texts: Why is Gangotri so far from mount Kailash?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, Vishnu's incarnation sage Kapila burnt the sons of the Rama's ancestor Sagara to ashes.  And at the time there was no sacred body of water in the area to put the ashes in.  (Because Agastya drank the ocean as I discuss here.)  So Sagara's descendant Bhagiratha engaged in Tapasya to get the Ganga river, which was a river in Devaloka, to descend to the Earth so that he could finally scatter the ashes of Sagara's sons.  Brahma appeared before Bhagiratha and granted his boon, but the goddess Ganga did not want to leave Devaloka.  So she tried to flood the Earth, but then Shiva caught the Ganga river in his hair, and released her in a more measured fashion.

So the Ganga river is said to have its origin point in Shiva's head.  Yet Shiva lives on Mount Kailash, and the origin point of the Ganga river is Gangotri.  And Gangotri is over 200 kilometers from Mount Kailash.  So my question is, why are Gangotri and Mount Kailash so far apart?

What does Hindu scripture say on the subject?  One thought I had is that Gangotri is the source of the Bhagirathi river, which is the source stream of the Ganga, but the Ghagara river, another tributary of the Ganga, has its origin point near Kailash.  So could it be the Ghagara river, not the Bhagirathi, that originates from Shiva's head?  Or could it be that there's a form of Shiva who dwells in Gangotri, and it's from his head that the Bhagirathi originates?

Note that I don't want scientific speculation; I want to know what Hindu scripture says.


texts: Why should Kubera(a Yaksha) worshipped, when real goddess of wealth is Shri Laxmi?

texts: Kubera is a Yaksha, so why should he worshipped and not alone Goddess Laxmi for granting us wealth? Which scriptures asks to worship Kubera and why?


texts: Is 'Kali the Mother' a full repesentation of Swamiji's views on the Mother Goddess?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda's famous and beautiful poem 'Kali the Mother' depicts a very fierce form of the Divine Mother Kali, Whom Swamiji portrays as 'Terror'. The same is true for the bengali poem 'nachuk tahate shyama'.

In both the poems, Kali is the form of Death.

But the pranama-mantra of Devi mentions that She is the Good of all goods: Sarva-Mangala-Mangalya'.

So Swamiji's depiction of Her as 'the Terror' and 'The Death'  does not seem to correspond fully to Her pranama-mantra, at least apparently.

Are these only partial repesentations of Swamiji's view on Mother Kali?


texts: Suitable Kali Mata Mantra for those facing tough times

texts:
I am looking for suitable Mata Kali Mantra for those facing tough times and surrounded by people who wish ill (and will do ill when the opportunity strikes) of my family and I.

Just wish to protect from dark forces, and help me focus energies on doing positive, beneficial things (without fear of anything or anyone)

And I've been cautioned that Kali mantras are so effective that many times it may bring (temporary) turmoil in one's life. For instance, if someone is wishing for relationship to work out, Mata Kali may destroy it (and allow you to eventually get a better one).

Do advise suitable Kali Mantra. As it is, I recite Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, 108 times when I awake, 108 times before I sleep. Was told this is great mantra for those who are scared of unknown things (this is me!). It is certainly relaxing, for sure!


texts: Was Swami Vivekananda an avatar of Shiva?

texts: Answers to this Quora question say Swami Vivekananda was an incarnation of Shiva. Was Swami Vivekananda mentioned in Hindu scriptures as an avatar of Shiva?


texts: Surya Arghya ingredients mentioned in Ramayan and other scriptures?

texts:
Does anyone know what eight ingredients are mentioned in the Ramayana for Surya Arghya? I am also curious what other scriptures say about ingredients in Surya Arghya so mentioning those are welcome as well.

Extra info after reading all comments below:

The reason why I have been asking for eight ingredients is because its being told in the following video: Surya Arghya Daan

Also after researching its origin I came across some books(not scriptures) mentioning it. The following two books say something about eight ingredients for Surya Arghya:
Book 1
Book 2

I just want to know what the eight ingredients are and also where it is being mentioned in the scriptures.


texts: Acceptability of Kundalini Shakti and Chakras across Hinduism?

texts:
How well is the concept of Kundalini Shakti, the body Chakras, the nāḍīs and subsequently their role in the attainment of Mokṣa (in its various types and levels of hierarchies across different belief systems), is accepted or prevalent across various sects/sampradāyas and/or  Schools of Thoughts, under the āstika system?
What about the major schools of vedanta - Bhedabheda, Dvaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita, Advaita, & Suddhadvaita? What has been their views on it, historically and presently, vis-a-vis their major philosophers and acharyas?
How well does the concept of Mokṣa, and its dependence on Kundalini & Chakras to achieve it, gels with the three (or four) paths of yoga - i.e., Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jñan yoga, & Rãja yoga?
Which of the above paths and belief systems, even identify with or accept Kundalini, as a major or minor principle (although not necessarily in connection with Mokṣa) ?


texts: What is the full form of the following sloka?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda has once quoted one line from a sloka which is most probably from the Manu-samhita, that reads

charen mAdhukarim vrittim api mlechchhakulad api,
Meaning : [a monk]  should beg food even from the foreigners.

Can someone provide the full sloka with source?


texts: What is the significance of '108' beads in the rosary (japmala)?

texts: There are exactly 108 beads in the rosary (japmala). What's the significance of the count 108 here?


texts: Which text(s) detail the ethics of how to treat beings lower than Man?

texts:
In the question, I mean lower in terms of their capacity for Pramana. (please state your criterion when answering if it is different than this).
This definition thus includes all plants and animals.

For example in your answer if you deal with animal ethics then it should include the guiding principles regarding interactions with animals and the various actions possible in situations involving animals.

P.S Why I say lower and not just animals and plants, it is because there may be other beings which fall short of the capacity of pramana at the level capable by humans, a possible example is that of Vaanaras.


texts: Is there accumulation of karma when you act only according to your swadharma?

texts: When one performs an action according to one's swadharma, is there karmic impact of that and will the one accumulate zero karma, or positive/negative karma? What scriptures say on this matter. Or what can be inferred from the scriptures regarding this matter?


texts: What was the size of Sugriva's army that fought against Ravana alongside Rama?

texts:
What was the size of Sugriva's army that fought against Ravana?

What was the strength of Ravana's army?

What kind of weapons did the Vanaras use?


texts:
As given in puranic stories, Indra shared His guilt of killing a Brahmana among Women, Trees, Water and Earth.

The below verse tells the guilt shared by trees:

  तुर्यं छेदविरोहेण वरेण जगृहुर्द्रुमाः
  तेषां निर्यासरूपेण ब्रह्महत्या प्रदृश्यते ॥ ६.९.८ ॥
  In return for Indra’s benediction that their branches and twigs would grow back when trimmed, the trees accepted one fourth of the reactions for killing a brāhmaṇa. These reactions are visible in the flowing of sap from trees. [Therefore one is forbidden to drink this sap.]

I didn't bold "therefore one is forbidden to drink this sap" because it's not there in Sanskrit.

From this website:

  Much like the veins in our body, the tree's vascular system transports sap. This is a sugary liquid filled with water and nutrients that are carried throughout the tree via the phloem and xylem. Its purpose is to carry those nutrients from the leaves where it is produced down to the roots and other parts of the tree to promote healthy growth. If a cut is made in the trunk or a branch, the sap may start oozing out.

The use of Indian Bedellium tree's sap is given as:

  Guggul, sap from the Indian Bedellium tree (Commiphora mukul ), was used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 2,000 years for a variety of ailments, including supporting normal joint function. Modern researchers have found it to be effective in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. Guggul is still commonly used for its anti-inflammatory, pain killing, rejuvenative, detoxifying, immune system modulating, antioxidant and fat burning properties, while also protecting against ailments, such as the common cold and various other skin, eye and dental infections

Further, the conclusion section of it says:

  It is ... The sap can be used as a home remedy or you can even consider drinking it for the nutrition it provides. There is a high probability that it may become a necessity to investigate other sources of nutrition in the near future.

And this website says:

  THINK OF PINE SAP AS MOTHER NATURE’S BAND -AID
  Because pine sap is a sticky amber glob that hardens, it’ll keep germs out, boost cell immunity and act as an anti-inflammatory on open wounds. Make sure that you properly clean or flush the area before applying pine sap.
  COUGH MEDICINE & CHEWING GUM
  Since pine sap is a natural antibacterial, it will stop coughing, slowly kill bacterial infections, and improve breathing when sick.

The above are three examples of the uses of sap inside a tree and it's medicinal use for human. There could be many other tree's sap uses given in Ayurveda.

Effect of curses for women, river and earth are :
During menstrual cycle women are resisted to enter into temples and perform poojas, during the two Hindu months Sravana and Bhadra the rivers are considered as impure in the scriptures and the deserts on the earth.

My question: I didn't understand in what way the trees are sharing the guilt? Because sap has many advantages.


texts: Are husband and wife, associated/affected by each others' sins?

texts:
Is it true, that husband is associated in his wife's sin but the wife is not associated in her husband's sin?

Example: Robber Valia's wife told him that I have not associated with your sin. Later he became great sage Valmiki.

Is there any scripture reference in Hinduism about it?


texts: Since both "Mleccha" and a "Dalit" are casteless and Manusmriti says there is no fifth caste. Is this a valid marriage?


texts: How do Sri Vaishnavas interpret this Sutra of the Apastamba Dharma Sutras?

texts:
Apastamba Dharma Sutras (2.9.21.13) - Abandoning truth and falsehood, pleasure and pain, the Vedas, this
  world and the next, he shall seek the ātman.

My question is about the abandoning the "truth and falsehood," and "Vedas" part. What do Sri Vaishnava Acharyas say about this verse?

There are 3 Sutras in this section that appear to enjoin things that the Vedic scholars of the Sri Vaishnava sampradaya disagree with.

These sutras are:

  sarvataḥ parimokṣam eke || 12 ||

  Some declare that he shall go naked.

  satya anṛte sukha duḥkhe vedān imaṃ lokam amuṃ ca parityajya-ātmānam
  anvicchet || 13 ||

  Abandoning truth and falsehood, pleasure and pain, the Vedas, this world and the next, he shall seek the ātman.

  buddhe kṣema prāpaṇam || 14 ||

  [Some say that] he obtains Liberation if he [theoretically] knows [the ātman].

These 3 injunctions are rejected by Sri Vaishnava Sannyasis, but they are accepted by Advaitins who follow Shankaracharya.

However, the next Sutra of Apastamba says this:

  tat-śāstrair vipratiṣiddham || 15 ||

  [But] that [opinion] is opposed to the Shastras.

And the next one:

  buddhe cet kṣema prāpaṇam iha-eva na duḥkham upalabheta || 16 ||

  [For] if liberation were obtained by the [theoretical] knowledge of the
  ātman alone, then one ought not to experience suffering even in this
  [world].

