texts: Why Lakshmana did not tell the name of Ravana to Hanuman even he knows?

texts:
Jataayu tells to Rama that Ravana abducted the Sita

  "Oh, boy Rama, blest is your eternality, for whom you are searching as
  with the search of a rejuvenescent herb in the vast of forest, Ravana
  stole that lady and my lives, too... [3-67-15]

But later Lakshmana tell to Hanuman that they do not know who abducted the Sita

  "He who aspires to keep up the well-being of all the beings, and he
  who is merited for all comforts and respectability is now devoid of
  his prosperity and predisposed to forest dwelling... such as he is,
  his wife is abducted by a guise changing demon in a lonely place, of
  whom we know not... we know not which demon stole his wife... [4-4-13,
  14]

The only possibilities I can think are either Lakshmana did not hear the conversation between Rama and Jataayu or Lakshmana is intentionally hiding the truth.

But there is no chance for the former reason because Rama told the following words to Lakshmana

  "Lakshmana, this eagle which has dashed to rescue Seetha in order to
  render help to me is slain by that brute-forced Ravana, only because
  of me, you see... [3-68-22]

And there is also a less chance for the latter reason because of the reason that Lakshmana may not speak untuth that too infront of Rama.

Then what is the actual reason (or strategy) for Lakshmana to hide the information about Ravana abducting Sita?


texts:
It is believed that the one who understands chidambara rahasyam attains jnanam and gets enlightened.

There are many books and TV serials on this topic.

It is related to Sri naTarAja swami temple in the town of Chidambaram.

What are the details of this chidambara rahasyam?


texts: Where to find P.K.leelamma's translation of the Devi Shapthasathi into english online?

texts: Is the book written by Smt P K Leelamma on Devi Mahathmyam available online?  please let me know thru email. It is a Ramakrishna Mission Trissur publication of the 1930s.


texts: Do ancient Devanagari / Sanskrit manuscripts avoid ligatures?

texts:
I am looking at (for example) this:

In it, each individual character is isolated, as opposed to the "bar" that runs across modern Devanagari text. This got me wondering, are they not using ligatures in examples like this? Are they somehow just using very basic symbols? What are they doing?


texts: What were the Buddha's agreements and disagreements with Hinduism?

texts: Although Hindus didn't call themselves Hindus when he lived, he would have been born a Hindu.  What factors pushed him away from Hinduism? I can think of two - He was against the caste system and did not believe in the authority of the Vedas or Vedic sacrifices.  But still there must have been enough commonalities for Hindus to regard him as an incarnation of Vishnu and for Sankara's critics to call him a "hidden Buddhist"


texts: What are some breathing techniques or pranayama mentioned by Vivekananda

texts:
I was going through the book, "Raj Yoga" by vivekanada, and I found a breathing technique, where he mentions that the practitioner should inhale for 4 counts, hold the breath for 8, and exhale for 4 counts. He mentions that this is the simplest and the easiest pranayam, and that western people will have no problem doing this.

I found that most of what he was teaching, he kept it simple as most of the attendees to the lectures were western people and without any initiation or understanding of the indian yogic system. He sometimes drops a hint that there are dificult forms of pranayam, some of which may need empty stomach or special dieting or more control over the breath.

These hatched three questions inside me.

what other different pranayama techniques that he mentioned? (can you mention with reference)
Which pranayama techniques he practiced himself?
how did he came to know or discovered these techniques?


texts: Which are seven Hotā mentioned in Śiva Saṅkalpa Sūkta?

texts:
Śiva Saṅkalpa Sūkta is a sūkta of six Śloka from 34th chapter of Ṣukla Yajurveda. This hymn is dedicated to (a prayer) for having mind of Śiva (auspicious, good) Saṅkalpa (thoughts, intentions).

Fourth mantra read as follows:

  येनेदं भूतं भुवनं भविष्यत् परिगृहिततममृतेन सर्वम् ।
  येन यज्ञस्तायते सप्त होता तन्मे मनः शिवसंकल्पमस्तु ।।

  yenedaṃ bhūtaṃ bhuvanaṃ bhaviṣyat parigṛhitatamamṛtena sarvam |
  yena yajñastāyate sapta hotā tanme manaḥ śivasaṃkalpamastu ||

English translation:

  4 Whereby, immortal, all is comprehended, the world which is,
  and what shall be hereafter,
  Whereby spreads sacrifice with seven Hotars, may that, my
  mind, be moved by right intention.

As discussed in this answer there are mainly four types of group of ṛtvij (Vedic Priests) who accomplish the whole Yajna, Hotṛ, Udgātṛ, Adhvaryu and Brahma which recites hymns from Ṛg, Sāma, Yajur and Atharva  Vedas respectively.

Here seven Hotā are mentioned. I want to know which those seven Hotās are.


texts: If there is a conflict between Pratyaksha pramana and Sruti, which one takes precedence according to Vishishtadvaita Vedanta?

texts:
Most schools of Vedanta accept only 3 sources of right knowledge (or pramana): Pratyaksha (empiricism/observation), Anumana (inference/reasoning), and Shabda (scriptures).

According to Vedanta:

Pratyaksha is known to have some inherent defects such as:

Observations can be illusory (rope appears as a snake).
Confirmation bias (individual sees what they want to see).
Poor memory (individual cannot correctly recall observation).
Dishonesty (individual has tendency to lie about what he observed).

Inference/reasoning by itself has an unsure basis, and so reasoning must always be based on empiricism or scripture. People can make faulty inferences and you can never be sure if you're reasoning is correct without observations to back it up. Also, someone who is better at reasoning or debating can come and logically disprove your arguments.

Sruti is verbal testimony of a recognized authority, like the Vedas, and so is considered supreme.

But given these facts, if there is a contradiction between pratyaksha and sruti, which one takes precedence?

For example, if Sruti said, "objects don't fall down when dropped, but instead go up in the air", would scripture still be considered a valid pramana? If one wanted to continue believing in Sruti, could they say that our observations of things falling down is actually an illusion, and that the objects really go upwards?


texts:
When a Guru curses a person, can that curse be removed by God?

For Example, Lord Parashurama placed a curse on Karna, but Karna was not able to recover from the curse. Are there any situations where the curse of a Guru was overthrown by Gods?


texts:
When I asked my parents, what is our gotra, they told me Shukracharya is our gotra. I tried searching over the internet but could not find about Shukracharya gotra. It is not present under the list of gotra on Wikipedia.

What is the origin of Shukracharya gotra?
Is it related to Shukracharya, the Guru of Asuras?


texts: Did Lord Rama reach Ayodhya after 20 days from Dusherra?

texts:
I've came across this question in Quora which got so many answers according to their view.

I think some answers are utterly incorrect. Moreover one answer says it took 1 yr 18 days to return to Ayodhya. I think it contradicts and deviates from the actual information in the scriptures.

But was it really mentioned in valmiki ramayana that they took 20 days to reach Ayodhya from Sri Lanka? What is the actual time he took to return to Ayodhya and how did he returned?


texts: How do I prove casteism is not an inherent part of Hinduism?

texts: I understand Bhagavad gita says varna is by profession and not by birth. But how should I explain it to a non-hindu or an atheist who is too ignorant to read hindu books and argues that casteism is an inherent part of Hinduism and in order to end it Hinduism must be eradicated.


texts: Where can I get translation of Ganesha Aarti

texts:
Can someone provide me exact translation of Ganesha Aarti in English?
How it came into existence?
Also since when Lord Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta? Is there any story behind it?


texts: What does it mean to see Lord Shiva in a dream? What Hindu scriptures tell about this?


texts:
Is there any difference between rig veda and rig ved samhita.
Can you explain the difference and what is samhita.


texts: Translation of the very first Mantra of the Rig Veda

texts:
This page mentions all the Sanskrit Shlokas of the Rig Veda. Here is the very first one

  अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम् । होतारं रत्नधातमम् १

I tried looking for translations by an Indian author, with no avail. The most prominent translation is by a guy called Ralph Griffith (the one on the sacred-texts website) which for a lack of better words 'sucks thoroughly'. (The Sanskrit Shloka mentioned on this site also has mistakes)

I can figure out that it starts with invoking Agni (which I was surprised to find).

In any case, does anyone have a proper translation for the Shloka?


texts: How can Ashwathama be the next Vyāsa and Saptaṛṣī despite releasing Brahmaśhirā astra on Uttara's womb killing Parikshit?

texts:
From Viṣṇu   Purāṇa:
Ashwathama killed foetus of Parikshit. He was not even born and was in his mother's womb when Ashwathama killed him. How can a person like him compile the vedas in the next Dwapara yuga and even be the next Saptaṛṣī of SUrya Savarni Manvantara.


texts:
I am trying to find the literal translation of a word from Book 9, Hymn 42 of the Vedas. I'm wondering whether the pronoun used for "Soma" is singular or plural.

In the Hebrew bible, the word for "God" is "Elohim" which actual translates as "Gods". Therefore I'm wondering if the pronoun for "Soma" is similar. (I've highlighted the words below).

ENGENDERING the Sun in floods, engendering heaven's lights, green-hued,
Robed in the waters and the milk,
According to primeval plan this Soma, with his stream, effused
Flows purely on, a God for Gods.
For him victorious, waxen great, the juices with a thousand powers
Are purified for winning spoil.
Shedding the ancient fluid he is poured into the cleansing sieve:
He, thundering, hath produced the Gods.
Soma, while purifying, sends hither all things to be desired,
He sends the Gods who strengthen Law.
Soma, effused, pour on us wealth in kine, in heroes, steeds, and spoil,
Send us abundant store of food.

Rig Veda Book 9 Hymn 42

  जनयन रोचना दिवो जनयन्नप्सु सूर्यम |
  वसानो गा अपोहरिः ||
  एष परत्नेन मन्मना देवो देवेभ्यस परि |
  धारया पवते सुतः ||
  वाव्र्धानाय तूर्वये पवन्ते वाजसातये |
  सोमाः सहस्रपाजसः ||
  दुहानः परत्नमित पयः पवित्रे परि षिच्यते |
  करन्दन देवानजीजनत ||
  अभि विश्वानि वार्याभि देवान रताव्र्धः |
  सोमः पुनानोर्षति ||
  गोमन नः सोम वीरवदश्वावद वाजवत सुतः |
  पवस्व बर्हतीरिषः ||

  janayan rocanā divo janayannapsu sūryam |
  vasāno ghā apohariḥ ||
  eṣa pratnena manmanā devo devebhyas pari |
  dhārayā pavate sutaḥ ||
  vāvṛdhānāya tūrvaye pavante vājasātaye |
  somāḥ sahasrapājasaḥ ||
  duhānaḥ pratnamit payaḥ pavitre pari ṣicyate |
  krandan devānajījanat ||
  abhi viśvāni vāryābhi devān ṛtāvṛdhaḥ |
  somaḥ punānoarṣati ||
  ghoman naḥ soma vīravadaśvāvad vājavat sutaḥ |
  pavasva bṛhatīriṣaḥ ||


texts:
If Lord Hanuman is 11th Rudra of Shiva than are there any other rudras? If yes please mention all of them.

