texts: What scriptures describe Vishnu riding a tortoise?

texts:
The term "Shaivite" is overused nowadays. For instance, Iyer Brahmins are often called Shaivites, but they're actually followers of Adi Shankaracharya's Smartha sect (which I discuss here and here), and simply adopt Shiva as their Ishta Devata. True philosophical Shaivism is relatively rare nowadays (in contrast to philosophical Vaishnavism which is pretty common). I discussed one genuine Shaivite sect, the Lingayat sect of Basava, in my answer here. But my question is related to a more famous sect of Shaivism, known as Shaiva Siddhanta, which is based on the Shaiva Agamas and the poems of the Nayanars just as the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member) is based on the Pancharatra Agamas and the poems of the Alwars.

Now the figure most responsible for combining the Sanskrit and Tamil wings of Shaiva Siddhanta is Aghorasiva, a Shaiva Siddhanta Acharya who lived in the 12th century.  In any case, in this excerpt from Aghorasiva's Kriyakramadyotika, Aghorasiva discusses the steps a guru must take before he initiates a new shishya into the Shaiva Agamas.  In particular, he has to invoke the Lokapalakas, the guardians of the directions.  One of the Lokapalakas is Vishnu, and here is the description of Vishnu's appearance that's supposed to be meditated on:

  [E]ndless, covered by tens of thousands of snake hoods, shining like a flash of lightning, mounted on a tortoise, with his hands in the anjali mudra.

Now some of these attributes are recognizable; Vishnu is indeed endless and shining, and he is covered by the countless hoods of the serpent Adiseshan.  But my question is, what scriptures describe Vishnu as riding a tortoise?

Vishnu's usual Vahana is his eagle Garuda.  The only gods I know of who have a tortoise as a Vahana are Yama, Varuna, and possibly Sadashiva (as I discuss here).  But is Vishnu ever described that way as Aghorasiva suggests?


texts: I am seeing Lord Narayana in everything. What does this mean?

texts: I am seeing lord Narayana in everything in my daily life. In every particle, in every tree , in every person who I see, in every animal, in every leaf, in every flower, in every food dish, in every computer in my office, in every building, on every road, in every vehicle, everywhere its as if Lord Narayana is everything. What does this mean ?


texts:
What if someone unequivocally accepts vedas as the Supreme authority for their philosophical and theological beliefs, but do not concur with them being either God authored or eternal (Apauruṣeyā) ?
Will that render them as nāstika or āstika ?
Have there been or are there, any such philosophers or eminent personalities or school of Thought with this kind of reasoning and beliefs?


texts: Are humans superior to other animals according to Vedas, Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads?

texts: Are humans really superior to other animals or are they equal?


texts:
Many contemporary groups (fundamentalist Christians and Muslims; secular liberals; Marxists) have denounced the "Manu Smriti" text as a source of discrimination against the "lesser castes" as well as against women.  One researcher from the Arya Samaj has said that the "Manu Smriti" text has been altered (via addition of later shlokas) throughout the centuries in order to give economic and political power to the Brahmins and Kshatriyas.  This same researcher states that the true and original verses of Lord Manu did not contain such discrimination and inequality.

What is the validity of such accusations and assertions? Please provide guidance to all the interested individuals of Hindu Dharma living abroad who don't have access to the primary textual sources of "Manu Smriti".


texts:
In which Yuga was Tarakasur born?

Was he born in Satya Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, Tetra Yuga and which Maha Yuga of which Manavtar?


texts: Why lord Shiva, lord Vishnu, and lord Brahma are less spoken in the Vedas as compared to devatās?

texts:
There are many shokas in the Vedas about devtas but there are few verses about trimurty (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma).
But what is the reason behind it.


texts: Where does the story of “World Tree” or “Knowledge Tree” come in hindu scriptures?

texts:
According to this site -

This story about human languages in a hindu myth/story, my question in which scripture does this story come from-

  The Hindu World Tree

  According to one Hindu myth, there was once a very tall tree that grew
  out from the very center of the earth. It was called the “World Tree”
  or “Knowledge Tree”, and grew so tall that it almost reached the
  heavens. The tree decided that it would keep growing so that its head
  would be in heaven and its branches on the earth, so it could make all
  humankind gather under it and prevent them from ever separating. The
  god Brahma discovered the tree’s intentions and as punishment for it
  being so proud, he cut off all of the tree’s branches and scattered
  them all over the earth. Where each branch fell a Wata tree began to
  grow, and with it a new language and culture for humankind.


texts: Is the Sage Brihaspati associated with water?

texts:
Check the image given below:

I am curious about a relationship, if any between Sage Brihaspati and the element of water.


texts: Vegetarianism amongst Bengali Vaishnavas

texts: Historically, what diet did Bengali Vaishnavas have? I've heard that the majority ate fish, with some sources saying that Bengalis considered fish veg.


texts: When do Lava and Kusha sing the song in Ramayana?

texts:
In the Ramayana of Ramanand Sagar, there are only 3 Events when Lava and Kusha meet Shri Rama. First when they have sung the song in Ayodhya, and after the fight against Lord Rama.

In the last episode of Ramayana, both Lava and Kusha come to Ayodhya, and sing Hum Katha Sunate Ram Sakal Lyrics, and while singing this last bhajan of Ramayana, Sita Mata goes into Earth and disappears.


texts: What do scriptures say about vairagya at early ages?

texts:
Most of the people think that vairagya is not good during early ages (say 10 - 30). I am asking this question for people who are practicing Grihastha (householder) ashram.
What do scriptures tell about this? Is it okay for a person to attain vairagya at early age?


texts: Is there something like we get to marry the person that God has pre written for us in our fate? Because i have seen so many love stories which dating happens for years, they will be so in love but in the last minute even after the engagement the wedding is called off.They get married to someone else .So is it true that we get to marry the person written in our fate or anyone we like?


texts: What are the resricted tithis for a women to take oil bath?

texts:
What are the restricted tithis for a women to take oil bath? Are there any scriptural references? If so, can you please provide them  with some scriptural references?
The verses has to be explicitly dedicated to women as most of the verses are generally intended for men.


texts: Do followers of Hanuman have to be celibate?

texts: The God Hanuman is such a strict celibate, I wonder whether his disciples too should follow his path. Can someone please illuminate on this?


texts: Can you provide quotes from scriptures which equate Lord Narayana with the Param Brahman or Supreme God?

texts: Please provide quotations with translation.


texts: What are all the changes the earth will suffer from during the Kali-Yuga?

texts:
What changes the earth will suffer from during the Kali-Yuga?
I don't want a very small answer because question is not small.

I want to know all the changes the earth will suffer from during Kali-age with respect to the following aspects:

Education
Rites
Changes in beings and their characters.
Changes in environment etc.

Also, i want to know about the things which were happening during the previous Yugas but will stop to occur in Kali-Yuga.


texts: My Maternal Uncle (mother`s elder brother) passed away 4 days ago. His wife passed away 24 years ago. All this while my Maternal Uncle was performing Tila Tarpanam for his wife. My question is can my cousin perform Amavasya Tarpanam, Mahalaya Tarpanam for my Aunt during this 1 year? Will he be eligible to perform Tarpanam of His mother only after the completion of Prathyabdika of his father or he can start performing Tila Tarpanam next Amavasya itself?


texts: Does rig-vedic Mitra occur in post rig-vedic works, especially epics and puranas?

texts: Mitra is largely paired with varuna in rig veda but is also praised separately. Vishnu takes his three steps by the laws of Mitra. He is also praised as "he supports all the gods".


texts: In Ramayan, where is it mentioned that Atikaya held the trident of Lord Shiva?

texts:
There is a story that says that once Atikaya went to Kailash and for some reason Lord Shiva got angry and he released his powerful trident on Atikaya.

However, Atikaya caught hold of the trident and also respected Lord Shiva.

Therefore he was blessed with all kinds of divine weapons.

My question is:

what is the source of this story?

I am not able to find this either in Valmiki Ramayan or in Ramcharitmanas.

Exactly in which version of Ramayan this incident is mentioned and is this story authentic or not?


texts: What is the story of Sage Bhrigu testing Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva?

texts:
This question Why Maharishi Bhrigu was so powerful? mention about Sage Bhrigu testing Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu respectively.

I want to know what is the story?


texts: Is there any Hindu spiritual principle that causes many Hindus to oppose the Aryan Migration Theory?

texts: Recently a question was asked about the reasons why many Hindus are opposed to the Aryan Migration Theory (AMT)? The question was asked in a manner that does not fit with the requirements of this site. So I have worded the question in a manner that best suits this site. I feel the question is important and it is important to get a scholarly answer that explains the reasons for the opposition.


texts: Did Ramanuja or Shankara mention the sattvic-rajsic-tamasic purana dichotomy in their works?

texts: Padma purana classifies puranas according to gunas, but is this classification mentioned by Shankara or Ramanuja?


texts:
We know that Hindu Scriptures are classified as:

Shruti: "Which is heard", divine origin, authored by God.
Smriti: "Which is remembered", attributed to an author, derivative work.

Now I am confused: Is Bhagvad Gita considered Shruti or Smriti? Because:

It is also divine origin (authored by God), so can be considered Shruti
It is part of Mahabharata which is a Smriti literature, so can be considered Smriti

I found the application of Bhagvad Gita to be very important; you may find its reference in many answers on this site. It is one of the Prasthanatrayi for vedanta.


texts: Why can't you go outside after midnight?

texts: My pundit has told me several times that I cannot go outside after midnight because of bad spirits. What does he mean by this? Is this mentioned in the scriptures or is it just superstition? And what are bad spirits?


texts: Why Yudhishtira is called Ajāta śatru (अजात शत्रु)?

texts:
One of the exclusive names of Yudhishtira is Ajāta śatru (अजात शत्रु).

  Ajāta śatru = Who has no enemies.

Why is he called as  Ajāta śatru. Kauravas are his enemies. Aren't they? Why is the name exclusive to him?


texts:
Do we know how the Lokayatas thought about the two fundamental concepts of the Upanishads Brahman and Atman?

I understand that one original meaning of Brahman is "magic force", in Vedic times ascribed to the correct recitation during the sacrifice (Hillebrandt, A.: Encyclopedics of Religion and Ethics, vol II, 1910). But during the time of the early Upanishads the term Brahman transformed into a hypothetical cosmic force.

In addition, the word Atman originally denoted a reflexive pronoun "self" (Olivelle, Patrick: Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism, 2009). But later Atman changed into a hypothetical characteristic of the human person.

The Brhadaranyaka Upanishad contains many controversial discussions about what is Brahman, what constitutes Atman, and how are both linked.

Hence my question:

Did the Lokayatas take part in this speculative discussion?
Or did the Lokayatas just cut the Gordian knot by rejecting any philosophical meaning of these two terms?

Added due to Amit Saxena's comments:

Olivelle, loc.cit.: "Atman has many meanings and usages in the upanishadic vocabulary. It is often used simply as a reflexive pronoun."
Hillebrandt, loc.cit.: "Haug is therefore justified in his conjecture that 'in the Rigveda it [brahman] denotes a mysterious power which can be called forth by various ceremonies' and in the definition which he gives of it as 'the magical force which is derived from the orderly co-operation of the hymns, the chants, and the sacrificial gifts'."

