texts: Why lord Shiva has a crescent moon on his head?

texts:
Why there's a crescent moon over lord Shiva's head?

Image Credits : hdwallpapers.com


texts: Uchiṣṭa Ganapati Suktam in Atharvana veda

texts: Does anyone know where in the Atharvana Veda we can find Uchiṣṭa Gaṇeśa/Gaṇapati suktam?


texts: Can a person achieve Jivan Muktha state without vicharana?

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Is vicharana(thinking) a mandatory step for attaining Jivan Muktha state?

Is there any such example from scriptures that a person got Jivan Muktha state without any vicharana?


texts: What was Swami Vivekananda's stance on animal sacrifices?

texts: What was Swami Vivekananda's view on animal sacrifices? Did he support it or criticise it?


texts: What are the arguments of Purva Mimansa that says Brahmanas are Apaurusheya?

texts:
We know that Vedas are Shruti text which are called Aparusheya. Shruti literally means "which is heard". Rishis heard Vedas directly from Ishvar in the state of deep meditation and hence Rishis are called Drashta (seers) of Vedas, not author of Vedas. Apaurusheya means not of human origin.
Vedas constitutes two parts one is Samhita or Mantra and second is Brahmanas. Aranyakas are usually portions of Brahmans and Upanishads are of Aranyakas. Vedas have Shakhas and each of Shakha had its own Samhita and Brahmans as discussed in this post. So, every Aranyakas and Upanishads are associated with particular Brahmanas of particular Shakha of particular Veda. (except Ishavashya Upanishad which is part of Yajurveda Samhita itself).
Now, talking about Shruti-ness or Apaurusheya-tva of Vedas, there are three opinions as follows:

Some believes that only Samhitas are Vedas.Brahmans are not Vedas but they are commentary on Vedas. A popular example of this belief is Swami Dayanand Saraswati of Aryasamaj.

Many (including I) believes that though Samhitas are only core part of Vedas which are the hymns heard by Rishis in deep meditation and hence called Shruti, however Brahmans are also considered as part of Vedas or forming Vedas altogether with Samhitas as I've discussed in this answer

Recently I found that there is also an argument which states that all part of Vedas including Brahmans, Aaranyakas and Upanishads are Apaurusheya and Shruti from this answer:

As a matter of fact, all parts of the Vedas, including Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, are Apaurusheya or authorless

This sounds interesting to know for me and hence I am interested in knowing the basis behind this statement, mentioned in the answer:

This is demonstrated in Adhyaya 1 Pada 1 of the Purva Mimamsa Sutras; see this excerpt from Shabara Swami's Bhashya.

The excerpt linked is whole of 50 pages having commentary on 32 Sutras of Purva Mimansa 1.1. and hence I find it difficult to locate the arguments I am looking for. So, I want to know what are the arguments of Purva Mimansa Sutra that states or concludes that all parts of Vedas including Brahmanas, Aaranyaka and Upanishads are Apaurusheya and Shruti.
Note: If bunch of arguments in the form of "objections and replies" are much lengthy then a brief summery with explanation and citing only major arguments would be useful and appreciated. Also note that I'm not looking for arguments for proving Samhitas Apaurusheya, I'm looking for arguments that proves other parts i.e Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads are Apaurusheya.


texts: Did the great Vedic scholar Sayanacharya reincarnate as Max Muller who propagated Aryan Invasion Theory?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda has claimed that the great Vedic scholar Sayanacharya, who wrote a commentary on the Vedas, had reincarnated as the infamous Max Muller.

Does this claim have any basis?

From what the Swami said, it appears that he guessed that Muller was the rebirth of Sayanacharya because Muller used Sayanacharya's commentary of the Vedas in his translation of the Vedas.

This is like claiming that Aurangzeb was the rebirth of Duryodhana because both were evil, killed people, oppressed Dharma, etc.


texts: What is the legend behind Siddhivinayak?

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The Siddhivinayak temple at Siddatek, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples. The linked wikipedia page mentions that

  God Vishnu is supposed to have vanquished the asuras Madhu and Kaitabh after propitiating Ganesha here.
  This is the only murti of these eight with the trunk positioned to the right.

Similarly, the government website of Siddhivinayak, Siddatek, mentions this legend  of  Siddhivinayak with a bit more detail and ends with

  Lord Vishnu, sage Vyas, sage Bhrushundi, sage Moraya Gosavi, sage Narayan Maharaj were stayed at this holy place. This place is one of the twenty-one places of Lord Ganesha, which mentioned in the purana (mythology).

The question is, in which religious text has the legend of Siddhivinayak (about both Lord Vishnu's conquest of Madhu-Kaitabh) been mentioned and what are the verses which speak about him?


texts: What is navamundi asana and its significance?

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Navamundi is a very special asana with respect to tantric tradition.

Swami vishuddhananda paramahansa is believed to have set up this asana in his ashram in kashi.

What is this ?

What is its significance?


texts: What is chitta ? How can we purify it to make our life and afterlife peaceful?

texts:
How should we purify chitta so that our death and time after death can't be harmful or full of suffering for us.
How someone can get peace with it?


texts: Does Hinduism permit kings to act tyrannical? As in allowing kings to exploit the people, loot them, kill, take women, etc?


texts: How does the Ramanandi sect originate from the Sri Vaishnava Parampara?

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As I discuss in this question, Vishnu is said to have taught the principles of Vaishnavism to four gods: Lakshmi, Brahma, Shiva and Sanatkumara. And they in turn started the four main Sampradayas or traditions of Vaishnavism: Sri Sampradayam, Brahma Sampradayam, Rudra Sampradayam, and Kumara Sampradayam. Now the Sri Sampradayam, the one started by Lakshmi, is most famous for containing the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member). But this is not the only sect that traces its origins to the Sri Sampradayam. There's also the Swaminarayan sect, which I discuss here. And then there is the Ramanandi sect, which is the subject of my question.

The Ramanandi or Ramavat sect was popularized by Ramananda, who believed that Rama is the supreme being. It's similar to the ISKCON worldview, where Krishna is supreme and Vishnu is an incarnation of Krishna, except Krishna is replaced by Rama. Famous devotees of Rama like Tulsidas and Kabir belonged to this sect.  And they believe in Visistadvaita as I discuss here.  In any case, the reason the consider themselves part of the Sri Sampradayam is that they trace their origins to the Guru Parampara of the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya; see the Parampara given in this Ramanandi website:

  SitaRam
  ।
  Sita (Shri-Devi)
  ।
  Pritanapati
  ।
  Shathkop
  ।
  Nathamuni
  ।
  Pundari
  ।
  Shri Ram Misra
  ।
  Yamun Muni
  ।
  PurNa
  ।
  Jagadguru Ramanuja (incarnation of Shri Lakshman)
  ।
  Kuresh
  ।
  Purushottam
  ।
  Devanand
  ।
  Haryanand
  ।
  Shriyanand
  ।
  Raghavanand
  ।
  Jagadguru Ramanandacharya (Incarnation of Shri Rama himself, he brought Bhakti from south to North)

Now as a Sri Vaishnava, one glaring difference I see compared to the Parampara I'm familiar with is that it says Rama and Sita rather than Vishnu and Lakshmi.  But that's just an issue of what god they consider supreme.  The next nine names are recognizable from the Sri Vaishnava Guru Parampara: you have Vishvaksena, then Nammalwar, then Nathamuni, then Uyyakondar, then Manakkal Nambi, then Yamunacharya, then Periya Nambi, then Ramanujacharya, then Kurathalwan.

But my question is, how does the rest of the Parampara connect with the Sri Vaishnava Parampara?  Who is this "Purushottam" figure who is listed as the shishya of Kurathalwan?  For those who don't know, Kurathalwan was the shishya of Ramanujacharya who had his eyes plucked out in the court of a Shaivite Chola king as I discuss here.  And Kurathalwan was the father of the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Parashara Bhattar.  But the only shishya of Kurathalwan that I know of is Thiruvarangathu Amudhunar, who was the author of the Ramanuja Nootrandhadhi, a famous poem in praise of Ramanujacharya.

But are there any records of Kurathalwan having a shishya named Puroshottam?  Could Puroshottama be the Sanskrit name of Thiruvarangathu Amudhunar?

EDIT: I found three other Shishyas of Kurathalwan.  First there's Naluran, who was a minister to the Shaivite Chola king who persecuted Kurathalwan as I discuss here.  And the other two are Pillai Pillai Alwan and a local king named Virasundara Brahmaraya.  During the time when Kurathalwan's son Parashara Bhattar was the head of the Sri Vaishnava sect, the king Virasundara Brahmarayan rebuilt one of the walls of the Sri Rangam temple.  In the course of doing so he demolished the house of Pillai Pillai Alwan, against Parashara Bhattar's express instructions.  Parashara Bhattar was so outraged by the Bhagavata Apachsram (offense against a fellow Vaishnava) that he left his beloved Sri Rangam and went to Thirukoshtiyur, only returning to Sri Rangam after Virasundara Brahmarayan died.

In any case, I still haven't found a shishya named "Puroshottam".


texts: Do Gods inherit sins committed by their avataras?

texts: I remember reading somewhere that for the sin of killing Vali from hiding, Vali was reborn as Jara and killed the Krishna avatara.


texts:
The Earth is situated in the middle of the 'fourteen planes of existence', of which 'Brahmaloka' is the highest plane.

But on the earth, atop the Mountain Meru, there is a city of Brahma, called 'Shatakaumbhi', which resembles a mountain of gold. Surrounding it are the citadels of the various 'Lokapalas', namely, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirruti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Ishana. This solves the problem of how can there be Lokapalas for the universe, because these 'Lokapalas' are now confined to 'Bhuloka'. Surrounding these cities are the various residences of devas and asuras.

The question is, are all these different cities from the actual 'Lokas' of the Devas?

Like do we have two Brahmas, two Indras, Agnis and so on, including double the number of devas and asuras per city?

OR are all these portals to the various other planes of existence?


texts: Did Krishna ever suffer due to separation from beloved or due to unwanted circumstances?

texts:
We humans suffer a lot due to death and separation. Krishna fought many wars. Krishna had many relatives, friends and lovers.

My question is: Did Krishna ever suffer in any stage of his life?


texts: Why does Adi shankaracharya think that self cannot perceive a relation between itself and avidya?

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Adi Shankara's doctrine of Maya is very widely known specially among the Vedantins; according to which all the dualities are perceived by self owing to ignorance(avidya) and that self is one without a second.

My question is regarding Shankara's commentary on Bhagvad Gita 13th chapter verse 2. i'm reading translation of Alladi Mahadev Shastry. (check page 334)

Here Purvapaksh raises a question regarding relation of self and avidya. In reply this is what Shankara says:

  It is not indeed possible for you to perceive your Self as  related to
  avidya, at the same moment (that your Self cognises  avidya); for, the
  cogniser (Self) acts at the moment as  the percipient of avidya.
  Neither can there be a (separate)  .cogniser of the relation between
  the cogniser (the Self) and  avidya, nor a separate cognition of, that
  (relation) ; for then  you would commit the fallacy of infinite
  regress (anavastha).
  _ If the relation between the cogniser (the Self) and the  cognised could be cognised, another cogniser should be  supposed to exist;
  then another cogniser of that cogniser ;  ,then another of that again;
  and so on; and thus the series  would necessarily be endless.

