texts: Presence of therianthropes, chimera and other mythical creatures in Hinduism

texts: What is the significance of therianthropes in Hinduism? It's a repeating theme common to all shamanistic religions. Can Narasimha the half man half lion avatar and makara be two examples of therainthropes?


texts: Which is correct wrt to Saraswati river? Did it flow from Haryana to Gujarat or did it meet Ganga and Yamuna at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj?

texts:
https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/a/23551/19725 - acc to this answer Saraswati goes from Haryana to Gujarat. But Triveni Sangam is said to be the confluence point of Ganga Yamuna and Saraswati.

Which of them is true?


texts: Pouring Water on Lord ganesha in the dream

texts:
Hi hope someone can help me understand the meaning of my dream I am not able to understand why did I see this particular act in my dream last night.

I dreamt of pouring water on the Lord Ganesha's idol which was made of black rock and there were two idols one is 12 inches and the other idol was of six and a half feet tall. I was shocked by the amount of water it took to pour on these two idols from 5-liter water pot.


texts: Can I apply tilak to coconut with first finger is that badluck?

texts: Which finger to use, when applying tilak to coconut at an engagement ceremony?


texts: Who was the greatest warrior in the Mahabharata?

texts:
The Mahabharata (books and TV series) always introduces any warrior as an "unmatched warrior". For example, Jarasandha is introduced as an unmatched warrior, Kichaka is introduced as an unmatched warrior, Bhishma, Dronacharya, Bheema, Arjuna and Karna are all introduced as unmatched warriors.

Frankly, I am irritated with calling every warrior "unmatched".

So, who was the greatest of all?


texts: If a person belonging to the Dalit caste is chosen to be a priest, is that allowed? I do understand that Gita says varna is by actions and not by birth. Although, in practice, we see a lot of discrimination based on the family a person is born in.


texts: What is the explanation for Aitareya Brahmana III. 3

texts:
Therefore, there are several wives for one man, but not several husbands for a woman simultaneously - Aitareya Brahmana III. 3.

Can we thus conclude, using the above verse, that polygyny is allowed and polyandry forbidden?

Source of this verse is an answer that I found on this site


texts: Rules to read bhagavth geeta and Ramayanam

texts:
Can you please tell me the rules to follow while reading/Listening to the Bhagavat Gita and The Ramayanam? are they mandatory for every caste? because when I visited a Priest's home he didn't read in the evening for the reason of the sandhya vandhanam.

are there any rules, timings, Prerequisites, particular days and etc. to either read or listen to the great epics Viz. The MahaBharatha-(The Bhagavat Gita) and The Ramayanam?

I already started reading The Ramayanam. I do not read it- while eating, before bath and Sandhya times(as I mentioned the priest didn't read so I am not reading it at Sandhya times).


texts: how will Kalki destroy all the bad people at the end of Kali Yuga

texts:
It is said, after 4,32,000 years that the current Kali Yuga will end and then a new Satya Yuga will be created(as mentioned here).

My question is

1)how will Kalki destroy all the bad people? [ is it by fire or water ]

2)Will the good people live for 1,00,000 years as they will be part of a new Satya Yuga?

3)Will all the current technologies like internet, planes & mobiles exist in the new Satya Yuga?


texts: Why there is a difference in rules and regulations of sanyasins?

texts:
Among sanyasins we see difference in rules and regulation in sampradayas.

But in brahmacharya or grihastha we dont see much of difference.

What is the reason that different traditions have different sanyasa?

for example in Sri Vaishnava tradition they do not give up the sacred thread tuft but in Dashanami tradition most of them have to give up these.

What are the rules for these? Are there any texts which explicitly list out the rules to be followed by sanyasins ?

What is the reason that different sects have different rules?


texts: Why does Adi Shankaracharya say magical powers can only be obtained through the Vedas?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. You can read the Brahma Sutras here. In any case, the beginning of Adhyaya 2 Pada 1 of the Brahma Sutras, Vyasa says this:

  If it be argued (that from the acceptance of Brahman as the cause of the universe) arises the defect of the (Samkhya) Smritis being left without any scope, then not so, for otherwise will arise the defect of other Smritis losing their scope.
  And (Pradhana is not the cause) since the others are not met with (in the Vedas and common experience).

Most commentators agree that in these Sutras, Vyasa is refuting Kapila's Samkhya school.  Now in this section of his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, the Advaita philosopher Adi Shankarachrya refutes the objection that the philosophical doctrines found in the Smritis of the Samkhya school should be accepted as valid, since Kapila had extra-sensory perception due to his magical powers:

  Nor can we assume that some persons are able to perceive supersensuous matters without Sruti, as there exists no efficient cause for such perception. Nor, again, can it be said that such perception may be assumed in the case of Kapila and others who possessed supernatural powers, and consequently unobstructed power of cognition. For the possession of supernatural powers itself depends on the performance of religious duty, and religious duty is that which is characterised by injunction; hence the sense of injunctions (i.e. of the Veda) which is established first must not be fancifully interpreted in reference to the dicta of men 'established' (i.e. made perfect, and therefore possessing supernatural powers) afterwards only.

What Adi Shankaracharya is saying is that magical powers can only be obtained through the injunctions found in the Vedas, so it's invalid to use information gleamed from those magical powers to devise a fanciful interpretation of the Vedas themselves.  But my question is, why does Adi Shankaracharya say that magical powers can only be obtained through the injunctions of the Vedas?  Are there Yagnas enjoined by the Vedas which yield magical powers?

Now Siddhis or magical powers are mainly discussed by Patanjali's Yoga school; here is what Adhyaya 4 Sutra 1 of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras says about the means of acquiring Siddhis:

  janma-oṣadhi-mantra-tapas-samādhi-jāḥ siddhayaḥ

  Supernatural powers (siddhis) arise from birth, drugs, mantras, austerity, or yoga (samadhi)

But it's possible that the Vedanta school disagrees with the Yoga school on how to obtain Siddhis.  In any case, does anyone know of any references in the Brahmanas or Aranyakas of the Vedas of a Yagna which yields Siddhis?


texts: I was reading an article on Vijayanagar empire and came across the mention of a ceremony where the river goddess Pampa is married to Virupaksha or Shiva. Do any scriptures mention this story?


texts: Why are vahanas placed outside the main temple instead of near the deity?

texts:
For gods like Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and many others, the idol of the Vahana (animal or otherwise) is placed outside the garbagriha (the innermost sanctum of a Hindu temple) in most temples.

Yet in many references to vahanas in holy texts, they are supposed to be be always present alongside God(s). Why is this?


texts: Where can one find the original bengali book of Bhaktivinoda Thakura's Jaiva Dharma?

texts: I am look for the book Jaiva Dharma by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, an important Gaudiya Vaishnava Acharya. Any idea where i can find it?


texts:
I read a shloka (source not known)" Punya shloko Nalo Raja Punya shloko Yudhishtirah. Punya shloko Videhascha Punya shloko Janardanah."
What is meaning of Punyashloka in the above context


texts: Who is (are) the physician(s) of Gods / Devas?

texts:
In various Puranas and Scriptures the twins Ashwini Kumaras are referred to as physicians of the Gods. It was to them Maharishi Dadhichi imparted the knowledge of the Sanjeevani Mantra to the twins with his head having been replaced with a horse's head which split into thousand pieces as cursed by Indra, and was revived by Ashwini Kumaras.

However Ayurveda Shastra refers to Dhanvantari as the Father of medicine. Dhanvatri came from the Kshirasagara during the churning of the ocean with the pot of ambroosia 'Amrita'.

My question is "If Dhanvantari is the Father of Medicine, who taught Ashwini Kumaras? In which scriptures is there mention of Ashwini Kumaras being taught the secrets of Ayurveda - the Ancient Indian Medical Science."


texts: Which scriptures deal with rules for widows?

texts:
Widows are not allowed to wear colour sarees and are not allowed to participate in functions, they are also prohibited from touching certain plants.

What is the exact reason behind this and can anyone point the exact scripture that explains these rules?


texts:
Lord Krishna has talked about demigod in Bhagavad Gita. Can you give me some example of Demigod.
Are Hanuman, Ganesha and Kartikeya demigod ??


texts: Is there any mention of the Mahamrityunjay Mantra in the Puranas?

texts: The Mahamrityunjay Mantra is a famous verse found in the Rig Veda which glorifies a "three-eyed deity". According to Shaivites, the mantra refers to Lord Shiva whereas Vaishnavas believe it to be referring to Lord Narasimha. I have heard that some Puranas have references to this mantra. Can anybody provide me these alleged references? Do any of these Puranic references indicate the "three-eyed deity" it glorifies?


texts: Why is Bauddha Darshana considered Nastika in Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism)?

texts: I found that Bauddha Darshana is considered Nastika. I want to know why it is considered as Nastika in Hindu Dharma (Sanatan Dharma).


texts: Shani's good and bad effects when he is placed in various houses

texts: As I heard, Shani does bad only when he is placed in particular house. What are the good and bad effects of Shani in the various houses of our horoscopes?


texts: How did the Dvaitavadi Vaishnavas explain the brahma sutra that says Pancharatra is wrong?

texts:
According to the Brahma-Sutra 2/2/42, the PAncharAtra/BhAgavata doctrines are not acceptable.

How did the Dvaitavadi (Non-Advaitavadi) Vaishnava Acharyas who followed the Pancharatra/Bhagavata doctrines explain this? Answer could be from the ancient Acharyas any school of Dvaita-vaada.


texts:
At the time of Vali's death, there was an question and answer exchange between him and Lord Ram. One of the points raised by Vali was that as he is a forest dweller, and living like animal (eat and kill like animals), there is no correlation in behavior between humans (Ram) and vanaras (Vali). So he cannot be subjected to rules that humans follow.

But my question is that if he felt so why was he and his wife Tara doing Vedic rituals? These include sandhyaa vandana, suuryopasthaana (by Vali), swasthyana (by Tara) and other daily routines of Vedas.


texts: Should we restrict drunk people to enter the temple?

texts:
I am asking this question because this incident has happened to me.
Actually, I have restricted one of my friends to enter the temple because he has taken the drink outside the Bherunath mandir Ujjain without offering the alcohol to the god (Bherunath Ujjain).

My question is that what I have done is right or not, I have restricted one of my friends to enter the temple of the Mangalnath mandir Ujjain? After restricted him I am not feeling well that What I have done is right or not?


texts: What exactly is a leela (लीला)? Is there a scriptural definition of leela (लीला)?

texts:
When people cannot logically explain certain actions of Gods, their incarnations, Saints, Ṛṣis etc., they often use the term leela which is sometimes spelled as līlā and lIlA.

I think the word translates to play, sport or pastimes.

My questions are:

Is there a scriptural definition of this word līlā?
Are there any examples from scriptures where certain actions are classified as līlās?
If an individual performs a certain action which some people view as dharma and others view the same action as adharma, do scriptures allow the person to call his action leela?


texts: Vishnu distresses Indra by pointing out not only his, but Brahma's mortality as well. Is Vishnu likewise, a mortal position?

texts:
First off, I think the source text is the Brahmavaivarta Purana, but I may be wrong, as I couldn't find this excerpt in an online version.

Either way, the way Vishnu describes the impermanence of not only Indra, but of Brahma as well reminds me very much of how the Buddha stirred up Brahmas from the comfort of their long-lived lives.