Please do not present further interpretations of the terms Brahman or Atman. That's not my question. If you do not agree with the referenced statements, just skip them :-)


texts:
I had read around 3 years ago somewhere (can't find that website now) that while Krishna called Balram "Dau" (Brother), Balram affectionately refered to Krishna as "Munna" (Little Boy).

Can anyone point me to any source for the same?


texts:
Several times, in the newspapers, TV, magazines, etc., the term - Abūjh Muhūrta ( अबूझ मुहूर्त  ) is commonly encountered,  especially in reference to performing some new auspicious works, like marriages,  upanayana or yajñopavīta saṃskāra, et al.
{ If in need of some primitive type rough translation of the term, one may, for the sake of language convenience may translate it as Infallible/Inextinguishable Auspicious Moments (or Day).}
The commonly told  Abūjh Muhūrta, as per various outlets that I have heard and read are -

Hindu Nava Vārṣa: Guḍi Parva/Ugadi (Caitra Śukla Pratipadā) - हिन्दु नव वर्ष: गुड़ी पड़वा/ उगादि ( चैत्र शुक्ल प्रतिपदा)
Akṣaya Tṛtīyā - अक्षय तृतीया
Rāma Navamī - राम नवमी
Deva Prabodhinī Ekādaśī - देव प्रबोधिनी एकादशी
Daśaharā - दशहरा
Basanta Pañcamī - बसंत पंचमी
Phūlera Dūj ( Mīna Saṅkrānti)  - फूलेरा दूज (मीन संक्रांति)
et al.

Various sources gives different combinations of the above days in their lists of Abūjh Muhūrta, with some even going to the extent of giving statements like "there are 3.5 days only to be counted as infallible, i.e., just half part of a certain auspicious day".
The basic premise as per astrology being, that all kinds of auspicious rites can be performed on these infallible days, without any need or worry about any kind of  bad effects of planetary - graha combinational afflictions, like tribala (त्रिबल) - which relates with surya, soma & Bṛhaspati, or udaya - asta periods of Bṛhaspati & Śukra, etc., and thus no need of consulting pañcāṅga - पंचांग   to decide on any auspicious Muhūrta, since those auspicious days are self qualified, i.e., Sarva Svayaṃ Siddha (सर्व स्वयं सिद्ध).

So finally, the Questions are:

What are the scriptural sources for Abūjh Muhūrta or Infallible Auspicious Days ? How and why they have been decided on? Any specific Puranic or any kind of other scripture account like some boons?

What's the astrology - Jyotiṣa Śāstra (ज्योतिष शास्त्र) view on this as per standard texts on Jyotiṣa Śāstra?


texts: What is the formula for immortality ("mrityunjaya mantra")?

texts: I have read somewhere that doing sadhana of mrityunjaya mantra can make a man immortal. If yes, what is the proper sadhana or practice or any other way to make a man immortal?


texts: How many ways are there to realize self?

texts: Can anyone list out the number of ways a person can realize his self? Apart from Bhakthi and Jnana, is there any other way to realize self?


texts: What do different Vaishnavite sects say about the sanctity of Siva temples?

texts:
I think Swaminarayans say Siva temples should be respected.

On the other hand there is a Srivaishnavite account posted here in which a Srivaishnavite preferred to starve to death rather than eat food offered by a Siva temple (Vishnu saves him somehow).

Who is the sage Pundarika who saw Vishnu coming out of a Shiva Linga?

I am asking for the doctrinal position of Vaishnavite sects about Siva temples.  In particular, do they take special steps to maintain the sanctity of Vaishnavite idols co-located in temples where Siva is the main deity.


texts:
Nobody in the world is absolutely happy. If a person does bad karma in previous life/this life, the person is punished. If this is not the case, god is happy with the person. But in many stories (like that of maharshi ved Vyas, when he makes god happy with his tapasya, god tells him that he will get a son as needed but he will have to give many pareeksha(tests)) , god takes tests of devotees. This gives rise to two questions:

1) Can't a person stay absolutely happy in life?

2) How to determine whether your suffering is due to god being unhappy with you, or whether you are giving pareeksha?


texts: Do the souls which attained moksha in this creation again come back to earth to undergo birth and death process in the next creation which takes place after mahapralay?


texts: What is the proper time to recite the Aditya Hrudayam?

texts: What is the proper time for recitation of this stotra? Is it forbidden to listen/chant Aaditya Hrudayam after sunset?


texts: Why did the gopi-s suffer so much after Knowing God so closely?

texts:
God is worshipped because He is the source of Eternal Bliss. It is accepted in Upanishads and Gita.

The Gopi-s are believed to be in the highest state of God-realisation.

Why did then they suffer so much after being united with God throughout the rest of their lives?

Does any saint or scripture explain this?


texts:
The film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is based on a lot of lurid and sensationalist stereotypes about worshippers of Maa Kali and Sri Shiva. However, the central plot conceit is based around a supposed legend of "Shankara", who met Sri Shiva on top of a mountain and received five stones to assist him spreading dharma throughout the world. These were subsequently referred to as "Shankara stones".

Though fictional, is this based on an actual story or text? Presumably, "Shankara" is referring to Sri Adi Shankaracharya, who (I have heard) did encounter manifestations of Sri Shiva during his travels across India. If so, please provide a citation of the relevant texts.


texts: Why and how did Vishwamitra obtain a Brahmin body?

texts: What made Vishwamitra burn his old body through penance and obtain a new body. What was the point?


texts: Why Indra should be respected after looking at his affairs?

texts: Indra is highly extolled in Vedas. From various stories, including Brahmana we find his various illicit relationships with other's wife. These stories make me to think why Vedas or scriptures giving respect to him? Or why he should be worshipped? Do any scriptures explain why we should accept him even after knowing his deeds?


texts: Shlokas : "MAYA is eternal" by using the word "MAYA"

texts: Namaste. Are there any shlokas explaining that "MAYA is eternal" by using the word "MAYA"?


texts: Sahasra Mukhi (Thousand Faced) Raavana Killed by Sita

texts:
Siya Ke Ram is an Indian historical epic TV series on Star Plus produced by Nikhil Sinha. I'm talking about the episode telecast on 30 Aug 2016, which you can watch here

Here you can see how Sita takes Bhadra Kali Avatar.

Sahasra Mukha Raavana arrives to fight against Rama. Vibhishana says He(Raavana) is the eldest son of Kaikesi, she knew that he will be very dangerous and destructive, so she had immersed him at the time of his birth, his soul was protected. It seems she has revived him again by taking Pithashri's help. You have to kill him now.
Rama says we all can kill Him together, and orders Sugreeva to attack him with entire Vanar sena from all four directions, Lakshmana attack from east, Angad from north side and Hanuman from sky route.
All they run to attack Raavana but Raavana will hit them and they fall around. Lakshmana get hits by fire balls and fall. Hanuman flies and irritates him. Rama shoots at him but nothing happens. Raavan throws thunder light towards Rama. To protect Rama, Hanuman comes in between and hit by thunder bolt. Hanuman saves Rama but he falls down. Once again Raavana throws thunder bolt, Rama gets hit by that and falls down.

After this, Kaikesi informs Sita that how Raavana defeated Rama. Take a look how Rama and Vanar sena are laying unconscious.

Sita goes to battle ground and sees all were fallen on ground including Rama, Lakshmana, Hanumana. Sahasthra Raavana laughs and She gets angry. She shouts and take Bhadrakaali avatar she comes infront of Raavan and gets ten hands and ten weapons. She starts attacking on him, and finally jumps on him and fire blast occurs. Sahasthra Raavana gets killed by Bhadrakaali.

Sita gets calmed down seeing Rama and cries. She gets back to her original form i.e., from Bhadrakaali to Sita.
Well, that was the story from TV series. I was wondering because I never heard this. However I think this episode has been banned because I couldn't find any video of that episode as I have mention.
My questions:

In which scripture this story is described?
Who is the author of that scripture?
If it is mentioned in any scripture, then what is the actual description of this scene?


texts: Do Karma Kshyam (nullification of karma) happens in all avasthas?

texts:
Afaik, there are at least five states for humans. They are Jagarth (wakeful), Swapna (dream), Shushupti (deep sleep), turiya, and thuriyatheetha.
I know that Karma Kshyam happens in both Jagrath and Swapna avastha. But I did not know whether other avasthas of human allows Karma Kshyam.
Are there any scriptural statements that says whether other avasthas allow karma kshyam or not?


texts: How is Ishtadevata determined according to the SPIRITUAL SCRIPTURES (NOT ASTROLOGY)

texts:
Is Ishsta-devata determined by the family tradition (Kula-Devata) or personal liking or something else? Are there any injunctions of the spiritual scriptures? If it is determined by the injunctions of such scriptures, kindly quote the original slokas with meanings.

Please note that astrogists quote various slokas for determinig Isha-Devata by Aatmakaraka or any other planet's position in the birth charts. But none of the great saints asked for the birth chart or paid any heed to these to initiate their disciples and this is clear from their biographies. So kindly dont quote anything regarding astrology.


texts: Scriptural basis for Ramakrishna's claim about 'inner nerve of memory' (medhā nāḍī)

texts:
In The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna / Volume 1 / Rules for Householders and Monks, Ramakrishna Paramahansa makes the following claim.

  MAHIMA:

    Sir, why does a man become deluded by worldly objects?

  MASTER:

    It is because he lives in their midst without having realized
    God. Man never succumbs to delusion after he has realized God. The
    moth no longer enjoys darkness if it has once seen the light.

    To be able to realize God, one must practise absolute continence.
    Sages like Sukadeva are examples of an urdhareta. (A man of unbroken
    and complete continence.) Their chastity was absolutely unbroken.
    There is another class, who previously have had discharges of semen
    but who later on have controlled them. A man controlling the seminal
    fluid for twelve years develops a special power. He grows a new inner
    nerve called the nerve of memory. Through that nerve he remembers all,
    he understands all.

    ...

(By 'nerve of memory' he probably means medhā nāḍī)

Is the claim (marked in bold) backed by scriptures?

Also, is he talking about a visible nerve (that which can be observed under a microscope) or an invisible one on the spiritual plane?


texts: Did Krishna marry Rukmini against her parents wish?

texts:
I clearly know that Rukmini and Krishna married each other with mutual agreement/wish.

But my doubt is whether the marriage happened against the wish of Rukmini's mother/ father/ siblings or all?

I allegedly know that Rukmini has to actually marry Sisupala according to their parent's wish. But Krishna eloped her with her wish.

But if it is true that Krishna married Rukmini against her parent's wish, is it allowed to do? If the girl accepts to marry, then the partner can elope her even though her parents disagree their marriage?

Or is there any special context for Krishna that allows him to do like that?


texts:
Do Hindu texts talk about any of this:
How does memory work?
Where is memory stored?
Or, any other references related to memory are welcome.


texts: Why wasn't Parashurama supposed to act like a Kshatriya anymore?

texts:
In this answer, I got to know that during the fight between Parashurama and Bhishma, the spirits of Parashurama's ancestors told him to stop fighting, because he wasn't supposed to act like a Kshatriya anymore. But why wasn't Parashurama supposed to act like a Kshatriya anymore?

