texts: What are the Twelve Hymns beginning with 'Aashu' whose Lord is Indra?

texts:
Lord Agni in Agni Purana chapter 296 tells about Five Mantras used in worship of Lord Rudra. The chapter is itself named as 'The Five Constituents of the worship of Rudra.':

  Fire God Said:

  1-2 I shall describe the five constituents of the worship of Rudra. It is the most excellent that confers everything. The ShivaSankalpa is the heart. The Purusha Sukta is the head. The hymn Adbhyah Sambhuta is the tuft. The hymn (called) Aashu is the armour. The SataRudriya is the weapon. These are the five constituents in the worship of Rudra.

  3-4a. After having assigned the five constituents and contemplating Him, the. Rudra hymns are repeated in order. The hymn (beginning with) yajjagrata is known to be repeated mentally The sage (of that hymn) is ShivaSankalpa and the metre is said to be Tristubh.

  4b-5a. (For the hymn) sahasrasirsha for the head the sage is Narayana. The deity (of this hymn) is the Supreme Soul. The metre is known as Tristubh.

  5b-6. The sage for the hymn 'adbhyah sambhuta' is the person going to the north. Tristubh is the metre for the first three hymns, anustubh for the next two and tristubh for the last hymn. The deity for this hymn is also Supreme Soul.

  7-8 Indra is the Lord of the 12 Hymns beginning with āśu. Tristubh is said to be the metre and Pratiratha, the sage. The deities are seperate for each one of the verses in the hymn of seventeen verses. The deity of the constituent part is Puruvit. The metre of the remaining deities is said to be anustubh.

Most of the Hymns described there are recognisable. For example, Shiva Sankalpa is the hymn of YajurVeda and RigVeda as I discuss here.. The Purush Sukta is hymn from RigVeda 10.90. The SataRudriya or Sri Rudram is the Hymn from YajurVeda. The footnote given there states the hymn 'adbhyah sambhuta'  is from Taittariya Aranyaka of YajurVeda 3.13.1.

But where is the hymn called 'Aashu (आशु)' found? As all the other 4 hymns described are Vedic so it is likely that this hymn is also from Vedas. The description of sages and metres and other information of this hymn is given itself in the Purana passage quoted above.


texts: Number of people killed during the Mahabharata war

texts:
The Adi Parva of Mahabharata describes Kaurava Army to be 11 Akshauhinis and Pandava Army to be 7 Akshauhinis. That's almost over 1.8 million soldiers.

Does Mahabharata give any details on the number of lives lost during the war?


texts: Are there any rules of appointing a learnt scholar from Non-Brahmin origin as a clergy or priesthood for others?

texts:
By Non-Brahmin, I mean all other varnas and not specific to one caste or clan.
Please give references from scriptures, if any.


texts: If everything happens as per one's past karma, then why we decry Islamic invasions of India and resulting plunder of our heritage?

texts:
There's a lot of angst and regret over what happened in last thousand years, but considering that India is country which gave karma principle to world, so why say "something bad happened to us." We might as well have earned it by some past mistakes or evil deed?

According to Hinduism, everything happens as per one's past karma. Then why to decry on Islamic invasion and plunder of heritage?


texts:
Gayathri mantra dedicated to several gods contains Tatpurusha. For example Shiva Gayathri mantra is

Om Tatpurushaya vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudra prchodayat

and Subrahmanya Gayathri Mantra is

Om Tatpurushaya vidmahe Mahasenaya Dhimahi
Tanno Shanmuga Prachodayath

Which God does Tatpurusha in the Gaythri Mantras refer to?


texts:
Like many other Hindu pujas (prayers), the Maa Durga puja is celebrated by creating an idol for her. But, even though I saw it happen in many movies (Devas, Aanand), I never understood why the soil for such holy rituals are taken from the land of prostitutes.

Is there any divine context for this?


texts: When Bhairava destroyed the creation of Brahman mere with the great laughter?

texts:
In the famous Kaal Bhairava Ashtakam of Adi Shankaracharya we find the verse -

  अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं
  दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
  अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं
  काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥७॥
  To him whose loud laughter can tear asunder all born of the egg of the Brahma. That fierce ruler whose very sight to is enough to destroy the web of sins. To the granter of eight siddhis, the one one who wears a garland of skulls; I salute the Kaalbhairava, the Lord of the city of Kashi. verse 7

I want to know about the occasion or incident about which Adi ShankarAchArya is talking about. Can anyone provide the incident?


texts: How do Hindus refute the Muslim belief that the Quran is Apaurusheya?

texts:
Just like how Hindus believe the Vedas are Apaurusheya, Muslims also think that their Quran is Apaurusheya. This is a traditional belief of Islam:

Createdness refers to the Islamic doctrinal position that the Qur’an was created, rather than having always existed and thus being "uncreated". In the Muslim world the opposite point of view — that the Quran is uncreated — is the accepted stance among the majority Sunni Muslims and the Kharijites while minority sects Shia Twelvers and Zaydi believe the Quran is created.

In fact, Muslims used to punish and/or kill people who thought that the Quran was created by God:

God's uncreated word [God's word is uncreated,] however it is written or recited, whether it be in heaven or on earth, whether written on the 'guarded tablet' or on the tablets of schoolboys, whether inscribed on stone or on paper, whether memorized in the heart or spoken on the tongue; whoever says otherwise is an infidel whose blood may be shed and from whom God has dissociated Himself.

And:

He said about someone who said that the Qur'an is created, "He is an unbeliever, so kill him." He said in the version of Ibn Nafi', "He should be flogged and painfully beaten and imprisoned until he repents." In the version of Bishr ibn Bakr at-Tinnisi we find, "He is killed and his repentance is not accepted."

So Muslims strongly believed and continue to believe that their Quran is Apaurusheya.
If the Quran is truly Apaurusheya, then this means that Hindus have to accept the Quran as a valid Pramana because it stands on the same footing as the Vedas.
But is there any Hindu refutation of this Muslim belief?


texts: Is there any difference between Nyaya's jnana yoga and advaita vedanta's jnana yoga?

texts:
Both Nyaya and advaita vedanta followes the path of knowledge(jnana). So do they differ from each other on the basis of the type of knowledge.
According to advaita vedanta you need the knowledge of Self to attain Moksha, do this also apply to Nyaya or there knowledge is different.


texts: Can a Mleccha become a Brahmana or Kshatriya or Vaishya or Shudra?

texts:
Mlecchas are those who live outside Bharata Varsha. As they live outside India, they don't have any Varna and they should be considered as lower than all Varnas. But if a Mleccha convert to Hinduism, considering the story written here in Bhavishya Purana, can he become a dvija or a Shudra?

The story written there is:

  Then the sage went to the country known as Misra and put all the mlecchas into illusion by the greace of goddess Sarasvati.

  Then he made 10,000 people as dvijas or twice born brahmanas; he made
  2,000 people into vaishyas; and the rest of them as shudras. He came
  back with them and staying in Arya-desha (India) he engaged in the
  activites of the sages. They were known as Aryans and by the grace of
  goddess Sarasvati their generation gradually increased upto 4 million,
  both the men and women with their sons and grandsons. Their king,
  Kasyapa muni, ruled the earth for 120 years.


texts: Do souls (jeevas) meet or associate even before their first physical encounter?

texts:
As said by one of the famous writers the important encounters in our present life have been planed by souls even before the bodies (in control of these souls) have met each other.

Is it true that our soul is already acquainted with some person even before we physically meet that person?


texts: Looking for main scripture for shulini durga practice. Seems this is a rare form. Please guide


texts: What is the significance of pouring milk on the Shivling?

texts:
I have seen people pouring milk on the Shivling.

What is the significance of this?

Image taken from shivmandirsarthali.com


texts: Why it is said if a black cat crosses your path you should not move ahead?

texts:
I have been told by my elders if a black cat crosses your path you should not move ahead

Can any one shed light on this? Is this a myth or are there any references in Puranas/Scripts or so.


texts: Who are the Visaraga Yogis condemned by the Vaikhanasas?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, one of the early movements that was important to the development of Vaishnavism was the ancient Pancharatra movement, whose sacred texts consisted of detailed procedures to worship the sage Narayana, an ancient incarnation of Vishnu. Since the Pancharatra texts originated from Narayana himself, they are followed by pretty much all mainstream Vaishnava Sampradayas, whether Sri Vaishnavas, Madhvas, Gaudiya Vaishnavas, etc. But as I discuss in this question, there's another group of Vishnu-worshippers who worship Vishnu according to an entirely different set of texts, the Vaikhanasas. The Vaikhanasas form a tiny minority, but they run a lot of famous Vishnu temples including the world-renowned Tirumala Venkateshwara temple.

Now as I discuss in this question, the Vaikhanasas trace their origins to the now-lost Vaikhanasa Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda.  But the Sutra texts of the Shakha still survive; you can read them here.  In any case, in this excerpt from  the Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutras, Yogis are classified into three categories: Saranga Yogis, Ekarshya Yogis, and Visaraga Yogis.  Visaraga Yogis are described in very harsh terms:

  The Visaraga-ascetics (are called thus) because of their manifold proceeding, their manifold teaching, their going on wrong paths. In former times Prajāpati, in order to conceal his instruction, created the doctrine of the Visaragas. Even the munis, on seeing it, became perplexed, how much more the (ordinary) men. For those beasts of Visaragas, who are full of self-consciousness, there is deliverance (only) in subsequent forms of existence, not in this (present) one. Therefore the doctrine of the Visaragas must not be followed. Some Visaragas, striving to unite the individual soul with the All-soul through mortificating the body, others through muttering mantras, others through any meditation whichever, others through any syllable whichever, others through suppression of the breath, fix (it is true) their thoughts on it, but they do not (earnestly) strive for the union with the All-soul. They say that he is in the heart itself; some of them seek for deliverance, considering that no meditation is required, others that the union must be brought about by performing the religious acts as they are described. For these beasts of Visaragas there is (only) deliverance in subsequent forms of existence, not in this present one. He who longs for deliverance in this (present) existence should not follow the doctrine of the Visaragas.

My question is, who are these Visaraga Yogis that are criticized in the Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutras?

Now the passage says that the the doctrine of the Visaraga Yogis was created by Prajapati in order to deceive people. I assume Prajapati is a reference to Brahma,  so my first thought was that this is a description of Patanjali Yoga, aka Ashtanga Yoga, since Patanjali's Yoga school was founded by Brahma.  It would be understandable for Vaikhanasss to criticize Patanjali's Yoga school, since like most Hindus Vaikhanasas belong to the Vedanta school. Now the Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutras do indeed speak negatively of Ashtanga Yoga, but Ashtanga Yoga is classified as a subcategory of the Saranga Yogis, not the Visaraga Yogis.  So "Visaraga Yogis" must be referred to something else.

So does anyone have any idea what sect or school of philosophy is being criticized here?


texts: Yogic techniques to meditate for an indefinite period of time without any needs?

texts:
Are there any references in Vedas or Yogic scriptures about techniques for meditation. We keep hearing how Siddha Yogis are able to meditate constantly without attending the needs of the physical body. How can one attain the spiritual level of such yogis? How are they able to overcome bodily needs which can be fatal if ignored (by a normal human being), after a certain period of time?

Is this spiritual knowledge available in the scriptures?

One such example is "Ram Bahadur Bomjon". Although he is a Buddhist Monk,but there are plenty of yogis in Sanatana Dharma, who have been able to achieve same heights.

