become cleansed of all my sins. That dispeller of all sorrows, viz., the destroyer of the triple city of the Asuras, said unto me,--Thy fame shall be great in the world

My question is, what is this story of Valmiki being accused of killing a Brahmin?  And did he actually commit the crime?  Valmiki was originally the son of Varuna the ocean god, but he was raised by robbers and became a robber himself, so is it possible that he killed some Brahmana along the way?

And if he was innocent, did some "ascetics that were possessors of the homa fire" falsely accuse him just to win a debate against him?  What was this debate about?  Are there any other scriptures which describe this story?


texts: What is the significance of the saffron color?

texts: Hindu sanyasis/monks wear saffron colored robes. Is there any scriptural reasons for saffron? Or is it just cultural since Buddhist monks also wear saffron ?


texts: Are the different timings of day dominated by particular guna?

texts:
Are the different timings of day dominated by a particular guna be it sattva, rajasic or tamasic?

If yes, what is prominent at which time?


texts: Why are our scriptures contradicting so much? A Bramhana can beat anyone as he wishes?

texts:
My dear followers, never treat a learned brāhmaṇa harshly, even if he has sinned. Even if he attacks you physically or repeatedly curses you, always continue to offer him obeisances.Just us I always carefully bow down to brāhmaṇas, so all of you should likewise bow down to them. I will punish anyone who acts otherwise.(Bhagavata 10.64.41-42)

With whatever limb the low-born man hurts a superior person, every such limb of his shall be cut off; this is the teaching of Manu.(Manu 8.279)

If he raises his hand or a stick, he should have his hand cut off(Manu 8.280)

Doesn't our conscience say its against Basic human rules? And we do have many verses in scriptures saying be Kind,Compassionate to all beings and whoever Hurts others Hurts Hari for Hari alone is all beings.


texts: Many versions of Ithihasa and Puranas, which versions can be true?

texts:
Two different versions of Mahabharata are available, Northern and southern recension. Both of them don't have same number of chapters and verses. For example, Sabha Parva of kumbakonam version of Mahabharata has 103 chapters, but K.M. Ganguly's translation has only 80 chapters.  The same goes with the Puranas. For example, Padma Purana has two versions according to this website; Bengal version which has seven Cantos and Southern version which has five Cantos.

Now, my question is, how can we identify which is real and which is not?


texts: Does Ramakrishna Mission consider itself a Hindu organisation?

texts:
Back in 1980s, Ramakrishna Mission tried to separate legally from Hinduism in order to consider itself as a separate religion (Ramakrishnaism). They claimed various philosophical differences. Like:

  Arguing for the “distinct” existence of the Mission, the affidavit says that not all its members are Hindus and, in fact, some of them are Muslims and Christians. The first fact proves that it is non-sectarian, the second that it is universal. This is the pat- tern which the affidavit faithfully observes-when the inclusiveness of the Mission is to be shown, Islam and Christianity are mentioned; when its distinct character is to be shown, Hinduism is mentioned. The Mission is distinct from Hinduism in some respects and similar to Islam and Christianity in others. That makes it unique and universal — that is the line of argument.

Further:

  The affidavit enumerates many points which in the opinion of the Mission distinguishes it from all other religions, “including traditional Hinduism.” It states that a traditional Hindu “believes in the Vedas only, and not in the scriptures of any other religions,” while followers of Ramakrishna cult believe in all holy scriptures.

More of these alleged differences can be found in Ram Swarup's book Ramakrishna Mission: In Search of a New Identity.

My question is, what is the current stance of the Ramakrishna Mission? Do they still consider themselves non-Hindu?


texts:
I heard Parvati was born in Varaha Kalpa. And Also read the current kalpa's name is bhadrakalpa as shown on wiki.

There are following things I want to know:

Difference between Kalpa of Sati(also name) and current(bhadrakalpa) kalpa.
Time difference between Sati's death and Parvati's birth (just
overview, not in brief) even in eprox.
Difference between Parvati's birth Kapla and current Kalpa.

It would be best if I got list of Kalpas from Sati's Kalpa to Present Kalpa(if possible). In this page of wiki list given according to Matasya purana but from that list I couldn't grab the information about difference between Sati's and current Kalpa.


texts:
Gita Verse 7 chapter 1
asmākaṁ tu viśhiṣhṭā ye tānnibodha dwijottama
nāyakā mama sainyasya sanjñārthaṁ tānbravīmi te
Meaning :O best of Brahmins, hear too about the principal generals on our side, who are especially qualified to lead. These I now recount unto you.
Im not getting  here  who  are the  best of brahmins?  I mean to whom it talking about ?


texts:
Worshiped mainly in Bengal and other parts of northeastern India, Goddess Manasa is the daughter of Lord Shiva. I have searched for her birth story but could not find it. Can someone give me Goddess Manasa's birth story, preferably with reference to anything Bengali? Also, what's the reason for her birth? Does the goddess have a mother? Was Vasuki her brother?

Edit:

As discussed in the below comments, Manasa was born when Shiva's semen touched a statue carved by Kadru.Can someone provide me with the story of this?Does it have any scriptual basis?


texts: Why do idols of Lord Ganesha only rarely have the trunk turning to the right?

texts:
I've rarely seen idols of Lord Ganesha with his trunk turning towards the right.

As far as I know, people say that Ganesha idols having the trunk turning towards the right should be given extra care in the form of daily worship, and similarly, they have to look after the idol carefully. Why is that so?

For example, we have Siddhivinayak temple here where Lord Ganesha's  trunk turns to the right:

Compared to Lal Baugh cha Raja where the trunk turns towards the left:


texts: Did the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice also happen in present Vaivasvata Manvantara?

texts:
It is a well-known event that Mahadeva destroys the sacrifice of Daksha when Devi Sati destroys herself in the sacrifice. But it happened in the Pitri Kalpa.

Destruction of Yajna of Daksha is the symbolism of the fact that Devas due to their arrogancy are stupefied to such level that they proceed to exclude Lord Rudra himself from the sacrifice. And thus finally Devas are punished. The punishment to the Devas due to committing this crime is also described in Taittariya Samhita of YajurVeda 2.6.8 as:

  The gods excluded Rudra from the sacrifice; he pierced the sacrifice, the gods gathered round it (saying), 'May it be right for us.' They said, 'Well offered will this be for us, if we propitiate him.' That is why Agni is called the 'well offerer' (svistakrt). When it was pierced (by him) 3 they cut off (a piece) of the size of a barleycorn; therefore one should cut off (a piece) the size of a barleycorn. If one were to cut off more, he would confuse that part of the sacrifice. If he were to make a layer and then to sprinkle, lie would make it swell on both sides. He cuts it off and sprinkles it; there are two operations; the sacrificer has two feet, for support. If he were to transfer it (to the Brahman) crosswise, he would pierce the unwounded part of the sacrifice; lie transfers it in front; verily he transfers it in the proper way. They transferred it for Pusan. Pusan having eaten it lost his teeth; therefore Pusan has pounded food for his share, for he has no teeth. The gods said of him, 'He has lost (his teeth), he is not fit for the offering.' They transferred it to Brhaspati. Brhaspati was afraid, 'Thus indeed will this one fall on misfortune.' He saw this Mantra; 'With the eye of the sun I gaze on thee', he said, for the eye of the sun harms no one. He was afraid, 'It will harm me as I take it.' 'On the impulse of the god Savitr, with the arms of the Açvins, with the hands of Pusan I take thee', he says; verily, impelled by Savitr, he took it with the holy power (Brahman) and with the gods. He was afraid, 'It will harm me as I eat.' 'Thee with the mouth of Agni I eat', he said, for nothing harms the mouth of Agni. He was afraid, 'It will harm me when I have eaten.'

The story described in the Vedas are eternal truths. The Gods change in each Manvantara. As the punishment to Gods by Lord Rudra is ordained by the Vedas themselves, so punishment to arrogant Devas should happen in every Manvantara.

So, did the destruction of the sacrifice of Daksha also occur in the present Vaivasvata Manvantara? If so, how did it happen?


texts: Which scripture is the source for this Achamanam?

texts:
From this link:

  2 acamana

  Om keshavaya svaha

  Om narayanaya svaha

  Om madhavaya svaha

I have noticed that this achamanam is popular mostly among Telugu speaking communities.

My question: Which scripture is the source for this achamanam?


texts: How to understand that this earth is made up of pancha bootha? Please explain logically. Also, what is the relationship between the five elements akasha, vayu, agni, water, earth?


texts: Are gods of religions like Islam, Christianity etc be remembered after the end of Yuga?

texts:
Actually, at the end of every Yuga, everything is said to be collapsed. But it is a wonder that the most of the scriptures and the Rama setu bridge hadn't been collapsed.
There might have been a lot of good people, pure souls like the gods of other religions in Dwapara Yuga, Treta Yuga etc but still we do not know them. We only know Rama, Krishna and some avatars related to them. But some how they are related to the Hindu.