I just want to confirm that the 3 preceding sutras are rejected by sutra 15.


texts: Why didn't Mohini recognise Rahu while distributing Amrita?

texts: During Samudra Manthana, Amrita was distributed to Devas by Mohini, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. However, the demon Rahu gets to drink Amrita by deceit. Surya and Chandra recognise Rahu and alert Mohini. The question is why didn't Mohini recognise Rahu? If She knew that Rahu is getting Amrita by deceit, why did She give it to him?


texts: how did yamaraj sabha had 100 Dhritrashta , 100 Bhimas and 200 Bhishma?

texts:
from sabha parva -
"a hundred kings of the name of Dhritarashtra, eighty kings of the name of Janamejaya; a hundred monarchs called Brahmadatta, and a hundred kings of the name of Iri; more than two hundred Bhishmas, and also a hundred Bhimas; a hundred Prativindhyas, a hundred Nagas, and a hundred Palasas, and a hundred called Kasa and Kusa; that king of kings Santanu, and thy father Pandu"
How can that be possible . I have heard the story about lord hanuman going to patala-lok and seeing the mountain of rings of lord Rama depicting the many Rama births and how many times they have had done this play of rings . IS it similar here, are these dhritrashtra and bhimas of different kalpa.
The chapter mentions Kirtivirya arjuna ( sahastra bahu ) as well, wouldn't he already turn into sudarshan if his avatar was over


texts: Has anyone combined Adi Shankaracharya's various purva paksha debates and shastrarthas?

texts: Adi Shankaracharya is well known for his debating skills, I wonder if I can find his debates in written form anywhere.


texts: Which scriptures describe Dadhichi hiding Kshatriya children from Parashurama?

texts:
This Wikipedia page on Dadhichi says that he saved some Kshatriya children from Parashurama's wrath by hiding them in the Hinglaj Devi Temple.

This site and this wiki page on Hinglaj Mata gives an account of how a King known as Ratnasena of Sindh took shelter at Dadhichi's ashram as Parashurama wreaked havoc and his 5 queens gave birth to 5 sons in the ashram.

Ratnasena was killed by Parshurama when he ventured outside the ashram and Dadhichi disguised Ratnasena's children as brahmins to hide them.

One of the children named Jayasena returned to Sindh under a protection mantra of Hinglaj Devi given to him by Dadhichi. It is said Hinglaj Devi also asked Parashurama to stop his massacre.

Does this story have any scriptural basis or is it just a folktale?


texts: Why do Hindus remove their footwear before entering temples?

texts:
Why is it that people don't wear shoes and sandals when they visit a temple? Sometimes they remove them outside of temple premises and sometimes outside of the temple steps...

It's a common practice amongst Hindu people whenever they visit a dharmik sthal/temple, so what's the reason behind removing footwear outside?

And is there a rule to do so, or do people just follow a common norm?

Credits for the image: double-barrelledtravel.com


texts: Why did Varuna Deva want a human sacrificed to him?

texts:
The story of Shunahshepa is famous because it is an attempted human sacrifice to a Vedic deity.
There are other mentions of attempted human sacrifice in Hindu scriptures. For example, in the Mahabharata, king Jarasandha tried sacrificing some other kings to another Vedic deity.
For the record, human sacrifice, in the sense of sacrificing humans like animals in Yajnas, is prohibited in Hinduism.
We can see that from the story of Shunahshepa told in the Aitareya Brahmana of the Rig Veda:

Four priests were called to conduct the sacrifice: Ayasya (the udgatr), Jamadagni (the adhvaryu), Vashistha (the brahman) and Vishvamitra (the hotar). However, all of them refused to bind Shunahshepa to the sacrificial post. Ajigarta then offered to bind his son for another hundred cows. Rohita accepted the offer, and Ajigarta bound Shunahshepa to the post. However, the priests refused to slaughter him. Ajigarta then offered to sacrifice his own son in exchange for another hundred cows. The prince agreed to his demand. As Ajigarta readied to kill his own son, Shunahshepa prayed to the Rigvedic deities. With his last hymn, which invoked Ushas (the deity of the dawn), his bonds were loosened and King Harishchandra was also cured of his illness.1
Vishvamitra, one of the priests, offered to adopt Shunahshepa as his eldest son. Reviling his own father Ajigarta as a Shudra, Shunahshepa agreed. Vishvamitra gave him the name Devarata ("deity-given").

So, the attempted sacrifice of Shunahshepa was a sin, and his father did so out of greed for cattle.
My question is, why did Varuna Deva tell Harischandra that he should sacrifice his son to him, when human sacrifice is not enjoined in the Vedas?
Also, why did Ushas, the Rig Vedic deity of the dawn, save Shunahshepa?


texts:
I am a Vaishnav and hence I worship Shrinathji. It is said that Shrinathji is an avatar of Lord Krishna but again, Lord Krishna is an avatar of Lord Vishnu so is it possible that gods can take avatars of avatars?

According to Wikipedia:

  Shrinathji is a form of Hindu god Krishna, manifest as a
  seven-year-old child (Balak).

Here, they have used form to describe it but I think that means an avatar or am taking it wrongly?


texts: Why did Krishna give Garuda's brother legs in Thiruthangal?

texts:
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to the Nindra Narayana Perumal Vishnu temple in Thiruthankal.  The story of the temple is that Vishnu's three wives Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, and Nila Devi once had a contest to see who had the most devotion to Vishnu.  Sri Devi, i.e. Lakshmi, won the contest by meditating upon Vishnu in Thiruthangal.  In any case, the Garbagraha of the temple depicts Nindra Narayana Perumal, i.e. Vishnu in a standing position, along with his wives Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, and Nila Devi.

But that's not all the Garbagraha has.  (The picture only shows part of it.) It's a crowded Garbagraha; there's also Krishna's wife Jambavati and the sages Bhrigu and Markandeya.  Then there is Krishna's grandson Aniruddha along with Aniruddha's wife Usha, daughter of Banasura, because Aniruddha and Usha got married in Thiruthankal.  Finally there is Vishnu's bird Garuda along with Garuda's brother Aruna.

I'm interested in the Aruna statue.  For those who don't know, the sage Kashyapa had two sons with his wife Vinata, Aruna and Garuda.  Aruna is the charioteer of Surya, and he has no legs because his egg was opened by Vinata prematurely.  Yet in the Thiruthankal temple, he is shown with legs.  The priest pointed this out, and said it's because Krishna gave him legs at the time of Aniruddha and Usha's marriage.

My question is, why did Krishna give Aruna legs for the marriage?  The priest said it's because disabled people can't do Hindu rituals.  But what role did Aruna play in the marriage of Aniruddha and Usha?


texts: Varaha Avatara - reference in Taittirya recensions

texts:
If any one knows of references to Sri Varaha Avatara of Lord Sriman Narayana in Taittiriya Samhita / Brahmana / Arankaya, I request you to kindly post them here.

If there are references in other parts of the Vedas (Satapata Brahmana and others) I would be interested in those references as well.

Many thanks in advance.


texts: Does ayOdhya, mentioned in atharva veda, indicate the temple town or it is an esoteric reference?

texts:
Atharva Veda mentions ayOdhya.

astacakra navadvara devanam purayodhya
tasydm hiranyayah kotiah svargo jyotisavrtah
tasmin hiranyaye kotie tryare tripratisthite
tasmin yad yaksamatmanvat tad vai brahmavido viduh (AV
X.2.31,32)
The fort of Gods, impregnable, with circles eight and portals
nine,   Contains a golden treasure-chest, celestial, begirt with
light.
Men deep in lore of Brahma know that Animated Being which
Dwells in the golden treasure-chest that hath three spokes and
three supports.

Ralph T.H. Griffith mentioned ayOdhya as  impregnable.
My question is whether ayOdhya mentioned here refers to the temple town or mentioned in esoteric manner?


texts: What do hindu scriptures say about life on MARS?

texts: is there any mention of Life on MARS in any of the hindu texts Shastras or Puranas or Vedas. I know there were some questions around but never specific to life on Mars. I am very curious to know if there is any mention of life ever existed on planet MARS or anything related to Alien beings on MARS.


texts: Why do only Indian squirrels have stripes on them?

texts:
Why do only Indian squirrels have stripes on their back, whereas squirrels from other countries don't have stripes on their body?

Is this because of Rama? What is the story/belief behind this?


texts: Are there any rules about which fruits may not be consumed during a fast?

texts: The set of fruits in common circulation must have changed over time with contact with other cultures and experimentation for breeding new strains. As such do the scriptures say anything about which fruits are to not be consumed during a fast?


texts: How come Shankaracharya and some Sri Vaishnava Acharyas prohibit women and shudras from reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama?

texts:
The Vadakalai sect of Sri Vaishnavism says that women and shudras are not allowed to recite the Vishnusahasranama, but can only hear it. In fact, Iyers before the past 50 years also prohibited women and shudras from reciting it as well.

This is not as controversial as it seems because Shankaracharya in his Vishnu Sahasranama Bhashya has also said that shudras are not allowed to recite the Vishnushasranama, but they can only hear it. However, he doesn't make any mention of Dvija women.

Vadakalai Sri Vaishnava acharyas, and even Iyers before the past 50 years, prohibited women from chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama.

More information is found in this thread.

My question is, is there any scriptural rule that says they are prohibited from reciting it? I have tried to find out the scriptural reason, but so far it seems to be an Achara rule, that is presumably based on some scriptural rule that may or may not be forgotten.

But another complication is this: If they can hear it and read it, but not verbally recite it, does it mean that they can mentally recite it? Because if they can hear it, and if they hear it enough, they could mentally commit it to memory. So can they mentally recite it?


texts: What is the duration for which Dwarka existed?

texts: From the Mahabharata (Gandhari's curse), it is evident that Dwarka was submerged 36 years after the war but how many years prior to the war was it created ? I have gone through some online sources but none seem to speak of the timeline of the city as in how long the city existed for ?


texts: Does Ramayana mention Seeta performing sandhyAvandanam?

texts:
There is a mention that Hanuman while in Lanka anticipates Seeta to visit river bank to perform Sandhya vandanam

Can someone post the reference? Either of the above scenarios.


texts:
The Gayatri-Mantra appeared in the Rigveda, which was composed between c. 1700–1100 BCE.
This Mantra has probably been transmitted from masters to disciples, a long time before being written.

Question: When did the Gayatri-Mantra appear orally for the first time (approximately)?


texts: Why are Tantras used in fierce ways? To whom they are unaffected?

texts:
I have read rickross answers which are stated from tantras and angmas  but almost i found nothing scarey in what he writed so how they are used in such a fierce manner?

Is there are some type secures that tantras can't affect or are unaffected to wchich kind of people do tantras state something like this or from somewhere else mention this.? How can one avoid such attacks?

I believe that one who is devoted to his/her god/goddess or guru are unaffected by tantra atracks.  Do scriptures tantra and other scriptures support my view?


texts: What is the story of Varuna's Rajasuya Yajna

texts:
In Srimad Bhagavatam, in the 7th chapter of the Dasama Skandhas, Yudishthira's Rajasuya Yajna is described. It is compared twice to a Rajasuya performed by Varuna.

