texts: Avoiding the company of persons who are not spiritually advanced

texts:
According to SB 3.29.18:

  TEXT 18
  ādhyātmikānuśravaṇān
  nāma-saṅkīrtanāc ca me
  ārjavenārya-saṅgena
  nirahaṅkriyayā tathā

  TRANSLATION
  A devotee should always try to hear about spiritual matters and should always utilize his time in chanting the holy name of the Lord. His behavior should always be straightforward and simple, and although he is not envious but friendly to everyone, he should avoid the company of persons who are not spiritually advanced.

Hi, in the passage, writen by Lord Kapila, does he explictly say to avoid people who are not spiritually advanced? Because according to the english translation it says he does. If so, how do we define someone who is spiritually advanced? Also isn't being non- judgemental part of being in the spiritual path? In other words shouldn't we not avoid someone simply because he is not spiritual? He could still be a good person, and be kind and compassionate but not necessarily spiritual?
Thank you for clarifying this.


texts: Did Sanjaya take part in Mahabharata war

texts:
In Drona Parva/Jayadhrata vadha parva, Sanjaya says:

I myself, with my own troops, cased in mail and equipped with weapons, and supported by four hundred foremost of bowmen, resisted Chekitana.

Ganguly's footnote for this also says:

This Sloka occurs in all the texts. It would seem, therefore, that Sanjaya was not always a witness only of the battle for narrating what he saw to Dhritarashtra, but sometimes at least he took part in the battle.

Are there any other references where Sanjaya did actively take part in the war and was not only a spectator?


texts: What's the reason behind the tortoise statue and the nandi statue in shiva temples?

texts:
In every Shiva temple

There are two statue before the entrance of lord shiva temple inner side

Tortoise
Nandi

Whats the reason behind this?Is there any kind of story belong to this?


texts: Why are chakra's frequently displayed as small points on the body and other times described as regions?

texts:
Most of the images of chakras that can be found on the internet show the chakra located at a specific point in the middle of the body. When I asked a request question I got the answer that a chakra takes up more spaces and that the Anahata chakra for example fills the whole thoracic region and is thus much bigger than just the heart.

Where does the difference come from? Are there more specific names that point to the big region as opposed to the thing shown on popular images?

eastern-spirituality.com for example talks about chakra's as points and not regions:

  In Sanātana/Hindu and tantric/yogic traditions and other belief systems, a chakra (IAST: cakra) is an energy point or node in the subtle body.


texts: Do gods eat their own creations; Do they have any appetite?


texts: For purpose of worship in temples, idols made from metal, wood or soil are created and the ritual of prana pratishthana, i.e. inviting God to be present in the idol, is done. In Sanatana Dharma it is believed that God is present in each and every anu or atom. This being the case, God is present in the idol. Then what is the need for doing prana pratishthana?


texts:
What are few Events/Incidents indicating the starting of kali yuga

How was the Transformation of Dwapara yuga to Kali yuga


texts: Different types of sacred fires from Vedic Period?

texts:
While reading This Web Site , I have come across a description of various fires a grihastha (householder) was expected to keep in his house during Vedic period.

The  exact passage from  website is as below-:

Every grihastha (householder) was expected to keep 5 or 3 sacred fires  (Five fires: Ahavaneeya, Dakshagni, Garhapatya, Sawta, Aavasadha ) in his house to perform Vedic rituals.

So , I simply want to know more about these 5 types of sacred fires.

What was their purpose?

Which hymns from Vedas mentioned them?


texts: Why should the absolute Brahman of Shaiva be Shiva and of Vaishnava be Vishnu?

texts:
Absolute Brahman resembles One possibility of Perfection, not all possible Perfections, i.e: He is surely Perfect, but resembles One mode (model) of Perfection.

Absolute Brahman is One.

The Creations (Jivas) are the Many.

There are some Jivas identical to Brahman, but not all Jivas.

Some Jivas are perfect, some aren't but able to be perfected, i.e: integral.

Why we supposed that Brahman is the most perfect entity?, Doesn't He represent only one mode of Perfection?

For me, some Atmans may be of more Perfection  than the mode of Brahman.

So, for Shaiva, why they supposed that Shiva is Brahman. And Vaishnava supposed that Vishnu is Brahman?

Why not Shiva is the most Perfect mode of Perfection, but he is not Brahman?, Why not Vishnu is the most perfect mode of Perfection but he is not Brahman?

It is clear that Brahma is the personified Brahman, and this resembles one mode of Perfection.


texts: Name of Ravana's brothers and his sons killed in the Ramayana war?

texts:
Ravana has many brothers and sons as per the answer of this question.  I want to know the main characters who were killed by lord Rama's army in the war as per below list. If any other army of lord Rama is there whose name is missing in below but had killed any of them then please add it.

I will be happy and interest with only of Ravan's brothers and his own sons excluding all sons of his brothers .

How many of them were killed by lord Rama?
How many of them were killed by lord Lakshman?
How many of them were killed by lord Hanuman?
Any of them were killed by Sugriva?
Any of them were killed by Angad?
Any of them were killed by Jambavan?
Any of them were killed by Nala?
Any of them were killed by Nila?


texts:
Recently I have heard about goddess named "Tvarita" and I want to know this form of goddess. So my questions are:

Who is goddess Tvarita and why she is called so?
How she is depicted in the scriptures?
What is the mode of her worship?
What are her basic Mantras?

I am expecting brief answers with reference from the Puranas or Tantras.


texts:
Why does hinduism not fit in history and archaeology?
According to the Puranas and the Vedas, Vedas were written 1960000000 years ago (before humans).
Mathabhata happened around 3138 BCE, how can there be death of 1 billion, 660 million and 20,000 men.
Historically, 1804 CE was the year when humans reached a population of 1 billion. Can you explain it?


texts: Why did Sugriva send his forces to four directions for searching of Sita mata?

texts:
After Jatayu's fight with Ravana, lord Rama meets Jatayu and Jatayu explains the event happened telling the direction (south) in which Ravana taken away Mata Sita. So it is well known from Jatayu where Ravana gone. then

Why did Sugriva need to send his forces in all the four directions to search Sita mata instead of one direction as Jatayu already gave information about the direction of south i.e Lanka?


texts: Is there a difference between the concepts explained in Shandilya and Narada Bhakti Sutras

texts:
I came across a notion that Bhakti Sutra that Shandilya Bhakti Sutra (SBS) is devoted to Nirguna Brahman and the Narada Bhakti Sutra (NBS) focuses on devotion to Saguna Brahman. Another notion is that SBS is a polemic work while the NBS focuses on Sadhana.

Can some one point out the conceptual difference between the 2 bhakti sutras (if there is any)?


texts:
NOTE: This question is NOT a duplicate of this question. I am not asking who composed the Puranas, but rather who narrated them.

Many of the Puranas were narrated by Suta Goswami to a group of Rishis headed by Saunaka.

The Srimad Bhagavata Purana was narrated by him:

  Text 4: Once, in a holy place in the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya, great
  sages headed by the sage Śaunaka assembled to perform a great
  thousand-year sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His
  devotees.

  Text 5: One day, after finishing their morning duties by burning a
  sacrificial fire and offering a seat of esteem to Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī,
  the great sages made inquiries, with great respect, about the
  following matters.

The Garuda Purana was narrated by him:

  In Naimiṣa, the field of the sleepless Ones, the sages, Saunaka and others, performed sacrifices for thousands of years to attain the
  Heaven-world.

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

Wikipedia says Suta also narrated the Padma Purana.

Who narrated each of the major 18 Puranas?

Please answer with a list of each Purana and who narrated it, along with the initial verses proving the narrator.


texts: Why is dakshina murthy suppressing the demon Apasmara and what is his story?

texts:
Lord Dakshina Murthi, is considered as the source of all types of knowledge. This form represents Shiva as a teacher of yoga, music, wisdom and giving exposition on the shastras. He is worshipped as the god of wisdom, complete and rewarding meditation. The significance of Dakshina murthy is explained in this post

He is seen suppressing a demon Apasmara with his foot.

The relation between Apasmara and Shiva is not only limited to Dakshina Murthy but with other forms like Nataraja and Shiva in his human form. There is a temple by the name Parashurameshwara Temple situated in Gudimallam, Andhra Pradesh. In this temple, Lord Shiva is shown as suppressing demon Apasmara.

Questions:

What is the story of the demon Apasmara, Daskshina murthy is suppressing with his foot?


texts:
Is there any mention of Brahman in the Samhitas of any of the 4 Vedas?

Brahman is elaborately described in the Aranyakas and Upanishads of the Vedas, but what about the Samhitas?


texts: Did Vyasa and Baudhayana believe in 10 Pramanas and 8 Pramanas respectively?

texts:
The Manimekalai is a 6th century Tamil epic poem composed by the Buddhist poet Chithalai Chathanar.  It talks about philosophy a lot, which given its early date means that it gives a rare glimpse into what the Vedanta school was like before the time of Adi Shankaracharya.  In any case, in this chapter of Manimekalai, various Pramanas or means of valid knowledge are discussed:

  Discoursing on the instruments of knowledge as recognized by his school, he pointed out that three teachers were recognized as of authority among them, namely, Vedavyasa, Kritakoti and the faultless Jaimini.  These three have recognized instruments of knowledge to be ten, eight and six respectively. Those are (1) direct perception (Pratyaksha), (2) Inference (Anumana), (3) similitude (Upama), (4) authority (Agama), (5) inferential assumption (Atthapatti), (6) appropriateness (Iyalbu or Svabhava), (7) tradition (Aitihya), (8) non-existence or negation (Abhava), (9) inference by elimination or by correlation (Mitchi or Olibu, Sans.: Parishesha) and (10) occurence (Undaneri or Ullaneri, San. Sambhava).

I'm interested in the part in bold. Two of these names are easily recognizable: there's the sage Vyasa who founded the Vedanta school, and the sage Jaimini who founded the Purva Mimamsa school. Kritakoti isn't as familiar, but I think it refers to the sage Baudhayana, who wrote a commentary on the Purva Mimamsa Sutras and Brahma Sutras called Kritakoti, as described in this quote from a Purva Mimamsa work called the Prapancha Hridaya:

  The Mimamsa Shastra is contained in a text of 20 chapters. Of these, the first 16 chapters constitute the Purva Mimamsa. In this Mimamsa Shastra, the Purvakanda deals on issues of Dharma, and is compiled by Jaimini. The last 4 chapters constitute the Uttara Kanda or the Uttara Mimamsa and are compiled by Vyasa for dealing with the nature of Brahman. On this Mimamsa Shastra of 20 chapters, Bodhayana wrote a Bhashya that bore the name Krtakoti.

Now it makes sense that the Manimekalai would say Jaimini believed in 6 Pramanas; that's at least the number of Pramanas accepted by the Purva Mimamsa philosopher Kumarila Bhatta.  But it's strange that it  would say that Vyasa believed in 10 Pramanas and Baudhayana believed in 8 Pramanas.  No existing Vedantic philosophy believe in that many Pramanas; as I discuss in this answer, Advaitins believe in 6 Pramanas, and all other members of the Vedanta school believe in 3 Pramanas.

