texts: Do Dvaitins, Vishistadvaitins and Achintya-Bheda-Abheda-vaadins consider the dream world as real?

texts:
Please note that this is not an attack on Dvaita, Vishistadvaita and Achintya-Bheda-Abheda. This is information seeking question.

We know the famous analogy of the universe compared with a dream in Advaita. This claim is refused by Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita and Achintya-Bheda-Abheda .

So I was just curious whether these schools consider our dreams to be an illusion or a reality. What is their stance on dream state?

What is the dream experienced by a person after he wakes. What is the dream to him according to dualistic schools. If you can please include some references so that authenticity of the answer is established. You can answer from any one's school's point of view.


texts: Does Bhagavad Gita say anything about whether a person should eat Vegetarian or Non Vegetarian food?

texts: Does any shloka of Gita say anything about what a person should eat. I am mainly concerned with whether it say anything about Vegetarian or Non Vegetarian diet.


texts: English translation of Dayananda Saraswati's commentary on RV X.85.45

texts:
Commenting on the wedding hymn, RV X.85, verse 45, and probably trying to establish a Vedic basis for niyoga, Swami Dayananda Saraswati appears to have made some controversial remarks.
Is there an English translation of his commentary on RV X.85, especially, verse 45?
Here's how Ralph Griffith translates that verse:

RV_10,085.45a   imāṃ tvam indra mīḍhvaḥ suputrāṃ subhagāṃ kṛṇu |
RV_10,085.45c   daśāsyām putrān ā dhehi patim ekādaśaṃ kṛdhi ||
45   O Bounteous Indra, make this bride blest in her sons and fortunate.
      Vouchsafe to her ten sons, and make her husband the eleventh man.


texts: What exactly is meant in Saṅkara (Advaita) Vedānta when it declares that Brahman is Nirguṇa (attributeless)?

texts:
From this answer where it explains about Brahman being Nirguṇa & Guṇas (attributes) appearing due to Avidyā, the ācārya writes,

तदेवमविद्यात्मकोपाधिपरिच्छेदापेक्षमेवेश्वरस्येश्वरत्वं सर्वज्ञत्वं सर्वशक्तित्वं च, न परमार्थो विद्यया अपास्तसर्वपाधिस्वरुपे आत्मनि ईशत्रीशितव्यसर्वज्ञत्वादिव्यवहार उपपद्यते, तथा चोक्तम् - 'यत्र नान्यपश्यति नान्यच्छृणोति नान्यद्विजानाति स भूमा इति' यत्र 'त्वस्य सर्वमात्मैवाभूत्तत्केन कं पश्येत्' इत्यादिना च एव परमार्थवस्थायां सर्वव्यवहाराभावं वदन्ति वेदान्ता ।। 2.1.14
Hence the Lord's being a Lord, his omniscience, his omnipotence, &c. all depend on the limitation due to the adjuncts whose Self is Avidya; while in reality none of these qualities belong to the Self whose true nature is cleared, by right knowledge, from all adjuncts whatever.

Now, positing Guṇas appearing due to Māyā implies Guṇas were inherently present in Brahman, in latent form, which appears due to Avīdyā. If it were not so, then it would imply that existence sprung out from non-existence? rendering it inconsistent with Chānḍogya Upaniṣada 6,

“The Existent was here in the beginning, my son, alone and without a second. On this there are some who say, ‘The Nonexistent was here in the beginning, alone and without a second. From that Nonexistent sprang the Existent.’ “But how could it really be so, my son?” he said. “How could what exists spring from what does not exist? On the contrary, my son, the Existent was here in the beginning, alone and without a second.

Wherefore end up expositing existence couldn't sprung from non-existence. It makes me wonder—

How all these Guṇas sprung forth out of Nirguṇa Brahman presuming Nirguṇa means attributeless?
Or is it the case that Nirguṇa Brahman is endowed with all the Guṇas in latent form? i.e, Claiming Brahman to be Nirguṇa actually means that the Brahman consists of all Guṇas while simultaneously surpassing them (panentheistic Brahman?), which doesn't leave Brahman confined to a particular Guṇa anymore, thus rendering Brahman fully Nirguṇa?

So, what's the definition of Nirguṇa according to Advaita Vedānta if the world with its Guṇas sprung forth from Nirguṇa Brahman?


texts: Was there an encounter between Ravana and Ikshvaku king Māndhātā?

texts:
Many people know that Vishnu incarnated in the solar dynasty as Rama. But there is also another incarnation who is an ancestor to Rama, Mandhata (AKA Mandhatri). There is already a question about him in which his story of birth is also explained. Many scriptures like Mahabharata, Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana. Similarly, Bhagavata purana also describes his story. While explaining his deeds and greatness as an emperor, there is a shloka in Bhagavatam Skandha 9, chapter 6:

  trasaddasyur itīndro ’ṅga
  vidadhe nāma yasya vai
  yasmāt trasanti hy udvignā
  dasyavo rāvaṇādayaḥ [33]

  yauvanāśvo ’tha māndhātā
   cakravarty avanīṁ prabhuḥ
  sapta-dvīpavatīm ekaḥ
   śaśāsācyuta-tejasā  [34]

  Māndhātā, the son of Yuvanāśva, was the cause of fear for Rāvaṇa and other thieves and rogues who caused anxiety. O King Parīkṣit, because they feared him, the son of Yuvanāśva was known as Trasaddasyu. This name was given by King Indra. By the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Yuvanāśva was so powerful that when he became emperor he ruled the entire world, consisting of seven islands, without any second ruler.

Here, it is said that Māndhātā was a cause of fear to many thieves including Rāvaṇa.

Was there an encounter between them like a meeting or a war where Māndhātā created fear in Rāvaṇa? Where is the story which caused fear in Rāvaṇa?


texts:
While arguing with Shalya on who is superior, Karna says Madrakas are of worst character. He also lists others:

The Prasthalas, the Madras, the Gandharas, the Arattas, those called Khasas, the Vasatis, the Sindhus and the Sauviras are almost as blamable in their practices.

If these are fallen communities, why did Pandu (Madri, from Madraka) and Dhritarastra (Gandhari, from Gandhara) married brides from there?


texts:
As we have already established in this question, Devi(AdiShakti) incarnates as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Shaivas associate Durga with Devi as she is Shiva (their ishta devata)'s consort. However, even Shaktas, who worship Devi as the TriDevi, give Durga more importance than the rest. Why is this so? Even their names are from Durga (Shakti).

Now, in the answer, please explain why is only Durga associated with Devi? Is there anything to do with scriptures? If there is any evidence (e.g. scriptures,folklore,etc) of the rest of the TriDevi being associated with Devi, please put it in the answer.Also,please tell me about the different goddesses associated with Devi as per the sects(e.g.Ganaptyas,etc).

Also,to avoid confusion,only use the names Durga (for the wife of Shiva),Lakshmi(for the wife of Vishnu), Saraswati (for the wife of Brahma) and Devi (for the supreme goddess/AdiShakti).

Please clear my doubts.


texts: How to progress spiritually without discrimination?

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When I first make some progress in spiritual life, I have to develop some discrimination for certain things like food, friends, activities, etc...

But I soon realized that I'm creating my very own bubble cage. I started to discriminate so that I will not fall into the temptations to go back.
But as soon as I don't discriminate: e.g. my relatives that eat meat, I feel that I'm slowly falling in rajas/tamas guna.
And I'm starting to get exhausted because there is so much influence in this world, its like swimming in the river but in the wrong directon. I know that we are all God's particles, but still I'm just a man with this level of awareness...

How to progress in spiritual life, so that I can live in sAtvic way without discriminating anything?


texts: What are the major schools of Kashmir Shaivism?

texts:
One of the nondual Agamic traditions is the Kashmir Shaiva agama.

What are the major schools of this tradition?


texts: What do the scriptures say about the qualities of an ideal bride?

texts: According to the Shastras - are there any qualities of an woman that should be kept in mind, by a man before taking the decision of marriage?


texts: Are there video materials of Vedic scriptures describing states of consciousness?

texts: I would like to know if there are video materials of explained Vedic texts (knowledge) on the internet? Specifically the knowledge about states of consciousness.


texts:
As we see on TV in serials like Ramayan, whenever a fight takes place, Two warriors would be there in a warzone against each other and they would shoot arrows at each other. The arrows would collide mid air. And whenever an opponent would want to go for a fatal strike, he would shoot arrow quickly not giving time to his opponent to even draw the arrow.
But it really doesn't feel that war might have happened this way. There is very least hand to hand combat.
So just wanna ask if I were to image an ancient war. Would it be all about warriors throwing arrows at each other while sitting on their rath.


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The Shatapatha Brahmana 1.9.1 mentions about a certain priest who went to heaven after performing a particular fire-sacrifice:

Thereupon he pronounces the 'All-hail and blessing' (sam-yos). Now it was Samyu Bârhaspatya who perceived, in its true nature, the consummation of the sacrifice. He went to share in the world of the gods. Thereupon that (knowledge) was entirely lost to men.

It then became known to the Rishis, that Samyu Bârhaspatya had perceived, in its true nature, the consummation of the sacrifice, and had gone to share in the world of the gods. By pronouncing the samyoh, they attained to that same consummation of the sacrifice which Samyu Bârhaspatya had perceived; and to that same consummation of the sacrifice, which Samyu Bârhaspatya had perceived, this (Hotri) attains by pronouncing the sam-yoh. For this reason he pronounces the 'All-hail and blessing.'

He intones, 'We long for that All-hail and blessing (sam-yoh);' whereby he says, 'We long for that consummation of the sacrifice which Samyu Bârhaspatya perceived.'

I want to know who is this Samyu Bârhaspatya who achieved heaven by means of the sacrifice & what is his life story? The only two sons of Brihaspati that come to my mind are Kacha and Bharadwaj so is he related to either of them or is a different descendant?


texts: Did Somnath Temple ever have a direct gateway to heaven?

texts: Did Somnath Temple have a direct gateway to heaven. I heard about this story in TV Serial Devon ke dev Mahadev. I want to know about the story and whether it is a written story or a folklore.


texts:
The purport of sloka 213 of chapter 18 of the Madhya-khanda of Sri Chaitanya-Charitamrita reads

  The word yavana means "meat-eater." Anyone from a meat-eating community is called a yavana. One who does not strictly observe the Vedic regulative principles is called a mleccha. These words do not refer to any particular man. Even if a person is born in a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra family, he is a mleccha or yavana if he does not strictly follow the regulative principles or if he eats meat.(Ref: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/18?page=3&d=1)

The sanskritdictionary.com gives the meaning of the word 'yavana' as

  यवनः [यु-युच्] 1 A Greek, an Ionian. -2 Any foreigner, or barbarian; Ms.1.44; (the word is applied at present to a Mahomedan or a European also). -3 A carrot. -4 Olibanum. -5 A courser or swift horse. -6 Speed. -7 Wheat. -8 A kind of grass. -नाः (m. pl.) 1 The Ionians or Greeks. -2 The Greek astrologers. -नम् Mixing, mingling (esp. with water). -Comp. -अरिः N. of Kṛiṣṇa. -आचार्यः the reputed author of astronomical book called Tājak. -इष्टः 1 a kind of garlic. -2 a kind of onion. -3 the Nimba tree. (-ष्टा) the wild date-tree. (-ष्टम्) 1 lead. -2 an onion or garlic. -3 pepper. -देशजम् benzoin. -द्विष्टः bdellium. -प्रियम् pepper.

