texts: What happens when Shiva dance? Shiva the mightiest of mighty and also merciful by whose eye brows all gods work. What happens when this auspicious dance?


texts: What are the different methods to attain moksha?

texts: there is kriya yoga,kundalini yoga,Ucchishta ganapati,mantras given by Guru etc what else?


texts: Why did Indra deliver Sanyasis to the wolves as the Kaushitaki Upanishad says?

texts:
In chapter 3 of the Kaushitaki Upanishad, the prince Pratardana, son of the famous king Divodasa and seer of a Vedic hymn as I discuss here, dies and goes to Devaloka (heaven), where he meets Indra.  Indra offers him a boon, and Pratardana asks Indra to give him whatever boon is most beneficial.  So Indra decides to tell him about Indra himself!  (This isn't as absurd as it sounds, because Brahman is the soul of the gods and thus truly understanding Indra will allow you to understand Brahman.)  In particular, Indra says this about himself:

  Know me only; that is what I deem most beneficial for man, that he should know me. I slew the three-headed son of Tvashtri; I delivered the Arunmukhas, the devotees, to the wolves (sâlâvrika); breaking many treaties, I killed the people of Prahlâda in heaven, the people of Puloma in the sky, the people of Kâlakañga on earth. And not one hair of me was harmed there.

The Aitareya Brahmana of the Rig Veda says the same thing.

  When the gods excluded Indra (saying) 'He hath misused Vishvarupa, Tvastri's son, he hath laid low Vritra, he hath given the Yatis [Sanyasis] to the hyaenas, he hath killed the Arurmaghas, he hath contended with Brhaspati', then Indra was deprived of the Soma drinking[.]

My question is, what is the story of Indra delivering the "devotees" or Sanyasis known as the Arunmukhas to the wolves?  Presumably that means they were devoured by wolves.

Sayana, the famous commentator on the Vedas says that the Arunmukhas were actually Asuras in the disguise of Sanyasis, and he characterizes them as "those in whose mouths the reading of the Vedas is not".  He also says "their skulls were turned into the thorns of the desert which remain to this day".

But does anyone know if this story is described in any Hindu scripture?


texts: What are the benefits that one will get while praying Guru on this auspicious day? What are the steps to be followed  for praying? Can all the Lokha Gurus can be prayed on that day?


texts: Why Lord Ayyappa Vratam or Mandalam is done only in few months?

texts: Why Lord Ayyappa vratam or mandalam done only during Karthika masa or generally from September - January? I know even temple is generally opened during this period. Is there any reason or shastra behind for going to sabarimala or doing pooja mainly during this time?


texts: Is the name Kabeer mentioned in the Vedas ? Is Kabeer Das a god According to the Vedas?

texts:
I was challenged by a person who told me that kabeer das is a god. According to the Vedas and that he contributed a few Vedic lines but I don't know much about the Vedas, but have a huge respect for it.
Please clarify.


texts: What is the source of this (Kayena vacha...) text? or Where does it come from?

texts:
I am talking about the following shloka (posting it in Sanskrit and English):

  कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा
  बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतेः स्वभावात् ।
  करोमि यद्यद् सकलं परस्मै
  नारायणायेति समर्पयामि ॥

  Kayena Vacha Mana-Sendriyair Va
  Budhyaatmana Va Prakruteh Swabhavath
  Karoami Yadyad Sakalam Parasmai
  Narayana Yeti Samarpayami

Meaning: Whatever I do with my body, speech, mind or with other senses of my body, or with my intellect and soul or with my innate natural tendencies I offer (dedicate) everything to Narayana.

As this shloka/mantra is widely used for surrendering our (Nishkama) karma to God, I want to know, where does this shloka/mantra come from? In Hindu scriptures, Is it Vedic? or Who has written it?


texts: Why does hinduism has so many gods? With so many gods, how can one focus, are they not distracted?


texts: Are there other instances of agni-pariksha in vedic scriptures?

texts: We all know the famous agni-pariksha of Srimati Sita Devi from Sri Valmiki Ramayana, so I was wondering are there any other instances of Agni-pariksha described in vedas, puranas or itihasas?


texts: Does any scripture say or imply observer is observed?

texts:
One of the basic tenet of Jiddu Krishnamurthy teachings was observer is observed. It means the observer is not different than the psychological states it observes.  Below is one of the explanation -

  If you understand this one radical principle, you will have understood something immense: that where there is an observer separating himself from the thing he observes, there must be conflict. Do what you will, as long as there is a division between the observer and the observed, there must be conflict. As long as there is division between the Muslim and the Hindu, between the Catholic and the Protestant, between the Black and the White, there must be conflict; you may tolerate each other, which is an intellectual covering of intolerance.
  As long as there is division between you and your wife, there must be conflict. This division exists fundamentally, basically, as long as there is the observer separate from the thing observed. As long as I say, "Anger is different from me, I must control anger, I must change, I must control my thoughts", in that there is division, therefore there is conflict. Conflict implies suppression, conformity, imitation, all that is involved in it. If you really see the beauty of this, that the observer is the observed, that the two are not separate, then you can observe the totality of consciousness without analysis. Then you see the whole content of it instantly.

Now,  so far I have not found any similar teachings in any religion. It's moreover seems contrary to every school of Vedanta including Advait Vedanta.  But I have found a saying of Abhinavgupta which seems to say this once -

  Attraction and repulsion, pleasure  and pain, rising and setting, self-confidence  and depression;  all  these  states  with which the  universe is  formed shine  as  mutually different  but  in reality they are  not. Whenever you perceive  the  specificity of some  thing, at  that  very moment  you should perceive  the  essence  of your own consciousness as  one  with it… why not  take  delight  in the  fullness  of that  awareness! Anuttarashtika v-5

But I wanted if any scripture directly or indirectly talks about this observer is observed?


texts: Is feeding stray cats a bad omen? They don't seem to do any harm to me but is it a bad or good omen.


texts: Who are Pitru Devatas? Is Pitru Dosha caused due to the Pitru Devatas being unhappy? How many generations of ancestors are counted as Pitru Devatas?


texts: Can we use conch shell (shankh) during the worship of Lord Shiva?

texts:
I know that as per the story (like found in Shiva Purana: Rudra-saṃhitā: Yuddha-khaṇḍa: Chapter 40) of Shankhchud killed by Shiva, it was banned from his worship.

But still I have seen many people, specially in Varanasi's sandhya aarti and in many temples of Lord Shiva from south India, brahmins are using the conch shell frequently.


texts:
In Gita, Sri Krishna says:

  4.6 Though I am birthless, undecaying by nature, and the Lord of beings, (still) by subjugating My Prakriti, I take birth by means of My own Maya.

  4.9 He who thus knows truly the divine birth and actions of Mine does not get birth after casting off the body. He attains Me, O Arjuna.

  7.24 The unintelligent, unaware of My supreme state which is immutable and unsurpassable, think of Me as the unmanifest that has become manifest.

We have also to remember that

  2.28 O descendant of Bharata, all beings remain unmanifest in the beginning;; they become manifest in the middle. After death they certainly become unmanifest. What lamentation can there be with regard to them?

So Sri Krishna makes it clear that He is different from 'Unmanisfest' becoming 'Manifest' as are ALL the persons.

Given the above, does any of our scriptures allow to brand Sri Krishna as a 'Person' ('Vyakti') with 'Personality'?

The meanings of the word 'Person' according to the the Oxford Dictionary are :

  1A human being regarded as an individual.

  •‘the porter was the last person to see her prior to her disappearance’
  ‘she is a person of astonishing energy’
  More example sentencesSynonyms
  1.1 (in legal or formal contexts) an unspecified individual.
  ‘each of the persons using unlawful violence is guilty of riot’
  ‘the entrance fee is £2.00 per person’
  More example sentences
  1.2with modifier An individual characterized by a preference or liking for a specified thing.
  ‘she's not a cat person’
  More example sentencesSynonyms
  1.3 A character in a play or story.
  ‘his previous roles in the person of a fallible cop’
  Synonyms
  1.4 An individual's body.
  ¤‘I would have publicity photographs on my person at all times’
  More example sentencesSynonyms

  2Grammar
  《A category used in the classification of pronouns, possessive determiners, and verb forms, according to whether they indicate the speaker (first person), the addressee (second person), or a third party (third person).

  《Example sentences
  《3Christian Theology
  《Each of the three modes of being of God, namely the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost, who together constitute the Trinity.

The Christan Theology meaning of course in not applicable in this case.

Are there any Non ISKCON translations which translate Krishna as "person"?


texts: Are any Vishnu Purana commentaries available?

texts: I like to read Vishnu Purana. I found an English translation online. Is there any commentary available for it either online or offline in English/Hindi?


texts: Why didn't Arjuna use any divya astras in Kurukshetra war?

texts:
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna spent five long years during his exile to go to heaven and acquire all the divya astras.

But, why didn't he use any of those major divya astras in the Kurukshetra war?

For instance, he was almost defeated by Karna and Bhishma; yet, he refrained from using the major divya astras like Vajra, Pashupata etc.


texts: What is the difference between Veerashaivism and Lingayatism?

texts: Lingayats and Veerashaivites are often considered the same Shaivite sect. However, there are many who consider them distinct to each other. What is the difference between the two?


texts:
Did Hanuman ever meet Lord Dattatreya?

Any incident involving both?


texts: I just want to ask that is there any university in India or outside India which is able to award Ph.D. in Hinduism. As whatever I searched on Google, there is no university in the India. Please suggest if there is any.


texts:
As I discuss in this answer, each of the four Vedas consists of four portions: Samhitas, the core part of the Vedas consisting of verses heard from the gods; Brahmanas, which provide instructions on the proper performance of important rituals; Aranyakas, which provide a guide to rituals meant for forest-dwellers and hermits; and Upanishads, which consist of conversations between teachers and students which clarify the philosophical message of the Vedas.  But as I discuss in this answer, the Shukla Yajur Veda is organized differently.  In particular, one of its Upanishads, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, is actually the last part of its Brahmana, the Shatapatha Brahamna.

Now the Shukla Yajur Veda is associated with the sage Yajnavalkya, and the last chapter of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (i.e. the last chapter of the Shatapatha Brahmana) tells the disciplic succession by which Yajnavalkya got the knowledge embodied in the text:

  Yâgñavalkya [learned it] from Uddâlaka,
  Uddâlaka from Aruna,
  Aruna from Upavesi,
  Upavesi from Kusri,
  Kusri from Vâgasravas,
  Vâgasravas from Gihvâvat Vâdhyoga,
  Gihvâvat Vâdhyoga from Asita Vârshagana,
  Asita Vârshagana from Harita Kasyapa,
  Harita Kasyapa from Silpa Kasyapa,
  Silpa Kasyapa from Kasyapa Naidhruvi,
  Kasyapa Naidhruvi from Vâk,
  Vâk from Ambhinî,
  Ambhinî from Âditya, the Sun.

As you can see, it eventually goes back to the sage Kashyapa who learned it from Vak goddess of speech, more commonly known as Saraswati.  But my question is, who is this "Ambhini" figure, who apparently learned the knowledge from Surya the sun god and taught it to Saraswati?  Is Ambhini a goddess?