According to Wikipedia,

  Ram Bahadur Bomjon

  Ram Bahadur Bomjon (Sanskrit: राम बहादुर बामजान) (born c. 9 April
  1990, sometimes spelled Bomjan, Banjan, or Bamjan), also known as
  Palden Dorje (his monastic name) and now Dharma Sangha, is from
  Ratanapuri, Bara district, Nepal. Some of his supporters have claimed
  that he is a reincarnation of Gautama Buddha, but Ram himself has
  denied this, and many practitioners of Buddhism agree that the Gautama
  Buddha has entered nirvana and cannot be reborn.

  He drew thousands of visitors and media attention by spending months in meditation.


texts:
Every Life's goal is Moksha and it is achieved through various paths.
Penanace were done to get Boons from God like Power,Wealth,Strength for his Welfare.

Is Boon for Moksha grantable ?


texts: Did the Sages in Ramayana era , residing in Forests, pay any tax?

texts:
The Kings, who are the rulers of their kingdoms, need funds to administer his kingdom.  In Vedic era the kings used to collect cess at the rate of 1/6 of the earnings of the people in their countries, and used to protect the people like their children.

Sage Valmiki in his Srimad Ramayana, which contains information about the way life in that era, describes this issue:

अधार्मः सुमहान् नाथ भवेत् तस्य तु भूपतेः |
यो हरेत् बलि षड् भागम् न च रक्षति पुत्रवत् ||   (Aranya Kanda 6th Sarga 11th Sloka)

"Oh! , very great a-dharma, wrongness, will occur to that king who takes the sixth part of the country's produce as cess, but does not safeguard his subjects like his own sons. "

Then what about the Sages, who reside in the Forest, practising ascesis,  will not pay any tax to the King, as their earnings are practically Zero, except providing occasionally any advice to the king.  However, the king used to protect those ascetics also.

Does it mean that they did not pay any tax to the kings?    The answer to this question lies hidden in Srimad Ramayana itself.

1/4 of ascetic power of the ascetics will accrue automatically to the Kings,  who righteously protects his subjects.

यत् करोति परम् धर्मम् मुनिः मूल फल अशनः |
तत्र राज्ञः चतुर् भागः प्रजा धर्मेण रक्षतः ||  (Aranya Kanda 6th Sarga 14th Sloka)

"He,who righteously protects his subjects, will get one fourth of the merit of great duty-bound deeds performed by each individual sage, say yajna-s, ascesis, meditation etc. performances. "

That is the tax the Sages used to pay to the King.


texts: What is the connection between vāstu śāstra and the varṇa system?

texts:
I heard that vāstu śāstra is tightly linked to the varṇa (caste) system. E.g., a brāhmaṇa should construct a house on white land, the soil should smell like a lotus, taste very sweet, facing north, etc. Whereas kṣatriya should look for land that has red soil, should smell and taste like blood, etc. A śūdra should find land facing west, the soil should taste bitter, look very dark in color, so on.

Are there references to various varṇas in vāstu śāstra?


texts: Wherein the Shatapatha Brahmana it was mentioned about 8.64 lakh alphabets in Vedas?

texts:
It was stated in one of the books of Agniveer that Shatapatha Brahmana states that Vedas have 8.64 lakh alphabets.

Can anyone quote the actual text from Shatapatha Bahmana, wherein it was stated so?


texts: Were pandavas and kauravas reborn after their death?

texts: If yes means what were they born as?  Somewhere I heard that Arjuna reincarnated as kannappa nayanar in Kali yuga. Whether this is true? I want to know about the rebirth of all pandavas and kauravas. Not just Arjuna.


texts: Which one is more effective, after prayer requesting to god in Sanskrit vs in English?

texts:
Sanskrit is Language of Gods..
So say that, after I chant below mantra in mind..

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

after chanting mantra in mind, Now I make some request to God, should I make those requests in Sanskrit, would it be more effective to make the request in Sanskrit..

As My request

Should I say I want to become intelligent..<-- request in English

OR मैं बुद्धिमान बनना चाहता हूं <-- request in Sanskrit

Which one is more effective.. is request made in Sanskrit more effective than request made in English, since Sanskrit is language of God


texts: Is Avatar of Mohini a sign of support for homosexuality?

texts: Vishnu took the female role of Mohini during Samudra Manthan(churning of the ocean). Few misinterpret it to be gay interest of Hindu God Vishnu and that prompts some Hindu Godmen/sannyasis to fool young devotees. Is it right?


texts:
He was a famous saint from maharastrian bhakti movement. He used to live in akkalkot which is a pilgrim place now

Whose avatar was he ?


texts: How do I control and slay indriyas (senses)?

texts:
I've recently read the 3rd chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. At the end, the following is said to get control over the indriyas (senses):

इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते ।
एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञानमावृत्य देहिनम् ॥ ३-४०॥
The senses, the mind and the intelligence are the sitting places of this lust. Through them lust covers the real knowledge of the living entity and bewilders him. [BG 3.40]
तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ ।
पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् ॥ ३-४१॥
Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, in the very beginning curb this great symbol of sin [lust] by regulating the senses, and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization. [BG 3.41]
इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः ।
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः ॥ ३-४२॥
The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence. [BG 3.42]

Also, according to many scriptures, e.g., the Yoga Vasistha Maha-Ramayana, achieving control over the indriyas (senses) is very essential and also recommended.
So, my question is:
How do I control indriyas (senses) and slay/destroy them? (because it seems impossible to attain Jnana without this!)


texts: what is the significance of lighting camphor infront of god?

texts:
In Hinduism, we light camphor to the God statues in the temples. what is the symbol of that. In addition, we also give aarati.

What exactly is it mean , and why must one do it?


texts:
This question is in connection with my previous question related to Puranas and upanishads. It is also a follow up to my another question.

  Chhāndogya Upanishad verses 7.1.2 and 7.1.4 mention the Itihasa
  and Puranas as the 5th Veda.

It also mentions about Lord Krishna the son of devakI.

Another verse from brihadaranyaka mentions vedas and upanishads itihasa etc separately. Which shows vedas were already arranged into upanishad brahmanas etc.

Here is the BrihadaranyAkopanishad's verse that mentions the four Vedas and Upanishads separately:

  The King Janaka asks YajnavAlkya "KA prajnata yAjnavalkya|" OR "What
  is PrajnA, YajnavAlkya?"

  To that YajnavAlkya replies:

  VAgeva samrariti hovAchA | VAchA vai samrAr vandhuh prajnAyatarigvedo
  yajurvedha sAmavedah atharvangirasa itihAsah purAnam
  vidyA upanishadshlokAh sutrAnya anuvyAkhyAnAni ... vAgvai samrAt param
  brahmam ||

  BrihadAranyakopanishat 4.1.2

  The meaning is:

  O king, the vAk is the prajnA. By VAk a firend can be known. By VAk
  the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the SAma Veda and the Atharva Veda, the
  ItihAsas, the PurAnas, the VidyAs, the Upanishads, the Shlokas,
  Sutras, the explanations of them and the supplementary explanations
  (anu vyAkhyAni) .. etc can be understood. That VAk is the Param
  Brahman.

  From the Upanishad's 4th adhyAya's 1st BrAhmana (called the
  ShadAchArya).

Since I discussed in this question about classification of the Vedas into four, people came up with references which show that the Vedas were classified into FOUR somewhere towards the end of dwapara yuga.

People came up with reasoning that the Purana and itihasa mentioned in the chandogya are actually not the texts like mahabharata, ramayana, and puranas written by Vyasa but it talks of events that happened in the past. Even if that is accepted, we still get a major question here.

Were the upanishads written when the vedas were already classified into FOUR during the end of dwapara yuga?

If not then how come it talks of the fifth veda?

Can it be concluded that the major upanishads (as chandogya is one of the oldest upanishads) were written around the era of veda vyasa ?

PS: Some people believe that everything repeats in every kalpa. However, they come into existence only when the event actually occurs in that particular yuga. Else the text should mention if it talks about prophesies of upcoming yugas.


texts: What does the Holy book say (if there's any mention) about Masturbation, is it considered a sin? Please provide a source if possible.


texts: The name of the Golden egg that is filled with Ananda

texts:
When the consciousness has so to speak - gone beyond, all together beyond the temporal realm of the phenomenal and gone beyond altogether beyond the realm of Nirguna Brahman and enters the realm of the Golden womb the Golden egg that is filled with Ananda.
What is the given name of this place in Hindu Mythology - Philosophy ?


texts: Why do gods have light behind their head?

texts:
They have light behind their head , it is shown in most of the places and at some statues, they specifically build halo like thing behind their head
Also, i personally think that, our Indian King crown's copy that and make same light giving round thing behind their crowns.
What exactly is the reason for the light? All I've read is that, light shows greatness, but why?


texts:
Vidura already know about Lakshagraha before Pandavas go varnavat.

He also warns the pandvas with different Mleccha language. From Wikipedia:

  "A weapon not made of steel or any other material element can be more than sharp to kill an enemy, and he who knows this is never killed."

  Fire cannot extinguish the soul but can annihilate the material body.
  But one who protects the soul lives.

  The conflagration that devastates a forest cannot hurt a rat which shelters itself in a hole or a porcupine which burrows in the earth. The wise man knows his bearings by looking at the stars.

So why he keep silent and don't talk to anyone about this thing, if he do something and stop Pandavas to go Lakshagraha, then pandvas will never go to there and Yudhishthira will still remain as Yuvraj, OK may be Shakuni and Yudhisthar does not give him a chance to speak and hence he said in different language.

But why does he keep silent When King Dhutrashtra, Bhisma, Sage Drona and Sage Krupacharya make Duryodhana as Yuvraj. OK now your answer is may be he is not there.

But why does he keep silent on Pandavas dies as well, if Pandavas go back to Hastinapur, then Yudhishthira will remain Yuvraj again.

My main question: Was Vidura not aware that if Duryodhana become Yuvraj then whole thing become more complex later, why does he remain silent and does not talk about that thing to anyone.


texts:
This website provides many evidences to prove the divinity of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Verse from Padma purana:

  yatrayogesvarah saksad
  yogi-cintyo janardanah
  caitanya vapur aste vai
  sandranandatmakah

  kaleh prathama-sandhyayam
  gaurangotham mahi-tale
  bhagirathi-tate ramye
  bhavisyami saci-sutah

  Meaning: The Supreme Personality, Janardana, who is the object of the yogis' meditation, who saves the devotees from various sufferings, and who is the master of all yogic practices, who is always full of divine transcendental ecstasy and bliss, will advent in His own divine form of Sri Caitanya.

  I shall appear on this earth in the first part of Kali-yuga in a beautiful place on the bank of the Bhagirathi. I shall have a golden form, and I shall take birth as the son of Saci.

and from Narasimha purana:

  satye daitya-kuladhi-nasa-samaye
  simhordhva-martyakrtis
  tretayam dasa-kandharam
  paribhavan rameti namakrtih
  gopalan paripalayan vraja-pure
  bharam haran dvapare
  gaurangah priya-kirtanah
  kali-yuge caitanya-nama prabhuh

  Meaning: The Supreme Personality of Godhead who in the Satya-yuga appeared as a half-man, half-lion to cure a terrible disease that had ravaged the daityas, and who in the Treta-yuga appeared as a person named Rama (Lord Ramacandra), a person who defeated the ten- headed Demon Ravana, and who in the Dvapara-yuga removed the earth's burden, and protected the Gopa (cowherd men) people of Vraja-pura, will appear again in the Kali-yuga. His form will be golden, He will delight in chanting the Lord's holy names, and His name will be Caitanya.

