texts: How many times did Lord Paraśurāma extirpate kṣatriyas?

texts:
In Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda, Sarga 75), Bhagavan Parashurama says:

Oh, Rama, on hearing the unregenerate and highly perfidious murdering of my father, I rancorously extirpated Kshatriya-s as and when they are born, that too not for one time, but I did so for thirty-seven times going around the earth... and on getting the entire earth under my control I performed Vedic-ritual, and at the end of that Vedic-ritual, I gave all that earth to sage Kashyapa, a sage with divine soul and with pious observances, as a ritualistic-generosity... and I am at present on Mt. Mahendra practising ascesis and thus conjoined are the powers of ascesis in me... [1-75-24b, c, 25, 26a]

While Bhagavata Purana 9.16.18-19 says:

With the blood of the bodies of these sons, Lord Paraśurāma created a ghastly river, which brought great fear to the kings who had no respect for brahminical culture. Because the kṣatriyas, the men of power in government, were performing sinful activities, Lord Paraśurāma, on the plea of retaliating for the murder of his father, rid all the kṣatriyas from the face of the earth twenty-one times. Indeed, in the place known as Samanta-pañcaka he created nine lakes filled with their blood.

Which one is correct?


texts: What is the meaning of Bhagavan as per Shiva Purana?

texts:
Here is a similar question which asks definition of Bhagavan from Vishnu Purana:

Definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana

Here I'm asking about definition of Bhagavan as per Shiva Purana. So, what does Shiva Purana state about meaning of the word 'Bhagavan' ? Is the definition reflected in other scriptures like Vedas too?


texts: IsN't life, by the Vedic Sanatana dharma, is the fruit of SIN and thus an endless sea of sorrow & suffering?

texts:
By the doctrine of KARMA that happens to be inseparable from the Vedic Sanatana dharma, good deeds lead to good life in the next life (after rebirth) while bad deeds lead to bad life in the next birth. Evidently, by this doctrine, the BORN poor that make up the 99% of humanity and have to lead a bestial existence throughout their life were all BORN poor to sweat blood to produce all wealth & luxuries and thus keep civilisations moving and advancing as a result of SIN they committed in their earlier birth. As the 1% consisting of the BORN rich & the BORN super-rich are too insignificant to count, we can regard, in keeping with the Vedic Sanatana dharma, human life is the fruit of SIN. Am I Right?
In order to get rid of the life, the Vedic Sanatana dharma has prescribed moksha, which fact also supports my view that life is, by the Vedic Sanatana dharma, an endless sea of sorrow & suffering.


texts: Who was the wife of Manu who was sacrificed by the priests of the Asuras?

texts:
I came across an interesting story while reading the Shatapatha brahmana regarding Manu's encounters with the priests of Asuras about whose identity I had asked a separate question. These two had sacrificed the bull of Manu that had a voice that could kill Asuras but then something interesting happened:

  These two said, 'God-fearing, they say, is Manu: let us two then ascertain!' They then went to him and said: 'Manu! we will sacrifice for thee!' He said: 'Wherewith?' They said: 'With this bull!' He said: 'So be it!' On his (the bull's) being killed the voice went from him.

This Asura-killing sound went from the bull to Manu's wife who is mentioned simply as Manavi (of Manu):

  It entered into Manâvî, the wife of Manu; and when they heard her speak, the Asuras and Rakshas were continually being crushed. Thereupon the Asuras said to one another: 'Hereby even greater evil is inflicted on us, for the human voice speaks more!' Kilâta and Âkuli then said: 'God-fearing, they say, is Manu: let us then ascertain!' They went to him and said: 'Manu! we will sacrifice for thee!' He said: 'Wherewith?'They said: 'With this thy wife!' He said: 'So be it!' And on her being killed that voice went from her.

I am interested in this last portion that says Manavi was also sacrificed after the bull. I want to know Who was this wife of Manu who was sacrificed by the priests of the Asuras?


texts: Which shloka explains this statement related to Shiva

texts:
If a person falls in dangerous situations such as in front of dangerous animals, then if such person says "Shiva", then the total situation comes under control and the animals don't harm that person.

Which Hindu scripture contains this?


texts: This wiki article mentions a list of battle formations used in the Mahabharata. Amongst other formations, Makara Vyuha is mentioned. I would like to know if the details of this Vyuha are mentioned in the Mahabharata. Is so, what is this formation?


texts: Which scriptures describe the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath?

texts:
According to this Jain site, many Hindu scriptures mention the 1st Jain Tirthankara Rishabha (who the Jain tradition considered the founder of their tradition) and the 22nd Tirthankara Neminath:

Myth # 1 – Jainism was founded by Mahavira Swami.
The Truth- Jainism is an ancient religion that pre-dates lord Mahavira. Herman Kuhn an Indologist and translator of Tattvarthasutra says – "There exists evidence of twenty four enlightened teachers who taught identical knowledge at much earlier times.” According to Britannica Encyclopedia, Lord Parshvanatha, 23rd Jaina Tirthankara was a Historical figure who flourished in 8th Century BCE. (Ref : http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9374627 )
From the Buddhist and Jain records, it is clear that Jainism is older than Buddhism and was firmly established at the time of the origin of Buddhism. In the Samannaphala Sutta of the Dighanikaya, there is a reference to the four vows (Chaturyama Dharma) of Parshvanatha. Lord Neminath (22nd Tirthankar) and Lord Rushabh Nath (1st Tirthankar) are mentioned in various Vedas and Hindu Puranas. This proves that Mahavir Swami was a reformer and reviver of already existing Shraman traditions.

Now, I'm aware that the first Tirthankara is mentioned in various Puranas such as the Srimad Bhagavatam where He is depicted as an incarnation of Vishnu:

The eighth incarnation was King Rishabha, son of King Nābhi and his wife Merudevī. In this incarnation the Lord showed the path of perfection, which is followed by those who have fully controlled their senses and who are honored by all orders of life. (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.13)

However, I haven't come across any Hindu texts mentioning the 22nd Tirthankara Neminath. So do any texts mention Neminath as this site claims?
Edit: I have found a reference of Neminath in the Yajurveda as per this answer. Are there any other scriptures that supposedly talk about Neminath?


texts:
In this answer, there is a statement which says that Krishna cohabited with Radha who is His aunt,

And this blog also says same.

So my question is, was Radha Krishna's aunt?


texts: Does Vaishnavism ordain one to cut the tongue of a blasphemer?

texts:
I was reading Srimad Bhagavatam with Srila Prabhupada's translation/commentary when I came upon verse 4.4.17:

Sati continued: If one hears an irresponsible person blaspheme the
master and controller of religion, he should block his ears and go away
if he is unable to punish him. But if one is able to kill, then one should
by force cut out the blasphemer's tongue and kill the offender, and
after that he should give up his own life.

Now, notice that there is no mention of the word "kill" in the word-to-word translation of the verse:

Obviously, that means the extra words are his own commentary mixed with the translation. However, it is evident that the Bhagavatam mentions cutting off a miscreant's tongue by force if one has the ability. So, is a devotee supposed to cut off the tongue of someone who insults Vishnu or his devotees? If so, what is the moral justification for this practice, and how would it be implemented in this age?
Another point to mention is the part about suicide. Is it required, and isn't it too extreme? Are there any similar verses (with a proper translation)?


texts: Why is the month of Aadi considered auspicious for the Goddess Parvati (Ambaal)?

texts:
The month of Aadi in the Tamil calendar is considered particularly auspicious for the Goddess Parvati, i.e. Ambaal.
Why is this so?
(In case it matters, my perspective comes from that of a Tamil Brahmin household.)
Possibly relevant: I know that there are several local/rural dieties of South India such as Mariamman for whom there are festivals celebrated in the month of Aadi, and Mariamman is considered to be another form of Ambaal.


texts: What does the expression "kalpa bheda" mean?

texts: I see this expression a lot to explain seeming contradictions in puranas.  kalpa-bheda could mean difference between kalpas - does that mean all puranic stories happen repeatedly from one kalpa to the next and that there may be variations in the narrative among different kalpas?


texts:
I am a chAraN (चारण in Devanagari), we usually call ourselves devi Putra (Son of Devi), we are the sons of Maa hinglaj.
I just want to know more about chAraN, I have seen we are mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabharata.

Does anyone have some content? About origin of chAraN it is written in the books that they used to live in Kailash prior to Mata Sati incident. After that, Lord Shiva sent us to the earth.

All the devi has taken birth in chAraN samaj. Like Karni Mata, Inder Baisa, Awad Mata, Ashapura Mata, Khodiyar Mata, Tanot Mata, Nagneecha Mata.

Any more information will be helpful.

Edit: As I already saw Wikipedia please do not copy paste that.


texts: Why aren't Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana updated?

texts:
The Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana contains some deeds of the Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively which had happened. Both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu exist even today, now they might be doing some deeds.

Now why aren't the current deeds of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu written? To be more precise, why aren't Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana updated with the latest deeds of the Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu?

For example, Lord Shiva's marriage with Goddess Parvathi, the birth of Lord Karthikeya, Lord Ganesha. In a similar way, what is currently going on now?

Is any rishi writing them currently? Are they updated every yuga with the latest deeds? What is current status of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu?


texts:
Today I read that Ekalavya (student of Dronacharya who practiced in front of Dronacharya's statue) is the cousin of Lord Krishna and Krishna killed him.

How are they cousins?


texts: What are the Mathematical Algorithms/Formulas behind hindu Sunrise and Sunset Calculations?

texts:
There are differences between Astronomical Sunrise/Sunset calculation and Hindu Sunrise/Sunset calculations. The astronomical algorithms to calculate the sunrise/sunset can be found over the internet. Here is a calculation that I followed to correctly calculate the astronomical sunrise/sunset time.
Sunrise and Sunset algorithm
Hindu sunrise/sunset is considered when the center of the Sun disk is at the horizon, also the refraction effect must be considered.
Hindu Sunrise = Astronomical Sunrise + Time taken by the Sun to rise half of its diameter + Time taken by the Sun to rise further to neutralize the refraction effect.
Similarly, Hindu Sunset = Astronomical Sunset - Time taken by the Sun to set half of its diameter - Time taken by the Sun to set further to neutralize the refraction effect.
I am able to derive the Astronomical Sunrise/Sunset, but how to do the calculation for the following?:

Time taken by the Sun to rise half of its diameter.
Time taken by the Sun to rise further to neutralize the refraction effect.
Time taken by the Sun to set half of its diameter.
Time taken by the Sun to set further to neutralize the refraction effect.

I need some enlightenment on the above question. Any help with the algorithms/forumlas or resources will be highly appreciated.


texts: What is the real meaning of "Sri Rama Jayam"?

texts: Each word of Sri Rama Jayam has a meaning and is associated with god. I want to know What is the real meaning of Sri Rama Jayam?


texts: How and when are idols cleaned in temples?

texts:
I saw many time idols are getting cleaned by priests.

