texts:
Source says:

Valakhilyas- are thumb sized ascetics accompanying the sun in its every day travel in the sky. They are protecting the humanity by taking all the extra heat and act like the ozone layer. They are 60,000 in number they are shining like brilliant lights because of their severe penance. They used to hang upside down in the trees while doing penance—these are some of the interesting facts that are found in the Vedas, the epics and the mythologies. Tamil literature adds more details about these strange kinds of ascetics.
Valakhilya hymns, eleven in number, are the appendix of the eighth Mandala of the Rig Veda. But famous commentators like Sayana rejected them as interpolations. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata have a lot of references to the Valakhilya Rishis.

Which scriptures talk about them?  Are they helpers of mankind?


texts: Cannot find source of this Surya Mantra. Can anyone help please?

texts:
A very soothing surya mantra was part of Sri Krishna series serial. A show based on 'Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran' glorifying Lord Krishna's immortal and eternal life.

Don't know from where this mantra has been taken ? Can someone point me to the right source / book / vedas / purans etc ?

https://youtu.be/DhquMQnBs4s?start=135&end=210


texts: Are Hindu temples designed in such a way that the spiritual energy flows out of the garbagriha?

texts:
This website talks about the features of a Hindu temple

  Worshippers consider that energy flows out in all directions from the
  garbhagriha, and this is reflected in the architecture of the
  surrounding parts of the temple.

Is this just a belief? Or, is it related to the architecture of the temple?


texts: In which book the story of Adi Shankara entering the king's body is mentioned first?

texts:
When Adi Shankara defeated Mandana Mishra, his wife Ubhaya Bharati said he also have to defeat her in debate. In order to turn the debate towards her, she started asking about Kama Shastra. But as a celibate Shankara knew nothing about Kama Shastra. So, he asked one month time to learn Kama Shastra which was accepted by Ubhaya Bharati. Then Shankara entered the body of a king who is about to die and learnt Kaama Shastra.
Now, many people say as a Sanyasi, Shankara never did this act. So this might be a story created by disciples of Shankara. My question is, in which book this story is mentioned first?


texts: Clarification on loosing caste due to Samudrolanghana (sea voyage)?

texts:
The question How to recover from lost caste status after crossing an ocean? and it's answer says that one looses his caste if he takes a sea voyage.

Now, these are my doubts:

Is there any distance associated with it?
Is it specific to ocean?
As we all know that Rama and Lakshmana crossed the sea in order to reach in Lanka, so did they loose their caste?
Does the rule apply on someone who is traveling by air but crosses ocean? If so did Sita also loose her caste?
In modern time, many scholars including Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda travelled abroad. Did they also loose their cast?
Currently, in Kanyakumari, people take sea voyage for a short distance to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Do they loose their caste due to this?


texts: How to identify correct readings in scripture in case of ambiguity?

texts:
How to identify actual reading in scripture when the reading of the verse is ambiguous which occurs because of the way sandhi can be resolved?

For eg: While all others take the Chandogya Upanishad verse as 'tat tvam asi', Madhvacharya makes it 'atat tvam asi'. This is because of the compound word that can be split differently.

Also, when can there can be double meanings in the scriptures meaning scriptural verse itself is spoken to give two valid meanings?


texts:
What is the story of Jadbharat and his rebirth as deer? How he get salvation even in form of deer?
This question came in my mind while reading this blog.


texts: What are the unique contributions of Sri Madvacharya?

texts:
We see often tattva Vada philosophy says five fold difference, Narayana Supremacy, Souls subservience and Brahma infinite auspicious qualities which is always complete.  More importantly Reality of the world.

what are the unique contributions of Sri Madvacharya?


texts:
I want to know why Hanumana wanted to the eat sun ?
I've heard one story from our Gujrati loksahitya kalakar(Artist) by the name Ishardan Gadhvi in his program that Hanumana's mother got curse that her son would die before sun set on the day he was born. Hanumana wanted to eat sun as he didn't want the sun to set.

Is that true ? Or is there any other reason for Hanumana wanting to eat the sun.


texts: Any relationship between the Three Guṇas (गुण) and the three Ayurvedic Doshas ( दोषः)?

texts:
In Hinduism (Sanātan Dharma)  the number - "three",.occurs in many instances
The Trimurtis - Brahmā, Vishnu and Mahesh (त्रिमूर्ति - ब्रह्मा, विष्णु और महेश ), the Three (Guṇas) Qualities - Sattva, Rajas, Tamas (त्रि-गुण - सत्त्व, रजस, तमस) , the Three Major Lokas (त्रिलोक), in the Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद) too, there are three fundamental bodily bio-elements - Vatta, Pitta, Kapha (त्रिदोषोपदेशः - वात, पित्त, कफ).
The three threads that together constitutes the janeu - the upanayana thread.
So my question being, is there anything mentioned about the importance or significance of number "three (3)" in any of the Vedic Scriptures?
More importantly, does any Scriptures or School of Thought talks about any kind of relationship between the Three Qualities (त्रिगुण) & Trimurtis in terms of the three Ayurvedic Doshas ( दोषः) and/or the three threads of the janeu?


texts: Do scriptures prescribe what dues must be paid to the dead?

texts: I believe immediately after death, the Preta (the one that has been sent) has to be guided to heaven with rituals and mantras.  Are there similar rules about the shraddha ceremony also?


texts:
According to Advaita, Para Brahman (परब्रह्म)  is Nirguna Brahman (निर्गुण ब्रह्म)[1] [2] but I've found that Vishishtadvaitis don't believe in Nirguna Brahman. So, let me ask:

What are the views of Vishishtadvaita on Nirguna Brahman?
If Vishsitadvaita do not believe in Nirguna Brahman, then What is the explanation/arguments of Vishishtadvaita for demonstrating/claiming it?


texts:
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) translated the Sanskrit word "deva" as "demigod" in his literature when the term referred to a God other than the Supreme Lord.

Source: Wikipedia | Demigod

The word Demigod first emerged from the west and Swami Prabhupada was the first to adopt this name for his Sanskrit to English translation. So according to Wikipedia he used this word to refer deva as demigod, but how could one use that word in this way because deva simply means a complete god, while demigod is half human and half god (something like Arjuna, Bhima or Yudishtira who are generally not considered as Hindu gods or devas).

It is quite confusing. Any answers?


texts: What does the statement 'Brahman is devoid of good and bad' mean?

texts:
Brahman the supreme soul is described to be limitless and not attributed to duality like hot or cold, good or bad, male or female. But if he is beyond good and bad then why does he take avatar to uphold dharma which is good and destroys evil. Isn't he supporting good in that case which makes him good and not bad. Which makes god good. But then he is also described  to be beyond good and bad. Its contradicting. Whats the actual explanation behind this? Can anyone kindly explain.

And it is described that bhakti yoga is the way to reach god. Bhakti which is love for god is a good attribute. So it seems like following good path brings people closer to him. Is this the right teaching or is it just performing your actions without being attached to them (be it good or bad) which is I suppose practice of karma yoga instead of bhakti yoga can bring you closer to him. Bottom line is brahman good or bad? It seems like he is good since dharma is the most important thing to Brahman. I am willing to know can anyone please share their views. Thank you!!! :)


texts: Does Taittriya Brahmana say Sudras came from Asuras?

texts:
Taittiriya Brahmana i.2,6,7-Daivyo vai varna brahmanah assuryyo sudrah - Brahmin Varna came from Devatas and Sudra Varna from Asuras.
Is this symbolic? What is the context of this verse?


texts:
Kaumari is considered as one of the Sapta Matrikas (7 forms of Divine Mother). She is also associated with the Kanya Kumari form of Devi.

The references to the Kaumari form of Devi are found in -

The Devi Mahatmya, found in the Markandeya Purana:

  Kumārarūpā Kaumarī mayūravaravāhanā |

  raktavastradharā tad vacchūlaśaktidharā mata ||

Devi Purana:

  Kumārarūpadhāri ca Kumāra-jananī tathā |

  Kumāraripuhantri ca Kaumārī tena sā smrtā ||

Taittirīya Aranyaka found in the Yajur Veda (here she is addressed as Durga):

  Kātyāyanyā vidmahe Kanyākumārī dhīmahi, tan no Durgiḥ pracodayāt

Matsya Purāna  (it describes her as the daughter of Lalitā and mentions Māyipuri as a place sacred to her):

  Māyāpuryām Kumāri tu santāne Lalitā tathā

This wiki articles claims that the Kanya Kumari form is also mentioned in the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Narayana Upanishad, without any references.

Question: Which other scriptures mention the Kaumari or Kanya Kumari form of the Devi?


texts: What are the number of verses in Bhagavata if we count one verse as 32 syllable long?

texts:
Bhagavata purana's length according to the Purana itself is 18000 verses long.

However, what constitutes as a verse is not defined.

There are varying lengths of verses counted as one verse.

Type 1:(long)

First two verses of Bhagavatam look like:

  SB 1.1.1

  janmady asya yato ’nvayad itaratas carthesv abhijñah svarat  tene
  brahma hrda ya adi-kavaye muhyanti yat surayah tejo-vari-mrdam yatha
  vinimayo yatra tri-sargo ’mrsa  dhamna svena sada nirasta-kuhakam
  satyam param dhimahi

  SB 1.1.2

  dharmah projjhita-kaitavo ’tra paramo nirmatsaranam satam  vedyam
  vastavam atra vastu sivadam tapa-trayonmulanam srimad-bhagavate
  maha-muni-krte kim va parair isvarah  sadyo hrdy avarudhyate ’tra
  krtibhih susrusubhis tat-ksanat

Type 2:(short)

  SB 1.1.9 tatra tatrañjasayusman  bhavata yad viniscitam pumsam
  ekantatah sreyas  tan nah samsitum arhasi

  SB 1.1.10 prayenalpayusah sabhya  kalav asmin yuge janah mandah
  sumanda-matayo  manda-bhagya hy upadrutah

Type 3:(prose)

  SB 5.9.9-10 sa ca prākṛtair dvipada-paśubhir
  unmatta-jaḍa-badhira-mūkety abhibhāṣyamāṇo yadā tad-anurūpāṇi
  prabhāṣate karmāṇi ca kāryamāṇaḥ parecchayā karoti viṣṭito vetanato vā
  yācñayā yadṛcchayā vopasāditam alpaṁ bahu mṛṣṭaṁ kadannaṁ
  vābhyavaharati paraṁ nendriya-prīti-nimittam.
  nitya-nivṛtta-nimitta-sva-siddha-viśuddhānubhavānanda-svātma-lābhādhigamaḥ
  sukha-duḥkhayor dvandva-nimittayor asambhāvita-dehābhimānaḥ.
  śītoṣṇa-vāta-varṣeṣu vṛṣa ivānāvṛtāṅgaḥ pīnaḥ saṁhananāṅgaḥ
  sthaṇḍila-saṁveśanānunmardanāmajjana-rajasā mahāmaṇir
  ivānabhivyakta-brahma-varcasaḥ kupaṭāvṛta-kaṭir upavītenoru-maṣiṇā
  dvijātir iti brahma-bandhur iti saṁjñayātaj-jñajanāvamato vicacāra.

