texts: What was the traditional attire for men and women in the Vedic period?

texts:
The clothes that we wear can say a lot about our personality. I believe in Vedic period clothing for men and women are different than that of us. If yes, what was the traditional attire for men and women in the Vedic period?

Note: Here I am asking about traditional clothing for men and women in the Vedic period, but not from Scriptures views (Does Hinduism have specific dress code guidelines in their dharma shastras (scriptures)?  I'm already read this question there is significant difference). So I hope it might be helpful for people who think this question is already there?


texts: What is origin, purpose and future of whole system of everything so called known and so called unknown?

texts: What is the purpose, origin and future of existence of whole of everything or the whole system that include everything e.g. me, you, animals, trees, planets, viruses, bacteria,stars, galaxies and all infinite unknown macro world, atoms, electrons or infinite unknown micro/nano world?


texts: What is the difference between the Nivrtiya(निवर्तीय) way and प्रवृत्ती (prvartiya) way?

texts:
As we know from the Brahmasutra (composed by Badarayana Rishi), the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads show us the source of Mukti(emancipation) and this way is Nivrtiya(निवर्तीय), whereas the way described in Veda are प्रवृत्ती (prvartiya).

So my question is, what is difference between the Nivrtiya(निवर्तीय) way and the प्रवृत्ती (prvartiya) way?


texts: What does "Baba" (बाबा) in the "Baba Nam Kevalam" mantra mean?

texts:
Many sources translate "Baba" as "beloved". For instance, Yogapedia said

This mantra is used for practice of kirtan in Ananda Marga
Baba means "beloved," nam means "name" and kevalam means "only." Therefore, the mantra may be translated as "only the name of the beloved."

However, other sources claim that "Baba" (or "Babaji") is a honorific that means "Father". I haven't found any "beloved" translation variant out of the context of Ananda Marga.
Can "Baba" really be translated as "beloved"?


texts:
Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra is a very powerful weapon. Most of Vishnu's battles were won through the Chakra. Now, I want to know what were the instances in which Sudarshan Chakra had to face defeat.

I have also heard that Hanuman once ate up the chakra.


texts: What is the significance of "Onathappan" during Onam?

texts: During the festival of Onam, we worship onathappan. Could someone explain what this onathappan signifies? If it is Mahabali, then why are there three, along with one for Thrikkakarappan?


texts: What are the effects if rituals after death are not performed at all?

texts:
What are the effects If rituals after death are not performed at all or incorrectly performed?

What effects to the person who has died?

What effects to them who does not perform the rituals?


texts: What Mantra should be chanted while wearing Five-faced Rudraksha?

texts:
I wear a Rudraksha with 5 faces / Panchamukhi.

I read somewhere that there are certain mantras to be chanted while wearing it.

can anyone tell how can I know which one is associated with the Rudraksha I wear.

thanks.


texts: Why and how did Lord Shiva fall in love with Mohini?

texts:
When Vishnu transformed into Mohini, the celestial enchantress, Shiva was so overwhelmed with desire that he abandoned his consort Parvati and ran after Mohini until he had shed his seed.

link: https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Mohini#Seven_secrets_of_Vishnu

  In the Brahmanda Purana when the wandering sage Narada tells Shiva about Vishnu's Mohini form that deluded the demons, Shiva dismisses him. Shiva and his wife Parvati go to Vishnu's home. Shiva asks him to take on the Mohini form again so he can see the actual transformation for himself. Vishnu smiles, again meditates on the Goddess, and in place of Vishnu stands the gorgeous Mohini. Overcome by lust, Shiva chases Mohini as Parvati hangs her head in shame and envy. Shiva grabs Mohini's hand and embraces her, but Mohini frees herself and runs further. Finally, Shiva grabs her and their "violent coupling" leads to discharge of Shiva's seed which falls "short of its goal," suggesting the act was not consummated. The seed falls on the ground and the god Maha-Shasta ("The Great Chastiser") is born. Mohini disappears, while Shiva returns home with Parvati

link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohini#cite_ref-Vanita69_29-0

Why and how did Lord Shiva, the supreme yogi, fall in love with Mohini? Any Shiva bhakt will be shocked if they read about this! Also, he is already married to Parvati, who is Tripura Sundari, the most beautiful woman in the three worlds? Finally, I am aware of answers that state that this union was for the birth of Ayyappa or that this happened because Lord Vishnu is supreme and whatnot. However, I am searching for a different answers. Please give me your answers.


texts: Why Saligram is considered symbol of Vishnu?

texts:
We can understand that Shiva linga/lingum depicts entire universe or to say existence. But, Saligram is a fossile of a creature of a type Ammonite. What could be the possible reason behind considering ammonite fossil as symbol of lord Vishnu?

Also, it is said that Saligram found at Gandaki River are the only real Saligram used for worship of lord Vishnu? So, all other Ammonite fossils found across the world are not considered Saligram?


texts: Does Manusmriti (or similar works) prescribe punishments for Brahmins who propagate scripture to the undeserving?

texts: In particular, I want to know the penalty (if any) for teaching scripture to Mlecchas.


texts: What were the ages of Pandavas & other characters during the Mahabharata war?

texts:
I have not found any specific reference to the age of each of the Pandavas, like Arjuna and Bheema when they fought the epic Mahabharata battle.

It will be also interesting to know the age of Bhishma pitamah during the Mahabharata war as he saw many generations of his own family unfold in front of his own eyes.

Their ages were not mentioned in various TV episodes of Mahabharata.


texts: Do avatars remain young or become old? Are there any descriptions of Rama , Krishna or any other avatar when they become old(aging process) and unable to walk etc.. Or is it that they complete their lila remaining young throughout the life.


texts: How to know if the chanting a phrase, require initiation or not?

texts:
I know that Mantras require initiation, especially those ones with Beeja Mantras.
but how do I know if a phrase is Mantra or Stotra or Shloka?
Is there any list of Mantra or Stotra which require initiation?
Is there any pattern, to recognize that, the phrase is a Mantra and require Initiation?


texts: What is the source of this sloka where Vyasa apologises to God for making three errors while writing the Srimad Bhagavatam?

texts:
Could someone provide the source of the following sloka where Vyasadeva apologises to God for the following three errors He committed in the Srimad Bhagavatam:

i) He has assumed that God has a form while actually He does not.

ii) He mentioned that God can be praised while He is beyond words.

iii) He has glorified some places as holy while He is all pervading?

I found this sloka is in the footnote of page 152 of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita (Akhanda Udbodhan Edition):

  रूपं रूपविवर्जितस्य भवतो ध्यानेन यत्कल्पितं
  स्तुत्यानिर्वचनीयताऽखिलगुरो दूरीकृता यन्मया
  व्यापित्वं च निराकृतं भगवतो यत्तीर्थयात्रादिना
  क्षन्तव्यं जगदीश तद्विकलतादोषत्रयं मत्कृतम्।


texts: Is there a list that describes which Chakras are located at which vertebrae?

texts:
After asking a question about the Manipura Chakra Tezz explained to me that it's important to distiguish the concept of the chakra as a region from the Kundalini entering area.

Given that the locations of the Chakra Jagarana correspond to locations on the spine, is there a list of which vertebrae are co-located with which Chakra at Susumna Nadi?


texts: Why most of places Lord Shiva visited during Earth tour belongs to places in Nepal and India?

texts: I have listen Swasthani a lot of times. When lord shiva visited earth with dead body of satidevi, The places visited by him are currently in Nepal and India. What's reason behind this, I know hindu is oldest religion. But, at the time Earth belongs to only current Asia ?


texts: How powerful is Vishnu Sahasranama according our ancient texts?

texts: I have seen Vishnu Sahasranama holding strong and lead role in Vaishnavas. In reality keeping aside the sections of Hinduism, how powerful is that stotra reciting daily? What is the powerful knowledge hidden in it?


texts: Who is Rishi/Acharya Jaigīṣavya mentioned by Vyasya in his commentary on Yogasutras?

texts:
While reading Vyasabhashya of Yogasutras, I have just found that at the end of 2nd chapter, Vyasa mentioned Jaigīṣavya and took the opinion of him on the importance of Pratyahara, 5th component of Ashthanga Yoga:

  ।।2.55।। शब्दादिष्वव्यसनमिन्द्रियजय इति केचित्। सक्तिर्व्यसनं व्यस्यत्येनं श्रेयस इति। अविरुद्धा प्रतिपत्तिर्न्याय्या। शब्दादिसंप्रयोगः स्वेच्छयेत्यन्ये रागद्वेषाभावे सुखदुःखशून्यं शब्दादिज्ञानमिन्द्रियजय इति केचित्। चित्तैकाग्र्यादप्रतिपत्तिरेवेति जैगीषव्यः। ततश्च परमात्वियं वश्यता यच्चित्तनिरोधे निरुद्धानीन्द्रियाणि नेतरेन्द्रियजयवत्प्रयत्नकृतमुपायान्तरमपेक्षन्ते योगिन इति।

  इति श्रीपातञ्जले सांख्यप्रवचने योगशास्त्रे श्रीमद्व्यासभाष्ये
  द्वितीयः साधनपादः।।2।।

English Translation:

  Some one says that non-attachment towards sound, etc., is the conquest of the senses, because attachment is vice ; it causes the Yogi to deviate from beatitude (a).
  Some others say that lawful enjoyment is proper; so the union with the round, etc., of one's own desire, is the conquest (b).
  Others again say that in the absence of attraction and aversion, the sensation of sound, etc., devoid of pleasure and pain, is the conquest of the senses (c).
  But Jaigīṣavya says that it (the conquest of the senses) is only the absence of cognition due to the one-pointedness of the mind. Also for this reason, this is, indeed, the highest subjection which is the subjugation of the senses by the restraint of the mind (d). The Yogis do not depend upon any other means caused by strong effort like the conquest of the other organs.

  Here ends the Second Chapter known as The Subject of Demonstrating the Means of Practice with regards to The Science of Yoga composed by Patanjali in Excellent Teaching of the Sānkhya

After completing two chapters, I am reading 3rd chapter now but I never find Vyasa mentioning opinion of any other Rishi or Acharyas anywhere except this mention of Jaigīṣavya. So, I want to know who Jaigīṣavya is and what is the story of him?


texts: How does Swami Vivekananda's psychological theory of Varna interpret Gita verses 4.13, 18.41-47?

texts: Gita verses 4.13 and 18.41-47 have been traditionally interpreted in terms of birth into endogamous groups called castes. Swami Vivekananda has provided us with an alternative interpretation many decades ago. However, most Hindus still follow the old caste based interpretation.


texts:
Refer this Prajapatis – the 10 sons of Lord Brahma

It is said that Prajapatis are believed to be the fathers of the human race. Since all these sons were born out of his mind rather than body, they are called Manas Putras or mind-sons or spirits. So Brahma had ten mind sons and one daughter born from various parts of his body - Shatrupa. And Shatrupa's husband is Svayambhuva Manu who is also Brahma's mind son but none of the ten sons is named Svayambhuva Manu. So who is Svayambhuva Manu?


texts: Why did all the Pandavas marry Draupadi?

texts:
Why did all the Pandavas (i.e. Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) marry the same woman i.e., Draupadi?

