texts: Did Lord Shiva first teach Tripura rahasya to Lord Vishnu or his avatar Dattatreya?

texts:
Tripura Rahasya is considered as one of the important books that expounded advaita vedanta philosophy.

As per the introduction given in the book "Tripura Rahasya" by Sri Munagala S. Venkataramaiah of Ramanasramam; it is said that

  "Mahaadeeva originally taught the Highest Truth to Vishnu who in turn
  taught Brahma in the Celestial regions"
  And later on Vishnu in the avatar of Dattatreya taught this knowledge to Parasurama and so on, and the chain of transfer of this knowledge continues.

The actual scripture says it was first taught by Lord Siva to Vishnu avatar Dattatreya.

But it was interpreted by some people from Ramanashramam and others that Siva taught to Vishnu rather Siva to Dattatreya?

Is there any scriptural evidence for this claim ? If yes, kindly quote them here.
Or it is simply interpreted by some to take forward their ideology?


texts: Looking for Vyom Samhita by Madhavacharya

texts:
I am looking for Vyom samhita copy online .Particularly want to find this quote often attributed to it.
Bramhakaya samadbhooto kayastho bramhasangyakah;Kalowhi kshatriyah tasya japyagye surajanam.


texts: Which scripture mentions the prasthanatrayi?

texts: I am looking for the mentions of prasthanatrayi and its books by any of the ancient scholars and scriptures but I am unable to find even one mention... I will appriciate the help of the esteemed members here with this matter.


texts:
After Pandu's death, the rishis gathered and...

The ascetics set out that very moment, taking with them those children and Kunti and the two dead bodies

When they reached Hastinapura they said:

Pandu departed hence seventeen days ago

Question is, why did the ascetics carry body 17 days after death and not burn while in the forest? Isn't it tradition to burn same day?


texts:
In Bhagavad Gita it's mentioned that Yajna, Tapa and Dana are the Karmas which a person should never abandon in his life.

What is 'Tapa' in Hinduism?


texts: What is the story of Vyuptakesha incarnation of Lord Shiva?

texts:
Sri Rudram is the 16th chapter of Vajasaneyi Samhita, and also 4.5.1 -4.5.11 of Taittariya Samhita. There are 11 Anuvaks in total in Krishna YajurVeda.

5th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram is of specific significance. In the first paragraph of 5th Anuvaka it states:

  नमो भवाय च रुद्राय च। नमश्शर्वाय च पशुपतये च।
  नमो नीलग्रीवाय च शितिकण्ठाय च। नमः कपर्दिने च व्युप्तकेशाय च। नमस्सहस्राक्षाय च शतधन्वने च। नमो गिरिशाय च शिपिविष्टाय च। (YajurVeda 4.5.1)

  Salutations to Him who is the source of all things (Bhava). And to Him who is the remover of all cries (Rudra). Salutations to the destroyer (Sarva) and to the protector of all beings in bondage (Pasupati). Salutations to Him who is blue necked (Nilagriva) and whose throat is also white (Sitikantha). Salutations to Him of the matted hair locks (Kapardin), and to Him who is with shaved head (Vyuptakesha). Salutations to Him who has a Thousand eyes and a hundred bows. Salutations to Him who dwells on the mount and who is in the form of Shipivista.

In the above Anuvaka the names from Bhava to Kapardin are Shiva specific names. Ie. These names represent Lord Shiva in General.

The 8 names are: Bhava, Rudra, Sarva, Pasupati, Nilagriva, Sitikantha, Kapardin, Vyuptakesha.

One is familiar with all other names in the above list except the name Vyuptakesha. But this name is combined with another specific name Kapardin. ie. It is in the format of "नमः कपर्दिने च व्युप्तकेशाय च।". Kapardin means who has matted hair and Vyuptakesha means who has shaven head which have just opposite meanings.

Regarding the name Kapardin there are many stories like invoking Bhadrakali and VeeraBhadra by plucking locks of matted hair. In other cases also Lord Shiva is mostly with matted hair (Kapardin) form.