Thank You in Advance


texts: Do the scriptures mention of a particular period of the year more suitable for birth of progeny or for copulation?

texts: As the question says, do the scriptures mention of a particular period of the year more suitable for birth of progeny or for copulation? Any Rutus/months/weather which is better suited?


texts: How many upanishads were there traditionally?

texts:
As per Muktika Canon, there are 108 upanishads. Is it the exact number or this is just 108 important upanishads. I read elsewhere that each branch of 4 Vedas have one upanishad each. Traditionally, what is the upper limit on number of upanishads?

Refer this link to know what exactly I am asking about.


texts: What exactly is a loka? Is it a place that be physically reached?

texts:
How to visualize the Hindu lokas, Satya-loka or Brahma-loka, Pātāla-loka etc.? What exactly are they? Are they like planets or galaxies made up of atoms and chemical elements?

I am not asking why these lokas exist. I am just asking how to visualize these lokas. How to explain to someone who's new to Hinduism what a loka really is?


texts: Why Mahabharata battle is also called as Dharma Yuddha

texts:
Several times I got to hear that Mahabharata battle fought in Kurukshetra is also famously known as Dharma-Yuddha.

This battle was fought between Pandavas and Kauravas who were cousins then why it is still called as Dharma-yuddha?


texts:
According to Shiva Puran, Lord Shiva had to take avatar of Sharabha to stop Lord Narasimha from destroying whole universe out of anger after killing Hiranyakshipu.

His power is intolerable for a simple Sadhaka. So I want to know how to worship Lord Sharabha in Tantra way properly ?


texts:
There are so many stories, books and puranas in Mythologies and I am not sure what to read and how in which sequences.
Example I started Bhagwat Gita but honestly i lost completely. So it seems i am not able to make progress.


texts:
When people recite Lord Shiva's name, they often do it in couplets, such as 'Shiva Shiva', 'Shiva Shiva', etc.

My question is:

What is the correct pronunciation: "Shiva" - or - "Siva"?

I know that sometimes you are to pronounce "sh" and sometimes you just say "si."

So what is the correct way to say it with regards to saying it in couplets like I described above?

Since proper pronunciation is so vital in Indian mantras, I want to make sure I pronounce it correctly.


texts:
I have read in manu-smriti that the yajurveda is ment for humans rigveda is for devtas (gods and demigods) and samveda is for pitrigana's(ancestral spirits).
So if samgayan (chanting of samveda) is happening you cannot read or chant any of the hynms of Yajurveda or Rigveda (i.e Andhaya).


texts: Can someone give more information regarding Heramba Ganapati?

texts:
There is only one shloka mentioning Heramba Ganapati. Are there several shlokas for Heramba Ganapati?
Also does anyone have a correct image of Heramba Ganapati which matches the correct description?

I am trying to buy photo of Heramba Ganapathi and unable to find a correct image.


texts: What is the story of Hiranyakashipu's son Mandara?

texts:
In the Anusasana Parva of the Mahabharata, in the course of recounting to Krishna the boons that Shiva has bestowed upon various people, the sage Upamanyu describes a certain son of the demon Hiranyakashipu named Mandara:

  He who was the foremost of all [of Hiranyakashipu's] sons and who was celebrated by the name of Mandara, succeeded, through the boon he had obtained from Mahadeva, in fighting Sakra for a million of years. The terrible discus of Vishnu and the thunderbolt of Indra were both unable to make the slightest impression, O Kesava, in days of yore, upon the body of that great cause of universal affliction....  Even the weapon, O Kesava, failed to make the slightest impression on the body of Hiranyakashipu's son Mandara, that appeared like an evil planet in the three worlds. Hundreds of Chakras like thine and thunderbolts like that of Sakra, could not inflict a scratch on the body of that evil planet endued with great might, who had obtained a boon from Mahadeva. Afflicted by the mighty Mandara, the deities fought hard against him and his associates, all of whom had obtained boons from Mahadeva.

My question is, is there any information known about the story of Mandara?  The Vishnu Purana says "Hirańyakaśipu was the father of four mighty sons, Anuhláda, Hláda, the wise Prahláda, and the heroic Sanhláda, the augmentor of the Daitya race."  (The Daityas are a race of demons descended from the sage Kashyap and his wife Diti.) Is Mandara an alternate name for one of these sons?  If so I assume that it would be Sanhlada, because he's said to be "the augmentor of the Daitya race", so he presumably increased their territory or something.

In any case, where does Mandara's battle with the gods fit in chronologically?  It was my understanding that Hiranyakashipu was succeeded as king of the Asuras (demons) by Prahlada, Prahlada was succeeded by Virochana, and Virochana was succeeded by Mahabali.  So in relation to these kings of the Asuras, when did Mandara fight the gods?  And more importantly, how did the gods ultimately get around Shiva's boon and defeat Mandara?

EDIT:  I found a passage in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata which says that Hiranyakashipu actually had five sons:

  And the illustrious Hiranyakasipu had five sons, all famous throughout the world. The eldest of them all was Prahlada, the next was Sahradha; the third was Anuhrada; and after him were Sivi and Vashkala.

So is it possible that Sivi or Vashkala is an alternate name for Mandara?


texts: What is the lifetime of parvati and present age of her?

texts: Sometimes it is written in different sites that Parvati slept during the Amarkatha and it is said that she is immortal. What is true?


texts: Is Valmiki Ramayana copied from Dasharatha jataka?

texts:
The stories of Ramayana and Dasharatha jataka are very similar. As we all know that valmiki was of dwapar yug, so valmiki Ramayana should be older than Dasharatha jataka. But there is no clear archaeological evidence that valmiki ramayana is older than Dasharatha jataka.

Ayodhya Kand 109:34

यथा हि चोर स्स तथा हि बुद्ध-
स्तथागतं नास्तिकमत्र विद्धि।
As a thief, so is Buddha. Know that Tathagatas are atheists.

Budha is mentioned in Ramayana so it means that ramayana was written later.

Kishkindha kand 43:12

तत्र म्लेच्छान् पुलिन्दान् च शूरसेनान् तथैव च |
प्रस्थालान् भरतान् चैव कुरूम् च सह मद्रकैः || || ४-४३-११
कांबोज यवनान् चैव शकान् पत्तनानि च |
अन्वीक्ष्य दरदान् चैव हिमवन्तम् विचिन्वथ || ४-४३-१२
"There in the north, the provinces of Mleccha-s, Pulinda-s, that way Shurashena - Prasthala - Bharata - Kuru - Madraka - Kaambhoja - Yavana shall be scrutinized along with the cities of Shaka and Darada, and then search in Himalayas.

This shloka shows that ramayana was written during the period when Shakas were ruling the country.
If Ramayana was written in dwpara yug, how the name of budha and Shakas is mentioned in it?
Is there any evidence that it was written before Dasharatha jataka?


texts:
Hi my question is regarding one shloka from Bhagavad Gita.
It states that the universe has come from the unmanifest (avyakta) and manifested (vyakta) itself.
Where in the Vedas is this process explained in detail?


texts: Does GOD know us before our mind and body is developed?

texts: Does GOD know us before our mind and body is developed ?


texts: Resurrection stories in Hindu scriptures?

texts: Christians claim the resurrection story to be very unique. Is there any story in Puranas , where anyone died and resurrected after dying. And also is there is any parallel story of someone raising people from the dead.


texts: Is the proto-indo-european hypothesis consistent with the apaurusheyatva of vedas?

texts:
There is overwhelming evidence that sanskrit, greek, latin etc. are cognate languages and that they had all descended from a common ancestral language called proto-indo-european or PIE.  It is quite possible that PIE originated in India (something western linguists reject).  Hardly any scholar (even Indian ones) would claim that sanskrit is PIE.  An important word like "surya" is the result of sound-changes from an earlier word in PIE - perhaps "swelyos" (to account for greek helios, latin solis and so forth.)

If Vedas are apaurusheya and eternal - how can it be justified that they are in sanskrit (and even the sanskrit of hindu scriptures can be seen to be changing between earlier and later books of rig veda and between vedas, upanishads, epics and puranas) and not a more pristine language?


texts: Did Adi Shankaracharya really try to make people'Bhagavad-vimukhi' as claimed the Gaudiya Vaishnavas?

texts:
According to the sloka of Padma-Purana quoted in Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Sri Adi Sankaracharya deluded people by preaching a false doctrine and made them away (vimukha) from God :

According to Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Sri Chaitanyadeva quoted the slokas of Padma-Purana (CC 2/6/162-164)

"Sri Krishna's order to Shiva : " Swaagamaih kalpitastawamcha janaan madbimukhaan kuru" -- make peole distarcted from me by creating your own imaginary paths."

"Shiva's statement in Padma-Purana to Devi : Mayavaadam asat shaastram prachchannam baudhdham uchchyate/ Maya eva bihitam devi kalau brahmana-murtina// -- Mayavaad is a false doctrine which is buddhism in disguise. I have preached this in Kaliyuga taking a brahmin form."

Is there any validity of the claim as evident from the commentaries written by Sri Adi Sankara or is the claim a consrtucted one?


texts: Which scripture suggests and instructs that God needs to be praised?

texts:
I am interested to find out where the practice of praising God emanated from?
As far as I know there is no where in the Bhagavad Gita that Lord Krishna explicitly says He should be praised. What is the source of sayings like "Jai Sri Krishna/Ram/etc"?
I think at a broader level this applies to all Gods of all religions. If the individual God is all powerful then why the need to praise? The praising isn't going to make the God's more or less powerful.
Edit : The linked question (duplicate) is significantly different to what am asking. I am not interested in finding out where a God says He has to be worshiped. I am specifically after finding out where in Hindu scriptures does any God mention that He has to be praised. Come to think of it, most worship in the scriptures is simply praising God.


texts: How the Shuddhadvaita Philosophy is pure non Dualism while admits reality of the world and reality of the souls?

texts:
How Shuddhadvaita Philosophy is pure non Dualism while admits reality of the world and reality of souls?

Reference one
Reference two


texts: Is there any shloka against public display of affection for humans in Kaliyuga?

texts:
Are there any statements in Hindu scriptures that forbid or discourage public display of affection or public romance other than Narada Muni curse on Nalakubara and Mangriva?

If there are specific references that applies to only Kaliyuga, please provide them.

In general most of the species other than humans exhibit public sex, so specify any mentions that either support or reject public display of affection by only humans.


texts: I think he was either an ancestor of Rama and perhaps it is also one of Rama's names.  And what does it mean?


texts: Does Hinduism encourage dead body preservation?

texts: I have had a doubt that do hindus encourage  body preservation as Muslims and Egyptian did?


texts:
I came across an article criticizing Manusmriti for degradation of women (precisely), please see the link

However, when I searched the given verses in an online library with sage  Medhatithi's commentary then I found that most of these quoted verses were not there at all but few were there with different translation.

The library which I used for reference.

My question is, are there more versions of Manusmritis or are these verses fake ?


texts: How wearing a gem(ratna) distract bad woes/trouble?

texts:
In Hinduism we consider Karma as supreme and your good/bad mainly depends on karma, then how do wearing certain gems can impact destiny/trouble/good/bad etc. ?

