texts: Did Rama know that he was Avatar of Lord Vishnu?

texts:
This  chapter of Ramayana narrates the meeting of Garuda with Rama.

  न च कौतूहलं कार्यं सखित्वं प्रति काङ्क्षिणा ।

  कृतकर्मा रणे वीर सखित्वं प्रतिवेत्स्यसि ॥६-५०-५७

  "O, hero! You need not be so curious to know the casue of my
  friendship. You will know of it, once you have accomplished success in
  battle."

This implies Rama was not aware of his avatar.This might be because Ravana could only killed by human.

But this chapter from Rudra Samhita Section of Shiva Purana (Pg 388) narrates story of Sati meeting Rama.

  On seeing Sati in guise of Sita, Rama the scion of Raghu's race repeated the name Shiva, realized the truth and laughed. He bowed to
  her and said
  "O Sati,Obeisance to you. Where has Shiva gone? Please tell me affably.How is that you come here alone without your husband?"
  "O goddess Sati, Why have you cast off your own form and assumed this guise? Take pity on me and tell me the reason thereof ".
  On hearing the words of Rama,Sati was stunned.Remembering Siva's words and realizing the truth of same she felt ashamed.

This implies Rama was aware of His avatar.

Also this answer says

  Yoga Vashishtha, the text which states conversations between
  Vashistha, a rig vedic teacher, and various Gods and Kakbhushubdi, a
  creature which stands outside of normal time and sees all. It recounts
  the cyclical nature of time, where Kakabhushundi has seen Ramayan 11
  times with different outcomes and seen Mahabharat 16 times with
  different results, but, after seeing Daksha Yagya twice, he did not
  either care to see it again or saw no point to seeing any more, as it
  ended the same way each time.

It says Ramayana happened 11 times and outputs were different each time. So we can presume Rama who met Sati to be Rama of earlier yugas, not Rama of 24th Treta Yuga. But the serial Devon Ke Dev Mahadev says they met Rama by travelling to future. So, according to this serial, they went from Swayambhuva Manvantara of Pitri Kalpa to 24th Treta Yuga of Vaivastara Manvantara of Swetha Varaha Kalpa.

If we assume that Rama,who met Sati,was aware of His avatar and Rama
of 24th Treta Yuga was not aware of his avatar, then why it was
written in Shiva Purana Rama, scion of Raghu's race.?
Does that mean Rama will always take birth in Raghu's Race?
Or was chapter of Shiva Purana misinterpreted?

Without considering above questions,

Did Rama of 24th Treta Yuga know that he was Avatar of Vishnu?


texts: When a very pious soul leaves the body , how can family members know whether the soul attained moksha


texts:
by the etymology of his name, he should be fair-skinned:

  Proto-IE: *arg'-/*e-
  Meaning: white, brilliant
  Hittite: harki- weiss, hell' (Tischler 177)
  Tokharian: A ārki, B arkwi weiss (PT *ārkw(ä)i) (Adams 49-50)
  Old Indian: árjuna-white, clear'
  Avestan: arǝzah- n. Nachmitteg und Abend' (Bed. fraglich)
  Old Greek: argó-weissglänzend'; argi- in compounds; árgemo-n n., á́rgemo-s m. weisser Fleck im Auge, albugo'
  Germanic: *irk-n-a- adj.
  Latin: arguō, -uī, -ūtum, -eremache klar, weise nach, überführe', argūtus, -a `helltönend'

But

this book:

says Krishna,Arjuna,Draupadi and Vyasa were dark-skinned.


texts: Is there any detailed description of Virat(universal) form of Vishnu?

texts:
We all knows Vishnu has Virat or Universal form. I came accross with some explanation of Virat Swaroop of Vishnu in Ramayan, When
Mandodari was trying to convince Ravana about not to make Rama his enemy, then She told about Rama that He is Vishnu himself. He is supreme Lord himself. Patal is feets of him and Swarg (or may said other loka) is head, Clouds are hairs of him, Shiva is ego of him. Don't remember exact description right now. But Mandodari covers whole
universe as body parts of Vishnu. I don't know if Mandodari's explanation towards Vishnu's universal form was true Or it was just to make Ravana scare so that he gave up on Sita and don't make Rama as enemy.

So is there any description about this universal form of Vishnu in detail i.e. in any Vedas/puranas or in any other Hindu sources? There must be someone who has described Vishnu's universal form in detail in any Puranas or Vedas.


texts: How is it possible to do a sacrifice of one thousand years in Kali Yuga?

texts:
in the Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.4

It says quote:

  Once, in a holy place in the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya, great sages
  headed by the sage Śaunaka assembled to perform a great thousand-year
  sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees.

how come they could do a sacrifice that would last so long?

It is said that people used to live longer in other yugas but as I understand this is already Kali Yuga.


texts: What is the sanskrit name for the "Star of David"?

texts: Is there a Sanskrit name or term for the "Star of David" itself, since archeological evidence shows it being part of Vedic culture in India?


texts: What are the different sampradayams (traditions) followed by the mutts established by Adi Shankara?

texts:
In his lifetime, Adi Shankara established four amnaya peethams in four directions of India and appointed his chief disciples as the pontiffs. (Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is also established by Adi Shankara but it is not considered as an amnaya peetham among these four. It is considered as fifth one).  I asked a related question about these mutts  some months ago.

East : Pooramnaya Shri Govardhana Peetham (Govardhana Math)
West : Paschimamnaya Shri Sharada Peetham (Kalika Math)
North : Uttaramnaya Shri Jyotish Peetham (Jyotir math)
South : Dakshinamnaya Sri Shringeri Sharada Peetam (Sringeri Math)

Each of the mutts are associated with a Veda and a sampradaya also. The Dakshinamnaya Sri Shringeri Sharada Peetham website gives the sampradaya each math is affiliated to.

Govardhana Math : Bhogavala sampradaya
Sringeri Math : Bhurivala sampradaya
Kalika Math : Kitavala
Jyotir Math : Nandavala

What are these sampradayas each math is affiliated to? Are they about different branches of dashanami sampradaya? Or they about different philosophies in advaita?


texts: What are the 84 lakh (8.4 million) species?

texts:
Search for 8.4 million (or 84 lakh) species in Google, and several sources  (mostly from Hare Krishna/ISKCON websites) claim that Padma Puranam states this shloka:

jalaja nava-laksani sthavara laksa-vimsati krmayo rudra-sankhyakah
paksinam dasa-laksanam trimsal-laksani pasavah catur-laksani manusah

  9,00,000 species of aquatics
20,00,000 species of plants
11,00,000 species of insects/worms/reptiles
10,00,000 species of birds
30,00,000 species of animals
  4,00,000 species of humans

I tried searching for this shloka but I can only find sanskrit text pdf - vedicilluminations.com/downloads/Puranas/Padma%20Purana/padma_purana_1srishti.pdf or english translation online, not english 'transliteration'.
A previous question provides links to all but the first 2 volumes of unabridged english translation.. which is probably where the source for this shloka lies since it is in Srishti (creation) khand.
Does anyone have an actual source for this shloka ? and the further breakdown of species ?


texts: Does Lord Parashurama have link to Ikshvaku dynasty?

texts:
As per Mahabharata Vana Parva , Parashurama's maternal grandfater was King Prasenajit.

As per Valmiki Ramayana Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 110 verse 13, one of Lord Rama's ancestor was Prasenajit

Are they the same person ? Looking for a scripture reference


texts:
The story goes that a snake who wanted to take revenge on Arjuna landed itself in Karna's quiver. The snake requested Karna to shoot the arrow he was on, so that it could kill Arjuna. Although, Karna refused to do so as it would be unethical.

Does this story find mention in the Mahabharata or any other text?


texts: Are Upanishad word of God like gita and vedas?

texts: Are uprarishad word of God like gita and vedas?


texts: What is the story of Arjuna's previous birth sage Nara fighting with the Gandiva bow?

texts:
In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, Shiva disguises himself as a hunter and fights with Arjuna.  Finally Shiva reveals himself, and tells Arjuna about Arjuna's past birth as the sage Nara:

  Thou wert in thy former life Nara, the friend of Narayana. In Vadari wert thou engaged in fierce ascetic austerities for several thousands of years. In thee as well as in Vishnu--that first of male beings--dwelleth great might. Ye both, by your might, hold the universe; O lord, taking up that fierce bow whose twang resembled the deep roar of the clouds, thou, as well as Krishna, chastisedest the Danavas during the coronation of Indra.  Even this Gandiva is that bow, O son of Pritha, fit for thy hands.

For those who don't know, the sage Nara was the twin brother of the sage Narayana, an ancient incarnation of Vishnu who was the son of Yama god of death and the founder of the Pancharatra movement which was a precursor to modern Vaishnavism, as I discuss here.

But my question is, what is the story of Nara and Narayana fighting the Asuras at the time of Indra's coronation, with Nara using the Gandiva bow?  In this chapter of the Virata Parva of the Mahabharata, Arjuna lists some of the previous owners of the Gandiva bow:

  Shiva held it first for a thousand years. Afterwards Prajapati held it for five hundred and three years. After that Sakra, for five and eighty years. And then Soma held it for five hundred years. And after that Varuna held it for a hundred years. And finally Partha, surnamed Swetavahana, hath held it for five and sixty years.

So did one of these gods give the Gandiva bow to the sage Nara in order to fight the Asuras?  By the way, I do know one occasion where Nara and Narayana fought the Asuras, described in this chapter of the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata, but that was after the churning of the ocean, not Indra's coronation.

On a side note, I discuss how Arjuna obtained the Gandiva bow in my answer here.  Alongside the Gandiva bow, Arjuna also received a chariot belonging to Chandra the moon god, which I asked about here.


texts: Was baby head and elephant's body joined after Lord Ganesha was created by Shiva?

texts:
This video from a movie where he explains that baby head and elephant body was joined to form a God called Hanesha, is this story true?

Video Link regarding God Hanesha from a movie

Is this story true or fake, if true is there any proof regarding this in shiva Purana like the actor mentions in this video?


texts: When, why and at what instance Narada Muni was cursed by Prajapati Daksa?


texts:
I have become attached to all forbidden things rather than praying and worshiping.

How do I free myself of all hindrances to my faith and devotion?


texts:
While people may debate if men marrying multiple wives or women marrying multiple husbands is ideal, the simple fact is both happen in Hinduism and are clearly at least allowed in some situations, however rarely that may be.
What are the rules for polygamy? Is the first wife/husband required to give permission, because in all the cases I know in Hinduism that definitely happens? Are there any other rules or recommendations given in scripture? How would Hindu polygamy ideally work financially, legally, and logistically?


texts: I am not just talking about our thoughts about them (deities), but just our thoughts in general, and the things that are in our minds (not talking about religion). I am asking this because deities are omnipresent.


texts: Did Ved Vyasa father children for his mother Satyavati?

texts:
The wikipedia mentions the following about Vyasa.

  Vyasa is traditionally known as author of this epic and likewise
  features as an important character in it. His mother Satyavati later
  married King Shantanu of Hastinapura and had two sons, Chitrāngada and
  Vichitravirya. Chitrangada died unmarried and Vichitravirya died
  without issue, and hence their mother asked Vyasa to father the child
  through the "Niyoga" method which specifies rules for appointing a
  father to bear a child in case the husband is incapacitated or unable
  to do so.

I have two questions based on the above information:

1) Does it mean that Satyavati, who is the mother of Ved Vyada, asked his own son to produce children for herself and king Shantanu?

