texts: Does the body have to die for the soul to leave the body?

texts:
At the time of death the soul leaves the body, but the body also suffers destruction first before the soul leaves the body, like disease, brain failure, etc.
My question is, is it possible for the soul to simply leave the body at the time of it's karmic death without any destruction to the body?


texts: How is nature able to know of upcoming dangers?

texts: I have read in the Mahabharata that at birth, Duryodhana’s nature was shown by some warnings and 'ashubh suchana' (bad omens) like the sound of crying donkeys. So my question is, how is nature able to know of upcoming dangers and show appropriate signs according to that upcoming danger.


texts: English Transliteration of Vedas and Upanishads

texts:
Translations of the Vedas and Upanishads are available in great numbers online, but unfortunately, the transliteration of Vedas is rare to find.

Thus, I would like to know where can I find the transliteration of the Vedas and Upanishads into English, online, and free?

Note that this question is NOT AT ALL A DUPLICATE OF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING:

Where can I find the authentic and complete Vedas online? [Hindi + English]

Online version of Vedas, Puranas, Sutras, and Shastras in Devanagari/Sanskrit

What are some online sources to get unabridged Hindu Scriptures or to learn Hinduism?

Where can I find the Vedas to read?

Where can I get authentic translation of all four Vedas?

How did the Vedas in Hinduism come into existence?

Each of the above asks for online translations, or transliterations in Devanagari or Hindi, but kindly note, that I am asking for the  online transliterations of the four Vedas, along with their principal Upanishads, into English.

Also note that I would like a complete transliteration of the Vedas, and not transliterations of individual portions or Suktas of the Vedas.


texts: Does God(specifically Lord Vishnu) grant us whatever we righteously desire and pray for?

texts:
This belief causes millions of people to throng to temples throughout the country.
The belief is that God(specifically Lord Vishnu) does grant to those who pray to Him whatever they ask for as long as it is righteous.
However, my question is whether this belief is supported by scriptures, or teachings of acharyas. Please provide any quotes from scriptures if there are any.

EDIT: This question has been wrongly marked a duplicate of another question.  This question asks if God grants us our wishes and what is the support for that in the scriptures, while the other question asks about what is his motive for granting our wishes which is not the topic of this question.


texts: According to Advaita philosophy,what are the conditions for attaining Moksha?

texts: Suppose I wish to attain Moksha then,according to Advaita Philosophy, what conditions I must fulfill in order to achieve Moksha?


texts: Does the notion of the earth as a planet within the Solar System exist in scripture?

texts:
In other words, as an approximate sphere going round the Sun with other planets some closer to the Sun and some further away?

Whether this modern view of the Solar System exists in scripture has not been asked before.


texts:
What are the factors that determine the next birth? Between karma and last thoughts before death, which one is more relevant?
King Bharat was so worried about his pet deer that he was re-born as a deer. This is confusing. Why King Bharat's accumulated karmas didn't come in aid? It means that the last thoughts too are equally important and perhaps score over karmas undertaken all through the life.
Or is this just a story to teach people that too much attachment can lead to a downfall.
Pls explain.


texts: How could octogenarian heroes fight in Mahabharata?

texts: According to Mahabharata, Puranas and many sources, it is assumed that Pandavas and Kauravas were more than 80 years old when Kurukshetra battle was fought. A detailed discussion on the calculation of ages from different sources can be found here. But how can one fight a deadly war at this age with perfection as shown by the warriors from both the sides? I believe that anything super natural in Mahabharata is written in symbolic way and if we research more, the technical and actual incident can be extracted. So, what exactly does this age group symbolize when octogenarian heroes can fight such a historical battle, as per Hindu Scriptures or from Hinduism pov?


texts: Are there any Vaishyas playing a prominent role in scripture?

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Most human characters in scripture seem to be Kshatriyas, Brahmins or Sudras.

Are there any Vaishyas who play a prominent role in scripture?

By Vaishya I mean one who would qualify as a Vaishya by birth or one who is said to exhibit Vaishya gunas, whatever they may be.

This is just an afterthought - I think the scion of a long Vaishya lineage is non-existent in scripture.


texts: How is bodily complexion determined from the horoscope of the native?

texts:
I was reading in an Astrology related magazine, that it is determined from the exalted planets.

So, we need to check which planet is exalted in the chart and the complexion is determined from the complexion which that planet indicates. (so if Venus or Moon is exalted it indicates a fair complexion but if Saturn is exalted then that indicates a dark complexion).

In case, when two or more planets are exalted, then "which one is most exalted" determines the complexion.

Is this calculation correct? If not how is the complexion of the native determined from his/her chart?

Note that every horoscope chart clearly mentions about the bodily complexion of the native.


texts: Linguistic connection between Rudra and Marudgaṇa

texts: I'm wondering if the rud portion of Rudra is etymologically connected to the rut portion of Marut. My understanding is that rudra literally means "howl" or "roar" and marút means "wind," "air," or "breath." So, can these words be broken into etymological parts?


texts: Who all have the authority to blow the conchshell?

texts:
Bg 1.12 — Then Bhīṣma, the great valiant grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, the grandfather of the ﬁghters, blew his conchshell very loudly, making a sound like the roar of a lion, giving Duryodhana joy.

Bg 1.13 — After that, the conchshells, drums, bugles, trumpets and horns were all suddenly sounded, and the combined sound was tumultuous.

Bg 1.15 — Lord Kṛṣṇa blew His conchshell, called Pāñcajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta; and Bhīma, the voracious eater and performer of herculean tasks, blew his terriﬁc conchshell, called Pauṇḍra.

Bg 1.16-18 — King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, blew his conchshell, the Ananta-vijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughoṣa and Maṇipuṣpaka. That great archer the King of Kāśī, the great ﬁghter Śikhaṇḍī, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Virāṭa, the unconquerable Sātyaki, Drupada, the sons of Draupadī, and others, O King, such as the mighty-armed son of Subhadrā, all blew their respective conchshells.

My question is in an epic battle like the Mahabharata who all had the authority to blow the conchshell? What exactly does it signifies?


texts: How do Hindus justify depositing money in a Temple Hundi or giving money during Aarthi?

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In almost all Hindu temples there is a Hundi (money pot) where people deposit money or offer it to God during an aarthi. Are they giving money to God? If yes, why? God creates everything, why would He need anything from us?

One thing which often confuses me is the fact that money and prosperity is depicted by Goddess Lakshmi. Do we see money as a gift from goddess or goddess herself. If it's a gift why would we offer this to a different god? Isn't this offending other gods or morally wrong?

What does Hindu scripture say about the offerings given to god (or in the name of god)? Is it only money which needs to be given at temples? What are other ways to thank god apart from giving money?

PS: In most temples if you don't give money to the priest doing aarthi, either he neglects you or frowns upon you. I find this very sad and very disturbing. That is the reason I am asking this question.


texts: Why do some Hindus say "ram ram" twice?, why not only once like "ram" or thrice like "ram ram ram"? What is the actual reason behind that?


texts: Does Krishna advocate the use of astrology?

texts:
I read the Gita many years ago, and most recently this HSE page. However, I was unable to find an answer.

In any text, does Krishna advocate the use of astrology in a worshipers life?


texts: What are the granthas written by Sri SomAnanda nAtha?

texts:
Sri Somananda was main guru in the kashmir agamic tradition.

What are the main texts attributed to him ? And also if some minor texts or commentaries if available.


texts: Did Madhwas squat on an ancient Siva temple at Kudupu?

texts:
From a user review from here

  As per historical inscription dated 1679 this is one of the Shiva Temple dedicated to lord shiva. The inscription captures that Chouta Queen Rani Chennamma during her elder sisters death given a land to the temple. Here lord shiva is worshiped as Anantheshwara. But Now the temple is called as Ananathapadhbhanabha (Vishnu) Temple by Madhwa Brahmins


texts: Is Radha elder than Krishna interms of age during their marriage?

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Brahmavaivarta Purana says that Radha was aunt of Krishna and Radha was fourteen years elder than Krishna.

So, is it true that Radha is elder than Krishna during their marriage?


texts: Kali yuga-- Are there solutions to reduce the difficulty of Kali?

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This age of Kali is full of unlimited faults. Indeed, it is just like an ocean of faults (dosa-nidhi). But there is one chance, one opportunity. There are many many hundreds and thousands of faults. People will suffer.

  kaler dosa-nidhe rajann
   asti hy eko mahan gunah
   kirtanad eva krsnasya
   mukta-sangah param vrajet
  People’s intelligence, bodily strength, mercifulness–everything will be reduced.Dampatye ratim eva hi: “Marriage, husband and wife, they will be simply by agreement.” Nowadays that is happening. You go to a marriage-maker and agree, and marriage is finished. Not like before.
  Svikara eva codvahe. These are stated, all.
  Vipratve sutram eva hi: “Become a brahmana, just have a sacred thread.” Sacred or not sacred, get a thread. That’s all, without executing the brahminical duties. That is going on. In this way there is a long list of Kali-yuga’s activities.
  In the Kali-yuga there is no yajna. Therefore there is anavrsti, anavrsti. The Kali-yuga people will forget performing yajna. They will be busy in ghora-rupa activities, horrible and fierceful activities, not yajna. They will neglect yajna.
  Are there any solutions for these difficulties to get reduced?
  Simply do not say chant Hare Krsna Mantra. Any evidences from age old puranas.


texts: Did Chaitanya Mahaprabhu indeed say Mahavishnu was an incarnation of Krishna?

texts: Any proof in the Chaitanya Charitamrita that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says Mahavishnu is an incarnation of Krishna? Apologies to anyone offended by my question.


texts: Why Shudras are not allowed to have wealth?

texts:
Manu Smriti 10.129

"No collection of wealth must be made by a Sudra, even though he be able (to do it); for a Sudra who has acquired wealth, gives pain to Brahmanas."


texts: Why does Vishnu's thousand-armed Aniruddha form carry the equipment of a student?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, 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, ancient incarnation of Vishnu who was the son of Yama god of death and twin brother of the sage Nara.  (Nara and Narayana were the previous births of Arjuna and Krishna respectively.)  One of the key doctrines articulated in the Pancharatra texts is the Vyuha doctrine, according to which Vishnu has four main forms or manifestations: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.  These are (not coincidentally) also the names of Vishnu's incarnation Krishna, Krishna's brother Balarama, Krishna's son Pradyumna, and Krishna's grandson Aniruddha.

