texts: I live in North America - how can I live a pious life?

texts:
Please, reveal to me the scriptures that can teach me to live in the way most holy, no matter where we live on earth. What practises shall I undertake. I love life and God, but I know my actions are not as pure as I need them to be.

How can I learn to become the best form of human I can be.


texts: Need to know the verse numbers from Padma purana

texts:
I'd like to know the following 2 shloka's verse number from Padma purana:

  avaiṣṇava-mukhodgīrṇaṁ pūtaṁ hari-kathāmṛtam
  śravaṇaṁ naiva kartavyaṁ sarpocchiṣṭaṁ yathā payaḥ

  One should not hear anything about Hari from a non-Vaiṣṇava. Milk touched by the lips of a serpent has poisonous effects; similarly, talks about Hari given by a non-Vaiṣṇava are also poisonous.

  dvau bhūta-sargau loke'sminn daiva āsura eva ca
  viṣṇu-bhaktaḥ smṛto daiva āsuras-tada-viparyayaḥ

  There are two classes of men in the created world. One consists of the demoniac and the other of the godly. The devotees of Lord Viṣṇu are the godly, whereas those who are just the opposite are called demons.”

Please someone who is an expert scholar in Sanskrit help me out this chaos.


texts: Is setubandha by bhaskaraya online pdf available?

texts: Is "Setubandha" by bhaskaraya available online in Sanskrit/ Hindi/ English. if not where can i get a book ?


texts:
Lord Shiva - Kailash Parvat, Himalayas, Snow

Lord Vishnu - Resting on Sheshnaag above Ocean Water

Lord Brahma - Resting on Lotus Flower, Air (It may be correct or not)

Any ideas? Any connection to the God Nature or Personality Traits or any other reasoning.


texts: Where is this statement cited by Satadushani found in scripture?

texts:
Vedanta Desikan cites a statement the following Shatadushani http://gdurl.com/S8rkW

For statements such as the following are found in smrtis:
There is no expiation for drinking the milk of a brown cow, for having sexual relations with a Brahmin's wife, and for imparting the Veda to a  Sildra.

(one assumes the Brahmin himself is excluded)
Where is this statement found in scripture?


texts: What is the rationale behind the statement that all kings have to spend at least some time in hell?

texts:
In Svargarohanika Parva after Yudhishtra had experienced hell, Lord of Dharma gave the following reason

  Without doubt, all kings, O son, must once behold Hell. Hence hast thou for a little while been subjected to this great affliction.

But I can't find any explanation on why kings need to be subjected to suffering in hell. Can someone please help out here?


texts: Are women forbidden to recite the Chandipath?

texts:
Chandipath recitation is a very common practice in Bengal. However, I have seen many people saying the practice is only restricted to males and that women are forbidden to recite it. What is the reason of women being barred from reciting the Chandipath? Do the scriptures saying anything about this?

P.S. If I am not wrong, Chandipath belongs to the Markandeya Purana (Please correct me if I am wrong). So I am guessing that there might be something written regarding females being barred from reciting the Chandipath.


texts: In a book about Ramakrishna, he said that Kali Ma has cast an illusion called Maya, and that she observes the world from outside.


texts: How can the formless assume a form(incarnation)?

texts:
God is formless and he assumes a form, say.
Then that body is bound by time, space and causation. And anything bound has to change. But god is constant. Then are incarnations true? Then where are all the incarnations so claimed? Can an idol be called god?

Also how can god be with and without form?  The idea that he is both with and without form is false. Because when the form dies a part of god dies. But god has no part, he is whole, changeless.


texts: What is the location of Bharata Varsha (khanda)?

texts: I have read somewhere(can't remember the source) the Bharatha Khanda governed by king Bharatha is submerged in the Hindu Mahasagara. Can anyone tell me where is Bharatha Khanda in current yuga? if it is submerged in ocean how come our current Hindustan got name Bhaaratha?? Is India just a part of original Bharatha Khanda?


texts: How Vidarbha from scriptures is same as current Vidarbha?

texts:
The following passage from Wikipedia says that

  The Vidarbha kingdom in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata is among the
  many kingdoms ruled by Yadu kings (Bhoja Yadavas). It is the
  southernmost kingdom within the epic's geographical horizon, south of
  the Vindhyarange, in the region still known as Vidarbha in what is now
  Central India.

How can it be proved? Are there any mentions to the actual geographical location of Vidarbha in scriptures?


texts: Can food which are proven to increase sexual libido be considered "Tamasica"?

texts:
One of tamasic food is food that has ''sedative effect on the body''. Now this can mean libido boosting food can be said to be Tamasic. Tamasic food such as onions, garlic and meat are indeed libido boosting.
Now in ancient India, dark chocolates and fruits such as pomegranates & watermelon were not available and these food are scientifically proven to be libido boosting. So can these foods be considered to be tamasic?


texts: Mentions of River Iravati(ऐरावती) which is from Myanmar(Burma)?

texts:
Are there any mentions of Iravati River(irawaddy River in Burmese) in our Hindu scriptures? It is the blood line of Myanmar.

We(Hindus) of Myanmar call it Iravati Ganga.


texts: Whats the basic reason behind placement of these deities?

texts:
What is the basic reason behind placement of deities in the three layers in the Dakshineswar Adyapith temple?

Please cite proper source.


texts: Reason for no female incarnations without accompanying male gods?

texts:
Almost all the incarnations of female goddesses such as Sita, Rukmini, and Satya etc., have an accompanying male gods Rama, Krishna etc.,

There are many male avatars such as Matsya, Kurma,  Vamana, Parasurama etc., without any accompanying female goddesses.

Is there any reason for this?


texts: Six Classical Schools in Hindu Philosophy

texts: I have been reading about the six classical schools of Hindu philosophy (also known as the Shad-Darshan system).  Did all of these schools exist simultaneously and debate with each other (thereby being equally valid perspectives)? Or was there a gradual evolution of these schools (where Nyaya was the original progenitor and Vedanta became the crowning achievement and thereby most valid perspective)?


texts: Soul never dies as per Gita. So does the memory always remain with the soul or it gets wiped out when a person dies?

texts:
So as per most of the Hindu scriptures, a soul never dies with the death of the body. Now a lot of memory, karma, bonding, etc has been accumulated by the body and soul during the tenure as a living person.
Do all these things get wiped out from the soul when a person dies? What actually happens with all the memory and experiences that the soul has felt when part of the living body?


texts: Why Gaudiya Vaishnavas don't accept Advaita when Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted Sridhara Svami?

texts:
Śrī Caitanya
Mahāprabhu declared that Śrīdhara Svāmī is the authoritative commentator on
Bhāgavatam:

  prabhu hāsi’ kahe,“svāmī nā māne yei jana | veśyār bhitare tāre kariye
  gaṇana” || eta kahi’ mahāprabhu mauna dharilā | śuniyā sabāra mane
  santoṣa hailā ||

  “With a wry smile, the Lord said: “Whoever disregards the svāmī
  (husband; or Śrīdhara Svāmī) is to be counted among the prostitutes.”
  Mahāprabhu held silence. Everyone felt content by hearing this
  statement.” (Caitanya-caritāmṛta
  3.7.115-116)

Chaitanya also told:

  śrīdhara-svāmī-prasāde ‘bhāgavata’ jāni, jagad-guru śrīdhara-svāmī
  ‘guru’ kari’ māni. śrīdhara-upare garve ye kichu likhibe
  ‘artha-vyasta’ likhana sei, loke nā mānibe. śrīdharer anugata ye kare
  likhana saba loka mānya kari’ karibe grahaṇa.

  “I understand Bhāgavatam by the grace of Śrīdhara Svāmī. I consider
  that he, the spiritual master of the universe, is a guru. Whatever you
  write beyond Śrīdhara out of pride would be contrary to the real
  meaning. People would not pay attention to it. One who writes
  following Śrīdhara’s statements will be respected by and accepted by
  everyone.” (Caitanyacaritāmṛta 3.7.133-135)

Sridhara Svami is generally considered Advaitin and Chaitanya mahaprabhu accepted his commentary on Bhagavatam as authoritative. Then, why do Gaudiya Vaishnavas reject Advaita when Chaitanya Mahaprahu accepted Sridhara Svami's authority?


texts: Why did Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra incarnate as Parashurama's enemy Kartavirya Arjuna?

texts:
Most people only know about Kartavirya Arjuna as the thousand-armed king who was the villain of the story of Vishnu's incarnation Parashurama.  Kartavirya Arjuna stole the divine cow Kamadhenu from Parashurama's father Jamadagni, so Parashurama cut off his thousand arms and killed him.  In response, Kartavirya Arjuna's sons killed Jamadagni.  To avenge his father's death, Parashurama annihilated the Kshatriyas of the Earth, who had become corrupt, 21 times, as I discuss in this question.

But my question is about Kartavirya Arjuna himself.  I had always considered him purely as a villain, but then I found out the Narada Purana has two chapters devoted to various mantras to Kartavirya Arjuna, including a Kartavirya Gayatri mantra, a list of 108 names of Kartavirya Arjuna, and a Kartavirya Kavacham, analogous to the Narayana Kavacham (which I discuss here)!  The reason for this seems to be that Kartavirya Arjuna was actually an incarnation of Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra.  Here is what this excerpt from the Narada Purana says, for instance:

  He was the incarnation of Sudarshana Chakra on the Earth.  After propitiating Dattatreya he attained excellent brilliance.

And here is what Vishnu tells Parashurama in this excerpt from the Upodhghata Pada of the Brahmanda Purana:

  Indeed Kartavirya is the incarnation of my discus, on the surface of the Earth.  He has finished his assigned task, O excellent Brahmana.  Finish him, O bestower of honor.

And this later excerpt from the Upodhgata Pada of the Brahmanda Puranas describes what happens after Parashurama kills Kartavirya Arjuna:

  The king who was a devotee of Datta, entered Sudarshana, the discus of Vishnu.  His body became reduced to ashes[.]

So my question is, why did Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra incarnate as Kartavirya Arjuna, an enemy of Vishnu's incarnation Parashurama?

The only story I have come across (given in this webpage, for instance), goes roughly as follows: The Sudarshana Chakra become too arrogant, and brags that Vishnu is only able to achieve his great deeds because of the Sudarshana Chakra's help.  So Vishnu curses it to be born on Earth, saying something like "You will be born as a powerful king, and you will have the same thousand arms that you currently have.  I will be born as the mere son of a sage, and I will defeat you."