2) Were Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, biological children of Satyavati and King Shantanu?


texts: Why did the Devas let Brihaspati be their guru even though he had sex with his brothers' wives?

texts:
Being a guru, Brihaspati had sex with his younger brother's wife and yet why did the devas let him be their guru?

This is is mentioned in Devi Bhagavata Purana here.

Did Brihaspati suffer any consequences because of this act?

The Matsya Purana too tells us a strange tale about Brihaspati. According to this story, Brihaspati once met his elder brother Utathya's wife Mamata in solitude. Tempted by her beauty, Brihaspati sought sex with her. And when she refused, he took her by force though she was pregnant at that time.


texts: How widespread are "advaita vedanta" followers among modern Hindus?

texts: How widespread are secular beliefs based on advaita vedanta among the modern Sanatan dharma population? I was under the impression this was a major movement, but I seem to hear hints otherwise.


texts: Why are Tirupati temple priests restricted from traveling overseas?

texts:
From this news article:

  When Pandit Venkatacharilu Samudrala first headed West 32 years ago, he wasn't steered by visions of the good life. In fact, Samudrala strongly resisted joining the newly built Pennsylvania Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Pittsburg.

  "No one had gone abroad before me from Tirumala. Moreover, the agama sastra of Tirupati (temple law) prohibits any priest from re-entering the sanctum sanctorum if they cross the ocean. They can only distribute prasadam, chant, and partake in processions," says Samudrala, who was 25 at the time. Persuaded by his father, a priest at Tirupati, and his elders, he finally made the crossing on March 17, 1982, on an H-1 visa.

This article at hinduismtoday.com offers the following explanation.

  The prohibition is clearly stated in several scriptures. The Baudhayana Sutra, one of the Hindu Dharma Shastras, says that "making voyages by sea" (II.1.2.2) is an offense which will cause pataniya, loss of caste. It offers a rather difficult penance: "They shall eat every fourth mealtime a little food, bathe at the time of the three libations (morning, noon and evening), passing the day standing and the night sitting. After the lapse of three years, they throw off their guilt."

I'm interested in knowing the exact wording of āgama śāstra of Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati that pertains to overseas travel restrictions and if any reasons are stated in there that explains this restriction or do they just follow the Baudhayana Sutra II.1.2.2 referenced above.


texts:
I recently was reading on Wikipedia :

Kartikeya is an ancient god, traceable to the Vedic era.
Archaeological evidence from 1st-century CE and earlier,[9] where he
is found with Hindu god Agni (fire), suggest that he was a significant
deity in early Hinduism.[5] He is found in many medieval temples all
over India, such as at the Ellora Caves and Elephanta Caves.

I also read about
रुद्रो रुद्रश्च दन्तिश्च नन्दिः षण्मुख एव च ।
गरुडो ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्च नारसिहंस्तथैव च ।।
rudro rudrascha dantischa nandi sanmukha eva cha |
garudo brahma vishnuscha narsimhastathaiva cha ||  [Yajurveda Taitteriya Aranyaka 10.1.15]
The names of God mentioned are:
Rudra, Danti, Nandi, Shanmukha, Garuda, Brahma, Vishnu, Narsimha
Where Shanmukh or six faced, should be a name of Kumara Itself. What and where are the historical origin of the cult of Lord Kartikeya ,other than the Yajurveda mentioned here,  especially connected to Lord Shiva's Family?


texts: Can a person get Moksha without worshipping God but doing good all his life?

texts: Can a person attain Moksha, if he/she do not pray or worship God but still continually does good work throughout his life?


texts: Is Krishna the source of Vishnu or other way round?

texts: What Bhagavata Purana text mentions apropos this question? Is Bhagavan Krishna the source of all incarnations or Bhagavan Vishnu as traditionally believed?


texts: In what text(s) is the Naga gayatri mantra found?

texts:
Various sites on the internet list some variation on the naga gayatri mantra, such as the following:

  ōṁ navakulāye vidhmahe
   viśadantāye dhīmahi
   tanno sarpa pracodayāt

I've been unable to find where the mantra is derived from, however, or which version is the original. Can anyone point me to a text which includes the mantra?


texts: Who was sage Vasishth's most accomplished student?

texts: Who's sage Vashishta's Best Student (other than the sons of King Dasharatha)?


texts: What is the concept of Arudha Pada in Jyotisha?

texts:
What does the concept of Arudha Pada mean in Jyotisha?

How is it calculated?

What are its practical applications?


texts: What does Hinduism say about female masturbation?

texts: Women in past were generally thought of as inferior to men, and thus there were a lot of things that women were restricted from practicing (and often punished if found guilty for practicing the same) while men weren't, for example polygamy, so I was wondering what really does Hinduism say about "Female Masturbation" is self-love considered a sin (especially for women)?


texts: Question about Dwapara Yuga and Treta Yuga

texts:
I found a suggested edit in the review que of Mythology and Folklore SE, which has been there for a while. I see the user is also hanging around this SE @Vivikta. It's about this question and its answer
Could someone clarify if this edit is correct?
Comment: Krishna incarnated in the Dwapara Yuga and not Treta Yuga. RAma was there in the Treta
Original post:
Now, to answer your second question, what caused the people to eventually stop worshiping the lower deities (specifically Indra) - If we go by the mythology, this began changing in Treta Yuga when Vishnu incarnated as Krishna. Krishna actively dissuaded people from worshiping lower deities (and any other local gods, forest gods, tree gods, what have you) and exerted strong influence to move people towards monotheism. Gradually people stopped worshiping the lower gods/deities and when Indra got upset and tried to punish people, Krishna protected them from his wrath very publicly to prove his superiority.
Suggested Edit
Now, to answer your second question, what caused the people to eventually stop worshiping the lower deities (specifically Indra) - If we go by the mythology, this began changing in Dwapara Yuga when Vishnu incarnated as Krishna. Krishna actively dissuaded people from worshiping lower deities (and any other local gods, forest gods, tree gods, what have you) and exerted strong influence to move people towards monotheism. Gradually people stopped worshiping the lower gods/deities and when Indra got upset and tried to punish people, Krishna protected them from his wrath very publicly to prove his superiority.
I recognize this question might not fit and will remove it if required, but I myself am wondering what difference there is.


texts: Have Hindu Philosophers attempted to solve problem of improbability of a creator him/her/it being more complex?

texts:
I know that many hindu philosphers believe God can be known only through scriptures.

Brahma sutras also try to explain logically about nature of brahman etc..

Any place where the problem of improbability of a creator him/her/it being more complex is addressed?

The summary of the problem is stated by Richard Dawkins in God Delusion in 4th chapter Why there almost certainly is no God:

  1 One of the greatest challenges to the human intellect, over the
  centuries, has been to explain how the complex, improbable appearance
  of design in the universe arises.

  2 The natural temptation is to attribute the appearance of design to
  actual design itself. In the case of a man-made artifact such as a
  watch, the designer really was an intelligent engineer. It is tempting
  to apply the same logic to an eye or a wing, a spider or a person.

  3.The temptation is a false one, because the designer hypothesis immediately raises the larger problem of who designed the designer.
  The whole problem we started out with was the problem of explaining
  statistical improbability. It is obviously no solution to postulate
  something even more improbable. We need a 'crane', not a 'skyhook',
  for only a crane can do the business of working up gradually and
  plausibly from simplicity to otherwise improbable complexity.

If the argument of this chapter is accepted, the factual premise
of religion - the God Hypothesis - is untenable. God almost certainly
does not exist.


texts: Which chapter of Skanda Purana contains Guru Gita?

texts: Everyone is aware that Guru Gita is considered to be taken from Uttara Khanda of Skanda Puranam. But I cannot find in the links provided here. Is there any other version of Skanda Purana uttara Khanda which contains guru gita available online/offline with sanskrit text and translation? Please help me with this.


texts: Shlokas about "time, pradhana, maya are eternal" from the third person's view

texts: Srila Prabhupada wrote that the Supreme Lord, souls, prakriti and time are eternal in the Bhagavad Gita introduction. So, I need the shlokas which tell that "time is eternal", "pradhana or prakriti is eternal" and "maya is eternal".  I need these shlokas to explain the universal phenomenon as a physics discussion. Kindly give shlokas from Upanishads which are more like an impersonal explanation or from the third person's view.


texts: How to know which nadi is triggered at present?

texts:
The human psychic body has two types of nadis which as I know are Surya nadi and Chandra nadi.
AFAIK, the nadis change automatically but one can also trigger them as needed. How to know which nadi is triggered at present and how to change it to other nadi?


texts: Was absence of mention about brAhmanas, upanishads, aranyakas in Ramayana indicates that it had been composed much earlier to them?

texts:
I tried to find any mention of  brAhmanas, upanishads, aranyakas in Ramayana, as they were supposed to have been composed in post vedic period, as Ramayana was.
The following slokas are from 5th Sarga of Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana.

तामग्निमद्भिर्गुणवद्भिरावृताम् द्विजोत्तमैः वेदषडङ्गपारगैः | सहस्रदैः
सत्यरतैर्महात्मभिः महर्षिकल्पैः ऋषिभिश्च केवलैः || १-५-२३
She that Ayodhya is encompassed with Vedic scholars who always worship
the ritual fire by enkindling the three kinds of ritual-fires
continuously, virtuous Brahman scholars in Veda-s and their six
ancillary subjects, and other great souls that are in similitude with
great saints, and who are just like sages that are charitable donors,
and that abide by the truth.

In the rest of the Ramayana also, no mention of brAhmanas, upanishads, aranyakas was found in Ramayana by me.
Did any one come across such mention?
If not, can we conclude that Ramayana was composed much earlier to the composition of brAhmanas, upanishads, aranyakas?


texts: Were the holy names "Raam" , "Hari" and others originally used for Brahman?

texts:
So this might be a little controversial, but I was really curios what is the earliest reference of names "Hari" and "Ram"  in vedic scriptures ?

The way I think it is this way :
Names like Ram and Hari were originally used for Brahman , but it might have been given to avatars of Vishnu later as Ram for Ramchandra and Hari for Krishna respectively.

Because if there's a reference of 'Ram' in vedas predating to birth of Ramchandra, then its obvious 'Ram' can't be referncing to Ramchandra as it is not possible to refer to someone who's not born yet , or perhaps I am wrong on this one ? it could be a prophesy of sorts.

Many names of god like

Krishna (Attractor or Black, black as in outer space, universe the saguna swaroop of brahman)
Narayana (Nar[human] + Aayan[resting place] , meaning ultimate refuge of
humans)
Hari (hari could mean gold perhaps ? the word hiranya in    sanskrit
and Zar in persian both refer to gold and are closer to    "Hari"
word. Gold as in precious and radiating)
Damodar (One who is    known through a mind which is purified (Udara)
by means of    self-control (dama)")

Regarding Rama , the wikipedia article on Rama says

  The word also appears in ancient Upanishads and Aranyakas layer of
  Vedic literature, as well as music and other post-Vedic literature,
  but in qualifying context of something or someone who is "charming,
  beautiful, lovely" or "darkness, night".

and also

  In another context as found in other Vedic texts, the word means
  "pleasing, delightful, charming, beautiful, lovely"

So , perhaps Hari, Ram, Krishna, Damodar, Narayana, etc are all names of Brahman but as they were given to avatars , their original meaning got hidden ?


texts: Followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu worship Krishna in a small stone form (Govardhana sila) representing Mount Govardhan. The question  is Why Govardhan Hill is considered a form of Krishna?


texts: What is the exact location of nagesh jyotirlinga?

texts: There is a controversy regarding the location of Nagesvara Jyotirlinga. Is it in Jageshwar, Almora (Uttrakhand)? Or is it located in Nageshwara or Darukavana, Dwarka (Gujrat)?


texts: Clarification regarding adultery, extra-marital relations

texts:
Apologies if this seems a very sensitive issue but can you please help me understand what is considered an adultery?