Vishnu, in his boyish avatar, claims that one must stop clinging to both the good or bad, since even the highest incarnations (such as that of Shiva and Brahma) are impermanent.

My question is, how does Vishnu differ here? I'm not sure if this is a direct quote, but I found also that a Brahma's life is similarly, the blink of an eye of Vishnu. Is, thus, even Vishnu just a temporary form, be as it may that he has great wisdom?


texts: Is Trika system mentioned in Shakta scriptures? What they say about it?

texts: I want to know whether Trika which is technical term for Kashmiri Shaivism is mentioned in Shakta scriptures? If yes, what they say about it?


texts: Reasons for attaining preta janma and how to get relieved

texts: What are the reasons for attaining for preta janma [various are there] and how to get relieved from that? viz  what are the prayaschittas to be done for that?


texts:
As per story, Raja Harishchandra was 33rd descendant of Ikshvaku family. Bhagiratha was 44th and Rama 63rd.

Raja Harishchandra worked on ghats of Benares cremation grounds on banks of Ganga but Ganga should come after Bhagiratha because Bhagiratha brought Ganga to the Earth by his tapa.

On which river bank was Raja Harishchandra working? Was it Ganga?

How could Ganga be present at the time of Harishchandra when it is brought to earth by his descendant Bagiratha?


texts: Why did Laxman get injured by Indrajit's 'shakti' weapon?

texts:
In Ramayana, Indrajit was able to hit Laxman by his special weapon named Shakti. Due to this Laxman went very near to death. Now Lord Hanuman went to Himalaya & brought Sanjivani. This way Laxman was saved.

The next day Indrajit uses all three main weapons i.e. Bramhastra, Narayanan's Sudarshan Chakra & Shiva's Pashupatra (Trishul). These weapons are considered as most deadly weapons but none of this weapon was able to harm Laxman.

Video Source from Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. All the sources of this Ramayan are based on the Valmiki's Ramayan & Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas.

So how come shakti weapon was able to harm Laxman?


texts: When were Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism marked as separate religions?

texts: Historically, Buddhism and Jainism were just some of the many sects or philosophical schools in ancient times. When was the separation of religions happened and when were all vedic and non-vedic sects clubbed under Hinduism?


texts:
In Shiva Sutra, Lord Shiva says:

गुरुरुपायः ||
"The Guru who has attained Self-realization can alone help the aspirant in acquiring it."

So Guru is important for any seeker who is in the path of Spirituality. However a bonding must be there to start with. So my question is how this bonding between a Guru and a Shishya is explained in Hinduism ?


texts: Did Krishna stop time while preaching the Gita to Arjuna?

texts: Did Krishna stop time? If he did, then sanjaya must have not been able to narrate to dritarashtra and hence we would have never known it. If he did not, how was so much preached — they would have been sacked to death in no time.


texts: Which Purana describes Jatila and her seven husbands

texts:
In this answer, its quoted that:

I have heard in the Purana that a lady of name Jatila, the foremost of all virtuous women belonging to the race of Gotama had married seven Rishis.

Question is, which Purana describes Jatila and her seven husbands?


texts: What do we call those who are knowledgable but tend to forget it sometimes?

texts: In general ,in Hindu culture, what do we call those beings who are highly knowledgeable but tend to forget the knowledge sometimes ?


texts: Why was Agni inside the mouth of the first king of Videha?

texts:
This chapter of the Satapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda describes how the ancient king Videha Madhava founded the kingdom of Videha, the kingdom that  Sita's father Janaka later ruled.  Once Videha Madhava had Agni the fire god inside his mouth, and he didn't want to speak for fear of letting him out.  But the sage Gautama, who was the guru of Videha Madhava, knowing that Agni was there kept reciting Vedic hymns in praise of Agni, and that triggered Agni to come out and create a massive fire that spread east from the Saraswati river until it reached the Sadanira river:

Now Mâthava, the (king of) Videgha, carried Agni Vaisvânara in his mouth. The Rishi Gotama Râhûgana was his family priest. When addressed (by the latter), he made no answer to him, fearing lest Agni might fall from his mouth. He (the priest) began to invoke the latter with verses of the Rig-veda, 'We kindle thee at the sacrifice, O wise Agni, thee the radiant, the mighty caller to the sacrificial feast (Rig-veda V, 26, 3)!--O Videgha!' He (the king) did not answer. (The priest went on), 'Upwards, O Agni, dart thy brilliant, shining rays, thy flames, thy beams (Rig-veda VIII, 44, 16)!--O Videgha-a-a!' Still he did not answer. (The priest continued), 'Thee, O butter-sprinkled one, we invoke! (Rig-veda V, 26, 2);' so much he uttered, when at the very mentioning of butter, Agni Vaisvânara flashed forth from the (king's) mouth: he was unable to hold him back; he issued from his mouth, and fell down on this earth.
Mâthava, the Videgha, was at that time on the (river) Sarasvatî. He (Agni) thence went burning along this earth towards the east; and Gotama Râhûgana and the Videgha Mâthava followed after him as he was burning along. He burnt over (dried up) all these rivers. Now that (river), which is called 'Sadânîrâ,' flows from the northern (Himâlaya) mountain: that one he did not burn over. That one the Brâhmans did not cross in former times, thinking, 'it has not been burnt over by Agni Vaisvânara.' Now-a-days, however, there are many Brâhmans to the east of it. At that time it (the land east of the Sadânîrâ) was very uncultivated, very marshy, because it had not been tasted by Agni Vaisvânara.
Now-a-days, however, it is very cultivated, for the Brâhmans have caused (Agni) to taste it through sacrifices. Even in late summer that (river), as it were, rages along: so cold is it, not having been burnt over by Agni Vaisvânara.  Mâthava, the Videgha, then said (to Agni), 'Where am I to abide?' 'To the east of this (river) be thy abode!' said he. Even now this (river) forms the boundary of the Kosalas and Videhas; for these are the Mâthavas (or descendants of Mâthava). Gotama Râhûgana then said (to Mâthava), 'Why didst thou not answer when addressed by us?' He replied, 'Agni Vaisvânara was in my mouth; I did not reply, lest he should escape from my mouth.' 'How then did this happen?'--'At the moment when thou didst utter the words, "(Thee), O butter-sprinkled one, we invoke!" just then, at the mention of butter, Agni Vaisvânara flashed forth from my mouth; I was unable to hold him back, he issued from my mouth.'

And indeed, in ancient times the kingdom of Videha lay east of the Sadanira river, the modern-day Gandaki river in Nepal.
But my question is, why was Agni inside Videha Madhava's mouth in the first place?  Did he intentionally enter Videha Madhava's mouth to make him found the kingdom of Videha?  Was Videha Madhava's some kind of Yogi who would regularly have fire in his mouth for some reason, or was this just a one-incident?
By the way, Western Indologists speculate that Agni symbolizes here the force of civilization which drove the Vedic people eastward across India.  But I'm interested in what Hindu scripture has to say.  Is this story discussed in any Puranas?


texts: In Lingashtakam, does "Sanchit Paap" refer to "Sanchita Karma" or are these two separate concepts?

texts:
In this verse of Lingashtakam,

कुङ्कुमचन्दनलेपितलिङ्गं पङ्कजहारसुशोभितलिङ्गम् ।

सञ्चितपापविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥५॥

What does "Sanchita Paap" refer to? Is it the same as Sanchita Karma?


texts: My question is regarding to the remedies for the bramhatya dosh in a kundali, when shani and jupiter see one and another.


texts: Are Nishkama karma and Purusharthas opposed to each other?

texts:
Nishkama karma means desireless action, whereas, purushartha is all about desires and goals.

Aren't these two opposed to each other? Which one should we follow?


texts:
Bhujanga means a snake, or one that has shoulders as locomotive limb.

There are many Bhujanga stotrams, on Shiva, Vishnu etc, on almost all deities. What is the definition of a Bhujanga stotram, or in other words what style of compositions qualifies a work as Bhujanga stotram?


texts:
On the last night of the war after Duryodhana's defeat, Ashwatthama  attacked the Pandava camp and strangled Dhrishtadyumna to death in his sleep, he killed Shikhandi and Uttamaujas , He killed Draupadi's five sons, the Upapandavas, while they were sleeping, believing them to be the five Pandava brothers and many other prominent warriors of the Pandava army.

So who was Uttamaujas ?


texts: Is there any scriptural precedent for praying in the second person (using "you")? Is this from outside Hinduism?

texts:
In modern times, when people pray, they do it overwhelmingly in the second person. In scriptures, however, the third person (or no person) is overwhelmingly the person the prayers are in, and I have found even the first person used more than the second person. I have found this trend to continue even during historical prayers beyond scripture.
Does anyone know a movement that started this praying in second person thing? When did this trend historically start? What ideology started this trend? Should prayers in the second person be avoided? Is there any scripture that states the supremacy of the third person or no person for the majority of prayers? Is this a foreign concept from other religions? Do other religions pray in the second person? I heard the Lord's prayer from Christianity in it's original language Aramaic is not in the second person, so did it happen after this, in Islam or Sikhism? Does the Quran or Guru Granth Sahib sanction this?


texts: Chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam without initiation

texts: Can we chant Vishnu Sahasranamam daily without initiation?


texts: Can we attain liberation through having Bhakti on a normal person?

texts:
Usually Bhakti is referred to unconditional love towards God, Worshiping God, Chanting his name and thinking of him day and night. And a bhakta who is completely Devoted to God in mind, body and soul will be liberated.

My question is, can someone have that intensity of bhakti towards his/her mother, father, husband, wife or any person other than God and get moksha?


texts: Questions regarding rules of chanting Vedas

texts:
Can  I learn Vedas through MP3 and Cassette?
Can I chant Vedas even if I don't understand the meaning?


texts: Can anyone suggest mantras for worshiping Mata Sita and Sri Radha Rani?

texts: I am looking for some mantras for chanting mantras specific to Sita and radha rani.


texts: What is difference between Trinity Vishnu, Shiva and 12 Aditya Vishnu and 11Rudra Shiva?

texts:
We have 12 Adityas of whom one is Vishnu. And 11 Rudras of whom one is Shankara.

Are they Vishnu and Shiva counted in Trinity? If not, who are they? Are they related to trinity gods?


texts:
When Bhagwan Parshuram sees Karna's tolerance, he says that Karna can't be a Brahamana, he must be a Kshatriya.

1 What is the relation between a person capability and his caste?
2 If there had been a relation, then what was wrong in policy that only Kshatriya allowed to learn archery , as they have more strength?


texts: According to Vedas which one is a better guide - Mann or Budhdhi?

texts:
Well, when we are going through a certain phase in our life, where we have to make a decision but we are unsure of what is correct & what is wrong; normally, we have two directions/instructions to follow, one from our brain and the other from our heart. So, the question arises which one is supreme & correct guide, and why?

Mann -> Mind &
Budhdhi -> Brain

I would like to cite a simple example here:

You go for shopping right?

Mann -> buy this buy that
Budhdhi -> before buying check your budget
Mann -> No worries I'll use Credit Card
Budhdhi -> Who will pay Credit Card bills?

So, a simple decision making process in a way shows which one is a better guide. Maybe that's the reason brain (budhdhi) is placed above heart (mann) in a human body!