But are there any scriptures that describe this story?


texts: May some blessed brother help me find some shloka from Upnishad or other scriptural text that may depict the content of passage of Brih .Up 3:8:9?

texts: Br Up passage  3:8:9 ( Atasya vaa aksharasya - -pitro nvayattah) --the content of this passage is so revealing. It's not only inferential rather experiential also on the contemplation of The Universal self. I get ecstatic while contemplating on this passage  ! Shall feel blessed if some brother help find me slokas from Upnishads Or other scriptural text ( in the form of poetry) that may depict the content of above referred passage of Br Up. Pl Bless me  !


texts: Can electric cremation be considered as a valid substitute for the funeral pyre?

texts: What are the reasons specified in scriptures, behind the traditional funeral? are those reasons not fulfilled by Electric cremation?


texts: How does Shri Shankar's Advaita answer Shri Ramanuja's Tirodhan-Anuppatti?

texts:
The second argument of Shri Ramanuja over Shri Shankar's Advaita is Tirodhan-Anuppatti. How does Avidya Maya, who is dependent on Brahman, envelope Brahman. Advaitains say that Maya is dependent on Brahman, just as magic is dependent on Magician, so, Can a magician's trick confound the Magician himself?
Please answer with examples.


texts: I did try to read online but some pages say Phalgun Poornima while others say Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Any clarification would be appreciated.


texts: Can somebody provide list of Hindu texts chronologically?

texts: Can somebody provide a list of Hindu Vedas, Purana, Up-Puranas, Upnishads, etc in a chronological manner and also provide their creation dates (if they could be dated by any means)?


texts: What are the main texts of pAshupata shaivism?

texts:
What are the core texts of this sampradaya ?

How many of these are surviving today?

Are there any digitial versions of the same ?


texts: Was Bhishma Dyaus-incarnate or 1/8th of all Vasus?

texts:
It is the common knowledge that, it was Prabhas (Dyaus), one of the Vasus, incarnated as Bhishma due to curse. Following passage from the Mahabharata supports it.

From this chapter of Sambhava Parva:

  But he for whose deed ye have been cursed by me he, viz., Dyu, shall for his sinful act, have to dwell on earth for a length of time. I shall not make futile the words I have uttered in wrath.

But in one of the later chapters, the Vasus make another statement that, 1/8th of all eight Vasus become Bhishma:

  We shall each contribute an eighth part of our respective energies With the sum thereof, thou shall have one son according to thy and his wishes. But this son shall not begat any children on earth. Therefore, that son of thine endued with great energy, shall be childless.

Also in another occasion , during birth of Arjuna , Mahabharata explicitely mentions that , all 8 Vasus were there

  And the twin Aswins, the eight Vasus, the mighty Maruts, the
  Viswedevas, and the Sadhyas, also came there.

So which one is right?


texts: Physical presence of Krishna at multiple places at same time

texts:
The following slokas from Srimad Bhagavatam indirectly says that Krishna is present at multiple places at the same time

  SB 10.59.43: The Lord, performer of the inconceivable, constantly
  remained in each of His queens' palaces, which were unequaled and
  unexcelled by any other residence. There, although fully satisfied
  within Himself, He enjoyed with His pleasing wives, and like an
  ordinary husband He carried out His household duties.

  SB 10.59.44: Thus those women obtained as their husband the husband of
  the goddess of fortune, although even great demigods like Brahma do
  not know how to approach Him. With ever-increasing pleasure they
  experienced loving attraction for Him, exchanged smiling glances with
  Him and reciprocated with Him in ever-fresh intimacy, replete with
  joking and feminine shyness.

  SB 10.59.45: Although the Supreme Lord's queens each had hundreds of
  maidservants, they chose to personally serve the Lord by approaching
  Him humbly, offering Him a seat, worshiping Him with excellent
  paraphernalia, bathing and massaging His feet, giving Him pan to chew,
  fanning Him, anointing Him with fragrant sandalwood paste, adorning
  Him with flower garlands, dressing His hair, arranging His bed,
  bathing Him, and presenting Him with various gifts.

Similarly, are there any other slokas from the same text(Srimad Bhaghavatham) that directly says that the phenomena of Krishna's presence at multiple places at the same time?


texts: What is the role of Ketu in different houses of Janam Kundli?

texts: I read that Ketu is considered to be the bringer of past life karma into present life. So if Ketu is in say the 7th house, it means the person did some bad karma in their previous marital life and hence have to work extra hard to nullify its effect in present life ? Or does it mean that the person has balanced all karma in that sector in previous life and hence no longer has any special desire in this sector of their life ?


texts: Why are the names of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama superior to the name of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
Though Krishna and Rama are said to be incarnations of Vishnu, many scriptures tell us that names of Krishna and Rama are superior to the name of Lord Vishnu. In the Padma Purana Lord Shiva tells Mata Parvati the following:

  Ishwara uvacha, ''rama rameti rameti, rame rame manorame;
     sahasra-namabhis tulyam, rama-nama varanane''

  Ishwara said, "O beautiful one, I chant the holy name of Rama, Rama, Rama and thus constantly enjoy this beautiful sound. This holy name of Rama (Ramachandra) is equal to one thousand holy names of Lord Vishnu." (Padma Purana, Uttara-Khanda 71.331)

The Padma Purana also states:

  visnor ekaika namapi, sarva vedadhikam matam
   tadrk nama sahasrena, rama nama samasmrtam

  Each Name of Lord Vishnu is greater and more potent than the entire Vedas combined together, and Lord  Rama's Name alone is more superior than a thousand Names of Lord Vishnu.

Then in the Brahmanda Purana 2.36.19, Sheshnaga says to Mother Earth:

  ''sahasra-namnam punyanam, trir-avrttya tu yat phalam;
      ekavrttya tu krsnasya, namaikam tat prayacchati''

  ''If one utters Shri-Krishna-nama once, one obtains the same result that comes from chanting the pure Vishnu-Sahasranama (a thousand Names of Lord Vishnu) three times.''

Why is this that the names of Lord Krishna and Rama are superior to the name of Lord Vishnu if the latter is the source of Lord Krishna and Rama?


texts: Is there any mention of a fountain of youth in the Purans?

texts:
The concept of the fountain of youth is common in many other religions. Are there any similar mentions in Hindu purans? (I searched quite a lot, but I did not find any. Perhaps it is known by a different name?)

Immortality and Eternal Youth go hand in hand. The concept of Amrutha is present, which when we consume, gives us immortality. Is there a similar portion to gain youthfulness?


texts: What earthly events marks the end of Satya and Treta Yuga?

texts: The end of Dwapara Yuga is easy to find, which is the end of Shree Krishna avatara. But the others, I cannot find any answer.


texts:
What are the rules for wearing the Sikha?

Can you wear a Sikha even if you haven't done the Chudakarana?


texts:
Haha and Huhu are the names of two sons of Pradha and Kasyapa.

  And it is also known that this Pradha of great fortune, through the
  celestial Rishi (Kasyapa, her husband), brought forth the sacred of
  the Apsaras, Alamvusha, Misrakesi, Vidyutparna, Tilottama, Aruna,
  Rakshita, Rambha, Manorama, Kesini, Suvahu, Surata, Suraja, and Supria
  were the daughters, and Ativahu and the celebrated Haha and Huhu, and
  Tumvuru were the sons--the best of Gandharvas--of Pradha and Amrita.
  The Brahmanas, kine, Gandharvas, and Apsaras, were born of Kapila as
  stated in the Purana.

  [SECTION LXV, Sambhava Parva, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata]

Most of the names has corresponding meanings. These two names Haha and Huhu seems eccentric. Do they have any special meanings?


texts: Hindu marriage in regards to the new moon

texts:
Does a girl born on a new moon has to get married to a guy born on new moon too? They say if a girl is born on new moon marries someone born on other days except the new moon, the groom has a shorter life and dies early.
Is there any truth behind this?


texts: When did the last meeting between Rama and Hanuman occur?

texts:
I am asking this question according to the Valmiki Ramayana only.
AFAIK, Hanuman and Rama had a meet during the coronation of Rama for the last time.
But, did they meet after that according to Valmiki Ramayana? When was their last meeting?


texts: What is the meaning of the term ''Mayavadi''? Is the term mentioned in any of the scriptures?

texts: Many ISKCON websites call Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Buddha and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa ''mayavadis'' and that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu called mayavadis ''greatest of all offenders''. However, I am unable to find the meaning of this term on the internet. What is the meaning of this term and is this term mentioned in any of the scriptures?


texts: May one learn how to breathe from the diaphragm (Buddha Belly Breathing) holistically throughout all of their activities and if so how exactly?

texts:
Peace, Divine Love, and Blessings to All.  I recently began to research meditative/breathing for the Solar Plexus.  I was instructed that the "normal breathing" done in the west is not the right/true way that we are supposed to be breathing but instead we should do it from the diaphragm (liken unto babies).  During my research, I came across Belly Breathing/Diaphragmatic Breathing which I came to find out is "Buddha Belly Breathing" (please forgive me if I come across as ignorant not knowing the true terminology and cultural linguistics).
The very little I have done so far has been amazing but extremely difficult.  Inhaling while expanding the stomach (and vice versa) took a lot of concentration while simultaneously trying to keep an erect posture with square shoulders (all while trying to be loose) was/is full of challenges. It made me consider and realize, one how bad my posture is (sad face) and two is it possible to continuously and consistently do this form of breathing throughout the entire day and in all activities?  I understand that meditation is about going inwardly, so I know I must take that journey and do the inner work but I pose this question asking if there are people who have done it, are doing it, and would they kindly share any pointers or guidance about their accomplishment(s).
This question is open to anyone. Feel free to share howsoever you are led to...Thank you.
"This question was originally asked on the Buddhism StackExchange but it was brought to my attention that it would be better suited to propose the question here"


texts: Is there any older text than Valmiki Ramayan that reference Hanuman

texts: We know that among the different Ramayans, the oldest one is Valmiki Ramayan. Is there any other text before Valmiki Ramayan that talks about Hanuman? (with reference please).


texts: How many kaliyugas completed till now and every kaliyuga kalki will come?

texts: Since Brahma age is completed 50 and 51 is running which means one day brahma is equal to one kalpa and one kalpa equal to 14 manvantaras and one manvantara equals to 71 mahayugas and each mahayuga consists of 4 yugas in each yuga a  incarnation is formed to kill evil but present kaliyugas which is  also happened in different manvantars and mahayugas  have the same technolgy and cultural standards of people like present kaliyuga???  And there also same kalki incarnation will come to end this kaliyuga???


texts:
Can animals attain Moksha or do that have to take human birth to attain Moksha ?

There is this story of Gajendra Moksha where an elephant gets Moksha. Is it just a special case or is it possible by animals to attain Moksha.


texts: Can all saptarishis be considered as a brahmarishi?

texts: People say that Spatarshi is a post and Brahmarshi is a person who understood the true meaning of Brahman. Can only a Brahmarishi become a Saptarishi?


texts: How can there be two individual selves in advaita?

texts: If the Absolute reality is termed as Brahman from an universal POV and the same is termed as Atman from an individual POV, then what about Jiva. Doesn't that makes two individual selves, namely Atman and Jiva? How can there be two Individual selves?


texts: What is the best way to get started with Astrology in Hinduism?

texts: I have been trying to read about it on the internet but it is mostly superficial and out of context. I am planning to commit to buying a book for which I need recommendations.


texts: Good and reliable books editions about pujas and Vastu?

texts:
Where to find complete Shastras or others like Agamas scriptures in order to know Why and How certain foods or flowers or scents are more appreaciated by a Deva if compared to something other to offer to Them?
E.g. Offering of vermillion or red flowers to Hanuman, milk or ghee to Shiva etc.
In Rig Vedas translation something is mentioned but unfortunately my edition is not a critical one and plus I do not know with precision about Vastu and Pujas offers from authorative texts but I keep on find several contradictories articles online.


texts:
In Mahabharata there is mention that it is written in shastras that there are some special occasions in which 13 years pass in 13 days.

