texts: Did the influence of Jains reduce animal sacrifice in Hinduism?

texts:
In the Wikipedia article on Jainism and Hinduism, there is a section  Vedic sacrifices which says following:

  The practice of Vedic animal sacrifices was opposed by Jains. Hemachandra, a Jain monk, cites passages from Manusmriti, one of the law book of Hindus, to demonstrate how, in light of false scriptures, Hindus have resorted to violence. Akalanka, another Jain monk, sarcastically said that if killing can result in enlightenment, one should become a hunter or fisherman."

I remember a grahapravesham ceremony in which the homeowner was asked to cut some lemons and place them in different directions from his new house as "bali" (to ward off evil influences, may be).  It is likely that the lemon used to be an animal in olden days. Also the coconut that is present in most South Indian sacraments might be a replacement for the head of a sacrificed animal.


texts:
In Shiva Purana this sentence "After taking the permission of her parents and relinquishing all of her ornaments and royal apparels, Parvati went to the same place where Lord Shiva himself had done penance"
http://www.gloriousindia.com/scriptures/puranas/shiva_purana/narada_preaches_parvati_does_penance.php

What is the meaning of penance ?

in oxford dictionary it means an act that you give yourself to do, or that a priest gives you to do in order to show that you are sorry for something you have done wrong.
 what sin did she done?.. or does it means approaching to God?


texts: We know that present Vyasa is Krishna Dwaipayana. There is a detail about him in Mahabharata. But who is Badarayana Vyasa and what is his story? In which mahayuga was he the Vyasa?


texts:
My questions are simple(both from advaita and dvaita point of views):

Was there ever a time when I was not there?

If yes then how did I come into being and from what ?

If no then have I lived infinite number of ignorant lives ?


texts: Is it wise to kill an insect just because it is bothering you

texts:
Is it wise to kill an insect just because it is wandering around your apartment or just because it is bothering you?

I've seen people killing small insects just because it is wandering/jumping/hiding in apartments. I always wonder why people kill an insect if it is not harmful. They can just carefully take them away or show them some other path.

People kill insects for two reasons 1) they might bite them or 2) they might spread disease.

But an insect isn't aware of that. It doesn't know whether its presence will create the disease in the human race.

I googled "dangerous insects" and at the top I got web page titling "25 Most Dangerous Bugs In The World". Below is an excerpt from the article.

  Termites: While they are not dangerous in the typical sense of the word as they play a critical role in the environment and even in some culture’s diets, they have the potential to cause major damage to crops and infrastructure.

Fine, they have the potential to damage our crops and infrastructure, but is it their fault? They are just trying to survive. Is it wise to kill an insect in such situations?


texts: When did Vishnu destroy trident of Shiva?

texts:
Vishnu Sahasranama stotram consist of thousand names of Lord Vishnu. The most popular one is from Anushasana parva of Mahabharata which was said by Bhishma to Yudhishtira. But there are other versions of Vishnu Sahasranamam i.e., there are other names of Lord Vishnu in other puranas. They occur in Skanda Purana, Padma Purana and Garuda Purana where the reciter and listener are different.

Vishnu Sahasranama stotram from the Padma Purana is present in the Uttara Khanda. Lord Shiva says these names to Parvati. Following is an excerpt of the stotra

  shivatrishoolavidhvamsee shreekanThaikavarapradah |
  narahkrushNo haridharmanandano dharmajeevanah || 52
   ||

  He is the destroyer of Siva's trident.He is the only giver of
  boons to Siva. He is the 'man'. He is Krsna. He is Hari. He is
  delighted in righteousness. Righteousness is his life.

When did Lord Vishnu destroy the trident of Lord Shiva?


texts: Some temples shiva is worshipped in the form of "khandakarnam".Even shivaling is worshipped in the same temple.


texts:
In Hindu temples we can see that many people does Dandvat Pranam.

Why it is consider as more important than normal namaskara mudra ?


texts: Should we remove gemstone while sleeping? Any other situation where we should remove it?

texts:
When should we remove gemstones? Should we remove them at night while sleeping? Should we remove them while having sex and bath?
I know that during funerals we should remove them, but apart from that are there other times when we should remove them?


texts:
This scene from Shri Krishna shows the family eating food.

It looks like today's Indian food, i.e. Rice, Roti, Sabzi.

What food did they eat during Lord Krishna's time?


texts:
आदित्यवर्णेतपसोधिजात: वनस्पति: तव वव्रिक्शोथ बिल्व:

aadityavarnetapasodhijataha vanaspati tava vrikhsoth bilwahaa (Bel/Bilwa)

vanaspati : the one who gives fruit without flowers (Manusmriti chap 1 verse 47)

  अपुषपा फलन्वितो ये ते वनस्पतय स्मृता

apushpa falanato ye te vanaspatayaa smrita

vriksha(Tree) : which gives flower as well as fruit

  पुषपिण: फलिनशचैव व्रुक्शास्तुभयत: स्म्रुता:

pushpinaa falinashiva vrikshastubhayatahaa smrita

How is it possible that the bilwa vriksha is a vanaspati(Plant/Vegetation) as well as a vriksha (Tree)?


texts: Do any scriptures or commentaries support the idea that females should be able to pursue their education and career over marriage?

texts:
Could you suggest me some scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, etc.) or commentaries that support the idea that females should be allowed to pursue their education and career over marriage? For example, there is a conversation between Maitreyi and Yajnavalkya which focuses beautifully on life. Are there similar conversations that talk about how a girl should be fearlessly allowed to pursue her education, ambitions and dreams?
Based on the Upanishad Ganga series on YouTube, I found Upanishads to be extremely progressive, so, could you suggest me anything from the Upanishads in this regard?


texts: Why do Brahmacharis who break the vow of celibacy need to sacrifice a donkey as atonement?

texts:
From Apastamba Dharma Sutras 1.9.26.8:

  A [student] who has broken the vow of chastity, shall offer to Nirṛiti
  an ass, according to the manner of the Pāka-yajña-rites.

This same Prayaschitta is also found in Taittiriya Aranyaka 2:18, Manusmriti 11:119, and Yajñavalkya Smriti 3:280.

How come the Brahmachari has to sacrifice a donkey to atone for this sin?

And also, how does this Prayaschitta even apply in modern times, since Vedic animal sacrifices haven't been done in hundreds of years?

Then, if this prayaschitta can't be done, the Brahmachari loses his caste (and becomes a Shudra), because breaking a vow is cause of loss of caste:

Manusmriti 11.61:

  Defiling a damsel, usury, breaking a vow, selling a tank, a
  garden, one's wife, or child, ...... are all minor offenses causing
  loss of caste (Upapataka).

So does one who breaks the vow of Brahmachari have to do two prayaschittas? One for breaking the vow of chastity, and one for regaining the caste on losing it due to breaking the vow of chastity?


texts: Why are temples devoted to Brahma so rare?

texts:
It is well-known that temples devoted to Brahma are extremely rare compared to temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva (or, indeed, any number of other deities, e.g. Murugan, Ganesh, Hanuman, etc.).

Question 1: Why is this?

I am of course familiar with (what I assume is) the standard mythological justification - in one of the Puranas (not sure which), Brahma and Vishnu tried to race to the top of an infinite Shivalingam; Brahma lied about having made it to the top; he then incurred Shiva's wrath, and was thus cursed that he would never again be worshiped.

Question 2: Is that really all there is to it? I find it somewhat surprising that this solitary tale would suffice to prevent a "Brahmite" sect (so to speak) from ever arising.


texts: What is the seed of desire as per scripture?

texts:
The chapter 13 of Bhagavad Gita, has been translated as Nature, the Enjoy-er and Consciousness by Bhaktivedanta Swami (Prabhupada)

The sloka Bg 13.21 has been translated as follows by the same author:

the Sanskrit original:

  kārya-kāraṇa-kartṛtve

  hetuḥ prakṛtir ucyate

  puruṣaḥ sukha-duḥkhānāṁ

  bhoktṛtve hetur ucyate

the word for word translation:

  kārya — of effect; kāraṇa — and cause; kartṛtve — in the matter of
  creation; hetuḥ — the instrument; prakṛtiḥ — material nature; ucyate —
  is said to be; puruṣaḥ — the living entity; sukha — of happiness;
  duḥkhānām — and distress; bhoktṛtve — in enjoyment; hetuḥ — the
  instrument; ucyate — is said to be.

Translation:

  Nature is said to be the cause of all material causes and effects,
  whereas the living entity is the cause of the various sufferings and
  enjoyments in this world.

question - see below:

whatever desires we feed and struggle to satisfy, develops in us a nature, and this self-developed nature pushes us to desire even further.

how can we explain this situation (with reference from the shastra please)?

person "A" no interest whatsoever in aviation, then in 2014 person "B" who was a pilot, and that triggered "A" the desire to fly airplanes, this made "A" go through a long process to become a pilot, and today "A" love airplanes.

where does the "bija" (seed) of desires come from?


texts: What is a difference between Lord Hanuman and Lord Panchmukhi Hanuman? Are they same?

texts:
While going through some discussions, I found that Panchmukhi Hanuman was altogether a different person but not Lord Hanuman and took birth a long time before Ramayan Time.

But a recent chit-chat with a friend who revealed me about Panchmukhi Hanuman being advance form of Lord Hanuman and quoted me with a story of Ramayan Time.

I want exact history about both, or both being one entity. (Logically everything is one, that supreme being).


texts: Is Makara Jyothi on Makara Sankranthi in Shabarimala real?

texts:
Shabarimala is popular Hindu pilgrimage in South India. Here on Makara Sankranthi,  a jyothi (light) appears at the top of hill. A lot of people go there to see that jyothi.

Is that jyothi a man-made fire or a real star that appears only on Sankranthi?

And is there any mention of this Makara Jyothi in Hindu texts or Lord Ayyappa history?


texts: What are the different paths of liberation which are recommended by the different sects of Hinduism?

texts: In Shaivaism, the practice of meditation is recommended for liberation. What are the other ways to achieve liberation recommended by the other sects? I'm aware that there are different denominations in every sect. What are the methods of liberation they recommend and do they differ from the other denominations of the same sect. How and why?


texts: Do Smritis mention of any samskaras to be given to a shudra?

texts:
Any purification process (Samskara) is there for the shudras?
Does any smriti tell about purification process for a shudra person?


texts: Is each of the 18 Mahapurans related to a different Kalpa?

texts:
While researching for an answer I came across the reference of Padma Puran having been revealed in the Padma Kalpa which was the last day of the 50th year of Brahma. Currently we are in the Varah Kalpa or the 1st day of the 51st year of Brahma.

Is there such a mention for other Purans as well and if yes can someone share the entire list?


texts: What is the story of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

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

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

There are twelve Jyotirlingas mentioned in the similar popular verse.

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

I have already asked a question about Somanath What is the story of Somanath Jyotirlinga? and Mallikarjun What is the story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga? and Mahakaleshwar What is the story of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga?. Now I want to know the story of Omkareshwar Jyotirling.
Please mention the scriptural reference.
Omkareshwar temple is situated in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.