Does any of the scriptures say that meat-eaters are 'yavana-s'?


texts: Was Yajnesvara the only Indra in Svayambhuva Manvantara?

texts:
In Srimad Bhagavatam (the treasure from which so many questions arise!), the story of Maharaja Prthu is described in the Fourth Canto, Chapters 15 to 23. In Chapters 19 and 20 is described the story of Prthu's 100 Ashvamedha Yajnas. According to this story, Prthu had performed 99 Yajnas, causing Indra to feel insecure about his position and that Prthu would usurp him. He then takes the garb of a fake sanyasi and steals the horse away. This causes a hullabaloo in Prthu's Yajnashala, and finally Lord Vishnu drags Indra to Prthu and seeks pardon on his behalf.

Later, in the 1st Chapter of the 8th Canto (Also referenced to in the 7th Chapter of the 2nd Canto), is the story of Lord Yajnesvara, the avatara of Vishnu, who due to lack of a proper authority, himself took up the post of Indra. He is described as the Indra of Svayambhuva.

If this is the case, then was it Yajnesvara who stole the horse and introduced to the world the practice of fake swamis? or was there an Indra who came later?

Or, did the story of Maharaja Prthu take place in Svarochisha Manu (which is highly unlikely)?


texts:
Brahmā (ब्रह्मा)  who is the creator aspect of the Trimurti God, while Vishnu (विष्णु) and Shiva (शिव ) being the Preserver and the Destroyer aspects.
The most frequently used etymological meaning for Vishnu and Shiva which I have encountered almost everywhere is :-
Vishnu (विष्णु) = The all pervader, who is everywhere, all pervading. The One who enters (everywhere?), etc.
Shiva (शिव ) = The all auspicious one, the one who's Pure and the most auspicious, etc.
For the word Brahmā (ब्रह्मा), I haven't found anywhere, any proper etymology and meaning.
I'd like to know (with scriptural as well as non-scriptural references too) all possible etymology and meanings of all of the Trimurtis - Brahmā, Vishnu, Shiva, with specific emphasis on Brahmā  (ब्रह्मा).


texts: In the Kalyug after this one, will the demon be same Kali again?

texts: The demon Kali we have right now, will that guy again rise in next Kalyug or is Demon Kali just a post similar to Indra?


texts: If God alone exist(advaita) then what's wrong with following materialistic desire?

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According to advaita only God exists and every thing is the manifestation of God(Brahman) so even materialistic desire should be God's manifestation.
So if one goes for lust(kama) which by default is God's manifestation will he attain Moksha.
If not why, because everything is God(God's manifestation) so whether you worship God as an idol or worship/followed your desire at the end of the day you are worshipping God.


texts: What is the relation of Surya & Yama with Agni?

texts:
Rig Veda Book 10, Hymn 21 is dedicated to Agni and mentions the following:

  4 O Agni, what thou deemest wealth, Victorious and Immortal One!
  Bring thou to give us vigour,—at your glad carouse -splendid at sacrifices. Thou art waxing great.

  5 Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life.
  He was Vivasvān's envoy, at your glad carouse-the weIl-loved friend of Yama, Thou art waxing great.

Are there any detailed stories about Agni & Surya or Yama in the scriptures that could justify these statements? I am not looking for their 'biological' relation but instances of their friendship or co-operation that can support the above statements.


texts: Varna of the Jatt people acc to Hindu scriptures?

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It is said that Jatts are originally from central Asia and hence either pure Aryans or mixture of Aryan fathers and native Indian Rajanya women
Have they been mentioned in the scriptures?
Do they fall under the Varnashram?


texts: is there any relation between Sperm and Human Soul?

texts:
is there any relation between human birth,soul and sperm?

If there is no relation when Soul enters in human body during pregnancy?


texts:
If the heaven/hell aren't imaginary, can we go to those lokas with space crafts?
As Lord Krishna said in Bhagavad Gita

a-brahma-bhuvanal lokah punar avartino 'rjuna mam upetya tu kaunteya
punar janma na vidyate [BG - 8.16]
Meaning
From the highest planet in the material world down to the
lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take
place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kunti, never takes
birth again.

Here he talks about highest/lowest planet, can we go there in a space craft?
Does this physical body stay for those conditions?
Can siddhas go there? If so, should they have to leave their physical body here and go there?
Can siddhas, if they wish, take others too to those lokas?


texts: I have been reciting Sri Vishnu sahasranama for a few months now. There are a lot of translations and explanations to the great Sri Vishnu sahasranama but I haven't come across one that fills my heart with lot of love and happiness for the Lord. For every nama, different authors interpret differently, that is greatness of each nama.. Can you please suggest a great reading of the namas?


texts:
In which year was load Ganesha was born?

What was the age of Lord Ganesha when he wrote Mahabharata?


texts: What is the correct term to use, Shaivism or Shivaism? I could not find a good source about how the word Shaiva (Saiva, Caiva) appeared and when.


texts: Definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana

texts: Bhagavan is a term which is commonly used,by several traditions. What is the definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana?


texts: What are the words of the Brahmasambandha Mantra of Pushti Marga?

texts:
As I discuss in my question here, Vishnu is said to have taught the principles of Vaishnavism to four disciples: Lakshmi, Brahma, Shiva and Sanatkumara. And in turn they started the four main Sampradayas or traditions of Vaishnavism: Sri Sampradayam, Brahma Sampradayam, Rudra Sampradayam, and Kumara Sampradayam. My question is about the Rudra Sampradayam, the one founded by Shiva.  Currently the only Vaishnavas who trace their origins to the Rudra Sampradayam are members of Vallabhacharya's Pushtimarga sect, which worships the Srinathji form of Vishnu (which I discuss here).

Now like the Sri Vaishnava sect (which I belong to), the Pushtimarga sect believes in the notion of Sharanagati or complete surrender to Vishnu.  But Sri Vaishnava perform Sharanagati using the Dvaya mantra (which I discuss here), whereas followers of Pushtimarga use a different mantra, the Brahma Sambandha mantra.  The Brahma Sambandha mantra is not found in any scripture, but Vallabhacharya claimed to have learned it from Krishna in a dream.  Here's how Vallabhacharya describes it in his Siddhanta Rahasya, one of the most important texts of the Pushtimarga sect:

  Here I state, word by word, what the Lord Shri Krshna said to me on the mid-night of the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of the month of Shravan (monsoon season).  By the virtue of being initiated by the "Brahma Sambandha" mantra (sacred mantra, given separately to Shri Acharya), all the sins of the body and the soul are destroyed. Hence, the five obstacles (mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas) to service / "seva" of the divine are also removed.  These obstacles, viz (1) body and it's various states and pure/ impure conditions, (2) your environs, eg country or general state of the area around you (e.g desert, mountains, foreign country etc.) And influence of Kala or "time" ie age, time of day / night etc. (3) Instructions as set by the society at large and the scriptures (Vedas) etc. (4) Influence of your friends and company in general. (5) Impurity incurred by touching impure / inauspicious things. Let none of these stand in your way of service to the Lord.  Apart from Brahma Sambandha (relationship with the Lord), there is no way to destroy one's sins. Hence, discard all things that have not been offered to the Lord.  Those devoted to me, after having taken the Brahma Sambandha, must offer up all their actions and fruits of their deeds un-to me. Lord Shri Krshna, God of all the gods, should never be offered anything that has already been offered to others, or used by others.  Therefore, a devotee must offer everything to the Lord before beginning any project (this includes the "desire to do the work", all the physical objects required to do the work) and also the fruits (success or otherwise) of the work to the Lord. Some sects believe that those things offered up to the Lord are Lord's possessions and can not be used by them. But this is not the view of the Pushti Marga. All things must be offered to the Lord before utilising them yourself.  In a worldly relationship, an employee always seeks guidance and approval of his employer, similarly, always seek guidance and approval of the Lord in all your actions. By offering all your actions un-to Him, your actions will also become as pure and divine like Him.  Like the great Ganges, the Lord purifies all those who come to Him. Muddy / dirty waters of a spring, when they meet the Ganges, are purified by Her divine touch and hence-forth the waters of that spring are given the same respect as the Ganges. Similarly, once a soul merges with the Lord, no matter what his/her previous state, he/she becomes as pure as the Lord Himself.

But my question is, what are the actual words of the Brahmasambandha mantra?  Are there any works by members of the Pushtimarga sect which contain the exact words?


texts:
I know how "Moksha" is explained in both "Advaitha" and "Dvaitha" philosophies.

What about "Vishishtadvaitha"?


texts:
Most of the people goes to temple or Ashram to take a darshan of a god or a spiritual enlightened person(guru) respectively.

I know Darshan is different from "To See" or "To meet" from the answer of this question. It is a "Akriya avasta of Man".

My Questions are:

What does actually happens internally to a devotee during darshan of a god or a spiritual  enlightened person?
What is the result of any darshan?

UPDATE:

How can a person know that he had just taken a Darshan of a God or a Spiritual enlightened person? Is their any proof of it?

Why I am asking this, as many times I have gone through "crying" experience during Darshana of a God and I always little confused that why I am crying? and Same thing happens while reading Bhagwat gita or reciting a mantra respectively.
Is this(Crying) a sign of Darshana?


texts: What is the exact birthdate of Kalki avatar going to be?

texts:
Some blogs on internet write 'Kalki Avatar will born in next 50-100 years and He will kill all evil people on Earth in third world war'. How far is this true?

What do present day astrologers in India say about the birthday of the Kalki avatar? Do we have to wait another 4,27,000 years?

When will those planetary positions (of his birth) mentioned in Puranas happen? What do astrologers say about this?


texts: Is the Padmanabhaswamy idol at Trivandrum represented as worshipping Siva linga?

texts:
This book at page 212 says:

  the lord in yoga nidra pose is offering bilva leaves to Lord Siva

So, is the Padmanabhaswamy idol at Trivandrum represented as worshipping Siva linga?


texts: Is Sri Kurma an avatar of Lord BrahmA (Prajapati)?

texts:
It is believed that Tortoise (kurma) avatar is of Lord Vishnu as per the puranic legends.

However, one of the users of the site has quoted an interesting passage from vedas citing that Lord Kurma is actually incarnation of Lord

  Shatapatha brahmana (7.5.1.5-10) is mentioning Prajpati's avatara
  "Kurma" i.e. Tortoise.

  5 And as to its being called 'kūrma' (tortoise);Prajāpati, having
  assumed that form, created living beings. Now what he created, he
  made; and inasmuch as he made (kar), he is (called) 'kūrma;' and
  'kūrma' being (the same as) 'kaśyapa' (a tortoise), therefore all
  creatures are said to be descended from Kaśyapa.

So Lord Brahma indeed is the Kurma avatara?