  SB 10.74.13-15 — The utensils used in the sacrifice were made of gold, just as in the ancient Rājasūya performed by Lord Varuṇa. Indra, Brahmā, Śiva and many other planetary rulers; the Siddhas and Gandharvas with their entourage; the Vidyādharas; great serpents; sages; Yakṣas; Rākṣasas; celestial birds; Kinnaras; Cāraṇas; and earthly kings — all were invited, and indeed they all came from every direction to the Rājasūya sacrifice of King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Pāṇḍu. They were not in the least astonished to see the opulence of the sacrifice, since it was quite appropriate for a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

  SB 10.74.16 — The priests, as powerful as gods, performed the Rājasūya sacrifice for King Yudhiṣṭhira in accordance with the Vedic injunctions, just as the demigods had previously performed it for Varuṇa.

So what is the story  of  Varuna's  Rajasuya  Yajna?


texts: How many Puranas have critical editions?

texts: I have heard of a critical edition of Harivamsa prepared by BORI.  Are there any others and are they available on the net?


texts:
Hartalika vrata means hariyali Teej.

Does that mean one has to eat a green fruit (hara fal) the day before the vrata day before going to sleep?
On that day does one have to eat a bilvapatra with some water?
Can we eat some sweets and have water after the pooja is complete?
If someone doesn't eat anything and doesn't drink even a sip of water will it be considered roza (Muslims fast)?
It is said in the hartalika vrat story that you should not sleep on that day of hartalika vrata.. does that imply it's about day and night also?


texts: which scripture prescribes offering food to Brahmins in the Shraddha ceremony?

texts: Which scripture prescribes this and is it believed that feeding Brahmins on earth effectively feeds the departed ancestors in Pitr Loka?


texts: Lord Krishna's opinion on animal sacrifice

texts:
In Srimad Bhagwatam 11:21:29-30, Lord Krishna opposes animal sacrifice,

Those who are sworn to sense gratification cannot understand the confidential conclusion of Vedic knowledge as explained by Me. Taking pleasure in violence, they cruelly slaughter innocent animals in sacrifice for their own sense gratification and thus worship demigods, forefathers and leaders among ghostly creatures. Such passion for violence, however, is never encouraged within the process of Vedic sacrifice.

But in Brahma Purana 79.21 he himself asked people of gokula to please govardhana by animal sacrifice,

“[Krishna said] Hence, let the mountain Govardhana be honoured and worshipped with all due offerings after killing the sacrificial animal in accordance with injunctions.

Why Lord Krishna's opinion is contradictory about animal sacrifice? How to reconcile this contradiction?
Note:- I am not asking whether animal sacrifice was practised in Vedic period or not. I am just asking about Lord Krishna's opinion on it.


texts: Is there a mantra to destroy negative energies before taking food or drink?

texts: Is there a mantra to destroy or neutralise influence of negative energies(ie:germs, microbes, bacteria, krimi, ghosts etc in food/drink) before taking food or drink to mouth? Does chanting gayatri mantra or om Namo narayanya loudly before drinking/eating something, serve this purpose?


texts: Do Vadakalai Sri Vaishnavas believe that liberated souls do not have the power of creating any universe?

texts:
According to this answer, Thenkalais believe the liberated souls have the power of creating their own universes, but not the universe that is common to souls trapped in samsara; only Brahman can can create, sustain, and destroy that universe.

The Sri Bhashya of Ramanujacharya supports this:

  In the same way as the highest Person creates out of himself, for his
  own delight, the world of the Fathers and so on; so he sometimes
  creates such worlds for the enjoyment of the released souls. But
  sometimes, again, the souls using their own creative will-power
  themselves create their own worlds, which however are included
  within the sphere of sport of the highest Person.

So it's clear liberated souls can create their own universes. Now obviously this has to be the case, because the liberated souls get all the siddhis in existence, and if baddhatmas (souls trapped in samsara under maya) like Vishvamitra can create entirely new heavens, the liberated souls should be able to as well.

However, according to the question to that answer, Vadakalais do not believe the liberated souls have any powers of creation. They say:

  that the Free and the Freed Souls have no power to create, or, for example, make a kosmos.

So, they can't even make a cosmos according to them, which is clearly in conflict with the Sri Bhashya citation.

How do Vadakalais explain this? Do they mean that the liberated souls don't have any powers of creation, or just that they can't create the universe common to Baddha Jivas? Or is the author of the article cited in the question just wrong?


texts: Is the Hinduism we follow today baseless from a Vedic Perspective?

texts:
The Vedic (Rgvedic primarily) texts are quite different from the Puranic stories we know (and love) today. Does this mean the Puranic deities* we worship and stories we read are false from a Vedic perspective?
*brahmA, sarasvatI, mahAviSNu, lakSmI, shiva, pArvatI, etc. described and decorated in Puranas such as viSNupurANa, shivapurANa, etc.
EDIT: I posted this Question on Quora and got some great answers as well - check out those answers for some more angles to look at this topic from.


texts: What are all doctrines or philosophies discussed in Brahma Sutra?

texts:
Brahma Sutras (also known as Vedanta Sutras) have very profound significance in Vedanta Darshan. They systematize and summarize the spiritual and philosophical teaching of Upanishads. It is considered as Nyaya (Yukti or logic) Prasthana in Prasthanatrayi of Vedanta.

Badarayana (Vedavyasa) has discussed and refuted other doctrines which are in possible objection with Vedanta school like Pradhanakaranavada (Samkhya), Paramanukaravada (Vaisheshiki), probably Yoga, Pancharatra, Buddhism, Jainism etc.

So, I want to ask: What are all doctrines or philosophies discussed (and either supported or refuted) in Brahma Sutras?


texts: How Maharshi Vyasa knew all the story of Mahabharata?

texts: It is said that Mahabharata is story of 5 generations, then how Maharshi Vyasa knew all the story of Mahabharata, does he survive through all 5 generations?


texts:
Why do Hindu Gods have multiple heads & multiple shoulders?

Is it just meant to symbolically represent the God we worship is cosmic?


texts: What is the scriptural significance of the "solah shringar" in Hinduism?

texts: Does it have specific religious meaning which can be substantiated by any of the religious texts? Which particular scriptures put forward the idea of "solah shringar" into writing, if any?


texts: Is Vrindavan Krishna different from Dvaraka Krishna?

texts:
Gaudiya Vaishnavas believe that there is a so-called Vrindavan Krishna and that the Krishna in Dwaraka is different from Vrindavan Krishna. Is there any scriptural evidence to that claim? They also say that Vrindavan Krishna was born to Yashoda and not to Devaki. They cite the words (yatra kva vā) in this verse- http://www.vedabase.com/en/sb/10/4/12 - to mean that Krishna was actually born in Vrindavan.

I also heard some reference being made to Hari Vamsa Purana by Jiva Goswami. I couldn't find the exact verse though.

Is there a more credible evidence to this belief of Gaudiya Vaishnavas? Or does any one know at least the specific reference that Jiva Goswami gives?


texts:
There is a story of King Sagar's sixty thousand sons digging up the earth while looking for the Ashwamedh horse that Indra had stolen. A lot of people would know the story so I am not posting it in entirety here. My concern is with the location where they find the horse - the hermitage of Sage Kapil & its location. As per the Mahabharat:

  Thus they went on digging the ocean, which was the abode of Varuna and an exceedingly long space of time expired in this work, but still the horse was not found. Then, O lord of earth! towards the north-eastern region of the sea, the incensed sons of Sagara dug down as far as the lower world, and there they beheld the horse, roaming about on the surface of the ground. And they saw the magnanimous Kapila, who looked like a perfect mass of splendour.

I want to know if there are more details in any other scripture about this underground realm where they meet Sage Kapil who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu?


texts:
Nala was a king of Nishadas

  Vrihadaswa said, "There was a king named Nala, the son of Virasena.
  And he was strong, and handsome, and well-versed in (the knowledge of)
  horses, and possessed of every desirable accomplishment. And he was at
  the head of all the kings, even like the lord of the celestials. And
  exalted over all, he resembled the sun in glory. And he was the king
  of the Nishadhas, intent on the welfare of the Brahmanas, versed in
  the Vedas, and possessed of heroism. ..."

  [Section 53, Nalopakhyana Parva, Vana Parva, The Mahabharata]

Who exactly are the Nishadas in this context?


texts: Why did Vyasa depict different Supreme Gods in different Puranas?

texts:
I see that many people (including me) remain confused about who is the Supreme God. The main reason for confusion is that in different Puranas, different Gods are shown as Supreme God, e.g., in Shiva Purana, Shiva is said to be the starter of everything and same is said in Vishnu Purana regarding Lord Vishnu.

Similarly, in Mahabharata, Vyasa showed Lord Krishna as the Supreme God. If all these are written by the same Vyasa, i.e, Krishna Dwaipayan, then why is it so or is it that they were written by different Vyasas or other people?


texts: What is source of this form of Mahaprabhu?

texts: What is the history of this six-armed image of Mahaprabhu? Kindly quote from proper source.


texts: What can one see of the future by realizing the Supreme?

texts: Since some events in our lives are pre-determined and some are not (from here), if one gets knowledge of supreme and he's able to see the future, would he see only some things (pre-determined) that will happen in the future or everything? Also, what are some records of the sages who were able to see the past and future?


texts: Are these verses from Garuda Purana and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad asking men to beat women? If not, how should they be interpreted?

texts:
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 6.4.7:

If she is not willing, he should buy her over; and if she is still unyielding, he should strike her with a stick or with the hand and proceed, uttering the following Mantra, ‘I take away your reputation,’ etc. She is then actually discredited.

Garuda Purana 1.109.31:

Rogues, artisans, servants, badmen, drums, and women, are softened and set right by beating.

Q1: Should these instructions be taken literally? If not, how should one interpret these?
Mahabharata, Adi Parva, 1.74.50-51, however, suggests the opposite:

No man, even in anger, should ever do anything that is disagreeable to his wife, seeing that happiness, joy, and virtue,--everything dependeth on the wife. A wife is the sacred field in which the husband is born himself. Even Rishis cannot create creatures without women.

Q2: How to reconcile this statement from Mahabharata with the above two?


texts:
Today is Bali Padyami. On which day is Mahabali supposed to visit his subjects on prithvi loka - Onam or Bali Padyami?
Looking for references from scriptures only, and neither from folklore nor from medieval/modern literature.


texts: Can I do exercise and dumbbells at home during swami ayappa diksha?

texts:
Most of Hindu sites and devotees giving different replies to this question. please give correct answer. I have habit of exercises and dumbbells at home(not gym).

Diksha name: swami Ayyappa diskha

Days: 41

I know most of the North Indians don't know about this Deeksha thing.


texts: When were the Vedas classified into four?

texts:
It is said that Veda was one and later Vyasa arranged it into four ( rig sama yaju atharva) and then propagated through his pupil and hence we got shakhaas etc.

What was time when vedas were rearranged into four?

Were it only one before that?

I am looking for authentic reference for vedas becoming four from one and the era when it was done.


texts: Which scripture or book is the origin of the Surya Namaskara asanas?

texts:
In which scripture (not of Kaliyuga), Surya Namaskara (12 steps asana) is mentioned? I have checked Hatha yoga Pradipika and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, but nowhere Surya Namaskara is mentioned.