My question are:

What is used to cleanup the idols?
Just water or something else?
Is there any timing for cleaning?


texts:
The Bisnois are said to be the foremost practitioners of Ahimsa and the greatest environmental activists. The 29 tenets of Bhisnois were formulated by Guru Jambheshwar. The following documentary mentions 29 tenets, but doesn't name every one of them. A list of these tenets along with a reference to a book documenting their belief system would be of great help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX8bnlXyXro&feature=youtu.be


texts: Is it true that the sixth period of king is pattabhishekam(Crowning)?

texts: According to jyotish shastra (astrology), is it true that sixth period of a king refers to the time of pattabhishekam(Crowning)?


texts: why is Matsya Vibhava of Vishnu-Narayana also referred to as Ekasrngatanu?

texts:
In the Ahirbudhnya samhita of pAncarAtra Agamas, the thirty nine vibhavas of SrIman nArAyaNa are listed. Here we observe that Matsya Vibhava (incarnation) of Vishnu-nArAyaNa being referred to as Ekaśṛṅgatanu.

What does Ekaśṛṅgatanu mean?
What is the reason behind the equation of Ekaśṛṅgatanu with Matsya avatara?


texts: What is the difference in the rituals per varna post upanayanam?

texts:
I know that the upanayanam is performed by the first 3 varna and only they are allowed to wear the thread. Even the threads are of different material cotton, hemp and wool. Presumably the rituals that are performed also differ per varna as well as the food and drink that may be consumed (for example I know that Kshatriya and Shudra varna are allowed meat) but the other two are not in general.

So what is the difference in the rituals for dvija after initiation?


texts: What's the difference between Dvaita and the Abrahamic faiths?

texts:
In Dvaita there is Atman and Brahman, while in the Abrahamic faiths there is soul and God.
These systems sound similar, but I assume they are in fact different?

According to Hindu philosophers, what are the basic differences?


texts: Do any post-RigVedic deities appear in the principal upanishads?

texts:
I am taking
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
Chandogya Upanishad
Taittiriya Upanishad
Aitereya Upanishad
Kausitaki Upanishad
Kena Upanishad
Katha Upanishad
Isha Upanishad
Svetasvatara Upanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
Prashna Upanishad
Maitri Upanishad
Mandukya Upanishad

as principal upanishads.
Are any post-RigVedic deities mentioned in these Upanishads?
By RigVedic, I primarily mean (along with verses dedicated to them)
Indra 250
Agni 200
Soma 123
Aśvins 56
Varuna 46
Maruts 38
Mitra 28[3]
Ushas 21
Vayu (Wind) 12
Savitr 11
the Rbhus 11
Pushan 10
the Apris 9
Brhaspati 8
Surya (Sun) 8
Dyáuṣ Pitṛ́ and Pṛthvī Mātṛ́ (Heaven and Earth) 6, plus 5.84 dedicated to Earth alone
Apas (Waters) 6
Adityas 6
Vishnu 6
Brahmanaspati 6
Rudra 5


texts:
In India, people do drugs and drink alcohol. This can be interpreted as there being no law in India to stop them from drinking and doing drugs.

Many Indian people are also Hindu. What does Hinduism say about the use of drugs and alcohol?


texts: I have heard about Vaikuntha for Vishnu etc.. Does devi Lalita and Lord Shiva have separate regions/lokas outside this mortal world? What is the name?


texts: Where does this shloka appear in Mahabharata? "Janami dharmam na cha me pravrttih..."

texts:
Where does this shloka appear in Mahabharata? It was said by Duryodhana to Krishna. Can someone tell me which chapter etc?

  Janami dharmam na cha me pravrttih,
  janamyadharmam na cha me nivrttih;
  kenapi devena hrdi sthitena yatha niyuktosmi tatha karomi"

  Meaning - "I know what is dharma, yet I cannot get myself to follow it! I know what is adharma, yet I cannot retire from it! O Lord of the senses! You dwelt in my heart and I will do as you impel me to do."


texts: How is ISKCON different from Chinmaya Mission?

texts: How is the philosophy followed by Iskcon different from Chinmaya Mission?


texts: What is the story of the Pishacha who overheard the Bhagavad Gita?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya. My question is about the Samkhya school, founded by the sage Kapila.  Now in Adhyaya 4 of Kapila's Samkhya Sutras, one of the defining texts of the Samkhya school, Kapila discusses various scriptural stories which illustrate different Samkhya teachings.  In particular, here's what he says in Adhyaya 4 Sutra 2:

piśācavadanyārtheopadeśe'pi
(Discrimination results), as in the case of the Pishacha, even though the instruction was for the sake of another.

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

Even women, Shudras, and the like may attain their end by hearing the instruction of one Brahmana by another Brahmana; with a view to show this the author exhibits another story.  Although the instruction in regard to the Tattvas or Principles was being deluged by Shri Krishna for the benefit of Arjuna, discriminative knowledge was produced in a Pishacha standing nearby. Similarly it may be in the case of others also.  Such is the meaning.

My question is, what is the story of the Pishacha who overheard Krishna telling Arjuna the Bhagavad Gita?  For those who don't know, Pishachas are a race of demons described in Hindu scripture.
The only similar story I've heard is the one told in this book and other places, about Hanuman overhearing the Bhagavad Gita and Krishna cursing him to turn into a Pishacha.  But I'm not sure if that story has a scriptural basis, and in any case the two stories aren't quite the same.


texts: What is the significance of circumambulating the sacred fire by bride and groom in marriage?

texts:
EXPLANATION :

In Hindu marriage Sacred Fire is used as a important ritual by all the people.
During the rituals the Bride and Groom circumambulate the Sacred Fire for 7 times(Not Sure).

QUESTION :

What is the Meaning of circumambulating the Sacred Fire by the bride and groom ?
How Many times should the couples circle the Sacred Fire ?
What does the Circumambulating of Each round of Sacred fire signify ?


texts: Is that ethically correct if non-vegetarian to Tattoo god's pray or image on forearm

texts:
I want to tattoo the loard shiva's pray like the image below.

My question is that ethical that to tattoo as I'm non-vegetarian.


texts: Pure sanskrit grammatical literal meaning of "ईक्षतेर्नाशब्दम्"

texts:
ईक्षतेर्नाशब्दम् ।
-1/1/5 Brahma Sutra
Can somebody please grammatically split this phrase into different Sanskrit words that it is composed of and give the meaning of each word either in Hindi or English separately, preferably in Hindi and also in English and then give as examples from scriptures such sentences that contain those split words, so that it helps in ascertaining the meaning of the words separately and the phrase as a whole.
I would like to arrive at the pure grammatical and literary meaning of the phrase with the help of examples of the use of the words (contained in the phrase) in different sentences from the scriptures. Kindly do not present any subjective explanations. I am not looking at this from the language POV either. Different people have interpreted the phrase in different ways. I do not want to get into that debate. I just would like to know what the Upanishads themselves want to say, by studying its meaning, through the use of the same words contained in the phrase, by the Upanishads themselves, in different instances, in different sentences. Please present those different instances, where the words used in this phrase have been used elsewhere, in the Upanishads.
I would greatly appreciate any effort made in this direction.
There is one caveat here. Please do not quote explanations of the phrase from any of the "Brahma Sutra Bhashyas".
Just limit the answer to the pure literary meaning of the phrase and the words it is composed of with examples of sentences containing those split words, from the scriptures.
Note: I don't want to get into the "जड़-चेतन", "सांख्य-वेदांत", debate.
Edit 1: Elaboration of the question.
The generally accepted meaning of the words in the phrase are as below;
ईक्षण = संकल्प, विचार, Perception, view.
अशब्दम् = शब्द प्रमाण रहित, Not based on a Vedic text, soundless.
I am searching for other possible meanings of the words in the phrase as per scriptures and other possible meaning of the whole phrase according to those other possible meanings of the words.
I expect the answer to focus on other possibilities than the generally accepted meaning.
Let us for the time being hold that the meaning of the phrase is not what is generally accepted and means something else. What that possible meaning could be according to different meanings of the same words given in scriptures and different combinations of the meanings of those words in the phrase.
To put it in a different way, let us consider this.
Brahma Sutra has been interpreted differently by different Acharyas in their respective Bhashyas, some even contradicting or even negating one another. Let us keep them all aside and try to find the true meaning that the Brahma Sutra really wishes to present to us.
Let the focus be on the different meanings of the words in the phrase, given in different scriptures and not on the debate between different Bhashyas or interpretations.
Edit 2: Further elaboration.
For example in Chandogya Upanishad;

तदैक्षत बहु स्यां प्रजायेयेति तत्तेजोऽसृजत तत्तेज ऐक्षत बहु स्यां प्रजायेयेति तदपोऽसृजत ।
तस्माद्यत्र क्वच शोचति स्वेदते वा पुरुषस्तेजस एव तदध्यापो जायन्ते ॥ ६.२.३ ॥

Here the word ईक्षत has been used to mean like 'resolved' or 'decided'.
In Aitareya upanishad,

आत्मा वा इदमेक एवाग्र आसीन्नान्यत्किंचन मिषत् ।
स ईक्षत लोकान्नु सृजा इति ॥ १.१॥

Here the meaning of the word 'ईक्षत' would be like 'contemplated' or 'thought'.
It would be useful if more such examples for all the words used in the phrase, are given.
Thanks & Regards


texts: Name of Ballia on Raja Bali and his yagna

texts:
I am a resident of Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh . I have read somewhere that it has been named after Raja Bali the demon king who was sent to Hell by Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is said that the original name was Baliyag "the place where Bali performed yagna" just like Prayag which was named after Prajapati doing yagna. Later the name was deprecated and changed from Baliyag to Baliya/Ballia . Is it true or just a rumour?
https://www.quora.com/Who-what-is-Ballia-Uttar-Pradesh-named-after#


texts: Rules to be followed for wearing the Sacred thread / Janeu

texts: What are the rules that one must observe to wear the Yagnopaveetham ? Would prefer if appropriate text is also quoted.


texts: Why are Gods and Yogis shown sitting on animals skins?

texts: It can be observed that many Hindu Gods and saints are shown sitting on animal (tiger) skins. What could be the reason behind this?


texts: How do Devas from deva loka help us humans in bhuloka?

texts: If Devas are in Deva loka and we humans live in bhuloka, then how they will help us? please explain.


texts: Viṣṇu dharma purāṇa is one of the 18 upa purāṇas. This text is available in Sanskrit online. Is it available in English or Hindi or any other Indian language?


texts: I read on the internet that the best position to place The Lord, Ganesha , is at Northeast direction of the house. I found this in other scriptures. Can someone tells me the meaning? Normally Shiva is placed at East and can be related to the rising of the sun.


texts: Is there any incarnation of God currently living among us?

texts: Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda are said to be incarnations of God. Is there any such incarnation currently living among us?


texts:
Ravana came to seeta's place  in disguise of an ascetic.

I want to know exact description of what actually he looked like?

From head to toe.


texts: If liberation does not lead back to bondage, how can time be cyclic?

texts: Is all time cyclic? The idea of liberation seems to imply that time is linear, so I currently assume that there are at least two coexisting “times”: a cyclic time for the material cosmos, and a linear time for the souls. What do the Scriptures teach regarding this?


texts: Tapping temples (on forehead) and worship of Mahaganapaty

texts:
It is usually believed that tapping temples on forehead five times with closed fists, accompanied with the recitation of the "Suklambaradharam..." sloka is a shortcut method of worshiping Lord Mahaganapaty.