By Bernard Gagnon - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31736612


texts: What are the differences between goddess and female human beings?

texts:
Other than goddess being God and women being human are there any other considerable differences between goddess and women? If yes, can you list them. Also could you please explain why such differences exist?

By saying differences, I mean-

Biological differences
(Do goddess menstruate?, any other biological differences)
Differences in way of thinking (mindset, intelligence etc)
General Behavioral differences (feminine behavior)
Any other differences


texts: Do any scriptures apart fom Sabarimala Sthala Purana foretell the birth of Ayyappa?

texts:
One of the most popular religious destinations in the world is the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala; it gets far more visitors per year than Tirupati and the Vatican combined!  The story of the temple begins with the birth of Dharma Shasta, the son of Shiva who was born during Shiva's encounter with Mohini, as described in this chapter of the Upasamhara Pada of the Brahmanda Purana.

But contrary to popular belief, Ayyappa is not the exactly same as the god Dharma Shasta.  Ayyappa refers to prince Manikandan of Pandalam, who was a human incarnation of the god Dharma Shasta.  Ayyappa performed many great deeds in his time on Earth, including obtaining tiger's milk and killing the demoness Mahishi, sister of the demon Mahishasura whom Durga killed.  In any case, Ayyappa lived relatively recently; In fact a close friend and devotee of his was a Muslim named Vavar.

My question is, what scriptures mention Ayyappa?  Like I said, the Brahmanda Purana describes the birth of Shiva's son Dharma Shasta, but I'm interested in references to prince Manikandan of Pandalam.  Now given that his time period was after Muslims had already come to India, he obviously wouldn't be described in Hindu scripture in the past tense.  But Hindu scripture often contains prophecies of future incarnations, so are there any scriptures that foretell the birth of an incarnation of Dharma Shasta in the Kali Yuga?

As I discuss in this question, the Sthala Purana or temple scripture of Tirupati gives quotes from various Puranas which describe the story of Venkateshwara, so it's possible that the Sthala Purana of the Sabarimala temple might contain quotes from Puranas prophesying the birth of Ayyappa.  Does anyone have a copy of the Sabarimala Sthala Purana, preferably in English?


texts: Some people are saying by birth he was a Shudra, but others say he was a Brahmin by birth - which one is correct?


texts: Was Karna's soul possessed by Narakasura?

texts:
I am reading some sections of mahabharata Over here. I am surprised to know certain passages, indicates that , Karna is actually incarnation of Narakasura . It is pretty well known that , Karna is incarnation of Sun.

Here is the passage,where danavas address Duryodhana , when he tries to fast unto death.

  With respect to the fear that is in thy heart rising from Arjuna, we
  have already settled the means for slaying Arjuna. The soul of the
  slain Naraka hath assumed the form of Karna.

Here they indicates that , even bhisma and Drona are possessed

  Other Asuras will also possess Bhishma and Drona and Kama and others.
  Possessed by those Asuras, these heroes will cast away their kindness
  and fight with thy foes.

  Indeed, when the Danavas will enter their heart and possess them
  completely, flinging all affections to a distance, becoming
  hard-hearted, these warriors will strike every body opposed to them in
  battle without sparing sons, brothers, fathers, friends, disciples,
  relatives, even children and old men

So does this mean that , Karna's soul was basically possessed by Narakasura ?


texts: What was the story of Saraswati taking a princess to another universe to show her an alternate version of her father?

texts: I heard about this story before, but I can't remember where to find it.


texts:
I have read in an forum that Jeeva means Soul or individual self. Typically it contains seven layers(koshas).It is the one who was shackled in prakriti(Maya). On death of physical body it gets new body.

Another is Atman or spirit, which lives in heart of each living being.It is an aspect or spark of god .

Rig Vedic  quotes over here in wiki doesn't do good job describing and differentiating each term
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_Jiva_and_Atman

Could anyone give me proper quotes and descriptions ?


texts: Is it the responsibility of the dvija castes to teach the fourth varna righteous conduct?

texts:
In other words, do they have the responsibility (or obligation) to see to it that the fourth Varna do what they had to do reap just rewards in this life and the afterlife?

Since learning and renunciation are denied to the 4th Varna - they are essentially denied spiritual advancement through their own effort.

Are there any penalties laid out for Dvijas who shirk their responsibility to uplift the fourth Varna?


texts:
I am very emotional, attached to my family and I am not able to socialize with people. I am a devoted Hindu. And I often feel proud and boast about my Lineage (Caste) .

My question is did my Atma in all previous lives have these qualities or does Atma keeps changing its qualities like :

A good soul in 1 life and in another life it becomes bad.


texts: How many Yugas are actually there - 4 or 18 as mentioned by Sage Agastya?

texts:
Yuga(m) is one of the basic units of time. Most Indian scriptures mention 4 yugas namely krita yuga, treta yuga, dvapara yuga and kali yuga. Each yuga has its own time scale and is regulated by years. In that case, now we are in kali yuga and after this again krita yuga will start.

Most of us know above said information however, this post is aimed to bring out the unknown information of yuga. Agathiyar in his book “Agathiyar Vaatha Sowmiyam” noted that there are 18 yugas as follows:

  கேளடா புலத்தியனே மைந்தா நீயுங்
  kaeladaa Pulaththiyanae mainthaa neeyung
  கெணிதமுள்ள யுகமதுதான் பதினெட்டுப்பா
  kenithamulla yukamathuthaan pathinettappaa
  ஆளடா வரியினுகம் ஈரேழுகோடி
  aaladaa variyinukam eeraezhukoadi
  அற்புதனார் யுகமதுதான் ஈரைந்துகோடி
  arputhanaar yukamathuthaan eerainthukoadi
  வாளடா தன்மயுகம் ஈராறுகோடி
  vaaladaa thanmayukam eeraarukoadi
  மகத்தான ராசியுகம் ஈரெட்டுகோடி
  makaththaana raasiyukam eerettukkoadi
  காலடா யுகமெல்லாஞ் சொல்லிவாரேன்
  kaaladaa yukamellaanj sollivaaraen
  கனமான வீராசன் நாலைந்துதானே
  kanamaana veeraasan naalainthuthaanae.

  தானென்ற விண்ணதனில் ஈரெட்டுகோடி
  thaanaenra vinnathanil eerattukkoadi
  தருவான வாய்தனக்கு யுகம்ஏழுகோடி
  tharuvaana vaaithanakku yukamaezhukoadi
  மானென்ற மைனயுகம் இருமூன்றுகோடி
  maanenra mainayukam irumoondrukoadi
  மகத்தான மணிகள்யுகம் இருமூன்றுகோடி
  makaththaana manikalyukam irumoondrukoadi
  பானென்ற பணியிரதம் நான்குகோடி
  paanenra paniyiratham naankukoadi
  பதிவான விஸ்வாசன்யுகம் மூன்றுகோடி
  pathivaana visvaasanyukam moonrukoadi
  வானென்ற வாய்தன்யுகம் ஒருகோடியாகும்
  vaanenra vaaithanyukam orukoadi yaakum
  மார்க்கமுடன் திரேதாயுகந் தன்னைப்பாரே
  maarkkamudan thiraethaayukan thannaippaarae.

  பாரடா திரேதாயுகம் அதனைக்கேளு
  paaradaa thiraethaayukam athanaikkaelu
  பதினேழு லக்ஷத்தொன் பதினாயிரமாம்
  pathinaezu lakshaththon pathinaayiramaam
  மேரடா கிரேதாயுகம் அதனைக்கேளு
  maeradaa kiraethaayukam athanaikkaelu
  விருபது லக்ஷத்தொன் பதினாயிரமாம்
  virupathu lakshaththon pathinaayiramaam
  தேரடா துவாபரயுகம் தனைக்கேளு
  thaeradaa thuvaaparayukam thanaikkaelu
  தீர்க்கமுடன் ஒன்பதுலக்ஷத்து ஒன்பதனாயிரமாம்
  theerkkamudan onpathulakshaththu onpatha naayiramaam
  காரடா கலியுகம் வெகு கடினமைந்தா
  kaaradaa kaliyukam veku kadinamainthaa
  கண்டுபார் லக்ஷத்து முப்பதினாயிரமாம்
  kandupaar lakshaththu muppathinaayiramaam.

Agathiar’s above said poem gives information about 18 yugas as follows:

  variyin yuga comprises of 14 crore years,
  arputhanar yuga comprises of 10 crore years,
  thanma yuga comprises of 12 crore years,
  raasi yuga comprises of 16 crore years,
  sanya yuga comprises of 10 crore years,
  veera raasan yuga comprises of 20 crore years,
  vin yuga comprises of 16 crore years,
  vaayu yuga comprises of 7 crore years,
  maina yuga comprises of 6 crore years,
  manikal yuga comprises of 6 crore years,
  aththae yuga comprises of 19 crore years,
  paniyiratha yuga comprises of 4 crore years,
  visvaasana yuga comprises of 3 crore years,
  vaaithan yuga comprises of 1 crore year,
  thiraethaa (treta) yuga comprises of 17 lakhs and 9 thousand years,
  kiraethaa (krita) yuga comprises of 20 lakh and 10 thousand years,
  dvapara yuga comprises of 9 lakh and 9 thousand years and
  most complicated kali yuga comprises of 1 lakh and 30 thousand years.

I read this on a website.

So how many Yugas are actually there - 4 or 18?


texts: If some preacher utters ill words about some other preacher or saint, can he be treated as Adhikari to preach the Sanatana Dharma?

texts:
In Gita, Sri Krishna repeatedly mentions that a spiritual soul should be Advesta, Maitra, Karuna, ie He should be free from bigotry, be friendly to all and be full of compassion. Sri Chaitanyadeva says: Do not criticise other God, other religion (Any deva, anya satra ninda naa koribe).

Ninda or criticism of others has been condemned by all our scriptures and saints.

Can someone who uses ill words against other saints or preachers be considere an Adhikari to preach the Sanatana Dharma according to our scriptures?

Ref: https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ramakrishna_mission_(Conversations)

and https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Vivekananda_(Conversations)


texts: Why Gautama, the Buddha said about 3 Vedas only?

texts:
The Sutta Nipāta 1026 (P.303) mentions about 3 vedas only.

  His age is a hundred and twenty years, by clan he is a Bāvarī, upon
  his body appear three signs,
  Three Vedas he has mastered all.

We should remember that that Gautama, the Buddha took birth in a Hindu family only. He studied the prevalent literature , observed the prevalent customs and practices , got vexed with the degraded form of spiritual aspects in his times,  adopted his own method and finally reached the stage SAT, which Veda described in RV 1.164.46.

Can we infer that by the time Gautama, the Buddha got SELF REALISATION, there were only 3 Vedas? If so,  when was the 4th Veda,ie., Atharva Veda added to the list?

Does the statement of Buddha - His age is a hundred and twenty years - indicate the normal life span of a humans, as 120 years, at that point of time?