If married male and female partners have mutually agreed and happy to have extra-marital relations with any other woman / man / married partners, usually for the purpose of material sense enjoyment, is it considered adultery since they are not hiding anything from each other and are involved together in such sensual activities.

Please also comment on what, as an individual, a person is expected in terms of such relations? Will be great to have any references from any scriptures.


texts: Which scripture mentions Lord Parshurama was born on Akshaya Tritiya?

texts:
The Drikpanchang says that Parshuram Jayanti falls on Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha also known as Akshay Tritiya.

  It is believed that Parashurama was born during Pradosh Kala and hence the day when Tritiya prevails during Pradosh Kala is considered for Parashurama Jayanti celebrations.

I want to know which scripture (if any) mentions that the two occasions fall on the same day.


texts: Does vaishnavism accept that Hari and Hara are the selves of each other?

texts:
Sri Sridhara Swamin at the beginning of his commentary to the Srimadbhagavatam writes an invocation:
माधवोमाधवावीशौ सर्वसिद्धिविधायिनौ। वन्दे परस्परात्मानौ परस्परनुतिप्रियौ॥

I bow to Mādhava and Umādhava (Shiva) who are both 'Isha-s' Supreme Lords. They are capable of bestowing all accomplishments (to their devotees). They are both the selves of each other and both love to engage in the stuti of each other.

This idea of Hari-Hara abheda is admitted in the Smarta samparadaya.  The smartas of Karnataka and Andhra chant these mantras as part of their daily three-time sandhyavandanam:

शिवाय विष्णुरूपाय शिवरूपाय विष्णवे ।
शिवस्य हृदयं विष्णुः विष्णोश्च हृदयं शिवः ॥८॥
यथा शिवमयो विष्णुरेवं विष्णुमयः शिवः ।
यथान्तरं न पश्यामि तथा मे स्वस्तिरायुषि ॥९॥
यथान्तरं न भेदाः स्युः शिवकेशवयोस्तथा ।[Skandopaniṣat]

[(obeisance to Śiva who is of the form of Viḷṣṇu, and to Viṣṇu of the form of Śiva. Śiva's heart (self) is Viṣṇu and Viṣṇu's self is Śiva. Just as Viṣṇu is fully verily Śiva, so too Śiva is fully verily Viṣṇu. As I do not see any difference between them, let me be prosperous and long-lived. Let there be no difference between Śiva and Keśava.

Is the above concept admissible in vaishnavism?


texts: How could King Janaka study Bhagavad-Gita?

texts:
In the Bhagavad-Gita-Mahatmya, Bhagavan Vishnu says to Dhara:

gitAm Ashritya vahabo bhubhujo janakAdayah/nirdhutakalmashA loke gatAste paramam padam//
Meaning: Many kings like Janaka washed off their sins in this world by acting according to the Gita and get liberated.

Janaka took birth in the Treta yuga,while Gita was told in the Dvapara yuga.
How could Janaka study Gita?
The same Mahatmya mentions that Gita has 745 slokas by the way and therefore  by Gita it does mean the entire Gita I think.


texts: Is this verse of mahabharata found in the BORI critical edition of Mahabharata?

texts:
Did this verse make the cut for the critical edition?

  उभौ मध्वासवक्षिप्तावुभौ चन्दनरूषितौ । स्रग्विनौ वरवस्त्रौ तौ
  दिव्याभरणभूषितौ ॥
   (I saw) both of them (Krishna and Arjuna) drunk with
  Madhvâsava (sweet spirituous liquor made from honey), both adorned
  with sandal paste, garlanded, and wearing costly garments and
  beautiful ornaments.” (Mahabharata - Udyoga, LVIII. 5)


texts: How did Aswathama get rid the sin of killing Upapandavas and curse of Lord Krishna?

texts:
After Mahabharatha war, to avenge the death of his father Drona, Aswathama entered camp of Pandavas and killed Upapandavas and sleeping soldiers. According to Mahabhartha, Krishna curses Aswathama to roam the earth with all diseases for 3000 years.

As regards thyself, all wise men know thee for a coward and a sinful
wretch! Always engaged in sinful acts, thou art the slayer of
children. For this reason, thou must have to bear the fruit of these
thy sins. For 3,000 years thou shalt wander over this earth, without a
companion and without being able to talk with anyone. Alone and
without anybody by thy side, thou shalt wander through diverse
countries, O wretch, thou shalt have no place in the midst of men. The
stench of pus and blood shall emanate from thee, and inaccessible
forests and dreary moors shall be thy abode! Thou shalt wander over
the Earth, O thou of sinful soul, with the weight of all diseases on
thee.

Aswathama is destined to become next Vyasa (for 29th Mahayuga of this (Vaivaswara) Manvantara).

In the next Dwápara, Drauńi (the son of Drońa) will be the Vyása,
when my son, the Muni Krishńa Dwaipáyana, who is the actual Vyása,
shall cease to be (in that character).

He is also destined to become Saptarishi of Savarni Manvantara, which is upcoming Manvantara.

O Royal sage, I am now describing Sävarni Manvantara. In this
particular Manvantara, Asvatthämä, garadvän, Kausika, Gälava,
Satänanda, Kasyapa and Räma (Parasuräma) are the seven Rsis.

As above two events are predestined, Aswathama must be relieved from sin of killing Upapandavas and curse of Krishna.
Did Aswatthama get rid of the sin of killing Upapandvas and curse of Krishna? If so. how did he do that?


texts: In most of the temples of Karnataka, the Navagrahas are present with their consorts. In contrast at other places in India, only the Navagraha are there - without their consorts. Why is there such a significant difference? Please provide scriptural sources. Mythological explanations are also acceptable.


texts: What are the murthis allowed in one's puja mandir?

texts:
It is said that the size of an idol should not be more than a thumb size of the family's head. If there is not a special puja/worship, nivedya/food offerings should be offered to the murthi/idol daily, is this true?
Why are shila/rock murthi not prominently used in inhouse worship? Likewise, can someone tell what is the best among murthi made of panchaloha, gold, silver, rock, sand and picture/illusion?


texts:
I would like to know whether saints can get back to the normal state like us after realization? I mean like us with desires, fear and dualities.

Can they get back to state of normal people after God realization? After
self-realization?
If so, why do they get? Do they have to make will to be back (which they don't mostly, of course)?


texts:
What's the relation between Lord Shiva and Lord Shani Dev?

I want to know the fact. Internet is filled with contradictions some say its father-son (I found hard to believe) some say brother-in-law Check Here.

Some say there's enmity between them, is it true? If true, what's the story?


texts: Why Krishna was not worthy of syamantaka jewel?

texts:
In the Vishnu Purana fourth section eighth chapter the story of syamantaka jewel is present. At last Krishna said that he was not worthy of syamantaka jewel.

I want to know reason that why Lord Krishna was not worthy for syamantaka jewel?


texts: Guru Ashtakam is a hymn said to be composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Can it be traced back to any of the texts written by him?


texts:
There are nine planets in Hindu astrology. They are Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu.
What do sign of exaltation for a particular planet signify? And what are signs of exaltation for all nine planets in astrology?


texts: Are Hindus exempted from performing Sandhyavandanam in certain circumstances like natural disasters or travel?


texts: What are the big battles that took place in Hindu mythology

texts:
Like I know - Ramayana, Mahabharata, Battle of the 10 Kings and the war between Indra and the king of Asuras (Vitmitra).

But there are many other battles and wars that took place which are slightly mentioned at places but their whole story is never given out fully.

What are the other wars between Devas and Asuras. Or a war where Devas and Asuras have to unite to beat somebody.


texts: How did Lord Dattatreya acquire the knowledge of Yoga?

texts: Is there any story about how Lord Dattatreya acquired the knowledge of Yoga?


texts: In modern age doing proper Krcchra penance is very tough and not always practical.  Are there any alternative to Krcchra penances suited to modern age recommended in the scriptures?  I have heard people saying a dip in holy Ganga river is equivalent to many Krcchra penances but I haven't found any authentic scriptural references validate it.  Please share if you know of any sort of procedure or Sadhana that is equivalent to doing a Krcchra penance.


texts:
It is mentioned in Gita ch. 13 verse 22, that the supreme purusha (paramatma) is a upadrashta (witness), anumanta (permitter), bharta (supporter) and bhokta (experiencer).
I agree that It is a witness, but how can It be at the same time, a permitter and experiencer?
If paramatma is actionless and simply remains as a witness, (as per advaita) then how does it permits and experiences?
Swami ChidbhavaNanda (an advaitin) mentions in his gita commentary, that the paramatma witnesses the activities of the jivatman, knows them in their true perspective and permits those activities which are good for the progress of the jivatman.
But according to advaita, the paramatma IS the jivatman, then why would IT permit ITSELF? ...  Also being an actionless entity why would the paramatma experience or feel the world?
Can someone please explain these things to me. Thanks.


texts: isn't karma superior than Supreme God (Para Brahman)?

texts:
Okay first I googled who is Supreme God in Hinduism and on wikipedia I found this.

Para Brahman (not to be confused with Brahma) is supreme God of
hinduism. Most Hindus worship one Supreme Being, though by different
names. This is because the peoples of India with different languages
and cultures have understood the one God in their own distinct way

You can find the above statement here
Now I always thought that Shiv Ji, Vishnu Ji and Bharma Ji are the most supreme God's but While developing a game and talking to myself I came to this that no matter what God has created "karma" and "Karma" means the activity associated with (something, anything). So it means that even God has to do something which mean god "Karma" correct?
So in my final thought I am curious to know is "KARMA" superior then "The Ultimate One"
To give a little light to my statement:
God can do anything, ok but god HAVE to do which mean he have to think or do some kind of activity or do something which is not understandable as being human (apart from 4 dimension, 6 senses) something that human mind can't think. But this thing is also considered as "KARMA" so ultimately god is also stuck with "karma"?
I am so confused, Please solve this dilemma of mine.


texts: Which characters of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa are also mentioned in the Vedas?

texts:
By characters, I mean people (kings, queens and sages) like Daśaratha, Rāma, Janaka, Sītā, Viśvāmitra, Vasiṣṭha, etc. and not gods/mythological beings like Indra, Agni, Śiva and Viṣṇu.

And by Vedas, I mean all four portions i.e., saṃhitas, āraṇyakas, brāhmaṇas, and upaniṣads but the earliest reference the better.


texts: Which scripture mentions Vasishth praying to Tantrik Goddess Tara?

texts:
The Tarapith Temple in West Bengal Goddess Tara, one of the Dash-Mahavidyashas, and has an interesting legend associated with it:

  Another oral legend about the temple states that sage Vashishtha practised austerities to Tara, but was unsuccessful, so on the advice of a divine voice, he went to meet the Buddha – an avatar of Vishnu according to some schools of Hinduism – in Tibet. The Buddha instructed Vasishtha to worship Tara through the practices of vamachara. During this time, Buddha had a vision of Tarapith as an ideal location for enshrining the image of Tara in a temple there. Buddha advised Vasishtha to go to Tarapith, the abode of Tara. At Tarapith, Vasishtha did penance by reciting Tara mantra 300,000 times. Tara was pleased with Vasishtha’s penance and appeared before him.