  SB 5.14.1 sa hovāca sa eṣa dehātma-mānināṁ
  sattvādi-guṇa-viśeṣa-vikalpita-kuśalāku-śala-samavahāra-vinirmita-vividha-dehāvalibhir
  viyoga-saṁyogādy-anādi-saṁsārānubhavasya dvāra-bhūtena
  ṣaḍ-indriya-vargeṇa tasmin durgādhvavad asugame ’dhvany āpatita
  īśvarasya bhagavato viṣṇor vaśa-vartinyā māyayā jīva-loko ’yaṁ yathā
  vaṇik-sārtho ’rtha-paraḥ sva-deha-niṣpādita-karmānubhavaḥ śmaśānavad
  aśivatamāyāṁ saṁsārāṭavyāṁ gato nādyāpi viphala-bahu-pratiyogehas
  tat-tāpopaśamanīṁ hari-guru-caraṇāravinda-madhukarānupadavīm
  avarundhe.

  SB 5.14.2 yasyām u ha vā ete ṣaḍ-indriya-nāmānaḥ karmaṇā dasyava eva
  te; tad yathā puruṣasya dhanaṁ yat kiñcid dharmaupayikaṁ
  bahu-kṛcchrādhigataṁ sākṣāt parama-puruṣārādhana-lakṣaṇo yo ’sau
  dharmas taṁ tu sāmparāya udāharanti; tad-dharmyaṁ dhanaṁ
  darśana-sparśana-śravaṇāsvādanāvaghrāṇa-saṅkalpa-vyavasāya-gṛha-grāmyopabhogena
  kunāthasyājitātmano yathā sārthasya vilum-panti.

There may be some other types of verses as well.

It is said that if we count the verses as per the length of type 2. We may get 18,000 verses.

How many verses in total do we get when we take 32 syllables as one verse?


texts: Are there more than one origins of Ma Kali?

texts:
There are multiple stories related to the origin of Goddess Mahakali:

The Rudra Samhita 2.53 of the Shiva Mahapuran mentions that when Nandi informed Shiva about Sati's death, he became very furious. He angrily pulled out a locks of hair and dashed it against the mountain, which got divided into two parts. From one part manifested the valiant Veerbharda and from the other part Mahakali.
In the Uma Samhita 5.16 of the same Puran Bhagawati manifested herself in the form of Kali from the mouth and eyes of lord Vishnu at the time Madhu and Kaitabh are born from Vishnu’s ear-wax and attack Brahma.
According to Matsya Puran Kali emerged when Parvati meditated to become fair and a goddess named Koushiki emerged out of her cells.
And then of course are the accounts in Devi Mahatmya and Devi Bhagwat Puran regarding her emerging from the forehead of Goddess Ambika.

So do these different stories refer to different Kalis or to the different times Kali emerged? Also which of these appearances could be the oldest one?


texts: I heard that Lord Vishnu will take birth as Kalki avatar when the adharma will be on the apex. So what is the apex of adharma?


texts: Why are main human avatars of God in the form of kings/ rulers/ princesses (lord Rama, Krishna)? Are there any "regular profession" avatars - eg teachers, householders, merchants?


texts: Does shiva stambha yoga also awaken the third eye?

texts: Does practice of this particular pillar yoga awaken the third eye aswell if practiced alongside vegetarianism and ahimsa?


texts: How did Ashoka Vana remain unaffected by the fire?

texts: When Hanuman set the entire Lanka on fire, how is it that Ashoka Vana escaped it. Was it because Hanuman put out the fire, or due to Sita's power or the fire did not reach there?


texts: How do Sri Vaishnavas interpret Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.14?

texts:
Sri Vaishnavas believe Krishna to be an incarnation of Vishnu. On the other hand, Gaudiya Vaishnavas say Vishnu is an expansion of Krishna and quote certain verses from the Srimad Bhagavatam to support their views. One of these verses are given below:

  narayanas tvam na hi sarva-dehinam
  atmasy adhisakhila-loka-saksi
  narayano ’ngam nara-bhu-jalayanat
  tac capi satyam na tavaiva maya (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.14)

  Translation: Are You not the original Narayana, O supreme controller, since You are the Soul of every embodied being and the eternal witness of all created realms? Indeed, Lord Narayana is Your expansion, and He is called Narayana because He is the generating source of the primeval water of the universe. He is real, not a product of Your illusory Maya.

How do Sri Vaishnavas interpret the above verse?


texts: What is the meaning of Life if all is pre-written or controlled by the will of God?

texts:
Assumptions:

God is the supreme
Everything that we do is the will of God which may or maynot have an effect on the future
Our purpose in life is to submit to God, Do good deeds, acquire punya
In the end our final destination is to become one with God because we are all parts of the supreme soul which is God

So My Questions are:

Why does God bother to run all this drama?
What is the point in putting these parts of the soul through all this hardships and happiness on Earth when all is just a big Drama and some time down the line all these souls ultimately attain assumption 4.
If a person realises the above assumptions what is the point of him living here on Earth. Why should he go through this thing called Life?

One Question in the bigger sense:

Why does God bother to do all this? He can do whatever he wants. Isn't it pointless for him? Isn't it like God is a little lonely kid with all the toys(The earth, the people, the happenings) just playing with them?


texts: Are the terms 'secular', 'agnostic', 'atheist' used in today's India?

texts:
Are the terms secular, agnostic, atheist applied by Indian people themselves to characterize existing attitudes in today's Indian Hindu society?

Added: Due to comment of @Whirl Mind I restrict my question to India's Hindu society.


texts: What is the last reference to 'Sanjay' - Dhritarashtra's narrator in Mahabharata?

texts:
Sanjay is the only character who gets to listen to Bhagvad Gita directly from Lord Krishna outside Kurukshetra battefield. This fact somewhere emphasis that he was important in grand scheme of things.

So my questions are:

Why was he given such a great privilege?
What is the last reference of Sanjay in Mahabharat?
What happened to him after war was over?


texts: I was randomly playing a video in youtube.The person said luck counts as a quality.I thought it is indeed so curious to know what is luck in hinduism.Is it result of previous karma?


texts: What is the story of the Ashwini Kumaras measuring the Earth?

texts:
Book 12 Hymn 1 of the Atharvana Veda is called the Bhumi Sukta, and it's dedicated to Bhumidevi the goddess of the Earth.  Here is what one of the verses says:

  She whom the Asvins measured out, o'er whom the foot of
  Vishnu strode,
  Whom Indra, Lord of Power and Might, freed from all foemen
  for himself,
  May Earth pour out her milk for us, a mother unto me her son.

Now the "foot of Vishnu" is clearly a reference to Vishnu's incarnation as Vamana the dwarf, where one of his steps was on the earth.  And I think the reference to Indra and the foemen is probably an allusion to the story of Indra's defeat of the demon Vritrasura, which is Indra's most celebrated deed in the Vedas.

But my question is, what is the story of the Ashwini Kumaras "measur[ing] out" the Earth?  For those who don't know, the Ashwini Kumaras are the twin sons of Surya the Sun god and his wife Sanjana, who had taken the form of horses at the time; see the passages quoted in my answer here.  They are the gods of the morning and evening star, as well as gods of medicine.  People today mostly know them for their role in the Mahabharata as the fathers of the Pandavas Nakula and Sahadeva.  And in the Ramayana, they were the fathers of the Vanaras Mainda and Dvivida (who ironically fought their brother Sahadeva, as I discuss in this answer).

In any case, are there any other scriptures which describe the Ashwini Kumaras measuring out the Earth?  And what does it even mean to measure out the Earth?  Does it mean finding out how big it is?


texts: Mattapalli is a place in Vijayawada in Andhra. There is a Lakshmi Narasimha temple in which the God is with his consort Rajyalakshmi. The krishnaveni river is so sacred. Gods Krishna, Shiva and King of birds Garuda visited this shrine and stood in a line to worship Lakshmi Narasimha. In Narasimha purana or any other puranas the greatness of the God is described? There is a ashtagam composed by Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhachariyar known as mattapalli mangalashtagam.


texts: What is the reason behind opposite rituals during Shraddha and last rites as compared to those for devatas

texts:
(Though the question may seem long, actually it is short. Even if one is able to read till the first point of Edit it would be nice)

It is seen that while performing the last rites (antyeshti, pindadanam, etc) and shraddha tarpanam rituals for ancestors in accordance with the Karma Kanda, the manner in which rituals are done are different from those at the time of worship of gods. For example-

1) The yajnopaveetham (janeu, poonool) of the performer is kept on the right shoulder, the technical term for which is apasavya. Instead of keeping it normally on the left shoulder. Even during the tarpanam, while chanting the mantra for the devatas, the yajnopaveetham is kept on the left shoulder but before chanting for the ancestors, it is shifted to the right.

2) Chandanam (sandal) is applied using the index finger, instead of the customary ring finger

3) Water, sesame seeds rice balls (pindams) are also offered turning the hand towards the thumb side.

4) A ring of Kusha (darbha) grass is tied in the thumb and finger, not normally done for devata worship.

What is the reason behind performing these rituals in such a different, almost opposite manner?

Is it related to a boon by any god or anything concerned with energy flow?

Even if someone knows the reason behind a few please do share, especially the yajnopaveetham point, it would be gratifying.

EDIT: I recently read that different places in the palm have been allotted for different purposes:-
1) The upper portions of all four fingers are called as Dēvatīrtha, all offerings to devas are thus given from there.
2) Similarly, the area between the thumb and index is called Pitrutīrtha, and is used for tarpanam.

This division seems to have been mentioned in the Manusmriti 2.59:

  अङ्गुष्ठमूलस्य तले ब्राह्मं तीर्थं प्रचक्षते। कायं अङ्गुलिमूलेऽग्रे देवं पित्र्यं तयोरधः॥५९॥
  The part of the palm at the root of the thumb they call ‘the receptacle dedicated to Brahmā’; that which is at the root of the finger ‘Sacred to Prajāpati’; that on the finger-tops ‘dedicated to the Gods’; and that which is below these two ‘dedicated to the Pitṛs.’—(59)

EDIT 2: There is a reference to such a division in the Vaikhānasa Grihyasūtra Praśna 1 Khanda 5 as well:

  Of the right hand, the middle part of the palm is the part sacred to Agni ... the part between the index and thumb is that sacred to the Fathers... An act relating to Gods he performs with the tīrtha of the Gods... one relating to the Fathers with the Fathertīrtha...

Other websites claim that this information is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, Linga Purana, Devi Bhagavata, Bhavishya Purana (not been able to verify where).

I couldn’t find the reason (as asked above in the question) for the area between the index and thumb being allotted as Pitrutīrtha and why that area is used for Pitru tarpanam. Hope this information helps in further research.


texts: Why are there so many similarities between Zoroastrianism and Hinduism?

texts:
As far as I know, Zoroastrian is the closest among all to the Vedic religion.

There are many similarities like:

Both have fire and fire rituals as its core.

Deities like Soma, Mitra, Varuna etc are in both faiths.

Avestan resembles vedic to an extent.

Both have similar customs of sacred thread.

It should be noted that "asura" is not "demon" which is in many later day Hindu texts like Puranas. Many vedic deities are referred to as "asura" in the Vedas Eg: Mitra, Varuna, Indra etc.

In the Purānas and other of the later writings of the Hindus, and also in the popular mind, the Asuras are powerful evil beings; in translations the word is represented by such terms as demons, giants, etc. As the Asuras * were the gods, the asuras were not-gods, and therefore the enemies or opponents of the gods. In the Vedas the name asura is applied more frequently to the gods themselves than to their enemies, whilst it is also used very much in the same manner as in the later writings. In the Rig-Veda, Varuna is accosted as follows: "King Varuna has made a highway for the sun to go over. O thou wise asura and king, loosen our sins!" Again: "The all-knowing asura established the heavens, and fixed the limits of the earth. He sat as the supreme ruler of all worlds. These are the works of Varuna." "Asura stands for the Supreme Spirit," in another verse, and "also as an appellative for Prajāpati or creation's lord." † Again and again Varuna alone, and also in conjunction with Mitra, is called an asura. "All the Vedic gods have shared the same title, not excepting even goddesses."

