texts: Is there any scripture prohibiting marriage across Varṇa, that can't be explained as being just dating advice?

texts:
I know scriptures encourage to marry within the same Varṇa (especially a female marrying a lower Varṇa), but these always seemed to me to be about people seeking marriage, not wanting to marry someone specific. I especially believe this I think I remember Bhīṣma saying a man should marry a women three years younger than him, which is obviously meant for people looking for a spouse they have met yet from literally no one reacting to marriages that don't have this age combination and this being very impractical to be a hard rule. There also does not seem to be any repercussions for marrying outside your Varṇa, which would be expected if this wasn't just dating advice.
Is there anything in scripture that is against marriage across Varṇa, and it definitely cannot be explained by just being dating advice i.e. doesn't allow marriage from falling in love unintentionally?


texts:
Vachaspati Mishra took many years to create this book without taking care of his routine life like eat, sleep, drink etc. During this time his wife(Bhamati) kept his taken care. At last, when completed the book, He forgot his wife.

I just want to know brief detail about this book if possible.


texts: Can the bad effects of not performing Shradhha Paksha be avoided through Hari Nama?

texts: If a person for some reasons forgets or is not able to do Shradhha Paksha of his ancestors, but does lots of Namajapa or chants Hari-nama lots of times in his life everyday, does he still get the ill effects of that omission?


texts: Why do Hindus give the bhoz (party) after someone's death?

texts: I am a Hindu but sometimes I really think what is going on in our religion. Someone lost his family member and gave bhoz (party) to all the relatives and brahmins. Why is this happening in Hindu culture only?


texts: Does Shri Vaishnava sannyasa rules restrict their monks to enter into Shiva temples?

texts:
I read in a book on Kinkar Madhav Ramanuj Jeor that ShrinVaishnava saints are NOT permitted by the sect to enter into Shiva Temples.

We know that both Shiva and Vishnu say in different scriptures that they are One and one who discriminates between the two will be fallen.

What is the scriptural basis of such a rule for the Shri Vaishnava monks then?

Or is the book providing wrong information?


texts:
In Mahabharata, we know that Drona was a Brahmin. He would refuse to teach any Shudra student citing that it is not their Dharma to become a warrior.

In the same vein, was it not wrong on Drona's part to learn warrior skills and then imparting skills to Kshatriya (Pandavas/Kauravas) despite himself being a Brahmin?

Wasn't he breaking the rules of his Dharma when he acquired warrior skills from Parashurama or even when he actively participated in the Kurukshetra war?


texts: Why is Indra known as Vaikuntha in some Rigvedic verses?

texts:
Rig Veda Book 10 Verse 48 refers to Indra as Indra Vaikuntha. From what I understand, Vaikuntha was also the name of an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Raivat Manvantar though the Indra then was someone else.

SO my question is - Is there a relation between the present Indra and Vaikuntha incarnation of Lord Vishnu? If not why is he referred to as Vaikuntha?


texts: Scriptures that are explicitly dedicated for mantras

texts:
In Hinduism, there are different types of scriptures based on their nature.

Most of the scriptures consist of more about a particular aspect and cover other aspects of Hinduism partially.

Suppose if we consider Mahabharata, it contains about yoga, mantra, etc.. But scriptures like Patanjali yoga sutras, hatha yoga prathipadika, etc., are almost completely dedicated to yoga.

Similarly, there are many other scriptures containing mantras. But my doubt is whether are there any scriptures that are completely dedicated to the field of mantra? If yes, then what are the names of the scriptures?


texts: Where can I get the Vishnu Purana with Ramanujacharya's commentary in English online?

texts: I would like to read Ramanujacharya's commentary on the Vishnu Purana in English online. Can anyone provide me the relevant link?


texts: Which all works are attributed to sage Shaunaka?

texts:
The name of Sage Shaunaka is often heard in the Puranas. The Puranas are narrated by Suta Mahamuni to the sages headed by Shaunaka.

Besides being the listener to the Puranas, he has also authored some works. I came across Bṛhaddevatā which contains explanation and information about the deities who were praised in the mantras of Rigveda. I also read somewhere on the internet that he has authored another book named Ṛgveda-Prātiśākhya which details about precise pronunciation of the mantras.

Which all works were authored (or attributed) by him?


texts: By what prayer Arjuna prayed Lord Shiva while obtaining Pashupatastra?

texts:
Lord Shiva provides Pashupatastra to Arjuna as described in this chapter of the Mahabharata. While giving Pasupatastra Lord Shiva states:

  न त्वेतत् सहसा पार्थ मोक्तव्य पुरुषे कचित् ।
  जगद विनाशयत् सर्वमल्पतेजसी पातितम् ।।
  अवध्यो नाम नास्तयत्र त्रैलक्ये स चराचरे ।
  मनसा चक्षुषा वाचा धनुषा च निपातयत् ।।

  O son of Pritha, this weapon should not be hurled without adequate cause; for if hurled at any foe of little might it may destroy the whole universe. In the three worlds with all their mobile and immobile creatures, there is none who is incapable of being slain by this weapon. And it may be hurled by the mind, by the eye, by words, and by the bow.

Arjuna must have Prayed Lord Shiva with some prayers before obtaining such a powerful Astra. So, By what prayer Arjuna prayed while receiving Pashupatastra?


texts: What is Nyaya philosophy in Hinduism? Is there any scripture for this Philosophy? Is it required to learn the basics of Hinduism?


texts: Ramakrishna prostrating before a prostitute?

texts: I would like to know in detail about the incident where Ramakrishna prostrated before a prostitute and referred her as Maa Kali? Why and under what circumstances he referred her as Kali?


texts: Why are the deity and devotee called by the same name 'Swami Ayyappa' in Sabarimala?

texts:
Sabarimala temple is a famous temple in South India which is located in the state of Kerala. See the website1. Many people visit the temple every year during the pilgrim season. Swami Ayyappa is the deity here and all except women between 10-50 age group can visit the temple with the 41 days vratha is strictly followed.

The biggest difference from other temples is that here the devotees are called by the same name as the deity; that is both are called Swami Ayyappa(Lord Ayyappa). Why are the devotees also called by the same name as the God?


texts: Why did Hanuman not talk to Mandodari? How did he find out she is not Seetha?

texts:
In the Ramayana of Valmiki, Hanuman goes to Lanka and sees the body of Ravan's wife Mandodari, Hanuman believes that she is Seetha (even though she's not in actuality), so why did Hanuman not come in-front of Mandodari and talk to her during this incident in the first place?
    Sundara kanda chapter 10 The next chapter says that he realized that it was not Seetha, but how did he realize this?


texts: Can a groom touch the feet of the bride during marriage?

texts:
In some hindu marriages I see couples durning the feet touching practice, once the bride bends down, touches the groom's feet and gets back up, the groom then bends down and touches the feet of the bride. The couples call it an act of "Mutual respect" and some media outlets call it "Progressive wedding".
My question: Is the groom touching the bride's feet allowed in Hinduism? Can the groom receive blessings from the bride by touching her feet?


texts:
This link describes that the Vedas have no problem with homosexuality:

  In contemporary India LGBT people face discrimination and marginalization. This results from cultural attitudes imposed by the British during their long occupation of India. There is no condemnation of homosexuality in the ancient Hindu texts, and no bias against LGBT people is evident up to the 19th century. In a few Hindu lawbooks, same-gender sexuality is described as producing a state of impurity, but it can be expunged by a ritual bath.

Is it true that the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures accept homosexual people? I mean if homosexuality is against the natural order, then how come the Vedas accept it?


texts:
Background:

I saw in a Karna movie and also read a Mahabharata book, where, towards the end, Karna was injured in his chest by Arjuna's arrow and the last arrow to kill him actually turned in to a flower so it doesn't injure Karna.
Lord Krishna explains the above as: Karna did dāna all his life so the fruits of that dāna is now saving him.
So Lord Krishna turned himself into a brahmin and asked Karna to give him [Krishna] fruits of all his [Karna's] dāna and only after that does Karna actually die.

Question:
Is the above life-saving story of Karna, due to his dāna, really true or is it just shown like that to praise Karna's benevolent nature?


texts: Vishwamitra & Indra were enemies so why does the Brahmarishi sing verses in praise of Indra?

texts:
The entire story of Vishwamitra's ascension to Brahmarishi status is dotted with his conflicts with Devas especially Indra. Indra sent Menaka to disturb the rishi's penance and the Satyavrat episode also pitched Vishwamitra & the king of heavens against each other.

How is it then that the Brahmarishi sings verses in praise of Indra in the Rigved like the below verse (RV 3.32)?

  8 Many are Indra's nobly wrought achievements, and none of all the Gods transgress his statutes.
  He beareth up this earth and heaven, and, doer of marvels, he begot the Sun and Morning.

  9 Herein, O Guileless One, is thy true greatness, that soon as born thou drankest up the Soma.
  Days may not check the power of thee the Mighty, nor the nights, Indra, nor the months, nor autumns.


texts:
if Brahman has no attributes like mind,memory.Then how he created universe?if we say maya created with the presence of brahman. maya is jada.if i want to create some thing i have to use my mind to create. if brahman has no mind how can he create universe. Without mind how brahman can think and use his total capacity called maya. Stula sarira and sukshama saria it is created and it is inside sristi.
to design sukshama saria (mind) he have to think and to design mind and its order.My
Question is Brahman has no mind no memory no attributes then how can he able to design universe or he can able to create and design without mind?


texts: Who compiled Saptasloki Gita and Chatuhsloki Bhagavata?

texts:
In the Chatuhsloki Bhagavata and Saptasloki Gita which quotes SEVEN slokas from Srimad-Bhagavatam and Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita respectively, I found NO mention of the words 'Vishnu' and 'Krishna'!

But these are considered to be essences of Bhagavata and Gita respectively.

Who compiled these two?

UPDATE

The answer to the question: Who are the authors of and what are the significances of "Eka Sloki Ramayana" , "Eka Sloki Bhagawatam" and the like? mentons the four consecutive slokas of Srimad-Bhagavatam which are the four slokas of the Chatuhsloki Bhagavata.But Chatuhsloki Bhagavatam given in Ahnikkrittya by Shyamacharan Kaviratna Vidyavaridhi gives SEVEN slokas.

Mahaprabhu has mentioned the word 'Chatuhsloki' by the way.So there must had been some reference somewhere in the scriptures of these slolkas being mentioned as 'Chatuhsloki'.

Ahnikkrittya is a very famous book and the writer and compilervwas a very very renowned scholar.


texts: Which Yuga did the sanskrit grammarian Panini live in according to Hindu tradition?


texts: Sandhyavandanam before the age of Vishwamitra?

texts:
How was sandhyavandanam performed before the age of Vishwamitra?

Since the two most important parts of sandhyavandanam - arghyam and Gayatri japam - involve the Gayatri (savitri) mantra, I was curious to know what our ancestors did before that.


texts:
This three is more significant in all religions too. In Vishnu temples - for Brahmans, they give 3 times the tulasi jalam, Shiva has trishool, Nadis - Ida, Pingala, Sushumna, EYES = 3 - Pituitary gland, Pineal gland and Sahasra, Gunas = 3, and even you have body, mind, soul.

