texts: What happened to wives of Lord Krishna after he left?

texts: Lord Krishna has many wifes excluding Radha or Rukumini (i assume both are same), this question says about what happens to Radha after Lord Krishna. but What happened to other wives of Lord Krishna after he left?


texts: Were so-called "mlecchas" sacrificed to the Gods?

texts:
https://archive.org/stream/ShivaPurana/Bhavishya%20Purana_djvu.txt

Suta Goswami said: Once upon a time in Plastinapura, Pradyota the son of Kshemaka was leading an assembly and meanwhile the great sage Narada arrived there. King Pradyota happily honored him. Plaving him seated on the seat the sage told king Pradyota, "Your father was killed by the mlecchas, therefore he attained Yamaloka or the hellish planet. If you perform a = mleccha-yajna‘, then by the effect of this sacrifice your father will attain the heavenly planets."
Flearing this king Pradyota immediately called the best of the learned Brahmanasand
started = mleccha-yajna‘ in Kuruksetra. They built a yajna-kunda which was 16 yojanas in
square (128 miles). They meditated on the demigods and offered oblations of mlecchas.
There are haras, hunas, barvaras, gurundas, sakas, khasas, yavanas, pallavas,romajas
and those who are situated in different dvipas and in kamaru, china and the middle ofthe
ocean; all of them were called with the mantra and burnt to ashes. Then he (the king)
gave dakshina (donation) to the brahmanas and performed abhiseka. As a result his
father Kshemaka went to the heavenly planets. After that he became famous everywhere
as a mleccha-hanta or destroyer of mlecchas.

Is this considered authentic?
Does any other scripture talk about sacrificing "Mlecchas"?
Whatever maybe said of "Mlecchas" - scripture has never denied that they are human.  So, if genuine, this is a clear statement that human sacrifice was part of Hinduism.


texts: Can a lady undergoing menstruation period do yoga?

texts:
I heard that a lady undergoing menstruation should not do yoga.

My doubt is can a lady during her menstruation do yoga or not?
If no then after how many days she can be able to do yoga?
If yes, then what type of asanas she can do?
Is it explicitly mentioned anywhere?


texts: Is it true that Jivan Mukta has capability to nullify his/her karma?

texts:
I am asking the question for all sects that do believe in Jivan Muktha especially Advaita.
According to Advaita, a jivan muktha is also a Brahman.
So, it is clear that she can nullify her karma. Am I correct?
If yes, why do Jivan Muktas generally undergo prarabda instead of nullification?


texts: What supernatural things have happened in Hinduism?

texts: What miracles or other supernatural concepts have happened in Hinduism?


texts: What is the relation between Akasha(आकाश) and Kālá(काल) in Advaita Vedanta?

texts: What is the exact nature of their relationship? Does one arise from the other? I have an operational hypothesis that Kālá is an emanation of Akasha - unfortunately, my hunt to gain clarity on the exact mechanisms is still very much a work in progress (in that it is inarticulate).


texts: Wolves appear often in religion, with many wandering, houseless people/deities having wolves as companions Why, then, are there no domesticated dogs?

texts: Wolves are commonly mentioned in religion, appearing as beloved companions of many deities. Domesticated dogs, who are known as Man's best friend have no representatives on the other hand. I find this to be one of the greatest mysteries in religion, as whatever the reason, it is going to be a grand revelation.


texts: What are the teachings of Sri Gorakhnath?

texts:
Gorakhnath is a famous yogi from the Nath sampradaya. He is also known as Goraksha natha.

What were his main teachings?

And, besides the Goraksha Samhita, what are the other main works by him?


texts:
What is the difference between Devata, Upadevata and Apadevata?

We have come across these terms several times and each is referred to the same entity consciously or not consciously. People use the terms in daily conversation replacing one with the other. But there is a difference, if not subtle.


texts: I have read earlier that Lord Hanuman will be the next Brahma, Demon king Bali will be next Indra. So mostly the God names that we know are kind of titles or designation which belong to different people at different times. So, are there any other people that we know will hold a God title in future, like who will be next Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva.


texts: Where in scriptures is found the story of Lord Shiva punishing one crore Gods and Goddesses?

texts:
Lord Shiva was on his way to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses. He asked all of them to wake up before sunrise the following day, before taking a night's rest in Unakoti, Tripura. But in the morning, no one except Shiva woke up. This made him furious and he set out for Kashi on his own, cursing the others to become stone images.(I read from this)

In which Purana or scriptures it is written? Did those gods and goddesses never get life again?


texts: Why Krishna advised Arjun to worship other Devas and attain powers?

texts:
In Bhagwadgita, Krishna said to Arjun that if one worships other Devas, he will go to their Loka but who worships and surrenders unto him, will get united with him.

But when I read Mahabharat, I found that Krishna advised Arjun to please Siva for Pasupatastra. Similarly, Krishna advised Arjun to take blessings of Goddess before Mahabharat war.

I am a bit confused on this. When Krishna was himself with Arjun, why he needed Pasupatastra and other Astras from other Devas?


texts: What is the difference between Vishnu and Mahavishnu?

texts: In Vedas, we find the name of the Vedic God, Vishnu. However, in Puranas, the genealogies of Kings and Sages trace back to Mahavishnu. From Mahavishnu, Brahma was created. Then, Brahma created his Manasaputras. Most probably, they were 10 in numbers. From them, mankind was created. Now, are Vishnu and Mahavishnu indicate the same thing? If they are the same, what is the point of having two different names?


texts: What is the significance of Gayathri Mantra? On what occasions is this Mantra used? Also, what is the meaning of the Gayathri Mantra? Will be grateful for an explanation.


texts: Did the Pandavas ever consider spending Agyatavasa in Dwaraka?

texts:
Krishna had helped the Pandavas in almost every step. So why didn't the  Pandavas spend their agyatavasa in Dwaraka? The Pandavas had spent their agyatavasa in Virata's kingdom, and led a miserable life.  Did Krishna not allow them to spend their year in Dwaraka, or did they not even consider it?

Does Hindu scripture ever mention the Pandavas considering going to Dwaraka for that year?


texts:
Ravana was said to be a staunch  devotee of Lord Shiva.And it is said that  Ravana obtained some boons from Lord Shiva, after doing a lot of penances.
What are the boons given to Ravana by Lord Shiva?


texts: Who were the parents of Bhumi Devi(Prithvi)?

texts: Who were the parents of Bhumi Devi,the Goddess of Earth? (If any) Can someone say in which purana her origin is mentioned?


texts:
Popularly belief is that SriRamnanujacharya is the avatara (incarnation) of Sankarshana/Balarama/Lakshmana/Adisesha.

The question is whose avatara is Sri Ramanujacharya and is there any specific references in puranas and any other texts written before 15th century?


texts: How is Queen Sumati, the younger wife of King Sagara of Ikshwaku dynasty related to Suparna a.k.a Garuda?

texts:
Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Khanda says, that King sagara of Ikshwaku dynasty had two wives. The elder wife of King Sagara is referred as Kesini, daughter of King of Vidarbha . Asamanja, was born to her. Asamanja's son was Anshuman. Asamanja was banished from the kingdom by his father King Sagara, as Asamanja used to indulge in otracious act of throwing little children into waters of sarayu and see them struggle and die.

The younger wife of King Sagara is named Sumati. She is referred as daughter of Sage Kashyapa( Aristanemi).

Valmiki Ramayana further says , this Sumati is verily the sister of Suparna or Garuda, the celestial carrier of Lord Vishnu.

Sumati gave birth to 60000 valiant sons who were later burnt to ashes by the great sage Kapila (Avatara of Lord Vishnu), when they went in search of the sacrificial horse to the lower worlds. Bhagaritha brought ganga for emancipation of these 60000 dead sons of Sumati.

We have heard and many know that Garuda was born to Sage Kashyapa prajapati and Vinata. Another son born to them was Anoora or Arunaa?, the elder brother of Garuda.

So, the question is "Was Sumati the daughter of Vinata?(the divine mother of Garuda)"

Are there any scriptural references which say that Sumati was daughter of Vinata and Kashyapa?

Otherwise, Why is Sumati referred as sister of Garuda in Valmiki Ramayana?


texts:
Do scriptures mention Vyasa as a Brahmin?
What are those specific verses in which he has been described as a Brahmin?


texts: Who is the wife of Prabhas & the mother of Vishwakarma?

texts:
The Harivamsha states that Brihaspati’s sister was a beautiful lady who became the wife of the eighth Vasu, Prabhas & Vishvakarma was born from her!

  Brihaspati’s sister was a beautiful lady who practised brahmacharya. She became successful through yoga and roamed around the entire universe, bereft of attachment. She became the wife of the eighth Vasu, Prabhasa. The immensely fortunate Prajapati Vishvakarma was born from her.

Remembering another story, Prabhas was also the Vasu who got cursed by Vasishth to be born on earth because of his wife's insistence on him stealing the Brahmarishi's cow so this lady could be the one behind that prank.

So my question is - Who is this lady & is she really the mother of Vishwakarma?


texts:
Vaishanivsm has categorized Bhakti into nine groups:

  “Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoo:
  Smaranam Pada Sevanam
  Archanam Vandhanam Dhasyam
  Sakhyam Athma Nivedhanam”

They are:

1.Sravanam – Listen

2.Keerthanam – Sing

3.Smaranam – Think over / Always Remember

4.Pada Sevanam – Surrender the Lotus Feet

5.Archanam – Worship

6.Vandanam – Pray

7.Daasyam – Execute Orders / Dutiful

8.Sakhyam – Friendly

9.Athma Nivedhanam – Completely Surrender

My question is, Has any Acharya illustrated with slokas for the 9 steps of bhakthi and if slokas are available,  what are they?


texts: In Manusmriti, Brahma and Narayana are mentioned. But i didn't found mention of Lord Shiva. Is he also mentioned there?


texts: Are there any known fantasy works in Hinduism Literature?

texts:
We see today that there are many authors who write novels which contain fantasies (imaginary stories). I haven't really heard of such thing's in past.

If people can imagine now then why can't in the past? This thinking also takes me wonder if the Puranas (stories about Gods and Vedas) are actually saying the real things or they are fiction based novels.

Please don't consider me an atheist, I am a true believer of God but this is a confusion I am having. If there were known novels/fantasies then may be we can decide by comparing the writing style, story telling style, or event description, etc with that of religious texts.

If the reply is that similar stories being covered in many books so it should be true and not fantasy, then that can be also be true in case of novels. For example, there was a famous novel series Chandrakanta Santati and upon it's success many other series were made by other writers by taking the same theme and mostly the same characters as well.


texts: What is the significance of PAsha and Ankusha?

texts:
What is the importance PAsha and Ankusha in Devi's hands?
I didn't see these in Sri Parvathi's hands, as Sri Parvathi either holding Kumara in one hand and Lotus in another hand, when along with Mahadeva
OR
 in the SwayavaraParvathi sankalpa (only holding Maala in front of Mahadeva).

I saw in Srividya krama, Goddess with Pasha, Ankusha.

Why Sri Parvathi is not having Pasha and Ankusha?

if I meditate Devi with Pasha and Ankusha, whats the benefit am going to get


texts: How to determine a day for Vratha or a festival when a Nakshatra is shared between days?

texts:
Recently on a Sathsang, I understood the values of Ekadasi Vratha, explained by a scholar. He explained the power of Ekadasi in various pakshas - Krishna paksha and Shukla paksha.