Since Mahaganapaty is to be worshiped first, many rituals, including Sandhyavandanam, employ this shortcut.

Quoting from this page:

  Vighnesvara Dhyanam Meditation on Lord Vighnesvara

  While reciting the following mantra, gently tap the two sides of the
  forehead with the fists five times with the thought that thereby the
  nectar (amruta) in the head flows down through all the nerves and
  invigorates them.

    Shuklambaradharam Vishnum
    Sasivarnam Chaturbhujam,
    Prasannavadanam dhyayeh,
    Sarva-vighnopasantaye

It is believed that the Soma ,as a result of the tapping, flows down from the Sahasrara chakra  to bath Ganapaty who is seated below in the Muladhara Chakra.

Here is a video demonstrating the the process (move to 2.37 mins).

Question-Which scriptures mention about this process?

Note-I am only asking  about the process here & not about the sloka "Suklaambaradharam..."


texts: Is there a process of initiation in the sampradaya of Adi Sankaracharya for common people who are not or don't intend to become sanyaasis?

texts: Most, if not all, of the sampradayas of Vaishnavism, Saivism, Shaktism etc. have an initiation or diksha process for even common folks to be part of the particular sampradaya they are attracted to/meant for. Now, at least in the southern states to my knowledge, there are many smartha families that claim to be followers/devotees of one of the 2 major mutts associated with Adi Sankaracharya. My question is how do people/families in general claim lineage or association with a particular mutt if there was no initiation done? How to they accept either of the Sankaracharyas as their Guru? Because, to my knowledge, the sankara sampradaya does initiation process only for sanyaasis. Has Adi Sankaracharya given any instructions in this regard?


texts:
Did Lord Krishna come on earth via a normal birth or his birth was a supernatural event ?

What is the exact story related to it?


texts: What is the story behind Swaminarayana ? There are many temples known as Akshardham in delhi and gujarat. They worship mainly Swaminarayana. What is the story behind them?


texts: (Brahma Sutras)why is a ruling Lord necessary for aggregation of the material world?

texts:
So I've been reading the commentaries by Ramanuja and Shankara on the Brahma Sutras and they say that a ruling lord is necessary for the aggregation of atoms, especially into material skandhas.

how and why would a ruling lord be necessary for the aggregation thereof?

couldn't Reality just be a shared imagining caused by avidya as the vijnanavadins say?if not why not and why would a ruling lord be necessary ?so atoms wouldn't actually exist and be aggregated by necessity?


texts: Is it the Saraswati in Brahma loka or her partial incarnation married to Matinara?

texts:
The following passage says that Saraswati appeared in person before the Matinara and chose him for husband. The passage was narrated by Vaisampayana to Janamejaya

  And of her was born a son named Arihan. And Arihan took to wife
  Sudeva, the princess of Anga, and upon her he begat a son named
  Riksha. And Riksha married Jwala, the daughter of Takshaka, and he
  begat upon her a son of the name of Matinara, who performed on the
  bank of Saraswati the twelve years' sacrifice said to be so
  efficacious. On conclusion of the sacrifice, Saraswati appeared in
  person before the king and chose him for husband. And he begat upon
  her a son named Tansu. Here occurs a sloka descriptive of Tansu's
  descendants.

  "Tansu was born of Saraswati by Matinara. And Tansu himself begat a
  son named Ilina on his wife, the princess Kalingi.

  [SECTION XCV, Sambhava Parva, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata]

Is it the goddess Saraswati, the wife of Brahma or the Saraswati, the goddess associated with the river Saraswati married to Matinara?

Note: Answers says that Saraswati, the goddess associated with the river Saraswati is either a partial or full incarnation of the wife of Brahma. If full incarnation, then both will be the same. Else, who married to Matinara? Full or partial incarnation of Saraswati?


texts: Was Shatrughna an avatar of Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra?

texts: My friend told me that Lord Rama's brother Shatrughna was an avatar of Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. Is this real?


texts: Is it bad if a devotee of Lord Shiva would like to worship Lord Vishnu at the same time?


texts:
Why is Rama depicted as having blue skin?
Why not brown like most Indians?


texts: What is the source of the legend of Vyāghrapāda?

texts:
Which Hindu scripture narrates the story of Vyāghrapāda (the name literally means tiger-footed)?

From Wikipedia:

  Vyaghrapada was a rishi and he was entrusted with the task of picking up fresh flowers, untouched even by the honeybees, for offering to Shiva in his aspect as Nataraja in the temple complex of Chidambaram, located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. While plucking the flowers, Vyagrapada would get wounded on account of thorns and the rough surface. Shiva conferred on him feet of tigers and this ended the sage’s miseries. So armed with the tiger’s feet, the sage easily moved from place to place, including climbing rough trees to pluck fresh flowers untouched even by the honey bees.

In the pic. of Nataraja below he's the highlighted one on the left.


texts: Was Shiva really cursed and did his phallus really fall to the ground as claimed in this image?

texts:
This Instagram handle posted the following image claiming Shiva's phallus fell to the ground after he was cursed by a rishi. Is this story really present in the said scripture?

May be translation be wrong . may one can tell right translation
Any one can translate sloka number 36-37


texts: Churning of Ocean and Lord Shiva consuming poison as per Mahabharata Tarparya Nirnaya

texts:
This question is related to the account of Kurmavatara described in The Mahabharata Tarparya Nirnaya of Srimad Madhvacharya. I have pasted the slokha below for reference. For full text one can check the copy on archives

My question is what is the reference or basis for this account claiming that Vayu drank the poison, and Lord Shiva fainted after consuming the remaining? Is this described exactly this way in any of the Puranas? I don't recall right away though - hence this question.

Any context, explanations would be appreciated.

I am pasting part of the slokha below. Hope it comes out fine in all browsers.


texts: What is the basis for worshipping Sai Baba? Are there are references to him in the Vedas or other Vedic literature?

texts:
Recently, Dwarka Shankaracharya, Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati stirred controversy by claiming that since Shirdi Sai was a human and that there are no mention of him any Hindu scripture, he shouldn't be worshipped.
Is there any basis for his allegation? Does Hindu scripture prohibit worship of humans?
Is a seer right in issuing a carpet ban on worship of a 'god' on this basis?
Reference: Times of India

EDIT1: I haven't made myself sufficiently clear on this, I answered a question couple of days before asking the same things here.

With the minimal understanding of Hinduism I have, what Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati said is not fair.
Hindu Pantheon was never static but fluid and very dynamic. Our concept of gods were very different in vedic times, which included Indra, Agni, Mithra, Varuna and other Rigvedic deities.
Later, the concept of god shifted from these gods to the gods which we know, right now i.e. the Trimurty (Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma) and various incarnations of Vishnu, Sons of Shiva and Shakti. Rigveda doesn't have mention of these gods, rather later Puranas were entirely dedicated to them, which made up the myth base for these gods.


texts: Are onion and garlic prohibited in Ayurveda?

texts:
It's not a question but needs an answer . I need a list of bad things that happen when you consume onion and garlic. Because I personally don't like them since I heard that they make your anger worse, and that's why I don't eat them because my anger destroys my peace ,so I want a list of bad effects of these so that if anyone argues with me about their benefits I can tell them the bad effects.

Edit : any support of any Hindu story to make my point strong that in hindu dharma we should not consume Onion and garlic OR some story related to in which hindu god doesn't approve of things and foods with Onion and garlic in it.


texts:
Between Krishna and Kalki avatars there is Buddha/Boudha avatara. Is this Gautama Buddha?
Related, why Vishnu coming as Mohini is not considered one of Dashavatara?


texts:
What is name of tiger in vedic-age? Is he present in rig-veda? If no then only refrence other vedas and scriptures.

UPDATE

  Is simha a word used for both tigers and lions in rig-veda and other scriptures? (AND PROOF REGARDING THIS?)


texts: Does Sri Ramanuja or Sri Vedanta Desika say that Narayana is a proper noun?

texts: If yes, what justification they provide? Please quote their original works.


texts: What are the eight forms (Ashtamurti) of Lord Shiva?

texts:
Lord Shiva pervades the entire universe through various forms like that of Ekadasha Rudra, or PanchaBrahma and also through Ashtamurti form. Lord Shiva is also called by the name Ashta Murti, for eg. In Narada Purana chapter 79, Hanuman prays Lord Shiva by saying AshtaMurti:

  ध्यानाय ध्यानगम्याय ध्यातृणां गुरवे नमः ।
  अष्टमूर्ते नमस्तुभ्यं पशूनां पतये नमः ।।

  Obeisance to meditation, unto one comprehensible to meditation. Obeisance to the preceptor of meditators. Oh Ashtamurti obeisance to you, obeisance unto Lord of Pashus.

Similarly in the Skanda Purana also Lord Vishnu tells Ashtamurti as name of Shiva while telling the names to Parvati:

  अष्टमूर्तिरनेकात्मा सात्त्विकश्शुद्धविग्रहः ।
  शाश्वतः खण्डपरशुरजः पाशविमोचकः ॥ ११॥

  AshtaMurti (who has eight forms), anekAtma (who manifest himself as many self), who is Sattvik, who has pure form (Shuddha Vigraha), who is eternal (Shaswat), who has mark of axe (Khanda Parashu), who doesn't have birth (Aja), who is the remover of Pãshas/ bondages (Pãshavimochaka).

So, what are the eight forms (Ashtamurti) of Lord Shiva? Which scriptures mention about these forms? How do Vedas, Puranas, Itihasas and other scriptures describe these form? Have any saints/Acharyas of histories mentioned about these forms? What do these forms signify?


texts: Why do the Krodhavasas take away the merits of people with dogs?

texts:
When Indra comes to take Yuddhisthira to Swarga, the latter refuses to go without the dog who has been accompanying him all this while:

  "Yudhishthira said, ‘O thou of a 1,000 eyes. O thou that art of righteous behavior, it is exceedingly difficult for one that is of righteous behavior to perpetrate an act that is unrighteous. I do not desire that union with prosperity for which I shall have to cast off one that is devoted to me.’

This is when Indra replies:

  "Indra said, ‘There is no place in Heaven for persons with dogs. Besides, the Krodhavasas take away all the merits of such persons. Reflecting on this, act, O king Yudhishthira the just. Do thou abandon this dog. There is no cruelty in this.’

My question is - What reason do the Krodhavasas (Asurik sons of Kashyap's wife Krodhavasa) have for disliking dogs or people with dogs? Especially since Yama himself has two dogs that guard his abode?


texts: What is the 'prAchinAgra Kusha' ? Does it loosely indicate the ice age?

texts:
Maharshi Vaishampayana says to King Janmejaya,

  O Janamejaya! As long as Prachinabarhi remained on earth, prachinagra kusha covered the surface of the earth.

Source: Hari Vamsha Chapter 2, BORI Mahabharata CE English translation by Dr Bibek Debroy

https://archive.org/stream/TheMahabharata_201808/The%20Mahabharata_djvu.txt


texts: "Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana" Similar shlokas from Vedas and Upanishadas?

texts:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।  मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ २-४७

  Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana । Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma
  Te Sangostvakarmani ।।

  Meaning- Your right is to perform your work, but never to the results. Never be motivated by the results of your actions, nor should
  you be attached to not performing your prescribed duties.