Vibuthi = they apply it on forehead with three stripes and same case with thirunamam in Vaishnava. So what's the significance of number 3?

So what is the connection we have with 3? Why they give 3 times the tulasi Jalam in Vishnu temples?


texts:
I’m searching for an English translation of the following Shiva Sahasra Nama Stotram
https://www.vignanam.org/veda/shiva-sahasra-nama-stotram-english.html
Can anyone provide a reference?
thank you!


texts: What are the differences between Dvaitadvaita of Sri Nimbarkacharya and Achintya Bheda Abheda of Sri Chaitanya?

texts: What are the philosphical differences between Gaudiya Sampradaya and Nimbarka Sampradaya? I know they both worship Radha-Krishna (unlike Pushtimarg where they worship Krishna as ShriNathji). What are the characteristics of these sampradayas which set them apart from each other?


texts: Is there any historical evidence that Britishers interpolated Hindu scriptures?

texts:
For many years, there is a lot of influence of British in India.

East India Company    1612–1757
Company rule in India  1757–1858
British Raj    1858–1947
Partition of India  1947
Wiki

Is there any historical evidence that British people interpolated any of Hindu Scripture during 1612-1947?


texts: What are the beeja mantras and what is their significance in meditation?

texts:
What are the beeja mantras and what are petal mantras, and what is their relationship with Om/Aum?
In what ways are they helpful in meditation.
If anyone is going to start on meditation, from where he/she should start.
What is their significance in opening the chakras?


texts:
Thirukottiyur Nambi agreed to part with the Mantra and its meaning.
But before that he got a promise from Ramanauja. As per the promise,
Ramanuja should not tell this to anyone as this mantra will take a
person who listens to it directly to Vaikuntam and if it is told out
to others Ramanuja will go to hell.  Ramanuja with great excitement
and anxiety got the mantra and started going back to SriRangam.  While
he was walking thinking of what he heard, all of a sudden he had a
feeling and wanted this mantra to be known to one and all in the world
so that everyone can reach Vaikundam.
Thirukottiyur Nambi came to know of this and became very angry.

From the above passage its clear that Nambi did wanted him to keep the mantra secret.
It is another matter if later he was convinced or not.
My questions are,
Is this to be considered to be a guru droham ?
If at all ramanuja wanted all to be liberated (which is understood), why he didn't take prior permission for doing so ?
What shastras allow one to go against gurus wish and do it without prior permission?


texts: Why aren't all works whose authors are not known regarded as authorless (apauruṣeyā)?

texts:
Are there any refutations to this argument put forth by the Buddhist philosophers? Particularly, the one against the authorlessness of Vedas because no one remembers who their authors are?

  Criticism of the Veda :— The Mīmāṁsāka maintains that the Veda is
  eternal. Words, meanings and their relationship are all eternal. The
  injunctions and the prohibitions of the Veda are all that we need. The
  Veda has neither a before nor an after; therefore it is authorless and
  eternal. Dharmakīrti, Shāntarakṣita and Kamalashīla bitterly criticize
  this view: The Mīmāṁsāka says that ignorance, jealousy, hatred, etc.,
  which are the causes of the unreliability of words are found in
  persons; words of persons, therefore, are unreliable. The Buddhist
  retorts that knowledge, non-jealousy non-hatred etc. which are the
  causes of the reliability of words are found in persons; words of
  persons, therefore, are reliable. It is only a person who can speak or
  write or understand words. The Veda itself cannot reveal its meaning.
  It is indeed a wonder that there are people who can uphold such a
  clearly absurd view that because we do not remember the authors of the
  Veda, therefore the Veda is not the creation of persons! Fie on the
  pitched darkness of ignorance which pervades this world! This view can
  be valid only for the blind followers who are ignorant of logic. By
  this logic many other works also whose authors are not known will have
  to be regarded as authorless. And absolute reliability shall have to
  be attached to those words of heterodox outsiders, the origin of which
  cannot be traced, and to those horrible customs of the Mlechchhas or
  the Parasikas, like marrying one's own mother or daughter, the origin
  of which is not remembered. Again, if the Mīmāṁsāka thinks it his
  right to give peculiar meanings to such ordinary words like 'Svarga,'
  'Urvashi,' etc. which occur in the Veda, then who can reasonably check
  us if we proclaim that this sentence of the Veda—'One who desires
  heaven should perform sacrifice', means that 'One should eat the flesh
  of a dog' or that 'Buddha is omniscient'? The argument that because
  some sentences of the Veda are true, therefore the entire Veda is true
  is clearly wrong because some sentences, even of a trustworthy person,
  may be wrong while some sentences, even of an untrustworthy person,
  may be right. It is only the true words of trustworthy persons which
  do not contradict our experience that should be recognized as the
  Agama. If the Mīmāṁsāka is really eager to establish the authority of
  the Veda, he should try to prove that the Veda is the work of some
  faultless author of supra-normal vision who has risen above all
  ignorance. Indeed, right words embodying truth and goodness, and
  emanating from persons highly intelligent and merciful do claim
  validity.


texts: what are the pramanas that Abhinavagupta uses to prove Appearances come from Consciousness?

texts: I heard that he quoted dharmakirti's pramanavinisccaya to prove that objects have no self existance but are existing in Consciousness.what other proofs and pramanas has he used in his works from Tantraloka to his other works to prove his main thesis that Consciousness is the source of reality?


texts: What Varna did Parashara's mother belong to?

texts: I want to know about the mother of sage Parashara and story of her birth. Which varna, background did she belong ?


texts: How did Parashurama, a Vishnu Avatar, appear alongside the next two Avatars of Rama & Krishna?

texts: Why if Lord Parashurama is a Vishnu Avatar appear with Rama in the Ramayana and with Krishna in the Mahabharata?


texts:
As far as I know there are nine types of sex in Hinduism. A man cannot touch his wife immediately after marriage.

Question: How many days after marriage can a man touch his wife?


texts: Scriptural reference for the fact that Prabhu is fully present in His Name itself. He has put all His powers in His Name

texts:
On Internet, I came across this text today(highlighted portion).

In case the picture is not loading, here is the text which is written in the image

The Vedas declare that God is fully present in His Name itself. He has
put all His powers in His Name. So, He is present in the same form in
His Name as He is in Vrindavan!

Can someone kindly provide some scriptural references? I would be thankful.


texts:
What is God doing now, since God created this universe long ago?

Does God have daily work to do?

Let's consider what God is doing at this moment in time... I mean in the past many significant things were happening, like the killing of demons by different gods... so now god is free? Or if not, what might God be doing now?


texts: What is Ashta Kona Maharshi's contribution to Hinduism?

texts: Elucidate about Ashta Kona Maharshi's contribution to Hinduism. In Hindu scriptures are his contributions narrated?


texts: Can anyone share the complete pdf of bramhanda purana. i've came across many websites but it doesn't contain the full brahanda purana

texts: Can anyone share the complete PDF of bramhanda Purana in Sanskrit or Telugu. I've came across many websites but they doesn't contain the full bramhanda Purana with Bandasura vada story.i want to read it.


texts: What are the Shaivite/Shakta arguments for gestures as a Pramana?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.)  Now as I discuss in this answer, apart from Advaitins most members of the Vedanta school believe in three Pramanas or means of valid knowledge: Pratyaksha or perception, Anumana or inference, and Shabda or scriptural testimony.

But non-Vedantic philosophical schools believe in various different numbers of independent Pramanas, as described in this excerpt from B.L. Atreya's book "The Elements of Indian Logic":

  The Charvakas recognize only one pramana, namely, Pratyaksha, as the source of right knowledge.
  The Vaisheshikas, Jainas and the Buddhists recognize two, namely, Pratyaksha, and Anumana.
  The Sankhya and Yoga schools recognize only three, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana and Shabda.
  The Naiyayikas recognize only four, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, and Upamana.
  Some Mimansakas (followers of Prabhakara) recognize five, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Upamana, Shabda and Arthapatti.
  Another group of Mimansakas (followers of Kumarila Bhatta) and the Vedantists of Shankara (Advaita) school recognize six pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti and Anupalabdhi.
  The scholars of the Puranas (Historians) recognize eight pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi, Aitihya, and Sambhava.
  The Tantrikas (students of the Tantras) recognize nine pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi, Aitihya, Sambhava, and Chesta.
  Some thinkers admit all the ten Pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi, Aitihya, Sambhava, Chesta and Parishesha.

I asked about who believes in ten independent Pramanas in my question here.  But now I'm interested in the part in bold.  It seems that the "Tantrikas", which I assume is a reference to followers of Shaiva or Shakta Agamas, believe in nine independent Pramanas.  In contrast to most other schools of Indian philosophy, Hindu and non-Hindu, they recognize Chesta as an independent Pramana.  Here is B.L. Atreya's definition of Chesta:

  Chesta or gesture is also a source of new knowledge. For example, we know that a dumb follow is hungry by the gestures that he makes.  We also come to know the thoughts and feelings of other people by their gestures and postures, i.e. by their bodily expressions.  The Naiyayikas do not regard it as an independent source of knowledge.  It is a kind of inference in which a sign (linga) gives us a knowledge of something else signified by it, their relation of being the sign and the signified having been discovered through repeated experience.

I agree with the Nyaya school and others that Chesta is reducible to Anumana or inference.  So my question is, what are the Shaivite or Shakta arguments for Chesta not being reducible to any other Pramanas?

By the way, the Shaiva Siddhanta philosopher Arulnandi Sivacharya accepts the same three Pramanas as the Vedanta school; see this excerpt from his Shivajnana Siddhiyar.  So it seems that not all Shaivites and Shaktas believe in nine independent Pramanas.  Does anyone know which Shaivite or Shakta sects do believe it?

EDIT: This excerpt from Kaundinya's commentary on the Pashupata Sutras recognizes the same three Pramanas as the Vedanta school.  So it looks like neither Pashupatas nor Shaiva Siddhantin believe Chesta is an independent Pramana, which makes me all the more curious what Shaivite or Shakta sect believes in Chesta as an independent Pramana.


texts: Can we infer śatakratu शतक्रतु as a person with a wisdom in 100 ways?

texts:
One of the meaning of kratu is Enlightenment.

According to Sanskirt dictionary Kavikratu means having insight of a wise man.

Rig veda III.37.3, dedicated to Indra,  says:

  नामानि ते शतक्रतो विश्वाभिर्गीर्भिरीमहे | इन्द्राभिमातिषाह्ये ||

  O Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, with all our songs we invocate Thy
  names for triumph over foes.

Can we infer  śatakratu शतक्रतु means, a person with a wisdom in 100 ways?


texts: Did Ramanujacarya ever go to Navadvip(Mayapur)?

texts:
I read a Story of Sripad Ramanujacarya; when He was in Jagannath Puri.
The story goes roughly like this.

Lord jagannath being pleased with Ramanujacarya; instructed Him to go to Mayapur to see the Leela of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu(Leela was unmenifest at that time).
So Ramanujacarya leaving His disciples there went to Navadvip and Lord revealed Himself there to Ramanujacarya.

Also Lord jagannath instructed Ramanujacarya to keep the divinity of Lord Chaitanya hidden.

Same story is narrated here.