Does these religions exist after the end of the yuga?


texts: Why are women advised to tie their hair in temples?

texts: Once when I visited a Durga temple, a man who was giving out flowers to all devotees told me to tie my hair and not leave it open in the temple. I genuinely want to know the reason.


texts:
Is there the concept of someone who sees futures that shouldn't exist or shouldn't be?

I know about the third eye.


texts: What is the point/story of origin of the Sanatan Dharma and why has it been altered as Hindu Dharma?


texts: Do scriptures say how to distinguish Tamasic, Rajasic and Satvic content of a text?

texts:
A chatroom comment goes

  "Tamasa puranas mean most of content are tamasa. But they also contain sattvic and rajasic contents though at a lower proportion. Similarly, Sattvic puranas are mostly Sattvic, but contain rajasic and tamasic content albeit in lesser proportions. It is combination of three sattvic, rajasic and tamasic content. But in Sattvic puranas , sattvic content is much more than rajasic and tamasic content."

Without defining Tamasic, Rajasic and Satvic content independent of Puranas - this is circular reasoning.

Are there a priori definitions of Tamasic, Rajasic and Satvic content in scripture?


texts: Which world is converted into vast ocean by Vishnu?

texts:
This chapter of Vishnu Purana describes what Vishnu does at the end of Kalpa:

  Vishńu with the quality of goodness, and of immeasurable power, preserves created things through successive ages, until the close of the period termed a Kalpa; when the same mighty deity, Janárddana, invested with the quality of darkness, assumes the awful form of Rudra, and swallows up the universe. Having thus devoured all things, and converted the world into one vast ocean, the Supreme reposes upon his mighty serpent couch amidst the deep: he awakes after a season, and again, as Brahmá, becomes the author of creation.

In cosmic egg, there is already a vast ocean - Garbhodaka Ocean which covers 50% of the available space.

Gaudiya Vaishnavas have a different theory that there are innumerable cosmic eggs or universes each ruled by Garbhodaksayi Vishnu and then there is a main Vishnu.

Now in this case, it makes sense that after swallowing up everything including all the universes or cosmic eggs, the already existing ocean becomes a vast ocean as now there is not anything in between but not everyone agrees with Gaudiya Vaishnavas theory of creation.

As Vishnu Purana says, the world is converted into one vast ocean so which is the world referred here? The remaining available space in cosmic egg or even the cosmic egg is swallowed up and whatever is outside of cosmic egg is filled with water?


texts: What scripture talks about Karṇa's third curse by Bhūdevī or Goddess of Earth?

texts:
In my recent answer, I argued that both of Karṇa's two unfortunate curses were interpolations i.e., they were not part of Vyāsa's original Mahābhārata. I think the reason behind those particular interpolations is to elevate the stature of Karṇa, i.e., show him on par with Arjuna and that he'd be unbeatable if not for those two curses - one from a brāhmaṇa and other from Paraśurāma.

Apparently, there's a third curse-story mentioned in various online blogs according to which Karṇa tried to squeeze out spilled ghee (clarified butter) from soil which upset Bhūdevī (Goddess of Earth), so she cursed Karṇa.

The full story from one such blog is:

  Sometime later, when he was on a tour of his new kingdom, Karna is said to have encountered a girl who was crying out of fear of her step mother since her ghee had fallen to the ground. Being generous enough Karna told her that he would give her new ghee. But, the child insisted that she wanted only the ghee that was mixed with the soil and refused to take the new ghee. Taking pity on the girl, Karna took the soil mixed with ghee in his fist and squeezed it with all his might to extract the ghee and pour it back into the pot. However, Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) was furious at him for hurting her for the sake of a mere child. So, the Earth goddess cursed him that in a very crucial battle of his life, she would trap his chariot wheel in the same way that he held the fistful of soil, thereby making him vulnerable to his enemy.

  Thus, Karna was cursed on three separate and independent occasions.

What is the origin of the above story? Which scripture contains it? Can you cite the exact verses or their translation from the relevant scripture?


texts: Performing pooja to God and Goddess on the same day

texts: While performing poojas to gods and goddesses on the same day for example - Satyanarayana Pooja and Vaibhava Lakshmi Pooja - which one is to be performed first?


texts: Was there any civilisation in the world which evolved without the concept of god? Apparently the Piraha people have no concept of numbers, time, or a supreme being.


texts: Why is Hanuman considered as a partial avatara of Lord Shiva as opposed to a full avatara?

texts: HanumAn is said to be an ansha avatar of Lord Shiva. With an ansha avatar being defined as a partial avatar. Where is the proof of HanumAn being a ansha avatar from the hindu scriptures?


texts: What is the story behind the Solah Somavara fast?

texts:
In the month of Shravana Lord Shiva is worshiped and many people observe the 16 Somvara Vrata.

Now most descriptions I've read say that Lord Shiva and Parvati had a dice match and Parvati asks a temple priest to predict who will win. The priest gives the verdict in Lord Shiva's favour being his devotee.

But Parvati wins the match and curses the priest to become a leper for lying and his partiality.

The priest becomes a leper but does 16 Somavar Vrata and gets released from the curse.

Some people (like my family) do only 4 Somvaras that fall in Shravana month.

So my question is do any scriptures mention the story of 16 Somvara Vrata? And is there any story or reason behind worship of Lord Shiva in Shravana?

P.S I've read this question: Why do some Hindus observe fast during the month of "Shravan"? but the answer was not satisfactory.

Please do not mark mine as a duplicate.


texts: Any scriptures says that a baby when in mothers womb can also hear sound?

texts: Is there any scriptures says that a baby when in mothers womb can also hear sound?


texts: Can chanting certain mantras and reading stories rid us of mahapatak/maha papam (great sins)?

texts:
We often say that there is no remedy for Mahapapam/Panch pahapapam, but the Ramraksha Stotra and Shree Ganesh Atharvasheersha both very clearly mention that reciting them would help us get rid of the sins.

Following is the excerpt :-

Rama Raksha Stotram, right at the start mentions (Translation from Hindupedia -

  Charitam Raghunathasya , shata koti pravistaram
  Ekaikam aksharam punsam, mahapataka nashanam

  The story of Rama is written in four billions words,
  But reading even one letter of that, destroys all great sins.

Similarly Shree Ganesh Atharvasheersha mentions Translation from greenmesg.org–

  Etadarvasheerha yodhite, sa brahma bhuyaye kalpate,
  Sa sarvatah sukhmedhate, sa panch maha papat pramuchayate

  He who studies this Atharvashirsha (with Shraddha), will become fit to realize Brahman,
  He will not be (permanently) tied down by any obstacles (and his consciousness will become clearer),
  (Permanent) Happiness will increase within his consciousness, wherever he is (i.e. at all times),
  He will get freed from the five grave Sins (the memory of sins tend to create permanent obstacles within the consciousness for the jivas to sense the Paramatman),

So if one has indulged in a maha pataka, can reciting these mantras or reading and listening to the stories help get rid of the sin?


texts: Which is the favorite leaf of Lord Brahma?

texts: Lord Vishnu is fond of Tulasi leaves and Lord Shiva likes bilvam. So, similarly which leaf is favored by Lord Brahma?


texts:
This answer says if anybody missed to perform Sandhyavandanam within prescribed time, Prayaschitta Arghya should be given.

My question is how to give Prayaschitta Arghya?


texts: What is the meaning of the "...........vidmahe....Dhimahi....prachodayat" formula?

texts:
Here is an example I took from another post here:

  bhaskaraya vidmahe mahaddyutikaraya dhimahi | tanno adityyah pracodayat

There are lots of variants of this formula.  What is the context in which this formula is used and what does it mean?


texts: While praying, who are allowed to touch/caress "Shiva Linga", the sacred phallus?

texts:
As per this thread, there are various opinions of whether the idol at the temple should be touched or not: Is it allowed to hug/touch the main idol at a temple?

Now there is a special case of Shiva, which is known as "formless" (Nirguna/NirAkAra) aspect of Brahman, hence it may not have any idol as such. Yet, it's primarily worshiped in form of "Linga" (Phallus/Penis): Why is Shiva primarily worshipped in a linga form?

Many years back, our history professor told that, Not everyone should "touch" or "caress" the Shiva Linga. Especially women shouldn't do that, for the sake of modesty.
But in case of God, shouldn't everyone have equal rights, especially in today's era!

