texts: What are physical equivalents of buddhi, mann, chitta, ahamkara in the human brain?

texts:
Are these (buddhi, mann, chitta, ahamkara) just abstract concepts or they have physical existence in the brain. I have been reading some answers under : https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/search?q=mind but none of them are very clear on the physical equivalents of these 4 components in the human brain. Is there any mention of this in the scriptures ?

Like for example it is known that left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for logical/rational thinking while right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for dreams/non organized thoughts. Does that mean buddhi resides in the left hemisphere while mann resides in the right.


texts: Yama is a post created for specific jeevatamans to take charge of Judgement of Jeevatmas and their karma in Bhuloka/Mrityuloka. Before Yama or Dharmaraja who was the king of Yamaloka ? Also, in which Manvantara and Maha Yuga he was appointed as the God of death?


texts: Does Hinduism promotes violence against inter caste marriage

texts:
Background:

Many violence are occuring in name of STOPPING INTER CASTE marriage.

Question :
 - Is our scriptures promoting these or not ?


texts: Is our destiny predetermined? If yes, then why do our actions affect our karma?

texts:
Is our destiny predetermined? I've read some stories which do show that a person's destiny is predetermined, like:

  pathi pragrahiṇaṁ kaṁsam ābhāṣyāhāśarīra-vāk asyās tvām aṣṭamo
  garbho hantā yāṁ vahase ’budha [SB 10.1.34]

  Meaning : While Kaṁsa, controlling the reins of the horses, was
  driving the chariot along the way, an unembodied voice addressed him,
  “You foolish rascal, the eighth child of the woman you are carrying
  will kill you!”

The above part relates to the incident when Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva.

  Kamsa relented but imprisoned both Devaki and her husband Vasudeva (from Wikipedia)

It was decided that Lord Krishna, the 8thson of Devaki will kill Kamsa.

So, if every action of living being is predetermined, then why are we reborn as another animal, or if human, then why do we have problems because of our bad Karmas? I can also take an example of a Jyotish (astrologer) who predicts our future which is also a sign of predetermined destiny.

This question is somewhat related to my previous question which discusses karma.

Over there, user explains that the karmas of past life also affect our new life but if every individual's future / destiny is predetermined, then it's not the person who is doing bad karma, as it is already written for him that he will be doing bad.

So these two topics are somewhat redundant. If destiny is predetermined, then there is nothing as karma, and if we have karma then why are our lives predestined? An individual can do good things in order to get over his bad karmas, but if he is not destined to do so, he won't, which will increase bad karma for him.

Hence, I would like to understand predetermined destiny vs karma.

tl;dr

Is our destiny predetermined?
If yes, then why count karma, as our actions are already decided?
Also, how can an individual possibly get rid of bad karma if his destiny is predetermined with bad actions?


texts: What is the difference between Yajna and Havana?

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While reading Rigveda, I often encounter these two closely related words, so often that the entire scripture seems to depend on these two words only. The problem is that I can't point out the actual difference between them. While Havana is perhaps some kind of burnt sacrifice given to Devatas, certainly performed by humans, Yajna seems to be a deed of the Devatas (divine beings personifying the forces of nature) themselves. Another implication is that Yajna is something happening between the humans and the divine beings(but I am pretty sure that it is not the same as Havana).

My study suggests me that Yajna is a kind of directive measure taken in order to channelize the extremely random forces of nature by manipulating their consciousness.


texts: What are some verses from upanishad that say God is all powerful or omnipotent?

texts: What are some verses that clearly say God is all powerful from upanishad?


texts: Is there a branch of philosophy in Hinduism about aesthetics? By aesthetics I mean the western notions of the term as we currently understand to be one of the main branches of western philosophy. I do not know the equivalent terminologies in Hinduism, but I am interested in comparable notions dealing with questions of aesthetics and value judgements. Is there an active scholarship in this realm of Hinduism?


texts: Who is the Samaveda-singing Brahmin incarnation of Vishnu prophesied in the Skanda Purana?

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As I discuss in this question, one of the early movements that was important in the development of Vaishnavism was the ancient Pancharatra movement, whose sacred texts consisted of detailed procedures to worship the sage Narayana, an ancient incarnation of Vishnu who was the son of Yama god of death and twin brother of the sage Nara. (Nara and Narayana were the previous births of Arjuna and Krishna respectively.)  Among the oldest Pancharatra texts we have are the Satvata Samhita, Paushkara Samhita, and Jayakhya Samhita.
But there are some Pancharatra texts that are part of other Hindu scriptures.  For instance, a Pancharatra text called the Narayaniya is embedded in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, as I discuss in this question.  Similarly, there's a Pancharatra text called the Vasudeva Mahatmya in the Skanda Purana, which is the subject of my question.  In this excerpt from the Vasudeva Mahatmya, Vishnu tells Brahma about the various incarnations he is planning to take, and here are the last ones he mentions:

By becoming Buddha, I shall delude by the use of fallacious reasoning and deceit the Asuras who adopting Vedic practices will harass the three worlds.
When the Asuras killed by me as Krishna and by Arjuna in the battles, will promote and establish Adharma (unrighteous practices) on the earth, I, sage Narayana, shall be born on the earth from my devotee Dharmadeva in the land of Koshala, as a Brahmana singer of Saman hymns. O Aja (Brahma), establishing the boly Dharma I shall be the protector of sages who will be born as men by the curse of Munis (other sages) as well as Uddhava, O child.
At the end of Kali I shall incarnate as Kalki.  Riding a divine horse, I shall kill highly sinful people of Mleccha origin.

I discuss Buddha being an incarnation of Vishnu in my answer here, and I discuss Kalki in my answer here.  But my question is, who is the incarnation of Vishnu mentioned between Buddha and Kalki, the "Brahmana singer of Saman hymns" who would be born in Koshala to Dharmadeva?  And who are the sages were cursed to be born as ordinary men?
Apparently the Swaminarayan sect believes that this text is a prophecy about their founder Swaminarayan, whom they consider to be an incarnation of Vishnu.  They reach this conclusion because Swaminarayan was born a short distance from Ayodhya, capital of Koshala, and his father is sometimes called Dharmadev.  I don't want to speculate about whether their claims are correct or not, but let me just ask, have other Hindus come up with any alternative interpretations of this passage?


texts: Was Kumārila Bhaṭṭa the first to argue that the Vedas were apauruṣeya (authorless)?

texts:
Wikipedia says:

  2. Every extant school held some scripture to be correct. To show that the Veda was the only correct scripture, Bhaṭṭa ingeniously said that "the absence of an author would safeguard the Veda against all reproach" (apauruṣeya).

Does this make Kumārila the first Indian philosopher to argue that Vedas are    apauruṣeya? What did mīmāṃsakas before him think of the Vedas?


texts: Does Karma punishment vary according to one's material nature and Ignorance?

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Karma for killing a Brahmin is given punishment higher than other Varnas.
This is because Brahmins are of Sattva guna in dominant manner than others Varnas.EXAMPLE :Lord Ram got Dosha for Killing Ravana as he was Brahmin(Paulastiya) by Birth
Gunas reflect one's ignorance level(High Sattva has low ignorance and low sattva has high Ignorance)
Animals, plants, insects are of high Level of ignorance than Humans

MY QUESTION:

Does Karma punishment vary with material nature and ignorance(Killing a Brahmin and killing an animal) ?
If Karma varies with ignorance then killing animals will cause punishment at low level?


texts: Swaminarayan's birth name was Ghanshyam. So why he is called Nilkanth?


texts: On verses, from major Hindu texts, similar in purport to those found in the Bhagawat Gita

texts:
The Mahabharatha, which is one of the two "Itihasa" texts among Hindu Scriptures,is a work by Sri Vyasa.

It also contains the "Bhagawat Gita"(BG), the discourse given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna during the onset of the battle of Kurukshetra.

Bhagawat Gita is quite popular among the users on this site and many answers cite its verses.Even the users,who say that "the Puranas are work of men",do not hesitate quoting from the BG,despite the fact ,that all major Puranas and the BG are works of the same Sri Vyasa.

The following is one such famous verse which says:
1)

  śreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣṭhitāt sva-dharme
  nidhanaḿ śreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ

Meaning-

  It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though
  faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course
  of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s
  duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

2)

And the core message or one of Gita's essence is the doctrine of "Nishkama Karma".That is doing karma without having attachments to the fruits(Karmaphala).

This kind of karma is considered the best among all kinds and is said to grant liberation(moksha).

Question-Are there  verses in other major Hindu texts(like Srutis,Puranas,Smritis etc)  similar in purport with the verses& messages given above?


texts: What's the consequence of breaking fast after ekadashi parana?

texts: I fasted for Shravana Putrada Ekadashi yesterday and unfortunately, I broke the fast 30 minutes after parana, but still on dwadashi day. According to drikpanchang, parana was from 07:41 AM to 08:52 AM. I broke the fast at 9:15 am. What's the consequence, if any, of committing this mistake and what are the remedial measures, if any?


texts: Gurus that teach Attainment of Siddhis (super-powers)

texts: Are there any gurus living today that claim to teach people how to attain siddhis (super-powers) that have been provided in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra?  Or are there no such gurus left in the world?


texts: Does this mantra in Rig Veda VII.76.4 indicate that earlier mandals were heard in ancient period?

texts:
Rig Veda VII.76.4 says as follows:

They were the Gods’ companions at the banquet, the ancient sages true
to Law Eternal. The Fathers found the light that lay in darkness, and
with effectual words begat the Morning.

This particular mantra refers ancient sages as the companions of Gods.
Can we infer from this mantra that the seers, who heard the mantras in earlier Mandalas (upto 6th Mandala) of Rig Veda, belong to ancient age?


texts: What is the origin of the long version of the Gayatri mantra?

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As far as I know the Gayatri mantra appears in Rig Veda 3.62.10:

Om Bhur Buvaha Svaha
Tat Savithur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayath

But in some books and on the Internet, I've also seen a longer version. For example, the longer version is found on this page as:

Om Bhuh
Om Bhuvaha
Om Suvaha
Om Mahaha
Om Janaha
Om Tapaha
Om Satyam
Om Tat Savithur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yonah
Prachodayath
Om apo jyotih raso amritam Brahma
Bhur Bhuvas suvar
Om

What is the origin of this longer version? Does it appear in the Rig Veda?


texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.)  Now as I discuss in this answer, apart from Advaitins most members of the Vedanta school believe in three Pramanas or means of valid knowledge: Pratyaksha or perception, Anumana or inference, and Shabda or scriptural testimony.

But non-Vedantic philosophical schools believe in various different numbers of Pramanas, as described in this excerpt from B.L. Atreya's book "The Elements of Indian Logic":

  The number of pramanas (indispensable causes of prama) recognized by thinkers of different schools of Indian thought goes up to ten, ... namely, Pratyaksha (Perception), Anumana (Inference), Shabda (Verbal Testimony of an authority), Upamana (Comparison), Arthapatti (Necssary Assumption)[,] ... Anupalabdhi (Non-apprehension)[,] ... Aitihya (Tradition), Chesta (Gesture), Parishesha (Elimination), and Sambhava (Inclusion).