Is this story known among other sects; apart from Gaudiya vaishnava sect?


texts: Can someone do Upanayan ritual later in life say post 25 years of age?

texts:
Heard some priests saying 8 to 16 years for Brahmins, till 22 for Kshatriya and 24 for vaishya, is the limit for upananya.

But what if someone does after that or priest says no he won't do it as the limit has been not followed. In that case is there any prayaschit for it?


texts:
Normally we consider Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh as the Supreme God and as stated below all souls are part of this Supreme soul.

  yathā sudīptāt pāvakādvisphuliṅgāḥ sahasraśaḥ prabhavante sarūpāḥ
  tathā'kṣarādvividhāḥ somya bhāvāḥ prajāyante tatra caivāpi yanti
  [Mundak Up. 2.1.1]

  Meaning Just like from a well blazing fire shoots forth thousands of
  sparks, so from God arise beings of different kinds and goes back to
  it again.

My Question:  All Supreme souls are male, so are all souls that enter human body male?

Part 2

If not then are there any chances that a soul which was part of female body in previous birth is part of male body in the next birth, which may or may not lead to confusion? As a part of female body soul gains certain karmas and as inhabitant of male body different karmas, so does this add up to some confusion as karmas pile up?


texts: Which sutra explains how to form any habits.?

texts: It's a sutra to do meditation/ any task for like around 24 hours. I don't remember exactly which it is. But I remember it's half translation in English. ( it say.first Do task/meditation 1x time and  relaxation 1x . Then. (I don't remember exactly but. Cut out relaxation time in some pattern and some more lines were there.  And last this is a way to meditate/ do any task for 24 hours.


texts: Why did Ramakrishna marry Sarada Devi when he had no intention of leading a married life?

texts:
The Wikipedia article on Ramakrishna Paramahansa says:

  By the time his bride joined him, Ramakrishna had already embraced the monastic life of a sannyasi; as a result, the marriage was never consummated.

If Ramakrishna was not serious about marriage why did he agree to marry in the first place?

Also, it appears Sarada Devi was only 5 years old at the time of marriage. And 5 years seems too low even according to Manusmṛti:

  A man thirty years old shall marry a charming maiden twelve years old; or one twenty four years old, a damsel eight years old; in the event of his duties suffering, he may do it sooner.—(94)

Wasn't Ramakrishna already serving as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple at the time of his marriage? Wasn't he aware of what the dharma śāstras said on the purpose of marriage, the marriageable age of girls, etc?


texts: I want to understand what hinduism is about? Can someone please tell me? I really would like to know.


texts: What classes of scripture are claimed to be apaurusheya?

texts:
It is well known that Vedas are claimed to be apaurusheya or not of human origin. Hindu scripture has been continuously produced since the Veda-Samhitas – Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Itihasas, Puranas and so forth. There are also a lot of sectarian works which would be considered scripture by adherents of the sect.

Has anything been written in scriptures to recognize the lakshanas of apaurusheya works?


texts:
What is Hinduism's view on porn?

Please include verses to back it up.
If there are no verses than what are the opinions of general public or people known in the research area?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_views_on_pornography#Hinduism


texts: Is killing of a scorpion or snake not himsa according to the scriptures?

texts:
In Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.9.14), we get

modeta sādhur api vṛścika-sarpa-hatyā
(..Even saintly persons take pleasure in the killing of a scorpion or a snake..)

Gita on the other hand clearly says that

12.13 He who is not hateful towards any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, who has no idea of 'mine' and the idea of egoism, who is the same under sorrow and happiness, who is forgiving;
is a true Devotee.

The above two seem contradictory to me.How can a forgiving and compassionate saintly person take pleasure in the killing of a scorpion or a snake?
Is there any way of reconciling the above two statements found in our holy scripture?
UPDATE
I got the translation in an answer to one of my questions, Its an ISKCON translation : https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/7/9/14


texts: Does pradakshina direction differ with each stage of life (ashrama)?

texts:
I heard that a Bramhachari should do pradakshina (circumambulation) clockwise, a Gruhasthu anti-clockwise and a Sanyasi both clockwise and anti-clockwise not crossing the back of the murthi (deity). Is it true?

This answer says we should only do it clockwise so that God always falls to our right side!


texts: Why are there different books on Ramayana?

texts: There are many different stories on Ramayana. Which is the original ? And, why was it manipulated by so many great writers ?


texts: How to get Saakshatkaram of lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana?

texts: How to get Saakshatkaram of lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana and darshanam of Sri Moksha dhama Sri Vaikuntam?


texts: Why do we have mantras and rituals for sinful activities?

texts:
Let's take gambling. As seen in these answers here and here, gambling is a vice. No two ways about it. But there is an entire sukta in Atharva Veda dedicated to success in gambling as seen here
I have also understood from Somaka's story in Mahabharata that human sacrifice , though it gives intended benefits, is still considered a sinful act.
My question is why mantras and rituals exist for activities that are not as per dharma . If doing the right karma is the dharma then why even have such mantras and rituals in first place ?
Note : Not looking for answers that try to justify it on the basis that it was not sinful initially but became sinful over a period of time because of evolving society.


texts:
Many verses in scriptures gives the following ordering w.r.t to a human being

Organs

Manas

Buddhi

Soul

and some people say that there exists another one

Atman

My doubt is about Buddhi part only and the questions are

Is there any word in English that correctly explain the meaning of Buddhi in this context? Is it knowledge or intelligence or wisdom or any other?

Is there any further classification of Buddhi? For example organs can be further classified in to two types and further in to five types of each class.


texts: do temple deities acquire power from devotees?

texts:
i understand the idols are empowered by vedic chanting that is drawn into water and the idol bathed in the potent water.

is there also a hindu tradition that the deity is empowered by the devotees who visit the temple?


texts: Why Aruna doesn't have legs and how did he become charioteer of Surya?

texts: Lord Surya Narayana's Ratha Saradhi (Charioteer) Aruna doesn't have both legs. What exactly is the story behind losing his legs and becoming ratha saradhi of lord Surya?


texts: Is it sin to pluck or broke flowers from plants after evening?

texts:
there is popular belief particular in Gujarat that it is sin to pluck or broke flowers from plants or tree  after evening.

My Question really  Is it sin to pluck or broke flowers from plants or tree  after evening ? or it's only a belief


texts:
kāla is a sanskrit Homonym word with two completely different meanings, one being time (concept of time) another one being anything related to black color, black, dark, darkness.

I was recently watching a Sadhguru video in which he spoke about in Hindu philosophy, both space as matter, darkness & time as darkness.

Meanwhile it seems modern scientists recently correlated/ concluded that both space, time & dark matter, energy are closely related. https://www.sciencealert.com/physicists-just-found-a-link-between-dark-energy-and-the-arrow-of-time

How did kāla became to be word for both time & black/dark/darkness?


texts:
I don't have a question but I was reading about J.R.R. Tolkien and it's books, and I found many similarities with our scriptures. I am not even sure that is it debatable or not.

Now like, most of the stories of Tolkien are based on Norse mythology.
and

they have Elves, in our scriptures we have 'Deva's'
they have Orcs, in our scriptures  we have 'Danvas'
Humans

elves are immortal, royal and oppressed with Gold, so does our devas.

orcs are ugly and filthy fanged humanoids. so does our rakshasa's.

Edit-1

As my friend Arkaprabha suggested, there are more things in common like swarg and valhalla, ragnarok and pralay etc.

So, I was just curious that is it really connected to each other or just coincidence.


texts:
As you all know, Kalki is the avatar that Vishnu will take to end the Kali Yuga. In the Kalki Purana,it is stated that his wife will be Padma,an incarnation of Lakshmi.

However,as per the lore of Vaishno Devi,another incarnation of Lakshmi,Rama promised her that during Kaliyuga, he would take an avatar of Kalki and would then marry her.

Hence,my question is, who will Kalki marry?Padma or Vaishno Devi?


texts: How many incarnations are there of Lord Ganesh?

texts: Lord Ganesh is known to be the first worshipped God. Somewhere I have heard that he was present before the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in some form or incarnation. I want to know how many incarnations does Lord Ganesha has?


texts: If soul is everywhere, then what is leaving the body at the time of death?

texts:
If the whole universe is soul itself, then what is leaving at the time of death? i.e. if the soul is in me, and the same soul is in air, then what is leaving the body?
If the soul is everywhere, then it must be in the dead body also, then why are we saying that the soul is leaving the body?


texts:
I understand that it may sound little absurd but I have noticed that some people have birth marks and some have none, some birth marks are pretty prominent ones.

My question: Do birth marks tell something about the previous birth or reveal any other facts? Are there any references to them anywhere? Are they in any way related to the karmas of previous birth?


texts: What is the scriptural source of the DHYANA SLOKA of Sri Padmanabha Swami?

texts:
What is the scriptural source of the dhyana sloka of Padmanabha Swami as shown in the enclosed image?

Why is Shiva shown in Linga Form and not in His original form while all other deities are in their original form?

Please note that I am not interested in any local stories.

The Question and the answer of Is the Padmanabhaswamy idol at Trivandrum represented as worshipping Siva linga? does NOT throw any light on what I want to know. Moreover the site referred to writes that 33 crores of gods and demigods are present in the temple, whereas hinduism has only 33 types of God! I want the reference to the dhyana mantra of the deity and not wild imaginations.


texts: What is the story of revelation of Shiva sutras to sage Sri Vasugupta?

texts:
Shiva sutras are core text of Kashmir Shaiva agamas.

What is the story behind Lord Vasugupta getting the revelation of Shiva sutras?


texts: I heard the word "Samudra-manthan" in many places. This word is used in many puranas as well. But I don't what it is actually. How can amrit(elixir) and also Halaahal(poison) can be produced from Ocean? I even surfed internet more than a hour. But I don't found any article about it which can compromise my curiosity. So can you explain me, what is actually Samudra-manthan?


texts: What happened to Pandavas in future lives?

texts: Did the Pandavas eventually take rebirth? If they did, who were they and what happened to them?


texts: Which Vaishnavite sects have the concept of "Nitya Suri"?

texts: I know that SriVaishnavites have this concept.  What exactly does it mean and do other Vaishnavite sects have it?


texts: Why are Puranas silent on events taking place in previous Kalyugs or events of 8th Manvantara from previous Kalpas?

texts:
As seen in questions and answers here, here and here, Puranas attribute the differences in their contents to different Kalpas. However if that is indeed the case, why don't we ever read about events taking place in Kalyugs of previous Mahayugas,Manvantaras or Kalpas. Is it because of lack of events in Kalyugs that can help us in spiritual development ?
Also there is no mention of events taking place in 8th and later Manvantaras from previous Kalpas. Any reasons ? Can it be that verses in the couple of Puranas that  match different Puranas with Kalpas are spurious ?


texts: Is the following statement of swami Sivananda advaitic or non advaitic?

texts:
Swami Sivananda says in his book God Exists

If we have no faith in God, we will be born again and again in this world and will undergo considerable miseries. The ignorant, faithless, doubting self goes to destruction. He cannot enjoy the least happiness. Neither this world, nor that beyond is there for the doubting self. Those who have no faith in God do not know what is right and what is wrong. They have lost the power of discrimination. They are untruthful, proud and egoistic. They are given to excessive greed, wrath and lust. They hoard up money by unlawful means. They become men of demoniacal nature. They commit various sorts of atrocious crimes. They have no ideals for their lives. They are thrown into the lowest depths, deluded, birth after birth.(chapter 2 Why Should We Believe In God?)