Is it only a marketing strategy by certain people or there is some solid reference provided in the scripts regarding this that how do they slow down or distract the bad things to happen ?


texts: Did Vasudeva send Kasyapa to perform rituals to newly born Pandavas

texts: Is it true according to Vyasa Mahabharata that Vasudeva, the father of lord Krishna, sent Kasyapa, from Dwaraka, as purohit to perform all samskaras to newly born Pandavas?


texts: What is the difference between Shiva Temple Pradhikshina and just Shiva lingam pradhikshina?

texts: I have been going to Shivalayam (Shiva temple) and noticed that all People who circumambulate Shiva temple go a full circle, where as people circumambulating just the Shiva ling which is open for all to perform abhishekam just do a half a circle or so. I see people doing a full circle, but many just go half. Can someone please enlighten?


texts: Which scriptures say that Tulsi leaves should not be chewed?

texts:
It is a belief amongst many that Tulsi should not be chewed.

Some say that Tulsi is associated with Vishnu so one must not chew it.

So where does it say Tulsi should not be chewed? Does it have scriptural basis?


texts: Does the Janeau or Poonol (Yajnopavitham) for Brahmins wearing direction from left to right is for signifying that they have to be more Justice and Righteous oriented?


texts: What are Five Layers (Pancha Kosha) of Human?

texts:
While going through I found scriptures depicting about Pancha Kosha, suggesting the Atman is not just inside the physical body but is actually wrapped up in these Five Kosha.

What are these Pancha Kosha?


texts: What is the prayashchit for late Yagyopaveet for a 20 year old Bramhin putra?

texts: What is the prayashchit for late Yagyopaveet for a 20 year old Bramhin putra ?


texts: Why do some Hindu sannyāsi names end in 'ānanda' e.g., Vivekānanda, Śivānanda etc?

texts:
Why do some Hindu sannyāsi names end in 'ānanda' e.g., Vivekānanda, Śivānanda, Chinmayānanda etc.?

Is it a mere coincidence or is there a rule or custom?


texts: Does any Hindu scripture or work of any Acharya talk about sex education?

texts:
Brahmanas, Kshatriya, and Vaishyas all undergo Upanayanam as early as 7 years of age. Having done Upanayanam, they become Brahmacharis.

One important vow of Brahmacharya is maintenance of celibacy, meaning no intentional emission of semen (masturbation or sex).

Here is what the Manusmriti says:

  Persons learned in the Veda and knowing the law declare that for the
  twice-born person keeping up his vows, the intentional emission of
  semen means a ‘transgression of the vow.’—(120)

This vow is very important to be maintained, as stated in the next verse:

  The spiritual power of the Religious Student (Brahmachari), who has
  become ‘immoral,’ (Avakirnin) ‘goes away into the Maruts, Indra,
  Bṛhaspati and Agni.—(121)

In fact, that's the reason given in the Apastamba sutras as to why no Rishis are born in kali yuga:

  The word 'austerity' (must be understood to apply) to (the observance
  of) the rules (of studentship).

  If they are transgressed, study drives out the knowledge of the Veda
  acquired already, from the (offender) and from his children.

  Besides he will go to hell, and his life will be shortened.

  On account of that (transgression of the rules of studentship) no
  Rishis are born amongst the men of later ages (Kali yuga).

So my question is, is there any work of any Acharya or any Hindu scripture that talks about how to tell young Brahmachari boys to preserve their semen?


texts: What is more important Self Realization or Responsibilities towards family?

texts:
According to Vedas what is more important Self Realization or Responsibilities towards family?

Reason I am asking this is because we have read that Gautam Buddha left everything like his kingdom, his family (wife & newly born kid) in search of truth but if we all start doing that then who will look after our families coz nowadays there are more nuclear families than joint families.

Is it wise to shirk your responsibilities for self realization?


texts:
Ok, I understand there are lot of Hindu scriptures.

How to read them?

I wish to read them for

meditation
to gain wisdom/knowledge
raise positive vibrational energy
but most importantly break out of bad karma do (I believe in reincarnation)

Can I read it continuously till I finish, and then start again?

Or are some parts read during some times of the day.

And which texts do you recommend for beginners? Would Bhagavad Gita, Rig Vedas be good start?


texts: Whose marriage happened first, Lord Shiva's or Lord Vishnu's? I heard that one of them supported the concept of marriage first. Who?


texts: How do different Astika schools prove the existence of the soul?

texts:
There are two kinds of schools of Indian philosophy, Astika and Nastika. Astikas accept the authority of the Vedas, whereas Nastikas reject the authority of the Vedas. The Astika schools are part of Hinduism, while the Nastika schools fall under the broader category of Dharmic faiths. Now there are six Astika schools: Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta. (They're all dead other than the Vedanta school, which encompasses most Hindus today as I discuss here.)

Now the Astika schools don't agree on much beyond the authority of the Vedas, but one thing they do agree on is the existence of a soul which is different from the body.   My question is, how do the different Astika schools prove this?  I'm particularly interested in what Pramana or means of knowledge they use, whether Pratyaksha or perception, Anumana or inference, or Sabda or scriptural testimony.


texts: With which Devata is Gabriel (or Jibril) related?

texts:
Devatas and Angels are same. Only names are different.
Gabriel or Jibril are called Archangel, the chief angel, therefore I guess Gabriel or Jibril is Lord Brahma or Indra. But I am not sure.
Are there any evidence on which Devata is or related to Gabriel (or Jibril)?


texts: In the painting shown who is the person standing on stairs in front of the throne?


texts: Under what circumstances did Urmila die?

texts: In Ramayana, where it is mentioned under what circumstances did Urmila - Wife of Lakshmana die ? Because I googled and couldn't find a valid answer to it. We know that she also opposed her own husband for supporting Rama and for taking Sita to forest.


texts:
How can Muktika be genuine when it lists later day upanishads like Kali santarana ?

How can it list vedas which were revealed later, eg: Shukla yajur veda releaved during the end of Dwapara yuga much later after the period of Rama.

How come these names be listed in a text which is believed during that of Treta Yuga ?

The canon lists upanishads like Sharabha, Skanda ,Rama tapini, Seeta upanishad etc which are usually not found in the Vedas.

How come it mentions Suka (who lived in Dwapara yuga) ?

Further, in Ramayana is there any mention where Rama says about his knowledge or about following Vedanta ?


texts: Are there any Hindu scriptures or tales from the modern era?

texts: Are there any Hindu sacred texts from modern times, such as during the Mughal Empire all the way to the modern era? I feel some of the more recent scriptures don't get the love they deserve, mostly because secular interpreters are always come up with political reasonings for them, even if the accusations make no sense. I would love to know what they say about the other major religions in the world. Preferably texts in Sanskrit as they link more naturally to the older scriptures.


texts: Among Vishnu's avataras was Krishna the only one to demonstrate the power of Maya?

texts:
I think all the Gopis thought Krishna was with them, through his Maya.  But the Rama Avatara seems to have been earnest and straightforward throughout.  As Vishnu, he should have been able to deploy Vishnu-maya to counter the Maya of Rakshasas, but he doesn't.
notes on Maya:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/maya-Indian-philosophy

Maya, (Sanskrit: “magic” or “illusion”) a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, notably in the Advaita (Nondualist) school of Vedanta. Maya originally denoted the magic power with which a god can make human beings believe in what turns out to be an illusion. By extension, it later came to mean the powerful force that creates the cosmic illusion that the phenomenal world is real.

I am asking only about the magic power with which a god can make human beings believe in what turns out to be an illusion - advaitic Maya is something else altogether.


texts: Is Paramahansa the vahana to the promised land?

texts: The great " Mystical  Spirit Swan " known as Paramahansa is revered by Hindus, and is believed to be the vehicle to the promised land for the individuals Spirit. Is he composed of Swarupas ? If so what are they and where are these vibrations activated on Paramahansa ?


texts: Why be so secretive in mentioning Devi Radharani's name in Srimad Bhagavatam

texts:
It is extremely difficult for us to find the name of Devi Radharani's name in the Srimad Bhagvatam, how can this be when she was the foremost of the Gopis who were with Krishna. This even led an argument between Gaudiya Vaishnavite Acharyas and Acharyas from other sects where the latter argued that Srimati Radharani should not be worshipped together with Krishna as her name is not found in the Srimad Bhagvatam.

But Gaudiya Vaishnava Acharyas have revealed that the word 'Radha' can be found in

  anayaradhito nunam
  bhagavan harir isvarah
  yan no vihaya govindah
  prito yam anayad rahah

Here in the word aradhita, the name Radha has been derived. However, the name of Radharani is directly mentioned in other Puranas. So why be so conservative in mentioning Devi's name in one of the most important scriptures talking about the history of Sri Krishna?


texts: How exactly does creation happen for Dwaithis?

texts:
As Dwaitha professes athyanthika bheda between Jada, Jeeva and Ishwara. How is creation described?

What are the origin of Jeeva and Jada, if they have one, and what are their qualities according to Dvaitha.

What are the exact powers of Ishwara?


texts: Does Hinduism view homosexuality as a karmic punishment?

texts:
Ok this might be a bit controversial post. I have some friends who recently came and told me they're gay although they don't look gay as stereotypes would like us to believe. They look just like other strapping young men .

But most of them expressed their dismissal about their sexuality , their inability to change it and also their regret because it robs them of freedom that comes with being heterosexual (straight), respect and image in society, and also of opportunities like marriage , love , kids , etc that we take for granted

which has let me wondering If homosexuality more often than not brings so much suffering to men who suffer from it , is it a karmic punishemnt for some misdoing in previous life ?

A hindu brother told me its punishment for separating lovers in past life,
someone else said its punishment for violating a woman's respect , rape etc

Is it true ??

What do hindu sources say about it ? thanks


texts: When will Lord Kalki appear and where is Shambal?

texts: When will Kalki avatar reveal himself and where is Shambal?


texts: What is the significance of or symbolism behind AjanubAhu (आजानुबाहु)?

texts:
This wiki article describes AjanubAhu as

  a person, whose length of arms is so that his finger touch his knee

It also claims that many Hindu Gods, saints, kings or great warriors are AjanubAhu.

Is there any deeper spiritual significance to this term?


texts: What requirements (if any) of being a Hindu apply to Sannyasis?

texts: I believe they are required to break their connections with their family when they take Sannyasa - are they required to carry out any duties / obligations of being Hindu?


texts:
Lord Shiva's favourite place is said to be the city of Kashi.

But what are the reasons?

Why Lord Mahadeva likes Kashi but not other places?


texts: Who resurrected Kamadeva (Manmatha)? Was it Shiva or Goddess Tripurasundari

texts:
It is said that after Kamadeva was burnt to ashes, Ratidevi was devasted and took to penance. Kamadeva is restored in Ananga form. The land where he is restored is known as Kamarupa (as per the Gopatha Brahmana) (could not find any text of the Gopatha Brahmana)

As per many of the Puranas, including the Kalika Purana which says:-

  शम्भुनेत्राग्निनिर्दग्धः कामः शम्भोरनुग्रहात्। तत्र रूपं यतः प्राप कामरूपं ततोऽभवत्)

Kamadeva is restored by Lord Shiva. Here it is said the Rati does penance to please Shiva to restore Kamadeva.

However the Lalitopakhyana of the Brahmavaivarta Purana mentions goddess Tripura Sundari restoring Kamadeva after slaying Bhandasura. Here it is said that Rati asks Tripurasundari to restore Kamadeva.