"Varuna was the all-knowing asura, Prajāpati the Supreme Being; Indra, the Maruts, Tvastri, Mitra, Rudra, Agni, Vāyu, Pushan, Savitri, Parjanya, the sacrificial priests, were all asuras. In fine, Deva (god) and asura were synonymous expressions in a multitude of texts." *

On the other hand, in the Rig-Veda, Indra is the destroyer of asuras. "The same Veda which speaks of the asuras as celestial beings supplies its readers also with the Mantras, by means of which devas overcame asuras. The texts which are condemnatory of the suras as impure and ungodly are far less in number than those which recognize the term as applicable to gods and priests." Dr. Banerjea, in the most interesting and ingenious article from which the above extracts are made, suggests a means of reconciling these contradictory uses of the word "asura." Before the Indo-Aryans arrived in India, they had lived in close proximity to the Persians, the original worshipers of fire. "What could be more natural," he asks, "than that the Asura-Pracheta, or Asura-Viswaveda of the one branch, was but the translation of the Ahura-Mazda (the Wise Lord, according to the 'Zend-Avesta') of the other branch; and that the word 'Ahura,' which the one used in a divine sense, would become a household word in the other branch, in the same sense?" the word "Ahura" being changed into "Asura," in a way common to many other words. He then goes on to say, that as "Assur" was the term used in Assyria for the Supreme Lord, and the Assyrians were for some time the rulers of the Persians, it was natural that this word should find its way into Persia; the only change being this, that the Persians added

Reference


texts: According to Advaita, if everything is unreal or “in me” then why make an effort to help others?

texts:
Sanakaracharya inspite of being an enlightened being went about refuting other paths to enlightenment.
Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna set up organisations like Ramakrishna mission, etc. to spread the Vedantic Knowledge.
My question is, post enlightenment when I realise that I am the only thing that exists then why make an effort to try to change other people as there are no other people?


texts:
Did Madhavacharya do any research on Puranas?
Did Madhavacharya told interpolations in Puranas ?


texts: Has Kartikeya kill any other demons other than Tarakasura?

texts: As per the story of Kartikeya, the god destroyed the demon Tarakasura.Some stories claim that he even killed the demon's brothers,Surapadman and another demon,whose name I have forgotten.However,other than this story,I have not come across any other tales of Kartikeya vanquishing demons.Has Kartikeya kill any other demons too?


texts: kamajayi mudra and it's implications on celibacy

texts: how can I use kamajayi mudra to become a means of aid in my celibacy?can i use it in the course of simple breathing meditation..or do i have to do a separate kind of affirmation meditation?


texts:
Sage(Rishi) in Hinduism has capacity to view and feel the events and happenings in past and future.

We know that universe(s) has neither beginning nor ending. So the time is infinite in both the directions.

In this context, does a sage has capacity to view infinitely or do the capacity varies from sage to sage?


texts: How many available smriti are there in total?

texts:
How many currently available smriti are there? Are there any smritis whose names are known but not available?

What are the names of smritis available along with the corresponding author names and the times of validity of them?


texts: What is the story of Akshaya Patra? How is this related to Akshaya Tritiya?

texts:
Is Akshaya Patra mentioned in the Mahabharata? If so, what is the story?

Paramahansa Yogananda, is his book Autobiography of A Yogi , narrates a similar incident

  ...“As soon as each man had expressed his preferences, the FAKIR
  addressed himself to the inexhaustible Hazrat. A great rattle ensued;
  gold platters filled with intricately−prepared curries, hot LUCHIS,
  and many out−of−season fruits, landed from nowhere at our feet. All
  the food was delicious. After feasting for an hour, we started to
  leave the room. A tremendous noise, as though dishes were being piled
  up, caused us to turn around. Lo! there was no sign of the glittering
  plates or the remnants of the meal.”...

Also, is it related to Akshaya Tritiya? If so, what is the connection?

This question discusses various possible reasons behind the festival of Askhaya Tritiya without any mention to the Akshaya Patra.


texts: When are we going to see the last Kalki avatar?

texts:
Is it not the right time to have Kalki avatar for Vishnu now? If not, when he may appear? If so, in which shape?

Today in this modern world, even if someone says that i am Kalki avatar, nobody believes him. In such questioning world, how will Vishnu prove he is god here?

Has he already landed? Will he be absolute god or Godmen like Jesus? I suspect Jaggi Vasudev Sadhguru may be some special avatar to this world. Any thoughts on this?


texts:
I have seen a lot of times in temples that priests offer milk to snake idols.

What is the reason behind it? Do snakes really drink milk?


texts: does rig veda know how the universe came into being?does rig veda believe the universe is constantly cyclical?ıs there a parallel universe infinity?


texts: Story of Kubera, the treasurer of the Gods

texts: Kubera(also known as Kuber or Kuvera) is known as the "treasurer of the Gods".How did he get that coveted responsibility? What is the story explaining this?


texts: Which scriptures talk about avataras and kalas?

texts:
It is said creatures have different number of kalas, but avataras have more kalas than others. The number goes until 16 for a complete avatar (like Sri Krishna). Also the quantity doesn't mean "better", because all avataras are same God taking differents bodies.

I found 2 diferent list for these 16 kalas, on here:

  Daya – Compassion
  Dharjya – Patience
  Kshama – Forgiveness
  Nyaya – Justice
  Nirapeksha – Impartiality
  Niraskata – Detachment
  Tapasya – Meditation and Spiritual Powers
  Aparchitta – Invincibility
  Danasheel – Beneficience, Bestower of all wealth in the world and nature.
  Saundarjyamaya – Beauty Incarnate
  Nrityajna – Best of Dancers
  Sangitajna – Best of Singers
  Neetibadi – Embodiment of Honesty
  Satyabadi – Truth Itself
  Sarvagnata – Perfect master of all arts, such as poetry, drama, painting etc.
  Sarvaniyanta – Controller of All

and this other

  Annamaya
  Pranamaya
  Manomaya
  Vigyanamaya
  Anandamaya
  Atishayini
  Viparinabhini
  Sankramini
  Prabhavi
  Kunthini
  Vikasini
  Maryadini
  Sanhaladini
  Ahladini
  Paripurna
  Swarupavasthita

Here in this answer it is very well explained different kinds of avataras

  amśa, amśāmśa, āveśa, kalā, pūrṇa and paripūrṇatama (or paripūrṇa)

but now I'm asking about 16 kalas


texts: Do non-Advaita Vedanta philosophies also believe that buddhi is part of Prakruti/Pradhana?

texts: Do Vedanta philosophies other than Advaita also believe that Buddhi is part of Prakriti/Pradhana and not part of/is individual self? If yes, how do liberated beings think in Vaikuntha?


texts: Does listening Gayatri Mantra have same effect as chanting?

texts: I daily listen to Gayatri Mantra at work, at home and even while sleeping. I rarely chant this mantra. Does listening the Gayatri mantra have any effects same as chanting?


texts: What is the symbolism behind Ganga flowing from Lord Shiva's head?

texts:
Images depict Ganga flowing out from Lord Shiva's head.
What is the symbolism behind this?

Images:


texts: What is Turīyasandhyā mentioned in Devi Atharvashirsha?

texts:
Yesterday, there was Amrit-Siddhi yoga, also called Bhaumāśvini yoga. Chanting of Devi Atharvashirsha on this day has great significance as mentioned in the text itself: "Bhaumāśvinyāṃ mahādevīsannidhau japtvā mahāmṛtyuṃ tarati". While chanting Devi Atharvashirsha, I noticed the word तुरीयसन्ध्या (Turīyasandhyā) which I think talks about particular timing:

  सायमधीयानो दिवसकृतं पापं नाशयति ।
  प्रातरधीयानो रात्रिकृतं पापं नाशयति ।
  सायं प्रातः प्रयुञ्जानोऽपापो भवति ।
  निशीथे तुरीयसंध्यायां जप्त्वा वाक्सिद्धिर्भवति ।
  नूतनायां प्रतिमायां जप्त्वा देवतासांनिध्यं भवति ।
  प्राणप्रतिष्ठायां जप्त्वा प्राणानां प्रतिष्ठा भवति ।
  भौमाश्विन्यां महादेवीसंनिधौ जप्त्वा महामृत्युं
  तरति स महामृत्युं तरति ।
  य एवं वेद ॥ इत्युपनिषत् ॥ २७॥

Quoting English translation from here:

  By Shri Devi’s grace, one escapes from the greatest of difficulties. By chanting this hymn in the evening, one gets rid of the sins committed during the day. By chanting this hymn in the morning, one gets rid of the sins committed during the previous night. By using this hymn in the morning and evening (everyday) one becomes free from all sins. By chanting this during the Turiya Sandhya (midnight when Turiya meets Turiyatita), one gets Vak Siddhi (power of speech). By chanting this hymn, Devata Sannidhya (presence of divinity) is accomplished in a new idol. By chanting this mantra during yoga one escapes from the great death. In this way this Upanishad is the dead of ignorance.

Though the above translation and the Hindi translation of Gitapress (the book I refereed while chanting) says mid-night, I want to know :

What is the exact timing of Turiyasandhya? (Does it occur at 00:00 clock?)
Why is it called Turiya?


texts:
I heard many times that structure of lord Shiv temple differs from other Gods temples. I heard that lord Shiv temple must have the following:

ponds
water flow near the temple.

Is it true? if yes, please mention all which are must for a Shivaalay temple as per scriptures.

I have seen in some lord Shiv temples the above mentioned things. Some temple names are:

Mahanandi
Srikalahasthi
Yaganti


texts:
RV 1.156.5

आ यो विवाय सचथाय दैव्य इन्द्राय विष्णुः सुकृते सुकृत्तरः |
वेधा अजिन्वत् त्रिषधस्थ आर्यमृतस्य भागे यजमानमाभजत् ||
Even he the Heavenly One who came for fellowship, Viṣṇu to Indra,
godly to the godlier, Who Maker, throned in three worlds, helps the
Āryan man, and gives the worshipper his share of Holy Law.

Griffiths's translation is little ambiguous for me, and some people (may be biased) say that this verse says Indra serves Vishnu.
A word to word translation along with Sayana's commentatory would be helpful.


texts: Do The Hindu Scriptures Say If There Is Anything Special About Human Beings Compared To Other Unworldly Beings Such As Demi-Gods, Demons, Etc

texts:
Is there anything special about human beings compared to other beings? Especially our strengths and weaknesses? Or are we just weak, or is our strengths & weaknesses determined only by our devotion or connection with God?

How do we compare ourselves to the Demi-Gods, nagas, demons, angels, divas, devas, rakashas, so on and so forth(I do not know them all).


texts: In the Rigveda, is there any story about lord Shiva?

texts: Is there any story about lord Shiva in the Rigveda?


texts: Gunas and Gods worshipped by persons of the Guna

texts:
Sattviks worship  Devatas and divine forms, people of Rajasik nature worship Yakshas/ Rakhsas and the Thamasik natured worship devilish evil spirits. BG. Chapter 17, Shloka 4

So it would appear that the Gods chosen for worship are also indicators of devotees' own nature. It is commonly believed that worship of a God bestows benefits of peace and prosperity/boons etc. but other than that no narrow scoped worship or transfer of nature/Guna takes place.