If both stories contradict then as per the tradition shouldn’t we accept the Vedic reference?


texts: What is the most authoritative book/translation on Vignana Bhairava Tantra?

texts:
Which book is the original sanskrit account of Vignana Bhairava Tantra?
What is the story/events surrounding the time this Yoga method was introduced to the world?
Which is the best available English translation of the same?


texts: Who is Ritu mentioned in this Rigvedic verse?

texts:
Rig Veda Book 1 Verse 15 is dedicated to Indra but mentions someone or something called Ritu (Ṛtu). Now Ritu generally means season and Reet means the cosmic order and am confused which of these is being referred to here:

  1 O INDRA drink the Soma juice with Ṛtu; let the cheering drops
  Sink deep within, which settle there.

  2 Drink from the Purifier's cup, Maruts, with Ṛtu; sanctify
  The rite, for ye give precious gifts.

  3 O Neṣṭar, with thy Dame accept our sacrifice; with Ṛtu drink,
  For thou art he who giveth wealth.

  4 Bring the Gods, Agni; in the three appointed places set them down:
  Surround them, and with Ṛtu drink.

  5 Drink Soma after the Ṛtus, from the Brāhmaṇa's bounty: undissolved,
  O Indra, is thy friendship's bond.

  6 Mitra, Varuṇa, ye whose ways are firm—a Power that none deceives—,
  With Ṛtu ye have reached the rite.

  7 The Soma-pressers, fain for wealth, praise the Wealth-giver in the rite,
  In sacrifices praise the God.

  8 May the Wealth-giver grant to us riches that shall be far renowned.
  These things we gain, among the Gods.

  9 He with the Ṛtu fain would drink, Wealth-giver, from the Neṣṭar's bowl.
  Haste, give your offering, and depart.

  10 As we this fourth time, Wealth-giver, honour thee with the Ṛtus, be
  A Giver bountiful to us.

  11 Drink ye the meath, O Aśvins bright with flames, whose acts are pure, who with Ṛtus accept the sacrifice.

  12 With Ṛtu, through the house-fire, thou, kind Giver, guidest sacrifice:
  Worship the Gods for the pious man.

So my question is Who or what is the Ṛtu mentioned in this particular hymn according to the Vedic commentaries.


texts: Who is Eeshan/Ishvara refered to in Soundaraya Lahari?

texts:
A verse in Soundarya Lahari by Adi Sankara says,

  Jagat suthe dhata harir avati rudrah kshapayate
  Tiraskurvan etat svam api vapurisastirayati;
  Sada-purvah sarvam tad idamanugrhnati cha Shiva-
  Stavajnam aalambya kshana-chalitayor bhru-latikayoh. [Ananda Lahari 24]

  Brahma creates the world,
  Vishnu looks after it,
  Shiva destroys it,
  Ishvara makes them disappear,
  And also disappears himself,
  And Sadashiva blesses them all,
  By your order given to him,
  By a momentary move of your eyebrows.

Who is Ishvara refered to here?  A malayalam translation says "Rudra destroys it, Eeshan makes the world dissolve in him and himself dissolves, and Shiva creates Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and Eeshan again as is usual."


texts: What are ashtapathi, panchapathi and tarangi in bhajans? Whose compositions are comprised in them and how many bhajan songs are compiled in them ?


texts: According to Advaita philosophy, is the Absolute Brahman formless?

texts:
In Kena Upanishad following has been said about the Absolute:

  ‘What sight fails to see, but what sees sight— know thou That
  alone as Brahman, and not this that people worship here.’

As per my understanding the meaning of the above is that Brahman is formless. Because if Brahman had any form(material or spiritual) then sight would have seen it.

So my question is: Is the Absolute Brahman formless?


texts: How did Garuda become the vehicle of Vishnu?

texts:
While roaming in the Dandaka Forest,  Sri Rama visits the hermitage of Sage Agastya.  There he comes across various places for offering prayers to important Gods through Agni (Fire.).
He saw that Garuda was worshippped alongwith Vishnu.

स तत्र ब्रह्मणः स्थानम् अग्नेः स्थानम् तथैव च || ३-१२-१७
विष्णोः स्थानम् महेन्द्रस्य स्थानम् चैव विवस्वतः |
सोम स्थानम् भग स्थानम् स्थानम् कौबेरम् एव च || ३-१२-१८
धातुर् विधातुः स्थानम् च वायोः स्थानम् तथैव च |
स्थानम् च पाश हस्तस्य वारुणस्य महात्मनः || ३-१२-१९
स्थानम् तथैव गायत्र्या वसूनाम् स्थानम् एव च |
स्थानम् च नागराजस्य गरुड स्थानम् एव च || ३-१२-२०
कार्तिकेयस्य च स्थानम् धर्म स्थानम् च पश्यति |
Rama entered inside the hermitage and saw therein the sanctus of Brahma, Fire-god, Vishnu, Indra, Vivasvat - the Sun-god, Soma - the Moon-god, Bhaga - one among the twelve Suns, and the sanctusms of Kubera, [Wealth-Management-god, are seen and passed by the three of them, sanctums of Dhaata, Vidhaata - Vedic deities created by Brahma to help Svayambhuu Manu, santucm of Vaayu - the Air-god, and also like that the sanctum of great-soloed VaruNa - the Rain-god who also wields noose, and the sanctum of Gayatri - the presiding deity of gnosis, sanctum of Vasus - eight of them, and the sanctum of cobra's king - aadi sheSa, the divine Thousand-headed serpent that bears this globe on its head, and on which Vishnu reclines, and even the sanctum of GaruDa - the Divine Eagle and the vehicle of Vishnu, and the half brother of aadi sheSa, and the sanctum of Kaartikeya - chief of gods army, second son of Shiva, and the sanctum of Dharma - Dharmaraaja, presiding deity of Virtue-Vice-Time of living beings, in-charge of the hell.

Then a question arises when and how Garuda became the vehicle of Vishnu?


texts: Are rebirth, karma and caste inter related?

texts:
While going through the definition of each of these (rebirth, karma and caste), it becomes quite clear that they are highly inter connected.

Is there any scripture mentioning that they are inter related?

If yes, Why is it difficult to accept caste system ?


texts: Is it a sin, if any hindu gets married with a person of other religion?

texts:
What do our scriptures say about a person who gets married to a person of another religion? Is it considered a sin?

 If yes, what is the punishment?


texts: Are there sects for Lakshmi or Saraswati?

texts:
There are many sects in Hinduism: Shaivas, Vaishnas and Ganapatyas, to name a few. For the Goddess, there are Shaktas. However, obviously, Shaktas are only glorifying Shakti, the wife of Shiva, more than the other two Tridevi. In fact, they say all the Tridevi are her incarnations, hence in this context, Shakti is the most powerful as the other Tridevi were merely her avatars.

Are there any sects which glorify Lakshmi or Saraswati themselves or am I just misinterpreting who the Shaktas worship?

Edit:

After reading Amit Saxena's answer below,I realised that the word "Shakti" in Shaktism doesn't refer to Shakti,the wife of Shiva but Shakti, the feminine form of the Divine(Brahman) and that I was,apparently," misinterpreting who the Shaktas worship"
.However,in the answer in this question,there are groups like Srikula and Kalikula,whom visualise Shakti/Brahman/the supreme deity as Lalitha Tripurasundari and Durga respectively.Are there any sects like these for Lakshmi and Saraswati?If the answer is no,why not?


texts: Is the Advaita concept of jiva aNu (atomic) or vibhu (all-pervading)?

texts: My background is not in Advaita, I am from VishiShta Advaita. I read in one of the Upanishad commentaries by Sri Rangaramanuja Muni (who belongs to the Sri Vaishnava fold) that the Advaitins hold that due to avidya, both jivatvam (the quality of being a jiva) as well as aNutvam (atomicity) dawn upon the Brahman. Elsewhere, I read that the Advaitins hold jiva as vibhu as do other earlier schools of thought such as the Tarkikas, the Nayyayikas, and the Vaiseshikas. My question is, do the Advaitins attribute atomicity to jiva as long as Brahman sustains the jivahood? Or, do they not? At what points does this atomicity dawn and leave from Brahman? Are there any pramaNas from the Bhashya of Sri Shankaracharya?


texts: How naga sadhus reach to kumba mela place?

texts:
I have read this in a facebook post, I felt it as a puzzle and thought to ask here.

We all know that naga sadhus won't wear cloths, but how they reach to kumba mela place?

If those many people are walking on road , or travelling in buses or trains, we would have seen them or news channels have shown them that they are travelling to kumbha mela place, but nothing happened?

That post is claiming that naga sadhus have some special skills ( similar to nano technology) , post seems to be funny, but is that real that they travel invisibly to the place they wanted
Nano technology. If yes, then how can a person become naga sadhu, if it is difficult to know where they are on earth?


texts: What is the origin and meaning of this verse?

texts:
Kaulavalinirnya Tantra,

  सोपानभूतं मोक्षस्य मानुष्यं प्राप्य दुर्लभम् |
  यस्तारयति नात्मानं तस्मात् पापतरोऽत्र कः ||

  ततश्चाप्युत्तमं जन्म लब्ध्वा चेन्द्रियसौष्ठवम् |
  न वेत्तात्महितं यस्तु स भवेदात्मघातकः ||

  Who is the greater sinner than the one who, having found an elusive human embodiment close to liberation, does not save himself? He who, having found this best birth, does not [apply] the efforts of the senses, does not comprehend the good of the soul, he is the murderer of the Atman.

(कौलावलीनिर्णय, प्रथम उल्लासः / Kaulavalinirnya Tantra, the first chapter, Shloka 31-32)


texts: In jyotish (vedic astrology), how is a sign (rasi) ruled by a planet (graha)

texts:
In jyotish (vedic astrology), each sign (rasi) is ruled by a planet (graha).  How is the assignment made?

I understand the relationship between the signs and their ruling planets, for example, leo (simha) is ruled by the sun (surya), and they share similar traits (e.g., Fire).  But I do not understand what the original correlation is.  What is it that caused us to assign a certain planet to rule a certain sign?

I understand that the assignments are correlated with the order of the planets beginning with the sun (surya) and moon (chandra), then moving outward ending with saturn (shani) ruling aquarius (kumbha) and capricorn (makara).  But I do not understand:   How/why does the sun (surya) originally become ruler of leo (simha).

Does the sun (surya) and leo (simha) share a significant position in the sky that marks their assignment to each other?  For example, aries (mesha) marks the beginning of the zodiac because it (at some point in time) correlates with Spring Equinox and the sun, so this part makes sense.

I appreciate any clarification/guidance about sign and planet rulership.


texts:
In Sri Rudram invocation AnuvAka 1 hymn 28, we get the following verse -

  ... Namaste astu bhagavanh vishveshvaraya mahadevaya tryambakaya
  tripurantakaya trikagni kalaya kalagnirudraya nilakanthaya mrutyunjayaya
  sarveshvaraya sadashivaya shrimanmahadevaya namah
  Let my salutations be to that great God who is the Lord of the universe; the great
  God who has three eyes and who destroys Tripura, the three Asura cities.
  To that God who is the Dandhya time when the three sacred fires are lit; who is
  Rudra the fire that consumes the universe; whose throat is blue; who has
  conquered death; the Lord of all; the ever auspicious one; salutations to that
  glorious and great God.

Now, In Kashmiri Shaiva books, at many places he has been mentioned like this-

  In Viravali also it is said:
  "Observe that divine consciousness present in the body which
  has the glow like that of kalagni Rudra and in which all things
  are dissolved and the multitude of the elements is burned."

Also from Vijnanabhairava tantra-

  "One should think of one's body being burnt by kalagni4
  arising from the toe of the right foot. At last there is the realization
  of light which is santa, i.e. in which there is not the slightest
  trace of difference.(Verse 52)

also, from the notes of Shiva Sutra by Jaidev Singh

  Kalagni Rudra is the deity full of tejas i.e. burning light.
  In the human body, his place is supposed to be the toe of the
  right foot. One has to meditate that Kalagni is arising from that
  place and burning the entire body.