In effect who actually restores Kamadeva in his Ananga form?


texts: Person without parampara cannot be a sadhguru

texts:
Sadguru may have several definitions across scriptures.
I want a definition from scriptures that is similar to the following

A person is not eligible to be a Sadguru if (s)he has no known
parampara(lineage).

This question is explicitly refraining the aspects such as persons who are avaduta, avatar etc., as well as counterexamples for the definition and is only asked for scriptural references which say that a person cannot be a sadguru if (s)he has no known lineage, if exists.


texts: Can mantra siddhi once gained be lost due to some reasons?

texts:
A Sadhaka gains  full mastery over a particular Mantra after obtaining it from a Guru and doing the japa as prescribed.

This process is often called  "Mantra Sadhana" or "Mantra Puruscharana".Now the Mantra can be of any Deity, depending on the nature of the Sadhana or the choice of the Sadhaka, like Kali,Tara,Shiva,Vishnu etc.

Description of the process of Purascharana is an important part of the Agama(Tantra) Texts.

After the Sadhaka obtains such Mantra siddhis he can make the Mantra to work at his command to create even miracles like curing diseases of others etc.

My Question-Is Mantra Siddhi thus obtained  temporary(say it stays with the Sadhaka for only "X" number of years but not after that many years have passed) or it stays with the Sadhaka till his death?


texts: What is story behind Shiva burnt kamadeva (Manmadha) to ashes?

texts:
I never heard this story before, but I'm curious to know about this.

Why Shiva burnt kamadeva (Manmadha) to ashes?

What is the story behind it?


texts: Was Vishnu Sahasranama, a part of Anusasana Parva of Mahabharata, or a later day addition?

texts:
According to the material available in the Internet, Anushāsanaparva is not a part of original Mahabharata.  If the above material is correct, then Vishnu Sahasranama, which is a part of Anushāsanaparva, must be a later day addition or interpolation.
Does any subsequent literature to Mahabharata, contain any evidence to this claim in the material?


texts: What is the story of Vishnu's incarnation Dharma who "propagated Yagna"?

texts:
As I discuss in my question here, the Matsya Purana describes various incarnations that Vishnu has taken in the Vaivasvata Manvantara (i.e. the present Manvantara).  In particular, here is what it says about an incarnation of Vishnu that took place at the time when the Chakshusha Manvantara was ending and the Vaivasvata Manvantara was beginning:

In accordance with that ordinance of Brahma, there was a partial incarnation of Narayana as Dharma at the end of the Chakshusha Manvantara, when the Devas performed a sacrifice in the beginning of the Vaivasvata Manvantara.  At this incarnation Brahma was the officiating priest.  This was the first incarnation [of the Vaivasvata Manvantara].

This excerpt from the Prabhasa Khanda of the Skanda Purana says the same thing:

He took the incarnation to establish piety (Dharma).  Narayana should be realized through Dharma (piety).  He was then born in the Chakshusha Manvantara.  He propagated Yagna in the Vaivasvata Manvantara.  At the time of his manifestation, Brahma became his priest.

I discuss this "officiating priest" business here, but my question is, what is he story of Vishnu's incarnation Dharma?  Who were his parents, and how did he "propagate Yagna"?  Is that related to his involvement in the Yagna conducted by the gods?
Is it possible that he's the same as Yama god of death, who I think was born in the Chakshusha Manvantara?  Is Yama ever described as an incarnation of Vishnu?


texts:
scroll.in the source

The First Author wrote most of Adhyayas 1 to 6. The period of writing was of the Older Upanishads and pre-Buddhist, around 600 BCE. The principal philosophical issue is Sannyasa and the solution is Karma yoga (126 verses or 18 per cent).

The Second Author wrote portions of Adhyaya 8, Adhyayas 13 to 15, 17 and portions of 18.

The Third Author is the editor and the final arbiter of the document. He wrote the entire Adhyayas 7, 9–12, 16 plus interpolated in the Adhyayas the two others wrote.

So who can we say it is the word of God.
And can you debunk the claim of the website.


texts: Was Dasratha at fault to receive a Curse for killing a boy unintentionally?

texts:
If Dasratha did not kill Shravan intentionally, then why was he cursed for an accident ?

It was not his intention to kill any human being. It was just that he thought there was a animal and he shot down.

Did his previous karmas led him to this destiny ?


texts: Astangik Yoga: How does perception occur in humans?

texts:
How does perception occur in humans and what is the advantage of retention?

EDIT: Perception and retention are related to dharana (concentration of the mind) which is part of Astangik Yoga. It is mentioned in the Upanishads.


texts:
Why iskcon is taking bhagavatam as authentic other then Vishnu Purana and Shiva Purana and skanda Purana ?
Do iskcon consider other then bhagavatam all puranas are  interpolated


texts:
Even though the Hindu religion is based Non-violence (Ahimsa), the usage of silk, is prominent in worship such as in making the dress for the Lord and also in various paraphernalia. In Srivaishnava temples, even the fans used for the Lord are made out of silk and have the marks of Shankha and Chakra and Thiruman.

The Bhagavad Gita also mentions silk in 6.11-6.12:

  śucau deśe pratiṣṭhāpya
  sthiram āsanam ātmanaḥ
  nāty-ucchritaḿ nāti-nīcaḿ
  cailājina-kuśottaram

  tatraikāgraḿ manaḥ kṛtvā
  yata-cittendriya-kriyaḥ
  upaviśyāsane yuñjyād
  yogam ātma-viśuddhaye

  To practice yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay kusa grass on the ground and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat should be neither too high nor too low and should be situated in a sacred place. The yogi should then sit on it very firmly and practice yoga to purify the heart by controlling his mind, senses and activities and fixing the mind on one point.

So, in such cases, why is the usage of silk encouraged, and also required for certain occasions though it results in the killing of numerous silkworms?


texts: What is the male equivalent of a Widow called, in the scriptures?

texts:
As I understand, a female (having lost her husband), is called as a Widow (hindi: विधवा, vidhavā ).
Scriptures have detailed guidelines on the "Code of Conduct - CoC" for the Widows: Which scriptures deal with rules for widows?.
I'd like to know, What's the parallel 'male equivalent' for the widow, called in the scriptures ?
Moreover, Does Hinduism have any similar "Code of Conduct", for the 'male equivalent' too?
If Yes, Please give details about those CoC. If No, I'd like to know the possible reasons (present in the scriptures or commented on, by eminent personalities) for the non-existence of any CoC for males?


texts: Why Hindus never invaded anyone in 10000 years History?

texts: Why Hindus haven't invaded anyone on their 10000 years of history?


texts:
Is there any resource to learn Sanskrit which uses no other language other than Sanskrit?

It may seem like paradox but I want to learn Sanskrit in most natural way which involves no translations.
One solution could be the way kids are taught any language in first days by teachers but the case mentioned is different here as I want to learn the language on my own.


texts: Where did the Brahmastra, which Bhagwan Rama launched to dry up the sea, eventually fall?

texts:
At the time when Lord Rama was on his way to Lanka, he asked the sea god (sagara) for help and to make way for his journey , but the sea god didn't offer any help. Then Shree Rama activated brahmastra.

After this  when sea begged for forgiveness Shree  Raam ji shot brahamastra at someplace making that place  a desert.

I want to know the place or the name of the region, where the brahmastra fell.


texts: Where can I find a recording of rig ved chating with correct swara pronunciation?

texts:
Where can I find a recording of rig or yujur veda chanting where swaras like udatta, anudatta, etc. are correctly pronounced?

According to Yudhistira Mimamsaka in his book Vaidik Swara Mimamsa, swaras like udatta, anudatta etc. in the recent years have gone extinct in Veda chanting tradition (they are now only indicated by hand). There exist only a few Brahmans who can pronounce them accurately.

That's why I am curious to hear what these swaras actually sound like. So, does there exist such a recording?

I have listened to various recordings of rig veda and yajur veda on archive.org and youtube.com but unfortunately haven't come across one recording yet where these swaras are pronounced correctly and consistently with the exception of one (but that one is too small, less than 1 minute).

Extras:
Here's the short recording I found which I believe pronounce the udatta, anudatta correctly.


texts: What does it mean to see dead relatives in dreams?

texts:
Agni Purana provide details about various dreams and their meaning. Similarly, Markandeya Purana and Vayu Purana also mention many dreams and their meaning.

But I couldn't find the meaning of seeing dead relatives in dream. Can someone please provide the meaning of it? Also, if possible please specify if it has different meanings if one see

ancestors or siblings (younger/elder) or descendants
who died naturally or due to untimely death

PS: Please note that I am not asking any personal advice here but the scriptural references of such dream.


texts: Why ashvalayana ghriya sutra dictates that bones of cremated person should be buried

texts:
Generally In hindu funeral people cremate(for non sanyasis)the dead and on the third day people collect ashes/bones, and throw them into river also known as Asthi sanchaya.

The asthi sanchaya rite dictated in Ashvalayana Grhiya Sutra (page no 55) is different then what most of people do.

It says that asthisanchaya should be performed after 10th tithi from death

  The gathering (of the bones is performed) after the tenth (Tithi from the death), (on
  a Tithi) with an odd number, of the dark fortnight, under a single Nakṣatra.

while it is generally done on third tithi from death, and the final destination of asthi is also different from what sutra says, it says asthi should be buried inside a pit rather then giving it to flowing water. (See Adhayaya 4 Kanda 5 verse 7 and 8).

  Having well gathered them and purified them with a winnowing basket, 269 they
  should put (the urn) into a pit, at a place where the waters from the different sides do
  not flow together, except rain water, with (the verse), 'Go to thy mother Earth there'
  (Rig-veda 10:18, 10).

  With the following (verse) he should throw earth (into the pit)


texts: Contradictory statements in the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-Gita?

texts:
Here in the Bhagavatam it is quoted that

  In that planet of Satyaloka, there is neither bereavement, nor old age nor death.http://www.vedabase.com/sb/2/2/27/

But here in the Bhagavad-Gita, it is clearly mentioned that, there is birth and death from lowest to highest material planets (including Satyaloka which is the highest)

http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/Gita/verse-08-16.html

So which one is right?


texts: Are we in Kali-Yuga's pre-Sandhi period?

texts:
The time-cycle of creation is that each Chatur-Yuga is 43,20,000 years, split up as such:
1 deva day = 1 human year.
1 deva year = 360 deva days.
1 deva year =  360 human years.
Each Yuga is calculated in certain number of deva years plus a tenth of it before and after called sandhis.
kali yuga = 1200 deva years = 100 pre-sandhi + 1000 + 100 post-sandhi
dwapara = 2 x Kali = 2400 deva years = 200 pre-sandhi + 2000 + 200 post-sandhi
treta = 3 x Kali = 3600 deva years = 300 pre-sandhi + 3000 + 300 post-sandhi
krita = 4 x Kali = 4800 deva years = 400 pre-sandhi + 4000 + 400 post-sandhi
So does that mean that when Sri Krishna left earth, the post-sandhi period of Dwarapa Yuga (200 deva years or 72000 manava years) got completed, and now we are in the pre-sandhi period of Kali Yuga (100 deva years or 36000 manava years)?
100 deva years = 36,000 human years. Of which we are currently (2018) in year 5120.
Does that mean Kali-Yuga 'main' (after pre-sandhi period is over) doesn't start until 31000 years from now?
Note - Some people assume that these numbers (1000, 2000 etc.) are in human years, but they're not.


texts:
I've seen this phrase/mantra – Om Sai Ram – written and uttered many times.