I found one possible clue.  As you can see in the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here, Saraswati is the seer of one of the hymns in the Rig Veda, specifically Book 10 Hymn 125.  Her name is listed there as "Vak Ambhrina" (which would mean daughter of Ambhrini or Ambhrina).  Could this last name "Ambhrina" have some connection to "Ambhini"?

Are there any scriptures that describe Ambhini?

EDIT: I found a reference to Vak Ambhrina in this excerpt from the Baudhayana Shrauta Sutras:

  Vak, daughter of Ambhrina, desired, "May I attain immeasurable glory." She perceived this sacrifice, she fetched, she performed it. Thereby she attained immeasurable glory.


texts: Is Purusha (mentioned in Purusha suktam) same as Brahman (Parabrahman)?

texts: Is Purusha (mentioned in Purusha suktam) same as Brahman (Parabrahman) ?


texts:
Hindu mythology have illustrated several times, how kings (Dashratha in Ramayana), go for hunting. The purpose of hunting has always/mostly been to enjoy the sport and obtain the skins of the animals like the Tigers/Lions.
But when they go for hunting a deer, with not much value for its skin... was the purpose to feast on it ?
This would also mean, that Meat-eating was acceptable at that time.


texts: Is there any worshipping of water in Hinduism?

texts:
I get confused often when I read Hindu scripture translations because it always seem like there is no straight answer to anything.

I read that Narayana is water that Vishnu came from, but then some say they are one and the same, or that water comes from Vishnu, or that Vishnu actually just rests on water.

Other places it says Brahma instead of Vishnu.

I'm just wondering if there is any worshipping of water, or traditions involving water.


texts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw3JrfnBc7Q

I am looking for the source of the story explained in this video. By "source", I'm referring to some kind of written text, which probably would be authoritative or canonical. If there is none, does it comes from the oral tradition?


texts:
How does Hinduism explains reincarnation?

How would it explain the growth in human population? Even if we consider that those humans could have been some other animals in previous life then are we saying that total number of life forms (animals, fishes, insects etc) have remained constant since the inception of earth?


texts: Why do Hindus say "Radhe Krishna"? Why "Radhe" is pronounced before Krishna? Is there any story? Please tell me the story.


texts: Which characters of Mahābhārata are also mentioned in the Vedas?

texts:
By characters, I mean people (kings, queens and sages) like Kṛṣṇa, Yudhiṣṭhira, Arjuna, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Duryodhana, Draupadī, Vyāsa, etc. and not gods/mythological beings like Indra, Agni, Śiva and Viṣṇu.

And by Vedas, I mean all four portions i.e., saṃhitas, āraṇyakas, brāhmaṇas, and upaniṣads but the earliest reference the better.


texts: Effect of the three Gunas on Rebirth and Karma

texts:
Can someone explain this with examples

As far as i understand, a person responds to a situation as per their guna.

But are situations too tailored to the match a person's guna?

My question is not about a person’s response to a situation according to guna.
It is about how guna affects a the way a predestined event ie.. the way Karma plays out in a person’s life.

Suppose a person, AAA, has to recover something from another, BBB, and it could not be done in that very lifetime. Then, in another lifetime, AAA can recover the dues from BBB by

1)  stealing/ pickpocket / cheating BBB.  Which means AAA is in tamasic mode.
Or

2)  being born as a child to BBB. Which means AAA is in satvik mode
Or

3)  be an inefficient employee to BBB. Which means AAA is in Rajasic mode.

4)  be in some position to take gifts from BBB

5)  or some other mode of recovery, like inheriting in a long winded manner because direct heirs have died.

So, will the kind of rebirth of AAA have, to effect the recovery, be as per AAA's guna?

Or does something else also affect the way a person is reborn?

i hope i am clear now.

Regards
Geetha


texts: Is the famous sanskrit phrase - Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam, found in the RigVeda and Maha Upanishad?

texts:
The famous Sanskrit phrase is almost used by many people as an an aphorism-maxim proverb, to signify the presence of global acceptability as an Indian value.
Commonly translated as:

Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam
वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्

Meaning: The world is one big family.

Further, the Wikipedia page for the same, says that the phrase is found in Maha-Upanishad and also in the Riga-Veda. (?).
I'd like to know in what context and which particular scripture(s), does this phrase occurs? Does it really occur in the same above defined context in the Vedic literature?
Has it been really used in the scriptures to signify the all-accommodating nature of our Sanaatan Dharma ? Or it's used is some other contexts and significance ? How is it to be interpreted? What are the views of the eminent aachaaryas, relevant commentators and personalities on this phrase and its significance ?

Please KINDLY Note:
My question is in NO WAY WHATSOEVER, a similar to or duplicate of this question :
Why do Hindus follow the quote "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam"?
My question asks the contextual origin of the quote in the scriptures, I have mentioned. Thus I'd like an account of in what setting or context this quote has been invoked in both the above mentioned Maha-Upanishad & the RigVeda too. More importantly, is it really found in both the Maha Upanishad and RigVeda too? Or the Wikipedia's claim is false?


texts: What is difference between Nagas and sadhu?

texts: I mean both of them are saints devoted to spirituality both of them follow brahmacharya etc i want to ask whether both have same significance in Hindu mythology? And what are the differences between sadhus and Nagas?


texts: Hindu view of fantastical creatures in scriptures

texts:
Western literature describes a host of mythical creatures like the hippogriff; werewolf; basilisk; centaur. Hindu religion also has a vast literature which describes similar albeit different mythological beings.

What are these beings in specific terms? What is the Hindu view as to the existence of such "fanciful beings"?


texts: Leftover Kshatriyas after Lord Parashurama's genocide

texts: Lord Parashu Rama sanitized earth by killing kshatirya generations for 21 times. From what Dharma calls that the one who is humble and does not raise a weapon he should be granted sharanagati, & due to this Lord Parshuram would have been merciful to the Kshatriyas who surrendered to him. So according to this formulation of Dharma how many Kshatriyas were left alive after each wipe-off for kshatriyas?.(Lord Parashu Rama did 21 such wipe-offs). This is the reason for doing 21 wipe-off, killing 21 generations of Kshatriyas.


texts:
I have not found any specific reference in the Ramayana about:

What was the age of Dasharatha when Lord Rama was born?
What was the age difference amongst the four brothers (Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna)?
What were the ages of Lord Rama and Ravana during the Ramayana war?
What were the ages of Lava and Kusha and Lord Rama when they met each other for the first time?


texts: What is the significance of the float festival - Theppotsavam?

texts:
I came across a few videos of Theppotsavam, a festival celebrated in some temples of South India. The principal murti is decorated and floated on a nearby river or lake. As per Wikipedia it seems that it is celebrated in month of Chitthirai
So was wondering why is the procession carried out in such a manner ?


texts: Not counting Purusha Sukta, what castes are mentioned in Rig Veda?

texts:
Brahmins are mentioned in connection with frogs and opinion is divided if they are being made fun of.

Book 7

HYMN CIII. Frogs.

  THEY who lay quiet for a year, the Brahmans who fulfil their vows,
  The Frogs have lifted up their voice, the voice Parjanya hath inspired.

But are the other castes mentioned anywhere besides the Purusha Sukta?


texts: Which book or books contains all the Stotra of Bhairav

texts: Books or Scriptures which contains all the stotras of Bhairav


texts: Is Sambhoga (sex) the need of the body or soul as per Vedas?

texts:
I am not sure if there is an explanation to this question in Vedas or not but it came to my mind because we have often heard about 'KaamDeva' in mythological stories and what was expected of him when he was called upon. Also what do his bow & arrow portray?

Another reason for asking this was because what we normally hear & read is that not all men or women are sexually active/ To some extent, it proves that it is not the need of the body because all of us (even animals etc) have a body so it has something to do with soul, but then all of us have souls too, hence the confusion!

Are the carnal desires being needed by the body or the soul?
(Are there any references present in Veda-s.)


texts: Is auspicious place for marriage as important as auspicious time?

texts:
In Hinduism, it is customary to consider auspicious time for marriage. It can be found across several scriptures. Consider the following as an example for it from Valmiki Ramayana

  "Oh, Brahman, the savants acclaim that part of the day as the best for
  wedding ceremonies when both of the pre-Phalguni and post-Phalguni
  stars are available, and on such a time where post-Phalguni is ruling,
  for which Bhaga is the presiding deity for progeny..." So said Janaka
  to the marriage party. [1-72-13]

Is it equivalently important to fix auspicious place for marriage? Are there any mentionings about the importance of place for marriage in scriptures?


texts: Do Hindu scriptures acknowledge the presence of Dinosaurs?


texts: In Hinduism, are you not supposed to be happy?

texts:
From what I'm gathering, you are not supposed to be "bad" obviously, but it also seems that you are not supposed to be "happy" either?

Am I getting this right?

[edit] Are we to exist without karma, akarma, so be neither good nor bad?


texts: Why is Lord Shri Krishna so popular Hindu God?

texts: I don't understand about the popularity of Lord Shri Krishna, even though he cheats in Mahabharata for Arjuna's victory and even though he had thousands of wives, he is considered true symbol of love, still he didn't marry his true Love Radha?


texts: Who are the other Vishistadvaita philosophers and what are their most important works?

texts:
Ramanuja is obviously known to be the proponent of Vishistadvaita philosophy.
Now, I would like to know the other Vishistadvaita philosophers before and after Ramanuja.
Also, their most important works on this Darshan.


texts: It is a common point across all vedantic darshanas that the universe undergoes cyclic creation and destruction. There are infinite such cycles going back in time and infinite such cycles are yet to come. That means, infinite years/months/units of time have already passed by. We are already at infinite time? But how can we ever reach infinite time? How can infinite number of years ever pass by? Infinity can never be physically realized. But vedanta says that we are already at infinite time! How is this possible? Have any vedantic philosophers tried to address this issue?


texts: Which texts mention that satyabhama was incarnation of bhumi Devi?

texts:
As per Wikipedia article on Satyabhama:

Satyabhama is the third consort of the God Krishna, the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu. Satyabhama is believed to be an avatar of Bhumī Devī, the Goddess of Earth who is Prakriti form of Mahalakshmi. She aided Krishna in defeating the demon Narakasura.

Wikipedia mentions satyabhama has incarnation of bhumi devi but I haven't found any such reference in scriptures.Please do provide reference.


texts: Does Valmiki ramayan says Ram was god or an incarnation?

texts:
Can someone help me with the references of Ramayan from Valmiki which says Ram was a god or an incarnation ?

Thanks in advance .


texts: How can a man completely get relieved of curses and sins?

texts: How can a man completely get relieved of curses and sins he committed during his earthly life? Please quote from Hindu scriptures instead of vague answers.


texts: How the war between Lord Shiva & andhaka had taken place?

texts: I know what happened as per puranas , but does Mahabharata also mentions the same or different? How andhaka had taken birth, did he wanted to be husband of goddess parvati? At last how the war happened between them?


texts:
I have seen many people who worship lord Shiva who prefer to be naked and they have ash (Bhabhuti) powdered all over their body. I am not sure what these people are known as but I have seen them in Kumbhmela on Television.