  When the high-souled Partha went to Indra's region for obtaining
  weapons, those bulls of the Bharata race continued to dwell with
  Krishna in (the woods of) Kamyaka. One day, those foremost of the
  Bharatas, afflicted with grief, were seated with Krishna on a clean
  and solitary sward. Grieving for Dhananjaya, overwhelmed with sorrow,
  their voices were choked with weeping.

  Tortured by Dhananjaya's absence, grief afflicted them equally. And
  filled with sorrow at their separation from Arjuna and at the loss of
  their kingdom, the mighty-armed Bhima among them addressed
  Yudhishthira, saying,

    ...O great king, it is not the duty of a
    Khsatriya to live in the woods. The wise are of the opinion that to
    rule is the foremost duty of a Kshatriya. O king, thou art conversant
    with Kshatriya morality. Do not, therefore, deviate from the path of
    duty. Turning away from the woods, let us, summoning Partha and
    Janardana, slay, O king, the sons of Dhritarashtra, even before the
    twelve years are complete. O illustrious monarch O king of kings, even
    if these Dhartarashtras be surrounded by soldiers in array of battle,
    I shall send them to the other world by dint of might alone. I shall
    slay all the sons of Dhritarashtra along with the Sauvalas, indeed,
    Duryodhana, Karna, and any one else that will fight with me. And after
    I shall have slain all our foes, thou mayst come back unto the woods.
    By acting thus, O king, no fault will be thine. (Or if any sin be
    thine), O represser of foes, O mighty monarch, washing it off, O sire,
    by various sacrifices, we may ascend to a superior heaven. Such a
    consummation may come to pass, if our king proveth not unwise or
    procrastinating. Thou art, however, virtuous. Verily the deceitful
    should be destroyed by deceit. To slay the deceitful by deceit, is not
    regarded as sinful.

    O Bharata, it is, also said by those versed in morality that one day
    and night is, O great prince, equal unto a full year. The Veda text
    also, exalted one, is often heard, signifying that a year is
    equivalent to a day when passed in the observance of certain difficult
    vows. O thou of unfading glory, if the Vedas are an authority with
    thee, regard thou the period of a day and something more as the
    equivalent of thirteen years. O represser of foes, this is the time to
    slay Duryodhana with his adherents...

When did it happen in history and what were those special occasions?


texts: Why did Dhritarashtra give Draupadi boons?

texts:
I understand that there were some bad omens that led dhritarashtra to give draupadi the boons. But why did this happen and what were the omens?
It seems more logical to keep the wealth and kill the pandavas if they make too much noise. Why didn't dhritarashtra do this?
And a tangential question, why were pandavas exiled? It seems like a round about way of getting rid of them. Wouldn't it be easier to just silence them?
this is regarding the dice game and the fallout


texts:
Mahanubhava panth is related to bhakti movement.

How did it come to existence?

What are it's central teachings?

Who propagated the sect ?

What is the current position?


texts:
Vidura, as the Mahabharata says, was an unwanted child. He was born to 'Dasi' so unimportant that even Vyasa did not care to mention her name. Queen Satyavati who had proposed the Niyoga was not interested in Vidura because he was not born to Ambika or Ambalika. The so called Dasi too was never mentioned later on Mahabharata, probably she was sent off or even may have been punished for doing something Her Highness The Queen did not approve of.

Who then brought up Vidura? Who arranged for his education and made an important place for him in the palace?

And, the most important question, WHY?


texts: I took some vows long before I was Hindu that I shouldn’t have made. Are these vows valid since I didn’t have a witness?


texts: What happened to Lord Rama once he went into Sarayu river?

texts:
When Lord Rama went to Sarayu river, how did he die? And what happened to his body after that?

I am sorry if my question is offensive, but I'm eager to know.


texts:
In Hinduism, is God both good and evil, because in Mahabharata Shri Krishna tells Arjuna that he is everything.

He says he is heaven and he is hell.
He says he has many avatars who play the role of both good and
evil.

So what is the real truth about God in this picture from the Hindu point of view?


texts: For what reasons do prayers go unanswered?

texts:
If a devotee comes forward with a claim that his prayers were unanswered, I keep hearing one of the following reasons from the other devotees:

You are not praying hard enough.
You are not destined to reap the benefits of prayer. Your fate is sealed forever.

Are the above, valid scriptural reasons/answers for a devotee whose prayers go unanswered or are these folks ('other devotees') just speculating/speaking their mind?


texts: Is it possible for a person living in the Kaliyug to perform austerities so as to invoke deities like Lord Brahma or Lord Shiva?

texts:
https://www.quora.com/If-I-start-doing-Tapasya-in-this-modern-world-will-lord-Shiva-come-in-front-of-me
This is one answer I saw on Quora.


texts: Smarta tradition comes under which darshan among the Shad Darshanas?

texts:
Smarta tradition ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smarta_tradition ) comes under "which of the following"  Hindu School Of Philosophy/Darshan: ?

(1) Samkhya
(2) Yoga
(3) Nyaya
(4) Vaisheshika
(5) Mimamsa
(6) Vedanta (If Vedanta, then under which group of Vedanta, ie  Advaita or Vishishtadvaita or Dvaita or Bhedabheda or Dvaitadvaita or Achintya Bheda Abheda or Shuddhadvaita) ?


texts:
Shambhu is modified word from Swayam bhu which means "Self Born" and is another name of Brahman or Purush from Upanishads. No other Deity is called Shambhu or has a Nirakaar form like Shiva Lingam. Does it mean, what I am thinking

From Isha Upanishad

  That soul is the ultimate radiant, devoid of body, unmanifest, idle,
  pure, good-natured-natureless, all-knowing, omniscient, excellent and
  self-born(Swayam bhu). He has been creating and distributing all the meanings since time immemorial

  वह आत्मा परम तेजोमय, शरीरों से रहित, अक्षत, स्नायु से रहित, शुद्ध,
  शुभाशुभकर्म-सम्पर्कशून्य, सर्वद्रष्टा, सर्वज्ञ, सर्वोत्कृष्ट और
  स्वयंभू है । वही अनादि काल से सब अर्थों की रचना और विभाग करता आया है


texts: Why did Arjuna forget the Bhagavad Gita?

texts:
In the Mahabharata, it's mentioned that Arjuna forgot the Bhagavad Gita which was once heard in the war field from Lord Krishna. Bhagavad Gita is one of the greatest messages or advices from Lord Krishna to the whole world and it was advised to Arjuna to do his Karma.

Anu Gita, Ashvamedhika Parva: Mahabharata

  The son of Prithâ, after becoming possessed of his kingdom (in an)
  undisturbed (state), enjoyed himself in the company of Krishna, full
  of delight in that heavenly palace. And once, O king! they happened to
  go, surrounded by their people, and rejoicing, to a certain portion of
  the palace which resembled heaven. Then Arjuna, the son of Pându,
  having surveyed with delight that lovely palace, in the company of
  Krishna, spoke these words: 'O you of mighty arms! O you whose mother
  is Devakî ! when the battle was about to commence, I became aware of
  your greatness, and that divine form of yours. But that, O Kesava!
  which through affection (for me) you explained before, has all
  disappeared, O tiger-like man! from my degenerate mind. Again and
  again, however, I feel a curiosity about those topics. But (now), O
  Mâdhava! you will be going at no distant date to Dvârakâ.

But after the Mahabharata war, one day Arjuna told that he had forgotten the Bhagavad Gita. Why did this happen? How can a man forget the greatest advice which led to the success of his life? Was there a mistake in the way Arjuna grasped the Gita that led to this incident?


texts: False religion in kali yuga? Are we following false people in kali yuga?

texts: In Shiva purana, lord vishnu creates a jinx with bald head with cloth to his face and a book in his hands. He asks jinx to propagate false religion to asuras saying it is the actual vedic dharma. He gave a boon to that jinx that in kali yuga his religion (false one)would be followed as and becomes popular. I got a strange idea that what if great saints like buddha, adi shankaracharya who debated against vedic principles are actually that very jinx? I am sorry for asking like this but please advise.


texts: What does Sun obstructing the path of liberation mean?

texts: An Astrologer told me that I cannot get liberation in this janma because Sun is obstructing it. He said that it is on the position of my liberation. What does it mean? Is there a way out? Are these conclusions reliable?


texts: What is the prakAra-prakAri (attribute-substance) relationship between Brahman and Jiva in Vishishtadvaita?

texts:
As far as I know, Vishishtadvaita has seven types of Brahman-Jiva relationships:

sharIra/sharIrI (body/indweller)
prakAra/prakArI (attribute/substance)
shesha/sheshi (owned/owner)
niyamya/niyanta (controlled/controller)
amsha/amshI (part/whole)
adhAradeya/sambandha (supporter/supported)
rashksya/rakshaka (redeemed/redeemer)

Now, I'm interested in the one given in bold i.e. prakAra-prakAri (attribute-substance) relationship between Brahman and Jiva. Can anybody explain me this relation in detail with proper scriptural references and examples?


texts: When real nature of ultimate reality is beyond the physicality of the universe, beyond time & space - Which can't be described by the words then what Arjuna saw actually, because he was describing what he was seeing? Was that Saguna form of Brahman? or something else? Because it can't be transcendental aspect of ultimate reality.  Has any acharya shed light on this?


texts: Did adi shankara believe that Brahman is all powerful and omnipotent?

texts: Did adi shankara believe that Brahman is all powerful or omnipotent?


texts: When did Dvivida the ape try to kidnap Krishna?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, the Udyoga Parva of the Mahabharata describes how Krishna goes to Duryodhana on behalf of the Pandavas in order to try to negotiate peace and avert the Mahabharata war. When he hears that Krishna is coming, Duryodhana hatches a plan to kidnap and imprison Krishna. But Vidura advises against it, because of how powerful Krishna is:

  O Duryodhana, listen now to these words of mine. At the gates of Saubha, that foremost of monkeys, known by the name of Dvivida, covered Kesava with a mighty shower of stones. Desirous of seizing Madhava by putting forth all his prowess and exertion, he did not yet succeed in seizing him. Seekest thou to apprehend that Kesava by force?

For those who don't know, Dvivida was one of the major Vanaras in the Ramayana; along with his twin brother Mainda, he helped Rama in his war in Lanka.  As a result, he was blessed with a long life, which is why he was still alive at the time of Krishna.  But Dvivida did not have such a positive relationship with Rama's next birth Krishna.  As I discuss in this answer, for some strange reason Dvivida was friends with the demon Narakasura, so when Krishna killed Narakasura (the reason behind Deepavali), Dvivida was furious.  The Srimad Bhagavatam describes the various things he did to take revenge on Krishna:

  To avenge the death of his friend [Naraka], the ape Dvivida ravaged the land, setting fires that burned cities, villages, mines and cowherd dwellings.  Once Dvivida tore up a number of mountains and used them to devastate all the neighboring kingdoms, especially the province of Ānarta, wherein dwelt his friend’s killer, Lord Hari.  Another time he entered the ocean and, with the strength of ten thousand elephants, churned up its water with his arms and thus submerged the coastal regions.  The wicked ape tore down the trees in the hermitages of exalted sages and contaminated their sacrificial fires with his feces and urine.  Just as a wasp imprisons smaller insects, he arrogantly threw both men and women into caves in a mountain valley and sealed the caves shut with boulders.