Edit 25-11-19

No, the question Why are Vedas often referred to as “three Vedas” instead of four? Why is Atharva Veda excluded from this list?, does not contain a reference to sayings to Gautama, a Hindu Prince and who attained SELF REALISATION, at a later date. Hence, this question of mine is not a duplicate.  Further, the answers thereto do not satisfy me.


texts: Sthala Purana of the Thiruneermalai Temple

texts:
In the Divya Desam called Thiruneermalai, Lord Vishnu resides in four different forms:

a) Sri Neervanna Perumal (literally meaning, Lord with the complexion of water)
b) Sri Ranganatha
c) Sri Narasimha
d) Sri Trivikrama

This temple is praised in 19 Pasurams  by Thirumangai Azhvar, and in 1 Pasuram by Bhoodhatthazhvar, in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

For those who don’t know, the Nalayira Divya Prabandham is a collection of 4,000 verses by all the 12 Azhvars. It is held in high respect by the SriVaishnava Tradition, to which I belong.

Now, the Pasurams state that when Thirumangai Azhvar went to Thiruneermalai to worship the Lord, the whole hill on which the temple is situated was full of water, and he had to wait for six months to worship the Lord again.

But, my question is: what is the Sthala Purana of this temple, and why did the Lord appear at this place?


texts: Among Hindu Kings who fought invaders how many were Siva worshipers?

texts:
Chatrapati Sivaji of course worshiped Siva's consort Bhavani.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297669-d4092699-r455339198-Mammadev_Temple-Kumbhalgarh_Rajsamand_District_Rajasthan.html

Apparently Rana Pratap worshiped here.


texts:
Below shloka:

सप्तार्णवः सप्त कुलाचलाश्च सप्तर्षयो द्वीप वनानि सप्त ।
भूरादि कृत्वा भुवनानि सप्त कुर्वतु सर्वे मम सुप्रभातम् ।।

The seven seas, seven dynasties, seven rishis, seven isles and forests, the seven worlds like the earth – may all of them make mine a good morning.

Which seven seas, dynasties and forests are mentioned here?


texts:
In Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayanastra, it is mentioned that Aswathama used Narayanastra against Pandavas.

It also mentions that the owner of Narayanastra is Lord Narayana.

How did Aswathama get hold of this ?


texts: What is the origin of this Saraswati prayer found in various Stotras & Stutis?

texts:
I have recited this prayer to Goddess Saraswati since childhood:

  yA kundendu tushhArahAradhavalA yA shubhravastrAvR^itA
  yA vINAvaradaNDamaNDitakarA yA shvetapadmAsanA
  yA brahmAchyutasha.nkaraprabhR^itibhirdevaiH sadA vanditA
  sA mA.n pAtu sarasvatI bhagavatI niHsheshhajADyApahA

I am not sure which scripture it comes from can anyone help?

EDIT - people trying to mark the question as a duplicate kindly note the so called Agastya Stotra that is the answer in the other question is NOT the only source of this verse. No point linking this to that since this particular prayer is found in multiple texts including the Bhavabhuti Subhashita.


texts: Did anyone receive boons from Vishnu and turned out to be bad and had to be punished by other Gods?

texts: It seems that a majority of people killed in scripture received boons from Siva (Asutosh - quickly pleased) or Brahma and Vishnu would then go kill them.  Did Vishnu give boons to the undeserving who had to be subdued by other Gods?


texts: Where is it mentioned that Lord Krishna is 16 kalas but Lord Ram is 12 kalas, when both are same?

texts: It is being popularized by ISKCON I think, that Krishna is purna avatar with 16 kalas but Rama is 12 kalas and is inferior to Krishna, when both are same. Is this even mentioned anywhere by any of the original Vaishnava Saints?


texts: Is Mother's womb devoid of Maya (illusion)?

texts:
I was reading a book Biography of Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swami and Author delineates the Vedic Science of development of Embryo in that book.

Veerabrahmendra Swami or Brahmam garu was a mystic saint who is believed to Avatar of Lord Vishnu and precursor of Kalki. Brahmam garu is famous for his work Kaalagnaanam (literally "Knowledge of time") which prophesy future events.

  “In that embryo, soul enters in the 7th month. That time onwards the
  pindam remains upside down. It remains covered with a layer which protects it from the jatharagni (heat inside the mother’s stomach).
  In the 8th and 9th months, Jeeva (Soul) has all knowledge of his
  previous lives; and seeing the disgusting urine and faeces it feels
  very sad to stay there and repents for his past bad karmas, pleads to
  the God saying he would never do any bad deeds again and would at
  least in this life be very wise and pious person devoted to Dharma and
  god. This way he promises to God in various tones of sadness and
  requests god to free him from that hellish place which seems so
  disgusting to him.

  But as soon as he comes out of the womb to the actual world, due to
  Maya/Illusion as soon as he cries for the first time, he forgets all
  his previous knowledge and becomes totally ignorant!”

Garuda Puranam too describes similar events.

  There he remembers, by divine power, the Karma generated in hundreds of previous births,--and remembering, sobs for a long time,
  obtaining not the least happiness.
  Having this insight he, with hands put together, bound in seven bonds, imploring and trembling, adores in plaintive tones Him who
  placed him in the womb.
  From the beginning of the seventh month, though he gains consciousness, he who is in the womb trembles and moves about because
  of the parturition winds, like a uterine worm.

  16-23. The creature says, "I seek refuge in Viṣṇu; the husband of Śrī,
  the supporter of the universe, the destroyer of evil, who is
  compassionate to those who come for shelter.

  "I am bewildered by Thy magic, as regards body and son and wife;
  misled by my egoism I am transmigrating, O Lord.

  "I did good and evil actions for the sake of my dependents, and as s
  result I am tormented, while they who enjoy the fruits escape.

  "If I am released from this womb I will lay myself at Thy feet, and I
  will take the means by which I may obtain liberation.

  "Fallen into a well of fœces and urine, I am burnt by the fire of the
  belly, and anxious to escape from it. When shall I get out?

  "In Him alone, who has given me this experience, and is compassionate
  to the afflicted, will I seek refuge. Let not this transmigration
  occur to me again.

  "But no, I wish never to come out of the womb, where misery results
  from my sinful actions.

  "Because remaining even here in great misery, bearing the fatigue,
  resorting to Thy feet I will keep myself aloof from the worlds of
  change."

  The Blessed Lord said: He who has thus considered, and has been ten months in the womb, endowed with insight, while praying, suddenly
  is cast out head downwards into birth, by the winds of delivery.
  Cast out forcibly, bending down his head, he comes out with anxiety and painfully breathless and with memory destroyed.
  Having fallen on the ground he moves like a worm in excrement. He is become changed in condition, and cries loudly, deprived of
  knowledge.
  If the state of mind which arises in the womb, during illness, on the cremation ground, or upon hearing the Purāṇas were permanent--who
  would not be liberated from bondage!
  When he comes out of the womb, after experiencing his karma, then verily the man is bewildered by the magic of Viṣṇu.

Both these texts say man is bewildered by Maya when he comes out of the womb. Does this mean that mother's womb is free from Maya?


texts: Question regarding Panchakatcham and Madisar dressing

texts:
In Southern India, the dress code of men wearing panchakatcham and women wearing madisar saree is known quite well and only married men and women are allowed to wear this. Though this was the only dress code to be worn 24x7, but nowadays it is followed only during praying and few other occasions although there are some orthodox couples who still wear this all the time.

While this is the dress code for married people in the south, the North Indians seems to have no restrictions as such. Sri Bala Krishna himself is an example.

Image source:http://readymademadisar.com/kids.html (disclaimer: I am neither associated nor promoting, but saw this cute kid and considered him as Krishna himself)

For those who do not know, Panchakatcham means 5 insertions - when translated crudely and is explained well in this site.

My questions are:

What pramaanavatchanam (authentic quote/instruction) talks about this dress code for men and women? In other words what are the references of this dress code in Smritis or Shruti texts?
While we see the Lord in many temples and photos wearing this panchakatcham, it is very rare (or non existent) to see the Goddess in Madisar. Why is this so?


texts: What was the reaction of pandavas after knowing that Karna was their brother

texts: I want to know that what is written in mahabharat about the reaction of pandavas after knowing that they killed their brother Karna.


texts: When and how did the system of adimai kaavu begin in ancient Kerala?

texts:
In Kerala (and many families which trace their ancestry to Kerala), every family identified itself with a 'Kaavu' (not exactly translated as temple) that may or may not be in their ancestral village. But they use a term call "adimai kaavu" (Temple to which they are bonded). The curious thing is even brahmanas, smarthas in specific, also seem to have picked up the concept and applied it to their familial lines. They have very specific practices associated with such a type of worship.

But the real question I am more interested in is what is the origin for such a practice, of bonding themselves to a kaavu? Does it have vedic origins and if not, how do the systems reconcile?


texts: Was Manusmriti the constitution of Ram Rajya?

texts: In Sarga 18 of the Kishkindha Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, Rama explains to a dying Vali as to why He attacked him behind his back. Rama categorically explains all the questions put by Vali in the last chapter from the viewpoint of scriptures (Manusmriti) that lays down the principles of Sanatana Dharma. Vali finally concludes that there is someone superior to him and thus seeks refuge in Rama.


texts: What is the chronological order of different KALPA?

texts: We have Puranas incidents happening from different Kalpas of Brahma. Do we have order of it?


texts: Does Hindu scripture have statements approximating "you can't step into the same river twice"?

texts:
https://theinvisiblementor.com/you-cannot-step-into-the-same-river-twice/

  you cannot step into the same river twice because you are changing and the river is changing

I think this describes the transitoriness of human existence.  Do Hindu scriptures have equivalent statements?


texts: Israelites/Jews descended from the Yadu?

texts: A number of people have opined that the Israelite/Jewish nation descended from the Yadu clan (Yadavas), and that the Mahabharata 'proves' this (such as here, here, here and here). E.g., some argue "Ram" is a variation of "Abraham", Jews' spiritual impact on the world is due to their connection with Sri Krishna, etc. It all sounds rather thinly-supported to me, but are there any authorities or texts that support this interpretation?


texts: Is it true that the total number of souls remains constant as per Bhagavad Gita?

texts: According to Gita,is it true that the total number of souls remains constant?


texts: Who gave weapons to Shri Krishna and Balarama and how?

texts:
If I remember, Shri Krishna and Balarama didn't have the weapons Sudarshana chakra and Hala respectively with them when they were fighting with Kamsa.

So I am assuming they got these weapons later. How and from where did they got these weapons and do they have other weapons as well?


texts: Why is a specific flower offered to a deity?

texts: What is the Importance of flowers in puja ritual and why is a specific flower offered to a deity?


texts: What is the difference between Dakṣiṇācāra and Vamachara Tantrism?

texts: Tantra exists in 2 types- The orthodox Dakṣiṇācāra followed by āstika sects and the unorthodox and extreme Vamachara followed by nāstika sects. So what are the differences between the practices of these 2 types of Tantra? Do both these paths involve meat eating, alcohol consumption and sex? Is Vamachara only practiced in Shakta traditions?


texts:
Great Saints are said to have lot of powers which come for their meditation. Like god Sai Baba removing out the intestines and cleaning them, and Sri Madvirat Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy telling the future etc.

My question is, do they know everything? I mean, physics, chemistry, maths, computer science, future, astrospace etc? Can they answer 'any' question related to those?