So my question is, is it true that Vyasa and Baudhayana believed in 10 Pramanas and 8 Pramanas respectively? As I said, the Manimekalai was composed by a Buddhist, so it may contain some inaccurate information concerning Hindu beliefs.


texts: When did the Mahabharata war take place?

texts: Has anyone made a thorough research of the Mahabharata and figured out when this war actually took place with exact astronomical evidence? Are there dates in any other text for the Mahabharata war?


texts: Which is the best documentary on Mahabharata?

texts: I wanted to watch any good documentary on Mahabharata. Please recommend.


texts: Why Bhishma did not say anything in Draupadi's Cheerharan?

texts: Bhishma Pitamaha was considered a very religious and righteous person in Mahabharata. Then why he did not stop Duryodhana? Instead he kept silent in Draupadi's Cheerharan.


texts: Is it a wife's duty to have sex after marriage? If yes, could you please quote which Hindu scripture says so?


texts: When Veda Vyasa divided the Vedas, didn't he write them somewhere?

texts: As the question says, when Veda Vyasa divided the Vedas into 4, didn't he write them somewhere? Did he write manuscripts about them?


texts: What should we consider when Anumana contradicts Shabda?

texts:
According to Vedantic pramana system
Anumana is Inferential knowledge and
Shabda is Scriptural/Testimonial knowledge.

So when these two contradict each other which one should we consider as true?

If you can site sources it will be very helpful


texts: What is the story behind lord Ganesha's broken tusk?

texts:
In many idols of lord Ganesha, I saw that the left tusk is broken.

Credit: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/64.102

What is the story behind that broken tusk? Does it signify something?


texts:
Are there any descriptions regarding the size of the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where the War of Mahabharata took place.

This size will be in 3 parts:

The size of the ground where actual battle took place.
The size of the ground where the camps of pandavs and kurus were situated.
The distance between the camps and the battlefield.


texts: What are the three forms not explicitly mentioned in the Shanti Parva of Mahbharat?

texts:
I found this passage in Shanti Parva of Mahabharat:

  Assuming a form that is manifest, I dwell, at present, in the heavens.
  At the end of a thousand Yugas I shall once more with-draw the
  universe into myself. Having withdrawn all creatures, mobile and
  immobile into myself, I shall exist all alone with knowledge only for
  my companion. After the lapse of ages I shall again create the
  universe, with the aid of that knowledge. That which is my fourth form
  creates the indestructible Sesha. That Sesha is called by the name of
  Sankarshana. Sankarshana creates Pradyumna. From Pradyumna I take
  birth myself as Aniruddha. I create (myself) repeatedly. From
  Aniruddha springs Brahman. The latter takes birth from Aniruddha's
  navel. From Brahman spring all creatures mobile and immobile.

The partial sanskrit verse of the same is:

  asman-murtish caturthi ya sashrijac chesham avyayam sa hi sankarshanah
  proktah pradyumnam so 'py ajijanat pradyumnad aniruddho 'ham sargo
  mama punah punah aniruddhat tatha brahma tan-nabhi-kamalodbhavah
  brahmanah sarva-bhutani sthavarani carani ca

Observe the bold section in the above English passage.

Who exactly is that 'I' in the passage? What exactly is the meaning of 'That which is my fourth form creates...'? If Sesha is fourth form, what are the other three forms?


texts: Did Ajamila go to swarga or attain moksha?

texts: He called his son "Narayana" on his deathbed and that amounted to calling the god Narayana and that absolved him of all sins according to the story.  Did he go to Swarga or attain Moksha?


texts: What Vivekananda really saw in vision during his meditation in Kanyakumari and his prophecies about Hinduism?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda before his chicago visit made a visit to south india, while southern Indian trip itself is very interesting as he even wrote about it a lot, I  want to focus on his Kanyakumari visit specifically. In Kanyakumari, he visited Mother Parvati's temple and then went to meditate on the rock which was purified why Mother Goddess' feet Herself. I have read that he had visions of India's past and 1000 years(not sure) future of Bharata. In the end he was tearful , tears of happiness and pride about India. Even today Vivekananda Rock Memorial is maintained there by Vivekananda Kendra built by strong efforts of Eknath Ranade.
It was due to this incident only, that Swami Vivekananda was full of confidence for his foreign visit.
Now coming to my question,
In one quora post, I read how when Vivekananda was questioned by some Hindu monks about future of Hinduism since they feared the conversion activities of missionaries. It was writte there that Vivekananda smiled and assured them that in the future Hinduism will be popular throughout the world with Vedanta forming the basis of it. Even people will convert to Hinduism with no caste and will known as Vaishnavas. It was written there that this vision he had during his time in Kanyakumari.
So my question is, Is this incident about Swami Vivekananda prophecies of Hinduism true? Also what exact vision he had about future of India and Hinduism that made him cry in joy?


texts: I heard from one Madva Achar that Madhvacharya [Acharya for Raghavendra disciples] and Nigamanda Mahadesikan [Acharya for Vadakalai sect Vaishnavites] met and discussed various topics related to Vaisnavism and Madhvism during their period. Any scriptural evidence for this.


texts: English / Indian references to temple Vimanas in relation to Flight

texts:
Is an English translation/reference to the German publication available? It refers to work by Dr. V. Raghavan Emeritus Sanskrit Professor of Madras University.

It appears these are detachable flying  parts of temple Gopurams.

Vimanas:Flying Objects from Ancient Indian Scriptures

Four strong liquid mercury vessels must be installed in the inner structure. When heated by Sun's rays or by other means the Vimana (aircraft) develops a powerful thrust from the mercury.... etc.

EDITS 1/2/3

It is not totally incredible because mercury is the heaviest known fluid that flows and can transfer kinetic energy in a flying machine.

Several related  YouTube videos (Hindi) are appearing nowadays, we have no means to authenticate them:

https://youtu.be/KacgszbdOKE

Updated on Vimanas regarding similar wider context of Srirangam and Padmanabha temple cultures:

Ancient Vimana Discovered in Secret Underground Chamber? Srirangam Temple, India

( 6 min 00 secs to 11 mins 58 secs )

EDIT1:

More evidence of this past technology is appearing recently  SriRangam Vimana by Praveen Mohan YouTube


texts: Does one gain pāpa or puṇya by remaining neutral in a moral crisis?

texts:
I came across this quote today and am wondering what the Hindu scriptures have to say about this. Does one gain pāpa or puṇya by remaining neutral during a moral crisis?

  The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.

  - Dante Alighieri


texts: Why do Gods interact with just humans and not animals?

texts:
From the Kurukshetra war to Ramayana, Gods have always to come to play their role among humans only and do not interact with animals.

Why do the Gods only perform deeds with humans? like Indra seducing someone's wife etc. Do gods favor humans or did they interact with animals too?


texts: Source of drushayate anen iti darshanam,

texts:
Darshanam/Darshana has this basic well known definition,

"drushyatainenitidarshanam", word-meaning, by which (sat and asat are visible), where is the source of it?

I think it is not from nighantu, where is it from then?


texts: Dwadakshari vs. Ashtakshari mantra of Sriman Narayana

texts: Is there any difference in applicability between the mantras "Om namo baghavate vasudevaaya" vs. "Om namo narayanaya"? Is there a superior among these 2 mantras? And which one can be recited by the un-initiated?


texts: How to convert a given Vikram Samvat date into corresponding Gregorian Date?

texts:
I want to convert particularly, Shravan Shuklapaksha Dwitiya of Vikram Samvat 667 into its corresponding Gregorian date.
link: Vikram Samvat


texts: What is the relationship between caste system and kundalis and gunas?

texts:
I have heard/read that in some cases a marriage is forbidden on the basis of mismatching kundalis/gunas.

In some other cases it's forbidden because of caste incompatibility.

Basically my question has three parts:

Is there any relationship between the two practices?
Are the any Hinduism references that explain how kundalis/gunas work?

I just want to know how it works not if it works in real-life.

Are the any Hinduism references that explain how the caste system works?

According to wikipedia the caste system is in part the result of British Colonialism but my Indian friends tell me that the caste system has been around longer than that but that it's not clear if it's or not part of the doctrine.

If you don't have an answer but can point me to reliable sources I would very much appreciate it.


texts: When I was travelling in train, I saw some people throwing coins in the river, so why do people throw them in the river? Is there any reason behind doing this?


texts: Description obout Qualities of Human Mind and Advice for Mind , from Ancient Hinduism texts?

texts:
In Which ancient writtings  , Shlokas , Books we find more description about Human Mind ? eg. description of Human Mind's characteristics , qualities, It's strength and weakness etc.?

What texts gives advice to our mind and guides us about our good behaviour in society? For example , A 15 th century saint from western India (Deccan) named "Ramdasa" written a book advising our mind. Name of the book is "Manache Shlok" Or Shlokas for Mind.

Note- Although all our texts including Gita is grand advice to ourselves ,our mind. I want specific writtings about Human Mind.And my question is more philosophical rather than scientific.


texts:
This is just to elicit opinion/discussion. There is no ''answer" to it really. You can choose to close it. But it is something that I always wondered about.

In the annals of Sanaatana Dharma why isn't there One Absolute Reality? Every "seer of truth" saw/interpreted the way they saw it.  Shakaracharya saw it differently, Madhavcharya, Ramanujacharya saw it differently, Chaitanya MahaPrabhu saw it differently. And the followers of each of these schools claim/believe that their own  philosophy is correct.

If there is One Absolute Reality and if there is one absolute path (Advaita/Visistadvaita, Davita, Achintya Bhedaabheda etc.), why is it that Vyasa Bhagavan did not state it conclusively in his Puranas?. Shaivaite scriptures portray Lord Shiva as Absolute, Vaishnava scriptures portray Lord Vishnu as Absolute and so on.

If everyone is seeing the same One differently, WHO has ACTUALLY seen the Truth?


texts: Did Chaitanya Mahaprabhu really chant the Hare Krishna maha mantra?

texts:
Recently, I was watching a video by an authentic Vaishnava guru named Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (who has a YouTube channel called DharmaNation). He was doing a live Q&A session and touched upon the topic of the Hare Krishna maha mantra. Now, although he is a Shri Vaishnava, he also had a guru who was a Gaudiya Vaishnava, so he studied both the Chaitanya Charitamrita and the Chaitanya Bhagavata.
Now, he said that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did indeed espouse chanting Hari's names, but interestingly, in neither work does one find the explicit mention of the Hare Krishna mantra. He goes on to say that if Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did chant this mantra, we certainly do not know about it in written records.
Is this true? Is there any mention of the Hare Krishna maha mantra in either the Chaitanya Charitamrita or the Chaitanya Bhagavata? Other legitimate sources are fine as well. I am looking for both direct and indirect references if possible.
If not, then how exactly did the maha-mantra get into Gaudiya Vaishnavism?


texts: What is the Guru Parampara of Suddhadvaita?

texts:
Among the doctrines of Vedanta, I know that Guru Parampara of Advaita (non-dualism) and Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) as follows:

  नारायणं पद्मभुवं वशिष्ठं शक्तिं च तत्पुत्रं पराशरं च व्यासं शुकं गौडपादं महान्तं गोविन्दयोगीन्द्रं अथास्य शिष्यम्।
  श्री शंकराचार्यं अथास्य पद्मपादं च हस्तामलकं च शिष्यम् तं तोटकं वार्त्तिककारमन्यान् अस्मद् गुरून् सन्ततमानतोऽस्मि॥

  सदाशिव समारम्भां शङ्कराचार्य मध्यमाम्।
  अस्मदाचार्य प्रर्यन्तां वन्दे गुरु परम्पराम् ॥

Advaita Guru Parampara:
SadaSiva/Narayana > Padmabhu (BrahmA) > Vashishtha > Shakti > Parashar > VedVyasa > Shukadeva > Gaudapada > Govinda Bhagvatpada > Adi Shankaracharya.

