texts: If Brahma granted Vibhishana immortality then why did no Rakshasas consider him the king and leader?

texts:
Here is an excerpt from Mahabharata for the proof that Vibhishana being given a boon of immortality.

  Saying, 'It shall be so' 'Brahma then addressed Vibhishana, 'O my son, I am much pleased with thee! Ask any boon thou pleasest!' Thereupon, Vibhishana replied, 'Even in great danger, may I never swerve from the path of righteousness, and though ignorant, may I, O adorable Sire, be illumined with the light of divine knowledge!' And Brahma replied, 'O scourge of thy enemies, as thy soul inclines not to unrighteousness although born in the Rakshasa race, I grant thee immortality!'

Now my question is, why did no Rakshasa (like Malyavan & Sumali) consider Vibhishan to be the most worthy to rule them as he is the only descendant of the Rakshasas that gained immortality. He may have become an ally of Rama later on but in the beginning of his life early on he used to support Ravana and help the Rakshasas. Since he was given immortality he should have been more powerful than even Ravana.


texts: What is the significance of Satagopuram?

texts:
Why is it placed on our head after Darsan?

If I am correct, the Satagopuram is not offered in Shakthi temples. What is the reason behind this? (In which kind of temples can this be seen?)

Do we need to chant any mantra/hymns while Satagopuram is placed on our head or does the priest chant any hymns?

Can it be placed on all of us unconditional of our purity or are there any exemptions?


texts: Who was the Rishi Katyayan who became father of Goddess Katyayini?

texts: In the Nava-Durga the sixth form is of Goddess Katyayini & I have heard that Goddess Durga became the daughter of Rishi Katyayan that is why she was given this name. I want to know who the rishi was and how could he obtain the Supreme Goddess as his daughter?


texts: Sri Vishnu Gita is present in which Puranas or ancient texts or scriptures.?

texts:
I have came accross some questions in other public forums saying there is a vishnu gita claiming there lord vishnu gave his gita gyan to lord shiva. After searching a lot thankfully I came across this sri Vishnu Gita and the audio book of the same.  But in description it's saying that "Vishnu Gita is a dialogue between Lord Maha Vishnu and the Devatas..." and I have also found mentioning of a gita named "Vaishnava Gita" but couldn't find it.
So my three questions here.:

Is there any gita or texts where lord vishnu had gave gita gyan to lord shiva.?

Sri Vishnu Gita belongs to which purana or ancient texts.?

Details about "Vaishnava Gita".?

(Please while giving answer touch all three of these topics or atleast mention it as weather you know it or not, it will be very helpful and I will really appreciate it.).


texts:
How can we trust someone and accept him as Guru? Can we know or assess the spiritual level of a person? Are there any references for choosing one?

What should we do if we realize that the guru we chose wasn't the right one in terms of knowledge?


texts:
So can anybody tell me if the lokas can communicate with one another? Are they only separated by space and/or time or are living inside a high-dimensional world, each one entirely on its own?

Thanks in advance!


texts: I heard that giving Dana after darshan will make the recipient(beggar) beneficial of getting punya of darshan but not the giver(devotee). Is there any purana which has guidelines on Dana. Is it ok to give Dana before or after the Darshan?


texts:
I strongly believed that Rama has a single wife, Sita. But I know that Krishna has multiple wives.
But this blog says that Rama has multiple wives and it's told in Valmiki Ramayana. Is it true? Did Rama really have multiple wives like Krishna?
Which one is more credible? Ramayana by Valmiki or Tulasidas?
EDIT:
Here's the verse from Valmiki Ramayana (Manthara speaking to Kaikeyi):

hṛṣṭāḥ khalu bhaviṣyanti rāmasya paramāḥ striyaḥ |
aprahṛṣṭā bhaviṣyanti snuṣāste bharatakṣaye || 2-8-12
Rama's great wives will get delighted. Your daughters-in-law will be unhappy because of Bharata's waning position.


texts: Is there any sect in Hinduism that believe in eternal heaven?

texts: There are many sect in Hinduism, so is there a sect in Hinduism that believe in eternal heaven.


texts: Who is Krishna? Is it Draupadi or an avatar of Vishnu?

texts:
I am confused with the name Krishna. As per my current knowledge, then name of the the Ninth Avatar(birth) of Narayan is Krishan/krishn (not krishna). And Krishna is the name of Draupadi. But we often use word Krishna as Lord Vishnu's avatar.

I think this confusion is because of English language. In English laguage we often messes up Lord's name by putting "a" at the end of the name like we type Ram as Rama, Ramayan as Ramayana etc. And same way we type Krishan/krishn as Krishna.

But the question is whether Lord Narayan Avatar also has same name as Draupadi had because we often use word Krishna for Lord Narayan even when we talk in Hindi OR Krishna is only name of Draupadi, not of Narayan. Is name Krishna is being used in any of our scriptures as Lord Narayan's Avatar name?


texts:
We've all had ample resources(albeit they are not enough or typical) for learning the mahimas(greatness), beauty, qualities, nature, form, motives, leelas of god. Yet there remains one more book.

When a mother delivers a child she experiences the immense pain for her creation. I wonder if god experiences a similar yet much magnified pain when from his whole a spark of fire is separated? What is the sorrow of god? knowing it all, nothing to gain, nothing to hate nor anything to be surprised of?

Any vedas/scriptures/upanishads/puranas or any scriptic resources that have the answer to this? Please give me the name or resources that mention the answers to this.


texts:
What is a significance when you see a snake in your dream at night. I see a snake in my dream and I don't remember whether it had one head or several. But it was definitely a cobra because it was in standing position with its hood and massive in size.

Is it a good sign or a bad sign?


texts: How are onions and garlic to be considered as non vegetarian food?

texts:
I heard a supposedly Puranic story that onions and garlic originated from meat and bone of a cow respectively after her death. For this reason, onions and garlic are therefore considered as non vegetarian food.

I couldn't get the full story from some of my villagers from whom I heard this from.

I wish to know the full story. It might be written in some Purana.


texts:
How does Vaishnava theology reconcile Brahman having infinite bliss but also experiencing sorrow and suffering?

Many Upanishads like Taittiriya say Brahman has infinite bliss:

  One hundred times that bliss of Pragâpati is one [infinite] measure of the bliss of Brahman, and likewise of a great sage who is free from desires.

However, Sri Vaishnava theology says that Brahman experiences sorrow and suffering. This is what Pillai Lokacharya says in his philosophical work called the Tattva Traya:

  The grief of His devotees over separation from Him dwindles down to such minute proportions, in comparison to His own over their separation, as between water contained in the hoof-mark of a cow and the vast ocean.

How to reconcile?


texts: Where does the Rig Veda describe realizing supreme truth through Vishnu's name?

texts:
In N Raghunathan's forward to a translation of the Vishnu Sahasranamam, he gives a purported quote from the Rig Veda:

The Rigveda ... affirms the potency of the Divine-Name in such verses as the following of Dirghatamas:
Asya jananto Nama-child-viviktana
mahaste Visnoh sumatim bhajamahe
Which means, "O ye who wish to gain realization of the supreme truth, utter the name of Visnu at least once in the steadfast faith that it will lead you to such realization".

My question is, where in the Rig Veda is this verse from?  It says it is a verse of Dirghatamas.  Well, as you can see in the Anukramani index for Rig Veda Book 1 in my answer here, the sage Dighatamas Aucatya is the seer of hymns 140-164 of Rig Veda Book 1.  You can read Rig Veda Book 1 here; I couldn't find the verse, at least at first glance.
Wikipedia also quotes this verse:

From the oldest scriptural text in Hinduism, the Rig Veda; V.I.15b.3, it states:
"O ye who wish to gain realization of the Supreme Truth, utter the name of "Vishnu" at least once in the steadfast faith that it will lead you to such realization."

But I'm not sure what "V.I.15b.3" means.  The Rig Veda is divided into 10 books (Mandalas), each book is divided into a bunch of hymns (suktas), and each hymn is composed of a bunch of verses (richas).  So why is it giving four numbers?


texts:
There is a popular belief that one should not bring metals (iron afaik) into the home on Saturday.

Is this belief a valid one according to scriptures? If yes, what are the metals mentioned and is there any mention of underlying reason?


texts: Why laddus are offered as prasadam to Lord Vishnu(i.e Lord Venkateswara) in Tirumala? Is there any reason or story behind this tradition.


texts: Why self praise is considered equal to suicide?

texts: From Mahabharata incident, explained in the comments here. Actually, I'm not accepting those comments as  authority but accepting as I had read the incident in Mahabharata in the past. Question In other words Why one shouldn't praise oneself?


texts:
Akshaya Tritiya is an important Hindu festival and I have seen people buying jewellery and other items on this "auspicious day".

How is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated in the world? To be more specific, I am concerned with celebrations inside India as well as outside India (Bali or in the United States or any other regions with significant population)


texts: What does hinduism says about saving money

texts:
In 21st century there are various(legal) investments which pays more without doing any work or with less work. For example(Hypothetical): cryptocurrency, so if a person invests some amount and after several days it becomes 10 fold and he becomes billionaire.  Though it is completely legal that person become billionaire without doing any work. This is exactly like gambling so is this kind of investments a sin in Hinduism? and some also tell it is like cheating government without paying taxes.

Here are my questions:

Investing in these kind of money is a sin in Hinduism? If yes, what kind of sin it is?
What does Hinduism says about saving money for future (In kali yuga if there is no investment one cannot survive)
What is the rightful way of saving money? In banks or something like that?


texts: What are the etymologies of the words brahman (ब्रह्मन्) and brāhmaṇa/brahmin (ब्राह्मण)?

texts:
In Sanskrit there's brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण), which is a term used for people, and para-brahman (परब्रह्मन्), which is a term used for gods.

What are the etymologies of the words brahman (ब्रह्मन्) and brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण)?

Wiktionary says brāhmaṇa comes from the root बृंहति (bṛṃhati), but is there more detailed information?

  ब्राह्मण • (brāhmaṇ) m

  a Brahmin (member of the highest caste of Hinduism traditionally regarded as priests)

  Etymology

  From the root बृंहति (bṛṃhati), and this from the verbal Proto-Indo-European root *bʰerǵʰ- (“to become high, rise, elevate”).


texts: Which mantras should be chanted for Agnihotra more than aahuti?

texts:
I perform it daily and I know about
SaptaShloki , sunrise and sunset mantras but I wish to chant more and different shlokas like mantras, Vedic Shlokas and Vedic Sukta. Can I ?
Can I chant Purush Sukta/ Agni sukta or other sukta?


texts: Do scriptures allow men to perform last rites for relatives that are still alive?

texts:
According to this news report, a group of Indian men decided to perform last rites for their former wives.

  They say taking a dip in the Ganga redeems you of all your sins. But a group of Indian men decided that taking a dip in the river, that's considered sacred by Hindus, will help the world get rid of 'toxic feminism'. So, they did exactly that. Last week, 150 odd men from across the country packed their bags and left for Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh.

  ...

  These 'harassed' men did a 'shraadha' (last rites) for their alive wives who don't live with them anymore. They also conducted a 'pishachini mukti puja' for their former wives – in order to get rid of the 'bad memory of past marital relationships'.