What does it mean?

Does 'Ram' here mean Lord Rama? What does rest of it and the whole thing mean?


texts:
From this news article:

  Prayers offered for rains

  Hundreds of people thronged Indrakeeladri on the bank of the river Krishna to witness 'Varuna yagam' and 'sahasraghatabhishekam' performed for copious rain.

  ...

  This apart, Virataparva parayanam also began on the temple premises, he said.

What has Virāṭa Parva pārāyaṇa got to do with rains?


texts:
I am aware that Ashwatthama was cursed by Lord Krishna that he will roam the forests till the end of Kaliyuga, with blood and puss oozing out of his injuries and he will cry for death but death will not come to him.
However, I recently read a contradicting theory.

According to Kannada version of Mahabharata, Ashwatthama got in touch with Parshurama and asked him to save him from Lord Krishna’s curse.
It was believed that Parasurama and Sage Durvasa initiated Ashwatthama into Sakthi worship, which is considered to be the supreme of all modes of worship. By this, Ashwatthama bypassed the curse of Lord Krishna.

Can anyone shed some light on the possibility of this?


texts: Why are female counterparts in South Indian temples placed on the right?

texts: Google search for Sri Rama temples in Tamilnadu returns many similar images, with Sita on the right of Rama, as well as many pictures with her being on the left, as usual elsewhere for Lakshmi-Narayana, Sita-Rama, Radha-Krishna etc. Why are South Indian temples so different in this regard?


texts:
In Saraswati Tantra, I came across three things: The Kulukka (कुल्लुका), setu (सेतू) and Mahasetu. Although the tantra says that these are body parts of Japa, the tantra does not address much on what these really are. The Tantra does provide Kulukka of various mantras of many deities. For e.g. The Kulukka of All Taramantras is beej of Nila-sarswati.
Very few sites mention these mantra suggesting that it's not practiced today or practiced but kept secret.
1. What is setu, Mahasetu and Kulukka exactly, which tantra will provide more info on it?
2. Are these three similar to the beej, shakti and keelkam?
NOTE: Sarswati tantra is not about Godesses Sarswati. It presents the order in which the Matrika are taken up from one chakra to the next. The name sarswati is because she is the upward moving kudalini (The Urdhavamukhi Rupa of Kulkundlini)


texts:
I have come across two opinions on this:

This was his actual name
His actual name was Suyodhana and he was later on known as Duryodhana.

What was Duryodhana's actual name?


texts: Why are educational objects classified as being holy?

texts:
Whenever I have accidentally stepped on a book of any sort, or even a school bag; my parents have always said that I must ask forgiveness from god by placing my hand on the object first, then my forehead.

I understand that goddess Saraswati is the god of education, is this why Hindus have this tradition?


texts: Do any of the darshanas believe that Buddhi is the Self?

texts: Descartes supposed have said "I think therefore I am".  For him thinking entity is the Self. While Hindu sankhya-yoga system puts, both mind and intellect in products of prakriti/pradhana, separate from self that is purusha. Vedanta schools also seems to subscribe to samkhyan model of thinking entity not being self and self being only a witness/observer. Do any of the other darshanas consider thinking entity as Self or do any of the non darshana Hindu philosophical schools consider thinking entity as Self?


texts: Which Vishnu temples do Thailakappu at irregular times?

texts:
I'm currently visiting India, and I'm trying to visit as many Vishnu temples as possible.  Unfortunately I'm being stymied in some places, for the following reason. Some time in the December-January timeframe, Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu have a practice called Thailakappu where they remove all the Alankaram or decorations from the Vishnu statue, and apply herbal oil to the statue to preserve the integrity of the stone.  Now the Pancharatra Agamas, which are central scriptures for Vaishnavism, prescribe that Vishnu must not be seen by devotees without his Alankaram.  So during the time of Thailakappu, the statue is hidden behind a cloth (although in some cases the face is at least visible).

Now the standard time for Thailakappu is in the 10 day period preceding Vaikuntha Ekadashi, known as Pagal Pathu because of the morning chanting of the Alwars' poems during this period.  (That is December 19 - December 29 this year.) But some Vishnu temples don't follow that; they start Thailakappu earlier (during Kartikai Deepam or December 2 this year), or they hold it at a completely different time of year.  So my question is, which Vishnu temples do Thailakappu at irregular times, and what is the reason for that?

I'm particularly interested in the practices of the Divya Desams, the 108 sacred places of Vishnu sung about in the Alwars' poems.


texts: According to Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna is the ultimate God. So why are there other beliefs in Hinduism?

texts: I am talking about monotheism and polytheism. When we refer to bagavat Gita we can see that bagvan gives answer to this, he is the creator, preserver and destroyer.


texts: What are some popular names of Vishnu which are also the names of Shiva in the Shiva Sahasranama?

texts: In the Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Vishnu), the names "Shiva" and "Rudra" are mentioned which Smarthas believe to be indicating nondifference between Vishnu and Shiva. Are there any popular names of Vishnu that are mentioned as Shiva's names in the Shiva Sahasranama (thousand names of Shiva) that can be used similarly to indicate nondifference between Vishnu and Shiva?


texts: Why were Ravana and Bali (the Asura not Vanara) enemies when Bali's daughter was married to Ravan's brother Kumbhakarna?

texts: Kumbhakarna had two sons, Kumbha and Nikumbha, from his wife Vajramala who too fought in the war against Rama and were killed.


texts: Kailāshpati Mahādeva is not the destroyer (one among Trinity)?

texts:
There are many planes of existence, grouped into hierarchies. Everything which is inside of human being is fated to be manifested outside ( or vice versa) is the reason of existence of worlds. Therefore, respective tattvas are the material cause of the existence of worlds as shown in the pic.
From the pic, Lord Rudra has been named among Trinity for the Sakala beings. Also, as it can be seen,  Sri Kantha Nath is the Lord of the upper plane of pralayākalas beings.
As it has been explained in this question how Kanthanāth started lineage of Shaiva agamas, in fact Kanthanāth is the source of almost all 'Shiva-Shakti' agamas. But a verse of Matanga āgama drew my attention as it seems Sri Kanthanāth is Mahadeva only..

  Having deeply involved himself primarily in the worship of Siva, Sage Matanga played the flute with intense and deep devotion for a long time, his inner self all the time being  engrossed in delighted and blissful state. Thereupon, the Supreme Lord Srikantha, along with His consort Parvati, manifested before Matanga, who was the most celebrated one and who had accomplished great penance and enabled him to see His own form directly.

Also, we find same in Mrigendra āgama

  Lord Umapati who set the tree of Manmatha to be engulfed by the flames of fire emitted from His forehead eye received this Agama from Anantesvara. He, in turn, revealed this Agama to me in an abridged way, reducing the number of the verses to 11,000. Avoiding the elaboration as much as possible, I now proceed to instruct the principles set forth in this Agama which are free from inconsistency and ambiguity. I reveal  to you the important principles largely through the  same statements as employed in this Agama.” 1.27.

Note that Lord Ananteshvar is that Lord Shiva which is efficient cause of the world. Btw, from the pic we also find the planes of pralayākalas are result of Purusha & Prakriti tattvas. Lord Mahadeva & Goddess Uma are called Purusha & Prakriti respectively as well which is in consistence. These facts conclude Lord Mahadeva is not among Trinity but he is Lord of higher plane. In any case he too can be called Rudra but not the Lord Rudra as the destroyer among Trinity supergods.

So, my question is, are there any scriptures other than āgamas which talk about Lord Mahadeva not being destroyer (i.e, not one among Trinity) but the supreme reality of higher plane either indirectly or indirectly?


texts: What is the punishment given for using filthy and vulgar language towards women

texts: What's the punishment given for abusing, using filthy vulgar language towards wife and children according to  scriptures?


texts: Prayer with Sree Lakshmi Ganapathi instead of Sree Ganapathi and Sree Lakshmi

texts:
At home, I am praying with Sree Lakshmi Ganapathi god in idol form instead of praying Sree Ganapathi and Sree Lakshmi goddess in idol form. Is it correct? or is it recommended to keep the idol of Sree Lakshmi goddess and Sree Ganapathi idol and pray along with Sree Lakshmi Ganapathi.
What is the recommendation?


texts: Mentioning of firearms or cannons in Hinduism Scriptures?

texts:
The two  wikipedia articles says

  The earliest known depiction of cannon appeared in Song
  dynasty China as early as the 12th century, however solid
  archaeological and documentary evidence of cannon do not appear until
  the 13th century.

  The first primitive firearms originated in 10th-century China
  .

Now i am interested in mentioning of these two in Hinduism Scriptures like Purana , Itihasa etc. Of Course here  i am not expecting a kind of canon or firearms as we knew  today. The another point is  also I am here not asking about the Divya Astras which are mentioned in Ramayana or Mahabharata etc. But just  only  expecting  mention  of such a kind of weapon , whose basic principle   is same as the above two.

So my question is - Do Hinduism scripture mentions any  kind of mechanism / weapon similar to Guns , Cannons  etc.


texts: Sankaracharya's philosophical 'Sarvagnapeetha' event at Kashmir

texts:
What historically authenticated records of this Adi-Sankarācharya's event exist now ? i.e., before he established Shankara Mutt at KedarNath?

When was it conducted, who were the organizers and participants? How were meeting details recorded?

Vedanta Sadas
[1:48:48 sec to 1:52:26 sec]

The movie/video script may have been altered for some popular appeal.


texts: How does the Vishnuswami sect differ from the Pushtimarg sect in philosophies and practices?

texts: It is said Vishnu taught Vaishnavism to his prime devotees: Lord Shiva, Mother Lakshmi, the four Kumaras and Lord Brahma. These devotees then in turn taught mankind the principles of Vishnu bhakti. As a result there are 4 main divisions in Vaishnavism: Sri Sampradaya originating from Mother Lakshmi, Rudra Sampradaya originating from Lord Shiva, Nimbarka Sampradaya formed by the four Kumaras and the Brahma Sampradaya from Lord Brahma. Each of these divisions have their own subdivisions. Now coming to the Rudra Sampradaya, it is subdivided into 2 sects:- The common and well known Pushtimarg sect, followers of Vallabhacharya and the less known Vishnuswami sect. Now my question is that how does the Vishnuswami sect differ from Pushtimarg sect in philosophies and practices?


texts: Does Atman in Turiya or Nirguna Brahman know itself or is aware of itself through subtle cognition state?

texts:
Advaitins say that Turiya is not a separate state that is found in isolation of three states (awake, dream, deep sleep) but it is the reality that is underlying all those. But this only caters to a living person. When he gets videha moksha, the three states are not there only atman as turiya remains.
Does it not prove that turiya can exist not only as the underlying reality with states but also as a separate state in itself?
And here is my question, in that exclusive state does atman know itself through some extremely subtle cognition? If it doesn't know itself or is aware of itself as nirguna then the swa-prakash of atman will be violated, as then it means that atman can know itself or is aware of itself only when the mind is there.
Mandukya mantra 7 clearly says that it is neither conscious nor devoid of consciousness.
I am using subtle cognition to mean a cognition state outside the range of human intellect so that it doesn't introduce knower-know-known triputi, yet it still knows itself strangely/mysteriously.
Is such an understanding possible in advaita metaphysics?


texts: I had a recent doubt. Is sandhyAvandanam considered a pooja or a part of pooja? Please do provide answer with references from the shAstras


texts: Are Dharma sutras different from Dharma Shastra?

texts: When one searches for Dharma Shastra, books like manu smriti, and various other smriti comes, but when one searches for dharma sutras, baudhayana sutras and the likes come. What is the difference between them, and which are considered superior.


texts: Do any Puranas elaborate on the origin of the Śaka, Hūṇā, Yavanas, etc? I have only heard suggestions like being the progeny of Asuras or rogue members of different Varnas.


texts: Physical appearance of various Gods for worship

texts:
This is question about pictorial representation of various gods, especially their facial hair.