This is famous shloka from Shreemad Bhagwat Gita
in which lord Shree Krishna is advising arjuna about how to perform karma ( own work) in a right way and about "Nishkam Karma"

My question is -

What are the  other   Sanskrit scriptures , shlokas from Vedas and Upanishads ,that convey similar message of performing "Nishkam karma" to us?


texts:
What are the similarities and differences between Purushamedha Yagna and Sarvamedha Yagna?

I am interested in answers that directly quote the relevant verses from the Vedas.


texts: Why is charvaka system considered wrong?

texts:
In this question I asked about philosophies and in the answer Be-Happy writes following lines

  But the warning is valid because apart from the accepted philosophy and systems there are also systems like Charvak which are faulty and wrong.

Why is charvaka-philosophy of bhoga marga (i.e. enjoyment of all samsaric things) considered wrong by us/advaitins?


texts: Why did Sri Krishna say he is Usanas among seers?

texts:
Sri Krishna says that he was Ushanas among seers in B.G.

  वृष्णीनां वासुदेवोऽस्मि पाण्डवानां धनंजयः।

  मुनीनामप्यहं व्यासः कवीनामुशना कविः।।10.37।।

  Of the Vrsnis (the members of the Vrsni clan), I am the son of
  Vasudeva; of the sons of Pandu, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) [I am]; of the
  sages too, I am Vyasa; of the seers, the seer Usanas.

Sri Krishna also says he is Bhrigu among Maharshis.

  महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्म्येकमक्षरम्।

  यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोऽस्मि स्थावराणां हिमालयः।।10.25।।

  Of the great rishis, I am Bhrgu; of the words, I am the Single-syllable
  (Om); of the sacrifices [performed with external objects], I am the sacrifice of muttering prayer; of the immovables, I am the Himalayan range.

Edit 15-7-19

I found the following mantra from Rig Veda, which mentions Usana.(IX.87.3)

  Rsi and Sage, the Champion of the people, cleft and sagacious, Usana in wisdom,  He hath discovered even their hidden nature, the Cows' concealed and most mysterious title.

Edit 22-7-2019

It was not Sri Krishna alone, who was greatest Yogi of his time, but even in Rig Veda, Indra stated that he was Usana.

  अहम मनुर अभवं सूर्यश चाहं कक्षीवां रषिर अस्मि विप्रः |

  अहं कुत्सम आर्जुनेयं नय ॠञ्जे ऽहं कविर उशना पश्यता मा ||

  I was aforetime Manu, I was Sūrya: I am the sage Kakṣīvān, holy
  singer. Kutsa the son of Ārjuni I master. I am the sapient Uśanā behold me.

Now my question is what is the greatness of Ushanas?


texts: Focusing on breath with eyes gazed upwards: which meditation technique is this?

texts:
I have read many meditation techniques. But somehow, when it comes to practice, I tend to mix some of the things. I don't know whether the practice I do is correct or not, so need guidance on it.
This is what my meditation practice is -

Sit Straight
Close the eyes with eyes gazing upwards towards the center point between eyebrows.
Now I focus on my breath. (My focus naturally shifts to my breath, I don't have to put effort in that, although I keep getting random thoughts in brain)
After sometime my breath becomes slower and I start getting a tingling sensation on my forehead at the position between the eyebrows.

Am I doing it correct ?
Which meditation technique is this ?


texts: Relation of Sage Vashist with Puskar of Rajastan

texts:
The RigVedic hymn RV.7.33 (11)  seems to state that Vishvedevah had given Puskar to the sage Vashist.
1. Is it the same  present day Puskar located in Rajasthan?
2. Is there any memory associated with the sage Vashist exist at preset day Puskar?
3. Do any other scripture mention about this?


texts: Why did Rama construct bridge to Lanka and did not use boats or ships which were easy to build? Any reason that you can think or mentioned anywhere?


texts: Origin of the ThiruNaamam(Exalted Name) of Lord Narayana as Achyuta

texts:
Sriman Narayana amongst his ThiruNaamams(holy names), is referred to as Achyuta. In fact, Sri Krishna is fondly referred to as Achyuta by Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita.

Is there a narrative thread which pillars this ThiruNaamam within the context of the Mahabharata apart from the Gita?

Edit: Although the question focuses on asking for references from Mahabharata (which has been answered), I would appreciate any additional references from other scriptural sources for purposes of comparative understanding.


texts:
I was reaching some mid part of the shiva gita, and I reached sloka 15 of the second adhyaya, which says:

अमूर्तः पुरुषः पूर्णो द्रष्टा देही स जीविनः ।
या तन्वङ्गी मृदुर्बाला मलपिण्डात्मिका जडा ॥ १५॥

The english or hindi translations I have found online aren't very satisfying, or don't explain fully what these slokas mean, e.g. one hindi translation gives the meaning as:

I didn't really understand this. Could someone please tell me the meaning of the slokas more clearly please, if possible and if it exists please provide any background required to understand this in brief(or detail). Thanks in advance.


texts:
I came across this quote: Only when space is rolled up like a piece of leather will there be an end to suffering apart from knowing god - Svetasvatara Upanisad, VI 20

The quote is in a Science Fiction book (Eternity by Greg Bear) but the quote seems to be genuine. What does Hinduism say about the nature of space that indicates it can be "rolled up"?


texts: How is consciousness insentient without recognitive apprehension or vimarsha?

texts: Utpaladeva argues that if consciousness did not have vimarsha,then it would be inert and dead.How is this the case? and during pralaya is vimarsha active?


texts: I found few puranas online and I really enjoy learning vedic stories/scriptures which contain not only a nice story in themselves but hidden with immense knowledge and wisdom. I wonder if it is a propaganda by the Pandits that we need to have certain types of asanas(one you put up with hay or Kush),  bath in the morning, wear special types of dressing to study the puranas or the upanishads. Are these rules necessary?(Like something bad would happen if not followed). I'd really like some insight into weather if these are customary or essential and possibly a reason behind them.


texts: Why is Narada called brahmachari if he is married?

texts:
The following excerpt from THE SIXTH BOOK, Chapter XXVII of the S'rîmad Devî Bhâgawatam clarifies that Narada married Damayantî.

  Nârada said :-- On hearing the words of her daughter Damayantî, that
  unblameable pure queen knowing her attachment deep towards me, spoke
  to the King thus :-- “O King! Now celebrate in an auspicious day and
  on an auspicious moment the auspicious marriage of Damayantî; the
  daughter has said that she has already selected Nârada as her
  bridegroom and it cannot be other-wise.” Thus prompted by the queen,
  the King S’anjaya performed the marriage ceremony of her daughter in
  accordance with due rites and customs and in an exceedingly becoming
  manner. O Risi! Thus I entered into the married life and remained
  there though my heart constantly burned with the thought of my
  monkey-face. Whenever the princess used to come to me for my service,
  I used to get tormented with the remembrance of my monkey-face; but
  her face beamed with gladness whenever she saw me; never she became
  sorry nor dejected, even for a moment, to see my face monkey-like.
  Thus time passed on. One day the Muni Parvata suddenly came there,
  after making his sojourn to many places of pilgrimages. I showed him a
  great respect and gladly loved him and greeted him duly; he got
  himself seated in an excellent Âsana and became very sorry to see me.
  I am his uncle and have entered into a married life; my face has
  become monkey-like. Therefore I am very much depressed in spirits and
  worried with the sad thought and has become lean and thin. Seeing this he was overwhelmed with pity. He then said :-- “O Muni! The curse that I cast on you before out of my anger, I now withdraw. Hear. O Maharsi! Let your face be by my merits, again as good as it was before; I now feel pity for the daughter of the King.”

Is it true that Narada is brahmachari? If no, then why is he called so if he is already married?

Note: The question marked as duplicate says in general. In order to validate it for Narada, there is a need to show that he follows that. So, please provide statements regarding the brahmacharya of Narada. Because, otherise, we can consider all gods such as siva, Brahma etc., as brahmacharis.


texts:
what is biggest entity in hinduism, I thought its Brahman,
If it is, then please write, mantra, stotra, or any verses related to Brahman


texts: English translations of Kavyalankara Sangraha by Udbhata Bhatta

texts: I'm looking for a english translation of Kavyalankara Sangraha by Udbhata Bhatta. From what I've heard it is a stellar book on Indian system of Logic. If no translations are available a detail summary of the contents, key concepts and review would do.


texts: Auspicious date for Griha Pravesh - before Holi or after Holi?

texts:
We are buying a new house and planning for a Griha Pravesh pooja on 2nd march, but we are getting conflicting opinions from friends and families. Some people say that we should do it after Holi, and some say that it's ok to do it before Holi.

Short of paying a pundit for advice (which I would still doubt), is there a reference available to guide me whether it's auspicious to do Griha Pravesh before Holi or not?


texts: How much is the difference between a Hindu Calendar(Shaka Sanwat or Vikrami Sanwat) and Gregorian Calendar. Which Hindu Calendar do we follow in India for dating the festivals?


texts: Is Gautama Buddha an avatar of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
Some Hindus believe that the Gautama  Buddha is one of the Dashavatara; others replace him with Balarama (and sometimes other figures, but mostly Balarama). Which groups of Hindus believe that the Buddha was one of the principal avatars of Vishnu?

I vaguely remember reading that this is divided roughly along north-south geographic lines, with people living in the North (loosely, the non-Dravidian states) typically counting the Buddha as an avatar, and people in the South (loosely, the Dravidian states) typically counting Balarama as an avatar. Is this the case?


texts: Why did Sita had to end her life in the way she did?

texts: Sita believed that Rama was lord Himself and accepted his wish by taking the pledge, why did she took such a pledge which would eventually end her life and separate her forever from Rama while she could have easily taken some other pledge and could have lived with Rama further.


texts:
While trying a certain breathing technique while meditating a few weeks ago, I began feeling a peculiar sensation in my hands. It felt like an internal buzzing or as if my hands were filled with light. Upon moving my palms and fingers closer together, I could feel very distinct "energy fields", for lack of a better term. As I moved them about, it was as if I was feeling and manipulating the shape of this field. The best I could compare it to is a magnetic field, or as if there were millions of tiny magnets in each hand.

I used to be an atheist, but after meditating for the past year and having this very eye-opening experience, I don't know anymore. Also, forgive me if this is the wrong place to ask such question, but perhaps this energy I feel is a type of prana.

What am I experiencing and how do I enhance this new sense?

Edit: I should note this has happened on multiple occasions and often sticks around for up to an hour after meditating.


texts: Why Hinduism won't encourage inter-caste marriages?

texts:
What could be the religious reasons for avoiding inter-caste marriages?

I read in a newspaper that even though the person was handsome, no one came forward to marry him as his parents are from two different castes. So that person got so angry that he killed his mother by hitting hard on her head.