Do scriptures allow śrāddha to be performed for relatives when they are still alive?


texts: The Akshar-Purushottam darshan concludes that there are two distinct Brahmans. Is this conclusion supported by scriptures?

texts:
Akshar-Purushottam darshan is the youngest branch of Hindu Philosophy. It is based on the teachings of Sri Swaminarayan. Following the tradition, Sadhu Bhadreshdas composed commentaries on Prasthanatrayee (Upanishad, Gita and Brahmasutra) in Sanskrit. Obviously, his commentaries are based on the teachings of Sri Swaminarayan. He was instructed to write these commentaries by his Guru - Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the former president of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. In 2017, Shri Kashi Vidvat Parishad concluded that Sadhu Bhadreshdas is an acharya and Akshar-Purushottam darshan is a distinct philosophical school (link)
In a nutshell, it says the goal of life is to become Aksharrup and offer bhakti to Purushottam. The peculiarity of this school is that it talks about two types of Brahmans - Aksharbrahman and Parabrahman.
To support this division, they quote* the following verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

Dvau imau puruṣau loke kṣaraḥ ca Akṣaraḥ eva ca |
Kṣaraḥ sarvāṇi bhūtāni kūṭasthaḥ Akṣaraḥ ucyate ||

There are two types of purush within the world:
kshar and Akshar. All those who were and are bound by māyā
are said to be kshar, whereas the one who is unchanging –
forever beyond māyā – is said to be Akshar (Bhagavad Gitā 15.16)

Uttamaḥ Puruṣaḥ tu anyaḥ Paramātmā iti udāhṛtaḥ |
Yasmāt kṣaram atītaḥ aham Akṣarād api ca uttamaḥ |
Ataḥ asmi loke Vede ca prathitaḥ Puruṣottamaḥ ||

The supreme purush is distinct; he is called Paramatma. I am superior to kshar and superior to even Akshar. For this reason, I am known as Purushottam
within the world and the Vedas (Bhagavad Gitā 15.17–18)

So they conclude that Bhagavad Gita talks about two distinct entities - Aksharbrahman and Purushottam Parabrahman. Purushottam is superior to Aksharbrahman.
My question is, other Vedanta schools do not propagate the idea of two distinct Brahmans. So how they explain these three verses?
*Reference -
Akshar-Purushottam Darshan: an Introduction by Mahamahopadhyay Sadhu Bhadreshdash (translated by Sadhu Dharmasetudas and Sadhu Sushilmunidas)


texts:
The Rakshas king Ravana was worshiping Lord Shiva very strongly. Once he has created Shiv Stotram for Lord Shiva.

What was the story behind creating Shiv Stotram?


texts: Why did Gautam Buddha marry his cousin , when cousin marriage is banned in Hinduism?

texts:
Siddharth was born in a Hindu family.

Siddharth Gautam Marriage was arrange marriage with his cousin.

But as much as i know cousin marriage is banned in Hinduism


texts: What are the events when Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna met?

texts:
This photo is one event,

This is the devotional song that talks about another event,

  भोले भंडारी बन करके ब्रज की नारी वृन्दावन आ गए

I want to know both the stories and are there any other times when They met?

Edit: What Scriptures describe Rasaleela of Rudra (Shiva) with Krishna? is already there.

So, I want reference for first event and are there any other times They met apart from these two?


texts: What remedies are mentioned for a Dwija missing Trikala sandhya vandanam?

texts:
I want to know the remedies mentioned in Vedas and Puranas for a Dwija missing Trikala Sandhyavandanam.

If possible also remedies for one missing Madhyahnika Sandhya vandanam alone.


texts:
If we had a death in the family  ( fathers brother ) can we still conduct prayer ... such as kavady.. etc ....

It as been over 4 months that he as passed away ,  what's makes me unsure is the house that the funeral was conducted is doing all prayers

But when we wanted to partake in kavady they said we can't because of my fathers said .... it's like our blood line ...

Please can someone explain


texts: Why are Hindus not allowed to eat beef when scriptures seem to indicate otherwise?

texts:
A recent photograph of some Hindu protesters demanding a ban on beef and other non-vegetarian food made me sit and take notice of the Vedas.

I believe that these protesters are ignorant of what their religion preaches. They are simply going against their own religious scriptures.

Here are some verses from Hindu scriptures that seem to support beef eating.

Manusmriti (5.30) :

  It is not sinful to eat meat of eatable animals,for God has created
  both the eaters and the eatables.

Aapastanba Grishsutram(1/3/10) :

  The cow should be slaughtered on the arrival of a guest, on the
  occasion of 'Shraaddha of ancestors and on the occasion of a
  marriage.

Rigveda (10/85/13) :

  On the occasion of a girls marriage oxen and cows are slaughtered.

Rigveda (6/17/1) :

  Indra used to eat the meat of cow, calf, horse and buffalo.

Vashishta Dharmasutra (11/34) says:

  If a Brahmin refuses to eat the meat offered to him on the occasion of, 'Shraaddha' he goes to hell.

Hinduism's great propagator Swami Vivekananda:

  You will be surprised to know that according to ancient Hindu rite
  and rituals, a man cannot be a good Hindu who does not eat beef.

  (The complete works of Swami Vivekananda vol 3/5/36)

The book "The history and culture of the Indian people" published by
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay and edited by renowned historian R C
Majumdar (vol 2 ,page 18) says:

  This is said in the mahabharata that
  "king Ratinder used to kill 2000 other animals in addition to 2000
  cows daily in order to give their meat in charity".

Adi Shankaracharya commentary on Brhadaranyakopanishad 6/4/18:

  'Odaan' rice mixed with meat is called 'maansodan' on being asked
  whose meat it should be, he answers 'Uksha' is used for an ox, which
  is capable to produce semen.

What should we follow? Religious books or communal political parties?

So why is that Hindus today are not allowed to eat beef despite scriptures themselves sanctioning it?


texts: Why does my Hindu Temple ring its bell so loud for so long?

texts: I stay next to a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Kali. On its rooftop, there is a gigantic bell. The bell is rang every morning at 8am, at noon time and around 6pm. Each session lasting a good 12 minutes. Is there a good reason for such loud and long lasting chime? I need to know the background behind the din because it affects the tranquility of my neighborhood and I wanted to talk to the temple people to seek a peaceful resolution.


texts: In bhagvata purana and vishnu purana it mentions that he was born from body of brahma, along with satarupa, what do Vedas say?


texts: Is the Gadhimai massacre a Hindu ritual?

texts: Doesnt the Gadhimai massacre of countless animals in Nepal violate the principle of Ahimsa? Can it really be called a 'Hindu' ritual?


texts: Does god have a mind? If yes, it is an exception for God that body and mind are temporary, only Atma /Brahman is the permanent?


texts: Who are these deities mentioned in the Shatapatha Brahmana?

texts:
Shatapatha Brahmana 2.3.2 while talking about the Agnihotra fire-sacrifice mentions the following verses:

Verily, in him that exists, these deities reside, to wit, Indra, king Yama, Nada the Naishadha (king), Anasnat Sâṅgamana, and Asat Pâmsava.

Now Indra, in truth, is the same as the Âhavanîya; and king Yama is the same as the Gârhapatya; and Nada Naishadha is the same as the Anvâhâryapakana (Dakshina fire); and because day by day they take that (fire) to the south, therefore indeed they say that day by day Nada Naishadha carries king Yama (further) south.

And again what fire there is in the hall (sabhâ), that is the same as Anasnat Sâṅgamana: Anasvat (not eating) it is for the reason that people approach it before they eat. And that (place) where they throw the ashes they remove (from the fireplaces) is the same as Asat Pâmsava. And whosoever knows this, thus gains all those worlds, traverses all those worlds, thinking, 'In me those gods reside.'

I want to know if there are more dtails in any other scriptures regarding - Nada the Naishadha (king), Anasnat Sâṅgamana, and Asat Pâmsava?


texts: Vijnanamaya-atma, Jivatma and reincarnation?

texts:
I read on this forum the following post:

Vijnanamaya-atma = the Jivatma

Are either the Vijnanatma and Jivatma involved in the process of reincarnation?
If so, is this explained in any Vedas? If so, specifically which one/s?
Otherwise in which Upanishads?


texts: How can I trust that Vedas are available in their authentic form (yathaswaroop)

texts:
I have heard and experienced that many literature books of Hinduism are altered/manipulated by non-authors and selfish persons, this is one example regarding manu-smriti(that I also have experienced). There are more examples but coming to the point, how can I know that vedas are protected from all this corruption.

If there are authentic vedas, where would I get/buy them (I don't want mere translations I want devanagari-script vedas with swara matrikas(swara indications)). I would be very grateful if any-one can tell me where could I learn the sawra gyana(knowledge of swaras) and chanting of vedas.

Note: I am not an atheist, and I want to know more than this.


texts: In which lokas are the Apsaras born and which other lokas do they go on to inhabit?

texts:
Which are the exact lokas inhabited by the Apsaras according to different sampradayas?
Edit: Which lokas are the ones where Apsaras are born in the first place?


texts:
Skanda Shasti is a famous festival in Tamilnadu. I want to know
what is Skanda Shasti and Skanda Shasti Fasting? How to observe this fasting and pooja?


texts: According to Wikipedia there are two main types of scriptures, the four Vedas (which are seen as eternal), and the Smritis (which are seen as revealed). I was wondering what the current Hindu thought on the status of the Smritis are, like are they canon? Are they not accepted by everyone, like the  apocrypha of Christianity?


texts: Bhavishya purana talks about Muhammad but what does it say about allah?

texts:
I found that bhavishya purana talks about Muhammad not about allah. In quora one say that shiva will be known as allah but not sure about it.What does hinduism think about allah? I hope my hindu brothers will be hale and hearty. I love all my hindu brothers and I hope that those hindu will answer this question who also love me as a brother.
Thank you.


texts: Is there an actual existence of nectar (अमृतं)?

texts: Is there actual existence of Nectar (अमृतं)? If yes, then where and if no then why not, because I heard that Devtas got nectar from the sea, and they all became immortal.


texts: How the original name of "Jai Samhita" changed to "Mahabharat"?

texts:
I heard that the original name of Mahabharat was "Jai Samhita".

Who had originally named as "Jai Samhita" and why?

Who had changed the name to "Mahabharat" and why?


texts: English translation of dhyana shloka (opening prayer) of Mahabharata?

texts:
From here, following is what looks like the dhyana shloka (opening prayer) for the Mahabharata. I'm looking for an English translation of the same.