Brahma has a full beard & moustache. But Vishnu (including RAma, Krishna incarnations) and Shankara are picturized clean shaven. Was there any puranic reference to their appearance or may be classical painters like Ravi Varma imagined in a certain way and it caught on?
 In case of Ganesha or Hanuman, who are also without facial hair,  the ancient descriptions are so vivid that deity's swaroopa visualization has never been a problem to us.


texts: Did Prahalad attack Devaloka in his lifetime?

texts: I can recall that I read in a question that Prahalad once attacked Devaloka and maybe won over Indra. I wanted to know if it is true or not and if true, then what is the story behind this and why did Prahalad, being a devotee of Lord Vishnu and good natured, attack the Devatas? Also, whether the Tridevs applied any trick/battle with him to help Indra get back his throne.


texts:
In this Shani Mantra, Shani is called as Yamagraja (elder brother of Yama):

Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
Chaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanescharam

But as far as Visnu Purana story goes, he is born to Chhaya much after Yama's birth.


texts: What are the consequences of women chanting mantras? Do scriptures say anything about this?


texts: How come we can't see supernatural creatures in today's time?

texts:
In the Puranas and Itihasas, there are many stories featuring human interaction with supernatural creatures like Gandharvas, Apsaras, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Nagas, Asuras, Devas, Kinnaras, Kim Purushas, Pisachas, Suparnas, and other celestial beings.

How come we can't see or interact with them directly today?

Does any scripture say anything about this? Like the people of Kali Yuga cannot interact with celestial species?


texts: I took a vow in an extreme situation. Now that is proving to be counter productive as it is effecting personal life. Can a vow be taken back? Are there any recital of taking back a vow?


texts: What is Shiva doing in this picture from a temple?

texts: I saw this murti in a temple and I am wondering what Shiva is doing here. It looks like he is pouring milk over himself. I never heard of him doing abishek on himself or worshipping himself. Can someone explain what he is doing and why?


texts:
What are these three gunas that are discussed in advaita? How are these stopping us from realizing god? How does a person attain these gunas? If the gunas are not good, does that mean we all are not good as nobody can exist without gunas? How do I know what gunas I have? Does eating veg or non-veg food decide our guna?

What decides the gunas that a newborn baby would have?


texts: How does Hindu life make different from any other religion?

texts:
I had a discussion with my friend that Indian (Hindu) culture is restricted, or one should obey their elders, respect them, and do what elders want not what that individual wants. I was like this is not Indian(Hindu) culture this is pure dogmatic thinking.

I want suggestion/opinion on what a Hindu life mean. My thoughts on this topic is, If you are atheist then you have "karma" to serve, if you theism then you have "dharma" to serve. If you believe in dharma then you, if you believe in karma then nature is there for you.

I am in search of that what does actually Indian (specifically Hinduism) is.


texts: What Ayurvedic texts describe shadows as sweet or cold?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya.  My question is about the Yoga school, which believed in Purushas or souls, Prakriti of matter/energy, and Ishwara or God.  And it’s defining text is Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Now the Yoga Bhashya Vivarana is a subcommentary by the Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya on Vyasa’s Yoga Bhashya, which is itself a commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.  In this section of the Yoga Bhashya Vivarana, Adi Shankaracharya defends the fact that Ishwara can perceive the world without the use of sense organs.  He says that makes sense, given that even humans can perceive darkness without the use of the eye.  But then the Purvapakshi or hypothetical opponent raises the objection that darkness isn’t actually a real thing, just the absence of light.  Here is how Adi Shankaracharya responds to that:

  Again, if darkness were merely an absence, then it should not appear as a weak darkness in brilliant moonlight at night; it ought to be destroyed by that all-pervading light in whose brightness it stands. With an actual thing in the brightness, it is natural that it should have distinctions of weakness and intensity and so on, but not with an absence, for that can have no such distinctions.... Again, in the medical texts, the shadow (of the patient) is said to be sweet, or to be cold. But there can be no sweetness or coldness of what is not a thing. And they call darkness good or bad for certain eye conditions: but an absence could not be so characterized. Furthermore, a shadow is perceived as from a light. If darkness were a non-existent, how could there be – within the circle of illumination – a shadow caused by the light?

I’m interested in the part in bold.  My question is, which Ayurvedic texts describe a person’s shadow as sweet or cold?

It’s interesting to note, by the way, that Adi Shankaracharya is citing Ayurvedic texts as an authority.  That’s because Ayurveda is one of the four Upavedas.


texts:
What Yajna is?
Today again i came across it in Kularnava tantra, Lord Shiva talking about Mantra Jap being superior to all Yajnas.
So, please tell what yajna is.


texts: Various appellations of Arjuna and their significance

texts:
Arjuna has been referred to, using various names in the Mahabharata epic. Sri Krishna often used the name Partha/Kaunteya, when referring to Arjuna,as it originated from  the name of Sri Krishna's aunt Pritha/Kunti, who was Arjuna’s mother.

And when Sri Krishna wanted to categorize between 3 Kaunteyas and Nakula /Sahadeva(Madreya or Queen Madri's sons) he used the word Kaunteya, for Arjuna.

In addition to the aforesaid two names,it can be seen in the various Chapters{Parvas} of the Mahabharata epic, that various names like Vibhatsu, Dhananjaya etc have also been used for Arjuna.

It is understood that all names had a distinct significance, with respect to the context, in which they were being  used.

What are the various appellations of Arjuna? What is the significance of each appellation?


texts:
Sanskrit is said to be originated from "Drums of Lord Shiva". There's a famous story of Panini composing grammar of Sanskrit from sounds (Maheswara Sutras) of lord Shiva's Damaru.

  Panini was a student at a Gurukula (a system of education in the 4th
  century BC). He was a dull student, and was often teased by many of
  his friends. So, worried about his situation, the Gurumata (the wife
  of the Guru) advised him to go to the Himalayas to do tapas. So he
  went to the Himalayas and started meditating on Lord Shiva. Lord
  Shiva, pleased with Panini's strong tapas, came and danced before him
  . While dancing, the sound from his Damaru (the small drum like
  musical instrument that Shiva plays) was heard by Panini as the
  Maheshwara Sutrani. Thus, Panini wrote the Maheshwara Sutras and
  formed the Sanskrit grammar.

Sanskrit was composed initially in Brahmi Script and later Devanagari Script was used. Sanskrit is also believed to have no script.

We all know, Sacred syllable OM, the Pranava, the Sabdha Brahman, is written as ॐ in Devanagari Script or lipi. But how is "OM" or "AUM" or ॐ written in Brahmi Script? This Image says how ॐ  was developed.

As "O" is written as  in Brahmi as mentioned in above link, Is ॐ written as  or something else ?


texts: Who was Sri Vidya guru Pujyasri Bhaskara Raya?

texts:
In the modern times, Pujyasri Bhaskara Raya Makhin is well known and respected by all shaktas across the country. His contribution to Shaktism and other shastras is phenomenal.

Is there any details about his life and upasana?

What are the granthas written by him? (tantric and non tantric)


texts: What is the significance of calling Mahalakshmi "Mahodare"?

texts:
As we all know that Mahaganapaty is described as having a large belly.In fact one of His many names is "LambaJathara" or "Mahodara" literally meaning one having a big belly.

But in the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam  Mahalakshmi too is  addressed by the same name viz:Mahodara.

Quoting the relevant portion(stanza 6) from here:

  Sthula Suksma Maharoudre Mahasakthi Mahodare

  Mahapapa hare Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute

In that website the translator said big belly is to be taken as the symbol of prosperity.

I want to know what  other symbolisms/interpretations might be there behind calling Mahalakshmi "Mahodare"?.

Also, is Mahalaksmi mentioned anywhere in the Vedas as having a large belly?

I could not find anything of that sort in the Sri Suktam.


texts: Why should we conduct a yajna according to the Mimamsa Sutra?

texts:
Mimamsa sutra is not about the existence of God but how Vedic rites are helful for social cohesion and humanity.
Can anybody explain with verses what and how they (Jamini, or Kumarila Bhatt) show the benefits of a Vedic ritual are...?


texts: Is Guru Brahspati / bhagwaan Satyanarayan an avataar of Vishnu

texts:
I keep Thursday (Brahspati vrat) fast for Brahspati bhagwaan.
I have a question that whether Guru Brahspati is an avataar for Vishnu. Also, bhagwaan Satyanarayan, is he the same as well.


texts: How to recover from lost caste status after crossing an ocean?

texts:
Based on what I know, the most loss of Hindutva that can happen is loss of caste (which would include the right to cremate one's parents), for example for crossing the ocean.

From here:

  Baudhayana Dharma-sutra, composed about 2,000 years ago, maybe earlier, lists this "Samudrolanghana" or "Sagarollanghana" as the first of many reasons for loss of castes (II.1.2.2).

Are there sacraments to recover lost caste status for Samudrolanghana or other reasons?


texts: What subcommentaries on Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhagavad Gita Bhashya are available online in English?

texts:
The oldest surviving commentary on the Bhagavad Gita is the Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhagavad Gita Bhashya.  Now the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya’s Bhagavad Gita Bhashya has several subcommentaries, most prominently Vedanta Desikan’s Tatparya Chandrika, which is available in English on sadagopan.org.  (It’s a series of PDF’s starting here.)

My question is, what subcommentaries on Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhagavad Gita Bhashya are available online in English?  Is a translation of Anandagiri’s Tika there online, for instance?

Note that I’m looking for translations of traditional Sanskrit subcommentaries, not modern books.


texts: Are there non-ISKCONic translations of the Bhagavata Purana?

texts:
Most translations I find online, that are comprehensive, for the Bhagavata Purana, are related to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Are there any non-ISKCON related translations?

Theologically, I find this bothersome, because ISKCON presents Krishna as being the Supreme Godhead from whom all the Vedic deities flow (including Vishnu).

From what I understand, though, the Purana, read in isolation, doesn't present Krishna as being "the God Himself." Rather it purports that God (Vishnu) has many Avatars, and that in order to spawn these Avatars, God takes form of the Original Person, and that from this Original Person come the 22 named-Avatars (Vyasa, Dattatreya, Krishna et al.). The Purana makes the unique claim that Krishna is "the God Himself." Meaning that Krishna is Vishnu's full manifestation. The Purana does not claim that Krishna exists in isolation from Vishnu, or that Vishnu comes from Krishna.