Some say listen to your Atman, but question is how is that message passed on to the person, through Mann or Budhdhi or some other means?


texts: Can a women take her head bath on Sunday at the end of her menstruation cycle?

texts:
According to scriptures one should not take head bath(hair wash) on Sunday

One who forsakes on all Sundays, Woman oil bath, meat and drinks, Will
never be sick nor sad nor poor. And would reach the land of sun after
death.

Assume that a women is following the above and if Sunday is the day she has to take head bath(hair wash) for the reason of completing her menstruation cycle(i.e., on 4th day).
In this situation what a women has to follow?


texts: Why is Lord Krishna called the complete Vishnu as compared to his other incarnations upon earth?

texts: I have read somewhere that Shree Krishna is called the complete version of Vishnu compared to other of his 9 incarnations. Well it's understandable that Shree Krishna is different from Buddha, Narashima, Parashurama or even Vamana, the dwarf, but how is he different from Lord Rama? What qualities or powers did he possess that Shree Rama didn't?


texts: Why Hindus don't give clothes to the body of dead at time of cremation?

texts:
I was in visit to Kerala of my christian friend. There I was asked many questions about Hindu mythology. They asked me

  why we not give any clothes when we cremate anybody.

I had no answer but I gave one common thought that because we are born without clothes. Then again they asked me what does it means that you earn knowledge when you grew. What I want to know Is there any documentary proof in the scriptures about this.


texts: What is the source of the phrase "Satyamev Jayate"?

texts:
"Satyamev Jayate" is a very famous phrase.
What is the source the phrase "Satyamev Jayate"?


texts: When and why did Shiva take Arthanārīśvara form?

texts:
The Arthanārīśvara form of śiva is quite famous. It depicts the equality of Male and female energy in the universe. There is also a hymn dedicated to Arthanārīśvara form called Arthanārīśvara stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya and also Arthanārīśvara ashtakam which is written by sage Upamanyu.

When and why did śiva give half of his body to śivā (Pārvati)?
Is there any story related to this?
Which scriptures describes this form of śiva?


texts: Consuming milk and dairy causes bad karma?

texts: Since it is get from the exploitation of innocents mammals, consuming milk and dairy causes bad karma?


texts: Is Mahabali still the ruler in charge of Sutala?

texts:
As we know there are fourteen Lokas.
And Mahabali was made King of Sutala by Lord Visnu's Avatar, Lord Vamana and Lord also promised to make him Indra.
So I wanted to know if his time in Sutala has come to an end.


texts: Do the Vedas talk about karma(cause and effect). There are several verses in gita about it.


texts: Havishyana and prohibition on use of oil and soap during sutak

texts: There are some rules I read on multiple sites that need to be followed during ashouch/sutak. Only havishyana (i.e boiled food that can be offered in havan) should be consumed till the 10th day. Cooking in oil and even application of oil or soap should be avoided. I don't remember them being mentioned in the Garud Purana . So are these rules backed by any scriptural reference? Apart from Garud Purana are there other books which tell about the prohibitions during sutak period after death or birth?


texts: Did Bhima have the strength of 10000 elephants?

texts: I remember a story to that effect - is it in the Mahabharata?


texts: Krishna's childhood connection with Repalle village

texts:
I had believed that Sri Krishna's childhood was spent in a remote village Repalle in Andhra Pradesh near Krishna river as per Bhagavata purana. Vasudeva left him there after an arduous journey fearing danger from his uncle Kamsa at Mathura.

Even today there is a Folklore deep rooted connection.

However I also know about Puranic references to his spending childhood in Vrindavan not far from Mathura where Kamsa could easily find him.

What may be basis of this Repalle connection of Krishna which is  most definitely there?


texts:
Hanuman had sat on the flag of Arjuna's chariot during the Kurukshetra war. But, what was it for?

There was not even a single instance in which Hanuman played any role.


texts: Are there online ebooks of English translations of ancient Indian cookbooks?

texts:
Ancient Indian cookbooks draw exquisitely from Ayurvedic scriptures and apply it to everyday cooking. This is very important from the view point of preservation of both health and culture.
There are four such available books

Manollasa 1130 AD
Paka Darpana 1200 AD
Soopa Shastra 1508 AD
Bhojana Kuthuhala 1675 AD

Are there more such ancient cookbooks available?
If present please give the link to Online pdf verdions of English translations of the above books.


texts: Were both the MAYAs mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata one and the same (or) different?

texts:
1)   A demon architect by name Maya, who was killed by Indra.  This story comes in Kishkinda Kanda.

  मयो नाम महातेजा मायावी दानवर्षभः || ४-५१-१० तेन इदम् निर्मितम् सर्वम्
  मायया कांचनम् वनम् |

  "A marvellous fantasist by name Maya was there, a bullish demon of
  wizardry and by him with his phenomenal expertise all this golden
  woodland is constructed..."

  तम् अप्सरसि हेमायाम् सक्तम् दानव पुंगवम् || ४-५१-१४ विक्रम्य एव अशनिम्
  गृह्य जघान ईशः पुरंदरः |

  "Indra, the Administrator of Worlds and destroyer of enemy citadels,
  on taking His Thunderbolt eliminated Maya, when that eminent demon was
  engaged with an apsara, a paradisiacal nymph, called Hema.."

2)   In the Mahabharata, when his life is spared by Krishna and Arjuna during the destruction of the Khandava forest, Maya offers his services to them. Krishna instructs Maya to construct a fabulous palace hall for Arjuna's elder brother, king Yudhisthira, at Indraprastha, which becomes the Mayasabha, renowned, beautiful and the largest of its kind.

Were both MAYAs one and the same (or)different?


texts: Difference between Bhuvaneswari and Lalitha devi & their location

texts: What is the difference between Bhuvaneswari and Lalitha devi? Who is actually in Manidweepam? In Devi Bhagavat it is said that Bhuvaneswari resides in Mandidweepam but many say that it is Lalitha devi. Which one is correct?


texts: Lord Shiva as Adi Yogi taught Yoga to seven sages and in turn these seven sages spread across the world. Is this theory a new look to our mythology?

texts:
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is well known for his Isha Foundation and his yogic practices.

He came up with a theory, a seemingly new one regarding Lord Shiva and the origin of yoga in India.

According to him:

  "When we say “Shiva,” there are two fundamental aspects that we
  are referring to. The word “Shiva” literally means “that which is not.”
  On another level, when we say “Shiva,” we are referring to a certain
  yogi, the Adiyogi or the first yogi, and also the Adi Guru, the first Guru,
  who is the basis of what we know as the yogic science today.

  In the yogic culture, Shiva is not seen as a God. He was a being
  who walked this land and lived in the Himalayan region. As the very
  source of the yogic traditions, his contribution in the making of human
  consciousness is too phenomenal to be ignored. This predates all
  religion.

Dawn of Yoga:

  Over 15,000 years ago, Adiyogi appeared in the upper regions of the
  Himalayas. No one knew where he came from or what his origins
  were. He just came and went into intense ecstatic dance upon the
  mountains.

  People saw that he was experiencing something that nobody had known before, something that they were unable to fathom. So they gathered around him wanting to know what it was. But no one had the courage to go near him because he was so intense, like a blazing flame of fire. So they waited, hoping something would happen. Some people waited for months and left and Only seven hardcore seekers stuck on. These seven were insistent that they must learn from him, but Shiva ignored them. They pleaded and begged him, “Please, we want to know what you know.”

  At last after 84 years of intense sadhana,he decided to become a Guru. On a  full moon day which is known as Guru Pournami because the Adiyogi transformed himself into the Adi Guru – the first Guru was born on that day. He took the seven disciples to Kantisarovar and started a systematic exposition of yoga in a scientific manner. He began propounding the whole mechanics of life to these seven people, not intellectually as a philosophy, but experientially. He  explored every nut and bolt of creation with them. He brought forth yoga as a technology with which every human being can evolve himself.

  The transmission went on for a long period of time. After many years, when it was complete and had produced seven fully enlightened beings, who are today
  celebrated as the Sapta Rishis, Adiyogi sent each one of them to different parts of the world. One went to Central Asia. Another went to North Africa and the Middle East, where certain schools exist even today. Another went to South America, and that is one culture that imbibed it in a deep way and made  something big out of it. One went to East Asia.

  One stayed right there with Adiyogi. Another one came to the lower regions of the Himalayas and started what is known as Kashmiri Shaivism. Another one went south into the Indian Peninsula. This one is very important for us because he is Agastya Muni. Of the seven Sapta Rishis, Agastya Muni has been the most effective in terms of bringing the spiritual process into practical life, not as a teaching, philosophy or a practice, but as life itself. It is the benefit of what he did that the Indian people are still enjoying because he produced hundreds of yogis who were like fireballs." and it goes on.

This is a new look at the beginning of Yogic tradition in India.

What is the basis for this story? Was it taken from some Purana or was it an oral tradition?

Is this a true one or a speculated theory?

If it's a speculated then it adds to more confusion caused by the Puranas.


texts: Why Hanuman not considered a king even though his father was a king?

texts: Why Hanuman did not become/considered a king even though his father was a king? Who ran the kingdom after Kesri (hanuman's dad) if hanuman did not take his place?


texts: What is Purascharana and how is it done?

texts:
I have a few questions about Purascharana.

Can Purascharana be initiated even without a guru?
Should the mantra be repeated fixed number of times daily? What if there is a variation in the no. of times every day?
What if he repeats without doing a sankalpa of the number of times daily?
Can he repeat the mantra in any posture, circumstance or place?
Should the speed of repeating the mantra be uniform or is it enough if the mantra is pronounced with clarity?
Can he recall the mantra even within him (without speaking out)? Does this count?
If one chants the mantra by habit unconsciously, does this count towards Purasacharana?
Can he eat meat while doing Purasacharana? Doesn't this habit drop by itself when he reaches a certain stage?

As I feel each of these questions are too minute to be posted individually, I packaged them into one.

Most of the questions above have single line answers with references, so the question isn't too broad to be answered.


texts: Who is Dasharha? And why is Krishna referred to as belonging to Dasharha's race?

texts:
At a few places in The Mahabharata, Sri Krishna is referred to as 'he of Dasharha's race.'

Who is Dasharha and how is Krishna related to him?

Dictionary meaning for the word just says 'Krishna.'

  The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Arjunabhigamana Parva:

  And consoling Yudhishthira, Krishna set out for Dwaraka on his car resplendent as the sun and unto which were yoked the horses Saivya and Sugriva. And after he of the Dasharha race had departed, Dhristadyumna, the son of Prishata, also set out for his own city, taking with him the sons of Draupadi. And the king of Chedi, Dhrishtaketu also, taking his sister with him set out for his beautiful city of Suktimati, after bidding farewell to the Pandavas. And, O Bharata, the Kaikeyas also, with the permission of Kunti's son possessed of immeasurable energy, having reverentially saluted all the Pandavas, went away. But Brahmanas and the Vaisyas and the dwellers of Yudhishthira's kingdom though repeatedly requested to go, did not leave the Pandavas. O foremost of king, O bull of the Bharata race, the multitude that surrounded those high-souled ones in the forest of Kamyaka looked extraordinary. And Yudhishthira, honouring those high-minded Brahmanas, in due time ordered his men, saying 'Make ready the car.'