Who are allowed to touch/caress, the "Shiva Linga" while worshiping?


texts: Where is the story of Dhritarashtra removing eyes of swan mentioned?

texts: I have read that the blindness of Dhritarashtra is due to his actions in previous birth. He removed the eyes of a swan and killed hundred cygnets. But I couldn´t find this story in Mahabharatha. Where can I find it in Mahabharata? Can anybody help?


texts: Which scriptures say that eating rice mixed with milk at night increases one's life span while eating curd at night decreases it?

texts:
This page makes the following claims:

The following five things reduce the span of our life viz morning sun
light falling on our body, the smoke from corpse touching us, love
making with older woman, drinking turbid water without filtering it,
and drinking curd at night.
The following things increase our life span viz Evening sun light
falling on our body, The smoke from Homa touching our body, love
making with woman younger to us, Drinking pure water and eating rice
mixed with milk at night.

I want to know the scriptural basis for these claims.


texts: What scriptures say Indra has right/authority to test sages with Kama, Krodha, lobha, Moha, Madha and Matsarya?

texts:
Mylavarapu Srinivasa Rao is a well-known scholar of Hinduism and its philosphy in Telugu states.

He talks about Greatness of Indra in this video (in Telugu). He says

  Indra is king of all Devas who did 100 yajnas (referring to Aswamedha
  Yajnas). He will test the sages who do tapasya with Kama (lust),
  Krodha (wrath), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion or infatuation), Mada
  (pride) and Matsyarya (envy). People generally think Indra sends
  Apsaras to sages or Rishis who are engrossed in Tapasya to deviate
  them and protect his position of Indra, but this is not correct. If this
  behavior of Indra was true, Devas indeed wouldn't allow him to be
  their leader. A person performing Tapasya should undergo six kinds of
  test.

  Vishwamitra failed in test of Kama when Indra sent Menaka. Indra got
  no Dosha here but it's the mistake of Vishwamitra who failed in test.
  If an examiner sets tough paper and student fails, it's the mistake of
  student who failed in examination rather than examiner. Vishwamitra
  didn't even have altercation with Indra as Indra had every right to
  test him.

  If a person wins in Kama, he tests the person in Krodha. He tested
  Gautama muni in Krodha. Indra didn't do any sin in case of Ahalya.
  Those who have read Valmiki Ramayana verses properly can't deny this
  fact. Ahalya too didn't commit any sin and this is the reason Sri
  Rama, embodiment of Dharma, did Padabhi Vandana for Ahalya. Here Dosha
  is for Gautama Muni.

He says it's duty or right of Indra to test a person or Rishi undergoing tapasya. What scriptures mention that Indra has right to test with Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsyarya? If scriptural evidence for this is found, these actions of Indra can be justified.


texts: What is the exact definition of marriage in Hinduism?

texts: Marriage binds man and woman together for a life. But in Hinduism what is the exact definition of Marriage and how it evolved?


texts: Did Adi Shankaracharya establish Sringeri Peetam after destroying an existing Buddhist monastery?

texts: In his book State of mind, Manu Ranjish said that Adi Shankara established Sringeri mutt after destroying an existing Buddhist monastery in that place. what do the records maintained by the Srigeri mutt or other records say about this?


texts: Are the Karmas stored in our minds or are they stored somewhere remote? Are Karmas relative or are they absolute? (In the sense, is good Karma or bad Karma defined?)


texts: Did Dhritarashtra really give death punishment to Arjuna?

texts:
StarPlus Mahabharat (S11 E6) has a scene that shows that after their first exile when the Pandavas return to Hastinapura with Draupadi, Duryodhana insults Draupadi saying how can a woman that can have relationships with 5 men know dharma herself or teach dharma to her husbands. Upset with these words Arjuna draws his bow threatening to behead Duryodhana but Karna comes to the rescue.

For raising a weapon in the assembly, Dhritarashtra announces death punishment to Arjuna but Yudhishthira challenges this decision.

Is there a scriptural basis for this incident?


texts:
St. Jerome, in his Against Jovinianus bk. 2 (393 A.D.) c. 14, divides the

  Gymnosophists of India [into two classes,] the one [of which is] called Brahmans, the other Samaneans [Samanæos], who are so rigidly self-restrained that they support themselves either with the fruit of trees which grow on the banks of the Ganges, or with common food of rice or flour, and when the king visits them, he is wont to adore them, and thinks the peace of his country depends upon their prayers.

Who are the Samaneans?


texts: What exactly is meant by Harernamaiva Kevalam

texts:
हरेर्नाम हरेर्नाम हरेर्नामैव केवलम्।
  कलौ नास्त्येव नास्त्येव नास्त्येव गतिरन्यथा॥

  meaning Harinama, Harinama, only Harinama ....there is no other way, no other way in the kaliyuga [for illumination].

The above sloka was mentioned by Lord Chaitanyadeva Himself. Does this sloka make sandhyavandana and all other pujas redundant and futile in this kali yuga? I am asking because its a quote from Vrihan-Naradiya-Purana and the words of Smriti are above the Puranas as per our sanatana dharma norms.


texts: What is the difference between jeevatma and kaarana sareera (causal body)?


texts: Has Lord Krishna ever reincarnated or appeared in his ethereal body in this phenomenal world?

texts: Since Krishna's death has he ever reincarnated or appeared in his ethereal body in this phenomenal world? Have there been any recorded sightings or visitations. I am not asking about other Vishnu avatars, I am asking specifically about Krishna.


texts: Can a Sanyasi allowed to do Yagnas for dethrone and enthrone kings?

texts: Is it valid for a Sanyasi to perform yagnas or any rituals for enthroning a person and to dethrone another person? Do scriptures allow it?


texts: What scripture says devotees of other gods eventually become devotees of Vishnu in future births?

texts:
The Rahasyatraya Sara is a work by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desikan, concerning the meaning of the Rahasya Traya or three secrets of the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member). In this excerpt from the Rahasyatraya Sara, Vedanta Desikan discusses why Hindu scripture describes other gods as aids to attaining Moksha, when Vishnu is described as the sole path to Moksha:

If, in some places, these gods are spoken of as assisting in the attainment of moksha, it should be understood to mean that they, like Acharyas, assist by imparting knowledge and in other such ways.  This is also the purport of the following passage; "The man who is a devotee of the god of the sun (Surya) will, after seven more births, become a devotee of Rudra by the Sun's grace.  He who is a devotee of Sankara will, after seven more births, become a devotee of Vishnu by the grace of Sankara." And again:- "He who is a devotee of Vasudeva will, after those seven births, become one with Vasudeva by His grace."

My question is, what scripture contains these quotes about a Saura (devotee of Surya) becoming a Shaivite after seven births, a Shaivite becoming a Vaishnava after seven more births, and a Vaishnava attaining Moksha after yet another seven births?
I expect it's from one of the Puranas, but I'm not sure which one.  Are there any commentaries on Vedanta Desikan's work which address this?


texts: What are the eight fold paths in the Gita?

texts:
BG 4.28:Some offer their wealth as sacrifice, while others offer severe austerities as sacrifice. Some practice the eight-fold path of yogic practices, and yet others study the scriptures and cultivate knowledge as sacrifice, while observing strict vows.

So what are the eight fold paths in the Gita?
The Eightfold Path consists of eight practices: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi ('meditative absorption or union').
These are the eight fold paths according to Buddhism.
Are the eight fold paths mentioned in the Gita different or are they same?


texts: Who is it possible that gita is written in classical sanskrit and not in vedic sanskrit?

texts:
The Baudhāyana sūtras are a group of Vedic Sanskrit texts which cover dharma, daily ritual, mathematics, etc. They belong to the Taittiriya branch of the Krishna Yajurveda school and are among the earliest texts of the genre, perhaps compiled in the 8th to 6th centuries BCE.Source

In the Baudhāyana sūtras we find a very interesting verse :

In case the country is not appropriate, one is without money, then he can normally do puja in his mind or offer this is because Bhagavan says- “those who give me leaf, flower, fruit or water with devotion I eat that which has been offered by my pure minded devotee” .(Baudhayana Grhya Sutra 2.22.9)

"Those who - - - - - - pure minded". This qoute is referring to gita 9:26.

BG 9.26: If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that article offered with love by My devotee in pure consciousness.

Baudhāyana sūtras is written in vedic sanskrit Where as   gita is written in classical sanskrit.
How is this possible.
Gita was revealed in the battle of Mahabharata, the commenly accepted date is 3067 Bce.
But Baudhāyana sūtras was written in around 8th to 6th centuries bce.
So gita predates Baudhāyana sūtras. But how is it possible that gita is written in classical sanskrit and not in vedic sanskrit.

https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/a/45738/22556


texts: Powers of Sugreva, Jambwant, Nal, Neel and Angad

texts:
In Ramayana, we hear of many Vanaras (Monkeys) having various powers like Nal-Neel have the power of throwing anything in water and they will float, Angad having power of increasing his tail size and even making it to use like a chair or putting his leg  on ground such that no one could pull it up.