Also, he is said to be residing in Nivritti KalA

  Kalagni: Kalagni-bhuvanesa - a particular Rudra in Nivrtti
  kala.

but I want some scriptural information on KAlAgni Rudra.


texts: Do scriptures mention that a child in womb can learn?

texts:
The belief among majority of Hindus is that Abhimanyu had learned about Chakravyuha while he was still in womb. A good number of expectant parents in the previous and current generations consider Abhimanyu's example as reason to read out aloud when pregnant.  However as evident from the answers here, Abhimanyu's story has no backing in scriptures.

So question is whether there are any incidents in scriptures which indicate that a foetus can learn. Or for that matter any mention of directives to parents along these lines.


texts: Which scripture is the source of this mantra- "Achyutananda Govindaya Namaha"?

texts:
Which scripture contains the following mantra?:

  Achyutananda Govindaya Namah

Who is the author of this particular scripture? Where can I download this scripture?


texts: What are the early sources of combinatorics in Hindu scripture?

texts: My understanding is that some of the earliest references to applied combinatorics come from Vedic sources, for instance the Ayurvedic medical treatises of Charaka and Sushruta.


texts: What is the source of Gita Jayanti date?

texts:
Gita Jayanti is the birthday of Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text of Hindus. It's celebrated on the Shukla Ekadashi, 11th day of waxing moon of Margashirsha month of the Hindu calendar.
Where is the source from which we come to know that this is the day Krishna sang the Gita?


texts: Clarification about Saptarshis of Vaivasvat Manvantar

texts:
Answer of the question Do Saptarishi exist in today's time? says:

Saptarshis live for a period of Manvantara. So, they are alive now.

Srimad Bhagavatam 8.13.5 gives names of seven sages for Vaivasvara Manvantara:

कश्यपोऽत्रिर्वसिष्ठश्च विश्वामित्रोऽथ गौतमः|
जमदग्निर्भरद्वाज इति सप्तर्षयः स्मृताः ॥ ८.१३.५ ॥

Kaśyapa, Atri, Vasiṣṭha, Viśvāmitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Bharadvāja are known as the seven sages.

Now I have two questions:

I. Jamadagni was killed by Kartvirya Arjuna's sons (Haihayas/Yadavas), so how he is alive?

  In olden days, Rama, the son of Jamadagni, in anger at the death of his father, slew with his battle axe the king of the Haihayas. (Source)

  How great is the crime that they have committed, in slaying with their deadly shafts an old man like you, wholly occupied with pious cares, and engaging not in strife! Much have they to boast of to their fellows and their friends, that they have shamelessly slain a solitary hermit, incapable of contending in arms!' Thus lamenting, bitterly and repeatedly, Ráma performed his father's last obsequies, and lighted his funeral pile. He then made a vow that he would extirpate the whole Kshatriya race. (Source)

II. Who was in Saptarshis (for Vaivasvara Manvantara) instead of Viśvāmitra earlier?

Vishvamitra was a kshatriya king earlier. But when Vasishta destroys all the weapons employed by Viswamitra (including Pasupata and Brahmastra) with his Brahmadanda, Viswamitra uttered these word:

  Shame Where is the might of a kshatriya? The energy of a brahmin is the real energy. The staff of Brahma has singly destroyed all my weapons. Now I have realised the reason. With clear mind and senses, I shall undertake intense penance which will earn me brahminhood. (Valmiki Ramayana 1.56.23/24)

And later he did intense penance and acquired the titles of Rajarshi (Valmiki Ramayana 1.57.5), Rishi (Valmiki Ramayana 1.63.2), Maharshi (Valmiki Ramayana 1.63.18) and Brahmarshi (Valmiki Ramayana 1.65.19).


texts: What is the difference between a sloka and a mantra?

texts: I see these 2 terms (sloka and mantra) being used interchangeably. But they are not the same. If someone knowledgeable can elaborate on the difference for the benefit of the future users, it would be very insightful.


texts: What are the order & duties of the children born from intermixing/hybridisation of 4 classes?

texts:
There are 4 classes in descending order:

BrAhmaNa
Kshatriya
Vaishya
Shudra

If a man of class X mates with a woman of class X, then definitely the child will inherit the class X.

How the intermixing of 2 classes (X & Y) works with respect to the child's class & duties?

Note: caste-system is not appropriate for this Qn, as we are discussing about "classes" and not the "castes". See this.

Update: Some people may get offended due to wrong tagging in our site, so I will make a clarification here. There is a big difference between "caste-system" (tag available) and "class-system" (tag rejected). See this answer for a detailed reference.
In short, if we consider "Bill Gates" and "Bill Clinton" as head of their family trees, then "Gates" & "Clinton" are castes, however "businessman" and "politician" are classes. Some may find former as racist, however this Qn intends to discuss about the latter.


texts: What does Adi Shankara mean with "reflection"

texts:
I'm trying to wrap my head around the Advaita teaching that Ishvara is the "reflection" (abhasavada) of Brahman in Maya. I first thought that this means Ishvara is a kind of illusion, ontologically not real, contrary to Brahman. But then I read that this interpretation is flat out wrong, and that Ishvara is real in Maya.

So could you help me to understand Adi Shankara's doctrine of reflection?


texts: How solar and lunar longitudes can be calculated for tithi calculation

texts:
For tithi calculations, we have to derive solar longitude and lunar longitudes first.
Then only we can calculate tithi in Panchangam.
Could you please help me to find solar longitude and lunar longitude for Panchangam


texts: Who killed Banasura - Lord Krishna or Devi?

texts:
There seems to be some confusion between different accounts of the Banasura fight - some state that Krishna killed him while others mention that he let him live when Shiva interceded on the demon's behalf. There is also the story of Devi Kumari killing Banasura but it comes from different sources.

So my question is - Is there a clear scriptural reference that states both that Krishna did not kill Banasura as well as states that Devi did?


texts: Which scripture mentions the yuga in which Ramayana and Mahabharata took place?

texts: As far as I know, they themselves don't mention this.  Which scripture actually has this reference?


texts: Any Vedantic messages from Karma Kanda of Vedas?

texts: It is well known that Upanishads contain Vedantic statements, but I want to know Vedantic statement from Karma Kanda of Vedas if any.


texts: Someone said that the jivatma turns into a Preta if proper funeral rites are not done. But I thought that the Jivatma is immediately carried to Yama after death.


texts: What happened to the Rama Setu after Ramayana?

texts: Lord Rama constructed the Setu from Indian mainland to then Srilanka with help of the vanara army. After the death Ravana, what happened to the stone bridge?


texts: Mentions of use of fire for cooking purpose in Hindu scriptures

texts:
Consider the following paragraphs which tell about using fire for cooking by humans. The act of cooking food using fire seems to be so old and important one.

Paragraph 1

  The control of fire by early humans was a turning point in the
  cultural aspect of human evolution. Fire provided a source of warmth,
  protection, improvement on hunting and a method
  for cooking food. These cultural advances allowed human geographic
  dispersal, cultural innovations, and changes to diet and behavior.
  Additionally, creating fire allowed human activity to continue into
  the dark and colder hours of the evening.

Paragraph 2

  For most of human history, over an open fire was the one and only way to cook a meal. People started cooking in this fashion nearly
  two million years ago, according to anthropologist Richard Wrangham,
  author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human—probably, early on,
  by simply tossing a raw hunk of something into the flames and watching
  it sizzle.

  This may make modern chefs wince, but, Wrangham argues, it was
  likely a giant evolutionary step for mankind, providing us not only
  with tastier dinners, but with the extra nutrition and surplus energy
  necessary for generating big brains (see What Makes Us Human? Cooking,
  Study Says).

Are there any explicit mentions about cooking food using fire in Hindu scriptures?


texts: Do rituals require faith to be successful?

texts:
According to Adi Shankaracharya, Vedas consist of three parts-

Karma kand (rituals like yajna, nitya karma etc.)
Upasana kand (praying to devas etc.)
Bramha vidya (denunciation of world, sameness of Atman and Brahman etc)

Out of these three, first two have results relative to world because one does them believing one is merely a Jiva having certain desires. The third one gets rids of that ahamkar to acquire never ending bliss.

The procedure of second and third are clear to me. Second one requires shraddha and vishwas because Upasana is incomplete without it. My question is regarding the first one, does it also require faith, belief etc for it to give results?

For example one may do yajna to bring rain as described in Veda speculating whether it would work or not. He neither has belief nor disbelief in Veda. Would he get desired result? I would prefer sources from Shruti rather then Smriti supporting the answer. Adi Shankaracharya commentary would also suffice.


texts: Why does the Mahabharata mention Lakshmi as the consort of Dharma?

texts:
We all know that Lakshmi Devi is the consort of Lord Vishnu.

But, at one place the MahAbhArata mentions Lakshmi as the consort of Dharma.

  NAmato dharma patnyastAh kirtyamAnA nivodh me |

  Kirti lakshmi dhritirmedhA pushti shraddhA kriyA tathA ||

  BuddhirlajjA matishchaiva patnau dharmasya ta dasha |

  MahAbhArata Adi Parva 18-35

The ten daughters of Daksha who are all wedded to Dharma are mentioned here as- Kirti, Lakshmi, Dhriti, MedhA, Pushti, SraddhA, KriA, Buddhi, LajjA and Mati.

Here Lakshmi is mentioned as Daksha's daughter and Dharma's wife. Why is it so?

Is this Lakshmi the same as the consort of Lord Vishnu or is she someone else? Can someone clarify?


texts: What are the ancient & modern career options for a Kshatriya?

texts:
What is the prescribed dharma of Kshatriyas as per Hindu Dharma Shastras, is it just to handle weapons and fight in battlefield?

If yes, then what should a modern Kshatriya opt as a carrier option which is compatible with his Dharma, since only military services (battlefield services) are consistent with his Dharma?

What if some Kshatriya does not want to get involved with military services; can he opt for other ways like IT, business, which are bramhinical and vaishya duties respectively.

Please note that I'm not looking for personal views of a great personality.
So answers with scriptural references like Dharma Shastras, Vedas, or Vedic Rishi authored texts like Vishwamitra Samhita are expected.


texts: What does the snake on the body of Srinathji signify?

texts:
The enclosed image of Srinathji shows a snake around His body which normally remains hidden under clothes.

What does this snake signify? Please cite proper sources.


texts: If its saguna sakara brahman Narayana (Purusha) who creates and preserves everything in this universe, and Shiva (Purusha) who destroys everything, then what is the job of prakriti or shakti?


texts: I've heard tales where if you're bad, you are re-incarnated as a bug or something. I'm sure there is more to it than this - can someone clear it up?


texts: Why Devi Para-Shakti is not shown with three eyes in many parts of India?

texts: The dhyana mantras of Devi Para-Shakti in different Tantras and Puranas of forms like Durga, Kaali etc describe Devi as three-eyed. But most deities of Devi or even of Shiva outside bengal show Her (or Him) with two eyes! What is the reason of this?


texts:
Sāmaveda includes sāmagāna which is singing of Ruchas.

Who is eligible for chanting or singing of Sāmans? Is it only a Sāmavedi Brahmana or other Brahmanas can chant them too?

Also, is every dwija eligible for sāmagāna?


texts: Is there a particular way to accept Theertha given at temples?

texts: When we go to temples, the purohit gives theertha which is the holy water to all the devotees. Is there a particular way to cup our hand to accept it? My grandpa believes there is a way where one must keep a cloth under the hand. I just wanted to know if there is a rule for this.


texts: Who is the consumer of our Karmas, if the Atman is merely a silent witness?

texts:
Atman resides in the body as a silent witness and it's not affected (untouched) by anything. Then upon what, our Karmas get transmitted to our next lives?
In other words who is the enjoyer/sufferer of our deeds or what is affected (if not Atman)?


texts: Are enlightened beings necessarily omniscient?

texts: Is it necessary that every enlightened being is an all-knowing person? Are there any grades of enlightments according to scriptures?


texts: Who finally had Pushpak Viman in the end?

texts: After returning to Ayodhya after killing Ravan on Pushpak Viman, whom did Lord Ram gave it to ?


texts: How do shoes affect prayers? Are they prohibited?

texts:
During a trip to Southern India one man was chanting prayers with his (plastic) shoes on, because he was travelling.