When I tried to follow the Vratha, I was stuck at a point. In the calendar (or in Panchang), it was mentioned as Ekadasi starts at 12:15 PM on Monday and ends at 11 PM on Tuesday (this is just an example).

Since this auspicious Vratha is shared by both days, when can one follow the Vratha?

Considerations:

Ekadasi is Vratha day, on which the people must chant Namas in the night time without sleeping.
The whole day, people must try to avoid drinking water, eating food and sleeping.
The next day will be practiced as Dhwathasi Vratha and early in the morning, the Vratha has to be completed with a Sathviga food such as raw rice food or fruits etc.

Now if one follows the Vratha on Monday since Monday night has the Ekadasi thithi, when can he start the Vratha and how can he end the Vratha in next day morning? Because Ekadasi extends up to 11 PM, and if he ends the Vratha at early morning it will not be Dhwathasi.

Else if he follows the Vratha on Tuesday, the Ekadasi period Vratha will be a very short time i.e. until 11 PM.

What is the general practice in this situation?


texts: Men are treated as god for women or both treated as same according to hinduism?

texts:
I have listened to both of them true. but I want to know what the Hindu scriptures say about it.

Is there any scripture says that men are equivalent to god for women?

and

Is there any scripture says that men and women are treated as equal?


texts: Who was the sadhu from whom Tenali rama received the mantra?

texts:
Tenaliramans story is 5-6 century year old and he got blessings of maa-kaali. In dattatreya tantra, Shiva said that no mantras will work in kaliyuga except those which He mentioned in this work.

However, my question is about a sadhu who gave Tenali the mantra. Who was he? And I need some scriptural evidences of Tenaliraman which are somewhat rare ones.


texts: How is the Antim Sanskar of unmarried hindu Women done?

texts: What is the procedure of Antim Sanskar when a unmarried women dies? Does she dress like a bride? Who gives the agni to her pyre?


texts: What is relation of Lord shiva/RUDRA with storms?

texts: The rig veda 2:33:1 discribes Lord shiva father of maruts and maruts are considered storm gods?so is it beacuse lord shiva is father of maruts he is considered as head of storms god?


texts: Why did moha (disillusion) arise in Arjuna only before the Kurukshetra war in Mahabharata but not the previous battles?

texts:
Why did moha (disillusion) arise in Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata, why didn't the same thing (disillusion) happen to him when Duryodhana & co. attacked King Virata during the agyatvasa of Pandavas?

On that occasion, Arjuna and other Pandavas fought with all and even won the battle. So what's the reason for not getting disillusioned during the agyatvasa war?


texts: Did Bhishma knew about past, present and future?

texts:
Did Bhishma knew about the events happening in the universe all the time?
If yes, how did he get that power?


texts: Which scriptures did rakshasa use to study?

texts: What did the rakshasa use to study? Did they also have some kind of their own Veda? What did Ravana use to study?


texts: How are the lunar race and solar race originated?

texts: The solar race and lunar race story is popular among all puranas the solar race contains lord Rama and lunar race on other side lord Krishna . Is here someone who can describe the both side story, their kingdoms etc.


texts: Does SB 1.8.5 say something about the (short) lifespan of the present generation or is it just the author's impression?

texts:
From the translation and explanation of Srīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.8.5 here:

  The clever Duryodhana and his party cunningly usurped the kingdom of Yudhiṣṭhira, who had no enemy. By the grace of the Lord, the recovery was executed, and the unscrupulous kings who joined with Duryodhana were killed by Him. Others also died, their duration of life having decreased for their rough handling of the hair of Queen Draupadī.

  Purport:
  In the glorious days, or before the advent of the Age of Kali, the brāhmaṇas, the cows, the women, the children and the old men were properly given protection....The killing of the above-mentioned innocent creatures is totally forbidden because even by insulting them one loses one’s duration of life.  In the Age of Kali they are not properly protected, and therefore the duration of life of the present generation has shortened considerably.

I believe the author here has incorrectly extrapolated the specific case, that of a few miscreants' rough handling of Draupadi, and applied it to the entire humanity in Kaliyuga. He's hinting that the primary reason, life expectancy of present generation is considerably less than previous Yugas is because no person currently does a good job of protecting those five beings [brāhmaṇas, cows, women, children and old men] or is he correct in his interpretation?

Few answers that attest to longer life-spans of characters from earlier Yugas can be found here:

Ages of Ramayana's characters
What was the age of all Pandavas during the Mahabharata war?


texts: I have heard that Goddess Manasa lived in Bengal. Is this true or false?


texts: Does progeny born out of varNa-SaMkara (intermixing of classes) also derive gotra from father?

texts:
There was an episode where SatyakAma Jabala of unknown lineage was accepted as a disciple. Similarly, the recent, there happened another incident where King Prasenadi from the lineage of shAkhya was convinced by revered Gautam Buddha to accept his son as shAkhya only when the later was found to be conceived by a woman of 4th class unknowingly. These two episodes are dealt with in this article names The Buddha was every inch a Hindu

He predicted the coming of a future awakened leader like himself, the
Maitreya (“the one practicing friendship/charity”), and specified that
he would be born in a Brahmin family. When King Prasenadi discovered
that his wife was not a Shakya princess but the daughter of the Shakya
ruler by a maid-servant, he repudiated her and their son; but his
friend the Buddha made him take them back.
Did he achieve this by saying that birth is unimportant, that “caste
is bad” or that “caste doesn’t matter”, as the Ambedkarites claim? No,
he reminded the king of the old view (then apparently in the process
of being replaced with a stricter view) that caste was passed on
exclusively in the paternal line. Among hybrids of horses and donkeys,
the progeny of a horse stallion and a donkey mare whinnies, like its
father, while the progeny of a donkey stallion and a horse mare brays,
also like its father. So, in the oldest Upanishad, Satyakama Jabala is
accepted by his Brahmin-only teacher because his father is deduced to
be a Brahmin, regardless of his mother being a maid-servant. And
similarly, King Prasenadi should accept his son as a Kshatriya, even
though his mother was not a full-blooded Shakya Kshatriya.

So what this article is saying is progeny invariably derive its gotra from its father lineage irrespective of the fact varNaSaMkara happened or not which was supported by Buddha.
Is this claim supported or deduced by scriptures? This question indirectly asking - what gotra to assign to the progeny born out of intermixing of classes?


texts:
Niradri Bije is a Post Ritual of Jagannath Rath Yatra .What is the mythological Significance of this ritual and how is it celebrated ?
What is the Story behind Niradri Bije ?


texts: Why is "Chandra" added in the name of Lord Rama?

texts:
Why is "Chandra" added to the name of Lord Rama even though he is from the "Suryavanshi" (solar) clan? Also, this title was not added to any of his brothers or his father - only to Rama himself.

What is the reason we add "Chandra" to Lord Rama's name to get Lord Rama Chandra?

FYI - We had a discussion about this with one of my friends and he said Chandra (the moon) asked Rama to add it, but I really don't know the story behind this nor did he.

Let me know if anyone has any references or stories for this.


texts: The Mysterious Origin of the Divine Sanskrit Language

texts:
Sanskrit has been termed as "Language of the Gods".  Its versatility and power have even been extolled by the modern scholars of linguistics.  Sri Panini helped to codify the classical form of Sanskrit.  Prior to him, the Vedas were composed in an older form of Sanskrit (Vedic Sanskrit) which is different from classical Sanskrit.  Vedic Sanskrit is also more difficult to decipher than classical Sanskrit.  The modern scholars of languages are trying to understand the origin of Sanskrit; there are still many gaps in their current knowledge base.

Have our Hindu Acharyas and/or scriptures spoken about the origin of this mysterious "Language of the Gods"?
Was Sanskrit an "eternal language" which our ancient Rishis "discovered" during their deep meditational states of consciousness?


texts: evidence slokas for 3 divisions of the universe

texts: I'm looking for the evidence slokas that the whole universe in the brahmandara are divided 3 parts, upper world where devatas and pious people live, middle world: bhumandala, and underground world where the asuras live.


texts: What is the "dhyan" of laghu shodashi mantra?

texts: I am looking for dhyan of laghu shodashi mantra which I am not able to find in texts that I have. Please help.


texts: To which kingdoms did kings supporting Duryodhan belong?

texts:
Section 2 of the Shalya Parva of Mahabharat mentions the kings whose support Duryodhan had in the great war:

  This wide earth is as much ours as it is of Pritha's son. Bhagadatta and Kripa and Shalya and the two princes of Avanti and Jayadratha and Bhurishrava and Sala and Somadatta and Bahlika and Ashvatthama and the chief of the Bhojas and the mighty prince of Magadha and Vrihadvala and the ruler of the Kasi and Shakuni the son of Subala and many thousands of Mlecchas and Sakas and Yavanas, and Sudakshina the ruler of the Kambojas and the king of the Trigartas and the grandsire Bhishma and Bharadwaja's son and Gotama's son (Kripa) and Srutayush and Ayutayush and Satayush of great energy, and Jalasandha and Rishyasringa's son and the Rakshasa Alayudha, and the mighty-armed Alambusa and the great car-warrior Subala--these and numerous other kings, O best of monarchs, have taken up arms for my sake, prepared to cast away their very lives in great battle, stationed on the field amidst these, and surrounded by my brothers, I will fight against all the Parthas and the Pancalas and the Cedis, O tiger among kings, and the sons of Draupadi and Satyaki and Kunti-Bhoja and the rakshasa Ghatotkaca.

Do we have more details about the kings mentioned by Duryodhan and their respective kingdoms (with geographical location)? I am not interested in a complete list of kings that fought the war just the ones who supported Duryodhan.


texts: Is Consiouness Eternal? Does it remain even after death (When we don't have a body?) If yes how can it be known?

texts:
Yajnavalkya says in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.4.12 " The self comes out as a separate entity from these elements, and this separateness is destroyed with them. After attaining this oneness it has no more consciousness "
But Nirvana Shatkam says Consciousness is Eternal (Indirectly) and other Mahavakyas like Aitareya Upanishad 3.3 say Brahman is Consciousness. Is there a contradiction or fault in my understanding? Can anyone explain in detail?
Note : This question is not the duplicate of How can Brahman/consciousness be all pervading including living and non living things?


texts:
Is there any qualification required to read the puranas.
can you please quote from hindu scriptures to prove your point.


texts: How was the relationship between Ashwatthama and Arjuna?

texts:
Arjuna was the most favorite student of Dronacharya. Did Ashwatthama had the same type of relationship with Arjuna or was favorable to Kauravas and Duryodhana? I heard both versions. What does the Vyasa Mahabharata say about this?

Feel free to quote translations of MB in regional texts but not interpolations and baseless folklores.


texts: Why Rama is not depicted as Ajanubahu(आजानुबाहु) in idol/pictures?

texts:
In the famous Ram Raksha Stotra(श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रम्), in of the place while describing the charecteristics of Lord Rama, it is mentioned as follows:

  ध्यायेदाजानुबाहुं धृतशरधनुषं बद्धपद्‌मासनस्थं

And the meaning for above is

  May he be meditated upon, who has arms reaching his knees, who is
  holding a bow and arrows, who is seated in a lotus pose

Also, in the Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayan, below is the description of Lord Rama

  आजानु बाहुः सुशिराः सुललाटः सुविक्रमः

So, Rama is described as Ajanubahu(आजानुबाहु) which means "One whose arms are long enough to reach his knees" in Rama Raksha as well as Valmiki Ramayan.