In which other Puranas are the nature of humans and their preferred worship tendency mentioned? Are there any Puranas/stories in them that state how the character of worshipped God is acquired or transferred to the worshipper? Can there be more references of this wider topic in view of overlapping Gunas in persons?


texts: Is catur vyuha of Vishnu mentioned in puranas and Mahabharata?


texts: Did any Kaurava survive the Mahabharata war? If so, what happened to them after the war?


texts: What are "muhurat" and "chaugriyan" (चौघड़िया)?

texts:
In Hindu mythology, all important work will be started at a particular time that we call "muhurat", and we look for a chaugriyan also for that day.

What is the reason behind that?
What is the use of these things?
How do they affect the work?
Why they are different for different people?


texts: How did the rumor started that there are 33 crore Gods in Hinduism?

texts:
Why did people start saying that there are 33 crore Gods in Hinduism?
The question asks for as how did the rumor started and not if it's true or false.


texts: Why Hindu Person hand tied with Muslim holy thread?

texts: i have one hindu friend, he tied with holy thread on his wrist i asked him what about thread, he replied: this thread belongs to Muslim Religion.  & it look like this: ,


texts: Does any Purana describe Dasharajna war?

texts: I read about the Dasharajna war in Vedas. But, in Vedas the description of the war is very less. Does any other scripture like Itihasa or purana describes about Dasharajna war?


texts:
Deepawali is the one of the main festival of India. It is celebrated because Lord Rama has reached Ayodhya on this day after gaining victory over Ravana (mainly in northern part of India). Deepawali is celebrated on Kaartika Amavasya (darkest new moon night).

This question What is the significance of the festival Diwali? Why is it celebrated? discuss about the significance of Deepawali. But my question is: Which scripture mention Lord Rama reached Ayodhya on Kaartika Amavasya (Deepawali) after 14 years of exile?

And also, is there any scripture which claims Lord Rama has slayed Ravana on Vijayadashami?


texts: Where does Srimad Bhagavatam book 10 describe Krishna's son Upashloka and Pancharatra initiation?

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

Now compared to mainstream Vaishnavas, Vaikhanasas put less emphasis on Vedantic philosophy and more emphasis on rituals; Vaikhanasa doctrines are more about the construction and worship of idols and the like.   But they still do engage in philosophy; the most famous Vaikhanasa philosopher is Srinivasa Dikshitar, a 13th century priest of Tirupati who wrote the Vaikhanasa commentary on the Brahma Sutras as I discuss in my question here.  But my question is about another work of Srinivasa Dikshitar, the Dashavidhahetunirupana, which is a commentary on the Sutra texts of the Vaikhanasa Shakha (which I discuss here).  In chapter 105 of that work he says this (translation courtesy of @Surya):

  śrībhāgavate daśamaskandhe:
  "trivakrāyām upaślokaḥ putraḥ kṛṣṇam anuvrataḥ |
  śiṣyas sākṣān nāradasya dadau cittam akhaṇḍitam ||
  tenoktaṃ sāttvataṃ tantraṃ yat jñātvā mokṣabhāg bhavet |
  yatra strīśūdradāsānāṃ saṃskāro vaiṣṇavaḥ smṛtaḥ ||" iti

  In the Srimad Bhagavatam, in the tenth Skandha [there is a quote which says] this: "Lord Krishna begat Upashloka in Trivakra. He was the sincere disciple of Devarshi Narada and learnt from him the Satvata Tantra which gives Moksha to its knower. The Satvata Tantra narrates the Vaishnava Samskaras for women, Shudras and Dasas."

This quote interests me for two reasons.  First of all, it alludes to the story of Krishna having a child named Upashloka with the hunchback Kubja, AKA Trivakra or Sairandhri, immediately after killing Kamsa.  As discussed in this question, this is a story mentioned in the Narayaneeyam, a poem summarizing the Srimad Bhagavatam, but it doesn't seem to be mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam itself.

Second of all, it relates to an important Vaikhanasa belief.  The Pancharatra Agamas, referred to as Satvata Tantra here, prescribe an initiation ritual called Pancha Samskara, which among other things involves the branding of one's shoulders with the Shankha and Chakra symbols as you can see in this video.  But as I discuss in this question, Vaikhanasa Brahmins consider themselves to be "Garbha Vaishnavas", i.e. they believe the Vishnu comes and initiates them in the womb into Vaikhanasa.  So as described in page 130 of this book, Vaikhanasas believe that only low-caste people and women should do the branding ritual, and Srinivasa Dikshitar cites the putative Bhagavatam quote above to justify this belief.  Now as a Sri Vaishnava, I think Brahmanas should also perform the Pancharatra initiation ritual, and I think that quote is just saying that the ritual can also be done by low-caste people and women.  But regardless I'm interested in finding the quote.

So my question is, where in the 10th Skandha of the Srimad Bhagavatam is the quote given by Srinivasa Dikshitar?  Here is the ISKCON translation of the 10th Skanda by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada; the quote doesn't seem to be there.

But is it possible that there are multiple recensions of the Srimas Bhagavatam, and that the quote is simply not present in the particular manuscript used in the ISKCON translation?


texts: What is the difference between ekadandi and tridandi Sannyasis?

texts:
What is the difference between ekadandi ("Single staff”) and tridandi ("triple staff") Sannyasis?
Are Tridandis Vaishnavites?


texts:
Can anybody point me to a Tibetan translation or transliteration of the Gayatri Mantra?
I need this for a book of mantras I am producing.


texts: Was Guru Nanak's son a follower of the Hindu philosopher Nimbarka?

texts:
I live in America, and a few days ago I visited a Vishnu temple near my house.  It's called Ved Mandir, and it's run by followers of Gangeshwar Maharaj, whom I had never heard of.  So I did a little digging, and I found out that he belongs to a sect called the Udasi sect, which seems to be some sort of mixture of Hinduism and Sikhism.  That's because it traces its origins to Guru Nanak's son Sri Chand, who seems to have joined a Hindu Guru Parampara as described in this web page:

  Sadgurudev [Gangeshwar] Maharaj is a unique Saint who has obtained Deeksha in the Udaseen Sampradaya of Sanatan-Sant-Parampara. Based on available words, the pravartan of this Sampradaya was done by Bhagwan Vishnu in the form of a Swan Avataar (Paramhans) and the Updesh of this Darshan was given to Shri Sanatkumar, Brahma’s Manasputra(son born out of mind).Muniraj Shri Sanatkumar gave the Updesh to Devarshi Shrautmuni Shri Narad who in turn promoted this Updesh amongst his disciples. Acharya Shri Chandra Bhagwan became an Avataar in the middle of the 16th century in the Shishya-Parampara of Narad-muni. ShriChandra Bhagwan is the son of Adhi-Dharma-Guru of Sikh Bandhus, Shri Nanakdev and is at the level of 165th generation from Shri SanatKumar. These Acharya-Charan have saved again the Udaseen Sampradaya , which was almost lost in time. Paramhans Udaseen-Sant-Shiromani Shri Ramanandji Maharaj who was at the level of 16th generation of ShriChandra Bhagwan’s Shishya-Parampara and whose position is also said to be 181st from the Mool-Purush. Our Aradhya Gurudev Shri Gangeshwaranandji Maharaj, is the disciple of Shri Ramanandji.

So Sri Chand seems to have joined the Parampara of Brahma's son Sanatkumara.  But the thing is, he's not the only one in Sanatkumara's Parampara.  As I discuss in this question, Vishnu is said to have taught the principles of Vaishnavism to four disciples: Lakshmi, Brahma, Shiva and Sanatkumara. And in turn they started the four main Sampradayas or traditions of Vaishnavism: Sri Sampradayam, Brahma Sampradayam, Rudra Sampradayam, and Kumara Sampradayam.

Now Kumara Sampradaya, the one started by Sanatkumara, is the one that the 12th century philosopher Nimbarkacharya belonged to.  For those who don't know, Nimbarkacharya subscribed to a philosophy known as Dvaitadvaita, according to which Brahman is simultaneously the same and different from the Jivatma.  In any case, my question is, did Guru Nanak's son Sri Chand belong to the Parampara of Nimbarkacharya?

The only clue we have is that Sri Chand's guru was someone named Avinashi Muni, as described in page 7 of this book:

  Sanat Kumar was the first Udasin Acharya. The second was Narad Muni. There were about one hundred sixty five Acharyas in total. In the holy order of the Udasin, Sampradaya Avinashi Muni has the one hundred sixty fourth place and Bhagwan Srichand Baba has one hundred and sixty fifth place.

So is there anything known about who Avinashi Muni's guru was?  Was Avinashi Muni in the Parampara of Nimbarkacharya?


texts: Which scripture explains Fire Walking practice in temples?

texts:
There is practice of walking in fire in temples by devotees. I have a few questions about that:

Which scripture explains Fire Walking (Themithi) practice in temples?
Why specifically wood is used and metals are not used?


texts:
In the Mahabharata, when Yudhisthira enters Swarga-loka, he finds Bhishma there:

  "Behold Dhritarashtra, the king of the Gandharvas, possessed of great wisdom. Know that this one was the eldest brother of thy sire. This one is thy eldest brother, the son of Kunti, endued with effulgence of fire. The son of Surya, thy eldest brother, the foremost of men, even this one was known as the son of Radha. He moves in the company of Surya. Behold this foremost of Beings. Among the tribes of the Saddhyas, the gods, the Viswedevas, and the Maruts, behold, O king of kings, the mighty car-warriors of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas, viz., those heroes having Satyaki for their first, and those mighty ones among the Bhojas. Behold the son of Subhadra, invincible in battle, now staying with Soma. Even he is the mighty bowman Abhimanyu, now endued with the gentle effulgence of the great luminary of the night. Here is the mighty bowman Pandu, now united with Kunti and Madri. Thy sire frequently comes to me on his excellent car. Behold the royal Bhishma, the son of Santanu, now in the midst of the Vasus. Know that this one by the side of Brihaspati is thy preceptor Drona. These and other kings, O son of Pandu, who had warred on thy side now walk with the Gandharvas or Yakshas or other sacred beings. Some have attained to the status of Guhyakas, O king. Having cast off their bodies, they have conquered Heaven by the merit they had acquired through word, thought and deed.’ (Mahabharata, Svargarohanika Parva, Section IV)

However, in the Srimad Bhagavatam, we see Bhishma merging into Sri Hari at once after leaving behind his material body:

  Sūta went on: Having thus merged his soul with all the activities of his mind, speech and the visual sense in Sri Krishna, the universal Soul, Bhishma expired, his breath being dissolved into atmospheric air. Perceiving that Bhishma had entered into the one indivisible Brahma, all those present there became silent even as birds do at the close of the day.  (Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto I, Chapter IX, Verses 43-44)

So wouldn't that logically mean that Bhishma attained Vaikuntha? But then, how does Yudhisthira find Bhishma seated in Swarga?


texts: Why is there a discrepancy regarding the passing away of Kunti and Vidura?

texts:
According to Mahabharata, along with Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, Kunti and Vidura too went to the forest. Later, the first three perished in a forest fire, whereas Vidura died like a sanyasi.