  The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 59:

  Meanwhile the driver of Drona's son, beholding the latter senseless, quickly bore him away on his car from the field of battle. Beholding Prishata's son rescued and Drona's son afflicted, the Pancalas, O king, expectant of victory, began to utter loud shouts. Thousands of sweet instruments began to be sounded. Seeing such wonderful feats in battle, the combatants uttered leonine roars. Having achieved that feat, Partha addressed Vasudeva, saying "Proceed, O Krishna, towards the samsaptakas, for this is greatly desired by me." Hearing those words of Pandu's son, he of Dasharha's race proceeded on that car graced with many banners and whose speed resembled that of the wind or the mind.'


texts:
I heard about this Vrata, known as Nanda Vrata, kept for Lord Shiva, and is considered as the toughest of the Vratas kept for Lord Shiva.

It is said that the Vrata helps oneself to destroy, Mai (myself), from body. I want to know how it is kept, when and how it should be started?


texts: Dhritarashtra's role and the way he died in the Mahabharata?

texts: How did Dhritarashtra die in the Mahabharata? I couldn't get the answer in Wikipedia unfortunately.


texts: Did Ramanujacharya perform Sharanagati in Madhurantakam?

texts:
The Gadya Trayam is a set of three prose hymns composed by the famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya on the subject of Sharanagati or complete surrender to Vishnu as a means of attaining Moksha.  The three hymns are the Sharanagati Gadyam, the Sri Ranga Gadyam, and the Vaikuntha Gadyam, and they were composed by Ramanujacharya in 1054 AD during the annual Panguni Uttaram festival in Sri Rangam.  This was the occasion of Ramanujacharya’s own performance of Sharanagati.  But I just found an indication that he may have done Sharanagati before that.
Here is what the 12th century Sri Vaishnava Acharya Periyavachan Pillai says in the Sharanagati Gadyam:

This is how this (composition) came into being: On a particular auspicious festival (Panguni Uttaram day) while Lord Ranganatha came out with His consorts (for the festival), and sat in Court, Emperumanar (Sri Ramanuja) came and worshipped at the feet of the Lord.  On this occasion (due to our good fortune) fear of Samsara (cycle of birth, ignorance etc.) crossed his mind and he fell at the holy feet and conveyed his total surrender seeking the Lord's protection.
Here a question arises: Did he not seek this refuge when he first sought Ashrayana (initiation) at the feet of his Acarya Mahapurna (Periya Nambi)? Has not the Lord expressed that this 'seeking' is to be made only once?  ... This is the answer: he cannot remain passive because of his anxiety and eagerness in realising the goal and so surrenders his all and seeks the fruit. This is the state of our Alwars too. The same is the case of our Acharyas who follow the Alwars’) footsteps. As fear of Samsara as well as the desire to realise the goal keep on increasing, all that they (alvars) can do is to seek the protective refuge of the Lord nine times (many times) in the same way as they did once. Thus he seeks the protective refuge of the great Lord's feet for relief from samsara and acceptance in His service.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  For those who don’t know, years before the Panguni Uttaram incident, Ramanujacharya performed the Samashrayanam or initiation ritual with his guru Periya Nambi in a place called Madhurantakam.  Now the two sub-sects of the Sri Vaishnava sect perform Sharanagati differently.  Thenkalais just do Samashrayanam, as they don’t think an explicit act of surrender is necessary.  Whereas Vadakalais perform Sharanagati separately from their Samashrayanam, in an explicit act of surrender known as Bharanyasam.  What Periyavachan Pillai seems to be saying that is that Ramanujacharya first performed Sharanagati in Madhurantakam on the occasion of his Samashrayanam, and then he performed Sharanagati again in Sri Rangam on the occasion of Panguni Uttaram.
In any case, are there any other works of Sri Vaishnava Acharyas which say that Ramanujacharya did Sharanagati in Madhurantakam first?


texts: Shaving / Haircut / Nailcut - what days are allowed / prohibited?

texts:
On what days is a haircut or shaving (Kshoura) or a nailcut allowed and on what days is it prohibited?

Are they different between sampradayas?

Are we allowed to cut hair/beard ourselves? Or should only a barber do it (ofcourse a barber needs another barber then)?

I'm asking this from an theoretical standpoint not practically. Even if people claim going to office as an excuse, we can follow the shastras if we want to.


texts:
Was Lord Venkateshwara's second wife Bibi Nanchari really a Muslim?

I searched the wiki, but didn't find any answer to my question.


texts: If the role of Indra and other devas will be held by another man in next Kalpa, what will happen to current ones?

texts: Isn't Indra and other devas immortal? They drank Amrut so, they have to survive forever, and in next Kalpa, new devas and new Indra will come so then what will happen to previous ones?


texts: Any work of Madhwacharya or his disciples says Ramanuja was a demon?

texts:
Ramanujacharya was a saint who propagated Vishishtadvaita Vedanta philosophy by writing commentaries on Prastanatrayi. Before him, Shankara preached Advaita Vedanta and after him Madhwacharya propagated Dvaita Vedanta in the same manner. It is well known that Madhwa and his followers accused Shankara as an incarnation of a demon named Maniman using some scriptures like Garuda Purana, Vayu Purana, etc. Now I came across a strange claim that Madhwa's followers even accused Ramanuja as a demon. A member from a discussion forum says the following:

  The knowledge imparted by Sri Ramanuja Acharya is uncontaminated, free from maligned motivations and supremely correct. The authority of his perfection of bhakti is shining in the form of his magnum opus, srI bhAshya, though all his other works are also equally great. He taught the world how to self surrender unto the Supreme Lord as inscribed in the scriptures. In spite of all his glory, the followers of Sri Ananda Teertha blaspheme such blemish less Sri Ramanuja with harsh words. Their Acharya even present Sri rAmAnuja as an incarnation of a demon named Vatapi.

My question is, which work of Madhwacharya or his followers/disciples or anybody from his Guru Parampara says this?


texts: Most important scriptures to understand hinduism

texts: It's practically impossible for any individual to read and understand all the Hindu scriptures. What is the minimum set of scriptures which a person needs to read and understand the philosophy of Hinduism?


texts: Had Ravan tried would he have been able to lift Angad's feet?

texts:
In the Ramayana, there is an incident in which Rama sends Angad as his associate for a final try of avoiding war.

Then seeing Ravan's ego and attitude Angad challenges all the warriors in his palace that if anyone would be able to lift his feet from ground, then Ram would accept defeat and leave. As we know, no one was able to lift the feet of Angad and in the last Ravan gets up to lift his feet. Just when he is about to grab his feet, Angad pulls back and asks him to grab the feet of Ram so that he would forgive him.

So, if Ravan would have tried to lift Angad's feet, would he have been able to lift his feet or he would have failed like others?

Also, is there anything else we can understand from this incident in Ramayana?


texts: What is the purpose of paada pooja and paada saranam of the elders and what are its advantages?

texts:
Some times or on some occasions we are giving/doing (respects) paada pooja or "worship of elders feet" for senior citizens and this is only in Hinduism. Why we do this and what are its advantages?

Of course in some other cases why we are bowing to seniors' feet to get the blessings and therefore its our respects. (I'm doing always and I want to know the reason). Since we are always giving the namaskar with our hands.

Is there any particular reason?


texts: Did the rules of Manusmṛti apply to Svāyambhuva Manu, Śatarūpā and their immediate descendants?

texts:
Traditional Hindus believe that Svāyambhuva Manu (or the current Manu) being the first of mankind laid down the rules for humanity in his Manusmṛti. But did these rules apply to Manu himself and to his immediate progeny?
E.g., Manu 3.5 discourages sapiṇḍa marriages:

She who is not a "sapiṇḍa" of one's mother, not of the same "Gotra" as his Father, and who is not born of (unlawful) intercourse—has been recommended for marriage.—(3.5)

Commenting on Manu 3.11, Medhātithi says sapiṇḍa and sagotra marriages are null and void even if they are performed with due marriage rites:

In the whole of this section on Marriage, wherever the prohibition is not based upon grounds that are not perceptible—e.g., ‘one should marry a maiden who is not his father’s sapiṇḍa,’ etc., (when the grounds of interdiction are trascendental, not perceptible, as in the case of the prohibition of marriage with a diseased girl, etc.),—if the prohibition is disobeyed, the ‘marriage’ itself remains unaccomplished. Hence, if one happens to marry a girl belonging to the same gotra as himself, the marriage, even though performed, would be as good as not performed;

Was this rule followed by Manu and his immediate descendants or was it violated?


texts: Which calendar was followed during Mahabharata and Ramayana?

texts:
There are so many astronomical evidences given in Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is said that there are about 500+ in Ramayana and 200+ in Mahabharata.
I wonder,

What calendar they followed


texts: Is the Harivamsha a canonical text as part of the Mahabharatha?

texts:
I have seen people who say that Harivamsha is part of Mahabharata and in fact people use it as a source, and that there is a version of Harivamsha made by BORI.

But other people say it's not canonical/genuine ((As in this blog: Logic Astra - The Track record of demon Nikumbha) so my question is, is Harivamsha a canonical source or not?


texts: Aalavandar (also known as Yamunacharya) is a great scholar and has written on Lord Ranganatha. What are the significant contributions made by him during his period? Any specific shlokas he wrote on Lord?


texts: Are deities visible on an idol for those who attained state of Turiya?

texts: To those who're (have attained) turiya, are the deities actually visible in their sukshma sharira rupa on an idol or a place which has prana parthishta done? for example I've read somewhere that In the emptiness chamber of chidambaram, Shiva & Parvati are visible in sukshma sharira to those who're turiya or something like that. as well as Sri M recounts seeing lord Shiva at Mt Kailash in another dimension.


texts:
Shaivites say because Sri rudram Describes shri rudra as having vishvarupa and being vishvishvar he is brahman,but nowhere does the text actually call Shiva as brahman,vishnu is omnipresent yet they   wouldn 't say he is brahman either.maybe Shiva has vishvarupa due to saguna's Grace?

where do the Vedas actually say that it is Shiva who is brahman?or anything of the sort?

some slokas do say rudra is something akin to brahman,but rudra is not necasserily shiva,except in shri rudram(because it describes this particular rudra as having the physical traits of Shiva alone).

maybe ucchista Ganapati(who is also blue and three eyed) is the rudra of these texts.or Surya(wich is described as brahman adityaava brahma and is three eyed).or kumara?we only know that the rudra of shri rudram is shiva for sure.

what is it that clearly makes the Rudra that is shiva(and we know 100% that he is shiva not some other rudra or being wich can be called rudra)as brahman?even Sarvishvara can mean only being lord over creation and that could technically be possible if Shiva is second after saguna brahman.
the Vedas say agni is all the devatas,but how do we know this agni is rudra shiva and not another rudra(I know the vedas say agni is rudra,but how do we know its shiva rudra and not surya or ganesh)?

You could say its in the Upanishads,but how do we know that other upanishads besides suryopanishad or ganesh athavasirsha are accepted by these sects per se?

I am a Shaivite BTW but my faith is shaky

any help would be highly Appreciatted from Shaivite users(Not because I dont appreciatte other's imput but I am trying to restore faith in my own ishta and I  already know the other's viewpoints)


texts: Did the Battle of the Ten Kings really occur?

texts:
There is already a question existing - Timeline of the battle of the ten kings in the Vedas.  However, there are no answers posted yet and my question is different.