I have found a related question What is the origin of twelve Surya namaskar mantra? which asks for the origin of the mantras chanted during the asana but it doesn't ask about the origin of the asanas. I also doubt the so called surya namaskar mantras. They are just Surya mantras, nowhere it is mentioned that it is related to Suryanamaskar-12 Yoga Poses. Moreover Sun or Surya God have 1000 names or name mantras.


texts:
"Gurur brahmaa gurur vishnuh
 gurur devo maheshvarah
 gurur saakshaat parabrahma
 tasmai shree gurave namah."

  Translation: Know the Guru to be Brahma himself. He is Vishnu. He is also Shiva. Know Him to be the Supreme Brahman, and offer the adorations unto that peerless Guru.

Why is Guru equal to brahma, vishnu and maheshwara?
What is the exact meaning of "Guru" in this poem?

And In Hinduism had some stories like, If God and Guru appears together, first touch Guru's feet and pray him before you pray God.

Why is Guru so special in hinduism?

Also I would like to know source of this famous sloka.


texts: Details about the deity Bhairava with reference to the scripture

texts:
The question I have is about the deity Bhairava.

Lord Sri Kala Bhairava is mentioned in The Shiva Maha Purana as one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva.

But there are many different swarupas of Sri Bhairava in the  tradition and literature. What is the origin and background of the Lord Bhairava and His manifestations (other than what Shiva Purana says)? In which text / scripture can one find all the information?

The various swarupas of Bhairava include -

Sri Kala Bhairava, V(b)atuka Bhairava, Swarnakarshana Bhairava, and  Marthanda Bhairava (the name occurs in Sri Subrahmanya Trisati).

In addition to this, some Sankara Vijayam texts also allude to Samhara Bhairava, Unmattha Bhairava (ferocious / angry manifestations) invoked by Kalamukhas and Kapalikas.

Despite what the name means, Sri Kala Bhairava, and Swarnakarshana Bhairava, Vatuka Bhairava forms can be taken as peaceful forms.

So what is the story behind different forms of Bhairava?

Is there tantric text that goes deep into the details about Lord Bhairava, and His manifestations? If any one has such information, please share.

Thanks in advance.


texts: Is there any evidence to support Dayananda Saraswati's unorthodox claim that the medieval Sri Vaishnava scholar Yamunacharya was a Muslim?

texts:
Hindu-reformist Dayananda Saraswati claimed that the medieval Sri Vaishnava scholar Yamunacharya was a Greek or Muslim who was originally called "Yavanacharya".

From Life of Dayanand Saraswati:

  Its founder was Shatakopa,
  bom in a Kanjar(low caste) family. Later, Munibanan, a
  bom sweeper, and then Yavanacharya, a Greek or a Muslim,
  taught it.

  ...

  It was known as the Bhagwat faith. It also became known
  as Pancaratra.* It was monotheism and it taught that
  salvation is the result of Bhakti or devotion. Later, this
  Bhagwat religion became transformed into Vaishnavism.
  Its first teacher of note was Yavanacharya later called
  Yamunacharya. Another teacher Kathu Muni preceded
  Yavanacharya. The later was a disciple of the Alvars of
  the Deccan. He arranged their hymns. Yavanacharya
  defended the Vaishnava faith against attacks upon it and
  wrote several books.

Is there any evidence to support his claim?


texts:
I would like to combine my two mantras into one.  Can Hindu mantras be combined to create on mantra, such as adding and removing words of a certain mantra?

  Om Gam Kleem Shreem Brezee Aim Ganapataye Namaha

I want money, friends, a lover soulmate and all resistance & obstacles removed so I can get there.

My intentions are to wrap it all up as one and have it be just as effective and chanting them separate.


texts: Are aggressive sages like Durvasa not true sages?

texts:
In our scriptures, there are plenty of sages like Durvasa who were very aggressive. They cursed many people on very small mistakes. He cursed King Abarisha just because he had some water before Durvasa came back because it was important to break the fast at the right time. He cursed all the gods because Airavat crushed the Garland of Durvasa.(Read about these curses here.). Not only Durvasa but there were many other sages like Vishwamitra who plotted to kill sons of Vashistha without there fault. Remember what Lord Krishna said in Gita.

दु:खेष्वनुद्विग्नमना: सुखेषु विगतस्पृह: |
वीतरागभयक्रोध: स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ||

Bhagwad Gita 2.56: One whose mind remains undisturbed amidst misery, who does not crave for pleasure, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.

Are these sages true sages?


texts: What are some good books to read for understanding philosophy and life of Ramakrishna?

texts: What are some good books to study Ramakrishna as I am a beginner and don't know much about him?


texts: Why is it ordained that Shudras should serve the Dvijas, and especially Brahmanas, as their foremost duty?

texts:
Why is it ordained that Shudras must serve the Dvijas, and especially Brahmanas, as their foremost duty?

Does this oppress Shudras or is it actually beneficial for them to serve the twice-born?


texts: What does the meaning of "Vishnu" have to do with the word "Prabhu"?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, the Pancharatra Agamas are the foundational texts of Vaishnavism. Similarly, the foundational texts of Shaivism are known as the Shaiva Agamas, aka the Shaiva Tantras.  My question is about a Shaiva Agama known as the Parakhya Tantra, which I discussed earlier here.

As I discuss in my question here, in the worldview of the Shaiva Agamas, the order of gods from lowest to highest is Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara, and Sadashiva.   They are said to govern the five functions of creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration, and revelation, and they correpond to the five heads of Sadashiva which I discuss here and here.  In any case, in this excerpt from the Parakhya Tantra, the etymology of these five names is described:

  Or rather (va) there is but one supreme Lord who has different forms (bhedaih sthitah) that are [different] in [no more than] their names (namagaih).  [He is called] Brahma because he is great (brihattvat), because he fills (bramhakatvat) or because He possesses Brahman [va brahmayogatah].  He is called Vishnu because it is His nature to be powerful (prabhavashilatvat), because He is the source of the universe (prabhavo jagatah), He is omniscient (prabhuh). Because He drives away affliction (rujam dravayate) He is called Rudra, since the affliction is destroyed (rujah kshayat).  Because He possesses all the attributes of sovereignty (sarvaishvaryagunashleshat), the sovereign Lord (ishvara) [is called] Mahesvara.  He is Sadashiva [bexause he is] always favourable (sadakantah), or [because] Shiva means situated at rest.  Thus there exists, called with various names, only one Lord of the universe.

Most of these etymologies make sense, or at least they conform to the standard pattern of etymologies in Hindu scripture, namely that the word being defined has some similarity in sounds to the word used to define it.  But I'm interested in the etymologies given for the name "Vishnu".

The Parakhya Tantra connects Vishnu to three attributes: prabhavashilatvat or being powerful by his very nature, prabhavo jagatah or being the source or the Universe, and prabhu or being omniscient.  But my question is, why do none of these definitions have anything resembling the sound of the name "Vishnu"? This is in contrast to the standard definition of Vishnu found in Yaska's Nirukta and elsewhere connecting Vishnu to the root Vish meaning to pervade, so that Vishnu means he who pervades all things.

Is it possible the Parakhya Tantra isn't providing an etymology for the name "Vishnu" as such, but rather the etymology of some other name of Vishnu?  It could be Prabhu or something that starts with Prabhu, like Prabhava or Prabhakara.  Does anyone know another scriptures tha give these definitions?


texts: How could Satyaki have defeated Karna so many times?

texts:
Misconception about the help of divine chariot.
Since Karna fans like to cover up the facts and hide the true story about his defeats by saying that Satyaki had a special chariot given to him and a special driver like Daruka.

Satyaki only had that special chariot and Daruka for less than an hour during the Jayadratha-Vadha Parva for a short amount of time. He got it after he killed Bhurishravas and lost it after the end of the battle. Satyaki still yet defeated Karna many times.
Satyaki defeated Karna even during Karna Parva when Karna had Shalya as his charioteer.
When Karna was made generalissimo of the Kaurava army still he was defeated by Satyaki.
Satyaki defeated Karna during the day of Drona's death as well.
Satyaki defeated Karna and his son Vrishasena before Karna killed Ghatotkaca too.
Satyaki even defeated Karna during the 12th day.
What excuses do Karna fans have for his above listed defeats at the hands of Satyaki then?
Clearly in many conditions with or without a special chariot Satyaki still defeated Karna.
Karna also had a great driver like Shalya whose knowledge of horses was unmatched by anyone except for Krishna's:

  As that slayer of foes, viz., he of Dasharha's race, is acquainted
  with horselore, even so is that mighty car-warrior, viz., Shalya
  acquainted with horselore. There is none equal to the chief of the
  Madras in might of arms. As there is none equal to myself in weapons,
  so there is none equal to Shalya in knowledge of steeds.

On the 14th day a special chariot was provided for Karna in this as well:

  A new cat was brought for Karna also, O king, unto which were yoked
  four steeds of the best breed that were decked in trappings of gold
  and white as conchs or milk. Its kaksha and standard were made of
  gold. Furnished with banners and machines, that foremost of cars had
  an excellent driver. And it was furnished with a profusion of weapons
  of every kind. Mounting on that car, Karna also rushed against his
  foes.

So Karna fans really cannot talk about having a special chariot. Also any advantage Satyaki's chariot gave him would be evening out the plainfield as the same day Karna received a backup team of warriors like Aswathama, Vrishasena, Kritavarman etc. So why is this a excuse for Karna's defeat?

Don't try to say that Karna was under the influence of Krishna's illusions. Krishna only stopped Karna from using his vasavi dart not anything else. And this illusion only affected Karna up until the 14th night.

During the 15th day their was no illusion yet Satyaki defeated Karna.

During the 16th day their were two times where Satyaki fought Karna. He defeated him the first time and proved to be a better warrior than karna in the second instance.

During the 17th day their were several times where Satyaki performed better than Karna (during their encounters). Here is a screenshot from Debroy's translation of BORI Mahabharata.

Now for the question i wanna know how did Satyaki defeat a warrior like Karna? The same Karna that Bhishma labeled a Double Maharatha. The same warrior that Krishna offered everything. The same warrior who Krishna called superior to Arjuna.

Drona also defeated Satyaki, Burishravas defeated Satyaki, but the same Satyaki was able to defeat Karna countless times.


texts: Why didn't Lord Shiva put back the original head of Lord Ganesha?

texts:
Every one knows the story of Lord Ganesha, how he got Elephant head but one doubt comes to my mind,

Why wasn't Lord Shiva who is so powerful able to put back the original head of Lord Ganesha? Why he has so helpless?
Why couldn't Godess Parvati create another Ganesha like how she had created earlier?

I am not criticizing, I have less knowledge in Hinduism so just like to know the reason.


texts:
For example:
Yog becomes Yog'a' or Krishn -> Krishna;
same way Ram -> Rama


texts: Is there nyasam or nyasa prayoga for lord vishnu or narayana similar to mahanyasam for lord Rudra/Shiva  ?


texts:
In South India, especially Tamil Nadu Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated
  on the Margazhi month of Moola nakshathram. It is said that Lord
  Hanuman was born during that month.