These people always drink Bhang and smokes Chillum. They say that lord Shiva too has these habits.

Credits : www.pinterest.com

So, is it true that lord Shiva drinks Bhang and smokes Chillum? Is it mentioned in any scriptures?

Credits: lh6.ggpht.com


texts: Is pranking bad act according to Hinduism?

texts:
According to Mahabarata, Samba got curse because of doing prank. Actually the prank done by Samba doesn't harm any one. But he got curse.

Does it signifies that pranking is a bad act? Does any text is saying against doing pranks?


texts: If hell exists than what is the reason for lower birth?

texts:
BG 16.21: There are three gates leading to the hell of self-destruction for the soul—lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, all should abandon these three.

This verse talk about hell.
If hell exists where people are Punished for their sin than why people have lower birth. Examples the brith of a tree, dog and mosquito.


texts:
While scrolling through Surpanakha's page on Wikipedia, there it was written that Ravaan had eaten Surpanakha's husband (Vidyutjiva)
Here is a part of the page ---------

At the time of conquering Rasatala (the underworld), her brother,
Ravana decided to visit his newly married sister, where he discovered
Vidyutjihva's true motive to marry Shurpanakha – to kill Ravana. In
Shurpanakha's absence, Vidyutjihva attacked Ravana, who in
self-defense killed his brother-in-law.

Even this is written --------

Some versions of the Ramayana claim that Shurpanakha had no real
romantic interest in the brothers, engineering Ravana's death in
revenge for her husband Vidyujjihva's murder. After many years of
plotting his downfall, she realized that Ravana had more than a match
in Rama, who had killed both her brothers, Khara and Dushana who
confronted Rama and Lakshamaņa after they were told of insult to
Shurpanakha's fate by the duo. Her cousins were terrified of Rama, so
Shurpanakha decided to pit her brother against Rama, knowing only that
he was powerful enough to slay her brother.

So, are the above ture and should be believed ??


texts: How is punishment and enjoyment possible in hell and heaven without body?

texts: How does a soul enjoy the fruits of his deeds in heaven without a mortal body???


texts: Is the Gayatri mantra used to worship the sun or Goddess Gayatri?

texts:
I've heard that the Gayatri mantra is actually used to worship the sun, and that the mantra was titled "Gayatri mantra" because the mantra is formed using Gayatri meter (a Vedic meter).

Is that true?


texts: Does Ati Rudra Maha Yajna and Ekadash Rudram yield similar benefits?

texts:
I have heard Ati Rudra Maha Yajna and Ekadash Rudram yield similar benefits for the world i.e samatha lokah sukino bhavanthu is this correct?

Please clarify.
Thanks


texts: Why did Shri Rama worship Shiva in Ramayana eventhough He is god?

texts: I know that Shri Rama is God , then why did He worship Shiva Linga in Ramayana?


texts: Which incarnations of Lord Vishnu are mentioned in the Rāmāyaṇa?

texts:
Like the Mahābhārata has several explicit references to various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including that of Shri Rāma, What about the Rāmāyaṇa?
Which all incarnations of the Lord, have been mentioned either explicitly or implicitly in the Rāmāyaṇa?

One may also derive their answers from the other popular versions of the Rāmāyaṇas - Adbhuta, Ānanda, Adhyātma, et al.


texts:
For Brahma loka it is Brahma, for Vaikunta it is Lord Vishnu and for Kailash it is Lord Shiva, for Heaven it is Indra.

In a similar way, who is the ruler of the Earth?
Is it Lord Vishnu because Earth is wife of Lord Vishnu?

Actually Lord Vishnu is the ruler of the universe and Indra is his sub-ordinate.

In a similar way, didn't Lord Vishnu appoint any sub-ordinates for the earth?


texts: Is there a relation between origin of Hinduism and Veda? "Veda" is considered as the oldest religious book and Hinduism is the oldest religion. Did they both originate simultaneously?


texts: It is widely known that Lord Sri Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Yet recently I came across a story where it is said that Goddess Kaali incarnated as Lord Sri Krishna. Is this mentioned in any of the Puranas?


texts: Was Lord Hanuman born in Sumeru? Where is that place? Is it renamed recently?

texts: Where is Sumeru? I have been reading about Hindu Cosmology of seven continents and in that I came across Mount Sumeru. Where is it? Is it the birth place of Hanuman?


texts: Why do seeing Devas, Yaksas, Raksasas, Gandharvas is obstruction to an yogi?

texts:
Vayu purana says that seeing Devas, Yaksas, Raksasas, Gandharvas etc., is a sign of obstruction to yoga.

Why is it? All of them are divine beings and why it can't be a sign of yoga instead of sign for disturbance to an yogi?


texts: Did Krishna ever talk beyond the four caste system?

texts:
In this question, I am assuming the meaning of words caste, Varna, class stands for same. Don't consider tribes as same as caste.

Consider the following talks by Krishna in Mahabharata

From Udyoga Parva Section 29

  Krishna said, '...Thou must, O Sanjaya, take into thy consideration the division of the four castes and the scheme of respective duties allotted to each. ...'

From the Bhagavad Gita 4.13

  "The Holy One said,--'.....The quadruple division of castes was created by me according to the distinction of qualities and duties. ....'

Does Krishna talk about any other statement beyond this four-class system such as out of the caste system, 5th caste etc., anywhere in Mahabharata or any other texts


texts:
I've known that the third eye is actually the place for 'agna' chakra in the body, and that the third eye is actually a metaphor for reaching that high level of conciousness where you start seeing things the way they are. And lord shiva, who is 'trilochana' clearly shows this by his form, and his actions of, for instance, destroying 'kama'(lust) with his third eye.
This would actually be a metaphoric action, which would mean, if you have attained highest knowledge, then you can destroy lust, which is persistent to human nature.

But my biggest confusion is, if the third eye is the symbol of knowledge and highest conciousness, why does the third eye of lord shiva open up with rage? Knowledge as any one would say would be obtained with time, patience and effort, in the contrary, why would our energy reach the 'agna' with rage?

EDIT: ARE THERE ANY VERSES TO SUPPORT YOUR REMARKS?


texts: What is Unmanifest & what is Person? And what's the difference?

texts:
Katha Upanishad Valli 3 says such.

7. Higher than the senses is the mind;
Higher than the mind is the essence; Higher than the essence is the immense self;
Higher than the immense is the unmanifest.

8. Higher than the unmanifest is the person, pervading all and without any marks.
Knowing him, a man is freed, and attains immortality.

Immense self is Jivatma(Pushtak).
Person is Brahm or ultimate reality.
Then what Unmanifest is?

And what is the difference (possibly subtle) between unmanifest & Person?


texts: Are there any blasphemy laws in the dharma śāstras?

texts:
According to some comments & answers to What are the after-effects of insulting gods/goddesses? it appears that in the grand scheme of things, the Karma theory is going take care of all those who speak ill of gods.

But my question is, does Hindu scripture contain any blasphemy laws? Does it recommend any punishments (daṇḍa) for these people?

E.g., Manu recommends these punishments for members of one varṇa insulting the other:

  śataṃ brāhmaṇamākruśya kṣatriyo daṇḍamarhati |
  vaiśyo'pyardhaśataṃ dve vā śūdrastu vadhamarhati || 267 ||

  On abusing a Brāhmaṇa the Kṣatriya should be fined one hundred; and the Vaiśya one hundred and fifty; or two hundred; the Śūdra however deserves immolation. —
   (267)

  . . .

  dharmopadeśaṃ darpeṇa viprāṇāmasya kurvataḥ |
  taptamāsecayet tailaṃ vaktre śrotre ca pārthivaḥ || 272 ||

  If through arrogance, he [once-born] teaches brāhmaṇas their duty, the king shall pour heated oil into his mouth and ears. — (272)


texts: What do the scriptures mention about sleeping postures and mattresses?

texts: Do the scriptures mention about sleeping postures and mattresses?


texts: Are there any instances where Putra Kameshti Yajna really worked?

texts: It is believed that if a couple remained childless or doesn't have a male child, performing Putra Kameshti Yajna will result in producing offspring, especially a male offspring. Now, my question is, are there any instances / examples of Putra Kameshti Yajna really worked?


texts: Need to know precise steps for tattwa shuddhi sadhana?

texts:
As the title says I need to understand in brief precisely all the mandatory steps a sadhak needs to follow for tattwa shuddhi sadhana.

Please cite authentic references.


texts: What is the position of Lord Vishnu as per Shiva Purana? Is he given the status of Supreme anywhere in Shiva Purana?


texts: What would the elder brothers among main characters in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata call their younger brothers' wife?

texts:
To not make this question broad, let's be specific. What would Rama, Yuddhishthira, Krishna call their younger brother's wife? Would they even talk with them?
Since we aren't sure about language, let's move to Hindi serials or Hindi/Sanskrit books or online references for the same. Are there any references that they talked with them. What would they call them?


texts: What is the difference between Bramhan's witnessing and Jiva's perception ( act of seeing, hearing, thinking etc)?

texts:
Bramhan is Eternal Witness! Scriptures eulogise the Bramhan by various terms all Depicting His divine glory. Few such terms are  Vishhudhha ( all pure and completely free from all impurities  ) , Niskalam ( free from parts or, one piece only) Niranjanam ( completely free from taint or impurities) .

A conjoint reading of these and other similar terms clearly imply that Bramhan doesn't possess any part or components like mind and sense organs. In other words He is free from mind and sense organs.

Given the background above let me venture to differentiate between being witness and perception. Perception seems to include observation + experience+ rememberance  ( Jiva's act)whereas witness means simply and only Observance ( Bramhan's glory)It is through experience and rememberance that we form relative opinion of good and bad. And it is opinion formation that is the womb of all Dwandas ( pairs of opposite) .

In witnessing alone, no dwandas (pairs of opposites) result. So, Bramhan is free from Dwandas   ( Nirdwando hi samam Bramho ---Geeta ) .

Shall be so helpful  if some blessed one could help me understand the subject with his Elucidaton.


texts:
I've been looking at the Wikipedia page of Choghadiya and while it is very clear on the boundaries between each Choghadiya, it does not tell how to determine the first Choghadiya.

Looking at different dates:

28 March 2018

Labh
Amrit
Kaal
Shubh
Rog
Udveg
Char
Labh

19 October 2084

Shubh
Rog
Udveg
Char
Labh
Amrit
Kaal
Shubh

While the cyclic order remains the same, the first choghadiya changes from Labh to Shubh. How can this be determined?


texts: Which Hindu Scriptures provides knowledge about Nagamani(Cobra Pearl)?

texts:
I have heard many people saying Nagamani is obtained from  a naga type of snake and my questions are as follows:

1)  What are the rules for a snake to give nagamani?

2) What happens when the snake spits the nagamani out of its hood?

3) Is there a original nagamani in the world ?