However, the above highlights explicitly use the word Chaitanya but that site didn't give exact verse number. So, Which verse of Padma purana and Narasimha purana claims Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna/Vishnu Himself?


texts: Is it written anywhere in Ramayana that Ravana failed to defeat Nivatakavacha and Kalakeyas? If it is true then can you give me link of that section?


texts: Why don't we refer Lord Shiva as pita (father) like we refer Goddess Kali as maa kali (mother)?

texts:
We reffer Goddess Kali as maa (mother) Kali but we don't reffer God Shiva as pita(father) Shiva.
Not just that we reffer all female Goddess(Lakshmi,Durga, Parvati) as Maa but we don't do the same for the 3 main gods(Shiva, Vishnu and Brahmaa).
What is the reason behind it?


texts: What is the difference between red-blue rudra and the karpur gauram shankar rudra?

texts: I know there are multiple rudras, the rudra born from brahma is said to be red and blue in colour, but sankar or ShiVa are said to be karpur gauram and nila kantham, what's the difference between the two?


texts:
Is it true that relatives or friends visit our home if crow make sound [caw]

I observed this many times and It happened.

Is there any scriptural reference are there for this ?


texts: What is the actual meaning of " Karanguli nakhotpanna narayana dashakrutih" of Lalita Sahasranama?

texts:
LalitA sahasranAma is one of the popular hymns in Hinduism.

There is a verse in it which says

  "Karanguli nakhotpanna narayana dashakrutih Mahapashu patastragni
  nirdagdhasura sainika"

Does it mean that the 10 incarnations of Vishnu have come from the fingernails of Sri lalitA or there are any other meanings of this verse?

In my another answer I have shared similar idea of Trimurtis and 10 incarnations emerged from the goddess.


texts: Do Hindu scriptures prescribe how dead bodies can be preserved for centuries?

texts:
This question was prompted by Vaishnavite claims that the body of Ramanuja is preserved at Srirangam temple even today.

http://www.holydham.com/sri-ramanujacharya/

"His physical body is preserved even today in a sitting posture in the Sannidhi (Sanctum Sanctorum).Yearly twice the body is applied Pachai Karpuram (Camphor) and Kumkum (Vermillon)."


texts: There is a Shukracharya who is the Guru of Bali Chakravarthi in Vamana avatar of Vishnu. There is also Shukracharya who is the guru of Vrushaparva, during the time of Yayati forefather of the Kurus in Mahabharata. Are the two one and same?


texts: What are the cultural and religious differences between Hindus in India and Bali?

texts: Indonesia is the country with largest Muslim population but majority of people in Bali islands are Hindus. I want to know whether there are any cultural and religious differences or similarities between Bali and Indian Hinduism? Do Bali Hindus worship Trimurti i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva?


texts: As I have read, Lord Krishna's love for Radha was eternal. Then, why didn't he marry Radha?


texts: How many times in a day should I be doing sandhyavandanam in order to attain liberation? I currently only do it once...Furthermore, what if one is unable to do it more than once due to other responsibilities like education: how to solve this issue?


texts:
To what extent are Hindus sectarian?  For example, do most Hindus belong to a sect, e.g. Shaivism or Vaishnavism?  Do they only go to temples within their sect?  Does the entire family belong to the same sect?  Are marriages arranged only within that sect?  Are there many families that have been part of that sect for many centuries?  Are children's names picked according to the sect?

I had thought that most Hindus were not sectarian, but then I saw a post or two that led me to think otherwise.


texts:
Is mantra siddhi same as ajapa jap? Are we not required to chant that particular mantra after attaining siddhi in it?
Is it about chanting mantras as much lakh times as much there are letters in it?
Also, is 125,000 counts hold any significance?


texts: Do children get contaminated by touching menstruating women?

texts:
Do children get contaminated by touching mother while she is in menstruation? If a mother is in isolation but the child comes and touches her, again goes and touch other persons, will it contaminate them?

I have been told traditionally children were kept without dress especially while mother in menstruation. So even if they touch menstruating mother and goes and touch other members of the house, it doesn't contaminate them. If that is true till what age does this apply? Are there any shastra references?


texts: Was Shaktism prevalent in the Vedic times?

texts: Was Shaktism prevalent in Vedic times? Do Vedas praise the Supreme almighty Shakti?


texts: What is the significance of Rudraksha in Saivism?

texts:
Rudraksham seems to have an important place in the Saivite sect of Hinduism. I have seen it being worn by many Saivite temple priests and many rishis (in their portrayals). Apart from priests, I have also seen people preferring to wear Rudraksha Maala around their neck. People also use it for prayer beads. Lord Shiva himself is depicted wearing Rudraksha around his hair, neck and arms.

What is the reason for Rudraksha to have gained so much importance and popularity in Shaivism? Is there any mention about Rudraksha in the Scriptures?


texts: Do Ushas and Kavya Usanas indicate one and the same epithet?

texts:
Ushas - उषस् - is a Vedic goddess of dawn in Hinduism. She  is "consistently identified with dawn, revealing herself with the daily coming of light to the world, driving away oppressive darkness, chasing away evil demons, rousing all life, setting all things in motion, sending everyone off to do their duties".

She is the life of all living creatures, the impeller of action and breath, the foe of chaos and confusion, the auspicious arouser of cosmic and moral order called the Ṛta in Hinduism.

In RV 6.64, Ushas is invoked as follows:

  The radiant Dawns have risen up for glory, in their white splendour like the waves of waters.
  She maketh paths all easy, fair to travel, and, rich, hath shown herself benign and friendly.
  We see that thou art good: far shines thy lustre; thy beams, thy splendours have flown up to heaven.
  Decking thyself, thou makest bare thy bosom, shining in majesty, thou Goddess Morning.

Usanas Kavya is an ancient seer - उशना काव्येन-  mentioned in the Rig Veda (IX.87.3).

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

In Rig Veda, Indra stated that he was Usana (Rig veda 4.26.1).

  अहम मनुर अभवं सूर्यश चाहं कक्षीवां रषिर अस्मि विप्रः |

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

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

uSA - उषा - means dawn, cow, aurora, etc.  If we consider in an esoteric manner it also means dawning of wisdom, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

kavya usana - means having wisdom of a seer.  So it is actually referring to Wisdom of the highest order, in esoteric way, but not a physical person.

Shatapatha Brahamana  contains verse, which indicates God love the mysterious:

  स योऽयं मध्ये प्राणः । एष एवेन्द्रस्तानेष प्राणान्मध्यत इन्द्रियेणैन्द्ध यदैन्द्ध तस्मादिन्ध इन्धो ह वै तमिन्द्र इत्याचक्षते
  परोऽक्षं परोऽक्षकामा हि देवास्त इद्धाः सप्त नाना पुरुषानसृजन्त -
  ६.१.१.[२]

  This same vital air in the midst doubtless is Indra. He, by his power (indriya), kindled those (other) vital airs from the midst; and
  inasmuch as he kindled (indh), he is the kindler (indha): the kindler
  indeed,--him they call 'Indra' mystically (esoterically), for the gods
  love the mystic. They (the vital airs), being kindled, created seven
  separate persons (purusha). (Shatapatha Brahmana 6.1.1.2)

My doubt is whether the Rig vedic seers indicated, esoterically, uSA and Kavya Usana as the same epithet?


texts: Is Brahma referring to the incidents of previous mahayugas?

texts:
Anusasana Parva contains a long discussion between Bhishma and Yudhishthira.
In the conversation, Yudhishthira once asks the following question

"Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me, O learned sire that art versed in all the scriptures, of Exertion and Destiny which is the most powerful?'

Then Bhishma says that he will refer an ancient story of the conversation of Vasishtha and Brahma

"Bhishma said, 'This ancient story of the conversation of Vasishtha and Brahma, O Yudhishthira, is an illustration in point. In olden times the adorable Vasishtha enquired of Brahma as to which among these two, viz., the Karma of a creature acquired in this life, or that acquired in previous lives (and called Destiny), is the more potent in shaping his life. Then, O king, the great god Brahma, who had sprung from the primeval lotus, answered him in these exquisite and well-reasoned words, full of meaning.'"

Observe that Bhishma told that he is saying an ancient conversation between Vasishtha and Brahma. The ancientness of the story is important here.
In that story Brahma says to Vasishtha that both exertion and destiny are important but exertion is mandatory from human.  In between, Brahma refers some people and incidents related to the people. You can see some of the lines below.

"Brahma said, 'Nothing comes into existence without seed. Without seed, fruits do not grow. From seeds spring other seeds. Hence are fruits known to be generated from seeds. Good or bad as the seed is that the husbandman soweth in his field, good or bad are the fruits that he reaps. As, unsown with seed, the soil, though tilled, becomes fruitless, so, without individual Exertion, Destiny is of no avail...... Aswatthaman and Rama, though both warriors and sons of Munis, failed to attain to heaven by reason of their own actions in this world. Vasu, though he performed a hundred sacrifices like a second Vasava, was sent to the nethermost regions, for making a single false statement. Vali, the son of Virochana, righteously bound by his promise, was consigned to the regions under the Earth, by the prowess of Vishnu. .......The Pandavas too regained their lost kingdom, of which they had been deprived by the powerful sons of Dhritarashtra, not through the intercession of the fates, but by recourse to their own valour ............. O best of Munis, I have thus described all the merits of individual Exertion, after having always known them in their true significance with the aid of my yogic insight. By the influence of Destiny, and by putting forth individual Exertion, do men attain to heaven. The combined aid of Destiny and Exertion, becomes efficacious.'"
[Section 6, Anusasana Parva, The Mahabharata]

How can Brahma say the incidents in the bold text above? Those incidents had happened just before (or) just after the aforementioned discussion between Bhishma and Yudhishthira. Did Brahma say the future to Vasishta?
Is Brahma referring to the incidents that had happened during previous mahayugas?  Or the Bhishma referring the recent conversation between Brahma and Vashishta as an ancient story (which is unlikely)?


texts: Where can I read Vijnanabhiksu's commentary on Yoga Sutras?

texts: I would like to read Vijnanabhiksu's commentary on Yoga Sutras in English and Sanskrit.


texts: Which Hindu scriptures talk about multiple universes or planets?

texts:
The universe is split up into many island-universes, as
described in the Yoga Vashishtha 6.2.60

  I saw countless creations though they did not know of one another’s
  existence. Some were coming into being, others were perishing, all
  of them had different shielding atmospheres (from five to thirty-six
  atmospheres). There were different elements in each, they were
  inhabited by different types of beings in different stages of
  evolution.. [In] some there was apparent natural order in others there
  was utter disorder, in some there was no light and hence no
  time-sense.

I imagine this is talking about various planets in different stages of evolution.

Are there similar accounts in other Hindu scriptures?


texts: Are the names "balarama, baladeva, balabhadra" used interchangeably?

texts: Stories I heard from grandma in childhood invariably had "Balarama".  I heard of "Baladeva" only from TV serials.  Do different scriptures tend to prefer one name over the others?


texts: How come the Vedas describe mostly the Vamana avatara of Vishnu?

texts:
The Vedas are the eternal truths of God, Apaurusheya and constant throughout Time. Therefore they must contain all knowledge of all time. But (at least if you go through the other questions) you find that the prominent incarnation used to describe Lord Vishnu is that of Upendra - Vamana Avatara.

Now the Vamana avatara didn't happen until the Vaivasvata Manvantara of the present Kalpa - which is seven Manvantaras from the beginning. Yet if the Vedas are constant, the very same hymns to Vamanadeva would be present even in the earlier Manvantaras. But then, how would people associate with this yet to be incarnated Form of Vishnu?