Similarly Jambwant is also said to be able to fly to distant places in his young age and Lord Hanuman we all know. So, I just wanted to know what all other powers did Angad, Nal, Neel, Jambwant and Sugreeva actually had and also how did they get those powers.


texts: What are similar scriptures like the Yoga Vasistha?

texts: I have really enjoyed studying the yoga Vasistha and like to read other scriptures that revolve around the same topic with the same depth to it. What are some other scriptures that fit that bill?


texts: Does a commentary exist for the Linga Purana?

texts:
Are commentaries available for the following Puranas?

Linga Purana
Shiva Purana
Devi Purana
Skanda Purana

Do these books have commentaries?


texts: What is Straishuya karma and how to perform it?

texts:
This answer says that Pumsavana Karma is a ritual conducted for getting a male child. Somewhere I heard that similar to this ritual, there is also a ritual called Straishuya Karma which can be conducted for getting a female child. So, my questions are:

What is Straishuya Karma?
Which scripture mentions this ritual?
How to perform this ritual?


texts: Book recommendation for Mahabharata in Hindi

texts: I am planning to read Mahabharata. Can anyone tell me a good book written in Hindi


texts: Which verses in the Vedas describe humans as the same as Pashus?

texts:
I remember seeing some Vedic verses related to this (either in Rig or Atharva Veda)
and they were either  talking about all animals and in that humans were too there or like that only but thinking  (humans=animals).

Can someone give proofs from Vedas and/or other texts like the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads (13 major ones), Manusmriti etc.


texts: Why are there no Rishi in the current time?

texts:
Why are there no Rishi in the present time?

Is it because most people have some level of knowledge (from previous Rishi or other scientific discovery) that they think is sufficient for the life to continue?

Or is it because people are self-centered and not interested to become Rishi/Sage?


texts: What is the origin of Brahma's four heads?

texts: Brahma, the creator of the universe, is depicted as having four heads. Is there a story behind it?


texts: Does Brahma look like an old deity, having white hair? What is his body complexion - red, golden or something else. Does he use rosaries for chanting? If so then which rosaries does he use(rudraksha or tulasi mala)? Which type of tilak does he put on his forehead - urdhava pundra (u shaped tilak of Vishnu) or tripundra (three lined tilak of Shiva)?


texts: Is this statement supported or contradicted by the scriptures?

texts:
I read an opinion in a book that states

  All the doctrines (or 'Vada-s like Advaitavada, Vishistadvaitavada, Dvaitavada, Achintyabhedabhedavada etc) are partial truths because these are expressed by words while the Supreme being referred to is beyond words, mind and intellect.

Does any scripture support or contradict this saying ?


texts: What are the vedic definitions for paapa and punya?

texts:
Paapa and Punya are very famous words in Hinduism.
I used to believe that whatever karma is performed by the humans, if recommended/accepted by scriptures, is called Punya else Paapa.
But recently I came to know that the definition I believe may be incorrect.
So, what are the actual definitions for Paapa and Punya according to vedas?


texts: Putting Mata Shodasi Mahavidya picture with other gods and recite mantras

texts:
Can Mata Shodasi Mahavidya picture be put in pooja room with other gods?
I don't know anything about MahaVidya but want to do Mata Shadoshi puja. Is there any special rule to do her puja and if not done properly, Will there be any side effect? Also can a girl chant her mantra?


texts:
According to Advaita Vedanta
God is present in wood, air, and other things. It's in all the movable and immovable things
God present in evrywhere.
Is god present in impurities like urine, semen, stool also?


texts: Is alleged claim that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was from a Shakta family have any basis in authentic biographies?

texts:
From Chaitanya Charitamrita:

  śrīhaṭṭa-nivāsī śrī-upendra-miśra-nāma vaiṣṇava, paṇḍita, dhanī,
  sad-guṇa-pradhāna

  CC 1.13.56: There was also Śrī Upendra Miśra, a resident of the
  district of Śrīhaṭṭa. He was a great devotee of Lord Viṣṇu, a learned
  scholar, a rich man and a reservoir of all good qualities.

  sapta miśra tāṅra putra — sapta ṛṣīśvara
  kaṁsāri, paramānanda, padmanābha, sarveśvara
  jagannātha, janārdana, trailokyanātha
  nadīyāte gaṅgā-vāsa kaila jagannātha

  CC 1.13.57-58: Upendra Miśra had seven sons, who were all saintly and most influential: (1) Kaṁsāri, (2) Paramānanda, (3) Padmanābha, (4) Sarveśvara, (5) Jagannātha, (6) Janārdana and (7) Trailokyanātha. Jagannātha Miśra, the fifth son, decided to reside on the bank of the Ganges at Nadia.

  jagannātha miśravara — padavī ‘purandara’
  nanda-vasudeva-rūpa sadguṇa-sāgara

  CC 1.13.59: Jagannātha Miśra was designated as Purandara. Exactly like Nanda Mahārāja and Vasudeva, he was an ocean of all good qualities.

  tāṅra patnī ‘śacī’-nāma, pativratā satī
  yāṅra pitā ‘nīlāmbara’ nāma cakravartī

  CC 1.13.60: His wife, Śrīmatī Śacīdevī, was a chaste woman highly devoted to her husband. Śacīdevī’s father’s name was Nīlāmbara, and his surname was Cakravartī.

  miśra — vaiṣṇava, śānta, alampaṭa, śuddha, dānta,
  dhana-bhoge nāhi abhimāna
  putrera prabhāve yata, dhana āsi’ mile, tata,
  viṣṇu-prīte dvije dena dāna

  CC 1.13.120: Jagannātha Miśra was an ideal Vaiṣṇava. He was peaceful, restrained in sense gratification, pure and controlled. Therefore he had no desire to enjoy material opulence. Whatever money came because of the influence of his transcendental son, he gave it in charity to the brāhmaṇas for the satisfaction of Viṣṇu.

From Chaitanya Bhagavata:

  tanna patni saci-nama maha-pati-vrata
  murti-mati visnu-bhakti sei jagan-mata//CB, Adi 2.139//

  TRANSLATION:
  His wife was the most chaste Sacidevi, the universal mother and
  personification of devotional service to the Supreme Lord.

These show that the grandfather of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Upendra Misra was also Vaishnava, and pretty much whole family appears Vaishnava.

However, some believe that they are Shaktas, why do they think so? Is it that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's family was Shaktas few generations before and then started Vaishnava practices from time of his grandfather? I am interested to know from authentic biographies. If any other biography mentions Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's family as Shakta family, how do they resolve contradictions with the above verses?


texts: Secret behind great personalities' birth stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata? Are there any signs of them in Kaliyuga?

texts:
In Ramayana and Mahabharata few well known characters are not born from Womb. Most of all unusual births. Few Examples Here: Lord Rama and his 3 brothers  (born after eating Dessert) Karna and Pandavas (Mantra), Kauravas (Lump of Flesh)  and Drona (Born in a Vessel), Is it true. If yes, How is it possible?

Does it happen only once in period of Ramayana and Mahabharata, are there are any signs in Kaliyuga?


texts: Why scriptures show demons(Rakshasa) as evil while they protect people?

texts:
Whenever we read our scriptures, we see the demons(Rakshasa) as people having evil powers and they always busy in troubling others. But I was stunned when I read the etymology of Rakshasa in Ramayana.

Valmiki Ramayana 7:4:12-13

  If asuras are the protector, why scriptures show thenlm as evil?


texts:
I watch 2 videos on YouTube:

One video showing lots of the benefits of drinking Gomutra (Link 1),

In the second video, Showing Gomutra should not be drinking (Link 2).

My Question:

Should the person drink Gomutra?
What is the significance of Gomutra?

What do our Hinduism say about this belief? What is the significance of this?


texts:
Why is Shiva also called the Adi Guru? Is it because he propagated the concept of Rama who resides in our hearts?

Shiva does meditation on Lord Vishnu. This is a well known fact.


texts: Do Vedanta Sutras contradict Vedas on whether mantras can be heard by Shudras?

texts:
Shukla Yajurveda 26.2 states:

  May I speak the sacred word to the masses of the people (janebhya) (1) to the Brahmana, Kshatriya, to the Shudra and the Arya (2) and to our own men and the strangers (3).

The above verse indicates Vedic mantras can be heard by Shudras.

Now, as some of you know Vedanta Sutras are considered the summary of the teachings of the Mukhya Upanishads which are considered Shruti. So, I expect itself to be a Shruti as well (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

However, the Vedanta Sutras 1.3.38 forbids the Shudras to listen to the Vedas:

  And on account of the prohibition, in Smriti, of (the Sûdras') hearing and studying (the Veda) and (knowing and performing) (Vedic) matters.