Scientists are conducting lot of researches, sending spacecrafts into other planets spending lot of money. I think that the great saints have answers for all those that the scientists are intended to find out.


texts:
Does the word "Brahman" occur in the Rig Veda to denote the impersonal supreme principle?
If not, which scripture does it occur in first?


texts: What is Ganesh Chaturthi/ Ganesh Utsav idol worship size according to shastra and Dharma

texts:
In my Marathi state we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi as a Ganesh utsav for ten days and bring clay idol from market on the first day and make visarjan on 10th day.

My question is, what is the right size of ganesha idol, how much tall we can buy it FOR HOME and what are the suggestions on this culture from shastra and dharma.


texts: Does Brahman (the Supreme God) have any emotions?

texts:
Does the supreme God have emotions like love, hate, anger, like, dislike?
The Taittiriya Upanishad says:

From fear of him (Brahman) the wind (Vayu) blows, from terror the Sun rises; from terror of it,  Agni and Indra, and Death (Mrtyu) runs as the fifth.

According to me, the above verse in an indirect way is saying that if the wind doesn't blow, the sun doesn't rise, Brahman might get angry and maybe punish them.
So, I'd like to get some explanations on this.

I know the verse I have provide is not that clear but why would any one fear if he will not get angry


texts: There have been many self proclaimed god men and mystics in India. Most claimed to have supernatural powers. I myself am an astrologer who studied Jyotisha. Why couldn’t  astrologers predict the fall of India? Many historical figures even claimed they performed penance before they went to war. But the Indian subcontinent still got invaded and conquered despite all of them god men with supernatural powers. Was it because of the unfavourable planetary forces that was unavoidable or karma, the country as a whole had to pay?


texts:
This wikipedia article says that during prANa pratishthA, nyAsa is done ON THE MURTI where various deities are installed in various parts of murti.

  The ritual typically involves a Puja, chanting of Sanskrit mantras as the deity is moved from outside into the center place, inviting the deity as resident guest of the temple, bathing and cleansing the deity whose feet may be washed just like a revered guest arriving after a long journey, dressing and seating in a place of comfort, placing the image's face towards east (marking sunrise), followed by Nyasa with hymns (act of touching different parts of the deity murti signifying the presence of various gods as sensory organs – Indra as hand, Brahma as heart, Surya as eyes, and so on), spraying of scented water and flowers, with the Chaksunmilan (Sanskrit: चक्षन् मिलन, meeting the eye opening) ceremony marking the high point of the ritual.[6] The image is then considered as consecrated.

My questions are

Is this wikipedia claim true?

Edit: This site also mentions similar procedure of nyAsa on murti.

If true, what is full list of deities installed in various body parts of murti? If this differs from tradition to tradition then give any list you are aware of. I am not asking for nyAsa mantras or prANa pratishthA mantras or procedure or anything of that sort. Just list of deities and corresponding body parts of murti. Thank you.


texts: What scriptures describe Radha defeating Harshana and Marshana?

texts:
Srimati Radharani is described as the Shakti of Lord Krishna in the Brahmavaivarta, Devi Bhagavata, Skanda, Padma and Narada Purana and is worshipped along with Krishna by Parashurama and Ganesha in the Brahmanda Purana.

This Facebook post describes the story of Radha defeating the demons Harshana and Marshana, who are sons of Kalanemi. A short summary is given below:

  Once there lived a demon called Kalanemi who had two sons named Marshana and Harshana who had assumed great power by chanting some secret mantras. By their powers all Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Guhykas and human beings were tortured by them. Everyone was afraid of these two demons. Unfortunately at that time none of Krishna's incarnations was present on the planet earth. Thus the devatas were in a very dangerous situation. Accepting Kartikeya as their commander-in-chief they declared war on these two brothers. These two demons easily defeated the devatas and rendered them powerless. Ranarangini Kalika Devi along with her many yoginis entered the war but they also got defeated.

Later the devas seek refuge of Shiva who tells them that as they are protect by the Vishnu Kavacha, only Radharani can save them.

  The devatas immediately followed his instruction and rushed to her along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. They went to the entrance of Goloka, where Radharani lives eternally, and chanted shruti mantras. Radharani was pleased with their prayers and invoked Sudarshana in Her mind and the chakra came before Her. Srimati Radharani ordered Sudarshana to go and kill Marshana and Harshana which he immediately did.

This story is said to be taken from the Brahmanda Purana, Uttarakhanda. But the Brahmanda Purana is divided into Padas, and not Khandas, and also none of the Padas have the title of Uttara-pada.

The scripture containing an Uttarakhanda is the Padma Purana, but this story doesn't seem to be in that as well.

So which scriptures talk about this story?


texts: According to Ramana Maharshi, everything is predetermined. Then how does one create āgāmi karma or new karma?

texts:
From the
(Source: Day by Day with Bhagavan, 4-1-46 Afternoon)

Questioner: “Are only important events in a man’s life, such as his
main occupation or profession, predetermined, or are trifling acts in
his life, such as taking a cup of water or moving from one place in
the room to another, also predetermined?”
Ramana Maharshi: Yes, everything is predetermined.
Questioner: Then what responsibility, what free will has man?
Ramana Maharshi: What for then does the body come into existence? It
is designed for doing the various things marked out for execution in
this life. The whole programme is chalked out. “Not an atom moves
except by His Will” expresses the same truth, whether you say “Does
not move except by His Will” or “Does not move except by karma”. As
for freedom for man, he is always free not to identify himself with
the body and not to be affected by the pleasures or pains consequent
on the body’s activities.

My question is, how does a person then create āgāmi / new karma?


texts: Eternality of vedas on the basis of Shabda (word) as per Purva Mimansa

texts:
In Jaimini Mimansa sutra one of the objections raised against eternality of vedas is:-

By reason of no stability. (Sutra 7)
The objector says that there is no stability of the word as
soon as it is pronounced, it vanishes.

but i'm not able to understand the response given:-

Disappearance after once coming into existence is by reason of object not coming into contact.

Could someone explain it in detail manner.


texts:
What are all the incidents mentioned in the scriptures where Asuras have tried to destroy the Earth?

I know of three: Bali's sister's attempt to annihilate the Earth, Hiranyaksha's submersion of Earth into the cosmic ocean to drown all life, and Hiranyakashipu's invasion of Earth and subsequent genocide of the 4 castes and destruction of the Vedic civilization.

For example, here is what Hiranyakashipu did in his invasion of Earth, from chapter 2, canto 7 of the Bhagavata Purana:

What other incidents are there where Asuras have tried to completely destroy the Earth OR the Vedic civilization?


texts: Did Lord Vishnu speak in support of birth-based or conduct-based varna?

texts: Are there any instances of Lord Vishnu or any of his avatars speaking in favour of either conduct-based or birth-based varna?


texts: Using hypnotism as a mean to access past or future lives?

texts:
In the books 'Same Soul Many Bodies' and 'Many Masters Many Lives' by Brian L Weiss there are many cases where he used hypnotism as a tool to either regress or progress the patients past/future lives to cure them of certain ailments/fears/phobias etc.

My question: Are there any authentic sources available in Hinduism that shows incidents where hypnotism has been used to cure some one?

Reason for asking is that in the books he discusses a lot about reincarnation and how it has been part of Hindu & Buddhist cultures for ages.


texts: What are the different types of supernatural creatures/beings according to vedas?

texts: There are many types of super natural creatures/being in Hindu shastras but how many of those supernatural beings are mentioned in Vedas?


texts:
Madhvas believe in eternal hell, but what is the standard view (before the rise of Dvaita Vedanta)?
If not, are souls that do not attain Moksha eternally trapped in this cycle of countless births and deaths, and hells and heaven?


texts: What boon did Rishi Durvasa give to Kunti, the mother of Pandavas?

texts: I heard that Kunti, before her marriage lived with her father Kuntibhoja in her father's kingdom when she was a princess and she served Rishi Durvasa very well and Rishi Durvasa, usually shown and depicted as an easily angered person also was very happy with her and gave her a boon? What boon did Kunti receive from Rishi Durvasa?


texts:
The Vikram-Betaal stories are derived from the Vetālapañcaviṃśati (वेतालपञ्चविंशति) or famously called,   Baital Pachisi ("Twenty-five (tales) of Baital").
Do these stories find any kind of reference or allusion to, in any form whatsoever, in the scriptures? Or should they be only considered as local folkloric tales ( दंत कथायें ) and cultural stories, in line with the stories of Singhasan Battisi?
Also, is Beetal some kind of or a class of some supernatural entity or creatures within the Hindu pantheon?


texts: What are 8 sacrificial cups with a vedic deity

texts:
While reading Brahma Upanishad I encountered following line from verse 2

  And that state which he does not give up for a next one is called the waking state. (He carries all these states within himself) just as a (Vedic) deity bears the eight sacrificial cups simultaneously.

I have not seen any deity (especially vedic deity) carrying cups For e.g. following image of Rudra


texts: All the kaliyug was same like current kaliyug?

texts: I want to know that there is the so  many kaliyug in kalpa, so i want  to know whether all kaliyug were same like current one with various other religions, technology ans so on.


texts:
Animals and humans have atman. killing an animals is sin because it has soul.
Do plants have Souls? is killing of Plants Sin or not?


texts: Did Lord Muruga and Lord Ganesh have their navels from birth?

texts:
Lord Muruga (Kartikeya) born from the third eye of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh was made as a doll and given life by Goddess Parvathi. So both of them didn't have their own navels. Generally navel is produced from the birth relation bond of a mother and her child.
So my question is whether they have navels since their birth? If "yes" then how ?


texts: Recommend me a mantra to overcome fear and nervousness

texts:
Often I get nervous and I want to overcome the same. I know for sure that some Sanskrit mantra can help me to overcome this problem.

So can you recommend me a mantra to overcome fear and nervousness?


texts:
Where does this shloka about epidemic appear in Narada, Vashishtha or Vrahta Samhita?

  भूपाव हो महारोगो मध्य स्यार्धवृष्ट य। दुखिनो जंत्व सर्वे वत्स रे परी धाविनी

There are lot of videos and articles (for example, this one or this video snapshot (3.48)) relating this Shloka with currently going on epidemic (Corona Virus / COVID-19).


texts: How does Lord Shiva makes people realize of their wrong did?

texts:
I know that kali and shiva make up the destroyers in Hinduism. From what I've heard, shiva makes people realize what they've done wrong. But the question is that do they punish you in order to teach you what you've done wrong. How do they cut away the bad in people, is it through life lessons? Do they make us realize by letting us experience bad situations? Do they bring out the bad karma to teach their devotees?

I'm sorry I don't know much about Hinduism.


texts: Can the intellect (buddhi) be equated with Ishvara?

texts: Since Ishvara is the ruler of the universe, the Lord, can we say that, in our microcosm, our buddhi (intellect - the decision maker) is equivalent to Ishvara?


texts:
In Sankara's Manīṣā panchakam we find the following excerpt -

  If a person has attained the firm knowledge that he is not an object of perception, but is that pure consciousness which shines clearly in the states of waking, dream and deep sleep, and which, as the witness of the whole universe, dwells in all bodies from that of the Creator Brahma to that of the ant, then he is my Guru, irrespective of whether he is an outcast or a Brahmana. This is my conviction.