So is this advaitic because advaita vedanta followes the path of knowledge and not the path of devotion(bhakti yoga) . And belief in God is only required for path of devotion and not the path of knowledge(jnana yoga)


texts: In Hinduism lot of gods available. Is there any definition for gods in Hinduism? How the gods are identified?


texts: Who is the headless god in this picture?

texts:
I recently came across this picture of Vishnu's incarnation Narasimha being worshiped by various Devas:

Most of these Devas are recognizable.  Starting from the top left and going counterclockwise, I recognize Garuda, Surya, Agni, Daksha, Shiva, Nandi, Kamadhenu, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Parvati, Brahma, Ketu, Tumburu, Vishvaksena, and Garuda.

But my question is, who is the headless god kneeling in the bottom left corner of the picture?  And how did he lose his head?

He may be associated with the two horned figures kneeling to him, if that helps.


texts: What is the authentic Nishpatthi (Etymology) of Samadhi?

texts:
According to Wikipedia,

Various interpretations for the term's etymology are possible:

  sam, "together"; a, "toward"; stem of dadhati, "puts, places": "a    putting or joining together;"
  sam, "together" or "integrated"; ā, "towards"; dhā, "to get, to
  hold": "to acquire integration or wholeness, or truth" (samāpatti);
  sam, "uniformly" or "fully"; adhi, "to get established: : a state    wherein one establishes himself to the fullest extent in the Supreme
  consciousness;
  samā, "even"; dhi, "intellect": a state of total equilibrium of a    detached intellect.
  sam, "perfect," "complete." dhi, "consciousness": a state of being    where "all distinctions between the person who is the subjective
  meditator, the act of meditation and the object of meditation merge
  into oneness."
  sama, "equanimous" dhi,"buddhi or the intellect"

Can someone please give actual Nishpatthi and Pada Vibhaga for the word and also cite authentic sources?


texts:
As discussed in this answer, Krishna is a rare philosopher, who related "I / Me" with the ultimate supremacy during the discourse of Gita. That implies that the "I / Me" resides in every being & non-being & is also beyond them.

When I read below verses again & again, it makes me feel like the "I / Me" are beyond the "Brahman" as well, and are not same.

  BG 8.16 - All planes along with BrahM-plane are repetitive, O Arjuna. But reaching "Me", O son of Kunti, the rebirth doesn't happen.
  BG 8.17 - Knowing that thousand eras constitute a day of Brahman, [and] thousand eras complete a night, are the people who know day, [and] night.
  BG 13.13 - I shall speak of that which is knowable (should be known). Knowing which, one attains immortality. The supreme Brahman dwelling under Me, is beginningless. "That" is said to be neither existent nor non-existent."
  BG 13.14 - That (Knowable), which has hands and feet everywhere, which has eyes, heads and mouths everywhere, which has ears everywhere, exists in creatures by pervading them all.
  BG 14.27 - For 'I' am the Abode of Brahman-the indestructible and immutable, the eternal, the Dharma and absolute Bliss.

BG 8.16, 8.17 suggests that, if one reaches BrahM (or Brahman), then still that one has to repeat. Because, even Brahman also has day & night, which is ~24 million years, as discussed in this answer. However, "I / Me" is timeless, hence no return.
BG 13.13 GambhirAnanda's also translates: Supreme Brahman dwelling under 'Me'.
BG 13.14 Read "clarification" section.
BG 14.27 also suggests as "Brahman" is in 'My' abode.

Often in this site, we all interpret Brahman as supreme. But at least the translations of above verses are differing in nature. My guess is that, the "I / Me" represents, what we call Nirguna Brahman.
Is there any other scriptural or philosophical reference, which shows relation between "I / Me" & Brahman?

Clarification: There is always a confusion between, Brahman (supreme one) and BrahmA (4 headed deity). Now, in Gita there is no mention of such formful deity. I am not sure, even in MahAbhArata, such mention will be there. This seems more of a pictorial representation by devotees, which is coming since centuries.

My theory: According to BG 13.14 verse, Brahman is having "heads everywhere". Not only heads, but eyes, hands, feet everything, everywhere. In old times, people wanted to represent this Brahman, hence they painted with "4 heads & several hands". May be with time & interpolations, this Brahman became BrahmA and further became an [inferior] part of trinity.

Below should be the right interpretation of Brahman (image only for representation):
 ====>

This is similar to how pictorial representation of Vishnu is done, by 'pervading throughout the universe':

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

Hence, it's safe to assume: Brahman = BrahmA = BrahM, in context of this question.


texts: I am trying to find the meaning of the word मासितरत्नों that i came across in shrimad devi puran can anyone please explain?

texts: जहां एक स्वर्णजटित, मासितरत्नों की आभा से मंडित मनोरम सिंहासन this is present in third skanda. I have already tried googling but have not found it .


texts:
From what I know of...

A boon bestowed upon Lord Ganpati made mandatory that first shloka(verse) of any religious book should start with shree ganeshaya namaha.

But after reading mahabharta in its original form, its first verse starts with:

  नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरॊत्तमम  देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततॊ जयम
  उदीरयेत

  nārāyaṇaṃ namaskṛtya naraṃ caiva narottamam  devīṃ sarasvatīṃ caiva tato jayam udīrayet

  Bowing to Lord Nārāyaṇa (Kṛṣṇa), to Nara, the best of men [namely Arjuna],   and to the Goddess [of knowledge] Sarasvatī, then may one
  commence the [lore called] Jaya (Victory).

This slightly amazed me!

How Lord Ganpati was unknown till time of mahabharta? That obviously means at time of Ramayana too, since it happened before mahabharta.

Reference For Mahabharta.


texts: What to do when a vow has been broken by a person?

texts:
What to do when vow has been broken by a person? Can any prayaschit is there
What are the Prayaschitta measures for breaking a vow??? Here
Here the vow maker taken aperson(who took the vow) took it without knowing anything about it. Now
Now what kind of punishment(as per Scriptures) must the aspirantone undergo for the breakage ofbreaking such vow???
Here the vow maker took a vow to complete a vow when he gets job and in his mind he was thinking of a govt job but now he get a private job. Shall he have to fulfill his vow ??? Does his words taken into consideration or what he think will be taken into consideration???if he fulfill it now then it will be consider na that his vow is completed and when he get govt job then he don't have to do it again???


texts: Were Rama and Lakshmana the only humans who fought in the Ramayana war?

texts: We have these beings called Rakshasas on Ravana's side and monkeys and bears on Rama's side.  I don't recall reading about any humans beside Rama and Lakshmana fighting on either side.  For that matter, its not clear if Rama and Lakshmana ran into any humans after the abduction of Sita until they came back to Ayodhya.


texts: Why don't we remember our punishments in Naraka(Hell)?

texts:
They say that we are living here on Earth where we are sent by God and are observed. If we do good deeds, we acquire punya. If we do bad deeds, we acquire paapa. After death, We are sent to Naraka(Hell) to get punished for our paapa and are sent to Swarga(Heaven) to enjoy the fruits of our punya.

But after that we are sent back to Earth again and again until the said soul attains Moksha and are sent to Vaikunta or Kailasa or elsewhere where it is the true destination place. Here we truly enjoy.

My question is that If we were to remember the pain and punishment from our previous visits to Naraka, wouldn't it be a guideline to us to learn from our previous experiences and work towards attaining moksha. The Earth would be a better place.


texts: Do the Vedas have 'commandments' similar to the bible? (E.g., does it forbid murder?)

texts:
I hope not to offend, but I should admit that I don't intend to read the entirety of the Vedas to find whether or not it forbids murder, rape, lying, hypocrisy, etc.

As I am sure you are well aware, other holy texts have a great deal of commandments such as 'do not kill' or 'murder infidels', and I am curious if such exists in the Vedas.

I am working on the history of morality. I am aware of a great deal of good and a great deal of bad within the Vedas, but specific questions are difficult to find where I am from (America).

So, do the Vedas command against murder? If so, what quote or reference may you provide? I'm also interested if it forbids traditionally accepted evils (theft, perjury, hypocrisy).

And, if you'll pardon me to break the rules a bit, I'd like to ask a simpler question: when are the Vedas suspected to have been created (orally, and in the written form)?


texts: If Lord Ganesha is married then why is he worshipped as a bachelor.....?

texts:
In India lord Ganesh is worshipped as a bachelor in south india and in north india he worshipped with wives.

QUESTION:

If lord ganesh is married then why he is worshipped as a bachelor ?
What is the reason for different way of worshipping  ?


texts: What is the mystery of ayOnija (अयोनिज) births?

texts:
We will come across Sita in Valmiki Ramayana, as ayOnija - अयोनिज, a non-uterine birth.  Similarly, in Mahabharata, we read about Draupadi and Dhristadyumna, who are also ayOnijas, borne out of fire.

Human body consists of 5 elements, i.e., panchabhUta. After their birth, ayOnijas are also susceptible to human feelings and problems.

My questions are;

What is that technology or mantra sastra available in ancient India, which allows such things, which are not natural, to happen?
If they are ayOnijas, they cannot have prArabdha (stored karma) to reap.  Then why did they face problems?


texts: What are the main differences and similarities between the christian heaven and moksha

texts:
Hinduism and Christianity have few similarities. What are main similarities and differences in the concept of christianity heaven and Hindu moksha?For example how to get there?

What does it mean to a Hindu to achieve moksha?
How much of a priority is it compared to christianity?


texts: Is there a formal study to find how Vedas treated mathematics? I am interested to know; have we understood all the mathematics in Vedas by now? Does Vedas covers has all the present topics of mathematics? Is there anything in Vedas (mathematically) that we do not understand? Is there anyone who is still trying to bridge the gap?


texts:
In the Mahabharat there was a character Barbrik.
Can anyone share more details on this?
I understand that he had the powers to end the Mahabharat with 3 arrows.


texts: Reference to Ganesha's statement from Mahabharata ("The day I was born I made my first mistake")

texts:
I would like to have the exact reference to a quote attributed to Lord Ganesha:

  The day I was born I made my first mistake ...

William Buck  also uses this quote in his book The Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Mystique of William Buck:

  Listen --

  For three years Vyasa composed the Mahabharata in his mind, and when it was finished, he summoned Ganesha to be his scribe.

  Shiva's son came and asked, "Why call me?"

  Vyasa replied, "Do you not remove all obstacles and barriers? You are the god of thieves and writers. Write down my book as I tell it to you."

  Ganesha swished his trunk around. "OM! But there are books and books. Is yours a very good one?"

  "Yes."

  Ganesha laughed, and his huge belly shook. "Well just let me get rid of all these things ..." He set down the conch shell and the lotus, the discus and axe that he held in his four hands. "... and I shall write for you; but if once you stop the story, I will leave and never return."

  Vyasa said, "On this condition: if you don't understand what I mean, you must write no more until you do."

  "Done! The very day I was born I made my first mistake, and by that path I have sought wisdom ever since."