Also prominently described in the Rig Veda (at least to my knowledge) is the defeat of Vritrasura, which also happened at the beginning of this particular Manvantara. So what would the others of the earlier Manvantaras made of all these (prophetic?) stories? And what would the other Indras have thought about them?

P.S. I know that last sentence is highly speculative.


texts: English translation of Krittivasi Ramayana

texts:
Per Wikipedia:

  Krittivasi Ramayan or Krittibasi Ramayan or Sri Ram Panchali, composed by 15th century Bengali poet Krittibas Ojha, is a translation of the Ramayana into Bengali.

  Written in the traditional Ramayan Panchali form of Middle Bengali literature, the Krittivasi Ramayana is not just a rewording of the original Indian epic, but a vivid depiction of the society and culture of Bengal in the Middle Ages.

Is an English (or at least a Hindi) translation of the same available for free or for purchase?


texts: What happens to previous Nirguna Parabrahmans from previous cosmic cycles?

texts:
Trying to find this answer for many years and unable to receive answer
If Parabrahman can take different forms after each Mahapralaya, then what happens to the previous Nirguna Parabrahmans from previous cosmic cycles?
If Parabrahman took the Nirguna form of Mahavishnu for this cosmic cycle after the previous previous Mahapralaya, what happens to the Nirguna Parabrahman who ruled the previous cosmic cycle? Are they just merged back into Parabrahman and ceases to exist?


texts: Which scripture says that panchakshar mantra is supreme?

texts:
"VidyAsu SrutirutkrishTA rudraikAdaSini Srutau |
tatra panchaksharl tasyAm Siva ityakshara dvayam ||"
"Among all sources of knowledge (vidyas), the Vedas are supreme. In the Vedas, Sri Rudram is supreme. In the Rudram, the Panchakshari mantra (namah SivAya) is supreme and in Panchakshari mantra itself, the two syllables 'Siva' is supreme!"
I read this verse many times, but don't know its source. Can anyone tell if it's authentic and it's source from scripture?


texts: How can the story of Vishnu getting Sudarshana Chakra later be reconciled with Aniruddha holding the Chakra at the time of creation?

texts:
Many scriptures describe how Lord Vishnu got the Sudarshan Chakra - some say that he got it from Shiva; while, other say he got it from Viswakarma.

Now, coming to the description of creation of the universe, when Vishnu manifested in the Anirudhha form; he had held in his four hands, the mace, lotus, shell and the chakra.

So, what is the authentic version of how he got the chakra? How can these stories be reconciled?


texts: On what occasions can sacred thread be worn around the neck like garland?

texts: Sacred thread or Yagnobaveetha usually worn over the left shoulder and under the right arms, but on some special occasions, it can/ should be worn around the neck like a garland(Niviti position).


texts:
Is Mandodari the only wife of Ravana? Or did he have other wives too?

If he had more than one wife, then why is only Mandodari famous? In which scripture(s) are others mentioned?

What are the names of all the wives of Ravana?


texts: Why was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu an eka-dandi sanyasi despite being a Gaudiya Vaishnava?

texts: Advaitins Sanyasis are usually eka-dandi sanyasis while Vaishnava Sanyasis (including Gaudiya Vaishnava Sanyasis) are usually tri-dandi sanyasis. However, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a Gaudiya Vaishnava and like most Vaishnavas, an opponent of Advaita Vedanta. However, He was an eka-dandi Sanyasi. What is the reason for this?


texts: What is Bhavabhuti's original Sanskrit quotation "Time is infinite,earth is huge"?

texts:
I would like to the original couplet for Bhavabhuti's
Time is infinite, Earth is big.
Thank you


texts: What is the Vedic ritual for Bhumi Puja of Mandir?

texts:
Recently the historic Bhumi Puja for Ram Mandir was conducted at Ayodhya, after at least 1000 years.
Which scripture details the exact method for doing Bhumi Puja, especially for that of a Mandir?
Is there a havan involved ? What Veda mantras need to be chanted ? Who is the Yejaman when establishing a temple ? How many Rithviks are needed ?


texts: What is the difference between Preta (Ghost) and Bhuta (Spirit)?

texts:
Preta and Bhuta are often considered one and the same but they are different as per the below description of various beings:

Such are the general mischief-makers, the Asuras, the Pretas, or ghosts, the Bhutas, or spook-spirits, the baby-killing Grahas, the Rakshasas, who are either giants or vampires, not to mention all the other demons of less power and importance.

There is reference to Preta and Bhuta in Bhagavad Gita as well.

yajante sāttvikā devān yakṣa-rakṣāṁsi rājasāḥ
pretān bhūta-gaṇāṁś cānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ [BG - 17.4]
Meaning -
Men in the mode of goodness worship the demigods; those in the mode of passion worship the demons; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits.

Hanuman Chalisa also has a reference to Preta and Bhuta.

भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै।।

So what is the difference between them?


texts: How many verses are there in extant Vishnu Purana?

texts: According to tradition, Vishnu Purana has 23,000 verses. How many verses exist in the extant Vishnu Purana?


texts: Where is the mention of 'Chanting Rama three times is equal to chanting 1000 names of Vishnu'?

texts:
In the ending part of  Vishnu Sahasranaam Stotra these verses are recited:

  पार्वत्युवाच :
  केनोपायेन लघुनां विष्णुर्नामसहस्रकम् ।
  पठ्यते पंण्डितैर नित्यं श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं प्रभो ॥ 26 ॥

  pArvatyuvAcha:
  keno pAyena lagunA vishNor nAma sahasrakam | paTyate paNDitair nityam shrotumicchAmyaham prabho ||

  Parvati said "O lord what is the short method to recite Vishnu Sahasranaam (if I am not able). What is to be chanted for it?"

  ईश्वर उवाच
  श्रीराम राम रामेती रमे रामे मनोरमे ।
  सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥ 27 ॥

  ishwara uvAcha:
  sri rAma rAma rAmethi rame rAme manorame | sahasranAma thatthulyam rAma nAma varAnane |

  Ishwara said " O beautiful one!, Chant Rama Rama Rama which rejoices the mind. It is equal to thousand name of Vishnu"

The above verses aren't found in Mahabharata where Bhishma recites Vishnu Sahasranaam. From where are these verses taken ?


texts:
How to do Mudras before chanting Gayatri mantra?
This Quora post gives mantra to unlock Gayatri mantra.
This Facebook image describes 24 Mudras to be done next
As well as instructions /mantras written in Sanskrit
But Can someone transcribe & translate the mantras to English, roman characters? I can't read Sanskrit script.


texts: Did Swami Vivekananda worship a personal deity?

texts: I have read that Ramakrishna Paramahamsa would often teach devotion to less advanced disciples but would only teach Advaita to Vivekananda.  Did Vivekananda worship any personal deity?


texts:
Hari Om,

I'm looking for a source of explanation of the procedure of using the Nyasas of Lalita Sahasranama. See below.

Would be much appreciated. -Hari

अस्य श्रीललितासहस्रनामस्तोत्रमहामन्त्रस्य वशिन्यादयो वाग्देवता ऋषयः ।
अनुष्टुप् छन्दः । श्रीललिता परमेश्वरी देवता ।
श्रीमद्बाग्भवकूटेति बीजम् । मध्यकूटेति शक्तिः ।
शक्तिकूटेति कीलकम् । ध्यानम् ।
मम श्रीललितामहात्रिपुरसुन्दरीप्रसादसिद्धिद्वारा
चिन्तितफलावाप्त्यर्थे जपे विनियोगः ।
॥ करन्यासः ॥

ऐं अङ्गुष्ठाभ्यां नमः । क्लीं तर्जनीभ्यां नमः ।
सौः मध्यमाभ्यां नमः । सौः अनामिकाभ्यां नमः ।
क्लीं कनिष्ठिकाभ्यां नमः । ऐं करतलकरपृष्ठाभ्यां नमः ।
॥ अङ्गन्यासः ॥

ऐं हृदयाय नमः । क्लीं शिरसे स्वाहा । सौः शिखायै वषट् ।
सौः कवचाय हुं । क्लीं नेत्रत्रयाय वौषट् । ऐं अस्त्राय फट् ।
भूर्भवस्सुवरोमिति दिग्बन्धः ।

लमित्यादिपञ्चपूजा
लं'' पृथिवीतत्त्वात्मिकायै श्रीललितादेव्यै गन्धं परिकल्पयामि ।
हं'' आकाशतत्त्वात्मिकायै श्रीललितादेव्यै पुष्पं परिकल्पयामि ।
यं'' वायुतत्त्वात्मिकायै श्रीललितादेव्यै धूपं परिकल्पयामि ।
रं'' वह्नितत्त्वात्मिकायै श्रीललितादेव्यै दीपं परिकल्पयामि ।
वं'' अमृततत्त्वामिकायै श्रीललितादेव्यै अमृतं महानैवेद्यं परिकल्पयामि ।
सं'' सर्वतत्त्वात्मिकायै श्रीललितादेव्यै सर्वोपचारपूजां परिकल्पयामि ।


texts:
Quora scholar
According to him purans are symbolic, there storys are symbolic.
So is it true, is this the way ancient scholar have interpretated Puranas?

 what is the opinion of majority of puranic scholar.


texts: On which side of the body should we lay while sleeping and why? Is there any preferable side according to Hinduism?


texts: Did Jesus visit Jagannath Temple of Puri?

texts:
Levi H. Dowling wrote the book The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ.
The title of section VI is: Life and Works of Jesus in India, here is an extract:

  "And Jesus was accepted as a pupil in the temple Jagannath; and here learned the Vedas and the Manic laws." section VI, chapter 21, verse 19

Mark Mason wrote the book In Search of the Loving God, here is an extract:

  Sri Daya Mata, president of Self-Realization Fellowship, went to India
  in 1959, and in an interview with one of India's great spiritual
  leaders, His Holiness Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha, the Shankaracharya
  of Puri, she mentioned that she had been told that Jesus "spent some
  of his life in India, in association with her illumined sages. His
  Holiness replied, 'That is true. I have studied ancient records in the
  Puri Jagannath Temple archives confirming those facts. He was known as
  "Isha," and during part of his time in India he stayed in the
  Jagannath Temple. When he returned to his part of the world, he
  expounded the teachings that are known today as Christianity.

Did Jesus really visit Jagannath Temple of Puri?

Remark: The two quotes above are not proofs of such a visit, but just clues.

Are there published "ancient records in the Puri Jagannath Temple archives confirming those facts"?


texts: What does it mean by Kapalika observance and where does Kapalika come from?


texts: What happened to Surpanakha after Ravana's death?

texts: What happened to Surpanakha after Ravana's death. I heard some stories related to her which I refused to believe in. I couldn't find any post which mentions what happened to her. Is there any reference to this in any version of Ramayana? I read in a post here that her husband was killed by Ravana. I also want to know did she ever got married again?


texts: What does the demon kali staying in gold mean?

texts:
Near the beginning of the kali yuga, Parikshit maharaja allowed the demon kali to stay in gold amongst other places. What are the consequences of this?

1) Does this mean we should not own any gold or wear gold jewellery?

2) What about gold coloured items which are not really made of gold but only painted in a gold colour? Can one own/use such items?


texts: What is the relation of Aarti with different spiritual bodies?

texts:
This is a extension of this question.

We have seen not only Devi/Devtas but also humans, plants and animals are welcomed through a spiritual deed called 'Aarti'. Why it started? And what is its relations and resultants with different type of forms like Humans, Plants and Animals.

That question resolves round the deities, but we have experienced artis before animals and plants.

In addition to this the most common word used in Aarti is Aarti Utarna,  why the term Utarna (pull down) used in the phrase? Is the word symbolic, or have any spiritual relationship?