My question is - Which scriptures (if any) talk about Brahmarishi Vasishth praying to Goddess Tara?


texts: Why householders are advised not to worship fierce forms of Kali?

texts: Why are householders advised not to venerate fierce forms of Kali? I was told by those who follow the shakti tradition that householders should not honor the angry forms of Kali. Why is this?


texts:
How much amount/quantity  of food  to be eat   per day  for spiritual person?

I have  read  the  books  of swami sivananda  He  said that to become  an Spiritual person, food play great role  in spiritual  development.

My confusion is that how much amount/quantity  of food  to be eat   per day  for spiritual person?


texts: Does the fever curing mantra given by Dvivida found elsewhere? Is it in a mantra group family? Are any other mantras supposed to be written?

texts:
In Chapter 27 of the Kalki Purāṇa a short mantra is written by Dvivida for curing Lakṣmaṇa of a fever:

समुद्रस्योतरे तीरे
द्विविदो नाम वानरः
Samudrasyotare tīre
Dvivido nāma Vānaraḥ

This is an odd story. This mantra seems important, but I don't know of another instance of this appearing. It is also written as opposed to spoken and doesn't seem to be in a mantra family like the Gayatri mantras. Does anyone at least know its mantra family?


texts: What is the difference between Brahman,ParaBrahman,Bhagvan,Ishvara and ParamAtma?

texts: What are the differences between the various terms. I assume Ishvara might be Sagun Rupa of Brahman but so is Isvara? Are they all same?


texts:
According to Srimad Ramayana  it was Lord Indra, who gave a boon to Sri Hanuma that death occurs only by his own volition  -  स्वच्छंदतः च मरणम् , but not Sri Rama.

वज्रस्य च निपातेन विरुजम् त्वाम् समीक्ष्य च |
सहस्र नेत्रः प्रीत आत्मा ददौ ते वरम् उत्तमम् || ४-६६-२८
स्वच्छंदतः च मरणम् तव स्यात् इति वै प्रभो |
"On scrutinising that you are unhurt even after hit by Thunderbolt, oh, ablest Hanuma, the Thousand-eyed Indra kind-heartedly gave you a choicest boon saying that your death occurs only by your own volition..."

Srimad Ramayana clears says that death will come to Sri Hanuma on his own volition, but did not say Sri Hanuma is Chiranjeeve - who lives for eternity.
My question is then why was the notion that Sri Rama Gave him a boon that as long as his Story is sung, Sri Hanuma will be alive?
What is the basis of this story?  In which Purana was it mentioned?  Can anybody tell me?


texts: What is the temple for a "family goddess" in Tirupati that was established by Vishnu himself?

texts:
I think there's a temple to some goddess in the vicinity of Tirupati that was established by Vishnu himself.  Let me explain.

As I discuss in this question, the book "Venkatachala - Its Glory" by G.V. Chalapathi Rao is an English translation of the Sthala Purana (temple scripture) of the famous Tirupati temple  and this temple scripture consists of excerpts from various Puranas that discuss the story of Venkateshwara (the Vishnu deity in Tirupati, AKA Srinivasa or Balaji).

The Purana describes the wedding of Vishnu and Padmavathi in great detail.  Before the wedding begins, the god Brahma, who is officiating the wedding, asks Vishnu to go worship his "family deity".  This excerpt describes what Vishnu does in response:

  "Our family deity is the sacred Sami tree" said Srinivasa. Agastya located the tree. The bridegroom went round it praising it. He then offered worship to his family goddess.... In a golden vessel, filled with pearls and covered by a costly cloth, the family goddess was offered worship and consecrated near Lord Varaha. Srinivasa was conducting himself as an ordinary human being!

I already asked a question here about why the Sami tree is sacred to Vishnu, but now I'm wondering, who is Vishnu's "family goddess", whom Vishnu worships after worshipping the Sami tree?  The only clue we have is that fact that Vishnu apparently had a statue of this goddess "consecrated near Lord Varaha."  Let me explain what that means.

Most people only know the story of Vishnu's incarnation as Varaha the boar up to the part where he defeats the demon Hiranyaksha and rescues the earth from the water.  But as I discuss in this answer, afterwards he came down and started living on the Earth for the benefit of his devotees, and in fact Varaha is still alive to this day, on the western bank of the Swamipushkarini lake near Tirupati. (In fact the original name of the Tirupati area is Adi Varaha Kshetra - the place of the first Varaha.)  Since Varaha lives there, a temple was built there in his honor, the great Varaha Swami Temple.  Devotees of the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, located on the southern bank of Swamipushkarini, are supposed to first worship Varaha in the western bank.

So are there any temples to goddesses in the vicinity of the Varaha Swami temple?  You'd expect that people would take great pains to preserve a temple established by Vishnu himself, so hopefully it still exists today.


texts: How did humans attain the wisdom of vedas, according to mimamsa school of thought?

texts:
Since mimamsa doesn't believe in God, they would definitely reject "the divine revelation" thing.
And they will also reject that the Vedas were composed by humans (rishis) because they believe in authorless vedas.
How did humans (rishis) attain the wisdom of vedas according to mimamsa school of thought in Hinduism?

Because we didn't have the wisdom of the Vedas from the start


texts: Ravana had six brothers and two sisters: I know about him but how many sons of Ravana are Except Indrajit?


texts: Which all sects accept three forms of Vishnu as described in Satvata Tantra?

texts:
As already mentioned in this answer, Satvata Tantra describes three Vishnu forms, namely Karanokadasayi Vishnu, Garbodhakasayi Vishnu and Kshirodakasayi Vishnu.

The exact verse talking about three Vishnus is:

  visnos tu trini rupani purusakhyany atho viduh ekantu mahatah srastr
  dvitiyam tv anda-samsthitam trtiyam sarvabhuta-stham tani jnatva
  vimucyate

Gaudiya Vaishnavas use this classification in their books. Apart from Gaudiya Vaishnavas, are there any other sampradayas which accept Satvata Tantra and three forms of Vishnu?


texts: How someone know that bad spell is done on him or other person?

texts:
Consider, that person X due to some reason did bad spell on person Y. How can Y or other person Z can identify that bad spell is happen on Y by X. Specially if X did spell that make Y ill or mentally unbalanced? Is there any way to find?

Please note that this question already assume that black magic is real, you can find various places and resources where existence of black spell is proven.


texts: Who compiled the list of 108 Divya Desams of Vishnu?

texts:
The Alwars (also spelled Azhwars) are a group of 12 ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu and are famous for their poetry in praise of Vishnu.  The Alwars are crucially important figures in the development of Vaishnavism; it is the principles and beliefs embodied in the Alwars' poems that ultimately gave rise to the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member).

The Alwars praised many Vishnu temples and other sacred places of Vishnu in their poetry; a sacred place of Vishnu that was praised by at least one Alwar is called a Divya Desam, and there are 108 of them.  My question is, who compiled this list of 108 Divya Desams?

The Naalayira Divya Prabhandam, the collection of the Alwars' 4000 verses, was compiled by a Sri Vaishnava thinker named Nathamuni.  But who went through all the poems and found out what locations they mentioned?  And who was the one who came up with the concept of Divya Desams in the first place?  Was all that done by Nathamuni too?


texts: What was the reason behind carving Lord Ram's name on the boulders of Ram Setu Bridge?

texts:
All websites and television shows say Lord Ram's Name was carved on the boulders of Ram Setu Bridge that was built by Vanara Army.

ACCORDING to SCRIPTURES:

Nala had a Boon that he can make stones float.

  O, excellent man! This one, named Nala, a glorious person, is the son of Vishvakarma; who was given a boon by his father and is equal to Visvakarma. Let this greatly energetic monkey build a bridge across me. I can hold that bridge. He is just the same as his father.

There was not mentioned any reason for carving Lord Ram's Name on rocks.

MY QUESTION

What was the reason behind carving Lord Ram's Name on the boulders of Ram Setu Bridge ?


texts: What are the benefits of offering Water to the Surya Dev (sun) in morning?

texts:
What are the benefits  of doing Surya namaskar? By surya namaskar, I mean  offering Water to the Surya Dev (sun) in morning?

Personally, I have given water to Surya deva  for  1 month and I'm not getting any benefit. I'm thinking it is a waste of time offering Water to the Surya Dev (sun). Is there any guidance?


texts: What is the position of the Tantras among the holy scriptures?

texts: We know that if there is a conflict between the Vedas and smritis, Vedas has to be accepted. Similarly if there is a conflict between smritis and puranas,smritis have to be accepted. But what is the position of the Tantras? When does it win and when does it lose?


texts:
Is the the Hindu Trimurti  (Brahma - Vishnu - Mahesh) the same as the the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity?

Are these 3 sides of one god?


texts:
Devi Vimala's temple within the Puri Jagannath temple complex is known to be a Sati-pith. Lord Jagannath is the Bhairava of Devi Vimala.

Jagannath temple is perhaps the only temple where the main deity is worshipped as Vishnu, while animal sacrifice takes place within the temple complex in presence of Sri Durga-madhava, a representative of Jagannathdev.

Which temple was first constructed--of Devi Vimala or Lord Jagannath?

It is not natural that some body part of Devi Sati would fall exactly beside Sri Jagannath temple by the way.

Can anyone throw light on this? Please cite proper sources.Thanks.


texts: What all sects were followed before 'Hinduism' arose?

texts: I know of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism only. Please increase my knowledge by listing all the sects which existed before 'Hinduism' arose, and who were their Chief Gods/ Goddesses. I am aware that these sects have now almost vanished, but I still want to know more about them


texts:
Do the Vedas talk directly about avataras?

Are there any direct references in main Vedic texts?

Note: kindly limit the references to  samhita, brahmanas, aranyaka and 10 upanishads.


texts: Why is Lord Kartikeya called 'Devasenapati'?

texts:
I have heard two explanations of 'Devasenapati' as an adjective of Lord Kartikeya.

He is the husband of DevasenA, ie 'DevasenA-pati'.
He is the Chief of the Divine Army, ie 'Deva-senApati'.

Which one is supported by the scriptures?


texts: What is the story about Marisha daughter of Maharishi Kandu?

texts:
I believe Bhagvata Purana has the story on it. It goes something like Indra being afraid of Maharishi Kandu's tapasya ends up sending apsara Pralochana to seduce him. Kandu and Pralochana end up spending close to 1000 years together, and while leaving for Swargalok Pralochana's sweat drop gave birth to Marisha.

Now Marisha ends up marrying 10 Prachetas and this is how Daksha was reborn. Now my questions are
1. What is this story about Daksha being reborn ?
2. We know Daksha's daughter is Aditi and she is mother of Indra. So was Indra who sent Pralochana a different Indra. If so, who are the two Indras ?


texts: Is it mentioned anywhere that Earth appears instantly at the starting of the kalpa?

texts:
It is well known that universe annihilates at the end of each Kalpa and then creation starts again for new Kalpa.
Is it mentioned anywhere across scriptures that the earth appears instantly at the start of new Kalpa? Or does it take sometime after the starting of Kalpa?
If it takes some time after the starting of Kalpa, then do scriptures mention the length of time interval between the starting of Kalpa and the creation of Earth either roughly or accurately?
In case of no uniform pattern among Kalpas in this aspect, please answer for current Kalpa. i.e., time span between the starting of current Kalpa and the existence of earth as per scriptures.


texts:
Why all Temples, Mosques, Churches, Gurudwaras, etc have a structure such that the main area on the ground is broad and on top it is pointed something like '/\'. This upper part varies a bit in shape like rounded or conical according to the religion but they are almost similar and this particular upper part shape is not build for normal houses.