But my question is about Aniruddha.  For those who don't know, he is a Sahasrashirsha (thousand-armed) form of Vishnu who gave birth to Brahma.  (I discuss the birth of Brahma in my answer here.)  In any case, the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, in the Narayaniya section which I discuss here, describes how the sage Narada once went to a White Island in the middle of Vishnu's ocean of milk and prayed to Vishnu there.  As a result, Vishnu appeared before him in his Aniruddha form.  Here is how Aniruddha's appearance is described:

  Thus hymned with names that were not known to others, the Divine Narayana having the universe for his form showed himself to the ascetic Narada. His form was somewhat purer than the moon and differed from the moon in some respects. He somewhat resembled a blazing fire in complexion. The puissant Lord was somewhat of the form of Vishti. He resembled in some respects the feathers of the parrot, and in some a mass of pure crystal. He resembled in some respects a hill of antimony and in some a mass of pure gold. His complexion somewhat resembled the coral when first formed, and was somewhat white. In some respects that complexion resembled the hue of gold and in some that of the lapis lazuli. In some respects it resembled the hue of the blue lapis lazuli and in some that of sapphire. In some respects it resembled the hue of the peacock's neck, and in some that of a string of pearls. Bearing these diverse kinds of hues on his person, the eternal Deity appeared before Narada. He had a thousand eyes and was possessed of great beauty. He had a hundred heads and a hundred feet. He had a thousand stomachs and a thousand arms. He seemed to be still inconceivable to the mind. With one of his mouths he uttered the syllable Om and then the Gayatri following Om. With mind under complete control, the great Deity, called by the names of Hari and Narayana, by his other mouths, multitudinous in number, uttered many mantras from the four Vedas which are known by the name of Aranyaka. The Lord of all the deities, the great God who is adorned in sacrifices, held in his hands a sacrificial altar, a Kamandalu, few white gems, a pair of sandal, a bundle of Kusa blades, a deer-skin, a toothstick, and a little blazing fire.

I'm interested in the last sentence of the description.  The items listed are the traditional things a Brahmachari (celibate student) carries around when he's in an ashram, in order to perform Yagnas (fire-rituals).  So my question is, why does Vishnu carry the accoutrements of a Brahmachari in his Aniruddha form?  What special connection does Aniruddha have to these things?

Does anyone know if any other scriptures describe this aspect of Aniruddha's appearance and/or explain the reason for it?


texts: Relevance of "Dhol Ganwar Shudra Pashu Nari, Sakal Taadana Ke Adhikari"

texts:
प्रभु भल कीन्ह मोहि सिख दीन्हीं।
  मरजादा पुनि तुम्हरी कीन्हीं॥
  ढोल गवाँर शूद्र पशु नारी।
  सकल ताड़ना के अधिकारी॥

  Drums, the illiterate, lower caste, animals and women deserve a beating to straighten up and get the acts together.

This is written in Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas. Similar post from Quora discusses, how this was said by Sea deity to Lord Rama before creating Ramsetu.

Without criticizing anyone, I would like to know how is this quote relevant in today's time and what could have lead an intellectual like Tulsidas to write such a verse?

[Note: From a source, I also heard that Chaanakya had approved this quote.]


texts: Is kansa from the family of Shatrughna (Brother of lord Rama)

texts:
As commanded by lord Shri Rama , Shatrughna becomes the king of Mathura after killing Lavana.
So now Shatrughna is the king of Mathura. I want to know that , is kansa from the family of Shatrughna as we know that he was ruling Mathura when lord Krishna took birth.


texts: Which are the crimes in which people becomes ghost and for how much time?

texts:
Which are the crimes in which people becomes ghost I got this part here thanks and for how much time (references will be surly better then personal openion)?

I asked
 about suicide but looks like if someone kills you and you die with some desires...lol, actually I think then everyone will become ghost, who don't have desires till there last breath? then also you will become ghost.

I read a story in which the person steals some food for some family with which he don't have any relations and then since his intension was good so INDRA himself came to take him to Swarg.
So I think reasons should also be seen for anything you do,since there are reasons for everything we do.
Main thing is ..those reasons matters alot..if someone steals something, then rules are same but in God's eye by above story I think there must be something like "even someone commit any of those crimes for "___" reasons then it's okk and they don't become ghosts.


texts: Why Lord Vishnu is mostly seen in resting or sleeping position?

texts:
Why Lord Vishnu is mostly seen in Resting or Sleeping position?

Other god are not seen in resting or sleeping position like Lord Shiva, Brahmdev, Ganesh or any other God.

But in many images Lord Vishnu is in resting position or sleeping position and Goddess Mahalakshmi is doing Paadseva.


texts: Does the Atharvasiras derives this mantra from YajurVeda or quotes from other Veda?

texts:
Atharvasiras Upanishad is one of the ancient Upanishad and perhaps the only Upanishad which is quoted in DharmaShastras (like Gautama 19.12, Vasistha 22.9 etc.. ) It is a part of AtharvaVeda. The beginning verse of the 6th chapter of the Upanishad states:

  योऽग्नौ रुद्रो योऽप्स्वन्तर्य ओषधीर्वीरुध आविवेश । य इमाविश्वा भुवनानि चक्लृपे तस्मै रुद्राय नमोऽस्त्वग्नये । (Atharvasiras Upanishad 6.1)
  Same Rudra who is in the Fire, entered in the waters, in the plants. He created all these worlds (Vishwa-Bhuwana), Salutations to Rudra and his form of Agni.

And the text continues stating few similar verses. Now, this mantra seems to be derivation from mantra of YajurVeda 5.5.9 which is very similar to this mantra:

  यो रुद्रो अग्नौ यो अप्सु य ओषधिषु ।
  यो रुद्रो विश्वा भुवना विवेश तस्मै रुद्राय नमो अस्तु ।। (YajurVeda 5.5.9)
  The Rudra in the fire, in the waters, in the plants, the Rudra that has entered the whole world, to that Rudra be homage.

The difference between above mantra of YajurVeda and the Atharvasiras mantra is that, Yajurveda states:

  यो रुद्रो विश्वा भुवना विवेश
  Rudra who entered the whole world.

While the Atharvashiras state:

  इमाविश्वा भुवनानि चक्लृपे तस्मै
  He who created this whole world.

Now, there can be significant philosophical arguments in the both verses. The Yajurveda mantra means 'who entered the whole world.' can also be intrepreted as Brahman just entered the world (which was already there) and it may also seem to support world (Prakirti) doesn't emerge from Brahman and Brahman just enters in the world (like that in Samkhya.. ). While the Atharvasiras mantra says both entered and 'created this whole world' which clearly means world/Prakirti also comes from Brahman and Brahman also enters there.

So Is the Atharvasiras Upanishad just deriving that mantra of YajurVeda or it is quoting from other parts of Veda? It is possible that as Atharvasiras Upanishad belongs to Atharvaveda so it is quoting from  Atharvaveda. If it helps the mantra in IAST transliteration is as:

  yo'gnau rudro yo'psvantarya oṣadhīrvīrudha āviveśa ।
  ya imā viśvā bhuvanāni caklṛpe tasmai rudrāya namo'stvagnaye ।।


texts: How do Dvaitins interpret the Advaita-sounding prayer of Prahlada?

texts:
In this chapter of the Vishnu Purana, Prahlada is thrown off a cliff and into the sea by Hiranyakashipu's men.  Unfazed by this, he prays to Vishnu:

  I glorify the supreme deity Vishńu, the universal witness, who seated internally, beholds the good and ill of all. Glory to that Vishńu from whom this world is not distinct. May he, ever to be meditated upon as the beginning of the universe, have compassion upon me: may he, the supporter of all, in whom every thing is warped and woven, undecaying, imperishable, have compassion upon me. Glory, again and again, to that being to whom all returns, from whom all proceeds; who is all, and in whom all things are: to him whom I also am; for he is every where; and through whom all things are from me. I am all things: all things are in me, who am everlasting. I am undecayable, ever enduring, the receptacle of the spirit of the supreme. Brahma is my name; the supreme soul, that is before all things, that is after the end of all.

At least superficially, this sounds like a statement of Adi Shankaracharya's philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which equates the Jivatma, or individual soul, with Paramatma or the supreme soul.  And the next chapter even says "Thus meditating upon Vishńu, as identical with his own spirit, Prahláda became as one with him, and finally regarded himself as the divinity: he forgot entirely his own individuality, and was conscious of nothing else than his being the inexhaustible, eternal, supreme soul".

Now Ramanujacharya's philosophy of Visishtadvaita Vedanta, according to which Jivatma and Paramatma have a body-soul relationship, has a way handling Advaita-sounding statements like this.  Here is how Ramanujacharya interprets the passage in the Sri Bhashya, his commentary on the Brahma Sutras:

  [T]he highest Self has the indiviual souls for its body, and ... hence words such as 'I' and 'thou,' which denote individual beings, extend in their connotation up to the highest Self... As the Rishi Vâmadeva perceiving that Brahman is the inner Self of all, that all things constitute its body, and that the meaning of words denoting a body extends up to the principle embodied, denotes with the word 'I' the highest Brahman to which he himself stands in the relation of a body, and then predicates of this 'I' Manu Sûrya and other beings--'Seeing this the Rishi. Vâmadeva understood, I am Manu, I am Sûrya' (Bri. Up. I, 4, 10). Similarly Prahlâda says, 'As the Infinite one abides within all, he constitutes my "I" also; all is from me, I am all, within me is all.' (Vi. Pu. I, 19, 85.)

I discuss Vamadeva's statements here, by the way.

But my question is, how is this passage interpreted in the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya, according to which Jivatmas are totally separate from Paramatma?  I have two guesses:

Dvaitins could interpret in a similar fashion as they interpret the "Aham Brahmasmi" statement of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (which I discuss here), where it's interpreted as a statement of Brahman about himself, rather than a statement of an individual soul about Brahman.  I'm not sure how that interpretation would square with the
Dvaitins could interpret it by saying that since Vishnu is the supreme controller and guide, the names of all beings are ultimately glorifications of Vishnu.  This is how Madhvacharya interprets other Advaita-sounding statements in this excerpt from his commentary on the Brahma Sutras:

  Sastra means ... the ruler within, the Lord Vishnu.  The Padmapurana says, "Vishnu is declared by all the name of different things, for the reason that He rules all. There is no word whatever that names a thing without declaring Puroshothama (the Lord of Lords).  Like the declarations of Vamadeva "I was Manu and Surya, etc.," Indra's speech is to be understood.

I discuss Vamadeva's statement here and Indra's statement here, by the way.

In any case, are there any works of Madhvacharya or works or subsequent Dvaitins which interpret this statement of Prahlada in the Vishnu Purana?


texts: Sadhus grow their hair while Pandits shave them. Why?

texts:
I have seen many Sadhu who grow their hair and never cut them, while there are some Pandits who shave their hair and just have a small pony tail. Both of them are devotees of God but have opposite traits for their hairs.

Adding more on this, Hindus have a custom/belief/superstition until 'Mundan ceremony' is done, people avoid making a child pass under the shade of a tree as his hairs have not been shaved and they are prone to catching spirits. Also, in jainism (which is a near hinduism religion) there are stories of people plucking all their hairs and attain Dikhsha for Sanyaas. In Hinduism, people shave their hairs when their parents die. People also get hairs shaved in some famous temples like Tirupati Balaji, Mata Chintpurani, etc. There is also a strong belief that while praying or doing something hawan, etc, we tend to cover our hairs.