So here my question is regarding part in bold. Why Shankara thinks that Percipient cannot perceive a relation between himself and the perceived?

Ex say. I cognize my mother and at the same time cognize the relation between us as that of son-mother.

But from my understanding of Shankara's comment it appears to me that Adi Shankara doesn't think this is possible. He thinks that a relation of son-mother can only be perceived by some third person(other then mother and son).

So why does Shankaracharya think that such a case is impossibility?


texts: Is panchayatan puja mentioned in bhagavatam?

texts: Do bhagavatam mention punchayatan puja. And do bhagavatam says all five Gods(devatās) are equal?


texts: Why is it believed Brahma Sutras were written by Rishi Ved Vyasa?

texts:
Brahma Sutras is a very famous text and the main text in the Vedanta tradition and it is believed they were written by Rishi Ved Vyasa, but there are points which say they were not written by Rishi Ved Vyasa.

However, the author mentioned in the Brahma Sutras is 'Badarayana'.

The Brahma Sutras mention Buddhism and Jainism where as Sage vyasa lived long ago when Buddhism and Jainism were nonexistent.

It has some verses which are considered written against Agamas, but Sage Vyasa Himself praised agamas in Mahabharata, the Linga Purana, Shiva Purana which are all written by Vyasa too also praises Agamas. Even many rituals mentioned in Shaivite Puranas are Agamic.

So how can people claim and why is it believed  Brahma Sutras were written by Sage Rishi Ved Vyasa?


texts:
A person may have so much knowledge and the required knowledge has to be remembered at a particular time to accomplish a task. It is called as smarana (getting remembrance).

Which god is responsible for smarana in humans? Is there any mention regarding the same in scriptures?


texts: What is the effect of emission of of Gamma/Delta brain waves during meditation?

texts:
In his Forward to the book "Vedic Yoga: The Path of the Rishi", by Sri David Frawley, Sri Mahamandaleshvara Dr. Swami Veda Bharati states as follows:

  In the lab of his Ashram's Meditation Research Institute in Rishikesh,
  Swami Veda Bharati has demonstrated that in the depth of meditation he
  produces 101 Hz of Gamma waves on one hand and on the other hand he
  produces below 0.5 Hz delta brain waves; this apparently has never
  been recorded before in the research of neurology on meditation.

My question is whether such emission during meditation that extra-ordinary?  If so, what will be the outcome of such emission?


texts:
An Arya Samaj Influencer Rahul Arya claims that All fake stories have been planted in Srimad Bhagavatam, Skanda Puran & Brahma Vaivarta Puran about Krishna that he is playing with girls, Krishna taking girls' clothes, placing hands on thighs of girls all those activities are fake.

It is done to malign Krishna ji's image.

Krishna ji left Vrindavan at the age of 12 years. How can a kid do such vulgar things with girls?

Please provide answer with accurate reference.


texts: Does Bhagavad Gita state that "... Atmaa discards old bodies and assumes new bodies"?

texts:
While watching a famous hit Hindi movie Kudarat (1981), I came across a place where the protagonist states below in a court:

    "In Gita, the blessed lord has told that, how human throws away old cloths and wears new cloths, similarly Atmaa also leaves an old body and assumes a new body"

Here is a video link to the dialog.

Is any such verse existing in Bhagavad Gita?


texts: Did Krishna warn Bhishma not to interrupt any actions of Kauravas and Pandavas during the game of dice?

texts:
In Peter Brooks play/movie adaptation of Mahabharat the following conversation ensues between Krishna and Bhishma before the game of dice was to commence;[Given here below. Shortened/edited by me, but the theme remains the same.]

Krishna: Bhishma do me a favor. Whatever you see or hear in the course of the game, do not interrupt, in no circumstances.

Bhishma: But won't it be better to avoid the worst.

Krishna: What is the worst?

Bhishma: Destruction of dharma.

Krishna: And if your race has to be destroyed, so as to save dharma, would you be prepared to sacrifice your race?

[We need to remember here that Bhishma had vowed to protect his race at all costs and towards that goal remained celibate.]

Bhishma: [Bhishma entering into contemplation mood says;] This thought which is always with me has been disturbing my sleep and makes my heart pound all night along.

Krishna: That is why I ask you; do not intervene. Let each one go to his limit. [Saying so Krishna disappears.]

My querry: Is this scene and its dialogues, just a dramatized adaptation of the original, because I don't find this in the original Vyasa Mahabharata. Or does it have its base in any of the other versions of the story mentioned in other ancient scriptures? What is the basis for this scene. Or is it just a scene written for the script by Peter Brook, Jean-Claude Carrière and Marie-Hélène Estienne. Can anyone throw some light on this?

But please don't mention versions of modern authors. Thank you.

Edit 1: This not a duplicate by any standards. All the other questions mentioned here speak of "Why Krishna DID NOT STOP the game of dice?" But in Peter Brooks' adaptation Krishna WANTS THE GAME TO BE PLAYED, that too with NO LIMITS. And that [Whether Krishna asked Bhishma, not to interrupt the game in no circumstances?] is the thing I wanted to be confirmed by scriptures.

Edit 2: The link to Peter Brook's Mahabharat is here below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhqkRGISQr8

The said scene begins exactly at 1:09:04.


texts: In need of Atharva Veda books translated by Dr Tulsi Ram

texts: I have vol 1 of Atharva veda by tulsi ram.May I have the link to the rest of the volumes?


texts: Why are kumbhabhishekams of temples performed?

texts:
Basically it is pouring consecrated waters over a temple to energize a new temple or re-energize an existing shrine.

(1) which scripture lays out the procedures for kumbhabhishekam?

(2) these days, is it mostly done in the South (and of course by overseas Hindus)?


texts: Sri Rudram modern western scholarly translation

texts: This is a request for a modern translation of Sri Rudram, preferably by a western Sanskrit scholar who does not belong to any Hindu tradition. Translations available online have a lot of assumptions inbuilt in them. I want to obtain a scholarly translation which makes as few assumptions as possible. At the same time, I do not want 19th century obscure translations. A modern western scholarly translation would be ideal. Please let me know if such a translation is available.


texts: Where does the king Sudas of the Dasrajna war fit in the Lunar Dynasty?

texts:
I was reading about the  Daśarājñá  War mentioned in the Vedas and came to know that the winner was a King called Sudas who belonged to the Bharat lineage. That would imply that he descended from the Raja Bharat who is also the ancestor of the Kauravs and Pandavs.

I want to know where does Sudas fit in the Lunar Dynasty or Chandra-Vansha. Was he before the Pandavs or after them? It would be great to know his exact position in the genealogy.


texts: Does karma have anything to do with the Lord we worship?

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Different people worship different forms of Lord. One worships Krishna while the other worships Lord Shiva. Does their previous karma related with the god they worship? If so, how

For example, Arjuna hasn't recognized Lord Shiva and battled with him in his birth as one of the Pandavas and therefore he is later born as Bhakta Kannappa. In a similar way does everyone have a similar story like this in their previous birth?

If so, what about the people born in religions like Buddhism, Christianity etc. Moksha is available in Hinduism but how do these religion followers get moksha? Why aren't they given a chance to get moksha?


texts: How can Vishnu sleep on Adi Sesha when Adi Sesha does not exist?

texts:
Vishnu tells Narada in the Narayaniya portion of the Shanti Parva in Mahabharata:

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

At the end of 1000 yugas, Vishnu withdraws everything into himself including Adi Sesha as he says only after starting the creation process again, does he create Adi Sesha once more. So from the above it can be inferred that after the universe is withdrawn, Adi Sesha does not exist for a particular time period. He does mention that he exists alone with his companion, which in itself is a contradictory statement as if he exists alone, then there cannot be any companion and if there is companion, then he cannot exist alone.

But here is what Vishnu Purana says:

  Janárddana, invested with the quality of darkness, assumes the awful form of Rudra, and swallows up the universe. Having thus devoured all things, and converted the world into one vast ocean, the Supreme reposes upon his mighty serpent couch amidst the deep: he awakes after a season, and again, as Brahmá, becomes the author of creation.

Vishnu Purana says after Vishnu swallows the universe, he reposes on his serpent - Adi Sesha. But as per Vishnu's own statement, Adi Sesha cannot exist once the universe is swallowed as everything from mobile to immobile is also withdrawn and Adi Sesha is only created once the creation process starts again.

The above two statements from Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana seem contradictory, how to resolve this contradiction?


texts: Lakshmi and Parvati teasing each other's spouse - is this folklore or scripture?

texts:
The Srivaishnavite preacher Velukkudi Krishnan quotes the original Sanskrit and also explains in Tamil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIr8TBNKj04
Is this scripture or folklore?
Very rare instance of Siva-Vishnu rivalry in good humor.

Lakshmi: Where is that beggar?

Parvati: How would I know – you have to ask Vamana who went to beg from Bali

Lakshmi: Where is the Dance-performance today?

Parvati: You have to ask the one dancing at Brindavana

Lakshmi: Where is the fawn (carried by Siva) ?

Parvati: Where is the pig (Varaha)

Lakshmi: Where is the old bull (Nandi)?

Parvati: Only the cowherd (Krishna) would know

The Sanskrit transribed as best as I can:

L: Bhiksharthi satkvayatah

P: Sutanubalimakhe

L: Tandavam kvadya bhadre

P: Manye Brindavanante

L: Kvanusa mrigashishuhu

P: Naiva jane varaham

L: Bale kaschinna drishtah jaratha vrishpatihi

P: Gopayevasya vetta

L: Leela sallapayittham jalanidhi himavatkanyayoh trayatam nah

looks to be of very recent (> 18th cent) origin from the South.


texts: Why is Bhagavad Gita of Lord Krishna considered as the ultimate Gita?

texts:
There are various Gitas described in scriptures like Bhagavad Gita (revealed by Lord Krishna to Arjuna), Astavakkra Gita, Rudra Gita, Uddhava Gita ( again revealed by Lord Krishna to Uddhava) devi gita? and may be many more.

My question is why Bhagavad Gita is so famous than all other gita's?

You find that most of famous acharyas like Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhva, Vedanta Desika, Madhusudana Saraswati etc all have written commentary on Bhagavad Gita of Lord Krishna only.

One simple answer that comes instantaneously is that it was told by Supreme Lord Krishna.

But, are there any other specific reasons. I dont want wild speculations. Is there any specific reason or reasons mentioned by acharyas as to why Bhagavad Gita is the ultimate gita?


texts:
I have heard this narration from one of my aunt and cousin.

Narration 1 : My cousin's grandpa was an Acharya and in his old age, he was on bed and his son (my cousin's dad) went near him at night, and asked dad how are you, is your health feeling better now, he asked him has everyone eaten dinner, his son said yes, and grandpa said 'Chalo' as if to someone else, and suddenly he started breathing heavily and within seconds died. So, did the yamdoot waited for him to communicate with this son ?

Narration 2 : My aunt's father was in his old age ill and bed ridden, so most of the times some or the other family member used to be present near him. One day he was frequently shouting why is this muslim guy staring at me and asking me to come. Others were not able to see anyone, as after few minutes he died.