Vishishtadvaita Guru Parampara:
Vishnu > Laxmi > Vishvaksena > Nammalwar > NathaMuni > Pundarikaksha > Rama Mishra > Yamunacharya > Peria Nambi > Ramanujacjarya

I want to know the Guru Parampara of Suddhadvaita (pure non-dualism), also known as Pushti Marga Vaishnava Sampradaya. I only know that the chief expounder is Vallabhacharya and belongs to Rudra Sampradaya.


texts:
How are the slokas in Skanda Purana divided?

Suppose Ramayana is divided into Kandas, which are further divided into sargas etc..


texts: Book recommendations for a beginner to understand philosophy of Advaita Vedanta in English or English translation of works.


texts: Why they choose mentally disabled person to disguise as Kala Bhairava?

texts:
In my village of south india, During days of Maha Shivaratri (Month: Feb).
Devotees choose one Mentally disabled person(Males only) & decorate him as Kala Bhairava & his hand holding sword with lemon pin at the top. They roam him around the streets. People pour yellow water at his feet when he reach their houses.

I am not sure name of the Avatar here, but definitely one of avatars of Lord Shiva.


texts: Is Goddess Lakshmi goddess of happiness or wealth?

texts:
What does goddess Lakshmi symbolize. Does she represent happiness or wealth. Most of the people say that she is wealth but I refute it because, Lord Vishnu, the ruler of the life, her husband is the one who can make people happy and people can be happy even without wealth (there are also people who are poor but still happy). How can Lord Vishnu make one happy without giving them wealth if wealth is goddess Lakshmi? She must be happiness which is the essence of life which is ruled by Lord Vishnu.

She gives wealth for the one who worships her. But what is the difference between god Kubera and her? Can't one get wealth by worshiping Kubera?

What did Vedas and Lord Krishna tell about it?


texts: Was Ravana actually a villain? Or was he a devotee of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
Ravana was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Siva. He also worshiped Lord Brahma and the two of them had given him enormous powers. Among the Trimurthis, only Lord Vishnu punished him as Lord Rama.

Ravana is considered as a symbol of cruelty. Many people believe that Ravana is a villain who kidnapped Goddess Sita from Lord Rama and killed many people. And at the end of the story Lord Rama killed Ravana and returned to his Kingdom of Ayodhya with Sita. But can it be considered as a punishment? Isn't it a rare privilege to be killed by the hands of God?

Was Ravana actually a villain as people believe today or was he a devotee of Lord Vishnu? What is the actual story behind the scene?


texts: How many times and what all we can eat in Navratri?

texts: I want to know that how many times in a day we can eat when we are doing Navratri fast? Some are saying that we can have sattvik any number of times and some are saying two times. Please help me with correct method.


texts: Should we perform Kesh-Mundan for 13 months old girl child

texts: Is performing the Kesh-Mundan of a 13 months old girl child in accordance with the Hindu religion and scriptures? We follow the south Indian traditions from Karnataka.


texts:
Most of us are aware of the children of Shiva and Parvati ⇒ Kartikeya, Ganesh and many others.

I have never come across the children of Vishnu and Lakshmi.

Lastly, I am aware of the avatars of Vishnu and Lakshmi who had children, e.g.

Ram―Sita ⇒ Lava & Kusha
Krishna―Rukmani ⇒ Pradyumna

Who are the children of Vishnu and Lakshmi? Can anyone enlighten me with this knowledge?


texts: Do Vallabhacharya's followers believe he was originally a Gaudiya Vaishnava?

texts:
As I discuss in my question here, Vishnu is said to have taught the principles of Vaishnavism to four disciples: Lakshmi, Brahma, Shiva and Sanatkumara. And in turn they started the four main Sampradayas or traditions of Vaishnavism: Sri Sampradayam, Brahma Sampradayam, Rudra Sampradayam, and Kumara Sampradayam. My question is about the Rudra Sampradayam, the one founded by Shiva.  Currently the only Vaishnava sect which traces its origins to the Rudra Sampradayam is Pushtimarga, the sect of Vallabhacharya which worships the Srinathji form of Vishnu (which I discuss here.)

Now Vallabhacharya's followers believe that Vallabhacharya belonged to the Guru Parampara of Vishnuswami, an earlier Acharya of the Rudra Samparadayam.  But the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect, which traces its origins to the Brahma Sampradaya, claims that before Vallabhacharya joined Vishnuswami's sect, he was originally a Gaudiya Vaishnava.  Here is what Srila Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, the founder of the popular Gaudiya Vaishnava organization ISKCON, says in one of his commentaries:

  Vallabha Bhaṭṭa was a great learned scholar of Vaiṣṇavism. In the beginning he was very much devoted to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, but since he thought that he could not receive proper respect from Him, he later joined the Viṣṇu Svāmī sect and became the ācārya of that sect. His sect is celebrated as the Vallabhācārya-sampradāya. This sampradāya has had great influence in Vṛndāvana near Gokula and in Bombay.

And Vallabhacharya is mentioned in two chapters of the Chaitanya Charitamrita, the traditional biography of Chaitanya Mahaparbhu, the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.  In this chapter, Vallabhacharya meets Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, has religious discussion with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, ferries him across the Yamuna river to his house, serves him devotedly in his house, and then ferries him across the Ganga river to Prayaga.

In another chapter of the Chaitanya Charitamrita, Vallabhacharya goes to Puri to meet Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and gives food to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his associates.  Then some time later, Vallabhacharya comes back and tells Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that he has just written a commentary on the Srimad Bhagavatam, and that it's superior to Sridharaswami's commentary.  Chaitanya Mashaprabhu takes offense to this, as he has great respect for Sridharaswami's work.  This leads Vallabhacharya to lose his false pride, and he ultimately receives initiation from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's shishya and childhood friend Gadadhara Pandita.

My question is, do Vallabhacharya's followers agree that Vallabhacharya was originally a Gaudiya Vaishnava?  How do they characterize the encounters between Vallabhacharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, assuming they even happened?  And do they accept that Vallabhacharya received initiation from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's shishya Gadadhara Pandita?


texts: What is the source of this sloka mentioning gravity?

texts:
What is the source of this sloka which mentions gravity?

  aakrishta-shaktishcha mahi tvayaa yat
  kha-stham guru svaabhimukam svashaktyaa/

  aakrishyate tat patatiti khe
  same samantat kva patatviyam khe//

(Reference : Jnani-Guru, Paramahansa Nigamannanda Sarasvati, Sarasvata Math, page 7).

meaning: The earth has attraction-power and therefore it attracts heavy things from up above. So the things fall on the earth. Otherwise what falls what on void?


texts: Why is Kartikeya not worshiped much compared to lord Shiva, lord Ganesha and goddess Parvati?

texts:
Kartikeya is elder son of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, but he is not worshiped much compared to his dad, mother and brother.

If you visit temples in our country, rarely any temple will have an idol for Kartikeya, whereas the temple will always have idols of lord Shiva and Ganesha and atleast a photo frame of goddess Parvati.

This is same with the frames of gods we see around, Kartikeya is rarely seen with them

Credits for Image : ajitvadakayil.blogspot.com


texts: Just wondering How do Hindus decide which gods or goddesses to worship?


texts: Did Lord Rama Take Birth in Chaturbhuja Form?

texts: When Lord Vishnu took human avataras like Vamana and Krishna, He appeared in chaturbhuja form holding chakra, shankha, gada and padma along with all ornaments and Shrivatsa mark on His chest. This description for Vamana avatara is found in Bhagavatha Purana Canto 8 and that for Krishna is also found in Bhagavatha Purana Canto 10. Rama is also a human avatara of Lord Vishnu. Did Rama also appear in chaturbhuja form like Vamana and Krishna at the time of His birth?


texts: How does Panchang predict agricultural conditions?

texts:
There are research papers which mention that panchangs are more accurate than IMD in terms of climate prediction. Moreover, I read that there are multiple predictions possible, over and above rainfall prediction.
Can I know if there is any document/book which discusses how this is calculated?
I would like to know how it is calculated, and not the links where predictions are available.


texts: Is any weapon worshiped besides Sudarsana Chakra?

texts: I know that Sri Vaishnavas worship Sudarshana Chakra, giving it the status of an azhwar.  Does any other sect do so ?


texts: Why is it said not to eat before worshiping God?

texts:
Even for worshipping god everyday in the morning, it is said to have breakfast only after worshipping god. Or it can be said in other way that if one worships god, he or she has to complete pooja first and then, has to eat.
And, i also heard from one of my friends that one have to take bath again to go to a temple even though he had it in the morning. :p
Is it correct? If so, What could be the reason?


texts: When Brahma's day ends and a new day starts does the previous day repeat itself?

texts:
When an day ends for Brahma there are no living beings and when a new day starts everything is recreated. My question is - does the same chain of events take place in the new day of Brahma?

For example, Shree Ram Avatar event that happened in this day (24th treta yug, Sita abduction, How Shree Ram get vanvaas etc) do the same events repeat on the next brahma day?

Events of Mahabharata (28th Dwapar yug how Shree Krishna tells bhagvad Gita to Arjun in the middle of the battlefield) does the same event happen in next day of Brahma?


texts: Who was mother of Subhadra? Rohini or Yashoda?

texts:
In Star Plus serial, it is shown that Krishna is exchanged with daughter of Nand and Yashoda. When Kans tried to kill the exchanged daughter, she transforms into some other character and disappears. The character's face was same as Subhadra actor in the serial. So possibly they want to show it was Subhadra.

So based on that, Yashoda should be mother of Subhadra?

But when I searched and read on Wikipedia, found out that Rohini was mother of Subhadra.

What's the truth?


texts: What is the recommended age for marriage for girls as per Shastra?

texts: I remember reading that girls should be married within the age of 12. The intention of the question is not to incite a debate on the ideal age for marriage in today's world, but to know what our scriptures recommend.


texts: Were Nayanars foretold in any of the Hindu scriptures?

texts:
Vaishnavas say Bhagavata Purana foretold the upcoming of Alwars. Likewise, any Hindu scriptures predict the upcoming of Nayanars?

For those who aren't familiar with Alwars and Nayanars - they are the poet-saint devotees of Vishnu and poet-saint devotees of Shiva respectively. Together, they were 75 (12 and 63 respectively) in number. They traveled the land, spreading Bhakti through their literature and songs.


texts: Does Manusmriti contain any statements regarding manual labor?

texts: Is there any mention regarding manual labor in Manu Smriti?


texts: What are the principal differences on siddhanta basics, and details, between tradional vedantists and neo-vedantists?

texts: Although my personal experience has been limited to observing some rather intense debates between traditional advaitins and neo-advaitins, this differentiation seems to have been extended to vedantists in general and by further extension, to hinduism itself. So, it would be good to understand the differences at the different levels.


texts: Why is the family deity of Venkateshwara the Sami tree?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, the book "Venkatachala - Its Glory" is a translation of the Sthala Purana (temple scripture) of the famous Tirupati temple, and this temple scripture consists of excerpts from various Puranas that discusss the story of Venkateshwara (the Vishnu deity in Tirupati, AKA Balaji or Srinivasa).