The question does tries to describe the 'Arti', put fails to define why its pulled down (Utarna)?


texts: Did Adi Shankaracharya lose a debate against the Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu?

texts:
This website, of dubious reliability, claims that Adi Shankaracharya lost in a debate against the Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu:

  Towards the end of his short life, defeated in debate by the Buddhist Mahapandita Vasubandhu, Adi Shankaracharya was compelled to embrace Buddhism once again, as was the norm then. He died out of the sheer shame of his defeat!

My question isn't about the claim concerning how he died; I'm pretty sure that at least Hindu sources say that he died by merging into the famous Lingam at Kedarnath to attain Moksha.

But I'm wondering whether it's true that Adi Shankaracharya had a debate with Vasubandhu.  Are there any records of such a debate?  If so, what were the points debated and what was the result?  I highly doubt that the result would have been Adi Shankaracharya being forced to accept Buddhism.


texts: What are Vrittis and Lakshanas? What are some good basic intro Books or Websites for learning this?

texts:
We know while interpreting Vedas and Upanishads and Brahma Sutras, we often hear words like
Jahad lakshana, Mukhya vritti, Shakti vritti, Ajahad lakshana, Vikara artha and Prachurya artha etc.
What are these?
OR
If there are any basic intro books to learn this in English or some Websites, please provide the links for the same.


texts: What are the various 'kalas' of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
I have read many times that Lord Rama was born with 14 kalas of Lord Vishnu while Lord Krishna had 16 of the same. I want to ask the following:

What exactly are kalas?
Are these numbers correct?
How many kalas Lord Vishnu have?
What are each of these kalas?


texts: Which of the Divyadesam Sthala are presided by Vishnu's Varaha AvatAram?

texts:
Divya Desam are the group of Vishnu sthalam that are revered by Azhwargal in their spontaneous divine poetry - the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam. This collection of poetry was collated by Nathamuni, an extraordinary Acharya, gem among gems, of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam.

Now for my question:

Which of the Divya Desam Sthala are presided by Perumaal in Varaha roopam?

An Exhaustive list would be greatly appreciated!


texts: Was there a Solar Dynasty king called Salisuka. If yes, please provide details of his place in the list of solar dynasty kings.


texts:
Is Buddha Pūrṇimā named so because of Gautama Buddha?
If yes, then how to reconcile its significance with our hindu theology because clearly, Gautama Buddha was not a Hindu as per Vedic Standards.
Or some other reasons, like the Full-Moon (Buddha Pūrṇimā) always coincides with Wednesday (budhavāra - बुधवार), and thus named so?
What's the theological significance of the Buddha Pūrṇimā as per Hinduism and why is it named so? What are the associated practices and rituals to be done on this day?


texts: There have been 63 Nayanars who are inseparable from Shaiva Siddhanta. I was just wondering whether there can be more Nayanars or not? If Not why can't there be? If yes, what is the procedure to become a Nayanar?


texts: Benefits of devi 'Durga' naam jap with proofs scriptural reference from sāshtras

texts:
I want to know the benefits and results of chanting Durgâ name only. Can we chant Durgâ name without guru dikșha?
And, what if I chant it constantly for some years? Can I get siddhi from it? Will my tapobalam increase?
Please give me śhlokas from scriptures about it.


texts: Is it respectful to praise/refer gods by the name 'Urdhwareta"?

texts:
Urdhwareta is one of the 1000 names given to Lord Shriman Narayana in Vishnu Sahastranaam, which literally means ithyphallic. Same name is given to the Last 24th Avatar of Lord Rudra named Lakulish. Now since Lord Rudra is worshipped as Linga, it may be okay for him to be Urdhwareta but as Shriman Narayana is full of Sattva and other auspicious qualities, how is it suitable for him to be Urdhwareta as it is indication for Lust inside a human being.
Even if Shriman Narayana or Lord Rudra both are urdhwareta how is it respectful and ethical to write that name in scriptures and worship them by that name.


texts: Where can i find scriptural references for vaahan puja?

texts:
It is a custom to take the newly purchased car to a nearby temple, where the pujari consecrates it. It typically involves tying a lemon somewhere on the hood, breaking a coconut in front of car etc. Quite often a murti of Ganeshji is kept on the dashboard.
I was wondering if there are any scriptural basis for it ? Any stories associated with vahan puja?


texts: Are there other interpretations of RV I.154 that confirm or refute Jiva Goswami's interpretation that the Supreme Abode of Vishnu is actually Goloka?

texts:
I was reading a commentary on Goloka by Jiva Goswami which led me to the Rig Veda Book 1, Hymn 154 that's dedicated to Lord Vishnu and ends with an exhortation to reach his Supreme abode:

  I WILL declare the mighty deeds of Viṣṇu, of him who measured out the earthly regions,
  Who propped the highest place of congregation, thrice setting down his footstep, widely striding.
  For this his mighty deed is Viṣṇu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain-roaming;
  He within whose three wide-extended paces all living creatures have their habitation.
  Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Viṣṇu, the Bull far-striding, dwelling on the mountains,
  Him who alone with triple step hath measured this common dwelling-place, long, far extended.
  Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them,
  Who verily alone upholds the threefold, the earth, the heaven, and all living creatures.
  May I attain to that his well-loved mansion where men devoted to the Gods are happy.
  For there springs, close akin to the Wide-Strider, the well of meath in Viṣṇu's highest footstep.
  Fain would we go unto your dwelling-places where there are many-horned and nimble oxen,
  For mightily, there, shineth down upon us the widely-striding Bull's sublimest mansion.

As I discussed in this answer Goloka or the Abode of Cows is the highest Loka in this world where Lord Krishna is supposed to reside. The above RV verses also seem to hint towards the same calling it the highest abode where many cattle are thriving. Jiva Goswami's commentary of course interprets it in a Vaishnava way seeing a reference to Krishna's abode in the verse:

  Goloka is also described in these words of the Rg Veda:

    O Krsna and Balarama, we aspire to attain that place where You enjoy
    transcendental pastimes, and where there are beautiful surabhi cows
    with large horns.

  The Vedas describe that place as the transcendental
  abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who fulfills all desires.

  In this verse the word "tah" means "these", "vam" means "of You both",
  or in other words "of Krsna and Balarama", "vastuni" means "places of
  pastimes", "gomadhyai" means "to attain", and "usmasi" means "we
  desire".

  The question may be asked: "How may the pastime places be
  more elaborately described?"

  The answer is given in the phrase
  beginning with the word "yatra". "Yatra" means "in which places", and
  "bhuri-srngyah" means "cows with large horns". The word "bhuri" is
  explained in the passage from the Upanisads:

    The word 'bhuri' here means 'great' not 'numerous'.

  The dictionary explains: The word bhuri means either numerous or great.

  "Ayasah" here means "beautiful". This is confirmed by the Amara-kosa,
  which gives the following definition:

    The word 'ayah' here means beautiful'.

  The word "ayasah" here uses the affix 'asah" as in the word "devasah".
  "Vrsnah" means "fulfilling all desires", "atra" means "in this place
  celebrated in the Vedas as Goloka', "urugayasya" means "of the Supreme
  Personality of Godhead", "bhuri' means "manifested in many ways", and
  "aha" means "the Vedas declares".

But are there any other commentaries or scriptures that can confirm (or refute) that the Supreme Abode of the thrice-stepping Vishnu of RV I.154 is actually Goloka?


texts: What are four grades/stages or types of Vāk?

texts:
I've come across mention of four types of Vāni in several texts e.g., Ganapathi Atharvashisrsha, Saraswati Sukta, etc. One of the direct references is Rigveda 1.164.45:

  HYMN CLXIV. Viśvedevas.

  Catvāri vākparimitā padāni tāni vidurbrāhmaṇā ye manīṣiṇaḥ |
  Guhā trīṇi nihitā neṅgayanti turīyaṃ vāco manuṣyā vadanti ||

  Speech hath been measured out in four divisions, the Brahmans who have understanding know them. Three kept in close concealment cause no motion; of speech, men speak only the fourth division.

I've read that these four types are Parā, Paśyanti, Madhyamā and Vaikhari but don't know anything more than that.

What are those four types of speech?


texts: What is the way to Liberation: direct communication with lord Krishna or the reading scriptures?

texts: Which is it better the reading of the multitude of scriptures from different schools of Hindu thought whose aim is to show you the way to self realization, Moksha, Brahman, or direct communication with Lord Krishna?


texts: Is Advaita moksha different from attaining Vaikuntha? If yes, why and is this why Advaita is often frowned upon by most Vaishnavas?


texts: Madhyamika and Ajativada and anuttara of advaita vedanta and kashmir shaivism

texts:
Is the madhyamika deconstruction of reality that nothing arises and nothing ceases the same as ajativada of gaudapada and anuttara of abhinavagupta? in madhyamika production is never established and momentariness is even a false relative reality and a Upaya(skillful teaching that isn't true).
nothing ceases.nothing arises.production/arising and Ceasing-destruction are not established.is this the same as ajativada or anuttara,if yes..why?if not..why?


texts:
Do bhagavatam got interpolation
Do Shiva purana got interpolation
Do Devi bhagavatam got interpolation
Do Vishnu Purana
Do 18 puranas got interpolation


texts: Is complete list of Demons sequentially killed by Devi as per Devi mahatyam available?

texts:
Is there Full/complete sequential list of Demons that were killed by Devi and which devi swarupam killed which demon as per Devi mahatyam? Why only Devi had to kill the demons? Why not trimurthis not involved or supported?

Why demons agreed to battle with Stree murthi?


texts:
I have heard that many saints saying aum when they are in meditation. Not only saints, but many mantras like:

  aum namah shivaya; aum sreekrishnaya namah

have "aum" present in it.

Questions:

What is the meaning of "aum"?
What is the meaning of aum namah shivAya, aum sree krishnAye namah?


texts: Can a sadhak who has completed Apsara sadhna take her as a lover and hence (possibly) have intercourse with the said Apsara?

texts:
I heard this from a YouTube channel that makes videos on the ways to perform a Sadhna,along with some narrations of interaction between sadhaks and the invoked being.
https://youtu.be/ZeAN7Eb1aUk
From the 16th to 20th minute is where the point of my question comes,although the being invoked is “Maa Tara”.
I wanted to know if this is true for Apsaras as well,as I had also heard it so from another video of the same channel,if I am not wrong.


texts: Is there a connection between the Navadurga and the Dashmahavidya?

texts: Navratri festival is going on and we are told about the nine forms of the Goddess also called Nava-Durga that are worshipped in these 9 days. However, I just recently came to know that some people also worship the Dash-Mahavidyas in these days. I want to know is there a connection between the two?


texts: Who gave the flute (murali) to lord Krishna?

texts: Who gave the flute to lord Krishna? Where Lord Krishna got his flute from?


texts: How can Advaita Vedanta's Nirguna Brahman even exist?

texts:
According to Shankaracharya, Ishvara, the world, and Saguna Brahman, are ultimately unreal. Only Nirguna Brahman is real.

But what does it mean to be Nirguna or "without qualities"? Something that has no attributes or qualities is something that doesn't even exist, because it cannot be proven.


texts: Description of metals in Vedas and Itihasas

texts: I would like to know the metals and alloys named in the Vedas and Itihasas(Ramayana & Mahabharatha) with special attention to mention of Iron. The general assumption is the Itihasas events could have happened in the Bronze age or earlier. What were the metals used in our ancient weaponry like swords, shields, arrows, etc as described in the earliest available sources?


texts: Where can I find a detail description of creation of the universe where Shiv is unexpressed and Shakti is the dynamic expression of the universe we experience?


texts:
All Hindus know about Ravana.