  In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated by
  Diksha of 41 days beginning on Chaitra Purnima and
  concluding it on the tenth day during Krishna Paksha in the month of
  Vaishaka..

  In Maharashtra, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day
  (pūrnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra.

Why all Hindus won't celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on same day?


texts: Is Nityananda Prabhu incarnation of Lord Balarama?

texts:
Is there any scriptural evidence that Nitya Nanda Prabhu (Nitai of Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya) is an incarnation of Lord Balarama?

They also claim that Advaita Acharya is an incarnation of Maha Vishnu. To me this is a bit far fetched. But want to know if there is any scriptural evidence or is it just a belief based on faith?


texts: What happened Ghatotkach children Anjanaparvan and Meghavarna?

texts:
What happened to family tree of Ghatotkach?
We know about Barbarika's story .

But what about the other two children Anjanaparvan, Meghavarna, and their family tree.


texts: Is there any scriptural basis for the claim that Europeans/White people are vanaras and belong to Hanuman's lineage?

texts:
According to some Europeans, they were treated as untouchables in the 17th century in India. According to the Nepali civil code of 1854 they were "Pani Na Chalne Chhoichhito Haalnu Naparne" or Water-unacceptable but touchable people - Mlechhas. And in traditional settings I have often heard them being referred to as "bandar" or monkey  In fact, I heard one saint say that they are from Hanuman's lineage or Vanaras. Later I also found on the internet that bandars supposedly had a great Vanara Kingdom of Central Asia and Europe.
Is there any scriptural reference to this? Someone please find it!! Even Europeans admit that they are from apes
According to other theory god has created humans by color (Varn) but I think we all know that.


texts: Sri Madhvacharya's interpretation for mahAnArAyanOpanisad

texts: Can someone point me to Sri Madhvacharya's interpretation of Taittiriya MahA nArAyanOpanisad? Thanks in advance. Any text on the interpretation of the entire taittiriya AranyakA is also fine.


texts: Since Shiva resides in Kailasa (which is on Earth I think), does he have avataras? For example, is his test of Arjuna, where he blesses him with the Pasupata-astra considered an avatara?


texts: Difference between Samprajnata and Asamprajnata Samadhi?

texts:
Samādhi is the highest state of consciousness that a human can reach in life. It is the goal of our spiritual journey on earth.
Samadhi has been divided into two parts: Samprajnata and Asamprajnata.

What is the difference between the two?
Is it true that in Samadhi a human can control Nature?


texts: Why did Parshurama curse Karna for not being a Brahmin?

texts:
Shree Krishna explained us in Bhagavad Gita that Brahmin is a quality.

  Bhagavad Gita 18.41: The duties of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—are distributed according to their qualities, in accordance with their guṇas (and not by birth).

Karna already got teaching of all the Vedas before he goes to Parsurama so technically he was a Brahmin.

Then why exactly did Parashurama curse Karna for not being a Brahmin?


texts: Are mythologies real (historical) or merely allegorical?

texts:
Are all mythologies real or are they stories or symbolic things meant to teach us something higher?

I know that we (individuals) too are not so real as far as Vedanta is concerned. All is one. But like Rama and Krishna, did the Puranic stories really happen?

Is there an Indra up there? May be he was needed to explain some concept of meta physics?

E.g., Akashat vayuhu...Vayur agni... have profound meta-physical meanings.

Probably, the Puranas were meant to store the highest knowledge in a way that even after 100,000 years, if a person questions "Who am I?", he could get its symbolic answers in Shastras.

Does Shiva really exist in the Himalayas or is he in you and me as Shivoham or both, depending on faith?


texts: What is the reason behind hanuman's brahmacharya?

texts: I don't have much details but have a straight question about the celibacy of hanuman. Is there any specific reason that hanuman is brahmachari other than that he is true devotee of lord ram and don't want any distraction from serving the lord ram.


texts: What is the source for the famous conversation between Adi Shankara and Chandala

texts:
Where is the conversation between Adi Shankaracharya and Chandala mentioned? I want the name of the scripture or whatever the source was.

Specifics : The specific conversation I am talking about refers to the one where Adi Shankara demands a Chandala he came across to "move aside" and the Chandala replies "do you mean my body or my atma".

Thanks!


texts: How does Sri Ramanujacharya explain this part of the Vishnu-Purana?

texts:
As per the biographies of Sri Ramanujacharya, He used to have regular conversations with Sri Vishnu. He also accepts the four-armed Form of Sri Vishnu as the Form of the Supreme Godhead. He quoted from the Vishnu-Purana in His writings, and therefore did accept this scripture as one Authority.

According to a part of the Vishnu-Purana, the Form of Sri Vishnu including His weapons are all symbolical : http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp057.htm

How did Sri Ramanujacharya or His followers explain this symbolical interpretation of Sri Vishnu of the Vishnu-Purana?


texts: What are the basis behind the concept of communication with God?

texts: Most devotees believe they can talk to God, either orally or mentally through their thoughts. They believe he will listen to them, and even grant them what they ask for. What are the foundations behind such a belief? Is it mentioned in the scriptures somewhere or is it based on teachings of the acharyas?


texts: When was Vasavadatta praised in Sita’s assembly?

texts:
Madal is an ancient Indian practice where a man rejected by the woman he loved would go around riding on a fake horse made of palmyra stems badmouthing the woman, in an effort to embarass her into marrying him.  Madal existed in both North India and South India, but in South Indian women weren’t allowed to practice it, only men.  Now the Periya Thirumadal and Siriya Thirumadal are two devotional poems by the Alwar Thirumangai Alwar in praise of Vishnu.  In these poems Thirumangai Alwar (a man) pretends to be a woman who was rejected by her beloved, Vishnu, and who defies South Indian custom by threatening to engage in Madal against Vishnu.

In order to justify this conduct, Thirumangai Alwar cites several examples of women in the past who have engaged in Madal and other overt romantic displays.  Here is one such example from the Siriya Thirumadal:

  ārāṉum ātāṉum allal avaḷ kāṇīr
  vārār vaṉamulai vācavatatai eṉṟu
  ārāṉum collappaṭuvāḷ avaḷum taṉ
  pēr āyam ellām oḻiyap perum teruve
  tār ār taṭam toḷ taḷaikkalaṉ piṉ pōṉāḷ
  ūrār ikaḻṇtiṭappaṭṭāḷē maṟṟeṉakkiṅku
  ārāṉum kaṟpippār nāyakarē

  She who is not any ordinary person, who covered her bosom in a corset, known as Vasavadatta, is praised by all, and even she, leaving aside all her friends in a huge street, went behind the king of Vatsa who had huge shoulders with garlands decorating them and who had his legs chained.  Was she spoken ill of by the people?  For me in my present state, can the words of those who counsel patience which is the opposite of my determination be binding on me?

For those who don’t know, Vasavadatta was the wife of Udayana king of Vatsa, and their love story is found in several sources but most famously in the Svapna Vasavadattam, a Sanskrit play by the 3rd century Sanskrit playwright Bhasa.  In any case, in his commentary on the Siriya Thirumadal, the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Periyavachan Pillai elaborates on Thirumangal Alwar’s statement that Vasavadatta is “praised by all”:

  prasittaiyaṉṟē? vilakṣaṇarellām koṇṭāṭappaṭṭavaḷaṉṟō? srī jaṉakarājaṉ tirumakaḷ ōlakkattilum kuṟaivaṟruḷoruttiyeṉṟu koṇṭāṭappaṭumavaḷaṉṟō?

  Is she not famous?  Is she not praised by all distinguished persons?  Was she not praised in the assembly of king Janaka’s daughter Sita as one woman without any faults?

I’m interested in the part in bold.  My question is, when was Vasavadatta praised in the assembly of Sita?  And what assembly is this?  Is this incident mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana?  If not, is it mentioned in one of the Ramayanas found in the Puranas?


texts: Can one learn to fight by doing tapasya? Is there any proof that tapasya will actually work?

texts:
In the Mahabharata and Ramayana, there are many incidents in which people performed tapasya and obtained boons. Like Arjuna doing tapasya and obtaining something from Shiva. Once Arjuna and Krishna did tapasya in the night and they obtained boon from Shiva quickly. But for others tapasya had to be done for long time to obtain boons. Why different lengths?

There is also the incident of Parashurama doing tapasya and obtaining some boons.

Is it possible now for someone to do tapasya and obtain knowledge of fighting, like Arjuna and Parashurama? How long will it take for someone to obtain such knowledge by tapasya now? And what will that person be able to achieve? If such a person were to go against the armies of the entire present world, who will be victorious? Will doing tapasya also give one weapons?

In Mahabharata there are descriptions of various weapons, which can be invoked by mantras, is it possible to obtain knowledge of those weapons, who will be able to give someone those weapons in the present Yuga? And how would one go about doing that?

Is there any proof that tapasya actually works in Kali Yuga? I mean proof outside of Puranas, Ithihasas.


texts: Is there any mention of asura's fighting God in vedas?

texts: There are many asura's who fought God in purans but is there any mention of asura's fighting God in vedas.


texts:
In the Ramayana, Shri Ram was an avatar of Vishnu; in the Gita or Mahabharata, Shri Krishna was an avatar of Vishnu. Everything they did in human form, they were perfectly able to do it in their original/God form.

Then why did they opt for a human avatar/form? Was it in order to come and live amongst normal people and then help them?


texts: Do RV 8.33.19 and 10.85.30 suggest women should wear a veil in the presence of men?

texts:
Some answers to What do Hindu scriptures say about women headscarf (hijab)? on Quora.com cite these verses from the Rigveda that seem to suggest Hindu women should wear a head veil:

  God made you women, so that you shall lower your gaze, do not look at men, keep your feet close, cover your head and do not disclose the garment, which should be concealed with the veil

  (Rig Veda Book 8 Hymn 33 Mantra 19-20)

  It's not good that a man covers his thigh with the female garment

  (Rig Veda Book 10 Hymn 85 Mantra 30)

In Zakir Naik style, the guy in this YouTube video (Hindi) also quotes one of these verses.

What is the context of these mantras/verses? Do they really suggest women during Rigvedic times wore a veil to cover their heads and faces?


texts: Is there any verse that talks about bad human births?

texts:
Now after having suffered the torments inflicted in the hells, the evil-doers pass into animal bodies. 2. Criminals in the highest degree enter the bodies of all plants successively. 3. Mortal sinners enter the bodies of worms or insects. 4. Minor offenders enter the bodies of birds. 5. Criminals in the fourth degree enter the bodies of aquatic animals. 6. Those who have committed a crime effecting loss of caste, enter the bodies of amphibious animals. 7. Those who have committed a crime degrading to a mixed caste, enter the bodies of deer. 8. Those who have committed a crime rendering them unworthy to receive alms, enter the bodies of cattle.
(Vishnu Smriti XLIV)

But those who do not follow either of these two paths are born among small animals and insects again and again. [This can be said about those who are born in] this third state: ‘Be born and die.’ This is why the other world does not get filled up. Therefore one should despise this state. Here is a verse on the subject—(Chandogya-Upanishad Verse 5.10.8)

So if you do bad karma you will be born as an animal and insects.
But is there any verse that tell us about human birth but with diseases, abnormality and disorders[Congenital disorder] .
Disorders that we inherent by our parents.


texts: What is the proper way to do Shiva Pooja?

texts:
I am doing Shivan pooja the following way:

Flowers/prasadam for guru, followed by small shlokam for guru
Flowers/prasadam for Ganesh, followed by chanting Om gum ganapathaye namaha 108 times
Chanting rudram and doing Shivan abhishekam
Abhishekam is done by first pouring water, then milk, then pouring water again.
Then decorating Shiva (i.e. flowers, thilakam, etc)
Singing Sivan song
Finally, showing arthi and singing Mantra pushpam

But is this the proper way of doing so? I am doing this based on readings online, but I want to be advised on proper protocol.


texts: Did Guru Tegh Bahadur really save Hindu religion?

texts:
I have heard from fellows, who are Hindus, that Guru Teg Bahadur laid his life to save Hindu Religion.