So, my confusion is about this upper part of the temples. Is it just to make them different from normal houses or there is some significance of it for shaping it like this?


texts: In Hinduism we have monotheists as well as polytheists. We do not have same deities and same customs. Does one become Hindu by accepting supremacy of Vedas? We don't have a single book like other monotheists religions. Or is Hindu a person who believes in theory of karma and concept of moksha. Or does a Hindu believe in caste system. There are some Hindus who have concept of pure and impure. Then we have some Hindus who say that the world is god's manifestation and there is nothing impure in it. So what makes a Hindu a Hindu.?


texts: Is Lord Jagannath an incarnation of Vishnu?

texts: Lord Jagannath is worshiped along with Balbhadra and Subhadra in the famous temple at Puri. I want to know is Lord Jagannath an incarnation of Vishnu?


texts:
Though they're one. We all are one. But have different illusory identities. It is foolish to say that Stories of Lord Shiva and Vishnu were created for entertainment purpose. Why would they mislead us with entertainment? Anyway,

Lord Mahavishnu resides in Ksheer Sagar right? Lord Brahma were born from Lord Vishnu's navel right?. When did Lord Shiva came into play?

I have 2 versions of the creation of this universe. One is that everything originated from Lord Vishnu (All the multiverses) and will be absorbed again into Vishnu.
Another version states that everything originated from Lord Shiva, when nothing existed, Lord Shiva was there. Shiva then divided himself into Shiv + Adi Shakti to help Lord Brahma carry out the creation.

Which of these two stories is true? Or rather, can anyone arrange these incidents in sequence?


texts: What is the reason behind the hindu scriptures not prescribing meat?

texts: Both plants and animals have the same soul, emotion and feelings. I know that meat is tamasic and is not suggestible for spiritual aspirants. Other than that, is there any exact logical reasoning for calling it a sin to eat meat but not plants? How is it a lesser sin to kill plants for food than to kill an animal for food?


texts: What is purpose/reason of using Thiruman katti for making Urdhwapundra or Namam, What is relation of Thiruman to Shriman Narayana? How is it holy clay?


texts: Why all gods are blessed or born only in India? Why USA/UK is superior than India (Bharatha khandam) presently in 21st century?

texts:
How was the America/USA/UK during previous yuga before Kali yuga?

Who were ruling those places? why god never born in USA/UK/Aus/NZ/china geographic region (non-India) during Satya, Thretra yuga,Dwapara Yuga.

Why all our hindu gods majorly born or stories says only bharatha khandam. what about other khandams during ancient era/yugas?

Why USA/UK is superior than India (Bharatha khandam) presently in 21st century?
When India/Bharat becomes Number-1 country in entire world and universe?

When 1000KWD(kuwait Dinar) = ₹1 and $1000 = ₹1 and £1000 = ₹1 and €1000 = ₹1 ? Which year in Kaliyuga?

Why India[God's own country] has lost Sri/Lakshmi and becomes poverty and poor?

Why Lakshmi devi not blessing bharat desh to get rid from poverty and poor and not blessing to become number-1 country in the world/universe in wealth, knowledge, wisdom,vijay parampara defeating all countries in the world and When bharat desh regains as Number-1 country ?


texts: Who can be considered a better warrior Arjuna or karan in mahabharata?

texts: Karna and arjuna are the two greatest warriors of the  mahabharat,there have been often many debates on this topic,But is there any refrences in Mahabharat which show that a particular character like bhisma saying that this warrior is greater than that or who can be consider more greater warrior are there any examples in mahabharata?


texts: Mythology geographic location of Indraloka.. Ravana and Mandodari nativity

texts:
I find it fascinating that the Indraloka been referred to in very many puranic episodes.

I for one believe it is quite a terrestrial place, not so high up in the skies as picturized in so many old films and neither can it be pure imagination. During slaying of Ravana by Rama the former said he regretted postponing construction of a stairway to Indraloka and advised Rama not to postpone important things.Indraloka may perhaps be on top of a remote tall mountain in the middle of an ocean perhaps not normally accessible even in those days.

Ayodhya, Sri Lanka, Dwarka have their locations identified now.The Rama Sethu to Sri Lanka exists now and even visible by satellite or Dwarka by underwater SONAR. Their existence and location was common knowledge in those days spread merely by word of mouth.

For example, Ahobilam Temples are so ancient are well charted and even today remain places of pilgrimage. Their location spread just by popular word of mouth in those times. Modern information systems can benefit Faith with help from visually verified belief. While increasing tourism of today we can combine recreation and spirituality as desirable punyam & purushartham destinations.

EDIT1:

In a recent video SubramaniaSwamy said that Ravana & Mandodari are of North-Indian Origin

Video references Ravana as from village Basrak near Noida U.P., video time 34m 24s and Mandodari from near Meerut U.P., video time 34-49. Also Ravana & Mandodari at 10 min 55 secs. Any historical references available, that they are not native Sri Lankans but originate from towns in far away India ?


texts:
The types I know are Maharshi, Devarshi, Rajarshi, Bramharshi.

What is the difference among them?
What is their chronology?
Who awards/grants them those titles?
What kind of sadhana/practice needs to be observed to conquer each of these stages?
Are those titles permanent?


texts: What scriptures describe Shiva discussing selling salt in the Banasura story?

texts:
The Sri Vaishnava sect has two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai. Vadakalais follow the teachings of Vedanta Desikan, whereas Thenkalais follow the teachings of Pillai Lokacharya.  My question is about Pillai Lokacharya.  In his Prapanna Paritrana, Pillai Lokacharya discusses the importance of Sharanagati or complete surrender to Vishnu, because he is the only adequate protector in the Universe.  Pillai Lokacharya explains why Devas are not adequate protectors:

But what about Indra, Brahma and Rudra? an objector may ask. The answer is: it is too true that Indra is the ruler of the three regions, and yet it is too well-known how he is in constant fear of losing this high estate. He is often curse-stricken, pays the penalty, by suffering for Brahmicide, is bound as a captive by Indrajit and allows his sway to get into the hands of such beings as Mahabali. Such then is Indra, weeping and crawling in the dust.
Brahma is no better, for he is assailed by such evil genii as Madhu and Kaitabha, and is deprived of his Vedas which to him are his "eyes and treasure". And his head he allows to be ripped by Rudra.
Nor again is Rudra any better.  For he is to begin with the Destroyer par excellence.  Water is wished for by the thirsty, but Rudra of the fire-colour offers himself to such thirsty (worshippers of his) as fire! He exacts horrid offerings from his devotees, by saying: "Kill for me, roast for me." Banasura was his votary - so much so that Rudra pledged himself to guard him so that even "the flower he wore on his head should not fade." But when Krishna was hacking Bana's arms as if they were so many cactus-stems, the boasted guardian Rudra shut his eyes and slipped away from his ward, uttering: "If life is spared, I can live by selling salt." Again he, a sinner, cut the throat of Brahma, the guide of the worlds, his own father; and wandered about after such acts of treason in his own house, with the skull of his victim fast clinging to his hand, from door to door, in search of a saviour.

Most of these incidents are recognizable; there's Indra killing Vritrasura, Indra being captured by Indrajit, Indra losing his kingdom to Mahabali, Brahma getting the Vedas stolen by Madhu and Kaitabha, Shiva carrying Brahma's head as Kala Bhairava, and Krishna and Shiva fighting in the story of Banasura.  But I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, what scriptures describe Shiva discussing living by selling salt while Krishna was cutting off Banasura's thousand arms?
Are these words mentioned in either the Bhagavatam or the Harivamsa?  And what do they mean, anyway? Why salt of all things?


texts: I want to know whether Goddess Santoshi is an avatar of Goddess Durga?


texts: What do the scriptures say about the eight generals of Lord Rama?

texts:
I am currently reading the Yog Vasishth and it is throwing up a lot of interesting details. In Chapter 2 of Book 1 we find the following statement:

  28-29 The eight ministers of Rama — Dhrishta, Jayanta, Bhasa, Satya, Vijaya, Vibishanah, Sushena and Hanumana, and also Indrajita — are said to have been equally dispassionate in their minds and content with what was their lot. They were great souls, free in their lives.

I know Sushen and Hanuman were Vanar chiefs and Vibhishan was the newly appointed saintly king of Lanka But I want to know about the other five. Are there any details in scriptures about them?


texts: Is it called just mālā, or does it have a special name? I'm not concerned about the material, rather about the fact that it's shorter and worn on a wrist.


texts: Is Kṛṣṇasāra mentioned in Manusmṛti 2.23 the spotted deer (Axis axis) or the blackbuck (Indian antelope)?

texts:
Ganganath Jha translates 'kṛṣṇasāra' as 'spotted deer':

  kṛṣṇasārastu carati mṛgo yatra svabhāvataḥ |
  sa jñeyo yajñiyo deśo mlecchadeśastvataḥ paraḥ || 23 ||

  But the region where the spotted deer roams by nature is to be known as the ‘land fit for sacrificial acts’; beyond that is the ‘land of the Mlecchas.’ (23)

But is it really the spotted deer (Axis axis) which is spotted but not really black (kṛṣṇa)?

Or is it the blackbuck (Indian antelope, Antilope cervicapra) which is black but not spotted?

Note: I'm looking for a comprehensive answer; not alternate translations.


texts: Trilok is "three worlds" but what is Go Lok

texts:
In Shri Krishna serial, Lord Krishna and Radha are in Go Lok, while Lord Krishna's avatar is on Earth.