What was the circumstance under which they had to marry Draupadi?


texts: Number of Jivatmas according to Vishishtadvaita

texts:
According to Advaita, the individual self (Atman) is nothing but Brahman (only one). But due to avidya/maya there are many individual selves (Atmas) appearing.

Now, According to Vishsishtadvaita, individual selves (Jivatmas) are different from each other and actually not the Brahman (only one). And (only one) Brahman dwells in Jivatmas.

And these Jivatmas are eternal i.e Jivatma doesn't emerge and dissolve into Brahman.

Now, I want to know whether the there are infinite number of souls (Jivatmas) or there is finite/fixed number of souls (Jivatmas)?


texts: Goddess Pārvatī brother, Maināka parvata?

texts:
I have read and watched at several places and TV soaps, about Maināka parvata as the son of Himavant and Maināvatī, and thus, being the brother of Devī Pārvatī and brother-in-law to Lord Shiva?
What are the scriptural references for him and what are his various stories - both as a personified human brother to the Goddess and as a Mountain (in reference to being saved by Vayu deva from Indra) ?
Also, the references to flying mountains and them having wings, are found in the Puranic or Vedic literature. And then Indra cut off the mountains' wings using his vajra.
Where exactly in the present day context will be the lavana samundra, where the Maināka parvata Submerged itself? Did others mountains submerge themselves too? If yes, which all and where (especially, with reference to present geography)?


texts: How to practice Kriya Yoga from Vaishnava perspective?

texts:
Kriya Yoga is ancient technique of Yoga revived in modern times by immortal yogi Mahatavar Babaji. Mahavatar Babaji imparted this knowledge to his disciple Lahari Mahasaya who in turn imparted this knowledge to Yukteswara Giri. Yukteswara Giri taught this Kriya Yoga knowledge to his disciple Paramahamsa Yoganada who made it famous through his book Autobiography of a Yogi.

Here's how Paramahamsa Yogananda defines Kriya Yoga in  his Autobiography:

  The Sanskrit root of Kriya is kri, to do, to act and react; the same
  root is found in the word karma, the natural principle of cause and
  effect. Kriya Yoga is thus "union (yoga) with the Infinite through a
  certain action or rite." A yogi who faithfully follows its technique
  is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation.

This Yoga techiques involves phyisical techniques such as Pranayama with Mudras. But Vaishnava traditions involve more Bhakti (sincere devotion) towards Lord Vishnu.

Is there any method to practice Kriya Yoga from Vaishnava perspective?


texts: In which scripture does the word "Bhagavan" appear first?

texts: We all know that the words Bhagavan and Ishwar are used in many Hindu scriptures. They give their meanings also. I want to know, in which scripture did the word "Bhagavan" appear first?


texts: What do Shastra say about building Temples outside of India?

texts:
I want to build a Temple in Europe. Which Shastra would I refer to? Vastu, Agama or something else?
Moreover I want to know what every geographical places carry as Karma Veda and if and how that influences the construction of that Temple.
Can I convert with pujas those influences?
[Obviously under Sannyasins, GuRus, Experts Guidance. Or, they must do and I just participate or assist or be a spectator, etc]
Which procedures are more indicated?
How the whole process works?


texts: Are not Shri and Lakshmi name of one goddess?

texts:
I've read that in Shukla Yajurveda Shri and Laxmi are two consort of Aditya (sun god) I'm pretty sure the Aditya here is Vishnu. But aren't Shri and Laxmi name of just one goddess?

Google book


texts: According to Hindu scriptures, should one buy a house or rent it?

texts:
A common problem faced in modern society is the question of buying a house vs. renting a house.  My questions are:

Do Hindu scriptures recommend one to buy and live in their own house instead of renting one, or vice versa?  If so, what reasons do they give?
Does Hindu scripture discuss whether the house one buys should be a new one or an old construction?

See related meta question.


texts: Do rishies and maharishi attain super power after long years of meditation or other act's?

texts: After long years of meditation can a maharishi attain super power like the ability to use Alchemy (the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter, in particular with attempts to convert base metals into gold or find a universal elixir) or flying.


texts: How to calculate time of birth for annual prediction

texts: How can i calculate time of birth for annual prediction report at Local Mean Time?


texts: Does the transliteration of 'Dravidian' exist in Hindu scripture? Does 'Dravida' refer to a Geographical area or an ethnic group?

texts:
I read somewhere that the religious texts do not have any mention of referring to some people as 'Dravidians'. There is rife debate on whether the people in the Dravid were the original inhabitants, who had been forced to move southward by the Central Asian Aryan settlers.

So, I would like to know if the texts have any mention of referring to people of the south as 'Dravidians' (may or may not be presumed inferior).


texts: Has the Anukramani of the Shukla Yajur Veda ever been published in any form?

texts:
Each of the four Vedas consists of four parts: Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.  But the core of the Vedas is the Samhitas, which consist of verses heard directly from the gods by sages called Dhristas (literally "seers").  These verses were compiled by the sage Krishna Dwaipayana Veda Vyasa into the books that we call the Vedic Samhitas.  Now associated with each Samhita is a systematic index called an Anukramani.  The Anukramanis, compiled by sages in ancient times, document, among other things, the sage who heard each verse from the gods, and the deity that each verse is addressed to.  In this answer, with a lot of effort I was able to compile this Anukramani information for most of the hymns of the Rig Veda Samhita.

But now my question is, where can I get the Anukramani of the Shukla Yajur Veda?  (There are two versions of the Yajur Veda, the Shukla or "white" version and the Krishna or "black" version.)  The reason I ask is that in this question I'm trying to find out the sage who heard the Isha Upanishad, which is the only Upanishad that is part of the Samhitas of the Vedas, specifically the Samhita of the Shukla Yajur Veda.

Now the Samhita of the Shukla Yajur Veda is called the Vajasaneyi Samhita, and there are two Shakhas or recensions of the Samhita, the Madhyandina Shakha and the Kanva Shakha.  And apparently there does exist an Anukramani of the Madhyandina version of the Samhita, authored by the sage Katyayana.  Here's what this book says:

  For the Yajur Veda we have three Anukramanis... The third Anukramani, that of the Madhyandina-Shakha of the Vajasaneyaka, is ascribed to Katyayana, who is mentioned also as the author of an Anuvakanukramani. It gives the names of the poets, the deities, and the meters, for all the verses of the Samhita, including the Khila (Adhyaya 26-35), and the Sukriya portions (Adhyaya 36-40).

This book says the same thing:

  The Yajur Veda has three Anukramanis, viz. one for the Atreya recession of the Black Yajur Veda, one for the recension of the Charakas, and the third for the Madhyandina recension of the White Yajur Veda.

But these books don't seem to mention anything about where Katyayana's Anukramani of the Madhyandina recension has been published.  For my previous question about the Rig Veda Anukramani, I specifically wanted the Anukramani online in English. But here I'm much more desperate, because I can't find it in any form.  So I just want to know whether it's been published at all, whether in book form or online, whether in Sanskrit or in English translation.

Note that the Anukramanis contain lots of other information about each verse, like the poetic meter and the like, but all I really want from the Anukramani of the Shukla Yajur Veda is the sage and deity information.


texts: Why do we not find any image of Durga/Kali/Shakti image in renowned Sri Vishnu/Krishna temples?

texts:
All the temples of Maa Kali/Durga/Shakti I visited have some idol of Sri Krishna/Vishnu being worshipped in the same temple complex. But excepting the Puri Sri Sri Jagannath Temple, I never found any idol/image of Kali/Durga/Shakti being worshipped in any renowned Sri Krishna/Vishnu temple.

Are there any scriptural injunctions regarding this?


texts: Why isn't a human the vahana (vehicle) of any God?

texts:
The Hindu texts are replete with references (in Puranas) of deities using a particular animal as their primary vehicle (Vahana).

For example:
Ganesha - the Mouse.
Shiva - an Ox (Nandi).
Karthikeyan - the Peacock.
Saraswathi - the Swan.
Durga - the Tiger.
Lakshmi -  an Owl.
Vishnu - an Eagle
and many more.

Here it is interesting to note that all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses have animals as their vehicle or Vahana. But Kubera is sometimes depicted riding a Nara or a Man. While some sources mention a Goat as the vahana of Kubera. Some sources say Parrot or Horse. And some mention an Elephant. Dharmashastra and Apastamba describes Kubera as a man. Only the Grihyasutras of Shankhayana and Hiranyakesin calls him a god. There are different views on the vahana of Kubera. What could be the reason for gods except Kubera not choosing human as their vahana?

Why isn't a human the vahana of above mentioned Gods?
Why is only Kubera associated with a man as his vahana?


texts: Is it okay to Ignore Jananashucha from distant relative(but sapinda)

texts:
Janaashucha is the period of impurity after birth in family. Manu Smriti prescribes Janashucha for the period of 10,12,15,30 days for the four Varnas respectively

  A Brahmana shall be pure after ten days, a Kshatriya after twelve, a Vaisya after fifteen, and a Sudra is purified after a month. ManuSmriti 5.83.

Applicability of Ashucha for Sapindas is upto 7 Generations in Family tree.

  But the Sapinda-relationship ceases with the seventh person (in the ascending and descending lines), the Samanodaka-relationship when the (common) origin and the (existence of a common family)-name are no (longer) known. ManuSmriti 5.60

The Applicability of Ashucha is to the all the Sapindas according to verse 5.61

  As this impurity on account of a death is prescribed for (all) Sapindas, even so it shall be (held) on a birth by those who desire to be absolutely pure. Manu Smriti 5.61

In very next verse i.e. 5.62 the smriti contradicts itself saying that Ashucha period is only for Parents of the new born jiva connecting it with all sapindas who need absolute purity.

  (Or while) the impurity on account of a death is common to all (Sapindas), that caused by a birth (falls) on the parents alone; (or) it shall fall on the mother alone, and the father shall become pure by bathing; Manu Smriti 5.62

Which verse should be used to decide Janana(Birth) Ashoucha period in family? Is it okay if we ignore Janan Ashucha as its only applicable to Parents?


texts: What does "prescribed duties" mean? How do I differentiate between prescribed duties and unprescribed duties?

texts:
BhagavadGita fundamentally says that humans should do their "prescribed duties" with purified intellect, abandoning attachment to the fruits of their works, and dedicating them to God.

My question is what does "prescribed duties" mean? How do I differentiate between prescribed duties and unprescribed duties?

Some example situation: Suppose one of my good friend ask for help but due to the busy nature of my work, I am not able to help him. Am I not doing my prescribed duty.

There are lot of similar situation when I get confused.

Can somebody throw some light on the matter?

Thanks.


texts: Can Brahmin be a teacher on any other topics other than Vedas

texts: I have read that the prescribed duties of brahmin are becomings priests, learning and teaching so I want to clarify this doubt.


texts: Higher mind versus a human mind and how to differentiate between them?

texts:
Do any of the texts talk about the higher mind versus the human mind of a person and how to tell the difference?