It was mentioned in this wikipedia article that The Battle of the Ten Kings (Sanskrit: दाशराज्ञ युद्ध, romanized: Dāśarājñá yuddhá) is a battle alluded to in the Rigveda (Book 7, hymns 18, 33 and 83.4–8), the ancient Indian sacred collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns.
It was also mentioned that the battle took place during the middle or main Rigvedic period, near the Ravi River in Punjab. It was a battle between the Puru Vedic Aryan tribal kingdoms of the Bharatas, allied with other tribes of the north west India, and the Trtsu-Bharata (Puru) king Sudas, who defeats other Vedic tribes.

However, mention of the Battle of the Ten Kings is missing in  Bṛhaddevatā, but many a translator of Rig Veda, including Stephanie W. Jamison and Joel P. Brereton, mentioned it as occurred.
My question is whether Battle of the Ten Kings (दाशराज्ञ युद्ध) really occurred ?
Was it mentioned in brAhmanas or aranyakas or upanishads or any commentary on Rig Veda/any other literary work  by Indian authors of past era(prior to 18th centuary) ?
If so, please provide references.


texts: What do Hindu scriptures say regarding people with genetic disorders marrying and reproducing?

texts:
People with genetic disorders are often at the risk of passing on their own mutated genes to their offsprings. There has been a fierce debate and controversy over this for decades especially in the Western world.

Therefore, my question is what does Hindu scriptures say regarding this? Do they advise against people with genetic disorders reproducing? Do they advocate the king preventing such people from reproducing? Do scriptures advise women to refrain from marrying such men and vice versa?

Note: Please rely solely on Dharmashastras, Puranas and Itihasas to support your answer.


texts: Was Bhairavi yogeswari, the Tantra-Guru of Sri Ramakrishna, a disciple of Sri Trailanga Swami?

texts:
According to a biography of Sri Trailanga Swami, Bhairavi Yogeswari, the Tantra-Guru of Sri Ramakrishna was a disciple of Sri Trailanga Swami and it was Sri Trailanga Swami Who ordered Him to go to Dakshineswar to teach Sri Ramakrishna.

Are these informations supported by evidences available in the Ramakrishna Literature?


texts: Do Hindus intermarry with other religions?

texts:
Are Hindus allowed to marry people of other religions?
If yes, how should they marry someone belonging to a different
religion?
Are the rules different for a man and a woman?


texts: Most Shaivite sects are Advaitin whereas some Shaivites, especially Acharya Srikantha's followers in South India follow Vishistadvaita. Are there any Shaivite sects that are dualistic?


texts:
I was reading shandilya bhakti sutras here PDF link!!  Came across this. On page 59, sutra/aphorism no 51

And because of prohibition of gambling and the king's service. (51)
We read in the dharmashastras that gambling and king's service is both prohibited;

Does anyone know which dharmashastra this is from?


texts: In how many forms do devi/devtha exist to allow upasana as per scriptures?

texts:
Humans perform upasana for devi/devtha.

Humans attain devi/devtha using mantra. Mantra is sound form of devi/devtha for humans.

Humans can also attain devi/devtha using statue. Statue is a visual form of devi/devtha for humans.

Are there any other forms of devi/devtha that can be attainable by human for performing upasana as per scriptures?


texts: Which deity is to be invoked (or appeased) first in a Vedic ritual?

texts:
In today's time most of the worship/rituals that are done are done based on the injunctions of the Tantras. Sometimes the Puranic methods are also followed ( for e.g. Durga Puja in Bengal). Sometimes a mixture of methods.

And, in this style of worship, Lord Ganesha usually is invoked/appeased first. That is why he is called "Prathama Pujya".

But in a Vedic fire ritual, is there a deity which is to be invoked/appeased first? Of course Agni is to invoked first otherwise the ritual will not even start.

But apart from him, is there a rule that a particular deity must receive the first Havi (oblation)? Like say Brahmanaspati, Varuna or any other?


texts:
While reading history book, I found that Manu had 10 sons. Sharyati (son of Manu) also had one son and daughter named Anart and Sukanya respectively. Where Sukanya married with Chyavan Rushi.

Now, Here is a confusion. If Manu was the first human on earth then from where this Chyavan Rushi comes? I also read that Brahma also had 8 sons. So is there possibility that both generation (Manu's and Brahma's) are living on earth same time?


texts: Translation of Rig Veda by an Indian author

texts:
To extend my question here, I am looking for a translation of the Rig Veda by an Indian author. A translation either in English or Hindi would do.

I found one in Hindi by Ramgovind Trivedi, but it is not that great either.


texts: How do the Gopikas know that Krishna is Devaki and Vasudeva's son?

texts:
Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, is brought up in Gokula, and later Vrindavana, as the son of Nanda and Yashoda. Later Akrura, a Vrishni, comes and reveals to Yashoda and Nanda (and the rest of Vrindavana) that Krsna is actually the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, a Yadava Prince destined to end Kamsa's reign. This is generally visualized as a highly emotional scene, where many gopis are distraught and lamenting their fate.

But just a few days (or weeks) before, during the Rasa Leela, they sing the Gopika Gita, a gem of a prayer. In this prayer, which you can read here, the gopikas sing:

  Na Khalu Gopikanandano Bhavan Akhiladehinam Antaratma Drk
  Vikhanasarthito Vishvaguptaye, Sakha Udeyivaan Satvatam Kule

  "You are not actually the son of the gopī Yaśodā, O friend, but rather the indwelling witness in the hearts of all embodied souls. Because Lord Brahmā prayed for You to come and protect the universe, You have now appeared in the Sātvata dynasty.

Earlier too, in the song known as Venu Gita, they say,

  Vrndavanam Sakhi Bhuvo vVtanoti Kirtim
  Yad Devaki Suta Padambuja Labdha Lakshmih

  "O friend, Vṛndāvana is spreading the glory of the earth, having obtained the treasure of the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, the son of Devakī."

So, how do the gopikas know beforehand that Krsna is a son of Devaki and Vasudeva?


texts:
As we know today its Shivratri and the reason what I know about the reason is if our spine is perpendicular to the planet tonight One's life forces may go higher (tonight our planet is on certain angle), I came to know it from Sadguru of Isha Foundation, Who have a great festival on every Shivratri

How true is that if any one can educate me on that.

Thanks in Advance


texts: Why do Hindus worship vehicles on the day of Dussehra?

texts: Why do Hindus worship vehicles on the day of Dussehra (vijaya dasami)?


texts: Raghuvamsha - Meaning of Kakapakshadhara

texts: In Raghuvamsha Maha-kavya, chapter 11, stanza 1, why is Lord Rama referred to as Kakapakshadhara? What does it mean?


texts: Do Indian parents teach to their kids what it means to be Hindu?

texts:
What mechanisms are in place in Indian Hindu families for upbringing kids with a good understanding of what is Hinduism, and what is the "way of life" it represents that one should follow to have a meaningful life?

I am not talking about traditions like yearly festivals and family ceremonies - but true meaning of being a Hindu. For instance - I like the way Tulsi Gabbard explains what it means to be a Hindu - and what it means to be a practicing Hindu - However, I am not sure people born Hindus (like me) have same kind of awareness.


texts: What will happen if two people fight Vali together?

texts:
Vali was famous for the boon that he had received, according to which anyone who fought him in single-combat lost half his strength to Vali, thereby making Vali invulnerable to any enemy.
Source: Wikipedia - Vali

It is clear that the boon is valid in single combat only. Then what would happen if two strong people together fight against Vali. Example, Ravana and Sugriva together fighting against Vali. Whose half power will go to Vali? How? Why?
In that case, is it possible to win when fighting Vali? If yes, then why didn't anybody already win?


texts: What is the story of Mandodari after Ravana's death?

texts: What is the life story of Mandodari after Ravana's death?


texts: Why does Makar Sankranti follow English calendar?

texts:
Why does Makar Sankranti always happens to be on Jan 14th / 15th, while all other Hindu festivals depend on size of moon like Chaturthi, Amavasya, Poornima etc.

Are there any more Hindu festivals which also follows English calendar?


texts: What is the significance of Panchastavi hymn?

texts:
Pancha-stavi is a beautiful hymn in praise of goddess tripura. It is important in kashmir school of shaivism.

It contains in it many esoteric meanings. Lakshmidhara in his commentary of Saundarya Lahiri also has mentioned about it.

What is its significance ?
What are the commentaries available (if any)?


texts: Did Lord Krishna have children? If yes, what were their names? What did happen to them after Krishna's death?


texts: Do we have any preaching or works of Lord Parashurama?

texts:
Today is Parashurama Jayanti. He is one of the principle       Avatara of Vishnu according to Srimad Bhagavata Purana. We find his stories/roles in Ramayana as well as in Mahabharata. He was born to a Brahmin Rishi. So, a thought came in my mind if we have any preaching of Parashurama.

Has he written any works like Sutra, a Smriti or composition of Stotras? In other words, do we have any works attributed to Parashurama? Or Is his preaching found in sections of Puranas?


texts:
The Yogis claim that of all the energies that are in the human body
  the highest is what they call "Ojas". Now this Ojas is stored up in
  the brain, and the more Ojas is in a man's head, the more powerful he
  is, the more intellectual, the more spiritually strong.

How do one improve his ojas capacity ? How can one  measure his existing ojas level ?


texts: Does the Matsya Purana forbid one to read Rajasika and Tamasika Puranas?

texts:
Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 236 states:

सात्विका मोक्षदाः प्रोक्ताः राजसा सर्वदा अशुभाः ।
तथैव तामसा देवि निरयप्राप्तिहेतवः ।।
Among these puranas Satvika Puranas lead one to liberation, Rajasa do not cause good and Tamasa puranas lead one to hell. (236.2)

Now, this guna based classification of Puranas, I have been told, is also present in the Matsya (which is a Tamasika Purana incidentally in the Padma Purana). I want to know whether the Matsya Purana does indeed mention a classification of the Puranas on the basis of gunas. If yes, does it discourage one to read Rajasika and Tamasika Puranas?


texts: I have read an article saying that the Asuras are historically referring to the people of Assyria and so Devas may also be refer to some kind of people historically. What are your thoughts about this. If my case is true, then to whom does Devas may refer to?


texts: Why did Purusha Sukta from Rig Veda contain mention about Yajur and Sama Vedas?

texts:
Consider the following mantra from Purusha Sukta 10.90.9

  From that great general sacrifice Ṛcas and Sāma-hymns were born:
  Therefrom were spells and charms produced; the Yajus had its birth
  from it.

Rig veda was considered to be the oldest.  Then how can it contain reference to Sama and Yajur vedas, which came later?


texts: "Chaitanya" (चैतन्य) and "Soul" (आत्मा) , Same or Different?

texts:
We generally regard the term "Chaitanya" (चैतन्य) for liveliness or the force responsible to carry out lively activities. And the soul as part of Parabramha or Supreme soul (परब्रह्म).

My questions are -

1) Are "Chaitanya" (चैतन्य) and "Soul" (आत्मा) same or different?

2) If different , what are the differences?


texts: Why does Sankhya consider Prakriti as the root cause?

texts: Are there any arguments provided by Sankhya school to hold Prakriti (Mula Prakriti or Pradhana), and not other things like atoms or consciousness, as the root cause of the universe? Maybe somewhere in their debates with other schools such as the Vaisesikas?


texts: Is there any technique how to overcome laziness in the morning and evening time?

texts:
Whenever I wake up in the morning and thereafter when I try to read Bhagavad Gita, I feel very sleepy and lazy, and I’m not able to read Gita in the morning.