But I do came across many images of Rama in day-to-day life (in religious places, during religious festivals etc.) but in those images, Rama does not quite appears
Ajanubahu(आजानुबाहु).

Below are some images that I found on internet.

Is this intentional? Or these image-creators does not paid much attention to the fact that how Rama really was and missed this important characteristic of his?

Why Rama is not depicted as Ajanubahu(आजानुबाहु)?


texts: Symbol's Meaning on Lord Vishnu's Lotus feet?

texts:
There are different symbols present on Lord Vishnu's Lotus Feet, I found from Internet,But my question is that what they represent and Is there any evidence in Scripture and Is there any meaning behind this symbols.?

Thanks


texts: Does Śhāstras say that a Vedic Brāhmiṇa is worse than a Śhruti knowing chāṇḍāla?

texts:
As per a comment in this question,

A Vedic Brāhmiṇa is worse than a chāṇḍāla/achût, who knows "real Śhruti".

Here's a screenshot of the comment, just in case:

So, which scriptures say that a Vedic Brāhmiṇa is worse than a chāṇḍāla/Achût, who knows the real Śhruti ?
Is there any scriptural truth to this comment?
And, is there something called as Real Śhruti and Fake Śhruti?


texts: What are the positions of planets at the beginning of every Yuga (age)?

texts: How to find all planetary positions on starting of every Yuga?


texts: In which caste was Lord Krishna born into?

texts:
What is the caste that Lord Sri Krishna was born into? Was it kshatriya (warrior) or Yadava (shepherd)? People from the yadava community claim that Sri Krishna is a Yadava and was born into their caste.

Is Lord Krishna a Kshatriya or a Yadava or is he born into a kshatriya dynasty named Yadavas?


texts: if I attain turiya state, do gods exist on that loka or not? because I do know that turiya is unmanifested state and we're indiffrent from Narayana/Purusha and we're very himself in turiya, and gods didn't exist till purushamedha yajna was performed and purusha was offered as main sacrifice, and from that sacrifice everything including gods came into being.


texts: How do initiates of monastic orders that enjoin lifelong celibacy deal with this requirement?

texts: Monastic orders that enjoin celibacy - do they have spiritual techniques to curb desire?  Have spiritual masters recorded their struggles with desire?


texts: What is the role of pronunciation superiority while chanting Ramraksha or Atharvashirsha?

texts:
What role does superiority in pronunciation play in case of getting benefits of chanting Ramraksha or Atharvashirsha?
If some pronunciations (say 30-40%) get mispronounced due to Sanskrit language then is it the case that chanting Ramraksha or Atharvashirsha is of no use?


texts: Connection between Advaita Vedanta and Gods

texts: As far as I understood, Advaita Vedanta does not require the concept of Trimurti and other gods. Therefore one can reach enlightenment without believing or worshiping any God. But we live in a society where idol worship is very popular. How can I merge the concepts of one god with many gods? What is the point of making it more complex?


texts: What is the relevance of "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah" in Kaliyuga? How is it justified now?

texts: This world is divided on dharma and all are involved in fighting for their respective dharmas. In this fight of dharmas, many people lose their lives, families and sometimes get punished in this world. How does dharma protect these people as per the sloka dharmo rakshati rakshitaha? I understand what shloka means but what is its relevance in this kaliyuga, how is this justified in this yuga.


texts: Is there any evidence that the rAmASTakaM was actually written by vyAsa?

texts: The one I am talking about is this: https://stotranidhi.com/en/rama-ashtakam-in-english/


texts: If the nature of consciousness is permanent how can there be sleep and conflicting emotions?

texts: How can there be dreamless sleep and differing emotions and sensations if consciousness is the self and  is permanent like in Advaita Vedanta and Kashmiri shaivism?


texts: Every time I try to read Bhagwat Gita I feel confused. It feels like I have to follow life with restrictions. Like we can't have the desire, should not think of the result, wrong to have the material desire. Could you tell me how can I understand Gita?


texts: What are the verses in Bhagavad-Gita that support Advaita?

texts: Which verses in Bhagavad-Gita Support Advaitic Doctrine ?


texts: Which verse of taittiriya brAhmana talks of extinguishing agnihotra fire as sinful?

texts:
The book Hindu Dharma (comprised of speeches given by Chandrashekarendra Saraswati) states in this chapter that:

  The Taittiriya Brahmana has it that to extinguish the agnihotra fire
  is to earn the demerit of killing a hero.

I want to know which verse speaks of the above mentioned statement?


texts:
Which is the oldest text that mentions gita other than Mahabharata and purans?
Do shastraes(books) mentions gita excluding religion one.


texts: What are scriptural reference of not getting angry at those who disrespect our religion?

texts:
So basically there are lots of power currently and also they might be present in past too, which actually tries to insult our practice and scriptures, or else they will oppose our bhakti by many ways!
now there are two ways to deal with it, either to stay silent or to react, and my question is specific to reaction part
so

What are the prescribe way to react?
what reactions are valid and what are invalid?
there are no religions which predates hinduism so there might wont be any does and Donts but still there must be some scriptural guidelines about how to react when someone (person or power) goes against Dharma?


texts: Did Vyasa himself name the chapters and Skandas of puranas/itihasas?

texts: Each and every purana and itihasa has some number of parvas /skandas. Further there are many chapters inside every skanda. Did Vyasa himself name each Skanda and each chapter or it is done by later commentators? Did he give verse numbers as well like we see in today works?


texts: Who are the Asuras/Rakshasas Malyavan says Vishnu has slain?

texts:
The Sixth Chapter of the Uttarakanda tells about how the devas, unable to withstand the torture of Malyavan, Mali and Sumali, the three sons of Sukesha, rushed to Lord Shiva and then to Lord Vishnu for protection.
Upon hearing this, Malyavan relates what happened to his brothers. In connection he says this:

Now I know Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Narasimha, Namuchi was killed together by Vishnu and Indra using sea foam, Kalanemi and Samhrada were killed during the Samudra Mathana battle.
But who are Radheya (the son of Radha), Bahumayi(I think this is a description of Radheya), Lokapala, Yamala and Arjuna (who as far as I know are Nalakubara and Manigriva who were freed during Krsnavatara Yugas later), Hardikya (isn't Kritavarma called Hardikya) and Shumbha  and Nishumbha (who were killed by Durga)?
None of these asuras seem to be present prior to Malyavan (and he can't be predicting the future), so are they like some other asuras than those whom I have mentioned in brackets?
Most of all, who is Radheya, the son of Radha (NOT Karna)?


texts: Why Mitra and Varuna devas are also called Rudras In Rig veda book 5 hymn 70?

texts: Mitra and Varuna devas are adityas,which is considered different group from Rudras,While Rig Veda book 5 hymn 70 calls Them Rudras.Is it there a specific Reason or they have compared them  both to Rudras or the verse is addressed To Rudras?


texts:
Did all Rakshasas descend only from Kashyapa or from other sages as well ?

Were Vasishta Agasthya of Rakshasa origin?

What proportion of Rakshasas were evil and what part pious and neutral judging from mythological descriptions ?


texts:
As stated in one of the answer here: There is a variation in the thread count of yajñopavītam. Bachelors wear a single thread, married men wear 2, and married men with children wear 3. Each thread contains 3 strands as well.

The three strands signify three debts:

Debt to one's teacher(s).
Debt to one's parents and ancestors.
Debts to sages and Rishis.

My question is: how to clear off these debts? Is there any other debt not stated here?

Most answers below state that: One can be freed from debt of Pitris by providing a son. What if a person has no son but daughter then he is not freed from this debt or is there an alternative for that? We can take an example of Raja Janak father of Sita, I think he had no son so wasn't he mukt of this debt?

Please cite references from some authentic resources.


texts: Are there sects that explicitly deny caste/varna/jati and do not practice it in real life?

texts: There may be sects that deny caste in their sectarian works but practice it in their real life.  Are there any sects who actual do not practice the caste system?


texts: i am doing a project on Hiddhuism and i am searching for it,but i cannot really understand in what hinduists believe in...Also it would be useful if someone can clarify in what hinduists believe in as far after life is concerned!


texts: Is Sanskrit a normal Language or It is a must to know language to reach god?

texts: Can Sanskrit be simply treated as a language the one which is used for communication or It is a must to know language to reach god.


texts: Does anybody have the complete Sanskrit version of Jayatirtha's Padyamala?

texts:
I have come across the abridged English version of Sri Jayatirtha's Padyamala. It is a Sanskrit Nitya pooja text that is based on Madhwacharya's tantrasara sangrama.

I am looking for its Sanskrit version with a possible English translation if available.


texts: Do we have scriptural reference on Ashta Bhairava incarnations?

texts: Lord Shiva took the avatar of Kala Bhairava to kill the ego of Lord Brahma is the first Bhairava avatar of Shiva. Do we have reference to Ashta Bhairava stories in our texts?


texts: What is the story of Gandharva Pushpadanta?

texts:
The famous Shiva Mahimna Stotra is said to be authored by Gandharva Pushpadanta.

Besides the facts that he was a Gandharva and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, is there any other information available about him?


texts:
It is believed that the presiding deity, of the Ramanathaswamy Temple(in Rameswaram)viz the Lingam of Lord Ramanathaswamy(Lord Shiva), was consecrated by Lord Sri Rama.

It is learnt that in the Ramcharitmanas, poet Goswami Tulsidas  mentions about Rameswaram Shivalinga in great detail.What are the salient features of Rameswaram Shivalinga mentioned in Ramacharitmanas?


texts: What are the Vaishnava sampradAyas that are based on vAmAchara?

texts:
It is less known fact that the vamachara paddhati is also prevalent in vaishnava tradition but not known to common public.

As per the kamakoti website article- Adhikara Bheda:

  It is a misconception that Vamachara is not practiced among the
  Vaishnavas. The ten chief classes of Vaishanavas are: Vaikhanasa,
  Radhavallabha, Gaukulesha, Vrindavani, Pancharatra, Viravaishnava,
  Ramanandi, Harivyasi, Nimbarka and Bhagavata. Among these, Gaukulesha,
  Vrindavani etc are leftist paths.

So what are these vaishnava sects which are linked with vAmAchAra and what are their fundamental principles?


texts: How many years have passed since the start of the current kalpa?

texts:
The name of current kalpa is Swetha Varaha Kalpa.

How many years has been completed till now from the starting point of the Swetha Varaha Kalpa?


texts: Why is Jyotisha or Astrology considered to be the eye of the Vedas

texts:
Why is Jyotisha or Astrology considered to be the "Eye of the Vedas"?

Has this phrase come from any of the vedic scriptures? or when was it first used?

I got to know about this phrase from lots of articles from astrological sites (for example) and one can google the phrase "Jyotish eye of the veda" & its commonly used as such.


texts: After Ashwatthama's massacre, why didn't any of the Pandavs marry another woman, and obtain another child?

texts: After the Kurukshetra War, Ashwatthaman directs the Brahmastra into the wombs of the Pandava women. My question is: Why didn't one of the Pandavas simply marry and get another child? Was there any particular reason there were unable to do so?


texts: It is said that Kali was present in Satyug as Gandharva and in Dwapar as dice, the biggest sinner lived through it all

texts:
Kali did many wrong things in Dwapar Yug and in Satyug and yet he is spared.
The main of starting another yug to start over and eradicate all that is wrong in current yug.
Its almost like he is a Chiranjivi without any vardan. Why is such a sinner not killed yet and was allowed to live through these Yugas
Why was he not killed!


texts: Sandhyavandana and other Vrata timings when outside India

texts:
Sandhavandana normally times normally goes upto 9am in morning and 9pm in evening in India (with prayaschitta arghya). But when outside India, for example in Europe, the sun rise and sun setting times are completely different. Sun comes out at 4am and sets at 9:30pm. Whereas in winter sun comes at 8am and goes down at 4pm.
Similarly for Vratas like Sankatahara Chathurthi it says after moon rise but in summer the moon comes after midnight!