In any case, the Sthala Purana describes the wedding of Vishnu and Padmavathi in great detail.  The wedding is officiated by the god Brahma, and before the wedding begins Brahma asks Vishnu to worship his "family deity."  This excerpt describes Vishnu's response:

  "Our family deity is the sacred Sami tree" said Srinivasa.  Agastya located the tree.  The bridegroom went round it praising it.  He then offered worship to his family goddess....  In a golden vessel, filled with pearls and covered by a costly cloth, the family goddess was offered worship and consecrated near Lord Varaha.  Srinivasa was conducting himself as an ordinary human being!

My question is, why does Vishnu say that his family deity is the Sami tree?  I know about the holiness of the Tulasi plant for Vishnu, but I hadn't heard that the Sami tree was sacred for him.  And in any case, I'm not sure what it would mean for Vishnu to have a "family deity".

Also, does anyone know what actual Purana this passage from the Sthala Purana of Tirupati is taken from?


texts: Buddha, Jesus, Prophet Muhammad, Mahavir, Sai Baba - Vishnu avatars?

texts:
Buddha, Jesus, Prophet Muhammad, Mahavir, Sai Baba - are all these avatars of Lord Vishnu?

If yes, then Lord Vishnu should have more than 10 avatars and what is the timeline for all of them?


texts: Which one of the following two Sankalpa Mantras is correct?

texts:
Sandhyavandanam,Puja or a Japa always generally begins with a Sankalpa.

I've found the following two Sankalpa Mantras on web.

  Mantra 1)

  "Mamopatha Samastha, duritha kshaya dwara, Shri Parameswara
  preethyartham...

  Mantra2)

  Mamo partha samastha durithakshaya dwara , Sri Parameshwara
  preethyartham...

Mantra 1 is found here & Mantra 2 here.

I have not given the complete mantras as it is not needed for my purpose.

As can be seen the mantras differ only by a word patta/partha.

My question-Which one of the two mantras is the correct one?

Another allied question-What are the meanings of the words "patta" and "partha"?


texts:
According to Sanatana Dharma, what are the types of sins?

What types of sins can be washed and how and in what cases it is not considered as sin even if people commit one?


texts:
If a pure hearted soul wished to undertake it, how is a Tapas performed?

Is a manthric procedure laid down in the scriptures aimed towards visible visitation of deity penanced to grant boons. Is the number of manthra repetitions presribed  for each God? (I know of numbers needed for some desired goals ..ishta kamyardhams recommended by swamis). Are there specific mantras prescribed to propitiate particular Gods ? (Like Beejaksharas included in Gayathri for short /daily prayers)

Is there a normal time for appearance of the God? Is it allowed to take breaks during the tapas? ( because it is not only a spiritual act but also a bodily performed action with concentration).

What recent accounts are there of spiritual persons who saw God or attained peace and internal power transmitted as divine messages? Are there accounts of those who quit in the middle?

I know of a religious person about whose integrity I have absolutely no doubt. When he did hear pleasing divine musical sounds he was enthralled and confided to me. At first I thought it as tinnitus or some such medical condition of weakness. Motivation in asking the question is to remove present skepticism in such ancient intensive meditative practices so that in the present times too the practice lives on... Mahesh Yogi had said a certain percentage (square root of 0.1%) of a group meditates, then the entire group is influenced towards peace and harmony.


texts: What was the Shatrughna (Lord Rama last brother) role or Significance in Ramayana?


texts:
Yoga Vashishtha, is a conversation between Maharishi Vashistha and Shri Rama. Shri Rama, when young, comes to the palace back after travelling the country and is very despondent. Rishi Vashishtha gives him knowledge and the conversation happens on various topics.

The Yoga Vashishtha covers the mysterious topics of time, space, consciousness etc.

Although, the question is: Are there any records on the evolution of Earth mentioned in the text?


texts: Do Hindu texts talk about how to respond to ideology which is against Hinduism?

texts: To further my question here, I ask this related question. This wiki article talks in great length about anti-Hinduism and related events. Do Hindu texts about how to respond to such ideology?


texts: In which scripture does the Sun named Gabhasti appear

texts:
In the Hanumatsahasranaama from Rudrayaamala one of the name is Gabhastigraasako.
A few years ago I came across a stanza in sanskrit which roughly translated meant " ...At that time, in the constellation of Libra, a Sun named Gabhasti was giving birth to itself..."
Anyone know the source?


texts: About UcchistaGanapathi and why its regarded as highest Ganesha form

texts:
I have heard about the UcchistaGanapathi mantras, and why this form of Lord Ganapathi is regarded as highest and more Tantric. However, am not sure whether its regarded  as highest! (saw in one article) even Saktimahaganapati is also can be regarded as most powerful or highest...

I heard about one mantra something having ending with **likhe**
whats its significance and dhyana etc
And I saw, considering this form of Ganesha in one article its being depicted as for achieving something not-so-good manner!.


texts: Is distinguishing Body from Atman as Non Self and using terms like Anatma a Buddhist influence on Hinduism?

texts:
Prof Peter Harvey writes "Both Buddhism and Hinduism distinguish ego-related "I am, this is mine", from their respective abstract doctrines of "Anatta" and "Atman". This may have been an influence of Buddhism on Hinduism"
Wikipedia says "Upanishads state that the core of every person's self is not the body, nor the mind, nor the ego, but Atman, which means "soul" or "self". While the Upanishads recognized many things as being not-Self, they felt that a real, true Self could be found. Atman is that which one is at the deepest level of one's existence."
Could anyone tell me verses in Hinduism from Upanishads speaking of Non Self objects like Mind Body etc differentiating it from Atman? And are these words Anatma etc refered in Upanishads as Non Self?? If not then why do such words like Anatma get used in Vivekaschudlamai to differentiate between Atman and Body?


texts: Did Duryodhana ever insult Draupadi by his words?

texts:
Karna insulted Draupadi by his words several times. One of the intensive insults happen during Draupadi vastrapaharanam.

I will give. O son of the Kuru race, the gods have ordained only one
husband for one woman. This Draupadi, however, hath many husbands.
Therefore, certain it is that she is an unchaste woman. To bring her,
therefore, into this assembly attired though she be in one piece of
cloth--even to uncover her is not at all an act that may cause
surprise. Whatever wealth the Pandavas had--she herself and these
Pandavas themselves,--have all been justly won by the son of Suvala. O
Dussasana, this Vikarna speaking words of (apparent) wisdom is but a
boy. Take off the robes of the Pandavas as also the attire of
Draupadi.
[Section 67, Sisupala-badha Parva, Sabha Parva, The Mahabharata]

Are there any statements by Duryodhana that insult Draupadi? I am not asking for insulting gestures. I am only asking for insult by words.


texts:
I was reading this question and I found interesting comments about tīrtha as follows:

  you can get rid of sins simply by dipping in a Tirtha. Numerous
  scriptures including the Mahabharata mention it.

And one more:

  The very act of dipping into a Tirtha is enough to get rid of sins.
  This is mentioned in numerous scriptures including the Mahabharata.

Assuming this to be true, and since it is mentioned in Hinduism scriptures, I wonder, what kind of message/rational/wisdom is behind such blanket announcements about tirtha?

For sure, it is not written to promote sins in society neither it is meant to promote Tirtha as a holy/sacred place.

This whole notion of thirtha and sins effectively means for a layman's perspective: do whatever you want: and if you feel it's sin, then no worries, simply get dip in Thirtha and you will be fine

This sounds plain wrong to all of us as civilised citizens, and I too agree with that sentiment, but then what could be the reason why Hindu scriptures mentions such activity?


texts: Why a husband is called पतीपरमेश्वर (Pati Parmeshwar)? Whom should a wife devote to at time of death?

texts:
As the question says, why a husband is called पतीपरमेश्वर? What does that mean for a wife?

Also, our scriptures say that one who devotes to the the Supreme Soul at the time of death, reaches the supreme soul. Rather whatever we think at the time of death, we attain that state after death.
So, whom should a wife devote to at the time of death? Husband (पतीपरमेश्वर) or Supreme Soul, in order to attain Moksha?


texts: How could Lakṣmaṇa's mantra to kill Indrajit really work?

texts:
Some folks consider the following śloka uttered by Lakṣmaṇa to be the mūla-mantra of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa.

  धर्मात्मा सत्यसन्धश्च रामो दाशरथिर्यदि || ९०-६-७१
  पौरुषे चाप्रतिद्वन्द्वस्तदेनं जहि रावणिम् |

  dharmātmā satyasandhaśca rāmo dāśarathiryadi || 90-6-71
  pauruṣe cāpratidvandvastadenaṃ jahi rāvaṇim |

  O my dear arrow! If Rama the son of Dasaratha has set his mind on virtue, keeps up his promise and is second to none in his prowess, destroy this Indrajit.

My question is not why this is considered the mūla-mantra but more to do with the how could such a mantra really work. I mean if Warrior A draws up his weapon against Warrior B and prays – "if Warrior C is a dhārmic person, let my weapon kill B" – logically, how is that supposed to work?

E.g., if Indrajit also drew a weapon and uttered a similar mantra that's based on Rāma's virtues and truthfulness and launches it on Lakṣmaṇa, will it work?

The following example, where Sītā prays to Agni-deva to be gentle on Hanumān's burning tail, seems more logical to me because she's praying and counting on her own chastity (pātivratya) instead of someone else's.

  "If I have done any service to my husband, if I have performed a penance and if I am a faithful wife, please be cool to Hanuma." [5-53-28]

  "If the wise Rama has even a little of kindness to me and if I have still some good fortune remaining to my credit, please be cool to Hanuma." [5-53-29]

  "If that virtuous Rama recognises me as one, who is endowed with a good moral conduct and who is ardently desirous of meeting him, please be cool to Hanuma." [5-53-30]

Given the above more logical example, how to make sense of Lakṣmaṇa's prayer before he killed Indrajit?


texts: Does Any Hindu Texts Say Anything About The Evolution Of Consciousness?

texts: Are there any text regardless the evolution of consciousness, how to improve consciousnesses, and so-forth? I'm not sure if this is correct, but the "jiva" mind?


texts: How Skanda in North India to Kandha (Lord muruga) in South India?

texts:
While reading an article I got this line,

  The references to Murugan can be traced back to the first millennium
  BCE.    There are references to Murugan in Kautilya's Arthashastra, in
  the works of Patanjali, in Kalidasa's epic poem the Kumarasambhavam.

  The Kushanas, who governed from what is today Peshawar, and the
  Yaudheyas, a republican clan in the Punjab, struck coins bearing the
  image of Skanda

Could any one please explain or suggest some reading to know how Lord muruga has evolved as Tamil god in Tamilnadu?

If due to muslim invasion Kanda worship was abolished in North India, how worship of Ganesha and Siva still exists and why none of other gods has any relation to language Tamil?