My question is, do people who are about to die, see yamdoot's, if yes then what is there appearance like ?, does everyone see them like the one who die normally without diseases / accident ?


texts: Where does Nammalwar say that he was born right after Krishna departed the Earth?

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

Most historians believe that the 12 Alwars from the 6th century AD to the 9th century AD.  But traditional Sri Vaishnava accounts assign them far older dates.  For instance, as I discuss in this question the first four Alwars are said to have been born in the Dwapara Yuga, all the way back in 4203 BC!  (That's a thousand years before the Pandavas were born.)

But my question is about another Alwar, Sadagopan aka Nammalwar, one of the most famous Alwars. (The Sadari in Sri Vaishnava temples represents Nammalwar, as I discuss here.) He is said to have been born in the beginning of the Kali Yuga, right after Krishna had departed the Earth.  Here is what Alkoṇḍavilli Govindāchārya in his book "The Divine Wisdom of the Dravida Saints":

  St. Nammazhvar who was born just forty five days after the Ascension of Lord Krishna, groaned thus from love: "Sinful man that I am, I have been born six weeks late! Ah! that what had reathed the lip (i.e., Krishna) hath slipped away!!" ... ["Piranda" v-10]

My question is, where does Nammalwar say that he was born six weeks too late to see Krishna?  Govindacharya cites Nammalwar's poem "Pirandha", which is indeed poem V-10 of Nammalwar's Thiruvaimozhi.  But you can read this translation and this translation of the poem; I don't see anything resembling the quote above.

So did Govindacharya cite the wrong poem or what?  Does anyone know of some other poem of Nammalwar where he regrets being born slightly too late to see Krishna?


texts: What lips should do while chanting "om namah shivaiah"?

texts:
I observed a new thing recently. While chanting "om namah shivaiah", previously I used to move my lips along with tongue, but now I am just keeping lips stable and just moving tongue. What is the correct procedure to have desired effect.

Will it not create vibrations if the lips are closed and will have less effect? What is the correct procedure?


texts: Does any scripture mention about Chanakya other than the Srimad Bhagavatham?

texts:
Srimad Baghavatham has an indirect mention to Chanakya

A certain brāhmaṇa [Cāṇakya] will betray the trust of King Nanda and
his eight sons and will destroy their dynasty. In their absence the
Mauryas will rule the world as the Age of Kali continues.
[12.1.11]

Does any other scripture has similar mentions, either directly or indirectly, about Chanakya?


texts: Which are the principle texts/scriptures of Advaita Vedanta?

texts:
I want to learn & study the Advaita Vedanta. So, which are the principle texts/scriptures of Advaita Vedanta? In other words which are the major text/scripture related to Advaita Vedanta.

I know that (Mukhya) Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita are the Prasthanatrayi of Vedanta and Adi Shankaracharya's commentries on them can be considered as the principle texts for Advaita. In addition to these I am looking for the important texts/scriptures that are related to Advaita Vedanta (e.g Vivekachudamani)

Note: Adi Shankaracharya was the founder/expounder of Advaita Vedanta, so I am specially looking for worthy texts/scriptures from Adi Shankaracharya that are related to Advaita (say core work or considered as very important for Advaita Vedanta). Though you can suggest others' texts also which are related to Advaita Vedanta.

Hence List the important texts/scriptures of (related to) Advaita Vedanta with a bit of description for each.


texts: Is Vishnu the incarnation of Krishna or the other way around, according to the Geetha?

texts:
ISKCON seminars taught me that Krishna was the first form of God and then came Brahma and Vishnu etc.

But I grew up with the knowledge that the trimurthis are the primary Gods of the universe. Hence Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu and not the other way round.

Which is true according to the holy books??

[Edit: Title has been changed to better reflect my question and show its not an exact duplicate of According to...]


texts:
As a follow up to my recent question Where does Linga purana mentions Lord Krishna giving veena to Narada muni? Linga purana doesn't mention Lord Krishna giving Veena to Narada but teaching Him music.

And this comment also seems to be true:

  "deva" is an epithet originally used for mahadeva ( for e.g. ref: sri sUktam upaitumAm dEvasakhaH ). Mahadeva is also the embodiment of nAda and the reigning deity of music/nAda yOga. So it can be interpreted as a vina given to him by Mahadeva/Lord Shiva. Iswara is also an epithet that applies only to Mahadeva as clarified by kanchi paramacharya Chandrasekharendra Saraswati swami.

So, now I'm undecided Who gave Him Veena. Is He Lord Krishna or Lord Shiva?
And why?


texts:
I know that he was a Kaurava.

I read that he tried to stop Draupadi's Cheerharan. Is there truth behind this?

Also, did he play any other role in the Mahabharata?


texts:
Nayanars are the devotees of Lord Shiva and Alvars are the devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Is there anyone who is both Alvar and Nayanar? Is it possible?


texts:
I found most of our religious books speak about Lord Vishnu's avatars and there are much fewer books that I know of about Lord Shiva. If Lord Vishnu has 10 avatars then how many avatars do Lord Shiva has?
In one of my research I came across a Shiva avatar that I never knew. Sharaba was the name for the Avatar, other name is Gandaberunda, derived from the meaning of a half lion and half bird. sharaba incarnation of Lord Shiva is to tame Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu.
That is the only line of story I know about Sharaba avatar of Lord shiva. Does any one know beyond this?
I found few pictures of Lord sharabeswar subduing Lord Narasimha. I thought of adding these pictures in question itself. The stone carvings are found in Airavateswar temple, Kumbakonam TamilNadu.


texts: Which direction should one face while doing Sayam Sandhyavandanam?

texts: Some people say it is not advisable to do achamana facing west, so one should face north while doing evening Sandhyavandanam up to Navagruha Tarpanam and after that one should do facing west till Namaskaram and then finish Sandhyavandanam facing north. But some others say one can even do the entire Sandhayavandanam facing west. Which is true?


texts: Scripture(s) saying not to look at the sun during his rising and setting time

texts:
Consider the following statements of Bhishma from Anusasana Parva of Mahabharata

  One should never look at the rising sun, nor at the setting sun. Nor
  should one look at the sun when he is in eclipse; nor at his image in
  the water; nor at midday when he is at the meridian.

Does any other scripture(s) support the statement which forbids looking at the sun when it is rising and setting?


texts: How can Ashwatthama be an incarnation of Lord Shiva?

texts: I have heard Ashwatthama who is an important character in the story in the Mahabharata epic and one of the chiranjeevas (immortals) to be the twelfth Rudra. However, he is seen as a cruel person for having the killing all the sons of the Pandavas and siding with the evil Kauravas. My question is how can such an evil person be the partial incarnation of the great Lord Shiva?


texts:
According to Hinduism scriptures, who created parabrahman?

Is parabrahman itself created parabrahman (self-creation)? Or is there any other entity created parabrahman?


texts:
Would like to know more about NityA Devi Goddess.
Does this Goddess belongs to DasaMahavidyas? if not, any relation with Goddessess in SriVidya Krama.

Is the below , Her dhyana ?

  ArdgendumaulimarunAmamarAbhivandyAmambhojapAsha srini purnakapAla hastAm ||


texts: Why does Uma Samhita, Chapter 24 of Shiva Purana insult Women?

texts:
The 24 Chapter of Uma Samhita is purely dedicated to insulting women.

Here is summary of the verses of the chapter-
You won't believe what has been said-

  15-16: No one is more sinful than a woman.

  17-23: Women do not stay in limits and keep an eye on men for sexual pleasures.

  24-29: They just want any man. There is no one, be him ugly, dwarf, blind, hunchback, who cannot be approached by women for lust.
  30-31: On seeing a man their vagina gets wet like water dripping from leather bag.

  32-34: Women are never satisfied by their husband. They want extra illicit affairs.

  35: Ever since Brahma has created the whole universe, the fault is always in women.

Why does our Hinduism put Women as such an impure sinful disgusting beings?


texts: What is the difference between -- "Hypnotism" and "Divya Drushti" granted to Arjuna by Krishna?

texts:
Currently, not much information is available about Hypnotism in Hinduism .SE.

Let's draw parallels between Krishna granting Divya Drushti to Arjuna [BG 11.8] and the typical Hypnotism (Vashikarana) performed on a subject:

Both Divya Drushti and Hypnotism relates to Eyes
The subject gets surrendered to the master -- Arjuna got surrendered to Krishna [BG 2.7]
The subject senses something, which is not otherwise sensible to indifferent observers -- In the battlefield, none except Arjuna was able to witness Krishna's universal form with various complexities inside
The subject sees hallucinatory visions, which is suppressed somewhere in their mind's corner -- Arjuna saw various hands & heads of Krishna, he saw getting several people getting killed including those who he didn't want to kill
The subject listens to the command of master as a real prophecy, even though it may not turn out to be true -- Krishna was already pursuing Arjuna to take up the arms and fight; During Divya Drushti, Krishna was heard saying that, Arjuna would kill Drona, Bhishma, Karna, Jayadratha; However later Arjuna didn't kill Drona and Bhishma
Often those who are observers, may also get partially or fully hypnotised just due to keen observation with faith; They may have full or part of sensibility of the subject; -- Sanjaya shared similar feelings of Arjuna and in the last he says that he got goosebumps [BG 18.76-78] witnessing the whole session of Gita and truly feels that the Dharma is on the side of Krishna
The subject doesn't remember anything once the performance is over by the master -- Arjuna later forgot several events of Gita, especially the Vishwaroopa

"Hypnotism" itself is not bad and is used for many curing therapies in modern times. Possibly the outcomes of today's Hypnotism could be a small subset of the outcome of then Divya Drushti. However they have striking similarities.

Did Krishna giving "Divya Drushti" to Arjuna was equivalent to what we call "Hypnotism" today Or was it more than that?


texts: In Bhagavad gIta, why does Krishna talk about his opinions?

texts:
In Bhagavad gIta, Krishna's words are supposed to represent the objective truth and not just opinions. However at some places, Krishna talks about his opinions.
BG 6.36

asaṅyatātmanā yōgō duṣprāpa iti mē matiḥ.
vaśyātmanā tu yatatā śakyō.vāptumupāyataḥ৷৷6.36৷৷

English translation by Swami Adidevananda

6.36 In my opinion Yoga is hard to attain by a person of unrestrained mind. However, it can be attained through right means by him, who strives for it and has a subdued mind.

BG 13.3

kṣētrajñaṅ cāpi māṅ viddhi sarvakṣētrēṣu bhārata.
kṣētrakṣētrajñayōrjñānaṅ yattajjñānaṅ mataṅ mama৷৷13.3৷৷

English translation by Swami Gambhirananda

13.3 And, O scion of the Bharata dynasty, under-stand Me to be the 'Knower of the field' in all the fields. In My opinion, that is Knowledge which is the knowlege of th field and the knower of the field.

Why is Krishna saying that the above teachings are his opinions, rather than the truth?


texts:
In temples we can find in pillars a monkey type animal in  sitting posture. When we go round the pillar there is a saying that dhosham will catch. How to get rid of this dhosham?
Another instance when the sacred thread of a Brahmin is cut by force, a severe brahama hathi dhosham will catch. Any parikarams for this? What will be the duration of this dhosham in years?


texts:
People say all gods are same.