Should the local sun rise/sunset timings be observed or can do with prayaschitta? It not possible/practical to wait for sun rise at 8am in winter.


texts:
I am reading 'The Wonder That Was India' by A.L.Basham. In chapter 1, Introduction the author mentions as a footnote that,

  The ancient Indians knew their sub-continent as Jambudvipa (the continent of the jambu tree).

What was/is the jambu tree, if it is mentioned in any Hindu scriptures and do we still find it in India?


texts:
How puranas are authentic when Puranas have interpolation ?
How can I believe that puranas are authentic when they have interpolations


texts: Till now, I just had an idea like karma is meant but the work you do. But in the comment section of the question http://hinduism.stackexchange.com/questions/9526/asking-questions-against-creation-and-doings-of-god-in-hinduism , it said karma is complex thing to understand. can anyone elaborate what exactly karma means?


texts: Why does only Uppiliappan have "Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja" written on his hand?

texts:
Most people only know about the Venkateshwara form of Vishnu (AKA Balaji or Srinivasa) in connection to the deity of the world-renowned Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati. But that is not the first time that Vishnu has come to earth in his Venkateshwara form. He came earlier as Upilliappan, the deity of the Upilliappan Vishnu Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, in order to marry Bhumadevi, daughter of sage Markandeya, who was an incarnation of Vishnu's wife Lakshmi.  Markandeya was hesitant, since his daughter was so young that she didn't even know how to put salt in her cooking, but Vishnu said that he was willing to eat without salt, for which he came to be known as Upilliappan or the lord without salt.
But my question isn't about the story of Upilliappan, but rather about the statue itself:

As you can see, there is writing on his (lower) right hand.  It says "Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja", which is part of a famous verse of the Bhagavad Gita:

sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja |
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ ||
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

Sri Vaishnavas call this verse the Charama Shloka, and it is one of the Rahasya Traya or three secrets of Sri Vaishnavism, because it explains the path to Moksha known as Saranagati or Prapatti, which involves surrendering to the lotus feet of Vishnu.  Since Upilliappan has a part of the Charama Shloka written on his right hand, pointed toward his feet indicating to devotees where to surrender, he is known as the lord of Saranagati.
But my question is, why does Upilliappan alone have "Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja" written on his hand?  Why don't other Vishnu statues have it?  In particular, why is it that the famous Venkateshwara deity in Tirupati, who also has his right hand pointed toward his feet, does not have the words written on his hand?
Did Upilliappan have the words on his hand when he came to Earth, or were they later written on his hand by humans?  If the latter, when were they written?  As I discuss in this answer, the Vaishnava saint Nammalwar talks in one of his poems about uniting with the lotus feet of Upilliappan.  Is this a result of "Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja" being written on his hand, or were the words written later to reflect the sentiment of Nammalwar's poem?


texts: Does the notion of people being in temporary non-sacred or polluted status exist outside the South?

texts:
Reasons could be things like a death in the family, women having their period.

Does this come from scripture and is it practiced outside the South today?


texts: Does anyone have access to bheedaa panchanga from 'Dashavidyaa Rahasya' of Rudrayaamala Tantra

texts:
Three panchaangas of the 'Dasha vidyaa' part form of the parishishtha of Devi Rahasya by Ramchandra Kak and Harbhatta Shastrii.
Those are
1) Jvaalaamukhi
2) Shaarikaa
3) Mahaarajni
In other material available in printed form
4) Pratyangiraa Panchaanga (Khemraj Press )
A few in manuscript form:
5) Indraakshi
6) Sarasvati
7) Kaali ( Only Patala and Paddhati )
8) Bhuvaneshvari
9) Tripurasundari
(These are different from the regular panchaangas of Dasha Maha Vidyaa)
The tenth name has to be 'Bhiidaa' as explained in Dakshinamurti's Uddhaar Kosha, but nothing is available except the mantra and the dhyaana of Bhiidaa / BheeDaa.

Panchaanga means
1) Patala (The mantra and Yantra)
2) Paddhati ( Pooja paddhati)
3) Kavacham
4) Sahasranaamam
5) Stotram ( Mostly Mantragarbham)

The Mundamaalaa Tantra depicts Dasha 'Maha' Vidyaa as follows
1) Kaali
2) Taaraa
3) Shodashi (Tripurasundari)
4) Bhuvaneshvarii
5) Chhinnamastaa
6) Tripurabhairavii
7) Dhoomaavatii
8) Bagalaamukhii
9) Maatangii
10) Kamalaatmikaa (Lakshmii)

Mantra Mahaarnava and Shaakta Pramod contain all the above 10 panchangas.

Uddhaara Kosha of Dakshinaamoortii included as a parishishtha of Devi Rahasya names the Dasha Vidyaa (not Dasha Maha Vidyaa) as
1) Tripuraa (Tripura Sundari)
2) Shree (Lakshmii)
3) Vaagdevii (Sarasvatii)
4) Taaraa
5) Bhuvaneshvarii
6) Matangii
7) Shaarikaa
8) Rajnii
9) Bhiidaa
10) Jvaalaamukhii

The Dasha Vidyaa Rahasya of the Rudrayaalamala Tantra is not available fully at one place. Taaraa, Maatangii, Lakshmii and Bheedaa panchangas are missing from the 'Dasha Vidyaa Rahasya' and Pratyangiraa, Indrakshii and Kaalii are additional entries.


texts: What is the significance and source of the upper symbol? It is used on ghata at the time of worship and is also drawn on walls in Bengal. I do not know whether it is used in other parts of India.


texts: What is the significance of practicing silence?

texts:
How practice of mounam/silence helps a in spiritual level enhancement of sadhak? What does our vedic texts say about its practice & benefits?

Can we break the silence when truly necessary if not what's the alternative way to reply?


texts:
Who is the deity of the Purusha Suktam according to different schools?

According to Vaishnavism, it is Vishnu:

  The Sukta gives an expression to immanence of radical unity in
  diversity and is therefore, seen as the foundation of the Vaishnava
  thought, Bhedabheda school of philosophy and Bhagavata theology.

Who do Shaivas, Shaktas, etc think this Purusha is?


texts: I've found very many references to "We’re kept from our goal not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal" being from the Bhagavad Gita, but haven't found any references to where in the text. Does anyone have a reference?


texts: Why do people worship Lord Krishna during Holi?

texts: I want to know that why many people worship Shri Krishna during Holi? Is there any reason behind this?


texts: Is it true that all animals and plants could talk in Satya Yug? then why not in Kaliyuga?

texts:
From Ramayana, we can know that there were some characters of monkeys or vanaras, Jambhavan, Hanuman etc associated with Lord Rama's job. Similarly like oceans and mountains, were also able to talk/feel.

Is it true that all animals and plants could talk in Satya Yug?

Then why in kaliyug they are not able to talk?


texts: After-life transmission of spiritual power (Shakthi)

texts:
To avenge Kauravas who imprisoned his father, Shakuni used his father's after- life power to continue to transmit his will. He urged Shakuni to play a game of dice in a deceitful way with his bone dice rolling and transmitting energy favorably in order to defeat Pandavas through such evil spiritual betting trick.

In the nearer past also Sai Baba of Shirdi has undertaken to benefit willing devotees through a similar medium but with an entirely holy intent. Men of intense spiritual energy through the ages had and do have a capabity to transmit it by their intent alone without any bone or such medium to the deserving and suffering... sometimes in reply to their prayers or thapas. One also hears about "Shakthi paathams"..

It is known/ believed that certain esoteric Mantras have power to instill peace to restless departed souls by certain invocations and others are also used in religious functions to purify and and bring in peace..

Are there Puranic references to exert influence by transmission(Tantric or otherwise) after a person's death or also when living by design/intention for whatever purpose?

( It is well known that Shakthi transfer is made to occur between spirited persons e.g., from Sri Ramakrishna to Vivekananda on two occasions.. however all this during their living periods.)


texts: Why did Swami Vivekananda remain unmarried?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was married. Swamiji's take on marriage was also positive:
What was Swami Vivekananda's take on marriage?

He was also an avid reader of Gita, which suggests to consider happiness & sorrow as seasons and renounce their effects to attain liberation (BG 2.14-15). A married person surely doesn't have to look elsewhere for happiness & especially sorrow, to be able to create an indifference between them. It becomes easier. :-)

Did Vivekananda ever mention reasons for not getting married himself?


texts: Is Shanti Parva an interpolation in the Mahabharata?

texts:
In the translation of Mahabharata by K. M. Ganguli, we see a paragraph note in the page which states:

  The Santi Parva is a huge interpolation in the Mahabharata, in the
  genre known as 'wisdom literature.' The narrative progression is
  placed on hold almost from the first page. Instead we get a long and
  winding recapitulation of Brahmanic lore, including weighty treatises
  on topics such as kingcraft, metaphysics, cosmology, geography, and
  mythology. There are discussions of the Sankya and Yoga philosophical
  schools, and mentions of Buddhism. It is apparent that the Santi Parva
  was added to the Mahabharata at a later time than the main body of the
  epic.

Is it possible? Because it is not normal that such sections suddenly talk of cosmology and philosophies in detail.


texts: Were there toilets in ancient India i.e., during times of Ramayana and Mahabharata?

texts: The people of Indus valley did have toilets in their homes, so were  there toilets in the times of Mahabharata or Ramayana? Does any Hindu scripture mention about  toilet system?


texts: Which scriptures describe Vritra as an Asura?

texts:
As per my understanding, Vritra was a great ascetic and knew all the Shastras. He was the excellent son of Tvashtar, the divine artisan of Gods born of the divine fire of Vishwakarma's Yagya.

So why is he called an Asura? Which Scriptures say Vritra was an Asura?


texts: Why Pandavas did not kill Shakuni in the first day

texts:
Why did the Pandavas delay killing of Shakuni?
Specifically, I think if Shakuni was killed in the first day itself ( which I think was easy), the Mahabharata war would have greatly reduced in intensity and I think would have finished earlier. This is because, he was the main antagonist who ignited Duryodhana more and more. If we remove the fuel for Duryodhana, then chances are that he would have surrendered to Pandavas seeing the immense stalemate like situation between Bhishma and Arjuna.
Any light on these facts based on scriptural anecdotes? Thanks beforehand.


texts: What are Shāstras’ view on people seeking to learn without adhikāra?

texts: Though the traditional varnashrama dharma is on decline at present, there exists many curious souls who want to know the truth through self-study, many of whom are uninitiated through upanayana, vrātyas, varnashankara, Shudras or even mlecchas by birth. I’m not talking about just the Vedas but also other major texts there are e.g. Upanishads, puranas, Smritis, Bhagavad gita, works of  great rishis like adi shankaracharya . What do shāstras dictate on this matter.


texts: Chronological orders of dynasties and kings after Mahabharata as per Puranas

texts:
Puranas list a number of kings and dynasties that will rule after Mahabharata. It looks like different Puranas list different kings. So, what happened in the history after Mahabharata in India as per majority of the Puranas? Pandit Kota Venkatachalam just provided wrong information if you look at various Puranas.
For example, he said Mauryas ruled for 316 years, while Puranas say they ruled for 137 years.


texts: If Ramayana is much older than Mahabharata, then why don't we find any character in Mahabharata discussing Lord Rama or worshipping him?

texts:
Parashurama, Lord Hanuman, Jambhavan and Lord Shiva appears in both(Ramayana and Mahabharata)
What has been mentioned about Lord Rama in the Mahabharata?


texts: Who killed most number of warriors in Mahabharata?

texts:
In Wikipedia it is mentioned that Arjuna killed most warriors, followed by Karna, followed by Ashwatthama. Below is the relevant quote.