Is there really any need to discourage such marriages?


texts: how many years does it take to summon any god?(approx years)

texts: How many years does one need to get darshan of god? And how is correct "tapasya" done?one if my friends told me approximately 10 years are needed. Is it right?


texts: What is the significance of the festival Diwali? Why is it celebrated?

texts: There are many festivals in Hinduism. But some of them are considered very important. One of them is Diwali, a festival of lights. What is the significance of the festival? Why is it celebrated?


texts: SB 5.25.12 - Does bhūgolam mean earth or the universe?

texts:
Prabhupāda translates the Sanskrit word bhūgolam in verse 5.25.12 of Bhāgavata Purāṇa as the universe. Should it be earth instead? Or does the word (bhūgolam) in this context suggest a universe with earth as its center (geocentrism)?

  SB 5.25.12

  mūrdhany arpitam aṇuvat sahasra-mūrdhno
  bhū-golaṁ sagiri-sarit-samudra-sattvam
  ānantyād animita-vikramasya bhūmnaḥ
  ko vīryāṇy adhi gaṇayet sahasra-jihvaḥ

  Synonyms:

  mūrdhani — on a hood or head; arpitam — fixed; aṇu-vat — just like an atom; sahasra-mūrdhnaḥ — of Ananta, who has thousands of hoods; bhū-golam — this universe; sa-giri-sarit-samudra-sattvam — with many mountains, trees, oceans and living entities; ānantyāt — due to being unlimited; animita-vikramasya — whose power is immeasurable; bhūmnaḥ — the Supreme Lord; kaḥ — who; vīryāṇi — potencies; adhi — indeed; gaṇayet — can count; sahasra-jihvaḥ — although having thousands of tongues.

  Translation:

  Because the Lord is unlimited, no one can estimate His power. This entire universe, filled with its many great mountains, rivers, oceans, trees and living entities, is resting just like an atom on one of His many thousands of hoods. Is there anyone, even with thousands of tongues, who can describe His glories?


texts: Kshirasagara (the Ocean of Milk) where it comes from?

texts:
We all know the story: Churning the Ocean of Milk (Samudra-manthan)

The churning of the Ocean of Milk was an elaborate process. Mount Mandarachala was used as the churning rod and Vasuki (King of the Serpents) became the churning rope. The asuras demanded to hold the head of the snake, while the devas, taking advice from Vishnu, agreed to hold its tail.

Source: https://indianstorytime.wordpress.com/indian-story-time/the-churning-of-the-ocean-of-milk/

But here my question was from where ocean of milk formed (Kshirasagara)? who created this?

We all know life started from water, How valuable treasures like Goddess Lakshmi, Kamadhenu (supernatural animal) and Halahala (Poison) emerged from the Ocean of Milk? Any story behind it?


texts: Vision of one's own self or pratika darshan

texts:
In Swami Muktananda's autobiography, "Play of Consciousness" he refers to having visions of himself in one short chapter.

  I began to have a new experience. As the lights appeared in
  meditation, I would see myself sitting opposite, even when I opened my
  eyes. Sometimes, when I had been doing tasks before meditating, I
  would see myself doing them in meditation. If I had been wandering in
  the orange orchard, I would see myself strolling here and there. This
  was another source of wonder for me.

[...]

  Later, I learned from certain books on yoga that this is called “
  pratika-darshan ”, vision of one’s own form, and that it is a sign of
  complete purification of the body. My body was now very thin, but full
  of energy. I was still meditating.

In my searches on the Internet at least I've been unable to find any other book that talks about this.

I'd appreciate help in finding more information on this phenomenon. Ideally the books on Yoga referred to by Swami Muktananda.


texts: What does the word 'Asura' mean in the Vedas?

texts:
The Danavas and Daityas are referred to as Asuras in the Puranas but in The Vedas many Devas are also referred as Asuras.

  May the golden-handed, life-bestowing, well-guiding, exhilarating and affluent Savitri [Asura] be present;
  for the deity, if worshipped in
  the evening, is at hand, driving away Rakshasas and Yatudhanas.(Rig Veda 1.135.10)

Even Devas like Indra, Agni, Varuna, Rudra (Shiva) are often called Asuras in the Vedas especially in Rig Veda.

So what does the word Asura mean in the Vedas? Does the word have a deep or spiritual meaning in the Vedas?


texts: When Vedas were exactly composed and written

texts:
When did the sages composed vedas and when were they written?
Many people say vedas were written 1960000000 years. But it doesn't make any sense because humans only came about 1 million years ago.
So when Vedas were written accurately


texts: What is the agama/tantra being followed at the Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur in Kerala?

texts: When were the rituals in Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur, Kerala standardized to current form? Who was responsible for that? Which agamas/tantras are followed in the temple while performing rituals to the deity?


texts: When did Cows receive the boon of horns from Brahma & why did they want them?

texts:
Mahabharat Anushasan Parva Section LXXXI mentions Vyas as saying:

  "Vyasa said, 'Kine constitute the stay of all creatures. Kine are the refuge of all creatures. Kine are the embodiment of merit. Kine are sacred, and kine are sanctifiers of all. Formerly kine were hornless as it has been heard by us. For obtaining horns they adored the eternal and puissant Brahmana. The puissant, Brahmana, seeing the kine paying their adorations to him and sitting in praya, granted unto each of them what each desired. Thereafter their horns grew and each got what each desired. Of diverse colours, and endued with horns, they began to shine in beauty, O son! Favoured by Brahman himself with boons, kine are auspicious and yielders of Havya and Kavya.

Are there any other scriptures that mention or give more details about this incident?
Why were they praying for horns anyways?


texts: Can Lord Vishnu exhausts one's Karmic seeds according to Vishishta Advaita?

texts:
According  to Vishishta Advaita following are the means for liberation-

Primary - Self Surrender (Sharangati).
Secondary - Devotion (Bhakti).

For now my primary concern is Self surrender. One can't be liberated from birth-death cycle without exhausting one's Karmic seeds, i.e impressions to cause further material events or existence (Sanchita Karmas). God don't (or can't?) exhaust one's sanchita karmas then how & why self surrender work? Can self surrender exhaust Sanchita Karmas? If not, why self surrender is a valid method for liberation?


texts: Do the following incarnations of Vishnu have references in Rig Veda/ brAhmanAs/ Upanishads?

texts:
Many incarnations of Vishnu, including partial and full, were mentioned in Puranas.
In Ramayana, Vamana and Parasurama were mentioned as incarnations of Vishnu, which is disputable.
My area of interest is restricted to the following incarnations of Vishnu.

Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha

Do the above 4 incarnations, as that of Vishnu,  have references in  Rig Veda/ brAhmanAs/ Upanishads?


texts:
What is the history of brahmana diet?
Brahmins are generally vegetarians but there are some exceptions to it such as Pancha-Gauda Brahmans, Kashmiri Brahmans, and Oriya Brahmins?

So why is there so much difference?


texts: What are the major differences between the Critical edition of Mahabharatha and the Kumbhakonam edition?

texts:
There seems to be a lot of difference between the Critical edition of Mahabharatha and the Kumbhakonam edition. One major difference is the Aswamedha parva where the Critical edition cuts it at 96 while the Kumbhakonam edition goes until 118.
Reference Link to Kumbhakonam edition.
Reference Link to BORI edition.
What i seek is the major parts (not all) that were removed and the reason (if deemed as interpolation, why so)?


texts: Where can I get full (if not possible some selected) Samveda chants

texts:
Saamveda is really a delight to hear. That's why Bhagwan Shri Krishna says

वेदानां सामवेदोऽस्मि देवानामस्मि वासवः।
इन्द्रियाणां मनश्चास्मि भूतानामस्मि चेतना॥१०.२२॥
Of the Vedas I am the Sama Veda; of the gods I am Indra, the king of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the living force [consciousness]. BG 10.22

Really Saamns remind me of Pundarikaksha(beautiful lotus petal like eyes of lord).
The problem with Delightful video is annoying background noise and I think chanting is incomplete or specifically Sri Rudram is chanted.
What I need is Purusha Suktam(some details about Saamveda Purusha Suktam), Sri Suktam, etc in Saamaveda Chanting format.


texts: Can I do Pitru Paksha rituals while my parents are still alive?

texts:
I would like to do Pitru Paksha rituals, such as offering black til seeds and water to my ancestors, like my grandfather and great grandfather and maternal grandmother. My paternal grandmother and my parents are still alive. Traditionally, it would be my parents who are the ones to do it, but my parents are not well versed in the rituals. Can I do it even though they are alive? I found a simple ritual online but I intend to do it while omitting the parts for father, mother, and grandmother since they are still alive.

The reason why I would like to do it, besides honoring my ancestors, is because I believe the problems me and all my living kins ( parents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc.) face is because of Pitru Dosh.


texts: If Narayana is father of Kaama, then why should we disregard lust, sex, et cetera?

texts:
Krishna is also called KandarpaJanaka, meaning the father of Kaama. Moreover Kaama Himself is a God. So why are we constantly told to shun lust, sexual desires et cetera.

Please note, that I am not seeking for an approval from our Scriptures that - "go have sexual courses". I just want to know why should we disregard it. Why should we look at it as a bad thing. Can we not have equal vision?

If I should disregard Kaama, why should I not disregard compassion, mercy, helpfulness et cetera also?


texts:
To be self realized one must practice celibacy.
Should one practice celibacy even after self realization?


texts: For religious reasons, which plants should never be planted inside the house or even close to the house?

texts:
I have been told that, for religious reasons, some plants must never be planted inside your house, or inner courtyard or even close the house, as in front-yard/backyard.

A pundit had specifically mentioned 5 plants but I can't recall them.

The pundit also emphasized, the branches of these plants must not touch the house or house boundary wall at all, though they may be planted towards outside perimeter if the front-yard/backyard is large.

Would you know which plants and why?


texts: How did Rama kill Rakshasa Viradha even though the latter had a boon that no weapons can harm him?

texts:
The below quotes are taken from Bibek Debroy's English translation of Valmiki Ramayana.

In this world, I would not be slain by any weapon, nor would it be
able to penetrate me or slice through me. Cast aside this woman.
Forget about her and go wherever you came from.

Here Viradha says that he cannot be killed or harmed by any kind of weapon. But in the next Paragraph, we see that Rama's arrow penetrated Viradha's body and he fell down to the ground.

Tufted with peacock feathers and like fire, they penetrated Viradha’s
body and smeared with blood, fell down on the ground.

Later both Rama and Lakshmana severed the arms of Viradha with their arrows.

Soumitri severed the left arm of that terrible one. Rama swiftly
severed the rakshasa’s right arm. With his arms severed, the rakshasa
quickly fainted and fell down on the ground like a cloud, resembling a
mountain shattered by the vajra.

If Viradha had a boon that no weapon can harm him, then how did Rama and Lakshmana severed the arms of Viradha with their arrows?


texts: Is every word of the Vedas authoritative according to Samkhya school?

texts: Vedas are said to be eternal and authorless so are vedas fully authoritative(every single word) according to Samkhya school ?


texts:
The list of 33 types of gods in Hinduism comprises 12 Adityas, 8 vasus, among others.

The 12 Adityas are said to be sons of Aditi and include Varuna the water god, Vivasvan or Surya.