  01,000.000*0001_01       jayati parāśarasūnuḥ satyavatīhṛdayanandano vyāsaḥ
  01,000.000*0001_02       yasyāsyakamalakośe vāṅmayam amṛtaṃ pibati lokaḥ
  01,000.000*0002_01       dharmadṛḍhabaddhamūlo vedaskandhaḥ purāṇaśākhāḍhyaḥ
  01,000.000*0002_02       kratukusumo mokṣaphalo jayati kalpadrumo viṣṇuḥ
  01,000.000*0003_01       pitāmahādyaṃ pravadanti ṣaṣṭhaṃ; maharṣim akṣayyavibhūtiyuktam
  01,000.000*0003_02       nārāyaṇasyāṃśajam ekaputraṃ; dvaipāyanaṃ vedanidhiṃ namāmi
  01,000.000*0004_01       pārāśaryavacassarojam amalaṃ gītārthagandhotkaṭaṃ
  01,000.000*0004_02       nānākhyānakakesaraṃ harikathāsaṃbodhanābodhitam
  01,000.000*0004_03       loke sajjanaṣaṭpadair aharahaḥ pepīyamānaṃ mudā
  01,000.000*0004_04       bhūyād bhāratapaṅkajaṃ kalimalapradhvaṃsi naḥ śreyase
  01,000.000*0005_01       yaḥ śvetatvam upāgataḥ kṛtayuge tretāyuge raktatāṃ
  01,000.000*0005_02       yugme yaḥ kapilaḥ kalau ca bhagavān kṛṣṇatvam āyāga *
  01,000.000*0005_03       . . . . . . . danti munayo yo yogibhir gīyate
  01,000.000*0005_04       sa brahmā yadi vā haro yadi śivo yaḥ ko 'pi tasmai namaḥ
  01,000.000*0006_01       vāgīśādyāḥ sumanasaḥ sarvārthānām u . . .
  01,000.000*0006_02       . . tvā kṛtakṛtyāḥ syus taṃ namāmi gajānanam
  01,000.000*0007_01       vyāsaṃ vasiṣṭhanaptāraṃ śakteḥ pautram akalmaṣam
  01,000.000*0007_02       parāśarātmajaṃ vande śukatātaṃ taponidhim
  01,000.000*0008_01       acaturvadano brahmā dvibāhur a . . . .
  01,000.000*0008_02       abhālalocanaḥ śambhur bhagavān bādarāyaṇaḥ
  01,000.000*0009_01       śuklāmbaradharaṃ devaṃ śaśivarṇaṃ caturbhujam
  01,000.000*0009_02       prasannavadanaṃ dhyāyet sarvavighnopaśāntaye
  01,000.000*0010_01       jñānānandamayaṃ devaṃ nirmalaṃ sphaṭikākṛtim
  01,000.000*0010_02       ādhāraṃ sarvavidyānāṃ hayagrīvam upāsmahe
  01,000.000*0011_01       vyāsāya viṣṇurūpāya vyāsarūpāya viṣṇave
  01,000.000*0011_02       namo vai brahmanidhaye vāsiṣṭhāya namo namaḥ
  01,000.000*0012_01       namo dharmāya mahate namaḥ kṛṣṇāya vedhase
  01,000.000*0012_02       brāhmaṇebhyo namaskṛtvā dharmān vakṣyāmi śāśvatān
  01,000.000*0013_01       abhraśyāmaḥ piṅgajaṭābaddhakalāpaḥ
  01,000.000*0013_02       prāṃśur daṇḍī kṛṣṇamṛgatvakparidhānaḥ
  01,000.000*0013_03       sākṣāl lokān pāvayamānaḥ kavimukhyaḥ
  01,000.000*0013_04       pārāśaryaḥ parvasu rūpaṃ vivṛṇotu
  01,000.000*0014_01       aśubhāni nirācaṣṭe tanoti śubhasaṃtatim
  01,000.000*0014_02       smṛtamātreṇa yaḥ puṃsāṃ brahma tan maṅgalaṃ viduḥ
  01,000.000*0015_01       dharmo vivardhati yudhiṣṭhirakīrtanena
  01,000.000*0015_02       pāpaṃ praṇaśyati vṛkodarakīrtanena
  01,000.000*0015_03       śatrur vinaśyati dhanaṃjayakīrtanena
  01,000.000*0015_04       mādrīsutau kathayatāṃ na bhavanti rogāḥ
  01,000.000*0016_01       sarasvatīpadaṃ vande śriyaḥ patim umāpatim
  01,000.000*0016_02       tviṣāṃ patiṃ gaṇapatiṃ bṛhaspatimukhān ṛṣīn
  01,000.000*0017_01       nārāyaṇaṃ suraguruṃ jagadekanāthaṃ
  01,000.000*0017_02       bhaktapriyaṃ sakalalokanamaskṛtaṃ ca
  01,000.000*0017_03       traiguṇyavarjitam ajaṃ vibhum ādyam īśaṃ
  01,000.000*0017_04       vande bhavaghnam asurāsurasiddhavandyam


texts: How does Hinduism encourages individualism?

texts:
I have read in an article that Hinduism promotes individualism. According to wiki,

  Individualism is the moral stance, political philosophy, ideology, or
  social outlook that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual.

How does Hinduism promotes individualism?
Don't other religions (like Islam and Christianity) follow individualism?


texts: Why Lord Krishna didn't celebrate Deepavali?

texts:
Why Deepavali is not celebrated by Lord Krishna in Dwapara Yuga ? One of my friend asked me this tricky question. I didn't have an answer.

Moreover, Why there  is no mentioning of Ramayana incidents in Dwapara Yuga or isn't ?


texts: Any evidence for the claim that Padma Purana was interpolated by the Jains?

texts:
Many people say that Padma Purana was interpolated by the Jains.
Does any historian support this claim?
Is there any evidence in support of this claim?


texts: In any of the works of Adi Shankaracharya is it mentioned that any deity apart from Sriman Narayana to be supreme/Saguna Brahman/Ishwara?

texts: I have mainly seen Adi Shankaracharya calling Narayana to be the only supreme/Saguna Brahman/Ishwara whereas his followers i.e. Smarthas believe that Adi Shankaracharya saw Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Surya, Kartikeya and Ganesha as Saguna Brahman. Are there any instances in the works of Adi Shankaracharya where he clearly refers Lord Shiva, Mother Durga, Surya, Kartikeya and Ganesha as supreme/Saguna Brahman/Ishwara?


texts: Where Lord Shiva used to reside during the time when the Himalaya did not exist?

texts:
We know that the Himalaya range was formed out of the Tethys. We also know that Lord Shiva's abode is said to be the Mount Kailash.

So, where Lord Shiva used to reside before Himalaya was formed?


texts: A Sanskrit book mentions that Rigveda is divided in 8 ashtakas and 10 mandalas. I am aware of mandalas but what are 8 asthakas of Rigveda?


texts: What translations of Rig Veda (preferably into English) other than Griffith's are online?

texts: Rig Veda is a very difficult text and it is always better to have different translations to compare.


texts: During which period Vishnu incarnated as Matsya to save vedas?

texts: Lord Vishnu took matsya avatar during the end of 6th Manu and saved Vaivaswata from pralaya. But there's also a story of Vishnu taking Matsya avatar to save vedas. When did that happen? Is there a huge timeline difference between the two avatars?


texts: Why did Vishwamitra approach only Lord Rama to kill Mareecha and Subaahu?

texts:
As I am going through Balakand of Valmiki Ramayana, I came across the following.

  Sage Vishvamitra asks King Dasharatha to send Rama to protect the Vedic ritual that is being conducted by him,
  from the demons namely Mareecha and Subaahu that are constantly disrupting it by drenching the Altar of Fire
  with streams of meat and blood, from the sky. The sage asserts that King Dasharatha and the other sages
  in Dasharatha's court know the capabilities of Rama and though Rama is in his adolescence, he can easily kill the demons.
  The ire of sage Vishvamitra is shown towards king Dasharatha. To pacify sage Vishvamitra, sage Vashishta intervenes and convinces king Dasharatha to send Rama with sage Vishvamitra. While doing so, sage Vashishta enumerates the capabilities of sage Vishvamitra and
  his knowledge of weaponry. Vashishta also hints that all those weapons will be given to Rama, if Rama is dispatched with Vishvamitra. At last, Dasharatha agrees to send Rama.

As most of you might know, Vishvamitra was an emperor who left off everything. He was primarily a Raajarshi (kingly sage) who later became Brahmarshi and performed moksha kaamesthi. That is the highest asceticism for achieving salvation. All the missiles are known to Vishvamitra. He had complete  knowledge of weaponry and God Shiva gave weapons/missiles to Vishvamitra when he was ruling his kingdom.

My questions are:

What kind of Vedic ritual was Vishvamitra performing? Was he performing the moksha kaamesthi yag?
Why didn't Vishvamitra kill those mighty demons himself?

Most interesting thing is, Vishvamitra, can as well kill (control) those demons (Mareecha and Subaahu) himself as he was an emperor and had the knowledge of weaponry. But he did not kill them.

Why didn't Vishvamitra approach Parashurama?

As we know, one more incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama, was also there in Treta yuga. Instead of asking Lord Rama who was still too young (only 12 years old) to kill those mighty demons, Vishvamitra could have approached Lord Parashurama.

Why didn't Vishvamitra approach Dasharatha (as he was a king of Ayodhya) to kill the demons?
Why did Vishvamitra need only Lord Rama to kill the demons?

What I was thinking was, to kill demons like Mareecha and Subaahu one needs rajasic guna and Vishvamitra (as he became a Brahma Rishi from being an emperor) lost his Rajasic guna and became Sattvic guna in the process of Brahma Rishi. As Lord Rama was born as Kshatriya and having Rajasic guna, it could be the reason why he needed Lord Rama. Or it might be Lord Rama's wish that Vishvamitra take him to a Vedic place to kill the demons and learn the knowledge of weapons from Vishvamitra to prepare himself (for the final battle) to kill Ravana.


texts: Who are all the Gurus of Abhinavagupta and what Paramparas did they come from?

texts:
Generally, Vaishnavas follow the Pancharatra Agamas, Shaivites follow the Shaiva Agamas, and Shaktas follow the Shaiva Agamas. But long ago, there was a group of people in Kashmir who followed the Shakta Agamas but adopted Shiva as their Ishta Devata. That group evolved into what we now call Kashmir Shaivism. Because it has its roots in Shakta Agamas, it subscribes to a monistic philosophy, as opposed to philosophical Shaivite sects like Shaiva Siddhanta which are more dualistic in their philosophy.

Now the most famous Kashmiri Shaivite philosopher was Abhinavagupta, who lived in the 10th century.  Similar to Ramanujacharya, Abhinavagupta had a lot of Gurus; I've seen sources that say he had 12 Gurus.  So my question is, who are all the Gurus of Abhinavagupta, and what Guru Paramparas did they belong to?

So far I've found information on four Gurus of Abhinavagupta:

Bhattenduraja - He was in the Parampara of Kallata Bhatta, who was a shishya of Vasugupta, the author of the Shiva Sutras, which are the defining text of Kashmiri Shaivism.  Either Kallatta Bhatta or Vasugupta himself composed a work called the Spanda Karika which is the canonical commentary on the Shiva Sutras (although it's not a really a verse by verse commentary).  Either way, Kallata Bhatta wrote a Vritti or commentary on the Spanda Karika.  In any case, Bhattenduraja taught Abhinavagupta about poetics.
Lakshmanagupta - He was the shishya of Utpaladeva, the author of the Ishwara Pratyabhijna Karika, an important work in Kashmiri Shaivism.  Utpaladeva was the shishya of Somananda, the author of the Shivadrishti, which in my view is a splendid example of the narcissism of small differences; Somananda focuses on criticizing the Sphotavada school of Bhartrihari, which is the philosophical school that agrees most with Kashmiri Shaivism.  Now Somananda was a shishya of Vasugupta whom I mentioned above, but that's not the only lineage he's associated with; he also claimed to be a biological descendant of Durvasa's mind-born son Tryamabaka, whom I discuss here.  In any case Lakshmanagupta taught Abhinavagupta about the Pratyabhijna school of Kashmiri Shaivism.
Shambhunatha - He is said to have belonged to the lineage of Durvasa's mind-born daughter Ardhatryambaka, as described on page 157 of this book.  Ardhatryambaka seems similar to Durvasa's mind-born son Tryambaka whom I discuss here.  I don't know anything about the lineage between Ardhatryambaka and Shambhunatha.  But Shambhunatha was the one who initiated Abhinavagupta into the Kaula Tantras, and he's seems to be the one whom Abhinavagupta viewed as his main Guru.
Vamananatha - According to Wikipedia, he taught Abhinavagupta about "dualistic Shaivism", which may refer to the Shaiva Siddhanta sect.  But I don't know anything more about Vamananatha.

So does anyone have a complete list of Gurus of Abhinavagupta along with the Paramparas they belonged to?


texts: What is the meaning of the word "Shiva"?

texts:
Is "Shiva" just a name of a God or does the word actually denote something?