I'm not talking about communication with God. I'm talking about where do you draw the line between the spiritual mind and the physical mind.


texts: Interpolations in puranas according to Bhusunda

texts:
There is a great conversation between Bhusunda and Vasistha in the scripture Yoga Vasistha.
In that conversation, there is a verse about Puranas, which has been told by Bhusunda.
The verse is as follows:

एकार्थानि समग्राणि बहुपाठानि मेऽनघ ।
पुराणानि प्रवर्तन्ते प्रसृतानि युगंप्रति ॥
O sinless saint! The puranas also though they agree in the main
substance, are so full of interpolations, that they have been
greatly multiplied in successive ages
[6.22.20, Yoga Vasistha]

The bolded portion says that, Puranas generally undergoes interpolation. And due to the interpolations, the size of Puranas increases.
But I didn't understand the actual meaning of Bhusunda's statement.
Is he talking about the negative interpolations, which are due to selfish or malice reasons
or
interpolations by authentic sages?
Note: Those who are good in Sanskrit as well as the context of conversation can answer properly.


texts: Which scripture describes six kalyana gunas (auspicious attributes) of Vishnu?

texts:
Vaishnav(ism) consider Vishnu as the supreme. I found that Vaishnav believes that Vishnu/Supreme has following six kalyana gunas (auspicious attributes):

[According to Vedanta Brahman has sat-chit-aanand nature but I think according to Vishishtadvaita Brahman possesses following six kalyana gunas]

Jnana
Bala
Aishvarya
Shakti
Virya
Tejas

So, I want to know which scripture describes these six auspicious attributes of Vishnu?


texts: What are some of the miracles associated with Srikantha Sivacharya?

texts: Srikantha Sivacharya, aka Nilakantha Sivacharya, was a famous Shaivite acharya belonging to the Shrauta Shaiva Siddhanta sect. He's considered as an incarnation of Nilallohita among his followers. So I would like to know whether there are any miracles supposedly performed by him? Do any of his biographies document such instances?


texts: Is the story of Sita's banishment present in any scriptures other than Valmiki Ramayana?

texts:
The story of Mother Sita's banishment by Sri Rama present in the Uttara Khanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, is perhaps the most controversial part of Sri Rama's story. Many Hindu acharyas such as Swami Ramabhadracharya and scholars have argued that the story of Maa Sita's banishment is an interpolation, added centuries later.
There are some scriptural arguements that can be made for both sides of course but that's not the subject of my question. I want to know whether any texts other than Valmiki's Ramayana mentions Mother Sita's second exile? I know neither the Ramcharitmanas nor the Mahabharata mentions this story but what about the Puranas? Do they mention Mother Sita's second exile?


texts: Can you ever get trapped in samsara again after Moksha because of Karma?

texts:
If one attains Moksha -That is what frees a person from samsara. So it wont matter if you lie,steal or doing anything like that since you have already freed yourself so you wont get reborn hence the law of karma will be absolved from you since it only applies to our physical body/the material world. If one is self realized (has attained moksha/enlightenmet/samadhi/jnana or whatever you want to call it), then you wont get reborn, so Karma wont effect you after this body dies, rather it will ONLY affect you NOW in this life because you wont be reborn so it cant wait until next life but rather has to act upon you during this life since this is the last time you will be trapped in this world, yes or no?
Simply put what I am asking is related to antinomianism. That is its by grace(knowledge) we are saved and not by deeds, yes or no?
so if grace(knowledge) has already saved us, we cant erase that and become unsaved again through our actions even if the action is "bad" or what christians would call it a "sin", because we are already "saved" by knowledge, thats why Karma cant make you get reborn.


texts: What is the significance of the weapons and other items held by the Lord Vishnu?

texts:
Lord Vishnu holds a Disc (Chakra), Conch (Sankha), Komidi Gadha, and also holds other elements like a lotus in his hand.

Is there any explanation in scriptures of why Lord Vishnu holds these particular weapons?


texts: Who should be responsible to protect the Cows from various atrocities?

texts:
Cow is considered the most sacred animals constituting various deities. They are maintained by cowherds & dairy people.

India is topmost milk producer. But now a days mostly, after when these cows stop giving milk, either they are killed or even worse they are left on the roads on their own to survive. Where they eat garbage, get infected, injured and eventually die in pathetic situation.

Most of us are regular consumers of milk products.
Questions:

Are we responsible for protection of cows from such miserable situation? Or since we paid money for the milk, we are free from the sin?
What happens to the society as a whole for keeping harmless & helpful animal like cow to die a slow & painful death?


texts: What is relationship between Akasha (space) and Shabda (sound) according to Veda?

texts:
According to the Vedic account of creation in the Upanishads, the Mahabhutas or great elements proceed from most subtle to most gross: Akasha -> Vayu -> Agni -> Apah -> Prithvi. Meaning, Space -> Air/wind -> Fire/light -> Water -> Earth. At the same time, each corresponding element is created with a Tanmatra, or subtle element. These subtle elements are the elements of perception, hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell.

Each sensory element is associated with it's particular gross element as well as those more subtle than it, as shown in this picture.

Space -> sound
Air -> sound and touch
Fire or light -> sound, touch, and sight
Water -> sound, touch sight, and taste
Earth -> sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell

Now, my question is, what is the relationship between the subtle sense element and it's associated gross element. Particularly, how is sound a property of Akasha?

In my understanding, space or Akasha is defined as the all-pervading substrate that contains the other elements. So if you remove the other four elements, you're left with just Akasha. Likewise, the four elements cannot exist without Akasha as their substrate. But then how is it associated with sound, since sound requires air (Vayu) to travel and cannot travel alone in space (Akasha)? Sound requires some reverberating medium to propagate through. If sound can truly travel without the aid of the other four elements, then it's probably due to some dark matter or something unknown.

Or possibly this Akasha and Shabda are referring to not our gross plane, but a subtle one, where subtle element Shabda can travel through subtle element Akasha.

Anyways, when I googled this, I came across this article by a Mechanical Engineer at Steven's Institute of Technology, NJ, who says that according to the Vedas, the relationship between sound and space is that only sound is affected by space and not any other sense perception. In other words, space qualifies sound only, and no other sense perception. If you are in a closed room, and the temperature is the same, walls are made of same material, air density is the same, and lighting is the same, if you expand the walls and increase room volume while fixing other variables, the sound produced in that room changes depending on the volume (space) of the room.

So, I think the relationship between the sensory elements and the gross elements is as follows:

Space affects sound only, but not touch, sight, taste, and smell.
Air affects both sound and touch, but not sight, taste, and smell.
Fire/light affects sound, touch, sight, but not taste and smell.
Water affects sound, touch, sight, and taste.
Earth affects sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell.

Is this the right way to relate these?


texts: Was Lord Krishna husband of 16000 Gopis as per Krishna charit?

texts:
According to Hindu Vaishnava theology the stories concerning the gopis are said to exemplify Suddha-bhakti which is described as The highest form of unconditional love for God (Krishna).

But as old Epics and shastra said that those are wifes of krishna.


texts:
I do not subscribe to any religion.
I am confused about my Dharma.

Can I say my Dharma is Karma?


texts: Why are black rats treated as sacred at the Karni Mata temple?

texts:
I saw an episode about the Karni Mata temple in a TV Show - Mano Ya Na Mano ("Believe it or not").

They showed black rats and said that people treat them as sacred, and that people also drink the milk left over from the vessels from which those rats drank. Why is that so?


texts: How can a person increase his or her bhakti? Do scriptures give any guidance or advice over this issue?


texts: Who are Pancha brahmas' Lalita Devi sits on and Why are they called so?

texts:
Lalita Sahasranama(the thousand names of Lalitha tripura Sundari) is a hymn found in the Uttara Khanda of Brahmanda Purana. In the Lalitha sahasranama, one of the names is

  Pañcabrahmāsanasthitā

The above name translates to the one who sits on the seat of five brahmas.

Who are the five brahmas Lalita Devi sits on and why are they called so?

 Note: The above question is not a duplicate of this question although it is related.


texts:
I heard the following statement several times

Those who realize parabrahman becomes parabrahman

Let us assume someone becomes parabrahman (Jivan Muktha) after realizing parabrahman.
Then according to the slokha 6 of chapter 15 of Geetha, a person who achieves moksha will never return to this material world.

That abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by
electricity. One who reaches it never returns to this material world.

So, a Jivan Muktha (parabrahman) should not take birth in this human world (at least as a human).
But, according to the slokha 8 in chapter 4 of Geetha, parabrahman will take birth again and again as a (saguna, Sakara brahman) human to establish/preserve dharma.

In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as
well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I advent Myself
millennium after millennium.

So, a Jivan Mmuktha takes birth again and again for establishing righteousness.
How to understand this? Is it false that a person who realizes parabrahman becomes parabrahman? Else, which among the three arguments are false?


texts:
Could anyone point me towards any scriptural reference that explain the breaks to a celibacy vow?

I have read of Swami Sivananda explain the below as breaks to Brahmacharya:

Darshan – looking at a member of the opposite sex with carnal desire.
Sparsha – desire to touch, embrace or be near a person of the opposite sex.
Keertan – praising his or her qualities to your friends.
Keli – amorous sport with the opposite sex.
Guhya Bhaashan – talking privately to a member of the opposite sex.
Sankalpa – lustful thought of the opposite sex.
Adhyavasaaya – strong desire for carnal knowledge.
Kriya Nivritti – sexual enjoyment.

I was wondering if these have their source in any tantric/yogic scriptures.
I also want to know if merely being in the presence of women is considered a break in celibacy according to any shastras. Thanks.


texts: Is it mentioned in any ancient scripture that Bhagiratha was raised by a lesbian couple?

texts:
From my own answer regarding third gender and its acceptance in Hinduism, I got to know about Krittivasi Ramayana, which says that Bhagiratha was raised by two co-widows, who made love together with divine blessing. It explains that his name Bhagiratha comes from the word bhaga (vulva), because he was born of two vulvas.

But I never heard about it anywhere else. Is there any mention of Bhagiratha's parents in any Vedic text? And who raised him? Do non-Bengali old scriptures also say he was raised by a lesbian couple?


texts:
Why Tulsi is not offered while performing puja to lord Ganesha?

Also, I want to know the reason behind that why we don't offer tulsi to Ganesha except for Ganesha Chaturthi day during patri puja?


texts: Which of Shiva's Rudras was Kripacharya an incarnation of?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata describes exactly who incarnated as each of the major characters in the Mahabharata.  Concerning Kripacharya, guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas, it says this:

  And, O king, that Brahman sage who, on earth, was known by the name of Kripa and was the embodiment of all manliness was born of the tribe of the Rudras.

For those who don't know, the Rudras are a group of 11 Vedic gods associated with Shiva, as I discuss here and here.  In several scriptures including this chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam, their names are given as Manyu, Manu, Mahinasa, Mahān, Śiva, Ṛtadhvaja, Ugraretā, Bhava, Kāla, Vāmadeva and Dhṛtavrata.