The 8 vasus are supposed to be a separate group of deities from the Adityas. One story of their origin is that they were born of Vasu, daughter of Daksha and Dharma Rishi.
Their names vary in different scriptures due to there being synonyms like Agni also called Anala. But the basic gist is that they are elemental gods. Their names (basic elemental names) sourced from the Mahabharata are as follows:-

Anala or Agni (fire)
Dhara or Prithvi (earth)
Anila or Vayudeva (wind)
Apa (water)
Prabhasa or Dyauh (sky)
Pratyusha
Soma
Dhruva

It is stated on many websites that Pratyusha means Surya, Soma is the moon and Dhruva is either the Nakshatras or pole star.

My questions are as follows:-

Who are the eight vasus i.e. what actual elements do they represent and what is their actual origin story?
Since the 8 vasus and 12 Adityas do not overlap and the 8 vasus are distinctly different deities,

(i) how can Pratyusha be Surya (Vivasvan), who is actually son of Aditi? Who is he actually?

(ii) how can this Soma be the same as Chandra who is actually the son of Atri and Sati Anasuya? Who is he actually?

(iii) how can this Dhruva be the pole star Dhruva, son of Uttanapada? And if we assume him to be Nakshatras also it would be wrong as all 27 Nakshatras from Aśvini to Rēvatī are daughters of Daksha and married to Chandra, son of Atri and Anasuya.

(iv) Apa Vasu represents water but we already have Varuna in the list of twelve Adityas in charge of water. What’s the difference?


texts: Who does "sons of Bharatas" refer to in this Rig Vedic verse?

texts:
Rig Veda Mandala 2, Hymn 36, verse 2 states:

य॒ज्ञैः सम्मि॑श्लाः॒ पृष॑तीभिर्ऋ॒ष्टिभि॒र्याम॑ञ्छु॒भ्रासो॑ अञ्जिषु॑ प्रि॒या उ॒त । आ॒सद्या॑ ब॒र्हिर्भ॑रतस्य सूनवः पो॒त्रादा सोमं॑ पिबता दिवो नरः ॥
yajñáiḥ sámmišlāḥ pṛ́ṣatībhir ṛṣṭíbhir yā́mañ chubhrā́so añjíṣu priyā́ utá
āsádyā barhír bharatasya sūnavaḥ potrā́d ā́ sómam pibatā divo naraḥ

Translation from one of the books (Griffith) I have is:

Busied with sacrifice, with spotted deer and spears, gleaming upon your way with ornaments, yea, our Friends, Sitting on sacred grass, ye Sons of Bharata, drink Soma from the Potar's bowl, O Men of heaven (Maruts?).

Now are Maruts being referred to son of Bharata in this context?
āsádyā barhír bharatasya sūnavaḥ
means sit on the ritual grass, sons of Bharata. My question is who is the term referring to? The actual sons of Bharatas or the Maruts?
This is the link to the entire hymn: http://www.gatewayforindia.com/vedas/rigveda/rigveda02036.shtml


texts:
It is stated in texts of Mahabharata that Lord Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu and has the ability to change the very course of the universe with its creatures. Some people say the Kurukshetra War was a divine plan of Lord Krishna.
If Lord Krishna was able to prevent the Kurukshetra war, why did he allow the war to take place and happen which resulted the deaths of thousands of people?
During Mausala Parva also,  Vyasa said the same thing.

Krishna suffered it to take place although he was fully competent to baffle it. Govinda was able to alter the very course of the universe with all its mobile and immobile creatures.

That means according to Vyasa, if Krishna wanted, he could have changed the course of the entire Universe and also means that Krishna could have prevented the war.
If Lord Krishna was able to prevent the Kurukshetra War, why did he not prevent the Kurukshetra War?


texts: How do Shaivas view and interpret the Ramayana and Mahabharata?

texts:
Do Shaivas accept that Rama and Krishna were incarnations of Vishnu?

How do Shaivas view and interpret these Itihasas?


texts:
Ramayana is a sacred epic about the life of Lord Rama.

Can anyone explain the meaning/etymology of the word "Ramayana?"


texts: Do people from Karnataka celebrate uttarayan festival?

texts: I am from North India. I live in Banglore right now. Uttarayan is a famous festival in North India. Do people from Karnataka celebrate this festival?


texts: The Sixty-four eternal arts of Srimati Radharani?

texts: Can anyone share the meaning of Srimati Radharani's sixtyfour eternal arts? I have come across word for word translations, but need a simple explanation.


texts: What boon did Lankini (demoness of Lanka) get from Brahma?

texts:
Before entering Lanka, Hanuman fell Lankini, the demoness of Lanka, with a single decisive blow using his left fist. Lankini then recollects a boon that Brahma had given her earlier. What boon (वरदानम्) from earlier times is she talking about?

O lord of Vanaras! In earlier times I had been given a boon by Lord Brahma. Hear from me about this matter.
Let this be known by you - whenever a Vanara conquers you with his might, then a fear will come for Rakshasas.
O gentle one! With your appearance now, that time has come for me. Ordinance of Brahma is the truth and is immutable.
[Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kanda, Chapter 3, Verse 46-48]


texts: 'Playing football takes us nearer to heaven rather than reading Bhagavad Gita' but how and why?

texts:
That famous line above was uttered by none other than Swami Vivekananda. I admit that I haven't gone through the complete speech yet, but I am curious to know what he meant by that.

Did he mean that being a karmayogi in the path of salvation is more suited to today than any other path or did he speak those lines in some other context?


texts:
One poster cites Sankaracharya as
"Brahman is the source, i.e. the cause of the great body of Scripture, consisting of the Ṛg-veda and other branches"
Is Brahman the source of all scripture, including non-Hindu ones?


texts: Who thinks the supreme Shiva's only forms are Nataraja, Dakshinamurthi, and Ardhanarishvara?

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

Now the Shiva Tattva Viveka is a work by the 16th century Shaiva Siddhanta philosopher Appaya Dikshitar which seeks to show that Shiva is supreme.  In this excerpt from the Shiva Tattva Viveka, Appayya Dikshitar makes a distinction between Paramashiva, whom he considers to be the supreme Brahman, and Rudra, the god of destruction who's part of the Trimurthi.  And then he addresses the question of what forms of Shiva are forms of Paramashiva as opposed to Rudra:

  Now among the images of Shiva described in the Puranas, etc., which are of Paramashiva and which are of Rudra with attributes? Some say that the form with the blissful dance, i.e., Anandatandaveshvara, the second being Dakshinamurti and the third one being Ardhanarishvara in the dancing posture.  Only those forms are of Paramashiva.  Other forms are of Rudra endowed with guna.  We do not like it, because in Yogayagnavalkya, Paramashiva is mentioned in the form of the five-faced Sadashiva[.]... In the Kurma Purana... [Shiva's] image as sitting with Uma as his consort and holding the trident weapon is mentioned with the words "athanvapashyadgirisham ... sanatana,". Therefore according to the teachers of the Agamas, other forms of Paramashiva should also be accepted.  They are not shown here because the judgment about them is very secret and can be understood only with the instruction by a guru.

For those who don't know, Anandatandeshvara refers to Nataraja, the dancing form of Shiva whom I discuss here. Dakshinamurthi refers to the South-facing young sage form of Shiva whom I discuss here. And Ardhanarishvara refers refers to the half-Shiva half-Parvati form.  It seems that "some" people say that these are the only three forms of Paramashiva and that other forms are merely forms of Rudra, but Appaya Dikshitar criticizes this view and says that the five-headed Sadashiva form whom I discuss here as well as the form of Shiva holding a Trishula and sitting next to Parvati are also forms of Paramashiva.  He says his view is the view of the teachers of the Shaiva Agamas, which I assume refers to Shaiva Siddhanta Acharyas.

But my question is, who believes that Nataraja, Dakshinamurthi, and Ardhanarishvara are the only three forms of Paramashiva?  I've never heard of this view before.  It's strange that someone would believe that the five-headed Sadashiva form is a manifestation of Rudra.  But I suppose it's possible in principle for a Shaivite sect to deny the existence of five-headed Sadashiva altogether

In any case, does anyone know what Shaivite sect believes this?  And does this sect still exist?


texts: Can a female aspirant perform Siddhasana?

texts:
Hatha yoga pradipika contains posture details of Siddhasana as follows

Press firmly the heel of the left foot against the perineum, and the
right heel above the male organ. With the chin pressing on the chest,
one should sit calmly, having restrained the senses, and gaze steadily
the space between the eyebrows. This is called the Siddha Âsana, the
opener of the door of salvation.
[37, Chapter 1, THE HAṬHA YOGA PRADIPIKA]

It indicates the maleness in performing Siddhasana.
Can females perform siddhasana as per scriptures?


texts: How exactly Moksha is considered eternal?

texts: Where will over soul be in moksha state??What happens in complete enlightened state??.People usually say enlightment is the goal or moksha is complete enlighment but none has a complete answer instead people talk in air.Please answer my question i am tensed.And how can it be enlightment if moksha is temporary..see this Is Moksha a permanent state?.


texts: Krishna visiting Sudra's home or touching a Sudra

texts:
In Mahabharata, Pandavas used to visit Sudra's homes. It can be clarified from the following passage

Vaisampayana said, 'Then all the citizens (of Varanavata) on hearing
that the son of Pandu had come, were filled with joy at the tidings,
speedily came out of Varanavata, in vehicles of various kinds
numbering by thousands, taking with them every auspicious article as
directed by the Sastras, for receiving those foremost of men. And the
people of Varanavata, approaching the sons of Kunti blessed them by
uttering the Jaya and stood surrounding them. That tiger among men,
viz., the virtuous Yudhishthira thus surrounded by them looked
resplendent like him having the thunderbolt in his hands (viz., Indra)
in the midst of the celestials. And those sinless ones, welcomed by
the citizens and welcoming the citizens in return, then entered the
populous town of Varanavata decked with every ornament. Entering the
town those heroes first went, O monarch, to the abodes of Brahmanas
engaged in their proper duties. Those foremost of men then went to the
abodes of the officials of the town, and then of the Sutas and the
Vaisyas and then to those of even the Sudras, O bull of Bharata's
race, thus adored by the citizens, the Pandavas at last went with
Purochana going before them, to the palace that had been built for
them, Purochana then began to place before them food and drink and
beds and carpets, all of the first and most agreeable order. The
Pandavas attired in costly robes, continued to live there, adored by
Purochana and the people having their homes in Varanavata.
[Section 148, Jatugriha Parva, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata]

Are there any such instances where Krishna visited Sudra's home or touching a Sudra?


texts: Did Shree Hanuman have a child from Raavana's daughter SuvannaMaccha?

texts:
While reading about (legendary) creature called Mermaid, I stumbled upon 1 of the examples SuvarnaMaccha.

While building Ramasetu, this daughter of Raavana was an obstacle, but later fell in (mutual) love with Hanuman and had an offspring, Macchanu.

This story predominantly appears in Combodian, Thai and some other versions of Ramayana:

  When several volunteers have stepped forward Hanuman leads them into
  the waves. They find a large number of mermaids underwater. As they
  watch, a new rock is tossed in. The mermaids living underwater take
  the rocks and carry them away. Hanuman looks for their leader. He
  spots lovely mermaid supervising the others. He swims towards her but
  she skillfully evades him. Time and again he begins an attack but it
  comes to nothing.