Adi-Shankaracharya, on this verse, comments:

  This is another reason why the Sudra has no right: By the Smriti he is debarred from hearing, studying, and acquiring the meaning of the Vedas. The Smriti mentions that a Sudra has no right to hear the Vedas, no right to study the Vedas, and no right to acquire the meaning of the Vedas (and perform the rites). As for prohibition of hearing, we have the text, "Then should he happen to hear the Vedas, the expiation consists in his ears being filled with lead and lac", and "He who is a Sudra is a walking crematorium. Hence one should not read in the neighbourhood of a Sudra". From this follows the prohibition about study. How can one study the Vedas when they are not to be recited within his hearing? Then there is the chopping off his tongue if he should utter the Vedas and the cutting of his body to pieces if he should commit it to memory. From this it follows by implication that the acquisition of meaning and acting on it are also prohibited, as is stated in, "Vedic knowledge is not to be imparted to a Sudra", and "Study, sacrifice, and distribution of gifts are for the twice born". But from those to whom knowledge dawns as a result of (good) tendencies acquired in the past lives, as for instance to Vidura, Dharmavyadha, and others, the reaping of the result of knowledge cannot be withheld, for the result of knowledge is inevitable. This position is confirmed by the Smriti text, "One should read out to the four castes (keeping the Brahmana in front)", which declares the competence for all the four castes for the acquisition of the anecdotes and mythologies. But the conclusion stands that a Sudra has no right to knowledge through the Vedas.

Why is the Vedanta Sutras contradicting the Vedas?

UPDATE:

All right, I found another verse from the Shukla Yajurveda which possibly hints that Shudras can acquire jnana:

  O Lord! Provide enlightenment to our Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Shudras. Provide me also with the same enlightenment so that I can see the truth. (Shukla Yajurveda 18.48)


texts: Question about Swami Ayyappa and Mahishi's time period

texts:
I have few confusions about Swami Ayyappa story - In movies it is shown that when Ayyappa goes to forest to bring Tiger milk that is the time he kills Mahishi. But King of Pandalam is of this yuga (may be few centuries back) so does it mean Mahishi was also of this yuga?

Was Mahishi alive till few centuries back or can anyone tell the time period according to real story?


texts: I was reading some where that before meditation we should make sure that the place is clean of impurities like hair, dust and all unwanted things  so my question is why do entities like hair, saliva, nails, excreta, urine are not considered impure if they are part of your body with which you have been doing meditation but once they get detached from your body they are termed as impure? Is there any specific reason behind this logic? Just curious to know what impact these entities have on meditation.


texts:
Why Ram is named as this specific name "Ram"?

what is the meaning and significance of Ram?


texts: Is Lakshmi Devi two handed or four handed according to this dhyanamantra?

texts:
In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshipped by the following dhyanamantra:

  Paasha-Akshamaalika-Ambhoja-Srinivir yamyasaumyaoh
  Padmasanatham dhyatet cha Sriyam Trailokyamataram
  Gauravarnam surupaam cha sarvaalankaarabhushitaam
   Raukmapadma-byagrakaraam varadaam dakshinena tu

Here Pasha, Akshamala,Padma and Srini along with abhaya mudra have been mentioned.But in Bengal Lakshmi is always depicted with two hands.

Does the dhyanamantra clearly say that she has two hands?


texts:
I recently got gifted an image of Shrinathji, the young Krishna and the presiding deity at the shrine in Nathdwara, India.

I have several questions about the way that Krishna's child form is depicted, in particular, the paraphernalia that have been depicted in the image. These have all been outlined using red boxes in the image and are numbered. I can only guess at #6, which is presumably a flute, usually associated with Krishna's Gopal form. Any help with identifying and understanding the significance of the others would be appreciated.


texts: Are these the hairs of Lord Shiva that the cosmologists are hinting at?

texts:
The solar system might be a lot hairier than we thought.

  A new study publishing this week in the Astrophysical Journal by Gary
  Prézeau of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California,
  proposes the existence of long filaments of dark matter, or "hairs."

  Dark matter is an invisible, mysterious substance that makes up about
  27 percent of all matter and energy in the universe. The regular
  matter, which makes up everything we can see around us, is only 5
  percent of the universe. The rest is dark energy, a strange phenomenon
  associated with the acceleration of our expanding universe.

  Neither dark matter nor dark energy has ever been directly detected,
  although many experiments are trying to unlock the mysteries of dark
  matter, whether from deep underground or in space.

Read the full news here.Another source  : Earth could be surrounded by a "hairy" dark matter

Now,as we know, one of the 108 names of Lord Shiva is "Vyomkesha" meaning whose Kesh(hair) is the Vyom(the space,sky).See this link for Lord Shiva's 108 names.

So,are the physicists hinting at Lord Shiva's hair?And isn't the co relation between Lord Shiva & Dark Matter/energy is getting a big scientific boost?


texts: What are the various forms of Vishnu according to Pancharatra?

texts:
Recently while reading Prasthana Bheda of Madhusudan Sarasvati, I found he mentioned four forms of Vishnu according to Pancharatra:

Quoting from sanskritdocuments.org:

  एवं वैष्णवं नारदादिभिः कृतं पञ्चरात्रम् । तत्र
  वासुदेवसंकर्षणप्रद्युम्नानिरुद्धाश्चत्वारः पदार्था निरूपिताः ।
  भगवान्वासुदेवः सर्वकारणं परमेश्वरः । तस्मादुत्पद्यते
  संकर्षणाख्यो जीवः । तस्मान्मनः प्रद्युम्नस्तस्मादनिरुद्धोऽहंकारः ।
  सर्वे चैते भगवतो वासुदेवस्यैवांशभूताः । तदभिन्ना
  एवेति भगवतो वासुदेवस्य मनोवाक्कायवृत्तिभिराराधनं कृत्वा
  कृतकृत्यो भवतीत्यादि च निरूपितम् ।

  pancarAtram,  the  vaiShNava  shAstram,  was  composed  by  nArada  and
  others. In   it four   entities,   vAsudeva,   sankarShaNa,   pradyumna   and aniruddha  are  mentioned.  bhagavAn  vAsudeva  is  the  supreme  Lord  and
  the   cause   of   everything.   From   Him   emanates   the   jIva   known   as sankarShaNa.   From   him   pradyumna,   the   mind.   From   him  emanates ahamkAra  known as  aniruddha. All  these    are  part - incarnations  of  Lord vAsudeva  Himself  and  non - different  from  Him  and  so  it  is  said  that  one becomes fulfilled by devoting the mind, speech and body to the worship of bhagavAn vAsudeva.

Though the work of Madhusudana Sarasvati describe a bit what those four forms are, I want to know and understand from the Pancharatra texts. Besides, while discussing with Keshav Srinivasan, I found that the four forms mentioned by Madhusudana Sarasvati are actually part of one category of forms called Vyuha and the other categories of forms are Para, Vibhava, Antaryami, and Archa.

Hence, I want to know what are the various forms of Vishnu according to Pancharatra? (Quote Pancharatra texts in your answer)


texts: Do the Vedas themselves talk about the jnAna and karma kAnda?

texts:
There is a popular belief that the Vedas have section like jnana kanda and karma kanda.

Is there any such statement in the Vedas which talks of such kAndams?


texts: What sort of relationship do the worshippers have to the Vedic deities such as Indra, Agni and Varna? Looking ahead: Do you think it is similar to or different from the relationships to later deities (Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna)?


texts:
As I discussed previously in this answer, this excerpt from the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana describes how a king named Marutha once had a Maheswara Yagna (Shiva ritual) performed, conducted by the sage Samvartha, brother of Brihaspati the guru of the gods.  The demon Ravana came there, and he "devour[ed] the maharishis that were present at the place of sacrifice ... [and] satisfied with their blood, [Ravana] again went to the earth." (Page 1612)

My question is, did Ravana kill Samvartha?  On page 1610, Samvartha is described as a Brahmarishi, which is a sage of the highest order, as opposed to merely a maharishi or great sage.  So is it possible that Ravana only devoured the maharishis who were working under Samvartha, and Samvartha himself survived?

Does anyone know if there are descriptions in other scriptures of Samvartha being alive after that incident?

EDIT: Wikipedia claims that Samvartha is still alive:

  It’s in the lore that Samvarta is still in his physical body and is living as a wandering naked monk in Varanasi and small forests around it in a state of total “Vairagya” and absolute union with “Para Brahman”. He is of intense nature. He is known to shun the company of humans and would curse and throw stones at people who try to see him. But if anybody perseveres and gets his darshan, he would bless them with liberation.

But does this claim have any scriptural basis?


texts: I use to meditate properly in a sitting posture, But recently my physical health got worse and it restricts me from sitting for a long time. hence I started meditating lying down, But I have observed that it is difficult to maintain concentration in lying posture due to sleepiness as compared to the sitting posture. how can I practice meditation in lying posture with full concentration.


texts:
If I was a person who belong to some other religion and later converted to Hinduism. How my caste would be determined?