Also we find from his commentary to Vedanta sūtrās the following passage

  The Sūdras are not qualified for that reason also that Smriti prohibits their hearing the Veda, their studying the Veda, and their understanding and performing Vedic matters. The prohibition of hearing the Veda is conveyed by the following passages: 'The ears of him who hears the Veda are to be filled with (molten) lead and lac,' and 'For a Sūdra is (like) a cemetery, therefore (the Veda) is not to be read in the vicinity of a śūdra.' From this latter passage the prohibition of studying the Veda results at once; for how should he study Scripture in whose vicinity it is not even to be read? There is, moreover, an express prohibition (of the Sūdras studying the Veda). 'His tongue is to be slit if he pronounces it; his body is to be cut through if he preserves it.' The prohibitions of hearing and studying the Veda already imply the prohibition of the knowledge and performance of Vedic matters; there are, however, express prohibitions also, such as 'he is not to impart knowledge to the Sūdra,'...

Now going through above sayings by him, we find both are mutually exclusive sayings.. A chāndāla or Sūdra (obviously his opinions are same for chāndālas as well as they are outcast) required to learn Vedanta to have BrahmanJnāna but at the same time Sankara is reluctant to let them study Vedanta to develop discrimination by which an outcast could become BrahmanJnāni ( or attain a firm knowledge he is none other than Brahman). Isn't this a deadlock condition? Or hypocrisy? Or wickedness?
It is like Sankara is cutting hands of outcasts & then saying "I will accept you my Guru if you feed me".


texts: Who are these women mentioned in the Hiranyakeshin Grihya sutras?

texts:
While I was searching about cows in the Vedas and Grihya sutras, I came across a mantra from Vajasaneyi Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda. This mantra is chanted by the bridegroom during the madhuparka ceremony in marriages.

I say this to Rudra's mother, to the Vasu's daughter, to Aditya's sister, to the navel of immortality- to the one who understands: Do not kill the innocent cow, the Aditi, the knower of the speech who raises her voice.... Let loose the cow. Don’t kill this cow for me release her, let her drink water and eat grass!" - (And) gives order (to the people), 'Om! Let it loose
Hiranya Keshin Grihya sutras I prashna, 4 Patala Section 13

This is talking about Madhuparka ceremony where the guests are offered meat and then he refuses.  In these mantras, there is a mention of Rudra's mother, Vasu's daughter, Aditya's sister and the navel of immortality. Who are these? Is it a reference to a single person or different persons talked about here?
I couldn't find a detailed translation and explanation of these mantras. I could only find that these are examples of mercy and sanctity towards cows by naming them as Goddess in the Vedas and other scriptures. What is the complete meaning of the mantras and complete context these mantras were heard by the rishis?


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My understanding is that caste is not a legitimate Hindu concept and that it is varna instead.
From what I’ve read, varna is like the division of labour within society, but my question is, why was varna a formal system?
Surely if we let people go about their business they will sort themselves out in each category? (the religious/intelligent become brahmin, etc).

I remember in the Bhagavad Gita that Sri Krishna had said he had split society in its 4 (I think) divisions.

Was there any benefits to formalising it? Is my assumption of it being a formal system even correct? Why was it formalised and why is it a necessary thing?

Thanks!


texts: Sources validating Rāvaṇa’s plan to build a staircase to heaven

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There are several pages out there claiming a legend of Rāvaṇa planning to build a staircase in order to get to heaven (or, the region of the moon) without performing Vedic rituals. All of the sources I could find however, can be traced back to Prabhupāda

For exmple, a talk by Prabhupāda given in 1972.

  “Why you are undergoing so much severe austerities to go to heaven? I shall make a staircase, and you go directly, without having performed any austerities.”

  Source

And from Prabhupāda’s commentary on the Bhāgavata-purāna :

  “Rāvaṇa was one of them, and he wanted to deport ordinary men to the planet of Indra (heaven) by material means without consideration of the necessary qualifications. He wanted a staircase to be built up directly reaching the heavenly planet so that people might not be required to undergo the routine of pious work necessary to enter that planet. He also wanted to perform other acts against the established rule of the Lord.”

  Source

Are there any older extant sources confirming this legend, or did he use sources currently unavailable to us?


texts:
How was Lords Shiva,Brahma and Vishnu formed?
Who formed the Lords Shiva,Brahma ,Vishnu and alloted their duties?


texts: What is the significance of viewing Shiv Ling from in between the ears of Nandi?

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I have seen in many temples of Lord Shiva where people do pradakshinas and then while entering/leaving the Sanctrum, they see Shiva Linga from in between the ears of the Nandi statue which is exactly in straight and opposite to the Shiva linga.

What is the story behind this and why Nandi statue is kept facing the shiv ling?

PS: looks like two questions but they have same story behind it.


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According to some comments on the question Are women allowed to be Hindu sanyasis/monks? Some people believe that Devdasi and Sanyasin are near synonyms, and others that they are very different.

How are Devdasi and Sanyasin different?


texts: Blowing a Conch in the evening before sunset?

texts: Are there any restrictions to blowing conch before sunset in the evening? Any scripture that says not to do it? Any references would be great.


texts: Do Vyasa Mahabharata say that Pandu has pandu disease?

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Consider the following excerpt regarding birth of Pandu

  "Soon after Satyavati, O chastiser of foes, summoned Vyasa, after
  having secured the assent of her daughter-in-law. Vyasa came according
  to his promise, and approached, as before, the second wife of his
  brother. And Ambalika beholding the Rishi, became pale with fear And,
  O Bharata, beholding her so afflicted and pale with fear, Vyasa
  addressed her and said, 'Because thou hast been pale with fear at the
  sight of my grim visage, therefore, thy child shall be pale in
  complexion. O thou of handsome face, the name also thy child shall
  bear will be Pandu (the pale).' 'Saying this, the illustrious and best
  of Rishis came out of her chamber. And as he came out, he was met by
  his mother who asked him about the would-be-child. The Rishi told her
  that the child would be of pale complexion and known by the name of
  Pandu. Satyavati again begged of the Rishi another child, and the
  Rishi told her in reply, 'So be it.' Ambalika, then, when her time
  came, brought forth a son of pale complexion. Blazing with beauty the
  child was endued with all auspicious marks. Indeed, it was this child
  who afterwards became the father of those mighty archers, the
  Pandavas.

  [SECTION CVI, Sambhava Parva, Adi parva, The Mahabharata]

It didn't mention that he has any disease. But when i read the translated versions, there are statements saying that he has a disease named pandu. So, is there any statement from Vyasa Mahabharata saying that Pandu has pandu disease?


texts: Every hindu is associated to Kuldevi and Kuldev. What is the purpose of it?

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Every person in Hindu community is linked to Kuldevi and Kuldev. Everyone in Hinduism have Kuldevi and Kuldev.

What is the purpose of it?
What are the rituals for Kuldevi and Kuldev?
If I don't know my Kuldev and Kuldevi, then how to find it?
Why every Hindu is associated to Kuldevi and Kuldev?


texts: Is it possible for the power of the deity in a temple to get diminished for whatever reason?

texts: Can it get diminished for whatever reason?


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What is the most important  distinction between Hindu and Buddhist teachings?
From comparing Hindu and Buddhist texts, I have the impression that the most important difference is Atman v. anatta. Is this correct?


texts: What are the Avatarams of Vishnu described in the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana?

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In the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana, after Rama kills Ravana and rescues his wife Sita, he tells Sita to walk through fire to (to others) prove that she is still faithful to him.  She walks through the fire and emerges unharmed, demonstrating her purity of heart.  But before she emerges from the fire, the gods come down to the battlefield of Lanka.  The gods, particularly Brahma, tell Rama who he really is, an avataram (incarnation) of Vishnu, and asks him how he can send Sita to the fire when she is an avataram of Vishnu's wife Lakshmi.  In the process, he addresses Rama by using numerous appellations of Vishnu and his various avatarams.

I'm trying to identify all the avatarams of Vishnu that the gods mention: (This is all taken from this translation of the Ramayana, by Desiraju Hanumanta Rao and K.M.K. Murthy)

They say "Among the Vasus (a class of gods, eight in number), you are the Vasu, named Ritadhama (one whose abode is Truth or the Divine Law) who was formerly the self-constituted ruler, the first creator of all the three worlds and the lord of creatures."  The Vasus are eight gods who are the sons of Kashyap and Aditi, but in Wikipedia's list of the Vasus I don't see any name that's close to "Ritadhama".  Is there a name that Ritadhama is more commonly known by?
They say "You are the eighth Rudra among (eleven) Rudras."  The Rudras are a group of eleven gods associated with Shiva, but Wikipedia gives many different lists of names of these gods, and they're not given in any particular order so it's hard to tell which is the "eighth" Rudra referred to in the verse.  Is there any of the eleven Rudras that is particularly associated with Vishnu?
They say "You are ... the fifth (Viryavan by name) among the Sadhyas (a particular class of celestials belonging to Gana Devata)."  First of all, it's hard to find that much information about the Sadhyas (although they may be related to the Ganas if they belong to Ganesha).  The Srimad Bhagavatam just says "one who wants to be popular with the general mass of population should worship the Sādhyas".  This book provides a few details, such as them being older than creation, being the sons of Daksha and Sadhya, and being asssociated with the Ashwameda Yagna.  And it does list Viryavan as one of the twelve Sadhyas.  But is there any specific information known about who Viryavan is?  (EDIT: I asked a question here that may be related.)
Brahma says "You are the Divine Boar with a single tusk."  This clearly refers to Varaha, although I'm not sure why he's described as one-tusked when he's usually depicted as two-tusked.
Brahma says "You are ... Upendra the Divine Dwarf".  This clearly refers to Vamana.
Brahma says "In the form of the Vedas, you are the great Bull with hundred heads (rules) and thousand horns (precepts)." Is there any information known about this bull?  Is it related to the description of Vishnu in the Rig Veda as "the Bull far-striding, dwelling on the mountains"?

So can anyone shed any light on who Ritadhama the Vasu, the eighth Rudra, Viryavan the fifth Sadhya, and "the great bull" are?  Vishnu has had countless avatarams, and most people only know the ten Dasa Avatarams and at most the list of 24 major avatarams mentioned in the Puranas.  These are considerably more obscure than those, but hopefully there is still some information about them.


texts: Is there an inherent relation between varna and skin color?

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Is there an inherent relation between varna (caste) and skin color? By inherent I mean does scripture say that castes were created with a particular skin color? The scriptures say that kshatriyas were created strong, brahmanas pious, etc. But what about skin color and physical appearance?

The Apastamba Dharma Sutras say something regarding this:

  1.9.27.11. A Brāhmaṇa atones for the offence which he has committed by serving one day and night [a man of] the black race [krishna
  varna], if he bathes for three years, eating at every fourth
  meal-time.

"Krishna varna" refers to the 4th caste, Shudras.

But this doesn't necessarily have to be talking about their physical appearance, because black in color could be referring to the inherent guna of shudras, which is tamas.