Even during the day, after lunch I feel very lazy and sleepy.

My daily routine goes like this and I’m not able to practise spirituality.

My question is that, is there any technique to overcome laziness in the morning and evening time?


texts: Are Itihasa and puranas superior than Vedas?

texts:
Manusmriti 12:95

  “All those traditions (smriti) and those despicable systems of philosophy, which are not based on the Veda, produce no reward after death; for they are declared to be founded on Darkness.”

This verse of Manusmriti depicts that Vedas are superior scriptures. But in Mahabharat and puranas it is written that Vedas are inferior than Itihasa and puranas.

Adiparva 1

  "In former days, having placed the four Vedas on one side and the Bharata on the other, these were weighed in the balance by the celestials assembled for that purpose. And as the latter weighed heavier than the four Vedas with their mysteries, from that period it hath been called in the world Mahabharata (the great Bharata).

Mahabharat is superior than Veda as per this shloka.
Padma Puran Chapter 2

  There is no doubt that he,who, with his senses subdued, would study with proper understanding (even) a part of this, has studied the entire Purāṇa.
  He, who knows the four Vedas, along with the Aṅgas (i.e. certain classes of works regarded as auxiliary to the Vedas) and the Upaniṣads and knows the Purāṇa also, is wiser than the one (described above).
  One should nourish Veda with Itihāsa and Purāṇas. Veda, thinking ‘he would deceive me’, is afraid of a (person) of little learning.

Here it is written that one who know only puranas (Padma Purana) an no Veda or Upanishads is superior than one who know all the vedas and Upanishad. So which scripture is superior? Should we trust on Mahabharat and puranas(That they are superior) aor Manusmriti (That Vedas are superior)?


texts: Different types of fevers (jwara), does anybody have the complete list of them?

texts:
In Hanuman vadvanal stotra we come across this:

ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ॐ नमो भगवते महा-वीर-वीराय सर्वदुःख निवारणाय ग्रहमण्डल
सर्वभूतमण्डल सर्व-पिशाचमण्डलोच्चाटन भूत-ज्वर एकाहिक-ज्वर द्वाहिक-ज्वर
त्राहिक-ज्वर चातुर्थिक-ज्वर संताप-ज्वर विषम-ज्वर ताप-ज्वर
माहेश्वर-वैष्णव-ज्वरान् छिन्दि-छिन्दि यक्ष ब्रह्मराक्षस
भूत-प्रेत-पिशाचान् उच्चाटय-उच्चाटय स्वाहा ।

In English:

Om hraam hreem om namo bhagwate  mahaaviira-viiraaya sarva-dukha
nivaaraNaaya graha-mandala sarva- Bhoot-mandala
sarva-pisaacha-mandalochchaaTana Bhoota-jvara  ekaahika-jvara
dwayahika-jvara trayaahika-jvara chaaturThika-jvara  santaapa-jvara
vishama-jvara taapa-jvara maaheshvara VaishNava- jvaraan chindi-chindi
yaksha brahma-raakshasa Bhoota-preta  pishaachaan
uchchaataya-uchchaataya swaaha

I want to know what exactly are "ekaahika-jvara (एकाहिक-ज्वर), dwayahika-jvara (द्वाहिक-ज्वर), trayaahika-jvara, chaaturThika-jvara and maaheshvara, VaishNava- jvara ( माहेश्वर-वैष्णव-ज्वरान्)? and if possible their causes.
Also does any scripture lists out all possible jvaras?


texts: Why do infants die? What about their karma?

texts:
We see that some infants die just after they are born. Some were not born also. Why does that happen? If the reason of their birth is to experience the karma that they had in the previous birth, then why are they dying without experiencing their karma?

Will they be re-born again? If so, will they die again like that? What could their previous karma could be? (good or bad).

Does that mean that the result that they should get for their previous karma is just dying at the stage of infancy?


texts: How did Gandhari know that seeing her son Duryodhana without eye bandage would make his body IRON?

texts:
During the kurukhetra battle, one day Gandhari asked her son Duryodhana to come and meet her naked. Durodhana agreed and when he was on his way, Krishna stopped him and advised not to go naked infront of her mother, that would be a shameful act.

Duryodhana thought its a true advice and wrapped him with a Banana tree leaf. Gandhari removes her bandage and was surprised to see that her son was not completely naked as it was instructed to him.

Duryodhan's body turned into iron except the part which was covered by banana tree leaf and because of this, he was defeated in wrestling (mallyudha) against Bhim.

So the question is, how Gandhari knew that her eye sight/rays (when no bandage) had so much power that it could make a person's body turn into an iron?


texts:
What are some of the major forests mentioned in Hindu mythology and what are their locations ?

I have researched and found out a few but want to know if there are more.

Dandaka Aranya
Khandava Vana
Naimisha Aranya


texts: Kaal Bhairav idol vs Hanuman idol in Goddess temples

texts:
I have seen that at some temples especially of Mother Paravati, there are statues of Kaal Bhairav whereas in others there are statues of Hanumanji. Why is this difference?

Is it because the shakti peethas are protected by Kaalbhairav at those sites which are from the time Hanumanji was not born so they are more ancient?


texts: Are the Vikramaditya stories considered scripture?

texts:
Wiki says:

  Vikramaditya (IAST: Vikramāditya) was a legendary emperor of ancient India. Often characterized as an ideal king, he is known for his generosity, courage, and patronage of scholars. Vikramaditya is featured in hundreds of traditional Indian legends, including those in Baital Pachisi and Singhasan Battisi. Many describe him as a universal ruler, with his capital at Ujjain (Pataliputra or Pratishthana in a few stories).

Are the Vetala and other stories connected with Vikramaditya considered scripture?


texts:
I came across these terminology,can someone tell me

Who is called an Avadhoota ?
What is the meaning of Avadhoota chintana ?


texts: Does any God exist without form/image in Hinduism?

texts:
In Hinduism, every God is having its own image/form and characteristics.

Is there any God who having no form/image in Hinduism?


texts: Who is the Bhashyakara who pretended to criticize Pancharatra?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, one of the early movements that was important to the development of Vaishnavism was the ancient Pancharatra movement, whose sacred texts consisted of detailed procedures to worship the sage Narayana, an ancient incarnation of Vishnu. Since the Pancharatra texts originated from Narayana himself, they're followed by pretty much all Vaishnavas today. But there was a time when some people, especially those belonging to the Purva Mimamsa school, questioned the validity of the Pancharatra texts because they believed the Vedas were the only legitimate Hindu scriptures. So as I discuss in this question, the early Sri Vaishnava Acharya Yamunacharya, who was Ramanujacharya's guru's guru, composed a work called the Agama Pramanya to defend the scriptural authority of the Pancharatra texts.

Now part of Yamunacharya's argument involves demonstrating that the Pancharatra Agamas don't contradict the Vedas.  After he demonstrates this, he refutes a potential objection:

  Therefore, even if there were a conflict between the Bhagavan's doctrine and the Veda, there still would be option between them; but we have already expounded that there is no conflict between them at all.  Objection: However, how can the venerable author of the Bhashya state that those parts which are in conflict are invalid: "If there be conflict, it is carefully eliminated."  Refutation: This statement means that those of frail minds, who are not strong enough to plunge into the deep ocean of rules of interpretation, must not be disrespectful to the Vedas.  This is comparable to the venerable Jaimini's exposition that the fruits of acts serve to increase people's faith in the acts.

So it seems that there was some Bhashyakara or commentator who said concerning the Pancharatra Agamas that "If there be conflict, it is carefully eliminated."  Yamunacharya explains that this Bhashyakara is just pretending to criticize the Pancharatra Agamas, because he doesn't want people who mistakenly think that the Pancharatra Agamas contradict the Vedas to reject the Vedas because of that.

My question is, who is the Bhashyakara being referred to here?  The translator says that it is Shabara Swami, the traditional commentator on the Purva Mimamsa Sutras.  But does that quote occur in Shabara's commentary?

This journal paper by Gerhard Oberhammer suggests that he was a pre-Shankara commentator on the Brahma Sutras.  As I discuss in this question, Adi Shankaracharya thought that the Brahma Sutras criticized the Pancharatra Agamas.  Oberhammer argues that the first two of the four sections of Adi Shankaracharya's Brahma Sutra Bhashya which discuss this issue are actually written from the point of view of the mysterious Bhashyakara, and the second two sections are designed to refute the Bhashyakara.  And he further claims that the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Sudarshana Suri quotes and refutes this same Bhashyakara.  In any case, Oberhammer's fundamental contention is that this Bhashyakara was a proponent of a modification of the Vyuha theory (which I discuss here) which is consistent with the Vedas.

But are there any Sri Vaishnava commentaries on Yamunacharya's Agama Pramanya which shed light on the identity of this Bhashyakara?  By the way, Oberhammer theorizes that this Bhashyakara may have been Dramidacharya, an ancient Vedantic philosopher who wrote a commentary on the Chandogya Upanishad as I discuss here.  (See my question here for more information.)


texts: Is Tapioca/Sabudana suitable for consumption on ekadashi

texts:
It is said that on ekadashi days one should not eat Grains. So going by strict definitions avoiding rice, wheat, lentils, other pulses etc.

By that definition we can eat Tapioca aka Sabudana , so is it suitable to eat Sabudana on Ekadashi?


texts: How many discplies really there with ramanjurchurya sage

texts: How many discplies where really with ramanjurcharya and what is their names 48 dicplies or 74 discplies?


texts:
Till now, I thought that Radha generally live in Barsana and she never live in Dwaraka.
But, the following statements clarify that Radha lived in Dwaraka also.

After thus performing a rasa dance at Siddhashrama, Lord Krishna took
the gopis and queens to Dvaraka. There He built many great palaces for
Shri Radha.
[42-43, 18, 6, Garga Samhita]

And Narada tells about Radha palace also

Shri Narada said: The size of Dvaraka is 800 miles. The path around it
is 3,200 miles. In the center of Dvaraka is a fortress 96 miles in
size. Around that Lord Krishna had built a second fortress of 180
miles. O king, around that is a third fortress 400 miles in size and
the place of with many jewel palaces. In the first fort Lord Krishna
has 900,000 wonderful palaces. O king, at the entrance to Shri
Radha's palace, is Lila-sarovara lake, which was brought from Goloka,
and which is the best of all holy places.
[1-5, 19, 6, Garga Samhita]

Are there any other scriptural references stating the same fact that Radha lived in Dwaraka?


texts: If a brahmin has qualities of sudra should he be prohibited from duties of a brahmin?

texts:
EXPLANATION :

A brahmin is considered to be of Purity(Sattva guna) and Sudra of Impurity(Tamas guna).
Both Brahmin and Sudra position are given to a person who is Born in that varnas(Brahmin Varna , Sudra Varna) and also with Qualities(Sattva Guna , Tamas Guna) according to it .
A Person can be born in a brahmin family cannot be accepted as a Brahmin if he posses sudra qualities.

QUESTION :

If a Sudras touch is considered to be impure can the touch of the Brahmin possesing sudra quality can also be considered to be IMPURE   ?
If it is considered to be IMPURE should the Brahmin be prohibited from his duties( Right to perform Pooja in Temple, Various Yagna )


texts: Why it is said to recite any mantra 108 times?

texts: In order to complete any prayer or sadhana, it is said to repeat any mantra for at least 108 times ? What is the significance and importance of that ?


texts: What are various types of Snanam (bathing)?

texts:
Which scripture describes Muni Snanam, Deva Snanam, Manava Snanam and Rakshasa Snanam (bathing)?