As per this page:

  Most People believe Naga Mani Generally forms in the hood of a cobra
  or king cobra. Actually it is not formed in the poison gland., but the
  higher cobra spirit of Naga Loka, chooses one highly special,
  spiritual and magical stone for itself. One is very lucky to get such
  a unusual gem of Naga Loka. Naga Mutya or Naga Manikya stone is
  blessing of Naga gods. It blesses one with the magical fortune and
  good luck. The snake god which hold this pearl belong to Vasuki race
  according to Bruhat Samhita of the great Varaha Mihira. This mani
  creates magic in your life. This rare magical item is only the wealth
  of Naga Loka. Naga Land, India, is the only place on earth which has
  relation with Naga Loka.

  A state of India known as Nagaland is famous for this Mani. Sometimes
  we come across normal stones in forest which is a Naga Mani. An expert
  shaman only acquire it by spiritual vision. No body can get it by
  killing a cobra.

  Maha Naga Mani: Anyone possessing such a Naga Mani or cobra stone
  attains piety, rare good fortune, and eventually becomes illustrious
  as a leader of men, complete with a great collection of all precious
  gems. King Vikramaditya, Raja Bhoj, King Solomon and many other Indian
  kings, possessed such a precious treasure.

Question 4-In which Hindu Scripture do we find more details regarding these Nagamanis or Cobra Pearl?


texts: Who were the ancient women Rishikas in Vedas? What are the verses in Vedic scriptures which allow women to read Vedas?

texts: Are there any Women Rishikas in Vedas ? And are there any rules and proofs Grihya Sutras and other scriptures that women can wear thread?


texts: Whether in mahabharat itself(not in purana), krishna is depicted as makhan chor(stealing butter)?

texts:
Whether in mahabharat, esp. BORI edition(though other edition may also do), krishna is depicted as makhan chor(stealing butter) ?

Please do not give reference of any purana.


texts: For what and why Bhishma took pratigna (oath) in Mahabharata

texts: What was the pratigna (oath) and Why Bhishma took pratigna in Mahabharata? And to whom?


texts: Any connection between Brahmastra and Brahmadanda?

texts:
I was reading an article here that states:

  Brahmastra (Sanskrit: ब्रह्‍मास्‍त्र, Brahmāstra) was a weapon created
  by the creator Brahma, for the purpose of upholding Dharma and Satya
  (truth). When the Brahmastra was discharged, there was neither a
  counterattack nor a defense that could stop it, except by Brahmadanda,
  a stick also created by Brahma.

My question: I have heard about instances where Brahmastra was used but not aware of any instances where Brahmadanda was used to stop it, are there any references that show when and under what circumstances was Brahmadanda used and by whom? Any other valuable & interesting facts about it?


texts:
According to Hinduism -

1.What's the purpose of creation of the universe?

Why god created humans? What's the purpose?
Why did he create humans to be highly intelligent and animals not so much?
Why does he want only humans to worship him and not animals? Has he actually asked humans to worship him or are humans worshipping him by their own will?


texts: Difference between meditation buzzing & Tinnitus?

texts:
I used to do meditation chanting OM/AUM (with help of a YouTube audio) using headphones but not now, I follow different method now. But my question is:

How does a person know that the constant buzzing sound in the ear is due to the meditation or if it is Tinnitus?

PS: Neither me nor anyone in my family have any history of Tinnitus.

Is it possible that one can start hearing this buzzing sound due to incorrect meditation technique?


texts:
Why is 108 significant in Hinduism? What is the scientific/mathematic/spiritual/religious significance?

We are told to aim for 108 reps of Surya Namaskar (I'm on 69 reps a day, LOL)
If you circumambulate Mount Kailash 108 times, you attain moksha
According to this YouTube video, Holy Kailash Pilgrimage, starts at 4:04, if you go through 108 frigid water spouts (in a Nepal temple), you attain moksha

Please enlighten me.


texts:
I have read that Hindus usually pierce nose on the left side. Why is it so?

Is there any bad omen related to right side nose piercing?


texts: Does every Lords including Lord Shiva worship each other in different scriptures? Why?

texts:
Does every Form of God worship Other Forms like Shakti worships Vishnu and Vishnu worships Shakti?

Is it true for Lord Shiva also?

What is the reason?


texts:
I just wanted to know the belief behind celebrating ganesh chaturthi.

Me and my family have decided to bring ganesha idol home this year. But as my grandfather passed away this year , some people are saying that you can not celebrate ganesh chaturthi for one year. It is not allowed in hinduism. Is it true?


texts: How did Prahlada survive demoniac tortures?

texts:
The demons [Rākṣasas], the servants of Hiraṇyakaśipu, thus began
  striking the tender parts of Prahlāda Mahārāja’s body with their
  tridents. The demons all had fearful faces, sharp teeth and reddish,
  coppery beards and hair, and they appeared extremely threatening.
  Making a tumultuous sound, shouting, “Chop him up! Pierce him!” they
  began striking Prahlāda Mahārāja, who sat silently, meditating upon
  the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

  Even though a person who has no assets in pious activities performs
  some good deed, it will have no result. Thus the weapons of the demons
  had no tangible effects upon Prahlāda Mahārāja because he was a
  devotee undisturbed by material conditions and fully engaged in
  meditating upon and serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is
  unchangeable, who cannot be realized by the material senses, and who
  is the soul of the entire universe.

  My dear King Yudhiṣṭhira, when all the attempts of the demons to kill
  Prahlāda Mahārāja were futile, the King of the demons, Hiraṇyakaśipu,
  being most fearful, began contriving other means to kill him.

  Hiraṇyakaśipu could not kill his son by throwing him beneath the feet
  of big elephants, throwing him among huge, fearful snakes, employing
  destructive spells, hurling him from the top of a hill, conjuring up
  illusory tricks, administering poison, starving him, exposing him to
  severe cold, winds, fire and water, or throwing heavy stones to crush
  him. When Hiraṇyakaśipu found that he could not in any way harm
  Prahlāda, who was completely sinless, he was in great anxiety about
  what to do next.

  -- Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.39-44


texts: What is the story of Lakshmi's son Chikleeta?

texts:
The Khilani of the Rig Veda contains the famous Sri Sukta, a hymn to Lakshmi goddess of wealth.  This is what verses 11-12 of the Sri Sukta say:

Sloka 11:  We are the progeny of our forefather, Sage Kardama, who is one of the sons of Goddess Lakshmi. We invoke that Sage Kardama to install in his family the Universal Mother, Mahalakshmi, who is decked with the garland of lotuses. So be it.
Sloka 12: We invoke another son of Lakshmi named Chikleeta. May he dwell in our home and may his mother, Mahalakshmi, dwell in our family.

First of all, why is Kardama called a son of Lakshmi?  Kardama is a famous sage who was the father of the sage Kapila (an incarnation of Vishnu), and he is usually said to be born of Brahma's shadow (although the Harivamsa calls him a descendant of Brahma's son Pulaha).  And I've heard that after the churning of the ocean Lakshmi made Kardama her adopted father, not son.  But do any other scriptures describe him as Lakshmi's son?
But my main question is, who is the figure mentioned in verse 12, Chikleeta?  Are there any scriptures that discuss his story?  The only information I could find about him is from this webpage, which says that Kardama and Chilkita are two of the seers of verses in the Sri Sukta:

Each mantra of this Sukta has a different Rishi (seer), Chandas (metre), Devi (deity) and Viniyoga (ritual application). If we consider the entire Sukta as a whole, then the Rishis are: Ananda, Chikleeta, Kardama, Shreeda and Indira, who are said to be the sons of goddess Lakshmi

But is there any scriptural basis for Lakshmi having sons with these names?


texts: Any biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meeting Parashurama?


texts: Do gods feel uncomfortable when they approach human bodies?

texts:
I heard from this video that gods does not like to stay near human bodies and they feel uncomfortable to stay with in or nearer to human bodies?

Which slokhas of which vedic scripture tells this?


texts:
Boredom & loneliness is the byproduct of lack of inner taste of Self. When one identifies himself with something limited which he is not, one gets such feelings owing to lack of experience of bliss & self completedness. Incompleteness implies boredom or loneliness, hence Someone who is complete can never get bored. Otherwise Parshuram, Hanuman etc all would have got bored so far being still alive. They are complete in themselves, experiencing taste of Brahman in Turiya state is the reason they never get bored or feel lonely.

But this thread claims Lord Vishnu incarnate on earth owing to getting bored in Vaikuntha (one of the reason) what is the use of then aspiring for Vaikuntha if one get even bored there? Further it is hugely conflicting that Lord Vishnu can get bored!

So my question is what scriptures mention any case where God(s) got bored? I think It may be possible demigods could get bored as they are not enlightened but what about Trinity? Is there any case which tells trinity got bored?


texts: Why is there such a stark contradiction in Vedic hymns and many Puranic stories?

texts:
For example, it is shown in this answer- How did Vishnu help Indra in killing Vritra? that indra was defeated and also shamed and also in the last line 'and later Nahusha becoming the new Indra and getting cursed by Agastya etc.' we see that Indra's also change.

However in Vedic hymns described in Which Vedic verses describe Indra as Brahman? tell us otherwise. It shows that Indra could have single handedly defeated any demon. Then why is there such a contradiction?

EDIT: This question is not a duplicate of Why is the Vedic Indra so different from the Puranic Indra? . Although the examples I gave were about Indra, my major doubt was if Purana are important religious scriptures, then why is their such a huge difference between Vedas and Purana. On one hand Vedas calling Indra Dev as supreme Brahman, while on the other hand Purana saying that a human can become Indra Dev in next birth by doing certain things. The difference is HUGE in my opinion and that is why I gave this example.


texts: What is the correct source of this verse?

texts:
I read this verse stated by Lord Shiva to Devi Parvati -

  ārādhanaṃ sarveṣāṃ  viṣṇor ārādhanaṃ paraṃ   of all kinds of worship, worship of Lord Vishnu is the best.

Further -

  tasmāt parataraṁ devi tadīyānāṁ samarcanam:  and better than the worship of Lord Viṣṇu is the worship of His devotee, the Vaiṣṇava.."

Source(1)

Srila Prabhupada in his lectures has attributed this very verse to three different puranas - Devi (2), Shiva (3) and Padma (4).

I feel that it is highly unlikely that the same verse exists in all three puranas. So I searched online but couldn't find the source. While searching I found that most of the times in his commentaries to Bhagavatam and the Gita and also in the above link, Prabhupada attributes this to padma purana.

Questions:

1.Can somebody please point to the actual source of the verse (preferably purana and verse number with the [authentic] link) and clarify whether this is repeated in the aforementioned puranas?
2. Also can someone comment on the translation of the next part of the verse -

  tasmāt parataraṁ devi tadīyānāṁ samarcanam


texts: Can evidence for ideas/beliefs/practices we would now call part of Hinduism be found from before the Rig Veda?

texts:
Is there any scholarly work that argues that ideas/beliefs/practices that are part of Hinduism are from before the Rig Veda, e.g., Indus Valley Civilization?
This questiion follows up on Were Aryans the forefathers of Hindus?


texts:
In the Ramayan, Hanuman and other Vanars come across Swayamprabha residing in a magical cave while searching for Sita. I wanted to know who this lady was and what was her ancestry. Another online source states that Garuḍa had once offended her and lost his wings by her curse.