It's a one God in different avatars, if so then why there are many differences in their beliefs, why God allowed himself to be in different scenarios if he is one. I think all religion and all god are not the same, people create them according to their belief.

Explain to me how they are same or if not then how?


texts: Plant and Vegetable kept against drishti dosham at house entrances

texts: Aloe Vera and Ash gourd are sometimes suspended at the house entrance during Grihapravesam ceremonies in some parts of India. ls there any spiritual basis or  early references for such tradition/ practice?


texts: What is Vyasa's exact stand on the tetrad of Divine Manifestation?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda asked Pramadadas Mitra in a letter on August 17, 1889:

  "Vyasa makes out in the Vedanta-Sutras that it is wrong to worship the tetrad of divine manifestation, Vâsudeva, Sankarshana, etc., and again that very Vyasa expatiates on the great merits of that worship in the Bhâgavata! Is this Vyasa a madman?"

The question in an interesting one. Could someone provide any answer?


texts:
I have heard of Pauman Abhishek like Rudra abhishek or Abhishek by Purusha Suktam. I don't know what is Pauman Strotra, like Rudradyaya from Rigveda, it's origins and any resource giving the mantra (samhita).

I am also confused about weather pauman could be used for abhishek of any god or godess.

This is pauman in Sanskrit


texts: Do PanchaMahaBhutas(five elements) get contaminated?

texts:
The Classical Elements are foundation elements for Material Universe, every object in physical realm has some configuration of these five elements viz:

Space/Aakash : most subtle and difficult to understand.
Water/Jal : more subtle than water Manu Smriti describes creation in
water.
Air/Vayu : not just atmospheric air more subtle meanings/forms
exist.
Fire/Agni : related with every thing that burns including acid in
    stomach.
Earth/Bhoomi : anything which is solid.

There are certain situations in which these elements are(said to be) contaminated, like when impure woman touches fire/water, when someone eats food(mainly associated with earth and water element) prepared by impure person etc.

Question : Is there any proof in Hindu scriptures about this contamination concept?

If I am correct fire gets contaminated for sure, because Girija(Godess Parvati Shiva's consort) cursed Agni (that he will be impure and surrounded by black smoke) at the time of Skanda/Murugan's birth, which is mentioned in Skanda Purana.


texts: Why do Hindus have no restrictions on going to churches or any other religious places?

texts:
Hinduism is known for its wide acceptance of other cultures. Most religions, like Christianity, Islam, etc. have very strict rules regarding this. They are not allowed to worship or visit any other religious places. But in Hinduism, I don't see such restrictions like in other religions- Hindus are allowed to visit other religious and pray to Jesus, Allah, and Buddha if they want. Why is it so?

Edit: As MKaama mentioned, there could be different opinions among different philosophical groups within Hinduism regarding this, but I am asking based on a general view, specifically compared to other religions like Christianity, Islam or Buddhism where visiting other religious places have very strict restrictions.


texts: Who gave Vajra or thunderbolt to Indra - Dadhichi or Usana?

texts:
In puranas Dadhichi is primarily known for sacrificing his life so the Devas, or benevolent celestial beings, could make the weapon called "Vajra" from his bones. After being driven out from Svarga, or heaven, by the serpent king Vritra, the Devas needed a powerful weapon to aid their fight. By making use of the Vajra, made from the sage Dadhichi's bones, the Devas defeated the Asura and reclaimed heaven.

However, Rig Veda tells a different story.

Usana is said to have increased the vigour of Indra ( RV. 1-51-10)

  The might which Usana hath formed for thee with might rends in its  greatness and with strength both worlds apart. O Hero-souled, the steeds of Vata, yoked by thought, have carried thee to fame while thou art filled with power.

Usana fashioned the thunderbolt for him for slaying Vritra

  Mount Indra, lover of the men thou guardest, the well-yoked horses of the wind, best bearers. The bolt which Kavya Usana erst gave thee, strong, gladdening, Vrtra-slaying, hath he fashioned.

  Rig Veda 1.121.12

  He who filled full his belly with the Soma's juice, Maghavan, was delighted with the meath's sweet draught, When Usana, that he might slay the monstrous beast, gave him the mighty weapon with a thousand points.

  Rig Veda 5.34.2

My question is this - Is it Usana, but not Dadhichi, in Rig Veda gave Indra the Vajra?


texts: Did the ancient Hindu people knew the atom energy?

texts: Is there any information about the atomic energy in ancient Hinduism scriptures . I am not able to find any information.


texts: Does nyaya or vaisheshikha school accept pratibhashik and paramarthik realities?

texts:
In one of the discourse I heard that Nyaya and Vaisheshikha accept 2 levels of reality.

However Shankaracharya was the 1st one to refute this claim of 2 level realities and established the 3rd reality viz. Vyavaharik.

However one of my friend told me that such notion is not there in nyaya school. That Nyaya doesn’t accept realities called “pratibhashik” and “paramarthik”
I also learnt from him that as per Nyaya even illusion is accepted to be real and hence nyaya is dualist in nature.
My friend quoted this verse which i do not know meaning of

  अधिष्ठानं च सदृशं तथ्यवस्तुद्वयं विना। न भ्रान्तिः भवति क्वापि
  स्वप्नमायादिकेष्वपि।।

The quote is likely from tatva samgraha. But not sure.

So my questions are:

Do Naiyayikas accept 2 level of realities (regardless of what they name those realities)?

Do Naiyayikas accept that even illusion is real?


texts: Can I put my own name and symbol for the Supreme Being?

texts:
God is one, the Supreme being (Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama and so on). All are the names of the supreme being who is not a human, but energy.

Now, can I put my own name for that Supreme being and my own symbol for worshiping him? Sometimes, I represent him as space. Will doing so give moksha, fulfill material desires etc?

I doesn't mean to represent them as demigods like Sun, Moon or gods of other religions. But in an entirely new name, a new representation (not Shiva Linga, not the way Lord Vishnu is represented). But entirely new.

I feel one must Love the Supreme Being but not his name or the way he is represented or the gifts he is giving. However, I still agree that the way they have been represented will induce bhakti but still, I am curious to know the answer imagining them in entirely new way.


texts:
I have gone through the Wikipedia page of Sikha.  However, I didn't find any information about the origins and reason for the tradition of Sikha amongst Brahmins.

Is it just as a sign of cleanliness(as stated by the wikipedia), or are there more in-depth cultural origins and explanation of how it became a tradition?


texts: Why is the Gita called "GitA" instead of 'Gitah' or 'Gitam'?

texts:
GitA (in sanskrit language) is a feminine-gender-word. My question is : Why, instead of named 'Gitah'(masculine Gender) or Gitam (neuter gender), it is named GitA? Puranas are called 'PURANAM' by the way.

Also, Why is it called a song instead of Upadesha?

I am interested in the scriptural or grammatical basis and NOT
opinions.Thanks.

Please note that this question is not duplicate as I am asking the reason behind the name.


texts: Has the Paramatmika Upanishad ever been translated into English?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, each of the four Vedas each of the four Vedas consists of four portions: Samhitas, the core part of the Vedas which consist of mantras heard from the gods; Brahmanas, which provide instructions on the proper conducting of important rituals; Aranyakas, which provide a guide to rituals meant for forest-dwellers and hermits; and Upanishads, which consist of conversations between teachers and students which clarify the philosophical message of the Vedas.  Now it's a somewhat thorny problem to decide which Upanishads are authentic.

Each Veda comes in numerous Shakhas or recensions, which I discuss here, and each Shakha has its own Upanishad.  But unfortunately, most of the Vedic Shakhas are lost.  Now when an Upanishad comes from one of the Shakhas that still exist, we can be sure of its authenticity.  But that's pretty much limited to the Mukhya Upanishads.  Most other Upanishads come from Shakhas that no longer exist, so we have to determine their authenticity by other means.  As I discuss in this answer, a good rule of thumb is that if an Upanishad's Shakha is lost and it doesn't appear in the list of 108 Upanishads, it's definitely not authentic.  But my question is about an unusual case, an Upanishad which isn't in the list of 108, but whose authenticity we can be sure of because it comes from a known Shakha.  Let me explain.

As I discuss in this answer, the vast majority of Vaishnavas follow a set of texts called the Pancharatra Agamas, and the Pancharatra Agamas are said to based on a lost Shakha of the Shukla Yajur Veda called the Ekayana Shakha.  But there's another group of Vishnu-worshippers who follow a different set of texts, the Vakhanasas.  As I discuss here, Vaikhanasas trace the origins of their Agamas to a similar lost Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda, the Vaikhanasa Shakha.  But the Vaikhanasa Shakha isn't completely lost - it still has texts like the Vaikhanasa Shrauta Sutra, the Vaikhanasa Grihya Sutras, and the Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutras.

And more importantly, it still has its Samhita, known as the Vaikhanasa Mantrasamhita or Vaikhanasa Mantraprashna. You can read it here in Sanskrit (in English script).  Section 7.2 of this text constitutes the Paramatmika Upanishad, which is the subject of my question.  The Paramatmika Upanishad is not in the list of 108, probably because it lost popularity after the Vaikhanasa Shakha was (partially) lost.  But it's of great philosophical importance to the Vaikhanasas; Srinivasa Dikshitar's Vaikhanasa commentary on the Brahma Sutras, which I discuss in this question, apparently quotes from it extensively, and Srinivasa Dikshitar also wrote a commentary on the Upanishad.

So my question is, has the Paramatmika Upanishad ever been translated into English?  One of the reasons I'm interested in it is that it's found in the Samhitas of the Vedas, just like the Isha Upanishads as I discuss here.  That means it consists of Mantras heard directly from the gods, unlike other Upanishads.

If an English translation doesn't exist, I would be grateful if someone could translate it for me, but I'm not holding my breath as the Paramatmika Upanishads is about a hundred verses long.  Still, if someone wants to try their hand at it, like I said it's section 7.2 here.  I've also converted the Paramatmika Upanishad into Devanagari script here, if people are more comfortable reading it that way.


texts: What does Hindu scripture say about World Turtle/World Elephant theory?

texts: Is there a mention of World Turtle/World Elephant theory in Hindu scripture? I heard many unsourced stories about Sheshanaga or Nandi being the one holding the earth on their head/horns respectively. But I want to know from scripture point of view, who holds the earth/bhumi?


texts: Why can't we do tasks like cutting nails on three alternate weekdays?

texts:
We have a lot of things that we can't do on certain week days. (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

They include cutting nails, getting a hair cut, shampooing hair etc. Why is it so?


texts: What are the days to avoid sexual intercourse for a gr̥hastha?

texts: Is there anything like sex should be avoided during festivals and some of the auspicious days like Ēkādaśī, Amāvásyā and Pūrṇimā? Are there any scriptures which can provide the details about the days on which sex should be avoided for gr̥hastha?


texts: What is the mythological significance of ritually giving water to sun after bathing?


texts: Why are the Vedas not the primary reference for most Hindus today?

texts:
From my understanding, the Vedas are the main authoritative texts (shruti) of Hinduism, followed by the prasthanathrayi (the Upanishads - especially the principal Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita).
However, in practice, the primary references used by most Hindus and Hindu gurus today are usually the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, followed by other secondary texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavatham, Ashtavakra Gita etc. They rarely refer to the Vedas directly.
Why are the Vedas not the primary reference for most Hindus and Hindu gurus today, as how the Christians use the New Testament or the Muslims use the Quran or the Buddhists use the Pali suttas?


texts: Do any of the Vaishnava Agamas recommend any Vedantic philosophies like Vishishtha Advaita or any other?

texts: Do any authentic Vaishnava Agama texts directly or explicitly recommend any Vedantic philosophies like the Advaita philosophy or any other?


texts:
If Vali and Sugriva are brothers then why did they fight with each other?