I want to know if there is a reason/belief for growing or cutting of hairs?


texts: Who is the Rishi Hiranyastupa of the family of Angiras?

texts:
Shatapatha Brahmana 1.6.4 mentions that Indra after hurling the thunderbolt at Vritra, hid himself and certain divinities were deputed to find him:

  Agni of the deities, Hiranyastûpa of the Rishis, and the Brihatî of the metres, set about searching for him. Agni discovered him and stayed with him (as a guest) that (day and) night. He (Indra), namely, is the Vasu of the gods, for he is their hero.

The footnote mentions a little more detail about Hiranyastupa:

  175:2 Hiranyastûpa, of the family of the Aṅgiras, is the reputed author (or seer) of the hymns Rig-veda I, 31-35; IX, 4; 69. Of these, I, 32 and 33, which celebrate the exploits of Indra, seem to have been especially prized.

I want to know if any scriptures give more details about the origins and life story of rishi Hiranyastupa besides what is already mentioned above.


texts: Is Sage Kashyapa mentioned in the Vedas?

texts: Sage Kashyapa was a great Sage. Is he mentioned in any of the four vedas.


texts: Why are many South Indian temple's walls painted in white and red stripes?

texts:
In many south Indian temples, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the temple's external walls are painted in white & red stripes. Why is it done so?

For example:


texts: What is the story of Vishnu's incarnation Prishnigarbha?

texts:
When Vishnu appeared before Vasudeva and Devaki in their prison cell in order to incarnate as Krishna, he told them about how he was born to them in previous births as well, as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam:

My dear mother, best of the chaste, in your previous birth, in the Svāyambhuva millennium, you were known as Pṛśni, and Vasudeva, who was the most pious Prajāpati, was named Sutapā.  When both of you were ordered by Lord Brahmā to create progeny, you first underwent severe austerities by controlling your senses....  Since I am the best of all bestowers of benediction, I appeared in this same form... to ask you to take from Me the benediction you desired. You then expressed your desire to have a son exactly like Me....
Since I found no one else as highly elevated as you in simplicity and other qualities of good character, I appeared in this world as Pṛśnigarbha, or one who is celebrated as having taken birth from Pṛśni.  In the next millennium, I again appeared from the two of you, who appeared as My mother, Aditi, and My father, Kaśyapa. I was known as Upendra, and because of being a dwarf, I was also known as Vāmana.  O supremely chaste mother, I, the same personality, have now appeared of you both as your son for the third time.

My question is, what is the story of Vishnu's incarnation (avatara) Prishnigarbha?  What was the purpose of this incarnation, and what did he do?  I can't find much information on him.  Prahupada claims in one of his purports that Prishnigarbha was the incarnation of Vishnu who appeared before Dhruva:

According to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī in his Laghu-bhāgavatāmṛta, the Sahasraśīrṣā Personality of Godhead who appeared at that time was the incarnation known as Pṛśnigarbha.

But does this claim have any scriptural basis?
Also, Wikipedia says "King Suthapas and his wife ... gave birth to Prasnigarbhan who gave to the world the practice of Brahmacharya Vratha (Celibacy)."  But it doesn't provide any sources.  Are there any scriptures that mention this?
What other details about Prishnigarbha's life are mentioned in Hindu scripture?


texts: Is Lord Nityananda the incarnation of Sri Balarama?


texts: Who is Jalangiman Chetti and what powers did he possess?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda in one of his talks mentions a person, Jalangiman Chetti, claiming he acquired some special powers from constant repetition of certain mantras.

Who is this person and what powers did he possess?

  One way for attaining Bhakti is by repeating the name of God a number of times. Mantras have effect — the mere repetition of words. Jalangiman Chetti's powers are due to the repetition of the Mantra — repetition of certain words with certain ceremonies. The powers of the Astras or Bānas (missiles, arrows, etc.) of ancient war were due to Mantra. This is taken for granted throughout our Shāstras. That we should take all these Shastras to be imagination is superstition.

  To obtain Bhakti, seek the company of holy men who have Bhakti, and read books like the Gita and the Imitation of Christ; always think of the attributes of God.

  The Vedas contain not only the means how to obtain Bhakti but also the means for obtaining any earthly good or evil. Take whatever you want.


texts: What is called for those who have not realized their Saguna or Nirguna bodies?

texts:
Whoever has awakened to the true nature of their being is called Brahman in Hindu.
What is the called for those, who have not awakened to the true Nature ?


texts:
Why did sage bringi only worship only shiva and not shakti
What happened with rishi bringi after shakti took shakti(power ) from sage bringi's body.
In durga chalisa there is a line

Nishidin dhyan dharo shekar ko
kahu kaal nhi sumiro tumko
shakti roop ko maran na payo
shakti gayi tab man pachitayo
sharnagat Hui Kirti bakhani
Jay Jay Jay jagdamb bhavani
Bhai prasann aadi jagdamba
dai shakti nahi kin vilamba

In this who is that person "kaal" is it same rishi bringi?


texts: Are Advaita and Karma theory completely contradictory?

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As per Karma theory, certain events of my current life are the fruits of my actions in one or more earlier births. Whose action's fruits am I facing in this birth?  Given that it cannot be my current body or mind, it follows that it has to be my Atman. But according to Advaita, only Brahman exists and everything else is the product of Maya. In particular, the seemingly different people we see are all Brahman and seem different only because of Maya. Then how is it possible to determine the me from a previous birth? If one can indeed determine the me from the previous birth then does that not directly imply duality contradicting Advaita?

In fact I do not see how rebirth is even possible in the context of Advaita. Who is getting reborn? There is only Atman which manifests as duality through Maya. One cannot point to someone and say "you will be a great scholar in your next birth". For the statement to be true automatically means duality.


texts: Can anyone with Rajo or Tamo Guna predominant be devotee of Sri Vishnu?

texts: I have read about how we should develop Sattvic guna to be devotee of Sri Vishnu or His Avatars. But can anyone with rajasic or tamasic guna predominant be devotee of Sri Vishnu? If yes, I would love to hear about such personalities from scriptures.


texts: Are there schools or sects of Hinduism that believe the span of Karmic accounting does not exceed one lifetime and reject the notion of Karmic debt/credit being carried forward into the next life?


texts:
Is there any mention of Vedic temples being built on Earths magnetic lines?
Longitude 79 meridian EAST seems to have very long list of Ancient Indian Temples built on this specific longitude:
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Brihadeswara temple, Meenakshi temple Madurai, Arulmigu Rameshwaram, Tungnath temple .... and so on and on and on!

Baijnath, Maha Kaleshwar MP, Kal Bhairav Ujjain, lie on Longitude 76 east.


texts: Why are some food items advised against by the Vedas?

texts: The Vedas teach Hindus to avoid some food items. The list includes not only non-vegetarian food but also old food items in the vegetarian categories too (older in this sense means food items which are put in the fridge for more than one day and also items like pickle.) Also, it is advised to avoid items with too much peppery, salty, and sour taste. What is the basis for this? Are there any specific reasons behind this categorization?


texts: Why doesn't Shiva worship anybody where as Vishnu worships him in all his incarnations?

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There is a difference between Bhagwata Purana and Shiva Purana:

Bhagwata Purana states that Vishnu is more supreme than Shiva, and from Vishnu, Brahma and by Brahma, Shiva was born. But if that is so, why does Vishnu worship Shiva in all of his incarnations, whereas Shiva never worships anybody?

Shiva Purana says that Vishnu and Brahma were created from Aadi Anant JyotirStambha of Shiva. When there was a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu about who is more supreme, at that time, Shiva appeared as Jyotirstambha and asked both of them to reach start and end of it. Vishnu traveled downwards to reach end and Brahma traveled upwards to reach beginning, but both of them failed and considered there is no end of Shiva and asked Shiva to guide them. In this story Brahma lied that he reached beginning, So Shiva banned his worships in Hinduism, which is true. Brahma's son Daksha Prajapati was against Shiva because of this reason only.

Now, Lord Rama established Shiva Linga when he was marching towards Lanka which is known as Rameshwara Mahadeva meaning Ishwar (God) of Rama. In Ramayana, when Lord Rama wanted to do Prashchatap because he considered killing Ravana as sin of killing a brahmana, he asked Hanumanji to organize to establish a Shiva Linga and asked again Shiva for mercy and to cut his sin. If Lord is himself able to cut sins, can't he cut his own sins?
In Krishna avatar when Krishna wanted to bring some tree Kalpa Vriksha from Indra, he worshiped Shiva for blessings and that is known as Gopeshwara Mahadeva in vrindavana  meaning Ishwara (God) of Gopal (Krishna). Also when Krishna wanted to have a son, he asked sages and from their advice he prayed to Lord Shiva to get a son. If Krishna was Vishnu against who nothing will happen, why he said that "Shive Sarvadhi Sadhike" means nothing happens without Shiva's will, so please bless me with son!! when the Mahabharata was about to be battled he asked Pandavas to have bliss of Shiva first and arranged a Pooja of Shiva Linga.
In Bhagwata Purana also, there is a story about Lakshmi Devi's unhappiness with Vishnu because Vishnu told her that half area of his heart is dedicated to Lord Shiva only. And in the rest of the half, all the creatures of world and all deities including her wife Lakshmi lives!
Parashurama is also considered as great devotee of Shiva, Shiva gave him Parashu (axe), for which Parashurama is famous for.
So, why doesn't Shiva worship anybody whereas Vishnu worships him in all his incarnations?
What I think is, because Shiva is the only Supreme Paramatma as he is unborn (Ajanma), Akarta and Abhokta (Vairagi) as said in Geeta that God is Ajanma, Akarta and Abhokta. God is neerakar (shapeless and formless), Shiva Linga is symbol of Shiva's such form only.
And also Vishnu always advised other deities (Kartikeya, Indra, Parvati, etc.) to worship Shiva only if they have mistakenly committed sins.
I'm curious and trying to make sense of all this. Can anybody throw some light on my doubts?
EDIT:
Vishnu says Shiva is the eternal origin (seed) of all things
From Veda Vyasa's Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva:

The blessed Vishnu said, 'I saluted Mahadeva, saying,--Salutations to thee, O thou that art the eternal origin of all things. The Rishis say that thou art the Lord of the Vedas. The righteous say that thou art Penance, thou art Sattwa, thou art Rajas, thou art Tamas, and thou art Truth...

Vishnu himself said "Shiva is the eternal origin of ..." That's why I think Shiva linga is the seed and whatever we see, it is just a tree from that seed.


texts: I want to know why Lord Krishna is called Kunj Bihari.


texts: How strong lord krishna and Arjuna's friendship was?

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We all know when Arjuna became confused as he faced his relatives on the battlefield, he turned to his friend and chariot-driver for help. Because Arjuna had such a friendly rapport with the Lord, his turning to Krishna for instruction was a shift in the relationship. This was the setting for the Bhagavad-gita, wherein Krishna reveals His magnificent universal form to His friend Arjuna.
But was there anything more than just this?


texts:
This is something that I have been asking for some time, as far as I know, Jarasandha conquered many kingdoms, was an ally of many kings and ruled all of India. Sure, I know about his human sacrifice, but as far as I know in Treta Yuga, another king wanted to do  something similar, besides he defeated all those kings with his abilities and he was going to kill them in a different way.