EDIT:
I dont think its a duplicate. My question is how Lord muruga evloved as tamil god.


texts:
I live in the NE USA. There are many temples and shrines near where I live. The problem is that all of them were founded by immigrants from India. Therefore, they exist to serve their communities.
What is the best way to seek out a local temple or shrine under these conditions if you are from the West?


texts: Sudarsana Homam - Timings for conducting

texts:
I learnt from pundits and scholars that poornahuthi for sudarsana homam should be put within 12 noon. It takes six hours to perform sudarsana homam. Normally homams should be done from 5 am and finish within 12 noon. [at the max]. But nowadays I observe that the sudarsana homam is being carried out by few people in the evening; starting from 6 pm and ending by 9 pm. If the homam is performed by an individual it will benefir the whole universe. On the other hand if it is done after sunset will it cause retro effect? Presently the whole world is reeling in pandemic. Can this be answered  by appropriate citings?
Note: My company sent an invitation for puja for day after tomorrow.. In that it is mentioned Mahasudarsana Homa starts from 7/30 pm and ends by 10pm?


texts: What are the remedies as per Hindu religion to reduce parents curse?

texts: Parents give curse to their children when they are very angry and actually the child also did some work which is beyond the boundary of their society culture, but the child is not wrong. The curse is not seeing wrong and right it is only the curse but I want to know the remedy to reduce the risk generated due to curses in the child life.


texts: What is the story of Kubera being cursed to turn into an elephant?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya. My question is about the Samkhya school, founded by the sage Kapila.  Verse 55 of Ishwara Krishna's Samkhya Karika, one of the defining texts of the Samkhya school, describes the misery the soul experiences as long as it's in Samsara:

  tatra jarāmaraṇakṛtaṃ duḥkham prāpnoti cetanaḥ puruṣaḥ |
  liṅgasya ā vinivṛttes tasmād duḥkhaṃ svabhāvena ||

  There, the intelligent Spirit experiences pain due to old age and death, till the cessation of the Linga; hence misery is of the nature of things.

Now this excerpt from the Yuktidipika, an ancient commentary on the Samkhya Karika of unknown authorship, gives various examples to illustrate that even the Devas and other exalted beings are subject to misery:

  If it is asked how the pleasure is pervaded by misery, (we reply), because of the possibility of impurity, decay and surpass ability right from the (world of) Brahma. And, because that (possibility) is the cause of misery. (It is known through the following:) because the disease of eyes is heard in case of Prajapati, because of the trouble of sexual desire in case of Indra, because of the defeat of Gautama and because of the attainment of the state of stone in case of Rambha through the curse, because of the trouble of Sarpasatra to the serpents, and there is the attainment of the state of elephant in case of Vaishravana on account of the curse of Yaska, because of the stay in hole in case of the parents of Jaratkaru, because of banishing the Pishachas through the use of vedic chants, medicines, and auspicious things, and because the human beings and the lower animals are directly observed to be the abode of misery.

Most of these stories are recognizable: there's the story of Brahma losing his eye described in this Kanda of the Taittiriya Samhita of the Yajur Veda; there's Indra being Indra; there's the story of Vishwamitra cursing Rambha which I discuss here; there's the story of Janamejaya trying to kill all the snakes of the world; there's the story of the Pitris of the sage Jaratkaru described in this chapter of the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata.

But I'm interested in the part in bold.  For those who don't know Vaishravana is a another name for Kubera god of wealth. So my question is, what is the story of Kubera being cursed to turn into an elephant by Yaska?

The only Yaska I know of is the author of the Nirukta, a famous Sanskrit etymological text.  Is it possible that it's a translation error and that it's Yaksha rather than Yaska?  After all Kubera is the king of the Yakshas.  In any case, how did Kubera get cursed, and how did he ultimately get freed from the curse?


texts: Are punishments mentioned in Garuda Purana real or just myths to create fear in humans?

texts:
There are 28 types of punishments mentioned in the Garuda Purana. If seen in detail, they are all cruel. Hope these are told because human beings will not do any bad things during their lifetime. In other words, to create a fear among human beings e.g., if you do this, you will face this punishment from Garuda Purana. But nowadays people are doing all sorts of falsehoods by keeping aside these myths.

So do human beings undergo these punishments for real or this is all just a myth?

This is not opinion-based question.


texts:
This place is one of the famous pilgrim centers.

What is its significance and glory?


texts: Bhasma-Aarti at Mahakaleshwar temple Ujjain

texts:
I Have been visiting Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga for a couple of times this year.

Every time I visit there, it is a must for me to witness the awesome bhasma-aarti being offered to lord shiva i.e., lord Mahakal

My question here is, why we offer the bhasma ? and how that tradition got started ?

Is it true that the bhasma (Ashes) are of human body freshly burnt in crematorium or Samshaan?

What are the significance of witnessing that bhasma-arti ?

Why females are not allowed to watch the bhasma being offered ?

Why only an Aghori brings the bhasma ?

and

Why it happens so early in the morning?

Too many question yet very few for a curious mind.

Jai Mahakaal.


texts: Are there ways to count tithis that differs from traditional astrology?

texts:
Are there some text (specially tantras, agamas, nigamas, others) which explain how to count tithi in a different way to Vedic Jyotish?

Traditionally, fortnight start day after purnima (full moon) or amavasya (new moon). So certain dates as Vasant Panchami, should fall on day 5 after amavasya (it would be, amavasya, then day 1, then day 2, day 3, day 4, panchami), or ekadasi should fall on day 11 after full or new moon (purnima, then day 1, day 2, day 3, 4,5,6,7,8,9,10, ekadasi).

But once, I heard that, the counting should start from purnima (or amavasya) itself, so according to that, Vasant Panchami should be: amavasya, then day 2, day 3, 4, panchami (1 day before than traditional). And same with ekadasi of course.

Is there some scripture explaining this?

For example ISKCON has a very profound way to calculate ekadasi, because fasting on dashami is considered very very inauspicious, and they have a lot of regulation as to how the proper day should be calculated . But they count in the traditional way. Counting in this yogic way I'm asking, ekadashi would fall on ISKCON's dashami.


texts: Why Iskcon believe krishna is supreme and also follow Brahma-samhita without evidence?

texts:
As I know Isckon devotes make the convince to the people through the help of the Brahma-samhita.
And per my research (all vedas/purans/upnisad) I didn't find any valid proof of Brahma-samhita.It's not present in any scriptures. So, why they are trying to guide the people which has no evidence in scriptures.??!!

Now another thing they believe that Lord Narayan(Visnu) has lower quality than Lord Krishna.Lord Narayan is expansion of Lord Krishna.But I never find this type of thing in any Purans/uponisad.

There are 18 purans and each and every are created by sri vyasdev and they are divided in their particular modes.

3 qualities: truth, passion, and indifference.

Sattva (Godness): Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Naradeya Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, Varaha Purana
Rajas("passion"): Brahmanda Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana
 Tamas ("indifference"): Matsya Purana, Kurma purana, Linga Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Agni Purana

And as we Pure Vaishnav we only accept the Sattva Modes of Scriptures.
So my point is that all sattva gun scriptures claimed and sing glories of Lord Narayan as Supreme. Why Iskcon try to misinterpreted the Scriptures to the people. I didn't find any evidence where it said like Lord Narayan is lower quality and he is expansion of Lord Krishna.

Another thing if you said like that he is expansion of Lord Krishna, then you are coming to the Guru-sisya parampara, In your Parampara Naradmuni, vyasdeva and prahalad maharaj comes, but they all are pure devotes of lord Narayan.
Naradmuni as per Narad Puran.
Vyasdeva is incarnation of lord Vishnu, which evidence is in Visnu-Sahstranam strotram.
Prahalad Maharaj is pure devote of lord Vishnu as described in Srimad -Bhagvatam.

And Iskcon's Devotes making fool to people in name of Brahma-samhita, which has no evidence.
and also misinterpreted the Scriptures as per their own speculation.

I believe that the Lord Krishna is the Supreme, but Lord Krishna is incarnation of the Lord Narayan, Lord Narayan came as Lord Krishna on the earth, so many scriptures are their which has this evidence.
Then why Iskcon making fool to discriminate the Lord Narayan from the Lord Krishna and telling people like different quality and everything.
It is not real knowledge ... they convince people on baseless scriptures, spread ignorance in people.
Devotion is doesn't exist Where discrimination comes.

So if anyone have some valid information about this then plz share with me.


texts: What is the difference between Maya, Mahamaya and Yogamaya?

texts: What is the difference between Maya, Mahamaya and Yogamaya according to our holy scriptures?


texts: Is hetuvāda now a derogatory term? In what context did Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata use the word?

texts:
The Monier Williams dictionary defines hetuvāda as:

  हेतु--वाद

  m. a statement of reasons or arguments, assigning a cause, disputation MBh. R.

I see two sources next to the meaning:

  MBh.  Title   महाभारत

  R.    Title   रामायण

So, in what context do Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata use this word?

Also, more recently, I'm seeing this word being used in a derogatory sense with atheistic connotations. I'm curious as to how this has happened. Is the transition from philosophical debates to the Bhakthi movement (where blind belief is demanded of its followers) the reason behind this semantic shift?


texts:
There is a modern business going on now a days in the homa, japa in all temples nearby our places.

There was a traditional belief that by doing Parijanya Japa will lead to rainfall in barren lands. Is that applicable in today's modern world as well?


texts: Which Rakhasa has taken away Sita mata before surpanakha meet them?

texts: Is there any story that a Rakhasa has taken away Sita mata before surpanakha meet them, and later lord Rama and Shri Laxman fight with him and recover Sita mata?


texts: How come Vedantic Sampradayas today don't allow women to become Brahmavadinis?

texts:
Brahmavadinis are women who learn the Vedas, recite mantras, and do Yajnas, as stated here.

How come Vedantic sampradayas don't permit women to do this?

I think it's because it's much easier to become a Sadyovadhu (housewife), and the duties of a housewife fulfill the same function as a Brahmavadini, as Manu has said:

  2.67 - For females the Rites of marriage have been ordained to be their ‘Vedic Sacrament,’ the serving of the husbands their
  ‘residence with the Teacher,’ and the household-duties their ‘tending
  of fire.’

  5.153 - There is no separate sacrificing for women, no observances, no fastings; it is by means of serving her husband that
  she becomes exalted in heaven.

The fact that Brahmavadinis and Sadyovadhus achieve the same result is also stated in Balambhatta's gloss of the Mitakshara:

And also stated in the Vishnu Purana by Vyasa:

  Thus, eminent Brahmans, through these and other sources of anxiety,
  men attain their allotted spheres of Prajápati and the rest only by
  exceeding labour and suffering. This is not the case with women: a
  woman has only to honour her husband, in act, thought, and speech, to
  reach the same region to which he is elevated [heaven]; and she thus
  accomplishes her object without any great exertion.

Obviously, simply serving your husband to the best of your ability is much easier than learning the Vedas, memorizing it, begging for food, doing Yajnas, strict observance of austerities, etc.

The Harita smriti also says that in an "ancient age" (pura kalpe), women kept the sacred thread:

So, I think as humans started becoming more corrupt as time passed by, Manu and the Rishis gave women an easier option in the form of assisting their husbands.

And according to Nadadur Ammal, an ancient Sri Vaishnava acharya, in his work called the Yatilinga Samarthana, whenever there is a difficult option and an easy option that achieve the same results, as a rule, one would take the easy option:

However, Nadadur Ammal says "would not be undertaken," and not "should not be undertaken," because just because something is harder doesn't mean you're prohibited from taking that option.

But anyways, I think this is the reason why most women today are prohibited by  the major Sampradayas from wearing the sacred thread.

On the other hand, men of the first 3 castes have no easier option; they are required to do the Upanayanam, recite the Vedas, etc.