So my question is, which of the Rudras was Kripacharya an incarnation of?  Was he an incarnation of Shiva, or one of the other Rudras?  Are there any scriptures that discuss this?


texts:
Famous in the madhwa line, Sri Raghavendra is linked with many miracles. His samaadhi is at mantrAlayam.

Whose avatAr was he ?


texts: Nyasa for Shiv Rudra mantra "Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraya"

texts: I have come across this mantra in a book from Shrimali ji. It contains the viniyoga but there is no mention of the nyasa for this mantra. Is it possible that this mantra does not have a nyasa or it was purposely excluded.


texts: It is evident that life exists in unicellular organisms such as bacteria, amoeba etc, implies the existence of Jeevatma there. But can we generalize this fact for each cell in multicellular organisms as well?


texts: What is the story of Sage Dhaumya and his disciple Aruni? How did Aruni get the name Uddalaka?


texts: What is the meaning of "abhyahanyanta" in Gita 1.13?

texts:
Here's sloka 1.13 of the Gita:

tatah sankhas ca bheryas ca panavanaka-gomukhah sahasaivabhyahanyanta
sa sabdas tumulo 'bhavat

Gita as it is translates it thus:

After that, the conchshells, bugles, trumpets, drums and horns were
all suddenly sounded, and the combined sound was tumultuous.

I'm trying to understand the word "abhyahanyanta", which Gita as it is translates as "being simultaneously sounded". My first guess was that the word starts with the prefix "abhi". Then I found the root √ah (say), which is however only partially related to the meaning "sound". In any case, I couldn't make anything of the rest of the word, so I'm probably wrong. What is the correct meaning of "abhyahanyanta"?


texts: Why everyone give importance to one's own duties?

texts: I heard that in Mahabharata ,not only Mahabharata in Ramayana too why do they sacrifice everything for their duties ?and why there is no importance to one's love?why everyone want to kill their beloved ones for their duties?


texts: What is the story behind Dhooli Darsanam in Srisailam?

texts: In the Hindu religion, visiting a temple without ablution (cleaning dirt) is said to be sin. One should always bathe before visiting the temple. But in Srisailam, the story is completely different. A person should enter without cleaning the dirt from their body. If he/she does bathe to clear the dirt it is said to be a sin. Why is this so? What is the story behind this?


texts: Why is the idol of a lizard kept in front of the Divine Mother at Dakshineswar?

texts:
As the enclosed image shows, there is an idol of a golden lizard (svarna-godhika) to the left of Mother Bhavatarini at Dakshineswar.

What is the scriptural reason of this idol of lizard?


texts: How does Prana and Apana fuse outside the body?

texts:
In the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, Lord Bhairava states:

  वायुद्वयस्य सम्घट्टाद् अन्तर् वा बहिरन्ततः ।
  योगी समत्वविज्ञानसमुद्गमनभाजनम् ।।
  From the fusion of both Vayus (Prana and Apana), inside or outside the body, the yogi attains equlibrium and becomes fit for the proper manifestation of consciousness.

At least fusion of prana and apana inside the body is understandable as pranas flow inside nadis which is inside the body, but what is meant by fusion of Prana and Apana outside the body?


texts:
What is the significance of the Asana for doing Japa or Sadhana?

Are there different asanas for different types of sadhanas? Is it different for the Vaishnavs and Shakti path? Is there a particular direction in which an Asana should be kept for doing Japa or Sadhana? Is it different for men and women?
And finally can one wash his or her Asana? And how does one maintain the same?


texts: Which scripts have been used to write Sanskrit?

texts:
Clip from Angkor Thom, about 1200 CE.

Some early Cambodian inscriptions are written in Sanskrit.

Is it true that these Sanksrit insciptions do not use the Devanagari script but instead the Khmer script?

Added. The inscription taken above is from the east gate of the region of the royal palast at Angkor Thom. It is written in old Khmer. In the meantime I learned that it is an oath of allegiance to king Suryavarman I from 1011 C.E.


texts: Why did Shiva cry and showed such grief when Sati died as he is a god and a god is free from all the Maya which is created by him?

texts:
I could not understand, why Shiva showed all the worldly emotions like he cried and showed grief when Sati died, then he married Parvati and then lived with family. If he was a god and it is believed that the god has created all the maya then how come he himself got caught in it?

Some people say that he married because some Asura had a boon that he would only be killed by Shiva's son but as he is a god he could have created his own son himself as Lord Vishnu created Lakshmi from his arm!

Please clarify my doubts and connect the missing dots if there are any!


texts: Is there any example for 'divide and conquer' strategy in Hindu scriptures for solving a problem?

texts:
In computer science, 'Divide and conquer' is an algorithm design technique. A typical Divide and Conquer algorithm solves a problem using the following three steps.

  Divide: Break the given problem into subproblems of the same type.
  Conquer: Recursively solve these subproblems
  Combine: Appropriately combine the answers

Are there any examples from scriptures that implemented this strategy for solving a problem?


texts: what happened to the palaces of Mahabharath?

texts: There were many huge palace in Dvapara Yuga according to Ramayana and Mahabharata. or e.g. Indraprastha or cities created By Vishwakarma. What happened to them? Why none of them exists now?


texts: What was Sri Adi Sankaracharya's role in the history of the Jagannath temple at Puri?

texts:
I read in one biography of Sri Adi Sankaracharya that He reinstated the deities of Sri Jagannath, Balarama, Suvadra and Sudarsana at the Puri temple.They were buried underground because of some reason.

Is it true?

What was the exact role of Sri Adi Sankaracharya in the history of the Puri Jagannath temple?

The deities seem too big to be taken to other place and get buried.

Can anyone throw any light on this?

Kindly cite proper source.Thanks.


texts: What is the "essence of the earth and heaven" given by Brahma to sage Gautama at his marriage?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, the Shiva Purana describes the origin of the Godavari River.  According to this excerpt from the Kotirudra Samhita of the Shiva Purana, after the sage Gautama prays to Shiva for a long time, Shiva appears before him, and Gautama asks Shiva for the Ganga river to be brought near his hermitage at the Brahmagiri mountain.  This is what it says after that:

  The essence of the earth and heaven had been extracted of yore, a part of this had been given to the sage [Gautama] by Brahma at his marriage.  What had been held over, lord Shiva favourably disposed towards his devotees, now gave to the sage.  Then the waters of Ganga assumed the form of a lady and stood there.

My question is, what exactly is this "essence of the earth and heaven", and what is the story of how it was "extracted" in days "of yore"?  What was it that Brahma gave Gautama as a wedding gift, and what did Shiva give to Gautama the rest of?  And how is any of this related to the appearance of the goddess Ganga at Gautama's hermitage?

Is this essence some kind of magical power, enabling you to summon any god you please?  Or is it a collection of all the substances in the three worlds, which would presumably include water from the Ganga river, and is that water what turned into the form of a goddess to appear before Gautama?  Or is it something else entirely?  Are there any other scriptures which describe Gautama receiving this essence?


texts: Is it forbidden in any scripture for Vaishnavas to refrain from non-vegetarian and stimulant foods?

texts: Most Vaishnavas refrain from meat and stimulant foods. But is this compulsory by the scriptures? Do any of the scriptures forbid Vaishnavas to take meat and stimulant foods?


texts: KalaSarpa Dosha - A Myth or Reality in Astrology?

texts:
What exactly is the Kala Sarpa Dosha or Yoga? Does it actually exist in Vedic astrology?

According to Astrology, what is the mystery behind this?


texts: Can someone give translation to Arya Durga Ashtakam?

texts:
This is the Arya Durga Ashtakam-

  Arya Durga Ashtakam

Kindly give its translation.


texts: Why can't a boy born on Poonam/Purnima marry a girl born on the day of Amavasya?

texts: Why can't a Boy born on Poonam or Purnima marry girl born on the day of Amavasya? What are the problems in Hindu religion for such a case?


texts:
According to the Wikipedia article on Sayana from the Vijayanagara Empire, he wrote a commentary on the Vedas. It also states that his commentary on Rigveda was edited and published by Max Müller.

I'm looking for the unabridged and unedited works of Sayana on Vedas.

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks.


texts: Does enlightenment happen without kundalini awakening?

texts:
There are many paths in sanathan dharma to get enlightenment.
Is it true that every path has kundalini awakening? Or is there any path, in which an aspirant gets enlightened without any kundalini awakening?


texts:
The picture you see is of - Abigail Hensel and Brittany Hensel, two conjoined twins. Wikipedia-
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abby_and_Brittany_Hensel

Do conjoined twins have different souls? Both have different feelings, taste, sensations.

What happens to their Karma?


texts: Siva Purana - Kalavati, the daughter of King of Kasi

texts: Which Chapter and Khanda of Siva Purana has the story of Kalavati, the daughter of King of Kasi gets the panchakshari mantra from Sage Durvasa ?


texts: What actually is the Daru Brahma In the idol of Lord Jagannath?

texts: I have heard that the heart of Lord Krishna which was unburnt is kept inside the idol of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Is it True???? Probably the heart is termed as 'Daru Brahma'. Does anyone know the true story behind?


texts: Before coming to this site, I only knew of one King Manu who was chosen by Lord Vishnu's Matsya avatar to save some of the different type of species to start the life again after the Pralaya. But after coming to this site I came to know that there were some other Manus also with similar roles. So, can someone throw light on who all were the different Manus, their background and their story of how they were chosen for this role.


texts:
In Buddhism, the two main sects: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism is divided on what kind of food can be accepted by monks as bhiksha. The Theravada sect believes that Buddha sanctioned the monks that they can accept meat provided the following three conditions are met:

meat should not be eaten under three circumstances: when it is seen or heard or suspected (that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); these, Jivaka, are the three circumstances in which meat should not be eaten, Jivaka! I declare there are three circumstances in which meat can be eaten: when it is not seen or heard or suspected (that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); Jivaka, I say these are the three circumstances in which meat can be eaten. —Jivaka Sutta

The Mahayana sect, on the other hand, believes in a zero-tolerance attitude towards meat. The following excerpt is a conversation between Buddha and Manjushri from the Aṅgulimālīya Sūtra, a Mahayana text:

Mañjuśrī asked, “Do Buddhas not eat meat because of the tathāgata-garbha ?”
The Blessed One (Buddha) replied, “Mañjuśrī, that is so. There are no beings who have not been one’s mother, who have not been one’s sister through generations of wandering in beginningless and endless saṃsāra. Even one who is a dog has been one’s father, for the world of living beings is like a dancer. Therefore, one’s own flesh and the flesh of another are a single flesh, so Buddhas do not eat meat. “Moreover, Mañjuśrī, the dhātu of all beings is the dharmadhātu, so Buddhas do not eat meat because they would be eating the flesh of one single dhātu.”