Who is this lady and are there any other stories related to her in any other scripture?


texts: Is it necessary to do meditation on God?

texts:
Okay. So I've been doing meditation. It has lots of techniques, I do it from a meditation app. Is it necessary that we do meditation in concentration of god?
I just take the name of the lord and remember god before starting it, rest of the time it's guided by the app. Is it alright?


texts: Do scriptures allow Hindus to marry foreigners?

texts:
Do scriptures allow Hindus to marry foreigners, or non-Hindus of other races?

Inter-caste marriage has its restrictions, but what about interracial marriages?


texts: Is getting promotion using influence dharma or adharma?

texts:
In offices, people may often resort to lobbying and using influence to get a promotion in their jobs.
Will this practice be considered as adharma or dharma?


texts: Do sinners directly get moksha if they die in Varanasi?

texts:
The answers of this question clearly says that any person who dies in Varanasi will get moksha.
If a sinner dies in Varanasi, will that person get moksha?


texts: Brahmotsavam in Tirupati only and not in other divyadesams

texts: Why Brahmotsavam is celebrated in Tirupati in Aswayuja or Asvin or Purattasi month? Why not in other 105 Divyadesams? Any puranic reference.


texts: On what basis Pushpadanta states that chanting his Shiva Mahimna Stotram is greater than Spiritual initiation, austerities, etc?

texts:
Verse 36 states:
Shiv Mahimna Stotram - Text 36

  Diksha danam tapas tirtham jnanamyaga-dikah kriyah,

  mahimnah stava pathasya kallam narhanti shodashim

  Initiation into spiritual life, charities, austerities, pilgrimages,
  practice of yoga, performance of sacrificial rites – none of these
  give even a sixteenth part of the merit that one gets by reciting the
  hymn on the greatness of Shiva. (36)

Pushpadanta wrote the Shiva Mahimna Stotram to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.

Did he just state this out of flattery for Lord Shiva?


texts: The confusion between fruits & vegetables

texts:
Science classify several eatables, which in layman vernacular are called vegetables, to be fruits and vice-versa. Kind of oxymoron in itself.
For example:- Tomato, Cucumber, Chilli, Capsicum, Bell pepper, etc are all popularly taken as vegetables although, are technically fruits.
And similarly:- Okra, Grean peas, etc, although popularly held as vegetables are technically fruits.
Generally during a fast, we are told by elders and priests that we can consume raw fruits while observing a vrata or upavāsa, but must not consume vegetables in any form whatsoever.
Thus, my question being, wrt to the technical-scientific classification of fruits and vegetables, how the above situation of what to eat and what not to eat during a fast, is resolved as per ayurveda classification and other scriptural injunctions regarding the same?
More importantly, In anyway does this kind of oxymoron classification actually exists in anyform within the Hindu systems?


texts: Is maya connected to the notion of love?

texts:
'Maya' as used in the Bengali language, in ordinary usage, as 'affection'.

Is it connected to the philosophic notion of Maya ie delusion/illusion.

In the Bengali dictionary I looked at there were several grades of love that maya covered:

affection
love
infatuation
delusion

Could we say that the two senses are connected by 'love of the world'?


texts: Have Sri Vaishnava acharyas endorsed the concept of "tamasa purana"s?

texts: apparently Koorattazhwan uses the concept of "tamasa purana" for polemics against Saivas.  how about Ramanuja, vedanta desika et al.?


texts: Do any of the biographies of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa written by His direct disciples indicate He took fish or meat?

texts:
There have been numerous biographies on the 19th century mystic saint Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The biographies written by his direct disciples are stated below:

Sri Ramakrishna, The Great Master by Swami Saradananda & Swami Jagadananda
Sri Ramakrishna: The Face of Silence by Swami Nikhilananda & Dhan Gopal Mukerji
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by Mahendranath Gupta & Swami Nikhilananda

All the above books have been written by Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's direct disciples and so these books are likely to give the most accurate account of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's life. This is why I would like to know whether any of the above books say that Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa ate fish or meat. Most people say He ate fish. However, the following quote from His favourite disciple Swami Vivekananda seems to indicate that Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a vegetarian:

  About vegetarian diet I have to say this — first, my Master was a vegetarian; but if he was given meat offered to the Goddess, he used to hold it up to his head. The taking of life is undoubtedly sinful; but so long as vegetable food is not made suitable to the human system through progress in chemistry, there is no other alternative but meat-eating. So long as man shall have to live a Râjasika (active) life under circumstances like the present, there is no other way except through meat-eating. It is true that the Emperor Asoka saved the lives of millions of animals by the threat of the sword; but is not the slavery of a thousand years more dreadful than that? Taking the life of a few goats as against the inability to protect the honour of one's own wife and daughter, and to save the morsels for one's children from robbing hands — which of these is more sinful? Rather let those belonging to the upper ten, who do not earn their livelihood by manual labour, not take meat; but the forcing of vegetarianism upon those who have to earn their bread by labouring day and night is one of the causes of the loss of our national freedom. Japan is an example of what good and nourishing food can do.
  (Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, 4.486-7)

As a result, a doubt has come to my mind that perhaps Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a vegetarian. But I cannot confirm this without checking the biographies written by His direct disciples. I know many people will argue that Bengalis treat fish as vegetarian but the following quote, again from Swami Vivekananda seems to indicate that fish was seen Swami Vivekananda as non-vegetarian.

  All liking for fish and meat disappears when pure Sattva is highly developed, and these are the signs of its manifestation in a soul: sacrifice of everything for others, perfect non-attachment to lust and wealth, want of pride and egotism. The desire for animal food goes when these things are seen in a man. And where such indications are absent, and yet you find men siding with the nonkilling party, know it for a certainty that here there is either hypocrisy or a show of religion. (Complete works of Swami Vivekananda, 5.403)

So do any of those 3 biographies indicate Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa ate meat or fish?


texts: What is the source that describes the devatas for each Navagraha and Nakshatra?

texts: During the rituals for a Navagraha puja, I saw that the avahana was done for the stars (nakshatra) of the yajamaana and his family. I didn't pay much attention until I heard that the devatha for the star "Magam" (or Makhaa) being the Pitrs! Now I am curious to know where from these devathas for each each Nakshatra are assigned. Same question goes for the Navagrahas.


texts: What is the correct procedure to chant Narasimha 32 letters maha mantra?

texts:
The correct Narasimha maha mantra with 32 letters is:

उग्रं वीरं महाविष्णुं
ज्वलन्तं सर्वतोमुखं ।
नृसिंहं भीषणं भद्रं
मृत्युमृत्युं   नमाम्यहं ।।

Please note that a screenshot from Nrisimha Tapani Upanishad  which acts as a proof that above mantra is correct. But the thing which I don't know this is the correct procedure of chanting this mantra. Also find the youtube link which shows chanting of above mantra by Shri Mukkur swamy and also a group of slokas where all the 32 letters are put one by one.


texts:
Though I don't know much about hindu Mythology , I know that Bhagavan Vishnu takes avatars to destroy evils. When I was reading Lord Vishnu's stories. I came to know that varaha avatara was taken by Lord in order to destroy Hiranyakashyapu's his brother Hiranyaksha who abducted earth to pathal loka. Vishnu as a boar went to pathal lok, destroyed the asura and brought back the earth.
Now another version is,
When Vishnu and Brahma were fighting between themselves in order to find out who is the Supreme God. Then Lord Shiva appeared and put a challenge to them. The first one to see my feet or the top of my head would be the bigger diety. Both Vishnu and Brahma accepted. Shiva started to grow both upwards/downwards. Vishnu takes varaha (boar) form and stared digging deep to see the feet of Shiva. Brahma takes form of a swan and started to flying towards Shiva's head. Both failed and accepted Shiva as the bigger deity.

Now my question is
Why Vishnu took varaha avatar ?
To destroy evil ?
Or to try to see Shiva's feet ?


texts: How did Samba, Krishna's son, get relieved from Curse of Krishna?

texts:
Samba was Lord Krishna and Jamabavati son. Samba was born from Amsa of Lord Shiva. Lord Krishna wanted to end His Yadava clan (who were attendants of Lord Vishnu in Vaikunta) as His innumerable invincible Sons could never be defeated by normal Human Kings.
Krishna did Pasupata vrata for 12 months to attain a Son like Rudra (the Lord of Destruction). Lord Shiva with Parvathi in Ardhanariswara form bestowed Krishna a son and they named him as "Samba". Samba was indirectly responsible for end of Yadava Clan.
Some of the Junior wives of Krishna were attracted to Samba and due to this heinous act, Krishna cursed Samba to get affected by Leprosy.
Did Samba get relieved from this Curse? If so, how did he do it?


texts: Why Mahadev repeatedly asked Ma Parvati to abandon her body?

texts:
During initiation process of Ma Parvati as Mother of very Existence, Mahadev repeatedly asked Ma Parvati to give-up her current body and assume new one and learn required skills whenever she committed some gruesome mistake as Mahadev considered those mistake of very grave nature.
For example, Mahadev made it clear to Ma Parvati that it is not the proper time&day (Tithi) and she is not ready to endure pain of initiation into tantra as she is weak after long years of excruciating Tapasya. But mother was adamant and asked him to go ahead. In turn Mahadev asked her not to dose-off during process. Unfortunately, she does and Mahadev instantly ask her to leave body and take rebirth among fishermen and learn power of concentration.
It is said that Mahadev asked her to take so many births before actually initiating her as Jagad Amba (Mother of Existence).
Here is my question,

Why Mahadev asked Jagad Amba to give-up her body every time she committed mistake during initiation process?

Instead,

He could have stated the outcome of her being adamant and taking wrong decision or going against his judgement.

Or, he could have taught her all the skills required to get initiated.

Or, he could have stated clearly all the prerequisites need to get initiated.

I am asking this question because very plank-length1 action of Mahadev would not be without a reason. So, asking his beloved to be departed for long periods of time would be very harsh for him as well.
Request: Please ask question(s), if you have any doubt or confusion regarding my description before drafting your answer. In the past, people tried to help me but their answers did not cited the explanation I was looking for or interested in. They changed the context or meaning without consulting OP. I'll delete this paragraph once I accept the appropriate answer.
1. Plank length is a smallest measurement in know universe


texts:
In this video the speaker Rohit Arya says at 1:21 minutes that sex if used 'correctly' can boost one's Sadhana

Is there any scriptural evidence to support his statement?
What can possibly be the correct way of performing sexual intercourse?


texts: Where does a soul go after complete liberation?

texts: If the only purpose of death and rebirth is to break away from it, why does it exist in the first place? When a soul is liberated and free from rebirth, can it still return if it wants to?


texts: Which period did Lord Vishnu descend to Tirupathi as Venkateshwara?

texts:
There's a famous story about this when Rishis were performing yagam for welfare of the people in Kaliyuga, Maharishi Bhirgu hit Lord Vishnu's chest on seeing who's the supreme. Upon hitting Vishnu's chest, MahaLakshmi got angry with the Lord and went out of Vaikuntha and descended to Earth as Padmavathy.