Apart from that, I see very likely that he defended the four Varna because he received a blessing that he would do that as well as many other things, even Vaishampayana described him as someone who always followed the truth.

And yes, I know about his attacks on Mathura but it was because he wanted to avenge the death of his son-in-law Kamsa

So my question is: why is he considered so evil even though he probably did many good things?


texts: A question has been bugging my mind for a few days-Is eating meat and fish explicitly forbidden in Vedas?I want to know the truth with vedic reference.


texts: What does it mean to say that Vishnu worships those who worship him?

texts:
In this chapter of the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, Shiva extols the great qualities of Vishnu.  In particular, he says this:

  The illustrious Hari, the puissant Narayana, is verily, the foremost of all beings in Heaven. Adored, he adores, and honoured he honours; unto them that make offerings to him, he makes offerings in return. Worshipped, he worships in return, if seen always, he sees the seers always. If one seeks His refuge and protection, He seeks the seeker as his refuge in return. Ye foremost of all righteous ones, if adored and worshipped, He adores and worships in return. Even this is the high practice of the faultless Vishnu. Even this is the vow that is practised by all righteous people, of that first of all deities, that puissant Lord of all creatures. He is always worshipped in the world. Verily, that Eternal Being is worshipped by even the deities.

My question is, what does Shiva mean by saying that Vishnu worships those who worship him, seeks the protection of those who seek his protection, etc.?

Is this just a roundabout way of saying that he does good to and loves those who worship him?  That would fit with the line about "this is the vow that is practised by all righteous people", i.e. gratitude to those who have helped you.

In any case, are there any commentaries on the Mahabharata that explain this quote?


texts: Are there explicit statements in the scriptures about the purpose of human life?

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Some suggest the purpose of human life is happiness, but no references to explicit statements in the scriptures were provided.

Are there explicit statements about the purpose of human life in the scriptures?


texts: What is Ayyavazhi religion and what are their beliefs?

texts:
what is Ayyavazhi religion?
What are their mainstream beliefs?
How does this religion differ from mainstream Hinduism?


texts: How is tantric sex, meat eating and alcohol consumption justified?

texts: Tantra which refers to the esoteric practices and traditions of Hinduism usually in Shaktism involves taboo activities of meat eating, alcohol consumption and sex. All these activities are perceived to be disliked by most Hindus. However, most Tantra practitioners see it as another way to realise God. Even Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was known to have practiced it. So how are such practices justified? To find the answer of this question, I tried to look up on the Internet and found an article regarding the topic. However, I was still unsatisfied.


texts: Of course when one finds it necessary to know about one religion, the first books or valid references they would be offered, are each religion's number one book! (Quran, Bible, etc), but what about Hinduism, what is its number one book? Where to start?


texts: Are Vaikhanasa Agamas supposed to be followed in Swayambhu Vishnu temples?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, one of the early movements that was important in 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. In fact you can pretty much define Vaishnavism the belief in the supremacy of Vishnu as it's described in the Pancharatra texts.
But as I discuss in this answer, there is another group of Vishnu-worshippers who worship Vishnu according to a different set of texts, the Vaikhanasas. Vaikhanasas place more emphasis on rituals than in high-minded philosophy; while mainstream Vaishnavas are committed to elaborate Vedantic philosophical systems, like Dvaita or Visistadvaita, Vaikhanasa doctrines are more about the construction and worship of idols and the like.   The vast majority of Vishnu-worshippers are Vaishnavas, but there are a few Vaikhanasa temples in India.
In fact, the most popular Vishnu temple in the world, the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, is a Vaikhanasa temple.  This has led to some tension over its practices, and over whether it should adopt more Pancharatra customs.  In [this 2002 article], the Shankaracharya of Kanchi weighed in on this issue:

"There are two kinds of temples. One where the deity comes out on its own or Swayambhu and the other where the deities are installed," he said and added that there are two systems for performing rituals at Vaishnava temples — Pancharatram and Vaikhanasam.
Pancharatra system began during the days of Ramanujacharya, while the other system is traditional. But for the temples where deities are not installed Vaikhanasa is the right system to follow, he explained. There is no place for Pancharatra system there, the swami said.
"Tirumala is one such temple, where the rituals have to be performed according to the traditional Vaikhanasa system," the Shankaracharya said.

So my question is, is the Shankaracharya of Kanchi right that Vishnu temples where the statue is Swayambhu or divinely created are supposed to follow Vaikhanasa rather than Pancharatra?
Here is a list of 8 famous Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, or places where Vishnu manifested as a Swayambhu statue.  I think almost all of them have always been run according to Pancharatra.  For instance, Sri Rangam is the oldest center of Sri Vaishnavism, and it contains the oldest Swayambhu Vishnu statue as I discuss here.  So it seems like either a larger number of Vishnu temples are following the wrong practices, or the Shankaracharya is mistaken.
Does anyone know of any scripture which says that Swayambhu Vishnu statues have to be worshipped according to Vaikhanasa as opposed to Pancharatra?


texts: Artificial Limb Transplant ( Prothesis) in Rig-Veda?

texts:
In medicine, a  Prosthesis , is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part lost through trauma, disease, or congenital conditions.
prosthetics is simply replacement of missing limbs.

My question is - In which verse of Rig-Veda there is mentioning  of prosthetics?


texts: 'Whatever happens, happens for good, is this verse found In any scriptures?

texts:
Many of us have heard this even in Hindi

  Jo hota hain acha ke liye hota hain.

Is this concept found in any scriptures of Hinduism? Is this really part of Hindu philosophy or not? Is it shown anywhere in Ramayana or Mahabharata?


texts: What are all the titles conferred to Ramanujacharya?

texts:
Ramanujacharya is a Sri Vaishnava acharya, philosopher who propounded Vishishtadvaita in his work Sri Bhashyam. He is famous for bhakti movement. He removed the caste barrier of achieving moksha through Sharanagati and included all the varnas in temple service. Also much more.

In this process, did he receive any honorifics and titles in life? Wikipedia says there are three titles viz Emberumānār, Udaiyavar, Yatirāja. Are there any other titles (if any)? Why and when (an explanation of the incident is suffice) are these titles conferred to Ramanujacharya?


texts: What are the principle texts/Scriptures of Trika or Kashmir Shaivism?

texts:
Kashmir Shaivism is an Advaita (nondualist) Shaiva tradition from Kashmir based on Shaiva Agamas. One important scripture i am aware is Shiva Sutra by Vasgupta, in addition to Shivabheda Agamas (as mentioned in this Kamika Agama introduction).  What are the important scriptures of Kashmir Shaivism apart from above scriptures?

I know Acharya Abhinavagupta is most important Acharya of Kashmir Shaivism. Please provide works or commentaries of Abhinavagupta which can provide gist or essence of Trika philosophy. Also, post any important works by other Acharyas of Trika philosophy.

In short, please list all important Scriptures or texts of Trika school in descending order, from direct Shiva Beda Agamas (most important or authentic of them) to Works of Acharyas like Abhinavagupta. If possible, provide online links of those scriptures with English translations which are out of copyright.

(This question is inspired by similar questions of Advaita Vedanta and Visistadvaita Vedanta).


texts: Where is the concept of Prapatti/Saranagati mentioned in the mukhya upanishads, as per the Sri Vaishnava interpretation?

texts:
Srivaishnavas, followers of Ramanuja, believe in the concept of prapatti or Saranagati, where, if I understand correctly, God himself becomes the savior after the devotee surrenders completely to God. People are welcome to correct me, if I misunderstood.

Now here is my question. Where is the concept of Prapatti mentioned in the mukhya upanishads, as per the Sri Vaishnava interpretation? Please cite commentaries or works of Sri Vaishnava acharyas to support your statements. The exact word "prapatti/saranagati" need not be there. It is sufficient if the concept is present. (Here, by mukhya upanishads, I mean the main upanishads (about 10-15) and not all the 108 upanishads).


texts: Did Lord Rama recite Hanuman Kavacham before fighting Ravana?

texts: I heard in one of the religious discourses by some Sadhu that whenever Rama used to be in trouble during war with Ravna somehow Hanuman would come and save him. Some say that Lord Rama had recited Hanuman Kavach before fighting with Ravna and thus Lord Hanuman used to save him during sudden trouble. Is this true? Why Lord Rama being a supreme God needed recitation of Hanuman Kavacham?


texts: What was the period when vedic scriptures were put in written form?

texts: Vedic scriptures were originally in oral form only. In which period were the scriptures put in written form?


texts: Which is the best time prescribed to have a meal for a yogi?

texts:
Recently, i read a post about diet here. As it was backed up by shastras, according to it, grihasthas eat twice a day while yogis or people in vanaprastha stage used to eat only once.
My question is that which is that time to eat meal for those who eat only once a day.


texts: Does Bhagvad Geeta have multiple versions?

texts:
Does Bhagvad Geeta have multiple versions like many other scriptures?
Has anybody heard about it?


texts: Which rig Vedic verses are repeated in atharva Veda?

texts: Atharva Veda has 6th of its verses borowed from rigveda, are there books which deal was to which verses are repeated in atharva Veda?


texts: Do the Vedas say that Indra can grant moksha?

texts: According to the History teacher in my school, Indra can grant moksha according to the Vedas. Now this seems very appalling to me since Indra is not the supreme God. So is she right?


texts: Why does ISKCON translate bhagavan as 'Supreme Personality of Godhead' and others as demigod?

texts:
Why does ISKCON translate bhagavan as 'Supreme Personality of Godhead' instead of just 'O fortunate one' or 'O glorious one' or 'one with opulences'. Only when Krishna or Vishnu or Rama or other incarnations are involved, it is translated that way, other times i.e when bhagavan is used for other deities , it is translated differently like 'your greatness','powerful lord' etc..

Eg.
For Vishnu related:
Rama: https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/9/11/1/
Mohini: https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/8/9/9/
Vishnu: https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/10/1/20/

For Others:
Shukracharya: https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/8/20/2/
Shiva: https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/12/10/3/

Why other deities are translated as demigod? Is it justifiable according to Chaitanya Vaishnavism?


texts: On the doctrine of two truths in advaita (and hinduism)

texts:
In hinduism, advaita propounds the doctrine of two truths - vyavahArika satya and paramArthika satya.

However, long before Shankara (8th - 9th century CE) , the foremost exponent of advaita, the mAdhyamika buddhist philosopher nAgArjuna (2nd - 3rd century CE) propounds the doctrine of two truths - samvRti satya and paramArtha satya.

Is there any explicit reference to any two truths doctrine in hindu/vedic/smriti/commentary/grammar sources before the time of nAgArjuna? I am looking for explicit references and not vague statements that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

I do not want to go into whether advaita's two truths are same or different from that of mAdhyamika buddhism. I just want to know if there is(are) any hindu source(s) before nAgArjuna, that talks of any sort of two truths - whatever those two truths may mean.