In other words, what is the real meaning of the word "Shiva" (also spelled as Śiva or शिव)?


texts:
Yajur Veda 19.37

  Cleanse me the Fathers who enjoy Soma! Grandfathers make me clean! May
  Great-grandfathers cleanse me with a sieve that brings a century. May
  my Grandfathers cleanse me, may my Great-grand-fathers make me clean.
  With sieve that brings a century may I obtain full length of life.

This Mantra speaks about Grandfathers and fathers. So, it is written after many generations of humans had passed.


texts: Why did Goddess Saraswati lift the Sindhu river? Please provide the background/context for why the goddess needed to lift the river.


texts: What is the story of the one-eyed demon Kabandha in Ramayan?

texts:
Does any scripture say about Kabandha, a demon who appears in Ramayana, having no head or neck with one large eye on the breast and a mouth on the stomach?

Why does he have only one eye instead of the normal two eyes and why was he endowed with such an odd figure?


texts: Hamsa Sandesha - a real incident or a fictional work?

texts:
I was reading Acharya Sri Vedanta Deshika's Rahastraya Introduction, where I found out about the Hamsa sandesha - a collection of 110 (first part 60 shlokas and second part 50 shlokas) verses which Shri Rama writes a letter to Shri Sita Devi when she was in the Ashoka Vatika in Lanka. The letter was delivered by a hamsa or Swan that is why it is known as hamsa sandesha (a message of the Swan).

What was the summary (if possible) and actual message body and why did Shri Rama choose Swan instead of hanuman with superhuman powers which he sent later with the ring? Also is it possible that this letter is a fictional creation by Acharya Shri Vedanta Deshika? Since Acharya Shri Vedanta Deshika also worked on it I think it may not be a fictional creation.


texts: What's the connection between the Red Sandalwood and the Deví (Shakti)?

texts:
I have heard at several places the intrinsic link between the Deví (Durga/Uma/Shakti) and the Red Sandalwood (Rakta-Chandan - रक्त चंदन ).
Several "pandits" or astrologers advice doing the jaapam-dhyaanam for the Deví (or her manifestations) using the Red Sandalwood based rosary, for maximum benefits.
So, what's the religio-theological connection between the Deví and Red Sandalwood?


texts:
In this times It is really energy consuming to learn from different organization or modern man about spiritual guidence and to have all the time this filter in the head filtering the nonsense and conflicting actions from their preaching and life that they are living.

And more and more people are suffering after many years of learning from someone who is showing conflicts in their life and preaching. For example Swamis that are exploiting devoties etc... I know that if one rotten fruit is in the basket you can't expect that are all rotten, but still if you don't have nose or eyes that could see, you can't test them untill you bite them and see for your self if you are sick.

So with all that I want to ask:

What kind of quidance systems hinduism provide in a mater of this question, so that one can enter and walks spiritual, with a safe and well defined matter, alone and independent.
What dusty old books would you suggest so they will be good replacement for the guru from Himalaya, that have as little distortion from modern men as possible.


texts:
Each time Lord take avatar it is in different form.
Why not take avatar of same animal or same human each time? Is there any significance of incarnating as different form?


texts: Who are the red complexioned and yellow complexioned avataras mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam?

texts:
Gargamuni, while naming Krishna, mentions that there are four types of complexions incarnations have:

शुक्लरक्तस्तथा पीत इदानीं कृष्णतां गतः।
The while coloured one could be the Hari who was related with the Gajendramoksha and incarnated in the Satya yuga, as He is referred to as शुक्लाम्वरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम्।

According to the Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya is the yellow-complexioned one, though the major Vaishnava sects dont accept this. Mahaprabhu of course could very well be the yellow-coloured complexioned. But then the red-coloured one becomes the incarnation of the Treta yuga. Who is He? And, who is this yellow-coloured incarnation according to other Vaishnava sects?


texts: In Trimular Shaiva Siddhanta What's the difference between Parashiva,Param,Paramam,Paraparam and Para Maha Shivam?

texts:
2285 Further Beyond Para Siva State is Paramam ,
Paramparam and Para Maha Sivam
Beyond Para Siva is Paramam;
Beyond Paramam is Paramparam;
Thus are states ascending;
From Para Siva Jagra, to Para Siva Svapna, and to Para Siva Sushupti
The Jiva that has Para Siva become reaches
The Finite Truth that is Para Nandi.

2274 In Para-atita Turiya State Jiva Becomes Beyond-Param
In desire bereft of desires
As Jiva aspires to Para-atita-turiya State
And steadfast perseveres in it,
He becomes Beyond-Param (Siva);
The tapasvins who practise not
Will never Param become;
They are forever fettered
In Pasas several.

Please explain me what is Rudra,Mahesh,Sadashiva,Parashiva,Param,Paramam,Paraparam and Paramahashivam in Tamil Saiva Siddhanta??What is their roles?What is Para Maha Shivam?


texts: What are the three Shivalingas ( Itara, Bana and Swayambhu) mentioned in some Agama texts?

texts:
In Agamas, we find the mention of  three Jyotirlingas or Shiva lingas known by the names Itaralinga, BAnalinga and Swayambhu linga.

For example in KulArnava Tantram Lord Shiva says:

  BAnetaraswayambhAkhylingatritayasamstitham| Tattvato Yo VijAnAthi Sa
  Guruh Kathithah Priye||

  ......

  [Lord Shiva says to Devi] One who has the knowledge about the locations of
  BAnalinga, Itaralinga and Swayambhulinga is called a Guru.

Another reference from the same scripture :

  Lingatrayavisheshagyah ShadAdhArvibhedakaha...

  .....

  The devotee who has the knowledge of the three lingas can move upwards
  the kundalini shakti by piercing the shatchakras..

What are these three lingas being mentioned by Lord Shiva and where are they located?


texts: What is the purpose of Yogi and Aghoris life?

texts:
Heard that they are supreme saints who are meditating to save the earth. But border clashes always persist. Covid could not be controlled nor avoided to enter India. 12 years of Kumba mela has lead more cases in India because of them.
Are they self centred to attain Moksha, do they really wanted to be Saints? or they just avoided normal life to escape from daily responsibilities is the question always taunts me?
Please enlighten me with strong ethical points here.


texts: Does Parashara smriti allow eating non-vegetarian food?

texts:
Parashara smriti is said to be a valid text for people of Kali yuga.

Does Parashara smriti allow the eating of non-vegetarian food?


texts: Why Indra, Surya, Garuda, and Bruhaspati together in this shanti mantra?

texts:
One of the shanti mantras from Atharva Veda reads as
स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्व्वेदाः ।
स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥

The popular meaning that I have found for this is

May Indra of great fame cause welfare to us. May the omniscient Pusha
(sun god) cause welfare to us. May Garuda, the remover of all
inauspicious things cause welfare to us. May Bruhaspati also cause
welfare to us.

Is there any explanation for why these four deities have been chosen together? Why are they relevant for the pursuit of a Brahma vidya through the Upanishads? Do they all represent Brahman? Why is a specific qualifier "great fame" used for Indra?


texts: Are the four paths incompatible with Pantanjali's Yoga?

texts:
According to Hinduism: Yoga is means, and the four major marga (paths) discussed in Hinduism are: Bhakti Yoga (the path of love and devotion), Karma Yoga (the path of right action), Rāja Yoga (the path of meditation),
Jñāna Yoga (the path of wisdom) ref here and The essentials of Hinduism.

Another method of Yoga is the one explained by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras which could be considered by some a form of Raja Yoga. ref here

  Atha yoga-anushashanam. Yogash chitta virtti nirodhah.
  I will now review for you how we become whole. We become whole by stopping how
  the mind turns. Yoga Sutras 1.1 and 1.2

Pantanjali's ashtanga advices to follow an eightfold path (Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas....) to attain samadhi ( superconscious experience of union of the individualized soul with Cosmic Spirit
) that will ultimately lead us to kaivalya (moksha). The path length is not defined because you ignore your karmic past and effort is not enough to remove the obstacles. That lead us to two key concepts which are:

  Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tan nirodhah. Tatra sthitau yatnobhyasah.

  Stopping it requires constant practice, and giving up your
  attachments(detachment). Constant practice means striving to be there. Yoga Sutras
  1.11 1.12

Being good at stopping the mind does not require you to dedicate your life to do altruistic actions (karma) nor it requires you to pursuit knowledge or ask yourself anything which is a mental activity different from stopping your thoughts (Jñāna), nor it does require you to worship any gods or symbols (Bhakti). If you go on in the path pointed out in the sutras and you follow the Abhyasa(practice) and vairagya(detachment) you ultimately need to detach yourself from all the paths, objects of devotion, knowledge, symbols, sutras, egos and mental constructs, including the sutra itself because you need to let go of everything to experience samadhi. How is that compatible with the other paths? Would Pantanjali tell you that you won't obtain kaivalya if you follow the other paths?


texts:
who Given Weapons (like trisulam, sudharshana chakram, brahma creation) Gods and goddesses.Weapons Power?

Other gods like sun, moon,indra etc., there powers?


texts:
What do Hindu texts say about sleep paralysis?

Are there any stories related to sleep paralysis in Hindu texts? Is it like an omen?


texts: Did Indra know Krishna as Avatar of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
After Govardana Hill incident, did Indra know that Krishna was Incarnation of Lord Vishnu?
If He knew Krishna as Avatar of Lord Vishnu after that incident, why did Indra fight with Krishna when Krishna stole Parijata flowers from Amaravati, abode of Indra?
Indra helped Arjuna many times as Arjuna was his son. At the same time Krishna and Arjuna were best friends. So how were Indra and Krishna? Were they hostile or were they friendly?


texts: Why own head of Ganesh ji was not joined to make him alive instead of elephant's head?

texts:
If joining elephants head, become alive, why his own head was not joined to alive? Also Shiva is a god, he can do whatever to make him alive.

Why need to behead other's head?

I got several questions regarding this in this site, but i can't get any answer. so i want to have my own question. Thanks.


texts:
There are many myths that say Draupadi is a goddess. Many people, including myself, have prayed to her. There are many legends of her being a goddess. Some legends are given below:

It is said that Draupadi is incarnation of wives of Dharma, Vayu, Indra and Aswini Kumaras. The wives of Dharma, Vayu, Indra and Aswini Kumaras are however stepmothers to the Pandavas. In that case how did they marry her?
Draupadi is said to be Kali, the wife of Shiva. How did she, then, marry not one but five Pandavas instead of an avatar of Shiva?


texts: Do scriptures mention anyone who is Pratiloma or Shudra born having successfully read and recited Vedas?

texts:
To be clear, please don't conflate reading and reciting the Vedas to having understood the Vedas.

I didn't come across anywhere in KMG Mahabharata where  Karna is said to have read/recited vedas. At most he was fully conversant with the vedas and understood the eternal saying of the vedas (Udyog Parva)
Maharishi Matanga, who was born a Chandala, because of his penance got the boon of God like status. But I could not find any reference of him teaching vedas to any disciple
Jabala was son of a prostitute. and his father was unknown. For all we know he is from a Anuloma marriage. So his example would not count
Romaharṣaṇa , a Suta, who was killed by Balarama had obtained Brahmin like status. Thus Balarama was exiled for 12 years in accordance with Manusmriti. However there is no mention of Romaharsana teaching the Vedas. He was killed when reciting the Puranas to other Brahmins.