Please explain briefly.


texts: Every jiva has a Purva Janma (previous birth). How about Lava and Kusha's previous birth? Any source which talks about this? Is there any particular reason for their birth?


texts: Why did Lord Krishna end Karna's life in such a way?

texts: Karna was the only person who was able to defeat Arjuna. Karna was stronger and kinder than Arjuna, but still he got an undeserved death at the hands of Arjuna,on the advice of Lord Krishna. What is the reason behind ending the life of a great person?


texts: How can we calculate Amritha kalam and varjyam in panchangam?

texts:
I want to calculate Amritha kalam and varjyam for Panchang.
Please help me for calculating those by providing any formulas.
Thanks in advance and be safe.


texts: What Shruti source is SriKanthacharya quoting in this bhasya regarding efficacy of name 'Shiva'?

texts:
Srikantha Shivacharya in his commentary on Brahma Sutra 4.1.15 quotes various scripture showing the efficiacy of names of Lord Shiva. A relevant portion of that Bhasya is as:

  But the Agnihotra and others (contribute) only to this effect thereof, as seen (in the scriptures.) (4.1.15).
  The study of the Veda means the repeated japa or recitation of the Vedic mantras which treat of matters concerning Atman, which are calculated to produce the highest knowledge constituting the means of
  attaining the supreme Lord, Paramesvara. The Jabala- Upanishad says:

    "Then the students of Brahman thus addressed him : Tell us, 0 Lord, what mantra has to be recited whereby to attain immortality ?" Yajnavalkya said : " It is by Satarudriya. These are indeed the names of the Immortal, and thereby one becomes immortal."

  In the Kaivalya-Upanishad it is said:

    "That Brahmana who daily recites Satarudriya, he is purified by the sacred fires; he is purified by the air, he, is purified from liquor-drinking, he is purified from Brahmanicide. Taking his stand in the final order of holy life, let a man recite it always or, once; he attains the highest
    knowledge; the Ocean of Samsara undergoes extinction."

  Here we are given to understand that by the recitation of the mantras called Satarudriya which treat of Brahman, that supreme knowledge which extinguishes Brahman is attained, and that the sins which are opposed to the knowledge undergo destruction. The recitation of Satarudriya is here said to bring about destruction of all sins, on the ground that it comprises the names of Shiva who is immortal and free, through time without a beginning—as declared in the words " these indeed are the names of the immortal." From this it will be seen that even the recitation of the names of the Paramesvara such as 'Shiva,' —conduces to the destruction of all sins that may stand in the way of knowledge. The Sruti says:

    "If even a Chandala, if he should utter the word 'Shiva', one may talk with him, dwell with him, eat with him."

  Here indeed we are given to understand that the greatest sinner who is most impure attains highest purity by a mere utterance of the word 'Shiva' denoting Brahman. Elsewhere also the sruti, after saying that in the case of the Brahmana who recite daily the Atharvasiras all sins are extinguished declares also that he attains moksha, in the following words:

    "Once reciting, he becomes clean, pure, and fit for sacrificial ritual. Reciting a second time, he attains the state of Ganapati; reciting it a third time he enters the Deva Himself."

  And that the recitation of the Pranava. caases the break of the bond is taught in passages like the following:

    "Having made Atman the arani, and Pranava the upper arani, by practice of knowledge, by repeated churning, the wise man burns up the bond."

  So also elsewhere. Accordingly, since we are given to understand that the Vedic mantras treating of Paramesvara constitute the means to Moksha by way of conducing to the knowledge of the Supreme,through destruction of all sins, the recitation of those mantras should be practised throughout life even by the enlightened sage.

In the above Bhasya Srikantha Acharya is quoting; Shruti says 'If even a Chandala, if he should utter the word 'Shiva', one may talk with him, dwell with him, eat with him.' From which scripture is he quoting this?..


texts:
Many of the avatars of Vishnu that has happened, who were supposed to kill someone or destroy something has some kind of primary weapons.

Though they all can use various kinds of weapons, but had one primary weapon as their symbolic one, for instance:

Narasimha avatar had his nails
Parshurama had an axe
Rama had a bow and arrow
Krishna had Sudarshan Charkra

Similarly,
Are there any descriptions telling us about the primary weapon that will be used by Kalki?


texts:
Arjuna fell in love with Subhadra, the sister of Lord Krishna.

When Arjuna consulted Lord Krishna, he advised Arjuna to abduct Subhadra before marriage.

What are the details of Arjuna and Subhadra marriage?


texts:
When Narasimha swamy incarnated? on Trayodashi or Chaturdasi day?
Someone says Chaturdasi and some says different.  which is the correct one?


texts: Can Sandhyavandanam be performed on grandparent's tavasam day?

texts: We do have our grandma's tavasam tomorrow, every time I have been told not to perform Sandhyavandanam during tavasam day of grandparents. Wanted to know the reason, is this really valid or we misinterpreted something. Some lights on this please.


texts: What is the correct ending of this Shani Sloka?

texts:
Does the sloka

  neelaanjana samaabhaasam raviputram yama-agrajam
  chaayaa maartaanda sambhootam

end with
tvam namaami shainaishcharam
or with tam shanim pranamaamyaham

I found the first version on web, the second version in a book, so I'm confused.


texts: What is the criteria for being a dvija? Is anyone who has undergone upanayana a dvija?

texts:
Nowadays only the Brahmin caste undergoes upanayana.

For example, we are Kshatriya Varna (by birth) but we have not undergone upnayana.

Question- Is anyone who has not undergone the upanayana samskara a Sudra?


texts: Why Hinduism does not force any rules like other religions?

texts:
Many say  Hinduism is a Way of life and there are no compulsory in following any traditions.
As when compared with Other religions in the world they force many rules to be followed.MY QUESTION :
Why Hinduism does not force any rules like other religion and gives us the chance to decide to follow or not follow ?
Are there any specific reasons for not to force us  ?


texts: Why is it said in Vedanta that you are not the doer of any action?

texts:
In my study of Advaita Vedanta, I have come across many references to the point that one is not the doer of any action. See for example these two verses

  धर्माधर्मौ सुखं दुखं
  मानसानि न ते विभो।
  न कर्तासि न भोक्तासि
  मुक्त एवासि सर्वदा॥६॥

  Righteousness, unrighteousness, pleasure and pain are connected with the mind and not with the all-pervading you. You are neither the doer nor the reaper of the actions, so you are always almost free.॥6॥

(Ashtavakra Gita)

  प्रकृते: क्रियमाणानि गुणै: कर्माणि सर्वश: |
  अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते || Chapter 3, verse 27||

  A egotist, under the influence of the three modes of material nature-Rajas, Sattva and Tamas, thinks himself to be the doer of activities, which are in actuality carried out by nature.

(Bhagvad Gita)

Now if I am not the doer and reaper of any action what's the significance of law of karma? Lord Krishna says what is happening with us is the result of our past actions.

So, shouldn't we be taking responsibility of what we are doing instead of saying that we are not the doer?

Here's what Vasistha has to say about people who think they are not the doer of any actions in Yog Vasistha:

  He who thinks of going to heaven or hell by the will of the Maker is also a slave to destiny and is no better than a beast.28 The man of a noble mind who is employed in acts of goodness, breaks off from the errors of the world like a lion from its cage.29 Those who vainly imagine themselves to be led about by some supernatural power, and so slight their necessary duties, are to be
  shunned at a distance as the mean and base.

(Yog Vasistha, Part 2, chapter 6)

But again in later Yog Vasistha, I have found Vasistha saying that we not the doer of actions we perform.

At this point I am totally puzzled as what to do. At one point they all are saying that I am not the doer and at other point they are saying I am the doer. Am I the doer of my actions or not?


texts: During Krishna's period did people know he was God?

texts:
During krishna's period did people know he was God and avatar of lord Vishnu?

If they knew, why did people fight against him in Mahabharata war? As he was God if people knew it why would anyone go against him when he supported Pandava?

If people knew he was god? Why did not all people fall to his feet, accepting all he says?


texts:
According to Tantra-Vachana, Kali-Puja should never be done by the priests. If someone gets it done by a priest, the Mother becomes angry and ruins that person:

  purohitam samAniya yadi pujAdi kArayaet/ tasya sarvArtha-hAnih syAt kruddhA bhavati kalikA// (Pranatoshini-Tantra, kanda 5, pari. 6)

Why then do we see priests doing kAli-puja in almost all cases? Is there any scriptural support of this practice?


texts: Does anyone know about Sage Gritakoushik?

texts:
Because My Gotra is Gritakousik घृतकौशिक
I never read about Sage Gritakousik in puranas and scriptures.


texts: I've always had a keen interest in Hindu music. From this liking, I've seen stories such as the churning of the ocean of milk and of Rama and Sita. They are all very archaic and beautiful and so I want to learn more.


texts:
Aum - Is the concept of Brahman, in the Philosophy of Hinduism, comparable with the Ideology of Panentheism? (the belief or doctrine that God is greater than the universe and includes and interpenetrates it.)

From my research it seems to match, however I'm not certain if Brahman is separate from the universe, as well as a part of the Universe, or rather is Brahman the Universe, and nothing else? (Pantheism)


texts:
In Sukra Neethi (followed by Rakshasas Mahabali, Prahlada) it is stated that there are certain circumstances under which lying has a licence (e.g., where women are concerned, where marriages have have to be fixed, when there is a threat for life that needs to be saved, loss of money or modesty of women). Sukracharya defended lying to protect Mahabali's life right before MahaVishnu as Vamanavathar. (But Bali emperor declined saying life after lying and denying  Vishnu's direct request is worthless ... but that is besides the point).

The only glaring case I know is by Dharmaraja when he (half) lied to create a false impression that Ashwathhama already died in Kurukshetra  battle, motive to deactivate/kill  Drona.

Maintaining honesty for small things and resorting to lying conveniently when stakes are high to save the situation as in above serious threat situations sounds contradictory as regards commitment to absolute integrity... If it has sanction of Dharma then the entire group behavior may be looked down upon.

In the hoary scriptures untruth has been equated with violence and this has been brought forth as a political force in recent times by Gandhiji.

In WW II  time Goebbelian propaganda and modern times disinformation using the media is resorted to for  political purposes.

So is there a common guidance in our scriptures where provision is made in extra-ordinary situations when it is okay to utter or propagate untruths?


texts:
Vishnu has several names over scriptures such as Sahasranamam.