  After Arjuna and Karna, Ashwatthama killed most number of warriors in
  the Kurukshetra war.

However, there was no scripture reference is given in that Wikipedia page for this claim.

Is this true? Is this information really mentioned in Mahabharata about who  killed most number of warriors?


texts: What does dream about killing birds who are attacking you signify?

texts: What does dream about killing birds who are attacking you (inside your house)  signify. Is it auspicious and does it have a spiritual connection?


texts:
I have read about the women place in Hinduism that

  A woman is compared to the Divine Mother
    (Shakti) who has given birth to all creation.

But Now i Want to know that.
  What is the place of man in Hinduism?


texts: Are there any Vaishnava commentaries on Vedas available?

texts: I am looking for english translation of Vaishnava commentaries on Vedas (Samhita) if any are available. Any sampradaya be it Sri Vaishnava or Madhavaite or Gaudiya or any other is ok. In general,I want to know how Vaishnavas sees Vedic verses specifically Rig Veda and others.


texts: Is seeing indirect images of moon on Ganesh Chaturthi considered inauspicious?

texts:
On Ganesh Chaturthi, it is believed seeing moon is inauspicious and is believed to bring curse to the person for an entire year.

Will this only matter for the moon in the sky on that day? Or will it count for seeing indirect images of moon like on a television, in a portrait, in a mirror etc?


texts: Did Arjuna, Drona, Bhishma and Ashvatthama kill any foot soldiers during the Mahabharata war thereby breaking one of the rules?

texts:
In both BR Chopra's and Star Plus' Mahabharat TV shows, before the main Mahabharata war, both sides agree on some rules on how the war should be fought. This answer lists all those rules and I'm quoting one below.

  Two warriors may duel, or engage in prolonged personal combat, only if they carry the same weapons and they are on the same mount (no mount, a horse, an elephant, or a chariot).

Now the TV shows also portray Arjuna, Drona, Bhishma and Ashvatthama massacring defenseless foot soldiers violating the above rule from day one of the war.

As per Vyasa's Mahabharata, did Arjuna et al. really break the above rule?
If yes, are their actions justified?


texts: Position of statements by unprophesied famous/great people of kaliyuga in the hierarchy of authority in sanathan dharma

texts:
In case of any differences, the well known hierarchy of scriptures (according to scriptures) are

  1) Veda

  2) Smriti and

  3) Puranas

There are a lot of great persons in Sanathan dharma, belongs to Kali Yuga, who are gurus, saints, acharyas, rishis, yogis, pandits, poets etc.,

Some of those were already prophesied by scriptures. Example: Adi Shankaracharya. (Say category I)

Many of them were considered great, but does not have any explicit mention in any of the scripture. This question is about these sort of people. (Say category II)

If there is any differences between the statements of those people (of category II) and the scriptures(mentioned in the hierarchy above), then which one has to be considered i.e, what is the position of those people in the hierarchy of authority according to the scriptures, which are top in the hierarchy?


texts:
I recently heard from a noted guru that the entire Brahmanda can be stored in Pindanda. How is this possible, any enlightenment is appreciated.

Basically he is saying the entire Macrocosm can be stored in Microcosm.
Is this just a statement on the philosophical level or it has some more meaning.


texts:
Do Sri Vaishnavas really believe that all names of Devatas in the Vedas are to be interpreted as directly referring to Narayana?
This belief is popularized by the well known Sri Vaishnava blog Narayanastra. Here is what they say:

There is a common misconception that some particular devas like Indra are mentioned several times in the veda, whereas Vishnu is mentioned relatively less number of times. To dispel this illusion, a reading of this suktam will help. The truth is that, ALL the suktams are talking about srI hari only. When the veda says, “Bhagavan Indra, the Slayer of Vrtra”, it does not refer to the deva known as Indra who killed the asura vrtra. Rather, it refers to parabrahman sriman nArAyaNa, who is known as Indra, which has the meaning of “foremost/excellent/best) and who is the slayer of the covering (vrtra) called prakrti/ajnana/andhakAra”

And:

The sri vaishnava sampradaya believes that all the vedas directly address vishNu and there is no secondary addressal to the devas unless the context demands it. For example, srI rAmAnuja quotes the atharvasiras as one instance of nArAyaNa being the mukhya artha and rudra also worshipped as the body of nArAyaNa. However, sri vaishnavas do not accept portions like the SatarudrIyam as addressed to pArvati pati in even a secondary sense. Only nArAyaNa is referred to here.

And also:

Alright, so it denotes the antaryAmin of Rudra. But does that mean the names such as Rudra, Shiva etc denote the antaryAmin of this being as well?
Here, we have the pramAnam from the Brahma Sutram, “Sakshadapyavirodham Jaiminih”. It is mentioned that Jaimini believes all names in mantras, despite indicating the antaryAmin of the devatAs, are also directly (sAkshAt) interpreted as referring to nArAyaNa.

However, is this correct as per the arguments laid down in the works of Ramanujacharya, Vedanta Desikan, etc?


texts: Why is the state of shushupti (deep sleep) called prajnanaghana (mass of consciousness)?

texts:
From Mandukya Upanishad V:

  यत्र सुप्तो न कञ्चन कामं कामयते न कञ्चन स्वप्नं
  पश्यति तत्
  सुषुप्तम् । सुषुप्तस्थान एकीभूतः प्रज्ञानघन
  एवानन्दमयो
  ह्यानन्दभुक् चेतो मुखः प्राज्ञस्तृतीयः पादः ॥ ५॥

English translation:

  5. Where the sleeper desires not a thing of enjoyment and sees not any dream, that state is deep sleep. (The Self) seated in the state of deep sleep and called Prajna, in whom everything is unified, who is dense with consciousness, who is full of bliss, who is certainly the enjoyer of bliss, and who is the door to the knowledge (of the preceding two states), is the third quarter.

Here Shushupti is called प्रज्ञानघन. Prajnan (प्रज्ञान) means knowledge, wisdom or intelligence and Prajnanghana means nothing but knowledge. It can be interpreted as full of knowledge/consciousness or dense with (or mass of) consciousness. The self in this state is called प्राज्ञ (Prajna) which means intellectual.

But for the state of deep sleep, we can say that actually there is no*  consciousness or no any state like mass of consciousness, In other words, it seems the state is full of ignorance* instead of mass of consciousness!

* Read the following verse which clearly describe shushupti as unconscious or full of ignorance.

From Chhandogya Upanishad 8.11:

  तद्यत्रैतत्सुप्तः समस्तः सम्प्रसन्नः स्वप्नं न विजानात्येष
  आत्मेति होवाचैतदमृतमभयमेतद्ब्रह्मेति स ह शान्तहृदयः
  प्रवव्राज स हाप्राप्यैव देवानेतद्भयं ददर्श नाह
  खल्वयमेवꣳ सम्प्रत्यात्मानं जानात्ययमहमस्मीति
  नो एवेमानि भूतानि विनाशमेवापीतो भवति नाहमत्र
  भोग्यं पश्यामीति ॥ ८.११.१॥

  VIII-xi-1: Prajapati said, 'He who is fully asleep, composed, serene and knows no dream, he is the Atman. He is the immortal, the fearless. He is Brahman'. Indra went away satisfied in his heart. But even before reaching the gods he saw this difficulty: 'In truth this one does not know himself now as "I am he", nor indeed these beings. It seems as if he has gone to annihilation. I see no good in this'.

  स समित्पाणिः पुनरेयाय तꣳ ह प्रजापतिरुवाच
  मघवन्यच्छान्तहृदयः प्राव्राजीः किमिच्छन्पुनरागम इति
  स होवाच नाह खल्वयं भगव एवꣳ सम्प्रत्यात्मानं
  जानात्ययमहमस्मीति नो एवेमानि भूतानि
  विनाशमेवापीतो भवति नाहमत्र भोग्यं पश्यामीति
  ॥ ८.११.२॥

  VIII-xi-2: He came back again, fuel in hand. Prajapati asked him, 'Desiring what, O Indra, have you come back, since you went away satisfied in your heart?' He replied, 'Revered sir, in truth this one does not know himself as "I am he", nor indeed these beings. It seems as if he has gone to annihilation. I see no good in this'.

So, Help me to understand why Shushupti is called प्रज्ञानघन/Prajnanaghana  (mass of conscious) and the self in this state is called प्राज्ञ/Prajna (intellectual) even there is no knowledge/realization of the self and ignorance of truth.

Note: Sanskrit verses are quoted from sanskritdocuments.org and English translation from celextel.org.


texts:
Lord Rama was surprised to encounter Lava and Kusa who challenged his power unknowingly before Ashwamedha Yagam.

Why did he not bother to inquire or keep track of his children's progress for so long in their childhood after leaving them in Valmiki's Ashram? As a king it was too easy to find out at least about their education and welfare.

Was he so heartless because doing so conflicts with his royal duty or with his compromised image based on people's expectation? For most of us Rama is a role model.


texts: How does Karma work for a person who has converted to Hinduism?

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I am just curious to know how does Karma work for a person who has converted to Hinduism.
If we consider Karma as a bank account; how is Karma accounted for a converted individual? Is it the Karma after conversion or the Karma since birth?


texts: Stotra for improving self-confidence, self esteem and overcoming anxitey

texts: I'm facing some issue with my self-confidence, anxiety and self esteem. Which slokas  is help to overcome this issue? Is Aditya Hridaya stotra really work?


texts: What is the meaning of Katha(कठ) in Katha Upanishad?

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I finished reading कठ (Katha) Upanishad sometime back but did not find any mention of "कठ" anywhere in the Upanishad itself.
Dictionary has four meanings:

Distress
Name of the sage
Pupil of sage Katha
Brahman

Last two meanings most probably wont be the reason.
Also, I am reading that there is a deeper symbolic reason for the name.

So the choice is between distress, "name of sage" and symbolism.
Is there any text or commentary that will help understand this better?


texts: What is a broad summary of the differences and similarities between Bhaktic and Vedantic Hinduism?

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Eastern Orthodox theologian, David Bentley Hart mentioned during an interview that he is able to reconcile the Christian Trinity with "certain schools of Bhaktic Hinduism and Vedanta".

This got me wondering about both. What are the defining features of these two Hindu traditions?

Note that this question is coming from someone who knows next to nothing about Hinduism. The most detailed doctrinal point about Hinduism that I am aware of  is that located somewhere in the Hindu traditions there is this idea that God (Brahman) and the Soul (Atman) are one and the same thing/reality.


texts: Timelines of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas, and Upanishads

texts: Can someone please give timelines of Ramayana, Mahabharta, Vedas, and Upanishads?


texts: Why do South indian temples build arch above Deity(Idols)

texts: In South Indian Temples Like Lord Venketesnwara Temple ,Opiliappan Temple ,Ranganathaswamy Temple ,Ramnathswamy Temple. There is arch above the main Deity Idol/Linga.This feature is absent in all temples of Remaining Indian Subcontinent. What is requirement of Arches , and why are they absent in all other temples out of South India.


texts: Which days recommended for a women to do headbath?