  The Charvakas recognize only one pramana, namely, Pratyaksha, as the source of right knowledge.
  The Vaisheshikas, Jainas and the Buddhists recognize two, namely, Pratyaksha, and Anumana.
  The Sankhya and Yoga schools recognize only three, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana and Shabda.
  The Naiyayikas recognize only four, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, and Upamana.
  Some Mimansakas (followers of Prabhakara) recognize five, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Upamana, Shabda and Arthapatti.
  Another group of Mimansakas (followers of Kumarila Bhatta) and the Vedantists of Shankara (Advaita) school recognize six pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti and Anupalabdhi.
  The scholars of the Puranas (Historians) recognize eight pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi, Aitihya, and Sambhava.
  The Tantrikas (students of the Tantras) recognize nine pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi, Aitihya, Sambhava, and Chesta.
  Some thinkers admit all the ten Pramanas, namely, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Shabda, Upamana, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi, Aitihya, Sambhava, Chesta and Parishesha.

  Thinkers who recognize a less number of indispensable means of valid knowledge (Pramanas) try to bring the rest under one or the other of those which they admit.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what philosophical school believes in these ten independent Pramanas?

This may reduce to the question of which school recognizes Parishesha as an independent Pramana, since that seems to be the distinguishing feature of this school, so it may help to give B.L. Atreya's definition of Parishesha:

  Parishesha or Elimination is the process of knowing some thing by eliminating from a group of things those which it is not.  For example it happens some time that we know a person to be somebody by eliminating others already known from the group where that person has been told to be present.

To my mind Parishesha clearly seems reducible to Arthapatti at least.  But what philosophical school believes that Parishesha cannot be reduced to any other Pramanas?


texts: Black Magic/Kala Jadu/ Pilli Soonyam are real?

texts:
As I know, due to jealousy, or some base cause, the Tantriks use cheap tactics to overcome the adversaries, which can ruins one's life .

Also I heard that if someone is affected by Black Magic then they should under go Parikaram to remove the Black magic applied on them.

Does something like black magic exist in this millennia(kaliyuga) ?


texts: Who are the immortals(semi) mentioned in our scriptures?

texts:
I heard that there are 7 (or 8) immortals mentioned in our scriptures like Hanuman and Ashvathaman, I know only two of them, and I want to know others, with their brief enlightenment.

I used the word 'semi' as I wasn't able to find a word to describe personnel who's age is limited to a 'Mahayug'.


texts:
We all know that Brahmasutras were given Vyasa Maharshi. But I also heard that Brahma Sutras were in the original only 8 given by Vishnu to Brahma and later were expanded to 1008. Also it is said that Brahma Sutras were secretly hidden in Bhagavatam also.

What is the origin of this story. Which scripture or Purana contains it? What is the original number?


texts: Is it true that Navagrahas should be worshiped after offering prayers to other Gods at temples?

texts: At Hindu  Temples, we see many dieties like Ganesha, Kartikeya (Muruga), Lord Shiva, Hanuman and Navagrahas. I heard that Navagrahas should be the worshiped only  after offering prayers to other Gods or deities and i follow it. Is this procedure true?


texts: Brihan-nandikeswara Purana -Source for Ahuti Mantra

texts:
We are looking for PDF text Brihan-nandikeswara Purana & exact source or the ahuti mantra

ॐ दक्ष यज्ञ विनाशिन्यै,महाघोरायै, योगिनीकोटी, परिवृत्तायै, भद्रकाल्यै, ह्रीं ॐ दुर्गायै नमः स्वाहा


texts: If I born as male in this life can my soul transmigrate and became female in next life?

texts:
I have this question in my mind since when I knew about soul, can a person who is male and his soul in next life can be female?

I hope its pretty clear, if not please let me know. My english might not be perfect. I will try to explain.


texts: What scriptures describe toads being found in the heart of solid rocks?

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.

In any case, one of the defining works of the Shaiva Siddhanta sect is Meykandar's Shiva Jnana Bodham, a commentary on twelve important verses from a Shaiva Agama called the Raurava Agamas.  Now Meykandar's shishya Arulnandi Shivacharya wrote a work called the Shivajnana Siddhiyar, which is a commentary on Meykandar's work but also tries to refute rival schools of philosophy.  In this excerpt from the Shiva Jnana Siddhiyar, Arulnandi Sivacharya refutes Buddhist philosophy by showing that all Buddhist theories of how physical bodies originate are incorrect:

  If you say bodies are formed from the mixture of four elements, then these cannot unite as their natures are opposed to each other.  If you say they are formed by the union of blood and semen, then account for toads being found in the heart of rocks, and worms in the heart of trees.  If you say the real cause is good and bad Karma, then these, being opposed, cannot join and form bodies.  If food is the cause, then the food which in youth develops the body is not capable of preventing decay in old age.  If intelligence is the cause, then that which is formless Chaitanya cannot assume Achaitanya (non-intelligent) form.  If you assert that bodies are formed from nothing, then we could cull flowers from the sky.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  Arulnandi Shivacharya is saying that intercourse cannot be the ultimate cause of the creation of bodies, because there are toads that are found in the center of solid rocks, and those toads couldn't have been produced through intercourse since there would be no way for the parents to get inside the rocks in the first place.

He states this fact as if it's common knowledge, but it's not common knowledge to me!  So my question is, are there any scriptures which describe toads being found in the heart of rocks?  And how exactly are toads found in the heart of rocks born if it not by intercourse?  Are they magically created somehow?

On a side note, I found a journal paper written in 1834 about claims of toads being found in solid rocks. Still, along with Adi Shankaracharya's claim described in my question here, Arulnandi Shivacharya's claim suggests to me that the experiences of ancient Indians were very different from our own.


texts: How many classes of scriptures understanding is necessary to understand Puranas?

texts:
It is well known that all stories in the Puranas shouldn't be taken literally (or physically). Many (such) stories of Puranas are symbolism to facts or phenomenon from other class of scriptures.
I came to know that, to understand the stories of Puranas properly, there should be expertise in at least six classes of scriptures. They are the scriptures of Jyotish, Yagna, Mantra, Dharma, Tattva, and Yoga. So, one needs to understand these six classes of scriptures well before interpreting Puranas.
How many such classes (of scriptures) are there in total, whose understanding is necessary to properly understand Puranas?


texts: Complete and correct version of Siddha Kunjika Stotra

texts: Can anyone please help with the complete and correct version of Siddha Kunjika stotra from Rudrayamala Tantra. In famous publications like Geeta press, complete version is not given. This is the version which I have.


texts:
The Uttaraparvan is large with 208 chapters.[3] Though nominally
attached to the Bhavishya Purana, is usually considered to be an
independent work, also known as the Bhaviṣyottara Purāṇa, and as such
is included among the Upapuranas (Lesser Puranas).[49] The
Bhaviṣyottara Purana is primarily a handbook of religious rites with a
few legends and myths.[50] Rajendra Hazra characterizes it as "a loose
collection of materials taken from various sources" that is lacking in
many of the traditional five characteristics of a purana, but which
offers an interesting study of vows, festivals, and donations from
sociological and religious point of view.

Where can I get Bhavisyottara purana pdf? It`s not the Bhavishya Mahapurana.


texts: What does linga literally mean in Shiva Linga?

texts:
I have read different stories about this on Quora. Some of my childhood friends would tell some different stories to me about this.

I need to know what it really means and why we worship it?


texts: Exact relation between lord shiva and goddess Kali?

texts:
I know lord shiva had two wives(actually one). One is Sati and then Parvati(incarnation of Sati). Now in hinduism lots of places we find that Kali is also a wife of lord shiva. However I don't find any good reference about it.There are many confusing articles online.My three questions to you,

What is the exact relationship between shiva and kali?(reference please)
Is Kali was a wife or just unmarried consort?
If wife,when they got married? After Parvati or along with Parvati?
If unmarried consort,how come this possible when Parvati was with him?

Thank You,


texts:
Karthika Masam is sacred days dedicated only to Lord Shiva.

Then Why Maha Shivaratri won't fall on Karthika Masam?


texts:
Is sarpa worship and Naga worship different? What are the fruits of Snake worship?

In Hindu culture it is believed that snake is Pitru. So we should worship it.


texts: Is Hinduism one continuous stream of thought over time?

texts: The Vedas, Upanishads, Ithihasas and Puranas were authored over a period of around 2000 years with thousands of people being the authors. This is what modern historians have concluded and though one might dispute the dates given by them it is extremely hard to argue even from traditional beliefs that they were authored at a single time or by a single person. On the other hand, most of the great philosophers proceed on the assumption that all these texts espouse one coherent and consistent philosophy. Adi Shankara thus has written many commentaries on the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita interpreting the texts to fit with Advaita. Similarly for Ramanuja and Madhva. However, what argument can be given to say that all these manifold texts have a single coherent viewpoint? Have the great acharayas given any argument or do they merely take it as an assumption?


texts: My question might seemed like I am atheist but no I am a believer in God. But this is a question kids nowadays use to ask. Here is what a kid told me: "If God does good things for us, fine that our parents or friends also do, but we don't worship them, we just say 'Thank you' or show gratitude but we donot pray them again and again, then why should we pray God and what will God find good if we are just chanting his name again and again" I find it tough to answer. So seek some help on making him understand why should we pray/worship/chant.


texts: What is the significance of number 40 in forty verse prayer?

texts:
Why the prayer contains 40 lines though 1, 11, 21 etc are considered as good in religious work?

Is there any significance of number 40 in hindu mythology ? Also which is the first Chalisa(forty verse) and who made it for whom?

FYI - I read this post but nothing there about the number 40.

What is a chalisa and what is the importance of chalisa?


texts: Which is the best translation of the Upanishads in English?

texts:
I'm currently studying a course on Hindu scriptures and would love to read the Upanishads.  Please can someone guide me to the best translation there is available.

Many Thanks !


texts: Shiva Gita in English with commentaries from eminent Philosophers

texts:
Shiva Gita is less known Gita (song) found in Uttara Kanda of Padma Purana. The Siva-Gita begins with episode from the Ramayana epic, where Rama is despondent over the loss of Sita. I found Shiva Gita from here but this document has no commentaries from Philosophers.

Can anyone provide me complete Shiva Gita in English with commentaries from eminent Shaiva or other Philosophers.


texts: Why Arjun called as Parth, not the other sons of Kunthi aka Prutha?

texts:
Kunthi has three sons and Arjun is the last one. Kunthi also called with name Prutha before marriage and his son Arjun got the Parth because of this. But why only Arjun go this name though Yudhistar and Bheem are also her sons?