In Indian society, I see that the caste is determined based on birth.

Surely, my profession should not play a factor in this because :

I am not doing business(vaishyas);
Nor am I a warrior(Kshatriyas)
I don't teach any vedas (so not Brahmin)
I have no Idea what Shudra's are responsible for ?


texts: Do Gurukulas and Vedic Patashalas censor sexual topics in the scripture for students who are kids?

texts:
The Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and Smriti, has lots of topics on sex. My question is, just like how secular people nowadays do, do teachers in the Gurukulas and Vedic patashalas censor such topics for children under the age of 18? And if so, why?

Like for example, here is what the Manusmriti says:

  Persons learned in the Veda and knowing the law declare that for the
  twice-born person keeping up his vows, the intentional emission of
  semen means a ‘transgression of the vow.’—(120)

Rationally speaking, it makes sense to not censor such things, lest they be committing sins.


texts:
Did the ancient rishis comment anything about the kind of body ghosts  have? And please don't say that ghosts do not have any bodies. People from all over the world have reported seeing their dead relatives as having the same human like features (the appearance they had while they were alive).

On top of that, they are seen in clothes. (The clothes they wore before their death).

So what exactly is this ghostly body called in sanskrit, that not only mimicks the appearance and features of it's former flesh body but could also create out of thin air, the garments that it normally rejects after death.

Thnx.


texts: Lord Shiva was involved in long battle with Krishna. Why didn't Krishna know that Shiva was the God of the DevaLoka ?


texts: What is the most logical argument can be given against charvakas materialistic philosophy by any astika school?

texts:
Charvakas believe in materialism and they reject almost every thing about spirituality, and they reject reincarnation, karma, Moksha, and God.
So is there any good and logical arguments against this materialistic philosophy by any astika school of Hinduism.


texts: How time lapses when Arjuna visits Indra?

texts:
As per wiki article on Muchukunda:

Then Indra said to the king Muchukunda, "O king, we, the Devas are indebted to you for the help and protection which you have given us, by sacrificing your own family life. Here in the heaven, one second equals one year of the earth and you had fought with asuras for one year of heaven. Since, it has been a long time, there is no sign of your kingdom and family because it has been destroyed with the passage of time. We are happy and pleased with you, so ask for any boon except Moksha (liberation) because Moksha (liberation) is beyond our capacities".

So it is clear that 1 second of heaven is equal to 1 year of of the earth. Now when Arjuna went to heaven to meet his father Indra for divyastra after doing penance, it must have taken some time to receive divyashtra, because this part of story also includes curse of Urvashi.
But if we notice bold part in above quoted text, based on that equation, this raises a question that how much time it took for Arjuna to complete receiving divyastra because if he gets any late it would already cross more than 12-13 years and then the consecutive story would not make any sense.
So my question is does time lapse differently during Arjuna visit or did whole story complete very fast like in few seconds?


texts: Mentions of the metal Mercury in Scriptures (other than in Ayurveda and Siddha and related books)

texts:
I'm trying to study Indian history and how mercury was used in Ancient India.

I know mercury is used in Ayurveda and Siddha.

However I don't want to get quotes related to these two fileds.

I want to know where the metal mercury is mentioned in important scriptures and what is said about it.

Especially in the scriptures like Vedas, Mahabaratha, Ramyana, Manusmriti etc


texts:
Vidhura is an important character in mahabharatam.

Is he married? If yes, who is the wife of Vidhura?


texts: When does a soul lose its memory of its previous birth?

texts: I have studied in our texts that a soul will have the memory of its previous births after death, and before birth. My question is when does the soul lose its memory when entering into a body for a birth?


texts: What is the relation between Attraction(राग) and Repulsion(द्वेष)?

texts:
According to Verse 34 of chapter 3 in  Srimadbhagwadgita

  Attraction and repulsion are rooted in all sense-objects.  man should never allow himself to be swayed by them,   because they are the two principal enemies standing in the way of his redemption.

Can anyone describe the major relation between Attraction(राग) and repulsion(द्वेष)?


texts: Was the "yawning weapon" used in the Banasura war used on any other occasion in any scripture?

texts:
The "yawning weapon", which was used during Banasura war, has to be one of the strangest weapons mentioned in scriptures.

Was it used on any other occasions?


texts: Did Rama shoot Ravana in the navel or chest?

texts:
Some sources indicate that Rama shot Ravana in the navel and not the chest. What is accurate? Do all the different versions of the Ramayana have the same story regarding this?

For example, do Valmiki Ramayan and Tulsidas Ramayan have the same story?


texts: What do hindu gods hand gestures and standing pose represent?

texts:
In every hindu temple, gods statue will show similar hand gestures. Mainly one is upward facing towards sky and the other facing earth. What gods statue tell us through hand gestures
?

In lot of temples statues are always in attention position(not free standing), seeing straight forward.

Is there any reason behind this?


texts:
What happens to a Guru when he dies in Gaudiya System?
For example, some guru dies, who will be the next guru? His disciple or whom?


texts: What is the relation of Vasant Panchami with Goddess Saraswati?

texts: Tomorrow is Vasant Panchami and my Bengali friends shall be celebrating Saraswati Puja. I wanted to know if the worship of Saraswati is mentioned in any scripture on this particular day.


texts: What does Vallabhacharya's Shuddhadvaita Vedanta say about Nirguna Brahman?

texts: In Advaita Vedanta, Nirguna Brahman is the supreme. What does Vallabhacharya of the Pushtimarga sect say about Nirguna Brahman?


texts: What scriptures describe the previous birth of Asura Mahabali?

texts:
Recently I watched a discourse of Sri Chaganti Koteswara Rao during Maha Sivaratri. He explained greatness of Shiva Lingam by citing the example of the previous birth of the Asura Mahabali. He said

  Asura Mahabali was very wicked person in his previous birth. When he stole
  something, he hid on a bilva tree and when he was climbing the tree  accidentally two leaves of bilva tree fell of Shiva Lingam under the tree. At the time of his death, Yama Ganas arrived and asked him to come to Yama loka. But at the
  same time Shiva ganas also arrived and there occurred a conflict between Shiva and Yama Ganas. Lord
  Yama went there and asked Bali whether he wanted to enjoy fruits of
  Good Karma or bad karma. Mahabali said he wanted to enjoy fruits of
  good Karma (Good Karma he did was only to anoint Lingam with Bilva
  leaves accidentally). So, as a result of good fruits, he got a chance to become
  Indra for one day. After becoming Indra, Mahabali donated Swarga loka to two
  sages (don't remember their names). As a result of this good deed, he
  was destined to born as Grandson of Prahlada.

I vaguely remember this story and forgive me if there are any mistakes. I could not find any source for this discourse.

So, my question is, what scriptures describe the story of the previous birth of the Asura Mahabali?


texts: Why is the greatest Vaishnava a Tamasic entity per Vaishnavites?

texts:
there is a famous verse in Srimad Bhagavatam, a "satvika" purana, that says

  Just as Ganga among rivers, Achyuta among gods, Shambu among Vaishnavas, This (Bhagavatam) is the same among Puranas.

This obviously means Shambu(Siva) is the greatest Vishnu-devotee, exceeding all other beings such as "nitya suris", humans, devas and so forth.

But there is enormous Vaishnavite literature putting Siva down as a "Tamasic" entity and a mere Jiva subject to Karma and death.

Does Bhagavatam or any other Vaishnavite scripture reconcile these two viewpoints?


texts: How many years did Lord Vishnu's human incarnations live for?

texts:
As per this question lord Ram must live more then 10000 years as if he ruled his kingdom for 10000 yrs. So How many years did lord Rama live on the earth?

I also listen that lord Krishna lived for 125 yrs so how is so much difference in lord Ram and lord Krishna. anyway How many years did lord Krishna live on the earth

Is there any scripture there about How many years lord Parshurama and Kalki will live and rule?


texts: What does Hinduism say about deities from other pantheons?

texts: Does Hinduism have any views about gods from other pantheons/religions?


texts: Is it sin for Brahmins if they eat artifical meat (Cultured meat)?

texts: Is it sin for Brahmins if they eat artifical meat (Cultured meat )? Does scriptures scriptures say anything about this?


texts: Is there any religious significance of saffron flag as per our scriptures?

texts: Modern Hindu organisations usually use saffron triangular flag as a unanimously accepted symbol of Hinduism. However, does the flag or colour have any significance as per authentic Hindu scriptures?


texts: What Is Neti-neti? Is it a practice or an expression of ineffability?

texts: Is Neti-neti a practice of negation, or an expression of inneffability? I'm curious because I've heard it described in both ways.


texts: Are there any special mentions about 7 children of Devki?

texts: As we know the 8th Child of Devki or Shri Krishna himself was the God himself, but does Shri Krishna realise what happened to his slain brothers or sisters? Are there any special mentions apart from them being killed at the hands of Kamsa?


texts: Should Ganesh idol not be taken on Tuesday after the Ganesh festival and put it in water in a temple?

texts: Ganesh chaturthi festival happened on 2nd September and it is considered that at 9th day one should take his idol and put in water in a temple. 9th day being Tuesday today, can we do this process? Some are saying in Tuesday we should not do. What our hindu scriptures say on this?


texts: How does Adishankaracharya Advaita explain concept of Avatar?

texts:
In Chapter 33 of book Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda says that Babaji is Mahaavatar (great incarnation). Sri Mahavatar Babaji is believed to be avatar of Shiva who is still teaching Kriya Yoga to people of Kali Yuga in Himalayas. In the book Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master , Sri M mentions Sri Guru Babaji changing his form to Lord Shiva.