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Which days of a week are recommended for women to do head bath?

Are there any forbidden days to do head bath for a women?


texts: What scriptures other than the Skanda Purana contain the Shuklambharadharam verse?

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Before reciting the Vishnu Sahasranamam, it is traditional to recite the following Shloka:

शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् | प्रसन्न वदनं धयायेत सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये  ||
Shuklambaradharam vishnum shashivarnam chaturbhujam |
Prassanavadanam dhyayet sarvavighnopashantayae||
Robed in white he pervades the world, shining like moonlight, four-armed lord, unto his smiling face we pray for removing all obstacles.

Now there has been a long-standing controversy as to who the Devata of this verse is.  Some people think it's addressed to Ganesha, since it mentions removing obstacles.  Others think it's addressed to Vishnu, because it has the word vishnum in it, it's associated with the Vishnu Sahasranamam, and they argue that Vishnu is more than capable of removing any obstacle.  And still others think it refers to Vishnu's general Vishvaksena, since he is worshipped by Sri Vaishnavas to remove obstacles and the Shuklambharadharam verse is often juxtaposed with the "Yasya dvirada" verse explicitly invoking Vishvaksena.
But my question is not about the controversy itself, but about the scriptural basis for this verse.  The Vishnu Sahasranamam was most famously told by Bhishma to Yudhisthira in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, but the Anushasana Parva doesn't mention the verse at all.  The only place I know of in Hindu scripture is in this excerpt from the Avantya Khanda of Skanda Purana, where Brahma gives the Shuklambharadham verse, but does not say anything about its Devata.
So my question is, what scriptures other than the Skanda Purana contain the Shuklambharadharam verse?  Is it mentioned in any Pancharatra Agamas?  I assume that is where the traditional procedure for chanting the Sahasranamam comes from.  And do any scriptures which mention it explicitly mention the Devata?


texts: Which scripture contains the story of Lord Venkateswara?

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Which authentic Hindu scripture contains the total story of Lord Venkateswara?

From where one can read it?


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I usually tend to accept most of the teachings of Gita pretty easily. However, I can not easily digest the verse 18.47:

  It is better to engage in one's own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than accept another's occupation and perform it perfectly. Duties prescribed according to one's nature are never affected by sinful reactions.

—Bhagavad Gita As It Is, by founder of ISKCON Acharya

It is a common belief that nepotism and similar practices lead to the lowering of efficiency and are not ideal for Darwinism—and by extension capitalism, which is by far the most successful socio-economic model we have devised as a species. The best example can be given by the Indian political situation itself. If Modi were not as good as Rahul in public relations and politics, he would not have been elected. But, had the system directly prevented Modi from participating in politics, the "fitter"—and thus arguably more competent—victor would not have been able to rule. The varna system gives a considerable disadvantage to the society practicing it because of its inherent talent waste.

I have not read (nor do I understand) the Sanskrit version of Gita. I have only read the above English version. My questions is whether any of the following situations are possible:

The English translation is extreme and conveys a false/misleading meaning.
My interpretations of the verses are wrong.
Lord Krishna said this for that time, place and circumstance.

Otherwise, can you provide an explanation for why Lord Krishna said something that directly harms his followers and a "dharmic" society?


texts: What can a king do to prevent Rudra from destroying his kingdom and people?

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This answer has shown that Rudra destroys evil countries.

My question is, what can a king do to prevent Rudra from destroying his kingdom and people?


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I am looking for the beeja mantra for kuber with reference.
Are there any combined lakshi kuber mantra also. Please help Thanks


texts: What will happen to the person who disrespect others' beliefs (other religions)?

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When a hindu disrespect or hurt the religious sentiments of a person that belongs to other religions (like Islam or Christianity) will he/she get bad karma?
And is the punishment for this same as disrespecting hindu Gods and Goddess?
Does hindu scriptures talk anything about disrespecting other's religious beliefs or practices?

Blasphemy in Hinduism, it only answers if one disrespect hindu Gods.


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Is Kalki an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu or Siva? Is he a purn-avatar (full incarnation) or ansa-avatar (partial incarnation)?

I'm in doubt because persons in Mahabharata like Ashwathama, Samba etc., are ansa-avatars of Siva and are responsible for the destruction. Since Kalki is responsible for the destruction in Kaliyuga, I am suspecting that he is an avatar of Siva.


texts: What is the basis to say Rama didn't worship Shiva when his mother clearly did?

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From Ayodhya Kanda - Book Of Ayodhya Chapter [Sarga] 25:

  smR^itir dhR^itiH ca dharmaH ca paantu tvaam putra sarvataH |
  skandaH ca bhagavaan devaH somaH ca sabR^ihaspatiH || 2-25-11
  sapta R^iSayo naaradaH ca te tvaam rakSantu sarvataH |

  "May Veda, the Smriti texts taken as one body, the resolution and the piety protect you, my son! May lord Skanda (the younger son of Lord Siva)and the moon god along with the sage Brihaspati(the preceptor of gods), the well known seven sages as well as Sage Narada guard you on all sides."

  sarva loka prabhur brahmaa bhuuta bhartaa tathaa R^iSayaH || 2-25-25
  ye ca sheSaaH suraaH te tvaam rakSantu vana vaasinam |

  "Let Siva, the lord of all spheres, Brahma, the lord of creation, Vishnu, the nourisher of beings, the sages and the rest of the celestials may protect you dwelling in the forest."

  mayaa arcitaa deva gaNaaH shiva aadayo |
  maharSayo bhuuta mahaa asura uragaaH |
  abhiprayaatasya vanam ciraaya te|
  hitaani kaankSantu dishaH ca raaghava || 2-25-45

  "Oh, Rama! Worshipped by me, let the hosts of gods headed by Siva, the Supreme Being, the great sages, spirits, the chief of evil spirits, the celestial serpents and the (four)quarters wish well of you, who is setting forth to forest, "

Here we can see that his mother clearly worshipped Shiva. What is the basis to say Rama didn't worship Shiva?


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Being a woman, can I read the whole Sri Guru Charitra, which is known as GuruDatta Parayana, in the coming Datta Jayanti (Festival) ?

In our home, my father used to read it every year by following all the rules. No woman has performed the Parayana yet in our home. But I want to do it.

Can I perform it? If not, what are the reasons?


texts: How does the mudra connect the the little red snake with the Bindu

texts: Who knows the hand mudra that is used when uniting the little red snake Maha Kundalini Sakti with the red Bindu ?!( This works for me ](https://i.stack.imgur.com/9oyVj.jpg)( The triple eyed double triangle mudra](https://i.stack.imgur.com/eGZ4e.jpg)


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If I am Brahman as Shankara states:
 I am other than name, form and action.
 My nature is ever free!
 I am Self, the supreme unconditioned Brahman.
 I am pure Awareness, always non-dual.

 — Adi Shankara, Upadesasahasri 11.7

Why does the supreme unconditioned Brahman appear as multiplicity? What is the point of existence? Why did the Universe come into being?
I am obviously thinking within my dualistic mind, but I don't understand why the One became Many. Is there a purpose to the One becoming the Universe? Are we all a dream in the mind of God, and finding our way back to realizing that we are God? I just don't understand why the One became Many, or at least appears to be Many to the individual person through Maya. Why does Maya exist within Brahman?
Why is there appearance instead of reality?


texts: What is the significance of Bel leaves in Shiva worship?

texts: Aegle Marmelos or Bel Leaves are used in the rituals related to Lord Shiva. What is the significance of these leaves in Hinduism?


texts: What kind of effects does mantra japa have on our bodies?

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What are  the siddhis one gets by performing the japa of the Mantras of different deities with different sadhanas, 1008 times or more?

What kind of effects will happen to our body after certain number of chantings of a particular Mantra?

if I chant the Bijakshara (single lettered mantra) of any deity for 1 lakh times, will I experience some changes in my body?

Will I get will-power, attraction etc.?


texts: Can anyone explain guru mantra and intent?

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Any one explain the following guru mantra, as to why a common human guru is being compared with lords(Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)?

Gurur brahma
Gurur vishnu
Gurur devo maheshwaraha
Gurur sakshaat para brahma
Tasmai Shri  Guruve Namaha


texts: Prapatti-Yog (Surrender) is higher than Bhakti ,Karma & Gyan Yog?

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In Vaisnavs esepcially in Sri-vaisnavas, belief that Prapatti-Yog(Surrender) is higher than Bhakti, Karma and Gyan Yog.

Lord Said lots of about Karma,Gyan and Bhakti yog in Bhagvad Gita but at last he said (Prapatti Yog)

  sarva-dharmān parityajya
     mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja

  ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
  mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ [18.66]

Meaning:- Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

As, we know It's Final Statement and absolute truth , we do'not need other scriptuers to support this statement and do'not need to dobut on Lord Statement.

But,Still only for knowledge there are any scriptures which are support or mention the same statement in our Hinduism.Please Share your Idea.

Thanks..!!!


texts: Does the person become Krishna once he attains moksha?

texts: According to Advaita, does the person become Krishna once he attains moksha?


texts: What do dharma shastras say about women inheritance?

texts: What do different dharmashastras say about distribution of will among the heirs as well as inheritance by female children and other inheritance laws.


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Devi Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge, learning and creativity. But what is the etymological meaning of the name Saraswati? How does Nirukta explain the name Saraswati?

I guess it's related to 'सार' which means Essence and 'स्व' which means Self and thus related to Essence of Self. But am I correct? Do any scripture explain the meaning of 'Saraswati' ?


texts: Punishing a couple to stop intercaste marriage is of which Karma(Good Or Bad)?

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Inter-caste marriage is not appreciated by our scriptures and also in practical life and Stopping a inter - caste marriage is dharma and is of good karma.
Couples get killed or beated by  their relatives if they have No other way to stop the marriage.

QUESTION :

Does our Scriptures provide punsihments for commiting Inter-Caste marriage ?

Punishing for misdeeds is applicable for a king and do their parents,brothers and relatives have right to punish them ?

If a couples parents punish them for the Inter - caste marriage will they get Bad karma ?


texts: Is there any hindu sect which does not believe in rebirth?

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There are so many diverse practices and sects in Hinduism. Every kind of possible beliefs are available in one sect or another. This is conceptual richness of Hinduism.

Now, every Hindu sect/philosophy which I encountered so far believes in rebirth.

Just for curiosity on belief-diversity, Is there any sect/philosophy in Hinduism, which does not believe in rebirth?


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Each of the previous yugas has stories like Sages, Rishis, or Muni cursing or giving Boon.
It is also said they possess magical powers and now there are no magic or powers seen in daily life.

QUESTION :

Why Miracles are not Seen or don't occur in Kali Yuga ?


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It is normal and expected that a devotee receives boon from deities like Siva, Vishnu etc., But, I came across an incident in Mahabharata, in which Garuda grants boon to Vishnu.