Some local brahmin strongly reprimanded him for his misconduct and disrespect during a prayer. He said the pilgrim has no idea what the prayer is, and is totally ignorant etc.

This was all happening on an empty street early in the morning, not in the temple, so the answers here does not answer my question.

The pilgrim was a westerner. Probably he was chanting "Hare Krishna" on beads. I didn't hear much, but he was relaxed before and then became unsettled, took off his shoes and carried them in hand. So in what way does shoes affect a person while he is praying?


texts: Which Vedic verses say that human life-span is about 100 years?

texts:
I'm looking for a list of all Sanskrit verses and their translation from all four parts of the Vedas (i.e., saṃhitās, brāhmaṇas, āraṇyakas and upaniṣads) that suggest either directly or indirectly that the life-span of human beings is about 100 years.

N.B. There must be only a handful of verses that discuss this topic so I don't think the question is too broad.


texts: Was deed of Indra in demolishing the citadels of gold, silver, and iron, of Danavas, source for the story of destruction of 3 cities by Shiva?

texts:
The devata of Rigveda tenth mandala 47 and 48 suktas (hymns) is Indra Vaikuntha. This is not Vishnu but one of the incarnations of Lord Indra. He is named as Vaikuntha because of his mother Vikuntha, daughter of Prajapati.
There is a text called Bṛhaddevatā which is written by Sage Shaunaka. This text contains the details of the deities worshipped in hymns of Rigveda. It also gives the background stories of composition of the mantras.
There is explanation given for these hymns.
In this answer, the deeds of Indra was described.

There was an Āsuri, daughter of Prajāpati, Vikunthā by name. She,
desiring a son like Indra, performed very severe austerities. She then
obtained from Prajāti her desires (in the form of) various boons. And
Indra himself was born of her, as he wished to slay the Daityas and
Danavas. Once he was engaged in battle with the Danavas.
Of them he
slew nine nineties and seven groups of seven. Having shattered with
the might of his arm the citadels of gold, silver, and iron, (and)
having slain all (of them) in their respective spheres (yathāsthānam),
as arrayed on earth and the other (two worlds). On earth he
exterminated both the Kālakeyas and the race of Puloma, the archer,
and in heaven the notorious (tan) offspring of Prahlada.

My question is -  Was deed of Indra in demolishing the citadels of gold, silver, and iron, of Danavas, source for the story of destruction of 3 cities of Tripurasura by Shiva?


texts: What are the names of conch shell ( shankh ) used by the warriors in Mahabharata?

texts:
What are the names of conch shells used by the Pandava and Kaurava (notable) warriors in Mahabharata and why were they named so?
What was the specialty about each of them ?


texts: Why is camphor shown to deities after archana?

texts: What is the purpose of showing camphor to deities after Archana and Naivedya? Nowadays many big or small temples stopped camphor showing instead they are showing the small lamps fixed in the plate itself. Any scriptural reason for this practice?


texts: Arjun's inability to counter snake weapon of Karna

texts:
Arjuna had trained himself under Drona as a great archer. Drona had given him training on each and every weapon. Not only this, sensing a sure war between Pandavas and Kauravas, Krishna sent Arjuna to Heaven to acquire all divyastras, so that he will be able to counter Bhisma, Drona and Karna in the war.

But, why was Arjuna not able to counter the snake weapon shot by Karna; which meant a sure and certain death of Arjuna, had not Krishna{as avatar of God Vishnu} put his weight to push the chariot down within earth?


texts:
Chapter 8 (pg 47) of the Upodghatapada of Brahmanda Purana states the lineage of Atri and Vasistha. It recounts Atri's family and an incident where Atri releases the Sun from it's eclipse.

After the narration there's this interesting statement:

  Datta is considered to be the eldest, Durvasas was his younger
  brother. The youngest of all was a lady who expounded the Brahman.

I know about Atri's sons Durvasa and Dattatreya are incarnations of Rudra and Vishnu but I didn't know that Atri had a daughter that explained Brahmajnana.

Can anybody shed light on who she is? Do any other scriptures mention her?


texts: Has Suhagraat (1st consummation of husband & wife) & honeymoon been mentioned in the sciprtures?

texts: Has Scriptures contain anything about Suhagraat & honeymoon? If yes, what they talk about these rituals? And were these ritual even followed before Kaliyuga?


texts:
I was told that if one is unable to disperse ashes in river immediately then the same needs to be hung from tree. But should not be stored in house.
Are there any scriptural references on what should one do if immediate dispersion of ashes is not possible ? And for how long can one store the ashes ?


texts: How geographical birth is influenced by karma?

texts:
Thank you to the answerers to another question which I will link below. I want to point out that I do not believe in original sin but I believe in karma.
What attributes of Hinduism allowed it to survive centuries of proselytisation by Muslims and Christians?
My answer: https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/a/44211/22667
So if I was born inside a dumb Adharmik place like sadly it is in my case and my sadness come from the non-accepting the identities of this place,because luckily I understand things as they are,  could it be that in my previous life maybe I violated another place?
In the end: why I was born in Europe and in a christian country, if myself spontaneously approach to Sanatan Dharma so well and consider that this should be my identity through life styles and rituals such those belonging to any Indian Hindu communities and also I feel that I should have always followed the 4 purushartas and I feel like I am in delay and out of my original place and that my biological family is not my family, since birth of this body? I feel that this is not my place since ever on this life. Why? Help.
In Europe we have Hindu Temples but India is Hindu source. Or I hope so.
Requirements needed in order to answer well and help this question to be well answered:
This question will be completely satisfied by adding experiencial examples,I mean: Being a Hindu believer or a new changed ex- Abrahmic -that is those people who deeply did rejected the Maya illusion of any Abrahmic Faiths- In both cases the answers will be useful. Can be answered also by Puranas or Shastras, Ramayana and Mahabharat, or Yog explanation by who truly can master them, so in this case Sanaatani. And also Yogini can be able to answer too, accordingly to their knowledge and also the people who asked themselves the same. The Author of the question does not accept any form of Abrahmic explanation. Excuse me but so it is in my case. Thanks again for understanding me.

Stack Exchange need to be clear when say "do not meet prerequisites".


texts: Even the Moksha achieved after getting slayed by the Supreme Lord is Impermanent?

texts:
As per this QnA, anyone killed by the Supreme Lord achieves Moksha.
Then why is it that the cursed Jīvātman of Jaya & Vijaya (the door keepers of God Vishnu's Vaikuntha) had to be re-born not once, twice, but thrice (that too, as far as I can guess, it's is for this Kalpa only)?
Even, if we factor-in the fact about the fulfillment of the curse, then too, the events might be repeating almost with the same basic details in some next Kalpas.
Moreover, if we say that the events although repeat in a same manner, however, the material body will still remain same in all cycles but the jeevataman that's inside being a different-new one. By that logic, considering that the door-keepers are Nitya Suris (as per this source), and hence, their jivataman cannot change as per definition. So even after being re-born and killed by the Supreme Lord in some Kalpa cycle, they'll be re-born as demons in next cycles. So, that kind of becomes a paradox, as per my understanding. They're effectively not achieving Moksha (even after getting slayed by the Supreme Lord) but are re-born in this sāṃsārika world, again and again.
In that sense, both, Jaya & Vijaya will be re-born as demons afresh, and killed by the Supreme Lord in  his various incarnations, yet again and again, in a never ending eternal kāla-chakra cycle? Same arguments may be extended to the case of Kālanemi as well, who was killed by Lord Vishnu & reborn again as  Kaṃsa.
So, dosen't that invalidates the very idea portrayed in the verses of Srimad Bhagvatam?
Furthermore, using the above case, can one, also conclude that thus, the state of Moksha is not a permanent state but is rather, unequivocally a subject to be changed with new days of Brahma i.e., the Kalpas, i.e., Moksha may last only for a Kalpa or a couple of Kalpas or maybe in some cases some Mahakalpas, but not permanent?

EDIT:

The following questions, as I also have linked them in my present question, are used as arguments to build up on my argument regarding Moksha via the Supreme God, they in no way clarify my doubt, they are just to clarify the doubts of the readers (including me),  so a better answer maybe begotten.
THESE QUESTIONS ARE MY ARGUMENTS ITSELF AND NOT WHAT I'M ACTUALLY ASKING.

Do same events repeat in every Yuga?
Does "Free Will" really exist, even if universe repeats itself in perfect pattern?
Does following line states Brahma repeats same incidents everyday?
Is Moksha a permanent state?


texts: Is Kushagni Pravesa a punishment mentioned in scripture?

texts: It is said that Kumarila Bhatta a contemporary of Sankaracharya betrayed the Buddhists by pretending to be one and learnt their secrets.  He then punished himself for this betrayal by slowly burning himself on burning grain husks (kushagni pravesa).  Is this punishment mentioned anywhere in scripture?


texts: Are there scriptural citations denigrating eating during war?

texts:
During Mahabharata Yuddha Kanda, there don't seem to be many verses depicting that Krishna ate food.

Are there scriptural verses putting down eating during war ?


texts: For normal people, is a guru needed or recommended to get Raja Yoga?

texts:
Consider the following excerpt from the preface of Raja-Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

  In the first part some simple and specific directions are given for
  the student who want to practise, but all such are especially and
  earnestly reminded that, with few exceptions, Yoga can only be safely
  learnt by direct contact with a teacher. If these conversations
  succeed in awakening a desire for further information on the subject,
  the teacher will not be wanting.

Normal people in my question refers to the people who are not with any special powers or avatar etc., How to understand the above sentence? Is guru mandatory for normal people or one can attempt to do with interest/desire as only necessity?


texts: Conflicting idea about Karma in Bhagavad Gita?

texts:
In Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says that he is the reason why anything happens or why someone does something.

Also, the mighty God says that, a person will get results according to his karmas(deeds). Negative results for negative karmas and positive results for positive karmas.

Now, if everything happens because of God will, then a person killing other for no reason is also God's will.

So if all the things are occurring because of gods will, then why do we humans have to suffer the consequences?


texts:
Is there any merit of making charity on the name of ancestors to us?

We often do charity on our name that for sure directly gives us merit.

But Is there any merit to us if we do charity on the name of our ancestors?


texts: Regarding some questions on Mahavatar Babaji

texts:
I came to know from Autobiography of a Yogi, by Swami Yogananda that Babaji is an immortal. My questions are:

What is the birthdate of Mahavatar Babaji?
What is the last account of babaji? I mean when he was last seen?
Do babaji still give visit to some?


texts:
Subrahmanya (Skanda, Muruga) is also worshipped as Naga (snake).
Why is this? Any references in Puranas, Ithihasas?


texts: Who are the seven sages (Sapta Rishis) of current Manvantara?

texts: I want to know who are the seven sages (Sapta Rishis) of current Manvantara?


texts: Are they referencing a gregorian calendar or some Hindu calendar?

texts:
I know this could sound silly but I really want to be sound and safe.