The relationship is still one-way, from Vishnu comes all the Avatars, and the complete Avatar is Krishna.

ISKCON's translation is biased, however, and will therefore consistently translate any texts they find in order to retroactively fit these biases, they will claim that the fourth Yuga-Avatar is in fact "light" or "bright" complexioned (i.e. "golden" complexioned), yet a strict translation of the Purana does not say this. ISKCON's translation: "in the fourth Yuga (Kali Yuga), although the Lord Himself is not black... (akrsnam)."

Yet the actual translation reads:

  In his discussion of the yuga-avatara for Kali Yuga, Krsnadasa
  diverges from Rupa's description of his color as black (krsna), which
  accords with the description of this avatar in Bhagavata 11.5.32 as
  "black in color (krsna-varna) though not black (akrsna) by virtue of
  his luster."

Anyway, I still haven't found any comprehensive translations of the Purana not tainted by ISKCON's (seemingly Gaudiya-related) biases.

There are some translations I have found on the Amazon Kindle store but they are not comprehensive, nor are they word-for-word.

Taken from here: (http://krishnamurti.abundanthope.org/index_htm_files/The-Bhagavata-Purana.pdf)


texts:
According to the great Adi Shankaracharya, the waking world is an illusion (or as unreal as dream if not an illusion).

My question is, who imagines this waking world? Is it result of your desires or mine?

I know me and you are both unreal, but when we see the world, Shankaracharya says it is because of our desires. So if that is true the world has to appear because of someone's desire. I am asking who exactly is that person in whom the world is created. The answer can't be Brahman because Brahman has no desire.

Let's say that person is X. Now if X dies the world should come to an end like a dream comes to an end when the person who is dreaming wakes up. Who is that X? Is it me or you?

If you say that it is me then the world should end when I die, right? But I know that won't happen because I'm like any other person and many persons have died but the waking world hasn't. So who is that person exactly out of whose desires this waking world comes to appear to us?


texts: What is Sankara Vedànta explanation of Sarvam Khalvidam Brahm?

texts:
The meaning of this Mahàkàvya is All that is Brahm alone. Now question arises what All that is here in the eyes of Sankara Vedàntin?

As we know that world is mere a mirage in Sankara Vedànta, then what "all that" is?

If "all that" is world here, then Sankara Vedànta turns out to be in conflict with Màhàvàkya as world must be Mirage, not Brahm.
If "all that" is not world, then what actually is "all that"? As there is nothing we know about Brahm (Neti Neti). hence this Màhàvàkya turned out to be meaningless.
If "all that" is world & the world is Brahm but this Brahm is different, of different level then please give Scriptural references ( Shruti & Smriti ).


texts:
Here in this picture bhagwan vishnu is shown as snake headed. Which form is this?
Or is it some other God like sheshanaga?


texts: How do I remember "ब्रह्म"(Brahman) while working in office?

texts:
I have always been taught that one should offer all his work to "ब्रह्म" (Supreme God), which seem to be very difficult while working in office.
I have been trying to remain conscious about what I do, but it's very difficult, and after a couple of days,

What are the methods one can use to remember God while performing daily life activities?

For e.g. When ever I go for lunch, I try to remain conscious.


texts: When does all water become impure as a result of sharing Indra's guilt of brahminicide?

texts:
As per the Puranic story being discussed in this post Indra, after killing the demon called Vritra, acquired the brahmahatya dosha. His gulit was thereafter shared by women, earth, water and the trees.

The women as result started to have menses and they are from then on wards considered as being impure in those days of a month.

Now,  water also shared Indra's guilt. So, all waters must also get impure during some days of say a month or the year. Now if it really so happens, then in those few days all pujas and other religious rites ( like sandhyavandanam etc) must be entirely stopped because without water its impossible to take bath, perform puja etc.

But, afaik, there are no such days in a year or a month when all religious rites stop due to such impurities that water has.

Question : On which days of a month/year does all water become impure as a result of sharing Indra's guilt of brahminicide?


texts: What is the Agni Savitra Vidya that Indra taught to sage Bharadvaja?

texts:
In this excerpt from the Taittiriya Brahmana of the Yajur Veda, a story is told involving Indra and the sage Bharadvaja.  Bharadvaja spent three successive births practicing Brahmacharya in order to learn the Vedas fully, and wanted to take a fourth birth to do the same, but then Indra told him that this is futile since the Vedas are infinite.  And then Indra taught Bharadvaja something called the Agni Savitra, which led to great results in the afterlife:

  Bharadvaja lived through three lives in the state of a religious student (brahmacharyya). Indra approached him when he was lying old and decrepit, and said to him: 'Bharadvaja, if I give thee a fourth life, how wilt thou employ it;?' 'I will lead the life of a religious student,' he replied. He (Indra) showed him three mountain-like objects, as it were unknown. From each of them he took a handful: and, calling to him, 'Bharadvaja,' said, 'These are the Vedas. The Vedas are infinite. This is what thou hast studied during these three lives. Now there is another thing which thou hast not studied, come and learn it. This is the universal science.' He declared to him this Agni Savitra. Having known it he (Bharadvaja) became immortal, and ascended to the heavenly world, to union with the sun. He who knows this ascends to heaven, to union with the sun. This is the triple Vedic science. He who knows this conquers a world as great as he would gain by the triple Vedic science.

My question is, what is this Agni Savitra that Indra taught to Bharadvaja?  The reason I'm interested in it is that the Advaita philosopher Vidyaranya discusses this story in this excerpt from his Jivanmukti Viveka, and he says that Indra imparted to Bharadvaja knowledge of Saguna Brahman:

  [Shastra Vasana] is of three kinds... The first kind of this vice is seen in Bharadvaja who, though he applied himself to the Veda in three successive lives, began, on being incited by Indra, to study the remainder of Vedic lore even in the fourth.  As this kind of study has no end, and is, therefore, impossible to accomplish, it is set down among impure Vasanah.  Indra, of course, cured Bharadvaja of this vice by enlightening him into the knowledge of Brahman with character. This has been described in the Taittiriya Brahmana.

That makes the Agni Savitra sound like it's akin to the 32 Brahmavidyas, lessons found in various Upanishads which can lead you to Brahman if you meditate upon them. So what information about about Saguna Brahman (i.e. the supreme Brahman according to non-Advaitin schools) did Indra impart to Bharadvaja?


texts: Do the long term actions of Avataras survive the end of the respective Avataras?

texts:
There is a claim that Krishna has stated in the Mahabharata that he has illusioned Siva and others:

http://www.vrindavana.net/academy/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/visnu-sahasra-nama-baladeva-I.pdf

page 5 has the Sanskrit version and page 49 Hindi that can be translated as

  "The patriarchs, Shiva and others are created by Me, though they do not know that are created by Me, because they are deluded by My illusory energy."

Assuming that this citation is citing something from the Mahabharata as it claims, (which has not yet been verified), would the delusion of Siva and others have continued after the Krishna Avatara ended?


texts: What curse did Earth, Water, and Trees get by taking Indra's sin of Brahmahatya of Viśvarūpa upon themselves?

texts: I learnt that women got menstruation for taking 1/4th of Indra's sin of Brahmahatya. What curse did the other three entities get?


texts: Does GOD know future because of kalpa cycle?

texts:
Sage vyasa said there is nothing like fate, otherwise there is no any meaning of karma, and Lord Krishna said, I know all past and future, so he know that because of kalpa cycle(Which means same thing will repeat after every new kalpa)?

People said yogi and god are beyond time and space, but what is meaning of beyond time, you can only said that when time is in linear form and you're out of that line, but god and yogi living in same line. Time is cyclic, and when yogi predict something, then he may see just past kalpa or chaturyug. And hence Kak Bhusundi says he had seen Ramayan 11 times and Mahabharat (Krishna) 16 times with different outcomes...

So here kak bhusandi can also predict like what will happen in the next, because he live on many chaturyuga. Since rama will always kill ravana, but the method and strategy may differ always.

@iammilind and others - If same thing repeat in same pattern, then how we can sure we are living in 28th kaliyuga, or Sweta varha kalpa? because if same thing repeat in same pattern then how you can't add +1 on it. Yuga, Manvanatara and kalpa have identities with names hence it should not repeat in same pattern. You can say that about maha kalpa, since we don't know how many maha kalpa is passed.


texts: Is the Purusha Suktam of the Yajurveda dedicated to Lord Aditya(Surya)

texts: Chapter 31 of White Yajurveda contains the Purusha Suktam which tells us about the Supreme Nature of God. I have read that Lord Aditya is the deity of the Purusha Suktam. So does it means The Supreme Being described in the 31st chapter of the Yajurveda is Lord Surya?


texts: Why Lord Ram is called Maryada Purshottam and Lord Krishna Purna Purshottam?

texts:
I have heard many people saying Lord Ram is Maryada Purshottam and Lord Krishna is Purna Purshottam.

Could any one please tell me why is it so. and what is the difference between Maryada Purshottam and Purna Purshottam


texts:
A couple of answers on this site (e.g., this one) cite this translation of AV 7.5.5:

  Atharvaved 7:5:5:- All those are foolish who use cow, dog or any other animal in yajnas.

From another answer:

  Atharva-veda 7.5.5 says:

  मुग्धा देवा उत शुनायजन्तोत गौरडैः पुरुधायजन्त

  Meaning: Those are foolish who use meat of Dog and other animals in Yajna.

Whose translation are these answers quoting?


texts:
There are four parts of Vedas; Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Among these Samhita are those parts which are directly revealed to the seers. ie. They are always eternal syllable by syllable.

So, if a name or a deed is spoken in a Samhita part it is always same without even a change in syllable.

As I discuss in my question here YajurVeda 4.5.1 or 5th Anuvaka uses the names:

  "Bhava, Rudra, Sarva, Pasupati, Nilagriva, Sitikantha, Kapardin, Vyuptakesha."

ie. As these names are from Samhita portion these are always eternal syllable to syllable.

Also as described in this chapter of Atharvaveda, Nilalohita/Vratya is surrounded by other 7 forms in each direction:

  "Bhava from eastern. Sarva from southern. Pasupati from western. Ugra from Northern. Rudra from Nadir. Mahadeva from zenith. Ishana from intermediate regions."

The above names are also from Samhita portion. ie. They are eternal without change in syllable at all time.

But these same names are used by Brahma to name the Ashtamurti incarnation of Lord Shiva as described in this chapter of YajurVeda Satapatha Brahmana. Brahma goes on naming the eight child as:

  "You are Rudra. You are Sarva. You are Pasupati. You are Ugra. You are Asani. You are Bhava. You are Mahadeva. You are Ishana."

If we see above names given by Brahma to the AshtaMurti form of Shiva, we find that Brahma is simply recting the 8 names which are always in Samhita. ie. Brahma is not giving a new name. Brahma is just as a medium to provide the Samhita names to AshtaMurti form.

But these 8 forms are always invisible and one can't see them. They are just inside the creation and everything in Universe gets characteristic nature due to presence of them. YajurVeda Satapatha Brahmana in the same chapter clarifies this as:

  That boy entered into the forms one after another; for one never sees him as a mere boy, but one sees those forms of his , for he assumed those forms one after another.