Struggling to find the answer for many years...


texts: Does Science contradict Hinduism? How to deal with scientific discoveries that don't line up with Vedas?

texts:
I would like to know if Hinduism and science contradict each other. This is an issue that arises in many religions, the most prominent example being Christianity and its disagreement with evolution. So how does Hinduism deal with this?

If I am a Hindu, does that mean that I cannot accept what science has discovered?

Do Hindu scriptures mention how to deal with scientific findings that may not line up with the Vedas?


texts: Is it a sin to be unproductive in Hinduism?

texts:
I know that doing Karm and hard work is the only source to the fruit.
But does wasting time and not doing Karm is a sin? (wasting time by indulging in materialistic pleasures such as playing video games, partying, social media etc.) Because if we don't do Karm we are basically harming ourselves.
Is it written anywhere that doing anything that does not lead to our ultimate goals is a sin?


texts: A question about blood sacrificial acts in Hinduism

texts:
I am a Hindu who is a devotee Sain Sacho Satram Das (my Satguru) whose faith is fairly strong but has a fair amount of questions about Hinduism. I believe that I will get answers to all of them on this site. This is my first question here at Hinduism Stack Exchange and I hope that I will get knowledge that will satisfy my unresting thoughts.

I was searching this morning about blood sacrifices in Hinduism and I got a somewhat satisfying answer from this post on Hinduism Stack Exchange which has a tick mark on the answer. But then another related question rolled in my mind. The person who answered the question says that blood sacrifices for Goddess Kali are done in Hinduism for those who really can not abondon meat eating because consumption of meat is prohibited in Hinduism by a lot of saints and also in a lot of the scriptures. Blood Sacrifices are also done in Hinduism because it is good for both the animal being sacrificed as he gets immediate allowance to be born as a human in the next life because the souls have to be born as a lot of different animals before they are born as a human, and it is good for the human who is sacrificing the animal as he gets to eat meat which is sacrificed for Goddess Kali and not any other unclean meat which is sold in slaughterhouses. In brief, it is for those who can not leave meat eating. If you want to eat meat, be a devotee of Goddess Kali. But then there are thousands of Hindus who are devotees of, for example Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, Sai Baba who eat meat. Why is this? If it is said that if a Hindu wants to eat meat, he should be a follwer of Goddess Kali and if he is a follower of any other deity, he is not allowed, then why do other Hindus eat meat? And do sacrificial acts not tackle the law of Ahimsa (the rule which states that we should not violate any living being) in Hinduism as a whole?

Thank you for reading this brothers. I hope to get a fully satisfying answer. :)


texts: Why are non-Hindus not allowed inside temples?

texts:
Many Hindu temples have a board which says 'only Hindus allowed beyond this point.'

What is the reason for this?

Was there a historical event which led to this kind of rule in Hindu temples?

Examples of signboards:


texts: What is that flow of water on the head of lord Shiva?

texts:
You can see in many pictures of lord Shiva a flow of water like this:

Source: satishverma.deviantart.com

What exactly is it?


texts: As per scriptures at what part of the head one should tie the sikha? at the back or at the top of it?

texts:
We know that in the Vedic Dharma the SikhA and the Upavita (the sacred thread) are indispensable. Without tying SikhA, for example, no Vedic ritual can be successfully completed.

We also know that the SikhA should be sported on the head. But at what part of the head? At the top of it? Like Lord Shiva and others shown below has done:

Or at the back part of the head like the following modern day Brahmin has done:

Q- As per scriptures at what part of one's head one should tie SikhA knot? At the top or at the back of it?


texts: Is it necessary to wash our feet after Navagraha Pradakshina?

texts:
There is a  belief among some people that we have to wash our feet or take bath after visiting Saneeswara Temple or circumambulating Navagraha idols. I read that one should wash their feet after visiting Saneeswara Temple or circumambulating Navagraha idols.

Is it really necessary to wash feet after Navagraha Pradakshina?


texts: In which scripture does the Shiva Mahimna stotra occur?

texts: For example, the Rudrashtakam occurs in the Ramacharitmanas, Uttar Kanda. I have been unable to find the scriptural source for the Shiva Mahimna stotra.


texts:
Srisailam is a Holy place known which is called kshetra, amongst other things, for hosting Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, one of the eighteen Mahashakthi peethas.

The origin of Srisailam Hills has significant conflicting accounts - on the one hand, as stated here, the sthala is on the hill which is of the body of Parvatha, son of Silada Maharishi whilst according to this account on the other hand, the sthala are part of the tail of SheshaNaga.

My question is, which of these accounts is accurate? Is there mention of any of the accounts in Scriptures?


texts: Where can I get Paramata Bhanga by Vedanta Desikan?

texts: Where can I get Paramata Bhanga of Vedanta Desikan in English? What are the various schools he discussed there?


texts: Everything is a thought then why does this present moment feel so real?

texts:
I was listening to one of the YouTube lectures on Advaita(forget which one it was).
It states that “past, present and future - all is just a thought in your brain. The only reason this very moment feels so real is because it borrows existence from you”.

Can someone please explain more about the above. I have been trying to get my head around it but just don’t get it.

Edit:
I finally found the video from which the statement was taken. It was one by Swami Sarvapriyananda in his conversation with Deepak Chopra. In his example he states that everything is a thought. Memory of eating a cookie and a thought of eating a cookie is exactly the same.........similarly all experiences are just thoughts but this very moment borrows existence from you which is the ultimate reality.


texts:
My Questions are:

What is the meaning of Manasa Puja?
How to perfom Manasa Puja of a deity ?
What is right time to do this?


texts: in yoga , Isvara(God) has been defined as पुरुषविशेष(SpecialSelf). What does that mean- Is it creator God or not?

texts:
Patanjali defines Isvara (Sanskrit: ईश्वर) in verse 24 of Book 1, as "a special Self (पुरुषविशेष, puruṣa-viśeṣa)",

  क्लेश कर्म विपाकाशयैःपरामृष्टः पुरुषविशेष ईश्वरः ॥२४॥
                    – Yoga Sutras I.24

  kleśa karma vipākāśayaiḥparāmṛṣṭaḥ puruṣaviśeṣa īśvaraḥ ॥24॥ – Yoga Sutras I.24

This sutra of Yoga philosophy of Hinduism adds the characteristics of Isvara as that special Self which is unaffected (अपरामृष्ट, aparamrsta) by one's obstacles/hardships (क्लेश, klesha), one's circumstances created by the past or by one's current actions (कर्म, karma), one's life fruits (विपाक, vipâka), and one's psychological dispositions or intentions (आशय, ashaya)

Now, my question is that:

Whether this Isvara as per yoga philosophy has characteristic of creator-God(creation of universe and individual self)? Please provide reference for your answer.
If this isvara, as per yoga philosophy, is just a special self which is unaffected by obstacles/past karmas/life fruits; then whether a shitpragya (who does karma as per dharma, but unaffected by its result generated by karma) as per gita, can be called Isvara of yoga philosophy as per Patanjali definition of Isvara.
This Isvara, as per yoga philosophy, is saguna brahman or nirguna brahman?


texts: Is mudgal puran with english translation available?

texts: Mudgal puran is often quoted for iconic representations of lord Ganesha. Somewhere i rememeber reading that Ganesha puran and Mudgal puran are 2 important sacred texts for Ganapatyas.  Ganesha puran has been translated in to english by many. However search regarding  mudgal puran translation did not yield result. Is there a english translation of mudgal puran.


texts: What happened to Vishnu's incarnation Narayana after his Pancharatra Yagna?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, one of the most prominent incarnations of Vishnu in ancient times was the sage Narayana, twin brother of the sage Nara and son of Yama god of death.  Nara and Narayana were famous for engaging in Tapasya (deep meditation) in Badrikashrama.  When Indra tried to distract them with his Apsaras (nymphs), they created an Apsara even more beautiful, Urvashi.  And as I discuss in this answer, when the king Dambhodbhava challenged them to battle they were easily able to humble him.  As I discuss in this question, Nara and Narayana were famous enough to have the opening verse of the Mahabharata dedicated to them.  And they were reborn as two central characters in the Mahabharata, Arjuna and Krishna.

But my question is about something else that the sage Narayana is known for, described in the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda:

  Purusha Nârâyana desired, 'Would that I overpassed all beings! would that I alone were everything here (this universe)!' He beheld this five-days’ sacrificial performance, the Purushamedha, and took it, and performed offering therewith; and having performed offering therewith, he overpassed all beings, and became everything here. And, verily, he who, knowing this, performs the Purushamedha, or who even knows this, overpasses all beings, and becomes everything here.

For those who don't know, the Purushamedha Yagna is a Vedic Yagna (fire-ritual) where you pretend like you're preparing to do a human sacrifice, but then at the last minute you stop yourself from actually carrying it out.  Now since it took five night for Narayana to complete the Yagna, the ancient sect that worshipped Narayana came to be called the Pancharatra (five-night) sect; this sect was influential in the development of a Vaishnavism, with the sacred texts of the Pancharatra sect later becoming important Vaishnava scriptures.

My question is, what exactly was the result of Narayana's five-day Yagna that was so important that an entire sect of Hinduism was started around it?  What does it mean to say that "he overpassed all beings, and became everything here"?  Did he die and turn back into Vishnu when the Yagna was over?

By the way, Narayana is the sage who heard the Purusha Sukta of the Rig Veda from the gods.  (See Book 10 Hymn 90 in the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here.)  The Purusha Sukta is a hymn dedicated to Purusha, another form of Vishnu, and the hymn plays an important role in the Purushamedha Yagna; see verse 12 in the next chapter of the Shatapatha Brahmana.  Could his hearing the Purusha Sukta have some connection to his performance of the Purushamedha Yagna and its aftermath?


texts: What will happen to a youth who wants to enjoy life as well as continuing spiritual efforts?

texts:
Maya is very treacherous. No one knows it better than a youth perhaps, who feels a strong attraction towards young life (fun, party, entertainment, sex, food, clothes, ...); Basically all materialism, but at the same time he's aware and afraid of the painful cycles of birth and death, so he does as his guru tells him -- to repeat the name of god and do Brahm muharatam sadhana by chanting the lord's name.
Now, say he's partying and doing lustful fun as well, what will become of him?

Basically he wants to enjoy two life in one. He wants spiritual progression and good karma benefit as well, yet is afraid of missing out on the "fun" of life.


texts:
How can dharma be determined, what if this is not apparent?
Is there a possibility for a being to exist without any particular dharma?


texts: Why is Sita worshiped well but not Draupadi?

texts:
Let us consider the following excerpt from Mahabharata

"He also beheld the princess of Pancala, decked in garlands of lotuses. Having attained to Heaven, she was sitting there, endued with a form possessed of solar splendour. King Yudhishthira suddenly wished to question her. Then the illustrious Indra, the chief of the gods, spoke to him, ‘This one is Sree herself. It was for your sake that she took birth, as the daughter of Drupada, among human beings, issuing not from any mother’s womb, O Yudhishthira, endued with agreeable perfume and capable of delighting the whole world. For your pleasure, she was created by the wielder of the trident. She was born in the race of Drupada and was enjoyed by you all. These five highly blessed Gandharvas endued with the effulgence of fire, and possessed of great energy, were, O king, the sons of Draupadi and yourself.