But are there any Vedic scholars from any of the major Vedantic sampradayas today who have commented on this?


texts: Where is it mentioned that Hanuman is an Avatar of Lord Shiva?

texts:
Is it true that "Hanuman is Lord's Shiva Avatar" is a medieval suggestion?

Where is it mentioned that Hanuman is Lord's Shiva Avatar?

I ask about: whether "Hanuman is Lord's Shiva Avatar" is a medieval suggestion or not?, And if not, where is it mentioned?


texts: I consider myself a shaktah,so I see Shiva as one aspect of paraatman,I have seen that unanimously,the Vedas(including shaiva upanishads) say that Rudra is brahman.but who is this Rudra?Nonshaivites(Vaisnavis) will say Rudra,maheswara,Vratya etc is Vishnu.what are some agreed upon texts that say Rudra is even lord shiva?


texts: Was Laxman Kumara named after Lakshmana?

texts:
Laxman Kumara was the only son1 of Duryodhana and Bhanumati. He battled in the Mahabharata war and did perform many acts of bravery, like saving King Bahlika, killing Shikandi's son, etc. He was later killed by Abhimanyu (who was killed on the same day).

However, what interests me is the proximity of his name, "Laxman Kumara", to that of Lord Rama's brother, Lakshmana. Are there any mentions about him being named after Lakshmana, or about how they chose his name?

1(they had another daughter, Lakshma, who was the wife of Samba, son of Lord Krishna)


texts: Is mukthi possible from world's other than bhuloka(ie. From swarga and naraka)

texts: In bhuloka, it is possible to achieve mukthi by doing several Sadhana. When we go to naraka or swarga, our sukshma Sarira(subtle body) will be there only sthoola Sarira(Gross body) is dropped during death. Japam, meditation all are done using manas which is part of sukshma Sarira. So, are we able to perform Sadhana like remembering bhagawan's nama and attain Mukthi in that loka also?


texts: Have the nayanar shaiva saints of Tamil nadu wrote poems on lord shiva's sons?

texts:
Is there mention of Lord ganesha in the poems of nayanars?
I know that shankaracharya wrote ganesha bhujangam and ganesh panchratna but have nayanars wrote about family of Lord shiva?


texts: Is there more than one interpretation of "twice born"?

texts:
I recall:

interpretation 1: the twice-born become twice-born when the undergo upanayana.

interpretation 2: the twice-born were human in their previous incarnation also.

Are both interpretations supported by scripture?


texts: Why is Vishnu described as holding a vessel and a mirror?

texts:
When a mantra is given in the Puranas, it's usually preceded by a Dhyanam, which describes the appearance of the god whom you're supposed to meditate upon before reciting the mantra.  For instance, in my profile page I quote the Sri Vishnu Stuti, which is part of the Dhyana shlokas of the Vishnu Sahasranamam.  But now I'm interested in the Dhyana of another mantra.

This excerpt from the Narada Purana describes a mantra called the Keshava Nyasa, a hymn to Vishnu which was heard from the gods by the sage Narayana, an incarnation of Vishnu whom I discuss here.  Here's the appearance of Vishnu you're supposed to meditate upon before reciting it:

  On should worship Hari who is equipped with discus and other weapons, who is holding a vessel and a mirror.  He is accompanied by Lakshmi who has the brilliance of lightning and who is adorned with a lot of ornaments.

My question is, why is Vishnu described as "holding a vessel and a mirror"?

First of all, what does "vessel" mean here?  Does it mean a ship or a container of some kind?  I'm not sure what Sanskrit word is being translated as vessel, but if someone can look in the Sanskrit version of the Narada Purana, available here and here, I'd appreciate it.

Are there any other scriptures which mention Vishnu holding a vessel and a mirror, and/or explain their significance?  I suppose the mirror could signify that the individual soul is reflected in Vishnu, or something along those lines.


texts: What do scriptures say about aligning with unrighteous people for righteous cause?

texts: For a dharmic cause can one align with a known unrighteous person if the latter happens to be in favor of this particular cause. Please note that in general the unrighteous person goes against dharma but for this cause the person is on-board. However his underlying motivations are unknown and neither does one know if for the unrighteous person achieving this cause will be an intermediate victory for a different cause he/she is pursuing.


texts: What are Yakshas and Yakshinis? Are they spiritually advanced astral beings? Are they powerful than humans?

texts:
I read over internet that Yakshas and Yakshinis if worshipped can bestow almost all material comforts upon you.
Is it true?
What made them so powerful?
Were they spiritual in their Human lives? What kind of karma makes a person Yaksha after death?


texts: Do different forms of life have different value?

texts:
In an answer I recently read:

  Do you not think the karma of killing a small insect is less than the karma of contributing to the death of a human?

I do not know. Life is life, correct? Is it correct to value some lives over others? If all is part of Brahman—as is the self—then doesn't harming insects harm myself? Are there degrees of value for lifeforms? Do different sects have different opinions on this?

Most importantly, if we say that different forms of life have different value, then we are participating in separation and distinction. How can we value things differently and be one with reality at the same time?


texts: Was Lord Ram under Maya's influence when he wanted to confirm if Shri Bharat still wishes to continue as King?

texts:
In Ramayana, Shri Bharat visited Lord Ram after the death of king Dashratha.
As soon as Shri Bharat saw Lord Ram, he embraced him and said: “Ram, our father died soon after your departure. On his deathbed he had only your name on his lips. Please forgive me. It is only because of my cruel mother that you have come to the forest in exile and we have lost our father.”
However, Lord Ram still wanted to live in exile to fulfill the promise made to his late father. Shri Bharat still insisted that he will instead fast to death, and won’t go back to Ayodhya without taking Lord Ram back with him. King Janak, convinced Shri Bharat of his self less love.

Shri Bharat returned disappointed, but with a promise that Lord Ram would have to return to Ayodhya immediately at the end of 14 years or else Shri Bharat would give up his life by immolation.

Shri Bharat placed Lord Ram's sandals on the foot of the throne and never sat upon the throne himself nor did he crown himself.

Before returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, Lord Ram thought that if Shri Bharat has even a slightest wish of continuing as a King of Ayodhya, he would return back to the forest. To check on Shri Bharat's wish, Lord Ram sent Hanuman to Ayodhya.

Here, Lord Ram is seen still in doubt after very sorrowful plea of Shri Bharat.
When a person wants to confirm something, it means he is in doubt or confused which means under the influence of Maya.

Is this a true story, the second story is that Lord Ram had sent Hanuman ahead so that he doesn't give up his life.


texts: What are the benefits of visiting temples?

texts:
What are the benefits, either spiritual or material, mental or physical?

EDIT: This is a more specific question asking specifically about the benefits.


texts: What's the reason behind Venkateshwara's unusual urdhwapundra?

texts:
There are two unusual aspects of Lord Venkateshwara's Urdhwapundra
1) The size of UrdhwaPundra:
The Urdhwpundra covers more than 30% of Lord's face, while normally it should cover around 10%. The Venkatanchalpati's urdhwapundra doesn't have the Sri Churnam or Red/Yellow part.
Standard Urdhwapundram for Sri Vaishnavas

Venkatanchalapti's Urdhwapundra

2) The material used for drawing Urdhwapundra
In normal cases the Urdhwapundra is made out of Thiruman(special clay) and Red/Yellow part Sri Churnam. The Urdhwapundra on the face of Venkatanchalpati is made out of pachcha kapoor natural/edible camphor.


texts: What are some of the miracles asscoiated with Sripad Madhvacharya?

texts:
Madhvacharya, one of the most renowned Vaishnava acharyas and the propagator of the Dvaita Vedanta philosophy, is considered an incarnation of Vayu by his followers. I would like to know some of the miracles supposedly performed by him?

Edit: As User @Rickross suggested, I am willing to accept a minimum of two ''miracles'' as an answer.


texts:
I started reading a book called “Some aspects of Ramayan and Mahabharata” by Bibek Debroy.
(You can borrow it here https://archive.org/details/someaspectsofram0000debr/page/15/mode/1up)

First chapter of this book logically attempts to prove why Ravana couldn’t have been a rakshsha and possibility of him without ten heads and twenty hands.

Bibek provides verses from Valmiki Ramayan that shows inconsistencies in portraying Ravana sometimes as 2 handed / 1 head and sometime as 10 headed / 20 handed.

Considering that readers would justify these consistencies with Ravana ability of taking any form he wants (because of his rakshsha powers), Bibek further points out even if Ravana used to switch between these 2 forms, it doesn’t make sense that he would do so rapidly on same occasion. Example -

When Ravana came to abduct Sita, he assumed 20 handed 10 head form but when he tries to grasp Sita he uses 2 hand (Aranya kand , 49th Sarga, sloka 8-9) https://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/aranya/sarga49/aranya_49_frame.htm

  संरक्त नयनः श्रीमान् तप्त कांचन भूषणः | क्रोधेन महता आविष्टो नील जीमूत
  सन्निभः || ३-४९-७ दश आस्यो विंशति भुजो बभूव क्षणदा चरः |

  वामेन सीताम् पद्माक्षीम् मूर्धजेषु करेण सः | ऊर्वोः तु दक्षिणेन एव
  परिजग्राह पाणिना || ३-४९-१७

As you see switch between 2 form just doesn’t add up. Similarly when Fighting with Jatayu, Jatayu cuts Ravana’s 20 hands and immediately in next verse Ravana hits him with 2 hands.

Finally Bibek goes on to justify that 10 headed form could actually be mask that Ravana used to wear. He further states that multi form aspects of Rakshahs and gods (4 headed brahma) and personalities (like Sahastrabahu Arjun) were introduced in post Christian Era and influenced from Greek mythological creatures.

Personally to me this goes against all the beliefs and conception that I have in our mythology and somewhere hurt the sentiments because then what is the truth?

How does the other Hindu acharyas justify inconsistencies pointed out in Ramayan?
Are there scriptural references to multi headed or multi handed gods in Vedas? (since Vedas are considered to be documented before Christian Era and if they have references to multi headed/handed gods then it should refute Bibek’s theory that Hindu multi headed gods were influenced from Greek mythology)


texts: Who are these creatures/entities - Sahajā, Kulajā, Mālā, Ḍākinī, Śhākinī (From Devī Kavacham: Durgā Saptaśhati)?

texts:
The Devī Kavacham (from Durgā Saptaśhati) protects us from Sahajā, Kulajā, Mālā, Ḍākinī, Śhākinī.

सहजा कुलजा माला डाकिनी शाकिनी तथा।
अन्तरिक्षचरा घोरा डाकिन्यश्‍च महाबलाः ॥ ५०॥
Sahajā Kulajā Mālā Ḍākinī Śhākinī Tathā ।
Antarikṣacarā Ghorā Ḍākinyaśca Mahābalāḥ ॥ 50॥

Who are these creatures / entities?


texts: How does one get initiated into Sri Vaishnavism?

texts: How does a non-Sri Vaishnava get initiated into Sri Vaishnavism?  What Sri Vaishnava Acharyas are there in the world today who initiate people?


texts: The Supreme Lord Is Equal to Everyone but he became partial for Indra

texts: The supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Vishnu is equal to everyone.How he became partial like a common man for Indra and killing Indra's enemies. How can a person be equal to everyone be partial to someone at some instances?


texts: Spiritual significance of Goddess Lakshmi serving the Lotus feet of God Vishnu

texts:
Goddess Lakshmi  is the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is the “eternal” consort  and shakti (energy) of God Vishnu.
Goddess Lakshmi is also considered as, another aspect of the Supreme Goddess.