This question is too generic and I want to know the answer from the character's perspective only.


texts: Who was telling secret of Chakravyuha to Subhadra? Krishna or Arjuna?

texts:
There seems to be a confusion (may be, because of lack of citation so far), about who was telling the secret of Chakravyuha to Subhadra? Krishna or Arjuna!

I was going through this question, and came across different views about who was telling the secret of Chakravyuha to Subhadra. Was it Krishna or Arjuna? It seems both views didn't give citations to support their claim.


texts: Is there any hymn sung in praise of Rām Setu?

texts: There has been quite a lot of hymns in praise of natural objects like Gangā, Aruṇāçal, Kāśi, etc. due to their religious significances. I wonder if there has been any praise for Rām Setu also? If Rām Setu is the same setu/bridge build by the army of Rām, there has to be a hymn created by some traditional acharya at least, if not to found in scripture(s).


texts: How do we know that non-Indians are humans, "manushyas"?

texts:
According to Hinduism, there are many intelligent races like human (manushya/nara), asura, deva, gandharva, etc. Indians in Bharatavarsha are obviously manushya because the shastras say so. But how do we know that non-Indians like Chinese, Native Americans, blacks, Europeans, Africans, etc. are all "manushya"? It is possible that instead of being manushyas of the "mleccha" varna, they could be descended from asuras, rakshasas, etc.
Does Hindu scripture give a way of identifying who is a "manushya"?


texts: Are there any dedicated Scriptures, that explain these various weapons, vyuhs and war tactics in details?

texts:
As I am reading through the Mahabharata (currently on the Drona Parva), I am truly amazed by the amount of details of war that are mentioned.

The types and varieties of weapons are mind-blowing, including the normal weapons like khand, shakti, types of arrows like Bhall, Tomar, vehicle-mounted weapons like Ratha Shakti and divine weapons of gods like Aindra-astra, Varun-astra, Brahma-astra just to name a very few.

The Complexity of Vyuhas (Battle formations) made in the war are staggering.

The information is too much and too vivid, but I would really love to read through detailed description of these things.

My Questions:

Are there any dedicated Scriptures, that explain these various weapons, vyuhs and war tactics in details ?


texts: What is the basis for the story of rivalry between sage Viswamitra and sage Vasistha?

texts:
Sage Viswamitra was the composer of Mandala III of Rig Veda.

the Aitareya Brahmana and Brihaddevata mentions Sage Viswamitra as the king turned Sage, having 101 sons.

However, his rivalry with Sage Vasistha was narrated in the Bala Kanda of Ramayana.

Can anyone throw light on where this story of Sage Viswamitra's rivalry with Sage Vasistha came from?


texts:
From where I can read all Vedas

Rigveda
Samaveda
Yajurveda
Atharvaveda

I'll prefer PDF format rather than hard copy, as I  mostly read on my tablet. Please suggest good sources from where I can download or purchase them.


texts: How many of the Divya Desams are the sites of Sri Vaishnava Temples?

texts:
The Alwars (also spelled Azhwars) are a group of 12 ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu and are famous for their poetry in praise of Vishnu. The Alwars are crucially important figures in the development of Vaishnavism; it is the principles and beliefs embodied in the Alwars' poems that ultimately gave rise to the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member).  The Alwars praised many Vishnu temples and other sacred places of Vishnu in their poetry; a sacred place of Vishnu that was praised by at least one Alwar is called a Divya Desam, and there are 108 of them; see the list here.

Now because of the important role that the Alwars' poetry played in the development of the Sri Vaishnava sect, Sri Vaishnavas naturally tried to build temples in the sites of any Divya Desams that didn't already have Vishnu temples, and the advent of the Sri Vaishnava sect led many existing Vishnu temples to convert to Sri Vaishnavism in their rituals and practices.  So my question is, out of the 108 Divya Desams, how many of them are the site of a Sri Vaishnava temple?

Now two of the Divya Desams aren't even located on earth, Vishnu's ocean of milk and Vishnu's palace of Paramapadam.  It's probably best to avoid speculation here about what customs are used to worship Vishnu there, so I'm just asking about the 106 Divya Desams on Earth!  I expect some Divya Desams in North India (of which there aren't that many) don't have Sri Vaishnava temples, only because Sri Vaishnavism is more popular in South India.  But are there any South Indian Divya Desams whose Vishnu temples follow other sects other than Sri Vaishnavism, like Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the like?


texts: Everyone uses Tulsi leaf when they worship Lord Vishnu and many people say that Tulsi was Vishnu's another wife. Is this true?


texts: Is there any reincarnation of Ma Saraswati?

texts:
Does any reference of Ma Sarswati being reincarnated as another Devi?

Ancient Sharada Peeth in Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir is one of the oldest surviving temples of Saraswati. Is there any other temple of Ma- Saraswati in incarnation form?


texts:
What are the best books to get started to learn Brahma Sutras. English translation of Sankara's commentary is what I am looking for.

Has anyone read V Panoli's translation and please suggest your thoughts. I know this is hard vedanta, but I want to make a genuine effort to understand


texts:
I have been once informed by my GURUDEV that everything one gains in life is because of some or the other penance performed earlier,i.e., we have enjoyments at the cost of losing something or being deprived of something on the other hand.

Even SRI RAMCHARITRAMANAS by GOSWAMI TULSIDASJI mentioned verse that "it's only by penance that Lord Brahma creates, Lord Vishnu maintains and through penance only Lord Shiva annihilates."

So, how important is it for any modern YOGI to wisely understand the importance of penance in life while ignoring the dualities of gain and loss, etc and practice peacefulness at all times irrespective of the circumstances?


texts:
It is said on multiple occasions that we need to protect our sanskriti, our dharma, etc.

But is there any reference in our shastras on what should we do to save dharma?


texts: Is it advisable to do Grihapravesham (Gruhapravesham - House worming function) immediately after marriage? Some of relatives are telling that it is not good to have another function immediately after marriage? Any specific reason for this?


texts: How will we know the end of first part of the Kali yuga?

texts:
As we know, There are four yugas (Satya, Treta, Dwapara, Kali). Every yuga consists of four parts (known as pādā  in sanskrit). Many are aware that in the daily rituals we perform, we say Kali yuge prathama pāde as a part of Sankalpa of that pooja. It is quite common in almost every pooja.

My questions:

If this sankalpa continues for generation after generation, how will it change even if we enter the second pāda of kali yuga?
How will we know that the first part of the yuga is completed? Will there be any indication?
Is time period of kaliyuga equally divided among four parts?
Does the adharma get more prevalent in the next parts of this yuga?

The above question is not a duplicate of this question.


texts: What is the difference between ISHWAR AND BHAGWAN?

texts: I want to know what is difference between ishwar & bhagwan?


texts: Were Kauravas and Pandavas the biological decendants of Vyasa?

texts:
This confusion came into my mind after watching Ekta Kapoor's 'Kahani Mahabharat Ki..' TV serial.

I saw this story that Rishi Vyasa was the biological father of Dhitarashtra and Pandu, or something like that. Is this true? What is the story behind the birth of Dhritarashtra and Pandu? Or was it Vidura who was the son of Vyasa?


texts: Is this story true? How can a Rishi curse a God?

texts:
https://vedicfeed.com/shukracharya-the-guru-of-asuras/
Rishi Bhrigu, the father of Shukracharya and the husband of Kavyamata, curses Vishnu saying,“ Hey Vishnu! By killing a woman, you have breached Dharma and I, hereby, curse you to take seven births as a Human”. (However, later, Rishi Bhrigu breathes life into his wife Kavyamata.)
So it is written in this article.
I know that aavatars are not humans.
So who are supposed to be those humans?
Can Rishis curse Gods?


texts: What is the language used by deities in their Yugas?

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We all know that the Mantras/Slogans are in many languages but which language did gods/goddesses/deities use, based on the YUGAs and how can we predict this? Is there any Purana/Itihasa having reference for this.

I heard that Someone of the peoples suggestions are in Sanskrit is it true.


texts: What is the story of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?

texts:
Lord Shiva has been worshipped in Linga form from time beginning as described in answer here. Among the Lingas there are 12 Jyotirlingas which are of special importance.
Mahatmya of 12 Jyotirlingas is described in Koti Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana in the chapter "Dwadash Jyotirlinga Mahatmya". It states:

सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्री शैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् ।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोंकारे परमेश्वरम् ।।
केदारं हिमवत्पृष्ठे डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम् ।
वाराणास्यां च विश्वेशं त्रयम्बकं गौतमीतटे ।।
वैद्यनाथं चिताभूमौ नागेशं दारुकावने ।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये ।।
द्वादशैतानि नामानि प्रात्यस्त्थाय यः पठेत् ।
सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तं सर्वसिद्धिफलं लभेत् ।।
Somanath in Saurashtra, Mallikarjuna in Shri Saile, Mahakala in Ujjaiyana and Parameshawara also manifested as Omkara. Kedara in Himavat and Bhima Shankara in Dakinya. Vishewaswara in Varanasi and Trayambaka in side of Gautami. Vaidyanath in ChitaBhumi and  Nageshwara in forest of Daruka. Rameshwara in Setubandha and Ghusmeshwara in Shivalaya. These name of 12 Jyotirlingas who recites in morning, he gets freed from all sins and is eligible to get all Siddhis.

There are twelve Jyotirlingas mentioned in the similar popular verse.

Saurāṣṭre Somanāthaṃ ca Śrīśaile Mallikārjunam
Ujjayinyāṃ Mahākālam Omkāram Mamleśhwaram
Paraly Vaidyanāthaṃ cha Ḍākinyāṃ Bhīmaśhaṅkaram
Setubandhe tu Rāmeśaṃ Nāgeśhaṃ Dārukāvane
Vārāṇasyāṃ tu Viśveśaṃ Tryambakaṃ Gautamītaṭe
Himālaye tu Kedāraṃ Ghuśmeśaṃ ca Śivālaye
etāni jyotirliṅgāni sāyaṃ prātaḥ paṭhennaraḥ
saptajanmakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇena vinaśyati

I have already asked a question about Somanath What is the story of Somanath Jyotirlinga? and Mallikarjun What is the story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga? and Mahakaleshwar What is the story of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga? and Omkareshwar What is the story of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga? and Vaidyanath What is the story of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga? and Bheemshankar What is the story of Bheemshankar Jyotirlinga? and Rameshwaram What is the story of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga?. Now I want to know the story of Nageshwar Jyotirling.
Please mention the scriptural reference.
Nageshwar temple is situated in Dwarka, Gujrat.

Image source


texts: Does anyone have a complete list of Demons that Shiva Killed and a list of Demons who worshiped Shiva?

texts:
In my attempt to understand the Gods(their Tatvarth), I wanted to know what demonic tendencies were not approved by Shiva and what demonic tendencies worshiped Shiva.
We all know some of the demons, but I wanted to compile a complete list.


texts:
It is said during universal dissolution the universe gets merged into Supreme Brahman. Do Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara also die at that time?

Please try to answer with Vedas as proof if possible.


texts:
In many greeting cards and wishes for Deepavali, I have seen people also wish a Happy New Year.  The only New Year that I'm familiar with occurs around Holi in the springtime around March (Chaitra in the Vikram Samvat calendar).