PS: Please dont quote some obscure "upanishads" (not quoted by Shankara or his contemporaries) or post-Shankaran advaitic sources. The sources that I am looking for, must be pre-nAgArjuna. Also, please dont quote statements from upanishads like - brahman has two aspects, x and y, satyam cha anrtam cha satyam abhavat,  yatra hi dvaitam iva bhavati...., vacharambhanam vikaro namadheyam.... I am not looking for these kinds of statements. These statements can have multiple interpretations. Thank you for understanding.

EDIT: My question is not duplicate because my question is specific to scriptures which are pre-nAgArjuna. Also I am looking for explicit references to the two truths doctrine. Not some vague references which can be interpreted in multiple ways.


texts: Why is Ganga considered sacred? Why do so many devotees worship this river?

texts:
What is river Ganga considered sacred? Why do so many devotees worship her?

Note: This is not a dup. of Historically, when (and why) did Ganga become a holy river? Is it after Sarasvati dried up? as that's about when and how Ganga as a river rose in prominence compared to other rivers.


texts:
Mahabharata was initially called Jaya which means victory. But then it was called Bharata.
Why is Mahabharata called Mahabharata?


texts: What events in Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa can be explained only if Rāma was a God?

texts:
In Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, are there any superhuman feats that Rāma performed that a layperson could not have performed?

I'm looking for feats such as Hanumān flying over the sea to reach Laṅkā (a feat his fellow vānaras could not match) – this can only be explained by the fact that he was a son of god Vāyu.

If possible, please limit your answers to events mentioned in the Critical Edition of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa.

The title of this question is inspired by What events in mahabharata can be explained only if Krishna was God?


texts:
Namaskar,

We see Ulu dhvani(sound) during puja. This is also called ululation in english. Why do we need to do that? I don't have any religious book where I can know this. So it will be great if I got answer.

You can hear it in this video.

Hare krishna.


texts: Who is this Persian-looking man in the Samudra Manthan?

texts: In multiple portrayals of the Samudra Manthan, a man is seen in the waters, pulling from neither side. His dressing style makes him look like a Persian. Who is this?


texts: On Quora, I have seen many people (mainly ISKCON priests) say that Shiva Purana was "adulterated by Shaiva kings" or something along this line. Is this true or false?


texts: Why do some scriptures say men should not marry a girl who has no brother?

texts:
In various scriptures it is mentioned that we should not marry a woman who has no brother.

  Manusmriti 3:11.

  yasyāstu na bhaved bhrātā na vijñāyeta vā pitā | naupayaccheta tāṃ
  prājñaḥ putrikā'dharmaśaṅkayā || 11 ||

  But a prudent man should not marry(a maiden) who has no brother, nor one whose father isnot known, through fear lest (in the former
  case she be made) an appointed daughter (and in the latter) lest
  (heshould commit) sin.

Not only Manusmriti, Vedas also prohibit to marry a brotherless girl.

  Atharvaved 1:17:1:-Those maidens there, the veins, who run their course in robes of ruddy hue, must now stand quiet, reft of power, like sisters who are brotherless.

Yaska commented on the verse:-

  Nirukta 3:4:-They stand like women who have no brother, and whose path is  obstructed with regard to procreation and the offering of the sacrificial cake. With these words the simile implies the prohibition of marrying a brotherless maiden.


texts:
Can non-Hindus worship Lord Shiva?

Specifically:

Can they chant his name?
Can they listen to the chanting once in a while?

I thought it's okay for anyone to listen to and pray even though they are not Hindu, but I'm afraid that it would make Lord Shiva displeased.

Can anyone cite a scriptural opinion on this?


texts: Was Acharya Abhinavgupta initiated in Vedanta as well?

texts:
Acharya Abhinavgupta a renowned Shaiva-Shakta enlightened master of Kashmiri Shaivism had numerous Gurus. While reading introductory part in one of the works of Swami Lakshman Joo, I found the following sentence -

  Swamiji tells us that Bhattenduraja was not of the Trika school; he was of the Vedanta school, but he was Shaivite.

In the concluding verses also Acharya Abhinavgupta acknowledges Bhattenduraja as the master who taught him Bhagvat Geeta.

So do we find any further evidences which shows the Acharya was initiated in Vedanta school. Also, which Vedanta school he was subscribed to? As his master was Shaiva, it possibly means a Shaiva Vedanta school which is no more existing or Advait Vedanta?


texts: Do the followers of the Ekayana Shakha still exist?

texts:
The Ekayana Shakha is a lost shakha of the Shukla Yajur Veda.

The Sri Vaishnava Pancharatra Agamas are based on the Ekayana shakha.

Yamunacharya in his work "Agama Pramanya", written in the 10th or 11th century, has said that the Ekayana shakha was still alive in his time and people studied it like any other shakha.

So, it must have been lost sometime between now and then.

However, even though the text is lost, are there people alive today who claim that that is their ancestral shakha?

Dvijas recollect ancestral gotras, ancestral Vedic shakha, and grihya sutra. For example, most Brahmins in south India follow the Krishna Yajur Veda.

So is there anyone who claims his ancestral shakha is the ekayana shakha?


texts: Are there any statements in Mahabharata that confirm that the shape of earth is not flat?

texts:
It is well known that several scriptures in Hinduism declare that the shape of earth is not flat.

So Hindu scriptures refute the idea of a flat earth.

Are there any statements explicitly from Mahabharata stating that earth is not flat?

Note that I am not asking for the exact shape of earth from any scripture. I am asking for statements only from Mahabharata that refute the flat shape concept of earth.


texts:
What is Surya Kriya? What is its significance? How it is different from other related practices?
Is it part of Patanjali Sutras? I have not come across too many texts or videos explaining the same.


texts: How can Brahman possibly be devoid of qualities?

texts:
If Brahman and Prakriti are not separate, but two sides of the same coin ... i.e. if Brahman 'IS' Prakriti, then that makes Brahman full of qualities. How can it possibly be devoid of attributes when in reality it's full of attributes.

After cosmic dissolution, all nama & rupa disappear, but do the gunas dissapear. No. The 3 gunas continues to exist, (even though they remain in a state of equilibrium or in a state of dormancy) they do exist.

Who possesses these 3 gunas? It is Prakriti and Prakriti is Brahman. This makes Brahman full of gunas.

I would like to know whether any disciples of Shankara raised this point and if it was addressed by Shankara.


texts: Why oil is offered to Lord Hanuman on Saturday?

texts:
If you visit Hanuman temple especially on Saturdays, we see a number of devotees offer oil (especially gingili oil).
Why oil is offered to Lord Hanuman


texts: Can a Brahmana raise a war or kill someone?

texts:
As per Hinduism, Parashurama is widely known as a person who raised war against Kshatriyas.

Now as per Vedas, whether a person is a Brahmana or a Kshatriya is based on his karmas only. If one kills another seeking revenge, is he a Brahmana or a Kshatriya?

If Parashurama is to be considered a Brahmana, he should've forgiven the Kshatriyas or at the most he should've cursed them, but why did he take up weapons?

Also Kalki avatar is predicted to be a Brahmana and will raise a war.

I think it's true that Brahmana is the one who never accepts Tamas nature. So can a Brahmana kill someone to seek revenge?

If a Brahmana does kill someone, should we now consider him a Kshatriya taking into account his recent actions?


texts: Traditional Rajput dharma is to sacrifice themselves in battle - can dharma be passive?

texts:
I'm writing a paper about Rajput self-sacrifice in ancient battles. I'm looking into the motivation for sacrifice and for fighting in general and I have this question:

It is said that a Rajput's dharma is to sacrifice themselves in battle.

Is this correct? What reliable source is there for this?
Sacrificing myself is basically dying. How can my dharma be to die in battle? Isn't it a little dependent on others? I need my enemy to kill me for me to die. I thought dharma was traditionally about decision and right ways. How does relying on another for fulfillment work here?


texts: What is difference between the roles of Manu and Prajapati?

texts:
It is said that Vishnu created Brahma, Brahma opened the Golden Egg and created the Universe and the Heaven. He also created the 4 children from his brain or head. He then created 9 Prajapatis and 14 Manus. If that's the case what is the difference between the roles of Prajapatis and Manus?

Also, can we say that the 4 children from the brain or head of Brahma are the 4 Vedas and the 9 Prajapatis are the 9 planets? If that's the case, what about the rest of the Universe? Are there other Prajapatis for other parts of the Universe?


texts: Where and when do Lord Shiva's legends originate?

texts:
My question is specifically about the earliest times and location of the origin of Lord Shiva's legends.

What are the earliest recorded stories about him, do the legends of Shiva originate within traditional Hindustan (India) region or from further out areas like Iran or Tibet etc? What historical records and/or archaeological artifacts have been found?

Edit:

I did some reading up following Veneet's comments below, and the earliest artifact found comes from Mohenja-Daro - the Pashupati seal, dating from 2600–1900 BCE.
Reading 2
Reading 3

Some further reading led me to Celtic god Cernunnos. His artifacts had been made further away, in ancient Thrace (near Turkey/Greece/Bulgaria). They also date later after the Mohenja Daro seal. 200BC-300AD as compared to Pashupati seal's 2600–1900 BCE. Does this suggest that worship of Shiva extended much further than today? Then it would be similar to how Buddhism extended far and wide, and then shrank to smaller pockets of worship.

A more clearer picture, found on Gundestrup Cauldron artifact, dating 200 BC to 300 AD, probably from Thrace, located at modern Southern Bulgaria, Eastern Greece and North-western Turkey.:

I for one, find the similarity between our Shiva and their Cernunnos to be bloody remarkable.

This article, section "The Horned God - Cernunnos, Shiva or Pashupati?", talks about this, and Lord Shiva's and Sanskrit's connection to Celtic Druidism.

Can anyone shed further light?


texts: What is the beejam of Lord Dakshinamurthy?

texts:
Every God and Goddess have their beejams. For example, Lord Dattatreya has beejam "Dram".
What is Lord Dakshinamurthy beejam?


texts: Defining Number Of Days For Ashoucha(sutaka) in case of death within bloodlines (relatives)

texts:
I wanted to understand regarding the Ashoucha(sutaka) in case of death of a relative.
I wanted to know regarding number of days for Ashoucha(sutaka), and when and how we should follow the sutaka.
And if a person(relative) has died in a different place and is a far relative should we follow the sutaka rules even if we don't visit the place of death.
Would like to know the rules and regulations on how to follow the sutaka properly?


texts: Isn't it non-human to burn Raavan's effigy (Raavan Dahan) during Dussera?

texts:
During childhood, I used to get excited (not happy though) seeing Raavana's effigy being burnt. People around used to dance and cheer. But for many years, not only I find it idiotic but also non-human.

Yes, Raavana did some bad Karma for which he (was privileged to) got killed by Lord Rama. Considering today's crimes, what he did is relatively less.   Some may argue that in those times, it was unpardonable. But it can be counter-argued that, the effigies are being burnt in today's time.