Yoganada explains the difference between Jivanmukta and Paramukta in his books as follows:

  The Upanishads have minutely classified every stage of spiritual
  advancement. A siddha ("perfected being") has progressed from the
  state of a jivanmukta ("freed while living") to that of a paramukta
  ("supremely free"-full power over death); the latter has completely
  escaped from the mayic thralldom and its reincarnational round. The
  paramukta therefore seldom returns to a physical body; if he does, he
  is an avatar, a divinely appointed medium of supernal blessings on the
  world.

  An avatar is unsubject to the universal economy; his pure body,
  visible as a light image, is free from any debtto nature. The casual
  gaze may see nothing extraordinary in an avatar's form but it casts no
  shadow nor makes any footprint on the ground. These are outward
  symbolic proofs of an inward lack of darkness and material bondage.
  Such a God-man alone knows the Truth behind the relativities of life
  and death.

My question is not Babaji but about difference between Jivanmukta and Paramukta. According to Advaita, in reality Atman is Brahman and due to Maya Atman doesn't know its true nature. Jivan mukta is someone who got realization while living in this Maya. He still lives in this Maya but doesn't feel it or perceive it. Yogananda says Paramukta is pure light and manifests as physical body (called as Avatar) at its will.

Does that mean when Jivanmukta leaves his physical body, he becomes Paramukta?
It is generally said, Lord Vishnu, the preserver takes Avatar but according to Advaita, World with Saguna forms of God (Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra) disappear when we realize. Who really takes avatar according to Advaita? Nirguna Brahman or Saguna Brahman?

Please answer these questions only from view of Adishankaracharya Advaita.


texts: Is there any Texts in Hinduism that mentions the existence of different universes(multiverse)?

texts:
Modern Science is now reaching the conclusion that multiverse,i.e many universes existing in parallel with each other,is possible thanks to various fields such as String Theory and Quantum Physics.

However, is it possible that in Hinduism it has already been proven that parallel universes exist?


texts:
I heard the story about Draupadi - She called Krishna as VaikunthaVaasa(Dweller of Vaikuntha), then Krishna had to travel to Vaikuntha and come back to Draupadi. Again she called Him VrindavanaVaasa(Dweller of Vrindavana), and  Krishna had to travel to Vrindavana and come to Draupadi. Now Krishna got confused and said these words to Draupadi:

Call Me with one name, I will respond, but do not call Me with too names, I will ged confused.


texts:
Advaita follows Abheda Shruti, Dvaita Bheda Shruti. Vishishtadvaita follows Ghataka Shruti.

Abheda Shruti means passages from Shruti literature which talk about non-difference. Bheda Shruti means passages which talk about difference between Jivatma and Paramatma.
What does Ghataka mean in this sense?


texts: How to meditate keeping shiva in breath and mind and as my beloved?

texts:
So I just don't know what happened to me all of sudden but I keep listening to Lord Shiva's stotrams and what not pertaining to Lord Shiva on youtube and to Kripalu ji maharaj too.

So Can anyone pls tell me how can I put myself on samadhi/meditation keeping lord shiva in my heart and mind please?


texts: How did these people know about the powers of chanting mantras? Specifically how did they know what to say and what exactly they are.


texts: Where can I find entire Ramayana written by Valmiki without losing a single verse?

texts: I want to study entire Ramayana written by Valmiki because he is given not only the story but technology also present in it so please tell me where I can find entire Valmiki poems up to 22,000 poems please show me a way.


texts: Why is Halahala Poison the one that came out of Churning of Ocean depicted in Blue in Shiva's throat? Any scripture backing to this?


texts: What is the significance of bell in Hindiusm?

texts: Bells are there in every hindu temples. There must be some significance of bells. Is there any importance of the sound of bells?


texts: Why in Aashadamaasa and Dhanurmaas no auspicious things happens? People follow some rituals during these time by not doing any auspicious functions. All business, marriages, home construction stops or they will not take any initiatives by this time. Can someone give a clear reason about this?


texts: The Hindu Mythological literature speaks that the color of Lord Brahma is red, the color of Lord Vishnu is blue (black in kaliyuga) while the color of Lord Shiva is white. The color of Goddess Mahakali (Consort of Lord Shiva)  is black, the color of Goddess Lakshmi (Consort of Lord Vishnu) is red while the color of Goddess Saraswati (Consort of Lord Brahma) is white. What is the secret of the colors and what is the secret of this combination?


texts:
As a continuation to this question, What is the best day for fasting? As a techie I can comfortably fast only on weekends! So, can I do fasting on any day where I get less work? Are there any best days to fast?
Edit
Am asking best day to fast only for understanding but not for evaluation.


texts: To which veda is the Mandukya Upanishad attributed?

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To start my elaboration of my question, i am aware that the Mandukya Upanishad is traditionally attributed to the Atharva Veda. Nearly everywhere on the Internet, the text is attributed to Atharva Veda. Even the Muktika Upanishad attributes it to the Atharva Veda.
Now, i have a doubt on this attribution for a few reasons as below.

The Sakha of the Mandukya Upanishad is not known (from what best i
could find out, pls correct me if i am wrong). The Sakhas of Mundaka
and Prashna (other commonly attributed upanishads to the Atharva Veda) are commonly attributed to Shaunaka and Pippladha rishis respectively (and so the sakhas named after them). This data point as acceptable since it goes well in sync with Srimad Bhagavatham Canto 12, chapter 7, verses 1-4 (SB 12.7.1-4)

SB 12.6.54-56 states Mandukeya as a student of Paila, belonging to the school of Rig Veda. The name Mandukeya is not mentioned under the Atharva Veda section SB 12.7.1-4.

The relationship of Mandukeya (manduka's son) with the Rig Veda is further clarified with the mention of this name in the Aitreya Aranyaka 3, Adhyaya 1, Khanda 1.

This Wiki page states MandukAyana as a shaka of Rigveda (from Saunaka's Caraka-vyuha) and also calls our Manduka as a shaka of Rig Veda (from Sri Gurucharitra). All the same sources do not mention of Manduka/Mandukya when discussing Atharva Veda shakas.
All this makes me think - Is Mandukya Upanishad attributed to Rig Veda rather than the Atharva Veda.

So, am i missing something or is this inference right? I request people here to please shed some light on this topic.


texts: What is the meaning of the term "Svadharma"?

texts: What does the term "Svadharma" mean? What do the scriptures say about the term? Is Varna exclusive of "Svadharma"?


texts: Was Goddess Gayatri really a cowherdess?

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According to this Skanda Purana stoy Goddess Gayatri was actually a milkmaid who was married to Brahma when Saraswati took time to get ready for a Yagna that they were supposed to perform together:

"The priest returned, and thus addressed Brahmā: 'Savitri is engaged and will not come; but without a wife what advantage can be derived from these rites?' The god, incensed at the conduct of Savitri, thus spoke to Indra: 'Hasten, and, in obedience to my order, bring a wife from wherever you can find one.'
Indra proceeded accordingly; and as he passed hastily along, saw a milkmaid, young, beautiful, and of a smiling countenance, carrying a jar of butter. He seized her and brought her to the assembly, when Brahmā thus spoke: 'O gods and holy sages, if it seem good unto you I will espouse this Gāyatri, and she shall become the mother of the Vedas, and the cause of purity to these worlds!' Upon this Brahmā was united to Gāyatri, who was led into the bower of the bride, and there arrayed in silken garments, and adorned with the costliest ornaments.

In Chapter 9, Book 12 of Devi Bhagwat Puran she is extolled in absolutely glowing terms:

“O Devî Gâyatrî! Obeisance to Thee! Thou art the Great Vidyâ, the Mother of the Vedas, Higher than the Highest; Thou art Vyârhiti represented by the Mantra ‘Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah,’ O Mother! Thou art the state of equilibrium, i.e., the Turîya; Thou art of of the Form of Hrîm; Thou art Svâhâ and Svadhâ; Thou grantest the desires of the Bhaktas. Thou art the Witness of the three states, Jâgrat (waking), Svapna (dreaming) and Susupti (deep sleep). Thou art the Turîya and Sachchidânanda Brahmâ. O Devî! Thou resident in the Solar Orb and appearest as a ruddy girl in the morning, an youthful maiden at noon and a black old woman in the evening.