Finally Dvivida harassed a group of young women who were with Krishna's brother Balarama, so Balarama killed him after an epic battle.

But my question is, what is the story of Dvivida trying to kidnap Krishna "at the gates of Saubha" as Vidura says?  Saubha was the floating iron city of the king Shalva; Krishna killed Shalva and destroyed Saubha when Shalva attacked Dwaraka, as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam.

So what was Dvivida's role in Krishna's battle with Shalva?  Did he use Dwaraka being under attack as an opportunity to try to kidnap Krishna?  Or was Dvivida in league with Shalva?


texts: Why hinduism did not get propagated to entire world?

texts:
Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma is considered to be one of the oldest religions. (Christianity came after Christ 2017 years ago or Islam came mostly after Paigambar).

What could be the reason that being so old religion, it got only limited to India, Nepal, Indonesia, Cambodia and few countries (considering the fact the Islam spread due to forced conversion and bloodshed)? What was the reason it did not grow or spread exponentially. At least it could have spread to other countries?


texts: What are the roots of the Caste System in India?

texts:
As per what I have read and learnt,
In the Purusha Suktam of the Yajur Veda
the following lines appear:

brAhmano asya mukhamAseet |
bAhoo rAjanya: krta: |
ooru tadasya yad vaishya |
padbhyAm shoodro ajAyata |

(asya) His (mukham) mouth (Aseet) became (brAhmaNa:)the Brahmin,
(bAhoo) his arms (krta:) were made (rAjanya:) Kings.
(yad) what were (asya ooru) his thighs, (tad) they weremade into (vaishya:) the merchants,
(padbhyAm) and from his feet (shoodro) were the servants (ajAyata) born.
Can someone give me a better source for the reality of the caste system in India?
Were the castes to be only associated with the professions of the individual or were they to be carried forth as a heritage with the lineage?
Edits to factor in my opinion on naming of the castes, which have off late taken up a myopic, perverse and prejudiced meaning:

Though I do not concur with the usage of the words "Brahmin", "Kings", "Merchants" and "Servants", I have pasted it as it was from my source.
I prefer using the words "Margadarshi","Rakhshak","Sanchaalak" and "Paalak".


texts: When Moghuls invaded Bharat desa, a daughter of moghul emperor took the utsava vigraha of Thriunarayana perumal [Melkot in Karnataka] and was playing with that utsava vigraha. On seeing this Ramanujacharya  told the moghul emperor to give back the vigraha. Sarcastically the moghul told that you call your God. If he comes alongwith you take the vigraha. Ramanuja sang Chellapillai come along with me; Immediately the vigraha followed Ramanuja. All got astonished. Does this have any referral in puranas? If so in which purana?


texts:
If there is a death in the house [especially parents] what is the time frame to conduct Homam? Should it be performed after Varushapdhigam  [after one year of ceremony]?
Albeit I am doing homams this answer I do not know. Kindly quote from  puranas or bhagavathams where the solution exists.
This question is not for debate, discussion or arguments.


texts:
Strong belief in relevance and effectiveness of astrology in ancient and modern India was/is used to fix suitable timings for events such as travel starting, thread ceremony, marriage,griha pravesam etc.

The experts in astrology of yore were the same as mathematicians and panchang computation scholars (e.g., Aryabhatta, Varahamihira).

Did they find significant correlation between astronomical timings and prediction of any significant turn of events / miraculous occurrences etc.? If so is there a textual reference to the actual events and predictions to reinforce people's trust at that time or later?

Was the Hindu/Indian acceptance of astrology due to pure respect to those jyothisham well versed and verified the correlation? Or they did not dare to oppose scholastic authority?

To me it feels jyothisham pundits would never have risked loss of their own reputation by talking and supporting astronomy and astrology in the same breath.. when only the former is/was directly verifiable.

In western society with same astronomical knowledge, astrology is generally not recognized as a science and did/does not gain much general social acceptance.


texts: Why do people put warm clothes on idol in winter?

texts: I notice people put warm clothes on idols in winter time. Is this a personal practise or is it supposed to be followed?


texts: How to categorise intent with respect to deeds and karma?

texts:
Imagine this. Person 1 helps out Person 2 on the premise that this deed will accrue "good karma". A son helps family out only for good karma and not for sentiment, belonging, or gratitude. A woman helps a friend on the same reasoning. They take such decisions for good karma so that moksha - or at least, no bad karma - may be attained for themselves.
From previous posts on this topic -
As far as I'm aware, the scriptures don't seem to mention anything about intentional good deeds versus unintentional good deeds. It merely talks about good deeds and their fruits. So, it is correct to think that there is no difference.
And yet - Whatever sacrifice or gift is made, whatever austerity is practiced, whatever ceremony is observed--it is all called "asat," "unreal," if it is done without faith. It is of no account here or hereafter. (referencing the Gita)
There seems to be some factor in judging even "good" deeds, because if the deed is without "faith" then it's called Asat or False as per the Gita. I think my examples do have a kind of intent. What I ask is, do they fall in the Asat category? Does it count as selfishness? Would the lack of correct intent be Asat? What is correct intent? Because it is said there should be no attachment to the action or fruit, but does anyone take a decision without motivation or intent? Is it possible to know?
If you find some flaws or problems in my question please point it out with additional pointers on where to learn more on the topic.


texts: Does yajur Veda samhita also use asura in positive context?

texts: Asura word is used in positive context in rig vedic samhita, but do other Vedas like yajur, atharva use them in same context i.e. positively ?


texts: Where can I find Sai Gita in English online? I am asking about Satya Sai Baba and not about Shirdi Sai Baba.


texts: What scriptures describe Vishnu's body being blackened by Vasuki?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, the Pancharatra Agamas are the foundational texts of Vaishnavism. Similarly, the foundational texts of Shaivism are known as the Shaiva Agamas, aka the Shaiva Tantras. One of the Shaiva Agamas is known as the Kirana Agama, and it takes the form of a dialogue between Shiva and Vishnu's bird Garuda.

In this excerpt from the Kirana Agama, Garuda says a hymn of praise to Shiva, and in particular he says this:

  Victory to the Lord who quenched the virility of the deadly poison (emitted by the snake Vasuki at the time of the churning of the milky ocean) that blackened the body of Vishnu (who was then white in complexion); victory to the Lord who sustained the divine river Ganga that rushed forth from the heaven ... full of whirls and great conceit.

My question is, what scriptures describe Vishnu's body being blackened by Vasuki during the Churning of the Ocean?

This chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam does describe Vasuki blackening the faces of the Devas, at least before Vishnu sends down rain to remedy the situation:

  Vāsuki had thousands of eyes and mouths. From his mouths he breathed smoke and blazing fire, which affected the demons, headed by Pauloma, Kāleya, Bali and Ilvala. Thus the demons, who appeared like sarala trees burned by a forest fire, gradually became powerless.  Because the demigods were also affected by the blazing breath of Vāsuki, their bodily lusters diminished, and their garments, garlands, weapons and faces were blackened by smoke. However, by the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, clouds appeared on the sea, pouring torrents of rain, and breezes blew, carrying particles of water from the sea waves, to give the demigods relief.

And Vishnu's incarnation Ajita, the Manvantara Avatara of the Chakshusha Manvantara, was one of the Devas who participated in the churning of the Ocean.  But are there any scriptures that specifically say that he was blackened?  And is there any scriptural basis for the translator's claim that he was originally white?

On a side note, I suppose if Vishnu was originally white, that would lend support to the theory that the "shuklam bharadharam" shloka chanted before the Vishnu Sahasranamam is addressed to Vishnu rather than Ganesha or Vishvaksena.


texts: word-for-word translation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam śloka 5.12.11

texts:
I need to know word-for-word translation in the following Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam śloka 5.12.11;
jñānaṁ viśuddhaṁ paramārtham ekam anantaraṁ tv abahir brahma satyam
Someone Pandit,please help me.


texts:
How are Yakshinis of very beautiful bodies while Yakshasa are dwarfish?

Yakshasa sometimes are depicted as formidable warriors. Are the formidable warriors' bodies of the Yakshasa their true bodies?


texts: The incarnations of Lord Vamana and Lord Parushurama

texts:
Here's the plot, according to Hindu mythology and the dashavatharas, chronologically, Lord Vamana incarnated before Lord Parushurama. According to the popular folklore and existing beliefs in Kerala, King Mahabali was said to have to have ruled over the land now called Kerala. He is still remembered as one of the greatest rulers who have ever taken throne. Therefore, he's still remembered during the festival of "Onam". And it is said that Lord Vamana was the one who sentenced Mahabali to his eternal exile.
 But, it is also said that Lord Parusharama is the one who forged the Land of Kerala from his mighty axe. According to Dahshavaratha, chronologically, Lord Vishnu is said to have taken the form of Lord Vamana before that of Lord Parushurama. How?


texts: Are there any current female saints in shaktism?

texts:
Are there any current saints in Shaktism,like Sarada Devi or like anandamayi maa were for general hinduism?

Are there any saints in shaktism right now that are well known?


texts:
Since my childhood my grandmother taught me that the meaning of Vinyasa means to see everything less complicated. My grandma pass away 6 months ago, and i want to make a tattoo that reminds me how she was and what she taught me, and i always found the word vinyasa had a special meaning.

Well, i already had the idea to make it, the place and the price too. But before making a mark for the rest of my life i want to make sure that what i was going to tattoo it was what i really think, so i searched it up. Well i found only one site that talks about the meaning that my grandma taught, and i dont know if that can be a real meaning for vinyasa. I want to know what vinyasa means. Sorry for my english, it's not my first language.


texts:
Are there mention of Zodiac signs in Mahabharata?
If yes please cite the verses.


texts: What is the significance of Chakra of Konark Sun Temple?

texts: I read about Konark Sun Temple and it makes me proud that about 750 years ago Hindu sages could calculate the accurate time in day and night as well, as they know the weather changes by looking the chakras (wheel of Konark). But unfortunately I can't find out more details about this. I think each chakra in the temple has a lot of meaning and there is more to study. Can anyone point me out to (if there is) full documentation about all chakras in the temple?


texts: Is Balrama (Baldeva) mentioned somewhere as VAsudeva (Vaasudeva)?

texts:
I am referring VAsudeva (Vaasudeva) as son of Vasudev and not the ancient name of Lord Vishnu. Like Vaivasvata means son of Vivasvat (Surya).

And not only 7th Manu (i.e Manuvaivasvata who is also known as Satyavrata and Shraddhadeva) but also other sons of Surya can be called as Vaivasvata. In one shloka of Uttara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, Lord Brahma called Yama with the name Vaivasvata.

So in some shloka, Balrama (Baldeva) also might have been mentioned as Vaasudeva.


texts: Why are effects of karma seen after death or in the next birth?

texts:
I generally hear that one will get the aftereffects of his/her karma either in afterlife (i.e., after death he will either go to heaven or hell) or in his next birth.