On the following topic:

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

They are referring to an Hindu calendar or other?


texts: Why did Lord Krishna not help Abhimanyu in Mahabharata?

texts: Lord Krishna was supporting the pandavas. Then why Lord Krishna not help Abhimanyu in Mahabharata?


texts: What is the most heinous sin in Hinduism?

texts:
The question may be of a very broad scope and is open to discussions encompassing various scriptures like the Bhagwada Gita and Manu Smriti.
I have been told that the gravest sin as per the Gita is to allow exploitation of the weaker. Although I am not very sure about it.


texts: Are the Nishada and Rathakara castes eligible for the Vedas and Jnana?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa that summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.) But the Vedanta school didn't always have the dominant position in Hindu philosophy; before the time of Adi Shankaracharya the dominant school of Hindu philosophy was the Purva Mimamsa school, which I discuss here. In contrast to the Vedanta school, which is devoted to analyzing the Jnana Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Upanishads, Purva Mimamsa focuses on analyzing the Karma Kanda of the Vedas, i.e. the Samhitas and Brahmanas.

Now Jaimini's Purva Mimamsa Sutras, the defining text of the Purva Mimamsa school, focuses on the proper performance of Yagnas.  In this excerpt from the Purva Mimamsa Sutras, Jaimini discusses who is eligible to perform Yagnas.  Specifically he says that only Dvijas, members of the first three castes, can perform them.  As I discuss here, in the Brahma Sutras Vyasa similarly says that only Dvijas are eligible for Jnana:

  To him (ie., Janasruti) occurred grief on hearing his (ie., swan’s) disparaging utterance, as is evident from his (Janasruti’s) approaching him (Raikva), for this is hinted at (by Raikva by using the word Sudra).
  And because his Kshatriyahood is known later on from the indicatory mark of his mention along with a descendant of Citraratha
  Because purificatory rites are mentioned (for others) and absence of these is declared (for the Sudra).
  And because (Gautama’s) inclination arose (to initiate and instruct Satyakama) when the absence of the (Sudrahood) had been ascertained.
  And because the Smriti prohibits for the Sudra the hearing, study and acquisition of the meaning (of the Vedas).

All the commentators on the Brahma Sutras, including Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, etc. are in agreement that low-caste people are ineligible for Jnana.

But my question is about another excerpt from the Mimamsa Sutras, which gives an exception to this general rule about only Dvijas being eligible for Yagnas.  Jaimini says that two sets of low-caste people, the Nishadas or hunters and the Rathakaras or chariot-makers, are authorized by the Vedas to perform certain types of Yagnas.  So my question is, what else can Nishadas and Rathakaras do that other low-caste people cannot?

One of the arguments Jaimini makes for why low-caste people in general are ineligible for Yagnas is that the instructions for performing Yagnas is given in the Vedas, and low-caste people are not allowed to study the Vedas.  So since Nishadas and Rathakaras can perform certain Yagnas, does that mean they can also learn the Vedas in order to learn the requisite instructions?

Also, in the Brahma Sutras Vyasa's main argument for why low-caste people are ineligible for Jnana is that they're not allowed to learn the Vedas and thus that they can't read the Upanishads which are the means of acquiring Jnana.  So assuming that Nishadas and Rathakaras are allowed to learn the Vedas, are they also eligible for Jnana?

Note that I'm not looking for answers about the nature of the caste system and the like, I'm looking for answers that take these statements in the Mimamsa Sutras and Brahma Sutras for granted.


texts: Is one able to see God after transformation from a family man to a yogi in Kaliyuga. Also I want to know how we can get a boon from God in this Kaliyuga like that in other yugas. Is it possible?


texts: Does SB 4.25.41 give a hint to the thing that women like men who are expert in rape?

texts:
Often purport are used to understand verses of scripture in clearer way. In purport S.B. 4.25.41, Sri AC Bhaktivedanata Prabhupada comments in the last part of commentary as:

  In this regard, the word vikhyātam is very significant. A man is
  always famous for his aggression toward a beautiful woman, and such
  aggression is sometimes considered rape. Although rape is not legally
  allowed, it is a fact that a woman likes a man who is very expert at
  rape.

Sri AC BhaktiVedanta swami belongs to Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, he is affiliated to acintya bheda abheda philosophy and is considered by thousands to be authentic source of knowledge who brings deep hidden meanings of scriptures.

But in the above commentary Prabhupada states that if a man is expert in skill of raping, women likes him. He uses this in the context of the Sanskrit word 'Vikhyata' present in the verse 4.25.41.

Is this an acceptable interpretation?

Have any other Acharyas of the same tradition (Gaudiya) or other commentators of Srimad Bhagvatam like Sridhara Swami generated similar contexts while explaining the verse?

How is the word 'Vikhyata' there interpreted in detail by other commentators?


texts: Can someone explain this Mudra being done by Ramakrishna Paramhansa in Samadhi?

texts:
"Ramakrishna in bhava samadhi at the house of Keshab Chandra Sen. He
  is seen supported by his nephew Hriday and surrounded by brahmo
  devotees."

Can any scholar here, identify this hand Mudra done by Ramakrishna Paramhans by his right hand and its importance in Yog and Samadhi?

The same Mudra can be seen in Lord Shiva's left middle hand as well.Is it superior to Gyan Mudra for Samadhi?


texts: How did some Jain Bunts became administrators of Hindu Temples?

texts:
From this Wikipedia Article,

  Some Jain Bunts are hereditary trustees abd administrators of Hindu
  Temples, an example being at the Dharamsthala Temple

How and why did Jain Bunts became the trustees and administrators of Hindu Temples?

.


texts: The Karmic reason why Grandsire Bhishma had to spend the final days of his life on a Bed of Arrows

texts:
Grandsire Bhishma was one of the greatest warriors who fought in the Mahabharata war.He had a boon by which he could not be killed by anybody. And his death had to be as per his own wish.

The details of the final battle between Bhishma and Arjuna are given in Mahabharata,Book:6, Bhishma Parva, Bhagavat-Gita Parva.
When Bhishma finally fell, there was not in Bhishma's body space of even two fingers' breadth that was not pierced with arrows.

After the end of that battle{on day 10th of the war}, Grandsire Bhishma lived for   58 days on a Bed of Arrows, waiting for an auspicious day to die, as per his self-wish boon.

  Then those Rishis in the forms of swans inhabiting the Manasa lake, quickly rose up, and came together, for obtaining a sight of the Kuru grandsire Bhishma, to that spot where that foremost of men was lying on his bed of arrows. Then those Rishis in swanlike forms, coming to Bhishma, beheld that perpetuator of Kuru's race lying on his bed of arrows. Beholding that high-souled son of Ganga, that chief of the Bharatas, they walked round him, and the Sun being then in the southern solstice, they said, addressing one another, these words, 'Being a high-souled person, why should Bhishma pass out (of the world) during the southern declension?' Having said these words, those swans went away, proceeding towards the southern direction. Endued with great intelligence, Bhishma, O Bharata. beholding them, reflected for a moment. And the son of Santanu then said unto them. 'I will never pass out (of the world) as long as the Sun is in the southern solstice. Even this is my resolve. I will proceed to my own ancient abode when the Sun reacheth the northern solstice. Ye swans, I tell you this truly. Expectant of the northern declension I will hold my life. Since I have the fullest control over the yielding up of my life, I will, therefore, hold life, expectant of death during the northern declension. The boon that was granted to me by my illustrious sire, to the effect that my death would depend on my own wish O, let that boon become true. I will hold my life, since I have control in the matter of laying it down.' Having said these words to those swans, he continued to lie down on his bed of arrows.

What was the Karmic reason why Bhishma had to spend the final days of his life on a Bed of Arrows?


texts: Who is the commentator on Yogasutras Swami Vivekananda talking about?

texts:
While reading Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda, I found that he is talking about commentator.
CHAPTER I
CONCENTRATION: ITS SPIRITUAL USES:
On the 27th Sutra:

तस्य वाचकः प्रणवः ॥२७॥
27. His manifesting word is Om.
. . . . . Our commentator says, "Although the relation between thought and word is perfectly natural, yet it does not mean a rigid connection between one sound and one idea." These sounds vary, yet the relation between the sounds and the thoughts is a natural one. The connection between thoughts and sounds is good only if there be a real connection between the thing signified and the symbol; until then that symbol will never come into general use. A symbol is the manifester of the thing signified, and if the thing signified has already an existence, and if, by experience, we know that the symbol has expressed that thing many times, then we are sure that there is a real relation between them. Even if the things are not present, there will be thousands who will know them by their symbols. There must be a natural connection between the symbol and the thing signified; then, when that symbol is pronounced, it recalls the thing signified. The commentator says the manifesting word of God is Om. . . . .

I know about two commentators Vyasa and Vijnanabhikshu.
So, who is the commentator of YogaSutras Swami Vivekananda is talking about in his work Raja Yoga?


texts: Where can I get Sri Vidyaranya's Veda Bhashya?

texts:
Where can I get Sri Vidyaranya's Veda Bhashya ?
Where will it be available?


texts: Keeping Deities/God photos in everywhere in home

texts:
Some orthodox Hindu families (Middle class) keep deities photos every place in their home.

Some keep partially divided in the kitchen
Some keep in the hall itself
Bed room is an optional if someone wants to see the first sight everyday.

Is this right? Any scriptures say about this in Hinduism. (If there is no separate pooja room.)


texts:
Is Vishnu only immortal or Shiva and Brahma also are immortal ?
(I know that all afterall are the same, but just for knowing because i read somewhere that only Vishnu is immortal)


texts: What did the royal families wear during Ramayana and Mahabharata era?

texts: I see in almost all TV shows based on Ramayana or Mahabharata that royal family wears these Jewellery and other ornaments.  Was it like that during those period? I wonder how they used to manage with all that accessories in day to day activities?  Is there any mention about this in any of the literature?


texts:
What is meant by Chira kaala Brahmacharitwa?

Since it is prohibited in kaliyga, how can one avoid it?


texts: When did Vaishnavites start wearing Urdhva Pundram?

texts: Did Ramanuja introduce the Namam?  What did Vaishnavites wear before that?


texts: Why it is forbidden to tell other about what one can see during meditation?

texts:
I came to know many times that it is not good to tell someone else about what one has seen in his/her meditation(or in a dream related to God). But, I am not aware why?
(i) Can it be explained why it is forbidden?
(ii) What can be the consequences?
Text related to this topic is also acceptable. Thank you.


texts: Did Adi Shankaracharya accept equality of 5 major gods in his works?

texts:
I want to know if Adi Shankaracharya said that the five Panchatayana deities (Shiva, Surya, Vishnu, Durga, Ganesh) are Saguna Brahman from his works.

Did he differentiate between them or said all are equal?

I don't want any references from stotras (my college teacher who is an advaitin told many could be later works attributed to Shankara).

This answer analyses various aspects and at first look it looks like Adi Shankaracharya would not have established both the systems of pancayatana and sanmathas.

Is it ok for an Advaitin who is follower of Shankara to declare his own Ishta devata as superior to others?


texts: What happens if a mantra / sadhana is siddha?

texts:
Basically we everytime come to know that in order to make a mantra / sadhana work for you, it should be siddha first. There are different types of sadhana / siddhi for different purposes. I wanted to know what happens during a mantra siddhi process. For Ex : If one is doing a sadhana for say 40 days to attain siddhi over some deity for a boon or power. So what obstacles one has to face during and after completion of it.