Now my question is, in which Kalpa/Manvantara/Mahayuga it happened? Which Purana has reference to this story?


texts: Where do Vedas state Universe being a projection in space-time?

texts:
Vedas state about Cyclic nature of time as discussed in answer here. But are there any statement in Vedas which state about Universe being projected as space-time ?

 As a sidenote, Adi Shankaracharya in his famous Dakshinamurty stotram: states how apparent creation proceeds with the appearance of space-time through Maya:

   बीजस्याऽन्तरिवाङ्कुरो जगदिदं प्राङ्गनिर्विकल्पं पुनः
  मायाकल्पितदेशकालकलना वैचित्र्यचित्रीकृतम् ।
  This World is Like a Sprout of a Seed Within which transforms what is Changeless state Before, appear Again as Space and Time, and endless Varieties of Pictures over it; all due to the Creation of Maya,


texts: Is there Vigyan Bhairav Tantra in Hindi available online?

texts:
Can someone kindly provide me the pdf of Vigyan Bhairav tantra?
(I am looking for the original text and not the one written by Osho)
And yes, it should have both Sanskrit and Hindi translation.


texts: How can god help us if he is opposite to material world?

texts:
Spiritual world and material world both are opposites.

Spirituality says to leave love on materialistic things.

In material world, you need money, gold etc related to materials.

Then how can I worship god to give me this or give me that in material world.

How can god fulfill my desire to have something if god want me to do not show love on materials as nothing is permanent.

While saying to get out of materialistic things, why he created the gods and goddesses which helps in getting material items which will not come after death also


texts: Does SriVaishnavite scripture claim Lakshmi's superiority over Parvati and Saraswati?

texts:
They have voluminous arguments for Vishnu's superiority over other male deities, but if I recall correctly, they also claim Lakshmi's superiority over female deities.

Is there Srivaishnavite scripture that claims this?


texts: It is said that Lord Vishnu entered universe to make it stable. Why Universe was unstable when Lord Brahma created it?


texts:
Is attaining desirelessness state equivalent to Samadhi?

Also, the three common states of consciousness are:

waking consciousness
dreaming
dreamless sleep

Can someone stay in both states of waking consciousness and Samadhi together?


texts: What is the purpose of tamasic purana if it leads to hell?

texts: In padma purana it classifies some puranas as rajasic and tamasic, specifically it says tamasic puranas will lead to hell. I do not understand this verse, as it seems to contradict what I have known as Veda Vyasa's intentions of to provide help to those in the Kali Yuga. The way I understand tamasic puranas is that they are more appreciated by a tamasic mind, but it would seem that its effects would be to elevate a person, otherwise why would Vyasa write it? I believe the verse in padma purana is like tathaiva tamasa nirayapraptihetavah. niraya meaning the hell. It seems like this is a pretty direct statement, so I guess this means that if one believes tamasic puranas literally and does not rise above its meaning, then one will go to hell. But perhaps the potential is still there that by reading, it will cause one to go beyond? Does anyone have any practical experience with this, the tamasic puranas leading one to advaita realization and god realization?


texts: More questions on the Ajna chakra, and the Atman

texts:
I post some further questions in continuation of the question About the mind's eye and the third eye in Hinduism:

I understand from @SwamiVishwananda's answer to the first question that the Ajna chakra of most people is said to be closed, and that its opening is considered an advanced stage in a spiritual path, and that "It is this eye that allows one to see into the spiritual realms".

Are Purusha, Atman, and Brahman considered part of these spiritual realms?
If so, does one need to open the Ajna chakra to be able to see the Atman?
Or, can people see the Atman naturally (or after short explanation or short practice of meditation)?
Are there different answers to these questions in the tradition?


texts: Is there any mention of the previous or next Sri Brahma (the creator) in the Puranas or Ithihasas?

texts:
A lot of Puranas talk about the creation of the universe after Sri Brahma is created (which is again different based upon different puranas). The puranas also talk about the life span of a Brahma deity.

So, is there any mention of previous or next Brahmas in the scriptures?


texts: How do gods decide when to incarnate and when to assume a human form bypassing the birthing process?

texts:
In both Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata, we see Indra taking a human form during what appears to be emergency situations.
When Indra wants to rob Gautama off of his ascetic power he suddenly decides to take a human form which is an exact replica of Gautama.
Similarly, to try and disrupt Viśvāmitra's penance to become a brahmarṣi, Indra suddenly appears before him as a brāhmaṇa and begs/steals his only meal in a long time.
In Mahābhārata, Indra again presents himself as a brāhmaṇa (out of thin air) to steal Karṇa's armour.

First off, are these on-demand assumptions of human form considered incarnations/avatars?

Secondly, how do gods decide when to follow the due process i.e., enter a mother's womb and take birth in a certain family. And just drive the events that just lead up to the actual purpose of their incarnation – versus – just taking the right human form at the right moment?
For example, in Gautama's case, why didn't Indra just take birth as Gautama's twin brother?


texts: Why 8th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram is special and what are benefits of chanting it?

texts:
I have noticed in various congregation, especially during Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam, while chanting the 8th Anuvaka(i.e. Paragraph) of Namakam

नमः॒ सोमा॑य च रु॒द्राय॑ च॒ नम॑स्ता॒म्राय॑ चारु॒णाय॑ च॒ नमः

either a bell is rung accompanied with Linga abhishekam which is not performed or while OM HARA HARA HARA HARA OM is chanted.I can understand that this anuvaka is special and this is done to draw the attention of the devotees.

What I wish to know is why this anuvaka is special and Is there any stories or punya phala in chanting this anuvaka.


texts: Is there any verse in the Vedas that talks about foreigners or foreign land?

texts: Is there any verse in the Vedas or upanishades that talks about foreigners or foreign land, language, customs.


texts: How did my existence is in place at first? Why am there as me and not as anyone?

texts:
This question could be a tricky one and may look confused but it's not so. Why my own existence is confined to "me" and why I did not exist as God or some other being? Why my existence came as my individual soul and not any other soul? Can u get my question?  If we're Lords one part of energy, why my existence consciousness was not Lords superior energy? In general, what is existence?  Why I am not some other soul? Why my existence was not as deities? Why my existence is as individual Atman and not superior to it? Why am as Jiva? What is basis of existence? "I" here can fall down to lower realms or go to spiritual world. So here "I" is between spiritual and material. So who am I? From this we can understand Jiva we are between spiritual and material. So Atman is a state. So who am I and we? And why we are existing and am existing as me and you and not you and me?

This is a different aspect of the question. It's not who am I, its why am I , the reason behind why am I this and why am not that. Or in nature, aside God, everyone evolved from Jivas?


texts: Deities associated with various organs in Human body?

texts:
I need a scripture reference for Deities associated with various organs in Human body.

This site gives information about it. Is it real or made up by website author?

Is there any Verse which gives information about it?


texts: What happiness/joy God gets, when we humans pray him?

texts:
According to Hinduism , What happiness or joy Gods gets when we humans pray ?

Does God really feel happy when his devotees pray? What joy God gets when some one pray or when humans see temple/god photo they do namaskara.

Does God get joy from this act?

Not duplicate of Why should we pray/worship God? : because wanted answer from gods point of view , what god gets not what uses for the worshiper.


texts: What form did Vishnu take in the Battle of Ten Kings?

texts:
According to the Rig Veda Anukramani, the seer of Mandala 7 of the Rig Veda is the sage Vashishta, and in the following verse from Mandala 7, Vasishta addresses Vishnu:

  What was there to be blamed in thee, O Viṣṇu, when thou declaredst, I am Sipivista?  Hide not this form from us, nor keep it secret, since thou didst wear another shape in battle.

Sipivista means either bald or infused with the sun's rays, but my question is, what is the form being referred to when it says "another shape", and what battle is it referring to?  I think I have an answer to the second question; this verse recurs in Book 8 Chapter 1 Hymn 4 of the Sama Veda, and Sayana's commentary for that hymn says this:

  Vishnu formerly abandoned his own form, and assuming another artificial shape, succourred Vasishtha in battle.  Recognizing the god, the Rishi addresses him with the verse.

There's only one battle Vasishta is known for - the famous Battle of Ten Kings (AKA the Dasarajna), where the Bharata king Sudas defeated a powerful alliance of many kings.  The Bharatas were successful in taking over India, which is why we call India Bharata-Varsha today.  In any case, Vasishtha, who was Sudas' guru at the time, was instrumental in his victory, because he was able to get the gods, particularly Indra and Varuna, to participate in the battle on the side of Sudas.

So it looks like Vasishta got the assistance of Vishnu as well, which wouldn't be surprising as Vishnu and Indra are often closely associated  (since Vishnu's incarnation Vamana is Indra's little brother).  So the question remains, what's the alternate form that Vishnu assumed in the Battle of Ten Kings?  Are there any other scriptures that describe Vishnu's role in this battle?


texts: Is there any mantra that addresses the Saptarishi?

texts:
Is there a mantra that addresses all of the Saptarishi. I used to chant "Om Jai Shri Saptarishi Namah". I found out that "Chitrasikhandin" is a word used to refer to the seven sages, so I made up another mantra: Om Jai Shri Chitrasikhandin Namah. Are there anything similar in the texts?

I feel that we Hindus today do not give enough respect and praise to the Saptarishi.


texts: Non-decaying property of Yogi body after death

texts:
It is well-known that the body of Paramahamsa Yogananda, after his death, did not decay like any other dead body. And we can read it from here.
Are there any other instances from either history or scriptures similar to this?


texts: Which Vedic verses declare Lord Brahma as supreme?

texts:
Lord Brahmaa is a very important figure in Vedic tradition. He is referred to as PrajApatI and hiranyagarbha in the Vedas. As per Puranic tradition he is the part of trimurti's or trinity.

However, in the present era Lord Brahmaa and his worship has been sidelined. Only the two other gods of the trinity are given more importance.

There are puranic stories about brahma being cursed and hence his worship is forbidden in the present era.

Like the other Vedic gods (Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Soma etc.) his worship is also sidelined due to some reason or another.

I want to know which verses or hymns of the Vedas declare Lord Brahma as supreme or highest?

When we can venerate Lord Brahma in the Vedic rituals then why not in general regular worship?


texts: Can unenlightened person initiate people?

texts: Person who have not yet reached the highest, but practicing sadhana and have acquired some siddhis can intiate people?


texts: If Lord Krishna lives in Goloka Vrindavana where do the other avataras live?

texts: Lord Vishnu lives in Vaikuntha while his poorna avatara Lord Krishna lives in Goloka Vrindavana. Do any of the other Vishnu avataras have their own lokas? If yes, please mention the names of these lokas and their respective Lords.


texts: Is lust the most powerful among the shada ripus?

texts:
EXPLANATION :

As lust is one of the desires of living beings and seems to be avoidable at high concentration.
The other desires of shada ripus are seems to be less difficult(my opinion)
We can see many people in our yuga who had overcome most of the desires fall in trap of kama deva.
EXAMPLE :
Ravan and Vali were slain for his lust towards other man's wife.
Mahabharatha war was brought for disroping draupadi commited by duryodhana's brother because of lust .