Additionally, which scripture mentions about Vaaruna Snanam, Mantra Snanam, Dhivya Snanam, Kriya Snanam, Aagneya Snanam, Vaaya Veeya Snanam, Prokshana Snanam, Gowna Snanam, Kaapila Snanam, Nitya Snanam, Naimithiga Snanam, Shethra Ganga Snanam, Malaharsha Snanam, Kriyaanga Snanam, Kaamya Snanam etc.?

Note: Only scriptural reference is needed not detailed description so it's not too broad.


texts:
While reading the Preface of Sharda-tilak tantra, the writer explained some general facts. He while stating the way to do the Nyasam writes:
(I am translating)

One has to use the Ring finger, middle finger and index finger for gods with three eyes. While if the Deity has two eyes use the index and middle finger.

However until now I have only seen 'Netra-TraYay VauShata' ( नेत्रत्रयाय वौषट्) and never came across any Nyasam involving two eyes like- 'Netra-DwiYay VauShata' (नेत्रद्वयाय वौषट्) (Example?).If I am not wrong then, Vishnu has two eyes, while in SahasraNamam its Netra TraYay. (Even certain stotras involving krishna or Rama as devta, its Netra-TraYa) Does this mean Nyasam and Appearance of deity are not dependent?
For which deity should the Nyasam involve two eyes? For which It should be three?


texts: Repentance or atonement for killing a cow or eating beef

texts:
Some observations:

In a particular society in India, the repentance for consuming beef is that the "sinner" must put on the rope around his/her neck (i.e. the rope wound around a cow's neck) and go for begging by "mooing".

Another tribal Hindu society requires providing feast to the society (or the village) and also offering prayers to the society's deities or ancestors.

Either way, these are what I have observed are "repentance rules" of the respective societies, and it's exclusively for cows, not buffaloes. For reasons I am not mentioning the names of the societies or cultures mentioned above.
How according to scriptures should one repent for killing a cow or consuming beef?


texts: What is the function organized on reaching 60 years of age?

texts:
Long time ago I read that reaching the age of 60 years means one has completed 50% of their lifespan and to mark this occasion, a function is organized to celebrate it.

Of course, not everyone lives for 120 years but generally, a function is organized for everyone who touches 60 years. I vaguely remember from that article that the basis of this function is found in scripture.

What is it and where is it mentioned?


texts: A lady in a YouTube video says "fourth varna" to refer to the varna said to be born from Purusha's feet.  Does scripture use this euphemism anywhere?


texts: What is the meaning of this shloka on Brahmacharya?

texts:
What is the meaning of this shloka?
Karmana manasa vaca
Sarvavasthasu sarvada
Sarvatra maithuna-tyago
Brahmacaryam pracaksate
I got this shloka from here


texts: Which hand should be used for supporting head while applying Tilak on the forehead?

texts: Which hand do i have to put on the back of the head while getting a tilak on the forehead? If someone applies tilak on my forehead, i should place my hand on the back of my head. But do I have to use the right hand or the left?


texts:
It is clear that killing anything by paining body is himsa. That's why many people in Hinduism(especially Brahmins) generally do not prefer to eat animal food.

My doubt is whether killing an animal(any living thing) without paining its body is also a form of himsa or not?

Is separating soul from a body is himsa or separating the soul from the body by paining its body is himsa or both?

If separating the soul from the body without paining is also himsa, then how it can be justified? The soul takes another body and we applied no harm to it, how it can be ahimsa?


texts: How is the Visvarupa of Lord Shiva different from the Visvarupa of Lord Krishna?

texts:
Lord Shiva showed Visvarupa to Lord Rama as per the Shiva-Gita. Lord Krishna showed the Visva-rupa to Arjuna as per the Bhagavad-Gita.

Are these two 'Visva-rupa' Forms identical or different? If different, what are the differences?

If there are many differences, just mentioning upto five will be enough.


texts: Why many good people suffer during death?

texts: Lord jesus, pitamah bhisma (mahapurush), our freedom fighters, army officers, many leaders in the history, many warrior in the past war, ........ - had death by tremendous suffering. NOW, the IMPORTANT thing is what GOD promised about good & bad karma - JUDGEMENT DAY is the most important - Death is not the result of KARMA - God promise that I'll send u heaven for good karma & I'll send u in hell for bad karma (u may reborn as an animal/insect/.......horrible human life, hole life is intolerable suffering & curse). 'if we live, we live for the God, and if we die, we die for the God' - who gave me birth? I? u? God gave, who will take my life? I? U? God will - so we'll return back to Him and then He will judge our KARMA - Neither I nor u but God will give him reward. See one counter example - look at politician & other criminals - are they get horrible death? Most of the times no - but that is not end, that is why I tell u about judgement day.  "Just as it is appointed for man to die once and after that face to judgement (either to heaven or to hell). Death is appointed, and you are no exception. You only die once, and death is not the end; it is your destiny's door." - Hebrews 9:27 (Bible). U know that like us animals are child of God - then why do u eat mutton? Let me try to clear your confusion/dilemma - Death is not the result of KARMA, Death/Birth is pre-written destiny. Consider the example of Thakur Ramakrishna - u know that he died by throat cancer & he had to suffer a lot of pain. Now u tell me was he a bad man? was it the result of his good karma? Do u heard about child death? Children are innocent, how they die? Recently I've heard a story in my locality - a child of age 3 was riding on the scooty with her elder sister of age 12. The little child just crushed by a truck. Now u tell me what bad karma that little child has done? Was it her reward for bad karma?


texts: According to matsya puran ram took avatara in tretayug of 24th cahturyuga. Currently the yug is 28th. Ram did not took avtara in this chaturyuga??


texts: Does Ramayana have any explicit mention of Dattatreya?

texts:
Dattatreya is an incarnation of Brahma-Vishnu-Maheswara together.
Does Valmiki Ramayana have any explicit mention of Dattatreya?


texts:
Stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata show people serving their elders such as brothers, parents or grandparents by:

Pressing their elders' legs while they are sleeping.
Guarding them while they are sleeping.
Serving food and doing other things as they were given guidance by the elders.

I see the same kind of tradition even in the present time.

My question is: if the younger one is serving all the elders then who should serve the younger one? Or is there no one to serve him/her other than their spouse?


texts: Where does Adi Shankara use the allegory of water worshipping to the sea?

texts: A very famous allegory used by Adi Shankaracharya is that he says my worship is like water worshipping to the ocean. Where is it found?


texts: Relationship between Jiva, Bramhan, World according to Vishitadvaita

texts: What is explanation for the following relationships between jiva and bramhan and which is most appropriate.


texts: What do our scriptures mention about Maharshi Kanad & Paramanu (atoms)?

texts: What details do our scriptures mention about Maharshi Kanad and (his theory) on Paramanus or atoms?


texts: What are the salient features and differences between advaita, dvaita, and vishistadvaita philosophies?

texts: I would like to know what are the key features of each philosophy. What are their similarities and differences.


texts: When Lord Hanuman went to Patal Lok to save Lord Rama and Lakshmana from Ravana's brother Ahivaravan,he saw a demon who was a guard of Patal Lok named 'Makardhawaj'. Who was the demon Makardhawaj?


texts: What was the dialogue (debate) between YajnaMurti and Ramanujacharya?

texts:
While reading the biography of Sri Ramanujacharya, I've read one story of YajnaMurti (यज्ञमूर्ति), (You can read it from Internet Archive pg. 107) who was the believer of Advaita. He was pundit of south India and taken Sanyasa on the bank of river Bhagirathi. After returning from north, he found that Ramanujacharya is propagating his doctrine by refuting Advaita. He immediately reached at Sri Rangam and asked for debate (शास्त्रार्थ) with Ramanujacharya. The debate started and continued for 17 days! On the last day, Yajnamurti refuted logical arguments of Ramanujacharya. Although on the next day, upon the blessings/grace of Varadaraja, Yajnamurti  (felling sorry) holded the feet of Ramanujacharya and became शिष्य (disciple) of him.

Do we have the dialogue or conversation of the debate happened between Yajnamurti and Ramanujacharya?


texts: Were there originally 64 Jyotirlingas in the world?

texts: Is it true that it is mentioned in the Linga Puranas, that originally there were 64 Jyotirlingas in the world?  If yes, then in which chapter is it mentioned? Can anyone please enlighten me on this.


texts: I heard that the Godavari river is believed to be "river Ganga of South India" and has some story behind the origin of it. Can someone please explain the origin of Godavari river as per scriptures?


texts: Why Lord Shiva is depicted as Lord of Time?

texts:
Kali Mata was named as Kaali because she is wife of Lord Shiva, who is said to be Lord of time. As He is Lord of time, few avatars or Amsas of Him are named after him such as KaalaBhairava. What is Lord Shiva's association with Kaala (Time)?.

Some people say He is Aajanma (unborn) and existed before time and thus called Lord of time. If this is true, can anyone validate this by citing a source?


texts: Any scriptural references of Hanuman being known as Giridhara- Upholder of Mountain?

texts:
"Giridhara" literally means Holder of the Mountain.

When Shri Krishna wanted to break the ego of Indra, Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan mountain on his finger. After this He was given the name Giridhara - the one who holds a mountain.

In the Ramayana, when Ravana's son Indrajit hurls a powerful weapon at Lakshmana, Lakshmana is badly wounded and is nearly killed by Indrajit. Hanuman was called upon to fetch Sanjivani buti from Himalayas. After reaching the mountain, Hanuman unable to identify the herb lifted the entire Dronagiri mountain and brought it to the battlefield. Hanumaan too lifted the mountain Dronagiri.

When Krishna lifted mountain Govardhana, He is called GiriDhara. But why is not Hanumaan called GiriDhara? Or are there any references calling Him GiriDhara- Holder of Mountain?


texts: In which scripture (if any) is Krishna called "ranchor"?

texts:
This is in Hindi and not Sanskrit - and so the source is unlikely to be Puranic.  Is this only folklore?

This question is asking for a scripture that uses the word "ranchor".


texts: In which scriptures are found the rituals for Sannyasa initiation?

texts:
The Vedas (Samhitas) do not talk about Sannyasa at all, so they won't have them.

The principle Upanishads (13/14 of them) also do not have them, but they do mention the word "Sannyasa".

Then, in which scriptures are the rituals and Mantras, to be used during initiation into Sannyasa, found?
Also, what Mantras are used and what is the process in brief?


texts: What was the position of Women in the Vedic era?

texts:
Since there are lot of difference of opinion and lack of clarity regarding women and its status in hinduism, especially in the Vedas. There is a lack of clarity with respect to the important things like Vedic education, sacred thread, Vedic rituals and so on.

Many of Vedantins and some of the smriti literature has banned women from right to Vedas and its rituals.

So what exactly the position of women during Vedic time? Was it the same which is being practiced today? If not what are the references to support such claims?