And to emphasize, I am not looking for varna migration or getting into guna vs birth based varna classification. I am specifically looking for examples and/or statements in scriptures that categorically show Pratiloma or Shudra born have read/recited/taught Vedas or were allowed to do so

EDIT : Seems that even seasoned users are getting confused between pratiloma and anuloma born. Without getting into details, anuloma born are those where father is of higher caste than mother. Pratiloma born are those where mother is of higher caste than father


texts: Do i need to regret for my bad deeds or sins before undergoing Upanayana?

texts:
I am desirous to undergo upanayana ceremony in one of the sanathana dharma sanstha.. So I don't know at all that any body underwent Upanayan in our caste.
Before I undergo such ceremony, do I need any regret god or prayaschitta? If not, will there be any harm to my family?


texts:
The question Side effects of Initiation by a Guru?.

As per the question above, guru gets bad karma of disciple.

What about good karma of disciple? Does guru share good karma and enjoy as well? Logically this must be true.


texts: What are the difference between various types of brahmacharis?

texts:
1.Are both Ajanma and Naishtika refer to the same thing or is there a subtle difference ?

Also Skanda Purana mentioned four type of brahmacharis - Naishtika , Brahma, gayatra  and prajapatya. But it was silent on the differences .
What is the difference between Hanuman , Ayappa and Bhisma when it comes to Brahmachari?
And how is nitya Brahmachari any different from the above brahmacharis ?

Please cite scriptures as much as possible. Thank you !


texts: Does Lord Krishna indirectly say that Sudras are Dogs or its a misunderstanding of commentators?

texts:
A brāhmaṇa cannot in any circumstances become like a dog, accepting an ordinary master.(ŚB 11.17.47). Srila Prabhupada writes "Śva-vṛttyā, or “a dog’s profession,” refers to the śūdras, who cannot live without accepting a master"
Also in next verse, its said "A king  can never follow the course of an obedient dog" (SB 11.17.48)
Edit : In Motilal translation for the same verse, its said " A Brahmana should never resort to Dog's way of life by undertaking lower jobs. "
So does Lord indirectly say Sudras are Dogs ?


texts: How does Advaita interpret the devatas to the Isha Upanishad mantras?

texts:
Advaita is a non dual philosophy which says there is no distinction between Jivatma and Paramatma (Brahman). There is only one soul which is Brahman.

In the Isha Upanishad or Ishavasyopanishad which is a part of Vajasaneyi samhita, there are mantras to whom the devata is Atma.

The devata of the mantras 1 to 14 and 17 is Atma. The devatas of the mantra 15 are both Paramatma and Atma. (More details about the mantras in Who is the seer of the Isha Upanishad?). Now, the devatas are said as Atma and paramatma differently.

Advaita and non dual philosophies claim no difference between atma and Paramatma. How do they interpret the devatas to the mantras of Isha Upanishad?


texts: What's the view of Hinduism on prostitution and premarital sex?

texts:
According to this answer, does it mean that premarital sex was non-existent?

Is prostitution related to premarital sex? If not then any scriptural references on the same topic?


texts: What is Vedic Dharma? and what is the origin of Vedas?

texts:
What is Dharma according to the sruti literature?
How was Vedas composed? who is the first rishi? and how was it compiled? there seems to be 300 rishis who wrote mantras..how were they collected over time?
Please explain it only from authority of sruti, not smriti.


texts: When is Avani Avittam (Upakarma) this year?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, Avani Avittam aka Upakarma, is a ritual performed on the Dakshinayana day in August where Brahmanas change their sacred thread.  At least it usually occurs in August.  But I'm seeing claims on some websites (like this one) that this year, it will occur on July 28.  And I'm seeing claims on other websites (like this one) that it will occur on August 7.

So my question is, when exactly will Avani Avittam occur this year?  Does it differ between Rig Veda and Yajur Veda?  And does it differ for America and India?

I think all this confusion may be due to the fact that there will be a massive lunar eclipse in August this year, so that throws things off.


texts: Do any scriptures describe Hanuman to be an incarnation of Vayu?

texts: As described in this answer, Hanuman is considered to be an incarnation of Shiva. However, the Madhwa sect believes Vayu had the 3 incarnations, of which, the first was Hanuman (Sripad Madhvacharya is considered to be the third incarnation of Vayu). While many scriptures describe Hanuman to be an incarnation of Shiva, I'm yet to come across a scripture where Hanuman is seen as Vayu avatara. Instead, Hanuman is usually seen as the son of Vayu. So does any Purana describe Hanuman to be an incarnation of Vayu?


texts: Is it said in hinduism that food served before an individual should not be consumed with more delay?

texts:
Many parents complain that food should not be taken with more delay. This may be told as of a reason that "annam parabrahma swaroopam" and delaying the food by engaging in other activities is like insulting goddess Annapurna. Also say that while consuming food, one should not involve in any other activities.
Delay in this question refers to an assumption that the food is already served and the individual although arrived to eat, letting the food to wait in plate without consuming it.
My question is, are there any references which provide explicitly about that same.


texts: Karmic result of a gay man marrying a straight woman fraudulently

texts: What could be the karmic punishment of a gay man who marries woman without telling her that he's gay, but fulfills her sexual and other needs and woman doesn't doubt it? Are there any scriptures that mention karmic punishments involving such fraudulent marriages?


texts:
I was watching Satguru (Jaggi Vasudev) video on YouTube where he said that Hindu is not a religion, its a geographical identity and that's why all part of India follows different practices and have different gods. When foreign invaders arrived they had to classify Indian religion so they called Indians collectively as "Hindus".

So my question is:

If I am not a Hindu (assuming the above statement to be true) then what is my religion? Do we have any further classification mentioned in books? or caste ?


texts:
What is the difference between Atman and Jiv-Atman?
What I think is the following:
1.Atman is the inner-consciousness of this whole Universe.
2.Jiv-Atman is the inner-consciousness of a single living being like us.
Is this correct? If yes. Then how are the above two different? Are they different at all?


texts: Are the Sri Yantras that are devoid of color fillings defective?

texts:
Sri Yantra is probably the most well-known among all yantras. It is   also called the king of yantras.

The presiding deity of the yantra is Sri Lalita Mahatripurasundari or Sri Rajarajeswari Devi.

A Sri Yantra can be inscribed on a metal plate  and it can also have the 3-dimensional Meru form.

Meru Sri Yantra:

Given below are pics of two kinds of Sri Yantra that i have found on net (that are available for shopping). One of which has some color fillings and one is without them.

PIC 1:

PIC 2:

Questions:

1) Is the PIC 2 Yantra defective? If yes, which Scripture prescribes what color should fill in which triangles of the Sri Yantra?

2) What do these different colors signify?


texts: Can anyone provide me all the verses of Buddha and their translations in the puranas?

texts:
From wikipedia, I found Lord Buddha who is said to be the ninth avatara of Vishnu to be mentioned in the following texts:

Harivamsa (1.41)
Vishnu Purana (3.18)
Bhagavata Purana (1.3.24, 2.7.37, 11.4.23)
Garuda Purana (1.1, 2.30.37, 3.15.26)
Agni Purana (16)
Naradiya Purana (2.72)
Linga Purana (2.71)
Padma Purana (3.252)

Can anyone provide me the above verses and their translations from the above texts?


texts: Which school of thought is correct. And they belief is the truth?

texts:
We know that vedas can be interpreted in many way. That's way there are different schools of thought in Hinduism. All of these schools understand vedas.in there own.
And they controdict each other a lot.

So the question comes which school of thought is correct. And most close to the truth and reality.
Because the world can't be dualistic, monism, and pluralistic at the same time. [This is just an example].
You can't, have bliss and no bliss ; or no consciousness or consciousness after moksha.


texts:
Consider the following statements of Sisupala from Mahbharatha.

O king, what can be done by me when (it seemeth) thou hast not heard
anything before from virtuous old men giving lessons in morality? Hast
thou never heard, O Bhishma, that reproach and glorification, both of
self and others, are not practices of those that are respectable?
[Section 43, Sisupala-badha Parva, Sabha Parva, The Mahabharata]

From the statements of Sisupala, it can be understood that glorifying others is a unrespectable act.
I am asking this question because Sisupala's statements cannot be treated as facts. Sisupala is saying that it has been told by virtuous old men. So, there are chances that scriptures may contain it.
Do any scripture (exactly) tells that glorifying others is a bad act among humans?
This question does not ask about glorifying gods or others divine beings.


texts:
I am searching the translitterated text of the “ POORVA PEETIKE “ .
As far i understood should be the first part of the Vishnu SAHASRANAMA, but the words of POORVA PEETIKE are different from the classical Sahasranama.

Anyone have a link about it?

Thank You in advance.


texts:
Lord Brahma has a lifespan of 100 Brahma years (one day of Brahma is 1000×1 MahaYuga) and after that he dies.

What is time interval between the death of the old Brahma and the birth of a new Brahma?


texts: Why does chandogya upanishad use kannada-telugu words?

texts:
In the Chandogya Upanishad, the word “मटची” “maTacI” is used to
describe famine in the Kuru kingdom.

  “मटचीहतेषु कुरुष्वाटिक्या सह जायया उषस्तिर्ह चाक्रायण इभ्यग्रामे
  प्रद्राणक उवास” (1.10.1).

Apparently according to different internet forums this word was adopted from kannada or telugu, it means locusts or hailstones.

Does this word has any parallel in any sanskrit dictionaries, etymologies or words?


texts: Why does the Bhagavata Purana say the first Pararddha is already over when it is narrating the events of the Padma Kalpa?

texts:
Note: This is a follow-up of this question.

According to the Vishnu Purana, the Padma Kalpa terminates with the end of one Pararddha or the first half of Brahma's life and the commencement of Svetavaraha Kalpa signifies the beginning of second Pararddha:

  When the-three worlds are but one mighty ocean, Brahma, who is one with Narayana, satiate with the demolition of the universe, sleeps upon his serpent-bed--contemplated, the lotus born, by the ascetic inhabitants of the Janaloka--for a night of equal duration with his day; at the close of which he creates anew. Of such days and nights is a year of Brahma composed; and a hundred such years constitute his whole life. One Parárddha, or half his existence, has expired, terminating with the Mahá Kalpa called Pádma. The Kalpa termed Váráha is the first of the second period of Brahmá's existence. (Vishnu Purana, Canto I, Chapter III)

Now, the Srimad Bhagavatam states that it describes the events of the Padma Kalpa:

  O King, I shall in due course explain the measurements of time in its gross and subtle features with the specific symptoms of each, but for the present let me explain unto you the Padma-kalpa. (Srimad Bhagavatam Canto II, Chapter X)

However, in the Srimad Bhagavatam, it also states that the first Pararddha or the first half of Brahma's life is over:

  The one hundred years of Brahmā’s life are divided into two parts, the first half and the second half. The first half of the duration of Brahmā’s life is already over, and the second half is now current. (Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto III, Chapter XI)

So isn't the Srimad Bhagavatam contradicting the Vishnu Purana? How do we reconcile these verses?


texts:
I have heard lot about this mudra and its benefits and online text have different different version of it.

If any one can explain me in full detail with pictures, quoting the relevant texts and scriptures and how one can master it.


texts: Were all human avataras of God Kshatriya or Brahmin?

texts: The animal avataras like fish,tortoise wouldn't have caste - but how about the human avataras?


texts: Does continuous Meditation generates heat from body?

texts:
If a person keeps on meditating, then a lot of heat will be generated from his/her body. Hiranyakashyapa (or some demon) was meditating then all God's couldn't bear the heat and rushed to Vishnu.