Update : Also, in Bhagavad Gita as Krishna says that those who worship demigods go to their kingdom, so is it like attaining siddhis is kind of less achievement than attaining moksha/nirvana/enlightenment ?


texts: How to download English translation of BORI CE Mahabharat?

texts:
Bori's Critical Edition  of Mahabharat is available in Sanskrit only. I want it in English.

Where I can download the English translation of BORI Mahabharat?


texts: Is the verse about Rāmāyaṇa containing 24,000 ślokas present in the critical edition?

texts:
The following verse from the website valmikiramayan.net indicates the total no. of verses present in Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa.

  चतुर् विंशत् सहस्राणि श्लोकानाम् उक्तवान् ऋषिः |
  तथा सर्ग शतान् पंच षट् काण्डानि तथा उत्तरम् || १-४-२

  2. R^iSiH = sage Valmiki; slokaanaam = verses; chatur vimshat sahasraaNi = twenty-four, thousand; tathaa = that way; pancha sarga shataan = five, chapters, hundreds; SaT kaaNDaani cha = six, books, also; tatha uttaram = that way, an end piece; uktvaan = said.

  Sage Valmiki said Ramayana in twenty four thousand verses, in six hundred chapters, in six books, likewise an end-piece too. [1-4-2]

The same verse is also present in the translation available at valmiki.iitk.ac.in:

  चतुर्विंशत्सहस्राणि श्लोकानामुक्तवानृषि:।
  तथा सर्गशतान्पञ्च षट्काण्डानि तथोत्तरम् ।।1.4.2।।

  ऋषि: sage Valmiki, श्लोकानां चतुर्विंशत्सहस्राणि twenty four thousand verses, तथा and, पञ्च सर्गशतान् five hundred cantos, षट् काण्डानि six kandas, तथा and, उत्तरम् in addition Uttarakanda, उक्तवान् recite (composed).

  Sage Valmiki composed the Ramayanam in twentyfour thousand verses in six kandas and also Uttarakanda (consisting of five hundred cantos).

However, some commentators on Rāmāyaṇa consider this verse to be an interpolation. This is what the Tilaka commentary by Nagoji Bhatta or Ramavarma (1730-1810) says:

  The Number of Slokas and Sargas in the Ramayana 1.4.2

  ‘Sargasatam panca satskandani’ means the Ramayana comprises five hundred sargas covering six kandas . But the sloka says the total number of slokas in the Ramayana to be 24,000. Since the actual number is far less and there is no reference to the Uttarakanda this sloka is spurious.

Is this verse present in the critical edition of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa?


texts: Are we God in a state of forgetfulness? Reference needed

texts:
I have heard this idea which I think it comes from the Upanishads.
Can anybody give a a reference in the Vedas, Gita or any other literature from Hinduism in which existential ignorance is explained.


texts: I read in different sources about different locations of the manipura chakra. Two finger-width under the navel, secondly the navel and thirdly the solar plexus with is two or three finger width above the navel. Do different traditions locate it differently or how does the term work?


texts: Silk is worn by many in Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Is it neccesary to wear it? Do scriptures talk about silk? Is there any alternative from wearing silk in rituals and ceremonies? Since, silk production results in mass killing of silkworms, why is it used?


texts: I've read many differing stories, but exactly what Astras did Indrajit know how to use?


texts:
Do our scriptures declare that if God has to descend on earth then that place has to be somewhere in India?

Are there any shlokas in scriptures that confirm that God's avatar(human birth) will only be in the Deva Bhumi Or Punya Bhumi Bharata or India?

I asked the same question to one of my forum friends(we are not in contact nowadays) and he answered in the affirmative. But he did not tell me the exact shlokas then.

Our motive was to, in this way, dismiss the claims of any persons, who were not born in India, as avatars of Gods.


texts: Which scriptures portray Lord Ganesha to be the supreme God?

texts: I have seen many scriptures to portray Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lalita Devi and Lord Surya to be the supreme. However, I would like to know whether any scripture portrays Lord Ganesha to be the supreme. According to Adi Shankaracharya, Ganesha is the one of the 5 deities that can give liberation. Also there is a sect named Ganapatya which sees Lord Ganesh to be the supreme God. What is the basis for their claim? Apologies to anyone offended by my question including Lord Ganesha.


texts: As we know there were many people who could have killed Ravana, like Lord Hanuman and Jambavan. But they didn't kill Ravana. Only Lord Rama did. Why?


texts: What is meant by bhaya yogi? And is the term bhaya yogi anywhere mentioned in scriptures?


texts: Why didn't Kṛṣṇa really prevent the Mahābhārata war? Did Kṛṣṇa classify the Kurukṣetra war as hiṁsā or ahiṁsā?

texts:
Why didn't Kṛṣṇa really prevent the Mahābhārata war from taking place? Was the war really worth it? This answer says the war resulted in the death of more than a billion soldiers, horses and elephants on both sides. The numbers maybe inflated but what a great calamity! Isn't it the biggest war ever to take place on the face of earth? Why show viśva-rūpa to Arjuna and convince him to raise his Gāṇḍīva against his own cousins but why not show the same viśva-rūpa to everyone in the battlefield and stop the war?
Oft-cited explanations are: It's all Kṛṣṇa's līlā. Kṛṣṇa wanted to "wipe out the bad kṣatriyas" or "reduce the burden on Earth." Really? I don't buy it. It's like saying: let's kill all the old people on earth ('burden'), let's kill all the diseased ('burden'), let's bomb the whole building because there's a terrorist hiding in the basement ('lose some to gain some')!

I think Gāndhārī asked Kṛṣṇa the same question (in the title); what was his response to her? Was she fully convinced with the answer he gave?

What exactly is Kṛṣṇa's view of hiṁsā or ahiṁsā? When to use hiṁsā and when to use ahiṁsā? Does Kṛṣṇa represent hiṁsā or ahiṁsā? Did Kṛṣṇa classify the Kurukṣetra war as hiṁsā or ahiṁsā? §

§ These days some people call the killing of bin Laden as ahiṁsā (to prevent him from killing from more people)


texts: What does 'Kokanastha' mean here and meaning of shloka?

texts:
॥ शनीची प्रार्थना |। कोकणस्थ: पिंगलो ब्रभु: कृष्णो रौद्रौडन्तको यम: ।
सौरि: शनैश्वरो मन्द: पिप्पलादेन संस्तुतः ॥ १ ॥ नमस्ते कोकणस्थाय
पिंगलाय नमोस्तुते। नमस्ते बश्लुरुपाय कृष्णाय च नमोःस्तु ते ॥२॥

I want to know what exactly 'कोकणस्थ:' mean here. This is a 'shani prathana'. Whenever I try to trace out its meaning I end up with kokan which is a region in Maharashtra or kokanastha Brahmins. The first two lines of the sholka are given above which refer to the word 'kokanastha'. It would be nice if you provide me with meaning of entire shloka.
https://sa.m.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0
Edit: As the comment says the word is कोणस्थ and not कोकणस्थः
Here is a picture from book

EDIT2: The correct word is कोणस्थ and NOT कोकणस्थ. कोणस्थ as well as पिंगलो seems to be name of shani dev. The rest is not understood by me. Please give me meanings of these lines. Thank you


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According to this, there are 4.32 billion years in one Brahma day, i.e. age of the Universe.

Each Brahma day goes through yuga cycle of Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, which adds up to 4.32 billions years.

But according to several pictures of the 4 yugas, the total cycle adds up to 24,000 years, i.e. 11,500BC to 12,500AD is 24,000 years, is it not?

So I am really confused. Is this one Brahma day? Because I thought at the end of Kali yuga the Universe is destroyed and reborn.

Please explain this perspective according to Hindu beliefs.

And according to this slide from YouTUBE, here are the durations, but I don't understand how it adds up to 24,000 human years ~~~ totally confused!


texts:
Ashvalayana (ITRANS : AshvalAyaNa) is a famous rishi associated with a shAkha of Vedas and vedanga sutras.

What is his life story ?

What are some important texts written by him ?


texts: What are the differences between Gopi Chandan and normal chandan (sandalwood)?

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I have generally known the Gaudiya Vaishnavism (Krishna rooted) based sects specifically applying the Gopi Chandan based tilaks on their body.
The other Vaishnavism sects might or might not limit with Gopi Chandan only, but as far as I have known, they'll apply the normal chandan (sandalwood) based tilaks too, besides the gopi-chandan variety too.
So, what's the difference between both kinds of chandans in terms of origin, significance and uses, as per the relevant religio-theological beliefs, and the stories found in the scriptures?
Moreover, why is Chandan (sandalwood) itself considered divine or sacred and mostly intrinsically related with Lord Vishnu or his manifestations, especially the White Chandan variety ? Example : Astrologers recommend using either the Tulasi beads rosary or the  White  Chandan rosary, to do japam-dhyanam for Lord Vishnu (or his avataras).


texts: How is it fair that kali yug is the only bad yug

texts: How is it fair that kali yuga  is the only bad yuga because Dwapara Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Satya yuga have most dharma while Kali yuga has the least dharma


texts: What is the story behind Lord Bhairava who is worshiped on theipirai ashtami?

texts: Theipirai ashtami is a special day for Lord Bhairava. What's the story behind Lord Bhairava.


texts: Is the Star of Bethlehem mentioned in Hindu scripture?

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I was watching a BBC program The Real Star of Bethlehem: A Christmas Special recently that tried to solve the mystery surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. The show concluded the "star" was most likely a comet from among six plausible candidates:

A Nova
A Supernova
The rising of a star
A rare alignment of Sun or another star and the two planets Jupiter and Saturn (triple conjunction) around 7 BC.
Comet
Meteor

Considering the Hindu scriptures are much older than Jesus Christ, is there any evidence of this "star" in Hindu scriptures (assuming it was visible from the Indian subcontinent)?

EDIT:

How could something much older have evidence of an astronomical event that occurs in the future?

To be clear, I did not mean prophecies about the star. I'm only talking about the astronomical phenomenon popularly known as Star of Bethlehem or the Christmas Star. If any sightings of this star were recorded in Hindu scripture either during or after the event.


texts: Keeping two conch shells ( shankha) at home not allowed?

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I have heard people saying that the shankh - conch, which is used for blowing shouldn't be used for worshipping any deities via Abhishekam (especially God Vishnu) or, in any other way, and vice-versa.
Is there any scriptural truth to this?
If yes, then furthermore, I have heard one shouldn't keep two conch at home, since it create some kind of ritual deadlock or some ashubh yoga.
Now, if one can't keep two conch shells at home and also can't use the same conch for blowing and worshipping, then that itself creates a paradox.
What are the prescribed correct rules on these issues?


texts: What causes eternal soul to get embodied into a body and come into material world at all?

texts:
Soul is eternal and either part of God(Madhava) or Brahma itself(Advaita).why it comes to this world?
According to Christians -original sin and apple story.
But according to Hinduism- Avidya or ignorance?why and how this Avidya comes to omniscient,omnipotent,eternal soul?

Your answer would be highly appreciated regarding Avidya.


texts: Does god know our thoughts? and is it a sin to have lustful thoughts?

texts: As far as I know,lusting is one of the biggest sin a person can commit.


texts: What scriptures' verses can help me understand and achieve wisdom in Hinduism?

texts:
I'm doing some research on "wisdom" and "ignorance" themes through religions and cultures. I recently made an approach on Plato's Socratian point of view about wisdom and piety.