  Hanuman finds he is falling in love with the creature. He changes his
  tactics and begins to silently woo her. She responds to him and soon
  they are together at the bottom of the sea.

  Later, Hanuman asks the mermaid why she is stealing the rocks. She
  tells him that she is Suvannamaccha, a daughter of Ravana (the demon
  who had abducted Sita). When Ravana saw Hanuman's Vanaras building a
  causeway he instructed Suvannamaccha to stop it.

  Hanuman tells the mermaid why he is building the causeway. He tells
  her of the abduction of Sita, the battle between Rama and her father
  Ravana, how they started to build a bridge, and in consequence was
  ordered to finish the causeway within seven days or pay with his life.

  Suvannamaccha turned to Hanuman and her eyes were filled with love. No
  more, she said, would she prevent Hanuman from completing his mission.
  Her mermaids underwater would, in fact, return all the stolen rocks to
  the causeway.

  They parted as lovers part but it was not to be the end for them.
  Hanuman had left a seed with Suvannamaccha and soon she would give
  birth to their son, Macchanu.

Is this really true?
Do other versions of Ramayanas also recognize Hanuman as Akhanda Brahmachari?


texts: On the status of other religions, between the sages of Advaita and the scriptures

texts:
The "modern" sages of the Advaita are part of the Traditionalist School: for them, the other religions are other valid paths to the Absolute.
I will quote from Sri Râmakrishna  to illustrate this position:

He who is called Krishna is also called Siva, and bears the name of the Primal Energy, Jesus, and Allah as well--the same Rama with a thousand names. A lake has several ghats. At one the Hindus take water in pitchers and call it 'jal'; at another the Mussalmans take water in leather bags and call 'pani'. At a third the Christians call it 'water'. Can we imagine that it is not 'jal' but only 'pani' or 'water'? How ridiculous! The substance is One under different names, and everyone is seeking the same substance; only climate, temperament, and name create differences. Let each man follow his own path. If he sincerely and ardently wishes to know God, peace be unto him! He will surely realize Him.

Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

This verse is often cited as an example:

Gîtâ IV.11: In whatsoever way men approach Me, even so do I reward them; for it is My path, O Partha, that men follow in all things.

However, we can read in the Manusmṛti:

12.95: All those traditions (smriti) and those despicable systems of philosophy, which are not based on the Veda, produce no reward after death; for they are declared to be founded on Darkness.
12.96: All those (doctrines), differing from the (Veda), which spring up and (soon) perish, are worthless and false, because they are of modern date

How can this apparent contradiction be resolved? Should we reject Manusmṛti because it is not a Śruti? Or on the contrary, reject the opinion of "modern" gurus? What is the opinion of the Vedas and Adi Shankara on this issue?


texts: Where is the city that the demon Bakasura lived?

texts: Does anyone know where is the city that Bakasura (from Mahabharata) lived? I've looked everywhere and can't find any answers.


texts: What was Mahaprabhu's view on taking sannyasa?

texts:
Did Maahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya advise His followers to take sannyasa? What was His view on sannyasa? Did He give sannyasa to anybody?

I am interested to know this because most of His followere in these days are seen wearing gerua clothes.Are they following some orders of Mahaprabhu?

Kindly cite proper sources.

No answer quoting the Madhva sect or ISKCONites please as I want authentic sources linked directly with Mahaprabhu, like His and His direct disciples' biographies,and writings.


texts: Did even wisest persons, who followed Dharma in Mahabharata had false beliefs about castes?

texts:
I have seen these things so many times. In TV serials, in my high school brief Mahabharata book and at many online resources:

Dronacharya didn't accept Karna as his disciple, as he was soot-putra. At this, Karna explains the truth, that low/high castes have nothing to do with your skills. You can learn anything and you have right to do so. Still Drona didn't agree.

Parshuram only accepted Karna as disciple when he said he is Brahmin. And at the end of his education, when the incident took place that revealed the truth, he said that a Brahmin can't have so much strength/patience, only a Kshatriya has such powers.

What is the truth? Did they have wrong beliefs? Or truth is something else?

This is so disappointing to me, as both of them were Avatars of Brahma and Vishnu. How can they believe like this?


texts: Any scripture describes five types of Brahmins?

texts:
In Dona Brahmana Sutta, a Buddhist scripture, Buddha reminds a Brahmin named Dona about five types of Brahmins as described by Vedic Seers.

  The blessed one said, "Dona, those ancient sages the makers, those handing down the tradition of the scriptures, which at present are sung, handed down, collected and are re -sung and recited now, are the following. Such as Aṭṭhaka, Vāmaka, Vāmadeva, Vessāmitta, Yamtaggi, Angīrasa, Bhāradvāja, Vāseṭṭha, Kassapa and Bhagu. They specify these five kinds of Brahmins :-

  The one similar to Brahma (brahmasamaṃ),
  The one similar to Deva (devasamaṃ),
  The one on the boundary (mariyādaṃ),
  The one who has split the boundary (sambhinnamariyādaṃ) and
  The Brahmin outcaste (brāhmaṇacaṇḍālaṃ, Chandala as a Brahmin)

Buddha then goes on to explain each of those types. Since the discourse is very long I am not quoting it here.

My question is, which Hindu scripture mentions these five kinds of Brahmins?


texts: Why Hindu gods are always depicted with multiple hands and heads but not legs?

texts:
I have always wondered if there is any god with multiple legs ?  It may seem silly but I don't quite understand the need of multiple hands ( considering them as supreme being why do they need it ?). No gods in other religion have multiple hands and heads, only demons do.

Are there any description about multiple hands and heads in any holy scriptures ?


texts: Why Lord Vishnu made Devi Lakshmi his consort?

texts:
Devi Sati is reborn as Devi Parvati, the daughter of Himavat and Mainavati, and is named Parvati. To marry to Lord Shiva she did tapasya. Due to Which Lord Shiva accepted her as wife.

Has Devi Lakshmi done any tapsya of Lord Vishnu to be his consort. Or is it she springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when it is churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of Amṛta. She appeared while churning ocean and she choose to be wife of Lord Vishnu.

Why Lord Vishnu made Devi Lakshmi as his consort? As we know Devi Parvati did tapasya to be consort of Lord Shiva.


texts: Which was developed first, Sanskrit or Vedas?

texts:
I have heard that Vedas used Sanskrit language.

In my view, other language may been used to describe Vedas in early days.
Or Sanskrit may have been developed for other purpose besides to describe Vedas and later they might be blended together.

Can anyone clarify on this?


texts: What are the different names of Brahma as per scriptures? Are there 28 names of Brahma?


texts: How to Start with learning Hindu Sastra and Vedas?

texts:
I am a 28 years, Madhwa Brahmin working as Software Engineer. I was an atheist during most part of my life. But recently I have got strong interest and belief in learning Hindu Sastra and Vedas. Could you please kindly share your suggestions on how to begin with and also how to pursue learning Vedas professionally.
Thanks


texts: Which rules are not applicable for Ganga river?

texts:
Somewhere in Mahabharata Pandavas tell to Gandharvas that Ganga river can get served at any time and there are no rules for Ganga to get service like other rivers.

Please give those reference and the gist of the slokas.


texts: How do the traditional Vedic commentators interpret VajraSuchika Upanishad?

texts: Traditional Vedanta commentators and Acharyas like  Madhvacharya, Ramanujacharya, etc always held that Varna system is based on birth. However, Vajrasuchika Upanishad goes to another extreme and claims that neither individual soul(Jiva), nor body, nor birth, nor his knowledge, nor his deeds, nor his rites(Samskaras) can make a person Brahmana. The Upanishad also gives reasons why the above mentioned things cannot make a person true Brahmin. In the last verse, the Upanishad says, one who realized the Atman is indeed a real Brahmana. Such a statement is not supported by traditional Sampradayas of Hinduism. How do scholars from these Sampradayas view this Upanishad statement?


texts: Which scripture says Parvati is Vishnu's sister?

texts: There is a serial on Ganesa in which Vishnu is his doting uncle.  Which scripture says this?


texts: Did Bhishma vow to make Krishna pick up arms?

texts:
I have heard stories that Krishna tried to attack Bhishma because Bhishma vowed to make Krishna pick up arms. Is the story about the oath true?

(There are questions about Krishna picking up arms. I did not find scriptural evidence for the oath and this question is for the oath only).


texts: Who are the mind born daughters or Manasi Kanyas of Lord Brahma?

texts:
Lord Brahma had many mind born sons who were given charge of populating the world. However there is some mention of Lord Brahmas daughters like Shatarupa, wife of Swayambhuva Manu; Ahalya wife of Gautama Rishi and Lopamudra, wife of sage Agastya.

I came across one Puranic reference which says that Svadha, wife of the Pitris is also a Manasi Kanya or mind born daughter of Lord Brahma.

Besides these who are the mind born daughters of Lord Brahma and what were their stories?

(I’m not looking for any answers calling Devi Saraswati as a daughter of Brahma)


texts: Is there a variation of Madhurashtakam with Mathura in it?

texts:
Madhurashtakam is an eight versed chant composed by Vallabhacharya composed on Lord Krishna. It describes about the beauty of Lord Krishna. In the stotra, Vallbhacharya says everything about Lord Krishna is sweet. The last line of every stanza is common. It is

मधुराधिपतेरखिलम् मधुरम्
Madhurādhipaterakhilam madhuram

But I also saw some people use Mathurādhipate (मथुराधिपते). While I was listening to this stotra on YouTube, Sri Krishna is called as Madhuradhipati. But he is the lord of Mathura. So, I thought it should be Mathurādhipate. They added an important note before starting a video.

I wouldn't take the YouTube channel because they have been sincere about pronunciation of stotras and they said that they consulted Sanskrit scholars before making the Video.
My questions are below (interrelated):

What did Vallabhacharya originally call Krishna in the stotra, Mathurathipathi (lord of Mathura) or Madhuradhipathi (Lord of Sweetness)?

Is there a rendering where the other variation of this stotra?

Did Vallabhacharya use Madhuradhipathi to match the chhandas and alankara rules of Sanskrit?


texts: Where can I locate/download/purchase the "Tara Ashtakam"

texts:
Where can I locate/download/purchase a sanksrit copy of the tara ashtakam (तर अष्तकं)?

I've seen several english translations and even this sanskrit translation, which seems to contain errors and who's authenticity I'm uncertain of, but no concrete, accurate sanskrit copy.


texts: I know that the gem or 'mani' on Ashwatthama's forehead was taken away by Krishna, but what happened to the gem after that? Was it destroyed?


texts: How do Thenkalais support the notion that the Divya Prabandhams are equivalent to the Sanskrit Vedas?

texts: The Purva Mimamsa school gives arguments to prove that the Vedas are the foremost authority. Can the same be given for the 4000 Divya Prabandhams?


texts: What does Krishna running away from Jarasandha signify?

texts:
It is a well-known fact that Krishna is also known as "Ranchor", a name he earned after running away from a battle with Jarasandha.

But, how is it that the same Jarasandha was defeated by Karna?

So, what does Krishna running way imply?