Is heat generating from the body related to kundalini? Or related to highest chakra?


texts: What are the stories of creation in hindu scrpitures?

texts: There are many stories of creation in our hindu scriptures,the hiryanyagarbha sukta and purusha sukta explains about creation but are there any other stories describe in scriptures like upanishads,vedas brahmanas.


texts:
Karna was the son of Kunti and Surya, the Sun God. He was born with divine gold armour and earrings and was bright and beautiful like the Sun.

After the birth of the child, Kunti once again became a virgin as a result of a boon granted by Surya.

As per the divine plan for her, Kunti was to bear the child, and not  raise it.

Karna, was reputed to be the only warrior capable of defeating Arjuna.

However, he could not  play any significant part in the Mahabharata war, as a warrior.

One aspect of Karna’s personality,which made him renowned, was the quality of benevolence.

Karna was with the Adharmic side{the Kauravas}, in the Mahabharata.

But,he also performed some good acts.

What were the good acts  performed by Karna in the epic, Mahabharata?


texts: Does the subtle body carry the prana airs after the death of the physical vessel?

texts:
The scripture 'Vedanta Sara' states that, the subtle body houses the 5 subtle jnanendriyas, 5 subtle karmendriyas, manas, buddhi, chitta, ahamkara and also the 5 prana airs.

  VS-77-87: These verses describe vital forces which differentiate Vedanta from Sankhya in respect of enumeration of subtle elements. "The five primary vital forces are responsible for 1. Breathing (Prana, प्राण), 2. Excretion & evacuation (Apana, अपान), 3. Circulation & coordination (Vyana, व्यान), 4. Passing off or death (Udana, उदान), and 5. Digestion & assimilation (Samana, समान). Sometimes five more (secondary) vital forces are conceived viz. 1' Vomiting (Naga, नाग), 2' Blinking (Kurma, कूर्म), 3' Hunger (Krukal, कृकल), 4' Yawning (Devadatta, देवदत्त), 5. Eating-drinking (Dhananjaya, धनंजय). The main vital forces are said to be made of Rajas particles of Tanmatras."

.............

  VS-88: These five prana airs or vital forces together with organs of actions (karmendriyas) constitute the "vital sheath" (Pranamaya Kosha, प्राणमय-कोश). Its active nature shows that it must be the product of particles of Rajas.

.............

  VS-89: Among these sheaths, the intelligent sheath (Vigyanamaya Kosha) is endowed with the power of knowledge (of agency), the mental sheath (Manomaya Kosha) is endowed with will-power or desire (of instrumentality), and the vital sheath (Pranamaya Kosha) is endowed with activity (of product). This division has been made according to their respective functions. These three sheaths (Koshas) together constitutes the subtle body.

Now the question is, does the subtle body carry the prana airs along with the mental imprints, once the physical body dies? ... Or does the prana airs gets absorbed in the atmosphere when the physical vessel falls dead?

Some believe that it gets absorbed in the atmosphere. If that is really the case then how does the subtle body like say of a yogi or a ghost function without the prana? I've read somewhere that great yogis can float around in subtle body. Same with ghosts. They too have a finer subtle like body.

If you check the quoted verses above then you'll notice that the pranas are needed for breathing purposes as well.
So if the pranas are absorbed in the atmosphere after death, then how can a yogi or a ghost in the form of subtle body, breathe without the prana airs?


texts: What is the core message of the Bhagavad-gītā? What are some verses from Bhagavad-gītā that one can refer to, to enrich life in general?

texts:
What is (or what are) the core message(s) of the Bhagavad-gītā?

What are some verses from Bhagavad-gītā, that one can refer to, to enrich life in general?

This question is inspired by Core messages of Ramayana and verses from Ramayana that one can refer to, to enrich life in general.


texts:
What is the name of the power which allows one to know future in dreams? One of my relatives say they can see future in their dreams.

Is this a spiritual gift? What is its name? What practices and karma in previous lives could have given them such abilities?


texts: Indra turning to female due to the curse of Trnabindu

texts:
Story of Indra turning into female, due to the curse, has been mentioned in the CHAPTER 63: Indra's rescue from the female sex of Narasimha purana.
Indra once abducted the Citrasena, the wife of Kubera with the help of Kamadeva. Later Nadijangha, the sister of Vibhishana tries to help Kubera. Indra identify her and kill her. Due to the act of killing, he got a curse from Trnabindu. Due to the curse, the Indra turns into female.
Are there any mentions in any other scriptures regarding this curse to Indra?


texts:
Dharma is a Sanskrit word that has no equivalent in English language.

The closest imitation of this word is Righteousness' but after reading even a little bit about Dharma in Hindu scriptures, anyone would conclude that Dharma is more than 'just' :) Righteousness.

Question: Is there any Official Definition for Dharma? If yes then please Define dharma


texts: “Everything is predetermined” - Ramana Maharishi. Can someone please provide an explanation or sources which delve into this further?

texts:
Below is from one of the talks with Ramana Maharishi

Day by Day with Bhagavan”, Pg 78, (on 4.1.46, afternoon)]

“With reference to Bhagavan’s answer [above] to Mrs. Desai’s question on the evening of 3.1.46, I [Devaraja Mudaliar] asked Him, ‘Are only the important events in a man’s life, such as his main occupation or profession, predetermined, or are trifling acts in his life, such as taking a cup of water or moving from one place in the room to another, also predetermined?’

Bhagavan: “Yes, everything is predetermined”

I: ‘Then what responsibility, what free will has man?’

Bhagavan: “What for then does the body come into existence? It is designed for doing the various things marked out for execution in this life. The whole programme is chalked out. ‘Not an atom moves except by His Will’ expresses the same truth, whether you say ‘Does not move except by His Will’, or ‘Does not move except by karma’. As for freedom for man, he is always free not to identify himself with the body and not to be affected by the pleasures and pains consequent on the body’s activities.”

Today I was in the kitchen about to get a banana and I saw a fruit fly flying around it which I immediately killed. Later I thought and thought about this of whether it was “fruit fly’s” destiny to be killed by me or was that I executed my free will and killed it. If the latter is true then it means that I changed the destiny of something.

My question is:

If everything is predetermined then does striving for more moksha, knowledge etc. useless as it will only happen when the time arrives?
If Past/present/future is all predetermined then my Karmas should have not effect what so ever on the future.......so How is Karma intertwined with predeterminism?
Is there anything called free will or is it just an illusion?


texts: Are there any philosophical differences between Gaudiya Math and ISKCON?

texts: Gaudiya Math was founded by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati while his disciple Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded the ISKCON. Both organisations are Gaudiya Vaishnavism based. My question is whether there are any key differences regarding the philosophies, theology, practices, beliefs and teachings of Gaudiya Math & ISKCON.


texts: Where are the main differences between ISKCON and Jiva Institute?

texts: As far as I know both ISKCON and Jiva Institute  are Gaudiya Vaisnavas, but what are the philosophical differences between these two ?


texts: Can Islamic beliefs be accommodated into certain sect of Hinduism?

texts:
Islam is a strict monotheist faith like Judaism and Sikhism, and we also find support of monotheism in the Vedas to the extent that there are some sects which prohibit idol worship among the Hindus.
The fundamental core Islamic beliefs like:

Only one God (i.e. Allah)
Prophet as messenger of God
Afterlife system with heaven/hell
Angels & virgins
Revealed books (i.e. Quran)
Divine predestination

Can Islam be accommodated in Hinduism such that Islam can be seen as a non conflicting sect within Hinduism?


texts: What are the ways to attain Mukthi in present 21st century or generation of 2020 year in Kaliyuga

texts: What are the ways to attain Mukthi in present generation of 2020 year of 21st century in Kaliyuga for brahmachari brahmins?


texts: In Ramayana, why did Lakshman & Ram got hit with Naag Pash?

texts: Lakshmana is Sheshang... the supreme snake or the king of every snake. Even Ram was also hit by Naag Pash & was very near to death? Ram is swayam Shree Hari Vishnu so why could he get hit & injured by Naag Pash?


texts: Can greats scientists and Mathematicians are considered as karma yogi?

texts:
According to Gita  Can greats scientists and Mathematicians are considered as karma yogi ?
Thomas Edison , Ramanujan ,Einstein etc have done a great and revolutionary  contribution in science


texts: What are the five kind of offerings and vedic hymns Srimad Bhagavatham is referring to?

texts:
In this verse from Srimad Bhagavatham 4.7.41, Fire God is praising Narayana.

  The fire-god said: My dear Lord, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You because by Your favor I am as luminous as blazing fire and I accept the offerings mixed with butter and offered in sacrifice. The five kinds of offerings according to the Yajur Veda are all Your different energies, and You are worshiped by five kinds of Vedic hymns. Sacrifice means You, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

I want to know,

What are the five kind of offerings that are given in Yajurveda?
What are the five kind of vedic hymns?


texts:
Because of my curiosity I want to know if there are any most sacred number in Hinduism ?

Does Hinduism have more than one sacred number ?

What is logic behind those sacred number, does any old books providing detail explanation for it?


texts: Can anyone suggest mantras for worshipping Goddess Parvati?

texts: Looking for mantras which are focused on Parvati like "Gaum Gaurimutrye Namah ".


texts:
In Yoga Vasista, I remember a story whose summary is given below

A powerful Rakshasa creates two persons, who have no emotions at all.
Devas find it hard to defeat both of them. Then they ask brahma for an
idea to defeat them. Brahma told Devas to do acts that increase
emotions in both people. Devas did accordingly and as a result the two
persons got emotion and later defeated by Devas.

What are the names of two persons? Are they human or some other species?


texts: Scriptures other than the Hata Yoga Pradipika containing asanas

texts:
chapter I of Hata Yoga Pradipika lists out the following 15 different types of asanas along with details

  Swastika-âsana,
  Gomukha-âsana,
  Vîrâsana,
  Kurmâsana,
  Kukkuṭa âsana,
  Uttâna Kûrma-âsana,
  Dhanura âsana,
  Matsya-âsana,
  Paśchima Tâna,
  Mayûra-âsana,
  Śava-âsana,
  Siddhâsana,
  Padmâsana,
  Siṃhâsana and
  Bhadrâsana

What are the scriptures that contain detail about any Hata yoga asanas other than that are mentioned in the Hata Yoga above.


texts: Why did Lord Rama ask mother Sita for Agni Pariksha?

texts: What is the reason for Lord Rama to ask Mother Sita to give Agni Pariksha? What do the scriptures say about this?


texts: What is the proof that I will not suffer after attaining Moksha / liberation?

texts:
After attaining Moksha there is no suffering. But how long I can be in a state of Moksha?
What is the proof that I will not suffer ever after attaining liberation?


texts: How does the garuDa purANa extol Lord Shiva as supreme almighty?

texts:
I think in the 16th.chapter of garuDa purANa. There are verses which talk about Sri Shiva as supreme being.

Can.someone please give insight on this?


texts: Is the Jiva completely dependent on Lord Vishnu for his protection?

texts:
Is the Jiva completely helpless to protect himself and completely dependent on Lord Vishnu for his protection from any misforture, disaster or undesirable event?

If possible, please provide quotes/references from scriptures, acharya's teachings, reputed books or texts, etc.


texts: What was the name of Ashrama of sage Valmiki?

texts:
According to Wikipedia Article, In the Ramayana, pregnant Sita was banished from the kingdom of Ayodhya by Rama due to gossip of the kingdom folk.

She then took refuge in the ashram of the sage Valmiki located on the banks of the Tamsa River.

The Ashrama of sage Valmiki was at the banks of Tamaas river as per this Wikipedia article.