Looking on Wikipedia, I see that a few regions celebrate their New Year on or around Deepavali (Marwari, Gujarati, and Nepali).  It seems that in aggregate, these groups would be a small percentage of the people both India-wide and worldwide that celebrate Deepavali, yet it is striking to me that the New Year wishes come from people I know who are not a part of any of these groups.

Looking at other websites, I have found the claim:

  Diwali or Deepawali, is not only festival of lights, but also marks
  the beginning of the Hindu new year.

Is this referring the the 3 New Years celebrations from the Wikipedia article or other New Years celebrations?  How widespread is the acceptance that Deepavali is the beginning of the/a new year?  If Deepavali is the new year, what about the new year around Holi (in the springtime around March)?  Are these two New Years possible because they are from multiple calendars, or are they both within the same calendar?

Any clarifications on how this is so widespread are welcome answers?

Happy Deepavali.


texts: Kubera's soldiers (in the Mahabharata) claiming the world to be 'asatya', etc

texts:
In the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, Madhvacharya says the following:
तत्रापरांश्चैव बहूनसत्यं निरीश्वरं चाप्रतिष्ठं च लोकम् ।
सिद्धोऽहमीशोऽहमिति ब्रुवाणान् गुणान् विष्णोः ख्यापयन् वादतोऽजैत् । २२.२८४ । [22.301]
भिन्नं विष्णुमधिकं सर्वतश्च ब्रुवन् प्रवीरान् लक्षमेषां निजघ्ने ।
In the battle that erupted at the Saugandhikavana between the soldiers of Kubera and Bhima, the above verses say: There were many others who proclaimed 'the world is asatya, without Ishwara, without any pratishTha, basis, I am accomplished, I am Isha (Ishwara), .. Bhima debated with them and vanquished them all and saying 'Vishnu is different and greater than all' he killed several hundreds of them.'
The commentary cites the Bhagavadgita 16th chapter verses that bring out the thinking of aasura-natured people.  One can read the verses here:  https://hindi.webdunia.com/religion/religion/hindu/geeta/Chapter16_6-20.htm
The chapter concerning the Saugandhika incident in the Mahabharata is 3.155.
https://sa.wikisource.org/s/1za  - In this chapter from verse 3.155.10 onward is the description of the combat of Bhima with the soldiers of Kubera.
https://bombay.indology.info/mahabharata/text/UD/MBh03.txt  This is the complete parva wherein occurs the above chapter 155.
The question is: Where in that chapter does the stated incident occur? The chapter no doubt reports that Bhima killed many opponents in that battle. But the debate on the 'asatyam apratiShTham nirIshvaram, siddho'ham...etc.' does not appear in the Mahabharata chapter either explicitly or implicitly.
Does the Mahabharata report anywhere that Kubera's soldiers claimed the world to be 'asatya', etc. and that Bhima debated with them and finally killed them?


texts: Scriptural mention of places other than India?

texts: Besides the Indian subcontinent, are there any Puranic or Vedic references or mention of other places on Earth? I know about Sri Lanka mentioned in Ramayana. But other than Lanka and India, what do our ancient scriptures say about the rest of the world?


texts: What is the difference and connection between Atman and Nirguna Brahman

texts: There is a question that asks for the difference between jiva atman, Atman and Paramatman and it does not answer my inquiry. I wish to know about the difference between Atmans Ananda essence  and Nirguna Brahman the void and their connection?


texts:
What will happen if all souls inhabiting Earth attain Moksha? Would new souls be created?
They also say that only a human is capable of attaining Moksha (in extremely rare cases, animals too). In that case, assuming that everyone attains Moksha expect one person, what will happen to him/her? I mean will there be no plants, animals, insects or any living thing? Will Earth become a desert?
Do the scriptures say anything about this?

Note: I was looking for answers on other websites. But the answers were not so convincing. I copy-pasted the question below hoping to get a satisfactory answer.

Actual source (of the question):https://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100304080617AAdB4MJ


texts:
Many of us here claims that Lord Hanuman was one of the Rudra (especially people say Hanuman is 11th Rudra).As it is said in many of our scriptures and puranas that Hanuman was an incarnation/avatar of Shiva.

But on the other side, in an answer to my question here, Tezz refers to the Ekadasha Rudras and Ashta Murti Rudras, none of them has Hanuman's name mentioned. So, what is relation between Rudra and Hanuman?  If this was not the case, if Hanuman was not the Rudra, then who was he ?


texts: Is the Bhagavad Gita a distinct chapter of Mahabarata?

texts:
Is Bhagavad Gita specifically named as such in the Mahabarata, or is it just a special name for the part of the Mahabarata given outside the Mahabarata?

And if so by whom?


texts: Are Ramayanas other than Valmiki's and Tulsidas's Ramcharit Manas read/recited as part of worship?

texts: Are Ramayanas written  by Kamban, Krittivas and others used on religious occasions?


texts: Why Bala Parameswari not included in Dasamahavidyas

texts:
As far as i know,  SriVidya krama has included Bala mantra upasana.

But, why DasaMahavidyas doesn't include mentioning of Bala Parameswari.Though, it has Tripurasundari, Bhuvaneswari, TarA etc..
, but BAala seems to be missing !!!&& there is big difference between Bala Tripurasundari ( TryAkshAri)
&& TripurAsundAri( Shodashi/ PanchaDasi).

Is there any reason for this?


texts: What is the earliest reference for idol worship in Hinduism? It seems like, there is no direct indication or advice of idol worship in any of the religious texts. If there are no references how did it come in to practice?


texts: What Shakta-like Shaivite sect did Adi Shankaracharya defeat in a debate?

texts:
This excerpt from the Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya, the traditional biography of Adi Shankaracharya, describes the beginning of Adi Shankaracharya's tour of India:

  Now Acharya Shankara, along with the king Sudhanva and a large number of disciples, started on a Dig-vijaya - a missionary tour for the propagation of the Advaita doctrine by controverting all philosophies opposed to it. He first traveled towards Setu. On his way, he came across a sect whose followers were externally Shaivas, but drank liquor in their worship like the Shaktas. He entered into a very heated debate with these Brahmanas of Shakta persuasion, silenced them in argument for the good of the world, and made them accept the right code of rituals that he formulated.

My question is, what is this Shakta-like Shaivite sect that Adi Shankaracharya defeated in a debate on the way to Rama Setu?

Now being "externally Shaivas" while being fundamentally "of Shakta persuasion" sounds similar to the Kashmiri Shaivite sect, but as far as I know they weren't present in South India.  But a similar kind of sect could have been present.  In any case, the liquor drinking indicates that the sect was following Vamachara practices, so that might narrow it down. It can't Shaiva Siddhanta sect, for instance; see this question and answer.


texts: Is there a scripture that refers to the circumambulation (kora/parikrama) around Mt Kailash?

texts: Hi I am researching the religious reason behind the walk around Mt Kailash and am looking for some hindu text that refers to the salvation they receive from taking part in the walk.


texts: Does chanting name of Krishna in Kali yuga gives you moksha?

texts:
In Kalisantaran Upanishad it is mentioned that we can attain moksha by chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra.

But what I believe is Moksha means getting free from the shackles of Karma.
Once we have nullified our Karma there is no longer need to be born again
on mother earth.


texts: What is the punishment for those who discriminate on basis of birth?

texts: Is there any punishment in Sanatan Dharma for those who discriminate on basis of birth. By discrimination, I mean depriving someone of some basic rights like education, drinking water from public water body, entering a temple etc. merely on basis of birth.


texts: Is it against dharma if a single son is following brahmacharya? Can an only son be a brahmachari even if he's not a sannyasi?

texts: There is a story of Agastya muni. He saw his ancestors lying upside down without attaining salvation. They said that it is because there is no one to continue their family because Agastya  muni did not have siblings and he himself was unmarried and celibate. Adi Sankaracharya did not have children despite being an only son.Chaitanya mahaprabhu was the 10th son but his parents did not have grandchildren(since 8 sisters died and elder brother took sannyas). Is it a "sin" if there is no one to continue the family?


texts: Moksha in the Vedas (excluding the Upanishads)

texts:
Note that this is not a dup of this question, since the answers I expect are not from the Upanishads.

I have two questions based on my (poor) understanding of a few posts in this site. They are related and hence asking in one post.

For the matter of this post, I define a Vedantic scripture to be all of the Upanishads, The BrahmaSutra and the Bhagavad Gita (of Krishna) combined.

Is there a Vedic (non-Vedantic) scripture that talks about the concept of Moksha (the attainment of status equal/identical to Brahman)? I am not referring to the MahaMrtyunjaya stotram which means something slightly different (IMHO based on my reading of Sanskrit).
If there is none, what is the purely Vedic (non-Vedantic) thought about what happens after death?

I would greatly appreciate references to the scriptures with locations so that I can read up the verses and understand as much as I can.

(I am curious to know what is there in the Vedas, when Nachiketa (who has a few important Vedic rituals assigned to him) needed to ask this to Yama as related in the Kathopanishad. If there was a clear reference, Yama would not have mentioned it as a secret knowledge (IMHO)).


texts: Why is Vishnu's skin colour mentioned as both white and blue in the Vishnu-sahasranaama?

texts:
In the dhyAna-mantRa provided before Vishnu-Sahasranaama, He is referred to as 'Megha-Varna' i.e. 'cloud-colored' (starting with 'shanantaakaaram').But in the starting part ('Suklaamvaradharam Vishnum'), He is mentioned as 'Sasi-Varna' (Moon-coloured). What is the reason of this difference? Also, the dhyana starting with 'sa-sankha-chakram' described Him as 'sa-pitavastram', i.e. His garment is yellow, but the beginning of the Sahasranaama describes Him as Sukla-amvara-dhara' meaning His garment is white.

What is the reason of these differences? (I know that He is also referred to as Suvarnavarna etc within the Sahasranaama, but these are not counted in His main dhyAna.) Could anybody throw some light on the differences?


texts: What happened to Radha after Krishna left Vrindavana?

texts:
Bhagavata Purana is silent about what happened to residents of Vrindavan after Krishna left Vrindavana.

What happened to Radha?

To be more generic, What  happened to all residents of Vrindavan?

Related questions: What happened to radha when she grew up?


texts:
On what basis vritra is referred to as a snake/dragon?
Is there any proof from the vedas?
And if not then what was he?

NOTE:— VEDIC VERSES ARE REQUIRED PROVING


texts: Are there any references to "Sakkarai Palam" in Ayurveda?

texts:
What is "Sakkarai palam" (called in English)? (Anyone from Tamil Nadu must have heard about it).

Are there any references to the fruit in ayurveda?


texts: What will happen to Indra's wife Shachi and Indra's mother Aditi when Bali takes over the post of Indra in 8th manvantara?

texts: In the Vamana Avatara, Lord Vishnu had given a boon to Asura king Bali that he would become Indra in the 8th manvantara. So what will happen to Aditi and Shachi? Will they leave the heaven with present Indra Shakra or they will continue to reside in heaven?


texts: Does Pillai Lokacharya’s commentary on the Gadya Trayam still exist?

texts:
The Sri Vaishnava sect has two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai. Vadakalais follow the teachings of Vedanta Desikan, whereas Thenkalais follow the teachings of Pillai Lokacharya.  My question is about Pillai Lokacharya.  His most famous works are the Ashtadasa Rahasyas, eighteen philosophical works on Sri Vaishnavism in general and the Rahasya Traya or three secrets of Sri Vaishnavism in particular.  But I’m interested in another work of Pillai Lokacharya, the Gadyatraya Vyakhyanam.