That understood, we move to Srimad  Bhagavatam. In this only Dhritarashtra and Gandhari die in the forest. Kunti passes away on hearing the news of Krsna's disappearance. Vidura on the other hand meets Uddhava and then proceeds to Maitreya Maharshi's ashram. Here he listens to the stories of Varaha and Kapila avataras as well as Sati's and Dhruva's stories.

The question is: why is there such an irreconcilable difference between the Mahabharata and Bhagavatam? (This is not the only difference though.)


texts: How many types of marriages are there according to Hindusim?

texts:
Are there any scriptures that talk about different types of Hindu marriages?

How many such types are there and what are their names and what are their descriptions?


texts: I have heard that grains are forbidden on Ekadashis. Are there any other food apart from grains that is forbidden for consumption on Ekadashis?


texts: Can we do Sandyavandanam when a girl child is born in the family?

texts:
Can we do sandyavandanam when a baby girl is born in the family?

If no, for how long?

Also,what if a baby boy is born?

I tried searching, but couldn't get a proper answer.


texts: Shall we name our girl children after the name of rivers?

texts: Nowadays, we can see many girls are named after the names of rivers like Ganga, Narmadha, etc., Is this allowed in our holy books? Provide your answer along with reference.


texts: Vedic verses connecting Gunas and Varnas

texts:
Are there any verses in the Vedas, CLEARLY connecting Gunas with Varnas?

Let me clarify what I am looking for. I am looking for verses that define;

A particular Guna or a combination of particular Gunas makes a Brahmana,
A particular Guna or a combination of particular Gunas makes a Kshatriya,
A particular Guna or a combination of particular Gunas makes a Vaishya,
A particular Guna or a combination of particular Gunas makes a Shoodra.

  Edit 2

  To make things more clear: The Triguna concept is that; everyone and everything has all three (satvarajastamo) gunas, only in DIFFERENT
  PROPORTIONS and in DIFFERENT CONTEXTS. The living being or substance
  is viewed as the net result of the joint effect of different
  proportions of these three qualities. What I seek is: Vedic or
  Samkhyic verses that describe, that such and such proportions of the
  Trigunas, make a being, a Brahmana, a Kshyatriya, a Vaishya and a
  Shoodra.

For example, take the verses from the Bhagavdgeeta, Chapter 14, Verses 14 & 15;

  यदा सत्त्वे प्रवृद्धे तु प्रलयं याति देहभृत्। तदोत्तमविदां
  लोकानमलान्प्रतिपद्यते।।14.14।।

  If Satva is predominating at the time
  of death in a person, he attains the pure worlds of the highest sages.

  रजसि प्रलयं गत्वा कर्मसङ्गिषु जायते। तथा प्रलीनस्तमसि मूढयोनिषु
  जायते।।14.15।।

  With Rajas predominating at the time of death one is
  born among those attached to actions. In the same manner with the
  predominance of Tamas, he takes birth among ignorant people.

I am seeking only verses from the Vedas [Or could be even from the Samkhya-Karika. Note that it is accepted that the concept of Gunas originated in the Samkhya philosophy.] but not from the Bhagavadgeeta or any other scripture.

  Edit 1

  Why I am only interested in the Vedas and the Samkhya Karika? Why not other scriptures?

  Because I am seeking the thoughts at their origin.

  Historically, the origin of the Samkhya philosophy is not clear. It is
  still debated whether the origin of the Samkhya philosophy was
  Upanishadic or Non-vedic. But I am not interested in where it
  originated. I am interested in what the original thought is. In the
  Bhagavadgeeta, though the Samkhya philosophy blossoms fully &
  beautifully, it is not the original thought. Geeta repeatedly tells us
  that the 'Gunas' is the Samkhya thought. Historically too it is
  accepted that the Trigunas/Gunatrayas is Samkhya concept.

  And similarly the 'Varnas' thought first appears in the Vedas. The
  concept is generally traced back to the Purusha Sukta verse of the Rig
  Veda.

  So I just want to get to study the 'Gunas', 'Varnas' and their
  'Interlinkings' in their original forms.

  And then, I wish to avoid confusion by twisted and biased
  interpretations of the concepts.


texts: Do all astika schools of thought in Hinduism believe that itihaas(Ramayan and Mahabharata) are really historic and not mythology?

texts:
There are many schools of thought in Hinduism
So, do all astika schools of thought believe that Ramayan and Mahabharata are real history and not mythology?


texts: Is there a scriptural basis for the story where Viṣṇu refuses to marry a disabled woman?

texts:
The following is an excerpt from a World Bank report on "People with disabilities in India: from commitments to outcomes."

BOX 2.1: DISABILITY IN INDIAN MYTHOLOGY AND BOLLYWOOD MOVIES
An interesting perspective on Indian attitudes to disability is two
forms of mythology: the traditional Hindu myths, which still play an
important role in shaping social norms and values, and the “modern
myth machine” of Bollywood, which has impacts on popular culture and
society.
In Hindu mythology, the portrayal of people with disabilities is often
negative, but it also exhibits a strong gender bias in terms of the
perceived capacities of disabled men and women.
Disabled men in the Hindu myths are in some cases powerful and capable
people, as can be seen with the visually impaired king Dritarashtra
and the orthopedically impaired Shakuni in the Mahabharata war (though
both are on the side of evil). Such images of powerful but threatening
disabled men have been reinforced by historical figures such as Taimur
Lang.
In contrast, women with disabilities in Hindu mythology are simply
irrelevant. A prime example comes in a story from the Karthik
Poornima, where Lord Vishnu refuses to marry the disfigured elder
sister of Lakshmi, saying that there is no place for disabled people
in heaven. The sister is instead married to a peepul tree.
Overall, there are however also positive examples of people with
disabilities in Hindu mythology and ongoing research of Sruti
Mohapatra from Swabhiman in Orissa is looking into the social and
cultural aspects of portrayal of disabled people in both Hinduism and
Islam.

Is there a scriptural basis for the above story involving Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī's elder sister?
Is this elder sister, Alakṣmī or a different person?


texts: if mantra is misspell (wrong pronunciation )then it will turn into bad effect?

texts: One of my relatives told me do not listen to unknown mantra showing on you-tube since do not know the actual meaning of the mantra and not surely correct pronunciation. How to identify the real good mantra from bad one ? can I chat the mantra appear in the google search engine? is there any bookshop to buy the mantra book(good) and If I chat with the wrong pronunciation what will happen? if it is bad then is there any organization available to certify the good mantra?


texts: How Four Natures created which are described in Bhagavad Gita?

texts:
Lord Shri Krishna said regarding four Natures to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita.
In this Sloka of Bhagavad Gita:

ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च परंतप।
कर्माणि प्रविभक्तानि स्वभावप्रभवैर्गुणैः।।18.41।।

"The nature of Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras are due to their respective inherent dispositions. The meaning is that their past Karma has been the cause of determining births as Brahmanas etc. The Sattva and other Gunas are the result of such Karma.... The duties and works assigned to them according to the Gunas constituting their inherent nature, are expounded and allotted by the Sastras in the order described."
Here I m only talking about the four Natures
Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras.
So, How four Natures came into existence according to Scripture?


texts: How _exactly_ are leap months calculated in the Hindu vedic lunisolar calendar?

texts:
Hinduism has a variety of lunisolar calendars that it uses for marking festivals. The precise details of each calendar may vary -- for example, some of them mark months based on full moons, others use new moons, but the scheme is roughly the same:

Each new (or full) moon is a named month
Every few years an extra month (Adhik Maas) is inserted to keep the calendar in sync with the seasonal cycle
Rarely, a month is deleted.

From what I can find, the leap month calculation is done by the following rules:

If a month occurs within which there is no zodiac transit (i.e., there is no Sankranti, no change of the Raśi), it is a leap month, and the "real" (Shudh) month occurs after it
If a month occurs within which there are two zodiac transits, the next month is deleted.

By this scheme, every Shudh month corresponds to a Raśi.
The Indian zodiac is a sidereal zodiac (unlike, say, the zodiac typically used in Western sun signs, which is tropical). What this means is that instead of the zodiac being tied to a specific part of the seasonal cycle; the zodiac is tied to the relative position of the sun against the constellations -- when we say the sun is "in capricorn", it means that if you draw a line through the earth and sun it will overlap with the "house" of capricorn in the celestial sphere.
The tropical and sidereal zodiacs as used in Western and Hindu astrology overlapped roughly 2000 years ago, but have since diverged by around 20 days, due to the precession of the equinoxes. Ayanāṃśa corrections can be used to figure out the difference.
This error is also why, for example, Makar Sankranti (transition into Capricorn), which was originally a solstice celebration, now occurs a couple weeks after the solstice.
Put all together, assuming that the leap month calculations are done based on sidereal Raśi, it means that over the course of time, the months will lose their connection to the seasons.

Except, there are strong seasonal connotations of many of the months -- for example, Śrāvaṇa is strongly associated with the monsoon, and there seem to be records of that association, including in texts by Kalidasa (4th century CE). It's unclear exactly how old these connotations are, however these two statements cannot be simultaneously true:

The Hindu months have permanent connections with the seasons
The Hindu lunar calendar inserts Adhik Maas based on a tropical zodiac as opposed to a sidereal zodiac.

I'd like to confirm the latter: What, precisely, is the mechanism for calculating Adhik Maas?


texts: What is the alternate way to eliminate our Bad Karmas equal in doing Penance?

texts:
Penanace is said to be a major way to eliminate our Bad Karmas.
In Today's Life it is hard to do Penance for some reasons.

MY QUESTION :

Is there any Other method for eliminating our Bad Karmas Equal to doing a penance ?


texts: What is the relationship between Vishnu and Narayana according to different Vaishnavite sects?

texts:
I have seen claims that

"narayanaya vidmahe vasudevaya dhimahi | tanno vishnuh pracodayat"

makes them identical.

Do different sects like Iyengars,Madhwas and Gaudiyas have different views on this?


texts: Why could not Ravana pick up Shiva's bow during Sita's svayamwar?

texts:
When Ravana was the greatest worshipper of Lord Shiva, why could not he pick up Shiva's bow during mother Sita's svayamwar?

And is Ravana rightly termed to be the cruelest and most wicked rakshasa?


texts: In the Ramayana war, Rama killed Ravana with a weapon given to him by sage Vasishtha. What was the name of the weapon?


texts: This is the source question asked by another user, with respect to which the above is asked.


texts: Did Krishna get defeated in any war during his lifetime?

texts:
During his lifetime, did Lord Krishna get defeated in any war other than the one with Jarasandha?

Note that the defeats of Krishna may be either intentional or unintentional.


texts: Did Adi Shankara say anything about the Ishvara Gita?

texts: Ishvara Gita of the Kurma Purana, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is very similar to the Bhagavad Gita. However, it is not very popular as the Bhagavad Gita. Now my question is that did Adi Shankara ever write anything about the Ishvara Gita in any of His works?


texts:
In many Vishnu or Vaishnavism temples, the Navagraham deities are not installed. You may find them in some temples, but in at least 70% of Vishnu temples, you would not.