"And the son of Vinata then met Vishnu on his way along the sky. And
Narayana was gratified at that act of self-denial on the part of
Garuda. And that deity, knowing no deterioration, said unto the ranger
of the skies, 'O, I am inclined to grant thee a boon.' The ranger of
the skies thereupon said, 'I shall stay above thee.' And he again
spake unto Narayana these words, 'I shall be immortal and free from
disease without (drinking) Amrita.' Vishnu said unto the son of
Vinata, 'Be it so.' Garuda, receiving those two boons, told Vishnu, 'I
also shall grant thee a boon; therefore, let the possessor of the six
attributes ask of me.' Vishnu then asked the mighty Garuda to become
his carrier. And he made the bird sit on the flagstaff of his car,
saying, 'Even thus thou shalt stay above me.' And the ranger of the
skies, of great speed, saying unto Narayana, 'Be it so,' swiftly
wended on his way, mocking the wind with his fleetness.
[Section 33, Astika Parva, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata]

I also heard that, Sanatkumara grants boon to Shiva and takes birth as kumara swamy. Which scripture mentions that?
And are there any such other incidents in scriptures?


texts: Which are the scriptures endorsed by Swaminarayana Sampradaya?

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While answering question, Does Arya Samaj reject Vedanta? I found the list of scriptures approved and rejected by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaja. Swaminarayana is one of the dominant sect in Gujarat, established by Shajananda Swami, also known himself as Swaminarayana.

I want to know which philosophy or doctrine they believe in and which scriptures they have approved if they disclose.


texts: Why do all Gods resemble humans and why are they mostly linked to Earth but not other planets where humans don't exist?

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I have had this doubt right from my childhood.

Why do all Gods resemble humans and why are they mainly on Earth but not on other planets or other parts of the Universe where Humans don't exist?

For example, Lord Shiva is associated with Himalayas and Lord Vishnu with the Oceans and so on.

Does it mean Gods that we currently worship only belong to the Earth and there may be some other Gods for the rest of the Universe?

I am sorry if my question hurts anyone.


texts: What was the story behind the Wealth rain(dhan varsha) of Kuber?

texts: When king Raghu(ancestor of Lord Rama) Asked for money from Kuber at that time Kuber did wealth rain for Raghu. I didn't know the full story. Is there any scripture reference to it?


texts: Why is Lord Shiva called Pashupati? Who are the Pashus?

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Pashu means those whose which are tied and thus Pashupati literally means Lord of those which are tied. Pashu also means Cattles/Animals, and Pashupati also means Lord of Animals

The name PashuPati is given 3 times itself in the Veda Samhita in the Sri Rudram. The 2nd Anuvaka states "Pashunam Pataye Namaha", 8th Anuvaka states "Nama Sangaye Cha Pasupataye Cha" and particularly 5th Anuvaka states:

  नमो भवाय च रुद्राय च। नमश्शर्वाय च पशुपतये च।
  Salutations to him who is Bhava, who is Rudra, who is Sharva and who is PashuPati.

So, the name PashuPati is of significant importance. What exactly is meant by the name PashuPati? Who actually are the Pashus? By what rope does the PashuPati binds the Pashu? What is the Concept of PashuPati?


texts: Why Urvashi has given Arjuna the curse of being impotent? is it true? If yes then what is the reason behind the curse?


texts:
Aum Tacchayora Vrneemahe
Gaathum Yajnayaa
Gaathum Yajna Pathayè.
Sthirayrangayi, swastinastunaha.
Swasthir manushebyaha.
Urdhvam jigathu bheshajham
Shamno asthu dwipadhe
sham chathusphathaye.

The Veda instructor at my (non-gurukul) school makes us chant this. However, I cannot find any reference to such a sloka online. Is this sloka a popular one? Is it found anywhere in the Vedas/Upanishads?
Pardon me, I'm not too good at transliterating Devanagari to English. My Sanskrit knowledge is not that good either.


texts: Where did Ramanujacharya's statue of Varadaraja come from?

texts:
I just came back from a trip to India, and one of the temples I visited was the famous Ranganatha temple in Sri Rangam.  The temple has a shrine called the Udaiyavar Sannidhi, which contains the preserved body of the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya.  But the Udaiyavar Sannidhi contains one more statue, depicting Varadaraja Perumal, the Vishnu deity of the Kanchipuram Varadaraja temple.  This was Ramanujacharya's Aradhana Devata, the statue he would worship on a daily basis wherever he went.

I found some interesting information about this statue from the Yatiraja Vaibhavam, a poem by Ramanujacharya's shishya Vaduga Nambi summarizing Ramanujacharya's life.  Here is what verse 89 of the Yatiraja Vaibhavam says:

  Receiving Hayagriva [from Saraswati] after prostration and offering worship daily to Him and (the idol of) Varadaraja whom he obtained from his family, [Ramanujacharya] defeated (the followers of) other systems and again reached (on his return journey) Venkatadri.

And here is what verse 112 says:

  May [Ramanujacharya] the lord of ascetics remain victorious, a storehouse of glory acquired through Yamunarya, and Mahapurna, Goshtipurna, Srishailapurna,  Ranga, and Maladhara who were great through his grace - he who gave to his spiritual son (the idols of) Varada worshiped (by his ancestors) from ancient times and Hayagriva got by him from [Saraswati] the goddess of learning and who became the ornament of the three worlds.

The Hayagriva statue was given to Ramanujacharya by the goddess Saraswati when she blessed his Sri Bhashya.  But my question is, what is the origin of Ramanujacharya's Varadaraja Perumal statue?  It says his ancestors worshiped it since ancient times, but where did they get it?

Ramanujacharya belonged to Harita Gotra, and from the time of Harita himself, Ramanujacharya's ancestors lived in Sri Perumbudur and worshiped the Vishnu deity of the Adi Keshava Perumal temple there.  So then why did their Aradhana Devata depict Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram?


texts: According to the Vedas The Antim sanskar should it be 13 days or 3 days or one day?

texts: According to the Vedas or Gita does the Antim sanskar last 3 days, 13 days or one day? Is there any written instructions in any veda or the Gita?


texts: What is the origin of the Sloka "Mantraanaam Pallavo Vaaso..."?

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The sloka is to be found here.

  मंत्राणां पल्‍लवो वासो । मंत्राणां प्रणव: शिर: । शिर: पल्‍लव संयुक्तो
  । कामधुक् भवेत् ।।

  The meaning: The letters or words in a mantra constitute its body and
  the Om at its beginning, is the head. If both the head and the body
  are present then with that mantra one’s aspirations are fulfilled.

By origin i mean scriptural origin.

Also, as one can see this info is related to my this question .Because this sloka clearly states that a mantra if recited without OM at its start bears no fruit.


texts: Do the 3,339 Gods mentioned in Rig Veda III.9.9 indicate number of sages got wisdom before Viswamitra?

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Rig Veda III.9.9 says

  trīṇi śatā trī sahasrāṇyaghniṃ triṃśacca devā navacāsaparyan | aukṣan
  ghṛtairastṛṇan barhirasmā ādid dhotāraṃ nyasādayanta ||

  Three times a hundred Gods and thrice a thousand, and three times ten
  and nine have worshipped Agni, For him spread sacred grass, with oil
  bedewed him, and stablished him as Priest and Sacrificer.

This mantra was composed by Sage Viswamitra and dedicated to AGNI.

In this mantra, the sage mentions about 3,339 Gods, who worshipped AGNI.

Do the 3,339 Gods mentioned in the mantra indicate that many number of Sages, before him, who got WISDOM/BLISS/SELF REALISATION?

Edit 20-12-19

The another question and answers thereunder do not answer my question.


texts: In which scripture does Lord Hanuman say that Advaita, Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita are all valid philosophies?

texts:
I have found several blogs where Lord Rama asks Lord Hanuman how He perceives Him. Lord Hanuman replies:

  देहबुद्ध्या तु दासोऽस्मि जीवबुद्ध्या त्वदंशकः।
  आत्मबुद्ध्या त्वमेवाहमिति मे निश्चिता मतिः॥

  Deha-Buddhyaa Tu Daso.smi Jiva-Buddhyaa Tvad-Anshakah |
  Aatma-Buddhyaa Tvam-Evaaham Iti Me Nishchita Matih ||

  English Translation: “O Lord, while I identify myself with my body, I am Thy servant (Dvaita). When I consider myself as Individual Soul, I am Thy part (Vishishtadvaita). But when I look upon myself as the Spirit (Atma), I am one with Thee Thyself (Advaita).”

The above verse seems to indirectly say that all the 3 Vedanta philosophies-
Advaita, Vishishtadvaita & Dvaita are all valid philosophies. Which scripture contains the above verse?

Thanks.

Jai Shri Rama! Jai Bajrangbali! Hare Krishna! Jai Sriman Narayana!


texts: How do Neo-Vedantists intepret Vedanta Sutras 1.3.38?

texts:
Neo-Vedantists as we know, believe people of all varnas are eligible to study the Vedas. Notable examples of such people include the great Swami Vivekananda. However, Vedanta declares that Shudras are forbidden to study the Vedas:

  And on account of the prohibition, in Smriti, of (the Sûdras') hearing and studying (the Veda) and (knowing and performing) (Vedic) matters. (Vedanta Sutras 1.3.38)

How do Neo-Vedantists such as Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Swami Vivekananda interpret this verse?


texts: What happened to the vanaras who travelled in other directions in search of Sita?

texts: The Vanar-King Sugriva sent his forces in all four directions. But after it was confirmed that Sita was in the South, what happened to the Vanaras which travelled in other directions ? Did they rejoin with the forces in the south ?


texts: What does Vashishta mean by the term "self extinction"?

texts:
In Yoga Vashishta, Vasishta Maharishi has used the word Self extinction is the supreme bliss on few occasions. Here's in one context from Chapter 10 of Book 2.

  The Supreme Soul of infinite manifestations exists by itself. It passes through and supports the whole in the form of void and understanding and as light to all living beings.

  From Him who remains the same (unaltered being) in his rest and motion, the great Vishnu was born, like a moving wave on the quiet waters of the sea. Then Brahma was produced from the lotus of his heart, having Mount Meru for its seed, the points of the compass for its petals, and the stars for its pistils.
  He, being beset by gods and sages acquainted with the Vedas and their meanings, created all the worlds and all minds with their various thoughts. Then he created groups of men in the Bharata division (India) and in a corner of Jambudwipa (Asia) and subjected them to all manner of diseases and afflictions.  They are also troubled by the possession and desire of many things and their subjection to dangers and diseases. Here all species of created beings are subject to a variety of tribulations and afflictions. The lord and creator of worlds, seeing the misery of these people, felt compassion for them like a father for his children.  Then, for a moment he pondered within himself, with intensity of thought and for the good of all creatures, how to end the misery of these beings who were subjected to death and despair.

  With this thought the lord god Brahma himself established the rules of austerity, piety, charity, veracity and pilgrimage.  Having established these, the lord and creator again thought within himself: how to make an end of the many miseries of the men he had created.  He thought upon self-extinction as the supreme bliss, obtainable only through knowledge of God, and whereby man might be exempted from repeated births and deaths. It was divine knowledge, he thought, that was the only means by which men could crossing the ocean of this world. Austerity, charity and pilgrimage were no means to it. With this he said, “I will immediately make a new and sure bridge for the salvation of men and for their liberation from pain.”

  Rama, now hear me propose to you the subject of quietude or rest, which follows that of existence and sustenance of the universe. This knowledge will lead you to nirvana, final extinction.

What does he mean by "self extinction" here?


texts: What is the relationship between lord ganesh, lord lakshmi and lord saraswati?

texts: I saw many photos having idols lakshmi, ganesh and saraswati in together. The relationship between Lakshmi and Saraswati might be sisters because lord vishnu and lord Brahma are brothers. So, is there any relation between lord ganesh, lakshmi and saraswati?


texts:
........."The Atri Smriti also mentions homosexuality as a sin and prescribes an expiation measure for the same:

By discharging semen into inhuman females except a cow, into a woman in [her] menses, into others that have no female organs (i.e., a man or a eunuch), or into water one should perform the penance of Santapanam.
(Atri Smriti, Chapter 1, Verse 268)"...........