Was Krishna incompetent against Jarasandha, or something else?


texts:
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL1628976W/The_ochre_robe

  So that was young Leopold Fischer who landed in India with the sole desire of becoming a Sanyasi. (One has to be initiated into Sanyasashrama by one who is already a Sanyasi). But the monks in India could not accede to his request for grant of Sanyasa as they said it is the sole preserve of Hindus and he as an European is not entitled to follow Sanyasashrama. However, he luckily met one particular Sanyasi belonging to the Sringeri Sarada Peetam (One of the five Peetams established by Adi Sankaracharya) who was willing to initiate him into Sanyasa. Sitting right in the middle of two burning pyres on the banks of River Ganga at Banares (Varanasi) at midnight he was initiated into Sanyasashrama and Leopold Fischer officially became a Swami and his new name was Swami Agehananda Bharati.


texts: Which scriptures mention about 7 births. If everyone has 7 births and then gets Moksha, then what is the necessity of believing in God


texts: Are there any half-man half-beast creatures in Rig Veda?

texts: I think these conceptions occur only in Puranas.


texts: Any Hinduism philosophy talks about or contemplation discussions on Why an Immortal soul requires a Mortal body? References appreciated.


texts: How do the scriptures describe some of the key features of Avataras?

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We know that Hindu scriptures contain many stories about Avataras (or incarnations). Lord Vishnu's 10 incarnations (Dashavatara) are well-known, for example.

Few questions on Avataras are given below:

What are some key features of an (human) Avatara of God?
What are the distinct physical marks that an Avatara must have?
Is it necessary that the birth of an Avatara can only take place in some specific clans/castes only? For example, Sri Rama, Krishna were both born in Kshatriya families. Can an Avatara be born in a Vaishya or a Sudra family as well?

NOTE: This question is not only about Lord Vishnu's Avataras but in general about all (human) Avataras.


texts:
The pigeon in Sibi's story says

one is especially bound to do so if one happens to lead a life of domesticity that consists of the five sacrifices. If one, while leading a life of domesticity, does not, from want of judgment, perform the five sacrifices, one loses, according to the scriptures, both this and the next world.

Which ones are these five sacrifices?


texts: What is the scriptural source of the dhyana sloka of Lord Shiva given below?

texts:
“dhyayennityam Mahesham rajatgirinibham charuchandra vatansam

  Ratnakalpojvalangam parshu mrimgvarabhitihastam prasannam

  Padmasinam samantatstutamaganairvyagrahak- rirtim vasanam

  Vishvadyam visvsvandyam nikhilbhayaharam panchavaktram trinetram”

What is the scriptural source of the dhyana sloka of Lord Shiva given above?


texts: Where are the temples for Lord Ganesha along with his wives?

texts: In this post,  Who were the wives of Lord Ganesha?, I know that Lord Ganesha is married. Are there any specific temple for Lord Ganesha along with his wives?


texts:
King Shantanu blessed his son Bhishma with Ichcha Mrityu (he could choose the time of his death, making him immortal till his chosen time of death).

But , king Shantanu was not a God or an Avatar of God, for the boon to actualize.

Bhishma  lived a long life of righteous actions and purity in every aspect.

The question is- Did the boon actually come true because of the karma of Bhishma? What do the scriptures have to say  with regard to this?


texts: Can ghosts kill human according to hindu beliefs?

texts:
I saw this question. But as we saw in films ghosts can move chairs, beat & kill human, they don't have legs....

Can ghosts kill human?


texts: Can anyone share the complete meaning of Lalitha Sahasranama? I have come across word to word translations, but need a proper explanation

texts: Can anyone share the complete meaning of Sri Lalitha Sahasranama? I have come across word to word translations, but need a proper explanation.


texts: Why Shiva is called Nataraja? Is Shiva the king of something?


texts: Was Nepal formed by a Hindu saint called Ne Muni?

texts:
This wiki article claims that

  As it is believed that Ne Muni established Nepal, some important
  priests in Nepal are called "Tirthaguru Nemuni"

Is there any more details available about the saint? Do any scriptures mention him?


texts: Did tulsidas translate Ramayan without knowing vedic sanskrit?

texts: As I observe from some reading that tulsidas was a awadhi poet. But as I see ramcharitmanas is said to be a translation of Ramayan from valmiki, my question is how could tulsidas translate it if he couldn't understand Sanskrit. (One has to be a proficient in sanskrit to be really able to translate a epic )


texts: Could be that the dates and timeline of 4 yugas got changed when puranas were passed down orally?

texts:
The durations for yugas are way too large.
Can it be that puranas witnessed contamination or corruption from people who weren't able to calculate the yugas correctly? Or were they exaggerated by later scribes?

What are the different timelines for yugas that different scriptures give?


texts:
Does any shastras mention shortening vedas with yugas? Like satyug having full version, then treta yuga having abridged and then dwapar having further abridged version and kali having the same.
Or anything related to this in shastras about vedas?


texts:
I don't know whether Bipodtarini puja observed outside Bengal or not. Some Hindu Bengalis also not follow this. I have a question on this.

Question: In this puja who observe fast are have to eat 13 luchi( Puri) at a time and nothing else on the day. From where this ritual came?


texts:
In this answer it states that Brahmins should not perform vedic rituals for Shudras.
Question is: does this mean most of the brahmins who are in temple or in priest role are breaking the rules by performing puja/havan for Shudras? These days there are very few Kshatriya/Vaishyas; so it is generally Brahmins or Shudras. So, how this works? Any views?


texts: Why Gandhari remained blind-folded all her life

texts: When Gandhari married Dhritarashtra, she took an extremely severe oath of remaining blind-folded all her life.Was Gandhari in any way inspired by the example of Bhishma, who was in fact the great Kshatriya who came to her father, asking for her hand in marriage to prince Dhritarashtra?


texts: Can one person after reaching Moksha be phisically still alive in the jivanloka and so on Earth? In which ways will we live our lives then?

texts:
Starting points:
This : https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/a/2582/22667 very interesting and accurate answer to a question inherent to the Moksha, rises another set of questions about Moksha inside me.
According to this: ¶
Nrishima Tapani Upanishad 2.4:
muktāpi lilayā vigraham kritvā tvām bhajante
- Even the liberated souls in the pastimes taking forms worship you.¶

So the Moksha is temporary if one consider the kalpa as the time-line but, accordingly to the whole answer to the question, it seems that more than one kind of Mukti exists.
Therefore, through this:
¶There are different types of mukti and there are different schools of thought on this also. But the most common thing of mukti is mayanivriti (liberation from maya). Once, one gets beyond maya, it can't cover him again just like darkness can never cover light. ¶
If overcoming the Maya means be in the beyondess of the substance of the wordly matter it means, also accordingly to the Bhagavad Geeta that we will overcome the interdependence with the prakrti, we will not be objects, subjects and subjugated by the Gunas.
Questions:
1.So exactly which kind of living existence our aatma will conduce into the realm of Maya, that is the worldly matter?
2.How can lokasamgraha be exercised  towards the other people by us then, as human beings?
3.In which way will we be capable of be interested to perform any activities or life styles such as grihasta or purushartas like Aartha?
4.Will we be able to live only like jivaatmas, regardless of the needs of the body, and careless of the around of us society of humans?
5.And is this the very essence of the Mukti?
6.If we will become Mrityunjaya it means that our physical body will become immortal also?
7.Will the physical body of us change too?


texts: I read somewhere that souls are never created nor destroyed. How is that possible? If souls are never created nor destroyed , how did all of us come into existence and how is the population of the world increasing?


texts: What is exact meaning of UTPATTI(उत्पत्ती), STITHI(स्तिथी) AND LAYA(लय)

texts:
As we know the works of trimurti.

Lord Brahma's work is UTPATTI(उत्पत्ती).
Lord Vishnu's work is STITHI(स्तिथी).
Lord Shiva's work is LAYA(लय).

I want to know what are the exact meanings of those word i.e UTPATTI(उत्पत्ती), STITHI(स्तिथी) AND LAYA(लय).

As I know Lord Brahma is writing future of every soul. Lord Vishnu is protecting Dharma. and in some cases even Lord Shiva is also protecting Dharma. Like Lord Shiva took an incarnation as Adi Shankaracharya to protect dharma out of request of other God. We have many examples of Lord Vishnu taking an incarnation to protect Dharma.

If Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are protecting Dharma then what is exact nature of their work. I'm trying to search exact meaning of those 3 words. In other words, What are the exact works of Trimurtis?


texts: According to various Vaishnava web sites and various texts, during Ekadashi, one cannot sleep in the night, one cannot sleep during the wee morning hours, and one cannot sleep during the day or else one breaks the fast and there is no merit. So when can we sleep? Are we even allowed to sleep on Ekadashi?


texts: Into which vritti does the swapna avastha fall into?

texts:
Chitta has five vrittis. Praman, viparya, vikalpa, nidra and smriti.
Nidra and praman vrittis do not contain a Swapna state. And I'm believing that the Swapna state does not fall into viparya also. Then to which vritti do the sleep state of a human falls into?


texts: Bull in front of Lord Shiva's shrine is Nandi or Rishaba?

texts: I saw an online discussion where a learned commentator shared that the bull in front of Shiva Linga is Rishaba and not Nandhi and associating the bull with Nandi is a general misunderstanding among Hindus. Is this true? What is the story associated with the Rishaba connection?


texts: Is the concept of sin (papa) developed in Rig Veda?

texts:
By the time of Shatapatha Brahmana incest had become taboo.  But in the Rig Veda, Pusan is said to be the wooer of his mother and the lover of his sister Dawn.

Did the concept of sin only develop after Rig Veda?


texts: Is it true that there is no such thing as forbidden in Hinduism?

texts:
According to this scholar on quora.

There is no “forbidden” in Hinduism.

Is this true.


texts: The Rudraksha comes 14 different types. Each type has its own importance & benefits. If a person wants to have Rudraksha for him/her then which Rudraksha should he/she Dharan (take)?


texts: What is the difference between Nyaya and Vaisheshika?

texts: Nyaya and Vaisheshika are one of the six astika schools of thoughts in Sanatana Dharma (the other four being Yoga, Vedanta, Mimamsa and Samkhya). Both schools, according to me, seem to be having similar views on metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, and soteriology. Then what is the difference between Nyaya and Vaisheshika?


texts: Is Jnana means knowledge alone or knowledge by experience in Hinduism?

texts:
We come across the word Jnana several times in Hinduism.

In general, Jnana stands for knowledge. But there are several types of knowledge. Knowledge of a human may come from books, experience etc., and knowledge may be about Brahman (para) or conventional (apara).

So, what is the exact meaning(s) of the word Jnana according to the scriptures?


texts: What is the purpose of the caste system? How has it changed?

texts:
I understand there is a caste system on the basis of occupation. What is the reason for having such a classification system?

Has the original concept stayed the same or has it evolved over time (if at all)?


texts: What is use of suchi (शुची ) , sarva (शर्वा) , pranita (प्रणीता ) , prokshani ( प्रोक्षणी ) , sfaya (सफ्या) wood pieces in yajna?

texts:
I have heard that any yajna if performing with this five wood pieces.
suchi (शुची ) , sarva (शर्वा) , pranita (प्रणीता ) , prokshani ( प्रोक्षणी ) , sfaya (सफ्या)

can anyone tell me what is use of this wood pieces.