Georg Buhler, the translator, says:

  The expression krishna varna, 'the black race,' is truly Vedic. In the Rig-veda it usually denotes the aboriginal races, and sometimes the demons.


texts: Does Vedanta accept the validity of Jyotish?

texts: Gita 10.37 talks about Usanas or Acharya Shukra. Is Shukra to be considered a graha or a kavi in the Gita context? Some one told me that the implication of the Gita identifying Shukra only as Kavi and not as graha is that Vedanta does not accept the validity of Jyotish. Hence I asked the above question.


texts: Where are the 18 islands on Earth as mentioned in Mahabharata?

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This excerpt (conversation between Vyasa and Yudhishtira after Ghatotkach's death) is from Drona Parva of Mahabharata:

  then the valiant son of Jamadagni, proceeding against the Kashmiras, the Daradas, the Kuntis, the Kshudrakas, the Malavas, the Angas, the Vangas, the Kalingas, the Videhas, the Tamraliptakas, the Rakshovahas, the Vitahotras, the Trigartas, the Martikavatas, counting by thousand, slew them all by means of his whetted shafts. Proceeding from province to province, fie thus slew thousands of crores of Kshatriyas.

  Creating a deluge of blood and filling many lakes also with blood as
  red as Indrajopakas or the wild fruit called Vandujiva, and bringing
  all the eighteen islands (of which the earth is composed) under his
  subjection, that son of Bhrigu's race performed a hundred sacrifices
  of great merit, all of which he completed and in all of which the
  presents he made unto the Brahmanas were profuse.

It mentions that Earth is made up of 18 islands in 28th Dwapara.

What are those islands on the current world map and why can't we see them today(I want answer supported/cited from Scriptures please no scientific speculation). (i.e., 28th Kaliyuga of Vaivasvatha Manvantar) as it was back then (made up of 18 islands)?


texts: Are the birds called chatakas and chakoras mentioned in our scriptures?

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In 'Pravodha -sudhaakara' by Sankaracharya, we read

  as the empty sky fulfills the desires of the chaataka and chakora birds in the form of rain-water and moonlight, Sri Hari inspite of being beyond speech and mind fulfills the desires of devotees.

As far as I know, no bird exists that can survive on rain-water or moonlight.But I am familiar with these two names since childhood.

Does any of our scriptures mention the names of Chaataka and Chakora birds?

Kindly cite proper sources.

Thanks.


texts: Measurement of speed of light in Rigveda

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.There is a verse in Rigveda(1,50-4)
 "Yojananam sahastra dwe dwe shathe dwe cha yojane Aken nimishardhena krammana Namosthuthe"
In this verse poet respects to sunlight who moves 2202 yojana in half minute.

When we actually convert yojana to kose and kose to yard and yard to metres.we actually get 299,792,458m/s which is the modern accepted answer. Do the early poets conducted any experiment to measure or the question end up philosophically;because it took about 300 years to calculate speed of light for scientific community.


texts: Why Karna didn't give Dana according to scriptures?

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EXPLANATION :

Karna was a great man in giving Dana to Anyone who asks for Dana from him.
Scriptures Support giving Dana only to whose who that Deserves it.
Sciptures Oppose giving Dana to whose who that does Not deserves it and giving to anyone is Punisable.
Karna would been full aware of this rules in scriptures but he gave to anyone that asks him.
Karna Didn't Refuse to give Dana even for one time.

EXAMPLE :
Karna gave his Kavacha and Kundala to lord indra whose Intention was to kill karna.

QUESTION :

Why Karna didn't give Dana as said in scriptures to give only to whose who that deserves it ?
Did he Took a Vow to Give Dana to anyone as opposing scriptures ?
Will it cause Bad karma to Karna or Anyone if Dana is given to who that does not deserves it ?


texts: Are there instances wherein a God/Goddess met his/her incarnation?

texts: Are there instances from the Hindu mythology wherein Gods have met their incarnations?


texts: Seven doors or seven hills of Lord Vishnu (Venkateshwara)

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What do the seven doors of Vaikuntam symbolize for us? I couldn't find any answer. I heard it in a movie that humans should cross the seven doors to finally reach the Lord.

I also read in an article from the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam magazine that we should climb/cross the 7 hills of the Lord Venkateshwara to reach him. 7 hills representing 7 traits like greed, lust, anger, ego etc. but no scriptures were referenced.

So may I know which scriptures mention the 7 doors and what do they symbolize?


texts: What Dharma forces Lakshman to leave his wife and accompany Lord Rama?

texts: What Dharma forces Lakshman to leave his wife and accompany Lord Rama, yet Lord Rama takes Devi Sita with him?


texts: Who is addressed as "the step of Vishnu" in the Yajur Veda?

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The Fourth Khanda of the Taittirya Samhita of the Yajur Veda is chanted during the preparation of the altar of a Yagna (fire-ritual), and the second Prapathaka of this Khanda, which is chanted during the preparation of the ground of the Yagna, begins with this hymn:

  Thou art the step of Visnu, overcoming hostility, mount the Gayatri metre, step along the earth, excluded is he whom we hate. Thou art the step of Visnu, overcoming [curses], mount the Tristubh metre, step along the atmosphere, excluded is he whom we hate. Thou art the step of Visnu, overcomer of the enemy, mount the Jagati metre, step along the sky, excluded is he whom we hate. Thou art the step of Visnu, overcomer of the foe, mount the Anustubh metre, step along the quarters, excluded is he whom we hate.

Clearly "step of Vishnu" is a reference to Vishnu's incarnation (avataram) as Vamana the dwarf, who conquered the three worlds from the Asura (demon) Mahabali by taking three steps.

But my question is, who is the figure being addressed when the hymn says "Thou art the step of Vishnu"?  The second Prapathaka is related to the preparation of the ground for the ritual, so could this be a hymn to the Earth, which is one of the places Vishnu that stepped on?  Or is it referring to someone else?


texts: I am looking for details about Brahma's birth, his parents etc. I have never heard about it. can any one explain real detail about it,.


texts: Possessing ego for being "scripturally righteous" or being a sinner (knowingly or unknowingly): Which of the two is worse?

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We all commit in some way or another various sins (pāpa) and good acts (puṇya).
My question pertains to the situation:
Suppose one person, might be conducting themselves in all righteousness (dharmic), as per all injunctions of the scriptures. However, despite being righteous (as per scriptures), they have latent ego (ahaṃkāra) inside them of being "righteous".
Then there might be a second person who might be doing all kinds of sins (deliberately or non-deliberately), as per against the scriptural injunctions.
Sometimes people might have ahaṃkāra of being born in a certain social or gender setting. They might consider the other people as inferior, due to that ego.
Is the ahaṃkāra (ego) developed as a result of "being good or better" more worse and dangerous than the pāpa (sins) accumulated done via activities which oppose the Dharma?
Who between the two is the worst sinner? The one who's scripturally righteous, but with ahaṃkāra, or the one who is a sinner (unknowingly or unknowingly)? Does scriptures makes any such kind of distinction and explain them? Views of āchāryas and gurus are also welcome.


texts: When do the avatars of Viṣṇu "Alhaad," "Udayashimha" and a horse in the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa occur?

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The Bhaviṣya Purāṇa mentions "Alhaad" and "Udayashimha" as avatars of Viṣṇu. It also mentions his taking birth as a horse. Any ideas on when they are supposed to be born? Why do they fight when so young?
https://www.pdfdrive.com/bhavishya-purana-bhavishya-maha-purana-pratisarg-parv-khand-three-full-translated-to-english-d179134516.html


texts: What is the name of the Yajna which is capable of curing diseases?

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Tembe Swami or Vasudevananda Saraswati in his Dwisahastri Teeka says through the following procedures diseases can be cured.

  पूर्वजन्मकृतं पापं व्याधीरूपेण पीडते ।
  तच्छान्तिरौषधैर्दानैर्जपहोमसुरार्चनैः ।।

  Sins commited in the previous births trouble in the form of
  diseases (in this life). These diseases can be cured by medicines,
  charity, japa, yajna and prayer of devatas.

I never knew that there are Yajnas which are capable of curing diseases before reading this. I would like to know the name of the Yajna which can cure diseases.


texts: How and why was the first ever thought generated?

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We have certain posts which discuss about how the universe was created OR how Brahman imagined to become from one to many. This Qn is about the situation earlier to that.

Anything which is describable can be assumed as "something". "Something" is naturally existent with respect to "Nothing".
e.g. 1 is 1 or 2 is 2, because we have 0 (or void). Or let's say, I can say there is an Apple in my hand, because it was not there before. Even it may not remain after a while.
This is only one-way route, as vice versa is not true. Means, We don't need "something" to describe "nothing", because it's indescribable anyways. In a way "nothing" is ever existent (or non-existent).

Question: From above we can derive that there has to be "nothing" at first, for "something" to be able to come into picture. Also, the first ever 'thing' would have born, has to be a "thought", because it's the command even for any action to happen.

How & why the first ever thought could have even got generated?

Update: Why have I assumed that 'something' has come out of 'nothing', but not vice versa?
The rational explanation is already given with 0-1-2 & Apple example. Those who seek scripture base, here is a verse from Gita:

  BG 9.4 - This whole world is pervaded by Me in My unmanifest form. All beings exist in Me, but I am not contained in them.

The unmanifest form in other verses is referred as indescribable - अव्यक्त and unthinkable - अचिन्त्य. The only logical English word for such term is 'nothing'. There are other verses as well, such as "the world pervades from Me & merges back to Me", where "Me" is that Unmanifest form.

If you see the Swami Vishwananda's answer & comment section, it in fact provides additional scriptures to this concept, except that 'nothing' is referred as 'Brahman'. 'Brahman' is derived after 'Neti Neti' (not this, not this) and so is 'nothing'.


texts: Can anyone please give pdf link for Brahma Sutra Bhashya of Shri Adi Shankaracharya in Kannada?

texts: Is there any online link available with Shri Adi Shankaracharya's Brahma Sutra Bhashya in Kannada?


texts: Does hurting someone for their own good accumulate bad karma?

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We know bad actions result in bad reactions.

If a parent beats his kid for his studies, will he accumulate bad karma?

If not, then, if the parent locks him in the house, don't let him play, don't let him enjoy, beats him on every mistake so that the kid will fear him, and controls every single moment of the child, and he does all this so that he can keep his child safe from dangers and bad habits, and make him successful, will he then accumulate bad karma?


texts: What exactly happens during Parakaya Pravesha?

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Parakaya Pravesha is power of entering into body of another person through Yoga.

  Sri Adi Sankara entered the body of King Amaruka of Benares.
  Tirumular in Southern India entered the body of a shepherd. Raja
  Vikramaditya also did this. It is also the power of keeping a
  youth-like appearance for any length of time. Raja Yayati had this
  power.

If a person (his/her Atman) enters another person body, what happens to second person's Atman or Consciousness? Same is the case when a ghost or devil enters into another person's body. Ghosts do not have Physical body (Annamaya Kosha) but have other 4 koshas.