What is translation of Go Lok? I know Trilok is "three worlds"

Please clarify.


texts: Why is the supernatural so hard to find in the modern day?

texts:
Why is the supernatural so hard to find in the modern-day? Is there a conspiracy to keep it hidden? Why would a group do such a thing?
While there is a lot of compelling evidence for the supernatural for many people, that leads to the question of why the supernatural is so hard to find. Shouldn't you run into it on a daily basis if there is no reason not to? Especially with how many supernatural entities are in Hinduism.


texts: Has any teacher said that all classes of scripture have the same essential message?

texts:
Just to name a few classes
Vedas
Brahmanas,Aranyakas
Upanishads
Itihasapuranas
Has any teacher said that each class, taken as a whole, is conveying the same essential message?


texts: Did anyone ever receive Lord Shiva's Trishul as a boon?

texts: In Hindu mythology,different weapons have been received from Lord Shiva.But I was wondering if there is any mention of anyone receiving Lord Shiva's Trishul as a boon.


texts: Astrology for only normal humans not for disabled persons and animals in the earth

texts: I read some astrology article's and they said astrology results and outputs are not for disabled persons and animals. Is it true? And if its true any reference is there in the astrology.


texts: How and where can i get the original version of Shiva Mahapurana?

texts: Please help me to get the original version of Shiva Mahapurana. And please let me know how to recognise the original version ?


texts: Which puranas contain the story of the contest between Ganesha and Kartikeya for vighnadhipatyam?

texts:
One of the famous stories associated with Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya is their competition between them for the leadership over the Ganas and obstacles. This story is also a part of the Vinayaka Chaviti vratam.
For reference, I'm quoting an excerpt from this website:

Once all the gods, sages meet Shiva and pray him and ask him to appoint someone as a head to the Vighnas. Kumaraswamy comes forward and asks his father to give the head of vighnas post to him as Gajanana is short and fat. But Gajanana(Ganesha) also wants the post. So Shiva puts them to a test. The test is to go around all the worlds and  to bath in all the holy rivers present in those worlds and return. Whoever comes first will be appointed as the head of Vighnas.
Listening to which Kumaraswamy sits on his vehicle Peacock and flies for completing the test. Ganesh on the other hand feels sorrow approaches his father and prays him saying, “you know that iam fat, short and cannot move as fast as Kumaraswamy. So I request you to advice me on how to win this competition.”
Lord Shiva responds to his prayer and says that if you recite the NARAYANA MANTRAM and do pradakishna to parents( circling around the parents) it is equal to bathing in all the holy rivers. Shiva teaches Ganesha Narayana mantra and Ganesh reciting the mantra does the pradakshina to his parents. Because of the affect of the mantra and pradakishna, Kumaraswamy always sees his brother Ganesh to finish the bath and leave as he tries to enter for a bath in any of the holy river.
Kumaraswamy returns to kailasam and tells his father to forgive him of his ignorance in recognizing his elder brothers capability and requests him to place Ganesha as the Head of Vighnas.
So Ganesh is named as the head of the Vighnas and hence called VIGHNESHWAR( LORD OF VIGHNAS). This ceremony of placing Ganesha as the head of the Vighnas was done on Bhadrapadha sudha chaviti and from that day on it is celebrated as Vinayaka chaturthi or Ganesh chaturthi or Vinayaka chaviti.

Which Puranas contain this story of competition between Ganesha and Kartikeya for the leadership over the obstacles (Vighnadhipatyam) ?


texts: Did Lord Krishna move around with four arms or two arms?

texts:
Lord Krishna who is avatara of Lord Vishnu is said have to revealed his chaturbhuja form to many during his avatara. Who are the those to whom Lord Krishna revealed his divine chaturbhuja form ?

Moreover are their any instances quoted by any acharyas how Lord Krishna moved around i.e In his chaturbhuja form or two armed form?

Please quote verses from scriptures or refer to the specific verse number from genuine scriptures?

Please dont indulge in tangential discussions like which form is superior etc


texts: Which scripture is the source of the chant 'Asatoma Sadgamaya Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya...?'

texts:
From this link, I found the following verse. Which Hindu scripture is the source of this verse?

Asatoma Sadgamaya
Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya
Mrithyor Maa Amrutham Gamaya
Aum Shanti Shanti Shantihi
Meaning: Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. May there be peace everywhere.


texts:
Rahul Arya, a notable Arya Samaj preacher in his YouTube channel has told Lord Indra lived for 500 years and then he died.

He tells that God has made our body in such a manner that a human structure can't live more than 100-500 years .

He says Indra was there in Ramayan and then in mahabharat also . It's not possible.

He says this about hanuman ji also that it's not possible for human to stay alive in both the EPICS.

Is his statement true ?

Please explain with reference from scriptures


texts: Was Krishnadeva Raya initiated into Vaishnavism?

texts:
Krishnadeva Raya was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara empire. Wikipedia says that he was initiated into Vaishnavism.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnadevaraya

  Krishna Deva Raya was formally initiated into the Vaishnava Sampradaya by Tathacharya

I have two questions -

Is it really true that Krishnadevaraya was initiated into Vaishnavism?
If true, was he initiated into Sri Vaishnavism or Madhva Vaishnavism?


texts: All Hindu women cover their heads in Temples and during prayers which shows respect towards God. Here I have found there is no mention of women covering their head in any of the Hindu texts. If it is not mentioned any where then how we came to know about this? Also in other religions Males cover their heads as well, So does it exist in our culture also?


texts: What are the varnas of Vashishta and Arundhati?

texts:
Arundhati. is the wife of the sage Vashistha, one of the seven sages (Saptarshi).

To which varna does Vashishta belong to?

To which varna does Arundhati belong to?


texts:
We feel joy in our bodies because of the release of dopamine and serotonin, two types of neurotransmitters in the brain. Both of these chemicals are heavily associated with happiness (in fact, people with clinical depression often have lower levels of serotonin).

So we can say that joy and happiness is due to some chemicals in our brain. We know that after moksha we will not have our body physical .
So the question comes if we will not have our bodies after moksha who will we attain eternal/everlasting supreme happiness.

 By physical in mean : relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or concrete. relating to the body as opposed to the mind.


texts: Can the mantra Om Namah Shivaya be chanted as a general prayer to Shiva?

texts:
I read online that this mantra translates into "I bow to Shiva, who represents the inner self" and helps the chanter attain realization of the inner self.

Can this mantra also be used as a general prayer for the help and protection of Shiva? For example, can chanting this mantra call on Shiva to reduce a particular source of suffering or ignorance in one's life?


texts: Where is Subrahmanya Sahasranamam mentioned in the Skanda Purana?

texts: I am unable to find the exact portion in the Skanda purANa where Brahma composes the Sahasranamam for Lord Subrahmanya- It says Eswara Proktam in the Skanda Purana, but I cant find it in the Skanda Purana- Can someone help me?


texts: Why do some people see Sankhya as the highest truth?

texts: Some people believe Sankhya to be the highest truth. They neglect Advaita. What are their main points for believing like this? Isn't it generally understood and accepted that Advaita is the highest truth?


texts: Which verses of the Sama Veda are not taken from the Rig Veda?

texts:
Which verses of the Sama Veda are unique to itself and are NOT taken from the Rig Veda?

Different websites say different amounts of verses are exclusive, but they all say less than 100.


texts: Is it true that Ravana was invited when Rama established a Shiva Lingam in Rameshwaram?

texts:
I keep hearing a story which follows as

Rama needed a bridge to cross the ocean to reach Lanka, in order to
defeat Ravana.
He decided to conduct a Yagna to worship Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram.
As he was going to fight one of his most powerful adversaries, he
needed the most scholarly priest to conduct the Yagna.
Rama was informed that only Ravana is the most scholarly priest of all
time.
Therefore Ravana was invited for pratishtapan of Shiva ling.

I wish to verify if this is true.


texts: Yoga means union of atma and paramatma. It's sole purpose is about spiritual. Yoga also helps in curing some disease and brings mental peace. Can I use yoga only for this reason? I mean is it selfish act?


texts: Why did Lord Rama perform an Ashwamedha Yajna?

texts: I am not sure about the reason of Ashwamedha Yajna but I have heard that when a person does a hundred Ashvamedha Yajna then he is capable for Indrasan (position of Indra). Lord Rama did an Ashwamedha Yajna. I don't know how many Aswamedha Yajna he did. I want to know the reason behind Ashwamedha Yajna which was done by Lord Rama.


texts: Can you give me Grhya Sutra 1.22.0, Grhya-Sutra 3.4.4, Grhya, Sutra 2.22.9?

texts:
Professor Kashi Nath Upadhyaya in his "Early Buddhism and Bhagavadgita" page 16-19 says

Evidences for the existence of the MB after the 1st century A.D. are too numerous and too well known to be recounted here. We may, therefore, begin with the testimony of the works of Asvaghosa, a Mahayana Buddhist of the 1st century A.D. In his ‘Buddhacarita’ as well as ‘Saundaiananda’ he evidently makes use of the episodes of the MB. Again in his *Bajra Suci’, some verses of the ‘Sraddha Mahatmya’ portion of the Harivamsa as well of other portions of the MB are quoted. This indicates that by his time the MB with its appendix, Harivamsha must have been well known. Still earlier references are to be found in the ‘Grhya-Sutra’ of Asvalayana as well as in the Dharma-Sutra and Grhya-Sutra of Baudhayana. Asvalayana makes clear mention of the Bharata as well as the in his Grhya-Sutra 3.4.4. In Baudhayana’s Dharma Sutra 2.2.26 a verse occurs which is found in the MB Adi.78.10. His Grhya Sutra (1.22.8 ) clearly mentions the name of the ‘Visnu-sahasra-nama’ which is a portion of the MB and further in Sutra 2.22.9, an important verse of the Gita 9.26 is clearly quoted. The date assigned to Baudhayana by Dr. Buhler is not later than 400 B.C. By this time the MB seems to have been popular along with Gita, the verses of which are quoted by Baudhayana in high reverence.From the clear mention of the two names, the Bharata and the Mahabharata in the Grhya Sutra of Asvalayana, it is reasonable to infer that the MB was developed from the Bharata, perhaps, not long before Asvalayana, for after a considerable lapse of time, the name Bharata was almost forgotten. As the Gita is not considered as a later addition of the MB , it is reasonable to believe that it might have been composed sometime between the 5th and the 4th century B.G. We shall, however, further examine this question and see whether this date is confirmed on other independent grounds

Where can I find these 3 verses from  Grhya Sutra :

Baudhayana Grhya Sutra 1.22.0
Asvalayana Grhya-Sutra 3.4.4
Baudhayana Grhya Sutra 2.22.9

And you give me English translation of these verses.


texts: Why Rig Veda II.7.5 says that Agni was the descendant of Bharata?

texts:
Rig Veda II.7.5 says as follows:

तवं नो असि भारताग्ने वशाभिरुक्षभिः |  अष्टापदीभिराहुतः ||

Translation of H.H. Wilson is as follows:

AGNI. descendant of Bharata, thou art entirely ours, when sacrificed
to with pregnant kine, with barren cows or bulls

My question is why AGNI was called as descendant of Bharata?  Did AGNI take birth in the family of Bharata?


texts: What is the story of Dhanvantari, the incarnation of Vishnu?

texts:
Dhanvantari, one of Vishnu's avataras, appears when the churning of the ocean is complete and the amrta surfaces. he is the one who brings forth the amrta for the devas and asuras/ He is also celebrated as the god of medicine.

But what is strange is, in Srimad Bhagavatam, 9th Canto, 17th Chapter, there is a mention of Dhanvantari, the avatara of Vasudeva, as one of the descendants of King Pururavas.

  The son of Kāśya was Kāśi, and his son was Rāṣṭra, the father of Dīrghatama. Dīrghatama had a son named Dhanvantari, who was the inaugurator of the medical science and an incarnation of Lord Vāsudeva, the enjoyer of the results of sacrifices. One who remembers the name of Dhanvantari can be released from all disease. (You can read it here)

So, who is this Dhanvantari and how does he differ from the previous one?


texts: Why couldn't Parashurama recognize Rama as Vishnu's avatar during the breaking of the Shiva dhanush (bow)?

texts: Parashurama engages in a duel with Rama after Rama broke the Shiva dhanush (bow). But why couldn't Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, recognize Rama who is also another avatar of Lord Vishnu, even before engaging in a duel with Rama?


texts:
There are said to be a lot of demigods (about 33 crores). Is this number constant? Are new demigods created by the supreme being?