Coming to Hinduism, in Bengal, Eka-dandi Sannyasis (mainly from Ramakrishna Mission) are often seen accepting meat as bhiksha. Many justify Swami Vivekananda's eating habits by claiming Sannyasis must accept any type of food as bhiksha.So I would want to know what do scriptures say about Sannyasis eating meat? Are Sannyasis allowed to accept meat as bhiksha according to the scriptures?


texts: Unlimited reincarnations before moksha or only 7?

texts:
I believe most learned Hindus understand re-incarnation as a continuous process till the Jivatma attains the qualifications required for Moksha. But there seems to be some traditions within Hinduism where people believe that there are only 7 lives for a human being. For example consider the Tamil adage ஏழேழு ஜென்மன் (Yezhlezhu Jenmam meaning for seven lives to come). My question is does adages like this have any ancient philosophical roots or are they distortions of the concept of reincarnation? In any case does any Hindu scripture talk of the concept of 7 reincarnations for man?

Also, the Buddhist concept of 4 stages of enlightenment described in this  wiki page seems to have the concept of 7 lives as quoted below.

  A stream-enterer reaches arahantship within seven rebirths upon
  opening the eye of the Dharma.


texts: Are the Gods created after the Supreme consciousness created the Universe present in Materialistic forms? Ex. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati, Indra, etc.


texts: What was the relationship between Ravan and Tadaka?

texts:
I remember watching some mythological in which Ravan calls Mareech his mama i.e. maternal uncle. But Mareech and Subahu were the sons of Tadka so does that make Ravan the grandson of Tadka?

I checked online and Tadka seems to have been married to an Asura called Sunda while Ravan's mother Kaikeshi was born to the rakshas Sumali. How can these two points be linked? Do the scriptures mention Sund and Sumali to be the same person?


texts: Scriptural reference for the story of a sage, hunter and a wild animal?

texts:
This question mentions the following story of a sage, a hunter and a wild animal being hunted. This story appears to convey the same message as the Valāka story Kṛṣṇa narrates to Arjuna in Karṇa-parva of the Mahābhārata according to which Valāka goes to hell for speaking truth but failing to uphold dharma.

  For example, there is a story that I have heard in which a hunter hunting an animal comes to a Sage and asks whether he has seen it or not.

  Sage says, "what the eyes can see, the mouth can't speak and what the mouth can speak, the eyes can't see".

  He didn't utter a lie because he was intelligent and he escaped from the situation.

What exact story is the above referring to? And which scripture is the story taken from?

What is the Sanskrit verse for the line that means 'what the eyes can see, the mouth can't speak and what the mouth can speak, the eyes can't see'?


texts: Those who do certain things will undergo the same

texts:
In Mahabharata, Krishna told a sentence with similar meaning

  Those who do the things in a particular context will have to face the  same
  things on the same circumstances

These lines may be the lines Krishna told Draupadi or to some other regarding Kauravas. Where can I find the exact lines told by Krishna?


texts:
In Chapter 45, Uttarabhaga of Kurma Purana, seven rays of sun is mentioned

  सप्तरश्मिरथो भूत्वा समुत्तिष्ठन्दिवाकरः।
  असह्यरशिमर्भवति पिबन्नम्भो गभस्तिभिः॥ १४॥

  Thereafter, the sun with his seven rays, while rising becomes unbearable with the blazing heat. Through them he drinks up all water present on the earth.

What are the seven rays of sun and what do they signify? In some autobiographies of saints, it is mentioned that yogis can manifest various things due to their mastery over different types of sun rays.


texts: What are some verses from the vedas that support sankhya dhyana yoga?

texts:
Sankhya is a school of thought in Hinduism. It goes for meditation to attain Moksha.
What are some verses in the Vedas that support meditation to attain Moksha.


texts: Is destroying an idol of a god equivalent to killing an avatar of that god?

texts:
In Sri Vaishnavism, Brahman makes himself accessible to humans in 5 forms: Para, Vyuha, Vibhava, Archa, and Antaryami.

Para refers to the form of Vishnu that exists in Vaikuntha.

Vyuha and Vibhava refer to different types of Vishnu avataras.

Antaryami is Brahman existing inside the Jiva.

And Archa avatar refers to temple statues of Vishnu. Vishnu enters into those statues through his dharmabhutajnana (consciousness) and imbues the statue with shuddha-sattva. The statues of Vishnu in Vaishnava temples are considered Vishnu himself.

So, does this mean destroying a statue of Vishnu is like killing an avatar of God?

If so, how were Muslim invaders able to kill God?


texts: Does Rig Veda 10.59.7 talk about rebirth?

texts:
Rig Veda 10.59.7

  May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and
  mid-air restore it. May Soma give us once again our body, and Pūṣan
  show the Path of peace and comfort.

What is the context of this verse? And does this talk about rebirth?


texts: Does hindu scripture discuss south india, dravida desa and languages?

texts: Sanskrit shows no affinity to dravidian, unlike european languges even though dravidian being in its vicinity, is there any purana which discusses the differences between north-south india, or its totally alien languages in contrast to sanskrit? How did south indian languges came to be.


texts: Why Sikhism isn't a philosophical school in Hinduism?

texts:
Sikhism is a religion that has the concept of reincarnation and pantheism like Hinduism.  They reject vedas like jainism and Buddhism.
So why it isn't a philosophical school even thou it follows almost all the philosophy in Hinduism.


texts: What are the differences and similarities between Sikhism and Hinduism?


texts: What is the foundation behind the concept of prayer in Hinduism?

texts: Prayer is an important concept in Hinduism. Most hindus do it. But we also believe that everything we do should have its foundations in the scriptures. So my question is, does the concept of prayer also have its foundation in the scriptures? Or is it based on something else like acharya's teachings? What are the foundations of the concept of prayer?


texts: Significance of chariots of Jagannath Rath Yatra?

texts: Three beautiful chariots are used in Rath Yatra festival for three persisting deities. What are the significance of the chariots of Rath Yatra ?


texts: Does any scripture mention Mārtāṇḍa to be ONE who can revive dead cells?

texts:
In this answer of this question - Why is Surya referred to as Martanda?, it was described about Mārtāṇḍa, as follows:

The Voice said:
O sage, since this foetus of Aditi was pronounced slain by you, this
son of yours will come to be called Martanda. 41-42. He will slay
Asuras, the enemies who took away shares from sacrifices.
The etymology of Martanda means born of Mrita Anda means born of dead
foetus.

Recetnly, I heard a video talk (Telugu) of Courtallam Peetham Peetadhipathi Sri Siddheswarananda Bharati Swamy.  The swamy said in his speech that Mārtāṇḍa means ONE who can revive dead cells and thus HE is savitṛ-.
Does any scripture mention this angle?


texts: Do ghosts and spirits exist in Hindu beliefs?

texts:
We know that Hindu texts do mention about demonic beings like Rakshasas. But is there any reference to ghosts in Vedas?

If ghosts are just 'atman' without bodies, don't they reincarnate?


texts:
Some people say that Jesus came to India and got the powers by meditating. I ask a general question, MOST of those saints meditate upon the Supreme being (Lord Krishna or Lord Shiva) and get the powers will not tell us about the supreme being and instead say that

  Pray me, I'll kill your sins and fulfill your material desires.

Why doesn't they say to pray the Supreme being (Lord Shiva or Lord Krishna) who gave them the powers and why didn't they tell us the truth that it is because of the Supreme being they got the powers, and ask their disciples to worship that supreme being?

Why do these many religions exist when the Supreme being has the POWER to inject faith in the people without the need of creating religions.


texts: Why did Sita go to the forest with Rama?

texts:
While Rama was going to the forest, Sita also went to the forest without any second thought as far as I know;

Why did Rama allow her to do it? Did any discussion happen between Rama and Sita to make such decision (allowing Sita to forest)?

Is there any rule for the wife to follow husband even in difficult situations if there is an option for the wife to stay without difficulty?

In concise: is it allowed for the wife to stay in rich and comfortable place while husband is staying in poor place or difficult situations?


texts: Are there any references to simple prayers to Lord Vishnu in the scriptures?

texts: I don't mean recitation of vedas, mantras, japas or even stotrams, or even any rituals. I mean simple prayers in your own words in any language such as english, such as "Please help me with xyz." or "Please protect me from danger.". Do any of the scriptures talk about such simple prayers? Do they talk about whether Lord Vishnu hears such prayers, listens to them and answers them? Do they say anything about how such prayers should be done? Please quote from the scriptures and provide their translation in english.


texts: Fourth Brâhmana - what is the Sanskrit word for "seized"?

texts:
A translation of a verse in the Fourth Brâhmana states:

  Now as the sounds of a drum, when beaten, cannot be seized externally (by themselves), but the sound is seized, when the drum is seized or
  the beater of the drum; And as the sounds of a conch-shell, when
  blown, cannot be seized externally (by themselves), but the sound is
  seized, when the shell is seized or the blower of the shell; 'And as
  the sounds of a lute, when played, cannot be seized externally (by
  themselves), but the sound is seized, when the lute is seized or the
  player of the lute;

Here, the translation "seized" is used many times.

What is this word "seized" in Sanskrit, readible (transliteration) in English?


texts:
Hindu texts contain instances about space-time relativity, space vehicles and many others.

In present day world, the rising of Artificial Intelligence is phenomenal. It will become major part of human life in future. In some areas it is performing better than humans 1, 2.

Is there any mention of such intelligent machines in Hindu ancient texts (For example: Pushpaka Vimana, Saubha Vimana etc.,)  or any indication/ prediction about such intelligent systems in Kaliyuga?

In concise, Are there any slokas supporting or condemning the generation of intelligence by non-living systems?


texts:
In my recent question, I asked about the pādas of the yuga. This time my question is about  śakas (era). Many of you are aware that we live in the śālivāhana śaka era. Even though the current year according to Gregorian calendar is 2017, the present year in śālivāhana śaka is 1939.

Now my questions are:

Who are the śaka puruṣā for the current yuga?
On what basis is a śaka started?
How are these persons identified? Should they have performed great deeds to qualify?


texts: Do every one have their own maraka(killer) planets?

texts:
Maraka planets are the planets that are responsible for death or illness.
Are maraka planets different for dfferent individuals? Or same for all humans?


texts:
There are so many conflicts in this. Some peoples are say that Sai Baba of Shirdi is a God while on the other end one the most respected Peeth's (पीठ) head Sankracharya told he is just a normal man. There is no need to worship him.

So what is the truth

Is Sai Baba of Shirdi really a God?
Is Sankracharya right?


texts: contradiction between Nasadiya Sukta and Hiranyagarbha

texts:
I was going through the mentioned phrases of Rig Veda and got little confused in different points on creation. In Nasadiya it is mentioned that even creator might don't know about creation. on the other side Rigveda (10.121) mentions the Hiranyagarbha ("golden embryo") as the source of the creation of the Universe.

Help me in understanding.

Source


texts: What's the story of Bhasmasura in which Lord Vishnu came as a Brahmin and Mohini?

texts: I came across two different avatars of Vishnu for killing Bhasmasura while reading about Lord Shiva and lord Vishnu. In one tale Vishnu came as Brahmin to deceive Bhasmasura and in another he came as Mohini. Now can you clear my doubt with a reference?


texts: Why God Shiva used trident on Kashyapa's son? and why could not he save his own son (Ganesha) from curse?

texts:
Kashyapa cursed Shiva:

"Just as you pierced my son's chest with a trident, your son's head will be chopped off one day," said Kashyapa.