My question is: Why don't we get the results in the same life itself where the good or bad karma is done?

I think if a person gets punished for his bad deeds within the same life, then the person may have a change of mindset so that he now decides to always do good and not bad as now he has gained practical experience. If instead one gets to suffer all his life without doing anything wrong only because of his previous birth's karma then he might be disillusioned and think that even when he is doing all good in current life, he is still not getting any good in return. This might in a way make him disbelieve God.


texts: Reason behind asking Ekalavya's thumb as Guru dakshina?

texts:
I read that Ekalavya was a great archer similar to Arjuna and Karan (Karna). He made himself believe that Dronacharya is his Guru (Teacher) by keeping a statue of Dronacharya.

One day Dronacharya saw Ekalavya and understood the situation that Ekalavya is his disciple.

So why did Dronacharya ask for Eklavya's thumb as his "Guru dakshina" (Teacher's fee) despite knowing that without his thumb, Ekalavya won't be able to shoot arrows anymore?


texts: Rig Veda - The demon Svarbhanu, Rahu and eclipse

texts:
This blog article talks how the demonic form of Svarbhanu is used to explain the phenomenon of eclipse. This wiki article also says that Svarbhanu is a name used for Rahu in Puranas. It also claims that the first mention of Svarbhanu can be found in the Rig Veda.

What is the story of Svarbhanu as found in the Rig Veda?


texts:
Vedas did exist before Vyasa. Vedas were classified by Vyasa.
Are Vedangas the part of Vedas? If not, who is the author of Vedangas?


texts: Dvādashānta in which direction from the tip of the nose?

texts:
As verse 24 of Vijnabhairav Tantra says:

  Bhairava says: Para devi or Highest Sakti who is of the nature of visarga goes on (ceaselessly) expressing herself upward (urdhve) (from the centre of the body to dvàdashànta or a distance of twelve fingers) in the form of exhalation (pràna) and downward  (from dvàdashànta to the centre of the body) in the form of inhalation (jiva or apana). By steady fixation of the mind at the two places of their origin (viz., centre of the body in the case of pràna) and dvàdashànta in the case of apàna), there is the situation of plenitude (bharitàsthiti, which is the state of paràSakti or nature of Bhairava).

Visargatma - Who is of the nature of visarga. The word visarga means letting go, projection or creation, i.e. who is creative. The creative function of the Divine includes two movements-outward and inward or centrifugal and centripetal. In living beings, the outward or centrifugal movement is represented by expiration or exhalation; the inward or centripetal movement is represented by inspiration or inhalation. Parā or parā devī or Parā Sakti is designated as Visargātmā, because it is by this rhythm of centrifugal and centripetal movement that she carries on the play of life whether in the macrocosm or the microcosm. This movement is known as uccāra or spandana or ceaseless throb of Parādevi. In Sanskrit, visarga is represented by two points or dots one above the other. One point in this case is dvàdashànta where prāña ends and the other is the centre of the body where apāna ends. It is because of these two points also that Parasakti is known as visargatma.

Dvàdashànta-literally meaning 'end of twelve' indicates the point at a distance of 12 fingers from the tip of the nose in the outer space where expiration arising from the centre of the human body, and passing through the throat and the nose ends. This is known as bàhya dvàdashànta or the external dvàdashànta.

As its presence is known which is 12 fingers away from the tip of the nose.
But can anyone tell in which direction? Can anyone affirm the pic, I've concluded Black dot as Dvàdashànta.
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texts: What is the story of Sītā (wife of Rāma) killing Śatānana Rākṣasa?

texts: Sītā with the help of Hanumān killed a Rākṣasa called Śatānana (hundred headed). What is the story of it and which scripture includes it?


texts: Who is the deity who escorts you to Brahmaloka?

texts:
As I discuss in the this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. You can read the Brahma Sutras here. In any case, Adhyaya 3 Pada 3 of the Brahma Sutras describes the Brahma Vidyas, 32 lessons found in various Upanishads which can each lead you to Brahman if you meditate on it. You can see the full list of 32 Vidyas here.

Now as I discuss in this question, one of the 32 Brahma Vidyas is known as the Panchagni Vidya, and it's found in the Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads.  Among other things, it describes the path of souls going to Brahmaloka.  Here is how the Brihadaranyaka Upanishads describes this journey:

  Those who thus know this, and those who in the forest worship faith and the True, go to light (arkis), from light to day, from day to the increasing half, from the increasing half to the six months when the sun goes to the north, from those six months to the world of the Devas (Devaloka), from the world of the Devas to the sun, from the sun to the place of lightning. When they have thus reached the place of lightning a spirit comes near them, and leads them to the worlds of the (conditioned) Brahman. In these worlds of Brahman they dwell exalted for ages. There is no returning for them.

Now the Sanskrit used to describe this spirit is Manasa, meaning created by the mind.  Now the description in the Chandogya Upanishad is virtually identical, except for one significant change:

  Those who know this and those who in the forest follow faith and austerities go to light (arkis), from light to day, from day to the light half of the moon, from the light half of the moon to the six months when the sun goes to the north, from the six months when the sun goes to the north to the year, from the year to the sun, from the sun to the moon, from the moon to the lightning. There is a person not human, He leads them to Brahman (the conditioned Brahman).

Here the Sanskrit word used is "Amanava" or not human, instead of "Manasa".  So my question is, who is this being that escorts you to Brahmaloka?  And is he Amanava or Manasa or both?  Is it possible that the manuscripts of one of these Upanishads have an error, where the "va" was replaced by "sa" or vice versa?

The only information I have found on the identity of this being is this book, which describes him as an incarnation of Vishnu who leads souls to Vishnu's highest abode of Paramapadam:

  From thence he proceeds to Paramapada through a dark spot in the sun.  Supreme wisdom attained by Yoga directs him along the Path and the Ativahikas, bearers in transit, lead him on; they are certain holy souls named Archi, Ahas, Purvapaksha, Uttarayana, Samvatsara, Aditya, Chandra, Vaidyuta, Varuna, Indra, Prajapati, and lastly an incarnation of Vishnu, named Amanava.

But are there any scriptures that describe this being as an incarnation of Vishnu?


texts:
Most people only know about the Vishnu Sahasranamam, the famous hymn of the thousand names of Vishnu.  But the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, the same Parva which contains the Vishnu Sahasranamam, also contains a Shiva Sahasranamam in this chapter.  It's told to Krishna by the sage Upamanyu, a devotee of Shiva, and after Upamanyu recites it he tells Krishna the origins of the Shiva Sahasranamam:

  It formerly resided in the breast of Brahma the Creator. Brahma imparted it unto Sakra. Sakra imparted unto Mrityu. Mrityu imparted it unto the Rudras. From the Rudras Tandi got it. Indeed Tandi acquired it in the region of Brahman as the reward of his severe austerities. Tandi communicated it to Sukra, and Sukra of Bhrigu's race communicated it to Gautama. Gautama in his turn, O descendant of Madhu, communicated it to Vaivaswata-Manu. Manu communicated it unto Narayana of great intelligence, numbered among the Sadhyas and held exceedingly dear by him. The illustrious Narayana, numbered among the Sadhyas and possessed of glory that knows no diminution, communicated it to Yama. Vaivaswat Yama communicated it to Nachiketa. Nachiketa, O thou of Vrishni's race, communicated to Markandeya. From Markandeya, O Janarddana, I obtained it as the reward of my vows and fasts.

My question is, who is this Narayana who is "numbered among the Sadhyas"? Apparently the Sadhyas are a group of 12 Vedic gods who are the sons of Daksha and his wife Sadhya. As I discuss in this question, in the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana, after the battle of Lanka is over Brahma addresses Rama using numerous appellations of Vishnu and his incarnations. In particular he says this

  You are the eighth Rudra among (eleven) Rudras and the fifth (Viryavan by name) among the Sadhyas (a particular class of celestials belonging to Gana Devata).

So could this Viryavan, fifth among the Sadhyas, be the same as the Narayana figure mentioned by Upamanyu?  Are there any scriptures that describe the story of Vishnu's incarnation as a Sadhya?

On a side note, as I discuss in this answer, both Vaivasvata Manu and Yama are sons of Surya the sun god and his wife Sanjana.  So whoever this Narayana is, he seems to have passed the Shiva Sahasranamam between one brother and another!


texts: Why was traveling to Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) considered a sin?

texts:
I was reading the Baudhayana Dharma Sutra and saw the following.

He who has visited the (countries of the) Āraṭṭas, Kāraskaras, Puṇḍras, Sauvīras, Vaṅgas, Kaliṅgas, (or) Prānūnas shall offer a Punastoma or a Sarvapṛṣṭhā (iṣṭi).
Now they quote also (the following verses): 'He commits sin through his feet, who travels to the (country of the) Kaliṅgas. The sages declare the Vaiśvānarī iṣṭi to be a purification for him.'
'Even if many offences have been committed, they recommend for the removal of the sin the Pavitreṣṭi. For that (sacrifice) is a most excellent means of purification.'
Now they quote also (the following verse): 'He who performs (by turns) in each season the Vaiśvānarī (iṣṭi), the Vrātapatī (iṣṭi), and the Pavitreṣṭi is freed from (all) sins.'

Why were these lands considered unholy when these were mentioned even in the Mahabharata?


texts:
Ram Devbaba (yoga guru) said Muhurtham is not necessary, for example; we see Muhurtham for marriages, which is not necessary according to him.

(Source)

What Hindu Scriptures saying about this matter?


texts: Whose skull is in Siva’s necklace that Virabhadra mentioned to Narsimha?

texts:
Virabhadra while trying to subdue Narasimha mentions about some form of Vishnu leaving his skull in Siva’s necklace during Kurma avatar. Which story Virabhadra is referencing about?

This is mentioned in verse 49-50 of Chapter 11 of Satarudra Samhita of Shiva Purana. (Sorry I could not find direct link to chapter 11)


texts: Need to know if Vishnu, Shiva or Indra stopped Vishwamitra's Tapasya(penance)

texts:
Tried googling, couldn't find answer.

Yesterday someone narrated that in Mahabharata days there was a sage (His name was Vishwamitra) was doing Tapasya to be as powerful as Shiva, Vishnu, Indra.

The gods wanted to break the Tapasya so one of them sent a beautiful dancer to break his meditation.

Tapasya was broken and when Vishwamitra looked at the dancer she became pregnant.

Daughter was named Shakuntala.

Question. According to Hindu scriptures which of the gods devised the plan to send the dancer to break his Tapasya?


texts: Why do we give shankha dhwani at the beginning of the pray?

texts:
What are the important rules to follow up if we keep a shankha at home?