From that, it is clear that the Draupadi is Laskhmi itself in Dvapara like Sita in Treta yuga. Sita is well worshipped and Draupadi is hardly worshipped. Is there any reason behind this?


texts: In Ramayanam Lord SriRama asks about river ganga, Siddhaashram,about tathaka rakshas, about sage Vishwamitra etc. as written in BalaKanda, Lord SriRama is an incarnation of Lord MahaVishnu itself so why the god asks when he is the creator?


texts: Can married women do abishekam on shivalingam at home?

texts:
We have a very small thumb size, black colour shivalingam at home. Can my mother and me do abishekam on it?

Also I want to know the difference between laghurudram and Mahārudram .Which helps in fulfilling one's desires? If any one could shed light on these subjects, it would be great.


texts: What is the story of Vishnu appearing to sage Markandeya in Thiruvidanthai?

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;here is the list.

One of the 108 Divya Desams is Thiruvidanthai near Chennai, the site of the Lakshmi Varahaswami temple, AKA the Nithya Kalyana Perumal Vishnu temple:

This is where Vishnu's incarnation Varaha the boar appeared to the sage Galava and married his 360 daughters, all of whom were incarnations of Vishnu's wife Lakshmi.  They all merged into a single woman, Komalavali, who appears on Varaha's lap above.

But this web page says that Vishnu also appeared to another sage in this location; for Thiruvidanthai it says "Prathyaksham to Markandeyar".  Prathyaksham is a term for a god appearing directly before someone's eyes.  So my question is, what is the story of Vishnu appearing before the sage Markandeya in this place?

For those who don't know, Markandeya is a famous sage who was saved from Yama god of death by Shiva because of his devotion to Shiva.  But Markandeya is also a great devotee of Vishnu; the famous Upillaiappan Vishnu Temple near Kumbakonam is due to Vishnu appearing before Markandeya in his Venkateshwara form and marrying Markandeya's daughter.  But does anyone know the story of Vishnu appearing before Markandeya in Thiruvidanthai?  Is this before or after his interactions with Upillaiappan?


texts: If the Vedas say human lifespan is 100 years, how can humans live for thousands of years in previous yugas?

texts:
This answer says that the Vedas say the average human lifespan is around 100 years. If so, how can humans live for 10,000 years plus in previous yugas?

Since every word of the Veda is eternal, this means that in an earlier age when they lived for thousands of years, they were chanting the Veda which speaks of an average age of 100 years. But how would that be possible?

There are a few things I can think of:

1) Those mantras or verses of the Vedas which speak of 100 years were only revealed to Rishis at the beginning of Kali Yuga when the average human life span was 100 years, and in previous yugas Rishis would hear those mantras having life span of thousands of years.

2) Only kings and rishis lived for thousands of years, whereas everyone else lived for 100 years.

3) There is some phenomena of time dilation going on. 100 years in a previous yuga feels like 1000 years to someone in Kali yuga. In other words, one year in a previous yuga feels like one hundred years in a future yuga.

Even the Bible mentions humans living 1000 years in earlier eras and then the lifespan gradually decreasing.


texts: How did the Vedas in Hinduism come into existence?

texts:
Who wrote the Vedas and why?
How did the Vedas exist since their inception?
Where can we read the Vedas?


texts: What is significance of Chatur Masya Vrata?

texts: I know some saints perform the Chatur Masya Vrata. I want to know for what reason. Also what is the duration of this vrata?


texts: Where is the mention of Jain tirthankars in Yajurveda?

texts:
According to wikipedia article on Rishabhanatha -

  The Yajurveda mentions the name of three Tīrthaṅkaras –  Ṛṣabha, Ajitanatha and Arishtanemi, states Radhakrishnan, and "the Bhāgavata Purāṇa endorses the view that Ṛṣabha was the founder of Jainism".

Where is the mention of these Tirthankaras in Yajurveda?


texts: What are the differences between Vaikuntha loka and Goloka?

texts: Differences between Vaikuntha loka and Goloka.


texts: Can vairagya (dispassion) and mudita(gladness) co-exist?

texts:
Suppose I have attained vairagya or dispassion with regards to the world then is it possible to develop mudita or gladness along with vairagya ? If yes how ?
Is gladness a correct translation of word mudita?


texts: did either side take prisoners of war in the Mahabharata war?

texts:
The concept was known at that time:

Then Pandu’s five sons defeated Drupada in battle. Taking
him and his advisers prisoners

What did both sides do with enemy soldiers who surrendered?


texts: Which is the birth place of this nayanar and what significance he has done to Saivism? Do not give the link Wikipedia. Apart from that any info thru ithihasas kindly quote.


texts:
What is the exact process of how mantra japa leads the seeker into samadhi?

I know there are many stages you go through and eventually the mantra goes on by it self but would love to read and understand a full breakdown of it.


texts: What plants/fungi mentioned in our scriptures are known to be mind-altering?

texts:
There are many plants/fungi which are being currently known for their capacity to produce mind-altering effects on humans. Some of these are even said to have a long history of association with religious purposes.

My question is:

What mind-altering plants/fungi are mentioned in our scriptures? (Briefly describe each of the fungi/plants' specific effect on the mind and what religious purpose each served quoting relevant verses)


texts: What are the mantras recited in a Prana Pratishtha pooja?

texts: I was reading about the opening ceremony of a temple, that mantras are recited to welcome the divine to reside in the Murti. What are the mantras recited?


texts: A description of technology during Kalki's birth

texts:
As humans have evolved over the ages, so has their technology. This signifies that when Kalki is born, the technology will have significantly developed and there will be numerous things which are not available at present.

Are there any future technologies mentioned which are not available today?


texts: Has Shiva Linga worship been diluted over time from the real to the unreal?

texts:
What do the ancient writings say about worshiping Shiva Linga.

Is the phenominal Shiva linga that is worshipped today a true representation of the God head or is the the long forgotten subtle Shiva  linga within the man of the Golden age the true vehicle of love that when stimulated unites in bliss the temporal with the eternal ?


texts: How did Tulukka Nachiyar become Ranganatha's consort at Srirangam temple?

texts:
https://navrangindia.blogspot.in/2015/11/sri-ranganathar-and-his-muslim-consort.html

  Lord Ranganatha Swamy appeared in the chief priest' dreams  and
  pronounced that he had now taken Surathani (derived from Sultani) to
  be his wife and she too had to be given all the temple honors and
  worship  that were given to the other Nachiyars (Nachiyar is a term
  used in Tamil Vaishnava   theology for the divine consort of the
  presiding deity)/consorts. The Bhattar then conveyed this dream to the
  temple authorities and, accordingly, a shrine was built for the Muslim
  consort of Lord Ranganatha.

  The Muslim princess not only had  gained divinity through her deep
  devotion but also the status of Lord's consort. Idol  worship in Islam
  is a taboo, so, she was worshipped in the form of a painting, richly
  decorated with gems and gold and still regular pujas and other rituals
  are held to day. The daily naivaidhyam (divine food) will include
  chappathis, butter, etc, traditional North Indian food.

It looks like she is maintaining her Muslim identity, since an idol has not been made for her.

And apparently Lakshmi took this seriously

  Terribly upset over Lord accepting the Muslim woman as his consort,
  Ranganayaki Thayyar (goddess), Lords consort moved away from him in
  anger and rage. Hence, there is  a  separate  shrine  for Thayyar. In
  the recent Samprokshanam held at Srirangam temple on the 18th of
  November, 2015, a separate Yagasala and Agni Kundams were arranged on
  the premises of Thayyar Sannidhi (shrine) as she is ''Padi Thaanda
  Pathini.'' Tradition has it that Goddess Ranganayaki has never come
  out of the shrine after Lord's acceptance of Surathani. Lord made
  several vein attempts to make a compromise with Thayyar but it never
  worked out.

Is this all at the folklore level or is there any scriptural support?


texts: Who are the warriors that possessed Brahmashirastra other than Arjuna and Ashwatthama?

texts:
EXPLANATION :

Brahmashirastra was said to be used by arjuna and aswathamma in mahabharatha war in dwarapa yuga.
I couldn't find any other wars explaining the use of Brahmashirastra in any other yugas.

MY QUESTION :

Who are the warriors that possessed the knowledge of Brahmashirastra other than arjuna and ashwatthama ?
Did Lord Ram and Lord Parashurama incarnations of Lord vishnu possessed them ?
If both of them didn't possessed it please answer the reason ?


texts: How to identify if one is enlightened or not? and what is enlightenment?

texts: Very often we see most of the Anandas claiming "i'm enlightened", Now we have Doctor (MBBS degree holder) similarly how common people know about a person is enlightened or charlatan? If you are enlightened in one philosophy like Advaita, Are they qualified to be called themselves as God? Ask people to worship themselves.. God as we know he should not age, afflicted with illness, defying death. Not slayed but hiraynakashipu and ravana would have passed all the said with 100% score if you have the 3 tests. so what determines enlightenment..


texts: How was Sun created as per Vedas? Anyway to reconcile the different creation accounts?

texts:
Different Vedas seem to make different claims about how the Sun was created:
Breath of god

Atharva Veda 19.27.7 “With vital breath the Gods produced the Sun whose face turn every way.”

Eye of Brahma/Purusha

Yajur Veda 31.12 “The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth…”

Vritra

Atharva Veda 4.10.5 “From ocean sprang the Amulet, from Vritra sprang the Lord of Day (Sun)....."

Indra

Rig Veda 2.12.7 “…He who gave being to the Sun and Morning, who leads the waters, He, O men, is Indra.”

Soma

Rig Veda 9.42.1 “ENGENDERING the Sun in floods, engendering heaven’s lights, green-hued, Robed in the waters and the milk.”
Rig Veda 9.96.5 “Father of holy hymns, Soma flows onward the Father of the earth, Father of heaven: Father of Agni, Sūrya’s generator, the Father who begat Indra and Viṣṇu.”