Do Vedas and Vedangas have any such references on the above mentioned areas?


texts: According to Vedas the God is One. Can I know who is the "real" God ?.Are Vishnu , Shiva and Brahma all the manifestation of the supreme Paramatman ?? If Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma are the manifestation of Paramatman, what about Ganesha, Hanuman and Durga ?? Are they paramatman too ??


texts: What's the difference between nirguna brahman of Advaitins and impersonal brahman of Gaudiyas?

texts:
Gaudiyas believe in an impersonal brahman aspect of Absolute Truth.
BG 14. 27

brahmaṇo hi pratiṣṭhāham
I am the basis of the impersonal Brahman

Hari Vamsa, Visnu Parva 114:

tat param paramam brahma sarvam vibhajate jagat mamaiva tad ghanam
tejo jnatum arhasi bharata
That supreme brahman illuminates the whole universe. You should know
that the condensed light belongs to me.

Taken from
https://www.bhagavad-gita.us/bhagavad-gita-14-27/
How is it different from nirguna brahman of Advaitins or are they synonymous?


texts: Is intelligence an innate quality of Brahmanas?

texts:
According to Hindu scriptures, different castes were created differently and therefore have different innate qualities.

For example, Kshatriyas are strong according to the Taittiriya Samhita:

  7.1.1 - After it the god Indra was created, the Tristubh metre, the Brhat Saman, of men the Rajanya, of cattle the sheep. Therefore they are strong, for they were created from strength.

The Bhagavad Gita gives a more detailed list of the qualities of each caste.

For Brahmanas it says:

  18.42 - Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness – these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work.

Now my question is whether Brahmanas innately have a high IQ. In other words, were Brahmanas created to be intelligent, just like how Kshatriyas were created to be strong and have a high pain tolerance?

The Sanskrit word used for "wisdom" in that verse is vijñānam, but can it also mean "intelligence"?

Is there any verse in any scripture that explicitly states that Brahmanas are innately intelligent?


texts:
There are words in some languages which are difficult to translate to other languages like gestalt in German.

There are words which get lost in translation without sufficient context.

It is possible that words from Hindu scriptures written in Sanskrit got mistranslated to English.

The word 'brahmacarya' got translated as celibacy.  But it literally means 'to dwell on the divine'.  The word 'varna' got translated as 'caste' - which has racial connotations -  when it should have been 'class' or 'group'.

What is worse is that most Hindus learned from the incorrect translations to the extent that today even Hindus have misconceptions about what they are.  I believe that a lot of misconceptions about Hinduism stems from these incorrect translations.

What according to you would be a significant mistranslated word/concept?  A mistranslation that has caused the most damage or misconception to Hinduism.


texts:
In his column What exactly is the Manusmriti?, Devdutt Pattanaik says the Manu mentions China. Which verse(s) is he referring to?

  Manusmriti was composed roughly around 200 CE (Common Era). We know this because it refers to Saka (North West tribes) and Cheen (China) who established contact with India around this time.


texts: Kriya to get rid of anger or related emotions?

texts:
Just wanted to know if there is any kriya stated in our scriptures that can help a sadhak get rid of anger or release related emotions from the body?

I am hoping such a kriya would not need any sort of initiation from a guru.

Do cite authentic references.


texts: Differences between Hindu and Jain Harivamsa Purana?

texts:
I learned from a Jain acquaintance that their version of Harivamsa purana and stories surrounding Mahabharatha war, Life of Krishna etc are significantly different from Hindu version of the same. Some notable differences are the following,

According to Jain Harivamsa purana, Krishna goes to hell for his role in Mahabharatha war and in his next life he becomes a Thirthankara.
Draupadi has only one husband - Arjuna.
In general Jain belief system, Trimurthis and the existence of ParaBrahm are not acknowledged. Also, only Individual Self exists, but Universal self does not exist.

My question is do these difference in Jain and Hindu accounts of epics arise from the time of Rishabha himself or from a much later period?


texts: Does re-birth take place on Earth always?

texts:
I would like to know if re-birth takes place on Earth always or on other planets too?

For example, if a person does bad karma on Earth, will he be re-born on Earth or it could be on any other planet?


texts:
It is said that Lord Rama moves to the forest with his empty feet without wearing any sandals. When Bharat went to forest to bring him back to Ayodhya but returns with Lord Rama's sandals (Paduka).

So my question where from the sandals came while Lord Rama didn't wear any sandals?


texts: What is a Jyotirling and how it is different from other Shivling?

texts: There are 12 Jyotirling of Lord Shiv. I want to know that what is Jyotirling and how these 12 Jyotirling are different from other Shivling?


texts: Where is it mentioned about story and reason for women periods (menstruation) in our religious texts?

texts:
I came across a story in which once Brihaspati left Indra and due to that Indra appointed another Brahmin for a Yagna and since he was half Asur (born from Asur mother, therefore, he made Yagna  Aahuti in favour of Asuras. When Indra came to know of this he killed him and but then Indra got the sin of Bramha-Hatya. This story I have read many times and I think the one killed was Sage Twastha.

But the story doesn't end here, I have read somewhere now that Indra did Penance for 1 lakh years but still to be free from the sin he has to pass it to Plants, Water, Earth and Women. They all accepted to take away part of his sin and get a boon in favour of that. It was mentioned that due to this reason the women have periods every month.

Here is the summary text that I have read about this:

भागवत पुराण के अनुसर एक बार ब्रहस्पती जो देवताओं के गुरु थे, इंद्र से नाराज़ हो गए. इस के चलते असुरों ने देवलोक पर आक्रमण कर दिया और इंद्र को अपनी गद्दी छोड कर भागना पडा. इंद्र मदद मंगने के लीए ब्रह्मा के पास पहुँचे. ब्रह्मा जी ने इंद्र को बताया की उसे एक ब्रह्म-ज्ञानी की सेवा करके ब्रहसपती को वापस प्रसन्न करना पड़ेगा.
इंद्र एक ब्रहम-ज्ञानी की सेवा में जी-जान से जुट गया. लेकिन उस ज्ञानी की माता एक असुर थी इसलिए उसके मन में असुराओं के लीए एक विशेष स्थान था. हवन की सामग्री जो देवताओं को चढाई जाती है, वह ज्ञानी उसे असुरों को चढा रहा था, यह देख इंद्र के गुस्से का ठिकाना ना रहा और उसने उस ब्रह्म-ज्ञानी की हत्या कर डाली.
क्योंकी इंद्र ने उस ब्रह्म-ज्ञानी को अपना गुरु माना था इसलिए इंद्र के उपर ब्रह्म-हत्या-पताखा का पाप आ गाया. ये पाप एक भयानक राक्षशी के रूप में इंद्र का पिछा करने लगा. किसी तराह इंद्र ने खुद को एक फुल के अंदर छुपाया और एक लाख साल तक भगवान विष्णु की तपस्या की. विष्णु की कृपा से वह उस राक्षशी से तो मुक्ति पा गया पर ब्रह्म-हत्या का पाप अब भी इंद्र के सर था.
अपने सर से यह पाप हटाने के लीए और अपना राज्य वापस पाने के लिये इंद्र ने पेड, जल, भूमि और स्त्री से अपने पाप का थोडा थोडा हिस्सा लेने का आग्रह किया. सभी राज़ी हो गए पर इस शर्त पर की इंद्र का पाप लेने पर उनको कोई वरदन भी मिलना चाहिये. सबसे पहले पेडों के राजा ने एक-चोथाई पाप लिया जिसके कारण पेडों के तनों अक्सर रिस्ते हैं. वरदान स्वरूप इंद्र ने कहा की कोई भी पेड अपने आपका दुअबरा उगा सकता है/जीवित कर सकता है.
दूसरे नंबर पर था जल. जल ने इंद्र का पाप लिया तो पश्चाताप स्वरूप जो झाग/बुलबुले पानी के उपर बन जाता हैं वे अपवित्र हो गये. वरदान स्वरूप इंद्र ने जल को सब चीज़ों को पवित्र करने की शक्ति दे डी. यही कारण हैं की पूजा पाठ के कामों में जल का इस्तमाल होता है. फिर नंबर था भूमि का, पाप लेने के कारण भूमि की कई हिस्से बंजर हो गाए और वरदान स्वरूप धरती पर आई कोई भी चोट हमेशा भर जाती है.
फिर स्त्री की बारी आई. इंद्र का बचा हुआ पाप लेने के कारण, पश्चाताप स्वरूप हर महीन स्त्रीयों को मासिक धर्म होता है और वरदान के रूप में इंद्र ने कहा की "महिलायें, पुरुषों से कई गुना ज्यादा काम का आनंद उठाएंगी. हिन्दू धर्म के अनुसर मासिक धर्म के दौरान महिलायें ब्रह्म-हत्या का पाप ढो रही होती हैं, अपने गुरु की हत्या का पाप और गुरु के बीना भगवान नहीं मिलते इसलिए महिलाओं को मन्दिर नहीं जना चाहिये.

Can anyone please tell me where is the latter part of story mentioned? The story says it is from Bhagavata purana, but can anyone please let me know the exact line no.s where this is mentioned.

Edit: As I stated in comments, can anyone please confirm whether it is written in texts that this is the reason why women are not allowed in temples/religious ceremonies or customs during their mensuration periods.


texts:
It is far from a known event that Seetha was not born to a mother, rather was unearthed when the king Janak was ploughing the earth.

In my understanding the ploughing is associated with farmers and why the king was on to that action?


texts: I came across a guy in quora who wrote that goloka is the cowshed of Kailasa as per brahma vaivarta purana. Is this True?(https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-story-of-Vishnu-and-Vrinda&ved=2ahUKEwiW4PzZtODpAhU0meYKHUbzDJcQFjACegQIDRAL&usg=AOvVaw2jQMgs1_xxd24DD3vxwxDH&cshid=1591007496659)


texts: Do the scriptures say anything about the very rapid abnormal changes happening right now?

texts:
So called Western Industrial Revolution happened only 200 years ago as compared to millions of years of human existence on earth. The period of 200 years is extremely short in front of duration of human existence on earth. Moreover the digital technology came into being only since 50 years. Everything, be it our way of life, thinking, impact on nature and environment, etc. has happened at an extremely rapid abnormal pace in just these few years as compared to millions of years of human existence. Do the scriptures say anything about such rapid abnormal changes?

Edit: This question is not a duplicate of In any scripture, are there any records of climate change? Example with Solutions? since that question mentions only about Climate changes, whereas the changes that I'm referring to are all sorts of changes like technological changes, psychological changes, etc.


texts: What should we do when we accidentally kill an animal?

texts:
Would like to know what pratikriya (remedy) should we do if we accidentally kill an animal e.g., a car hitting a cow or deer accidentally or car running over a snake?

Also, in the case of a vehicle killing an animal should we change the vehicle?


texts: What are some good books (in English) about or by Nigamananda Paramhamsa?

texts: Most of the stuff available online is in Bengali and Odiya. Is there any English book available to understand the teachings of Swami Nigamananda?


texts: What is the Vahana of Goddess Durga as per Devi Bhagavatham?

texts: What is the scripturally correct vAhana of Durga Ma? I have seen Her pictures astride on both the lion and tiger. Please clarify from Devi Bhagavatham.  I am equally interested in knowing why tiger is also shown as a vahana of Goddess Durga if lion is what is the vahana per Devi Bhagavatham. So, kindly point out if she has two vahanas and if the vyaghra has ever been considered Her vehicle.


texts: Did Adi Shankara persecute Buddhists in Nagarjunakonda?

texts: Neo-Buddhists often claim that Adi Shankaracharya killed many Buddhists and destroyed many Buddhist shrines in Nargarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh. They also say there is a local legend which supports this point. How far are these claims true?