What can we do/get from a shankha?


texts: How do Gaudiya Vaishnavas justify their strict adherence to ahimsa, vegetarianism, etc. when Krishna himself didn't advocate these?

texts:
Gaudiya Vaishnavas claim that they follow the supreme Godhead Krishna. However, I have a few confusions.
First, as we know from the Mahabharata, that Krishna never told Arjuna to chant his name all the time. He never told him to have bead bags (Japa Mala). On the contrary, he instructed him to do his duty, which is the duty of a Kshatriya.
Second, Gaudiya Vaishnavas instruct their devotees to follow non-violence. However, Krishna never preached non-violence. From Mahabharata, we know that he was a very pragmatic person. When killing is necessary, he said go ahead.
Third, Gaudiya Vaishnavas instruct their devotees to have vegetarian food. But Krishna himself was non-vegetarian, as it was typical for any Kshatriya.
These discrepancies intrigue me.
How do Gaudiya Vaishnavas justify these practices when it would seem Krishna himself didn't follow/advocate them?


texts: Where can I read Prasthana Trayi from Satya Sai school?

texts: Satya Sai baba advocated Premadvaita and he explained the prasthana trayi very lucidly. Where can I read his works on bhagavad gita, upanishads and vedanta?


texts: Is the current form of Gita is authentic as what Krishna actually said or interpolated?

texts:
Only Arjuna and Sanjaya could hear the Gita messages, that were said by Krishna in Kurukshetra. After that, Arjuna was involved in the war of Mahabharata. Anywhere I have never heard that Arjuna writing or dictating Bhagawad Gita after the war was over.

Is the current Gita we read/hear today, exactly same as it was uttered by Krishna?


texts:
Except for Adi Shankara and Bhaskara, it is seen that all the Vedanta expounders are Vaishnavas viz. Ramanuja, Madhva, Chaitanya, Nimbarka and Vallabha. Is there any correlation of Vedanta and Vishnu? Why aren't there exclusive Shaiva Vedantins? As for Adi Shankara, he wrote stotrams on many gods and goddesses. So I am not counting him. Why isn't there any teacher of Dvaita, Vishishtadvita or Achintya Bhedabheda Vedanta for Lord Shiva?

As for Agama, I am aware of Shaiva and Vaishnava Tantras, so this question doesn't relate to Agama.


texts: Why did Lord Hanuman decide to spend his life as a bachelor?

texts: According to Ramayana, Lord Hanuman was a Brahmachari (celibate/bachelor). Why did he decide to spend his life as a celibate? What is the reason behind it?


texts: Is any malevolent entity(like satan/iblis in abrahmic religions)present in Hinduism?

texts: I would like to know if any malevolent entity is present in Hinduism which us equivalent to devil in abrahmic religions.If I remember correctly, once Srila Prabhupada compared Maya to satan/devil and Brahman/Ishvara as abrahmic God.But Maya as devil is pretty abstract.I would like to know if satan-like figure is present in Hinduism.


texts:
Agni-seva was treated as a noble virtue in the Vedic ages.

Is there any scriptural injuctions that says leaving 'Agni-seva' is a sin in kaliyuga?


texts: Does conflicts happen among gods with their duties?

texts: Hinduism has numerous gods. So how do different gods make similar decisions for all activities? For example, one god decides today is a rainy day and another one decides today is a sunny day. Then they have conflict among them, so this means that there will be greater probability of conflicts amongst Hindu gods.


texts: According to Valmiki Ramayana, Lord Rama was born in Punarvasu nakshatra. The first three Padas of Punarvasu lie in Mithuna rashi and the last Pada lies in Karkataka rashi. Valmiki does not mention the Pada in which Lord Rama was born which is crucial in deciding His birth rashi. In which rashi was Lord Rama born?


texts: Who exactly wrote down the gita, and who exactly was the author of it. Are there any historical records about when it first appeared, was it narrated at first, if so was the whole epic of mahabarata narrated, how did they remember all of it.


texts: If my father doesn't study the Veda, does this make me ineligible to learn Vedas?

texts:
Manusmriti 2.168

  योऽनधीत्य द्विजो वेदमन्यत्र कुरुते श्रमम् ।
  स जीवन्नेव शूद्रत्वमाशु गच्छति सान्वयः ॥

  The twice-born man, who, not having learnt the Veda, labors over other
  things, soon falls, along with his descendants, even while living, to
  the state of the śūdra.


texts: Did Indra kill his father by throwing him down from heaven?

texts:
This verse from Rigved Book 4, Hymn 18 alludes to Indra killing his own father!

  4.18.12. Who was he then who made thy Mother widow? Who sought to stay thee lying still or moving?
  What God, when by the foot thy Sire thou tookest and slewest, was at hand to give thee comfort?

कस्ते॑ मा॒तरं॑ वि॒धवा॑मचक्रच्छ॒युं कस्त्वाम॑जिघांस॒च्चर॑न्तम्।

कस्ते॑ दे॒वो अधि॑ मार्डी॒क आ॑सी॒द्यत्प्राक्षि॑णाः पि॒तरं॑ पाद॒गृह्य॑॥ ४.०१८.१२

Another verse from RV Book 6, Hymn 59 says:

  I WILL declare, while juices flow, the manly deeds that ye have done:
  Your Fathers, enemies of Gods, were smitten down, and, Indra-Agni, ye survive.

प्र नु वो॑चा सु॒तेषु॑ वां वी॒र्या॒३ यानि॑ च॒क्रथु॑।

ह॒तासो॑ वां पि॒तरो॑ दे॒वश॑त्रव॒ इन्द्रा॑ग्नी॒ जीव॑थो यु॒वम्॥ ६.०५९.०१

Is there any Puranic story that describes this more in detail? Also who could this father have been since Kashyap has been mentioned as being alive even in later times? Could it be Dyaus as mentioned in this answer?


texts:
Recommended facts  to follow thing like "on Saturday do not cut your hair and nails" there are different people with different views. What is the exact thing which we should refer and follow.

Recently somebody told me that clean shaving is done only when elder brother is passed away, Is it true.


texts: How many days Lord Krishna stayed at Sandipani's ashram?

texts: I know that Lord Krishna stayed at Sandipani's ashram very few days and he completed his all education like 64 arts and 14 science. I don't know the exact figure of days what he stayed an ashram.


texts: Who composed the stotra on Ramanujacharya starting "Punyambhoja Vikasaya"?

texts:
I heard a stotra in the opening credits of Tamil movie Ramanujacharya which hails Sri Ramanujacharya starting with "Punyambhoja vikasaya" The stanzas which I could understand are as follows.

  Punyāmbhoja vikasāya pāpadhvānta kśayāyaca ।
  ṣrīmānāvirabhūdbhūmou āmānuja divākarah ॥

  Meaning : Ramanuja, the sun who rose in this world for blossoming knowledge and remove our sins

  yad śruti smṛti sūtrāṇāṃ antarjvaramaśīśayat |
  tyajīyāt yatirājo'tu rāmānuja divākaraḥ ||

  Meaning: The fever(jvaram) for shruti(vedas,upanishads), smriti(gita, puranas), brahmasutra was cured buy a sun called Rāmānuja

  bhaktimārga paroyena śāstrasiddha pravaktitaḥ |
    sajīyāt yatirājo'tu rāmānuja divākaraḥ ||

  sarveṣāṃ mokṣalābhāya prapattiḥ yena darśitaḥ |
    tyajīyāt yatirājo'tu rāmānuja divākaraḥ

(There could be mistakes in these verses since I heard audio and then typed the stotra) This stanza and whole stotra has a makuta (last line which adds beauty to the poem just like a crown adds to a person wearing it) "Ramanuja Divakarah". Here Ramanujacharya is equated with the Sun.
I found this stanza on archive.org and total stotra is available in audio format sung by Balamurali Krishna and other singers.

After some research, I could locate the above shloka in Prarthana Panchakam (opens a pdf file on clicking). It is the tenth shloka. But the rest of the shlokas sung in the audio are not found in that pdf. Some discussion forums on the internet state it is a part of Dinacharya written by Erumbi Appa. Erumbi Appa who is also called Devarajaguru is one of the ashta diggajas of Manavala Mamunigal.

Where are these shlokas taken from and what is it called? Which Sri Vaishnava acharya composed this stotra?


texts: What is the story of Alambusha, demon son of sage Rishyasringa?

texts:
Alambusha, AKA Shalakantaka, was a Rakshasa (demon) who fought on the Kaurava side in the Mahabharata war.  As described in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata, he was the one who killed Arjuna's son Iravan, and as described in the Drona Parva, he was eventually killed by Bhima's Rakshasa son Ghatotkacha.

But I'm interested in Alambusha's lineage.  It is mentioned in the Mahabharata that Alumbusha is Rishyasringa's son.  As I discuss in this question, Rishyasringa was the sage who performed the Putrakameshti Yagna for Dasharatha, which resulted in the birth of Rama and his brothers.  And Rishyasringa was married to Dasharatha's daughter Shanta (who was raised by Romapada king of Anga).

So how is it that a son of the sage Rishyasringa and a grandson of Dasharatha was a Rakshasa?  Did Rishyasringa have a Rakshasa son because of some kind of curse?  Or did he marry a Rakshasi (demoness) after he married Shanta, similar to how the sage Vishravas married the demoness Kaikeshi (mother of Ravana) after he married Ilavida (mother of Kubera)?


texts: What is the significance of the right hand?

texts:
It is said that you should take prasadam with your right hand only. If you take it with your left hand, it is considered bad.

Is there any reasoning for the significance of right hand in the Hindu community? I am looking for scientific as well as traditional reasons.


texts: Are the existance of buddhist dieties a problem for hinduism?

texts:
I have asked many times to different people on different websites what the buddhas,bodhisattvas and dakinis are.what I mean by that,is that buddhas,bodhisattvas and dakinis exist because they come to people in pure visions(even bestowing upon them siddhis),they possibly incarnate,they bring people to their purelands in many pureland accounts(there are hundreds of them),and appear to delogs in NDEs.so they do exist.Jayaratha the kashmir shaivite siddha taught them to be false gods.so he did think they existed,just that they were deceptive.
but the answer I always get from some people(Usually kevaladvaitins)is that these are buddhist yogis that have attained enlightenment.but you ask how can this be possible if:
1.they reject any supreme creator existing like Ishvara and believe the devas have no causal power over maintenance,creation ,destruction or prayala.
2.they believe the Vedas are folly(as the pali suittas say)or created by Manjusri as an upaya(per the manjusrimakalpa)
3.they believe in anatman(the belief that no permanent self exists and that there is nos elf beyond the 5 aggregates)
and they even reject Advaita.and buddhist enlightenment has no Vedana(Feeling)of Bliss or any Vedana.mahayanists even believe that they have no Vijnana.So its not the same thing even without them rejecting ishvara,vedas,devas as superior and the atman.
So I don't know why some people always like to claim buddhist enlightenment is the same as hindu enlightenment.
the Existance of Buddhas,boddhisattva,dakinis IS likely a problem for hinduism because here we have a bunch of beings that follow the same philosophy from different universes and exisiting within their own realms(Purelands).unless Jayaratha is right that these are false gods(what would that be deceptive spirits?Asuras?Nature spirits?)then hinduism has a problem with these beings merely existing because it possibly proves buddhism is true.otherwise why would these beings even exist.we even have modern day people becoming buddhas and reaching the rainbow body as outlined in Buddhist tantra.
so why is their existance not a problem for hindu Dharma's Validity?


texts:
In Ramayana, Why Pregnant Sita sent to forest without any Mercy?