What was the name of the Ashrama of sage Valmiki? Does it have a specific name?


texts: What is the story of Narasimha being born in the ocean?

texts:
Yesterday was Narasimha Jayanti, so I thought I'd post a question I've had about Narasimha's birth.  Most people only know the story of how he emerged  from a pillar in Ahobilam in order to save Prahlada from Hiranyakashipu. But some Puranas describe another origin of Narasimha.  Let me explain.
This excerpt from the Prabhasa Kanda of the Skanda Puranas describes the various incarnations that Vishnu has taken in the present Vaivasvata Manvantara.  Here's what it says about Narasimha:

During the fourth quartet of Yugas, when Suras became distressed, he issued forth from the ocean for killing Hiranyakashupu.  The second incarnation was Narasimha.  Rudra was his priest.

I discuss this "priest" business here.  But my question is, what is the story of Narasimha being born from the ocean?
This chapter of the Matsya Purana says much the same thing:

There was another incarnation of the Supreme Soul.  When the Devas were in distress, then, on the fourth day of the Moon, which was the anniversary of the beginning of a Yuga, Vishnu manifested Himself on the sea-coast.  He incarnated himself as Narasimha for the destruction of Hiranyakashipu.  Rudra officiated as the sacrificial priest.  This was His second incarnation.

But the thing is, Ahobilam is over 200 kilometers from the sea coast.  Could this be a case of Kalpa Bheda?  Narasimha could have emerged out of a pillar in Ahobilam in the Swayambhuva Manvantara, and emerged from the ocean in the present Vaivasvata Manvantara (assuming it happened twice).  Are there any scriptures which shed light on this?


texts: Why did Krishna have to be the eighth son?

texts:
In the Bhagavatam, Krishna is the 8th son of Devaki. Why did he have to come as the eighth son?

Why not 1st? or 2nd? or 3rd? or 4th? or 5th? or 6th? or 7th? or 9th?


texts: After a plant dies, will its atma get a human birth directly?

texts:
All plants are harmless and they won't be doing any sin during their plant birth.

Then what determines which birth they are going to take up in their next janma?


texts:
You may be familiar with God Ayyappa. He is also known as Manikanta. He is the main deity of Sabarimala temple. He took the incarnation to kill the demon Mahishi who is the sister of Mahishasura. She wants to take revenge of her brother's death and makes penance for Brahma. She gets the boon from Brahma that she could be killed by a child born with fusion of two males. Ayyappan is born by the fusion of Mohini incarnation of Vishnu and Shiva. Later he kills Mahishi.

After thinking of this story, a few questions flashed in my mind. They are as follows:

Where was the mention of this demon Mahishi in puranas?
How many times did Mahavishnu take the avatara as Jaganmohini?
In which yuga did the story of Ayyappa happen?


texts: How to live a life according to our scripture?

texts: In other religions, they are get to know what they can do and don't during prayer meetings.In Islam most of them perform their Nithya karma without any fail...even if they have doubts they can ask ustad in palli. In Hinduism except Brahmins (minor in numbers), others even don't know their Nithya karma. Even no one is available to guide. It is upto our interest, to read scripture and learn nithyakarma. Is that not strictly mentioned in our scriptures to follow Nithya karma?


texts: Does the Chandogya Upanishad foretell the birth of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

texts:
Gaudiya Vaishnavas, a sect that includes the popular organization ISKCON, believe that their founder Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was an incarnation of Vishnu.  In this article from ISKCON's publication Back to Godhead Magazine, a number of quotes are provided which purport to show that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birth is prophesied in Hindu scripture.  Here is one of them:

  In the middle of that lotus-city is a place called Mayapur, and in the middle of Mayapur is a place called Antardvipa. That place is the home of Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Chandogya Upanisad

The quote is from the first verse of the Eighth Prapathaka of the Chandogya Upanishad.  Here it is:

  atha yadidamasminbrahmapure daharaṃ puṇḍarīkaṃ veśma
  daharo'sminnantarākāśastasminyadantastadanveṣṭavyaṃ
  tadvāva vijijñāsitavyamiti ||

  There is this city of Brahman (the body), and in it the palace, the small lotus (of the heart), and in it that small ether. Now what exists within that small ether, that is to be sought for, that is to be understood.

And here is the entire Khanda the verse is taken from, to give more context:

  Harih, Om. There is this city of Brahman (the body), and in it the palace, the small lotus (of the heart), and in it that small ether. Now what exists within that small ether, that is to be sought for, that is to be understood.
  And if they should say to him: 'Now with regard to that city of Brahman, and the palace in it, i. e. the small lotus of the heart, and
  the small ether within the heart, what is there within it that
  deserves to be sought for, or that is to be understood?'
  Then he should say: 'As large as this ether (all space) is, so large is that ether within the heart. Both heaven and earth are
  contained within it, both fire and air, both sun and moon, both
  lightning and stars; and whatever there is of him (the Self) here in
  the world, and whatever is not (i. e. whatever has been or will be),
  all that is contained within it.'
  And if they should say to him: 'If everything that exists is contained in that city of Brahman, all beings and all desires
  (whatever can be imagined or desired), then what is left of it, when
  old age reaches it and scatters it, or when it falls to pieces?'
  Then he should say: 'By the old age of the body, that (the ether, or Brahman within it) does not age; by the death of the body, that
  (the ether, or Brahman within it) is not killed. That (the Brahman) is the true Brahma-city (not the body 1). In it all desires are
  contained. It is the Self, free from sin, free from old age, from
  death and grief, from hunger and thirst, which desires nothing but
  what it ought to desire, and imagines nothing but what it ought to
  imagine. Now as here on earth people follow as they are commanded, and
  depend on the object which they are attached to, be it a country or a
  piece of land,
  'And as here on earth, whatever has been acquired by exertion, perishes, so perishes whatever is acquired for the next world by
  sacrifices and other good actions performed on earth. Those who depart from hence without having discovered the Self and those true desires,
  for them there is no freedom in all the worlds. But those who depart
  from hence, after having discovered the Self and those true desires,
  for them there is freedom in all the worlds.

I could understand how if you just looked at the first verse in isolation, it might be possible to interpret it as referring to an actual physical location, like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birthplace of Mayapur.  But it seems like given the context of the other verses, the Chandogya Upanishad is clearly referring to the body and the soul, not to a literal city, and it's referring to Brahman, not to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

So my question is, how do Gaudiya Vaishnavas interpret the rest of the verses in this Khanda?  Do they think they all refer to some literal physical location?  Are there any Gaudiya Vaishnava commentaries on the Chandogya Upanishad that could shed light on this?


texts:
Personally, I believe there is no fiction in our scriptures (I will neglect very minute ones)

Rather I've heard and read people calling the scriptures as fiction, using  questions like 'were Hindu gods married?', and with no actual references trying to prove the Puranas wrong and put forward the idea of fiction in the Puranas. Actually they try to put forward the complete fictional part of the scriptures.

I don't know if this question is out of scope or belief, yet is commonly asked one.

Coming to detail, what explanation I get, 'these scriptures are fictional, the Puranas are the set of stories to explain the way to do good but in an interesting manner.'

In short they are trying to call them just stories but not history, hence rendering them fictional.
E.g. The elephant head of Ganesha, and the story behind it.


texts: Who has created whom out of the following 3: Bramha, Vishnu, Shiva?

texts: Who has created whom out of the following 3: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva? I found conflicting texts in different books.


texts: What was the reason for Swami Vivekananda's Death?

texts:
I have always heard that because he was a pure celibate, and have never allowed his body to waste the best chemical on planet (sperm).

According to Hinduism at least this reason does not make any sense, because in Mahabharata  Bhishma was roughly 300 year old and was a pure celibate.

What was the reason for Swami Vivekananda's death?


texts: What is the relationship between cause and effect as enunciated by Maharishi Kanada?

texts:
Maharshi Kanada was the founder of the Vaisheshika school of thought, one of the Shad Darshanas in Hinduism. He wrote the Vaisheshika Sutras, the most prominent text of this school.

What does he say about the relationship between cause and effect?


texts: How to hear Anahata sound during meditation?

texts: Anahata sound hearing in mediation? How is the sound? Is it OM kara? Anybody heard the sound during meditation with mantra?


texts: Are the scriptures aware of the existence of other religions in Kali Yuga?

texts:
Hindu Dharma or the Sanatan Dharma claims Universe is cyclic. Currently we are living in Kali yuga. Scriptures predict arrival of Kalki Avatar. However, I guess, scriptures do not mention existence of Christians, Muslims or Buddhists.
My question is: do scriptures mention existence of other social groups like Muslim, Christians etc in Kali Yuga?


texts: What is the ritual procedure for linga sthapana in a temple?

texts:
In our native place we bhakthakodees are planning to place a shiv Ling in the existing temple. Can someone throw some light on the procedure of installing shiv ling in temple and also if there are any prescribed dimensions (height, width of the three parts) of the lingam?

Primarily I am asking the about the rituals before the installation like:

What homam has to be done?
Are Astabandham rituals to be done for the first installation?
Does the shivling have to undergo 18 days or 41 days rituals (not sure about the procedure).
What should be the dimension of the shivling sculptured?


texts: How did ancient Indonesians and other South East Asians become Hindus?

texts: While Hinduism is a non proselytising religion and Brahmins were neither allowed to cross oceans nor to marry mlecchas ,how did Hindus convert Indonesians to Hinduism ? And how were Varnas Created in Indonesia ? There is a mention of Kaundinya marrying a Naga Kanye in Kamvuja (Cambodia) and his sona became Hindus . Why didn't Brahmins consider these Indonesians as Mlecchas?


texts:
Every generation will look at the bad things in society and say that "Things were good when I was young.  Things are bad now, because we are living in kaliyug."

What is the formula to calculate the beginning and end of kaliyug?


texts: I am looking for quotes of dignitaries on Srimad Bhagavatam. Quotes on usefulness, importance etc.  I tried hard to search for it on the internet with no success. I hope you can help me.


texts: progeny of Vaishya(father) & Mahisya(mother)? (Yagyavalkya Smriti)

texts: According to Yajñavalkya Smriti, What will be the progeny of Vaishya(father) & Mahisya(mother) will be called?


texts: Did Adi Shankaracharya establish Akharas in addition to mathas?

texts:
Quite a few websites have popped up that claim Akharas were set up by Adi Shankaracharya. Some sites have even claimed that the Naga Sadhu order was organized into a mitary order by Adi Shankaracharya which I find preposterous.

I could not find reference to Akharas being associated with any mathas or sampradaya within mathas at time of Adi Shankaracharya in Mahanushasanam

Please point out to some valid sources that have traced the history of Akharas. Not looking for a western account written centuries later.


texts: Why is Sri Krishna called as Kalamanika?

texts:
What is KalaManika?

What is the significance of referring Lord Krishna as Kalamanika?

Edit

Reference

A village student of 7th class studying in Oriya medium, once asked me this question.

This question is from a poem named "Kalamanika re" in 7th class Oriya medium in Orissa board.

I was trying to upload the a captured image of the question but some error occurred. I think due to mobile slow network. I will try to upload again later.


texts: Is only Bhagvad Gita being used in the Indian courts for taking oath? Why?

texts:
I have seen in many movies, people keep their hands on a book of Bhagavad Gita and assure that they will tell the truth.

Is Bhagvat Gita used in court?
Why are Ramayana, Vedas, Mahabharata & other scriptures not chosen?


texts: Is there an English translation of the book Shri Shiva Tattva Rahasya?

texts:
I wanted to learn more about Shiva Ashtotthara Shatanama Stotram.

So here was an answer which showed me the source of the stotram. And this answer also referred to Shri Shiva Tattva Rahasya written by Nilakanta Dikshitar, who, if I remember properly is nephew of the great Appayya Dikshitar.