Dhatar

Rig Veda 10.190.3 “Dhātar, the great Creator, then formed in due order Sun and Moon…”

Given this, how was the Sun actually created? Is there a way to reconcile the above contradictions?


texts: Why Brahmans cannot touch the blue color

texts:
In Alberuni’s India Volume 2, page 132 , about Brahmans , is said :

  ...the blue color is impure for him, so if it touches his body , he is
  obliged to wash himself

Albiruni, writing about 1030 c.e., notes that Brahmans were forbidden to wear or touch the color blue. Someone knows why?


texts: Who prescribed sanjivani when Lakshmana became unconscious?

texts: This is a question about Ramayana. In the battle between Rama and Ravana, Lakshmana was struck with an arrow shot by Meghnad, the son of Ravana. Lakshmana became unconscious. Which healer was then called by Rama ?


texts: What do the sculptures on hindu temples represent?

texts:
No offence, What do the sculptures of khajuraho and konark temples represent as they are too erotic(hope you understand,refer those pics once if not, westernized)?
Not just sculptures of khajuraho and konark temples but lot of other hindu temples have some fine art(erotic) on temples? what do they tell devotees? Why it was carved on temples.?
I know its natural thing, But why in holy place?(No offence please. My intention is not to offend anyone, But this was the question faced by lot of hindus from other religions).


texts: Did Prabhupada believe in Flat earth theory?

texts:
Prabhupada - the ISKCON luminary believed in NASA's fake moon landing and secret government.  From this book by one of the ISKCONite, It seems he believed in flat earth also owing to literalism.

Did he actually believe in flat earth theory?


texts: Did Urmila Really Sleep for Fourteen Years?

texts:
It is a well known fact that Urmila did not accompany her husband Lakshmana to the forest for fourteen years, but remained behind in Ayodhya.

I have come across a story, that Lakshmana accompanying Rama and Sita wanted to guard them from harm. This would require him to be ever alert and awake. So he prays to the Goddess of Sleep and seeks the boon that he can remain sleepless for the fourteen year period. The Goddess was willing to grant the boon, if someone would take over Lakshmana's sleep duration on themselves. Since Urmila was not accompanying her husband to the forest, she gladly agreed to take over the additional period of sleep. Hence Lakshmana remained awake for fourteen years, while Urmila slept through most of those years.

My Question: What are the references and sources for this legend of Lakshmana remaining awake for fourteen years? Did Urmila really take over her husbands sleep period for the fourteen years? Is it enumerated in any of the scriptures or epics?


texts: Doing "evil" or "good" after being self-realized wont affect such an "individual" because he is not bound to the illusion of the material, yes or no?

texts:
When self realized,you understand the illusion and rise above the illusion. It wont matter if you do good or evil since the concept of good and evil is something that is bound to the illusion and the material, hence it wont affect you when you are freed from the illusion. Good and evil are just 2 sides of same coin, yes or no?

PS!: Dont bother saying things like there is no "I" or similiar statements or explanations, since if I dont use these specific words no one would understand what I am asking. LOL! Just answer my question directly, please. Thanks


texts:
From Wikipedia:

  Hinduism includes a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist

Different Hindus worship God in their own different ways.

Does that mean everyone is a Hindu?


texts: What is the earliest reference to the “yo vapyetam” verse of the Katha Upanishad?

texts:
The first chapter of the Katha Upanishad, in the recensions commented on by Adi Shankaracharya and Madhvacharya, has 29 verses.  But the recension of the Katha Upanishad commented on by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ranga Ramanuja contains 30 verses in chapter 1.  The additional verse occurs between the verses numbered 18 and 19 in the other recensions, and it says this:

  yo vāpyetāṃ brahmajajñātmabhūtāṃ citiṃ viditvā cinute nāciketam ।
  sa eva bhūtvā ahmajajñātmabhūtaḥ karoti tadyena punarna jāyate ॥

  Whoever knowing this piling up which is the self-born of Brahman and sentient constructs Nachiketa (fire-altar), that very person becoming the born of Brahman and sentient, does that by which (he) is not born again.

Ranga Ramanuja, in his commentary on this verse, says this:

  This Mantra is not seen in some texts and was not commented on by some.  Since, however, this is commented on by such most reliable (authorities) as Vyasarya and others, the doubt as to its being an interpolation is not proper.

I’m interested in the part in bold.  Vyasarya refers to the 13th century Sri Vaishnava Acharya Sudarshana Suri, because he was the grandson of Vedavyasa Bhattar, son of Kurathalwan and brother of Parashara Bhattar.  And indeed, Sudarshana Suri quotes this verse in his Shruta Prakshika, his subcommentary on Ramanujacharya’s Sri Bhashya:

  "yo vā etāṃ brahmajajñātmabhūtāṃ citiṃ viditvā cinute nāciketam । sa eva bhūtvā brahmajajñātmabhūtaḥ karoti tadyena punarna jāyate" iti vākyena brahmātmakacetanadṛṣṭyā vā tādṛśadevatādhiṣṭhitatvena vā'nusandhānapūrvakamagni cinvānasyā apunarbhavahetubhūta-brahmopāsanadvārā mokṣaprāptirhyuktā

  In [the verse quoted] it is said that focusing on the Brahman being the indweller (of the Nachiketa fire altar) when performing the piling of the alter leads to the meditation of himself having Brahman as his self and ultimately leads to Moksha.

Now Ranga Ramanuja says it’s quoted by “Vyasarya and others”. So my question is, who else quotes this verse?  What is the earliest reference to this verse?


texts:
This question is restricted to the view of ISKCON only and no other non-advaitic school.
Do ISKCON accept Yoga Vasistha as an authentic scripture? If no, did they cite any valid reason for that?


texts: How is betting against one's wife and selling one's life partner justifed in Hinduism?

texts:
How is it justified that Harishchandra sold his wife, or that Pandu's sons bet against Draupadi in the Mahabharata?

FYI - They were never charged (at least I don't find any reference) for this - for example, Indra blessed Harishchandra and Yudhisthira made it to heaven (he was charged only for his half-truth but never for this). There are also various instances where married women are at their toes despite not being guilty.

Is Hinduism is a male-dominant culture?

I am only asking this in terms of religion and will happy to edit if it hurts someone sentiments.


texts: Rangaramanujacharya's commentary on upanishads

texts: Where can I find Sri Rangaramanujacharya's commentaries on the Upanishads?


texts: Does Devi Bhagavata Purana asserts that Sita was Mandodari and Ravana's Daughter?

texts: According to Wikipedia Sources, Devi Bhagavata Purana mentions Mandodari was Sita's Mother, as well the same is mentioned in Abhuta Ramayana, If So, Where is the Respective Mentions for the Same.


texts:
I will classify mantras into two types as follows:

1) Mantras with no restrictions and with no negative effects;

2) Mantras with restrictions and hence having negative effects when recited in improper way or improper manner;

Does sadhana mantras in tantra texts always fall under second category?


texts: Does mahabharata mention conflict between shungas and indo greeks?

texts:
Several works, such as the Mahabharata and the Yuga Purana describe
  the conflict between the Shungas and the Indo-Greeks.

From here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunga_Empire

Where does mahabharata mention shungas and indo greeks?


texts: what are all the questions asked by Yaksha To Yudhisthira? when all pandavas where in jungle.


texts: Is eating bovine gelatin a crime in Hinduism?

texts:
Many pharmaceutical medicine have bovine gelatin as an ingredient.

Bovine Gelatin is a protein product produced by partial hydrolysis of
collagen, a protein material, extracted from animal tissue such as
skin and bone. It is made up of amino acids joined together by amide
linkages in a long molecular chain.

Is this Dharmic??
Is taking these considered a crime??


texts: What is the reason behind Lord Kartikeya holding a rooster flag?

texts:
Kartikeya (also called Muruga, Skanda, Subrahmanya) is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is mostly worshiped in the southern part of India. He is also the commander-in-chief of the army of the devatas.He is also the God of war.  He is mentioned in various puranas and known for defeating the demon Taraka. His mount is said to be a peacock. Generally deities have image of their mount(vaahan) on their flags. For example - Lord Vishnu is called as Garudadhwaja because he has Garuda on his flag. But Lord Kartikeya has a rooster on it.

My questions :

What is the story of emergence of Peacock and cock?
Why does Skanda have a  rooster on the flag instead of a peacock?
What is the significance and symbolism of these birds and the rooster flag?


texts: Why is the Milky Way called aryamṇáḥ pánthāḥ?

texts:
In the Rig Veda, Aryaman is described as the protector of mares, and the Milky Way (aryamṇáḥ pánthāḥ) is said to be his path.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryaman


texts: Does Rig Veda declare Gods to be immortal?

texts: There may be some poetic descriptions of Soma conferring immortality - but are the Gods explicitly declared to be immortal in Rig Veda?


texts: What scriptures describe Narasimha turning into a mountain after killing Hiranyakashipu?

texts:
The most famous tenple for Vishnu's man-lion incarnation Narasimha, whom I discuss here, is Ahobilam, the place in Andhra Pradesh where Narasimha killed the demon Hiranyakashipu.  But there's another temple related to the story of Narasimha, the Narasimhaswami temple in the Nammagiri hill in Nammakal, Tamil Nadu.  In modern times, Nammakal is known for the fact that the Indian mathematician Srinivasan Ramanujan claimed to have received all his ideas from the Nammagiri Lakshmi deity there.  And Nammakal is home to a gigantic statue of Hanuman.
But my question is about story of the temple.  According to the temple website, after Narasimha kills Hiranyakashipu, he turns into a Shaligrama stone, and then long after that Hanuman brings the Shaligrama to Nammakal, where it grows into a hill:

At last Sri Narasimha dragged Hiranya towards the entrance of the palace and placed him on his thighs and torn Hiranya's chest by his nails, at the time of sunset in this way, Hiranya was killed by Sri Narasimha. All Devas were afraid to approach Sri Narasimhaswamy, in that morose mood and so also Sri Mahalakshmi. Baktha Prahaladha prayed Sri Narasimha who blessed him with mercy and disappeared in the from of a Saligramam near Prahaladha's Kingdom ( Ruling Place ) Prahaladha worshipped the Saligramam ever. ( where Sri Narasimha disappeared )
In Threthayuga at the period of Ramayana Sri Hanuman saved Sri Rama and others with Sanjeevi herbs which was brought from Himalayas by him. Then Hanuman replaced it in the Himalayas. On his return through the Sky Sri Hanuman brought the Saligramam in which Sri Narasimhaswamy disappeared.  In the meantime the Sun had, risen.... Therefore he placed the Saligramam near the tank of Kamalalayam and performed Santha-Vanthanam.
After he had made his duties Hanuman tried to lift the Saligramam. But he could not move it easily; which was brought by him. This confused Sri Hanuman and he worshipped the God. Then the Saligramam grew as a rock a voice rose Oh Hanuman I determined to stay here, I was brought by you. First you go to Lanka and save Sri Ramachandramurthi.  If you want to worship me, you will come here after Ramavatharam and pray ever in front of me in Kaliyuga. Thus Sri Hanuman is even now at Namakkal Sthalam in the western side of the rock standing in the open air, worshipping in front of Sri NARASIMHA SWAMY .

My question is, what scriptures mention this story of Narasimha turning into a Shaligramam, and then ultimately turning into a hill?
As I discuss in this answer, in Shiva Purana there's a story of Shiva's incarnation Sharabha killing Narasimha, but in other versions of the story Narasimha either kills Sharabha himself or creates a two-headed bird-beast named Gandhaberunda to kill Sharabha.  So it's possible that in scriptures in which Narasimha lives, he ultimately turns into a Shaligrama stone.
Let me close with a picture of the divine Nammagiri hill, since that's the hill that Narasimha ultimately turned into:


texts: Interaction between Krishna and Duryodhana to stop the war

texts:
A portion of the poem Rashmirathi by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, also known as Krishna Ki Chetavani describes the interaction between Krishna and Duryodhana.

After the Pandavas return from Vanavasa, Krishna goes to meet Duryodhana and proposes a solution to stop the impending war like situation. Duryodhana does not listen and instead tries to capture Krishna:

  ..दुर्योधन वह भी दे ना सका

  आशीष समाज की न ले सका

  उलटे हरि को बाँधने चला

  जो था असाध्य साधने चला

   जब नाश मनुज पर छाता है

  पहले विवेक मर जाता है..

Krishna then shows his 'true form' to Duryodhana:

  ..ये देख गगन मुझमे लय है

  ये देख पवन मुझमे लय है

  मुझमे विलीन झनकार सकल

  मुझमे लय है संसार सकल

   अमरत्व फूलता है मुझमे

  संहार झूलता है मुझमे..

Although, this does not affect Duryodhana accept his solution. Krishna then announces the war and leaves.

I would like to know the original story from the Mahabharata.


texts: What is the percentage sign against a particular nakshatra in panchang details of birth chart?

texts: In my Jhora birthchart it is given in the panchang section that the nakshatra is Kritika (73.21 degrees left). As per the books, one nakshatra spants about 12 degrees. Then how how this percentage more than 12 degree. What exactly is getting calculated here.


texts: What happened to vibhishana and sugreeva?

texts: My question concerns vibhishana and sugreeva of ramayana. After Vibhishana was made the king of Lanka and Sugreeva returned to rishyamukh hill what happened to them after that and how did they die?


texts: Was the Rig Veda organized into "Books" or "Mandalas" before it was written down?

texts:
I am reading on Wikipedia about how the Rig Veda was orally passed down "with unparalleled precision". And how it is divided into 10 books, with books 2-7 being the "family" books which are older and go together more than books 1, 8, 9 and 10. But what is missing from this picture is how the oral form organized the information. Did they organize it into these 10 mandalas? Or was it just a bunch of hymns that were memorized.

It is said that it wasn't written down until maybe roughly 1000CE, while it was probably orally transmitted for thousands of years before that with high precision. What sort of way did they orally organize the information? Did they organize it into mental "books"? Or is the whole idea of 10 books an entirely new phenomenon?


texts:
This answer claims that, Vālmīki, the author of Rāmāyaṇa, is still alive:

  Valmiki is still living. He was also present during the conversation between Yudhishthira and Bhishma which is recorded in Anushasana Parva of Mahabharata.

If Vālmīki's alive, I wish to know where is he right now. I mean where is he physically present?

If he wasn't alive at the time of Mahābhārata, is it possible that the Mahābhārata is talking about a different Vālmīki or are those lines from Anuṣāsana-parva of Mahābhārata a later interpolation (i.e., not part of the original text)?


texts: Sannyasis, their habits and dharma - any message to be taken from it?

texts:
Why do some Swamis, Gurus, Sannyasis etc. have long, untrimmed beards and hair, and yet some of their disciples tend to have a more semi-professional look. Is it just a personal preference or is there a message to be taken from it, e.g., the human body is only a medium for the soul why waste your time on appearances?

Also it says here that a true Sannyasi should not protect himself even if attacked. Does it mean when Vishwamitra attacked Vashista he should not have resisted?


texts: How is animal or human sacrifice justified?

texts:
Killing of animals or humans as a sacrifice is generally banished in Hinduism although some clans are still allowed to do so.

How is this Hindu practice of sacrificing animal or human life to make gods happy still justified?

EDIT 1:

Note: When you edit this question, please refrain from removing the phrase 'human sacrifice' as few users have tried and failed. I am looking for clarification/justification on both types of sacrifices in my question - animals and humans.

Barbaric sacrifice is a human sacrifice related to war and there are a few past incidents to prove that this took place.

EDIT 2:

I am still looking for answers justifying human sacrifices that happened in the past.


texts: Which is correct name Krushna or Krishna?

texts:
I have listen from one of the preist after some discussion about god and he suggested me to say as krushna instead of Krishna. I wondered and said that both are same. But he insisted and I was treated as lesser known about the name. And added that chanting the name as Krishna doesn't have any effects and of no use. If someone is chanting the name Krushna, he gets immediate effects and realise the god.

I am totally confused between these two names as many of our villagers confused hearing Krishna.

Which is correct or both of them?

Any scriptures tells about the correct name?


texts: Why didn't Dhritarashtra abdicate when he should have?

texts:
Okay, so I understand that Bhishma was bound by his (pretty daft) vow, but why did Dhritarashtra take so long to begin his Vanaprastha Ashrama?
Was it because, like in Ugrasena's case, there was no ideal ruler (like Duryodhana was unfit so he had no choice?)
But why did he divide the kingdom if he had no intention to pass on his half to Duryodhana?


texts: I want to know the references in puranas for Shakambari devi. Full context of the reasons for Devi taking this Avatara and any asura vadha done as part of it(i.e if it is taken for killing asuras).


texts: What is the story behind the legendary temple of the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari?

texts: As the question title says I would like to read references from some authentic resources (scriptures, if possible) about the story behind the legendary temple of the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari, like who constructed it and for what purpose?


texts: Death penalty by kings in sanathan dharma

texts:
It is clear from the story of Kalmashapada that executioning exist as a punishment for bad humans in sanathan dharma

"The Gandharva continued, 'Thus commanded, the cook went out in search
of meat. Distressed at not having found any, he informed the king of
his failure. The monarch, however, possessed as he was by the
Rakshasa, repeatedly said, without scruple of any kind, 'Feed him with
human flesh.' The cook, saying, 'So be it,' went to the place where
the (king's) executioners were, and thence taking human flesh and
washing and cooking it duly and covering it with boiled rice offered
it unto that hungry Brahmana devoted to ascetic penances.
[section 178, Chaitraratha Parva,   Adi Parva, The Mahabharata

But this story clues only about the existence of the death penalty and does not have elaboration on the methods followed etc.,
Are there any mentions or stories in scriptures about how the death penalty is implemented by executioners?


texts: What is the earliest reference to the Asura Mahabali?

texts:
In modern times, Vishnu's most popular incarnations are Rama and Krishna.  But that was not always the case; in ancient times Vishnu was most popularly associated with his incarnation as Vamana the dwarf.  The story of Vamana is told in the most detail in the Puranas, for instance at the end of the Eighth Skanda of the Srimad Bhagavatam.  Just to refresh people's memories, the story goes roughly as follows: the Asura (demon) Mahabali, grandson of Prahlada, took over the three worlds by conducting a hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas (horse rituals).  Indra went to Vishnu for help, so Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, the youngest son of Indra's parents Kashyapa and Aditi, and then he went to Mahabali's Ashwamedha Yagna.  He asked Mahabali for three steps of land, and then he grew gigantic and used those steps to take back the three worlds for Indra and the gods.

The story isn't told in so much detail in older scriptures, however.  In the Vedas, Vishnu is famous for having taken three steps, but there's not much detail beyond that.  For instance, as you can see in the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here, Book 1 Hymn 154 of the Rig Veda is addresses to Vishnu, and here is how it opens:

  I WILL declare the mighty deeds of Viṣṇu, of him who measured out the earthly regions, who propped the highest place of congregation, thrice setting down his footstep, widely striding.
  For this his mighty deed is Viṣṇu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain-roaming; he within whose three wide-extended paces all living creatures have their habitation.

So there is at least the fact that Vishnu's steps covered the three worlds, but that's pretty much it.  My question is, what is the oldest scripture which mentions the demon Mahabali?

The Brahmanas of the Vedas mention the fact that Vamana took the world from the Asuras, but they don't seem to mention which Asuras were involved.  Here is what this excerpt from the Aitareya Brahmana of the Rig Veda says, for instance:

  [Indra and Vishnu] said "Let us make an arrangement.'  The Asuras said "Be it so."  Indra said "So much as Vishnu three times traverses, so much be ours; let the rest be yours."  He traversed these worlds, then the Vedas, then speech.

The Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda also mentions the involvement of these unnamed Asuras:

  They then said: "Let us share in this earth along with yourselves! Let a part of it be ours!" The Asuras replied rather grudgingly: 'As much as this Vishnu lies upon, and no more, we give you!' Now Vishnu was a dwarf....  By it they obtained (sam-vid) this entire earth; and because they obtained by it this entire (earth), therefore it (the sacrificial ground) is called vedi (the altar).

The earliest reference to Mahabali I could find is in this chapter Bala Kanda of the Ramayana, where Vishwamitra narrates to Rama and Lakshmana the story of Vamana:

  That great resplendent Vishnu then adopting a semblance of a dwarf emerged from Aditi, and that dwarfish ascetic boy approached Emperor Bali, the son of Virochana.
  That dwarf ascetic boy Vaamana begged and received a space that can be covered in three strides, but strode all the three worlds in those three steps for the purpose of saving worlds, as he is interested in the welfare of all the worlds. Vishnu gave the earth back to Indra restraining Emperor Bali with his vitality. Thus that great resplendent Vishnu made the three worlds to come under the control of Indra again.

So is this the earliest reference to Mahabali, or is he mentioned in any earlier texts?  Mahabali's father Virochana, son of Prahlada, is mentioned in verse 22 of this hymn of the Atharvana Veda.  So I don't see why Mahabali couldn't be mentioned somewhere in the Vedas as well.


texts: Is it necessary to worship of idols (ie. Lord Shiva's or Hanuman"s Idol) ? Can one worship of The God without idols?

texts:
Can one worship of The God without idols?

already written in vedas as na tasya pratimā asti yasya nāma mahadyaśaḥ ।


texts: How to become a disciple of Devi and see her as Guru?

texts:
This question the accepted answer to which further links to this blog post details a procedure for one to became a disciple of Lord Dakshinamurthy. This discipleship is mainly for the purpose of mantra sadhana.
Are there any analogous procedures for entering discipleship under any aspects/forms of the Devi for at least the purpose of mantra sadhana?


texts: Did Valmiki - Ramayana author, write about Lord Krishna?

texts:
As all of you know, Valmiki is the author of Ramayana which depicts the life of SriRama. The epic Mahabharata was written by Vyasa and Krishna plays the important role in there. As per the Puranas both of these stories happened in two different yugas, Treta yuga and Dwapara yuga. So obviously there could have been a long interval.

So the question is, did the author of Ramayana- Valmiki wrote anything about the the incarnation of SriKrishna in Dwapara yuga? Is there any scriptures written by Valmiki about this?

The question has another version too.

Was there any scriptures predicting the 'Srikrishna incarnation' during the time of SriRama?


texts: Is Yamunacharya correct in stating that Brahmins cannot be crowned kings?

texts:
Sri Vaishnava scholar Yamunacharya in Agama Pramanya has stated:

Every man has some Vedic rites for which he is not qualified: the Brahmin is not qualified for the royal consecration, the Kshatriya for the ritual drinking of soma.

If above is true then how come Drona decided to become ruler of half the Panchala kingdom? After Pandavas defeated Drupada in battle and took him as prisoner to Drona, Drona said

'O king, I again solicit thy friendship; and because none who is not a king deserveth to be the friend of a king, therefore, O Yajnasena, I am resolved to divide thy kingdom amongst ourselves. While thou art the king of the country to the south of Bhagirathi (Ganga), I will rule the country to the north.'

If what Yamunacharya said is true, then Drona could not crown himself as ruler. So how does one reconcile Yamunacharya's statement with Drona crowning himself as king ?


texts: Does Kamban's Ramayana make mention of Skandha Purana?

texts:
The Valmiki Ramayana mentions about SKandha, when Viswamitra narrates about it to Rama and Lakshmana.
By chance do Kamban Ramayana make similiar mention either in the same context  or in another context.


texts: which traditions call god by derogatory terms to express love?

texts:
siva is called "pittan" or madman as a term of endearment in tamil.  there is a famous double-meaning sentence to tie lemons and snakes together

"pittan mudiyerum" = ascends to the head of a madman - applies to a lemon because it is believed to cure insanity and is rubbed on the head of mad men and applies to a snake because its on the head of Siva.


texts: Why did Lord Krishna kidnap Rukmini to get married?

texts:
As per the Vedas, getting married to a girl after kidnapping is considered devil or daemon (दानव dānava) Vivaha (marriage) which isn't righteous (धर्मानुकूलन dharmānukūlana).

And Lord Krishna kidnapped Rukmini. I want to know why Lord Krishna did that.

Or is this kind of marriage righteous even though it's not considered good by the dharma shastras?


texts: What does Hindu scripture say about the need for clothing?

texts:
In most societies, clothing is a requirement to cover the private parts. But  Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in Future of Feminine said that

  Our Body parts are Not Secret it is just that we learnt How to handle our Body and conduct it in a certain way.

So my question is, does Hindu scripture discuss the need for clothing?  And if so, what reason does it give?


texts:
In Hindu Tantric traditions, what causes someone to use a Naga Bandham (snake binding spell) to protect sacred doors?

Recently it was in popular culture because the final door at Padmanabhaswamy Temple is alleged to be closed with a naga-bandham.

What is this snake spell? What does it protect? How does it work?


texts: Will saying something in anger come true?

texts:
According to Hinduism, will saying done thing in anger come true.

For example, a father says to his son in a fit of rage, "You will kill me!"

Does Hunduism believe these words will come true?

If so, how to break out of this curse?


texts: Who was more powerful? Arjuna or Indrajit? Both of them defeated the gods and many claim them to be Atimaharathi class warriors

texts: People claim Arjuna and Indrajit to be Atimaharathi class warriors. Both of them defeated the entire gods in heaven. Shukracharya trained Indrajit and Drona trained Arjuna. Who is more powerful? Arjuna or Indrajit?


texts:
It is said that Bhagvat Geeta was told by Shri Krishna to Arjuna. And there were total 4 people involved in it Shri Krishna, Arjuna, Sanjay and Dhritrashtra.

Shri Krishna was telling Bhagvat Geeta to Arjuna. Sanjay was narrating everything to Dhritrashtra in kurukshtra war.

My Question is who was writing all of the shlok/conversation of Shri Krishna and Arjuna.

As we know that Mahabharata was narrated by Mahrashi Vyas and written by Lord Ganpati.

Who wrote Bhagvat Geeta when Shri Krishna was narrating it to Arjuna?


texts: What is the definition of Nirguna Brahman according to Dvaitadvaita & Dvaita?

texts:
According to Adi Shankara, Nirguna Brahman is a God who without any attributes. According to Ramanuja and Chaitanya, it is a God without negative qualities. What is the definition of Nirguna Brahman according to the following Vaishnava acharyas?:

Nimbarka, the propounder of Dvaitadvaita Vedanta
Madhva, the propounder of Dvaita Vedanta


texts: Why Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of world?

texts: I don't know that why Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the world? Please somebody answer my question!


texts: Why is Krishna depicted as a love maker?

texts:
Krishna was

a great warrior(war before marriage with Rukmini),
a diplomat (his peacemaking before Mahabharata) and
in fact packed with a ton of other qualities.

But I seldom find any material (a bhajan,a book etc.) praising Him for all those qualities. All praises for Him are monotonic in nature only describing in deep details his relationships with gopis (most of them are fake ones). See this article.

Why have we romanticized Krishna?


texts: Some people say it is not advisable to pluck Tulasi leaf on Ekadashi. Is there any specific reason for this?


texts: Anyone born an infant as per the vedas is a Brahman?

texts: Is it really that we have not been following real vedas and the caste transformation is a trend brought down by the rulers in order to rule since as per vedas and Upanishads, any infant is a Brahman by default - their actions in that lifespan gives him his caste and sects.


texts:
Namaskar to all saintly ladies and gentlemen,
I'd like to know the evidence sloka about relation between OM and Sri Yantra.
Recently I read an interesting article that OM sound creates Sri Yantra by tonoscope.
Please someone give me torch of wisdom.


texts: definition of ākāśa in Sanskrit. Does ākāśa mean śūnya?

texts: I'd like to know that in Sanskrit or in Sanskrit dictionary if "ākāśa" have the meaning of "śūnya",nothing or void or zero? Some Buddhist claim that ākāśa mean śūnya. Therefore Buddha never taught voidism. But Lord Buddha taught śūnya philosophy to atheists, there is no God nor soul.  Not ākāśa which is one of 5 elements.


texts: Is Sai Baba an incarnation? If so, of Shiva, Vishnu or Rama?

texts:
Some people say Sai Baba is an avatar of Shiva while others say it's either Vishnu or Rama.

What is the official position (if any) on this?

Does Sai Satcharitra mention anything about this?


texts: Why was Agni eulogised as Lord of slayers of VRITRA in Rig Veda III.16.1?

texts:
Rig Veda III.16.1, dedicated to AGNI, says:

  ayamaghniḥ suvīryasyeśe mahaḥ saubhaghasya | rāya īśe svapatyasya
  ghomata īśe vṛtrahathānām ||

The translation of this mantra by H.H. Wilson(P.12) is as follows:

  This AGNI is the lord of heroism and of great good fortune; he is the
  lord of wealth comprising progeny and cattle; he is the  Lord of
  slayers of VRITRA

In Rig Veda it was mentioned at many places that Indra eliminated VRITRA.

In the mantra in question,  it was mentioned that AGNI was the  Lord of
slayers of VRITRA.  Please note that it was mentioned as slayers of VRITRA and that AGNI was eulogised as Lord of slayers of VRITRA.  In Rig Veda it was mentioned that VISHNU only assisted Indra in slaying VRITRA.

My questions are:

Who are the other slayers of VRITRA, other than INDRA?
Why was AGNI was eulogised  as Lord of slayers of VRITRA?


texts:
There are a few questions in my mind regarding Nag Panchami:

What is the history and importance of Nag Panchami?
Why do we worship Nagas or Snakes in Nag Panchami though we're afraid of them?
Why do many people draw Nagas or Snakes on a paper and stick it to their walls on this occasion?
What's the importance of Meethi Seviyan (a sweet) during this day?


texts: What is the significance of the "Hare Rama" mantra? In which of the texts is this mentioned?

texts: The "Hare Rama" mantra is very famous among Hindus. Why is this mantra so important? Is it mentioned in any texts/scriptures?


texts: Can anyone advise if in any scripture it is mentioned that Astral projection is evil?


texts: Which scriptures define the science of Mudras? And what are they used for?

texts:
It would be great to also have some reference to translations (if any) in english or hindi of the scriptures which deal with the science of mudras.

Also would like to know what different purpose the mudras serve.

Thank You


texts: If one worships Lord Vishnu and smells pleasant out of nowhere during worship, what does it mean, a good sign or bad?

texts:
Hi this question might seem personal but it is important for just any devotee of Lord Vishnu...

I worship him and some times out of nowhere I start smelling Divine smells.... Not only me but people around me also smell the same Divine smells...

One of my occult practitioner friend told me that it is a sign of presence of Lord Vishnu.

Is it true? Is it written in any Shastras or Puranas etc?


texts: Story of Agastya Rishi correcting balance of the earth

texts:
It is mentioned in Tirumantiram  Verse No. 337 that Lord Shiva corrected the balance of the earth through Agastya. This is the excerpt.

  Hail our Lord Supreme!
   This earthly orb from its epicentre sways,
   And dangerous on its side swerves
   Thus they bewailed, the Beings
   Celestial

  And the Lord spoke:
  Agastya!

  "You that sit in tapas hard Amidst the blazing sacrifice--fire Hasten to the globe's swerving side And there be seated, its balance to redress.

Here we can download English PDF of the above book.

I also came to know from searching that - The Purana state that Agastya moved towards the South twice.

  Once when Lord Shiva ordered him to move over to South to stabilize
  the earth, when the North end came down, South rose because of overcrowding by people who came to witness Shiva’s wedding with Uma.

He moved again to South to tame the Vindhya mountain.

In which other scriptures do we find this story of Agastya moving towards south and Lord Shiva ordering him to correct the balance of the earth?


texts: How does the god Shiva changed to Lingam idols

texts: What is the story about the Shiva Lingam and God Shiva. All the gods having the Human Idols except God Shiva. How it was happened that God Shiva giving shape in Lingam Idols.


texts: According to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, which is more important in attaining moksha- Bhakti or Jnana? As far as I know Jnana is more important in Advaita and both were Advaitins. On the other hand, most of the teachings of Ramakrishna seem to stress on Bhakti yoga and most teachings of Swami Vivekananda seems to stress on Jnana. Are their teachings contradicting each other?


texts: Why is Vasishta listed as a descendant of Kashyapa's son Avatsara?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, every Brahmana is a descendant of sages, which is why every Gotra or clan of Brahmins has an associated list of Pravaras, a list of the sages they're descended from. For instance, I am a Brahmin belonging to Vadhula Gotra, and my Pravaras are "Bhargava, Vaitahavya, Savedasa", which means that I am descended from the sage Savedasa, who is a descendant of the sage Vitahavya (whom I discuss here), who is a descendant of the sage Bhrigu.  In any case, Gotras often have different branches, so different members of the same Gotra may have Pravaras.  This excerpt from a journal paper gives the different sets of Pravaras for Kashyapa Gotra listed in the Baudhayana Shrauta Sutras, a text associated with the Yajur Veda:

  i. Kashyapa - Kashyapa-Avatsara-Nidhruva
  ii. Rebhas - Kashyapa-Avatsara-Raibhya
  iii. Shandila - Kashyapa-Avatsara-Sandila
  iv. Laugakshi - Kashyapa-Avatsara-Vasishtha

The first three Pravaras make sense - Nidhruva, Rebhas, and Shandila are all descendants of Kashyapa's son Avatsara.  But my question is about the fourth set of Pravaras, "Kashyapa, Avatsara, Vasishtha".  This set of Pravaras is also mentioned in this excerpt from the Manava Shrauta Sutras, another text associated with the Yajur Veda.

My question is, why is the sage Vasishtha listed in this set of Pravaras for Kashyapa Gotra?  As I discuss in this question, Vasishtha was originally the son of Brahma, but then he was reborn as the son of the gods Mitra and Varuna.  Now Mitra and Varuna are Adityas, sons of Kashyapa and Aditi, so Vasishtha would be a descendant of Kashyapa.  But Avatsara is a completely different son of Kashyapa than Mitra and Varuna.  So what's going on?

I've found one clue that may indicate what's going on.  Here is how this excerpt from the Matsya Purana says this set of Pravaras:

  I shall now tell you the Rishis of Dvyamushyayana clan, viz. Anasuya, Nakuraya, Snatapa, Rajavartapa, Shaishira, Udavahi, Sairandhri, Raupasevaki, Yamuni, Kadrupingakshi, Jatambi, Divavashta, who have Vatsara,  Kashyapa, and Vashishtha for their Pravara.

The word "Dvyamushyayana" means "having two fathers", and it is the standard term used in the context of Niyoga.  As I discuss in this answer, Niyoga is the practice where a woman has a man other than her husband father a child with her, either because her husband is unable to father children or because he's dead.  The offspring of Niyoga is referred to as Dvyamushyayana, because he has both a biological father and an adopted father.  So it looks like Vasishtha and Avatsara are the two fathers in this case.

So are there any scriptures that describe Vasishtha fathering a child with the wife of Kashyapa's son Avatsara?  Are there any other scriptures that mention all the descendants of this set of Pravaras given in the Mastya Puranas quote?


texts: What scripture descibes the story of Goddess Kalikrishna?

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According to this website, there is a place in Bengal where Goddess Kaali is worshiped as Lord Krishna and Her name is KaliKrishna. It says, once Radha was caught by Her husband when She was with Lord Krishna and to save Her, Krishna disguised Himself as Goddess Kaali.

  Kali is worshipped as Krishna in the house of the Banerjees of Sri Gopal Mallik Lane off College Square. Although the image is in keeping with the folk tale popular in Bengal of Krishna transforming himself into Kali when Radha’s husband, Ayan Ghosh, caught her red-handed with the blue god, it is rarely seen in Calcutta and much less worshipped here. Porcelain versions of this tale were available here in early 20th century but few of these have survived.

She is Goddess Kalikrishna,

What scripture mentions this story?


texts: If person breaks legs of animals Whether he has to spend this karma in animal birth or he can spend in human birth also?


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It is well known that many people in Mahabaratha such as Bhishma, Drona, Arjuna, Duryodhana, Karna, Abhimanyu etc., are experts in certain fields.

In order to gain such expertise, there should be a lot of discipline. Is there any sloka in Mahabharata saying about discipline?


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There is controversy created on this issue now on social media, some people saying that it's described in Rigveda, while others not.

So, is it really described in any verse of Rigveda ?


texts: The 100 Kauravs were incarnations of Asuras but what about their sister?

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The Sambhava Parva of Mahabharat gives the details of the who's who in Mahabharat and who were they the incarnations of. It has been covered at many places but my question is specific to Dhritrashtra's progeny.

  The evil-minded and wicked king Duryodhana, the destroyer of the fair fame of the Kurus, was born of a portion of Kali on earth. He it was who caused all creatures to be slain and the earth to be wasted; and he it was who fanned the flame of hostility that ultimately consumed all. They who had been the sons of Pulastya (the Rakshasas) were born on earth among men of Duryodhana's brothers, that century of wicked individuals commencing with Duhasasana as their first. And, O bull among the Bharata princes, Durmukha, Duhsaha, and others whose names I do not mention, who always supported Duryodhana (in all his schemes), were, indeed, the sons of Pulastya. And over and above these hundred, Dhritarashtra had one son named Yuyutsu born of a Vaisya wife.'

I am not sure if Yuyutsu was also one of the Asura re-incarnations but my question is about the only daughter of Dhritrashtra whose previous birth is not mentioned:

  There was also a daughter named Duhsala who was over and above the hundred. And Yuyutsu who was Dhritarashtra's son by a Vaisya wife, was also over and above the hundred. Thus, O king, have I recited the names of the hundred sons and also that of the daughter (of Dhritarashtra)...... And, O king, when the time came, the Kaurava monarch bestowed his daughter Duhsala on Jayadratha, the king of the Sindhus, agreeably to the counsels of Sakuni.

So my question is - Who was Duhsala, the only sister of the Asura reincarnate Kaurav brothers, a rebirth of?


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Actually i have seen in many references about the first god but always answer is not clear.....            I want to know that among the three supreme gods shiv vishnu brahma and also goddess durga who came first.......                             Some says its brahma who gave birth to all gods either directly or indirectly
some says shiv because he is God of gods therefore he must have been came earlier
some says vishnu as he is the protector of all and also for many problems gods visited him for solution
and some says goddess durga as she is considered as the mother of all creatures
I want to know so can you please help me?


texts: What are some verses that are dedicated to nirguna Brahman in the Upanishads?

texts: What are some verses that are dedicated to nirguna Brahman from the Upanishads?


texts: Why did Shree Ram shoot the arrow at the deer when asked by Sita mata?

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To kill an animal is said to be a sin in the Sanatana Dharma.

So, why did Shree Ram shoot the arrow at the deer when asked by Sita mata? What is the justification for this action?


texts: Why body starts feeling heavy after 10 minutes Om chanting?

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I sit on my bed over a cotton bedsheet facing east. I close my eyes. And I start chanting Om.
After around 8 to10 minutes, I get a feeling that my body is becoming very heavy. What is that ? Why it happens ?
When I open my eyes again after chanting for around 12 to 15 minutes, within some minutes the heaviness would go away.


texts: What was the debate where Ramanandi tradition defeated Ramanuja tradition in 1921 Ujjain Kumbh mela?

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From wiki

  The 1921 Simhastha is notable for a historic debate in which the Ramanandi Sampradaya defeated the Ramanuja sampradaya (Shri Vaishnavas). The debate was to address the question whether the Shri Vaishnava literature offended Ramachandra. The Ramanuja sampradaya was defended by Swami Ramprapann Ramanujadas of the Totadri math. The Ramanandis were represented by Bhagavadacharya (alias Bhagvad Das). The jury declared Bhagavadacharya as the winner of the debate, and Ramanandis became independent of the Ramanuja sampradaya. However, some Ramanandis continued to regard themselves as part of the Ramanuja sampradaya, alleging that Bhagavadacharya forged evidence used to win the debate and that the jury was biased. The Ramanujis were prohibited from participating in the subsequent 1932 Kumbh Mela at Ujjain.

I wanted details of the debate. Can anyone provide?


texts: What reasoning does Chinna Jeeyar offer when he says Rama never worshiped Shiva in Ramayana?

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Here's what Chinna Jeeyar says:

Sri Rama never worshiped Lord Shiva, according to Sri Ramayanam. He did not consecrate Rameswaram. This is a made up story. Anything related to Sri Rama, will be accepted if Valmiki Ramayana mentions that.

Our own Tezz has given a citation - not even using the Rameshwaram reference:

वैश्वदेवबलिम् कृत्वा रौद्रम् वैष्णवमेव च |  वास्तुसंशमनीयानि मङ्गळानि प्रवर्तयन् || २-५६-३१  जपम् च न्यायतः कृत्वा स्नात्वा नद्याम् यथाविधि |  पाप संशमनम् रामः चकार बलिम् उत्तमम् || २-५६-३२
Having taken bath in the river as prescribed Rama offered oblations to Lord Rudra (Shiva) and Lord Vishnu after offering tributes to Vaisvadeva. He performed benedictions relating to the purification of house and also a silent prayer as per prescribed rites. He finally offered excellent tributes to the deities, for removing sins.

So why does Jeeyar think Rama never worshiped Shiva (according to Valmiki Ramayana)? Does he offer any reasoning in support of his stated views?


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Can someone shed light on the Gayatri Mantra for lagna.
By lagna I don't mean the house where lagna is present in horoscope, like scorpio, leo etc.
The mantra goes something like this Om Lagnaye ....

Any help with scriptural references would be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.


texts:
We are living in the earth and there exists heaven (Swarga) according to the Hinduism.

How much is the distance from the earth to heaven according to the Hindu scriptures?


texts: If Krishna's favorite food was butter, why do temples offer sugar as prasadam?

texts: I casually asked someone at a temple and they just smiled and said this is how it is. I almost wanted to ask "what will you offer if Krishna were to visit" but restrained myself.


texts: Negative Characterisitcs of Women - Ravana

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Women are generally loving and we worship women in the form of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvati, Durga and others. Our scriptures also tell us to respect women.

However, this YouTube video says that some women possess negative characteristics as explained by Ravana to his wife Mandodari. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any of it mentioned in any Ramayana or other texts.

What is the source of the video's claims?

Do our scriptures say anything about the negative traits of women or which women to avoid in general?


texts: Translation and significance of sanskrit shloka---Shloka-Ardhena Pravakshyämi Yad-uktam Granthakotibhih

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What is the translation of the following Sanskrit Shloka ?

Shloka- Ardhena Pravakshyämi Yad-uktam Granthakotibhih |
Brahma Satyam Jagan-mithyä Jivo Brahmaiva Näparah ||

What is the significance of the above shloka?


texts: I want to know who was the asura Bala, and the reason why he was killed by an avatar of Vishnu


texts: Is the mirrored image Swastika forbidden or inauspicious?

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There is already a question about the significance of the swastika and Pandya's answer describes it in detail, but one part of it says :

  Note: only right Swastika is almost used and reverse (left) Swastika is believed inauspicious sometimes.

I have also heard this too. Right swastika is this:

And this is the left swastika/mirrored image swastika:

Is there any indication in scripture itself that what we call the mirrored image swastika is inauspicious or forbidden?


texts: Are there 2 pindi's in vaishno devi for darshan?

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I noticed that there are 2 queues for darshan at bhavan, but after entering the cave in one queue I did not see the other queue anywhere till exit. But my friends who were in the other queue also had Darshan of Pindi. So I am confused whether there are 2 sets of Pindi's for darshan - one for each queue?

Or if there's only single Pindi darshan, then how do they manage both queue's because I did not see the other queue anywhere till exit.