My Question is different from this.


texts: Why did Shri Krishna forgive the 100 mistakes done by Sisupala?

texts: Was there any reason behind Shri Krishna being quiet until Sisupala made a hundred mistakes? Why did Shri Krishna let him make a hundred mistakes?


texts: What is the significance of Astrology in Hinduism

texts: What is the significance of astrology in Hinduism? I see many famous sages don't really talk much about it, but why Hindus give alot of importance to it?


texts: According to Dvaita philosophy, why is Paramatma worshiped?

texts:
According to Dvaita philosophy there are two selfs. One is Jeevatma and second is Paramatma. Paramatma is only a witness and has no influence whatsoever on the Jeevatma's karma. Parmatma is revered, respected and worshiped.

My question is: according to Dveta philosophy , why is Parmatma worshiped?
In what ways does Parmatma express his control over Jivatma?


texts: Contradictions between Ramayana and Aitareya Brahmana while describing about Shunahshepa

texts:
Two variants are there in describing about Shunahshepa as far as I know. One is narrated in Aitareya Brahmana, Chapter VII and another is narrated in Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Khanda Chapter 62. Both are contradictory.

Aitareya Brahmana legend says it was King Harishchandra who gained a son named Rohita through the blessings of Varuna. Varuna asked Harishchandra to sacrifice his son (Rohita) to him. Harishchandra didn't want to offer his son in sacrifice, so somehow he managed to convince that he will sacrifice his son later for several times. Thereafter Rohita himself didn't want to die in sacrifice, so he started wandering. In the sixth year, he found a boy named Shunahshepa who was the 2nd son of Sage Ajigrata to sacrifice to Varuna on behalf of him. Among Vishwamitra's existing 100 sons, his elder sons refused to accept Shunahshepa, but his younger 50 ones did. So, he cursed his elder 50 sons that their descendants would become outcaste.

But the Ramayana legend says when king Ambarisha performed an animal sacrifice, Indra stole that animal. On behalf of that animal, Ambarisha found out a person named Shunahshepa, who was the second son of Sage Riciika. When Shunahshepa was about to sacrificed, he was saved by Vishwamitra's Rig Vedic hymns and later Vishwamitra adopted Shunahshepa as his son. Later he was saved by Vishwamitra's hymns and Vishwamitra adopted him as his son. When Vishwamitra's existing sons didn't accept Shunahshepa, Vishwamitra cursed his sons to become dog-eaters.
The contradictory things are:

Name of the king is different in two legends;
Name of the father of Shunahshepa is also different;
Aitareya Brahmana says Harishchandra tried to sacrifice Shunahshepa instead of his own son, while Ramayana says Ambarisha tried to sacrifice Shunahshepa on behalf of an animal.
In Ramayana, all of his sons refused to accept Shunahshepa, but in Aitareya Brahmana, only his elder 50 sons refused to accept him.

My question is, how shall we resolve these contradictions?


texts: Is there a translation of the gita by maharishi yogi in pdf?

texts:
I would like to find his translation, even better if without the commentary.
Are there any other translations without commentary, online in pdf, that are of similar school of thaught


texts: Two or more Idols of the same deity at home forbidden?

texts:
Several elders say, that as per vaastu-shastra or some other treatises:

it's forbidden to keep two idols of Lord Ganesha at home. Further,
keeping three idols of Bhagwati Durga or any other Deví is also
said to be forbidden. Also, one mustn't keep idols of ugra
manifestations of God like Maa Kali, Bhairava, Narasimha, etc., at
home. Some even say to not keep idols of Suryadeva too, at home.

Is this belief true? Which scriptures say so?
And what all similar rules exists for other divinities?


texts:
The book Nitya Karma Puja Prakasha (Gita Press) says:

  In a house, if two Shiva Lingas (linga dvayam), three Ganeshas, two conch shells
  (Shankha), two Suryas, three Durga Murtis (or three Shakti Murtis),
  two Gomati Chakras or two Shaligramas are worshiped, then that causes
  tension in the household.

Following is the screenshot from page 122 of the book:

Although it gives the name of the books (Acharendu, Achara Prakasha) which quote this verse but i want to know the name of the scripture. Possibly its from one of the Puranas.

BTW, the same thing is also mentioned in the Nitya Karma Puja Paddhati (Bengali) book that i have.

Q1) As per which scriptures worshiping two Shiva Lingas in one house is not considered good?

Q2) Also, what are the instructions if the number of Shiva Lingas is more than two say three or four?

Also, an additional (and optional) question:

Q3) Why is it not considered good?


texts: What is the significance of Ashwamedha Yagna?

texts:
Throughout the Hindu scriptures, there have been instances of Kings offering Horses as sacrifice to the Gods in the Ashwamedha Yagna.

What is the significance of this ritual?
Why only horses were chosen and not any other animal?
How did this ritual originate?


texts: Why and when does a Sadhu(Sanyasi) become Mauni(silent)?

texts:
It is said that a Sadhu/Sanyasi can be of two kinds viz:

1) Vakta - One who communicates with the world through speech.

2) Mauni - One who does not speak and keeps silence.

  O dear Parvati, listen to me. There are two classes of knowers of
  Truth. They are (1) The Mauni and (2) The Vakta. No benefit accrues
  from the Mauni to any person. (Guru Gita)

My Questions -

A) Why does a Sanyasi choose to become Mauni? What purpose is served? Does becoming Mauni help in his path of sadhana in any way? Or is it just a matter of personal choice?

B) At what stage of spiritual advancement a Sadhu usually turns Mauni?


texts:
If Nirguna Brahman is really genderless, then why it's shakti (maya) is considered feminine, while the non-shakti part is considered masculine? Doesn't that make IT an androgynous being?

It is usually thought by us that just because most of us haven't completely realized its true nature, we end up perceiving IT as a being having gender, but its not only us ordinary folks but even the self realized jnanis hold onto the belief that one half of brahman is masculine and the other half is feminine ... Even the Kashmiri Shaivites, if im not wrong, say that shiva is nirguna, nirakara brahman who's masculine in nature while its shakti is feminine.

I mean if Brahman is really nirguna then shouldn't IT be devoid of these male & female halves or aspects?

If its really nirguna (genderless) then IT should be more like the void that buddhists meditate on. The void in my opinion  is the perfect example of nirguna, nirakara incomprehensible absolute.


texts: I came across a post of an atheist page on facebook that stated that "varna means color, so varna might attribute to color based discrimination along side cast based discrimination" is that true?


texts: As per the original Vishnu Sahasranamam as detailed in Anushasana Parva of Mahabharata, names like Gopal, Rama and Govinda are mentioned for Lord Krishna/Vishnu, but not Kanha/Kanhaiya. So, from which scripture, the names Kanha/Kanhaiya came from when they are not in Vishnu Sahasranamam?


texts: What is the importance of Suvasinis (married woman) in all Hindu rituals? Why not a widow or a celibate girl participate in Hindu rituals? What is the reason for giving coconut and rice only to Suvasinis? Please also explain science behind it (if there is any).


texts:
I understand time doesn't always move forward linearly in the Hindu view.  Can someone give a clear explanation of Yugas,Kalpas etc. and how time moves in cycles?
This purpose of this question is to understand what "beginning" and "end" mean in Hindu cosmogony.  Are there many beginnings and many endings of time?


texts: Can a person who isn't initiated chant mantra of his Ishta Devata?

texts:
For example, my Ishta Devata is Vishnu so can I chant these mantras:

"ॐ नमोः नारायणाय. ॐ नमोः भगवते वासुदेवाय" / "oṃ namoḥ nārāyaṇāya. oṃ namoḥ bhagavate vāsudevāya"
“ऊँ नारायणाय विद्महे।वासुदेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो विष्णु प्रचोदयात्” / “ūm̐ nārāyaṇāya vidmahe।vāsudevāya dhīmahi। tanno viṣṇu pracodayāt”

Source of this question: http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=525

  Get the Mantra initiation from your Guru. Or pray to your Ishta Devata and start doing Japa of the particular Mantra, if you find it difficult to get a Guru.

-

  You can select any Mantra for Purascharana. Your Guru Mantra or Ishta Mantra is the best. Sandhya time...


texts:
Does the Bhagavad Gita declare that caste is based on birth?

If so, which verses from the Gita declare that caste is based on birth?

What do ancient, Vedantic commentators say?


texts: What are some well known personalities who belonged to multiple sects simultaneously?

texts:
Appayya Dikshitar was a sixteenth century Shaivite who was simultaneously initiated in both the Smarta tradition (which advocates Advaita Vedanta) and the Shrouta Saiva Siddhanta tradition (which advocates Shivadvaita Vedanta).

Are there any well known personalities who, like Appayya Dikshitar, belonged to multiple sects simultaneously?


texts:
I am a Hindu, however, I do not feel as though I understand my religion. I pray, go to the temple, follow religious rules, etc., but I don't understand why I do it. It feels very un-genuine that I am "practicing" Hinduism, even if I don't understand it. So, I want to try to learn.

I have some knowledge, but it's very general (like a very vague plot of Ramayana). In fact, I don't even know the names of many of the Gods. What I am looking for is a roadmap for understanding Hinduism better, from the beginning. I am not looking for one with extreme details (for example, I likely will not be able to memorize read the whole Gita), but I would like to have a good understanding (kind of like a jack of all trades) of dharma and Ramayana.

I know what I'm asking may be a little vague, but it's because even I don't know what I don't know, and what I want to ask. I'm simply looking to get a fresh start to learning the religion, and any help that people can give is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.


texts:
We know Sri Krishna was a Kshatriya. Besides He had weapons with Him which were used to hunt animals.

Can we hence categorically state that he was a non-vegetarian? If so, why do we offer vegetarian food to Him at home (like butter and seedai)? Do we know anything about His favourite non-veg item from Puranas?


texts: Was Yadu right in denying/defying his father's (Yayati) request?

texts:
Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 9, Chapter 18:

  Text 35: King Yayāti, who was very lusty, followed his wife, caught
  her and tried to appease her by speaking pleasing words and massaging
  her feet, but he could not satisfy her by any means.

  Text 36: Śukrācārya was extremely angry. “You untruthful fool, lusting
  after women! You have done a great wrong,” he said. “I therefore curse
  you to be attacked and disfigured by old age and invalidity.”

  Text 37: King Yayāti said, “O learned, worshipable brāhmaṇa, I have
  not yet satisfied my lusty desires with your daughter.” Śukrācārya
  then replied, “You may exchange your old age with someone who will
  agree to transfer his youth to you.”

  Text 38: When Yayāti received this benediction from Śukrācārya, he
  requested his eldest son: My dear son Yadu, please give me your youth
  in exchange for my old age and invalidity.

  Text 39: My dear son, I am not yet satisfied in my sexual desires. But
  if you are kind to me, you can take the old age given by your maternal
  grandfather, and I may take your youth so that I may enjoy life for a
  few years more.

  Text 40: Yadu replied: My dear father, you have already achieved old
  age, although you also were a young man. But I do not welcome your old
  age and invalidity, for unless one enjoys material happiness, one
  cannot attain renunciation.

Was Yadu right in denying his own father, Yayati's request?


texts: Did any Samkhya philosophers believe in a different Prakriti for each Purusha?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya. My question is about the Samkhya school, which was founded by the sage Kapila and which believes in two kinds of entities in the Universe, Purushas or souls and Prakriti or matter/energy.  According to the Samkhya school, there are multiple Purushas but only one Prakriti.  Or at least I thought that was a universal belief of the Samkhya school, but that might not be the case. Let me explain.