The  iconography of Goddess Lakshmi  shows her with four hands, which represent the four goals of human life considered important to the Hindu way of life: dharma, kama, artha, and moksha.

The goddess  typically stands or sits like a yogini on a lotus pedestal and holds lotus in her hand, a symbolism for fortune, self-knowledge and spiritual liberation.

Goddess Lakshmi is also seen serving the Lotus feet of God Vishnu.

What is the spiritual significance of  Goddess Lakshmi serving the Lotus feet of God Vishnu?


texts:
In the Devi Bhagavata Purana's 9th Book's 34th Chapter, Savitri (wife of Satyavan) asks Yamaraja:

  Sâvitrî said :-- “O Bhagavân! What is, according to the S’âstras,
  Brahmahattyâ (murdering a Brâhmin) and Gohatyâ (killing a cow)? Who
  are called Agamyâs (women unfit to be approached)? Who are designated
  as void of Sandhyâ (daily worship of the twice born castes)? Who can
  be called uninitiated? Who are said to take Pratigrahas (gifts) in a
  Tîrath?

To which Yamaraja's reply is as follows:

  Vârânasî (Benares), Vadarî, the Confluence of the Ganges with the
  ocean (Ganga-Sâgara), Puskara, Hari Hara Ksettra (in Behar near
  Châprâ), Prabhâsa, Kâmarûpa, Hardwar, Kedâra, Mâtripura, the banks of
  the river Sarasvatî, the holy land Bindrâban, Godâvarî, Kaus’ikî,
  Trivenî (Allahabad), and the Himâlayâs are all famous places of
  pilgrimages. Those who willingly accept gifts in these sacred places
  are said to be Tîrthapratigrâhîs (the acceptors of the gifts in the
  Tîrtha). .
  These Tîrthaprathigrâhîs go in the end to Kumbhîpâka hell.

Now, from common sense, it should be the other way round i.e the act should be allowed and a meritorious one. Because, making gifts, at sacred places and sacred times (like those of eclipses), are considered as highly meritorious acts. But if there are no recipients at all whom will the gifts be made to?

So, my questions are as follows:

Why the act of accepting gifts at sacred places (Tirthas) is considered a bad Karma?
Which scriptures besides the aforementioned Purana also mention the act as a bad Karma leading to hell?


texts: How can Skanda and Ganesha marry Brahma's daughters?

texts:
I am a daughter of Prajapati (the lord of all creatures, Brahma) and my name is Devasena. My sister Daityasena has ere this been ravished by Kesin. We two sisters with our maids habitually used to come to these Manasa mountains for pleasures with the permission of Prajapati. And the great Asura Kesin used daily to pay his court to us. Daityasena, O conqueror of Paka, listened to him, but I did not. Daityasena was, therefore, taken away by him, but, O illustrious one, thou hast rescued me with thy might. And now, O lord of the celestials, I desire that thou shouldst select an invincible husband for me.

  O hero with long arms, I am Avala (weak) but my husband must be powerful. And by the potency of my father's boon, he will be respected by gods and Asuras alike. That manly and famous and powerful being devoted to Brahma, who is able to conquer all the celestials, Asuras, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Uragas, Rakshasas, and the evil-minded Daityas and to subdue all the worlds with thee, shall be my husband.

  The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of Devasena, whom he has rescued before. And considering that this being (Skanda) was undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this lady by Brahma himself, he had her brought there, dressed her with the best apparel. And the vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda, 'O foremost of gods, this lady was, even before thy birth, destined to be thy bride by that Self-existent Being [Brahma]. Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like beautiful right hand with invocation of the (marital) hymns.' Thus told, he duly married her.

link:Wives of Lord Kartikeya

It is also said that Siddhi and Biddhi are the daughters of Brahma as per Ganesha Purana.

Now,it is known that Sati,who is Daksha's daughter,is Brahma's grandaughter.Hence,any daughters of Brahma is Sati's aunties.This means that Devasena,Siddhi and Buddhi are Sati's aunties and hence,the grandmothers of Ganesha and Skanda.In that case,how can Ganesha and Skanda marry their own grandmothers?


texts: Religious text or verse that can ease mental stress and faulty thinking

texts: I like to know if there is any religious text or verse that we can chant or say (does not matter if its's being chanted/ said during day or night) when one has a lot of mental stress or feeling restless mentally.


texts: Is there any relation between Trailanga Swami and Kulandai Swami?

texts:
Sri KulandaiAnanda Swamigal:

According a current biography of Sri Trailanga Swami, He and Sri Kulandai Ananda Swamigal (Who left His body in Madurai) are one and the same. Some websites also supports this view: https://www.columbuslost.com/Temples/Sri-Kulandai-ananda-Swamigal-Biography-and-Jeeva-Samadhi/info and http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2012/10/shri-kuzhandhaiyanandha-swamigal.html

Sri Trailanga Swami was a very well known saint in Bengal and Varanasi.As per His biography by His disciple Umacharan Mukhopadhyay, He left His mortal coil at Varanasi in 1887, which is supported by Wiki (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailanga).

Why then He is being claimed to be one with Sri Kulandai Swami?

Can anyone throw any light on this?

Sri Trailanga Swami:


texts:
Swastika is Auspicious symbol for Hindus. I have only heard about the significance of Swastika no solid proof from Shastras. Where is swastika mentioned in Yagna Rituals specifically Yajurveda if it is/was ever used in Yagnas. If it has some puranic importance where is it mentioned in puranas.

There is a saying that Swastika symbol is specifically used for worshiping Ganesha.

Related


texts: There have been 12 Alvars who are inseparable from Sri Vaishnavism. I was just wondering whether there can be more Alwars or not? If Not why can't there be? If yes, what is the procedure to become an Alwar?


texts: What happens to the soul when someone commit suicide?

texts:
What happens to the soul when one commits suicide?

Does the rebirth takes instantly?

Do the suicide soul try to make contact with family and friends?

Is it true that the suicide soul has to stay in between till the age he was destined to live on Earth?
For eg if he was destined to live for 70 years on Earth but he took away his live at the age of 30 so does he has to live for 40 years in between.


texts: Is Moksha compulsorily given to every died people by their family?

texts: What is death and rebirth cycle according to Veda ? After giving Moksha, can that soul take rebirth ?


texts:
It is in the answer that tulasi plucking not allowed on certain days.
And in this answer it I mentioned that tulasi is indispensable.

Question is how do you pick tulasi for pujas on restricted days?


texts: What is the life story and miracles associated with kanakadasa?

texts:
Kanaka dasa was a poet saint hailing from Karnataka region.

He belonged to the bhakti sampradaya and composed many devotional songs and kirtans especially on lord Krishna

It is also said that some miracles happened which were especially related to uDupi Krishna temple.

What was his life story?

What were the miracles associated with him?


texts:
Ved Vyasa is a title which is given to new Vyasa in every Chaturyuga, in this Chaturyuga it is Given to the great Krishna Dwaipayana son of Bramharishi Parashara.

The word Vyasa is a related to Geometry, Vyasa is also a Sanskrit word for Diameter of a Circle.

What is the meaning of Vyasa when used as 'Veda Vyasa', is it Geometrical or something else?

My Interpretation with the Meaning 'Diameter of Circle':

If we compare the analogy we get the literal meaning as follows

  vedavyasa = Veda + Vyasa
  Veda has two meanings Knowledge/ The 4 Vedas
  Vyasa is Diameter

If we consider circle to be Veda (Circle of Knowledge or Vedas) then according to the definition of Diameter

  A line segment connecting two extreme points of the Circle(Knowledge) is known as Diameter of circle.

So if we compare the analogy we can derive following meaning

  Veda Vyasa means the entitled person for a Chaturyuga who has All the knowledge(of the vedas) from its two Extremes

Note: The possible reason for Analogy of circle to the Vedas/Knowledge is because Circle is a complete figure and Vedas are complete set knowledge.

Vedas don't have a starting point(apaurusheya)from this we can conclude that they don't have ending, similarly circle has no starting point which means no end point.


texts: What were the exact reasons of birth of all the Shivansh?

texts:
After going through stories of Shivansh, following patterns happened to be common in all-

All were against Lord Shiva. Even they wanted to kill Mahadeva!
All were against Devas despite of the fact they were born out of MahAdeva.(i.e, when actually they were Devas)
All resulted into the great chaos.
All had Asuri Pravritti or supported Asuras?
In short, why they weren't calm or Yogi like Lord Shiva when they were Shivansh?

So, is there any subtle reason of their birth? Can anyone tell the exact reasons of their birth?
As far as I remember these were the Shivansh.

Jalandhar
Andhak
Rohitang


texts: What results will shani deliver in it's own dasha if in jataka shani is stationary, i.e is about to become vakri but almost stopped in his direct motion? let's say lagna is mithuna.


texts: Early references to Sri Andal as Bhudevi

texts:
I know Sri Andal is one of the 12 Azwars, and also Sri Vaishnavism takes HER as an incarnation of Bhudevi. I have some questions about this -

1) Even though Sri Andal is one of the 12 Azwars, as per the Sri Vaishnavism system, SHE enjoys a special status as the consort of Lord Sriman NArAyaNA - is this correct?
2) Have Azwars referred to HER as Bhudevi in their works? Though I understand many Azwars lived before the time of Sri Andal (so if such references are found, that would raise the question about the timing and dates)
3) Did either Sri Ramanujacharya, or Sri Desika, or one of the later acharyas of Sri Vaishnavism portray Sri Andal this way?
4) What is the earliest reference available to us, that talks about Sri Andal as an incarnation of Bhudevi?

Response much appreciated.


texts: We learnt that Brahmins have right to seek alms and live with it. Can people from other castes live through begging as per scriptures?


texts: Who created the difference between Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects?

texts: Actually I am very curious to know who created the difference between Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects of Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya?


texts: Are our actions outcome of mind & body or of soul?

texts:
I would like to understand this thing from our scriptures point of view:
Are our actions outcome of our mind & body or of soul (Atma)?

Please do cite authentic references with your answers.


texts:
In western Philosophy, Jewish mysticism and Christianity there's an important concept, that is the concept of Logos.

This concept is important in theology, cosmology and creation of the world.

Is there a concept like the concept of Logos in Hinduism?


texts:
This section of Mahabharata lists the 13 of Daksha's daughters married to Kashyapa. All the daughters but Viswa's children details are there. Anywhere else I can find (in Mahabharata) the details?
Also, in the next section, there is mention of Tamra. Is she one of Kashyapa's wife? Some links online does seems to suggest she is one of Daksha's daughter married to Kashyapa. But it is not clear from this section of the Bharata.


texts: What are the expected rituals to perform during Sorha Sraddha(सोह्र श्राद्ध)?

texts: I am a Nepalese hindu. So, Sorha Sraddha(सोह्र श्राद्ध) started yesterday. It is given a high importance in Nepal, probably also because it comes just before Dashain(Navaratri + vijaya dashami). But a few research/discussion with my relatives/friends made me feel like there was a spectrum of views about it (for instance: some were restricted themselves to take strict meals(शुद्ध खाना) while others were quite flexible.) So, I was wondering about how vedas (or any holy book) dictate about its importance and rituals expected to be done during these sixteen days. Thank you!


texts: Do advaita vedanta believe in hell as a real place?

texts:
Do advaita vedanta believes in hell as a place where sin full people will be suffer with pain.
Or do they believe that hell is a state of mind.


texts: How many years are remaining in Kali Yuga?

texts: Could anybody tell me how many years are remaining in Kali Yuga?


texts: Is it possible to get a copy of Guru Goraksha Kimayagar? I have searched about it but no one seems to know. A poet saint shri Malu Narhari ji in 17th century converted it into a Marathi in a poetic form known as Navnath Bhaktisaar. That is is available in different languages today. But is it possible to get the original one?


texts: Which Puranas are considered to be as authoritative as Prasthanatrayi in Vishishtadvaita?

texts:
While reading the preview of Sapta Vidha Anupapatti, I found some scriptures are considered as authoritative as Prasthanatrayi in Vishishtadvaita, as mentioned in the book:

  In the Visistadvaita Vedanta tradition, the Tamil hymns of the Alvars,
  the Nalavira-divya-prabandham, as well as the Vaishnava Agamas and
  some of the Puranas, are considered to be as authoritative as the prasthana-traya.