Will Koshas of first person (Yogi who enters into others) overlap with koshas of second person? If yes, which Koshas overlap?
What exactly happens during Parakaya Pravesha or a bhoota entering into human body?
What is the difference between Parakaya Pravesha and bhoota entering into a person?


texts: The difference between Atman and Brahman

texts: Like the Brahman, the Atma also has several similar qualities like opminpresence, omnipotence, divinity etc. Then what is the difference between Brahman and individual Atma?


texts: Can anyone throw light on ancient weights and measures mentioned in Hinduism scriptures?

texts:
I am interested to know about ancient weights and measures mentioned in Hinduism scriptures.

Can anyone throw light on this subject?


texts: How much earth year passes in 1 second of Brahmaloka?

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Every religious book, Vedas and Purans , units of distances such as Yojana have been tried to be converted in English in modern age. In Such Situation

How much is the 1 second of Brahmaloka on earth ?

How much it be when applied to chaturyugas and manwantars ?


texts: Do we have any segment or fraction of Shashti Tantra surviving today?

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Recently while researching on tradition of Sankhya from some articles and research papers [1][2], I have concluded that possible Guru-Shihya parampara would be Kapila > Asuri > Panchashikha > Varsaganya > Vindhyavasina > Ishwar Krishna. Though we also have one post on Guru Pampara of Ishvara Krishna.

After reading about every person of Guru Parampara, I found that probably Sankhya used not to be in textual form in the time of Kapil and Asuri or we don't have any text attributed to Kapila or Asuri surviving today. But the character Panchashikha is very interesting. His name is mentioned with great respect in Samkhya traditions (in various Sankhya commentaries). He is also mentioned in Mahabharata and Purana as a great teacher of Sankkhya. Panchashikha is said to had written a work called Shashti Tantra (षष्ठी तंत्र) which means sixty topics of Sankhya. This work was a great contribution to Sankhya. It probably reconstructed the atheistic sounding Sankhya of Kapila to theistic form. Ishwara Krishna also admits that his teaching of Sankhya is based on Shashthi Tantra.

  सप्तत्यां किल येऽर्थास्तेऽर्था: कृत्स्नस्य षष्टितन्त्रस्य ।
  आख्यायिकाविरहिता: परवादविवर्जिताश्चापि ॥ ७२ ॥

  72. The subjects which are treated by the 70 distinches are the very subjects which are treated in Shashti Tantra also, (sixty topics) excluding the illustrative tales and omitting doctrines of other people.

So, it can be said that probably Shashti Tantra was the first textual form of Sankhya philosophy.

As we know that Sankhya Karika is the only oldest surviving work on Sankhya today we have, yet I want to know do we have any part or fractions of Shashti Tantra surviving? probably in the various commentaries on Sankhya texts?


texts: Does lagna lord Sun (Leo asc) gets Neecha Bhanga or Neecha Bhanga Raja yoga?. The horoscope has Sun and Venus in Libra(3rd House). Saturn in Capricon(7th house). Moon in Leo(1st House).


texts:
What do Shaastras say about Adhika Masa?

What are are the explanations for this month, including any definitions? Background to the names
like Mala Maasa, Purushottam Maasa, etc.
What are the things described as shresta during this month?
Restrictions on doing religious ceremonies (Upanayana, wedding, etc.)
Any notable events from Ithihasas/Puranas from this month?

[Not looking for explanation on why Adhika masa calculated....i.e, 10 or 11 days carry over every year and becoming an extra month]
Thank you.


texts: Is embryology mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana? Is it contradictory with present day biology?


texts: What scriptures describing holding breath for hours before chanting the Sahasrakshi Mantra?

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The Sri Vaishnava sect is divided into two sub-sexts, Thenkalais and Vadakalais.  One of the issues they disagree on is whether the chanting of the Pranavam in the Ashtakshari Mantra requires Upanayanam to chant, or whether Samashrayanam is sufficient.  But both Thenkalais and Vadakalais agree that when the Ashtakshari Mantra is shorn of both the Pranavam and the dative case ending, it is free for anyone to chant, even by people who have done neither Samashrayanam nor Upanayanam.  In the nine minute mark of this video, the Sri Vaishnava lecturer U. Ve. A. S. Rajagopalan Swami compares this with things that do require Upadesam:

  [For] Ashtaksharam you need an Upadesam, and you need an Upadesam on certain kinds of things.  There is one Mantram called Sahasrakshi Mala Mantram.  To tell that one once, you have to hold your breath for several hours.. Not minutes or seconds, several hours.  Can we do that one?

A. S. Rajagopalan Swami goes on to say that the Sahasrakshi Mala Mantra has Swarga as its fruit.  But I’m interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what scriptures describe having to hold your breath for several hours before chanting the Sahasrakshi Mala Mantra?

So far all I could find is this webpage selling a “Sahasrakshi Yantra” associated with the chanting of a “Maa Sahasrakshi Mantra”, which I assume is some kind of Shakta Mantra.  But I’m not sure whether that’s the same Mantra being discussed above.


texts: Does Bharat Matha exist in hindu dieties?

texts: Does Bharat Matha exist in hindu dieties or it was created for Indian Freedom Movement?


texts: What are some verses that say clearly say Brahman is immortal?

texts:
Very know that Brahman is supreme God.
So are there any verse from the vedas that say clearly say Brahman is immortal.


texts: Is it true brahma masturbated to urvasi and collected semen in pot and saraswati was born from it?

texts: I have seen many people claiming this but i couldn't find the story in any puranas. Are they just rumours or is there really some story. If yes please quote the exact verse.


texts: How old is Yoga as a form of physical and breathing exercises?

texts: The question refers to Yoga as a form of physical exercise, breathing exercise with spiritual elements and not the word itself.


texts: Who was Parâvasu the former Hotri for Asuras?

texts:
Shatapatha Brahmana 1.5.1 mentions an interesting thing about the priests of the Devas and Asuras:

He steps beside the Hotri's seat, takes one stalk of (reed) grass from the Hotri's seat and casts it outside (the sacrificial ground), with the formula, 'Ejected is the wealth-clutcher (parâvasu, lit. "off-wealth")!' Formerly, namely, the Hotri of the Asuras was one Parâvasu by name: him he thereby ejects from the Hotri's seat.

He then sits down on the Hotri's seat, with the formula, 'I here sit down on the seat of the wealth-bestower (arvâvasu, lit. "hither-wealth")!' for one Arvâvasu by name was the Hotri of the gods, and on his seat he accordingly sits down.

The former Hotri of the Devas could be one of the three previous Agnis I asked a question for but I want to know about Who is this Parâvasu who was the former Hotri for the Asuras and how did he become their Hotri?
If it helps another section of the same scripture also mentions two priests of the Asuras that I had asked a question about earlier and this guy could be one of those but I want to know it conclusively through scriptural references.


texts: Is Lord Ayyappa the Hindu God of growth?

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Certain websites like http://www.mythologydictionary.com/ mention that Ayyappa is the god of growth but I don't understand what type of growth is that. Wikipedia just says that he is an avatar of Shasta and is the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini.

Please explain what is Lord Ayyappa the god of. If he really is the god of growth please explain what the term growth means - is it mental, emotional or physical growth or is it all three?


texts: Different ways to ring a bell in Aaradhanam

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When performing Aradhanam, a daily Pooja performed by Sri Vaishnavites, there are certain moments when one is supposed to ring a Ghantam, or bell. The bell produces an auspicious sound synonymous with "Om", which is why it is used. However, there are two ways to ring the bell depending on the circumstances.

  There are two ways you can make sound with ghaNTa (Bell). One ringing
  it such a way that the tongue touches  only one side of the ghaNTa.
  You have to make ghaNTa naatham like this while

  Opening the koyil aazhvar( the Divine box where PerumaL is in yoga
  nidra)
  While offering argyam, paadyam, and aachamaniiyam
  While doing
  thirumanjanam
  While offering Dhupam, Diipam

  The tongue of the ghaNTa should touch both the sides of the bell while
  doing Harati and while offering food.

(Source)

What is the reason for this difference in how the bell is rung? If the sound of the bell is auspicious, why not just ring it in the full manner all the time?


texts: Can one achieve moksha in heaven/swarg lok?

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After death one will either go to heaven or hell and then he will reincarnate on earth.
So can someone attain Moksha while he is in heaven.
If no then why


texts: What is the story of Arjuna becoming depressed when lord Hanuman tested him?

texts: I have read somewhere that Arjuna became depressed in the test by lord Hanuman and he got some lessons from the lord. What is the story from the scriptures?


texts: Was Pinaka bow made by Lord Shiva himself or by vishwakarma?

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As per Valmiki Ramayana & Mahabharata, Lord Shiva had made a powerful bow to destroy the sacrifice of daksha. However it doesn't mention the name of that bow. So was that bow Pinaka or was it another bow ?
Was it Pinaka bow that was broken by Ram? Was the same bow used in destroying Tripura?


texts: Why is Sri Krishna not worshipped as father?

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Lord Krishna is generally not worshipped as 'father'.He is worshippd as 'friend', 'master', 'lover', 'child' etc. Lord Shiva on the other hand, is worshipped mainly as father.

Sri Krishna told in Gita that He is the father of the world. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer of the world often.

So why is Shiva worshipped as 'father' while Krishna is never?

I believe that both are the forms of the same Para-Brahman by the way and do not treat any of them as superior or inferior to the other.


texts: Is married person eligible to practice Raja Yoga?

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In his book of Raja Yoga, Vivekananda says the following

Lines in chapter II

  Râja-Yoga is divided into eight steps. The first is Yama —
  non-killing, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-receiving
  of any gifts. Next is Niyama — cleanliness, contentment, austerity,
  study, and self-surrender to God. Then comes Âsana, or posture;
  Prânâyâma, or control of Prâna; Pratyâhâra, or restraint of the senses
  from their objects; Dhâranâ, or fixing the mind on a spot; Dhyâna, or
  meditation; and Samâdhi, or superconsciousness. The Yama and Niyama,
  as we see, are moral trainings; without these as the basis no practice
  of Yoga will succeed. As these two become established, the Yogi will
  begin to realise the fruits of his practice; without these it will
  never bear fruit. A Yogi must not think of injuring anyone, by
  thought, word, or deed. Mercy shall not be for men alone, but shall go
  beyond, and embrace the whole world.

Lines in Chapter V

  There must be perfect chastity in thought, word, and deed; without it
  the practice of Raja-Yoga is dangerous, and may lead to insanity. If
  people practice Raja-Yoga and at the same time lead an impure life,
  how can they expect to become Yogis?

He didn't explicitly tell to abstain from sex. What is meant by chastity in this context?  If a person is married, is he eligible to practice it in-spite of his participation in intimate activities?


texts: Merits vs. Good Karma vs. Acting out of Anger

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Is Merit different from Good Karma?

Is repeatedly doing a meritorious act called Good Karma?

Somewhere I read that one drop of acid ruins a good and tasty soup. In the same way once person a got very angry, it wiped out all the merits done by him.

So does anger really wipe out all the merits done by the person?

If a person gets angry, then does all his charity acts, or only all kinds of meritorious acts get wiped out?

Aren't there separate accounts (or baskets) for good and bad deeds? E.g., if a man does charity and gets angry upon someone then don't both these fructify separately?


texts: How can one know about their previous births?

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How do I know what I was in my previous births?