[Taken from Rickross' answer]
Why a man should not be discharging semen in inhuman females "except for cow"? Can a man discharge semen in a cow.


texts: What versions describe Arjuna blinding Bhagadatta?

texts:
According to this page it says that Arjuna blinded Bhagadatta but in BORI Arjuna kills Bhagadatta without doing that, whereas in KMG it is described that after his death, the handkerchief that kept his wrinkles in place to avoid blindness He fell silent but only after Arjuna killed him.

But obviously there has to be a source that describes Arjuna doing such a thing, so my question is, in what versions of the Mahabharata is Arjuna described as blinding Bhagadatta?


texts: He used the Chakra a lot and also his bow.  I can't think of an occasion when he used his mace either as himself or an avatar.


texts: What are some texts ( or sects ) which declare Devī Sarasvati as Supreme.?

texts:
All the five deities - (Brahmā, Vishnu-Lakshmi, Shiva-Uma) within the Tridev-Tridevī continuum, enjoys a Brahman or the Supreme deity status either explicitly (with dedicated sects) or implicitly (in some texts/verses or as a 'parallel-supreme' with their consorts).
Except Devī Saraswatī (according to, as far as my knowledge is concerned).
My question is:
Are there any references in any scriptures (or sects) which eulogies Devi Sarasvati as the Supreme, either in her own right or as a 'parallel-consort' ?
Are there any related sampradāyas dedicated to Devī Saraswatī? If yes, then I'd please like to know all the related details about them.


texts: A set of Hymns in Taittiriya Samhita of Krishna Yajur Veda

texts:
Can any expert here, provide me the meanings of mantras ending with "Swaha..." in the Samhita
of Taittiriya Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda? I meant, in the samhita there are mantras, like-
krishnaaya swaha, swetayaa swaha, lalaataaya swaha, lalaamaya swaha mastishkaaya swaaha , aakekasaabhya swaha ...bhasate swaha Valadhaanaya swaha ..retasse swahaa.. etc..
Can any gurus please enlighten when and where its chanting. Does it signifies that, this can be chanted  only in front of Yajna or we can chant it anytime.

Also please share me the source and link where can I find the e-book of this Samhita and this particular section.


texts: Role of meditation and yoga in Hinduism & differences from Buddhist meditative practices

texts:
Could someone explain to me:

What is the role of yoga & meditation in Hinduism - what is its purpose and relation to God?
And how is Hinduism's yoga/meditation practice and purpose different from Buddhist practice and purpose?

Thank you.


texts: Are there any prophecies about self proclaimed God-men of Kali Yuga in scriptures?

texts:
In the name of God many people nowadays portrait themselves as God-men. People without realizing the true nature are going and getting cheated .

Is there any mythological evidence that God-men will be more in  commencement of Kaliyuga?. If I am correct, 5003 years are completed in  4,32,000 years of Kaliyuga period.


texts:
Yayati in his conversation with Ashtaka mentioned about two-legged, four-legged and six-legged animals.

"Yayati answered, 'After falling from heaven, the being becometh a
subtile substance living in water. This water becometh the semen
whence is the seed of vitality. Thence entering the mother's womb in
the womanly season, it developeth into the embryo and next into
visible life like the fruit from the flower. Entering trees, plants,
and other vegetable substances, water, air, earth, and space, that
same watery seed of life assumeth the quadrupedal or bipedal form.
This is the case with all creatures that you see.'
...............
"Ashtaka asked, 'After death, the body is burnt, or otherwise
destroyed. Reduced to nothing upon such dissolution, by what principle
is one revived?' Yayati said, 'O lion among kings, the person that
dies assumes a subtil form; and retaining consciousness of all his
acts as in a dream, he enters some other form with a speed quicker
than that of air itself. The virtuous attain to a superior, and the
vicious to an inferior form of existence. The vicious become worms and
insects. I have nothing more to say, O thou of great and pure soul! I
have told thee how beings are born, after development of embryonic
forms, as four-footed, six-footed creatures and others with more feet.
What more wilt thou ask me?'
[SECTION XC, Sambhava Parva, Adi Parva, The Mahabharata]

Although Yayati mentioned that there are beings with more than six foot. He did not tell explicitly any number more than six.
Do scriptures of Hinduism mention any other numbers restricted to legs of creatures other than two, four and six?


texts: Can a building be constructed over a temple?

texts:
My question is whether a building (with rooms and bathrooms), for residential/commercial use can be built over an existing temple.

Such a building is under construction at Jaipur.

Is it permissible?


texts: Was Gaudapada a guru or grand-guru of Adi Shankarachrya?

texts:
We know that Adi Shankara's guru was Govinda Bhagavatpada and Govinda Bhagavatpada's guru was Gaudapada. This way Gaudapada was grand-guru of Shankaracharya.

We can find the following lines in Adi Shankara's scripture:

  इति श्रीमत्परमहंसपरिव्राजकाचार्यस्य श्रीगोविन्दभगवत्पूज्यपादशिष्यस्य श्रीमच्छङ्करभगवतः कृतौ <xyz> सम्पूर्णम् ॥

It means he was a disciple of Govinda Bhagavatpada.

But whenever I think about Atmashatkam (आत्मषट्कम्); also known as  Nirvanashatkam (निर्वाणषट्कम्), the story is (quoted from wikipedia):

  It is said that that when Ādi Śaṅkara was a young boy of eight and wandering near River Narmada, seeking to find his guru, he encountered the seer Gaudapada who asked him, "Who are you?". The boy answered with these stanzas, which are known as "Nirvāṇa Ṣaṭkam" or Ātma Ṣaṭkam". Gaudapada accepted Ādi Śaṅkara as his disciple.

I'm not relying on wikipedia only, I herd this story from many peoples. According to this, Gaudapada was a guru (not grand-guru) of Adi Shankara.

So, this confusing me to decide whether Gaudapada was guru or grand-guru of Adi Shankaracharya

Or I can think the possible case/solution:

Earlier Adi Shankara was discipline of Gaudapada and after Gaudapada, he was discipline of Govinda Bhagavatpada.
Gaudapada and Govinda Bhagavatpada was the same person (known by different names)

Above is just my assumption while facing with this confusion. But I am curious to know the fact. So, I've just asked this question.


texts: Does Ayurveda see medicinal value in Tamasic and Rajasic foods like onions and garlic?

texts:
Sattvic diets usually eschew onion and especially garlic.  But garlic is considered to have medicinal properties (even today it is given to expectant mothers).
Does scripture make exceptions as to when non-Sattvik food can be taken?


texts:
I heard many times the word Upasana. Upasana is used as suffix to the names of god or goddesses. For example: Sri Vidya upasana, Siva upasana etc.,

What is the meaning for the term upasana?


texts: Is there any mention about Bhanamati in Puranas?

texts:
I was watching Ramanand Sagar Shree Krishna. I found some incidents which I didn't knew.
For eg. Krishna went to Yamlok to revive Punardatta son of Sandipani Muni for Guru Dakshina

But on the context of story related to Pradyumna. They showed that Pradyumna mother Bhanamati (who took Pradyumna from fish ) was apsara named Padmini in previous birth and had gained Rasayan Vidya and Maya vidya from Lord Vishnu and due to unfair use of these got a curse that she will be born in Asura kul. And in this birth used same Rasayan Vidya to make Pradyumna youth instantly.

I think that story about Rasayan Vidya may be from Serial writer may be not.

I just want to know that is there any mention of Padmini apsara or Bhanamati in any Puranas ?

Edit :-
Shree Krishna Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-4lIp0mLzCa8QW9aDGoAC0Mb997HSFvs (In this playlist Pradyuman part is mentioned in video title which ranges from video 49 to 64 or part 55 to part 70)

The history of Bhanamati is explained in part 61 (Praduman part 7) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j35rwRHcA_M&list=PL-4lIp0mLzCa8QW9aDGoAC0Mb997HSFvs&index=56&t=2570s from 41:21 time


texts: Do Vedas say about transition to Kali yuga?

texts:
Did any major events happen once the Kali yuga started?
Like an earth quake or major disaster?
Or was it more of the same day?


texts: What is the story of Vikramaditya's throne with 32 puppets?

texts:
The great king Vikramaditya had a throne which has 32 puppets. I heard that when Bhojaraja tried to sit on the throne, each puppet told a different story about the greatness of Vikramaditya. As most of us know, one of the puppets told the famous story of "Vikram - Betaal".

How did Vikramaditya get this throne, and why did he get this throne?


texts: What is the reference to "Ekam satyam sanatanam bahu vipra vedanti."?

texts:
Ekam satyam sanatanam bahu vipra vedanti.[Rig Veda]
Existence is one (ie the soul) but ways are many .

What is the reffence to this verse. And what is the full verse.


texts: Does any scripture other than Mahabharata say that plant experiences pain?

texts:
It is mentioned in Mahabharata that plants also have five senses and also experience pleasure and pain. I am focusing on pain part only in this question.

As one can suck up water through a bent lotus-stalk, trees also, with
the aid of the wind, drink through their roots. They are susceptible
of pleasure and pain, and grow when cut or lopped off. From these
circumstances I see that trees have life. They are not inanimate.
[Section 184, Mokshadharma Parva, Santi Parva, The Mahabharata]

Recent studies may also suggest the same.
Do any other scriptures also says that plant experiences pain?


texts: Hiranyagarbha is the home of all creation, Brahman , Nirguna Brahman and Sarguna Brahman are all within and without Hiranyagarbha. Is Hiranyagarbha  the home of Satcitananda?


texts: What is the final message conveyed by Shvetashvatara Upanishad?

texts: Upanishads are long texts. So it is useful to know to know the final message and implement the same in our day to day life.


texts: What is the use of chanting the sahasranamam everyday?

texts:
Everyday morning I hear the Vishnu Sahasranamam Stotram and I feel that my day is the happiest even though I face a little trouble. However I cannot leave or miss a day hearing the stotram.

Hence I need to explain to someone what is the use for doing the same everyday. And I need the explanation for myself for chanting everyday.


texts: Is there any difference between Advaita philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya and the Advaita philosophy of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

texts: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, is known to have written a commentary on the Brahma-Sutras. Radhakrishnan's Vedanta philosophy was Advaita. Now my question is that is there any difference between Radhakrishan's understanding of Brahma-Sutras and Adi Shankara's understanding of Brahma Sutras?


texts: Source of Sanskrit shloka - Avidyayamantare Vartamanah Svayam Dhirah Panditam-manyamanah

texts:
Shloka

  अविद्यायामन्तरे वर्तमानाः स्वयं धीराः पण्डितंमन्यमानाः।
  दन्द्रम्यमाणाः परियन्ति मूढा अन्धेनैव नीयमाना यथाऽन्धाः II

Transliteration

  Avidyāyāmantare vartamānāḥ svayaṃ dhīrāḥ paṇḍitaṃmanyamānāḥ।
  dandramyamāṇāḥ pariyanti mūḍhā andhenaiva nīyamānā yathā'ndhāḥ

Translation

  Living in the midst of ignorance and considering themselves intelligent and enlightened, the senseless people go round and round, following crooked course, just like the blind led by the blind.

Understand that the above is a shloka on Spiritual Ignorance.

What is the Source of the above shloka?

Does it have a deeper philosophical meaning ?