Here one scripture is obvious Nalayira Divya Prabandha, others are Vaishnava Agamas and some of Puranas. Now, I think Pancharatra Agama would be considered or all the Vaishnava Agamas are considered? And talking about Puranas, I think Srimad Bhagavata MahaPurana and probably Vishnu Purana would be considered.

So, I want to what which Agamas and Puranas are considered as authoritative as Prasthanatrayi in Vishishtadvaita?


texts: How does Pratibhasik satya play out when it comes to perception of others?

texts:
So I assume my perception of others will not be vyavahirka Satya as it is not empirical and requires use of Mann, buddhi and anubhav. In other words more than what is possible by Gyan and karm indriya.

So question is how does it reveal itself ? After all perception of others will keep changing


texts: Any examples of non-brahmin or non-kshatriya incarnations of gods?

texts:
Almost all incarnations from popular stories I know are either Brahmins or Kshatriyas.
Are there any documented examples in any of the texts which refer to a non-Brahmin or non-Kshatriyas incarnation in castes like Vaishyas/Shudras, or Mlecchas even?
If no, why would that be the case?
Edit: My context of asking this question is avatars like Vishnu who are born for generally doing good, and not because someone cursed them to take a birth on earth.


texts:
Matsya avatar came at the end of caksusa manavantara as discussed in this answer.
I see it mentioned online by many that Matsya avatar came in the satya yuga.  However, I am yet to see any puranic or vedic evidence in support of it. Can someone share a vedic/puranic evidence or any Acharya's commentary to support that Matsya avatar appeared in the Satya Yuga?
Objections answered:
After a Manvantara ends, there is Manvatara-sandhya. One may say that pralaya happened in the Manvantara sandhya. In the manvantara-sandhya, there are no yugas. We know from Matsya Purana 2.14, that King Satyavrata was meditating for 100 million years, then he saw Matsya avatara. Since it is described King Satyavrata was meditating, he has to be doing that during the Manvantara. After the Manvantara ends, there is certainly a pralaya and there is no space for meditation.
Since Matsya avatar came 100 million years after the rule of Satyavrata, then another way to ask the above question is when was King satyavrata ruling the Earth. Since the world was peaceful and he was engaged in meditation and meditation is the yuga dharma for Satya yuga, it seems that yuga was Satya yuga. However, we are looking for a direct statement from the Vedas or Puranas or Puranic commentaries.


texts: As per Hinduism, where can married lady wear Sindoor?

texts:
Per Hinduism, where can married lady wear Sindoor?

What if the lady has bangs, i.e. no obvious part in the hair.


texts: As per my knowledge, Vidura was the Prime Minister of the Hastinapur and resigned from the post as war was decided. After the end of war, Yudhishthira appointed him as Prime Minister. But I've never heard about details of Vidura death. When and how he died?


texts: What does Hinduism say about third-gendered people?

texts: Recently, gay rights have been a very hot topic, and some politicians say that they are un-natural and against Hindutva. But how? I mean I don't remember any Veda or religious book saying anything against a third gender. And even the Mahabharata has a transgender character (Shikhandi). Is there anything in the Vedas/Upanishads/Puranas for the acceptance or non-acceptance of third-gendered people?


texts: Correct translation of Prati Sarga: Part III, 3.3.5-27 of Bhavishya Purana

texts:
Using these verses, Muslims often say Muhammad is predicted in Hindu scriptures. I provide Roman transliteration for all of the verses:

  mahamadh ithi khayat, shishya-sakha-samniviyath 5

  mahadev marusthal
  nivasinam  mahadevthe snanya-pya punch-gavua samnivithya 6

  tripurarsur-nashav bahu-maya pravathiney 7

  malech-dharma shav shudhaya sat-chit-anandaya swarupye thva ma hei
  kinkare vidhii sharanaghatham 8

  suta uvacha:

  ithi shurthiya sthav deva shabadh-mah nupaya tam, gath-vaya
  bhojraj-ney mahakhaleshwar-sthale 9

  malech-shu dhushita bhumi-vahika nam-vishritha arya dharma hi
  nav-vathra vahike desh-darunya 10

  vamu-vatra maha-mayi yo-sav dagdho myaa pura tripuro bali-daithyane
  proshith punaragath 11

  ayoni sa varo math prasava daithyo-vrudhan  mahamadh ithi khayath ,
  paishacha-kruthi thathpar 12

  nagathvaya thvya bhup paisachae desh-vartake math prasadhayane bhupal
  tav shudhii prajayathe 13

  thi shruthva nupshav svadesha-napu maragmath  mahamadh toi sdhav
  sindhu-thir mupaye-yav 14

  uchav bhupati premane mahamadh-virshad tva deva maharaja das-tva
  magath 15

  mamo-chit sabhu jiya-dhatha tatpashya bho nup ithi shruthya ththa hata
  para vismaya-magath 16

  malechdhano mathi-shasi-tatsaya bhupasaya darutho 17

  tucha tva kalidas-sthu rusha praah mahamadham maya-thei nirmithi
  dhutharya nush-mohan-hethvei 18

  hanishyami-duravara vahik purusha-dhamum ityak va sa jidh
  shrimanava-raja-tathpar 19

  japthya dush-sah-trayach tah-sahansh juhav sa bhasm mutva sa mayavi
  malech-dev-tva-magath 20

  maybhithashtu tachya-shyaa desh vahii-kamayuuah guhitva svaguro-bhasm
  madaheen tva-magatham 21

  swapiit tav bhu-ghyot-thro-shrumadh-tathpara madaheen puro jath thosha
  trith sayam smurthaum 22

  rathri sa dev-roop-shav bahu-maya-virshad paisacha deha-marathaya
  bhojraj hi so trivith 23

  arya-dharmo hei to raja-sarvoutham smurth ishapraya karinayami
  paishacha dharma darunbhu 24

  linga-chedri shikhaheen shamshu dhaari sa dhushak yukhalapi sarva
  bhakshi bhavishyat jano maum 25

  vina kaul cha pashav-thosha bhakshava matha maum muslanav sanskar
  kushariv bhavishyat 26

  tasman-musal-vanto hi jathiyo dharma dhushika ithi pishacha-dharma mya
  kruth 27

English translation of Bhavishya Purana is not available online. Some say this verses mean Muhammad was a reincarnation of a demon. But, in this website, the author argued that it was due to mistranslation.


texts: Did Hanuman sneak into Ravana’s palace to steal three arrows?

texts:
I read somewhere that during the Ram-Ravana duel, when Lord Ram couldn't defeat him, Hanuman entered into Ravana's palace and stole three arrows which were meant to kill Ravana and then offered it to Rama
Is the above assertion true and if yes, then what is the story of three arrows.


texts: PRAVARA & SUTHRA - RIG-VED- JAMADAGNI GOTRA

texts:
GOTRA:JAMADAGNI
VED:RIGVEDA
BHRMINS:SMARATHA

WHAT IS THE PRAVARA & SUTHRA


texts:
Shambala village. Does this village has existed at any point of time in history or any yuga ? Or it is a mythical kingdom which is going to be show up in future?

We all have heard that, when evil takes over the world lord kalki comes from this village in order to protect good.

Can someone put light on this topic please.

My question is , Are there any mythological stories on this village? If so, Is this place real like ayodhya, dwaraka, or Lanka? If so, where exactly is this place?


texts: How did lord Shiva of the Thrimoorthi get three eyes? Who gave him the third eye?


texts: What is the source and origin of Shiv Panchaakshar Strotam?

texts:
Inspired by this question, I want to find out the source and origin of Shiv Panchakshara Stotra.
Please provide with original scriptural text, if possible.


texts: On what basis Vedas, Upanishads etc. are named?

texts: The names of Vedas are Rig, Sama,etc.. Similarly upanishads like Isha, Kena, Katha etc.. How exactly are they named the way they are? What about brahmanas, samhitas etc?


texts: Giving Arghya to Surya even when not visible?

texts:
I have watched several people giving arghya to Surya, even before sunrise (when sun is even not visible ).
Sometimes, people give arghya when sun in above the head. They'll just point to the east direction and give arghya just in a ceremonial or ritualistic gesture.
Sometimes, people live in flats and apartments, where the morning or evening or anytime, the sun might not be visible at all throughout the day.
Is this kind of arghya even valid ? Shouldn't the sun be rising in the east and properly visible, when arghya is given? Or even, mere symbolic gestures of the rituals are acceptable?
(Obviously, I'm talking about general days when there's no emergencies (aapaatkaalama-stithi) like unchecked weather, etc).
And, also, how to resolve the problems of no sun visibility, due to infrastructural problems or other unexpected situations?


texts: Are there only very few narratives in Rig Veda?

texts:
the dictionary defines a narrative as "a spoken or written account of connected events; a story."
I can only think of few narratives in Rig Veda
Battle of 10 kings
the Indra-Vrtra battles
Vishnu's three steps
Pururavas and Urvasi
Any others?


texts: Which verses from scriptures describe Hanuman as Sankata Mochan?

texts: Which verses from scriptures describe hanuman as Sankata Mochana/mochaka, remover of dangers or calamities or difficulties?


texts: Alternative translations to Manusmriti 4.53

texts:
English translation of Manusmriti 4.53 by Ganganath Jha says:

नाग्निं मुखेनोपधमेन्नग्नां नैक्षेत च स्त्रियम् ।
नामेध्यं प्रक्षिपेदग्नौ न च पादौ प्रतापयेत् ॥ ५३ ॥
nāgniṃ mukhenopadhamennagnāṃ naikṣeta ca striyam |
nāmedhyaṃ prakṣipedagnau na ca pādau pratāpayet || 53 ||
Meaning: He shall not blow fire with the mouth (1) nor shall he gaze at a naked woman (2). He shall not throw an unclean thing into fire (3) nor shall he warm his feet at it (4).

It is clear that (1), (3) and (4) are statements relevant to the fire.
However (2) is different and seems completely out of context, saying नग्नां नैक्षेत च स्त्रियम् (nagnāṃ naikṣeta ca striyam) which translates to let the naked woman not be viewed.
This verse seems unusual with only fire in it in 3/4th of the verse and one sudden mention of a female nude person in one part. Is there an interpretation of this verse with another meaning for the second half of the first line?
(I am not looking for opinions but for some alternate translations from people well-versed in sanskrit and from saints.)