Is any name of Vishnu is mentioned as Siva?


texts: What would be the motto to live a life?according to "GEETA" or any holy book?

texts:
Whats the main purpose of our life,its not to be just earn money reputation in society and there need to be something else.

If there is any description about that in geeta or any holy book,please help me with that.

and I am not asking "Is the ultimate purpose of life only to serve God?"
I am asking is "What would be ultimate purpose of life?"


texts: Who is the 'messenger' of Asuras and what is his story?

texts:
Shatapatha Brahmana 1.4.1 mentions how Agni was chosen by the gods as their messenger:

  He recites [the eighth sâmidhenî]: 'Agni we choose as messenger!' Now the gods and the Asuras, both of them sprang from Pragâpati, were contending for superiority. When they were thus contending, the gâyatrî stood between them. That gâyatrî was the same as this earth, and this earth indeed lay between them. Now both of them knew that whichever she would side with, they would be victorious and the others would be defeated. Both parties then invited her secretly to come to them. Agni acted as messenger for the gods; and an Asura-Rakshas, named Saharakshas, for the Asuras.

We know about Agni acting as a messenger for the gods but I am more interested in the Asura who was chosen by his side. So my question is: Who is this Sahar-akshas, the messenger of the Asuras and what is his story?


texts: Are different parts of the human body considered more/less auspicious?

texts: I can understand squeamishness about organs of excretion - but are feet less auspicious?  Didn't Krishna wash Sudama's feet?


texts: What is the difference between mercy and pity?

texts: I am approaching this from the personality traits daya and krupa as emphasised in Hindu culture. I understand that "mercy" or krupa is a more sublime trait, as opposed to daya which is more everyday and ordinary.


texts: Valmiki keeps on wondering about Maanishada... sloka and Brahma says it is Saraswathi's grace and it is considered as the first sloka. Then what about the conversation between Sage Narada and Valmiki, that starts with Tapah Swadhyay Niratam..., is that not the first sloka?


texts: Are there English translations of Upanishad bhAshyas from dvaita and vishishtha advaita perspectives?

texts:
Sri Madhva wrote commentaries on upanishads from dvaita perspective.

Sri Ranga Ramanuja wrote commentaries on upanishads from vishishtha advaita perspective.

Are these commentaries available in English translations? If yes, where can they be obtained?


texts: What is the story of the first Acharya of Ramanujacharya's Matham in Melkote?

texts:
When the famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya fled Sri Rangam due to the persecution of the Shaivite Chola king (which I discuss here), he went to Melkote in Karnataka.  It's only after the death of the Chola king that he finally returned to his beloved Sri Rangam.  But he did two things before leaving Melkote: he made a statue of himself for the people of Melkote to remember him by, and he established a Sri Vaishnava Matham there, known as Yaduguri Yatiraja Matham.  (Yadugiri is an ancient name for Melkote, and Yatiraja is a name of Ramanujacharya meaning king of Sanyasis.)  After the Thenkalai-Vadakalai split it became a Thenkalai Matham.

But my question is, what is the story of the disciple of Ramanujacharya whom Ramanujacharya appointed as the first Jeeyar or Acharya of Yadugiri Yatiraja Matham?  Here is what the Matham's website says about him:

  Sri Deyshayee/Deshantari Kelvi Tiru-Narayana
  Sri Ramanuja appointed Sri Deshayee to the Peetam in 1104, to propagate the Mutt abhivardhanam (growth);
-With Sri Ramanuja's motivating Grace & as enshrined in the rule-book 'Niyamanappadi', this Jeer majestically continued the Nitya Bhagavat Aradhanams in & around the Cheluva Narayana-swami temple.

And here is what this web page says:

  Before returning to Srirangam after 12 years, as desired by his devotees he installed an image of his own and appointed Kovil Kelvi Deshayi Tirunarayana Jeeyar as the chief executive for the management of the temple and handed over the Ramanuja seal ring to him. He also instructed the chief of the Yathiraja mutt where he lived, to be continued on the basis of the swami’s deputy to succeed. Accordingly our own community people have been heading the mutt. It is understood Deshayi Tirunarayana Jeeyar family are there among us even to-day (1980) as Deshantri’s.( Deshayi means tax collectors of Desha or country).

So Desayi Thirunarayana Jeeyar may have been from a family of tax collectors.

In any case, what do Sri Vaishnava works say about his background?  How did he become a shishya of Ramanujacharya?  Was he one of the Sri Vaishnavas whom Ramanujacharya brought along from Sri Rangam to Melkote?  Or was he converted to Sri Vaishnavism in Karnataka?


texts: Why did Karna flee from battle with Chitrasena (Gandharvas)?

texts:
First of all, I am a great admirer of Karna and can prove that he is the only person in Mahabharata epic to follow dharma in his entire life but the only question I have is why did he ran from the battle with Chitrasena abandoning Duryodhana?
His first dharma was protecting Duryodhana. Why did he flee saving his own life (which was not necessary as he had Kavacha-Kundala with him). Karna fans argue that he was drunk at that time and was not in a position to use his full capabilities. But I'm not convinced. If a drunk person commits a crime he is still a criminal. Moreover, it is not mentioned (in Sacred-Texts.com, from where I read it) that he was drunk.
Having Kavacha-Kundala on him, Karna was invincible still he fled from the battle abandoning the friend whom he promised to protect him against any cause, if required with his life, why he fled away? Did he want to protect his prestige of not becoming captive to any power or remain undefeated throughout his life? Even if it is so, running from a battle would also be considered a defeat. What is the truth? Did he run or not? If he did, why did he do that? Is Sacred-Texts.com legitimate? For I know Karna would never flee for his life abandoning his best friend Duryodhana.

All the Gandharvas then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed together by
hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty warriors,
desirous of slaying the Suta's son, surrounded him on all sides, with
swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut down the yoke of his
car, and some his flagstaff, and some the shaft of his car, and some
his horses, and some his charioteer. And some cut down his umbrella
and some the wooden fender round his car and some the joints of his
car. It was thus that many thousands of Gandharvas, together attacking
his car, broke it into minute fragments. And while his car was thus
attacked, Karna leaped therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and
mounting on Vikarna's car, urged the steeds for saving himself.
Source: sacred-texts.com - The Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Sec. CCXXXIX


texts: Why only Geeta has "Shree Bhagwan uvachah"?

texts: In all the scriptures of Hindus there is no direct words from Bhagwan except Geeta. Only Geeta contains "Shree Bhagwan Uvachah" means "God said : " is it mean that other scriptures are human made where as Geeta is direct statements from GOD only? Geeta is at highest priority.


texts: Why wasn't Bhagavad Gita available at the time of Ramayana?

texts:
As I know Bhagavad Gita was first told by Lord Krishna, Krishna spoke to
Vivasvan (Surya), after that:

Vivasvan (Surya) to Manu
Manu to Ikshvaku
Ikshvaku to his disciple

And I know that Lord Rama is the 81st generation of Ikshvaku.

So, my question is why wasn't Bhagavad Gita available at the time of Ramayana?

If Bhagavad Gita was available at that time then why don't Ramayana or other scriptures mention that?


texts: What is the reason for Dwarka to be destroyed specifically by Flood?

texts:
From Mahabharatha :

  "Gandhari said ... Since deliberately, O slayer of Madhu, thou wert indifferent to this universal carnage, therefore, O mighty-armed one, thou shouldst reap the fruit of this act. By the little merit I have acquired through waiting dutifully on my husband, by that merit so difficult to attain, I shall curse thee, O wielder of the discus and the mace! Since thou wert indifferent to the Kurus and the Pandavas whilst they slew each other, therefore, O Govinda, thou shalt be the slayer of thy own kinsmen! In the thirty-sixth year from this, O slayer of Madhu, thou shalt, after causing the slaughter of thy kinsmen and friends and sons, perish by disgusting means in the wilderness. The ladies of thy race, deprived of sons, kinsmen, and friends, shall weep and cry even as these ladies of the Bharata race!’"

This explains Mother Gandhari cursing Lord Krishna and his Entire Yadhava Race to be destroyed in 36 years.
There is No Mentioning of destroying Dwarka City and cursing it to be flooded.MY QUESTION :
As Mother Gandhari didn't said it to be flooded why Dwarka city was destroyed by flood and is submerged in sea ?
Is there reason for destroying dwarka specifically by flood ?


texts: Where I can get the words of Dhanvantari Gayatri Mantra?

texts:
I was listening to " Dhanvantari Gayatri Mantra" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ajQOxVA3ak video.

Would like to know the words, but I did not find it. Even though I found few, it's looks little different
http://lifegivingmantras.blogspot.com/2009/10/dhanvantari-mantras.html

Thanks
Deepak


texts: What is the Asana is that Bhagawan Vishnu is laying down in?

texts: Many images depict Bhagawan Vishnu laying on his side with a hand supporting his head. What is this Asana called? Also, what does it signify?


texts: It is said that Lord Hanuman has got Ashta-Siddhi (Eight divine powers) and Nav-Nidhi (9 more powers). I want to know what all powers are included in the Ashta-Siddhi and Nav-Nidhi. Also, who all were the other people who have got these powers apart from Lord Hanuman.


texts: How is the term so'ham interpreted by different schools?

texts:
The term so'ham occurs in many upanishads like Isha upanishad etc.

How do major schools like Advaita, Dvaita,  Vishistadvaita and Achintya Bhedabheda interpret that?


texts:
Sant gyaneshwar (dnyaneshwar) was a famous saint from maharastrian bhakti movement (varkari).

Whose avatar was he ?


texts: Is washing clothes in Ganga not allowed?

texts: I was reading a newspaper article about river Ganga and it said that in ancient scriptures it was mentioned that Ganga must not be polluted and clothes must be washed at a distance from her. No one was allowed to discharge that water from washed clothes into river Ganga. Is washing clothes in Ganga a sin? What is the source where it has been mentioned that what are things which must not be done on banks of river to keep it clean?


texts:
The Law of Karma can be said to be the cornerstone of Hindu philosophies. Where in Hindu scriptures do we find the first mention of the Law of Karma?
Does it have mention in Vedas?


texts: Is naam japa better than mantra japa in kaliyuga?

texts:
It is said by some that in kaliyuga, naam japa is the only means of salvation.

Even if we ignore this extreme position, does it imply that naam japa is definitely better than mantra japa in kaliyuga ?


texts: What is the procedure for Agnishtoma ritual that leads to Heaven?

texts:
Agnishtoma is a Vedic ritual that takes its name from three hymns to Agni recited in it and was performed by those who want to ascend to heaven. This Hindupedia page - Agniṣṭoma gives the basic steps of the ritual but the reference given for that is a book by Swami Harshananda not any specific scripture.

Can anyone share the detailed procedure for the same from the scriptures?


texts:
In many families, they ask women to take bath before preparing food.

Is there any scriptural reference that women should take bath before preparing the food?

Note: This is regarding morning food and not other meals like dinner.


texts:
I asked a Pundit about how the universe is created and where from human came first. While he was describing as mentioned in Vedas, he said that human are created from different parts of the body of Brahma as below.

Brahmin are created from the Mouth of Brahma.
Kshatritya are created from  the Arms of Brahma
Vaishya are created from the Thighs of Brahma.
Shudra are created from the Legs of Brahma.