Is there a specific reason behind this?  I am aware that Sri Vaishnavism, Narayanan is considered the ultimate saviour, but is it the only reason for the Navagrahams to lose their place?


texts: Which sect did Ramakrishna's family belong to?

texts: As far as I know, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's family were worshippers of Raghuveer and Narayana. It is also a well known fact that Ramakrishna had an initiated Vaishnava cousin named Haladhari. However, Ramakrishna's teachings are similar to the Smartha sect. So which sect did Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa belong to?


texts: What does nirguna stand for in SB 10.88.5?

texts:
The verse from Bhagavata 10.88.5 reads as :

  harir hi nirguṇaḥ sākṣāt puruṣaḥ prakṛteḥ paraḥ
  sa sarva-dṛg upadraṣṭā taṁ bhajan nirguṇo bhavet

What does the word nirguna stand here and what is the justification?


texts: What was the population of India in the age of Lord Krishna? Was it still overcrowded like it is now? We all know its overpopulated now but was it the same previously?


texts: What is significance of Thaipusam Festival?

texts: Thaipusam is an important festival celebrated by Tamil speaking Hindus all over the world. What is its significance and legends? What is Kevatti Ceremony?


texts: What's the meaning & relevance of LIC logo "yogakshemam vahamyaham"?

texts:
What's the philosophy of "yogakshemam vahamyaham"  & how is it relevant to LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India)?

  अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते | तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्
  BG 9.22 - Those persons who, becoming non-different from Me and meditative, worship Me everywhere, for them, who are ever attached (to Me), I arrange for securing what they lack and preserving what they have.


texts: How to identify the person who asks for Dana deserve or not?

texts:
I saw Is it adharma to give Dana without considering what we are giving and to whom we are giving?

But When we give Dana to some person, how to find that person deserved dana or not? Some looks like poor [but they may be rich, we don't know], so when they asked us, what should be done?


texts: Are vaishnava patha and shaivitee patha leads to same parmatman?

texts: Are vaishnavism patha and shaivism patha leads to same parmatman / GOD ?


texts:
I am  not a scholar of Hinduism but I think Shiva's third eye is not a physical eye but it represents the deepest knowledge of nature and its actions.

Shiva reached the deepest state of meditation ever known and that's why people describe him as having a third eye as at the time he was able to see the things that normal people can't imagine by mind or through meditation.

Do any scriptures discuss the spiritual significance/symbolism behind the third eye?


texts: The battle between the gods and demons led by Tarakasur

texts: Why did the battle between the gods and the demons, led by Tarakasur, happen and how did it start?


texts: Do scriptures mention of rishis, who have the power to create fully grown human beings?

texts: Do scriptures mention of rishis, who could create fully grown human beings using their power?


texts: What is the story of Indra living in disguise in the Ashram of Giriprastha?

texts:
In this chapter of the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira is in grief because of the year in hiding the Pandavas are about to start.  So the sage Dhaumya cheers him up by reminding him that the gods have gone into hiding for the purpose of defeating their enemies:

  O king, thou art learned and capable of bearing privations, art firm in promise, and of subdued sense! Men of such stamp are not overwhelmed by any calamity whatever. Even the high-souled gods themselves have wandered over various places in disguise, for the purpose of overcoming foes. Indra for the purpose of overcoming his foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha and thus attained his end. Before taking his birth in the womb of Aditi, Vishnu for the purpose of destroying the Daityas passed a long time unrecognised, assuming the form of the Haya-griba (Horse-necked). Then how disguising himself in the form of a dwarf, he by his prowess deprived Vali of his kingdom, hath been heard by thee! And thou hast also heard how Hutasana entering into water and remaining in concealment, achieved the purpose of the gods. And O thou versed in duty, thou hast heard how Hari with the view of overcoming his foes, entered into Sakra's thunder-bolt, and lay concealed there. And, O sinless one, thou hast heard of the office the regenerate Rishi Aurva at one time performed for the gods, remaining concealed in his mother's womb. And O child, living in concealment in every part of the earth, Vivaswat, endued with excellent energy, at last entirely burnt up all his foes. And living disguised in the abode of Dasaratha, Vishnu of dreadful deeds slew the Ten-necked one in battle. Thus remaining in disguise in various places, high-souled persons have before this conquered their enemies in battle.

Now most of these stories are recognizable.  Hayagriva is the horse-headed form of Vishnu that I discuss here. The "form of a dwarf" is a reference to Vishnu's incarnation Vamana. Agni (Hutasana) entering the water refers to the story described in this chapter of the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata.  Vishnu entering Indra's thunderbolt is a reference to the story of Indra killing Vritrasura.  Aurva being "concealed in his mother's womb" is a reference to the story of the Vadavagni fire which I discuss here.  And Vishnu "being disguised in the abode of Dasaratha" is obviously a reference to Rama.

But my question is, what is the story of Indra dwelling "in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha" for the purpose of defeating his enemies?

First of all, is Giriprastha a person or a place?  Some books say that the Mahabharata mentions Giriprastha as the capital of the kingdom of Nishada, but they cite this very Vana Parva chapter as their source!  So they may just be misinterpreting things.

In any case, in my answers here, here, and here, I discuss how Indra went into disguise to defeat the demons Prahlada, Virochana, and Vyamsa, respectively.  But did any of these stories take place in the kingdom of Nishada?


texts:
In Hinduism allowed to marry more than one person on both genders male and female.

In some of the lifes they accept or dont accept he/she will be get two marriages in their life.

Is it allowed in hinduism or any scriptures says about the same.


texts: Age differences between Lord Rama & Lakshman, Balram & Lord Krishna

texts:
What were the Age differences between Lord Rama & Lakshman according to Valmiki-Ramayana, Balram & Lord Krishna according to Vyas-Mahabharata?
I mean age difference between Elder brother Lord Rama & Lakshman.
I mean age difference between Elder brother Balram & Lord Krishna.


texts:
Was there any Rama temple in Ayodhya?

Also, was Ayodhya mentioned as a pilgrimage site in any of the Puranas?


texts: Why do some souls remain on earth after leaving the body after death?

texts:
When death happens, the soul should leave the body and it should go back to it's original realm (whatever or wherever that place is).

But we encounter stories of ghosts or spirits on earth. Why do these souls still remain on the material plane of earth ?


texts: vedic scriptures on dreams - helping make use of our time while resting

texts:
Disclaimer: I don't know if this would be the technique that one should use and if it is a technique that has been used for meditative purposes, but this is a question just out of curiosity

Sleep is a natural required process but it's really sad that we got life and we sleep 1/3rd out of it(I mean serious). Even the scriptures say that sleep is necessary and it seems training to unsleep(atleast for human) isn't a good practise(Mentioned even in the Bhagwat Geeta by Lord Krishna that sleep is inevitable and necessary).

But, there is a point where we could do both sleep and unsleep at the same time. The idea is to remain concious during your sleep, let your body heal in this sleep state but put your mind concious while you control your dreams. There you can uplift yourself to any aspects and I think this could be a perfect opportunity to overcome your flaws or even a place to start your spiritual journey. Some people call this lucid dreaming(albeit I don't know if this is a term since it's not only being aware but also manipulating your dream at will) .

Are there any scriptures/mentions of such spiritual techniques(or even just dreaming in general) that help you uplift yourself to spiritual awareness while dreaming by manipulating your dream?(e.g. you'd create a most silent and comfortable place where you meditate in your dream)


texts: Mahamaham is celebrated every 12 years at Kumbakonam, when people take a dip in the holy mahamaham tank.  Does this also qualify as a kumbha mela?  What is its scriptural background?


texts: Are there any incarnations of adi shakti between sati and parvati?

texts: According to one story Shiva wears the munda mala which contains 108 skulls of previous incarnations of parvati . How many incarnations of adi shakti are there after parvati ?


texts: What is this ancient animal called Yali?

texts:
I have been told that Yali is a fierce animal of ancient times. I have seen this in temple sculptures:

It is beyond doubt that this animal is extinct now, but my questions are as below.

Which Hindu scriptures mention this creature Yali?
What are the its characteristics?
Who controls it?

EDIT: Another fascinating point is that this animal seems to be sculptured only in dravidian (in Tamil Nadu) style temples and not others.


texts:
What does the scriptures say about Veda study on Pratipad (first thithi after Full moon or new moon; Padyami)? I heard we should not study.
Are there any mentions of this restriction and reasons for it? Thank you.


texts: Donation at good place with certain mentioned intention accumulates good karma?

texts:
As we all know , Donation at sattvika place (having guarantee that our donation will get use for good cause ) is a good karma.

But what if we donate with the intension -

"Hey god, I am donating this as a donation is good karma , I am ready to accept whatever you give."

1. Does good karma get accumulate in this case?

2. Is this a kind of Rajasi but good karma?

3. Does doner will get good results through this?


texts: Why did Duryodhana mention specific warrior names in the Bhagwat Gita, Chapter-1?

texts:
Bhagwat gita Chapter 1, verses. 3 to 9.

  Pashyaitaam paanduputraanaam aachaarya mahateem chamoom;
  Vyoodhaam drupadaputrena tava shishyena dheemataa.3.

  “Behold, O Teacher, this mighty army of the sons of Pandu, arraged by the son of
  Drupada, thy wise disciple!

  Atra shooraa maheshwaasaa bheemaarjunasamaa yudhi;
  Yuyudhaano viraatashcha drupadashcha mahaarathah.4.

  “Here are heroes, mighty archers, equal in battle to Bhima and Arjuna, Yuyudhana,
  Virata and Drupada, of the great car (mighty warriors).

  Dhrishtaketush chekitaanah kaashiraajashcha veeryavaan;
  Purujit kuntibhojashcha shaibyashcha narapungavah.5.

  “Drishtaketu, Chekitana and the valiant king of Kasi, Purujit, and Kuntibhoja and Saibya,
  the best of men,

  Yudhaamanyushcha vikraanta uttamaujaashcha veeryavaan;
  Saubhadro draupadeyaashcha sarva eva mahaarathaah.6.

  “The strong Yudhamanyu and the brave Uttamaujas, the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu,
  the son of Arjuna), and the sons of Draupadi, all of great chariots (great heroes).

  Asmaakam tu vishishtaa ye taan nibodha dwijottama;
  Naayakaah mama sainyasya samjnaartham taan braveemi te.7.

  “Know also, O best among the twice-born, the names of those who are the most
  distinguished amongst ourselves, the leaders of my army! These I name to thee for thy information.

  Bhavaan bheeshmashcha karnashcha kripashcha samitinjayah;
  Ashwatthaamaa vikarnashcha saumadattis tathaiva cha.8.

  “Thyself and Bhishma, and Karna and Kripa, the victorious in war; Asvatthama, Vikarna,
  and Jayadratha, the son of Somadatta.

  Anye cha bahavah shooraa madarthe tyaktajeevitaah;
  Naanaashastrapraharanaah sarve yuddhavishaaradaah.9.

  “And also many other heroes who have given up their lives for my sake, armed with
  various weapons and missiles, all well skilled in battle.

In above verses, King Duryodhana went to his teacher(Dhronacharya) and began to speak the following words:

O my teacher, behold the great army of the sons of Pandu, so expertly arranged by your intelligent disciple, the son of Drupada(Dhrishtadumnya). Here in this army there are many heroic bowmen equal in fighting to Bhima and Arjuna; there are also great fighters like Yuyudhana, Virata  and Drupada. There are also great, heroic, powerful fighters like Dhristaketu, Cekitana, Kasiraja, Purujit, Kuntibhoja and Saibya. There are the mighty Yudhamanyu, the very powerful Uttamauja, the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu) and the sons of Draupadi. All these warriors are great chariot fighters. O best of the brahmanas, for your information, let me tell you about the captains who are especially qualified to lead my military force. There are personalities like yourself(Dhronacharya), Bhisma, Karna, Kripa, Asvatthama, Vikarna and the son of Somadatta called Bhurisrava, who are always victorious in battle. There are many other heroes who are prepared to lay down their lives for my sake. All of them are well equipped with different kinds of weapons, and all are experienced in military science.