We may assume that, actual "Raavana Dahan" is a symbol of burning out 10 bad qualities within ourselves. In such case neither there is a need of personifying Raavan alone nor such "insights" are conveyed to the people (dancing & cheering) around.

How many years old is this tradition?
In which scripture or book, is it prescribed to celebrate this event?
Why such celebrations don't happen for others; e.g. Duryodhana?


texts: Where does it say that Brahman appears in any form worshipped by the worshipper?

texts: I heard that the Bhagavad gita says this,and I read it in the mahaskanda purana.where in bhagavad geeta does it say this?and are there any other places that say this?


texts: What is the purpose of Venkateshwar incarnation?

texts:
Generally, Gods incarnate for some specific reasons like, destruction of some evil forces, to enlighten people with knowledge, establish dharma, etc. We have seen the same in case of most of Lord Vishnu's incarnations like Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Varaha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Parasurama, Lord Vamana, etc.

But I can't really understand about what is the purpose of Venkateshwar incarnation. I have read the story of Venkateshwar incarnation and I know about how the curse, etc things happen and how he spent His time on earth but generally the incarnations, curses, etc happen for a bigger purpose in future. So, can somebody please enlighten me on this.


texts:
Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnava acharya and the propounder of Vishishtadvaita philosophy, is known to have converted many Buddhists and Jains back to Hinduism.

What about atheists? Did he convert any atheists? If yes, how did he convert atheists back to Hinduism?

So I want to know if there is any legend where Sri Ramanuja came in contact with atheists and converted them. If yes, then how?

Note: By "atheists" here, I mean those who do not believe in any existence of God.


texts: Has any Hindu scholar who upheld birth based Varna system refuted Assalayana Sutta?

texts:
In the Assalayana Sutta, it is written that Buddha visited Sàvatthi. There around 500 Brahmins lived in Sàvatthi. As Buddha preached purity of all four Varnas, Brahmins decided to send a boy named Assalayana to debate with Buddha about how can all castes be pure. At first Assalayana resisted, then he accepted to debate with Buddha regarding this matter when thinking he would surely lose the debate.

So, he started debating with Buddha. At the end these conversation happened.

  'But do you know, masters, if the mother who bore you went only with a
  brahman, and not with a non-brahman?'

  "'No, master.'

  "'And do you know if the mothers of the mother who bore you — back
  seven generations of mothers — went only with brahmans, and not with
  non-brahmans?'

  "'No, master.'

  "'And do you know if the father who sired you went only with a brahman
  woman, and not with a non-brahman woman?'

  "'No, master.'

  "'And do you know if the fathers of the father who bore you — back
  seven generations of fathers — went only with brahman women, and not
  with non-brahman women?'

  "'No, master.'

  "'Do you know how there is the descent of an embryo?'

  "'Yes, master, we know how there is the descent of an embryo. There is
  the case where the mother & father have come together, the mother is
  fertile, and a gandhabba [the being about to be reborn] is standing
  present. The coming together of these three is the descent of the
  embryo.'

  "'But do you know for sure whether the gandhabba is a noble warrior, a
  brahman, a merchant, or a worker?'

  "'No, master.'

  "'That being the case, do you know who you are?'

  "'That being the case, master, we don't know who we are.'

  "Now, Assalayana, when those seven brahman seers couldn't defend their
  own birth-statement when interrogated, pressed, & rebuked by the seer
  Devala the Dark, how can you now defend your own birth-statement when
  interrogated, pressed, & rebuked by me — you, their lineage holder,
  but not (the equal of) Punna, their ladle holder?"

It is basically saying something like, If Brahmin Varna is simply based on birth, what if a fake person whose caste was some other cohabited with any of our ancestors? How can you ensure that all of your ancestors are Brahmins, when you didn't even sure your mother cohabited with a Brahmin man and not some other Varna?

Any Hindu scholar ever tried to refute this?


texts:
Among the major texts of Hinduism, Gita is one of the most accepted texts. It is sung by the Lord Krishna, and in it He says surrender unto Him.
Do worshippers of Shiva read the Gita as much as Vaishnavas? What are their most important texts?


texts: Why is Ram lila popular in North India than South India?

texts:
When thought of Deepavali the question struck my mind---
Krishna killed Narakasura and we celebrate Deepavali. Rama killed Ravana mightier than Narakasura. During vijayadasami, Ramlila is the one we celebrate for that. Deepavali is celebrated across India but Ram lila is celebrated mostly in North India only. Why is it so?


texts: Who are some great devotees of Lord Ganesha from the scriptures?

texts:
I am looking for the names of some Lord Ganesha devotees.Those names have to be mentioned in the scriptures.

In scriptures (like the PurAnas) we often find such names. For example, PrahlAda was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, Dadichi, MArkendeya that of Lord Shiva ( MArkandeya was also a devotee of Lord Vishnu i think) etc.


texts:
This stotra gives 9 names of nagas worshiped in hindu dharma.
Can anybody give more details about them. I know about two of them one is Vasuki(वासुकी)- played a major role in churning of ocean and another one Kaliya(कालिय) who was taught a lesson in vrindavan by Lord Krishna.
But what about others ?

Also it skipped my mind,
The Shesh Nag incarnated as Lakshman in Ram avatar and Balraam in Krishna avatar.


texts: Ganga flows from Meru parvat but, where is Meru?

texts:
Srimad bhagvat mahapuran (5.17.3)

  After purifying the seven planets near Dhruvaloka [the polestar], the Ganges water is carried through the spaceways of the demigods in billions of celestial airplanes. Then it inundates the moon [Candraloka] and finally reaches Lord Brahmā’s abode atop Mount Meru.

Srimad bhagvat mahapuran (5.17.5)

  On top of Mount Meru, the Ganges divides into four branches, each of which gushes in a different direction [east, west, north and south]. These branches, known by the names Sītā, Alakanandā, Cakṣu and Bhadrā, flow down to the ocean.

Here it says that Ganga flows from meru parvat however, the parvat does not exist where Ganga currently is. So what I want to know exactly is, where is mount meru?

Note: I do not wish to offend anyone regarding my question. Our current thirthas are as holy regardless of their authenticity and I respect their location. Being a Hindu, I would never disrespect any thirth just because they do not match with shastras. Many thirthas have changed locations and this is why I try to find their original location. Sorry if I have offended anybody.


texts: Is there scholarship on the history of Tarka sastra in North India?

texts: Specifically, I am interested in the history of pūrvapakṣa approach during the period beginning from 1000 CE to 2000 CE in North India.


texts: Why does the Vishnu Purana and Mahabharat promote Child Marriage?

texts:
A Hindu basher online presented lines from the Vishnu Puranas, that make it acceptable for child marriage to occur. In fact, this entire paragraph seems so weird.

If he marry, he must select a maiden who is of a third of his age; one who has not too much hair, but is not without any; one who is not very black nor yellow complexioned, and who is not from birth a cripple or deformed. He must not marry a girl who is vicious or unhealthy, of low origin, or labouring under disease; one who has been ill brought up; one who talks improperly; one who inherits some malady from father or mother; one who has a beard, or who is of a masculine appearance; one who speaks thick or thin, or croaks like a raven; one who keeps her eyes shut, or has the eyes very prominent; one who has hairy legs, or thick ancles; or one who has dimples in her cheeks when she laughs. Let not a wise and prudent man marry a girl of such a description: nor let a considerate man wed a girl of a harsh skin; or one with white nails; or one with red eyes, or with very fat hands and feet; or one who is a dwarf, or who is very tall; or one whose eyebrows meet, or whose teeth are far apart, and resemble tusks. Let a householder marry a maiden who is in kin at least five degrees remote from his mother, and seven from his father, with the ceremonies enjoined by law 9.
Vishnu Purana Book III, Chapter X

Why shouldn't one marry a girl with eyes prominent, very tall, who has dimples in her cheeks when she laughs? I have a strong feeling this translated version, done by Horace Hayman Wilson, seems almost unauthentic, because is there even a word for dimple or cheeks in Sanskrit?
Too black? That's doesn't make sense either, Krishna, Ram, Yamuna, Draupadi were all dark and beautiful as noted in other scriptures.
Another verse is similar in the Mahabharata, where a man of thirty should marry a girl of ten.
What's up with these verses? Is it something in society that caused for such verse to be written?
Were the verses added to protect the girls of India from invaders, like the Persians/Greeks/Muslim invaders?
But the other verses, too yellow, disabled? That isn't right. Possibly, scholars believed all disabilities and abnormalities were genetic, thus discouraged marriage to women who were disabled.
Check out some of our chats below that discuss some historical accounts of when Puranas and such were written!


texts:
I have been pondering the nature of vritti and it seems that self awareness is a natural condition pervasive throughout the universe. A matter particle is aware of gravitational field. We know this is true because it "responds" to that. A proton is aware of EM fields, it responds to EM fields. Similarly, the vrittis that we experience, qualia is the closest thing I can refer to as the western analogue of, predicates the existence of an experiencer. Sadness doesn't exist independently, neither does sight. Now you might argue what about infrared light? It exists but has close to no place in our awareness; First I'd say that is not true. IR does have an effect and can be felt on your skin as heat in a congested room. Similarly UV rays damage your DNA and even though you aren't immediately aware of it, you do become aware of it once disease strikes. We are mostly aware of that which has been selected by natural selection for the maximum number of times. So it's not surprising that with time, the awareness of elusive phenomenon will seep deeper in the general public awareness. This is how civilization evolved to the point of being able to identify microbes as the cause of microbial disease. Dark matter is another phenomenon which don't even have measurable effects on our telescopes, yet it is responsible for shaping galaxies, which in turn led to formation of stars, which made elements necessary for life available on rocky planets, necessitating our physical existence.

Sorry for that detour, but I'm trying to show that everything that can be known is known by a knower, even though he is ignorant of it. Similarly, our identities are tied down to the biological processes we identify with. In essence, consciousness is the same shared condition of reality, expressed in various beings, but being the same phenomenon. How can there be a vritti without a knower? Well, why not make the vritti the knower itself! We use occam's razor and apply an attribute of self-awareness to some vrittis and now we have reduced the ontology of separate qualia plus awareness -> self referential qualia.


texts: What does the Vedas say about non hindus(people who reject vedas) and its philosophy?

texts:
What does vedas say about non Hindus or those who reject vedas and its philosophy?

By philosophy I mean reincarnation, Moksha and karma.


texts: Birth of Skanda, coronation and killing of taraka

texts:
What khanda/volume/chapter of Skandapurana speaks of the birth of Skanda and the killing of Simhamuka, Surapadman and Taraka ? I'm aware that Shalyaparva of Mahabharatha speaks of Krauncha Dharana etc, but where can I find this in the Skandapurana or am I mistaken ?