Caitlin Matthews in her book Sophia: Goddess of Wisdom, Bride of God also quotes it on page 376:

  As it states in the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, "The day I was born I made my first mistake and by that path have I sought wisdom ever since." 54


texts: In which days of week, one can cut neem tree?

texts:
If one bound to cut a neem tree then in which day one should do that?
Does one need to do puja before that according to scriptures?


texts: How can we easily identify the 'meter' in vedic scriptures?

texts: Most would be familiar with the vedic meter system of gayathri, usnih, anushtubh etc. Apart from just saying that the difference is in number of syllables or lines, is there an easy way how we can recognize which meter a certain work is set in to?


texts:
It is stated in Hindu scriptures that every Hindu must do Surya Namaskar. But I am not sure how to do it? I always do Namaskar by facing towards east.

As far as I know, there are 12 steps for Surya Namaskar in yoga.

So I need someone to explain those steps to me in a correct order.


texts:
I heard sadhguru saying in a video that in our religion we pray for specific things through bhagwan like saraswati devi for vidya and gyan, durga devi for victory, courage, ....

My question is: Do we find any such explicit mention in our scripture or can we establish above thing by observing various prayers offered in our scripture?


texts: Do people get specific mantras for them through meditation?

texts: I was wondering if people can get personal mantras from meditation.


texts: Do our scriptures talk about life span of Tridev?

texts: Brahma, Vishnu (Vishnu of the Universe, not eternal Maha Vishnu who resides in Paramapadam), Rudra (not the eternal Shiva) are the trimurthis where Brahma's life span is 100 years is defined. Similarly, do our scriptures talk about life span of Vishnu and Rudra of Universe? If so, do they get absorbed in Parabrahman after their life span in Universe ends?


texts: What is the significance between Ramayana and Gayathri Mantra? The essence of the epic is having a pivotal role with the gayatri mantra.


texts: Which schools of Indian philosophy consider the Vedas to be apauruṣeya (authorless) and which don't?

texts:
Are Vedānta and Mīmāṃsā the only schools that believe the Vedas to be apauruṣeya? Are there any other schools?

And those that didn't believe this, did they agree with each other on the human authorship of the Vedas? Or did they have any differences among themselves?


texts: what are the legends behind durga puja/kali puja/navaratri/dushera?

texts: Do different parts of india celebrate the festival for different reasons?  I have heard that for Bengalis Durga puja signifies Durga returning to her parents' home from Kailash to spend time with them.


texts: Can evil eyes/black magic affect both children, adults with spiritual devotional dharmic peaceful innocent absolutely righteous, never did any adharmic deeds to not a single sentient living being,in entire life, wise healthy pure-hearted, filled with pure energy, Kundalini flowing, protected by inner aura  void of any negative karma from birth, who'd never wish or do bad to any innocents or good people? Also how to cast off, prevent harmful malice, evil spirits, eyes, black magic?


texts: What is the pramanya of the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham?

texts:
The Naalayira Divya Prabhandham are 4,000 verses in Tamil spoken by ancient Tamil Vaishnava saints (Alwars) that are revered by Sri Vaishnavas.

They are so important that they are epistemologically considered equivalent to the Vedas in terms of their validity. Sri Vaishnava acharyas routinely cite verses from the Prabhandham to support their philosophical and theological doctrines.

My question is, what is the Pramanya for this?

Shabaracharya's commentary on the Purva Mimamsa Sutras is traditionally considered to establish the Pramanya of the Vedas, and Yamunacharya's Agama Pramanya is traditionally considered by Sri Vaishnavas to establish the Pramanya of the Pancharatra Agamas.

So is there something similar that establishes the Pramanya of the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham?


texts:
Who is the author of Tantra Sastras (if only one)?

If there are multiple authors, then what are the names of them?


texts:
In our family,they tell us to worship our ancestors from where family have been started
Is it right that we should worship them rather than worshipping God??
Please tell me in detail


texts: Is this shlokha from the Garuda Purana? If so, which chapter?

texts:
From here:

  Garuda Purana says:

  tAvattapO vrataM tIrthaM japahOmArchanAdikaM
  vEdashAstrAgamakathA yAvattattvaM na vindati

  So long as one has not achieved atma jnana, one should
  perform nitya karmas and observe vratas, tirthATana, japa, homa
  and svadhyaya.  One should never throw these to winds.

Is this shlokha really from the Garuda Purana? If so, which chapter is it taken from and what's the context?


texts: Are Rama and Krishna incarnations of Vishnu or Brahman?

texts:
Brahman , the all prevailing , the endless , the formless , the all-loving and merciful the seed soul of us all . And Brahma , Vishnu and Mahesh are just the names given by us to HIM performing his duties of creation (Brahma) , protection (Vishnu) and Destruction (Mahesh) as and when necessary .

While I was listening to Morari Bapus katha , he took a topic of whether Lord Rama was a human or Brahman (a question asked by mata Parvati to Mahadev) to which lord replies with the story of how the lord took human form for destruction of evil (Esp. Ravana) and said (in simple language) - I along with all the Devtas were worried about what to do with Ravana and then we approached Brahma , for he had given boons to Ravana , he too was helpless . Then we decided to approach Brahmana for solution of this trouble and as he is all prevailing we meditated upon him with love as He listens where love and selflessness is and ...... (Fast forwarding) Rama was born .

And as Rama (also Krsna) is Brahman himself and all the three god heads meditate upon him lord Shiva to serve him took form of Lord Hanumana .

This is the conclusion I have reached after reading upanishads and Gita (Vedas are too high level for me yet) . Also I have read on certain forums that in ancient times the three god heads were not worshiped (or were not there at all) and were created (either in reality or in names) for humans of kalyuga so as to help them worship God ("one who is subtler than subtle" as upanishads state).

Please answer my question dropping your natural inclinations , I too was inclined towards Lord Shiva and during that phase (few years back) refused to accept any other God being greater than Him .


texts: Why does Adi Shankaracharya think Rig Veda 10.71.3 verse implies the Vedas are eternal?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.)    In any case, in Adhyaya 1 Pada 3 of the Brahma Sutras, Vyasa discuss the issue of who is eligible for Jnana.  As I discuss here, he says that low-caste people are not eligible for Jnana, since they don't wear the sacred thread.  But before that, he says that the gods are eligible for Jnana.

And that leads him into a discussion of the gods in general, in particular regarding how the Vedas can be eternal if mention the names of gods who do not remain in their positions forever.  As I discuss in this answer, the resolution is that the same names recur in different ages.  But in his commentary on Adhyaya 1 Pada 3 Sutra 29 of his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Adi Shankaracharya gives a few other arguments for the Vedas being eternal:

  [T]he eternity of the Veda is founded on the absence of the remembrance of an agent only.... The eternity of the word of the Veda has to be assumed for this very reason, that the world with its definite (eternal) species, such as gods and so on, originates from it.--A mantra also ('By means of the sacrifice they followed the trace of speech; they found it dwelling in the rishis,' Rig-veda Samh. X, 71, 3) shows that the speech found (by the rishis) was permanent.--On this point Vedavyâsa also speaks as follows: 'Formerly the great rishis, being allowed to do so by Svayambhû, obtained, through their penance, the Vedas together with the itihâsas, which had been hidden at the end of the yuga.'

I discuss the notion that the Vedas are a blueprint for the creation of the world in my answer here.  But my question is about the Rig Vedic verse that Adi Shankaracharya cites, which is verse 3 of Book 10 Hymn 71 of the Rig Veda:

  yajñena vācaḥ padavīyamāyan tāmanvavindannṛṣiṣupraviṣṭām |
  tāmābhṛtyā vyadadhuḥ purutrā tāṃ saptarebhā abhi saṃ navante ||

  With sacrifice the trace of Vāk they foIlowed, and found her harbouring within the Ṛṣis.
  They brought her, dealt her forth in many places: seven singers make her tones resound in concert.

As you can see in the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here, this verse was heard during Tapasya by Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, and the subject of the hymn is listed as "Jnanam".  But my question is, why does Adi Shankaracharya think that this verse proves that the Vedas are eternal?

The verse discusses how Vak, which as I discuss here is a name of Saraswati in her capacity as goddess of speech, was found by the wise as "harbouring within the Rishis." But why does that imply "that the speech found (by the rishis) was permanent"?  Is Adi Shankaracharya arguing that the fact that it says the speech was "found" within the rishis as opposed to "composed" by them implies that the Vedas don't have a human author?

Are there any commentaries on Adi Shankaracharya's Brahma Sutra Bhashya that shed light on this?


texts: How to understand the concept of bodily diseases through Vedanta?

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I want to know the proper way to understand and deal with bodily diseases such as alcoholism as viewed thru Vedanta.

For example, if someone is part of a rehab group, they are expected to admit to this malady. However, in quest of the true self this seems much like misidentification.

The person in rehab is not their body, so why must he admit to being a drunkard?


texts: Why and when is Lord Ganesha worshiped with his wives?

texts: Why would people possibly worship Ganesha with his wives:- Siddhi, Buddhi and  Riddhi?


texts: How many days Sutak should be followed by an unmarried granddaughter, on the death of grandfather's brother's wife?

texts: My paternal grandfather's brother's wife passed away and there are lot of contradictory statements we are getting over the Sutak period that is applicable to  me in this case. Should it be three and half days or ten days?


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In Hinduism, there are three supreme gods, Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh (Shiva). Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the protector, and Shiva is the destroyer.

But how were these gods born? Did the Supreme Lord (Brahman) make them?


texts: What's the meaning of these verses of 'The Horse' hymn in RigVeda?

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Here are the two verses in question from Rigveda Book 1 Hymn 163

  यदक्रन्दः परथमं जायमान उद्यन समुद्रादुत वा पुरीषात |
      शयेनस्य पक्षा हरिणस्य बाहू उपस्तुत्यं महि जातं ते अर्वन ||

Here's the translation from Ralph Griffith :

  WHAT time, first springing into life, thou neighedst, proceeding
  from the sea or upper waters,
      Limbs of the deer hadst thou, and eagle pinions. O Steed, thy birth is nigh and must be lauded.

The entire hymn is titled 'The Horse'. I want to understand why is this horse (arvan) said to arise from the sea ? What's the context of this praise of the horse ?


texts: Which scripture is the source of the verse 'Chamakam Namakam Chaiva Purusha Suuktam...?'

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Found at the bottom of this page, the sloka (verse) reads:

  Chamakam Namakam caiva purusa suktam tathaiva ca |  Nityam trayam
  prayunjano Brahmaloke mahiyate ||

  Meaning: He whoever recites Namakam and Chamakam along with Purusa
  suktam daily will be honoured in Brahmaloka.

Which scripture contains this verse?


texts: Why do we acquire Karma only in human birth and not in higher births such as Demi gods, etc?

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There are tales of Rakshasas (Demi gods) in Mahabharata (Kansa, etc), Ramayana, etc. who committed mass murders.

Did they not acquire bad Karmas for what they did?


texts:
How many are mentioned in scripture and how many are extant?

Are there English translations available?


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I just want to know what makes a Brahmin. Does that depends on the karma? Does that depends on the fate? Does that depends on learning Vedas?