My questions:

What was the purpose of Duryodhana to mention these specific warrior names in above verses?
What is the significance of above mentioned warriors in Mahabharata war?

UPDATE:
As I know about how Dhrishtadumnya, Virata, Drupada, Kasiraja, Kuntibhoja, Dhronacharya, Karna, Kripa, Asvatthama, Vikarna, Dhristaketu,and Yuyudhana related to KURU's but I want to know about the relation of kurus with Cekitana, Purujit, Saibya, Yudhamanyu, Uttamauja and Bhurisrava.

How did they related to Kurus?

As all of you might know that the Bhagwat gita is the conversations in between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Where Lord krishna is giving the knowledge of Karma to Arjuna then,

What was the need to include above names in the Bhagwat Gita chapter-1? Is lord wants to give any kind of message from this?


texts: What are the salient features of krama tradition of Kashmir Shaivism?

texts:
Kashmir Shaivism also known as trika has some important branches

One of them is the krama tradition

What is its significance?

What are the salient features?


texts: What is the Guru-parampara of Sri Ramakrishna's Vedanta-sadhana?

texts: Can someone provide the Guru-parampara of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna's Vedanta Sadhana? He was a disciple of Sri Totapuri as an Advaintin Monk.


texts: I have an assignment that I need help finding the answer to. I cannot find the answer anywhere on the internet. I don't have the book for my class to help me.


texts: Do Heaven or Hell have Technologies like we have on Earth?

texts:
In our stories too, we see Rishis and Gods travelling miles and miles on Foot.

There were Vimanas but not everyone had them.

Letters were posted via messengers.

But now, on Earth, we have excellent Technologies.

Do the Heavens and Hells, and the higher realms use technologies?

Do Indra, Chandra, Surya, and other use technologies like we do?


texts: Which Pralaya is the final destruction of the Universe(big crunch)?

texts: In the Dharmic belief system, Pralaya is used in the context of natural cataclysms on the earthly plane that bring about the end of one Mahayuga and the beginning of next one. But is there a specific name for the Pralaya that brings about the end of the all creation(Shristi) that is equivalent of the Big Crunch? According to the puranas, What will be the event or events that triggers this final pralaya and who/what exists beyond the final pralaya? What are the timescales involved?


texts: What are the Hindu scriptures which every Hindu should abide by?

texts: In Christianity, one has the holy Bible and in Islam one has the holy Quran. Which scriptures should a Hindu always follow?  Which scripture can a Hindu look up for references?


texts: 4 of 12 Jyotirlinga are in Maharashtra ; please confirm?

texts:
Tryambakeshwar
Bhimshankar
Vaidyanath
Ghrishneshwar

Hello. am confused with some maps showing Vaidyanath to be located in Parli, Maharashtra and some in Deogarh, Jharkhand. Any literary proof to confirm truth?
In Dwadash Jyotirlingani I say "Parlyam Vaidyanatham Cha Dakinyam Bhimshankaram"


texts: Are humans the weakest race among all? Why are we only left?

texts:
Of course, Lord Krishna and Lord Rama are exceptions and i don't mean demi gods either but overall, like among Rakshas, Devas, Gandharva, Kinnar, Vanar, Garuda, etc. Humans are weakest. I have not seen any other race weaker.
So, why only humans are left today? Where are other species? Why does Lord take avatar in human form only since last three yugas?


texts: Siva Purana Transliteration - Not the same as Translation

texts:
Are there any Siva Purana books with english Transliteration? This is not the same as translation. This would be the Sanskrit sloka written in english. I could only find this book, but thats only the Uttarakhanda -
https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/siva-purana-uttarakhanda-text-with-english-translation-and-introduction-IDG617/


texts: Transitory nature of Vedas, Puranas, GODs

texts:
From what I have read so far, I have found that according to Hinduism, everything is transitory and keeps changing. Even Brahmas change and so do Indras. Even Vedas and Puranas change. The very fact that Life is a Sport for GOD and we have to imagine it to be a theatre where GOD has created both villains and heros and everything can change anytime, makes me feel that there is no one solid truth or only path that we can follow?

How does one follow anything then?


texts: What is actually there in Bhrigu Samhita?

texts:
I have heard that there is a book called Bhrigu Samhita somewhere in Hoshiyarpur, India, which can tell about any person's past, present and future births based on his/her janam kundli (astrological chart prepared at the time of birth). Is it true?

I want to know what all is written in that book and how can one tell about a future/past life by looking at the present janam's kundli. Also, is there some other text/stories written in it.

Please provide  any online/downloadable version of the same book present with Hindi/English translation.


texts: Are Padma-Vyuha and Chakra-Vyuha the same?

texts: The Padma Vyuha is often confused with the Chakravyuha, as many writers use these terms interchangeably. It is told in Mahabharata that Chakravyuha was used in the 13-th day and padma-Vyuha on 15-th day. Are they the same?


texts: Different methods of doing Śivaliṅga Abhiṣekam?

texts:
What are different kinds and methods of Śivaliṅga Abhiṣekam? Several priests and jyotiṣika (astrologers) recommend doing abhiṣekam with water (जल ), milk (दुग्ध ), bhasman (भस्मन्), sugarcane juice (इक्षुरस), attar (इत्र), honey, curd, etc.. sometimes all together in tandem and sometimes alone, depending upon the reasons for doing the abhiṣekam.
For example - One of them said, do a Rudra Abhiṣekam, with the sugarcane juice for mitigating problems related to sudden accidents and deaths.

Questions:-

Where are these different rituals found in puranic or astrology based scriptures? What are the associated benefits ( as per relevant scriptures) for Abhiṣekam done with different liquids and/or offerings?
Are any particular kind of liquids forbidden to be used for Abhiṣekam (like Kewra Water - केवड़ा जल ?) , just like certain flowers are forbidden?
Are there any specific stories which might relate why only these certain products are more favoured for the Abhiṣekam.

For example :-

Story of Ketakí being cursed and thus not used.

the story of bilwa patra, etc..

Extremely Related Questions:

What is the significance of pouring milk on the Shivling?

Honey on Shivling

What are offerings to shivalinga and what are fruits of it?


texts: What is the story of self manifested Shrinathji Temple story of Rajasthan?


texts: Do the Vedas order killing of the "sinner" who kills a cow?

texts:
New18 quotes from RSS Panchjanya Magazine:

  "Vedas order killing of the sinner who kills a cow. Cow slaughter is an issue of honour for Hindus. The Dadri victim perhaps slaughtered a cow under the influence of bad deeds."

Do the "Vedas order killing of the sinner who kills a cow"?


texts: Does the Srimad Bhagavatam say the Earth is flat?

texts:
According to this ISKCON article: https://krishna.org/the-flat-earth
The Srimad Bhagavata Purana's cosmology of the universe involves a flat Earth.

So there is no ball earth floating in space in the Bhagavatam.
So it appears the flat earth people are heading in the right direction but they are really not much better than the scientists. In scientific terms they are worse than the globe earth people because the globe earth people have a working model [which is wrong of course…] but they do have a practical working model which does predict most of what we observe happening around us. The globe earth model is a wonderful and ingenious model built by some of the most intelligent scientific brains. Unfortunatly it is wrong…


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Puri Shankara charya told that mayavadi means kapalika in YouTube video
It is true means I want reference that kapalikas are mayavadi in kalika Purana


texts: Why did god make few people look beautiful and others ugly?

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Why are according to Hinduism, God made few humans beautiful and few other people look ugly?

I feel it is not correct to say. everybody are beautiful in their own way.

Some people on earth are definitely more beautiful than other. What is the major reason for this?


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If yes, how to quantify it? Is there any real devotion without sacrifice?

Suppose someone says he is really devoted, but doesnt sacrifice anything (time, money, thoughts etc) is he really devoted?


texts: In which scripture it is mentioned that there is no atmosphere outside the earth?


texts: What does Hinduism say about masturbation?

texts: Semitic religions such as Islam and Christianity consider masturbation to be a sin. What about Hinduism? Please give some authentic quotes for the answers.


texts: What happens at the end of the Vikram and Betal story?

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What happens at the end of Vikram and Betal story? I did some searching and I found some info like

  Vetala Panchavimshati (Sanskrit: वेतालपञ्चविंशति, IAST: vetālapañcaviṃśati or Baital Pachisi (Bengali) ("Twenty-five (tales) of Baital"), is a collection of tales and legends within a frame story, from India. It was originally written in Sanskrit.

I just want to know what the end of the story is.


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every positive energy/feeling is portrait as a deva and negative side is portrayed as an asura but Kaama is portrayed as a deva, meaning it has a positive aspect to it. But...

Kaama is not needed as a fuel for reproduction(those who see reproduction as a kartavya may accept it as it is) nor it has any place in love(I remember a line from somewhere where the protagonist tells, there is no place for kaama when there is love). Then, why is kaama needed and in what way is kaama positive/needed?


texts: Why Lord Chaitanya is called "noder nimai"?

texts: Why Lord Chaitanya mahaprabhu is called "noder nimai"?


texts: Have any scholar like Dr.Gopinarh Kaviraj written any book about Nayanars and Saiva Siddhanta?

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If yes can you tell me the name of the book?
Also which language It was written in?
Can you give me a pdf link of it?
Thanks for help.


texts: What is the story about Shri Krishna lifting Govardhan Giri to save the villagers from heavy rain?


texts: Why did King Shantanu wait to see his seven sons die at the hands of Brahmaputri Ganga and not marry another woman?

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I am watching B.R Films' series on "Mahabharat". In Episode 1 of which the union between King Shantanu of Hastinapur with Brahmaputri Ganga has been shown. She goes on to kill the sons born during the marriage and since the king is bound by the oath he took before marriage, he couldn't question her about her action.
The king could've chosen to get married a second time, right?


texts: What does Lord Shiva think of during meditation? Also, did He ever fall prey to pride?

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As we hear in Hindu mythology, most of the lords have fallen prey to pride and at last regretted heavily. Did Lord Shiva ever fall prey to pride?

And what does Lord Shiva think about during meditation, because during meditation we think about god and He is the god Himself?


texts: Is Kausika Bhashya on Vedas available in English?

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In this book on the Aitareya Brahamanam, it was stated that there exists Kausika Bhashya on Vedas, which was more ancient to Sayana's commentary on Vedas.

If that is true, do we have that book with English translation in pdf form?


texts: What is Lagna and Rashi and their Difference?

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How is Lagna different from Rashi? As of my understanding - “If Lagna is determined by Sun's position at the time of birth in a Rashi” - then in the Lagna chart why does his position not always be in the house with Lagna?

In the chart above in the 8th house Lagna is present and if at the same time Sun was there in the same Rashi how can he be in House 2 in the Lagna chart?.


texts: Tara was born out of sati to eliminate which of the demon(s)?

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I have heard about Sati's 10 forms known as mahavidhyas.
The second one, known as Tara is one of the most prominent forms of Goddess Sati, and I had read somewhere had incarnated to slay demon Hayagreeva.
Is that right? Kindly enlighten me more.
I know hayagreeva was an incarnation of Lord vishnu.
And he himself killed madhu kaitabh right?
Kindly enlighten me more on this.
Thank you.
Ref:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Mahavidya)#:~:text=Khadaga%2C%20flaying%20knife,tantric%20manifestations%20of%20the%20goddess.


texts: What is the age limit of getting a yajnopavita for various castes?

texts: What is the age limit as per the scriptures of getting a Yajnopavita for the various varnas?


texts: Can we touch the shivling to spread the contents of the offering like curd or ghee around it while doing Abhishek?