Thank you.


texts:
Many people in South India say that Jambavan is a dalit.  Is it true?
What do Ramayana and other scriptures say?


texts: How did lord Rama perform penance for Ravana after killing him?

texts:
In this video, Sadguru Jaggi Vasudeva says that Shri Rama performed 1 year penance in Himalayas for killing Ravana, who was a great devotee of lord Shiva.

Is it true?

If yes, then how did he do PrAyashchita?
If no, then did he ever felt sorry for killing Ravana?


texts: Is Lord Venkateswara an "avatara purush"?

texts:
Is Lord Venkateswara an avatar of Lord Vishnu? If so, what is its number (first, second, etc.)?

Also, in total, how many avatars of Lord Vishnu are there?

I read somewhere that there would be only two avatars of Lord Vishnu in Kaliyuga and they are Lord Buddha and Lord Kalki? Please clarify my doubt.


texts: Irawati Karve says "Vidura is the biological father of Yudhiṣṭhira". Is she right? Which Upaniṣadic story is she referring to?

texts:
Irawati Karve in her book Yugānta, which is a commentary on the Mahābhārata, says:

  There are two more incidents which lend support to this contention [that Dharma is the son of Vidura]. After Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, Kunti and Vidura had gone to live in the forest, the Pandavas would occasionally visit them. On one such visit, Dharma did not see Vidura and he asked after him. Dhritarashtra answered, 'He is practicing terrible penance, he doesn't eat or drink anything. Sometimes people see him wandering in the forest.' Just then, someone came to say that Vidura had been seen naked, dust-covered, nothing but skin and bones. Dharma ran after Vidura, crying, 'Vidura, stop. I am your dear Yudhishtira.' They both continued running until Vidura stopped under a tree, deep in the forest. He leaned against the tree. Dharma once again reminded him, 'I am Yudhishtira.' Vidura fixed his unblinking eyes on Dharma, and with his yogic power he entered Dharma's body limb by limb. Vidura gave Dharma everything - his life, his organs, his brilliance. This behavior at the time of death is like that of a father towards his son. In the Upanishad, there is a description of what a man nearing the death is to do: he should lie on the bare ground, and make his son lie on top of him, saying, 'Son, I give you my organs.' The son should reply, 'I accept.' In this way the dying man transfers all his power, wealth, and intelligence to his son. This last meeting between Dharma and Vidura seems to describe the same kind of transfer.

  Two chapters later we are told that Vyasa came to Dhritarashtra and said, 'Vidura was Yama incarnate, born to Vichitravirya's maid-servant and me through my yogic powers; and he, in his turn, through yogic powers, gave birth to Yudhishtira, the king of the Kurus. He who is Dharma is Vidura, he who is Vidura is Pandava. And Dhritarashtra, just as your younger brother Vidura has served you, so will Yudhishtira-Dharma continue to serve you.'

  Thus the fact that Kunti had a son by her brother-in-law Vidura was kept a secret up to the end of the war.

If you want to read the above two incidents she's referring to, from the Ganguli translation of the Mahābhārata (Āśramavāsika-parva), it's here (Yudhiṣṭhira-Vidura encounter) and here (Vyāsa's explanation).

Questions:

Is Karve right in her analysis?
Which father-son Upaniṣadic story is she referring to?

PS. This Quora.com post also asks a similar question but as with most Quora answers, there's no proper references so I'm posting it here. Before you answer this, remember we have a Back It Up! rule.


texts: What are Tamasic, Rajasic and Sattvic foods?

texts:
In Hinduism, food is categorized into  Tamasic, Rajasic, Sattvic, or combination of them. What does these categories signify?  Can anyone consume food from any of these categories?

Are there any restrictions on which types of food to be used in offerings and prayer?


texts:
This mantra was explained in Bhagavad-Gita, it's used while performing yagna, dana or tapa.
How to use this mantra in daily life ?
For eg. Just before starting meal
Can this mantra be used ? Or bathing ? Or starting new activities ?
Are the above  activities considered holy ?
Bhagavad-Gita mentions using the mantra while performing holy activities.


texts: Who was at Fault for Draupadi Vastraharan – Duryodhan Or Yudhishthir?

texts: How Yudhishtr had the right to bet a woman’s honour, dignity and character in front of devils like Duryodhan and Dushashan? If he really had the guts to do that, can you really blame Duryodhan for Draupadi’s infamous vastraharan?


texts: How do Dvaitins interpret this verse of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad?

texts:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is a part of the Shukla Yajur Veda. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad contains this verse (1.4.10):

  ब्रह्म वा इदमग्र आसीत्, तदात्मानमेवावेत् ‘अहं ब्रह्मास्मि’ इति । तस्मात् तत् सर्वमभवतद्यो यो देवानां प्रत्यबुध्यत स एव तदभवत्तथर्षीणां तथा मनुष्याणां तद्धेतत्पश्यन्नृषिर्वामदेवः प्रतिपेदेऽहं मनुरभवं सूर्यश्चेति । तदिदमप्येतर्हि य एवं वेदाहं ब्रह्मास्मीति स इदं सर्वं भवति तस्य ह न देवाश्चनाभूत्या ईशते । आत्मा ह्योषां स भवत्यथ योऽन्यां  देवतामुपास्तेऽन्योऽसावन्योऽहमस्मीति न स वेद तथा पशुरेवं स देवानाम् । यथा ह वै बहवः पशवो मनुष्यं भुञ्जयुरेवमेकैकः पुरुषो देवान्भुनक्त्येकस्मिन्नेव पशावादीयमानेऽप्रियं भवति किमु बहुषु तस्मादेषां तन्न प्रियं यदेतन्मनुष्या विद्युः ।

  I-iv-10: This self was indeed Brahman in the beginning. It knew only Itself as, ‘I am Brahman’. Therefore It became all. And whoever among the gods knew It also became That; and the same with sages and men. The sage Vamadeva, while realising this (self) as That, knew, ‘I was Manu, and the sun’. And to this day whoever in like manner knows It as, ‘I am Brahman’, becomes all this (universe). Even the gods cannot prevail against him, for he becomes their self. While he who worships
  another god thinking, ‘He is one, and I am another’, does not know. He is like an animal to the gods. As many animals serve a man, so does each man serve the gods. Even if one animal is taken away, it causes
  anguish, what should one say of many animals ? Therefore it is not liked by them that men should know this.

I'm interested in the bold quoted part. As it says who worships God by thinking, "He is one and I am another." are like animals to Gods. As God/Brahman is same as Jeeva in Advaita philosophy there is no problem for it.

But In Dvaita Philosophy a devotee always worships God thinking himself different from God as Jeeva and Brahman are different in Dvaita. Hence I want to know How is this verse interpreted by Dvaita philosophers?
What commentaries are made by Dvaita philosophers on that part of the verse?


texts: Is the universe a manifestation of one's own soul?

texts:
We are living in a universe and each one may have different interpretations towards the universe and all the aspects of the universe.
Is the universe (we are living in) is a manifestation of our own soul?
If it is a manifestation of one's own soul, then how do many souls have same manifestation? Is it due to overlapping of some aspect of soul (like karma)?
Or does the soul contain the universe?


texts:
I was recently studying Sandhyavandana, and I am confused how to do Abhivadan for non-bramhins. Since in abhivadan a person has to say his gotra with pravaras and Kshatriyas/Vaishyas don't have pravaras.
So my question is how should we perform Abhivadana for Non-bramhins, is it sutra/shakha dependent?
Note that I know last names of all varnas viz Sharma, Verma, Gupta, I need elaborate details, like what should be recited in place of the pravaras or to omit the pravara part.


texts:
Sri Ramakrishna said that he will be born again after 100 years*. He died in 1886. So if he kept his promise, he is with us again! Now, he should be 35 years old.
Does anybody know his whereabouts? Did Ramakrishna Mission try to find the reborn saint?
There is a tradition among Tibetan Buddhists where the Sangha actively looks for the newly reincarnated Dalai Lama. Does something similar happen here?
*References:

They Lived with God: Life Stories of Some Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna by Swami Chetananda
How to Live with God: In the Company of Ramakrishna by Swami Chetananda
If Ramakrishna were alive today by Swami Chetananda in Vedanta Magazine Sep-Oct 2006 Issue published by Vedanta Centre UK


texts: Why India's name is "Bharatvarsha" according to Linga Purana? Who was Rushabh's son Bharat on his name Nharatvarsha is famous in Linga Puran story?


texts: What is the difference: Tapas (तपस्) vs Yajna (यज्ञ)?

texts:
What's the terminology difference between Tapas-austerities and Yajna-sacrifice/perseverance?

Also when to choose one over the other?


texts: Why is an 'a' added at the end to names of Hindu gods and holy books?

texts:
Shiv became Shiva,

Ram became Rama,

Ved became Veda,

Ramayan becomes Ramayana,

Mahabharat becomes Mahabharata,

and the list goes on. Why did the names change? Not just in Hindus but also in other religion as well: Buddh became Buddha. And even if we are typing the correct thing the internet gives a red underline i.e., spelling mistake.

Why and who added this 'a' at the end of everything?

EDIT:

And not just the way people write, but the pronunciation adds 'आ' at the end. Unlike English, Hindi pronunciation is literal. We pronounce exactly what is written. I may not be the scholar in Hindi, but I know this much that the 'आ' is added and was not originally there.

For example Hindi word is कर्म but it is pronounced as कर्मा by English people (or I should say Non-Hindi people). I have even noticed that some Indian people has started pronouncing it in English way too - by adding 'आ' in the last.

Correct name of our god is शिव but pronouncing it as शिवा, would it be right?


texts: What exactly is shuddha sattva according to vaishnavism?

texts: Is there a shuddha rajas and shuddha tamas also? Please explain.


texts: Can I believe in Sanatan Dharma while not believing in any of the God?

texts:
Let's Imagine a person. He does discuss lots of things about Sanatan dharma and how it is different from Abrahamic religions. He does follow the principals of Gita in real life. He also adheres to the authority of Veda.

When someone asks if he believes in the existence of God, he says he is in search of the answer to this question. And also since he has not realized the existence of God, his current answer is No.

So my question is as per what Vedas and Upnishads he is said to be a SPIRITUAL?

Or this only do not quantify him to be a SPIRITUAL?


texts: What should I read, Where should I start, and in What sequence - when reading Hindu religious books?

texts:
I am a beginner of reading Hindu religious book. I have basic knowledge of Hindu religion, thought I also know that this religion is very vast and I want to expand my knowledge on this subject.

Can you please let me know the list of books I should read and in what sequence? Also can you suggest me source as well (translated in Hindi or English)?

I plan on starting with Gita (my mother has translated it to me when I was kid but I want to start from basics again). Then I was planning on reading the four Vedas (I don't have them yet but I am searching for them. I am not sure if I can find them online). After this I was planning on reading Purans and then Upanishads. What is your recommendation? Am I going correct? Or Should I start with something else?
Are there any other books which I am not aware of and I should read?

Note for reviewer: Positive or constructive comments are welcome. If the question is incorrect then please tell me exactly what's wrong with it so I can correct it. or give me link for rules. This is a very basic questions for beginners. I am not a genius, but you can help me becoming one.