Some say that next birth of Brahmin is a cow. Is that true?


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Vishnu Sahasranamam has commentaries by all the three major schools of philosophies - Adi Shankara (Advaita), Sri Parasara Bhattar (Visishtadvaita) and Sri Satyasanda Tirtha (Dvaita) [the Commentary of Madhvacharya with one hundred meanings for each naama is lost].

My question: Is there any work available where a comparative study of the three commentaries have been made - and if so the details?


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The Shatapata Brahmana Section 2.6.2 mentions something very interesting:

  He offers 1, with the text (Vâg. S. III, 57 a), 'This is thy share, O Rudra! graciously accept it together with thy sister Ambikâ! Svâhâ!' Ambikâ, indeed, is the name of his (Rudra's) sister; and this share belongs to him conjointly with her; and because that share belongs to him conjointly with a woman (strî), therefore (these oblations) are called Tryambakâh. Thereby, then, he delivers from Rudra's power the descendants that have been born unto him.

Now this is the first time I have heard of Goddess Ambika being mentioned as Rudra's sister. BTW the meaning of Trayamabaka is also different from what we traditionally assume. The footnote mentions:

  aitt. Br. I, 6, 10, 4, this sister of Rudra is identified with the autumn, wherewith the god is wont to kill (viz. by means of catarrh, fever, &c., Sây.).

If someone has the translation of Aitreya Brahaman maybe they can confirm what is the term used in the same. I want to know why this text calls Ambika the sister of Rudra and if there is a deeper meaning to the verse as hinted in the Aitr. Brahmana


texts: What is the difference between Buddhi (बुद्धि) and Mann (मन)?

texts: I know Buddhi (बुद्धि) means intelligence/intellect and Mann (मन) means mind. But what is difference between them?


texts: Apart from Divya Prabandam scriptural references to Thiruthangal Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple

texts:
The ever merciful Lord Narayana (Mahavishnu) is dedicated to His true devotees. Tales abound of Him personally coming to bless, serve and / or relive his devotees of their problems.

He took on the form of a woman, to help Sant Sakkubai to fulfil her desire to visit Pandharpur, while serving her family.  He appeared before Pundalik and patiently stood on the brick pushed towards Him with His hands on the hips, while Pundalik finished serving his aged parents. He came all the way from Dwaraka to near Puri to bear witness to a transaction in which His devotee was unable to claim his rightful dues – Sakshigopal. And so many other stories.

In Divya Prabandham, Thiruthangal Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple near Sivakashi, Tamil Nadu, is mentioned as one of the 108 Divya Desams.

My question is apart from Divya Prabandham is the story of Nindra Narayan Perumal mentioned in any other Puranas or scriptures?And what is the full story?


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I haven't seen or experienced him. So how do I say God exists? If you are giving example of oxygen or air, I would say I can at least feel it. How can you say God exists even thought you can't of feel it? Science doesn't approve existence of God. What's the proof that God exists?
Edit: my question is how do you prove his existence


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A google search tells that Shiva Gita is a conversation between Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. It is from Uttarakhanda of Padma Purana.

Which chapter of Uttarakhanda is Shiva Gita found?

Who was the first ever to refer to Shiva Gita? In which century?


texts:
Every deity is shown wearing a crown except Lord Shiva. He is shown as having the hairs tied (jatA).

Does anybody know why there is no crown?
Maybe any story in scriptures or a 'tAntric' reason or something else?


texts: Was Adi Shankaracharya a Vishwakarma Brahmin?

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The Vishwakarmas, aka the Kammalars, are a community of metalworkers and craftsmen.  Many people consider them to be low-caste, but they claim that they're actually Brahmanas, descended from the divine architect Vishwakarma, aka Tvashta.  In any case, this excerpt from the Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society quotes a work by the Vishwakarmas, where they justify their claims of Brahmana heritage by referring to an incident involving Adi Shankaracharya:

  The name "Jagadguru" teacher of the world, the teacher of the world is a distinction to which the people of Vishvakarma Caste alone are entitled (Wilson Dictionary).  When the world-famous Shankaracharya of Travancore, the founder of the Avaita School of Philosophy ... halted at Masulipatam he styled himself "Jagadguru".  The Devakammalars of South India, who were very jealous of their title were incensed at an apparent impostor trying to assume what was their own exclusive propert, questioned his right to the distinction, when the philosopher sang the following lines:

  "Acharya Sankaro nama  "Twashta putro nasanyasa,  "Viprakula
  gurordiksha,  "Visvakarmantu Brahmana"

  "My name is Shankaracharya, I am a descendant of Twashtar, I have come
  here to teach the Vipras the right of wearing the sacred thread, I am
  a Brahmana of the Vishvakarma Caste." (Shankaracharya Vijaya)

  This is irrefutable proof that the people of the Vishvakarma Caste are
  Brahmans.

Whether it's irrefutable is another matter, but my question is, which Shankara Vijaya does this quote come from?  For those who don't know, the Shankara Vijayas are the traditional biographies of Adi Shankaracharya.  The most famous one is the Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya, but that doesn't seem to have the quote I'm looking for.

By the way, assuming that Adi Shankaracharya is a Vishwakarma Brahmana, what would his Gotra Pravara be?  As I discuss in my question and answer here, Vishwakarma had a three-headed son named Trisiras who was killed by Indra.  Was Adi Shankaracharya a descendant of Trisiras?

Also, other people believe Adi Shankaracharya was a Namboothiri Brahmana.  So what do they believe about Adi Shankaracharya's Gotra?


texts: What is chronological timeline (in Manvantara and Mahayuga) of Lord Vishnu incarnations?

texts: Please  tell me  chronological timeline (in Manvantara and Mahayuga) of Lord Vishnu's various incarnations.


texts:
Is 'Ahalyā' the real name of Gautama's wife or is it an acquired name?

At least, the Monier-Williams dictionary seems to think it's an acquired one. The word is listed as a + halyā:

  अ-हल्या (A-halyā)  f. N. of the wife of गौतम or शरद्वत्   S3Br. iii , &c   MBh. &c

One of the meanings of halya (not halyā) is 'deformity' so ahalyā probably means 'no longer a deformed person'. If this is the correct etymology of the word, what is Ahalyā's (w/o Gautama) real or birth name?


texts:
I am reading the Mahabharata, but i came across this sloka. I would like to ask you, how could Vyasadev recommend Yudhisthira to prepare for such as naramedha? If i know well, Vyasadev is a partial avatar of Lord Krishna.
Why the Omnipotent, Eternal Source needs a thing like naramedha?
Also, i am a bit confused when i am reading about ashwamedha...why the chief queen must sleep with the dead horse?

Thank you, you would help me a lot, if you could answer my questions. ♡♡♡♡♡

rājasūyāśvamedhau ca sarvamedhaṃ ca bhārata
naramedhaṃ ca nṛpate tvam āhara yudhiṣṭhira
Do thou, O Yudhishthira, prepare for the Rajasuya, and the horse-sacrifice, as well as, O Bharata, for the Sarvamedha and the Naramedha
Asvamedha parva 3.8.


texts: If a person that is born is sure to die and a body will die according to bhagavad-gita, then how are people immortal hindu mythology?

texts: Sri Krishna himself tells that a person that is born is sure to die so how are there people immortal in hindu mythology such as Hanuman and Ashwathama?


texts: What is the story behind this Vishnu - Muchukunda painting?

texts:
I keep seeing this picture of a painting on my TV via Google Chromecast. The caption below the pic. reads:

  Vishnu Appears to King Muchukunda in a Cave in the Himalayas

What is the backstory of this painting? What are they doing in a cave?

And why does Vishnu look so small compared to Muchukunda?

And there is an additional picture that goes along with the painting probably explaining what the painting is all about. Can anyone translate what it's saying?

You can find pictures of both the painting and it's caption here:

http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/edan/object.php?q=fsg_F1999.13&bcrumb=true


texts: Which hindu sects, if any, don't accept the following well-known upanishadic mahavakyas?

texts:
From wiki:

  The Mahavakyas (sing.: mahāvākyam, महावाक्यम्; plural: mahāvākyāni, महावाक्यानि) are "The Great Sayings" of the Upanishads, as characterized by the Advaita school of Vedanta.

Most commonly, Mahavakyas are considered four in number -

Prajnanam Brahma (प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्म)
Aham Brahma Asmi (अहम् ब्रह्म अस्मि)
Tat Tvam Asi (तत् त्वम् असि)
Ayam Atma Brahma (अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्म)


texts: Why did Shishupala and his supporters thought Krishna would take away Rukmini?

texts:
Srimad Bhagavatham says,

The day when Shishupala and Rukmini's wedding was decided, Shishupala and his supporters (Śālva, Jarāsandha, Dantavakra and Vidūrath SB 10.53.17 ) said if Krishna and Balarama comes here and try to take away Rukmini then they all will fight against them.

  To secure the bride for Śiśupāla, the kings who envied Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma came to the following decision among themselves: “If Kṛṣṇa comes here with Balarāma and the other Yadus to steal the bride, we shall band together and fight Him.” Thus those envious kings went to the wedding with their entire armies and a full complement of military conveyances. SB.10.53.18-19

But, Rukmini sends a trusted brahmana with a message to Krishna in which She express her love for Him and asks Krishna to marry Her. This message was confidential which was between Rukmini and Brahmana only.

  The brāhmaṇa said: This is the confidential message I have brought with me, O Lord of the Yadus. Please consider what must be done in these circumstances, and do it at once. SB 10.52.44

My questions is:

If Rukmini's message to Krishna was confidential then how could Shishupala and his supporters even think Krishna would take her away? Was there any link between Krishna and Rukmini earlier which was known to Shishupala or others that made then think so?


texts: How is prāyaścitta different from daṇḍa? Are both complementary to each other?

texts:
How is prāyaścitta (atonement or expiation) different from daṇḍa (punishment sanctioned by the king)?

Is prāyaścitta a voluntary/self-imposed punishment for a sin that one commits?

Are both prāyaścitta and daṇḍa complementary to each other or are there sins where both apply?


texts: Can someone tell me which sutra verse explains (by a sage) the way to proceed to meditate for 24 hours?

texts: I have forgotten which sutra was it. But it says way to proceed for 24 hours meditation. (First same hours as relaxation and then relaxation hours are reduced.... Something like this. Please tell me which was it.


texts:
I wish to paint following in future.

What temple is this?

Where is it located?

Here is the webpage I found it, https://www.aryagezi.com/gezi/204/tum-renkleri-ile-nepal-ve-hindistan


texts: How do I get mukti from a pran(vow)? I took a pran(vow) which I think I can't complete or may be I have already broken my vow


texts:
In many local temples it is claimed that snakes can suck venom from  our body.
In one Mahabharata episode too it was shown that Bhima was given poisoned food and was thrown into a lake and a snake sucked the poison from his body.


texts: Similarities between Hindu and Greek Mythology

texts: Why there are similarities between Greek and Hindu mythology?


texts: Why is the concept of Divine judgement not given much importance in Hinduism?

texts: Divine judgement and the concept of the soul going to either heaven or hell based on actions on Earth is present in many religions. But this concept is conspicuously absent in Hinduism - rather rebirth is given more importance. What are the reasons for this?


texts:
The life of Brahma is 100 years of Brahma.  More information on Hindu Cosmology

We are in 51st year of the current Brahma's Life Year.