I want to know who this simple cowherdess could be who was turned into the 'Mother of Vedas' & if there are any stories in some other scriptures that talk about why she was qualified to be given that title? Also if she was just a regular human why is she shown with so many faces and arms with the weapons of the trinity?


texts: Is it adharma for a daasi to be stripped by her swami?

texts: Yes, you got it right, in Star Plus Mahabharata, it's said by Duryodhana, that since Draupadi is now his daasi ('female servant or slave') she has to accept his orders and he can strip her since he's her swami. Was he right? Or is it adharma?


texts: Which hindu scriptures support the (modern) concept of manifesation

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There is a lot of propagation of the concept of LAW OF ATTRACTION in today's world. I also find Wikipedia mentioning that Hinduism has significantly contributed to the creation of this (new age) concept.

Does Hindu Scriptures support this concept? What scriptures support the notion that thoughts manifest themselves?

When i say scriptures, i specifically mean texts like Sruti, Smriti (incl. Puranas) or Darshanas (Brahma Sutra etc.). If you come across any that supports it, please mention.


texts: Are all worlds and existences except God temporary in Hinduism?

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From what I can gather, the Vedas and Upanishads and Hinduism in general state that punishment via hell or rebirth in a bad state of life, and Heaven or rebirth in a good state are always temporary as is all existence and everything other than God. Ditto for everything in between. Literally everything, without exception is temporary except God. Even if one were a being in heaven or a terrible asura for trillions of years, eventually that existence and the universe itself will cease and be reborn. The being in heaven may be reborn on Earth as a human, ditto for the asura.
So no heavenly being is ever safe from ending up as an asura or as a bug or something, and no asura is ever doomed to permanently be stuck as an asura and may end up as a human eventually who could reach God on a long enough timeline? Same for all levels of heavenly beings on through animals and bugs and down to asuras, with the only permanent abode being union with God after Moksha. And Moksha is available to all on a long enough timeline?
Is this correct? Could someone please provide some scriptural references (Vedas, Upanishads, etc.) that make it unambiguous that there is no such thing as someone who is forever reborn or permanently dwells in a certain domain, as all domains, beings, etc. are temporary?
If I am wrong, and certain beings do permanently dwell in one domain and/or some domains (other than God) are permanent, could someone provide these references as well?
If it is a mixed bag, and some texts say there are no permanent destinations, and others say there are, which is stated with the highest frequency?


texts: Are Narada and Vyasa incarnations of Lord Vishnu?

texts: It is said that Vyasa is the Jnana Avatar of Vishnu Bhagawan. Narada is said to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. How far is this true?


texts: Is Hinduism fundamentally monotheistic or polytheistic or somewhere in between?

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I used to believe that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion because of the sheer number of Gods around.

But now I'm not so sure.

Personally, I've always been a devotee of Krishna (member of ISKCON). I'd come to believe that Krishna is the ultimate form of the divine. Everything else came from him. Including Vishnu (We believe Vishnu is merely a form of Krishna).

But most other Hindus don't believe in that. They believe in trimurthis. Bramha (The Creator), Vishnu (The Preserver) and Maheshwara (The Destroyer) are in fact the 3 supreme, prime forces of the universe, with neither of them better or inferior than the other. They believe that Krishna is a form of Vishnu and not the the other way round. And this is just one small example.

There are plenty of examples I've noticed regarding Temples and Gurus.

Temples are generally concerned with one particular God. They do not necessarily disapprove other Gods but they are nevertheless indifferent to them.

ISKCON does not celebrate any festival of any kind that is not related to Krishna in one way or the other (Like Ganesha festival).
Good many Temples even proclaim their respective Gods of worship is the supreme and most powerful. Like the Temples of female Goddess in Tamil Nadu who claim that mother is truly the most powerful as she gave birth to the Trimurthis. In Shiva temples, Shiva is the most powerful and so on.

Then we have the Gurus. Gurus are given so much importance in this country that many devotees place them above Gods. In fact I know some of my friends who believe Sai Baba or Ravi Shankar as incarnation of Gods and their words are given precedence over any Vedas or scriptures.

So it got me thinking. Is Hinduism really a polytheistic religion or is in fact an amalgam of monotheistic religions? I mean Islam and Christianity are monotheistic. For them, their respective Gods are most important, just like in any other Temple. Songs are sung and festivals are celebrated just like any Temple. But unlike Temples, these Western monotheistic religions disapprove of other Gods and go as far as to convert people in order to keep them from straying out.

The Indian counterparts are of course more tolerant than that. But is this extra tolerance the reason Hinduism or better, Indian religions, seem polytheistic? What are your thoughts on this?


texts: Did Draupadī cry when Arjuna brought Subhadrā home? What about Kauśalyā and Sumitra in Daśaratha's case?

texts:
It must be a very odd feeling for the senior wives of Hindu kings when one fine day the king suddenly comes home with a new wife, who's mostly younger to his existing wives.

I heard that Draupadī cried when Arjuna was introducing Subhadrā to her. Is this true?

How did Kauśalyā and Sumitra react when Daśaratha brought home Kaikeyī?

During Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata times did current wives of kings have any say on the king's future wives?


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People worship Krishna more than Vishnu (I guess so, because heard more about Krishna than Vishnu).

Does it mean Krishna is still alive? Or people worship him for other reasons?

For example, I worship him (indirectly) for his teachings.

PS: I've read Krishna death story but I'm doubtful about that because people still worship him more than Vishnu.


texts: Why do hindus need to worship more gods?

texts:
If it is believed that only Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the supreme gods, why do we worship other gods like Rama, Krishna, Sai baba etc

These days some people are saying that Sai baba is not a god, and some people are saying he is incarnation of Lord Shiva so instead of worshipping Sai, it is better to worship only Lord Shiva right?

I mean anyway as Sai is incarnation of Lord Shiva, if one worships only Lord Shiva, it reaches to Lord Sai baba also, am I wrong?

My question is if a person worships a human being believing(wrongly) him to be some god's incarnation, then he wont get mukti or moksha right?

I like all gods either sai baba or even others


texts:
I heard that in Ramayana it is stated that mountains used to have wings at one point, then somehow all the mountains lost their wings, except for one mountain which was between India and Sri Lanka.

This mountain helped Lord Hanuman by letting him rest on itself for a while when he was flying towards Lanka in search of Goddess Sita. Although, Lord Hanuman didn't take rest on the mountain, he did show respect towards the mountain for its kindness, by touching it with his toe.

So, is it true that mountains had wings? If yes, then how did they lose their wings?


texts: Are yetis for real? Do Himalayan yetis preserve bodies of sadhus who attain samadhi?

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Most of us heard about yetis. I think they are real.

But if they're real:

Why don't they appear to others?
What exactly is their purpose?

We don't know but there are proofs captured time and again of their existence mostly in the Himalayan region. This species is always hidden from the society.

I have a belief that if they are protecting their secrecy of their existence that may be due to any religious reasons. We have also heard that the yogis or sadhus choose Himalayas to do the sadhana (meditation) and there are many sadhus who are into that state which we can't even imagine. From there are many states and there is a one state called samadhi in which a person's soul left his or her body and when they left their body for too long only the Himalayan below 0 degree temperature helps to preserve their body but what about if somebody reached there and see sadhu's body.

I think that is the reason that there are yetis who prevent their bodies so no one could reach there.


texts: Why are the black colored clothes avoided when visiting temple?

texts:
Why is that black color clothes are avoided or not allowed to wear in some temples?

They are also avoided when Hindus celebrate festivals like Diwali, Navratri etc, generally on auspicious days

I know that our temples don't allow belts, wallets etc when they are made of animal skin but whats wrong in wearing black clothes or having black colored objects with us?


texts: Is Lord Ganesha considered same as the ultimate truth and reality (Brahman)?

texts:
Many Texts associate OM with cosmic creation and that OM is everything. Ganesha is associated with OM and hence known as oṃkārasvarūpa (Aum is his form).

The Ganapati Atharvashirsa states that Lord Ganesha is considered same as the ultimate truth and reality (Brahman).

From  Ganapati Atharvashirsa,translation taken from Wikipedia:

  (O Lord Ganapati!) You are (the Trimurti) Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesa. You are Indra. You are fire [Agni] and air [Vāyu]. You are the sun [Sūrya] and the moon [Chandrama]. You are Brahman. You are (the three worlds) Bhuloka [earth], Antariksha-loka [space], and Swargaloka [heaven]. You are Om. (That is to say, You are all this).

If Lord Ganesha is same as Brahman,then what about Lord Shiva and the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna.