texts: How do devtas die and are replaced in every Manvantara if they have amrit

texts: Amrita or Amurta is the divine potion for eternal life which is given to Devas. So if the Amruta gives eternal life to the Devtas or Devas in Swargaloka how is Swargaloka annihilated during end of every Manvantara, i.e. Partial Destruction of whole Creation, replacing the Posts like that of Indra, Yama, Agni, Varuna, Vayu etc with new jivas.


texts: What is the difference between Devas and Asuras?

texts:
Devas are the benevolent and asuras are manevolent. Asuras used to take captive of Devas. Other than this, any historical comparison to devas and asuras?
What are the meanings of these terms?


texts: Can we place vedic hymns as our ringtones?

texts:
I observe many people setting vedic mantras like Gayatri mantram or Subprabhatam as their ringtone or callertune for their mobiles. To my belief, on account of its power and importance it can't be sung by such devices untimely and also we are not supposed to stop the mantra chant in attempt to answer the call. Regardless of our inner and outer purity we cant listen to these hymns. The power of beejaskaras are underestimated! These are meant to be chanted in pure & calm environment.

Am I correct? If so, are there any simple references to convince a common man (laymen) and condemn their practice?


texts: What is the scope of the injunction "One shall not look at a naked woman"?

texts:
It is well known that looking at naked women is sinful according to the Hindu scriptures. The injunction reads like, "One shall not look at a naked woman who isn't his wife."

My question is, what is the full scope of this injunction? Does it include pictures of naked women, drawings, paintings, sculptures, etc.?

If it includes these, then the injunction may actually be, "One shall not look at what appears to be a naked woman."


texts: What are some Stories of Lord Shiva which show tremendous Love of him to his devotees?

texts: Can anyone provide some proofs that show Lord Shiva really includes his devotees as part of his own? A serial based on Mahadeva, they sometimes show as if Lord Shiva has unequal vision for his devotees & family. But That serial is base on Puranas, so I'm confused a bit.


texts: Did Adi Shankara's philosophy somewhat change in his last years or after writing Brahma Sutras?

texts:
From Saundarya Lahiri written by Adi Shankar I found following verse -

  kvaṇatkāñcī-dāmā kari kalabha kumbha-stananatā
  parikṣīṇā madhye pariṇata śaraccandra-vadanā |
  dhanurbāṇān pāśaṃ sṛṇimapi dadhānā karatalaiḥ
  purastā dāstāṃ naḥ puramathitu rāho-puruṣikā || 7 ||
  Let the Divine Mother dwell intimately in our hearts …with her tinkling fillet girdle, Her
  full bosom - akin to the frontal globes of a young elephant - making her bend forward
  (reaching us), Her lean waist enhancing her beauty, Her face akin to the full autumnal
  moon. She sports in her palms a bow and arrow, a noose and a goad. I revere this Divine
  Mother who is the ‘I’ consciousness in the Lord, Parama Siva.

Now the highlighted sentence is Kashmiri Shaiva concept where Lord Shiva (Bhairava) is existence or consciousness & the agency through which the consciousness is aware of its consciousness is Shakti (VijnAna). And this is clearly signifying an activity of Shiva (awareness of own consciousness) which Advaita Vedanta rejects as AV doesn't believe in activity in Brahman.  In fact, I am not aware if anywhere Adi Shankaracharya ever mentioned reflexive consciousness (That the agency by which Brahman is consciousness of itself).

So here is my set of questions related to above details.

Did Adi Shankaracharya mention about the reflexive consciousness in its any other work. i.e, the Brahman's consciousness/awareness of being consciousness.
Do we find similar deviation in his later works? Because in ManishApanchakam also, he is ready to accept ChAndAla as his guru unlike in Brahmasutras where he asked to pour liquid lead in Shudras ear's on hearing Vedas. So, Did Adi ShankarAcharya's philosophy was somewhat changed in the last years of his life i.e, after writing commentary on Brahma Sutras? Please share any such Hindu research works or thoughts if available.


texts: Were the Shiva and Lingam independent concepts prior to the emergence of Puranas?

texts: I read somewhere that concept of lingam is absent in vedas and onle emerged with the advent of Puranas. Is there truth in it?


texts: Is it not possible that Lord Kalki may have already taken incarnation in the past kaliyuga?

texts: Which scriptures say that Lord Kalki will take incarnation in the current (28th) kaliyuga?


texts: Do any of our scriptures mention Kalki avatar is the "Last avatar"?

texts: I know that our scripture Bhavishya Purana mentions that Kalki will be an Avatar of Vishnu. But I want to know if any of our scriptures mention it will be the "Last Avatar". If yes, then after the Kalki avatar, won't there be any adharma in the future?


texts:
Gaining skill in a particular field, in general, takes a lot of time.

But, many instances in Hinduism scriptures confirms that vidya can be transferred in much lesser time.

Some of such scenarios are:

Rituparna giving to Nala the skill in science of dies

  And saying this, Rituparna imparted unto Nala the science (he desired). And Nala upon becoming acquainted with the science of dice,
  Kali came out of his body, incessantly vomiting from his mouth the
  virulent poison of Karkotaka.

Nala giving to Rituparna the vidya related to horse riding

  O king, with all my desires gratified, I lived happily in thy abode, in fact more happily there than in my own house. This thy horse-lore is in my keeping. If thou wishest, O king, I will make it over to thee.' Saying this, Naishadha gave unto Rituparna that science and the latter took it with the ordained rites.

Vrihadaswa to Yudhishthira the science of dice

  Vaisampayana continued, "King Yudhishthira then, with a glad heart, said unto Vrihadaswa, 'O illustrious one, I desire to learn the
  science of dice from thee.' The Rishi then gave his dice-lore unto the
  high-souled son of Pandu, and having given it unto him, that great
  ascetic went to the sacred waters of Hayasirsha for a bath.

My doubt is either only knowledge is transferring or skill along with knowledge is transferring in such scenarios?

Is such transfer possible in Kaliyuga?


texts: Why are there so few countries at present where Hinduism is alive?

texts:
If Sri Ram and Dharam Raj Yudhishthir were Chakravarti Samrats and whole world followed Sanatan Dharma, does that mean people all over earth people followed caste system?

How come we have Hinduism alive only in handful countries coz Pandavas were alive 5 K yrs ago in such small time how whole world got converted ?

If conversion is the case how come Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh still follow caste system ?


texts: Do the Gorkha people from Nepal have their ancestral origin in the people who were once the part of Gorakhnath's army?

texts:
I heard somewhere that some king of Nepal was forcefully converting Hindu Sadhus to Buddhism.
When Gorakhnath heard about it, he built an army from clay then made that army alive and defeated the king.
Also he made his disciple named Vasanta who always had a dream of becoming a king as the king of Nepal.
And the people of that army made from clay were called Gorakhas as they were Gorakhnath's army.
Is it true? If yes then I would like to know more about it?


texts:
We all know that  greatest war was fought on the land of Kurukshetra in Mahabharata.
But I want to ask is why Kurukshetra war took place?  Was Draupadi's insult the only and main reason for it?


texts: How to decide whether a food is non veg or veg?

texts: As we all know that eating non veg is not acceptable. For our religion .when I ask this question everyone seems confused ,they told me that we should not eat by harassing other organisms ,so if we take veg as food we are still harassing other organisms, right? plants are also a living organisms right?


texts: Which is the first text to mention 6 Darshanas?

texts: While talking about Vedanga, we know that six Vedangas are mentioned in Mundaka Upanishad, Nirukta and in Puranas. Likewise I want to know which is the text that mentions or introduces six Darshanas, also known as Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि). Is the term Shada Darshana mentioned in Puranas or in any other text?


texts: How do Vaishnavas interpret the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?

texts:
Vaishnavas believe that only Lord Vishnu can grant Moksha. If that is the case, then how do they explain this mantra from the Rig Veda which clearly says that Lord Shiva can grant Moksha?

  Om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam urvārukamiva
  bandhanānmṛtyormukṣīya mā'mṛtāt

Translation:

  We worship the Three-eyed Lord who is fragrant and who nourishes and
  nurtures all beings. As is the ripened cucumber freed from its bondage
  (to the creeper), may He liberate us from death for the sake of
  immortality.

"Three-eyed Lord" is a clear reference to Lord Shiva, is it not? If so, then how can one say only Lord Vishnu can grant Moksha?


texts: Are there any surviving poems from Thirumazhisai Alwar's disciple Kanikannan?

texts:
I'm currently visiting India, and I just saw Yatotakari Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram.  The story of the temple is that Saraswati turned into the Vegavati river in order Brahma's Yagna in what is now the nearby Varadaraja Vishnu temple, as I discuss here.  So Vishnu appeared and stopped the river with his body.  But my question is about another story that happened in the temple, which gives rise to its more famous nickname, the Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal temple.

The Alwars (also spelled Azhwars) are a group of 12 ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu and are famous for their devotional poetry in praise of Vishnu. It's the beliefs and principles embodied in the Alwars' poems that ultimately gave rise to the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member). As I discuss in this question, one of the Alwars was known as Thirumazhisai Alwar. He was the son of the sage Bhargava, but he was raised by tribal people and became a famous Shaivite poet, before ultimately converting to Vaishnavism.

In any case, at some point Thirumazhisai Alwar and his shishya Kanikannan were living in Kanchipuram, worshiping Vishnu at the Yatotakari temple, when one day the Pallava king summoned Kanikannan to his court.  The king asked Kanikannan to tell Thirumazhisai Alwar to compose a poem in praise of the king.  Kanikannan responded that his guru only composed poems in praise of Vishnu, not human beings.  Then the king asked if Kanikannan would at least compose a poem in praise of him, and he offered him gold and jewels in exchange.  But Kanikannan refused, saying that he too only composed poems in praise of Vishnu.  The king was furious, and exiled Kanikannan from Kanchipuram. When Thirumazhisai Alwar heard what had happened, he decided to leave the city as well, and he told the Vishnu deity of the Yatotakari temple to come with him.  And the Vishnu statue got up, and walked out of the city!  As soon as the three of them left, Kanchipuram was plunged into darkness.  The king realized the errors of his ways and begged Thirumazhisai Alwar and Kanikannan to come back.  They agreed, and told Vishnu to come back to the Yatotakari temple.  Vishnu came back and lied down from right to left, rather than left to right as usual, as a reminder of how he had left and come back. In any case, it's because of this story that the Vishnu deity of the temple is called "Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal" or "Vishnu who did as he was told." :-)

But my question is, are there any surviving poems in praise of Vishnu from Thirumazhisai Alwar's shishya Kanikannan? Or are they all lost?  It's also possible that he wasn't a poet at all, and was just saying that if he were to compose poetry it would be poetry in praise of Vishnu just like his guru's was.  Are there any Sri Vaishnava works which shed light on this?


texts: What is the life story of Sri Lakulisha?

texts:
Sri Lakulisha was the famous propagator of pAshupata tradition of Shaivism. He is considered as an incarnation of Shiva.

What is his life story?

What are his main teachings?

Are there any miracles associated with him?


texts: Is this a Hindu Goddess?  If yes which one and what do they represent?


texts: Do Vedas say that devatas are mantra-baddha?

texts:
This site says that

  Every devata is said to be mantra-baddha, that is, the devata is obliged to fulfill the purpose for which the mantra/devata is invoked.

Previously also I have come across this belief that devatas invoked in yajnas are bound to fulfill purpose of yajna if properly performed because they are bound by mantras. Which verses from Vedas(Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, Upanishadas) support this belief that devatas are bound by mantras?


texts:
As per this QnA on this site itself, it gives complete details of Lord Hanumāna getting married and having family.

No, Hanuman was technically not a bachelor (Brahmachari). His wife was
Suvarcalā (सुवर्चला) who was the daughter of Surya (the Sun god)...
.....
Surya grants
him a boon that he will still be a bachelor even after marriage as a
Prajapatya Brahmachari and will maintain his celibacy.

On further research, I was able to find an article about a temple in Khammam district of Telangana, named - Sri Suvarchala Sahitha Hanuman Temple. This temple is build on this very claim of Hanumāna having a wife. Another temple, based on the same premises is the Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple, also known as Gandi Kshetram, situated in the Kadapa district of the Andhra Pradesh.
So, What might be the scriptural source and validity of this story?

My guess is, it's mainly based on either Jainism or Buddhism based and inspired accounts, and is not within the paradigm of our Hinduism pantheon based stories.
But, still it'll be good to clarify this properly in here and see if sources exist within Hinduism itself maybe?


texts: Why do we join our hands in the way we do, when we pray?

texts:
Whenever we pray, we tend to keep our hands together.
Is there a reason why we do so ??


texts: Milestones on the path of spiritual progress

texts: Can anyone please enumerate point by point what are the milestones on the path of spiritual life? How we measure the progress, if any? Quoting from the shastras and/or Teachings from the Sages and saints would be a great help. Thanks!


texts: Is Hinduism brought by Aryans or Dravidians to India?

texts: What is the origin of Hinduism? Is Hinduism brought by Aryans or Dravidians? Besides this there is a saying that North Indians are Aryans and South Indians are Dravidians. As per Saivism, Dravidians are dark complexioned worshipped Lord Shiva and Aryans are white complexion well built and  worshipped nature. If it is so Lord Narayna has so many divyadesas in south compared to North. Any scriptures supporting this?


texts: Meaning of Krishna's advice to Yudhisthira before Drona Vadh

texts:
With popular belief Krishna advices Yudhisthira to tell lie to Drona about "Killing of Ashwatthama" for the sake of saving remaining Paandava army from being annihilated.
But according to this text, it appears much broader:

Govinda, knowing that Drona, that foremost of warriors, was capable of sweeping all the Pandavas off the face of the earth, became much distressed. Addressing Yudhishthira he said, 'If Drona fighteth, filled with rage, for even half-a-day, I tell thee truly, thy army will then be annihilated. Save us, then, from Drona. under such circumstances, falsehood is better than truth. By telling an untruth for saving a life, one is not touched by sin. There is no sin in untruth spoken unto women, or in marriages, or for saving king, or for rescuing a Brahmana. 1
Footnote 1: This verse is omitted in the Bombay text. There can be no doubt, however, about its genuineness.`

Is the part shown in bold really authentic? If yes, why women and marriages are covered?


texts:
Why they depicted sex positions on temples?
we all know temples are considered as holy places, even footwear not allowed,
then Why they depicted sex positions on temples?


texts: What is the reason for metaphors relating to liquor being so frequently used in Hindu holy books?

texts:
All the Dharma shastras place ban on intoxicating products, similarly all the spiritual discourses/geetas promote satvic food.

Then why is the mohini the avatar of Vishnu depicted to be dancing in intoxication? Lord shiva is also equated with intoxicating products. The smell of many apsaras, gopis and Krishna himself is described as having smell of old wine. The Swarga loka is also mentioned to be abound with soma and madhu.


texts: In the Ramayan, Did Lord Parsuram Knew that Lord rama is Visnu avatar?

texts: As, I know that, when Lord Rama broke the Shiva-Bow,and for that reason Lord Parsuram came to the hall and challenge to the Lord Rama to war with him?Did they don't know each-other before that incidence they both are Visnu avatar ? anyone have some idea about it?.


texts: Did Sri Krishna show His universal form in Dhritarashtra's court?

texts:
Did Lord Krishna show His universal form to Duryodhana when he tried to captive Lord Krishna in Dhritarashtra's court?

If yes, then how many people saw His Universal form in this episode?


texts: In Advaita does "all religions are true" mean that the Saguna deity you pass through towards Nirguna Brahman doesn't matter?

texts: This explains why Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was able to follow Hinduism, Christianity and Islam and reach the same state of realization at the end.


texts: Why is lord Ganesh also called Ekdant, Char Bhuja Dhari?

texts:
Does lord Ganesh has four hands in reality?
Does lord Ganesh has only one tooth?
No other god has an animal face. why does Ganesh ji have elephant head?
Does an elephant head fit into his neck in reality ? As elephant head is bigger then any others.


texts:
I thought people from India, partly due to Hinduism being widespread, would be vegetarian or even vegan. But I've recently been to an Indian restaurant and even though cow meat was not on the menu as expected, there were several items derived from milk products.

So my question is, do Hindus eat milk products?


texts: Does anyone know the exact details of the first part of the Horse Sacrifice yagna?

texts: I am trying to find out details of the pole and the corresponding circle type mandala in the Horse Sacrifice. Did the mandala, where the pole was placed, have orientation to the four cardinal directions? I am doing research for a book on the symbolism of four merging to one such as in the squaring of a circle. Susan


texts: Finding (source/original) Shlokas in the RigVeda

texts:
This website provides the following translation of the Shlokas from the RigVeda:

  "He made this Earth fixed by different devices like hills and
  mountains in shape of pegs but it still rotates . Sun never sets; all
  parts of earth are not in Darkness."

  "There are suns in all directions, the night sky being full of them."

  "There are planets in all directions, but only visible in night sky."

Although, neither does it provide the Shlokas or the references to them. I was wondering if anyone who has gone through the RigVeda can provide me with the original Shlokas.


texts:
There are number of religions present today in the world. Every religion has its Holy book except Hinduism E.g Bible, Quran etc. So which is Holy book of Hinduism?

Also some people says that Hinduism is not a religion, it's a spell of living. Some people like Subramannyam Swami ( BJP party) say that Hinduism is the basis of all religions present in the world. So my question is  Hinduism really a religion or anything else?


texts: How do we reconcile Rama vs. Ravana and Krishna/Arjuna vs. Karna scenarios?

texts:
Comparing the two scenarios:

Secnario 1: Rama has destroyed all of Ravana's weapons, chariot etc..and has him completely unarmed. However Rama sends him back to come the next day stating that it is not Dharma to fight an unarmed enemy.

Scenario 2: Karna's chariot wheel is stuck to the ground and is unusable. Karna asks Arjuna to hold a bit till the wheel is recovered. Arjuna agrees. Krishna insists that Arjuna kill Karna then and there, and when questioned by Karna as to the Dharma aspect of it, Krishna gives a long discourse on how Karna and his friends had always ignored Dharma and therefore do not deserve to speak on Dharma.

Granting that both Rama and Krishna are equally Divine and are therefore infallible to human-like passions etc..and therefore couldn't possibly be party to Adharma, how do we reconcile the above two scenarios ?


texts:
This article mentions this about Earth in Hinduism

  Earth is represented as goddess, which feeds everyone. All the forms
  of earth and of life on it are the children of earth. Rivers, trees
  animals are attendants of the earth goddess.

What do the Vedas say about the Earth?


texts: I am trying to find pdf of Skanda Purana in sanskrit. Is complete unabridged sanskrit Skanda Purana online or in PDF format? Please provide it.


texts: Was Adi Shankaracharya a Shaiva or a Vaishnava? What were his views on Shiva and Vishnu?

texts: Adi Shankaracharya taught Advaita philosophy. What was his belief on how one should see Shiva and Vishnu? Was he a Shaiva or a Vaishnava? Are Shiva and Vishnu same as per Him?


texts: Is Kamadeva (Manmatha) still alive or dead?

texts:
I heard a story about Kamadeva, here it is:

While Lord Shiva was doing deep meditation, Kamadeva disturbs him by inducing love and desire into Shiva, which caused disturbance to Shiva and made Shiva angry. Because of which Shiva opened his third eye and burned Kamadeva and turned him into ashes. But by the request of Devi Rati, Shiva resurrects Kamadeva only for Rati such that she only can see.

Is he really dead for others? If he died, then how come humans still get feelings of love and desire with out the existence of Kamadeva?


texts: Pre-buddhism references to the Karmic cycle in Vedas/Upanishads

texts: Do any clear-cut references to the Karmic cycle exist in Hindu scriptures from before the Buddha's time?


texts: Is it a sin for Rakshasas, Pisachas, and Asuras to kill humans?

texts:
The armies of the Asuras (Daityas and Danavas), Rakshasas, and Pisachas frequently come to Earth and kill humans.

It is even said in scriptures that the food for Pisachas is human flesh.

Do these creatures sin by doing this?


texts: Which is the oldest scriptural reference for Diwali?

texts:
The festival of Diwali is associated with many legends:

  The first day of Dhan Trayodashi is the day when Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the Samudra Manthan.
  Next comes Narak Chaturdashi is when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasur.
  The next day of Amavasya celebrated as Deep-awali is when Lord Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan.
  This is followed by Govardhan Puja or Annakut on the next day.
  The final day of the festival is Bhai-duj which is also called Yamadvitiya since it is associated with Yama, the god of Death and his sister Yamuna the second day after new moon.

Chronologically, I guess the Samudra Manthan episode could have come first followed by the Yam-Yamuna episode; then the Ramayan episode and finally the two days related to Krishna. My question is, which is the oldest reference to each of these celebrations?


texts: Was Kunti right to beget a child from both father(Surya) and son(Yama)?

texts:
Namaskaram. I have a humble doubt regarding the relationship between Karna and Yuddhistra and Kunti and Surya and Yama. Surya and Yama are father and son respectively. So their sons through Kunti would be uncle and nephew respectively.
The core question is whether Kunti was right when she begotten Yuddhistra through Dharmaraja when she already had a son through Surya. Wouldn't it be like a woman having a relationship with both the father and son?


texts: SriVaishnava - propitiation rituals for the Pitrs - redemption for breaks

texts:
What happens if there is a break in the propitiation of Pitrs(ancestors) in patrilineal lineage? Are subsequent generations affected adversely? How so?

Supposing there is a minimum of one generation gap in the performance of these rituals, what are the Prāyaścitta to be pursued to redeem the situation permanently?

Answers that draw reference wholly applicable to SriVaishnava Sampradaya are requested. Please quote scriptures as much as possible.


texts:
I´m writing an article about pictures of afterlife/heaven in different religions. As I understood, Moksha is the biggest destination in Hinduism. But I wasn´t able to find pictures, paintings etc. of Moksha.
Are there pictures of Moksha?


texts: What is the real meaning of "Kanyadhana"

texts:
I have read at a Hinduism website (Website Link) that the word "Kanyadhaana" is misinterpreted into meaning "Donating the bride"
According to the web article:

It's not "Kanya-Dhaana" but "Kanya-Aadhana"
Here, Kanya means "Daughter/Girl"
And Aadhana means "receive"
So basically "Kanyadhaana" translates  to "Receiving the bride" and NOT "Donating the bride".

Women's rights activists argue that Kanyadhaana means donating the bride and girls being humans are not objects/ commodities  that can be "donated" to the groom's family.
I'm confused here. What is the real meaning of Kanyadhaana? Is it "Kanya-aadhana" or "Kanya-dhaana" itself?


texts: I would like to know if it is possible to create my own God, and if so, will worshiping that god have the same value as worshiping others?


texts: How did Chandra (moon) get a Rabbit Mark on it?

texts:
Chandra is called "Shashaanka" - "Shasha (Rabbit) + Anka (Mark)" - "One who has mark of a rabbit".

And it is quite evident also, we see a vague Rabbit shaped mark on the moon.

For example -

In out Scriptures Moon is called
1. Shashaanka (शशाङ्क) - one having mark of rabbit
2. Shashee (शशी)- one who has rabbit or rabbit like
3. Shashabrit (शशभृत्) - one who holds rabbit (mark)
4. Shashabindu (शशबिन्दु) - one who has mark of rabbit
5. Shashadhara (शशधर) - one who holds a rabbit (mark)

How did this mark come on moon?


texts: Which scripture has the following verse about Sri Vishwamitra?

texts:
Can someone tell me from where this verse is taken?
The verse comes in the title song of a TV serial on Maharshi Sri Vishwamitra.
It starts at 0.25
https://youtu.be/wfxrSyrajyQ?t=24s

Srushtikartaa Lokakartaa Sarvakaarana Kartru Hare
Vishwamitro Brahmavettaa Srushte Srushte Pravikhyaataha
Maha Veero Maha Tejo Vishwamitro Mahamunihi


texts:
What is the purpose of life.
Does God wants us to worship him.
Is if only for human beings that is heaven and hell is for. What about the other living beings.


texts: Mentions of bacteria, viruses, or microbes in Hindu scripture?

texts: Are there any references to microbes, such as bacteria or viruses, in any Hindu scripture?


texts: is there any mention of gem stones in puranas?

texts:
In puranas or vedas, is there any information about gem stones?
Do people of that time used to wear these kinds of stones for the betterment of their life?


texts:
Although a similar question is asked here. I have not found the answer for the question.

What is the purpose of repetition of events of every yuga in every
 Chaturyuga.

Are only important events like ramayana, Mahabharata are repeated or
event of me posting here is also an repetition from the previous Chaturyuga.

If the Chaturyuga is destroyed at the end of cycle, how come the naga lok is not destroyed, since it has Lord Rama's rings from previous treta yugas, which are indeed of previous Chaturyuga.


texts: Do the Vedas teach that Brahman is a conscious being?

texts: Do the Vedas speak of Brahman as a being that is able to think and perform actions? Or is Brahman more like an inanimate thing, except immaterial?


texts: What are the impure substances from which prohibited food grows

texts:
Manu RIshi talks about prohibited food items in Manu Smriti verse 5.5, the original verse is

  लशुनं गृञ्जनं चैव पलाण्डुं कवकानि च ।
  अभक्ष्याणि द्विजातीनाममेध्यप्रभवानि च ॥ ५ ॥

  Garlic, leeks and onions, mushrooms and all that proceeds from impure things, are unfit to re eaten by twice-born men. Manu Smriti 5.5

The gloss by medhatithi does not specify as to what those impure substances/things are.

What are those impure substances/things discussed in this verse, please provide proper scriptural citations to support your answer.


texts: How do matras/Slokas/japa work to reap benefits?

texts:
As we know that if there is some harmful situation or in bad times, mrityunjaya mantra is to be chanted.
And, for getting good performance in education, one has to chant saraswati mantra or something like that.
So, my doubt is how chanting mantras help in such kind of benefits? Like, how Mrityunjaya Mantra help one if there is some bad thing's going to happen? (practically)


texts:
I love my parents more than anything in this world. Some days back my father was seriously ill and it seemed that my whole world was shattered. Then this question aroused in my mind,

Dose affection towards parents is Maya or worldly affection?

In Hinduism parents are God. So how affection towards God be Maya? Is it divine affection?


texts:
I am confused about Goddess Radha's existence in the Hindu Puranas. A few books that I read mention her as Lord Krishna's lover and that she is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi while some others offer contradictory information. I hope not to offend anyone, but I am genuinely intrigued by this.

Could any one offer me an explanation?


texts: What happens to the soul that attains Moksha during the pralaya?

texts:
From what I understand, and by using a mathematical metaphor, everything manifests like: 0, 1, and n.

Krishna, thus, exists in unmanifest form, but manifests as Balarama (Sankarsana), Who then proceeds to create the world of plurality. Yet, when the world is about to end, Sankarsana begins to draw the multiplicity together into a united whole (hence His usage of a plough and His name). Once the entirety of plural existence has been organized into a whole, this whole is then subjected to the Original God (Krishna, the 0), and the souls of the jivas thus exist within Krishna in an unmanifest form for a time (as "seeds").

Sankarsana continues to exist outside of Krishna as Sesa, the sole part of Vishnu that exists outside of Vishnu during the pralaya, hence His name, the "remainder." (It appears that Lakshmi continues to exist outside of Vishnu as well.)

This is the manifest perspective of the whole lila. But it appears to leave no location for a Moksha-ed soul to exist.

Reading some answers and comments from this question: What will happen if all souls inhabiting Earth attain Moksha?

My understanding is that a person who attains Moksha simply exits the entire play and perceives it to be an illusion. The only reality this person sees is Brahman (ultimate non-dual reality). Everything else is Maya, for this person. The question of the existence of other people, the pralaya, the end of the world (the yuga), of birth, and of death, simply ceases to exist.

This must ultimately mean that the appearance/existence of Krishna, of the pralaya, the cycle of yugas, the existence of Sankarsana/Sesa, even the existence of God, must be a complete illusion for someone who only perceives Brahman.

Given these two ideas, I have no choice but to conclude that God only exists in Samsara as Maya, this God-in-Samsara-as-Maya, appears as Krishna (the highest form of God). Krishna of course, appears with His expansions, Balarama and Radha, and Whoever else.

But for a Moksha-ed person, the entirety of the manifestation, including the apparent-manifestation of God is also transcended, leaving apparently, nothing.

So is theism in conflict with liberation?

It seems so from this perspective.


texts:
According to many Vaishnava Puranas such as the Padma Purana and the Garuda Purana, people who have taken tamasic food must perform the Candrayana vrata but not much details are given about it. So how is this vrata to be performed then?
Padma Purana states:

palandu lasunam sigrum alambum grjanam palam
bhunkte yo vai naro brahman vratam candrayanam caret
O sages, one who eats garlic, onions, sigrum (a kind of plant), turnips, bottle gourd and meat, that person should observe a candrayana fast.
(Padma Purana, Brahma Khanda 19.10, spoken by Suta Gosvami)

Garuda Purana says:

By eating garlic and onion one becomes sinful and as atonement one should perform candrayana. (Garuda Purana 1.97.3)

The Padma Purana also states that true Vaishnavas perform Chandrayana Vrata regularly:

Those who are free from devotion to heretics, who are highly devoted to Siva, who are engaged in (observing) the vow of Caturdasi, should be known to be Vais- navas. (Padma Purana, Chapter 10, Section 7, Chapter 2, Verse 111)


texts:
What is the story of the king called Nipata (who proved to be an equal warrior to Ravan)? Is this story mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana? Uttara Kanda?

I found it on Krittivbasi Ramayan only.

  Ravana then let Vasuki go.
  Ravana continuing came across kings whom he easily defeated in battle. He then across a king called Nipata and started fighting him. None could defeat the other. Brahma then appeared there and said it would be impossible to defeat one another, as both had been blessed with boons.
  Both took leave of each other.

Source - http://babubanglaramayanretell.blogspot.com/2016/10/ravana-in-nether-world.html


texts: Any English translation for the Atharva Veda Sukta 20.136?

texts: I was reading the Griffith translation for the Atharva Veda and came across Book 20 Verse 136 which is translated not in English but Latin. Does anyone have a link to an English translation for the same or can someone share a snapshot if its in a book?


texts: Why did Adi Parashakti not came back to her original form after taking birth in form of Shiva's wife Parvati?

texts: Why did Goddess Adi Parashakti not return to her original form when she took the form of Lord Shiva's wife Goddess Parvati? What happens to her?


texts:
Who is Param Brahma or Parampita Parmeshwar?

What is the relation of lord Vishnu, lord Shankara with Param Bhrahma ?


texts: What is the right English word that can explain " Dharma"

texts: I'm currently working on a spiritual book. I want to know the exact replacement for the word 'dharma'. I know dharma refers to righteous Order. But I just can't find the exact feel of dharma in any English words.


texts: where in Shiva purana, it is mentioned that "Shiva" is formless God, and "Shankara" is the form which dwells in Mount Kailsha

texts:
Where in scriptures it is mentioned that "Shiva" is formless God, and "Shankara" is the form which dwells in Kailasha ?
Kindly give exact verse number.


texts: What is the etymology behind the name Vichitravirya?

texts: In Mahabharatha, mostly all names have a reason/etymology behind them. One that I couldnt find was "Vichitravirya"- Son of Shantanu and father of Dhritrashtra & Pandu. Name clearly transliterates to "Weird Sperm".


texts: To which Shaivite sect do the Shaivites of UP, Bihar and Chhattisgarh belong?

texts: There are many sects in Hinduism like Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, Ganapatism, Kaumarism, Suryaism, Kabeerism, Satnam, Arya Samaj etc. However, the main sects like Shaivism are again divided into sub-sects like Pashupata Shaivism, Kashmir Shaivism, Shiva Shiddhanta etc. So, my question is, which Shaivite sect do people follow in UP, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh? I'm a Shaivite from Chhattisgarh, so I'm eager to know which Shaivite sect do Chhattisgarhi Shaivites follow?


texts:
There are two questions on this site regarding Subhadra and Arjuna marriage:
Arjun and Subhadra's marriage
Arjuna and Subhadra marriage
But no question or answer deals with the emotion of Subhadra before or during marriage. Krishna tells to Arjuna the following words

O Partha, as we do not know this girl's temper and disposition. In the
case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a forcible abduction for purposes
of marriage is applauded, as the learned have said.

I do not know whether Subhadra likes it or not.
Does any scripture tell explicitly about Subhadra's emotion before or during marriage towards Arjuna?
Note that the word marriage here refers to the wedding ritual.


texts: Does Yama, the son of Sun god is the first human died?

texts: This link tells that According to the Vedas, Yama is said to have been the first mortal who died. Which scriptures from Vedas mentions the same?


texts: Donating money or food to beggars, and its karmic results

texts:
I have heard that it is better to donate food (or clothes etc.), instead of money, to beggars.

The reason is that if the beggars mislead the donor into thinking that they will use the money to buy food, but instead use it to purchase alcoholic beverages or use it for other unbeneficial things like gambling, the donor will still experience the negative karmic consequences, due to having contributed money towards it. This is despite the fact that the donor did not have the intention to support the purchase of alcohol or the act of gambling.

Questions:

Is this in accordance with the Hindu doctrine on karma and its fruits?
What would be your advice to potential donors?

If possible, please support your answers with scriptural references.


texts: Why did Lord Rama pray to the Sea God when he had Nala and Neela to assist him?

texts:
Nala and Neela who were very powerful monkeys and mischievous in their childhood used to throw away objects in the water just for fun. when they threw away a certain sage in the water,they were cursed that nothing will be drowned in the water if it will be thrown by them.

They as the vanara supporters to Lord Rama were enough to build the bridge Rama-Setu.

But still why did Lord Rama pray to the Sea God?


texts: What is Parbrahman? Is it any different from Nirgun Brahman?

texts:
I've heard words like brahman, nirgun brahman, sagun brahman, parbrahman etc. Though I've got a fair idea of what nirgun and sagun brahman is, I still am not acquainted with Parbrahman.
Does it refer to nirgun brahman? Or is it a completely different concept?


texts:
What is the need for Brahman to differentiate into Maya and allow sentient beings to exist and contemplate the meaning of itself. If Brahman is eternal consciousness, reality and bliss, doesn't it already realize itself?
Can there even be a satisfactory answer to this question as Swami Vivekananda himself said that he doesn't know why?

Popular answers are leela or sport and appearance or Brahman just appears as Maya but I think the latter answer is poorer in quality just because it restates the question statement than provide insights.

Edit: Could it be that Brahman itself might have a limitation that mortal vulnerable beings don't have?


texts: Why did Ghatotkach have to die in the Mahabharata? Was it because his mother was a demon?


texts: What do we know of the lives of Parvati's sisters Ekaparna & Ekapatala?

texts:
The Vayu Purana mentions Parvati as having four sisters:

I also came across the following passage in the Harivamsha:

  The king of the mountains had three daughters through Mena: Aparna, Ekaparna and Ekapatala as the third. These three performed austerities that were extremely difficult even for the gods and the danavas. They thus
  tormented the worlds, with their mobile and immobile objects. Ekaparna had only a single leaf for food. Ekapatala only ate a single patala flower. One of them ate nothing at all. Miserable and driven by maternal affection, her mother said, “Uma” and tried to restrain her. The goddess, the performer of extremely difficult austerities, was thus addressed by her mother. In the three worlds, the beautiful one came to be known as Uma.

  The great-souled and intelligent Asita-Devala was a great brahmana and a preceptor of yoga . Ekaparna was given to him as a wife.

  Know that, in a similar way, Ekapatala was bestowed on Jaigishavya.

We know enough stories about Ganga but does any other scripture mention any details about the other two sisters of Uma and their spouses?


texts:
Plenty of slokhas in Geetha says that attachment is a bad thing and one should leave it.

My doubt is "Can both love and attachment coexist?"

Let us consider Yashoda as well as gopi's, I allegedly know that Yashoda and gopi's cry for krishna(physical body) presence. It shows that they are physically attached to Krishna. Is it attachment or love?

Let us consider vasista, he didn't cry even though his sons die in front of his eyes because he has no attachment but only love. Similarly Krishna also never cry for any one's presence.

Most of the people says that Yashoda and gopi's have love towards Krishna. If it is true, then attachment and love can coexist. Is it true? If they can coexist, then why Geetha says attachment is a bad thing?


texts: Allegory of the Moon and its shadow - Dvaita, Advaita and Vishishta Advaita

texts:
I remember reading about an allegory which uses the Moon and its shadow in water to describe the viewpoints of Dvaita, Advaita and Vishishta Advaita.

I cannot seem to find it online now.

Does anyone have a reference to that? Or, a reproduction from memory is also welcome.


texts: what happened when the Devas asked who are you to Lord Shiva?

texts:
The Shiva Gita has the following slokas:

  मंदरं प्रययुः सर्वे मम प्रियतरं गिरिम् ।
  स्तुत्वा प्राञ्जलयो देवा मां तदा पुरतः स्थिताः ॥ ८॥
  तान्दृष्ट्वाथ मया देवान् लीलाकुलितचेतसः ।
  तेषामपहृतं ज्ञानं ब्रह्मादीनां दिवौकसाम् ॥ ९॥
  अथ तेऽपहृतज्ञाना मामाहुः को भवानिति ।
  अथाब्रुवमहं देवानहमेव पुरातनः ॥ १०॥

I basically don't get what the translator is trying to tell us from the above slokas, a Hindi gives the following translation:

Which says something about lord Shiva taking the knowledge of the Devas and asked him who he was.(As I understand it).

So, my basic help needed would be to translate the above slokas a bit more clearly with a tail query of why did lord Shiva take away the knowledge of the Devas?


texts: Which scripture is the source of the verse "janmana jayate shudrah.. " (everyone is born a shudra)?

texts:
Janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ saṁskārad bhaved dvijaḥ

This is the verse in question which means:

  Everyone is born a shudra and  by samskara one upgrades to dvija status.

Is it the Bhagavata Purana that contains this verse? If not which scripture contains it?
What was the context in which it was said?


texts: What is the story of Sri shankar purushottam teertha?

texts:
Famous guru in the siddha yoga line of sri narAyaNa tIrtha

What was his life story and teaching


texts: Why do people divide the great Sanskrit language into Vedic Sanskrit and Classical sanskrit?

texts:
Is the language of Vedic era Sanskrit, different from the Classical era Sanskrit?
I have heard, read and listened at almost all the forums regarding this prevalence of difference.
Some of the people say that Sanskrit in the puranas is different from the Sanskrit in the Vedas.
But some of my other close people, say that there isn't much or no difference at all.
Some say that only the Vedic Sanskrit should be the original "Language of the Gods" and the Classical Sanskrit is man-made. I find these kind of logic, personally a nonsense. But, I'm not a authority. I'm looking for direct answers from the higher defined authorities.
So please answer,
Does any scriptures or important guru people in the Hindu culture or community make such observations regarding the difference or sameness of the colonial defined categories of Vedic and Classical Sanskrit language?
What does the Hindu scholarly canon say on this problems?


texts: Why isn't there a female Shankaracharya in Hinduism?

texts: Why are not women made pontiffs in Hinduism or in any other religion for that matter?


texts: How are logical fallacies identified in Hindu philosophical debates? Do they have specific names?

texts:
This article lists the 12 common fallacies committed by people in everyday discussions and also by philosophers in debates from time to time.

Are similar logical fallacies found in Hindu debates? How are these identified?

Do these fallacies have names like the English/Latin ones listed below?

  Ad Hominem - A personal attack: that is, an argument based on the perceived failings of an adversary rather than on the merits of the case.

  Ad Misericordiam - An argument that involves an irrelevant or highly exaggerated appeal to pity or sympathy.

  Bandwagon - An argument based on the assumption that the opinion of the majority is always valid: everyone believes it, so you should too.

  Begging the Question - A fallacy in which the premise of an argument presupposes the truth of its conclusion; in other words, the argument
  takes for granted what it's supposed to prove. Also known as a
  circular argument.

  Dicto Simpliciter - An argument in which a general rule is treated as universally true regardless of the circumstances: a sweeping
  generalization.

  False Dilemma - A fallacy of oversimplification: an argument in which only two alternatives are provided when in fact additional
  options are available. Sometimes called the either-or fallacy.

  Name Calling - A fallacy that relies on emotionally loaded terms to influence an audience.

  Non Sequitur - An argument in which a conclusion doesn't follow logically from what preceded it.

  Post Hoc - A fallacy in which one event is said to be the cause of a later event simply because it occurred earlier.

  Red Herring - An observation that draws attention away from the central issue in an argument or discussion.

  Stacking the Deck - A fallacy in which any evidence that supports an opposing argument is simply rejected, omitted, or ignored.

  Straw Man - A fallacy in which an opponent's argument is overstated or misrepresented in order to be more easily attacked or refuted.

Now this answer says the Nyāya school has defined 21 types of fallacies:

  Gautama, the exponent of Nyaya system, has outlined 21 kinds of fallacies called "nigraha sthanas or points of opponents defeat". (Nyaya Parishuddhi of Swami Vedanta Desika)

What are those 21? Also, has anyone attempted to map those to the Western fallacies ones listed above?


texts: Do methods of worship change according to yugas?

texts:
Are there different methods of worshiping God in different yugas?

For example, in the Sathya Yuga, the major method of worship is meditation or yagas. In Kaliyuga -  chanting of God's name. I have heard that even if Kaliyuga is the worst one, it does have an advantage in the method of worship. People can just chant God's name and can get Moksha.

Could someone please give insight on this?

Edit:

I have two more related questions:

Can we consider these methods as just "different ways" leading to GOD?
And can a person choose any method or only one method according to the current Yuga?


texts: How do Hindu scriptures define the physical appearance of Lord Rama?

texts: Just wanted to know if there's any description of physical appearance of Lord Rama in the Hindu scriptures.


texts: How many children should parents give birth to?

texts: Post independence of India there was a focus to reduce the population in order to curtail poverty. However I am interested to know what scriptures say about number of children one should have, and explanation (if any). Did the number vary by varna ?


texts: Why do we worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on Diwali?

texts:
Diwali the festival of lights is mainly celebrated as on this day Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after completing their 14 year exile. But generally everywhere we find that we worship Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi mata on Diwali.

Why is this so?
Is there any story behind their worship on this day?


texts: Bhakth prahlad chanting Om Namo Bhagvate Vāsudevāya before the birth of Lord Krishna

texts: I was watching Vishnu Puran... i just have a doubt.. the name Vasudeva was for Lord Krishna and hence for Lord Vishnu ... But since birth of Lord Krishna was after prahlad .. how can he chant that mantra


texts: English translation of the Navagraha Kavacham?

texts:
I would like to have an English translation of the meaning of the Navagraha Kavacham.
Does someone know if there is an English translation and where I can find it?


texts: For how many manvantaras did Prithu rule the Earth?

texts:
Prithu, son of Vena is a partial incarnation of Lord Vishnu who ruled the Earth for a long time. He is also mentioned in the Vedas. He is the seer of Mandala 10 hymn 148 of the Rigveda. He is famous for the legend of chasing the Earth Goddess. The Earth is named as Prithvi by his name.

According to Wikipedia, he is the first true sovereign because he there was no vegetation, agriculture and cities, grains etc., All these are developed during his reign. This is also confirmed by a Padma Purana passage which also says he ruled entire planet.

It is said that he started the rule during the secondary creation. But when did his reign end?


texts: Are there really 330 million gods we worship? Where can we find a reference to this?

texts: We as Hindus are encouraged to worship our own Ista devata but are told that there are over 330 million Gods whose blessing we seek during auspicious like weddings, etc. Where do we get this number from? Is this derived from Vedas or other scripts? Is there a list of names for all the 330 million devatas?


texts: What is the difference between various Vaishnava Sampradayas?

texts:
There has been lots of Spiritual masters (I'm avoiding the word Guru deliberately, because of such rampant misuse of it) who were proponents of various sects of Vaishnavam such as Madhava (Brahma-Vaishnavam Sect, ब्रह्म-वैष्णवं), Shridhara Swamy (Rudra-Vaishnavam Sect, रूद्र-वैष्णवं) etc.

What were the main identifying factors of these sects or sampradayas (सम्प्रदाय)? What differentiated these from each other and from themselves?


texts: Are there mention of Samavatsaras in Mahabharata?

texts:
Does Mahabharata mention the name of any Samvatsaras
This link which describes Mahabharata timeline mentions Samvatsaras but does not give the chapter and verse number, so I couldn't verify it.
Please cite Chapter and Verse number in your answer.


texts: Is it true that there were roadside trees in Ayodhya according to Valmiki Ramayana?

texts: Is it mentioned anywhere in Valmiki Ramayana that there are plants or trees on the sides of road in Ayodhya?


texts:
What do the Vedas say about caste? For the purpose of this question you can take a broad approach of the definition of caste.

Like if it is called varna in vedas, then I want to know what the vedas say about varna.

I'm trying to compose a list of quotations about varna or caste.


texts: Marriage between Rakhsasas/Asuras and Devas

texts:
What are well known instances from Hindu Mythology of marriages between groups of mythical times described as Rakhsasas/Asuras (common guru Shukracharya) versus Devas ?

Have natural change of attitude due to conservatism or sect egos been generally met with social acceptance? Did they face outcasting, disapproval, ostracism etc as time went by? Did a fire of revenge or intense dislike pervade overcoming forgivance that time naturally brings about?

I ask this as they are otherwise often depicted as inherently different genetic/chemical natured belligerent adversaries, one group generally  being of piety character and the other as predominantly of evil even though they are said to share an ancient common Kashyapa lineage.

Query is whether marriages were in general less common due to  enmity that came from advice of uncompromising elder clan members or due to chromosomal  driven attitudes that comes to front in wealth sharing /creation.. that conflict with respected modes of Dharma or its interpretation.. or as YDS points out there have been some singular/notable exceptions (Indra/Sachi, Puloma's daughter) that got accepted by powerful violators ...?


texts: What happens to a person's Karma if he attains salvation at the time of his death?

texts:
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter - 8 Verse - 5:

अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् |
य: प्रयाति स मद्भावं याति नास्त्यत्र संशय: || 5||
anta-kāle cha mām eva smaran muktvā kalevaram
yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ yāti nāstyatra sanśhayaḥ
Translation: Those who relinquish the body while remembering me at the moment of death will come to me. There is certainly no doubt about this.

If a person commits crimes like murder, robbery etc. and at the time of his death, thinks of, and reaches God. Then;

What will happen to all his (bad) Karma? Will it be forgiven?

How come a single thought of God, at the moment of death suppress all of his Karma?

Doesn't this violate the Law of Karma?


texts: There are injustice in this world. Innocent animals and birds are put to death. Poor and weak people are tortured. Is God happy with this world?


texts: What is the view of Hinduism on "speaking lie" or "hiding things" among spouses?

texts:
Relationship between husband & wife relies on trust.
Does Hinduism permit anyone of them (husband or wife), to hide things in any situation? (e.g. if speaking "truth" is detrimental/damaging)


texts: Why did Vamana punish king Mahabali when he was the great king and his subjects were happy? Is it purely because he was Asura? Any explanations from scriptures?


texts: What scriptures mention correlation between Kailasa and Sahasrara?

texts:
In the book "Autobiography of an Avadoota by Avadhoota Nadananda", author says Kailasa (mountain) literally means Sahasrara (7th Chakra which has 1000 petals and hence the name).

As per Kundalini Yoga, Sahasrara is seat of SadaShiva and when Kundalini shakti (goddess Shakti metaphorically) unites with Sadashiva in Sahasrara, which is called as Shiva- Shakti union,  Yogi attains Kaivalya (liberation).

This is what author says in his book:

  My mind was questioning the idea of Shiva actually residing in
  Kailash. To me, Shiva is not a form but pure consciousness. ‘Kailash’
  literally means Sahasrara. I wondered of my mind that was eager to
  search for Shiva externally; but is not Shiva in the form of pure
  consciousness already dwelling in everyone’s body in their Sahasrara?
  Instead of this external journey towards Bhukailas or earthly Kailash,
  I felt that I should instead have traveled to the Kailash within me.
  To reach Shiva means to attain the pure consciousness level, which
  will give the realization of ‘what I am’ or the ‘theory of existence’.
  I had read in books that this state was known as ‘Turiya’

  But according to Shakteya theory, the journey does not end there. One
  has to travel one more step to reach Shakti or ‘Turiyateeta’ or
  ‘being’. This is known as awareness, when you experience the practical
  existence. In scientific terms, Shakti is energy. The oneness of these
  two: theory and practical, Shiva and Shakti, knowing and being, is
  termed Ardha-Nareeshwara, which is Advaita Siddhi.

Since man is macrocosm whatever present in Universe is present in him metaphorically.  For example, Yogic or esoteric meaning of Varanasi (Kashi) is given in this answer. So, there must be similar esoteric meaning of Kailasa. I have searched some Yoga Upanishads but couldn't find any correlation between Kailasa and Sahasrara.

My question is : What Scriptures describe correlation between earthly Kailasa  and Sahasrara in Sukshma Sareera (subtle body)?


texts:
Can anyone start this practice?
Is it a lifetime process or can we practice it for few weeks or months like deeksha?
Does it have any limitations/exceptions?
To what extent does it permit to depend on others for livelihood?


texts: Are Shudras and women more fortunate than Brahmanas according to the Vishnu Purana? Or is it better to be a Brahmana?


texts: Have there ever been Hindu atheist/agnostic communities?

texts: While there is a history of atheist/agnostic thought within the Hindu philosophical tradition, have there ever been actual communities of atheist/agnostic Hindus?


texts: Is every print of Shree Bhagavad-Gita the authentic one?

texts: Shree Bhagavad-Gita  is available in different prints or Versions (according to different authors) in the  market. Which one is most authentic one , according with meaning and how one should select the right print for oneself?


texts: Why are sesame seeds used in vedic puja and rituals?

texts: I have seen in many puja and rituals sesame seeds being used with milk. Scriptures also mention its usage in certain rituals. So what's the importance of sesame seeds? Why they are used?


texts: Why should not we pluck fragrant flowers for puja in the evening?

texts:
Can we pluck flowers in the evening (before sunset and/or after sunset)? To be more specific, can we pluck fragrant flowers in the evening and decorate our puja room in our house. Because I have heard people saying we can decorate the room with flowers only in the morning and not after sunset.

Is that true??? Does scriptures says any reason for the same.

Thanks.


texts: Do any vedic verses depict Lord Shiva to be supreme?

texts:
Rudra was mentioned in the Vedas.  In the subsequent literature like Shiva purana,  Shiva/Rudra was described as Supreme God.

Are there are any verses in the Vedas which declare Lord Shiva/Rudra to be supreme?


texts: I heard that  तत्त्वमसि (Tat Tvam Asi) is the Mahavakya. So, I want to know what are the Mahavakyas and which are they?


texts: Is there any relationship between fasting and karma?

texts: I am eager to know and understand whether or not there is any sort of relationship between fasting(either food or water) and karma? Does any scripture clearly states that fasting helps in eliminating/reducing/burning our karmas?


texts:
As we know that there are 2 types of Hindu calendar.

1.Purnimanta    2. Amanta

According to Purnimanta Holi is New Year i.e. Chaitra Krishna Pratipada
but according to Amanta Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is New Year.

So my question :

In these 2 different new year days which one is more accurate and reliable according to ancient hindu scriptures?
Is it True that on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada brahma ji made this world so we should celebrate this as new year?

Thank You.


texts: Prayers to Lord Shiva for daily meditation

texts:
I have a lady friend whom I have advised to meditate to Lord Shiva for 15-30 minutes daily. She is not practicing any formal sadhana and have some worldly desires that she tries to achieve by turning to western style "how to become successful-teachers" that demand a lot of money for their "teachings".

So, I thought why not advice her go to the Lord directly and try to appease Him in order to achieve her desires. Her desires are the usual, get rich and materially happy etc.

Any suggestions? Some nice prayers would be good and maybe advice on a short puja, she could try to get a murti of the Lord and make a simple offering daily.

I am a vaisnava myself but she is not very attracted to the path of renunciation.


texts:
Every Tretha yuga contains Rama and Ravana. Similarly every Dwapara yuga has Krishna.

Is there any mention of multiple Narakasura across different mahayugas?


texts:
From what I've read, I've concluded that Lord Hanuman is one of the seven * Chiranjeevis.* (Immortals). But I am not sure who made Lord Hanuman immortal, and why?

I've heard many rumours that Lord Rama made Lord Hanuman immortal and told Him to wait in the Himalayas with the Vanara sena (army of monkeys). But I don't know what the purpose behind it was.


texts: Was there an agreement not to use child-soldiers in the Mahabharata war?

texts:
Around page 2829 of the CE Sanjaya says

O king! Abhimanyu was still a child and had not yet attained youth. But he was killed

He was full of ecstatic praise for Abhimanyu's valor when he was killing Dhritarashtra's soldiers and kinsmen- but Abhimanyu became a child for Sanjaya after he was killed in a one-on-one combat with another soldier who might have been a child too - Duhshasana's son.
Was there an agreement not to use children in the war?
And whether there was an agreement or not, was anybody under age 18 known to have fought in the war?


texts:
Nyaya is a school of philosophy in Hinduism.
It is a theistic school which believes in one supreme God.
So do nyaya school believe in devatās and do they consider worshipping them.
Or do they reject the existence of devatās.


texts: Which Puranas contain the story of Sri Kurmam temple?

texts:
Sri Kurmam is supposed to be very ancient and divine Kshetra dedicated to Kurma avatara of Sri Maha Vishnu. It was visited by Madvacharya, Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya. It is surrounded by Pancha (5) Linga kshetras and Ashta Tirthas. It has also Sweta Pushkarini.

Which Puranas contain it's (the kshetra, its significance) story?

The image of the deity is here


texts: I want puranas in TRANSLITERATED format.transliteration of Sanskrit into roman script

texts: Ebooks, online or books for purchase also acceptable. Please can anyone help me? Links to all major scriptures is what i need.Thank you!


texts: Is it significant to perform Rudra Abhishekam?

texts: What are the benefits of doing Rudra Abhishekam ?


texts: Where did the children of Pandavas live while they were in exile for 13 years?

texts: When Pandavas 13 year period of exile started, some of their children were already born whereas some were born in the woods (Upapandavas). The Upapandavas were born in the woods and were raised in Panchal. What about the other's like Abhimanyu and other children of Pandavas from their  other wives?


texts: In which scripture do Aditi and Diti occur the earliest?

texts: The Adityas are considered to be offspring of Aditi and Daityas the offspring of Diti.  What is their background?


texts: How to do Prana Pratishtana of Shiv Lingam?

texts:
Recently I got a Shiva Lingam for my home altar. Since its not a Swaymbhu or Banalinga, It must first be energized through Prana Pratishtana. But I do not know the method and mantras for doing the same.

I would like to know How I can do Prana Pratisthana before worshipping Shiva Lingam.


texts: What are the main differences between pranotthana and kundalini?

texts:
I have basic understanding of what the Kundalini Shakti is but there is another energy that starts from mooladhara and ascends the spinal cord via pingala nadi, it is known as pranotthana.

My question:

What is the main purpose of this energy?
What are the basic differences between these two energies?

References from authentic resources would be useful.


texts: What is the order of the importance of Hindu texts?

texts:
In Hinduism, there are many classes of books such as Vedas, Puranas, Smritis etc.,

Suppose any two texts from a different class of books either contradict each other or provides an alternative way of doing the same thing, then what is the order of importance of texts? Does the order of importance is given in scriptures?


texts:
When i read about horrific massacres against hindus during 1400 years of islamic invasion, i wonder if there is a bhagwan or does he really care about his devotees.Why he didnt punish muslims, where is karma ?.
Here is one such example http://www.ikashmir.net/exodus/index.html


texts: Meaning & Information about Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho

texts:
I'd like to know the meaning of the "Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho" mantra, which is the effect in the mind as well as its history. Is it part of some ancient text?

Any information about this mantra is highly appreciated!

I've been researching over the internet and the information available is not much, practically none.

Thanks,


texts: Relationships between prayers and devotion

texts:
What do the Gods do every time?

How do they spend their leisure time?

Does God watch us everyone and listen to each of our prayers?

God's complete satisfaction is the prayers and devotion we offer to him/her.

Please provide me the answer about Prayers, Devotion and Love to God.


texts: Why are Ahalya and Draupadi part of the Panchakanya?

texts:
Panchakanya are considered role-model women.

Panchakanya(पञ्चकन्या, pañcakanyā), also known as the Five Virgins, is a group of five iconic heroines of Hindu epics, extolled in a hymn and whose names are believed to dispel sin when recited. They are Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, Tara and Mandodari. Sits, Ahalya, Tara, Mandodari are from the epic Ramayana; while Draupadi is from Mahabharata.[1][2]
The panchakanya are venerated as ideal women and chaste wives in one view.

If so, how are Ahalya and Draupadi part of the list?
Ahalya committed adultery knowing that it is Indra, and Draupadi had multiple husbands, something forbidden by Hindu scripture but was exceptionally permitted to Draupadi.
How can these women be role-models?


texts: Does anyone have access to the texts or manuscripts of the Parameswara Tantram and the Vadavanaliya Tantram?

texts:
Paarameshwara tantra ( Contains Unmatta bhairava panchanga)

Vaadavaanaliya Tantra ( Contains Shweta Kaalii panchanga)

Does anyone have access to the texts or manuscripts of these two Tantras?

Is it okay if I keep updating this list by editing the question?


texts: Are the planets of our solar system ( like Brihaspati, Shukra, Chandra etc) Devas or the abodes of the respective Devas?

texts:
We all know that Brihaspati is Teacher of Devas. Shukracharya is also teacher of Daityas. Mangal Deva etc. Are also Deva. So are the planets and sun moon just their abodes or is Surya Deva really a sphere of Hydrogen changing to Helium etc. ? If these planets and sun, moon are the very Deva, then does man landing on moon lands on Chandra Deva's body? Did the satellite of India 'MangalaYaana' land on Mangal's body.? Then why did not these Devatas talked to Human beings.?

And if this is their Abode, then where is the well expounded aishwarya of their respective Lokas- the throne of these Deva, their servants, palace etc.?

We cannot deny that the planet our sages pointed in sky and calling them Devatas, are not the same planets and celestial bodies that have been reached by humans now.

And if human being is this able to reach their Abode, where has gone the power of these Devatas? Why did not the gatekeepers of their Loka obstruct satellites and human beings reaching Saturn, Mangal, Moon etc.

The celestial objects that we see now are the very ones who were pointed by the Shastras and Purans. So these celestial objects have to be- either the Devatas, or their Loka. And in both case, if human being is this able that to even reach them, where has gone their power? This all leads to us thinking that all things written in our Shastras are just some very very intelligent imagination by some very very wise and intellectual persons. And the GOD is also one of this Imagination. And if it be so, then does God exist. And if the things written them are true, then where is the validity of the fact that has been questioned?

Please note, then I am not a science based atheist hypocrite. I am very devoted to Mother Lalita. But doubts of this kind, as I mentioned in my question, make me feel if God even exists or not. Moreover, if God exists and the composers of Veda Purans were blessed by this Same God, then how could they be so wrong in writing these facts about the celestial bodies?


texts: Worship of one god and worship of Shri Ram

texts:
In Bhagvad Gita , Lord Vishnu says, Worship me alone :-

http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/Gita/verse-09-23.html

  Even those who, being devoted to other gods and endowed with faith,
  worship (them), they also, O son of Kunti, worship Me alone (though)
  following the wrong method.

Here Bhagvan clearly says worshipping other gods is wrong or is a unauthorised manner.

So is worship of Prabhu Shriram is wrong or Unauthorised?

Is chanting name of Lord Shriram is unauthorised worship of almighty god although he was one of the avataras of Lord Vishnu?

Is chanting name of krishna is the only authorised namajapa or worship in our hinduism???

If one worships Bhagavan Shriramkrishna then will it be unauthorised?

Please clarify.


texts:
I would like to know why Manyu Suktam is associated with Vishnu’s Avatara Lord Narasimha. From Wikipedia I read :

  From Prajapati, when he had become enfeebled, the deities departed.
  Only one god, Manyu, did not leave him, but continued extended within
  him. He (Prajapati) wept. The tears which fell from him remained in
  that 'Manyu'. He became Rudra with a hundred heads, a hundred eyes,
  and a hundred quivers.

  Then the other drops which fell from him in unnumbered thousands
  entered into these worlds. They were called Rudras because they sprang
  from him when he had wept. This Rudra with a thousand heads, eyes, and
  quivers, stood with his bow strung, and arrows on the string, causing
  terror, and demanding food.

  The gods were afraid of him. They said to Prajapati,:'We are afraid of
  this being, lest he destroy us.' Prajapati said to them: 'Collect for
  him food, and with it appease him.' They collected for him this food,
  the Satarudriya."

  Later, all gods,including Prajapati sang Satarudriya hymns and
  appeased Rudra. Satarudriyam begin with the words : "Namaste Rudra
  Manyava..... ( Salutations to thy anger O Rudra.... )

...so shouldn’t be Rudra or Shiva?

Satapatha Brahmana IX-1-1-6


texts: Are there any hidden Vedantic or any other philosophical teachings in the stories of Mahabharata?

texts: Is Mahabharata a mere Ithihasa or whether the stories of Mahabharata have any hidden esoteric or metaphorical meanings?


texts: Where else is the story of Rukmini's called-off Svayamvara mentioned?

texts:
Most of us will be familiar with the story of how Krsna married Srimati Rukmini. Rukmini, due to her brother's friendship with Jarasandha, was betrothed to Shishupala. She then sent a Brahmana to Dvaraka with a message, following which Krsna came to Kundinapura and abducted her from the premises of the Gauri Temple, and bringing her to Dvaraka, married her.

But the Harivamsa has a very different story to tell. It tells us of a Svayamvara organised by Rukmi for his sister, much against the wishes of his father King Bheeshmaka. This begins from the 47th Chapter of the Vishnu Parva of Harivamsa and conitnues till Chapter 51.

Accordingly, when Rukmi organises this Svayamvara, all his friends, namely, Jarasandha, Shalva, Paundraka, Dantavakra, Shishupala and others come to the Svayamvara. Krsna too arrives with Balarama to attend this Svayamvara. Upon seeing Krsna, who arrives on Garuda  (what a show-off), Jarasandha, Shalva, Dantavakra and others get instant Jnana, and they realise that Krsna is God, and like very dharmic people, say that Rukmini is eligible to marry Krsna. Krsna arrives, and is greeted by Bheeshmaka. Both of them have a nice friendly chat, during which Krsna tells BHeeshmaka that since Rukmini is Mahalakshmi, she can marry only Krsna.

Bheeshmaka agrees, and after apologising to the kings, sends them home. The Kings, like Brahmajnanis, gracefully accept his apology and go back. Except, Jarasandha asks Shalva to go to Kalayavana, who attacks Krsna. It is after this that Krsna shifts to Dvaraka, and then the usual story of Shishupala's betrothal continues, without the letter of Rukmini.

So, the main question is: Where else is this story mentioned? Because in Srimad Bhagavatam, Kalayavana arrives on the advise of Narada, not Shalva. Also, how did all those demoniac kings become dharmic and Brahmajnanis and realise who Krsna really is?


texts: Why religious activities aren't suggested during absence of Venus?

texts: In most of places where Hindu religion is believed, Most of the religious activities are not suggested during period of absence of Venus. Can anyone describe reason behind this ?


texts: Are vedic chanting (swara) only applicable to vedas?

texts:
I came across 'swaras' a few days ago:

Are Swaras (see this answer which explains them) only applicable to vedic chants, what about the stotras in tantric texts?

Also what about Swaras of stotras found within Mahabharata or Ramayana? Same thing for purana.

I couldn't find Swaras for Aditya Hridyam and Vishnu Sahasranamam. If they exist, do post the link for the same.


texts: We know that in India ,there is caste system.  But can anybody tell me how caste are produced ? Also,  is it present only in India ?


texts: Why isn't Parashurama worshipped like the other Vishnu Avatars?

texts: Vishnu Avatars like Rama and Krishna get worshipped in all main regions of India. But why doesn't Parashurama get worshipped that much? Is there some reason for it? Parashurama is the longest-serving Avatar of Vishnu. He is even said to be living in the mortal world and will train Kalki avatar. So why doesn't he get worshipped that much?


texts: What are the qualities of Brahman according to Upanishads?

texts:
According the major Upanishads what are the qualities of the Brahman?

Note: Not interested in any cliche like 'Brahman is attributeless' because attributelessness itself is an attribute hence makes for a calculative paradox.

E.g from Ajai Alai

  "Invincible, Indestructible;
  Fearless, Unchanging;
  Unformed, Unborn;
  Imperishable, Etheric;
  Unbreakable, Impenetrable;
  Unseen, Unaffected;
  Undying, Merciful;
  Indescribable, Uncostumed;
  Nameless, Desireless;
  Unfathomable, Incorruptible;
  Unmastered, Destroyer;
  Beyond birth, Beyond silence;
  Beyond love, Beyond color;
  Beyond form, Beyond shape;
  Beyond karma, Beyond doubt;
  Unconquerable, Indescribable ;"


texts:
Has anyone heard about Aswarooda Devi?  if yes, please explain the importance of this Goddess.
is the worship only for some special purposes? or can it be a part of daily prayer?
What's her moolamantra && what's the Dhyanam?


texts: When was the last Ashwamedha yajna conducted?

texts: I have read at few sites that Pushyamitra Shunga (2nd century B.C.) had conducted two Ashwamedha yajnas. Did any king conduct Ashwamedha yagna after Pushyamitra ?


texts: What were the various reasons of the decline of Sanskrit language in India ?

texts: Why did Sanskrit decline in India ? What were the various reasons known, for the decline of this language ?


texts:
In a traditional Hindu marriage, the bride is 'gifted' to the groom by her father Like Godaan (gifting of cow) bhudaan (gifting of land) etc women are treated as objects that can be gifted away !

Infact in many places, the this act of 'gifting' of the girl to the groom is what a marriage is? Even the invitation in south india is printed stating that "kanyaadaan of so and so girl to so and so boy is to take place" etc.

Has it got vedic sanction?

As far as my knowledge goes, there is no mention of ‘kanyaadaan’ in the Vedas. But the dharma sastras and grihya sutras do mention about ‘giving’ a kanya in marriage. But how this became ‘daana’ or gift only god knows. It is said that the bridegroom who is the receiver, is treated as mahavishnu. Naturally the bride has to be mahalakshmi then. But who is competent to give ‘mahalakshmi’ as a gift ?

A gift is a gift in what ever sense you use the term. Further, when gifting a kanya, no vedic hymn is chanted. However, the following verse is chanted by the father (in south India)

  Kanyaam, kanaka sampannaam, kanakaabharana bhushithaam,

  Daasyami Vishnave Thubhyam Brahmaloka jigeeshaya

  Viswarambara:, sarvabootha: Saakshina: sarvadevathaa:

  Imam Kanyaam pradaasyami pitrunam tharanaya cha.

  Meaning: with a desire to attain brahmaloka and for the salvation of forefathers, I give this kanya along with gold and jewellery to you, oh Vishnu…. Here the kanya is gifted in return for brahmaloka and the salvation of her forefathers ! verily, it is a gift in the real sense.

And let us see what the groom has to say when receiving this gift:

The Taittiriya Aranyaka has certain mantras called "pratigrahana mantras". (3rd prasna 10th anuvaka). These mantras are recited to remove the sin incurred when ever a gift is received. The bride groom chants these mantras to remove the so called sin he incurs by receiving the bride as gift !

The hymns are as follows:

  devasya tvaa savitu: prasave | ashvinorbaahubhyaam | pushno hastaabhyaam pratigrhnaami |
  raajaa tvaa varuno nayatu devi dakshine agnaye hiranyam | tenaamrtatvamasyaam | vayo daatre | mayo mahyamastu pratigraheetre |
  ka idam kasmaa adaat
  Kaamah kaamaayaadaat
  Kaamo daataa, kaamah pratigrheetaa
  Kaamah samudramaavishat
  kaamena tvaa pratigrhnaami |
  kaamaitatte |
  esha te kaama dakshinaa |
  uttaanastvaangirasah pratigrhnaatu |
  prajaapataye kanyaam

Meaning:

  With the permission of the Divine Savitr, I take hold of (accept) (this gift) with the arms of the ashwins, and the hands of Pusan.
  The king varuna brings this gift of gold meant for agni, Oh devi dakshine ! By this May I become immortal. Let the giver get nourishment and may I the receiver get happiness as a result of this act.
  Who gives what to whom? Kama is the giver and kama is the receiver. KAma is the giver, kAma is the receiver, the gift enters into the ocean of desire. It is through kAma that I receive you as gift. Oh kAma, this gift is yours, this dakshina is yours
  May the rishi uttaanah aangeerasa receive this kanya for prajapati.

Here, by chanting the above hymns the groom is disassociating himself from receiving the gift and therefore incurs no sin !

My questions therefore are

1. If kanyadan is not a gift but just ‘giving’ the daughter in marriage as is sought to be conveyed, then why the groom should chant the pratigrahana mantra?

2. Even if it be a gift, then why receiving such an invaluable gift be treated as sin?

P.S : If kanyadaan is indeed vedic then please provide direct reference from the Vedas or grihya sutras and also the corresponding riks to be chanted while doing the process.


texts: Origin of statement on devas and asuras residing in same body in Kaliyuga

texts:
Many years ago I read a printed compilation of verses translated into English without citation as to source (but alleged to be from śāstra), and without the Sanskrit. One of these stuck out as interesting, and I paraphrase it roughly as follows:
In Satya-yuga, devas and asuras resided in different lokas (planets); in Tretā-yuga, on different continents; in Dvāpara-yuga, in different cities; but in Kali-yuga, they reside within the same body.
While this makes logical sense as referring to daiva-sampat and āsura-sampat (as described in Chapter 16 of Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā), I have not found any statement like this in any Purāṇa. Has anyone heard this from an authoritative source or has even a hint of a reference or attribution?


texts: Do Sri Vaishnavas believe you should not eat food in the presence of others?

texts:
The famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya was once asked by his shishya Vangipuram Nambi what the obstacles to Moksha are.  In response, he gave a list of 83 obstacles to Moksha, known as the Virodhi Pariharam.  The 55th item on the list is "Bhojya Virodhi", which means "food is an obstacle".  Here is Vangipuram's explanation of what falls under that obstacle:

  The obstacles in this head are: food eaten in the houses of materialistic family; food eaten in houses of ordinary people related by natural kinships; the god's prasadam at special occasions given by people desirous of trivial objectives; not accepting prasadams in divyadesams of great influence; food eaten in houses of mere devotees of God; food self-cooked in srivaishnava houses; food given on an account; food offered for fame; wedding food; food for posthumous rites; food given for a price; defiled food; food given on a declaration; food given with some pride; food touched by others; food kept in vessels touched by others; food cooked by people thinking of other god or chanting other verses; food not cooked by people thinking of the God and reciting divyaprabandham; food not prepared with the objective of God and bhaagavatas but with the objective of oneself; food served from vessels not having the emblem of tirunamam; food not already offered to the God; food offered by ordinary people to the God; food cleaned of others sight; food offered only to the God and not to Sesha Seshaashana (Anantha Garuda adhi nithyasooris) and Alwars; food defiled as a category; food defiled owing to its possession; food circumstantially defiled owing to falling of worms,insects hair etc; food eaten in the row of non-bhaagavatas; food eaten after chanting bad things; food not offered with dvaya chanting; food eaten with the sense of enjoyability; food eaten without sense of its being prasadam of bhagavan; food eaten without a sense of worship of internal God; food eaten without completion of the God's worship; food not eaten as the prasadam of the food accepted by bhaagavatas; food not taken as the prasadam of a good Acharya; food eaten with a mere wrong sense as the remainder of pancha prana aahuthis; food eaten without an understanding of the power of sanctification of the seeing and touch etc of special bhaagavatas; food eaten with hesitation to mix with bhaagavatas who are sanctifiers of the row in which they are sitting (pankti pavanar); regular food in one's house and regular food in the houses of persons equal to the Acharya.

Now there are many items I could ask about, but I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what does Vangipuram Nambi mean by saying that "food cleaned of others sight" is an obstacle to Moksha?

Does it mean that it's bad to eat food that's free from other's people sight, i.e. you should eat in the presence of others?  That seems to be the meaning, but that's contrary to the traditional advice that you should eat when others aren't looking, to avoid their evil eye.  But perhaps that advice is for those who are concerned with the materialistic harm that comes from the evil eye, and not for those who seek Moksha.  Perhaps those seeking Moksha should be willing to share their food with onlookers.

Are there any commentaries on the Virodhi Pariharam that shed light on this?


texts: What type of siddhi is it where one can create one's own world or loka?

texts:
Vishwamitra created his own heavenly universe after being denied acess to Trisanku to devaloka. Many buddhists also say they have experienced pureland,which must have been created through siddhi of a buddhist yogi.Bon practicioners also have their own heavens or purelands.

Yogis can also create Jñāna ganja/gyanganj through their powers,wich exist in the astral realm.

More on jñāna ganja/Gyan ganj  can be read at here

What type of siddhi is this?

edit:maybe buddhist bodhisattvas have merely attained a baindava body wich is immortality but that this is not moksha.the purelands they attain are created through the siddhi of Prāṇa Jyoti wich allows full mastery over the elements,and this is why buddhas and other ascended masters can create their own lokas through this siddhi in the etheric plane or planes.

this is also what allows hindu siddhas to create realms in the astral.


texts:
Many people ask me 'why are you a vegetarian?', but I don't have a perfect answer for them.

I want a perfect answer on why should we be vegetarian


texts: Do people have same preferences and liking towards everything in this world or are they wiped like a clean slate after reincarnation?

texts: I have no doubt that whether reincarnation occurs and also that rarely people have any memory of their past life, but I have a serious concern. I have a great liking of music that too specially for Indian classical genre. So when I am reborn in this world will I again have the same appreciation and liking for it? So the question is simple that do we cease to be the kind of person that we were in our last birth and start from zero again?


texts: According to scriptures is it allowed to keep Tulasi inside home?

texts: Tulasi is considered to be sacred. Is it allowed to keep it inside the home as per the scriptures?


texts: What's the difference among "Shiva" vs "Shankara" vs "Rudra"?

texts:
According to below post "Shiva" is different than the "[Lord] Shankara":
Are Lord Shiva and Lord Shankar two different deities?

According to Gita "Shankara" is one of the "Rudra"-s:

  10.23 Among the Rudras [Aja, Ekapada, Ahirbudhnya, Pinaki, Aparajita, Tryam-baka, Mahesvara, Vrsakapi, Sambhu, Harana and Isvara. Different Puranas give different lists of eleven names.-Tr,] I am Sankara, ... (Gambhirananda)

However often we see discussions related to these 3, with their names interchangeable. Is this OK?

Are these 3 different entities or 2 of them are same or all are same?

Note: This Qn was earlier asked on Meta, however after learning that this Qn may require scriptures reference, it has been moved to main SE.


texts: Does nAma-japa also require dikshA (initiation)?

texts:
As far as Mantra japa is concerned, I think everybody knows that the first step towards Mantra Siddhi (mastery over the mantra) is Guru DikshA (taking the mantra from one's Guru) and then we have to do Purasacharana.

However, for NAma japa, i.e when one is simply reciting some names of Gods (like Shiva, DurgA or any other), does one still require an initiation?

One famous instance, from our scriptures, of how NAma japa has entirely transformed a person is the case of Rishi VAlmīki, who wrote the epic of RAmAyaṇa.

In his case, however, he was initiated (afaik) into the NAma japa by Devarshi NArada.

So, does that mean even for NAma japa initiation is required?

NOTE- I want answers that are based on scriptures.


texts:
I got chicken pox in November, My mother cancelled her whole Karthika Masam pujas

Why no one should perform any Puja if someone from their family suffering from Chicken Pox?


texts: Who do I bow down to the feet and who to the hand?

texts: Every time I see a person from my Father's family, my parents ask me to bow down to their feet. However, when I see someone like my 'mama' (mother's brother) or an unrelated elder person I have to bow to their hand only. I don't understand why this is so. Why bow differently to certain people?


texts: Is Jayadeva's Gita Govinda a religious text for any sect?

texts:
It is supposed to be religious:

http://www.ocasopress.com/jayadeva-gita-govinda.html

  WithJayadeva's poem became the focus of a religious sect in India. Buddhism and Hinduism sought to release the enlightened from worldly illusions through renunciation, meditation and physical austerities. Particularly to be avoided was carnal pleasure. In Gita Govinda, however, Krishna embodies the erotic sentiment, and in that sense the cowgirls serve him with rapture and unselfishness. Jayadeva developed the aesthetic experience of love, and the songs typically end with dedications to Krishna, which urge readers to cultivate an appreciation of a taste that is both mental discrimination and physical relish. The two are inseparable, each growing from the other. The poem combines the sweetness of the experiences described, the poetry itself, and the joy that devotees find in relishing Krishna through the text. Indian theologians took this concept of taste further, seeing the lover as someone lifted from the particular into an abstract and universal experience of love, which is the ultimate joy or beatitude, a taste of Brahman itself. The aesthetic experience became a religious one, a state of total absorption in, devotion to and enjoyment of Krishna.

But it has quite explicit depiction of erotic love.


texts: How many times was Dwaraka invaded in the absence of Krishna as narrated in the Mahabharata or other puranas? One is known to me when king Shalva attacked Dwaraka to avenge the killing of his friend Shishupala by Krishna. Are there any other similar events narrated either in the Mahabharata or in any of the puranas?


texts: Why did Lakshmi become Bhrigu's daughter Vedavalli?

texts:
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to the Parthasarathi Vishnu temple in Chennai.  The main deity of the temple is a statue installed by the sage Vyasa depicting Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna.  The temple is also the place where Thirumazhisai Alwar converted from Shaivite to Vaishnavism.  But my question is about another feature about the temple.  Even before the arrival of the Krishna statue, there was another Vishnu statue in this place, the Ranganatha statue, similar to the deity of the Sri Rangam temple, depicting Vishnu lying down on the serpent Adiseshan.

The story of this Ranganatha statue is that Lakshmi was born in this place as Bhrigu's daughter Vedavalli, and Vishnu came as Ranganatha and married her.  Here is what the temple website says:

  The oldest of the shrines in the temple is that of Sri Mannadha Swamy (SRI RANGANADHAR). It is said that Sri Mahalakshmi in the guise of a young child came away from Her abode- the chest of Maha Vishnu in the Ksheerabdhi Sayanam – due to some misunderstanding (Pranaya Kalagam) with the Lord, to Brindaranya where she was brought up by Bhrigu Maharshi who got her married to Sri Ranganatha, who had come in the guise of beautiful prince to Brindharanya, on Suddha Makha Dwadasi (twelfth bright fortnight) in the month of February-March, which is considered to be very sacred by all, as it is said that Sri Vedavalli has addressed Sri Mannadha to bless all Bhaktas who worship them on that day of Marriage attain all prosperity and salvation or Moksha in the end. There is a separate shrine within the main shrine for Sri Ranganatha who is reclining on Adi Sesha and facing East with his consorts and Brahma in the naval. There are two other images in that shrine one is Sri Narasimha and the other is Sri Varaha facing each other north and south.

My question is, what is the misunderstanding between Vishnu and Lakshmi that led to Lakshmi coming to earth and becoming Bhrigu's daughter Vedavalli?  Clearly this is Vishnu's Lila, but I'd like to know the details.

The only other story I know of where Lakshmi leaves the ocean of milk due to a misunderstanding with Vishnu is the story of Venkateshwara, but there she leaves because of Bhrigu's kick, she doesn't become Bhrigu's daughter.  It also occurred to me that this story may be connected to the birth of Lakshmi described in this chapter of the Vishnu Purana:

  Thus, Maitreya, in former times the goddess Śrí conferred these boons upon the king of the gods, being pleased by his adorations; but her first birth was as the daughter of Bhrigu by Khyáti: it was at a subsequent period that she was produced from the sea, at the churning of the ocean by the demons and the gods, to obtain ambrosia.

But there Lakshmi's mother is said to be Bhrigu's wife Khyati, whereas Vedavalli was found by Bhrigu in a pond.  In any case, do any scriptures shed light on this?


texts: What is the status of Gods other than Vishnu in Dwaita?

texts:
According to Dvaita, there are three categories. Jada, Jeeva and Ishwara.

Now Ishwara is Narayana. What are other Gods or Devathas? Like Lakshmi, Brahma, Saraswathi, Rudra, Devi, Indra, Surya etc etc

Are these Jeevatmas, if so are these Mukthathmas or Bandhatmas?, If these are Bandhatmas where will they go after Mukthi?

Or are these Avathara roopas like Rama, Krishna and Vishnu (One for the Adityas, A form of Narayana) or Amsha Roopas like Parashurama and Kapila etc etc

Please if you can give references it will be helpful.


texts: How many types of Yogic practices are there?

texts:
I have heard about few types of Yogic practices. For example, Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga etc. Exactly how many types of Yogic practices are mentioned in our scriptures? Please give references from Scriptures, not from any secondary sources.
I just want to add one clarification. Here I am not using the term Yoga in the spiritual metaphysical sense. For example, Karma Yoga, Gyana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga - these are different paths for metaphysical gainings. Here I am interested in yogic practices (in physical sense), like a form of exercise kinds of activity, that are mentioned in the Yoga branch of Hindu Philosophy.


texts: Why do people avoid going outside during eclipse time?

texts:
Generally people avoid going outside during eclipse time. Pujari closes the temple's door  during eclipse time.

What is the reason behind this ?


texts: How is being born on Nag Panchami beneficial?

texts: I was born on Nag Panchami. Being a Narcissist, I wanted to know the advantages one gets if born in Nag Panchami. What do the scriptures or astrology maintain on this?


texts: How much destructive the earlier weapons were?

texts: We often hear of various weapons used by various Gods and different other people, which are said to be almost undefeatable. I want to know is there anything written in texts describing these weapons such as Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Shiva's trishul, Lord Shiva's bow, Pashupatastra, Narayanastra, Bramhastra, Indra's Vajra, etc. I mean how they were structured, how much destructive they were, who was their creator, what all were required to operate them.


texts: Many people fear taking the Shani maharaj Darshan from front side , they avoid looking into the eyes of idol of Shani. Is there any shastra reference for the same. Thank you for your inputs. Pranam.


texts: Is everything fixed and I (as a limited individual) am not the doer in spite of Heisenberg's uncertainty?

texts:
Is everything fixed in spite of Heisenberg's uncertainty and the so called 'doer-ship of limited individuals'?

Is there free-will or is life just a movie that we are forced to watch?


texts: Questions about Origins and the Apocalypse

texts:
I have a school assignment on Origins and Apocalyptic tales. I would like to understand your beliefs on how the world was created and how it will end and have created the following questions to help me do so. I would appreciate it if you were able to answer them. Please answer in as much depth as possible and if you have any queries feel free to ask them to clear it up. Thank you!
Long responses are fine :)
This is different from another question as it is an ethnographic study with precise questions to understand in depth what people's beliefs (or experiences) may be.

What is your belief on how the world and human life was created and how does it, if at all, differ from your friends or family?
Is this belief shared across your entire religion or does it differ with denominations?
Does this belief have any significance to you? Does it impact your day to day life or how you live it?

What is your belief on how the world will end, aka the “apocalypse”, and how does it differ, if at all, from your friends or family?
Is this belief shared across your entire religion or does it differ with denominations?
Does this belief have any significance to you? Does it impact your day to day life or how you live it?

Where did these beliefs come from?


texts: Which one of these two mantras is more powerful?

texts:
This was new for me when I heard the mantra:

  Aum Namah Shakti Shivay

Normally we chant:

  Aum Namah Shivay

My questions:

For knowledge sake I would like to read references from our scriptures where 'Aum Namah Shakti Shivay' has been used.
Which of these two mantras is more powerful?


texts: If Sanskrit is derived from Vedic mantras then how were the Gods communicating before?

texts:
It is said that the language sanskrit is derived from Vedas, i.e. mantras were first revealed to Rishis in deep meditation and then Sanskrit language came from it.

But we also know that Sanskrit is the language of Gods. So how was communication taking place in heaven and other realms or for that matter between Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva before Sanskrit came into form we know today.

EDIT

There are some who are of the view that Sanskrit was being spoken in other realms before it was revealed to Rishis. That may not be true as "manasputras" preceded devtas. But then for a moment ignore this, accept that Sanskrit was being spoken in heaven and other lokas, and take a step back.

Even Lord Brahma got the Vedas in meditation. He didn't author it. So are we saying vedas were revealed to Lord Brahma who explained it to beings in other realms and in the process Sanskrit language was developed ?


texts: What is the source of Ramayana Manka 108?

texts: Ramayana Manka 108 is a famous bhajan which tells the complete story of Ramayana in 108 couplets. What is the source of this bhajan and who is the author?


texts:
I'd like to know the "atom". According to Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.35,

"yad-antaḥ aṇḍāntara-stha-paramāṇu-cayāntara-stham"

Kṛṣṇa is present in His fullness in every one of the atoms that are scattered throughout the universe.
I can't figure out atom. It seems like capsule which made from mahat-tattva.
Srila Prabhupada wrote that the atom is the minute subtle form of eternal time.
That confuses me even more.
So, what constitutes atom?


texts: Is there a scriptural source for wearing a single Rudraksha bead tied around the neck?

texts:
RudrakShajabala Upanishad Verse 18
त्रिशतं त्वधमं पञ्चशतं मध्यममुच्यते ।
सहस्रमुत्तमं प्रोक्तमेवं भेदेन धारयेत् ॥
The wearing of three hundred is said to be the lowest; of five hundred ordinary, and of one thousand the best. Knowing the difference one should wear it.
Does that mean the wearing of three hundred Rudraksha is the minimum?  I have seen a lot of traditional as well as authentic people wearing a single bead on a thread around their neck.  I wonder if there is any authentic scriptural source (pramaana) for this procedure.


texts: Recommend some books or online sites for self- learning Prana Pratishta techniques

texts:
What are some good books (in Bengali, English, Hindi or Sanskrit) for self-learning the method of Prana Pratishta (invoking life-force of Deites) on Yantras, idols etc?

I am looking for books or even online sites with (audio/video) demonstrations.


texts:
I am bit curious to understand why is the third eye in Shiva/Shakti depicted vertically not horizontally like the other two eyes, is there any specific reason/logic behind that or is it just accidental, somebody did it and everyone is merely following the norm?

Do we have any explanations for this in any of our scriptures?


texts: Why do we worship ‘Tulsi’ plant and Peepal Tree?

texts: Why do we worship ‘Tulsi’ plant at homes and Peepal Tree at Temple


texts: What is dharmic science behind legends about brick walls flying

texts: In stories about Sant Dyandev and Sant Changdev it is said that Dyandev humbled Changdev, who was coming on a tiger, by meeting him on a flying brick wall. Does anyone have information about the significance of the great sant making brick wall move, other than what is on the internet/wikipedia? Something more informative than his yogic shaktis.


texts: As with any devi upasana, there exists a trishati stotram for that devi (eg: Lalita etc.) I tried to find Tara Trishati stotram in various books related to Tara and unable to find it. Can anyone help me in finding Tara Trishati?