I also know that after Brahma dies, Brahma (the soul in that post) is reborn.

My Question is:

  Is the current soul of Brahma reborn as Brahma again or some one else’s soul is reborn as Brahma?

I've heard that Lord Hanuman will be the next Brahma.

Then what will happen with the current soul of Brahma? Will it attain Moksha?


texts: Are there any proofs for followed sati pratha in any scripture

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In previous days there was something called sati pratha, as per my assumption which is not followed in the current time.

As per Hinduism We give respect everything in this universe, So why we followed such a wrong concept. Was it portrayed in a wrong way?


texts: Does Hinduism believe in the multiverse?

texts:
Does Hinduism have any references to the multiverse?

What is the concept of the multiverse in Hinduism?

Is the concept the same as the Avengers:endgame multiverse theory that a new universe is created if time travel is done and a significant change is done and it creates a new timeline which is in a separate universe.

or All possible multiverse is created beforehand i.e start of time and interaction between the universes is not possible.


texts: Is anti-Brahminism a quality of Asuras and Rakshasas?

texts:
Is anti-Brahminism a characteristic of Asuras and Rakshasas?

Which group of created beings is the most anti-Brahmin (hatred and opposition to Brahminism and Brahminical way of life)?


texts: Why Lord Shiva has two scorpions on his ears?

texts:
There are two scorpions on the ears of lord Shiva. Who they are & who cursed  them?

I would be obliged if you could answer my query and this is my first attempt.


texts:
I read some part of ' Kabir Sagar'. It is a book on Saint Kabir which concerns with philosophical knowledge (or so I think). But I don't understand what it talks about to begin with.
Will anyone shed some light on what the book is about ? It is really confusing. It is difficult to understand what it talks about.


texts:
Sukracharya was a teacher of King Bali, and also of Ravana.

Did both Bali and Ravana belong to the same Treta yuga?
Who really was Sukracharya?
Why did he support Asuras?
When and how did he die?


texts: What is the history of this Kali form of Lord Shyama-sundara?

texts:
Ths Shyama-sundara mandir of Khardaha, West Bengal was establised by Sri Virabhadra, the son of Sri Nityananda Mahaprabhu.The beautiful idol is believed to be carved out of a black basalt on which Sri Krishna stood during the Rajasuya jajna of Yudhisthira (https://www.speakingtree.in/discussion/pilgrimagesri-shyamsunder-mandir-khardah-wb)

What is the history of Lord Shyamasundara being worshipped as Goddess Kali as shown in the image?


texts: What scripture says "sandhyAheenaha asuchihi nityam anarhaha sarvakarmasu; yadhanyatkurutE karma na tasya phalamaSnutE"?

texts:
I know that SandhyA vandanam is not a Shruthi (veda samhitAs) concept, but is a Smriti & Sutras driven tradition (please correct me if I am mistaken). However, someone threw this verse at me recently & could not tell me where they read this, they said they read it in kanchi kamakoti publication, but that publication did not provide a source of this verse apparently.
If you know source of another variation of this verse with similar meaning, please do answer with that information, I will appreciate it very much!


texts: What horoscope matching factors are necessary for a marriage?

texts:
In Hinduism, what all horoscope poruthams (matching factors) are required for a couple to get married? Please let me know the minimum criteria too.

If the horoscopes don't match properly, are there any remedies for such situations i.e., some special poojas that may help in overcoming the doshas?


texts: What is the Swayamacharya lineage of Srimushnam Andavan?

texts:
Last week the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Srimushnam Andavan departed the Earth.  He was the head of a large Vadakalai Matham called Srirangam Andavan Ashramam.  As I discuss in this question, both Thenkalais and Vadakalais have Mathams, similar to the Shankaracharya Mathams in Advaita.  But a small number of Sri Vaishnavas, known as Swayamacharyas, do not belong to any of these Mathams.  They're biological descendants of the 74 original disciples of Ramanujacharya, and for them their father functions as their Sri Vaishnava Acharya.  But nowadays this distinction can be blurred, because sometimes Swayamacharya people decide to join one of the Mathams.  For instance my family is a Swayamacharya family descended from Ramanujacharya's nephew Mudhaliandan, but in the 1800's we joined Vanamamalai Matham.

Srimushnam Andavan seems to have had a similar situation; here is what his official biography says:

  [Srimushnam] Andavan was born in Srimushnam, a Swayamvyakta Kshetra, in South Arcot district, on a Vaikasi Arudra day in Yuva Varsham 03-06-1935 to U. Ve. Srinivasachariar and Sri Kumudhavalli, belonging to the illustrious lineage of Swayamacharya Purushas. His great great grandfather Sri Nadu Nattu Narayanachar was the prime disciple of Annarya Mahadesikan. The Purvashrama name of Srimushnam Andavan was Varahan.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what is the Swayamacharya lineage of Srimushnam Andavan?  That is, what disciple of Ramanujacharya is his family descended from?

The quote says that Srimushnam Andavan's great great grandfather Nadu Naadu Narayanachar was a shishya of Annarya Mahadesikan.  I've managed to find information on Annarya Mahadesikan: he was a shishya of Vazuthur Andavan, the disciple of the Vadakalai Acharya Gopala Desikan whom Sri Rangam Andavan Ashramam traces its lineage from.  But I haven't found any information on Nadu Naadu Narayanachar, apart from the fact that Nadu Naadu refers to the region of central Tamil Nadu which contains Srimushnam, the birthplace of Srimushnam Andavan.

Does anyone know the Gotra of Srimusham Andavan?  That might allow me to narrow down which shishyas of Ramanujacharya had the same Gotra as him.


texts: What did Vishnu's incarnation Prithu say about being one with the Universe?

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

Now one important Kashmiri Shaivite text is the Virupaksha Panchashika, which takes the form of a dialogue between Indra and Shiva's incarnation Virupaksha.  In this excerpt from the Virupaksha Panchashika, Virupaksha tells Indra that other texts agree with what he has been saying:

  Indeed, in the writings of the sages Shuka, Vamadeva, Krishna, Dadhichi, and Vainya, identity with the universe is explained to born of the yoga of identification with the elements.

Now most of these are recognizable: the work of Vamadeva probably refers to the two Vedic hymns I discuss here, the work of Krishna probably refers to the Bhagavad Gita, and the work of Dadhichi probably refers to the Isha Upanishad (see this answer).  But I'm interested in the last name mentioned, Vainya.  That's a reference to Vishnu's incarnation Prithu, who was the son of the evil ruler Vena.

As described in numerous scriptures including this chapter of the Vishnu Purana, Vena put a ban on Yagnas, which led to Bhumidevi goddess of the Earth deciding to stop producing crops.  So the Rishis gathered together and killed Vena, and then from his body they produced a new heir to the throne, namely Vishnu's incarnation Prithu.  Prithu chased Bhumidevi, who took the form of a cow, and convinced her to start producing crops again by promising to be her protector.  That is why Bhumidevi is known as Prithvi.  Prithu was also the first human ruler to be given the titles Raja or king and Chakravarthi or emperor.

But my question is, what work of Prithu is Virupaksha referring to, in which "identity with the universe is explained to born of the yoga of identification. with the elements"?  The story of Prithu is described in the Mahabharata and many Puranas, including the Vishnu Purana chapter I linked to above.  And he's mentioned in the Brahmanas of the Vedas, for instance in this chapter of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda.  But none of those would qualify as works of Prithu.

The only thing I can think of that might qualify as a work of Prithu is Rig Veda Book 10 Hymn 148 which was heard during Tapasya by Prithu as you can see in my answer here.  But that's just a hymn to Indra, not something about being one with the Universe.  So does anyone know what work the Virupaksha Panchashika is referring to?


texts:
Before the Kurukshetra war, while giving the Gita knowledge to Arjuna, Krishna said that he is the Indra among Devas, and the Vajra among the weapons, and so on.

My question is: why did not he mention about his own Sudarshan Chakra? Does it mean that his Chakra is less powerful than Vajra??


texts: Did Sītā and Draupadi wear maṅgalasūtra (मङ्गलसूत्र)? What's the origin of wearing maṅgalasūtra and toe rings?

texts:
Did Sītā and Draupadi wear maṅgalasūtra (मङ्गलसूत्र) and toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयक)?

What's the origin of the practice of a married woman wearing a maṅgalasūtra around her neck?

Also, what about wearing toe rings during marriage? How did this originate?

Which scriptures talk about wearing these?

PS. I'm not looking for significance or "scientific explanation" for wearing these; just want to know the origin of these traditions. Related but not duplicate:
  – Why do brides wear a mangal sutra?
  – Why don't men wear the likes of Mangal-Sutra to signify they are married?


texts: Where can I read the original story of Bhasmasura?

texts:
When I was a kid, I read the Amar Chitra Katha version of the story of Bhasmasura - the asura who was granted a boon by Shiva allowing him to kill anyone on whose head he placed his hand. In the end, Vishnu (in the guise of Mohini) tricks Bhasmasura into putting his hand on his own head, thus killing himself.

Now that I am older, I would like to read the original (non-comic) version of this story. I've searched a bit, but unfortunately, I can't find what text(s) this story appears in. Where can I find the story of Bhasmasura?


texts: Questions regarding Jewellery of Mother Sita according to Valmiki Ramayana

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This is only regarding Valmiki Ramayana. Please don't include details from other versions.
Please also mention original quotes from one of the original translations of Valmiki Ramayana and their source.

Did Sita take or wear any Jewellery when she departed to the forest?
What did she take?
How many Jewellery items did she drop to guide Rama when Ravana was in the process of abducting her?
How were Hanuman and the others able to find so small jewellery items in such big forests?
How long did it take for them to find the jewellery in the forest?
It'd also be good to know the number of people who were looking for the jewellery to understand more.


texts: What does the author of the Yatindra Mata Dipika mean by Dharmabhutajnana?

texts: In Yatindra Mata Dipika  I came across the section where pramana and prameya where being explained. Dharmabhutajnana is said to be common to both cit and Isvara. I don't understand what that is supposed to convey.Is Dharmabhutajnana the building block of both Isvara and cit,if so why is cit said to be part of Isvara?


texts:
Lord Vitthala is said to have been on earth for 28 yugas. What are these 28 yugas?

Source 1

Source 2

It is emphasized in his stories and also is sung in his aarti.


texts: Why is lord Vishnu taking many avatars while Parashurama is presnt?

texts:
I have heard that lord parashurama is living as chiranjeevi in the hills of mahendra then what is a need of another avatars?

why lord parashurama can't destroy adharma throughout the yugas?


texts: Why was rAmAnuja refused initiation for 17 times?

texts:
In my previous question, I have talked about him doing the mass initiation against the orders of his guru but this question is related to his own initiation.

He approached Thiurukottiyur Nambi for initiation into Vaishnava mantra. But he was refused not once or twice but for 17 times!.

Usually, traditional gurus do not refuse genuine seekers.

So on what grounds was rAmAnuja not given the mantra so many times?

Was he considered unfit for the sacred mantra?


texts:
I want to know how old Hinduism is.