What do scriptures say about this?


texts: Which sayings or Sutras is Vyasa referring in his commentary on Yogasutras of Patanjali?

texts:
(After reading Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda log ago) I have recently started reading Vyasa Bhashya on Yogasutras of Patanjali. I have noticed that Vyasa is many-times quoting some texts in his commentary on Yogasutras.
For example Here is a commentary on Sutra 1.4: (citing Sanskrit commentary from Yoga-vaiśāradī site)

vṛttisārupyamitaratra ॥ 4 ॥
vyutthāne yāścittavṛttayastadaviśiṣṭavṛttiḥ puruṣaḥ। tathā ca sūtram – “ekameva darśanaṁ khyātireva darśanam” iti । cittamayaskāntamaṇikalpaṁ saṁnidhimātropakāri dṛśyatvena svaṁ bhavati puruṣasya svāminaḥ। tasmāccittavṛttibodhe puruṣasyānādiḥ saṁbandho hetuḥ ॥ 4 ॥
[English translation]: On account of objects being presented to it, identifi-
cation with modifications takes place elsewhere. The conscious principle
(purusa) is not unaffected by whatever may be the modifications of the
mind in the state of outgoing activity. And so in the aphorism "Knowledge is but one; discrimination alone is knowledge". The mind is like a magnet energized by nearness alone. Being
seen it becomes the possession of its lord, the purusa. Therefore the reason for knowing the modifications of the mind is the eternal relation of the purusa.

Here as we can see, Vyasa quoted one sutra: "ekameva darśanaṁ khyātireva darśanam" but not mentioned where does it come from. Let's see second example which I found at the end of Sutra 1.25:

.....tathā coktam – ādividvānnirmāṇacittamadhiṣṭhāya kāruṇyādbhagavānparamarṣirāsuraye jijñāsamānāya tatraṁ provāceti ॥
.....And so it has been said: — ‘The first Wise Being, the revered
Great Sage, informed a self-made mental vehicle out of compassion, and
gave the teaching to Asuri who wished to know.

Here we can notice "It has been said". Similarly I found he many-times quoted some Sutras in his Bhashya on Yogasutras writing followed by writing something like "it has been said" (e.g on Sutras 2.5, 2.13, 2.15 etc. and so on) but no mention from where he is quoting the text.
So, I want to know what the source text is, from where Vyasa is quoting sutras (or sayings) in his commentary on Yogasutras of Patanjali.


texts:
Night or nighttime (also spelled night-time or night time) is the period of ambient darkness from sunset to sunrise during each 24-hour day.
Consider the following statement of Vyasa from the Mahabharata

The house-holder should never sleep during the day, or during the
first part of the night, or during the last part thereof.
[Section 243, Mokshadharma Parva, Santi Parva, The Mahabharata]

Vyasa is mentioning the first and last parts of the night.
Into how many parts a night has been divided according to scriptures?  How much time span does each part take and how to calculate the timings of those parts according to the location?


texts: Can someone tell me the chapter and verse of mund mala tantra where dashavatar is said to be incarnated from dasa mahavidya

texts:
There was a post that in mundamala tantra and todal tantra there is mention of 10 mahavidya as dashaavatar. The verses of todal tantra is already given But I need verses of mundmala tantra, chapter number and verse number with translation
Please provide it soon


texts: Why did Lord Hanuman bring two mountains from Himalayas?

texts:
As every TV show and common man say Lord Hanuman went to Himalayas to bring Herbs and brought One Mountain.
SCRIPTURE :
As stated in Valmiki Ramayan : Yuddha Kanda(Chapter Sarga 74)

  After having been struck by Brahma's missile released by Indrajit, Rama and Lakshmana became unconscious. Sixty-seven crores of monkeys fainted. Hanuma and Vibhishana, however in consciousness, roared about in the battle-front with torches in their hands, making a search of Jambavan. They find Jambavan. Jambavan requests Hanuma to proceed to Himalayas, by crossing over the ocean and to bring four important herbs, viz. Mrita Sanjivani, Vishalya karani, Suvarna karani and Sandhani; so as to bring succour to the fainted army of monkeys. Hanuma begins his journey to Himalayas and reaches Mount Rishabha, where the wonderful herbs exist. Hanuma searches for the four wonderful herbs. But the herbs appear invisible for him. Hanuma uproots the mountain clothed with the four celestial herbs and carries it along with him.  Inhaling the odour of those herbs, Rama, Lakshmana and all the monkeys regain their normal health.

As stated in Valmiki Ramayan : Yuddha Kanda(Chapter Sarga 101)

  Rama laments over the uncertain condition of Lakshmana. He calls Sushena, the monkey-physician. Sushena tests Lakshmana and says he is still alive. Sushena then requests Hanuma to go all the way to Himalayas and bring the required herbs to treat Lakshmana. Hanuma proceeds to Mount Mahodara and failing to identify the herbs there, carries the mountain-peak itself and brings it to Sushena. Lakshmana regains consciousness, after getting treated with that herb by Sushena.

QUESTION:

Why did Lord Hanuman bring two mountains or mountain peaks as the first mountain he brought could be used to cure them ?
Are there any other scriptures referring the reason for bringing two mountains ?


texts: Scriptural references for the 'Giloy ( गिलोय ) herb' being born from the Amṛta drops?

texts:
Giloy / Giloe ( गिलोय ) is an important ayurvedic herb known for its myriad health-benefits, especially during these trying times of Covid-19 pandemic. It's also called Guduchi or Amṛtā (Tinospora cordifolia).
Now, in this document, (pdf page - 15), prepared by the Ministry of Ayush: GOI, it gives an origin story of the herb as follows:

The Sanskrit and Hindi name Amrita is derived from the ancient Hindu scriptures where Amrit was used to bring the dead back to life and keep away from growing ill and old. Bhav-prakash Nighantu provides mythological description about the origin of Guduchi/Amrita from the drops of the Divine Nectar (Amrita) which was sprinkled on the dead bodies of the monkeys to make them alive who died during the battle between Rama and Ravana. Few drops of the nectar from the bodies of the monkeys fell to the ground and them Guduchi (Giloy) sprouted.

Now, for most parts, the story seems right as per scriptures where Indra revives the dead army of Rāma after the great battle. However, the last part pertaining to Giloy seems to lack scriptural backing. The document cited by the Ministry -  Bhav-Prakash Nighantu as source, however, it's at max an ayurveda book, and not a canonical theological text.
Question is - What are the canonical scriptural references (besides the Bhav-Prakash ) for the Giloy herb sprouting from the Amṛta drops?


texts:
Vasista is known to be a guru of Lord Rama.

It is well known that he is one of the rishi in sapta rishis.

Was he a jivan mukta?


texts: Did the theft of Syamantaka happen before of after the Mahabharata war?

texts: I am trying to ascertain the timeline of the stealing and recovery of Syamantaka and whether it happened before or after the Mahabharata war. Is this mentioned in any of the scriptures ?


texts: How many times Krishna called Arjuna with different names? And what are those names?

texts: I am curious to know that in Bhagavad Gita, what were the names used by Krishna to call Arjuna to boost him?


texts: Rudra's confrontation with the Devas at Yajna and slaying of Prajapathi

texts:
I am referring to this blog where the following is stated:

  There is a persistent motif of the deva Rudra (Śiva) being originally
  refused ritual offerings of the yajña to which the other deva-s were
  entitled. Rudra eventually acquires his share of the offering, often
  via a violent confrontation with the other deva-s. One version of this
  legend, first seen in the Brāhmaṇa texts like the Gopatha Brāhmaṇa of
  the Atharvaveda, has Rudra destroy the ritual of Prajāpati and injure
  several of the deva-s upon being excluded from the ritual offering
  (Gopatha Uttarabrāhmaṇa 2-4).

and

  In parallel in other Brāhmaṇa texts there are other narratives of the
  confrontation between the progenitor deva Prajāpati and Rudra. One of these involves the slaying of Prajāpati by Rudra for the former’s act of incest with his own daughter. An allusion to this legend is found in the Ṛgveda itself where the deva-s are said to call upon Rudra to enforce natural law by preventing the incest of Prajāpati (RV 10.61.7).

Does the Shiva Puranas or any other non-vedic literature talk of these incidences? From my limited reading, I only know of the Sati's immolation that led Rudra to slay the Prajapati. On the incest issue, is the mythological story of Brahma's head severed by Rudra being alluded to here and confused with Prajapati? If not, which Prajapati is refered to here?


texts: Are there any authentic Tantra practitioners in North America? The ones I've found all seem to be "Neo-tantra".


texts: Does every mantra in Hinduism have a corresponding god or goddess?

texts:
In Hinduism there are a large number of mantras.

Does every mantra have its corresponding Devi or Devata?


texts: According to Hinduism, what do we carry into afterlife and next birth?

texts:
In our life we accumulate many things like memories, beliefs, knowledge, etc.

But after death what do we actually carry from current life into afterlife, and what things will fill the next body after rebirth?


texts: How much time has been passed of current Brahma's life span?

texts:
I heard from one of my friends that half of current Brahma's time is passed, is that true?

How much time has been passed of current Brahma?


texts: What is the correct translation of the Mahabharata verse mentioning Drona's age?

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There is a verse in Mahabharata: Drona Parva:

  Sanskrit verse in Devnagri:

  आकर्णपलितः शयामॊ वयसाशीति पञ्चकः

  तवत्कृते वयचरत संख्ये स तु षॊडद वर्षवत

  Sanskrit verse in IAST Transliteration:

  ākarṇapalitaḥ śyāmo vayasāśīti pañcakaḥ

  tvatkṛte vyacarat saṃkhye sa tu ṣoḍada varṣavat

As mentioned in this answer, K. M. Ganguli translates it as below:

  Of a dark complexion, with white locks hanging down to his ears, that old man of five and eighty years of age, used, for thy sake only, to career on the field of battle with the activity of a youth of sixteen.

But Sanskrit-Hindi version by Gitapress translates it as below:

That means one translation says the age of Drona was 85  years (80+5) while another says the age of Drona was 400 years (80*5).

Can anyone please clarify how others translated this or provide meaning after breaking words and then using Sanskrit number system?


texts: Are Shabar Mantras really auto-energised?

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I myself answered a question on the so-called "Shabar Mantras" here.

This webpage claims that these mantras are auto energized or Siddha so to speak.

  A shabar mantra is quite different from a classical or Vedic mantra.
  One needs to attain siddhi to use a Vedic mantra but it is nothing
  like this in case of a shabar mantra. Shabar mantras as auto-energized
  and can be used even by a common man easily to bring his wishes true.

Is that true?

Also does that  imply that for these mantras upadesha from Guru(initiation) is not needed?


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According to Ganesha Purana, there are four incarnations of Lord Ganesha:

Mahotkata (Krita Yuga)
Shri Mayureshwar (Treta Yuga)
Shri Gajanana (Dwapara Yuga)
Dhuraketu (Kali Yuga)

According to Mudgal Purana, there are eight avatars of Lord Ganesha:
Vakratunda, Ekadanta, Mahodara, Gajanana, Lambhodara, Vikata, Vighnaraja, Dhoomravarna.

Now I am totally confused as to which Purana is right.


texts: Where can I find the sadhana for the Vidyadharas?

texts: Where can I find the mantras and sadhana for the Vidyadharas? I was able to find some information from a Buddhist source, but not from any Hindu one. Which Hindu scriptures would most likely mention any rituals relating to the Vidyadharas?


texts: Feminist's claim that the Vedas, Ramayana and Mahabharata were written by male writers

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How do you go about refuting a feminist's (male or female) claim that the Vedas, epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata were authored by male persons, so no wonder some of the principles, ideologies and ways of life prescribed are pro-male/male-chauvinistic and are meant to suppress women?

The speaker in this YouTube video jokingly points out that Sita could have very well asked Rama to accompany her into the fire to prove together that their sanctity is intact.