My question is, Why God Shiva used trident on Kashyapa's son? and why couldn't he save his own son (Ganesh) from curse?

Even god shiva can't escape from Kashyapa's curse?


texts: Why "Nama:" is pronounced as "Namaha" when it appears at the end of a Mantra?

texts:
And not as Namah as in, say,Namah Sivaya?

Few examples:
Om Gum Gurobhyo Namaha
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.

Which rule regarding the pronunciation of visarga(:) is applicable in this case?

Can someone please post a citation?


texts: Was Kashmir reffered to as mleccha by the rest of India?

texts:
Upon reading the Mleccha page of Wikipedia there is a section which says:

Later Vedic literature speaks of the western Anava tribes as mlecchas and occupying northern Punjab, Sindh and eastern Rajasthan. The tribes of the north were mlecchas either because they were located on the frontiers such as Gandhara, Kashmira and Kambojas and therefore both their speech and culture had become contaminated and differed from that of Āryāvarta, or else, as in the case of southern India, they were once Aryas but having forsaken the Vedic rituals were regarded to mleccha status.

I know that mleccha refers to "outcasts" and what people perceive as "non-Vedic", but in the vedic era there was no foreign influence of other religion on Kashmir so why was this term used? Or was this term added after the influence of foreign religion in Kashmir?


texts: Where or Which Vedic Text's says "Vikriti Evam Prakriti"?

texts:
Herein Wikipedia it says:-

  Rigveda, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism says
  Vikriti Evam Prakriti (Sanskrit: विकृतिः एवम् प्रकृति, meaning what
  seems unnatural is also natural),[14] which some scholars believe
  recognises homosexual/transsexual dimensions of human life, like all
  forms of universal diversities.

So where exactly is this sayings in the vedas?

Although I don't want correlate this with homosexuality, But for some other Philosophical Instance of Vedanta?


texts: What were the reasons for suffering of Lord Rama and Devi Sita?

texts:
"What you reap is what you sow."

Generally every human birth is based upon the rule of Karma. If you do good you will have good and if you do bad then you will have bad things happening in your life. Like "Jaise Karni Waisi Bharni".

The life story of Lord Rama and Devi Sita is quite painful. What are the reasons they had to face these many problems in life?

I don't think it has anything to do with karma because Lord Vishnu is not going to do any sinful act.


texts: What is the power of Narayana Kavacha mantram?

texts:
What is the power of the Narayana Kavacha mantram that appears in the Bhagavatham?

What is the meaning of this mantram and how do you get the benefits of the mantra?


texts: Why low-caste people are not allowed inside some temples and homes?

texts:
In most temples and homes, especially in villages, low-caste people are not allowed.

These regulations are being followed for thousands of years now.

What is the reason behind such practice? What do scriptures say about this?


texts: Concentration meditation vs awareness meditation

texts:
Which meditation is better to do: Awareness meditation(such as:Vipasana) or concentration meditation (such as:
Tratak)?


texts: Is the story of Agastya and Vatapi in scripture?

texts:
The story goes

In the forest to the south of the Vindhyas, lived two wicked demon brothers, Vatapi and Ilvala. They had magical powers.
They would wait for travellers passing through the forest. Ilvala would receive a tired and hungry traveller and would invite him to rest in his cottage and have food. The grateful traveller would accept the invitation.
Meanwhile, Vatapi would assume the form of a goat. Ilvala would kill the goat and serve it as food to the guest. Once the unsuspecting guest had his fill, Ilvala would give a shout, “Vatapi, come out.”
Immediately Vatapi would rip open the stomach of the guest and come out. Then the brothers would divide between themselves whatever belongings their victim was carrying.

Is it only folklore?


texts: Where does Maharishi Bodhayana hails Sri Rudram 1.6 mantra as Kavacham (Armour)?

texts:
Sri Rudram hymn is a part of YajurVeda Samhita (which I discuss here) In the Krishna Yajurveda Taittariya Samhita it is present from 4.5.1 to 4.5.11, thus forming total 11 Anuvakams:

The sixth mantra of 1st Anuvaka states:

  अध्यवोचदधिवक्ता प्रथमो दैव्यो भिषक्  ।
  अहींश्च सर्वान् जम्भयन् सर्वाश्च यातुधान्यः  ॥
  The lord who speaks in favour of devotees, may he speak in favour of me (AdhyavochadAdhivakta), the foremost (Prathamo), present as godliness in Gods (Daivyo), the Doctor who treats all troubles (Bhisak). May he destroy (Jambhayan), seen enemies like serpents scorpions... (Sarvãn Ahinscha) and unseen enemies like ghosts, spritis, rakshasas (Sarvãscha yãtudhãnya:)

From the meaning of the mantra itself it is clear that the mantra is asking for protection from everything from Lord Shiva, so it itself is like a Kavacham (Armour).

The commentary on Sri Rudram given by Kamakoti site states this:

  Chanting this mantra is capable of completely destroying miseries from Rakshasas, spirits, poison, fever etc. Hence this mantra has been hailed as ‘kavacham’ (armour) by Maharishi Bodhayana.

So, I'm interested, Where does Maharshi Bodhayana calls this mantra as Kavacham or Armour ?


texts: God as Universal religion, humanity as prayer

texts:
Every time I come across a religious scripts on how to meditate on gods name, first that comes in why can't we all come together as one. Why can't we project God & Humanity above all and focus on verses or sayings from different religious scripts that unites us, brings us together. Is it so difficult?

I am not much into religious activities or rituals,but yes I had the privilege of visiting various worship place, including churches, temples, dargahs, gurdwaras. I still go whenever I get chance.

All I do is meditation. I've read this blog and found you guys have very good knowledge of religious scripts.

And curiosity bug bit me, can we find verses from different religious books with simlar meaning. I beleive we can, or I should say "you guys can". You're really good at it as you all are thoroughly knowledgeable.

So guys it's my humble request let's project God's universalism and humanity, love and compassion. We already have had enough of this religious intolerance issues recently. Let's work towards peace, all we have is one home planet - earth.

God bless you all


texts: What are Avidya, Maya and Ignorance according to Advaita?

texts:
According to Advaita, I want to get a clear understanding of the following terms:

Avidya
Maya
Ignorance

What are Avidya, Maya and Ignorance? And what is the difference/relationship between them?

In other words, is one part of the other, or do they all indicate the same thing?

Which is to be overcome and removed? Which is interception or enemy?


texts: What are the limitations of the Jivatma after death?

texts:
While living, a Jivatma through a body can think, walk, talk etc...but can it do such things after death? For 10 days, Jivatma remains at familiar places and afterwards is carried away to the abode of Yama as mentioned in this answer but what does the Jivatma do in those 10 days?

What are the limitations faced by it?


texts:
Mookambika Temple at Kollur, Karnataka is a temple dedicated to Mookambika Devi. The story of it goes like Devi killed Mookasura, so it is called Mookambika Devi. It is believed that the story of Mookambika temple at Kollur (Maharanya Puram) is narrated by Lord Siva to Skanda in Skanda Mahapuranam. Also Sri Mookambika Ashtakam is also believed to be from Skanda Purana. The deity looks as below

My question is Which Khanda and Chapter of Skanda Puranam has this story and the Ashtakam? Please provide some slokas and meanings.


texts: Where can I find an unabridged English translation of Harivamsa?

texts: I know about the KM Ganguli translation of Mahabharata. Did he also translate Harivamsa Parva? If so, where can I find his (or any other) English translation?


texts: Does the concept of Longitude and Latitude finds explicit mention in the canonical texts?

texts:
Latitude and Longitude are the units that represent the coordinates at geographic coordinate system.
Our ancient knowledge of Jyotiṣha śhāstras based on the pañcāṅga and knowledge of relevant Ephemeris,  require some good mathematical calculations to arrive at relevant planetary and "time-correction" based conclusions in kuṇḍalī making, etc.
So the question is, if the concept of Latitude and Longitude finds explicit mention in our canonical scriptures? Do we have any 'historical' references for an ancient "Vedic Ephemeris" for astrological calculations?
Specifically in reference to Jyotiṣha śhāstras, considering how vast of a time zone India spans, and thus, making a kuṇḍalī definitely requires appropriate methodologies for "time-correction", since IST cannot be used for all places of births due to huge longitudinal differences.


texts: What are the instances where Lord Shiva was found laughing?

texts:
In Shivashtakam (Listen here), Lord Shiva is said to be the one having immense laughter.

  वटाधोनिवासं महाट्टाट्टहासं महापापनाशं सदासुप्रकाशम् ।
  गिरीशं गणेशं महेशं सुरेशं शिवं शङ्करं शम्भुमीशानमीडे ॥ ४॥

  vaṭādhonivāsaṃ mahāṭṭāṭṭahāsaṃ mahāpāpanāśaṃ sadāsuprakāśam ।
    girīśaṃ gaṇeśaṃ maheśaṃ sureśaṃ śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhumīśānamīḍe ॥ 4॥

  I pray to You, Shiva, Shankara, Shambhu, Who resides below a Vata (Banyan) tree, Who possesses an immense laughter, Who destroys the greatest sins, Who is always resplendent, Who is the Lord of Himalaya, various Gana and the demi-gods, Who is the great Lord, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

When was he found with such laughter? There must be some stories of his laughing.


texts:
What is the soul’s journey after the death? Where and how long does it travel?

If a person was chanting Lord Rama’s name an hour before all his consciousness shut down and dying, where does his soul go and what will be his journey like? How long does his soul travel around and what places does he visit? Will there be any next birth? Please give me as much information as you can.


texts: What are some verses from Hindu scriptures which are against men?

texts: I want to know some antimen verses from Hindu scriptures.


texts: Are Sri Vaishnavas supposed to worship devatas during nitya karmas?

texts:
According to Sri Vaishnavism, one who has performed the Samashrayanam/Bharanyasam ritual (initiation into Pancharatra Agamas/Surrendering to Vishnu) is prohibited from worshiping Devatas like Shiva, Indra, etc. The question then becomes, how are they to avoid Devata worship when nitya and naimittika karmas like Sandhyavandanam, Agnihotra, Vedadhyayanam, Pitr worship, etc involve worship of devatas like Indra, Agni, etc.?
Two Sri Vaishnava scholars have answered this question, but differently.
Nam Pillai, who was a disciple of Parashara Bhattar, has stated this:

In the Nitya and Nimittika karmas, Srivaishnavas do worship the
other deities like Indra, Varuna, Vayu, Agni etc. but there is a special rule stating that
even though they worship those deities they do so not as separate entities, but as the body
of Lord Sriman Narayana. Hence it is permissible and it results in the worship of Sriman
Narayana only who is their inner soul.

On the other hand, Vedanta Desikan in the Rahasya Traya Sara says:

Names like Agni may be considered as directly referring to Narayana on etymological grounds. Hence, there is no worship of Devatas.
... [Or] perform these respective rites meditating that the Supreme Being has these [Devatas] as his body.

Desikan cites a reference from Ramanujacharya's Nitya:

Having pleased the gods, the rishis and the Manes with oblations and with the thought that they have Bhagavan as their inner self...