So this would be a very precious work and the given link is that of a Sanskrit book. It would be beneficial for all if some one could post a link for English translated version of it if it exists.

If not so, if anyone has read this book and can take up the work of summarizing and telling the gist of it as much as they can would highly appreciated.


texts: Like ISKCON is a Vaishnava group, are there any Shaiva groups? If I ever wanted to meet Shaivas, where would I find them?


texts: The origin of "Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu"?

texts:
Most of us heard this famous quote "Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu" (let everybody live peacefully).

Where it is originated from and which shloka mention this line and from which text ?


texts: Who is God? or What is God? or What is ॐ?

texts:
Watched an episode (broadcast on 25/09/2014 on Life Ok) of "Devo Ke Dev Mahadev", an epic serial on Lord Shiva. From this episode i came to know that ॐ (Om/Aum) is the everything in which all universe resides, including Tridev( Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh).

So the question arise in my mind are:

What is ॐ? (This is not a word so should not be a defined then)
Is it true that everything is in ॐ and Tridev are only a energy part of ॐ?

Hope i have explained well.

Thanks


texts:
I am watching video on Shri Krishna. Please tell me what Prahlad is chanting.

They don't mention in subtitles, and it's hard for me to understand. (I speak English only.)

Thank You.


texts: In which yuga did Parashurama kill kshatriyas?

texts:
Parashurama killed many kshatriyas 21 times. The confusion is between Krita yuga and Treta yuga.

In which yuga did this Kshetriya massacre happen?


texts: Is spiritual realization of advaitin real?

texts:
Is the realization of an advaitin real? If it is real, it implies duality. Else, what remains? He can't be followed as teacher. As far as I know Gaudapada says there is no realization at all.

What do advaitins think about realization?


texts: What are the benefits of Parad Shiva Linga?

texts:
Is it written in any Purana about the benefits of worshiping Lord Shiva in the Parad (mercury) Shiva linga form?

If so, can someone pass on the excerpts from the purana.

And also, can someone please tell the difference between worshiping spatika linga and parada Shiva lingam?


texts: Was matsya of Lord brahma transferred to Lord vishnu?

texts:
The Matsya avatara is usually considered as an avatara of Lord Vishnu.

But the Shatapata Brahmana and the Mahabharata both describe Matsya as an avatara of Prajapati Brahma. While the Puranas describe Matsya as an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Do some scriptures, other than the Puranas, describe Matsya as an avatar of Lord Vishnu?


texts: Are there any Variants in Samhita of Vedas?

texts: Does samhitas have any variants ? How many old copies do we have and do they match exactly or if not how do they differ.


texts: Do Vedas teach Yogasana? If so, what are the good sources to learn it?

texts: As the question states, do Vedas teach Yogasana? If so, what are the good sources to learn the asanas?


texts: Are the Pandavas the sons of Gods, or Gods themselves?

texts:
I am currently reading the Mahabharata, (Adi Parva) by Bibek Debroy, and it has a Chapter called the Vaivahik Parva, which explains how the Pandavas came to be. The relevant section has been explained in the following question already: Who were the previous Indras that incarnated as the Pandavas?, but I will reiterate to keep this question whole.
So Indra follows the maiden to Shiva (unbeknownst to Indra), where Shiva captures him and shows the 4 different Indras in the cave. Shiva orders them to take birth on earth to fulfil the work. Indra then proposes that instead of taking a birth himself, he'll use a part of his power(the semen) to bring to birth a progeny(Arjuna) that will do his work for him.
In popular conception, and even in the Mahabharata earlier, it has been stated that Kunti asked for sons from the Gods, and the Gods then gave her the sons. It has not been mentioned that the sons are actual Gods themselves, whereas the section above describes them to be actual Gods who have to take a birth due to Shiva's command.
This makes the whole narrative confusing and just raises more questions than it answers.

Are Pandavas the Gods themselves in their human form or are they sons of those Gods?
If Gods themselves manifest themselves on Earth, shouldn't their "existence" from the "swarglok"(for the want of a better word) be erased for the time being they exist on Earth?

The chapters also seems incomplete. At the start of the chapter, it says that Yama stopped killing humans, but did continue to kill animals, so the humans were becoming immortal and the Gods went to Brahma. Brahma said it will be over soon after Yama completes his yagna. After listening to this, Gods visit Yama at Bhagirati river where the yagna is taking place. If Yama is doing the Yagna, who's the one who is shown to be captured by Shiva later in the section?
I decided to post the questions under a single question because it is within the same context of the chapter.


texts: What scripture says “the Pranava is the highest letter”?

texts:
The Pradhana Satakam is a work by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desikan describing 100 important things.  In verse 7 of the Pradhana Satakam, Vedanta Desikan says that the Pranava is the most important word in the Ashtakshari Mantra, an important Mantra for Sri Vaishnavas:

immantrattin pataṅkaḷ mūṉṟil 'girāmasmi ekam akṣaram', 'praṇavō hyakṣaram param' eṉkiṟa mūlamākiya oṟṟai eḻuttu pradhanam
Among the three words of the Ashtakshari Mantra, the single-lettered Pranava, which is described by the statements “among words I am the the one-lettered word” and “the Pranava is the highest letter”, and which is the root of all things, is the most important.

I’m interested in the scriptural quotes provided.  The first one is from Bhagavad Gita verse 10.25:

maharṣīṇāṁ bhṛgur ahaṁ girāmasmi ekam akṣaram|
yajñānāṁ japa-yajño’smi sthāvarāṇāṁ himālayaḥ ||

But my question is, what scripture is the second verse quoted, “praṇavō hyakṣaram param”, from?  A Google search doesn’t turn up anything.
Do any commentaries on the Pradhana Satakam shed light on this?  Note that I want this specific verse, not other verses that talk about the greatness of the Pranava.


texts: why we can not control our mind even chanting the hare -krishna mantra or any other highly recommended mantra by spiritual guru?

texts:
when u sexual desire/lust  maya attack you , u cannot control the sexual desire/lust  even chanting mantra like hare krishna maha mantra or gayatari mantra etc
why we can not control our mind even chanting the hare -krishna mantra or any other highly recommended mantra by spiritual guru  ?
what is use of this mantra  when it is not work practically ? why hare krishna mantra  suggested in gita for controlling the mind?


texts: Who are the wives/consorts of Lord Shiva?

texts: Lord Shiva has been associated with Parvati/Durga, Ganga and Mohini. Can you please elaborate on these associations? Also, in the Mahabharata, didn't Ganga marry Shantanu and Mohini marry Aravan (Iravan)? Ganga calls Bhishma 'son'. Ganesha and Skanda (Kartikeya) are also her sons. Does this make them brothers?


texts: Did saraswati/savitri slay vritra or vetra according to rigveda?

texts:
According to wikipedia article of Vritra -

In one verse of a Rig-Vedic hymn eulogising Sarasvati, she is portrayed as the one who slayed Vritra. Mention of this occurs nowhere else.

The verse the article mentioning is 6.61
I think it's not vritra but son of Vritra, Vetra with similar name
as this story is found in Varaha Purana and Mahabharata too
As per wiki article of Gayatri

She further developed into a fierce goddess who could even slay a demon. According to Varaha Purana and Mahabharata, Goddess Gayatri slayed the demon Vetrasura, the son of Vritra and river Vetravati, on a Navami day.

Does Rigveda call the demon vritra or vetra?


texts: Which verse of Sri Rudram of Yajurveda has the word "Shiva"?

texts:
People generally believe that "Shiva" is not mentioned in Vedas but "Shiva" is mentioned in the Śatarudrīya in the eighth anuvaka of the Sri Rudram of Yajurveda. That text is the origin of the Pranava Panchakshari Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya".

Can anyone please provide that verse in Sanskrit with English translation?


texts: What is the meaning of five elements(Pancha Bhootas) in Hinduism?

texts:
Can anyone please explain to me the meaning of five elements -earth, water, air, fire, ether in context of hinduism?

Ancient cultures like Greece had similar ideas about how everything is made up..but in hinduism does it have more mystical meaning?


texts: What is the real name of Hinduism? Also what is the meaning of its real name?

texts:
I read that Hindu is foreign word and  However, the Persians could not pronounce the letter "S" correctly in their native tongue and mispronounced it as "H." Thus, for the ancient Persians, the word "Sindhu" became "Hindu."

So what is the real name of Hindu Dharma? Also what is the meaning of its real name?


texts: Why are women not allowed in the Kartikeya Temple at Pushkar?

texts:
Recently I went to Pushkar. I visited a temple of Lord Kartikeya where women aren't allowed.

What is the reason behind this?


texts:
Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are considered as the four goals of life according to Hinduism.

One might argue that Moksha is the highest amongst all four.

In the remaining three - Dharma, Artha and Kama - which is higher? Or, is it even valid to compare them?

Also, if Kama (fulfillment of desires) is considered one of the goals, why are texts like Kamasutra frowned upon as exemplified in this question.

When Artha and Kama are part of the Hindu religion as goals, should texts written on them not be considered as religious texts?


texts:
This is in reference to the Slokha below (sloka link)

Shukla-Ambara-Dharam Vissnnum Shashi-Varnnam Catur-Bhujam |
Prasanna-Vadanam Dhyaayet Sarva-Vighno[a-U]pashaantaye ||
Meaning: 1: (We Meditate) Who is Wearing White Clothes,
Who is All-Pervading, Who is Bright in Appearance like the Moon and
Who is Having Four Hands, 2: Who is Having a Compassionate and
Gracious Face, Let us Meditate on Him To Ward of all Obstacles.

Why and How the slokha is attributed to Lord Ganesha?


texts: What daily practices (achara - anushtana) should a brahmana follow?

texts:
Brahamanas (at least orthodox followers) are expected to follow a ton of daily achara & anushtana, for e.g.

Anushtana:
Get up during brahma muhurta
Do Pratah-Sandhya before sun-rise
Do Ijyai (Aradhana) before eating.

Achara:
Wash legs before eating
Attend nature's call with yagnopaveetam on right-ear. Wash legs after nature's call.
Do not touch bed/pillow during day.

etc.

Is there an exhaustive list of NITYA (DAILY) practices brahamanas are supposed to follow, failing which, over an extended period of time, results in loss of brahamana-tvam and they become vratya?

NOTE: i'm looking for day-to-day minor details as well, which may not be familiar to most people, i'm not just looking for overall duties like learn & teach vedas.


texts: What are the steps for following Bhakti Yoga?

texts:
We can find the steps for following Jnana Yoga from this answer,
   similarly, what are the steps to be followed for Bhakti Yoga? How can someone choose which tradition of Bhakhi is suitable for
   him/her?

Moreover, is Bhakti open to all or those only belong to the
   particular Bhakthi Sampradaya can practice bhakti?


texts: Many south people tell that Jambavanta is dalit it is true what Ramayana and other scriptures are telling about jambavanta varna .


texts: Did the four Vedas originate from Shiv Sutras?

texts:
I am curious to know and understand if the four Vedas did originate from Shiv Sutras?
Please do cite references from authentic sources, if any.


texts: What are the meditation techniques found in the scriptures?

texts: There is so much emphasis on Meditation in Hinduism. Can common meditation techniques of today be traced to scriptural sources? I have heard through word of mouth that Transcendental Meditation technique can be traced to Shiva Sooktam. Like that what are all the techniques available in the scriptures?


texts: Is Swaminarayan an incarnation of any God?

texts:
I want to know the following:

Who is Lord Swaminarayan?
What is his story?
Was he an incarnation of any God?
Is there any mention of him in any old Hindu texts?