So it becomes clear, that chapter of Satapatha Brahmana is not describing manifestation of Lord Shankara who lives in Kailash mountain. Because he is not in formless existence at all time.

But Lord Shankara who is husband of Parvati and Sati is also manifested through Brahma. And this too is described in this chapter of Atharvaveda.

  Through Prajapati he was born. He became Mahadeva. He became Ishana. He is NilaLohita.

Shiva Purana also says the same, as I discuss in this answer.

But he is called by only three names Mahadeva, Ishana and Nilalohita among the popular names in that chapter. But we also call him (Sri Parvatipati) using the names Shiva, Bhava, Rudra, Pasupati etc...

As I discuss in my answer here, the name Shiva is also from Samhita or revealed portion of Vedas. It is stated as:

  Namaha Shivaya Cha Shivataraya Cha.

Although it seems like name is used as adjective, but it can be called as Specific name as it is part of Namakam (ie. Salutating names of Lord Shiva). Also YajurVeda 3.60 states:

  "Shivo Nãmãsi Swadhisthite..."
  You are Known by the name Shiva.

Thus from above it becomes clear Shiva is also a revealed name. The name Shiva is also used in other ancient Upanishads like 1.8 of Kaivalya, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 of AtharvaSikha, 3.11, 4.14, 4.16, 4.18 of Svetasvatara and so on...

But just as we see from above AshtaMurti incarnation. There Eight incarnations get already revealed name from Brahma.

In the similar way Sri ParvatiPati is also Rudravatar of Lord Shiva who is also known by the name Shiva. So it is likely that he also gets the originally revealed name Shiva by some medium like Brahma or Gods or any deities.

So are there any instances in Vedas where Rudra is named or called by the name Shiva or the name Shiva is used due to certain events taking place? (In such a way that the name "Shiva" denotes a specific event.)


texts: How is Heaven described in Hindu scriptures?

texts: We all have read that if we do bad we will go to Hell (Narak Lok) and bear all punishments for our misdeeds/adharma and lot of description about Hell and punishments are present. But I want to know what all description is available in our scriptures about Heaven. What does a person do there and how does it look like. I am a little confused about if it is same Swarga where Indra, etc gods live. Also, not sure how does remaining in Swarga can please everybody, eg, a saint usually likes staying alone and doing penance, and other holy activities and does not like Raajsik affairs, will he still feel good in heaven.


texts: How can married woman wearing mangalsutra can also wear rudraksha mala?

texts: Rudraksha beads shouldn't touch metal except gold and silver. Then how can married woman wearing mangalsutra can also wear rudraksha mala?


texts: How do Shaivite philosophers interpret the Brahma Sutras' criticism of the Shaiva Agamas?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. You can read the Brahma Sutras here.
In any case, in Adhyaya 2 Pada 2 of the Brahma Sutras, Vyasa refutes various rival schools to Vedanta. In particular, he says this:

Topic-7: God Is Not a Mere Superintendent

For the Lord there can be no creatorship, for that leads to incongruity.
And (the incongruity arises) because of the impossibility of a relationship.
And (the position is untenable) because of the impossibility of (Nature) coming under (His) direction. (Or) And (God cannot be
proved), since no physical support (adhisthana) is possible for Him.
Should it be argued that God will direct Nature like (a man directing) the organs, then it cannot be so, for that will result in
God’s having experiences (of happiness, sorrow etc.). (Or) If a body,
equipped with sense-organs, be assumed for God, (we say that) this is
not possible; because of (consequent) experiences etc.
God will be subject to finitude or loss of omniscience.

Now as I discuss in this question, most commentaries on the Brahma Sutras interpret these Sutras as a refutation of the views expressed in the Shaiva Agamas, aka the Shaiva Tantras; for instance see this chapter of Adi Shankaracharya's Brahma Sutra Bhashya and this chapter of Ramanujacharya's Sri Bhashya.  Specifically, the Brahma Sutras are criticizing the view expressed in the Shaiva Agamas that Ishwara is the operator (efficient cause) of the Universe but not the material cause.
But the Shaiva Agamas are the core texts of Shaivism.  So my question is, how do Shaivites, most of whom belong Io the Vedanta school, make sense of the Brahma Sutras' criticism of the Shaiva Agamas?
So far I've come across two Shaivite commentaries on the Brahma Sutras.  In this excerpt fron Srikantha's Shaiva Siddhanta commentary on the Brahma Sutras, he argues that Vyasa is just criticizing other Shaivites' misinterpretation of the Shaiva Agamas, not the Shaiva Agamas themselves:

The Tantrikas, the so-called orthodox, those who profess to follow the Parameshwara Agamas, without knowing the real import of their teaching, hold that Pati, the Parameshwara, is the mere efficient cause, though, according to Shruti, he is both the material and the efficient cause of the universe.

I posted a question here about who these supposed misinterpreters are, by the way.  In any case, the other Shaivite commentary on the Brahma Sutras I know of is Shripati's Lingayat commentary which I discuss here.  This excerpt from a journal paper says that Shripati claims these Sutras are actually referring to the Pancharatra Agamas that Vaishnavas follow:

Shrikara thought this [set of Sutras] is the refutation of dualistic view of Bhagavatas and Pancharatra, i.e. Vaishnava view point.

I've never heard of any Vaishnavas who believe that Ishwara is not the material cause, but Shrikara is employing the same tactic that Madhvacharya uses to tackle a similar issue, which I discuss here.  In any case, are these the only two strategies Shaivites use to interpret these set of Sutras?  Hopefully my request here for Shaivite commentaries on the Brahma Sutras will yield more responses to this issue.
Also, there are some Shaivites who don't align themselves with the Vedanta school, like the Shaiva Siddhanta Church as I discuss here.  So have any of them written rebuttals of the Brahma Sutras' criticism of the Shaiva Agamas?


texts:
I was browsing two sites of translation of Valmiki Ramayana, while engaging in a debate with a western-colonized feminist on Ahalya. Nevertheless, she was defeated because she didn't even have the least knowledge of Sanskrit (neither do I, but she was worse) as well as the original Ramayana. But I found a discrepancy between 2 sites which led me to think what other discrepancies might be present.
This is from www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in:

अथाब्रवीत् नरश्रेष्ठ कृतार्थेनान्तरात्मना। 1.48.20।।
कृतार्थाऽस्मि सुरश्रेष्ठ गच्छ शीघ्रमित: प्रभो।
आत्मानं मां च देवेश सर्वदा रक्ष गौतमात्। 1.48.21।।
O Foremost of men
with her heart's desire fulfilled, Ahalya said: "O Chief of the
celestials I'm satisfied. O Lord, quit this place: O Lord of the
gods, protect yourself and also me from Gautama in all respects."

And this one is from www.valmikiramayan.net:

अथ अब्रवीत् सुरश्रेष्ठम् कृतार्थेन अंतरात्मना |
कृतार्था अस्मि सुरश्रेष्ठ गच्छ शीघ्रम् इतः प्रभो || १-४८-२०
आत्मानम् माम् च देवेश सर्वदा रक्ष गौतमात् |
She felt fulfilled in her heart of hearts and then she said this to
that best god Indra, 'I am gratified in complying with your wish, oh,
best of gods, get going oh, lord, from here quickly, oh, ruler of
gods, always safeguard yourself and me from Sage Gautama.' Thus,
Ahalya said to Indra.

Is it "Nara-Sreshtha" or "Sura-Sreshtha"? Because by meaning, you can see that the whole meaning changes.


texts: What Advaita tells about Mlechha, Caste system, Varna Sanskara?

texts:
What Advaita tells about

Mleccha can change religion to Hinduism?
(Yes means which varna they will come. No means explanation of why they should not change religion)

Please answer this question about varna dharma

Then any justify to a Chandala


texts: In Mahabharata does Krishna advise Arjuna to use Shikhandi as a shield against Bhishma?

texts: Does Krishna advise Arjuna to use Shikhandi as a shield against Bhishma?  If yes, in which part of Bhishmaparva? I am reading Kisari Mohan Ganguli´s version of Mahabharata. But I couldn't find the part where Krishna advises Arjuna to use Shikhandi as a shield.


texts: What is the position of Mahavishnu in Hinduism as per vedic scriptures?

texts:
What is the actual position of Lord Maha-Vishnu ??? at present no one can explain the answer satisfyingly.
so please help me with scriptural references .


texts: Pandharpur Mahatmya, Importance of Pandharpur

texts:
Vitthala means the one who stands on veeta(Brick), is an avatar of Shriman Naryana aka Panduranga(whose colour is like that of mud pandu).

Vitthala is worshipped by Vaishnavas all over the world and he is most popular amongst Dwaitins and Varkari sect people.

Where is Vitthala avatar mentioned in Scriptures or in other words which purana(s) mention sthala(place) mahatmya of Pandharpur.

PS: Quote the story for taking avatar if possible.


texts: What scriptures say that Lord Shiva sits in Smashan (Cremation Grounds)?

texts:
Lord Shiva is depicted as sitting in Smashanam.

Which Hindu Scriptures say this? Why does he sit in Smashan?


texts: When exactly do we use different mudras?

texts:
I have come across different types of mudras which are basically used for channelizing energy within our body but my question is:

Do we make use of all these mudras only during meditation or can we practice these mudras otherwise also, I mean while sitting casually or walking or performing yoga asanaas?
Is there any minimum time limit for which a mudra should be practiced?


texts:
In the book Yoga Vashistha(page 426) , Vashistha says one should give up moha as the snake casts off the skin.

My question is : should one give up moha and what is the meaning of the word moha ?


texts:
Do Vishnu Purana
(or) bhagavatam tells about panchayata puja
About five god worship which is given by adivata and Adi shankaracharya
Padma purana tells about five god worship like that Vishnu Purana and bhagavatam(any one can tell according to shridhara Swany tika also) tell about five god worship


texts: Six aspects of surrender mentioned in Pancharatra texts?

texts:
Recently while exploring the topic of Devotion or Bhakti , I came across the info. that there are six aspects of surrender to the Lord , mentioned in Pancharatra texts.

So my question is - What are these six aspects of surrender mentioned in the Pancharatra texts? I want the brief description of each and  preferably with direct quotes from original texts.


texts: Is there a punishment in hell for people who are converted to other religions?

texts:
I want to know if there are punishments after the death of a person who have converted from Hindu to some other religion (on his own decision may be) having any punishments are waiting on the hell?

Note: This is purely my imagination question. (Not about any person or any religion.)


texts: Since Kaliyuga itself feels like hell (naraka), do souls still go to hell after death?

texts:
Are swarga and naraka any different in Kali Yuga?

I mean quality of life itself will deteriorate so much in Kali Yuga that it will seem like hell on Earth so will there be another hell after death to be experienced in this yuga? If not, where will all the human souls go after death? Do they take birth immediately?

There are some scriptures that say that after death people go to swarga or naraka and are reborn according to their deeds but I think all these stories are from previous yugas. Do the same rules apply to Kali Yuga?


texts: What are the benefits of kundalini awakening?

texts: Are there any tangible or real life benefits of kundalini yoga or awakening? Or is it that the benefits are blown out of proportion by spiritual gurus?