For those who don’t know, the Gadya Trayam refers to three prose hymns, the Sharanagati Gadyam, the Sri Ranga Gadyam and the Vaikuntha Gadyam, composed by the famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya.  They’re hymns to Vishnu and Lakshmi, and they discuss, among other things, the nature of Sharanagati and Vishnu’s highest abode of Paramapadam.  Now Pillai Lokacharya wrote a Vyakhyanam or commentary on Ramanujacharya’s Gadya Trayam.  My question is, does this commentary still exist?

I can’t seem to find it, either in its original language (which is either Sanskrit or Tamil, I don’t know which), or in translation.


texts: Is there any prerequisite for practicing Pranayama?

texts:
There are 8 component of yoga by Patanjali.

Yamas
Niyama
Āsana
Prānāyāma
Pratyāhāra
Dhāranā
Dhyāna
Samādhi

I want to start Pranayama(e.g. Bhastrika, Kapal Bhati, Anulom Vilom etc.) so should I first master Yamas, Niyama and Asana? Or I can start practice Pranayama without worrying much on first 3 component?


texts:
Introduction section of Mahabharata details about total number of verses.

Vyasa executed the compilation of the Bharata, exclusive of the episodes originally in twenty-four thousand verses; and so much only is called by the learned as the Bharata. Afterwards, he composed an epitome in one hundred and fifty verses, consisting of the introduction with the chapter of contents. This he first taught to his son Suka; and afterwards he gave it to others of his disciples who were possessed of the same qualifications. After that he executed another compilation, consisting of six hundred thousand verses. Of those, thirty hundred thousand are known in the world of the Devas; fifteen hundred thousand in the world of the Pitris: fourteen hundred thousand among the Gandharvas, and one hundred thousand in the regions of mankind. Narada recited them to the Devas, Devala to the Pitris, and Suka published them to the Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Rakshasas: and in this world they were recited by Vaisampayana, one of the disciples of Vyasa, a man of just principles and the first among all those acquainted with the Vedas. Know that I, Sauti, have also repeated one hundred thousand verses.

So, total 600,000 verses. Of which 100,000 for mankind. This leaves 500,000 verses for Devas, Pitris and Gandharvas. But if we add the totals of 30 hundred thousands + 15 hundred thousand + 14 hundred thousand, it does not come to 500,000. Should the total be 60 hundred thousand and not 6 hundred thousand? Then, it will be 30+15+14+1 becomes 60.


texts: What is the origin story of Kaal Brahm in our scripture?

texts:
I came across the origin story of Kaal Brahm. He was supposedly banished from Satyalok (along with his wife Prakriti) by Kabir Dev. He is also considered the creator of our Brahmaand , our trilok and is the father of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. He is unmanifest and we humans pray to him via Prakriti and the three Gods.

How much of this claim is backed by our scriptures? Is there any mention of Kabir Dev (the ultimate God) in our scriptures as suggested by Jagat Guru Rampal ?

Can someone share me the origin story as mentioned in our upanishads or purans? Even shloka # and Khand # would be helpful.


texts: Why can Garuda Purana be read on specific days only?

texts:
Is there any reason behind the restriction that Garuda Purana should only be read during normal days (i.e., when there's no death in the family)?

My elders told me that it should be only read on the 10th day after death.

Why is it so? Why can't we read it on normal days?


texts: Is there evidence of Samudrika Shastra being used for selection of kings/spouses et al?

texts: From what I understand Samudrika Shastra is like phrenology which is largely discredited in the West.  I read that Kanchi Saankara Matha uses "Samudkrika lakshnas" (among other things) to select the next Shankaracharya.  Is it recorded anywhere else that this Shastra was used for selection?


texts: Why are only Ramayana and Mahabharata classified as Itihasa?

texts: What does Itihasa mean? Also, why no other text is classified under Itihasa except these two?


texts: Do we have a list of Acharyas, Saints, Swami and Gurus by their authority?

texts: Probably related to this- Validity of references from new-age Gurus? but do we have a quickly available database so that the general public may be aware of the roots?


texts: Does an astrologer get karma by reading someone's horoscope and suggesting remedies?

texts:
I have heard this from an astrologer that they get negative karma by reading horoscopes and suggesting remedies because they help in delaying the results of bad karma for a person.

Have you heard of anything similar? It would be good to have some scriptural evidence in this regard or even a reference from any renowned astrologer's work would help.


texts: Ravana's father was a Brahmin while his mother a Rakshasi. Then why is he considered a Rakshasa, Rather than a Brahmin.  Is it because of his actions?


texts: Why are Hindu marriages done “Agni Sakshi” (fire as witness)

texts: While marrying, the hindus pledge considering "fire" as a witness. Is there any specific with fire that it is given priority over the other master elements of the universe?


texts: What food habits are recommended in hinduism for good health?

texts:
It is mentioned in hinduism that some caste people are prohibited from eating the non-vegetarian food, so how these people will get necessary nutrients to live the normal life?

Anywhere does food habits mentioned for one to follow in our religion to live healthy life?

I mean I am talking about sources of nutritions for vegetarians


texts: Scriptural reference to say Lord Vishnu and Parvati devi are same

texts:
I want to know if there is any scriptural reference i.e a small event that shows Narayana and Parvati are same.

The reason for my initial belief that they are same is the following:

All gods are various forms of parabrahma swaroopa so we cannot attribute gender.
Both Narayana and Parvati devi are alanakara priyas
Both have similar motto i.e protection of dharma by taking avataras


texts: Krishna on choosing between character and a secure future?

texts:
I was going through this video link$ where god Krishna explains why one should focus on building his character rather than future. Is this mentioned anywhere in the Bhagavad Geeta?

$ For those who can't watch the video, here's what Krishna says in the video:

  All parents wish to fulfill every wish of their children and keep them happy - this is the first duty of every parent. And which parent doesn't want to plan and secure their kids' future? But isn't kids' future (happiness or safety) already decided based on their past actions? So isn't what's taught (good or bad) to kids by their parents go on to determine most of their future actions (karma)? So shouldn't parents worry more about building the character of children than planning their future? But aren't most people lost in planning in their future than their character which ultimately determines their future? Think about it.


texts: Grihasthashram - Parents or in-laws : Who is to be obeyed ? In case of husband, and in case of wife?

texts:
Grihasthashram or Marriage is the joining of not just 2 souls - man and woman, but their two families as well.

When there is a difference of opinion between the 2 in-laws, how do shastras recommend the deadlock be broken ?

Is the law different for the husband and the wife ?


texts: What is the difference between Indra loka, Deva loka and Vaikuntha?

texts:
I want to know the differences if any among the following Lokas:

1.Indra Loka

2.Deva loka

3.Vaikuntha


texts: Hasta Mudra done with the left hand affects the right side of the body and vice versa- I need a scriptural proof for this statement

texts:
"Hasta Mudra done with the left hand affects the right side of the body and vice versa"

The Yogaguru Swami Ramdev had said that once on TV while taking a Yoga class.

Now, this is something that we can empirically verify. It really happens like that.

But i want verses from Scriptures and (or) Yoga treatises which prove this. This will help me settle an argument elsewhere.


texts: Is Lord Hanuman really immortal and what are ways to become his true follower

texts:
The question just hit my mind with a question mark. Does lord hanuman really exists (immortal)?

What are the best ways to become his true follower and how to impress him.


texts: Does the shloka 'ahiṃsā paramo dharma' or excerpt appear in Mahabharata?

texts:
Ahimsa paramo dharma, is it taken from Mahabharata?

Many sources over internet say so and claim that it is a half-truth and the remaining half is Himsa dharma tadaivacha. Is it true?

Who is the orator of the shloka and to whom is it addressed and in which context are they discussing this?


texts: Why didn't Rama try to convince Vali, give a second chance before killing him

texts:
Rama sends Angada to Ravana, to expostulate him and to bring him back to reason. Angada tries his best to convince Ravana, but in vain. This, after knowing that Hanuma and Vibhishana tried doing the same and failed.

Why didn't Rama follow the same standard in Vali's case. Is it because he already promised Sugreeva that he would kill Vali? What is (if there is) Rama's standard for sparing or punishing your enemy?


texts: What's the source and rest of the verse 'dhanam mūlam idaṃ jagat' (money forms root of this world)?

texts:
I was watching a Telugu movie on YouTube recently and the tagline of the movie was:

  dhanam mūlam idaṃ jagat

  (money forms root of this world)

After some digging around, it seems this line is only part of the verse and it's possible the movie has taken the line out of context.

  The sloka says:

  Vedas are the base (root cause) for attaining the Brahma Jnana (The Divine Knowledge),
  Wife is the root cause for the house (she is thus the housewife),
  Agriculture is the root cause for the paddy, and
  Wealth is the root cause for this world of worldly pleasures.

Is Hindu scripture source of this verse or is it a subhāṣita?

What's the full verse in Sanskrit?


texts: What is the significance of odd numbers in Hinduism?

texts:
There seems to be a special preference given to odd numbers in Hinduism. For instance:

The ahutis in yagnas are always odd.
Tradition of feeding 11 Brahamins.
Tradition of feeding 9 young girls in navratra.
Gifts or donations are always in odd numbers i.e 11, 51, 101 or 1001 and so on.
Even the number of incense sticks in a pack is odd!

I remember asking this question to my father as a child. The response that I got was: "Nature loves odd".

  Animals in a pack are always odd. If you count the number of birds in a
  group, you'd always see that it is odd. The number of days are odd,
  the number of planets is odd(even after counting rahu and ketu).
  Since nature prefers odd, so does Hinduism.

I am expecting some references from Hindu scriptures which corroborate the above theory or present any other theory.


texts: Can the Guna-Karma classification of the Varna system be translated into profession?

texts:
What is the Varna of:

an engineer
a singer
a doctor

I have chosen a few random samples to understand the Varna system better. How would these be classified as - Brahmin, Vaishya, Sudra and Kshatriya?

Or, is it valid to apply the Varna classification to the profession of person? Can guna-karma translate into profession?


texts: What is the story of tortoise which is just in front of Nandi in Lord Shiva Temple?

texts: I have seen in many temples there are Nandi and tortoise facing the Shiva linga. what is the story of being tortoise facing the Shiva linga?


texts: Why the period of early morning (brahma muhurta or amrut wela) important?

texts:
Why the period of early morning (brahma muhurta or amrut wela) important for meditation? And what is that period (approx. from hhmm AM to hhmm AM)? (I know the twilight period for sandhya vandanam. But here I am talking about amrut wela).
Would like to have scriptural references, not just opinions please.


texts: Is this shloka in Brahma Vaivarta Purana?

texts:
“sri radha nama mantrena murcha sanmasiki bhavetnocarreta mata spastam parikshit hit krn munih“

Is this shloka in Brahma Vaivarta Puran, if YES, then please tell the shloka/addhyay?


texts: Is Vishnu Yamala available either offline or online in any one of the English / Hindi languages.


texts: Was there incarnation of Satya and Treta yugas personified in Mahabharata?

texts:
We know that Kali who is the ruler of Kali yuga incarnated as Dhuryodhana and Dwapara incarnated as Shakuni.
But what of the other two ugas of Sathya and Treta.
Who rules these yugas? Were they incarnated during Mahabharata? If yes, then as whom did they incarnate?


texts: What does Hinduism say on Evolution and inception of mankind?

texts: The question title is very explanatory. However, I always wonder what does our scriptures say on Evolution if at all.


texts: Could anyone tell me what verse is being recited in the video?

texts:
In Ramanada Sagar's adaptation of the Ramayana whenever some yajna is performed, I can hear background recital of some verses which is repeated again and again. In the below video, at ~18:10 mins Vishwamitra is interuppted by Marich and Subahu when the former starts a yajna here once can hear the verse in chorus.