QUESTION :

Why many of them fall in this desire is it more powerful than other desires of shada ripus?

What are the ways said in our scriputre to overcome this desire ?
Answers with practical examples are needed


texts: List of critical edition of Hindu texts?

texts: I have read Critical edition of Ramayana [will start with CE of Mahabharata too]. I was wondering if anyone have the list of critical editions of other Hinduism text?


texts: How/Why did the omnipotent soul get stuck in the body?

texts:
The Atma/soul is be believed to be infinite, opmipotent, omnipresent, pure, divine and perfect.

How/Why (in the first place) did it get stuck in the finite body and forgot its reality?


texts: Did Ramanuja compose any devotional works?

texts:
I am not aware of any - and given his advocacy of devotion and surrender, it would be surprising if he did not compose any.

So - what are some of his devotional works?


texts: Why man is mortal irrespective of good or bad activity?

texts:
Why man is mortal? Suppose one person is very religious and very responsible family person as well.He is very much dedicated/ respectful to god and he loves his family very much and he don't want to leave the world.Then what is the logic behind the death of that person.What is the reason behind dying people irrespective of good or bad activity?

Edit: There are lot of wise person/ scholar posted their valuable analysis and opinions against my questing and I'm really thankful to each of them, but there are still few discursive thought/confusions in my mind that's why I still remaining this question unanswered.Thanks for sharing your knowledge.


texts: How did Shri Krishna get the Shankh named Panchajanya?

texts: As I know, Shri Krishna used to announce the end of the battle for the day in great Mahabharata battle using a Shankh named as Panchajanya. Does anyone know how He got this Shankh?


texts:
Each Purana has a particular goal or intention; a primary thing that it tries to convey.

Ramanujacharya in the Vedartha Sangraha says:

  All other Puranas with other aims must be interpreted consistently
  with this (Vishnu) Purana. That they have other aims is discerned in the manner
  of their commencement.

So, it is agreed that different Puranas have different aims.

For example, according to the Garuda Purana:

  3-5. Those sages once, in the morning,. having offered oblations to
  the sacrificial fire respectfully asked this of the revered Sūta
  sitting there:--

  The sages said: The happiness-giving path of the Shining Ones has been
  described by you. We now wish to hear about the fear-inspiring Way
  of Yama;

What is the goal of the Shiva Purana?


texts:
In Brahmanda Purana,
http://www.gloriousindia.com/scriptures/puranas/brahmananda_purana/preaching_of_bruhaspati.html

  Bruhaspati replied "In the distant past, Diti, the second wife of Kashyapa gave birth to a son by name Danu and a daughter named Rupavati. Danu is the predecessor of the race of Danavas (demons). Rupavati was married to Brahma (the Creator).

I am confused about this, Is Danu the first demon? and before him there is no demons?

please I need an answer to finish my research.


texts: Why Priest give flowers and again take them back with money?

texts: First Priest give flowers to devotee. After Puja is over and priest collect Flowers with money from devotee. Why so?


texts:
Can anybody help me with meditation? I tried the sitting posture and concentrating on my breath. But in my mind I get lot of inner chatting.

Please suggest me some way to do it correctly.


texts: Do Agama shastras prescribe rules regarding parivara-devatas?

texts: Are they deities who are relatives/associates of the main deity at a temple? do agama shastras prescribe how their idols should be installed?


texts: What script did Ganesha write the Mahabharata in?

texts:
The first chapter of the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata describes how Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata to Ganesha, who wrote it down:

  Brahma said. 'I esteem thee for thy knowledge of divine mysteries, before the whole body of celebrated Munis distinguished for the sanctity of their lives. I know thou hast revealed the divine word, even from its first utterance, in the language of truth. Thou hast called thy present work a poem, wherefore it shall be a poem. There shall be no poets whose works may equal the descriptions of this poem, even, as the three other modes called Asrama are ever unequal in merit to the domestic Asrama. Let Ganesa be thought of, O Muni, for the purpose of writing the poem.' Brahma having thus spoken to Vyasa, retired to his own abode. Then Vyasa began to call to mind Ganesa. And Ganesa, obviator of obstacles, ready to fulfil the desires of his votarieno sooner thought of, than he repaired to the place where Vyasa was seated. And when he had been saluted, and was seated, Vyasa addressed him thus, 'O guide of the Ganas! be thou the writer of the Bharata which I have formed in my imagination, and which I am about to repeat.' Ganesa, upon hearing this address, thus answered, 'I will become the writer of thy work, provided my pen do not for a moment cease writing.' And Vyasa said unto that divinity, 'Wherever there be anything thou dost not comprehend, cease to continue writing.' Ganesa having signified his assent, by repeating the word Om! proceeded to write; and Vyasa began; and by way of diversion, he knit the knots of composition exceeding close; by doing which, he dictated this work according to his engagement. I am (continued Sauti) acquainted with eight thousand and eight hundred verses, and so is Suka, and perhaps Sanjaya. From the mysteriousness of their meaning, O Muni, no one is able, to this day, to penetrate those closely knit difficult slokas. Even the omniscient Ganesa took a moment to consider; while Vyasa, however, continued to compose other verses in great abundance.

My question is, what script did Ganesha write the Mahabharata in?

Sanskrit has been written in numerous scripts over the ages.  Some people have the misconception that Devanagari is the "original" script of the Sanskrit language, or even that it's a divine script.  But in reality it's only called Devanagari because in modern times it's the script that Hindu scripture is written in, not because it's the script of the gods or anything.  Scripts like Brahmi are far older than Devanagari.  And Sanskrit doesn't have an "original" script; it is a divine and eternal language, but what are divine and eternal are the sounds of the language, not its script.

In any case, are there any scriptures or works of Acharyas that shed light on what script Ganesha used? By the way, I'm aware that some people consider this Vyasa and Ganesha to be an interpolation, but I want an answer that takes for granted that Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata.


texts:
Is there any reference of temple of lord in the time of Satya Yuga?
Around that time people used to worship which God/Goddess?


texts: What is the real story of Cheraman Perumal who witnessed the splitting of moon?

texts:
Cheraman perumal was one among 63 Nayanars and while scrolling through internet, I read that he witnessed the splitting of the moon, a miracle claimed to have been made by Muhammad, following which he went to Mecca and embraced Islam.

What is the real story regarding this incident? If he really converted to Islam, then Sekkizhar wouldn't have written about him in Periya Puranam.


texts:
Among the 18 major Puranas one is called the Garuda Purana.Usually its recited during death rites .

There is also a belief that it should only be recited during death rites and not in normal circumstances i.e  where no death has occurred in a family.

To verify the Scriptural basis of this belief i mailed one very learned(Shastragya) person( with whom i correspond quite often) who is very closely associated with the Kaamakoti.org's activities.

He has written a lot of books,on topics like Upanishads,Smritis,Puranas,Itihasas etc, which are hosted by Kamakoti.

I am giving below the correspondence that i had with him through e-mail:

  Me-Dear Sir,

  You have written books on every  major Puranas but not any on the
  Garuda Purana.
  Does it mean that not everyone is allowed to read or hear it in normal
  circumstances?Are there any such prohibitions?

  Expert-yes, HH Vijyendra Saraswati asked me not to translate and
  concise Garuda purana

So, to my question "Are there any such prohibitions?" he replied "Yes[there are] and then he said that even Sri Vijyendra Saraswati opposed the idea of making the summary of Garuda Purana publicly available on their site for everybody's perusal.(and this can verified easily by visiting their site as well which provides summaries of all Puranas except the Garuda Purana)

That proves that the belief might not be  just a belief and there are indeed some concerns regarding making Garuda Purana available publicly or on it being read on normal days.

Questions

1) Are there prohibitions regarding reading or hearing Garuda Purana and if yes which Scriptures mention them?

2) Or are there some chapters in the Purana that make it unfit to be recited by everyone & on any occasions?If yes,which are those chapters?


texts: Multiple Marriages in a family in the same year

texts: If two brothers of same family get married in two dates and two places in the same samvatsara (an year in Hindu calendar), will this be auspicious or unauspicious ? If it's unauspicious, what is the solution ?


texts: Why is the definition of adultery different for men and women?

texts:
Narada Smriti 12.78 Intercourse is permitted with a wanton woman, who belongs to another than the Brahman caste, or a prostitute, or a female slave, or a female not restrained by her master (nishkâsinî), if these women belong to a lower caste than oneself; but with a woman of superior caste, intercourse is prohibited.

Why are men allowed to have sex outside the institution of marriage but women are not?

Nithin Sridhar, an Indic scholar, in his blog on the Hindu view of adultery writes:

  The definition of adultery was confined to:

  1) Men—either married or unmarried– having sexual relationship with
  married women

  2) Married women having sexual relationship outside of marriage.

Is this not misogynistic?


texts: Why Lord Krishna didn't marry any of the Gopies?

texts:
As per my question here, it is clear that Lord Krishna has many wives and he has not taken 'Ekapatni vrata' like Lord Rama. My question is regarding the girls of Vrindavan and friends of Radha, who were also in love with Lord Krishna. I know of one major one, ie, Lalita, but there were several others too.

I understand why Lord Krishna don't marry Radha because of a curse as described in this answer, but my question is why couldn't he not marry the other ones. I remember that he was such a favourite among all gopies that they all prayed to Goddess Parvati for getting him as their husband, this incident later caused the Maha-raas where Lord Krishna manifested himself into multiple bodies to be with each of the Gopies. But that was only for that particular incident. In the later part of his life he married various other women some of whom, he just married because the women prayed/wished to marry him. Lord Krishna's figure is such that he grants everyone what he/she wants if he/she is dedicated to him. So, why he hasn't considered Gopies for marriage. Is there some other story/curse like Radha in case of Gopies.


texts:
From a WhatsApp message,
"A dharma adhering king conducted a Yagna. A big feast was prepared. At the end of the Yagna offerings were made to the Lord Yagna Narayana( who is sacrifice himself) and the whole city was invited for Lunch in the open courtyard. Food was served by the chefs  who carried large open vessels containing tasty food to the courtyard from the kitchen. At the same time an eagle was flying over with a poisonous snake on it's claws. Eagle were attacked by couple of crows. In it's stress the Eagle dropped the snake which fell into one of the open vessel filled with food. Chefs not noticing this served the poison filled food to some people and many died."
Is there any scriptural reference in Hinduism as to how to assign Karma in such situations? Like Nyaya shastras.
This is also a question for readers who can answer this specific question with Nyaya Shastra reasonings.
Don't be quick to mark this as opinion inducing question. Wasn't Hinduism always about reasoning in Brahman's perspective? With all the touts of Karma being the root in the Geetha, we must be able to "apply" with all our knowledge of Geetha to solve this elementary situation correct?
Who is held responsible and why?


texts: Is it possible to do bad deeds without sense of doership?

texts:
So I think I get more or less the importance of doing good deeds without attaching sense of doership - you don't accumulate karma, ego is controlled etc.