But this statement seems to me to match more closely with Nam Pillai's statements because take note of the wording of this statement: "having pleased the gods with Narayana as their self" and not "having pleased Narayana with the gods as his body".
From this it's clear that Nampillai and Ramanujacharya believe that Sri Vaishnavas are worshiping the Devatas, etc. as the body of Narayana with the thought that Narayana is their inner-self, whereas Vedanta Desikan is saying that Sri Vaishnavas should not/are not worshiping Devatas at all.
There may be some reasons for this disrepency.
Nam Pillai was born 121 years before Desikan, so maybe the Sri Vaishnava views changed by the time of Desikan.
Nam Pillai is also part of the Thenkalai branch of Sri Vaishnavism whereas Desikan is part of the Vadakalai branch, so maybe these sub-sects had differences of theory on this practice back then.
Is there any reconciliation?


texts: Do the scriptures support adapting to different times?

texts: The scriptures were made a very long time ago. Did the creators vouch for the compatibility of their views and ideologies for all of the future generations? Or is there any mention to adapt oneself with changing times in the sense that they encouraged  modifications to ideologies with changing times?


texts:
I have googled this but in vain.

Trying to find a visual that explains how Om or AUM represents creation, maintenance, and destruction.

Would like to draw parallel between OM and systems engineering cycle (create, maintain and decommission, or destroy)

I only found below so far. Please advise.


texts: What is the best way to start learning the Upanishads for beginners and in what order?

texts: Is there any good and authentic source where English version of the Upanishads are available.


texts: What are the arguments of Nyaya and Samkhya against the eternity of the Vedas?

texts: Both Nyaya and Samkhya believe in non eternal vedas. What are their arguments against eternally of the Vedas.


texts: Which is exact dating of modern Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra

texts:
According to this question Rishi Parashara (who wrote the Jyotisha text Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra) who was the father of Rishi Vyasa (who wrote the Mahabharata).
but as per the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra's wikipage,

J. Gonda states that at 'some time after 600 [C.E.] was written the
purva-khanda of what was to become known as the Brhatparasarahora
[Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra], ascribed to Parasa... [it] is deeply
indebted to the [Brhajjataka of Varahamihira]; it has also borrowed
two verses from Sphujidhvaja... and its existence is presupposed by
the author of the uttara-khanda, which was commented on by
Govindasvamin in ca. 850 [C.E.]. Therefore, the purva-khanda must have
been written between ca. 600 and 750... but before 800'

So this shows ranges of ~600-800 CE.
Can any other proof exists regarding dating of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra ?


texts: I want to know the reason behind lord Shiva wearing snake around his neck and how he got the third eye

texts:
I am Shruthi. I am a devotee of lord Shiva. I just want know few things regarding lord Shiv's appearance.Like he is wearing snake around his neck,his thrishul, the bhasma ,the reason for his third eye. Can anybody give me the exact answers for all these.

Regards
Shruthi.


texts: What scriptures discuss Ghandaberunda, the bird beast created by Narasimha?

texts:
The coat of arms of the Indian state of Karnataka depicts a strange two-headed bird:
This creature comes from certain versions of the story of Narasimha, the man-lion avataram (incarnation) of Vishnu.  As most people know the story, Narasimha kills the demon Hiranyakashipu and rescues his devotee Prahlada, and that's the end of it.  But a lot of Puranas continue the story as follows: after Narasimha kills Hiranyakashipu, he is still in a state of rage (because his devotee was threatened), and he is destroying everything in his path, starting with the former Asura armies of Hiranyakashipu.  The gods are worried that Narasimha will destroy the entire universe in his wrath, so Shiva takes the form of Sharabha, a half-lion, half-bird creature, in order to subdue and pacify the angry Narasimha.  That's where most versions end, but some versions of the story go even further: in response to Sharabha, Narasimha creates Ghandaberunda, a two-headed bird creature of his own which overpowers Sharabha, and then everyone calls it a day.

My question is, in what Hindu scriptures is this story of Ghandaberunda mentioned?  This article, which is Wikipedia's source, says that Ghandaberunda "is mentioned in some Puranas and in certain regional scriptures in South India".  Does anyone know what Puranas are being referred to, and what these South Indian "regional scriptures" are?  The only thing the article says is "HH Chinna Jeeyar has observed that Ganda Bherunada Nrsimha Avatharam is mentioned in a minor text known as Nru Kanteerava abhyudhayam?"  What is the "Nru Kanteerava abhyudhayam"?  Googling for it doesn't turn up anything useful.

There's plenty of artistic and sculptural depictions of Ghandaberunda, like the coat of arms of Karnataka, but can anyone shed any light on what textual sources discuss him?

EDIT: You can read the story of Ghandaberunda in this excerpt from the new Amar Chitra Katha comic "Divine Beings".  Here's an picture of Sharabha and Gandhaberunda taken from the comic:


texts: Which scripture mentions the prohibitions on food consumption in Chaturmas?

texts:
The term Chaturmasya means four months. The term Chaturmasya Vrata is a Vrata to be observed for a period of four months.

The Poornima (full moon day) in the month of Ashadha is called ‘Guru Poornima’. Chaturmas starts on this holy day and ends on Kartik Poornima.

Sanyasis perform chaturmasya vrata wherein they stay in one place for either four or two months.
According to the Vedic dictum पक्षा वै मासाः one ‘paksha’ or a fortnight is taken as one month, and traditionally the Vrata is observed only for two months.

However I'm more interested in the food restriction that are observed by different people over the period of these four months.

Ex. Ekadashi of 1st Fortnight of Bhardapada to Ekadashi of 1st
Fortnight of Ashwin month; milk is prohibited. Milk is not used even
for the abhishek (bathing of God) of Deities in temple or home.

Similarly for some time eating dicots is prohibited and so on.

So my questions are:

Which Shruti/Smruti talks about these food prohibitions in
chaturmas?
Also I'm not sure as to why milk is prohibited during the above
    mentioned time of chaturmas but curd is allowed instead. Does any
scripture shed any light on this?


texts: What is sankalpa seva listed in many temples' seva list?

texts: Many temples have listed sankalpa seva in their seva list. Please explain what is this.


texts: Do Lord Vishnu,Ganesha and Saraswati have multiple consorts? If so who are they?

texts:
When I was browsing through some questions here,I came across this:

  Now in contrast to Sita, who was an incarnation of Vishnu's wife Lakshmi, Vedavati was an incarnation of Vishnu's other wife Bhumidevi. And after Rama was reunited with Sita, he was asked to marry Vedavati, but he refused, saying that he can only marry one woman in this birth

I did some further research and found out that Lord Vishnu had many consorts such as Vaishno Devi and Padmavati. I also found out about the many wives of Ganesha, like Siddhi and Buddhi. I also found out that some people believe that Saraswati had married another person after escaping Brahma:

  Lakshmi and Saraswati are wives of Vishnu.

Some people would say "Vishnu is only married to Lakshmi" or "Ganesha is a bachelor", but others believe in multiple consorts. Can someone tell me about all of these deities'consorts and give a list?

Lastly,please visit and answer this question which is similar to this one :Why did Shiva marry Ganga?


texts: Story of 2nd Mahabharata in Kali Yuga which was won by Evil forces?

texts:
Some years ago I read following story in Bhavishya Purān in wikipedia page which I don't find now.

Pandavas out of grief, anger & ego because of their dead sons by Ashwathāma
spoke ill words to Lord Shiva as he didn't protect them. In response
Lord Shiva cursed all Pandavas to reborn again in Kaliyuga to fight
2nd Mahabharata war which will be won by Kaliyugi Kauravas. That war
would be won by evil forces to establish evil establishment in Bharatvarsha (India). All due to
Pandava's ego of winning.

Following character reborn as follows :

Krishna (Udal – Uday Singh)
Lord Shiva (Raktabeej)
Dhrishtrashtra (Prithviraj Chauhan)
Karna (Tarak)
Draupadi (Daughter of Prithviraj – Bela)
Yudhishtir (Malkhan – Balkhani)
Arjun (Brahmanand)
Bhima (Veeran)
Nakul (Ratna Bhanu)
Sehdev (Devsingh)

So, there was 2nd minor war of Mahabharata which was won by Evil forces & resulted into thousands year of Slavery & spiritual disaster by Muslim invaders, Britishers etc in Āryavarta/Bhāratvarsha . Interestingly, India was independent till Prithviraj Chouhan only. So this story is in accordance with at least this fact.
My question is

Where exactly in Bhavishya Purān this mini Mahabharata story is mentioned?

Who played roles of Pandavas & Kauravas respectively? As far as I remember Kauravas' role players were invaders this time?

Where was fought?
Provide with verses & chapter.


texts: How does God/Goddess choose their vehicle?

texts:
In Hindu Mythology, Almost every God/Goddess have their vehicle and they are symbolised by that .

for example
Lord Ganesh vehicle is Mouse.
Lord Kartikey vehicle is Peacock.
Lord Yama vehicle is Bull.

So My question is is there any story behind choosing the vehicle by god ?


texts: Is there a known English translation or Commentary on the Agastya Shakti Sutras

texts:
I have found a set of Shakti Sutras written by Agastya here.

What is present there are the Sanskrit verses. Many other websites mention that it is related to Srividhya Upasana and a profound Shakta view.

Does anyone have an English translation or commentary for it (even in Sanskrit is fine)?


texts: What happens to the Syamantaka Jewel(श्यामन्तक मणि) after Krishna leaves the material world?

texts:
The story about Syamantaka mani is well discribed in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata.

Is there anything mentioned in Puranas about what happens to the gem after Krishna leaves the material world ?


texts:
Ravana, Duryodhana, Kansa have two things in common. 1: They all are evil & 2: They are extremely powerful.
Why is evil so powerful when compared to a normal person? A normal person of Ayodhya or Hastinapur can never dream of getting rid of Ravana or Duryodhan.


texts: Was Bhagavad Gita a later interpolation?

texts: BORI removes Bhagavad gita from the Mahabharata claiming it to be a later addition. How authentic its claim can be?


texts: Logical explanation for Lord Ganesha with Elephant head

texts:
I was wondering what is the logic of behind behaving and acting as a human with Lord Ganesha's Elephant head. Because the identity and memories of a creature in this earth is stored in their brains. So in the Ganesha's story, his memories and thoughts should be of an Elephant.
Is there any logical explanation for this confusion in that story ?


texts: Who are some ancient Singers of Sanskrit in the past?

texts:
Sanskrit is a phonetically active language that vibrates brain and heart and makes the environment positive. Could you suggest a few Sanskrit singers of ancient India whom one may listen to?
Thanks!


texts: Maa Tara Tarapith prayers and chants in Sanskrit

texts:
i would like to ask if someone knows some chants or prayers to worship Tarapith Maa Tara , if possible transliterated into english (not translated).

Thank you in advance


texts:
Its an important part of spiritual sadhana.

What is it fundamentally ?