There are many stories in Hindu mythology that mention the previous births of people. But my question is, even in those earlier times and in this current age, how can one know the previous birth of oneself or others? Or is knowing one's own or someone else's previous birth just a false concept? Is it just an illusion?

Also usually everybody forgets their past lives, so there must be some vidhya behind knowing one's past lives.

Can someone throw some light on how to attain this vidhya? Are there any Hindu texts on this topic?


texts: Is the word "Gandharva" related to the conception of an embryo?

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In Pali Buddhism, the word "gandhabba" is used in relation to the conception of an embryo.
In the following passage, the question is asked to & answered by Brahmins. Therefore, it seems this subject matter was common knowledge to Vedic Brahmins.

Do you know how there is the descent of an embryo?
Yes, master, we know how there is the descent of an embryo. There is the case where the mother & father have come together, the mother is fertile, and a gandhabba [the being about to be reborn] is standing present. The coming together of these three is the descent of the embryo.
Assalayana Sutta

However, Buddhists remain unclear about & often debate what the "gandhabba" is.
In Hinduism, is the word "gandharva (gandhabba)" related to the conception of an embryo?


texts: What's the meaning of the mentioned mantras

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Would like to know ,what's the meaning of the below mentioned :
Jyothismatim Dwaasaadayami
Jytothishkrutam Dwaasaadayami
Jyotirvidam Dwaasaadayami
BhaaswaTim Dwaasaadayami
Jwalanthim Dwaasaadayami
Malmalaabhavantim Dwaasaadayami
Deepyamaanam Dwaasaadayami
Rochamaanam  Dwaasaadayamyajasram Dwaasaadayami
Bruhajyotisham Dwaasaadayami


texts: Do the scriptures mention anything about this? Can brahmins drink alcohol?


texts: Who is the supreme God in Swaminarayan Sampradaya?

texts: Swaminarayan Sampradaya claims itself to be a Vaishnava association. But unlike other Vaishnavas it prefers a rather Smartha way of worshipping all deities equally. So my question is who is the supreme deity of Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Is it Vishnu or Shiva ? Was Swaminarayan a avatar or a saint? If Avatar, an avatar of Vishnu or Shiva?


texts: Where is the Parsamani(Gold Stone) which Satyabhama's father had?

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I read a book on Krishna written by K.M. Munshi called "KRISHNAVATAR" in which author wrote that, Satyabhama's father had a parasmani(Gold Stone), and with proper pooja of that stone turn anything into gold.

I am sure that, the Mani was not destroyed. So does anybody know where is that Mani now?  I also heard from lore that, that Mani way curse object. Is it true?


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Sometimes I'm very confused about what is life and death. Why are we living and why will we face death?

In Vedic shastras, there is detail explanation on what happens after death, what we have to do in our life, etc. But I didn't find about the true meanings of life and death.

Is it only "take birth", "live on earth" and finally "face death"?


texts: Influence of early communication in prenatal vasana modeling

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The Video (Telugu) reminds viewers that Abhimanyu and Prahlada had acquired Bhakthi transmitted by intelligent oral suggestions which after birth gave prenatal and primordial connection to natural tendencies  which may or may not have contained mantras or instructions as part of them.
Sounds like an Operant conditioning method of modern  behavioral science to induce deep rooted desired behavior that can be carried forward as Vaasanas. The unborn's character can be modeled by design or intent.
It is well known that human personality is influenced by heredity and early life growing environment. In this case it appears heredity and the earliest uterine fetal development environment can play a powerful role for  good character and virtuous behavior modeling.
Have there been other such incidences known in other Puranas or history or even folklore? Pregnant mothers are generally advised to keep cheerful but apart from that  have there been systematic attempts to instill affinities by tutoring/ mentoring influence like those administered by Arjuna and Narada before birth?
Thanks in advance for references to similar or other anecdotes. If there is more interest I could attempt to put the Video into English.


texts: As Karna was very powerful and was also the son of Sun, did Krishna ever try to help or teach dharma to Karna? Did he try to make him a good person or protect him from evil thoughts?


texts: Lord of Happiness Venkateshwara, Godess Mahalakshmi devi and Lord of Wealth Kuberan

texts: I want to know why that Lord Venkateshwara swamy got the credit from Lord Kubera however Goddess Mahalakshmi is wife of MahaVishnu itself.


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When I read the bhagwat geeta I not even once came across the word deekshya only gyan , but outside the geeta and on majorly other forms of attaining liberation i.e. forms different from devotion I also hear the word deekshya.

So what's the difference between deekshya and gyan, and does deekshya have any role in devotion(bhakti). Was the knowledge imparted by Lord Krishna to Arjuna through geeta deekshya or gyan?


texts: Hindu scriptures discussing "proper education"

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Are there any scriptures that discuss proper education or provide instructions or guidance to gurus/parents on providing proper education to children.

By "proper education" I mean education that helps a person develop good character, empathy, self-esteem etc. Basically a type of education similar to the one professed by Swami Vivekananda.


texts: What is a prayer by a Vaishnava saint in honour of Lord Shiva?

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For example, the Rudrashtakam occurs in the Uttara Kanda of Ramacharitmanas, which is composed by Sri Tulsidasa Goswami, who is a Rama Bhakt. I have heard he praise Lord Shiva several times in the work. Also all the demigods including Lord Sri Krishna himself pray to Lord Shiva in the Srimad Bhaagavatam (compiled by Vyasadeva) to request him to save them from the poison from verse 8.7.21 (https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/7/21) to 8.7.35 (https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/7/35). What are some other prayers devoted to Lord Shiva coming from a Vaishnava source? Please name the source as well.

EDIT : The commenters are telling me to say that questions asking for a list are too broad, so if you can name even one prayer each (along with the source), that will do.


texts: Did Pandavas really complete their ajnatavasa?

texts: Did the Pandavas really complete the terms of their ajnatavasa (living in concealment)? Or were their hidden identities revealed before its completion and hence it was adharma to fight against the Kauravas?


texts: Can one God be decorated to other look like other God?

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Each god will have a different name, form, mantra and qualities. During festive seasons or other occasions we see one god will be decorated to look like different god. Each Murthi will be installed on a very particular yantra, by performing particular rituals, so how can we do alankara to one god to look like another god or another avatar?

Its prominent practice on Dasara, Sri Krishna's & Sri Rama's birthday. On Rama's birthday will visiting Rama's temple and visiting Krishna's temple (krishna murthi decorated with Rama's attire) bless us with same result?


texts: When was the last interaction between Pandavas and Krishna?

texts: If I understand correctly, Krsihna didn't accompany them on their final ascent to the Himalaya and beyond.


texts: Why Sanyasi (संन्यासी) shouldn't stay at a place for Long?

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I was going through the below lines from a very famous गुरूचरित्र (Guru Charitra)

  श्रीगुरु म्हणती शिष्यांसी । तुम्ही आश्रमी संन्यासी । राहूं नये पांच
  दिवशीं । एके ठायीं वास करीत ॥१६॥

In above lines, there is clear advice that those who are Sanyasi(तुम्ही आश्रमी संन्यासी) they should not stay at one place (एके ठायीं वास करीत) for more than 5 days (राहूं नये पांच दिवशीं)

What could be the reason behind such advice? Do any other Hindu scriptures mentions similar advice?


texts: Can cremation be done after sunset? What do scriptures say about the timing of cremation?

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A recent news report says that the dead body of a rape victim was cremated by Indian police very late in the night:

"We wanted the last rites to be performed according to the Hindu traditions. Despite our protests, the cremation was performed. They took the body forcefully. We couldn't see our daughter's face for the last time," the woman's father told NDTV.
...
At 2:30 am, while most of her family was home, the police cremated the body.

And one of the commenters under the article says:

I am so petrified. According to scriptures, no one should be cremated after sunset.
Neither Indian law nor Hindu law is followed in UP.

What do scriptures say about the timing of cremation?
If the commenter is right, how is that the burning ghats of Varanasi operate 24/7? Is it because Varanasi is a special place and the timing of cremation doesn't matter at this place?

The burning ghat in Varanasi, India's oldest city, glows as burning pyres continue through the night.


texts:
What exactly are Prakriti and Purusha?
I came across the term Prakriti while reading the Shiva purana and searched to understand the true meaning of it,  but there are a lot of mixed views and opinions on both the terms.


texts: What does the Vedic literature speak about pre-marital sex and sexual abstinence?

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I understand that unlike Abrahamic religions, sex is primarily not a taboo in our Sanatana Dharma.

However, I would like to know what is laid out in the scriptures regarding 'pre-marital sex' and also 'sexual abstinence' (preferably for both genders).


texts: How to use the charms mentioned in the Atharva Veda?

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I want to use the following charms mentioned in Atharva Veda:

A charm to overthrow a rival and gain strength, dignity, long life, children, and general prosperity

A Charm to secure various blessings

To the waters for strength and power

But I don't know how to use those charms. Is it okay if I learned those Mantras and chanted without any Guru, or should I need to go to a person who is already an expert in Atharva Veda?


texts: Who is Ruchi, father of Vishnu's incarnation Yagna?

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As I discuss in this answer, the Universe lasts for one Kalpa or day of Brahma.  Each Kalpa is divided into fourteen Manvantaras, periods where a given Manu governs the race of humans.  Now we are presently governed by Surya's son Vaivasvata Manu, but during the first Manvantara of the present Kalpa, humanity was governed by Brahma's son Swayambhuva Manu.  The Srimad Bhagavatam describes Swayambhuva Manu's children:

  [I]n due course of time he [Manu] begot in Śatarūpā five children — two sons, Priyavrata and Uttānapāda, and three daughters, Ākūti, Devahūti and Prasūti.  The father, Manu, handed over his first daughter, Ākūti, to the sage Ruci, the middle daughter, Devahūti, to the sage Kardama, and the youngest, Prasūti, to Dakṣa. From them, all the world filled with population.

Devahuti's husband Kardama was a sage born from Brahma's shadow.  And Prasuti's husband Daksha was born from Brahma's thumb.  But my question is, who is this sage Ruchi who married Akuti?  He's presumably a son of Brahma, but the only named sages who had been created by Brahma are the four Sanat Kunaras, Kardama, and the Prajapatis.  Yet only ten Prajapatis who are listed earlier on in the chapter:

  Marīci, Atri, Aṅgirā, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha, Dakṣa, and the tenth son, Nārada, were thus born.

In any case, Ruchi's status as a Prajapati is confirmed later on in the Srimad Bhagavatam, in a description of Ruchi's son, the incarnation of Vishnu known as Yagna:

  Ākūti had two brothers, but in spite of her brothers, King Svāyambhuva Manu handed her over to Prajāpati Ruci on the condition that the son born of her be returned to Manu as his son. This he did in consultation with his wife, Śatarūpā.  Ruci, who was very powerful in his brahminical qualifications and was appointed one of the progenitors of the living entities, begot one son and one daughter by his wife, Ākūti.  Of the two children born of Ākūti, the male child was directly an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and His name was Yajña, which is another name of Lord Viṣṇu.

Vishnu incarnated as Ruchi's son Yagna in order to fill the position of Indra during the Manvanthara of Swayambhuva Manu.  So are there any scriptures which describe the birth of the father of this important incarnation?