But what about bad deeds. What do scriptures say if I do a bad deed without doership? Or is that not even possible?

Will be most helpful if someone can point out examples of such deeds in scriptures. Or specify where in scriptures it says such deeds are not possible


texts: Did Vivekananda's beliefs on Smritis and Puranas change over time?

texts:
In this lecture, Vivekananda relays the orthodox understanding of the Puranas:

  ... although we have the Vedas for our scriptures, we have Smritis and Purânas — subsequent writings — to illustrate the doctrines of the Vedas; these of course have not the same weight as the Vedas. And the law is that wherever these Puranas and Smritis differ from any part of the Shruti, the Shruti must be followed and the Smriti rejected.

Here he says,

  To understand Bhakti, therefore, we have got to understand these Puranas of ours.

He praises Puranas once again:

  We have not only to acknowledge the power of the Puranas in our own day, but we ought to be grateful to them as they gave us in the past a more comprehensive and a better popular religion than what the degraded later-day Buddhism was leading us to.

But later on he takes a very negative stance against the Smritis, Puranas, and even orthodox followers like Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya:

  The Smritis and the Puranas are productions of men of limited intelligence and are full of fallacies, errors, the feelings of class and malice. Only parts of them breathing broadness of spirit and love are acceptable, the rest are to be rejected. The Upanishads and the Gita are the true scriptures; Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Chaitanya, Nanak, Kabir, and so on are the true Avatâras, for they had their hearts broad as the sky — and above all, Ramakrishna. Ramanuja, Shankara etc., seem to have been mere Pundits with much narrowness of heart. Where is that love, that weeping heart at the sorrow of others? — Dry pedantry of the Pundit — and the feeling of only oneself getting to salvation hurry-scurry! But is that going to be possible, sir? Was it ever likely or will it ever be so? Can anything be attained with any shred of "I" left anyhow?

This statement is unorthodox and he is even calling the Rishis like Vyasa "men of limited intelligence":

  The Smritis and the Puranas are productions of men of limited intelligence and are full of fallacies, errors, the feelings of class and malice.

This statement is also unorthodox because he is now going by his own personal feelings of what should be accepted or rejected:

  Only parts of them breathing broadness of spirit and love are acceptable, the rest are to be rejected.

and contradicts his own previous assertion:

  The Puranas and other religious scriptures are all denoted by the word "Smriti". And their authority goes so far as they follow the Vedas and do not contradict them.

This is another unorthodox statement:

  The Upanishads and the Gita are the true scriptures;

What is his basis for that?

Then he also takes a jab at great Vedantic scholars:

  Ramanuja, Shankara etc., seem to have been mere Pundits with much narrowness of heart.

Did Vivekananda's opinions on Hinduism change over time?


texts:
Do advaita believe that ramanujacharya is avatar of Adi sesha
And madhavcharya is avatar of vayu
And Krishna chaitanya is avatar of Krishna
Any reference that Adi shankara charya obey that dvaita , vishiadvaita is real
(Note : I do not want answer for swami Vivekananda )


texts: What is the difference between saint,yogi and sidhas?

texts:
I wish to know but the persons who dedicate their life in search of God or peace or getting to know the meaning of Life.People often call them as saints, Sidhas, Yogis and so.

My question:
What is the difference between these people Sidha,Siants,Yogi and so ?
Who are all the right person to be worship ?
If so, what are the ways to worship them ?


texts: What was the incident of Sri Raamakrishna having the vision of god at maNikarNikA ghat?

texts: Sri Ramakrishna had some remarkable experiences at the banks of Ganges river. What were his experience related to maNikarNikA ghat ?


texts: What is the status Of Rudra's alleged delusion by Krishna?

texts:
There is a claim that Krishna has stated in the Mahabharata that he has illusioned Rudra and others:

http://www.vrindavana.net/academy/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/visnu-sahasra-nama-baladeva-I.pdf

page 5 has the Sanskrit version and page 49 Hindi that can be translated as

  "The patriarchs, rudra and others are created by Me, though they do not know that are created by Me, because they are deluded by My illusory energy."

Assuming that this citation is citing something from the Mahabharata as it claims -

Does any scripture say if Rudra and others ever got out of this delusion?  If there is no such citation - does that mean these Gods would be deluded till eternity?

And is this consistent with Arjuna's prayer to Siva FROM THE SAME MAHABHARATA?

http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03039.htm

  Vaisampayana continued, "Phalguna then beheld him--Mahadeva--that god of blazing splendour-that wielder of the Pinaka-that one who had his abode on the mountains (of Kailasa)--accompanied by Uma. Bending down on his knee and bowing with his head, that conqueror of hostile cities-the son of Pritha-worshipped Hara and inclined him to grace. And Arjuna said, 'O Kapardin, O chief of all gods, O destroyer of the eyes of Bhaga, O god of gods, O Mahadeva, O thou of blue throat, O thou of matted locks, I know thee as the Cause of all causes. O thou of three eyes, O lord of all! Thou art the refuge of all the gods! This universe hath sprung from thee. Thou art incapable of being vanquished by the three worlds of the celestials, the Asuras, and men. Thou art Siva in the form of Vishnu, and Vishnu in the form of Siva. Thou destroyedest of old the great sacrifice of Daksha. O Hari, O Rudra, I bow to thee. Thou hast an eye on thy forehead. O Sarva, O thou that rainest objects of desire, O bearer of the trident, O wielder of the Pinaka, O Surya, O thou of pure body, O Creator of all, I bow to thee. O lord of all created things, I worship thee to obtain thy grace. Thou art the lord of the Ganas, the source of universal blessing, the Cause of the causes of the universe. Thou art beyond the foremost of male beings, thou art the highest, thou art the subtlest, O Hara! O illustrious Sankara, it behoveth thee to pardon my fault. It was even to obtain a sight of thyself that I came to this great mountain, which is dear to thee and which is the excellent abode of ascetics. Thou art worshipped of all


texts: Why Krishna Yajur Veda 7.1.1.5 is contrdicting RV 10:53:4?

texts:
Krishna Yajur Veda 7.1.1.5 prohibit a shudra to perform sacrifice.

was created, the Vairaja Saman, of men the Çudra, of cattle the horse. Therefore the two, the horse and the Çudra, are dependent on others. Therefore the Çudra is not fit for the sacrifice, for he was not created after any gods. Therefore they depend on their feet, for they were created from the feet. The Trivrt is the breaths; the Pañcadaça the half-months; the Saptadaça Prajapati; these worlds are three; the Ekavinça is the sun yonder. In this they rest, in this they find support. He who knows thus rests on this, finds, support in this.

But in Rigveda 10:53:4, all varnas and nishadas are said to perform sacrifice.

Rigveda 10:53:4. This prelude of my speech I now will utter, whereby we Gods may quell our Asura foemen. Eaters of strengthening food who merit worship, O ye Five Tribes (brahimn Kshatriyas, Vaishya, shudra and nishada) , be pleased with mine oblation.

Nirukta 3:8.Ye five-tribes, enjoy my
sacrifice. According to some, (the five-tribes) are the gandharvas, the
manes, gods, demons, and evil spirits. 'They are the four castes with
nisada as the fifth/ says Aupamanyava.3 From what (root) is nisdda
(hunter) derived? (He is so called because) he lives by killing animals.
Sin is embodied (ni- Vsad) in him,' say the etymologists.

Mahabharata also allow shudras to perform all the duties and sacrifices that are done by Brahmins.

All the four orders, therefore, have always the right to the performance of all pious duties and of sacrifices. Even thus were the four orders at first created equal by Brahman who ordained for all of them (the observances disclosed in) the words of Brahma (in the Vedas). — The Mahabharata, Book 12: Santi Parva: SECTION CLXXXVIII


texts: Is Rigveda 10:138:4 is asking to kill Non Hindus?

texts:
अनाधृष्टानि धृषितो व्यास्यन्निधीँरदेवाँ अमृणदयास्यः । मासेव सूर्यो वसु पुर्यमा ददे गृणानः शत्रूँरशृणाद्विरुक्मता॥४॥

He boldly cast down forts which none had e'er assailed: unwearied he destroycd the godless treasure-stores. Like Sun and Moon he took the stronghold's wealth away, and, praised in song, demolished foes with flashing dart.

Adeva word is translated as godless here. Is this verse praying for destruction of Non Hindus or it's meaning is something else.


texts: Why did Daksha Prajapathi (father of Sati) hate Lord Shiva?

texts: Why did Daksha hate Shiva, though Shiva is his son-in-law and one of Trimurti?


texts: In non-dualism does Atman reincarnate or transmigrate?

texts:
I've read that a small portion of the infinite spirit Brahman, becomes embodied. This embodied portion is called Atman. So does Atman reincarnate or goes from one body to another?

Again, if Brahman or Atman is all pervasive and present everywhere, then why would it even change bodies?

Here's v2.22 of Gita. Says it's the individual naraha which changes bodies. Not sure if naraha and atman are the same thing. Need some serious answers. Thank you.

  vaasaamsi jeernaani yathaa vihaaya navaani grihnaati naroparaani |
  tathaa shareeraani vihaaya jeernaanyanyaanisamyaati navaani dehee || 22 ||

  Just as an individual will discard old clothes and wears new one, so
  does the body-dweller discard old bodies and obtain other new bodies.

  vaasaamsi : clothes

  jeernaani : old

  yathaa : just like

  vihaaya: discard

  navaani : new

  grihnaati : wears

  naraha : individual

  aparaani: other

  tathaa : so does

  shareeraani : bodies

  vihaaya : discard

  jeernaani : old

  ayanyaani : other

  samyaati : obtains

  navaani : new

  dehee : body-dweller


texts: Who was the sage who witnessed Mahabharata and Ramayana multiple times?

texts: I recently heard about time travel and am curious to know about the sage who had seen Mahabharat and Ramayan multiple times.


texts:
One of the eminent saintly figure of bhakti tradition was Sri nAmdev.

Whose avatar is he believed to be ?
What were the.miracles in his life ?


texts: Which Upanishad says that gods don't want humans to realise their true nature?

texts:
Which Upanishad says that gods don't want men to discover their true nature because if they did, men would become the very self of the gods.

Does anyone recognize this?


texts: Did Shurpanaka take revenge on Ravana using Sita?

texts: I have come across some hear say versions like Shurpanaka took revenge on Ravana using Sita, for the killing of her husband Vidyutjihva.. We have the description of killing of shurpanaka husband in Valmiki Ramayana. But such an explanation of Shurpanaka taking revenge on Ravana for killing of her husband doesn't appear in Valmiki Ramayana.  Have you read it in anyother purana?


texts: What is the language(lipi) in which the Vedas are written?

texts: What is the language in which the Vedas are written? Currently, they are written in the Sanskrit language but what was their first language. Devnagri is developed by humans and Vedas are the language of gods so what is their initial writing language? Were they in any other language? Specifically, what was their lipi or script i.e. written form called?