As per Chronicle, Teg Bahadur expect Kashmiri pundits to convert to Sikh Faith I.e to reject all philosophies like Idolatory and other aspects and believe and accept Sikh way of LIFE.

Kashmiri pundits saying to Aurangzeb that you should talk to our Guru(Teacher), if he converted then we will.

Calling teg Guru is acceptance of Sikh philosophy.

How can we say Teg Bahadur saved Hinduism?


texts: Where can we find the description of how Maharaja Parikshith (as a baby) was saved by Sri Krishna?

texts: I am looking for references on the story of Sri Krishna saving Parikshith. Specifically looking for references to section where Sri Krishna is said to have touched the charred body of the baby, vowing to his brahmacharya and truthfullness.


texts:
Upanishads tell us that knowledge alone leads to Mukti. Not true, says Gita...Karma and Bhakti are also valid.

If Upanishads are Shruti, and Gita is Smruti, and, if Shruti trumps Smruti, should we ignore this Gita teaching? As Shankaracharya did, more or less?


texts: Which RigVedic deities have a parentage in the RigVeda itself?

texts: Later scriptures have given geneologies to RigVedic deities who have no parentage in the RigVeda.  I am asking about one rigVedic deity giving birth to another.


texts: What slokas/mantras needs to told while offering food to god

texts: While it is a normal practice to prepare food and offer it to god before eating. I would like to know what slokas/mantras needs to told while offering food to god. Also if there are any specific procedures to be followed, Pl. share the same.


texts: Why no one ever tried to stop Indra from disturbing penance?

texts:
Indra has tried to disturb penance of many including Demons (Hiranya Kashyapu, Ravana etc.), saints (Vishvamitra, Narada etc.) and even of small kid (Dhruva). The list is so long.
And this thing also can't be denied that He only did this for his own insecurity or protection (more like greed I guess). He didn't want to loose his Heaven that's why He
always try to disturb penance of almost everyone.

Point to note here is that, as per Divine rule, whoever will do penance then he will surely get merits. Even Indra became King of heaven by doing Ashwamegha yagyas. He did penance in form of yagyas and Became King of heaven. Thus he took merits of Diving rule and achieved everything.
Question here arises if he himself can take advantage of Divine rule then how he can stop someone from doing same? Who gave him rights to disturb penance of anyone he like?

My concern here is not about why Indra does this? My question here is that why no one ever try to stop him from doing this? Trideva (Creator, Preserver, Destroyer) also never lift even a finger to stop Indra's this cruelty and greed act. They didn't even say something about it. They seen all but keep their silence.
If someone is doing penance of any Lord then isn't it becomes little bit duty of that Lord to give some protection to the person who is doing deep penance in name of him? Why Lord never got involve when Indra tried to disturb penance of their devotees?

Only one example I know when Shiva stepped in, but he came only after death of devotee(not when he was alive). When all other ways of disturbing deep penance of demon (forgot name) failed then Indra chopped his head during his penance. He killed an ascetic while he was unconscious from outer world. Then Shiva tried to teach Indra a lesson. But still it was not Indra's last attempt but he keep doing this work as per his free will. As no-one(even Trideva) has rights to stop Indra from doing this.

Why Indra was never being stopped from doing this?


texts:
I am looking for Sanskrit text for Shodasha baahu narasimhashtakam.
Which is composed by Vijayendra Teertha of Madhwa line.


texts: Why did Balram, Vidur, and Rukmi did not participate in the Mahabharata war?

texts: Balram, Vidur, and Rukmi are the neutrals of the war. They did not fight for any side. Why did those three not fight for any side?


texts: Guarding of women's quarter in the later Vedic and Puranic eras

texts: We come to learn from the Mahabharata and various puranas that Krishna had 16,000 or 16,100 wives besides his 8 principal consorts. Is there any direct or indirect reference in any of the major/minor puranas on how he used to protect his gynaeceum from intruders? In the Mughal period we find that eunuchs or castrated men were deputed for guarding harems. Is there any mention of similar methods in the puranas for safeguarding the chamber of the women? Krishna had to spend quite a long time out of Dwaraka due to the Kurukshetra war and other miscellaneous events. Hence, it seems quite obvious for him to have taken suitable measures to keep his enviable harem, teeming with over 16,000 ladies, away from the lustful eyes of other Yadavas and outsiders. Please do not try to give divine explanations. I want answers strictly from sceptic point of view with authentic reference.


texts:
Vardhanti - Birth Anniversary or Death Anniversary or Both?

In Telugu Language, Vardhanti will be called/termed only for Death Anniversary
Recently I came to know that in Kannada - Vardhanti will be termed/called for only Birth Anniversary. This confuses me and feels there's a grave error among them.

What exactly Vardhanti means? Which is the correct meaning as per Sanskrit? Or For Both of the cases does the word Vardhanti will be called? which is the right term to be called?

Kindly clarify.


texts:
Do same events repeat in every "Yuga" ?

I mean I heard that Ramayana occurs in every "Treta Yuga" several times in vast time cycles.

In the same way for example, will Michael Jackson be born in every "Kaliyug"? Or for that matter every event that is happening now has been happening since ages and will repeat the same?

If so, then where is the point of Karma?

Is it predestined or can we influence the changes by our own deeds? If so how is it applicable? Please any one explain.


texts:
What is the origin of Naam Traya Mantra? Or in which scripture this mantra is mentioned? The mantra is Om Achutaya namaha Anantaya namaha Govindaya Namaha. I don't know the correct form but these 3 names of God Vishnu are there in Naam Traya Mantra. I also got the Rishi and Chanda from internet but don't know in which scripture this information is found?

Image link


texts: What is the concept of a week in Hinduism?

texts:
Most Hindu festivals are pinned to a Lunar day or Tithi like Rama-navami, hera-pancami etc. The 7-day week runs out-of-sync with the lunar tithis; it would be very confusing to try to follow both at the same time.

Yet many astrological sites also assign deities and planets to the 7-day week days. Is it just a recent western superimposition? Or are there any references to vasara or weekdays in the scriptures?


texts: What is the significance of hand imprint of the departed soul in ash of cow dung set in a plate in a locked room overnight, after Garud Puran?

texts: We were told to perform this i.e., placing ash of cow dung in a plate in a locked room, for the probable hope that the hand imprint of our loved one would appear. What is the significance of this? What if the hand imprint doesn't appear? What does that mean?


texts: What is the importance of fate line in our hands?

texts: I have heard that our life works on the fate line, What do our scriptures say about fate line?


texts: Why do most people fast on Rama Navami but not on Janmashtami?

texts: Why do people fast on Rama Navami unlike Krishna Janmashtami where we celebrate with lot of sweets?


texts:
In Hinduism, time is generally called as KAla.

Is there any mention in any scripture about the existence of timelessness. I mean where kAla does not exist.


texts: Was Shri Rama named by Maharishi Vashishtha?

texts: If so, was there any specific reason behind choosing that name?


texts:
The question is related to when (e.g., 500 BC or 100 BC or 10,000 BC) did Valmiki, the creator of the Ramayana, live?
I saw a discrepancy in this:

According to Wikipedia:

The Vālmīki's Rāmāyaṇa is dated variously from 500 BC to 100 BC ... He is the author of the epic Rāmāyaṇa

It is also known that Valmiki lived in the era of Ramayana, as he met Sita and taught Ramayana to Lava and Kusha. Here is the discrepancy, because Ramayana is quoted here (by Dr. P. V. Vartak) to have taken place in 7600 BC:

Therefore, Ramayana must have occurred 9600 years ago, which is 7600 B.C approximately.

Question: How can Valmiki write Ramayana in 200-500 BC when he was also present during Ramayana in 9600 BC? Isn't it a huge discrepancy of about 9000 years?!


texts:
For navagraha shanti (satisfying 9 planets), people give navadhanya daana respective to the planet, does it has power to transfer our sins earned by our own karma or it is just meant to satisfy the planets?

Are there ways to transfer punya/punyam or pap/papam?


texts: Which Pancharatra text has controversial statements on Vedas?

texts:
It is known that Adi Shankara had presented the view that Pancharatra is not in accordance with the Vedas in his commentaries.

I want to know how many such verses are there in the agama which is directly or indirectly blaming the vedas?

For instance the following statement:

  Moreover, manifold contradictions are met with in the Bhâgavata
  system, with reference to the assumption of qualities and their
  bearers. Eminence of knowledge and ruling capacity, strength, valour,
  and glory are enumerated as qualities, and then they are in some other
  place spoken of as Selfs, holy Vâsudevas, and so on.--Moreover, we
  meet with passages contradictory of the Veda. The following passage,
  for instance, blames the Veda, 'Not having found the highest bliss in
  the Vedas Sândilya. studied this sâstra.'--For this reason also the
  Bhâgavata doctrine cannot be accepted.


texts: Can rituals like 'Tila tarpana' be performed on "Ratha sapthami" day?

texts:
What rituals have to be done and what activities/celebrations/rituals should NOT be done and who has to do what on Ratha sapthami day?

Can we perform "Tila tarpana"  on Ratha sapthami day for fathers or fore-fathers who have passed away long back?

Can any celebratory ceremonies like House Warming be performed on Ratha sapthami day? Are there any exclusions for the same?


texts: Where is method to astral projection (sookshma sharira,) described, is there any mudra/Asana to help simulate astral projection, mentioned?


texts:
Is there any good book on Mahabharata which explains the psychology behind the stories with real life lessons ?
Thanks


texts: What is the meaning of brAhmana, as mentioned in Rig Veda II.36.5?

texts:
Rig Veda II.36.5 says

eṣa sya te tanvo nṛmṇavardhanaḥ saha ojaḥ pradivi bāhvorhitaḥ |
tubhyaṃ suto maghavan tubhyamābhṛtastvamasya brāhmanādā tṛpat piba ||

Translation of Ralph T.H. Griffith is as follows:

This is the strengthener of thy body's manly might: strength, victory
for all time are placed within thine arms. Pressed for thee, Maghavan,
it is offered unto thee: drink from the chalice of this Brahman, drink
thy fill.