What do the 10 heads of Ravana signify?


texts: Where does it say that Om is the primordial sound or the first sound? Which verse of the vedas?


texts: Origin of sloka दर्शनादभ्रसादसि

texts:
दर्शनादभ्रसादसि जननात्कमलालये ॥
काश्यन्तु मरणान्मुक्तिः स्मरणादरुणाचले ॥

It means one can get moksha  by either of having darsan of Abhrasadasi (Chidambaram), dying at Kasi, birth at Kamalalaya and remembering Arunachala.

Which Khanda and Chapter of Skanda Purana has the above sloka? Does any other purana also contain this sloka?


texts: Total number of saguna parabrahmans in Hinduism

texts:
Parabrahman is the highest supreme god in Hinduism. Saguna brahman refers to the parabrahman with gunas.

Saguna brahman is also called as Upasya Brahman.

Siva, Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, Balarama, Radha, Kali, Bhuvaneswari etc., are (some) saguna parabrahmans as per scriptures.

Are saguna parabrahmans finite? If yes, then how many Gods of saguna Parabrahman stature are there in Hinduism?


texts: Is Rig-parisishta a real supplement rig veda?

texts:
Does Rig-parisishta a real supplement to Rig Veda?
Origin of doubt: Rig-parisishta (the supplement to the Rig Veda):

radhaya madhavo devo madhavenaiva radhika/ vibhrajante janeshu.
Meaning: Among all persons, it is Sri Radha in whose company Lord Madhava is especially glorious, as She is especially glorious in His.

I doubt Radharani were any where mentioned in Rig Veda (Not that I am aware of!) or is it endorsement by ISKCON?


texts: Where can we get the Nyaya Sutras along with their commentaries in English translation?

texts:
Everyone knows how important the Nyaya Sutras are for Indian philosophy. Indeed, it is impossible to imagine a work of greater influence than this in the history of Indian thought. It is virtually the foundation on which the whole of Indian logic rested.

There are various translations of the Nyaya Sutras available but I am asking specifically for the four volumes published by Ganganath Jha. The reason is that they are perhaps the most comprehensive treatment on this extremely important system of Indian philosophy. They include the English translation of the Bhasya of Vatsyayana and the Vartika of Uddyotakara in full as well as relevant notes from Vacaspati Misra's Nyayavartika-tatparyatika, Udayana's Tatparyaparisuddhi and Raghutama's Bhasyacandra. These volumes were all originally published before to 1919 though they have been reprinted many times in recent years..

Alternatively, another very great treatment are the 5 volumes published by Mrinalkanti Gangopadhyaya which also include the English translation of not only the original Sutras but also the various commentaries on it.

Here are the full names of the books:

"Nyaya-Sutras of Gautama: With the Bhasya of Vatsyayana and the Vartika of Uddyotakara" by Ganganath Jha - 4 Volumes.

"Nyāya philosophy: literal translation of Gautama's Nyāya-sūtra & Vātsyāyana's Bhāṣya : along with a free and abridged translation of the Elucidation by Phaṇibhūṣaṇa Tarkavāgīśa" by Mrinalkanti Gangopadhyaya - 5 volumes.


texts: Is untouchability discussed in the Vedas?

texts:
Untouchability can be of a couple of forms:

one which arises out of temporary impurity (aśauca) e.g., not touching a menstruating woman
a person is untouchable due to the nature of his work e.g., a sewer worker
a person belonging to a certain class, tribe, country, etc. is untouchable

Do Vedas (saṃhitas, āraṇyakas or brāhmaṇas) discuss untouchability of either of these forms?


texts: Why did Lord Vishnu stop King Bali from becoming Indra (King of Devtas)?

texts:
As we know, King Bali held a Yagna to become the King of Lords. But by taking Vamana Avatar, Lord Vishnu asked him for three steps worth of land. By his original divine avatar, Lord Vishnu covered entire earth and whole galaxy in his three steps. King Bali then became a man without any wealth. King Bali was a noble man. He was a grandchild of Vishnu's great devotee Prahalad.

So why did Lord Vishnu stop him from becoming Indra, the King of Lords?


texts: Mythology war fought without any weapons?

texts:
Have there been any wars fought without involvement of any physical weapons astras, but by using supernatural, divine, or yogic powers only?

For example, pushing the enemy away with telekinetic powers, hurting them with some kind of energetic power etc, especially among gods and rakshasas?


texts: Why Kauravas had to deploy all their star warriors for Virata war and Virata war confusion?

texts:
I can't understand why Kauravas had to bring their entire star decked warriors to attack Virata, sure they are just helping their allies Trigarta's as their commander-in-chief had been slain, so they are attacking someone who's already weaker still they brought senior warriors like Bhisma,Drona,Kripa,Ashwattama unnecessarily.

Given that Pandavas subjugated all the kingdoms by sending each brothers on each direction , and Karna too subjugated all the kingdoms by himself after the Gandharava defeat.

So I can't understand the reason behind these much warriors
participating for a mere Virata attack, aren't they on different level
to participate on such small tasks .

And the Virata war was completely different,there were no use of
celestial weapons,it just looks like raw skirmish with ordinary arrows,
until Arjuna alone uses one celestial weapon in the end to finish the
war, which completely contradicts the war scenes from Kuruschestra.

  Hearing these words of Susarman, Karna addressed the king, saying,
  'Susarman hath spoken well; the opportunity is favourable and promises
  to be profitable to us. Therefore, if it pleases thee, O sinless one,
  let us, drawing up our forces in battle array and marshalling them in
  divisions, speedily set out. Or, let the expedition be managed as
  Saradwata's son Kripa, the preceptor Drona, and the wise and aged
  grandsire of the Kurus may think. Consulting with each other, let us,
  O lord of earth, speedily set out to attain our end. What business
  have we with the sons of Pandu, destitute as they are of wealth,
  might, and prowess? They have either disappeared for good or have gone
  to the abode of Yama? We will, O king, repair without anxiety to
  Virata's city, and plunder his cattle and other wealth of diverse
  kinds.'

Here it's clear Kauravas didn't plan Virata war to find the Pandavas, they just wanted to help their allies.

Source


texts: Does this parable of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa have a scriptural basis?

texts:
http://www.ramakrishnamath.in/gospel/

  SANKARACHARYA AND HIS FOOLISH DISCIPLE

  THE great Sankaracharya had a foolish disciple who used to imitate his
  Master in all matters. Sankara uttered ‘Sivoham’ (I am Siva); the
  disciple also repeated “Sivoham‟. To correct his disciple’s folly,
  Sankara one day, while passing by a smithy, took a potful of molten
  iron and swallowed it; and he asked that disciple also to do the same.
  Of course, the disciple could not imitate this act of his Master, and
  thence forward he left oil saying “Sivoham‟."


texts: Are there any Madhwa temples famous for their architecture/history/popularity with devotees?

texts: There are united nations world heritage sites thats are Siva temples.  iyengar vaishnavites have tirupati venkatachalapati temple that has a large number of devotees and tons of money.  Off the top of my head, can't think of a famous Madhwa temple.


texts: How are Lord Ganesh and Aditi the mother of Devas related? Aditi is the mother of Indra and wife of Rishi Kashyap. What relation does she possess with Lord Ganesh?


texts: Who are the authors of and what are the significances of "Eka Sloki Ramayana" , "Eka Sloki Bhagawatam" and the like?

texts:
As the name suggests,the Eka Sloki Ramayana is the whole story of Ramayana told in just one sloka/verse:

  aadau raama tapovanaadi gamanam hatvaa mrugam kaanchanam  vaidehee
  haraNam jaTaayu maraNam sugreeva sambhaash aNam |  baalee nigrahaNam
  samudra taraNam lankaapuree daahanam  pashchaat raavaNa kumbhakarNa
  hananametaddhi raamaa yaNam   ekashlokee raamaayaNam sampoorNam
  ||

Meaning-

  Once Rama went to forest, He chased the deer, Sitha was kidnapped,
  Jatayu was killed, There were talks with Sugreeva, Bali was killed,
  The sea was crossed, Lanka was burnt, And later Ravana and Kumbha
  karna, Were also killed. This in short is the story of Ramayanam.

Similarly we have the Eka Sloki Bhagwatam which narrates the entire Bhagwata Purana in just one sloka/verse:

  Aadhou devaki devi garbha jananam, Gopi gruhe palanam, Mayaa poothana
  jeevithaa apaharanam, govardhanodharanam, Kamsa chedana, kouravadi
  hananam, kunthi sutha palanam, Ethad bhagawatham purana kaditham sri
  Krishna leelamrutham

Meaning-

  Born to queen Devaki, Brought up by Gopis, Took out the life of Ogress
  Poothana, Lifted the Govardhana mountain, Beheaded his uncle Kamsa,
  Helped in killing the Kouravas, And looked after the children of
  Kunthi. This is in short the ancient story of Bhagawatha, Which
  describes the nectar like play of Lord Krishna

.

We also have a "Sapta Sloki Gita" and a "Chatusloki Bhagawtam" ,the later is given below:

Q1) Who are the authors of the "Eka Sloki Ramayana" and the "Eka Sloki Bhagawtam"?

Q2) What are their significance? Does it mean that reading those short verses are equivalent (in merit) to reading the respective entire texts or something of that sort?


texts: Story of a rishi converting a dog to a dragon that tries to eat the same rishi

texts:
I remember having heard the story in my childhood days. The basic plot of the story goes something like this: there is a poor dog which comes near a meditating rishi who takes pity and converts it into a lion. After some time, the rishi converts the lion into a dragon. In the end the dragon tries to eat the Rishi.

Does anyone remember the complete story?


texts: Who is Tulasidas? What is the story of him? What did he create except ramcharitmanas and hanuman chalisa?


texts: How Lord Krishna explains on "Knowledge is power"?

texts:
We all know from Bhagavat gita's

  Chapter Seven: 'Knowledge of the Absolute'

Lord Krishna said a lot about knowledge but is there any other proof of him accepting what He said in this chapter?

Any past references or story will work.

Thanks in advance.


texts: Can Asuras or Rakshasas be summoned by any ritual?

texts: In certain Pagan traditions in the West especially Goetia, demons are summoned by rituals mainly for material purposes. Can Asuras and Rakshasas be summoned in Hinduism by rituals? If yes, for what purposes?


texts: Which one is grammatically accurate krishna saranagati mantra?

texts:
||श्री कृष्णः शरणं मम||
||श्री कृष्णं शरणं मम||
||श्री कृष्णाय शरणं मम||
||श्री कृष्ण शरणं मम||

I see all these various forms online. Which one is correct grammatically?


texts: Which Puranas describe Ganesha pacing around a piece of ground with the name of Rama scratched on it?

texts:
Tulsidas in the Bala Kanda of His Ramcharitmanas writes:

  I greet the name "Rama" of the chief of Raghus,  which is composed of seed-letters representing the fire-god, the  sun-god and the moon-god (viz., Ra, A and Ma respectively). It is the same as Brahma (the creative aspect of God), Vishnu (His preservative aspect) and Shiva (His disintegrating aspect), and the vital breath of the Vedas; It is attributeless, peerless and a mine of virtues. It is the great spell which Lord Mahesvara mutters and which, when imparted by Him at Kashi (the modern Varanasi) leads to emancipation. Its glory is known to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped before all  others as a glory of the Name. The oldest poet (Valmiki) is acquainted with the glory of the Name, inasmuch as he attained to purity by repeating It in the reverse order. Hearing the verdict of Lord Shiva that the name is as good as a thousand other names of God, Goddess Bhavani (Parvati) dined with Her consort after uttering It only once. Noticing such partiality of Her heart for the Name, Hara (Lord Shiva) made that lady, who was the ornament of Her sex, the ornament of His own person (i.e., made Her a part of His own being by assigning to Her the left half of His body). Shiva knows full well the power of the Name, due to which deadly poison served the purpose of nectar to Him.