Are there some guidelines in Hinduism on how to achieve wisdom?
And, which verses could help me in understanding the conception of "wisdom" in Hinduism?


texts: Who is this King Bhavya who lived on the banks of Indus?

texts:
Rig Veda Book 1 Hymn 126 is dedicated to a king who has given a lot of gifts to a certain Kakshivan in a sacrifice:

  1 WITH wisdom I present these lively praises of Bhāvya dweller on the bank of Sindhu;
  For he, unconquered King, desiring glory, hath furnished me a thousand sacrifices.

  2 A hundred necklets from the King, beseeching, a hundred gift-steeds I at once accepted;
  Of the lord's cows a thousand, I Kakṣīvān. His deathless glory hath he spread to heaven.

  3 Horses of dusky colour stood beside me, ten chariots, Svanaya's gift, with mares to draw them.
  Kine numbering sixty thousand followed after. Kakṣīvān gained them when the days were closing.

  4 Forty bay horses of the ten cars' master before a thousand lead the long procession.
  Reeling in joy Kakṣīvān's sons and Pajra's have grounded the coursers decked with pearly trappings.

  5 An earlier gift for you have I accepted eight cows, good milkers, and three harnessed horses,
  Pajras, who with your wains with your great kinsman, like troops of subjects, have been fain for glory.

I want to know if there are more details or any other stories about this king who lived on the banks of the Indus in any commentary or any other scripture?


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Will anyone please tell me the origin of Kali Maa?
What is the relation between Shiva and Parvati?


texts: What is Paramahamsa Vishwananda's stance on homosexuality?

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Paramahamsa Vishwananda, the founding acharya of the Vaishnava organisation Bhakti Marga and considered an reincarnation of Paramahamsa Yogananda. Initiated in Sri Vaishnavism, he is known to not shy away from adopting customs of other Vaishnavite Sampradayas. In fact, he is one of the rarest Sri Vaishnava acharyas that worship Shiva. As He is notable for taking liberal stances on controversial issues (and as a result, is considered very controversial to the Polish media).

However, there have been sexual allegations by his male ex-disciples on him. Now, since he keeps liberal views on issues including on sex, what is Paramahamsa Vishwananda's view of homosexuality?


texts: What is Ravana gita, is it ever mentioned in any puran?

texts: I have heard of Ravana gita many times in which purana is it mentioned and please give the verses too.


texts: Life on other planets in our solar system

texts: Do Hindu scriptures mention anything about life on other planets of our solar system?


texts:
It is known that khechari mudra is related to higher yogic practice.

But is there a hand mudra called khechari as well apart with the actual mudra?


texts:
Madal is an ancient Indian practice where a lovesick person rejected by their beloved would go around riding on a fake horse made of palmyra stems badmouthing their beloved, in an effort to embarass them into marrying them. The Periya Thirumadal and Siriya Thirumadal are two devotional poems by the Alwar Thirumangai Alwar in praise of Vishnu. In these poems Thirumangai Alwar (a man) pretends to be a woman who was rejected by the man she loves, Vishnu, and who threatens to engage in Madal against Vishnu.

Now near the beginning of the Siriya Thirumadal, Thirumangai Alwar describes how old women advised the lovesick woman to turn to a fortune teller:

  ārāṉum mūtaṟiyum ammaṉaimār
  colluvār: pārōr colappaṭum kaṭṭuppaṭuttirēl

  Some old woman familiar with the happenings of the past said, “There is a practice among the people called fortune-telling.”

Here is what the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Periyavachan Pillai says about the part in bold in his commentary on the Siriya Thirumadal:

  intraṉ paṭikaḷirukkumpaṭiyeṉ eṉṟu orutti oruttiyaik kēṭka toṇṇūṟṟeṭṭu intrātikaḷai sēvittēṉ, intraṉpaṭi kēṭkiṟāy, vēṇumākil colkiṟēṉ eṉṟāḷiṟē. Appaṭiyē paḻaiyarāy, nōykaḷumaṟintu, nōykku nitāṉamumaṟintu parihāramum paṇṇuvittup pōrum mūtaṟivāṭṭikaḷ collukiṟārkaḷ.

  A certain woman asked another woman, “Do you know what Indra looks like?”  She said “I have seen 98 Indras, and you’re asking me whether I know what Indra looks like?  If you want to know, I’ll tell you.”. Old women similar to that, knowing the ailments of a woman’s heart, knowing the causes of those ailments, as well as the treatments to be done for them, said this.

My question is, who is this woman who saw 98 Indras?

For those who don’t know, Indra, like other Devas, is a position filled by different Jivatmas in different ages.  One Indra serves for one Manvantara, and there are 14 Manvantaras in a Kalpa.  So that means that that this woman was alive for 7 Kalpas!  Clearly this is no ordinary woman, since Bhuloka itself is destroyed at the end of every Kalpa.  So does anyone know what scriptures mention her and/or describe her story?


texts: What is the etymology of the word Satagopuram

texts: I would like to know the etymology of the word 'sata-gopuram' (the 'chadari' placed on the head) with respect to the prefix 'sata' (or 'chada')


texts: Confusion with duty ethics as instructed by Lord Krishna

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I am very much confused by the karma rule, it is said that "If you are doing your duty, you won't get any sin", but how can a terrorist, a smuggler, a rapist doing all negative activities, according to his nature does not do any sin?
For example, if a terrorist blast a bomb killing hundreds of people, although he is performing his duty as a best terrorist is not a sin? Hitler Killing Jews thinking his duty is not a sin?
I don't understand what lord Krishna wanted to say by this statement, anyone who understands its true meaning is requested to share his wisdom...
EDIT 1:
I believe strongly in the down mentioned list and therefore no answer is found convincing:

Whatever lord had said must be beyond time, i.e. should not depend on time for example law of land which depends on time and changes as the power/control changes cannot be the reason, as it varies from one king to another king, therefore this can't be the answer

It must be universal, which means should be applicable to everyone, not a specific person, and exclude specific persons... As in Bhagavad Gita, whenever Lord wanted to be specific he clearly mentioned like kings...brahmans...worriers...etc and other things he had not mentioned should be a universal truth.

I believe Lord had spoken these great words (words of Bhagavad Gita) not only for Arjuna but for all human beings in the universe.

Many scripture text were lost and many scriptures were molded, Since the almighty knows everything and was also beyond the time, he would also not refer to something which is temporary and will be destroyed with time.

Surprisingly No one was able to mold Bhagavad Gita!!!


texts: Who was the first to die in the battle of the Mahabharata?

texts: I have heard somebody mention a sacrifice that was made before the Mahabharata battle began. Please share any information available.


texts: Does scripture say that widows are inauspicious?

texts: Among other things, I understand that a widow is not allowed to give her son/daughter away in marriage, only a husband-wife couple can do so.


texts: Did Sri Chaitanyadev ever convert any Muslim to a Vaishnava?

texts:
Sri Chaitanyadev appeared at a time when the country was under the Islamic rule.

Did Sri Chaitanyadev ever convert any Muslim to Vaishnava?

Looking for answer citing biography of Chaitanya.


texts: Is Manu Smriti just about Bramhin Previlage?

texts:
An Anti Hindu from this website 1 lists problems with Manu Smriti

Brahmins teach that God created them from his mouth to glorify them
and created some other castes from his feet to let them serve the
Brahmins  Laws of Manu Chapter 1
Brahmins urge simple people to donate and offer generous gifts to the
Brahmins claiming that people will get hundred-thousand-fold rewards
– Laws of Manu Chapter 7
An offering to Brahmins saves from misfortune and from great guilt. –
Laws of Manu Chapter 3
Brahmin sanctifies any company (which he may enter), seven ancestors
and seven descendants, and he alone deserves (to possess) this whole
earth – Laws of Manu Chapter 1
Chapter 7 teaches that Kings should honor Brahmins, should be lenient
towards Brahmins, and should consult them in important decisions and
should always obey them
Hindu priests teach that money given to Brahmins is declared to be an
imperishable treasure for kings
Chapter 8 teaches that Brahmins are the masters of everything and
authorizes Brahmins to decide in justice and law matters
Chapter 9 provides exceptional inheritance rights to Brahmins
Chapter 11 entitles Brahmins to take the law into their own hands and
settle the disputes without referring to law and justice system of
other castes
Brahmin is the image of God and is the master of all castes – Laws of
Manu Chapter 2 and 10
Is all this true ? Are there any valid refutations to his points??


texts: Why did Lord Rama strike from behind to kill Vaali?

texts:
According to the Ramayana, when Sugriva approached Lord Rama for help in taking his kingdom and wife back from his monstrous brother Vaali, Lord Rama helped him by killing Vaali from behind without his knowing, while the combat between him and Sugriva was going on.

My question is: Why did Lord Rama strike Vaali from behind? Why didn't he face him directly and challenge him to combat?


texts: What portion of his earnings should a son contribute to support his parents?

texts:
Questions:

According to Hindu scripture or shastras, what portion of his earnings should a son contribute, to the parents or family?
Does this amount vary if the son is married vs. unmarried?


texts:
What is a minister or pastor in Hinduism called?
Are there support groups or someone I can meet with?


texts: Which scripture mention about sexual relationships in heavenly lokas?

texts:
According to some quora answer-

The phenomenon of urdhwa reta When one reaches to this state, Vital
energy has enormous potential energy. It rises up like steam does and
reaches his ajna chakra or the point between his eyebrows. This is
called ojas state. [ojas = radiant life energy] . The sperms in such
people flow upwards till Agya-Chakra and then are directed towards the
female ovary.
The phenomenon of Manas-praveti These people from
Sidha-loka and in the higher realm don’t need physical sex to beget a
child. They can do it by the strength of mind

Which scripture mention about above things?


texts: Is Vedic Vishnu the same as Puranic Vishnu?

texts:
Are there any references in the Vedas which suggest that the Vishnu, as described by the Puranas is the same as that of the Vedic?

Because in some places Vishnu is referred as one among the Adityas (sun-gods)


texts: How can we calculate the nakshatra starting time?

texts:
I have calculated the Nakshatra number and end time of Nakshatra.
I want to find the Nakshatra starting time for calculating the duration of the nakshatra.
Please help me to find nakshatra duration or nakshatra starting time.


texts: Were the sons of Draupadi incarnations of Vishwedevas?

texts:
Mahabharat Sambhav Parva Section LXVII mentions that the five sons of Draupadi from the Pandavs were actually rebirths of Vishwas.

  And, O bull in Bharata's race, they who became the five sons of Draupadi, those bulls amongst the Bharata princes, were the celestials known as the Viswas. Their names were Pritivindhya, Sutasoma, Srutakirti, Satanika, Nakula, and Srutasena, endued with mighty energy.

I want to know if these Vishwas are the same as the Vishwedevas? Also since Draupadi had five sons (one with each Pandava), why are there 6 of these celestials mentioned?


texts: Which is the saraswati rahasya upanishad among the given two?

texts:
I came across two texts:

The first one
The second one

Yet they both say that they're saraswati rahasya upanishad, and they're slightly  different. Which one is the correct one or are they different sources? (If possible please give link to a translated version of the second one as well, or perhaps the translation of the untranslated part if anyone knows sanskrit
)

P.S: Also, if anyone could tell me what lines like these mean to say:   Of this mantra (chodayitri), Madhucchandas is the seer; Gayatri, the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; BLUM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra. , It'd be really  helpful. I may not get it fully but a bit of hint if possible.


texts: What are the main differences between different subsects of shaivism?

texts:
Please explain main differences between major shaivites sub-sects like
 Pashupata Shaivism, Kashmir Shaivism, Shiva Shiddhanta ,  Lingayata etc ?