Translation of H.H. Wilson (p.183) is as follows:

This (libation). Indra. augmenter of thy bodily (vigour). favourable
of old to the resistless strength of (thy) arms: it is effused.
Meghavan. for thee. it is brought to thee from the Brahmana. do thou
drink and be satisfied.

Both the translations are giving the meaning of from brAhmana.  Though the word बरह्मा - brAhman was mentioned in II.1.2, it indicates the Almighty.  However, here the word brAhmana was used.
In Rig Veda X.90.12, बराह्मण - brAhmana was used indicating one from Varna system, along with kshatriya, Vyasya and Sudra.
However, in the mantra in question, the word brAhmana alone was used that to requesting Indra to take oblation from a brAhmana.
I don't think it was used with the meaning of Varna system.
Can anyone throw light, please?


texts: I always wonder why Hindu Gods carry weapons. I mean they are "Gods", why do they need weapons?


texts: Is it permissible to deny the authority of Manusmriti?

texts:
Is it permissible to deny the authority of Manusmriti considering that all the four major schools of Hinduism(Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smarta tradition) only consider Vedas and Upanishads as their scriptural authority?

Edit:
My question has more to do with authority of Manusmriti than its acceptance in society. Can a normal follower of one of the above mentioned schools of Hinduism do away with Manusmriti by denying it while still following the other dharmic philosophies?


texts: In the Kurukṣetra war, did anyone attempt to kill Kṛṣṇa and end the war instantly?

texts:
In the Kurukṣetra war, we often hear of great one-on-one battles between Arjuna & Bhīṣma, Arjuna & Droṇa, Bhīma & Karṇa, Arjuna & Karṇa, etc.

Since Kṛṣṇa was performing the role of charioteer for Arjuna, did anyone attempt to kill Kṛṣṇa and end the war instantly?

Were most of the Kauravas, Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Karṇa etc. aiming their astras and śastras only at Arjuna?

Or was Kṛṣṇa ever the direct target of their weapons? If not, why?

I'm assuming killing the charioteer and those who protect the chariot (foot soldiers) was all fair game in the Kurukṣetra war.


texts: Can a Vaishnava saint give Shakti mantra mantra initiation to any one or vice versa?

texts: According to the Mantrayogasamhita, different people with different mental inclinations should have different deities as Ishta. Can a Vaishnava Guru give initiation by Shakti mantra or a Shaakta Guru for Vishnu/Krishna/Gopala mantra?


texts: My teacher gave me the name Salilā (सलिला). The meaning given was "a flowing river that gives life to all living beings". Can anyone share meaning in relation to the Veda's?


texts:
In jyotisha, Budha and Shukra are best friends.

What is the story and reason behind it?


texts: Authentic Traditional Texts On Homa Procedures?

texts:
Are there any authentic traditional texts on homa procedures like the Ganapathi Homa for example. I know there is a Parashuram Kalpasutra followed by some Sri Vidya lineages. Looking for others as well.

thanks


texts: Why is the idol of Lord Ganesha immersed in water (visarjana)?

texts:
At the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha is usually immersed (referred to as visarjana) in a water body, as the concluding rite.

What is the reason behind this?
Also, why is visarjana (immersion) only done on certain days e.g., 1.5, 5 or 11 days after the idol has been installed?


texts: Dating the Battle of Ten Kings relative to the Ramayana and Mahabharata

texts: Related to this question though much more specific: are there any clues we can glean about the historical situation of the Battle of Ten Kings relative to the Ramayana or other well known events? Maybe through genealogies etc?


texts: Did Lord Rama win as a king but fail as a husband? Why or why not?

texts: Rama was full of different aspects of his life, such as son, friend, brother, king but I feel that he has spread like a husband because who left his pregnant wife after listening to a washer man though his wife always stood by his side like a shadow.


texts: Why should god bless us & fulfil our wishes?

texts:
Whenever we wish for something to God, why should god provide us with what we ask?

What does god get by giving, whatever we wish for?

Does god fulfilling our wishes is also part of the plan of God?


texts:
What are different types of ganam in Sama Veda? And how are they different from each other? Does the mantra remain the same in all the different type of ganam?

I am particularly interested to understand about uhyaganam.


texts: How accurate is the depiction of Valmiki in Valmiki-Pratibha?

texts:
In Valmiki-Pratibha, an opera by Rabindranath Tagore, Valmiki is depicted as a robber & murderer who becomes a pious ascetic. I have heard that this story is taken from the Uttara Khanda of Ramayana.

How accurate is the depiction? Can there be any debate about it?


texts:
Worship of God has a great significance in Hindu religion.

From a simple practice of expressing gratitude to God to a worship done for Atma Shuddhi{ or purification of the being}, there are many reasons for this sacred daily practice, of worshipping God.

It is often heard that all Pujas are to be done, strictly  keeping the Vidhi and Vidhan in mind.It can therefore be deduced that Vidhi and Vidhan, of worship, are complimentary to each other.

Explain in brief what is the meaning of strictly keeping the Vidhi and Vidhan, in mind during worship.Suitable examples, explaining the same may also  be given.


texts: How can we explain the 'vardan (boon)' of 'amaratva (immortality)'?

texts: If the gods are reluctant to give the vardan or boon of amaratva (immortality) then why are certain personalities like Ashwasthhama and other chiranjivis immortal?


texts:
I have the "Vivekachudamani" of Adi Sankaracharya in Sanskrit language with word-by-word meaning in Hindi but still I am finding very difficult to understand it.

Is there any Online site (for Hard copy/ soft copy) available in English/Hindi translation or commentaries of "Vivekachudamani" in order to understand it's Adhyatmik rahashya? or
Does any YouTube link available on this(for easy reference)?

As per one of spiritual enlightened person said that, "Vivekachudamani (famous Sanskrit poem) is one of most perfect book to find a perfect Guru (By knowing his qualities) and become a prominent disciple and finally leads to (those who want/aspirant for) MOKSHA.

  The Vivekachudamani describes developing Viveka—the human faculty of discrimination— as the central task in the spiritual life and calls it the crown jewel among the essentials for Moksha. The title Vivekachudamani translates to Crest Jewel of Discrimination. It has the form of dialogue between the master and the disciple, where the master explains to the disciple the nature of the Atman and the ways to research and know the Atman. The book takes the disciple on a step by step instructions to reach Brahman. It then expounds the significance of Self Realisation, ways to reach it, and the characteristics of a Guru. It teaches the disciple the ways to attain Self-realization, methods of meditation (dhyana) and introspection of the Atman.

Source


texts: From where is "Niranjano nirakara, eko devo Maheswara" mantra taken from?

texts:
Niranjano nirakara, eko devo Maheswara

From where is this mantra taken?

It seems to be related to the mahamritunjaya Mantra.


texts: Is every born child a Muslim and belongs to Islam?

texts:
Few months back I asked a question about Why Muslims want to convert non Muslims to Islam on Islam Stack Exchange. All the answers I got was totally disappointing and doesn't answer my question. I thought that they will say that all the religions are equal but instead they said that Islam is the only religion which is above every religion

People at Islam Stack Exchange answered my question with the different points and I was in shock. They said all other religions are praying to god which never exist. Hindu religion pray to cow or a statue who cannot protect himself so how these are god.

As I was the minority there so I gave up. (If you guys can help me over there, so I am ready for the discussion again).

Well my major doubt is one of the guy from Islam stack Exchange said
    Every child takes birth as a Muslim. Whether he is born in a Christian household or a Hindu family, he is born a Muslim. But his parents and caretakers make him a Christian, a Jew or other Non-Muslim

How much is this statement correct?


texts: What should we believe in- Karma or Fortune?

texts: Hindu Dharma(religion) belief on Karma(work) and Karmaphala(result of work). By which we can say that if we do good work then the result will also be good. And if we do bad work then the result will be bad. But in astrology, It is said that we (human beings) depend on fortune. It does not depend on karma. So if we do good work, the fortune will be not changed. Therefore, by astrolog, our behaviour of work in very useless. But Hindu Dharma strongly recommend on good karm. So my question is which should belief in and make inspiration to ahead in life?


texts: What are the counter-arguments within Hinduism(scriptures) against the Birth based Varna and Caste system?

texts:
Even if earlier Varna was not birth based, and later it degenerated into birth base Varna and even later into birth based caste system.
But whether there are counter arguments within Hinduism(esp. Hindu scriptures) regarding this degeneration into Birth based Varna/Caste system?


texts:
We read many times that a particular deva/person/asura was given a boon that he could e.g., become invincible, no one can kill him or will get something or the other.

On the other hand, some people are cursed that something bad will happen to them either immediately or after some time.

I wanted to know how can a person say something (good or bad) about another person and Gods/nature will fulfill that. In case of Gods, it is still ok to an extent that they can do anything, but for mortal persons to be able to give a boon or curse is something which is confusing.

Even in case of Gods, e.g., if they give a boon to someone that he cannot be defeated in a war, how will they make sure that he will only fight with ones who are less powerful than him and not stronger?

So what do Gods/people do for their boon or curse to really work?


texts: How has been the religious exchange among India and the West after Vivekananda's Chicago speech?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda in his time had stated that spiritualism grew at a faster rate in India contrasting to the West, where materialism developed faster.

In his later life he had in fact been disenchanted with Hinduism he witnessed at his time and on occasion suggested a sort of "trade" between the spiritually developed India and America to mutual benefit. It was aimed or was hoped to strike a balance between the two cultures influenced by of respective religious roots when unfolding.

Nothing changed tangibly that was noticed after his Chicago address or return..

Is this true? Has any systematic work been undertaken for a two-way influence between the West and East? Or is this just a figment of imagination from a poor man's viewpoint for self-appeasement?


texts: Is there any reference of a demon or rakshasa having a varna? Was Varna system followed by Rakshasas?


texts: Many years ago  (mid 60s) the sahitya syllabus of the pramana patriya course at the Sanskrit University in Benaras included the Moolaramayanam. A very slim volume which summarised the whole epic in a small number of slokas (100 or 200 or so I can't remember). Where can I obtain a copy of this? I got my original copy at Motilal Banarsidass in the old town but I can't find it listed anywhere on the internet.


texts: Was/is there such a thing as Yoga Sleep as an initiation ritual?

texts: What I would consider an unreliable source (and not a Hindu) wrote about an ancient initiation ritual he called Yoga Sleep that took place in a sepulchre and involved a hierophant taking a pupil into a higher state of consciousness (which left his body lie inert in a kind of deep slumber) for three days where his soul was led through the spheres of the spiritual world.  The pupil was then called 'back into life' by the hierophant where he would utter certain words.  There is more detail but I thought this would do for starters.  I'm not asking if this is possible but if this is something that is recorded as happening in history or even mythology or whether it's someone getting creative with someone else's religion.


texts: What is the origin of the Viśvasara Tantra? Does anyone know, when about it was written? It is given as the source for the Guru stotram, but I have not been able to find out more, except that all websites copy from one another. Thank you for your help.


texts:
There are many yoga siddhis in scriptures: Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, Vasitva.
I wonder why no yogi exhibit them.
I heard several reasons. But I don't know whether there is any scriptural statement that forbids exhibition of siddhis.
Is there any such scriptural statement of forbidding exhibition of siddhis?


texts: I want to get a permanent tatto on my body. Is it sacred in Hinduism or not?

texts: Can I get a permanent tattoo of mother Earth as a respect towards her? I want to get it on my back just between the shoulders. Is getting a permanent tattoo on our body sacred according to Hinduism?


texts:
Like Why people are named after Shantanu? , this is more specific than Why is God's name used for people? .