In Anushasana Parva of Mahabharatha, Bhishma says:

  The goddess (Lakshmi) asserts she does not reside in a woman who is sinful, unclean, always disagreeing with her husband, has no patience or fortitude, is lazy, quarrelsome with her neighbors and relatives.

...implying the husband is usually right.

In defense:

Regarding the Vedas, it can be argued that they are Apauruṣeyā (authorless or written by gods) hence were written neither by male nor female person.


texts: Was Lord Ram banished after he was married for 12 years?

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Please see this verse which says that Goddess Sita resided in Ayodhya for 12 years before she left with Lord Ram and Lakshman
http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/aranya/sarga47/aranyasans47.htm#Verse4

But then see verses later it is mentioned that Lord Ram's  age at time of exile was 25 years and Goddess Sita was 18 years.
http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/aranya/sarga47/aranyasans47.htm#Verse10

This doesn't make sense as Lord Ram cannot 13 when he got married . Is there some error in translation ?


texts: A Western follower of Sanatan Dharma does have a Varna Dharma?

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According to jyotish Kundali myself too I have a Dharma Varna. I want to know if is evaluable, if is true and finally if is important for a western born person in order to be accepted by any Hindu Sanatani Community.

Perfectioning my requirement as per Stack Exchange community requests:
Factual reasons of asking this: In India someone still trust in Varna birth Dharma as this will be the causative of what one can do as Aartha to benefit the Dharma society. E.g. Ksathrya will be warrior, Brahmin will be Dharma Teachers and Custody of Knowledge etc
Someone else do reject this thing. So Indian people online in other contexts and in real meetings told me.
No one explained me how it is definitely the thing.
Sources: Indian people who talked to me.
This question is not opinion-based for me because my wish is to be answered with current Laws of India Hindu societies.
Thank you


texts: What scriptures describe the Rishi Shalihotra cutting the wings off of horses?

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The Ashva Shastra is a work of unknown authorship about the nature and proper care of horses.  Now this chapter of the Ashva Shastra says that there used to be winged horses, but then Indra asked the sage Shalihotra to cut off their wings because Asuras were using them in battle:

  In times of yore horses endowed with wings used to fly all around freely along with Gandharvas. Seeing these vigorous, mighty and rideable horses, Lord Indra approached Sage Shalihotra and sitting near him said - "Oh! Revered Sage, nothing is insuperable for you in this triad [of worlds], therefore kindly accept my request and shear the wings of these horses. During the war, these horses draw the chariots of the demons, which are unbearable even for the best elephants.  Accepting the request of Lord Indra, Shalihotra sheared the wings of the horses by using Ishikastra.

  The wing-shorn, calamitous, pitiful and bleeding horses said to sage Shalihotra - "Oh Lord! Why did you cut off our wings? Noble persons do not behave with innocents like this.  Therefore, be the shelter for all of us. We wish happiness forever, oh, greatest among the sages!" The sage melted in compassion and told those grievous horses, "I have done such a painful thing on the request of Indra. Therefore, now I will recompense you so that you may attain pleasure, nourishment and vigour in your bodies and fame in the triad [of worlds].  You will also be embellished as the glorious vehicles of the Sun God, Indra, other deities and kings. The king who will take the proper care by providing enough grass, water and other comforts to you would be undefeatable. The lotus eyed Bhulakshmi would never give up that king in spite of his being bereft of supporters or surrounded by the enemies. Now I will reveal the supreme treatment for the horses which will nourish them,
  cure their diseases and thus work for the welfare of the mankind. Now as my order, you dispense yourselves in Bhuloka, Patalaloka and Svargaioka
  according to your own choice for peace.”

  Thereafter, Shalihotra composed Ashvachikitsashastram, a book consisting of 18,000 verses for the treatment of horses. Right from that time, horses and Ashvachikitsashastram have existed in this world.

Now I’m familiar with Shalihotra; he’s the Rishi that Vishnu appeared before in my Mom’s Kuladevata temple of Thiruvallore, which I discuss here.  But my question is, what scriptures describe Shalihotra cutting the wings off of horses?


texts: Value of Yojana in Sayana's commentary on Rig Veda

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In his commentary on Rig-Veda, Sayana has talked about speed of light in terms of "Yojana". Historically, this term has had many different interpretations as described here.

So what was the value of Yojana that Sayana used? Are there any clues or contemporary references which indicate the value?


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What are  the different types of lokas like the yamaloka,swargaloka, prithiviloka, pitrloka, bramhaloka , dhwarka dham etc ?

On what basis a person is sent to one of these lokas?

Who sends him?


texts: Did Lakshmi exist before Kshir Sagar manthan?

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Some scriptures state that Vishnu married Lakshmi, who came from churning of ocean of milk.

Did Lakshmi exist before that event?


texts: Our Ancients built Hindu Temples in a Straight line (From Kedarnath to Rameswaram - all are Lord Shiva temples), at that time without having proper Maps and Satellite's how can they built in straight line? Our ancestors known about Earth Geometry or Any one helped?


texts: Are there any stories related to Lord Shiva from the Kaliyuga?

texts: All stories related to Lord Shiva I have read till now seem to be in the Satyayuga, Treta or Dwapara. The last one I heard is I think in Dwapara, when Lord Shiva was testing Arjuna. I want to know whether there are any stories related to Lord Shiva from the Kaliyuga also.


texts: Are there finer classifications than the 4-varna/guna classification in scripture?

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Priests, Warriors, Traders, Labourers is fine and dandy but where do scientists, journalists and artists, to name a few temperaments/occupations, fit into this?
I remember reading that a Soviet classification identified around 80 social classes which are similar to castes.


texts: Why japa samarpan is done in right hand of devi n left hand hand of guru?

texts: After japa one is supposed to do samarpan in right hand of devi or left hand of guru. Whats the significance behind choosing right n left hand for samarpan ?


texts: What is the correct translation of rig veda 8:1:1?

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Rig veda 8:1:1

मा चि॑द॒न्यद्वि शं॑सत॒ सखा॑यो॒ मा रि॑षण्यत । इन्द्र॒मित्स्तो॑ता॒ वृष॑णं॒ सचा॑ सु॒ते मुहु॑रु॒क्था च॑ शंसत ॥
महान् आत्मा ईश्वर को छोड़ के जो मूढ़ जड़ सूर्य्यादिकों की, मानवकल्पित विष्णुप्रभृतियों की और अवस्तु=प्रेत मृत पितृगण यक्ष गन्धर्व आदिकों की उपासना करते हैं, वे आत्महन् हो महान् अन्धकार में गिरते हैं, अतः सब छोड़ केवल ब्रह्म उपासनीय है, यह शिक्षा इससे देते हैं।Source
Great souls except God who are foolish roots worshiping Suryadikas, human imagined Vishnuprabhritis and Avastu = phantom dead ancestors, Yaksha Gandharva worshipers, they fall into great darkness, so all are left only Brahm is worshiped, this education is given by this Huh.

What is the correct translation of this verse, because this verse is showing some kind of monotheism of Abrahamic religion.

I used Google translater to translate it in English from hindi


texts: Which sage will learn the Vishnu Purana at the end of the Kali Yuga?

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The sage Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa (or Vyasa for short) is generally viewed as the author of the 18 Puranas.  But actually the sage Parashara, Vyasa's father, authored two of them, the Vishnu Purana and the Shiva Purana.  (Technically three, as Vyasa divided Parashara's Shiva Purana into the two texts we now call the Shiva Purana and the Vayu Purana.) In any case, the Vishnu Purana was narrated by Parashara to the sage Maitreya.  Now in the last chapter of the Vishnu Purana, Parashara tells Maitreya how he got the knowledge given in the Vishnu Purana and he makes a prophecy of what will happen in the future:

  Through the blessing of Vaśisht́ha it came to my knowledge, and I have now, Maitreya, faithfully imparted it to you. You will teach it, at the end of the Kali age, to Śamíka.

My question is, who is the sage Shamika that Maitreya will teach the Vishnu Purana to in the end of the Kali Yuga?  The only sage Shamika that I know is the one disrespected by Arjuna's grandson Parikshit, as described in this chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam:

  Once upon a time Mahārāja Parīkṣit, while engaged in hunting in the forest with bow and arrows, became extremely fatigued, hungry and thirsty while following the stags. While searching for a reservoir of water, he entered the hermitage of the well-known Śamīka Ṛṣi and saw the sage sitting silently with closed eyes.... While leaving, the King, being so insulted, picked up a lifeless snake with his bow and angrily placed it on the shoulder of the sage.... The brāhmaṇa’s son cursed the King thus: "On the seventh day from today a snake-bird will bite the most wretched one of that dynasty [Mahārāja Parīkṣit] because of his having broken the laws of etiquette by insulting my father."

By the way, as I discuss in this answer it is to avenge Parikshit's death at the hands of a snake that Parikshit's son Janamjeya tried to perform a Yagna to try to get eradicate all snakes.  And it's during this Yagna that Janamejaya heard the Mahabharata from Vaishampayana.

In any case, is this the same sage Shamika that will learn the Vishnu Purana from Maitreya at the end of the Kali Yuga?  If so, why does he even need Maitreya to teach it to him?  The Vishnu Purana is known far and wide nowadays, so wouldn't it be easy for Shamika to learn the Vishnu Purana right now?

Are there any other scriptures that mention Shamika learning the Vishnu Purana at the end of the Kali Yuga? Is it mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana or Kalki Purana, for instance?


texts: Why does the Gayatri Mantra NOT end with OM except in Bengal?

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In Bengal, the Gayatri (Savitri) Mantra always starts with OM and ends with OM. The mantra is thus printed in the very famous book 'Ahnik-Krittya' by Shyamacharan Kaviratna Vidyavaridhi.

But so far as I know, in the other parts of India, the Mantra only starts with OM but does not end with OM; the rest is identical though.

What is the reason for this difference?


texts:
It is said that Dharma has four legs (pillars) and it is depicted in the form of vrushabham (nandi). What are those four legs? As far as I know, cow's four legs are also seen as four legs of Dharma.

Dharma has 4 legs in Satya yuga, 3 in Treta, 2 in Dwapara and just 1 leg in Kali yuga. How to understand this?

Does it merely mean the percentage of righteousness in an individual, righteous people in a society or a theoretical combination of some practices?


texts: How to determine planet aspect when planet in different house in Bhava chakra

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When a planet is in a different house in the Bhava chakra than the main (I don't know the proper term for this) chart how should we determine the planet's aspect?
Let's say we want to check the 7th aspect from a planet which is in 7th house from Lagna in the main chart but in bhava chart, it is actually in 8th, then should the planet's 7th aspect be on 1st house or the 2nd house from Lagna?


texts: Why are the lives of Nakula and Sahadeva often neglected?

texts: Why are the lives of Nakula and Sahadeva neglected in most Mahabharata adaptations? Is it because they were not important characters? What do the scriptures have to say about the importance of these characters in the Mahabharata?


texts: What is the story of Kalki (tenth avatar of God Vishnu)?

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I have heard that in Kalki avatar, God Vishnu will marry Goddess Vaishnav devi as promised(The promise event occurs when God Vishnu were in Ram avatar and returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile). It is also said that Lord Ram has offered his complete army (including Lord Hanuman) to protect the Goddess until He re-incarnate as Kalki and marry her.

Apart from this, I know that Kalki Avatar will come on horse to erase corruption and other bad things. So, are there any scriptures which explains the story of Kalki (a future glimpse)? please brief it.