What I am interested is the part in bold. In the footnotes of the Gita Press's English translation of the Ramcharitmanas on that very page, it is stated:

  We read in the Puranas how there was a scramble for precedence among the gods, each of whom claimed the first position for himself. They approached Brahma for a ruling. He told them that they should race round the world and that whoever finished the round quickest of all would be accounted the highest. Ganesha, who rode on no better animal than a rat, naturally lagged behind. He met on the way the celestial sage Narada, who advised him to scratch the word "Rama" on the ground and pace round It, as the word comprised in Itself the entire creation. Ganesha did accordingly and was naturally the first to finish the round of the universe. Brahma appreciated this act of Ganesha and conceded his title to precedence over all the other gods. Since then Ganesha has uninterruptedly enjoyed the  right of being worshipped first of all.

My question is which Puranas describe Ganesha carving the name of Rama on a piece of ground and pacing around it?


texts: Under which circumstances physical punishment to wife is allowed?

texts:
A soldier killing an enemy is not violence because it's done as a part of the war (Yuddha Dharma), or police killing criminals is not violence to reduce the burden on society.

Similarly, in what situations, a husband is allowed to raise a hand on his wife?

This is not about marital domestic violence. Rather it's similar to parents punishing (e.g. slap, spank, light beating) their kids to maintain discipline.

For example, Islam allows a certain extent of wife beating when the wife is out of bound. In modern-day progressive Islam, it's allowed to hit with a cloth towel.

Islam: Is it allowed to give physical punishment for women?
Christianity: What does the Bible teach about domestic discipline?
Judaism: What are the sources that a husband may beat his wife?


texts:
Can Sri Vaishnava Brahmanas offer meat to Vishnu and eat it as Prasadam?

Is it possible for Sri Vaishnava Brahmanas to eat meat?


texts: Depicting Mahabharata (and other scriptures) misleadingly

texts:
Most common people don't know Sanskrit, and aren't interested in reading scriptures. They learn Itihasa & Purana from elders or watching TV e.g. B.R.Chopra's Mahabharat, or Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan.

In the past, Itihasas were passed down as a conversation between two rishis, or rishi & disciple (e.g. Bhagavatham - Shuka/Parikishit, then Suta/Rishis. Mahabharat - Valmiki/Ganesha, then Vaishampayana/Janamejaya), and in later years by Acharyas & Upanyasakas.

But recently 2013, some mahanubhavas at star plus came up with NEW Mahabharat (aptly nick-named Megabharat), which is a highly corrupted version, and they try to escape blame simply by putting a disclaimer in beginning as 'fictional' or 'based on true events'.

Are there any ancient anecdotes within Itihasa/Puranas/Vedas of someone misinterpreting  or falsifying scriptures, how to detect it, and what's the punishment if any ? Like a self-certified 'guru' going about dispensing his imagination under the name of shastra ?

Shastra-ninda (blasphemy) is a known sin, but what about Shastra-Parinaama (changing) ? Isn't it worse ?


texts: When Shiva has five faces how does Subramanya have six faces?

texts:
Muruga is created from the third eye of Shiva. The five faces of Shiva are
Sadyojata, Aghora, Tatpurusham, Ishana and Vamadeva. Where is the sixth
face of Shiva to create another face for Subramanya?


texts: I am trying to write an article on the origin and meaning of Shiva Tandava Stotram for the general audience. I know the basic background story of how Ravana wanted to impress Lord Shiva and how this beautiful chant was composed by him. But I want to learn more about the earliest recorded versions of it? Where is it originally located in our texts? Who first made it famous? What are the deeper meanings?


texts: Valmiki's Knowledge of Ramayana and Time period?

texts: I am very confused about the timeline between Valmiki and the creation of Ramayana. I have read somewhere that Valmiki existed during the time period of 100 BCE, and actually met Lord Ram in person. This is impossible, however, because Ramayana took place thousands of years before this. Is there an error with what I read? Can anybody provide an accurate timeline and the relation between Valmiki and Ramayana.


texts: Is Vayu identical to Pavan in Dvaita philosophy?

texts: Is the Vayu deva (Mukhya Prana) in the Devata taratamya of Acharya Madhwa identical with Pavan deva or is he someone different?


texts: What are the different methods of Aura cleaning?

texts:
As far as I know few methods to clean our Aura are :

Keep the body clean(Abhyanga snana).
Wind bath.
Mud bath.
Fire bath.
Eat Veggies.
Thought , Word and Deed have to be in harmony channelised towards Dharma.

Aura cleansing by Sadhguru Jaggu Vasudev

Are there any other methods which are having reference in our scripts?

If above given methods are not correct then do explain with references.


texts:
Had any incident happened in Hinduism history where a Yaksha did penance and got boon from supreme Gods?
I want to know about Yakshas. Do they also do penance and get boon like Asuras?


texts: Where do I find Devotional Sanskrit Stotra Sung in praise of Lord Kartikeya from?

texts:
There does not seem to be many Sanskrit stotras in praise of Lord Kartikeya. Being a member of the Shiva family I am wondering why aren't their many stotras in comparison to other gods?

Also, what are the stotras in praise of Lord Kartikeya? Are there any online audios of them? E.g. this search does not return many diverse valid results relative to other searchers. I am looking to collect as many Sanskrit Devotional Storas/Mantras of Lord Kartikeya in audio / video format.


texts: Did Lord Krishna really consume alcohol?

texts:
In a website, I found a verse supposedly from the Mahabharata where Lord Krishna drinks alcohol along with Arjuna:

  उभौ मध्वासवक्षिप्तावुभौ चन्दनरूषितौ ।
    स्रग्विनौ वरवस्त्रौ तौ दिव्याभरणभूषितौ ॥
  (I saw) both of them (Krishna and Arjuna) drunk with Madhvâsava (sweet spirituous liquor made from honey), both adorned with sandal paste, garlanded, and wearing costly garments and beautiful ornaments.” (Mahabharata - Udyoga, LVIII. 5)

However, I was unable to locate the verse in the Mahabharata (translated by K.M. Ganguli) Udyoga Parva LVIII. Is it truly from the Mahabharata. Is the translation correct? I have heard Sanskrit words can have multiple meanings. If it truly means a liquor and indeed located in the Mahabharata, why would Lord Krishna drink something that is not Satvic?


texts: What is meaning of Sanskrit word Omkar/Aumkar and Omkareshwar. Please don't tell me that its jyotirlinga, I already know it, I want to know the meaning of word Omkar.


texts: How can everybody attain Moksha if the new descendents are always born & certain Karma-s are always lingering?

texts:
Moksha implies freedom from the cycle of rebirth. In theory thus anybody can attain it, including lower species who may ascend to higher consciousness.

What about the latest descendents, who will always have certain Karma-s & desires pending?
For example, Pitru-runa implies the generation of offspring and then their upkeep until they become mature as has been done to one by their father.

How to resolve the contradiction then that every living thing in this universe can achieve Moksha?


texts: How to invoke apad-dharma when unable to do nityakarma?

texts: What are the exact steps to be followed ? And when one feels that things are back to normal then what are the steps to resume?


texts: What are the dates of Subala and Mudgala Upanishads?

texts:
Scholarly opinion is as follows:

https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Mudgala_Upanishad.html

  The author or composition date of Mudgala Upanishad is unknown. Jan Gonda – a professor of Sanskrit and Dutch Indologist, states it is a late Upanishad.[4] The style and structure of Sanskrit words used by the text suggest it to be a medieval text.[7][8] The text, states Klaus Witz, is a post-Vedic but early Vaishnava Upanishad.[9] The Upanishad reflects an integration and a harmony of Vedic doctrines with those of Vaishnava doctrines.[10]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subala_Upanishad

  The Subala Upanishad, together with the relatively older Mudgala Upanishad, are two Upanishads that discuss the Purusha Sukta of Rigveda,[5] both notable for asserting that Narayana (Vishnu) is the Brahman (Highest Reality, Supreme Being).[5][6][7] The Subala Upanishad text differs from Mudgala Upanishad in presenting more verses of the Purusha Sukta,[5][8] being longer, and for declaring Narayana to be the father, the mother, the refuge, the friend and the goal of every living being.[4][6]

  The author or composition date of Subala Upanishad is unknown. Hans Hock states that it is a late Upanishadic text.[12]

Is this the consensus as to the dates of these texts?


texts: What is Yajna, how it is different from Tapas?

texts:
What is Yajna? How it is different from Tapas?

Can anyone give scriptural references which describes these two terms?


texts: Are there any Indian travellers who visited abroad for learning other cultures, faiths?

texts:
Many foreign visitors visited India since ancient times to study the cultures and religions of the land.

Did India have any of its own in the past who similarly travelled across nations to study the different faiths, cultures etc., Is there any written account of Indian travellers describing the world outside India? Are their Journals documenting their travels available?

Answers needed from religious perspective i.e., from Hindu Texts.


texts: Did the Mahabharata and the Ramayana happen in the current Yuga cycle in the current Manvantara?

texts: The Mahabharata war has been given a date of around 3300 BC by back-tracing planetary positions from scriptural references (archeo-astronomy). The Ramayana is speculated to be anywhere between a few generations prior to the Mahabharata to a few millennia before. But is there any reference in the Puranas that affirms that both these stories happened in the current Yuga cycle we are living in? Because, do planetary positions repeat themselves in each Yuga cycle?


texts: Why didn't Krishna help or save Pandavas when they played the game of dice with Kauravas and Shakuni?


texts: A few questions on homosexuality and hinduism

texts:
Sorry this is a taboo topic but I have 2 questions

What are some examples of bad karma that result in a birth as a homosexual ?It seems that it can only be a bad karma as good karma can't possibly result in a sexual deviance birth.

Someone told me, being a cause in separation of a husband and wife in past life, results in a birth as a homosexual in this life. As one was cause of separation between 2 lovers, one is cursed to be loveless in this life as a homosexual.

Is the third-gender mentioned in scriptures referring to homosexuals ?


texts: Does Arjuna ever ask Krishna to prove Himself?

texts:
In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna (or any of the others) doesn't ask for Krishna a proof of His supremacy/divinity/Godliness. He just assumes Krishna to be divine and correct.

Is there a dialogue (chapter and verse please) where Arjuna questions the authenticity of Krishna ?
When exactly does Arjuna come to believe that what Krishna says is the ultimate truth and not just His mendacity ?


texts: What is the story of the three previous Agnis who passed away?

texts:
The Shatapatha Brahmana 1.3.3 mentions the following interesting conversation between Agni and the other gods:

  He then lays the (three) enclosing-sticks (paridhi) around (the fire). The reason why he lays the enclosing-sticks around (is this). When at first the gods chose Agni for the office of Hotri, he said: 'Verily, I am not equal to this, that I should be your Hotri, and that I should carry your oblation. Already you have chosen three before, and they have passed away. Restore them to me: then I shall be equal to this, that I should be your Hotri and that I should carry your oblation!' They said, 'So be it!' and they restored to him those (three former Agnis): they are these enclosing-sticks.