I listen it unintelligibly as:
Vedaputra/Devaputra samvato vrikshnatma yajaamaha Indraya vischtai ?????? Indraya putri?? sandwawa?
Could any tell me from which book and what verse is being recited here


texts:
It is heard that during the exile period of the Pandavas, prince Yudhishthira did meditation and invoked the blessings of Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga appeared infront of prince Yudhishthira and gave him some boons.

What was the prayer recited by prince Yudhishthira to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga?

What were the boons given by Goddess Durga to prince Yudhishthira?


texts:
Shri Hari stotram is a beautiful hymn dedicated to lord Shri Hari (Vishnu). You may read or listen to it on this website http://reveredhinduism.blogspot.com/2016/07/sri-hari-stotram.html?m=1

This page mentions that this strotram was written by Swami Brahmananda. I could not find more details about him. Does anyone know if he is Swami Brahmananda Saraswati who was Shankracharya OR he is Swami Brahmananda who was disciple of Sri Ramakrishna or someone else?

I want to use this information to find out what other work author has published.


texts: Should Prajapati (Lord Brahma) be regarded as a Supreme Self or a Transmigrating Jiva?

texts:
In the Shruti sources we find many statements that Lord Prajapati is Supreme Self. For example Shatapatha Brahmana of YajurVeda in 6.1.3.1 states

  Verily, Prajâpati alone was here in the beginning. He desired, 'May I exist, may I reproduce myself!' He toiled, he practised austerity (or, became heated). From him, worn out and heated, the waters were created: from that heated Person the waters are born.

So, it means Lord Brahma alone was in the beginning and he existed as per his desire. This shows he is a Supreme Self. There are also other plenty of verses in Vedas which show that Lord Brahma is Supreme Lord.

But the same Shatapatha Brahamana also states:

  Pragâpati conceived a passion for his own daughter... 'May I pair with her!' thus (thinking) he united with her. This, assuredly, was a sin in the eyes of the gods. 'He who acts thus towards his own daughter, our sister, [commits a sin],' they thought. The gods then said to this god who rules over the pashus (Rudra), 'This one, surely, commits a sin who acts thus towards his own daughter, our sister. Pierce him!' Rudra, taking aim, pierced him.

Now, the above passages hints that Prajapati is just a transmigrating Jiva as it shows he is attached to Karmas. There are also other instances like his birth is stated:

  He who is the first among the Gods, that Rudra who is the great seer who is higher than the Universe, he is the one who saw Hiranyagarbha being born. (Taittariya Aranyaka 11.12)

So, Vedas at some place say that Prajapati is Supreme Self, all is his form, he is Atman of all etc.. etc... At some places Vedas also say that he is attached to Karmas, seen being born (ie. Having birth etc.. ) which is character of Jiva. So there is contradiction itself in the Vedas.

Do any scripture solve this exact issue raising the points from both sides of Shruti? Have any philosopher / commentator solved the above contradiction about whether Prajapati should be seen as Supreme Self or Transmigrating Jiva by raising the points from Vedas?


texts: What does the word "Tryambakam" mean in Vedas?

texts:
The word Tryambakam is used in Rig Veda 7:59:12 and in Yajurveda and is dedicated to Lord Rudra/Shiva. According to some translations this word means the three eyed one, but according to some scholars the word Ambika in Vedas means Mother and in Mahabharata and Ramayana it means Eye, because in Vedas the word Ambika is used for Goddess Saraswati which means mother.

So does the word Ambika mean mother or eye? If it means mother, then why is Lord Shiva associated with three mothers?


texts: Can somebody explain the Samkhya theory of creation in a clear and concise manner? It is crucial because Vedantins also later adopted this view on creation. So this is arguably the standard Hindu creation theory.


texts: Why is Buddha a part of Dashavatar list?

texts:
Simple and straight question: Doesn't buddha belong to another religion, that is Buddhism?

I found various lists all over the internet, and based on answers here, I want to know on what basis Buddha is included?
What are the exact ten avatars of Vishnu?


texts: What is the meaning of Maarga Dharshan? In what context is it used and who is the one eligible to provide this Dharshan?


texts: Urdhva Pundra for follower of Advaita Philosophy

texts: Can a follower of Advaita Philosophy wear the Urdhva Pundra of Gopi Chandana? If so, what is procedure to be followed to wear it?


texts: Details about Kumbini-The Half Sister of Surpanakha

texts:
I have read that Kumbini was the half sister of Surpanakha, but I haven't read anything more about her. How she was a half sister of Surpanakha, and in what terms she was a half sister of Surpanakha. Can anyone give and explain her character in detail please.

Following are the links where I had read her name for the first time and any details about her. But haven't found anything more about it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surpanakha

http://www.hindutav.com/surpanakha-untold-facts/


texts:
which temple among the Vaishnava/Shiva shrines are the oldest?

Thanks.


texts: Were Ganesh and Kartikeya mentioned in Vedas? Is Ganapati Elder to Kartikeya?

texts:
Kartikeya was mentioned  in the Ramayana, but not Ganapati and his First Adoration in Pujas.
Kaartikeya as mentioned in Srimad Ramayana is the same character as mentioned in Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

While  roaming in the Dandaka Aranya, Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Seetha enter  the hermitage of Sage Agastya.  While going to meet the Sage, they saw  the designated places for various Devatas.

स तत्र ब्रह्मणः स्थानम् अग्नेः स्थानम् तथैव च ||  विष्णोः स्थानम्
महेन्द्रस्य स्थानम्  चैव विवस्वतः | सोम स्थानम् भग स्थानम् स्थानम्
कौबेरम् एव च ||  धातुर् विधातुः स्थानम् च  वायोः स्थानम् तथैव च |
स्थानम् च पाश हस्तस्य वारुणस्य महात्मनः ||  स्थानम् तथैव गायत्र्या
वसूनाम् स्थानम् एव च | स्थानम् च नागराजस्य गरुड स्थानम् एव च ||
कार्तिकेयस्य च स्थानम् धर्म स्थानम् च पश्यति |  (Aranya Kanda 12th
Sarga 17 - 21 Slokas)
Sri Rama entered inside the hermitage and saw therein the sanctus of
Brahma, Fire-god, Vishnu, Indra, Vivasvat  - the Sun-god, Soma - the
Moon-god, Bhaga - one among the twelve Suns,  and the sanctusms of
Kubera,  [Wealth-Management-god, are seen and passed by the three of
them,  sanctums of Dhaata, Vidhaata - Vedic  deities created by Brahma
to help Svayambhuu Manu, santucm of Vaayu -  the Air-god, and also
like that  the sanctum of great-soloed VaruNa - the Rain-god who also
wields noose,  and the sanctum of Gayatri  - the presiding deity of
gnosis, sanctum of Vasus - eight of them, and  the sanctum of cobra's
king -  aadi sheSa, the divine Thousand-headed serpent that bears this
globe on  its head,  and even the sanctum of GaruDa - the Divine Eagle
, and the  half  brother of aadi sheSa, and the sanctum of Kaartikeya

chief of gods army, and  the sanctum of Dharma - Dharmaraaja, presiding deity of Virtue-Vice-Time of living beings, in-charge  of
the hell.

Though it was mentioned in Mahabharata that Lord Ganesha himself wrote it when Sage Vyasa was dictating, he did not find place in Bhagavad Gita, as Chief of Ganas (Ganadhipatihi).  Why?
Were Ganesh and Kartikeya mentioned in Vedas?


texts: in which sect of hinduism manusmriti is canonical text?

texts:
Vedanta canonical text is  prasthantrayi consisting of Upanishads,Gita , Brahma Sutra
Sri vidya authoritative/canonical scriptures are Jyanarnava Tantra, Vamakeswara Tantram, Sri Krama, Dkashinamurty Samhita, Tantrarajatantram ...
Arya Samaj canonical text are Vedas and Satyartha Prakash.

and so on for each sect like ISKCON etc etc., has its own list of authoritative scripture.

Now, Which hindu sect explicitly mentions that Manusmriti is its canonical scripture?


texts: Where can I read Guthartha Dipika of Madhusudana Saraswati online, in English?

texts: I would like to read the Guthartha Dipika, Madhusudana Saraswati's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita online, in English. Can anyone provide me the relevant link or PDF for it?


texts: Is Jesus really one of the disputes of Sidhas in Himalayas?

texts:
I came to know that Jesus in his childhood, in spite of giving respect to his father Joseph's words, came to India to learn magical talents and spirituality from Sidhas in Himalayas. After learning the arts from them, he went back to his land and implementing these talents and thus impressed many followers in the western side and now he gets many followers all around the world.
(These are some of the information from materials)

He always mentioned about God in Heaven as his father and that God, he mentioned should be Lord Shiva since he is the head of the all Sidhas.

Is that true?


texts:
Two common things among most Kshatriyas were:

Marrying many women
Having many children

If we see most kings described in the Puranas, most of them seem to have met with these two conditions. These are valid too, as it was necessary to propagate your dynasty so that you could maintain your line as well as efficiently rule your kingdom once one expanded it by conquering other kingdoms.

We know that Dhritarashtra had a hundred and one sons, out of whom the prominent sons are Duryodhana, Duhshasana and (due to his role in Draupadi's Mana Samrakshana) Vikarna. But even though Vyasa lists out the other Kauravas, as far as I know, the only Kaurava described living a family life is Duryodhana, who married Bhanumati, the princess of Kalinga, and had two children - Lakshmana (who was slain by Abhimanyu in battle) and Lakshmanaa (who married Krsna's son Samba).

So, does Vyasa give any information as to whether the other 100 brothers (including Yuyutsu) were married, and whether they had children?


texts: Are any palm leaves of puranas preserved and available today?

texts:
Are there any palm leaves of hindu scriptures (especially puranas) available for us to read today?

Also I am interested to know whether any ashramas or certain brahmin families have the oral tradition till today (which is very unlikely to happen).


texts: Is Vishvaksena mentioned in any major scriptures?

texts: By major, I mean Vedas and related Shruti, Upanishads, the two epics, and Mahapuranas.


texts:
If someone is in hard times, should he has to think that these problems are because of his past karmas for which he has to suffer or he should make an effort in order to get off of such situation?
If everything is predestined, why astrologers give remedies to overcome or handle some incidents? Because, as if it is predestined, whatever is already written will happen irrespective of the person does remedies or not. So, how come one give precautions to them?
If one is suffering problems,
either should he accept the situation that he has to however, suffer them because of his bad karmas?
          *Or*

Should he follow some other way to overcome his hurdles?


texts: Which one God have more maximum names? Krishna or Shiva?

texts: I read that Shiva have 1008 names and also know that Krishna have also various names. My question is which one God have more than names others?


texts: Which lines of Mahābhāṣya of Patañjali say that Vedas had 1131 śākhās (recensions)?

texts:
This answer quotes Mahābhāṣya of Patañjali as the Vedas having 1138 1131 śākhās (recensions).