This nice question describes how the entire universe is created by brahma. However,I wish to know, where from human came first? Is it the same way I listen above?


texts: What lokas did Abhimanyu and Ghatotkacha attain after their death?

texts:
As per this answer, it is said that the Pandavas, Karna and Duryodhana went to heaven or hell.

What about others like Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha? Were they reborn?


texts: Who is the founder of Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma?

texts:
Who is the founder of Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma like Jesus for Christianity, Prophet Muhammad for Islam  and  Gautama Buddha for Buddhism?

Also which religious book is similar to Bible for Christians and Koran for Muslims?


texts: What kind of 'Paapa' results in losing an organ of the body?

texts:
We see lots of people lose some organ of their body in accidents. What kind of past life bad Karma causes this?
Which Purana has commented on such bad karmas.
Also is there any Purana/s that states remedies for past life bad karmas?


texts: I am looking for a book which has stories of great Hindu warriors both from our epics and history


texts: Hindu astronomy mapping with western astronomy

texts: I am looking for sources to map the name of stars and constellation followed by Indian astronomy with the western one. Any references would be welcome.


texts: Why do dreams come and what are their results?

texts: I want to know, What is a dream and how they relay in sleep only? How much night's fourth quarter dreams are true? If yes, then how much time they take place in dreamer's life? If no, why these dreams come during sleep ?


texts: Can one change their destiny from which is there in astrological predictions?

texts:
Sometimes astrological predictions(Jathakam) is entirely bad thought out the life. Some astrologers tell this person's life is always doomed.

Can he/she change it in the present life itself by doing good karmas?


texts: Do our sins really burn away if we're reborn as animals or trees (i.e., other than human)?

texts:
I have heard that we can not earn any merit or demerit in any birth other than the human birth.

So my question is, do our sins (demerits) burn away in animal or tree birth?

E.g., a dog born in dirty mud has to face many difficulties to survive but a dog born in a bungalow may have all the comforts and facilities to lead a happy life.

Given that, do our merits and demerits really wipe off in an animal birth?


texts: Which warrior can be considered the reason for the death of Bhishma?

texts:
Bhishma died on the bed of arrows after several days of completion of the MahAbhArata war.
Among Arjuna & Shikhandi, who can be considered the "slayer of Bhishma" or the reason of Bhishma getting killed ultimately?


texts: Who is Uma Goddess ? is it name of Parvati or a different Devi like Sati

texts:
I heard several times Uma, Laxmi, Parvati. I also heard some story about who was Sati & who is parvati.

Is Uma another wife of Shiva or just a named of Parvati or name of Shakti like Durga/Kali/Bhavani.


texts: How come there are nearly 6 billion people but only few attain perfection(self realization)?

texts:
Why do some people naturally get inclination(a quest or sometimes a thirst) on life to know about God?
Are they any pious activities that leads to this state in life after life?
Please justify with quotes if necessary.


texts: Are there any eulogies and prayers to Brahma?

texts:
Brahma is doubtlessly a most important God in Hinduism.

He is the Creator of the Universe in the Trinity of Shiva Vishnu Brahma.

Just because Shiva banished Brahma's worship, and it is said that Brahma is transient, so any person starts insulting Brahmaa.

We forget that Brahma is LokaPitaamaha and JagatSrashtaa. He is one of trinities and even if he is transient or not worshipped, he is to be respected.

Anyways, the question is there might be some Prayers to Brahma or at least praises to Lord Brahma.

Kindly give the praises to Lord Brahma The Supreme Creator of Universe.


texts: Are there any references to domestication of cattle in Hindu scriptures?

texts: The indicine line of cattle were domesticated approximately 10,500 years ago, far later than mesolithic religions, that may have left it's traces in Hinduism.


texts: Does Sankara Bhashyam exist for The Nrusimha Tapani Upanisad?

texts:
Does any one know of a source (preferably a publication in print) of 'Sri Sankara Bhashyam' for 'Sri Nrusimha Tapani Upanisad'?

As a background - some people, possibly Vaishnavas, believe that 'Sri Adi Shankaracharya' wrote a bhashyam for 'Sri Nrusimha Tapani Upanisad'. But I am not aware of any Smartha schools / institutions endorsing this notion. Personally I have not seen a Sankara Bhashyam for 'Sri Nrusimha Tapani Upanisad'.

Any one with additional references, please provide.


texts: Can someone mention the puranic source of Navgraha mantra?

texts:
For example, the mantra for Surya is the following one -

Japakusum Samkasam Kashyapeyam Mahadhyutim
Tamoarim Sarvapapaghnam Pranatosmi Divakaram

Like this one there are mantras for nine planets. These mantras are used in Jyotisha for Graha Shanti. As far as I know, these are part of Navgraha Stotram composed by Vyasa. I read that these are Puranic Mantras. In which Puran Navgraha mantras are found. Please mention the verse numbers.


texts: Who is the main God of Hinduism? Shiva or Vishnu?

texts: Some people said that Lord Shiva is the main God of Hinduism and people said that Lord Vishnu is the main God in Hinduism. So,who is the actually the main God? Is it Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu?


texts:
I was taught a method of pranayama that involves sharply exhaling from each nostril in turn a number of times. When I was blowing my nose this morning it occurred to me that this action was similar to that of pranayama.

My question is: can blowing a person's nose to clear it of mucus be a form of pranayama for them?


texts: Regarding showing that universe is in the consciousness in Shankar's Aparokshanubhuti

texts:
In Aparokshanubhuti, Shankara shows that we are not the body nor the mind by giving various techniques like Drig, Drishya, Viveka etc.

But after that, he discards whatever he said and by giving examples like Mirage example etc. But he doesn't give any practical techniques to show that the universe is within the consciousness.

So how can one see that the universe is within the consciousness?


texts: Jyotisha-Shastra and prediction about death?

texts: Does Jyotisha-Shastra  have elaborate methods to predict death? If so, what is the method? I read in "Jaimini sutra" pertaining to astrology that there is a predictive method for death, but the method is unclear. Also, I do not understand whether it is credible.


texts: When should we have to do tarpanam on the grahanam or the eclipse day. Do we have to do before the start of Grahanam or after Moksha ?


texts: Isn't the varna determined, by the Vedic varnashram, by birth?

texts: As far as I know, varnashram is originally a Vedic idea, by which Shudras that were Not recognised as dvija were Not entitled for Upanayana that usually used to take place at the age of 8-11 years of the boys fathered by dvija males. From this, it evidently follows that by the Vedic varnashram, people were born with their varna. Still, I've heard some people claim that the varna of guys was Not determined by their birth in Vedic times. Nevertheless, so far I haveN't heard them say any substantial stuff in defence of their claim.


texts: Did the Purva Mimamsa school believe that Brahman exists?

texts:
Purva Mimamsa was a school of Hindu philosophy that accepted the authority of the Vedas, but believed that following Dharma and doing rituals was the goal of life, and not gaining knowledge and meditating on Brahman to attain Moksha.

I know they considered anything other than injunctions to perform rituals as useless statements or as statements motivating you to perform the rituals.

But did they believe that Brahman actually exists? What was their view on Brahman?


texts:
Yesterday, CM of Uttar Pradesh, India said that as a 'Yogi' he will not goto mosque foundation laying program.
https://www.opindia.com/2020/08/yogi-adityanath-up-cm-ayodhya-mosque-ground-breaking-ceremony-attend/amp/
For those who don't know , Yogi Adityanath besides being Chief Minister of UP, is also head (chief priest) of Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur.
My question is whether there is anything in scriptures that prohibits him from visiting a mosque. If so , please share.


texts: How is it possible for the yugas such as Dwapar and Kali to be personified in human-like form?

texts:
It is mentioned at many places that they were present in human forms, it doesn't make sense.
Like in Kalki Puran, it us shown that Satyug in human form is with Lord Kalki.
Also, in Dwapar Yug,Kali is making conversations with Dwapar about getting late for Damyanti swayamvar.


texts: Is the EXACT same creation repeated in every Kalpa?

texts:
It is said that Brahma creates the world from his past impression.
Does that mean everything is repeated again? Will I be asking his same question again in the next Kalpa?


texts: Is the law of karma violated when entire countries get punished for the evil actions of certain individuals?

texts:
This answer has shown that Lord Shiva destroys evil countries. By "evil country" it is meant a country where majority of the people and leaders do evil actions.

Now my question is, is it fair to destroy an entire country when some people are evil? When an entire country is destroyed for the actions of evil people, the good people in that country are also destroyed, but why should the good people be destroyed as well when they didn't do evil actions? Doesn't this violate the law of karma that says only individuals get punished and rewarded for their own actions?


texts: What are the qualities or attributes that differentiate Sanathana Dharma from other religious faiths?

texts: I would like to know whether there are any ideals or principles in Sanathana Dharma that make it distinctly different from other religious faiths of the world?  What qualities or principles does Sanathana Dharma profess other than what the rest of the world religions have contributed for the welfare of humanity and betterment of our planet?


texts: If Draupadi (of Mahabharata) was dark skinned why does Krishna call her a fair skinned woman?

texts:
"Vaisampayana continued, 'In that assembly of heroes Vasudeva then
  spake unto the weeping Draupadi as follows, 'O fair lady, the wives of
  those with whom thou art angry, shall weep even like thee, beholding
  their husbands dead on the ground, weltering in blood and their bodies
  covered with the arrows of Vivatsu!

I don't think by fair he meant "ethical lady". Arjuna Parva section twelve (12)


texts: Sri Rudram and other mantras in Pada Patha

texts:
Namaskar! Is there some place in which I can find audio files of the Sri rudram and other mantras in Pada Patha (Sometimes called Moola patha)?

Here is the Ganapati Prarthana in many different Pathas but would like to have some more audios, particularly Pada Patha.

https://youtu.be/2SJtvpCIRWo

regards!


texts: Why do people perform rites and meditate if its a hindrance?

texts:
According to the īśā Upaniṣad and the latter Śrī Śaṅkarācārya (of Advaita) commentary:

  अन्धं तमः प्रविशन्ति येऽविद्यामुपासते । ततो भूय इव ते तमो य उ
  विद्यायां रताः ॥

  andhaṃ tamaḥ praviśanti ye'vidyāmupāsate | tato bhūya iva te tamo ya u
  vidyāyāṃ ratāḥ ||

  (Isha-Upanishad, 9th Mantra)

  ‘They enter into blinding darkness who worship avidya(rites); into
  still greater darkness, as it were, do they enter who delight in
  vidya(meditation).’`

It goes on to say in commentary:

  Who? Ye they on the other hand who giving up rites; vidyayam u ratah,
  are engaged only in vidya are always bent on the meditation (and
  worship) of gods.

Please also explain what the darkness is. I would preface to say I have an understanding of Advaita and the concept of liberation in this lifetime but it was from my previous understanding that liberation is the goal of Hinduism in its entirety including all sects; please forgive me if wrong and please forgive my sanskrit as am quoting from a book on the second block quote.


texts: Ancient sages or Rishis (ऋषी) and Locations of their hermitages (आश्रम)

texts:
Since ancient times India is known as the land of sages and their valuable teachings. The great sages of India devoted their lives towards the enlightenment of mankind. They have occupied special place in Hinduism. The names of some of them are given below.