The Section 1.2.3 also gives some details:

  Fourfold, namely, was Agni (fire) at first. Now that Agni whom they at first chose for the office of Hotri priest passed away. He also whom they chose the second time passed away. He also whom they chose the third time passed away. Thereupon the one who still constitutes the fire in our own time, concealed himself from fear. He entered into the waters. Him the gods discovered and brought forcibly away from the waters.

The earlier section also mentions their epithets:

  That which is spilt he touches, with the formulas (Vâg. S. II, 2), 'To the Lord of the Earth--svâhâ!' 'To the Lord of the World--svâhâ!' 'To the Lord of Beings--svâhâ!' These, indeed, are the names of those Agnis,--to wit, Lord of the Earth, Lord of the World, and Lord of Beings. Thus in like manner as that (oblation) which is accompanied by 'Vashat' is offered up (to the particular deity to which it is announced), so is this (offered up) on his (the sacrificer's) part to those Agnis.

I want to know what is the story of these three previous Agnis who served the gods but then passed away?


texts: Pranayama is a Nitya-karma daily activity (Kumbhaka pranayam is used in Sandhyavandana) and is major part of yoga and Hinduism. What are benefits of pranayama both medicinal and spiritual aspects.


texts:
I really dig this Ganesh mantra sung by Suresh Wadkar. I use it during aerobics and meditation and just doing housework. But I have been told that this is a bad practice. Is there canon support for this claim or is it a respect issue? or is there some other issue I am missing?

It's not really a personal question ... I'd like to know in general if this is a bad practice.


texts: Any mantras that are not of Sanskrit origin?

texts: Are there any spells (mantras) in Hinduism which are not in Sanskrit, but in other languages. I came across a mantra in Awadhi dialect of Hindi, it's something about blessings for studying and was devoted to Lord Rama! Do you know any other spell which is not in Sanskrit? Why can't we have spells in other languages? Any example?


texts: Who is Madhavi, performer of Sharanagati?

texts:
The Sri Vachana Bhushanam is a work by the 13th century Sri Vaishnava Acharya Pillai Lokacharya on the subject of Sharanagati, complete surrender to Sriman Narayana as a means to attain Moksha and other fruits.  In verse 32 of the Sri Vachana Bhushanam, Pillai Lokacharya lists various scriptural examples of people who have performed Sharanagati:

The fact that there is no restriction of qualification [for Sharanagati] has these examples: the Pandavas beginning with Yudhishthira, Draupadi, Kakasura, Kaliya, Gajendra Alvan, Perumal [Rama], Ilaya Perumal [Lakshmana], and others; as they have all done Sharanagati, there is no restriction of qualification.

In his commentary on this verse, the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Manavala Mamunigal elaborates on the “and others” part by listing several more scriptural examples of Sharanagati:

"toṭakkamāṉavarkaḷ” eṉkaiyālē “sōham tvām caraṇampāra mapramēyam samprāpta: paramapatam yatō na kiñcit samsāra cramaparitāpa tapta cētā nirvāṇa pariṇatatāmni sāpilāṣ” eṉṟu mucukuntaṉum, “mūṭōya malpamati ralpa vicēṣṭitōyam kliṣṭam manōsya viṣayair namayiprasaṅki, ittam krupāṅ kuru mayi praṇatēkilēca tavām stōtu mampuja pavōpihi tēva nēca:” eṉṟu caṣatrapantuvum, “pakavantam prapannāsā pakavantamavāp ha” eṉṟu mātaviyum, “tam prapinnacirōkrīvam āsyēpya: sruta cōṇitam vilōkya caraṇam jakmus tatpatn'yō matusūtanam” eṉṟu kāḷiyapattikaḷum, “praṇāma pravaṇā nāta taitya sain'ya parājitā: caraṇam tvā manuprāptās samastā tēvatā tēvatā kaṇā:” eṉṟu intrāti tēvarkaḷum, “rāṣasair vatyamānānām vānarāṇām mahācamū: caraṇyam caraṇam yātā rāmam tacaratātmajam” eṉṟu srīvānara sēṉaiyum
“And others” refers to Muchukunda described by [a Bhagavatam verse], Kshatrabandhu described by [a Vishnudharma Purana verse], Madhavi described by “she who did Sharanagati to Bhagavan reached him”, the wives of Kaliya described by [a Vishnu Purana verse], the Devas beginning with Indra described by “oh Lord, the Devas defeated by the armies of the Daityas stood interested in worshiping you and surrounded to you”, and the holy army of the Vanaras described by [a Valmiki Ramayana verse].

I’m interested in the part in bold.  My question is, who is this woman Madhavi who did Sharanagati and then attained Moksha?
And what scripture is the verse describing her from?  Here is the verse:

bhagavantam prapannā sā bhāgavantamavāpaha

Do any subcommentaries on Manavala Mamunigal’s commentary shed light on this?


texts: Do scriptures specify how animals should be killed during the sacrifice?

texts: I think the horse in the Ashwamedha was killed with knives.  The Somavajapeya involves suffocating the sacrificial animal if I am not mistaken.


texts: Who are the seers of narayana suktam and sri rudram/shat rudriyam respectively?

texts: They are the most prominent hymns for shaiva and vaishnava traditions, but which sage heard them?


texts: Is Padma Purāṇa the source of this verse on Ṛṇānubandha (relationship due to one's past deeds)?

texts:
The following verse has been used in a couple of answers here and this blog post claims the verse is from the Padma Purāṇa although it doesn't mention the chapter # or the context.

  Definition [of ṛṇānubandhana] from the The Padma Purana

    Runanubhanda Rupena Pashu Patni Suta Aalaya
    Runakshaye Kshyayaanthi Tatra Parivedana

    Meaning: Every relationship is the result of previous birth bondage. Once the debt is annihilated, there is no relationship and hence the end of suffering in this Saṃsāra.

Is Padma Purāṇa really the source of this verse?


texts: Is there a chance for divine forces to get into common man's body and make do things?

texts: Is there a chance for divine forces to get into common man's body and make do extraordinary things?


texts: Can the Devi Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavatam co-exist?

texts:
As we all know, Srimad Bhagavatam is regarded as the best of the Mahapuranas. It is also the most famous and widely commented upon scripture.

But we also have the Devi Bhagavata, which calls itself a Mahapurana, but is actually considered as an Upapurana. Many have argued and put forth their points as to which Bhagavatam is the Mahapurana, and which should be called the Upapurana. Some of those links are here:
HereHereHereHere

The facts gathered from some of the arguments are:

Most Puranas describe the Bhagavatam as the ideal text for gaining  devotion to Vishnu.
Some scriptures like the Shiva Purana call it as the Purana describing Devi's Glories.
Devi Bhagavatam tallies fully with Mahabharata, while Bhagavatam freely digresses - the very foundation of the Bhagavatam as being narrated by Shukabrahmarshi to Parikshit is going off a tangent to the Mahabharata, because in that Parikshit builds a tower to secure himself, and Shukabrahma attains Moksha in Kailasa.
Srimad Bhagavatam has obviously inspired majority of Indians as compared to Devi Bhagavatam
The Matsya Purana lists characteristics of Bhagavata as, "That which is of 18000 verses, begins with the Gayatri, describes the glories of Sarasvata Kalpa and has Vrtrasura Vadha in it." These characteristics are there in both Puranas.

But even so, I found in the Bhagavatam itself subtle proofs that it is a work apart from the normal genre of Puranas. While the Puranas deal with exposition of the glories of the various deities and so on, the Bhagavatam is wholly dedicated to Krsna (Vishnu) and was written primarily on the advise of Narada, when Vyasa Bhagavan felt a void even after compiling the Vedas, Puranas and Mahabharata in that order.

So this would mean that the eighteen Puranas were complete, but since Vyasa was still incomplete (so to say), he finally was inspired to compose Srimad Bhagavatam.

Which leads to the question itself: Does this mean that both Bhagavatam and Devi Bhagavatam count as Mahapuranas?
Or does it mean that the Devi Bhagavatam was (somehow) replaced by the new edition of Srimad Bhagavatam?


texts: If we are all Vishnu, where do the Thrimuurthulu live?

texts: The entire universe came into formation from one god - Lord Vishnu. Then how can we describe the REALM in which all the other gods like Brahma, Shiva, Indra live? Are they too a part of Lord Vishnu or separate entities?


texts: What is Shakti Visishtadvaita philosophy?

texts: Does any one know what this(Shakti Visishtadvaita) philosophy is all about? I know what are dvaita, advaita philosophies but this is new one.


texts: What is the location of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga?

texts: According to Wikipedia, the location of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is given at two places: Parli in Maharashtra and Deoghar in Jharkhand. Which of those is the correct location of the Jyotirlinga?


texts: From which dimension of existence did Matsya take the Sapatarishis? And to where?

texts:
In scriptures, it is stated that Vishnu took Matsya avatar again during end of previous Manu, and there was a pralaya on Earth. If that's the case, from which place did Saptarishis in boat travel? Finally, where did Matsya - fish drop the Saptarishis? Was it from different dimension of existence?

Excerpt of @YDS's answer to What is chronological timeline (in Manvantara and Mahayuga) of Lord Vishnu incarnations?

  In the beginning (1st Sata yuga) of 7th Manvantar (Vaivaswata or present Manvantar) of the Svet-Vrah or present kalp. This incarnation of Vishnu saved Vaivaswata from the deluge (Pralaya), who later became 7th Manu and the current Manvantar is named after his name


texts: Why are all the names of Kubera so dark?

texts:
So I was examining the names of Kubera in an attempt to answer the question, "Who is the supreme deity, Yakṣa form." Then, I realized literally all of Kubera's names have dark associations or subtext and would fit a stereotypical villain than a stereotypical deity. What's up with that? Are the Yakṣa just naturally dark and/or evil-like (not necessarily truly evil)?
See for yourself here:
http://sanskritdictionary.com/?iencoding=iast&q=kinnare%C5%9Ba&lang=sans&action=Search
I am especially talking about the ones in the Amarakosha Search i.e.
Ekapiṅga, Paulastya, Dhanādhipa, Manuṣyadharman, Tryambakasakha, Śrīda, Yakṣa, Vaiśravaṇa, Rājarāja, Guhyakeśvara, Aiḍaviḍa, Naravāhana, Kinnareśa, Dhanada, Yakṣarāṭ, Puṇyajaneśvara.


texts:
What is the difference between danam and dharma I cannot find out the difference in any of the scriptures as Karna is called the dana warrior and Yudhishthira is called of dharma
Can anyone help me....?


texts: Why was Lord Shiva a vairagi in the starting and then turned into a grihastha?

texts: Lord Shiva was a vairagi in the starting, then why did he turn into a grihastha by marrying Goddess Sati and then her reincarnation Goddess Parvati?


texts: Measles according to the customs & beliefs

texts:
I was a bit surprised to realize that there was no post relating to measles. Anything about it would help me, like:

How it is viewed and what is its significance?
Do the scriptures mention it as being a manifestation of a Goddess or the results of her anger?
Is the treatment mentioned in the history?

Or is it merely superstition?


texts: Is there any recommended asana for a student studying any branch of knowledge from a book?

texts:
It is customary to study from a book for gaining knowledge.

Is there any asana recommended by Hindu scriptures in this context?


texts: Which will be best method for awakening 7 Chakras?

texts:
As I am very eager to know about Chakras & awakening them for well being.

I have read a lot about them but they all are refer to different methods like do some yogas or chanting matras etc.

Does any have solid reference about it from our ancient books ?

You can find reference that science even also agreeing with chakras.
https://gostica.com/aura-science/proof-energy-chakras-confirmed-science-finally-proves-meridians-exist/
https://www.quora.com/Is-there-any-scientific-proof-of-the-existence-of-chakras