Please provide proper details, references for your answers. Any substantial details with supporting fact or reference is welcome.


texts: Did any major epic or puranic character ever die of natural causes like disease or old age? I have heard of major characters only dying in battles or unnatural deaths due to curses or conspiracies. They lived so long. Never had any problems like cancer, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer's, or attacked by diseases like malaria, typhoid, dengue (not as a result of a curse, but a mosquito bite for example)?


texts:
Considering that kill can bring bad karma, what must be done with some harmful animals like aedes aegypti, triatoma infestans, ticks etc., when it is on our way? And if they can be killed it means we can tranquilly kill a homo sapiens that is effectively more harmful than those creatures?
(This question does not concern legal issues, just karmic e religious issues.)


texts: Why Bhishma had to suffer the most in MahaBharat war?

texts:
Bhishma was a great Dharmatma without any doubt/question. He always follows his dharma. But in war of Mahabharat he was the one who suffer more than anyone else. Even korwas (who was key reason of war) didn't suffer that much as compared to Bhishma. So why a great Dharmatma like Bhishma had to suffer more than anyone else in war? There was many sinful warrior were there but still suffering of Bhishma was greatest!!

Earlier I thought it was because of Bhishma's one action which he has done in deeyut sabhaa. He decided to remain silence on Draupadi's vastra harana, hence because of this act of him, He had to suffer so badly in Mahabharat war. But few days ago I read story which was totally different and unheard. Here it is...

  भीष्म पितामह रणभूमि में शरशैया पर पड़े थे। हल्का सा भी हिलते तो शरीर में घुसे बाण भारी वेदना के साथ रक्त की पिचकारी सी छोड़ देते। ऐसी दशा में उनसे मिलने सभी आ जा रहे थे। श्री कृष्ण भी दर्शनार्थ आये। उनको देखकर भीष्म जोर से हँसे और कहा.... आइये जगन्नाथ।.. आप तो सर्व ज्ञाता हैं। सब जानते हैं, बताइए मैंने ऐसा क्या पाप किया था जिसका दंड इतना भयावह मिला?

  कृष्ण: पितामह! आपके पास वह शक्ति है, जिससे आप अपने पूर्व जन्म देख सकते हैं। आप स्वयं ही देख लेते।

  भीष्म: देवकी नंदन! मैं यहाँ अकेला पड़ा और कर ही क्या रहा हूँ? मैंने सब देख लिया ...अभी तक 100 जन्म देख चुका हूँ। मैंने उन 100 जन्मो में एक भी कर्म ऐसा नहीं किया जिसका परिणाम ये हो कि मेरा पूरा शरीर बिंधा पड़ा है, हर आने वाला क्षण ...और पीड़ा लेकर आता है।

  कृष्ण: पितामह ! आप एक भव और पीछे जाएँ, आपको उत्तर मिल जायेगा।

  भीष्म ने ध्यान लगाया और देखा कि 101 भव पूर्व वो एक नगर के राजा थे। ...एक मार्ग से अपनी सैनिकों की एक टुकड़ी के साथ कहीं जा रहे थे। एक सैनिक दौड़ता हुआ आया और बोला "राजन! मार्ग में एक सर्प पड़ा है। यदि हमारी टुकड़ी उसके ऊपर से गुजरी तो वह मर जायेगा।"

  भीष्म ने कहा " एक काम करो। उसे किसी लकड़ी में लपेट कर झाड़ियों में फेंक दो।" सैनिक ने वैसा ही किया।...उस सांप को एक लकड़ी में लपेटकर झाड़ियों में फेंक दिया। दुर्भाग्य से झाडी कंटीली थी। सांप उनमें फंस गया। जितना प्रयास उनसे निकलने का करता और अधिक फंस जाता।... कांटे उसकी देह में गड गए। खून रिसने लगा। धीरे धीरे वह मृत्यु के मुंह में जाने लगा।... 5-6 दिन की तड़प के बाद उसके प्राण निकल पाए।
  ....

  भीष्म: हे त्रिलोकी नाथ। आप जानते हैं कि मैंने जानबूझ कर ऐसा नहीं किया। अपितु मेरा उद्देश्य उस सर्प की रक्षा था। तब ये परिणाम क्यों?

  कृष्ण: तात श्री! हम जान बूझ कर क्रिया करें या अनजाने में ...किन्तु क्रिया तो हुई न। उसके प्राण तो गए ना।... ये विधि का विधान है कि जो क्रिया हम करते हैं उसका फल भोगना ही पड़ता है।.... आपका पुण्य इतना प्रबल था कि 101 भव उस पाप फल को उदित होने में लग गए। किन्तु अंततः वह हुआ।....

I don't know how much this story is correct(since it's from some random source) and how much my earlier view was correct on it. What was actual reason of Bhishma's this level of suffering?


texts: Eligibility and Procedure for Saranagati

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As I've discussed in this question, Sri Vaishnavas believe that Saranagati the most appropriate way towards Moksha.

I want to know the eligibility & procedure for Sharanagati.

Who is considered to be qualified for Sharanagati?
What is the procedure of Sharanagati? Are there any daily practices or rituals to be followed?


texts: Is worship of Lord Hanuman associated with Vaishnavism or Shaivism?

texts: Lord Hanuman, as we know is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama (Lord Vishnu's incarnation). But at the same time He is said to be Lord Shiva's incarnation. So is Hanuman worship more associated with Vaishnavism or Shaivism? Do Hanuman temples follow Vaishnavas' rituals or Shaivas' rituals?


texts: Why does nobody recognize Karna to be a Kshatriya warrior despite his having divine Kavach and Kundala?

texts: Karna was born with divine Kavach and Kundala which is said to be brilliant and unique among all the astra shastras. So, how come throughout all stages of his life, nobody inquired/acknowledged that he cannot be a normal person, and at very least should be a Kshatriya warrior?


texts: Is the Sankhya Darshana/Philosophy prior to Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads?

texts:
We know that there are Six Aastika Philosophy (Shad Darshana) : Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshiki,Mimamsa and Vedanta based on Vedas.

In many verses of Bhagavad Gita, the word Sankhya is found ; actually the name of 2nd chapter/aadhyaya is Sankhya Yoga (साङ्ख्य योग). For example let me quote a verse from 3rd chapter:

  लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ ।
  ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् ॥ ३-३॥

  loke ’smin dvi-vidhā niṣṭhā purā proktā mayānagha
  jñāna-yogena sāṅkhyānāṁ  karma-yogena yoginām

From Shvetashvataropanishad Adhyay-6:

  नित्यो नित्यानां चेतनश्चेतनाना-
                 मेको बहूनां यो विदधाति कामान् ।
  तत्कारणं सांख्ययोगाधिगम्यं
                 ज्ञात्वा देवं मुच्यते सर्वपाशैः ॥ १३॥

  nityo nityAnA.n chetanashchetanAnA-
                 meko bahUnA.n yo vidadhAti kAmAn |
  tatkAraNa.n sA.nkhyayogAdhigamya.n
                 j~nAtvA devaM muchyate sarvapAshaiH || 13||

So, I want to know:

Are Bhagavad Gita and Shvetashvatar Upanishad talking about (or referring to) Sankhya Darshan (founded by sage Kapil) by means of word Sankhya?
If yes, then

Is the Sankhya Darshana/Philosophy is prior to Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads?
Do Bhagavad Gita and Shvetashvatara Upanishad accept or reject the philosophy of Sankhya?

Note: I think other Mukhya Upanishds don't mention Shankhya except Shvetashvatar Upanishad.


texts: Origin and location of Mleccha tribes in Mahabharatha

texts:
The questions related to the title are multifold as follows,

In this article the late Suhotra Swami quotes Bhavishya Purana saying that Mlecchas are descended from Adama and Havyavathi who are children of Rishi Kardama. Are the above claims about Mlecchas and their religion and lineage of prophets prophets really present in the Bhavishya Purana? Is there a authentic verison of this Purana available online?
Is there any other Purana which talks about the origins of Mlecchas and about Adama, Havayavathi lineage? Does Bhagavata Purana or Mahabharatha has references to the same?
In the Mahabharatha, many Mleccha tribes are mentioned like  Sakas, Huns, Yavanas(Greek), Kambojas, Pahlavas, Bahlikas, Rishikas, Chinas(China), etc, etc. Are connections made to Greeks, Syrians, Chinese, etc mere conjecture or has the Mahabharatha mentioned any Capital cities, traditions, languages or practices which directly like these Mleccha tribes to the present day nation states?

[Here] is an (http://hindudharma.quora.com/Rarely-known-secrets-about-Hinduism) interesting read on this regard which prompted some of the above question.


texts: Is it a sin to chant mantras without initiation?

texts: Is chanting any mantra without initiation a sin? What do scriptures say about this?


texts: What does Hinduism say about lying? Is lying ever permissible?

texts:
I have a question to a essay I wanted to write about hinduism.
I dont understand the meaning of not lying. Whats a lie in hinduism? And is it any special exceptions where you can lie?


texts:
Do we have any scripture, which describe the earthly marriage of Radha-ji with a person, i.e. her husband?

Extra Qn: Keeping aside the leela part, would their love be considered as an affair from today's standard? (yes/no would suffice).

Related:

Why didn't Lord Krishna marry Radha?
If Radha and Krishna aren't married, why do we worship Them together, like Sita-Rama?


texts: According to Hinduism, which is better way of living: Nishkama Karma or Nishkarmata (Akarma)?

texts: Please, could you give a practical example of how to live daily life with nishkama karma vs nishkarmata (akarma).


texts: Did Pandavas ever participate in sex only for sensual pleasure?

texts:
This question contains only for those who want to perform brahmacharya vrat. But I never heard or read that Pandavas are askalitha Brahmachari as Krishna.

Did Pandavas ever do sex just for the sake of sensual pleasures?


texts: Why have we celebrated Dussehra today instead of tomorrow?

texts:
Whatever I know for consideration of Tithi from Panchangam is whichever Tithi falls on the sunrise, that is considered for whole the day.

For example, yesterday there was Ashtami on sunrise and Ashtami Tithi holded upto 12:50 pm, after then Navami is started. Since there was Ashtami on sunrise, Ashtami is considered for whole the day and hence there was Durgashtami on 17 Oct. 2018.

Now, talking about for today (18 Oct. 2018) there was Navami on sunrise and holding up to 3:30 pm and after then Dashami occurs. So, there should Navami be considered for whole the day.  However, as we know we have celebrated Dussehara today.

Ideally, if you observe Tithi timings for tomorrow there is Dashami on sunrise and holding up to evening (6 pm). So, there should be Dashami considered for whole 19 Oct. 2018 and hence Dussehra should be celebrated tomorrow.

Then why have we celebrated Dussehra today? Isn't Dussehra the 10th day of Navaratri i.e Vijaya Dashami? So, I am bit confused regarding counting Tithi for today. I am sure there is something I'm missing. Is there anything regarding Nakshatra or other things considered for counting tithi? or what am I missing? Looking for an answer explaining justification.


texts: I have seen idols of Lord Vishnu having the Shankh, Chakra, Gada,Padma(Lotus) at different locations of 4 hands. Are there any logic,myth behind it ? Which position is true and original?