Vasishtha (योग वशिष्ठ) , Agastya (अगस्त्य) , Adi Shankaracharya (आदि शंकराचार्य) , Valmiki (वाल्मिकी) , Ved Vyas ( व्यास) etc. These sages or Rishis were living life in their Hermitages (आश्रम).

I want to know , the ancient locations of the Hermitages. I.e. where were they located. ? Are there any mentioning in Scriptures about this.?

(Not particularly all locations , some of it will also do)


texts:
I am planning to read a book for my child and wanted to read Ramayana. Can you please recommend a good, preferably pictorial book for reading to children.
I have seen a few by Arshia Sattar , Bulbul Sharma, L.Lal. I am a bit confused as to which one to go for and appreciate your help.
Thanks


texts: I am looking for some texts that could teach the basics of Mantra Shastra. I am specially interested in their reasoning, pronunciation and historical context. Kindly recommend texts of the same kind.


texts: How many days were counted as a year during Mahabharata period?

texts:
The following narration is from the episode of regaining of ear rings by Utanka from Mahabharata (Kisari Mohan Ganguli version).

  148 तस्मिंश च तन्त्रे कृष्णाः सिताश च तन्तवः
      चक्रं चापश्यत षड्भिः कुमारैः परिवर्त्यमानम
      पुरुषं चापश्यद दर्शनीयम

  149 स तान सर्वास तुष्टावैभिर मन्त्रवादश्लॊकैः

  150 तरीण्य अर्पितान्य अत्र शतानि मध्ये; षष्टिश च
  नित्यं चरति धरुवे ऽसमिन
      चक्रे चतुर्विंशतिपर्व यॊगे षड; यत कुमाराः परिवर्तयन्ति

  148 tasmiṃś ca tantre kṛṣṇāḥ sitāś ca tantavaḥ
      cakraṃ cāpaśyat ṣaḍbhiḥ kumāraiḥ parivartyamānam
      puruṣaṃ cāpaśyad darśanīyam

  149 sa tān sarvās tuṣṭāvaibhir mantravādaślokaiḥ

  150 trīṇy arpitāny atra śatāni madhye; ṣaṣṭiś ca
  nityaṃ carati dhruve 'smin
      cakre caturviṃśatiparva yoge ṣaḍ; yat kumārāḥ parivartayanti

Translation

  and in the loom were black and white threads. And he likewise saw a
  wheel, with twelve spokes, turned by six boys. And he also saw a man
  with a handsome horse. And he began to address them the following
  mantras:

  "This wheel whose circumference is marked by twenty-four divisions
  representing as many lunar changes is furnished with three hundred
  spokes! It is set in continual motion by six boys (the seasons)!

My question is why was it mentioned about the wheel whose circumference is marked by twenty-four divisions representing as many lunar changes is furnished with three hundred spokes?

Do the words  three hundred spokes indicate 300 days or something else?


texts: Can Arjuna's statements in Bhagavad Gita be taken as pramAna i.e., are they on par with Krishna’s?

texts:
Such as

1.41 - When unrighteousness prevails, O Krishna the women of the clan become corrupt; when women become corrupt, there arises intermixture of castes.
1.43 - By the crimes of the clan-destroyers who bring about intermingling of castes, the ancient traditions of the clan and caste are destroyed.


texts: in Gita whether Krishna says that 'Gita is Krishna himself'

texts:
A local preacher yesterday said  that:

  In gita Krishna explicitly literally said that: "anyone believing in him should
  believe that Bhagwad Gita is Lord Krishna Himself"

Can somebody help me in finding the verse number


texts: Where in the Rig Veda are the 10 Upanishads?

texts:
Here it suggests there are 10 Upanishads embedded in the Rig Veda.

I have scoured Google but have not found anything saying something like "The 10 Upanishads of the Rig Veda are located in Hymns #X, #Y, and #Z". Where are they located in the Rig Veda???

BTW, what do all these columns mean? How do I go about finding the Upanishads in the Rig Veda, or these other columns?


texts: Did Agni take incarnation among men as per Rig Veda II.4.2?

texts:
Rig Veda II.4 is dedicated to Agni.  RV II.4.2 says as follows:

  इमं विधन्तो अपां सधस्थे दवितादधुर्भ्र्गवो विक्ष्वायोः | एष
  विश्वान्यभ्यस्तु भूमा देवानामग्निररतिर्जीराश्वः ||

Translation of H.H. Wilson is as follows:

  The BHRIGUS.  Worshipping AGNI, have twice made him manifest :
  (once) in the Abode of the waters, and (once) amongst the sons
  of men: may that AGNI, the sovereign of the Gods, mounted on a
  rapid courser, ever overcome all (our foes)

So far I am under the impression that incarnations of Vishnu or Shiva, etc, are the fabrication of poets of post Vedic literature and of  part of Puranas.

However, Rig Veda Mandala II was accepted by many to be the oldest part of the Veda.  And, it is speaking about manifestation of AGNI,  the sovereign of the Gods, amongst the sons of men.

Can anyone explain whether we can take it as the incarnation of AGNI among men, in the ancient period or does it indicate something else?


texts: To gain self realization we are going through lower self (earning money, career etc.) to higher self. Swami Vivekananda said “Unselfishness is the denial of the lower or apparent self” and it comes gradually by lots of practice. Swami ji said “Try to be pure and unselfish---that is the whole of religion”. In the period of lower self (as described selfish motive) when we are busy with our lower self for our career, earning money .are we commit sin as swami ji said “selfishness is the chief sin”. And in today’s world how much appropriate with this philosophy. You can try it but you can’t achieve truly or absolute unselfishness because of various circumstances then what will it call a selfish act or a unselfish act.


texts:
What is the difference between the following 2 works?

Sarva Siddhanta Sangraha
Sarva Darshana Samgraha

Is the SDS (by Madhvacharya) a detailed summary of the SSS (by Sankaracharya)?
(The chapter names in both seem to be almost the same)


texts: Is there any Hindu god associated with muscle/muscle strength?

texts: We all know that god for general medicine is Dhanvantri, but I want to know whether there is any god / deity particularly associated with muscles and muscle powers.


texts: What are the three states of Yogi mentioned in Shvetashvatara Upanishad?

texts:
Shvetashvatara Upanishad 11th verse of 1st chapter:

  jñātvā devaṃ sarvapāśāpahāniḥ
        kṣīṇaiḥ kleśairjanmamṛtyuprahāṇiḥ ।
  tasyābhidhyānāttṛtīyaṃ dehabhede
        viśvaiśvaryaṃ kevala āptakāmaḥ ॥ 11॥

  I-11: With the knowledge of God, all fetters fall off. With the waning of ignorance, birth and death cease. Going beyond the consciousness of the body by meditating on Him, one reaches the third state, viz., the universal lordship. All his desires are satisfied, and he becomes one without a second.

It is mentioned that one reaches the third state and after then one attains Brahman. I want to know what is third state, more precisely what is meant by third state here and then consequently which three states are.


texts: Why is a major upanishad called "major upanishad"?

texts:
There are over 200 Upanishads but the traditional number is 108. Of them, only 10 are the principal Upanishads: Isha, Kena, Katha, Prashan, Mundaka, Mandukya, Tattiriya, Aitareya, Chhandogya and Brihadaranyaka. This book is a forerunner in introducing these primary Upanishads to the uninitiated.
(Source) .
So what makes a major upanishad a major upanishad, what are qualifications and criteria for a major upanishad.


texts: What is an overview of Hinduism's arguments against the "unconscious violinist" analogy used to support abortion in the case of rape?

texts:
I am looking for the response of any denomination that is against abortion in the case of rape that has also responded to the scenario below or something similar to it.

"A Defense of Abortion" (Thomson):

  You wake up in the morning and find yourself back to back in bed with
  an unconscious violinist. A famous unconscious violinist. He has been
  found to have a fatal kidney ailment, and the Society of Music Lovers
  has canvassed all the available medical records and found that you
  alone have the right blood type to help. They have therefore kidnapped
  you, and last night the violinist's circulatory system was plugged
  into yours, so that your kidneys can be used to extract poisons from
  his blood as well as your own. [If he is unplugged from you now, he
  will die; but] in nine months he will have recovered from his ailment,
  and can safely be unplugged from you.

It is said later that:

  Critics of Thomson's argument generally grant the permissibility of
  unplugging the violinist, but seek to block the inference that
  abortion is permissible by arguing that there are morally relevant
  differences between the violinist scenario and typical cases of
  abortion.

But it is unsourced. :(

To make my intentions clear, the above is an analogy for a female being raped and impregnated by a male. Some denominations claim that the female is obliged to carry the child to birth if medically practical because the child is innocent of his/her father's sins, has a right to life, etc etc etc.

(Assume ideal conditions such as medical complications not being present so the mother and child are healthy, the mother can give birth, the mother and the father are not close relatives, a proper hospital is available and can be afforded, an adoption agency is available etc etc etc)

So do those arguments apply to the violinist too? What are the "morally relevant differences" ? I understand that Thomson was defending abortion in non-rape cases, but let us consider only rape cases.

What's the difference? Why are women responsible for carrying a child, who she did not consent to carrying, to birth but people are not responsible for caring for a violinist who they were attached to without consent?

I am not saying women are not responsible, but if they are, it looks like everyone is responsible for the violinist.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that I'm looking for any denomination's response, probable response based on teachings or relevant teachings. Naturally, I'm not asking what "Hinduism" thinks or would think.

Thanks to all. I'm new to site so please go easy on me in feedback and editing. :)


texts: How are Aryavarta, Brahmavarta and Madhyadesa defined?

texts:
I believe Aryavarta contains Madhyadesa which contains Brahmavarta.
Where are these defined geographically?


texts:
What should be said on the death of a Hindu, instead of RIP?

I am given to understand that religions like Christianity and Islam use the phrase RIP in relation to a dead person, so that he/she rests in his/her grave till the judgement day.

Since Hinduism has no such concept, what alternative to RIP should Hindus use (in accordance with scriptures/dharma) to offer wishes towards a dead person?


texts: Do Vedas talk about all the 33 crore deities?

texts:
Namaste, I have little knowledge about all four Vedas. Personally, I have never got opportunity to read them. I wonder, if all the deities are mentioned in vedas or not. Or, Vedas do specifically and clearly talk about only Shri Vishnu or only Shiva (not Mahadeva)?

  Can anybody provide clear picture that do Nigama recognizes all deities?


texts: Is there any procedure for giving a curse?

texts: For giving a curse, does any mantra need to be recited, water sprinkled, etc.? Is there any procedure which needs to be followed? Also, who is eligible to give a curse? Are there any qualifications required for a curse to be effective?


texts:
In matsya purana, Indra killed many of Diti's children.

Why Indra killed many of Diti's children and why Indra death is calamity although lord Brahma don't mind and and agreed that Indra will killed by Vajranga's son?

  "When the thousand years were over, Vajranga returned. He was shocked to learn of the tortures that his wife had been subjected to by Indra. He began to meditate again. This time, he wished for a son who would kill Indra. Brahma appeared and granted Vajranga the desired boon."