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I read on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva_Puja that -

  Fingers should not be put in water, milk and ghee etc., because the touching of nails makes these things inauspicious.

But when I offer curd and ghee in Abhishek with just a spoon, without touching the offering with my hand, the consistency of the substances makes them pile up at the top without properly flowing down the shivling. The result is a mound of offering on the top and none of it spread uniformly. So can I massage the shivling by hand while doing Abhishek to smoothen out the offerings? It can be compared to bathing a child with soap, or applying some herbal unguent on their body, for their own benefit. We don't just squeeze the lotion out, we rub it onto their skin for a good distribution. Is this allowed with the shivling?


texts: What are the characteristics of a bona-fide Sampradaya?

texts: It is believed that one needs to be initiated by a bona-fide spiritual master in the bona-fide disciplic succession, otherwise the mantra he learnt from any other sources is useless. The proper way to learn scriptures is that one should approach a guru in the bona-fide sampradaya. Now, my question is that how can I conclude that which disciplic succession is bona fide and which is not? Do scriptures say anything about this?


texts: What scriptures describe using Red Arsenic for invisibility?

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Adinatha's Khechari Vidya is an early Hatha Yoga text dated to the 15th century.  This excerpt from the Khechari Vidya describes various Siddhis or magical powers that can be obtained by a Yogic practice involving the tongue:

  The best adept quickly attains absolutely all magical powers that are found in the three worlds, such as magical sandals, the magical sword, power over zombies, magical elixirs, realgar, invisibility, access to the treasures of the subterranean realms, and power over male and female genies.

I'm interested in the magic achieved through realgar, which is another word for red arsenic.  Here is what the translator says in a footnote:

  Realgar (manahsila) is red arsenic, an ingredient in elixirs[.]... [A] Budhhist Kriyatantra, the Amoghapashakalparaja, describes how manahsila, when applied to the eyes, can make the wearer invisible and able to move in the ether[.]... Cf. Kamasutra 7.2.46, in which it is said that if one coats one's hand with the faeces of a peacock that has eaten haritala and/or manahsila and touches something, it becomes invisible.

First of all, I wasn't able to track down that statement in the Kama Sutra, although for obvious reasons I didn't look very thoroughly.  But my question is, what scriptures describe using red arsenic to make yourself or other objects invisible?

Buddhist texts like the Amoghapashakalparaja may discuss it, but I want to know what Hindu scripture has to say on the subject.


texts: Why do we perform this ritual at someone's death bed?

texts: When a person is about to die and leave his mortal body it is said that we must put gangajal i.e. water of holy river Ganga and tulsipatra i.e. leaves of sacred Tulsi plant in the person's mouth. What is the significance of this ritual? Is it necessary to do this? Does this have any scientific significance as well?


texts: What was Madhvacharya's argument against the Shaktas?

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As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. You can read the Brahma Sutras here.
In any case, in Adhyaya 2 Pada 2 of the Brahma Sutras, Vyasa discusses various rival schools to Vedanta. In particular, he says this:

Topic-8: Bhagavata View Refuted
42. (The Bhagavata view that Samkarsana and others originate successively from Vasudeva and others is wrong), since any origin (for
the soul) is impossible.
43. And (this view is wrong because) an implement cannot originate from its agent (who wields it).
44. Alternatively even if (it be assumed that Vasudeva and others are) possessed of knowledge, (majesty etc.,), still the defect cannot
be remedied.
45. Besides, (in this scripture) many contradictions are met with and it runs counter to the Vedas.

This translation is biased towards Advaita, but nevertheless most commentators on the Brahma Sutras agree that Vyasa is talking about the Pancharatra texts, the foundational texts of Vaishnavism which I discuss in my answer here.  Now Adi Shankaracharya's Advaita commentary argues that Vyasa is criticizing Pancharatra, whereas Ramanujacharya's commentary argues that Vyasa is defending Pancharatra from a potential crticism, but both agree that Pancharatra is the subject being discussed.
But as with many things, the Dvaita philosopher Madhvacharya has a very different intepretation of these Sutras.  He thinks that when Vyasa is criticizing the notion that the soul comes from Brahman, he is not criticizing the Pancharatra texts, but rather the Shakta Agamas, i.e. the texts followed by those who think the goddess Shakti is supreme.  Here is how Madhvacharya interprets Sutra 42 in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras:

On account of the impossibility of origination, (Shakti, a Goddess, cannot be the cause).

For the bringing forth of anything has not been observed on the part of the female without the favour of the male.

Baladeva Vidyabhushana, the Gaudiya Vaishnava commentator on the Brahma Sutras, gives the same interpretation as Madhvacharya:

The followers of Śakti have imagined Her to be the sole cause
of the world by reasoning alone, unsupported by Vedic authority. Since they base their theory on reason, they must be refuted by such reason as would appeal to the common sense of mankind. It is not possible that Śakti
alone could be the mother of the whole universe, because by Herself, She has no power of origination. We do not find immaculate conception in this world, nor do females give birth without connection with males.

My question is, what is the logic of Madvacharya's argument that Shakti cannot create souls?  Just because human females require a man to bear children, why does that imply that the supreme goddess Shakti (as Shaktas view her) would require the help of a man to create souls?  Surely if Shakti were engaging in the activity of creation, she wouldn't need to use human means of reproduction to do it!
Are there any followers of Madhvacharya or Baladeva Vidyabhushana who have elaborated on their reasoning here?  The reasoning seems ridiculous to me.  Then again, some of the reasoning of Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya doesn't make sense to me at times, so perhaps I'm missing something here.


texts: Do any scriptures talk about Atla Taddi?

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Today is Karva Chauth (Chaturthi) celebrated in the north especially Punjab and I found out that Telugu people also celebrate the Uma Vratham or [Atla Taddi [(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atla_Tadde) on the Tritiya. Both of them are related to marriage so I was wondering if there is any scriptures (not local stories) that mention these festivals?

Is there any mention or description of Karwachauth in Hindu scriptures? contains information about Karva Chauth only. My question also asks about Atla Taddi celebrated on Tritiya. Hence not a duplicate.


texts: Looking for a tantric (or puranic) reference (or quote from a well known sage) that says a jiva receives (or does not receive) the same mantra when receiving diksa mantra in different lifetimes.


texts: Who are the pseudo-advaitins referred to by Shringeri Acharya? Does Adi Shankara state characteristics of true advaitins?

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Sri Sringeri Sharadha Peetham has a free ebook to download here. In that book, the following statement is made by the then Shakaracharya, H.H Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswami. In the page 556 of the book (page 557 of the file), the section named "The Hypocrisy of pseudo-advaitins".

In summary to that section, this is found:

  One should be true to one’s conscience. One may deceive others by
  high-sounding talk on Advaita but it will not be of any use if one
  does not mend one’s ways. It is said, “He who is attached to worldly
  comforts but still says that everything is Brahman is actually one who
  has fallen from Karma and also from Brahman. Such a person must be
  discarded like a lowly one.

Given that he made the statement, Who are the pseudo-advaitins the acharya is talking about? What are the characteristics that of a real advaitin according to Adi Shankaracharya?


texts: What was the Guru Dakshina(Preceptorial fee) asked by Guru Dronacharya from the pupils on completion of their training?

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Dronacharya was trained in the specialised field of weapon science,by the illustrious Sage(Rishi) Agnivesa, who was earlier a disciple of Sage Bharadwaja(Dronacharya's father).

Dronacharya also obtained all weapons of Lord Parashurama,along with the whole science of arms with its rules and mysteries,as a free gift from Lord Parashurama.

Dronacharya was selected by Grandsire Bhishma, as the Guru(Preceptor), to give  weapon science training to all the Kaurava and Pandava brothers.

What was the Guru Dakshina(Preceptorial fee) asked by Guru Dronacharya from the princes on completion of their training ?


texts: Why is the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita secret and confidential?

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The first and second verses in chapter 9 are as follows:

First verse chapter nine:

  The Supreme Lord said: My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious
  of Me, I shall impart to you this most secret wisdom, knowing which
  you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence.

Second verse, Chapter nine:

  This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all
  secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct
  perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of
  religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed.

The aforementioned verses allude that the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita is supposed to be a secret knowledge. Why would it be considered a secret? Secret from whom? Wouldn't it be helpful for everyone to know this knowledge and shouldn't it be a common knowledge imparted to all?


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My family has observed the rules of marriage according to the scriptures.

However, in the case of my cousin sister, her husband is a Sudra who impersonated a Brahmin in order to marry her.

He is an actor by profession, and is very good at memorizing things.  After marriage, he told that he got coaching from his Brahmin neighbor.

Now, my uncle's family has gone into depression.

People will talk behind their backs and make fun of them in family functions.

This is not a case of person born into Sudra caste but has Brahmin qualities.

This is a case of a person who manipulated the system to get worldly gain.

Is there any mention of such a scenario in the scriptures, and what is the penalty?


texts: How is 'Vishwa Virat Swaroop' of Lord Krishna described in Mahabharata?

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I want to know how the 'Vishwa Virat Swaroop' of Lord Krishna was described in the Mahabharata. It was shown by Lord Krishna to Arjuna while he was giving the Gita Upadesha to Arjuna prior to the great battle. I have seen some images showing this in which he has lot of heads, each head is of a different God, many hands, holding different weapons, but that differs from picture to picture so I wanted to know how this looked as per the Mahabharata or the Bhagavad Gita or wherever it is described.

Also, I would like to know whether this swaroop was ever shown to anybody else.


texts: Which Āstika schools mention the different types of Muktis?

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Which Āstika schools mention these different types of muktis:

Sārūpya, Sālokya, Sārṣṭi, Sāmīpya, Sāyujya, Viśate, Kaivalya, Moksha

Are there more types of muktis in āstika schools? Which types of muktis are common across various āstika schools? Is viśate also a type of mukti? Are sāyujya and kaivalya same, but different terms in different schools?

Note: Kaivalya (Yahoo) mentioned in yahoo answer seems different from Kaivalya (Wikipedia) mentioned in Wikipedia.

From What is difference between Salokya & Sayujya Mukti...?

Sārūpya : Equal bodily feature
Sālokya : Equal facility to live on the same planet with the Lord
Sārṣṭi  : Equal possession of opulence like the Lord
Sāmīpya : Equal association with the Lord
Sāyujya : Being merged into the existence or body of the Lord
Viśate  : Devotees who are not at all anxious for any kind of liberation
Kaivalya: Merging into the effulgence of the Supreme Lord

Update:

Found sayujya-mukti, which describes and discusses the 5 muktis in more detail, and also mayavadis-brahmavadis-and-sayujya-mukti, both interesting reads on muktis.


texts: Is it possible for a non Hindu who rejects the teaching of Vedas and Gita attain Moksha?

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Can a Muslim attain Moksha even if he worships Allah and follows the teaching of the Quran?
Can a Jew attain Moksha even if he follows the teaching of the Torah?
And can a non Sanatani attain Moksha and heaven?


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In kaala, manvantara ,mahayug, etc.
Calculating these things are proving to be difficult for me.