  Originally as per Mahabhasya of Patanjali there were 21 Shakhas of RigVeda, 101 Shakhas of Yajurveda, 1000 Shakhas of SamaVeda and 9 Shakhas of Atharvaveda. Thus total 1138 1131 Shakhas of total Vedas.

I'm looking for the actual line from the Mahābhāṣya (in Sanskrit or its English translation) which says this.

Also, according to Patañjali, is the number of śākhās 1131 or 1133?


texts: Saying Sanskrit Stotram with incorrect pronunciations?

texts:
Not everyone is well versed in reading Hindi and let alone Sanskrit.

I recently started chanting the Shiva Mahimna Stotram. However, some of the pronunciations are quite difficult for me.

My question:
Are there any negative impacts if we say a Stotram with wrong pronunciations?

Also does the positive impacts of the Stotram still remain if said incorrectly?


texts: Does any scripture recommend Tulasi leaves in Ganesha Puja on Ganesha Chaturthi?

texts:
As per this post, Tulasi is included in leaves to be offered to Ganesha on Ganesha Chaturthi.
But, Tulasi is prohibited in Ganesha puja on normal days.
Is there any scriptural basis which allows Tulasi in Ganesha puja on Ganesha Chaturthi?


texts: What is the relation among Prakriti, Maya, the law of Karma?

texts:
I'd like to know whether the following explanations right or not?
1.Prakriti is the matter consisted of 24 elements.  Is that right?
2.There are many kind of energy in this world,like heat energy, potential energy, sound energy and electric energy,etc. But these energy are changing to another energy. The scientists do not know what the energy is. I think these energy are Maya. Is that right?
3.So,Maya is the energy to make Prakriti to move.For example, smartphone is made of material elements. And the energy, Maya, makes smartphone to activate. Is that right?
4. The same way Maya makes Prakriti to activate and make us to believe that this world,Prakriti,is the real. Is that right?
5.Maya is also the principle of cause and effect, causality, the law of Karma. Is that right?


texts: Lord Shiva as Hatkeshwara in Hinduism scriptures?

texts:
Shreemad Bhagvat Purana is mentioning one form of Lord Shiva as
master of gold mines i.e. Bhagvan Hatkeshwara.

  ततोऽधस्ताद्वितले हरो भगवान्हाटकेश्वरः स्वपार्षदभूतगणावृतः ।। SB
  5.24.17 ।।

  tato 'dhastād vitale haro bhagavān hāṭakeśvaraḥ
  sva-pārṣada-bhūta-gaṇāvṛtaḥ

  The next planet below Atala is Vitala, wherein Lord Siva, who is known
  as the master of gold mines, lives with his personal associates.

My questions are -:

Is this Hatkeshwara form of Lord Shiva and any story related this form mentioned in Hinduism scriptures or in other Puranas?
Is there any temple of Lord Hatkeshwara in India?


texts:
In Mackenzie Brown's paper titled Purāṇa as Scripture, we see a reference wherein it says that,

Mahabharata, as well as the ancient Smriti writer Vṛddha Gautama(of the Dharmaśāstra) proclaims, "Veda-sellers and those who dishonor the Vedas and also those who write down the Vedas shall go to hell."

My questions are as follows:

1) Which verses of the Mahabharata expressly prohibit the writing down of Vedas?
2) Was the concept of 'Writing' elucidated or mentioned in the Śruti?


texts: How did Rishis perform Tapasya (transcendental meditation) so that they heard Shruti/Veda?

texts:
The oldest and primary scripture we do have is Veda and we know that ancient Rishis heard Veda in the state of Tapasya directly from Ishwara and that is called Shruti.

But one question often comes in my mind - How did they perform Tapasya (Dhyana or deep mediation), since they had no scripture (and probably no Guru)? What led  them to the state of deep Tapasya where they heard Veda?

Also, I want to know, whether it is possible for one to hear Veda in similar way that ancient Rishis heard?


texts: When can a girl marry after performing Head torch/Last rites

texts:
My question is,
When can a Kshatriya girl marry after performing last rites/head torch/Karmakand to her father? As she is the only daughter. she has to marry after 1 year or Can she marry after 6 months?
If married Can she do one year death anniversary rituals(pinda pradhan on 1 year death anniversary)to her father?


texts: Which Alwars praised Vishnu in Sanskrit?

texts:
The Alwars (also spelled Azhwars) are a group of 12 ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu and are famous for their poetry in praise of Vishnu. The collection of their 4000 poems, known as the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam, is considered by many to be the "Dravida Veda", or South Indian Veda. The Alwars are crucially important figures in the history of Vaishnavism; it is the principles and beliefs embodied in the Alwars' poems that ultimately gave rise to the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member).

In any case, one of the Alwars was a Chera king called Kulashekhara Alwar, who was an incarnation of Vishnu's Kaustubha gem.  He is most famous for his Perumal Tirumoli, the collection of his Tamil poetry in praise of Vishnu, which is included in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.  (I discuss one poem in the Perumal Tirumoli here.) But I just found out that in addition to his Tamil poems, he also composed a Sanskrit poem, known as the Mukunda Mala Stotram, i.e. a poem meant as a garland for Krishna.  You can read it here; it's quite beautiful.

So my question is, was Kulasekhara Alwar the only Alwar who praised Vishnu in Sanskrit, or are there Sanskrit poems composed by other Alwars as well?  One of the Alwars, Periyalwar (whose work I discuss here), was the chief priest of the Srivilliputtur Temple, so he would have been quite educated.  So did he or any of the other Alwars manage to write in Sanskrit, or were their poems limited to Tamil?


texts:
I've heard about ayurvedic treatments for complete cure of cancer but can't validate it. So, I want to know does ayurveda or siddha has this medicine ?

Where can I find/get original Ayurveda and complete medicinal notes?


texts: How to get motivated to work if you follow Gita chapter 2, verse 47

texts:
The Bhagwad Gita chapter 2, verse 47 states:

karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi

I am confused, how should one work, then how will I know if I have to do something if not for the results?
I will study because I want results or get better education in the long term; I will switch job if I want to be better paid; I will ask a girl out, if I want to have some form of relation with her; If I am leading an army, I will do some tactic to achieve something, which will later result in something bigger. If not for the result I will not do any work, which leads to akarma .


texts: What Is Deva Raja/King of Devas (Indra) a person or a position?

texts:
I know Indra is King of gods so he is called Dev Raja.

But My Question is :

**

  Is Indra a Position or Name or a Person's Name ?

**

Thank You


texts: Who is Hiranygarbha and what is the meaning of it?

texts:
Who is Hiranygarbha?

Is it a name of god? If yes, to which god it refers to?

What is the meaning of the word Hiranygarbha?


texts: What does our scripture say about marriage? Why should we marry?

texts:
I heard from Parama Pujya Morari Bapu's Rama Katha that starting from our birth we have parents supporting us in every situation until they become old. And we have our friends and family members also supporting us. They help us make right decisions in our life. But as we age, we become alone and we need a partner to continue making right decisions in each others' lives, that's why we have to marry.

But I want to know what our scriptures say about marriage. Why should we marry?


texts: What is the correct method to follow in chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra?

texts: What is actually the correct method to chant the Harekrishna Mahamantra? Like what we should follow before chanting of that mantra, and which direction we have to face while chanting the mantra, and how we should end the process of chanting this mantra?


texts: Why does bhagwad Gita contradict itself?

texts:
Bhagwad Gita chapter 10

  आयुधानामहं वज्रं धेनूनामस्मि कामधुक् |
  प्रजनश्चास्मि कन्दर्प: सर्पाणामस्मि वासुकि:।।28।।

  I am the Vajra (thunderbolt) amongst weapons and Kamadhenu amongst the cows. I am Kaamdev, the god of love, amongst all causes for procreation; amongst serpents I am Vasuki.

  अनन्तश्चास्मि नागानां वरुणो यादसामहम् |
  पितृणामर्यमा चास्मि यम: संयमतामहम् || 29||

  Amongst the snakes I am Anant(sheshanag); amongst aquatics I am Varun. Amongst the departed ancestors I am Aryama; amongst dispensers of law I am Yamraj, the lord of death.

In one verse, Lord is saying that I am vasuki among snakes and in very next verse he is saying that I am shesha. Is it a contradiction or my misunderstanding?

EDIT: "nagas and sarpas are different" does not seem to be a satisfactory answer because Ananta and Vasuki are brothers (born from same parents). Is it being suggested that out of 2 brothers, one became naga and another became sarpa and both brothers belong to different classes of beings? There is no clarity on this. Moreover, if someone reads the answer given in the link, it classifies Vasuki as a naaga and not a sarpa. Therefore, I am voting to reopen the question.


texts: Why did Drona and Kripa, who were Brahmanas, fight in the Mahabharata war?

texts:
Dronacharya and Kripacharya were powerful warriors who fought in the Mahabharata war. However, they were Brahmanas and not Kshatriyas.

Why did they decide to fight?

Apastamba says:

  A Brāhmaṇa shall not take a weapon into his hand, though he be only
  desirous of examining it.

However, the Manusmriti says Brahmanas and Vaishyas can take up arms when needed:

  Twice-born persons shall carry arms: When religion is interfered with, when there is confusion among the twice-born castes caused by the exigencies of time,—(348) in his own defence, in cases of hindrance of sacrificial fees, in the case of outrages upon Brāhmaṇas and women,—if one strikes in the cause of right, he incurs no sin.

Is this why they decided to fight, to protect Dharma?


texts:
It is generally accepted that only males can undergo upanayana and that women do not have the right it. However, according to the Wikipedia article on upanayana, women in some regions are allowed to undergo upanayana. Wikipedia also says that certain texts specifically have injunctions for women to study the Vedas:

In some regions, in modern times, boys and girls undergo the tradition of Upanayana initiation when they start their formal schooling.[20] In ancient and medieval eras, texts such as Harita Dharmasutras, Asvalayana Grhya Sutra and Yama smriti suggest women could begin Vedic studies after the Upanayana rite of passage.[6][21][22]
Girls who decided to become a student underwent the Upanayana rite of passage, at the age of 8, and thereafter were called Brahmavadini. They wore a thread or upper garment over their left shoulder.[6] Those girls who chose not to go to a gurukul were called Sadyovadhu (literally, one who marries straight). However, the Sadyovadhu, too, underwent a step during the wedding rituals, where she would complete Upanayana, and thereafter wear her upper garment (saree) over her left shoulder.[6] This interim symbolic Upanayana rite of passage for a girl, before her wedding, is described in multiple texts such as the Gobhila Gryha Sutra verse 2.1.19 and some Dharmasutras.[23]

Is Wikipedia right to say that women are allowed to study the Vedas and undergo upanayana?
P.S. It would be appreciated if any of you guys could quote from scriptures like Harita Dharmasutras, Asvalayana Grhya Sutra,Gobhila Gryha Sutra, Yama smriti or any other text.


texts: Is there any connection between lakshmi-narsimha and sri chakra

texts:
Is there any link between lakshmi-narsimha and sri chakra /lalita devi ? Any relevant text or story ? Thanks

What made me think was the lines i read ---- Devi has four powerful deities guarding her kingdom. The two are the powerful deities Ashtamukha Gandabherunda Nrisimha and Sashaktika Maha Vamana. The third is Kalasamkarshini Kali and fourth is our Master - Lord Shasta accompanied by Purna and Pushkala.

http://shanmatha.blogspot.in/2009/09/connection-of-sastha-with-srividya.html?m=1


texts: What scriptures other than Dharma Sindhu say sins are stored in hair?

texts:
This answer says sins are attached to hair and devotees tonsure their hair when they visit temples to get rid of sins. It says Dharma Sindhu mentions the verse.