Haribhadra's Saddarshana Samucchaya is a Jain work which seeks to disprove the various Astika schools of Hindu philosophy.  Page 368 of this book says that one of the commentators on Haribhadra's work makes an interesting statement in regard to the Samkhya school:

  Gunaratna (fourteenth century), the commentator on the Saddarshana Samucchaya, mentions two schools of Samkhya, maulikya (original) and uttara (late). The former maintains that there is a prakriti (pradhana) for each soul (atman), whereas the latter, with the classic Samkhya, believes that there is but one pradhana for all individual souls[.]

My question is, is Gunaratna right that there were Samkhya philosophers who believed in a different Prakriti for each Purusha?  As far as I can tell, all the Samkhya works I've read, like the five commentaries on the Samkhya Karika linked to in my answer here, support the notion of a common Prakriti, so they'd all belong to "Uttara Samkhya" school as per Gunaratna.  I'm not sure who belonged to the "Maulikya Samkhya" school then.

On a side note, how would multiple Prakritis work?  Would each soul experience a completely different reality, or would the Prakritis link together, or what?


texts: What was the age of Sita in chronological order?

texts:
This question is not duplicate of this or this

Can anyone be kind enough to dive deep and provide some input for below questions:

1) What was the age of Sita when first king/prince came to marry her? (Valmiki Ramayana 1.66.15 & 1.66.16)

2) What was the age of Sita during Svayamavar? (Valmiki Ramayana 1.66.18)

Note: As per Valmiki Ramayana, Rama and Sita didn't get marry in Svayamvar. The Svayamvar happened before that.

3) What was the age of Sita when Janaka defeated all the kings after they tormented the city of Mithila for 1 year? (Valmiki Ramayana 1.66.20 to 1.66.24)

4) What was the age of Sita when Sudhanva came to marry her? (Valmiki Ramayana 1.71.17)


texts: What do Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva do after 1 Kalpa when Brahmadev goes to sleep?

texts:
What do Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva do after 1 Kalpa when Brahmadev goes to sleep ?

As per this answer a day of Lord Brahma is

  4(yuga)*1000.
    4,320,000 years * 1000 = 4,32,00,00,000 years is 1 day of Brahma (1 Kalpa).

After which Lord Brahma goes to sleep. When Lord Brahma goes to sleep then every thing turns into dark. Which will exist for same period i.e for 1 kalpa ?

When everything goes in dark then what exactly Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva do? Do they go to sleep or something else?


texts: Why do we keep saying "rama naam satya" while carrying a dead body for funeral?

texts:
Why do we only say about the Rama naam during the funeral though we have various gods in hinduism. Is there any specific story behind this?

I've never heard anyone pronouncing the names of lord Shiva or lord Vishnu, but it would make sense if people calls the name of lord Shiva as he is a god of Death.

So why people keep pronouncing the name of lord Rama?


texts:
Like,

Who wrote the vedas?
Why four vedas not only one?
Whats the need of vedas?
How these vedas are useful in this generation?


texts: Could you please let me know, if there are any temples in south India which belong to Nimbarkacharya or Vishnuswamy acharyas sampradayas?

texts: Could you please let me know, if there are any temples in south India, which belong to Nimbarkacharya or Vishnuswamy acharyas sampradayas.


texts: Why Lord Krishna justified the abducting of a women forcefully?

texts:
Why Lord Krishna justified abducting a women?

  "Vasudeva answered, 'O bull amongst men, self-choice hath been ordained for the marriage of Kshatriyas. But that is doubtful (in its consequences), O Partha, as we do not know this girl's temper and disposition. In the case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a forcible abduction for purposes of marriage is applauded, as the learned have said.

I know this question is something similar to it but I want to know that why Krishna supported this lustful act.


texts: Why do some temples show Balarama as 8th avatar of vishnu

texts:
While visiting Kanchipuram temple in Tamil Nadu, I noticed that they displayed Balrama as 8th avatar of Vishnu, Krishna as 9th and skipped Buddha.

Balrama is actually an avatar of Sheshnaga with a story that Lakshmana wanted to be born older to Rama in the next life.

Why is Buddha not recognised enough in Hinduism like Rama and Krishna? He is the one avatar whose historicity is proven.


texts: Was there any fight between Bheeshma and Lord Hanuman being mentioned anywhere in Mahabharata?

texts:
I recently talked to one of my friends who was telling me the story from Mahabharata(that he has read from an old book) where there was a fight between Lord Hanuman and Bheeshma in the Kurukshetra battle. Lord Hanuman was protecting Arjun from Bheeshma's arrows. Here, Bheeshma had an upper hand over Lord Hanuman as Lord Hanuman was throwing stones at Bheeshma but Bheeshma destroyed them with his arrows. Then Lord Hanuman went out of Kurukshetra to get more stones and in the meantime fight between Arjun and Bheeshma continued.

I wanted to know whether this story is there is Mahabharata or is just a folklore. And if it is there then did Lord Hanuman continued his fight with Bheeshma later on and what was the result?


texts: What do the different Astika schools think the Universe is made of?

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

My question is, what is the material cause of the Universe according to the different Astika schools?  For those who don't know, the material cause of something is the substance it's made of.  For instance, the material cause of a clay pot is clay.  So what do the different Astika schools think the Universe is made of?


texts: If durva is not available then what can be offered to Ganesh ji as a substitute?

texts: Its difficult to get durva by me so what else can be offered to Ganesh ji, instead of durva.


texts:
Recently I participated in the Antim Sanskara of my Father in Law.
Also we say that " He or She is very Sanskari. "
In both the context word Sanskar is used.

My questions are : What is the meaning of the word Sanskara?

Do animals also have Sanskaras?


texts: Did Ramakrishna ever meet Dayanand Saraswati?

texts: I read somewhere(maybe Ramakrishna Kathamrta) that Ramakrishna had a meeting with Dayanand Saraswati(founder of Arya Samaj). Is it true? If so what topics were discussed between then and what conclusions were drawn?


texts:
In Hindu astrology Rahu represents materialism, mischief, fear, insatisfaction, obsession and confusion/illusion. Rahu is also associated with politicians and occult sciences.
There are many questions that had already been posted on Rahu-Ketu in this site.  My area of Interest is different.
It was stated in many astrological books that Devi Durga should be worshipped to appease Rahu.
My question is - Does any scripture provide any inner meaning of worshipping Devi Durga to appease Rahu?
Edit
Inner meaning means that which is esoteric/hidden meaning. For understanding the outer meaning, knowledge of language is sufficient. However, to understand the Inner meaning, deeper understanding of the subject is required.
For example: the Outer meaning of the word brahmachari is celebate, whereas the inner meaning is ONE who remained merged in BRAHMAN and moves in BRAHMAN


texts: What does Hinduism say about twin birth?

texts: In Puranas, there is a mention of Yama and Yami, who were twins. What does Hindu philosophy/scriptures say about twin(or triplet, quadruplet, e.t.c,) births for humans?


texts: Is it possible that we can re-born in the era of Krishna again?

texts:
I read some answers which talk about Yuga and a day of Brahma. It is also said Yugas keep repeating.

Does it mean all avatars of Vishnu will take place again?

And if yes, is it possible any aatma of ours will be reborn in that era when Krishna will be living?


texts: Is dhrishti discussed any time in hinduism?

texts:
Is dhrishti real?

It become routine to take precautions while I am planning to fulfil any of my wish just because I am concerned of dhrishti.

Do we have any stories about dhrishti


texts:
Ashwatthama was cursed by Lord Krishna after Ashwatthama killed all the sons of Pandavas.

He was cursed with immortality and eternal (till the end of this chaturyuga) suffering without love from anybody.

Lord Krishna Knows that soul never dies, then why did he curse Ashwatthama?


texts: Is the lord Krishna and Narayana both are same? Please anybody answer my question.


texts:
I read this Sanskrit shloka in a book.

पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलमन्नं सुभाषितम्। मूढ़ै: पाषाणखण्डेषु रत्नसंज्ञा विधीयते।।
Prithivyaam trini ratnaani jalamannam subhaashitam | Mudeih paashaan-khandeshu
ratnam-sagyaa vidhiyate ||

Is it mentioned in any Hindu scripture? From where is it taken?


texts:
Sage Shaunaka, is well known for being an active listener of the Mahabharata which was narrated by Sage Suta.

The Wikipedia page on Sage Shaunaka is a bit ambiguous. It mentions that Shaunaka refers to a class of teachers:

  Shaunaka is the name applied to teachers

and also as an individual:

  Shaunaka had a prominent role in the epic Mahābhārata. The epic Mahābhārata was narrated to Shaunaka by a story teller named Ugrasrava Sauti during a conclave of sages headed by Shaunaka in a forest named Naimisha.

What his the story of his life? Is he an individual sage or a family of sages?


texts:
He was (is?) a well known divine figure of the south Indian shaiva siddha tradition.

His name was Sri RAmalinga swamigal and lived in tamil nadu.

It is believed that he DEMATERIALIZED his physical body and transformed it to a light body. Thus attained immortality.

His place vaDalur is a pilgrim place.

What is the yoga which was done and propagated by him ?


texts: Why did Shiva not swallow the poison arising from Samudra Manthan?

texts:
I was watching a TV show in which Samudra-manthan was in progress. In that when the poison came out of the sea, Lord Shiv has to drink it but he didn't swallow it. Because if he swallows it, he will die.

Shri Krishna has once said that only those things die which have taken birth but things which haven't taken birth will never die.

If Shri Krishna is right then why didn't Lord Shiv just swallow the poison as he has not taken birth (शिव अजन्मा है)?

Is it true that Lord Shiv would have died if he had swallowed the poison? If yes, then does it mean Shri Krishna is wrong?

I personally feel that both are correct but both are contrasting each other.


texts: Procedure & rules to be followed while listening or narrating puranas?

texts: I want to ask about procedure and  the rules to be followed while listening or narrating the puranas and Who can read the Puranas?


texts: Why Goddess Saraswati is considered as Lord Shiva's younger sister?

texts:
According to the Saraswati Ashtottara Shata Namavali(108 names of Saraswati) found here ,one name of the Goddess is Shivanuja(9th name in the list) which means "One who is the younger sibling of Shiva"

  शिवानुजा Shivanuja     ॐ शिवानुजायै नमः। Om Shivanujayai Namah।    The
  Goddess Who is the Younger Sibling of Shiva

What can be the possible explanations behind this name (because we usually  don't consider Goddess Saraswati as Lord Shiva's sister)?


texts: Is the attainment of moksha the final stage of Hinduism? after achieving the goal they again take arms and weapons in their hands?>> because working is better than remaining idle. Those who thought attainment  Moksha has brought to the ultimate aim, form political parties, terrorist organizations, etc. What for? >>>>can any person become free only for the sake of peace? my question is CAN Wars and peace efforts, which are transient, transitory bring an end to this cycle{circle} there is no end to this cycle of rotation. but Don't we believe in taking part in Prayers and worships at the same time, that occupy major parts of our lives