I heard about an Indian woman (possibly Hindu) with a given name of Sati the other day. Although familiar with people being named after other gods, I found that hard to believe, but checking the internet, this site confirmed that Sati is an Indian female name.

Are women named after the goddess Sati, or is it just a coincidence (the name's only two syllables long, so it seems plausible)?


texts: How did Swaminarayan Bhagwan die? Did he take samadhi like Shri Ram or someone killed him like Shri Krishna?


texts: Why Devas are worshiped by humans? Where all are one Brahman?

texts:
I don't know that why Devas are worshiped by humans? In another word, it can be said that, they are worshiped by themselves. Because, We know that all thing, all creature of this world are one Brahman. So I can say that I am(Atman, not body) Devas and Devas is me. Because I am a part of Brahman, Devas and all creature are part of Brahman. Then if Devas is humans and humans is Devas, so why It became the low to worship Devas. And also there is no rules to worship humans, we only serve(seva) to them. Where humans are part of Brahman. Then why we can only worship to Devas, a part of Brahman, and we can't worship to humans, another part of Brahmans. And Vivekananda said, if you serve human, then you also served Brahman. And also it is said that if you worship Devas, they will bless you. But why? Why Devas bless us only if I worship him? whereas they are not above from Karma. And this is responsibility of Devas to serve Brahman. And they can serve Brahman by worship Trideva, by blessing humans. Then why it is needed to worship Devas to be blessed by them?

Note:- It is not duplicate of this post. It is only Update of 1st Q of that post.


texts: If nobody is really suffering, does that mean we can harm anyone?

texts:
Somebody said --> Nobody is really suffering. Nobody is really ignorant or anything. It is just a movie. We suffer because we think it is real. The moment we realize the Truth, we are happy and always enjoy the illusion show. Advaita perspective.

Does that mean if nobody is suffering, we can harm anyone? Why would GOD want us to harm anyone?


texts:
Any Mantras, Shlokas, Stotras related to gain mental strength, overcome mental disorders.
Which God is related to mind, related to these mental aspects like mental strength, mind related disorders.
Which God would you pray in a situation, where everyone is your enemy, playing mind games, deceiving others to hate you..etc..
Are there any practices in Hinduism related to Mental Strength?
There should be some scriptures in Hinduism which deals in detail with mental disorders, like depression, mental weakness etc, and how to overcome them..
Previously I used to say Let everyone be happy – In English..
But then I started saying  this Sloka, after learning it:
ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः|
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग् भवेत् ||
So I strongly believe that Sanskrit words and Sanskrit phrases have effect on my mind..
Please write some Sanskrit Phrases, Shlokas which will help me in mental toughness.
What Sanskrit affirmations (probably recommended in Scriptures) should I tell Myself every morning?
Please give Specific, detailed answer with Script reference if possible..


texts: Is the "narayanam namaskrtya" benedictory initial stanza present in the critical editions of the Mahabharata?

texts: D.D. Kosambi writes that V.S. Suktankar's 1933 text-criticism rejected it.  What do different critical editions say about that?


texts: If Nimi and Kukshi were sons of Ikshvaku then how could Rama and Sita marry? If they shared common ancestry then they would become brother and sister in relation, right? please elaborate.


texts: The Abrahamic religions have Biblical apocrypha, sections of the work claimed by some to be authentic but excluded by the main body of the religion. Does the Gita have any similar sections?


texts: Examples of Anuloma and Pratiloma marriages?

texts:
Anuloma is marriage between a sudra woman and higher caste man.
Pratiloma is marriage between a sudra man and higher caste women.

We know that there are several examples of Anuloma marriages from scriptures. E.g., the case of Ravana and Vyasa.

But is there any example of Pratiloma marriage, especially between Brahmin women and Sudra man? And was it prohibited in the shastras?

http://www.importantindia.com/2834/anuloma-and-pratiloma-marriage/


texts: Did Vishnu ever appear as two purnavatharas at same time?

texts:
It is evident from scriptures that multiple ansavatharas of Vishnu existed at same time may or may not be along with his purnavathar.

But did Vishnu ever appear as two or more purnavatharas at the same time?


texts: The Pic is taken in The Shiva temple of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. I wonder if it is Nrisingha Dev (Vishnu avatar) or a protector?


texts: Punnya from donation / charity for married person in Hinduism

texts:
In Hinduism is it the case that :-

If married person does any charity from "His own earned income" (not from income of wife or forefathers) , then half of his Punnya is given to his wife and half to him.

But if he is un married then full Punnya goes in his account.

Is it true?


texts:
Shiva is white, Rama is sky blue, Krishna is black, Hanuman is Goldena and Gowri is red (red+white+yellow in fact) in color.

Though the God is unique, He takes different forms with different colors for each avatar. Is there any significance behind the colors?

Can we apply the same theory of color is based on character to humans?


texts: Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Mantra in Mahabaratha

texts:
The following is Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Mantra.

  Anantho Vasukee Seshaha Padmanaabhascha Kambalaha Sankhapaalo
  Dhaatharaastraha Takshaka Kaaliyasthatha Ethaani Navanaamaani
  Nagaanaam cha Mahaathmanaam Saayamkaale pateth nityam praathakaale

Is this mantra present in Mahabharata?

If it is, who said this mantra to whom and why?


texts: Are persons from lower castes allowed inside temples according to agama shastras?

texts: In the pre partitioned era some temples placed ban on lower castes entering temples. Is there any basis for this prohibition in the agama shastras?


texts:
Every kalpa has 14 manvantaras and each manvantara has an Indra. Name of current Indra is Purandhara.

Anybody knows, previous life of the current Indra Purandara?
How exactly he became qualified to become Indra?


texts:
Why did the Pandavas have so many wives?

I know they had multiple wives each, but why did they have so many wives? Was it just for pleasure? Or did they want lots of male lineages for political purposes?


texts: Should I keep Vinayak Chaturthi or Sankasti Chaturthi Vrat every month?

texts: People advised me to keep Sankasti Chaturthi  ...Later I found out about Vinayaka Chaturthi too ... So, Can I take only Sankasti Chaturthi every month or do I have to take both every month ?


texts: Bramhacharya and restriction on cosmetics

texts: Dharma shastras restrict Bramhacharis from applying perfumes and oils. Is it possible that Moisturiser is also restricted, and if yes, then is there any shastra advice for sweaty and dry skin bramhacharis what should they do if they have to avoid the sin of applying cosmetics.


texts: Does the Samkhya Darshana describe 24 tattva belonging only to human state or to all other conscious states?

texts: What would be the Tattva for the Sun or moon or say any star? If I was tree in the previous birth then from where the liking of the certain taste, things etc emerged in my childhood? If tanmatras are migrated or "sesha" which define the affinity and  karma of once new life, then what it would be for the conscious being other than human being or this form in which we are?


texts:
Sri Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha (Paramaguru of Sri Raghavendra Tirtha)

Explains through a simple analogy or Upamaanam. Â Mahan Sri Vijayeendra Tirthar jestingly asks: Â "Will a mother willingly and knowingly give poison to her child and, then also give an anti-dote for the poison? The answer is NO. Similarly, would anyone knowingly enter/ jumpÂ into dirt and then clean oneselves up from dirt? The answer is NO. So, why would the Lord create Jivatmas and knowingly put Avidya, Agyanam into them that then makes them think that they are different from the Paramatma which supposedly they are not, Then why would the Lord also give them ways (i.e., study of scriptures, atma vichaara etc. etc.) by sending a messenger, as an anti-dote to overcome this Avidya? Similarly, why would the Jivaatmas enter into dirt knowingly if they were originally unsullied that makes them deluded and, then later study scriptures to realise that they are the same as Brahman??

So definitely Jivatma and Paramatma are totally seperate . Whats your comments?


texts: Aren't girls allowed to have twin-braid hairstyle?

texts: I came across a facebook post that today schools instruct girl students to have twin braid hairstyle due to lack of knowledge in Sastras, but actually as per Sastras it is prohibited. Is it true? If yes, provide along with source from any scriptures.


texts: Which scripture says Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa was born on Asad Purnima?

texts: It is believed that Vyasa was born on Asad Purnima. That's the reason Asad Purnima is known as Vyasa Purnima. But, which scripture says Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa was born on Asad Purnima?


texts:
While some puranas describe Indra as a devotee of Lord Vishnu or other gods, the Vedas, in contrast depict Lord Indra as the most important gods. This is visible across the length and breadth of the Vedic literature.

However, in the puranas we find stories that Indra was defeated by Lord Krishna and others, Lord Indra was helpless and hence went and prayed to Lord Vishnu etc.

Why is  that the importance of Vedic gods, especially Indra, Agni, etc. reduced after the advent of puranic worship?

  Indra: About a quarter of the Rig Veda is addressed to Indra. There is hardly any hymn where Indra has not been celebrated. Even in the
  Soma Mandala, Indra has been called out as the Greatest Somapa
  (Drinker of Soma). He is the Satakratu (Performer of hundred yajnas),
  the Maghavan (Bestower of plenty), the Purandr (Destroyer of enemies’
  forts). He is the Hero of the Heroes.

  Vishnu: Vishnu is a minor God (less mainframe), linked to his 3
  strides. Only 6 hymns of the Holy Rg Veda extol Lord Visnu. Vishnu
  has been variously called Urukrama (wide strides) Urugaya (Wide
  moving). In Rig Veda Vishnu has been several times associated with
  Indra. Vishnu accompanied the Great Indra in several battles against
  Dasas and A-suras, most significant being the annihilation of Vrtr.

  Subsequent Vaishnav cult and Puranic literature reversed the roles,
  identifying Lord Vishnu with the sustainor and relegating Indra to a
  minor rain-God, who was vanquished by an Avatar - Lord Krshna.

What is then the reason that mainstream Vedic gods were replaced by others?

Who is responsible for this shift from Vedic to puranic worship?


texts: what is the story of Krishanu the archer?

texts:
Rigveda alludes a story where a falcon steals Soma from the heaven and gives it the Manu/Indra for sacrificial purpose. The Soma is guarded by fortification and it is protected by an archer name Krishanu. In the process of stealing, Krishanu hits the falcon by an arrow ensuing in loss of a feather of the falcon. However, the falcon succeeds in this task.

The same Krishanu fires an arrow towards Indra and Vishnu in the famous hymn which mentions of 90 horses of Vishnu. Questions:

Do we know from later texts who was Krishanu?
Why did he attack Indra and Vishnu?
Why did the falcon steal Soma from the heaven?


texts:
How to know interpolation in Purana
And how to know right translation of slokas


texts:
It is well known that Indra had gifted the Vasavi Sakti weapon to Karna in return of the Kavash and Kundal.

But, why is that weapon so powerful? What is the origin of Vasavi Sakti??