  तीर्थोपवास कर्तव्य सिरसोमुन्दनानिच सिरोगतानि पापानि यान्तिमन्दनथो यतह्

  tīrthopavāsa kartavya sirasomundanānica sirogatāni pāpāni
  yāntimandanatho yatah

Dharma Sindhu is a book written by Panditha Kashinaatha taking essence of various Dharma Sastras and Puranas. This is what preface  of book says,

  Drushtaa purva nibandhaatrirnaaya sindhu kramena siddharthaan

  Praayena mula vachaannyujijjtya likhvaami baalabodhaaya

  Having studied various ancient Sciptures and strictly based on the
  rudimentary facts delineated in those Root-Grandhas that the essence
  of Dharma Nirnayaas (Regulatoty Verdicts) is sought to be described.

So, this must be presumably present in Puranas or Smritis or Dharma Sastras.

Also, Dr. Sri Vaddiparti Padmakar, famous scholar in Telugu states, says the same in this video (in Telugu). I searched in Shiva Purana and Padma Purana but couldn't find any references for it.

My question is: What scriptures, such as Dharma Sastras or smritis or puranas or any authoritative Hindu scriptures, say Paapa or Sins are stored or attached to hair? Please don't answer from books by Acharyas or Swamijis.

 Note: This question is not duplicate to this question or any such related question.


texts: Who is kaal? What is kaal? What does vedas say about this vedic god? Is he vedic god? Is kaal different from Yamadeva?


texts: In the Hindu planetary system, Rahu and Ketu take an invisible place. But we use to find their periodic presence in houses. In modern science, asteroid belts are  between Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids are basically the ones which failed to form as a planet or parts of destroyed planet. Rahu and Ketu also destroyed individual in the shape of snake. Asteroid belt is also a ring around the sun with dust and stones. Is this asteroid belt considered as invisible Rahu and Ketu in our ancient Hinduism?


texts: What are the symbols and weapons in the hand of Sadashiva?

texts:
Sadashiva is described as being eternal form of Lord Shiva. He is represented with Five-faces and ten hands.
The five heads of Sadashiva are known as Sadyojata [West facing], Vamadeva [North facing], Aghora [South facing], Tatpurusha[East facing] and Ishana [Upward facing].
He is shown with weapons and various symbolisms in his 10 hands.

What are these weapons and symbolisms that are in the hands of Sadashiva? And what do they Signify?


texts: Does Valmiki Ramayana or Vyasa Mahabharata or Srimad Baghavatham contain the names of ten incarnations(dashavatharas only)?

texts:
Do any one of the following scriptures contain the ten incarnations (dashavathara only) of Vishnu?

Valmiki Ramayana
Vyasa Mahabharata
Srimad Baghavatham


texts: Do scriptures say how to detect someone claimimg a false varna identity?

texts: After all a so-called "low-caste" person could go somewhere else and claim to be of a "higher" caste.  Do scriptures talk about such cases and how to detect them?


texts:
(What if) I realized I had committed a sin and now I fear after the outcome of it?
I fear it will definitely bring sorrow at some point of my life/ in course of life cycles.  How do I get relieved from this fear factor?

My thoughts are now filled with fear than feeling repent/paschatap!


texts: You are not the mind nor the body you are the ALL, but at the same time to be the all you have to be the mind and body, this is a paradox?

texts:
We are not the body nor the mind, but at the same time we have to be the body and mind since we are the ALL, give me your explanation?

Maya/the illusion is when someone is bound and emprisoned by the material world and believes it to be the absolute reality separating himself from his true Self. However paradoxally, if you say that you are not the mind nor the body, but the spirit/soul then you are again separating yourself from the all as you make yourself distinct from the Material world. Would it not be more correct to say that we are the ALL which would including being our own mind and body - feelings,thoughts,emotions,memories etc...?

What is the meaning of detaching from the body and mind, this would just gain the same effect as thinking you are the mind and body hence you separate yourself from one aspect of God once again, ever thought of that one?


texts: How difficult or rare is it to get human life?

texts: According to scripture(s), how difficult or rare is it to get human life?


texts:
Many people want to follow their culture as their ancestor was following centuries back.

But unfortunately they are not having enough knowledge about this, so they are forced to neglect and start preparing reasons for retreat/avoid.

Now we have a medium for vast community here, so I want to ask something which I need to follow in my future.

I want to start implementing daily Pooja. I am not a Brahmin. So is it possible to do daily pooja
Is there any list of ceremony which we need to follow for a child from day one?


texts: Do devatas have martial tings ? Do Devatas have semen?

texts:
Do devatas like Vishnu Shiva krishna ganapati as sense
Do they have semen


texts: Should Rudraksha be taken off before going to washroom,having sexual intercourse,masturbating etc?

texts:
I would like to know if Rudraksha should be taken off before going to washroom,having sex/masturbating or in any other impure state.
The reason for my doubt is that in this video, Puri Sri Sankaracharya Ji says that his Guru Swami Sri Karpatri Ji Maharaj always used to remove Rudraksha before going to washroom. From there Sankaracharya Ji realized that Rudraksha should not be worn during impure state.

Now my question is if "impure state" also includes having sexual intercourse or masturbating. Also, is there any Shastra pramana for the same as Sri Sankaracharya Ji only made His statement after observing His Guru a self-realized saint Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj.


texts: How many from the battle were alive after the war in Mahabharata?

texts:
The 18 days war of Kurukshetra did played havoc and many lost their lives. Sure there are few who would have survived and lived past it.  Out of those who other prominent personalities lived past that event?

For sure, I know these: Pandavas, Krishna, Ashwathama, Krupar. Who else?

Edit:
Any idea about Jambhavan who lived across yugas right from Trivikrama period to Mahabaratha?

Also, Parasurama seems to appear in Ramayana and in Mahabaratha (who fought with Bhisma on request from Amba/Ambalika). These two were reminded when I stumbled on this page.

Then is the Sage Vyas who I could see in Mausala Parva at the end.


texts: Identification and significance of this mudra

texts:
In this video at 2:20, while reciting "Guru Bhrama,Guru vishnu...." He keeps his hands on head by forming a perticular Mudra. (Maybe it's not a mudra)
What is it? What's its significance? When do people do it?
As far as concerned, I can guess that 'guru' resides on the top of head, so it might be related with it.


texts: Is there a way in Hinduism to get blessed with something that is not in one's destiny?

texts:
For example, if one is destined to be childless, can he/she still have a child?
Or if one is destined to be poor, can he/she become wealthy?
If there is a way / solution to be blessed with something that one desires that is not in one's destiny or prarabdha, what is it? Is it through pooja and anusthan, or penance? Please provide the details. Is this doable in the kaliyuga? Thank you.


texts: Which Vaishnava theories are based on Gopâlatâpini Upanishad?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda makes a remark in one of his lectures that many Vaishnava theories have come from Gopala Tapini Upanishad.

Complete Works / Volume 3 / Lectures from Colombo to Almora / The Religion we are born in:

  If any sect in India wants to have its ideas established with a firm hold on the people it must base them on the authority of the Vedanta. They all have to do it, whether they are Dvaitists or Advaitists. Even the Vaishnavas have to go to Gopâlatâpini Upanishad to prove the truth of their own theories.

There are a lot of Vaishnava scriptures which Vaishnavas refer frequently so which theories are unique to Gopalatapini Upanishad which are not found in other Vaishnava scriptures?


texts: According to Ramayana/Mahabharat why is Agni (Fire) different from the other pancha bhoota?

texts:
I read from a mythological story that Fire (Agni Lingam) is entirely different and much more important than the other pancha bhoota: Water (Appu Lingam), Sky (Akasha Lingam), Air (Vayu Lingam), Land (Prithivi Lingam).

Is this true? If yes, why?


texts: What are necessary and sufficient conditions for being a Hindu, if they are to make Jains, Sikhs, etc. non-Hindu?

texts: What parameters are used to classify Jains Sikhs Buddhists etc as Non-Hindu?


texts:
Is scolding, insulting someone a sin ? what punishments will we face for this ?

If someone insults us, is it right to insult them back or is it better to leave to God?


texts: What is the source of the liberation story that involves Narada and two ascetics?

texts:
There is a story on liberation, which I like. But unfortunately, I do not know the source. Can someone please help? In short, the story goes something like this. Once Narada met two ascetics. He said to one ascetic that it would take three more births for him to attain liberation. The man got frustrated. On the other hand, when Narada told the other guy that it would take as many births as there are leaves on the tamarind tree. He was indifferent to that. Then Narada disclosed that he already attained liberation. You can read the full story here -
https://moralstories26.com/narada-muni-stories-two-sanyasi/


texts: Why does Hinduism advocate Kanya-Dan over Putra-Dan?

texts:
Why do Hindu women leave their parents' house and go to husbands or in-laws place after marriage?

While this is a custom among almost all the religions; I'm interested in knowing if there is any reference to this in Hindu scriptures.

What do scriptures say as to why it is this way or how it benefits society or the married couple?

To put it in simple words, Why is there concept of Kanya-Dana and not Putra-Dana in Hinduism?


texts: Is there any verse in Vedas explaining Instantaneous Action at a distance

texts:
I'm a Theoretical physicist rather than that I am a Hindu.These days, I'm on my research on Quantum Entanglement.
This simply says that "An event at one place can instantaneously event at another place arbitrarily far away faster than light"
On my quest on my research I saw this verse in Vishnu Sahasthranama sthrothram
"Manojavasthīrthãkarō vãsurethah vãsuprãdhã|
Vãsuprãdho va:sudhevo vasurvasumana: havihi ||"

The term Manojavah is explained as siddhi with which we can travel or teleport faster than light.
Please anyone list out verses in Vedas that allows entanglement and teleportation and how Vedas explain these processes in cosmos.
I'll be thankful.


texts: What is the difference between a Shiva temple and a Jyotirlinga?

texts:
Spread across India, we have many temples of Lord Shiva and we also have about twelve Jyotirlingas.

I want to know whether there's any difference between a Shiva Temple and a Jyotirlinga.


texts: Where can I find the book Ujjvala nilamani of Srila Rupa Gosvami?

texts: I am looking for the book Ujjvala nīlamaṇi. It is by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and has commentaries as well. Where can I find?


texts: Was Lord Shiva/Rudra compared with a tiger or a lion in both the Vedas and the puranas?

texts: I have read in the Mahabharata that during the tripura dahana incident lord Shiva was described as a tiger among gods and as per Shiva purana parvati also compared him to a tiger. I want to know that if the Vedas or other scriptures  compare him to tiger or lion?