How it's related to spiritual progress ?


texts: Can I melt my thirumangalyam and can i get done newly

texts: Can someone confirm if can I melt my thali and get it done newly with same gold.


texts: How does a person become a Rathi, Atirathi or Maharathi?

texts: I want to know when and how a person acquires the Maharathi, the Atirathi or any other warrior title. Please provide a scriptural reference to support your answer.


texts: I am a bit confused about how Ravan looked. He had 10 heads. That's an even number. So where did his neck join? I mean the only possible way I can think of is that 4 heads , then the central head, then 5 heads(or in the reverse order). But this seems an awful violation of symmetry. Can someone clarify his appearance?


texts: Did anyone besides Vishnu or Krishna use a Chakra as a weapon?

texts: Sudarshana Chakra is Vishnu's weapon. Is Chakra a generic weapon used by others besides Vishnu ?


texts: Is flower falling from photo towards left side a bad omen?

texts: Today when I was praying to God, I saw flower which was tucked to the left side of the photo (Lakshmi-venkateshwara) fell down. Is it a good or bad omen, if it is falling towards left side?


texts: I grew up watching Ramayana and Mahabharata TV series which was telecasted on Dhoordharshan channel. I vaguely remember my grandma say that Hanuman is an avatar of Shiva to help Vishnu (Ram) to destroy the evil. Is this true? Is Lord Hanuman a form of Shiva ?


texts: Can a kanyakubja brahmin and saryupareen brahmin marry? If not, why so?

texts: Please tell me can a saryupareen and kanyakubja brahmin marry?


texts: How are the object and the subject one and the same?

texts: I basically wanted the proof of all is ONE and Prakrithi and Purusha are the same.


texts: When Arjuna defeated all the Kuru warriors in the Virat war, then why did he kill them through deceit in the Kurukshetra war?

texts:
In Virat war all Kuru warriors including Bhisma Drona and Karna were vanquished by Arjuna.

Go Haran Parva 62

Now, the same Arjuna in Kurukshetra war even with Lord Krishna with him, could not face these warriors. Arjuna killed each and every Kuru warrior through deceit.

Shalya Badha Parva 60

Lord Krishna also accepted that Karna, Bhishma and Drona could not be vanquished by Pandavas in a fair combat. Then how Arjuna defeated all of them in Virata war?


texts: What is Nyaya's respondes to the arguments made by Ramanuja against the design argument of Nyaya?

texts:
Why and How Ramanuja Rejected Nyāya Arguments for the Existence of God JONATHAN B. EDELMANN
(A) While certain features of the natural or organic world might resemble artifacts, can reason establish they are designed by one supreme designer?
1 Inference would suggest there are many designers and movers working together since all complex objects in this world are designed by groups of people, and all large objects are moved by many people working together.
The physical body's creation is a group effort, involving a long ancestry, and their combined forces of their karmic contributions.
2 The earth looks as if it had multiple layers of creations and destructions, so perhaps there were and are many creators and destroyers, just as parts of large artifacts are created and destroyed at different times.

(B) If the world was designed by a supreme designer, what does it say about God?
1 To create an artifact, one must know about the material, the means to construct the artifact, and goals and purposes of the artifact. While human beings are unable to make organic forms (i.e. bodies that breath and digest), the creator of bodies (and mountains, planets, etc.) need not be omniscient - he or she only needs sufficient knowledge of the materials, means and goal, none of which entails omniscience.
2 Positing God as creator debases him and his abilities, suggesting he is just a glorified artisan with great but limited skill.
Human creators create out of a desire for specific ends that are born out of karmic constraints, so if we take the analogy seriously then God must have karmic (=material) desires and goals as well.
(C) Even if there is a designer, how could he create the world?
1 If the design inference is sound, then the designer of the world must be embodied and use tools, since in this world objects are only created by embodied beings using tools - there are no cases of disembodied volition creating anything of which we know.
2 If God is embodied, then he has parts (e.g. hands, legs, etc.), and if he is eternally embodied, then composite objects could be eternal, then so could the world be eternal >and would not need a creator.
If God is embodied, but only embodied intermittently, then how does he go from embodiedness to disembodiedness? He couldn't since it has already been established that mere volition isn't the cause of creation.
Bibliography
• Brown, Cheever Mackenzie. 2012. Hindu perspectives on evolution: Darwin, dharma, and design. London: Routledge.
• Edelmann, Jonathan. 2006. "Modernity's Warfare in Life and Religion: A Meeting with Charles Darwin and the Bhagavata Purana." Journal of Vaishnava Studies, Spring 2005, pp. 113-26.

SOURCE
What is Nyaya's respondes to this?


texts: Who is responsible for the creation of Earth, Lord Shiva or Adhishakti?


texts:
Bhishma abducted women:

  Meanwhile the son of the ocean-going Ganga heard that king Devaka had a daughter endued with youth and beauty and begotten upon a Sudra wife. Bringing her from her father's abode, Bhishma married her to Vidura of great wisdom. And Vidura begot upon her many children like unto himself in accomplishments.'

-- An excerpt of Adi Parva Section CXIV

Krishna abducted women:

  Of eyes like the lotus petals, and endued with great bravery, Krishna, vanquishing all the kings at a self-choice, bore away the daughter of the king of the Gandharas. Those angry kings, as if they were horses by birth, were yoked unto his nuptial car and were lacerated with the whip.

-- Excerpt of Drona Parva Section XI

Duryodhana abducted women:

  Disregarding all the kings, he commanded the maiden to stop. Intoxicated with the pride of energy, and relying upon Bhishma and Drona, king Duryodhana, taking up that maiden on his car, abducted her with force.

Excerpt of Shanti Parva Section IV

Why was kidnapping such a prevalent custom of marrying women in ancient aryavarta?


texts: What was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's opinion on Madhvacharya?

texts:
Brahma Sampradaya is one of the 4 major sects of Vaishnavism. The sect is said to have been taught Vishnu worship by Lord Brahma himself and hence the sampradaya named after him. The Brahma Sampradaya has two major divisions:-

1.The Madhva sect started by Madhvacharya and

2.The Gaudiya Vaishnava sect started by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Now what was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's opinion on Madhvacharya? Is there any verse in the Chaitanya Charitamrita which talks about the Madhvacharya?


texts: Do scriptures comment on materials used for bathing

texts:
It is well known that soaps, shampoos etc., are used as materials for bathing in India. They did not exist during Dwapara, Tretha etc., or might exist in another form.
What are the materials used by the people in those ages for bathing? Do scriptures comment on it?


texts: Importance of Guru (गुरु) in our daily Life as well as in Spiritual Life?

texts: What is Importance of Guru in our daily life as well as spiritual life?


texts: Should ONLY ISKCON English translations of Scripture be cited when Traditional versions are also available?

texts:
ISKCON has more or less denied being Hindus. They focus on only a small subset of Hindu scripture but their translations are often significantly different from translations by established Hindu sources.

When English translations from both traditional sources and ISKCON are available, are the traditional sources preferable to be cited at HSE?


texts:
There are 4 Purusarthas ('object of human pursuit' or 'purpose of human being'):

Dharma
Artha
Kama
Moksha

And 4 Ashramas (avastha or stages of life):

Brahmacharya
Grihastha
Vanaprastha
Sannyasa

Now, my question is Which Purusartha should be achieved in which Ashrama?

This wiki says:

  The fourth Ashrama (avstha or stage) Sannyasa must entirely devote to
  Moksha aided by Dharma, with a complete renunciation of Artha and
  Kama.

But what about other three Ashramas? The same wiki says:

  The life span of a man is one hundred years. Dividing that time, he should attend to three aims of life in such a way that they support, rather than hinder each other. In his youth he should attend to profitable aims (artha) such as learning, in his prime to pleasure (kama), and in his old age to dharma and moksha.

The same wiki further says:

  Scholars have attempted to connect the four stages to the four puruṣārthas, however Olivelle dismisses this, as neither ancient nor medieval texts of India state that any of the first three ashramas must devote itself predominantly to one specific goal of life.

One understanding might be as below:

Brahmacharya might be to learn about what Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are and how to achieve them.
Grihastha might be to achieve Artha and Kama but in controlled manner. And this stage must focus on Dharma too. And if these three are well balanced then it may lead to Moksha.
Vanaprastha might be to devote to Dharma aided by Moksha.
Sannyasa might be to devote to Moksha aided by Dharma.

So, is there any mention of mapping between Purusartha and Ashrama?


texts: In his lecture to Vāli, which Manu-smṛti verses is Rāma talking about?

texts:
From here, Rāma, in his lecture to Vāli, defending his actions, mentions the following two verses from Manu-smṛti. Which exact verses (ch. and verse no.) from Manu is Rāma referring to?

  'When kings impose proper punishment on the humans who have sinned, they become sinless and enter heaven as with the pious souls with good deeds.' So says one verse of Manu. [4-18-31]

  'Either by punishment or by clemency a thief will be absolved from sin, but the king who does not impose proper punishment will derive the blot of that sin.' So says the other verse of Manu. [4-18-32]


texts: Is the term "demigod" necessary to translate the name of any entity in Hinduism to English?

texts:
In the post Do the long term actions of Avataras survive the end of the respective Avataras?

a user in the comment section says "there are demigods" in Hinduism.

Is this correct?

Note: this question is not the same as the other question - which asks for the nearest approximation in Hinduism to the Western cultural/religious term "demigod"

Google Translate translates demigod to

यक्ष (yaksh) in Hindi
உபதேவதை in Tamil (upadevata).

If because of "demigod" talk percolating into Hinduism Siva or Durga start getting called yaksh or upadevata, it would do serious harm to Hinduism.


texts: Are any boons/curses issued in Rig Veda?

texts: The poets pray for cattle and so forth and pray to rudra not to harm them but there doesn't seem to be boons and curses recorded in rig veda.  One would think boons and curses would be mostly epic/puranic.  So, do we find boons/curses anywhere in Rig Veda?


texts: Does anyone have any the images that sometimes accompany scriptures (e.g. in the Purāṇas)? Can you post them?

texts: I heard some scriptures were found with attached images to help explain the text. Since then, I have always wanted to see some.


texts: What is the lineage of Yajnavalkya, the guru of Janaka?

texts:
Yajnavalkya is an ancient rishi who is associated with many texts in Sanskrit such as the Shatapatha Brahmana, Shukla Yajurveda and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. His discussions with Raja Janaka of Videha are quite well-known.

This Hindupedia page mentions two things about his origins - One that he was an incarnation of Brahma and son of Brahmabahu and Second, he was the son of Devarata. But it also says that there may have been different people of the same name.

I want to know the correct genealogy of Yajnavalkya, the guru of Raja Janaka. I am aware of his two wives Maitreyi & Katyayini but would like to know about his progeny as well.


texts: Is there a concept of parallel universes in Hinduism?

texts:
According to what I know, Hindu texts have always focused on cyclic nature of universe. But have only mentioned this one universe only and that it will be created and get destroyed over and over again.

Is there any mention of other universes or multiverse or of the word infinite in terms of number of universes.


texts: Did Gandhari Curse Krishna not to have son?

texts:
I heard story that Gandhari cursed to Lord Krishna that he will not have any son for his dynasty, when Krishna send Duryodhna partially naked instead of full naked.

But other side I see Krishna have sons. This is not related to The question

So which is the truth?