Thanks in advance.


texts:
"Even fighting in self-defense is wrong, though it is higher than fighting in aggression. There is no “righteous” indignation because indignation comes from not recognizing sameness in all things."

Retreat given at the Thousand Island Park, USA. July 7, 1895. Complete Works, 7. 49.

Isn't this against what is being taught by Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita? Fighting for my defense is a part of my karma so I'll definitely fight.


texts: Why and how Vishwamitra plotted to kill sage Vashistha's son?

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I recently read an incident in Vishnu Purana which says that once sage Vishwamitra plotted and got sage Vashista's son killed by some asur. Due to this sage Parashar, who is grandson of sage Vashistha and father of sage Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipayan), got furious and did a yagna which could have eradicated all of the asurs but was stopped eventually by his grandfather. I wanted to know the details about this incident like who was the son of sage Vashishtha and why and how did sage Vishwamitra plotted to kill him. Also, did Vishwamitra had to do anything to get rid of the sin.
Here is the reference text from Vishnu Purana Chapter 1:

Paráśara replied, Well inquired, pious Maitreya. You recall to my recollection that which was of old narrated by my father's father, Vaśisht́ha. I had heard that my father had been devoured by a Rákshas employed by Viswámitra: violent anger seized me, and I commenced a sacrifice for the destruction of the Rákshasas: hundreds of them were reduced to ashes by the rite, when, as they were about to be entirely extirpated, my grandfather Vaśisht́ha thus spake to me: Enough, my child; let thy wrath be appeased: the Rákshasas are not culpable: thy father's death was the work of destiny. Anger is the passion of fools; it becometh not a wise man. By whom, it may be asked, is any one killed? Every man reaps the consequences of his own acts. Anger, my son, is the destruction of all that man obtains by arduous exertions, of fame, and of devout austerities; and prevents the attainment of heaven or of emancipation. The chief sages always shun wrath: he not thou, my child, subject to its influence. Let no more of these unoffending spirits of darkness be consumed. Mercy is the might of the righteous 12.
p. 5
Being thus admonished by my venerable grandsire, I immediately desisted from the rite, in obedience to his injunctions, and Vaśisht́ha, the most excellent of sages, was content with me. Then arrived Pulastya, the son of Brahmá 13, who was received by my grandfather with the customary marks of respect. The illustrious brother of Pulaha said to me; Since, in the violence of animosity, you have listened to the words of your progenitor, and have exercised clemency, therefore you shall become learned in every science: since you have forborne, even though incensed, to destroy my posterity, I will bestow upon you another boon, and, you shall become the author of a summary of the Puráńas 14; you shall know
p. 6
the true nature of the deities, as it really is; and, whether engaged in religious rites, or abstaining from their performance 15, your understanding, through my favour, shall be perfect, and exempt from). doubts. Then my grandsire Vaśisht́ha added; Whatever has been said to thee by Pulastya, shall assuredly come to pass.


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I've seen different hand and feet mudras in Staff Prostrations. This includes Sashtang Namaskar, and others with arms crossed (mimicking being bound) and feet crossed.

Does each mudra have a specific purpose, and if so: what purpose?


texts: Do any sects that do not subscribe to advaita believe in the concept of Maya?

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Instead of the popular meaning illusion, I like the definition from

http://vedantastudent.blogspot.com/p/maya.html

"Maya creates apparent multiplicity in a universe where only Brahman really exists."

Does this clash with dualistic sects?


texts: What is the story of the origin of Sraadha ritual?

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As I asked in this question the story of Karna from Mahabharat is given in many portals for the origin of the ShrAdh ritual but as is apparent from the discussions on it this seems unlikely since the Manu Smriti which is the rule book for the older Satyug already mentions ShrAdh.

So my question is - What is the story of the origin of the ShrAdh ritual?


texts: Was first stanza 'नारायणं नमस्कृत्य' of Mahabharata a later interpolation?

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It has been mentioned earlier that the Mahabharata was in the custody of the Brahmins of the Bhrgu race. The epic got its vast size even before the rise and development of the Gupta reign. The tendency to enlarge the Mahabharata text was still continued by these Brahmins.
In their own interest, these Brahmins wrote the Puranas and rearranged them.
It is a notable fact that Lord Krishna had not a prominent role to play even in the first connected epic narrative.
The studies of Sri V.S. Sukthankar reveal the fact that the very first stanza 'नारायणं नमस्कृत्य" etc. is a later interpolation to the Mahabharata, a pure Vaishnava composition.

The above passage was quoted from sodhganga articles already by an user here.
My question is what are those studies and what are the evidence available to support these claims.


texts: It is known from Bhagavatha Purana that passage of time is different in different worlds. Examples are Brahma kidnapping cows and friends of Krishna as described here. Do our puranas also state that time passes at a different rate in the worlds below earth, for example patala loka, rasatala loka?


texts: Is Janeva (Yajñopavītam or sacred thread) limited to Brahmins only?

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I heard a lot about the power of Janeva (Yajñopavītam or sacred thread), a small cloth string worn on the shoulders across the hands.

When chatting with some Brahmins, I found them suggesting that it is restricted to Brahmins only. Is it true?

While I was watching some videos, I actually found that Janeva is worn by everyone.


texts: Apart from living beings, does Paramatma exist in atoms of non living material world also?

texts:
In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that ParamAtma exists in the hearts of all living entities.

Question: Does he exist even in atoms of the non living material world?


texts: Are there any deity names that end in -us/ur or -is/ir

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See this for reference:
https://ubcsanskrit.ca/lesson9/nouns-as-is-us.html
I've never com across any and I find it weird.


texts: What passages of Adi Shankaracharya’s Brahmasutra Bhashya does Sudarshana Suri cite?

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The Sri Bhashya is a commentary on the Brahma Sutras by the famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya.  And the Shruta Prakashika is a subcommentary on Ramanujacharya’s Sri Bhashya by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Sudarshana Suri.  In this excerpt from the Shruta Prakashika, Sudarshana Suri discusses the importance of using the commentaries of Rishis to understand the works of other Rishis.  In particular, using the Vritti or commentary of the Rishi Baudhayana to understand the Brahma Sutras of the Rishi Vyasa:

  The works composed by the supreme sages are fit to be commented upon; and if great sages have written commentaries on them, these, indeed, have to be esteemed and followed.... That other commentators have disdained the commentaries by sages is clearly brought out in such contexts as “because the worship of the Brahman has a threefold nature”, “In all this, because that is prominently taught”, “What is denoted by the word Brahman, because he is taught to be greater than the Samprasada”, “The little ether because the reasons found in the subsequent statements in the context refer to him”. But here (in the Sri Bhashya) it has been declared that it will follow the Vritti.

I’m interested in the part in bold. Sudarshana Suri says “other commentators”, but I think he’s referring to  the Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya here.  He’s pointing out various examples of passages in Adi Shankaracharya’s Brahmasutra Bhashya where Adi Shankaracharya disagrees with Baudhayana’s Vritti.

My question is, what are each of the passages that Sudarshana Suri is referring to?


texts: Does Shani's Sade Sati really affects our luck. I have heard from many people that Shani's Sade Sati have ill effects on our luck and career. What is it and What's its origin? Also what are the remedies for it to lower its affect?


texts: What are the different types of Shariras (bodies) and their Tatvas?

texts: I've heard in this youtube video about the 5 types of Sharira (body). I remember Sthul sharir, Sukshma sharir, Kaaran sharir, Anand sharir. And Sukshma, Kaaran, Anand sharir each have 17 tatva. What are these sharir and their tatva? What are their significance?


texts: What is the significance of touching someones forehead

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Hello I am hoping someone can put my curiosity to rest.

Now this might be an ignorant question but I have wondered about this for a long time without knowing who to ask.

When I worked in a shop about ten years ago a gentleman came in who I believe was a Hare Krishna. He appeared to be chanting under his breath and didn't speak to me directly at any point.

What he wanted to do was touch my forehead and mumble something (prayer?), his thumb might have had some sort of powder on it. Now since he didn't speak to me I didn't know what he was doing or why so jerked my head away and backed off. He simply continued to chant, turned around and left the shop without saying anything else.

My questions are 1) What is the significance of touching someone on the forehead like this? 2) Is it normal practice to do this without explaining what you're doing?

The reason I believe he was a Hare Krishna is mainly because of his style of dress. It is conceivable this is a wrong assumption but I don't believe so.


texts: Do any advaita vedanta Sutra discribe heaven?

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Do any advaita vedanta Sutra describes heaven and it pleasure?
Do advaita vedanta believes that heaven is a state of mind or do they believe that heaven is a physical place some  were in the universe .
Where we can live and eat the best food , drink all kinds of drink.


texts: Why only Lord Vishnu incarnates on earth?

texts: It is said that there are 3 supreme lords i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. But from all 3 why only 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu and not others?


texts: How was Satyaki able to fight against Guru Dronacharya for a whole day?

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Satyaki was a student of Arjuna.

How was Satyaki able to fight against Guru Dronacharya for a whole day on Fourteenth day of Kurukshetra War ? Was he that skilled?

Reference: Kurukshetra War : Fourteenth day - wikipedia states:

  Satyaki defends Yudhishthira from Drona, who was attempting to capture the emperor in Arjuna's absence. Rescuing Dhristadyumna from Drona, Satyaki engages in a long fight with Drona, taking up the morning's fight. Drona gets so frustrated by Satyaki, that he even uses divine weapons, which Satyaki counters using his knowledge of divine weapons from his education under Arjuna. Eventually, Satyaki tires, and he is wounded by Drona's arrows. He is rescued by a new attack from the Upapandavas. Ultimately, Satyaki manages to stall Drona long enough that Duryodhana, frustrated with Drona's lack of progress, withdraws Drona to focus on the conflict with Arjuna.

As usual, Wikipedia does not provide any references. Also, I do not trust this narration completely. Nor is it detailed. Hence, this question.


texts:
I was thinking that Ahiravan and Mahiravan are two different Rakhasas but according to the answer of this question, I found both are two different names of same Rakhasa and he is a brother of Ravan. I never listened how he died.

Was he killed in the Ramayana war or somewhere else? Who killed him?


texts: The question is more or less in the title - what is the oldest scripture to reference the term atma? I know some of the Upanishads expound on the concept; are there even earlier references?


texts: What mantra should students follow before any examination?

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If there is any mantra for students who are going to an examination hall for good memory, what is it?

Obviously, the candidate who has studied very well will perform very well. Simultaneously the mantras are very helpful for the students who fear about the examination or some stages (stage fear).


texts:
I am looking to ascertain my Gotra-Pravaras-Sutra-Shakha.
All that I know is, my name is Utkarsh Sharma. I read in my grandfather's diary, our gotra is Srivatsa.

That's all.

Now through a Google search, I have got to know my Pravaras. Which are Srivatsa: Bhargava,Syaavana,AApnavaana,Owrva,Jaamadaghnya.

Please assist me further to know my Sutra and Shakha.