But as the name 'Vyuptakesha' is used along with specific name. It is likely that this name also has some specific significance. Is there any form or incarnation or story of Lord Shiva where he is Vyuptakesha or with bald head?


texts: What are the differences in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and the Brahma Kaivarta Purana?

texts:
The Brahmavaivarta Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas (Maha-purana) which centers around Krishna and Radha. Now Wikipedia claims that there is another such Purana available in South India with a "similar a sounding title" and similar plot.

  Another text, with a similar-sounding title, called Brahmakaivarta Purana calling itself also the twelfth Mahapurana also exists, is related, but was likely revised somewhere in South India. Numerous versions of this Purana exist, in up to 274 or 276 chapters, all claiming to be either part of, or manuscripts of the Brahmavaivarta Purana or the Brahmakaivarta Purana.

So are there any major differences in the content of the existing mauscripts labelled "Brahma Vaivarta Purana" and the "Brahma Kaivarta Purana"?


texts: Is Krishna-Kali (a combined form of Krishna and Kali, worshipped in West Bengal) male or female?

texts: It is NOT like Ardhanarishvara, which shows the left-side being Shiva, and the right being Parvati. Instead, Krishna-Kali is just one form, resembling both Kali and Krishna, without any indication of any gender.


texts: Which is the earliest reference to Upavedas?

texts:
We know that there are four Upavedas associated with four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva). While reading some encyclopedias, I found that core things are not clear or there are different opinions.

First of all among the name of four Upavedas, three are clear Dhanurveda (धनुर्वेद), Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद) and Gandharvaveda (गन्धर्ववेद), also called Natyashastra (नाट्य शास्त्र) sometimes. But fourth one is not clear: Is it Artha (अर्थ) or Shilpa (शिल्प) or Sthapatya (स्थापत्य) Veda or combination of them?

Second of all is the association with four Vedas. (Out of the pages which lists the names of Upaveda, half of them do not provide information about the association) Among the four Upavedas, it's clear that Gandharvaveda is associated with Samaveda.

Now, talking about Ayurveda, as discussed in this answer it's treated as Upaveda of Rigveda and sometimes Atharvaveda.
Wikipedia and one Dhanurveda site states Dhanurveda is upaveda of Yajurveda whereas Quora states it's upaveda of Atahrvaveda and some says it is associated with Rigveda.
Apart from the unclarity of association of fourth Upaveda with Veda, there is another issue regarding the name and text content. Wikipedia call it Sthapatyaveda, other wikidot Artha Shastra or hindupedia states both.

Regarding scriptural reference, Prasthanabheda of Madhusudana Saraswati which I cited in this answer provides the list but we need to assume that they are associated with Rig, Yaju, Sama and Atharva Vedas respectively. Further it's debated that which texts are included Artha Shastra and whether to include Sthapatyaveda or not.

Bharatkosha provides bit more information e.g.

Vishwamitra brought out Dhanurveda from Yajurveda
Bharatamuni brought out Gandharvaveda from Samaveda
Dhanvantari brought out Ayurveda from Rigveda
Vishwakarma brought out Sthapatyaveda from Atharvaveda

But no scriptural-reference is cited.

So, we need to bring out some reliable information to clear the confusion. So, I'm looking for earliest scriptural-reference which lists Upavedas, mentions their authorship and association with four Vedas.

It would be useful if we can find reliable information on which texts are included in these Upavedas.


texts: Are the ancient commentator Dramidacharya's descendants Sri Vaishnavas?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa which summarizes and systematizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. (You can read the Brahma Sutras here.) Now presently the oldest surviving commentary on the Brahma Sutras is the Brahma Sutra Bhashya composed by the Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. But that is by now means the oldest commentary on the Brahma Sutras; there used to be many pre-Shankara commentaries which are now lost.
Now the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Ramanujacharya felt that Adi Shankaracharya had distorted the meaning of the Brahma Sutras, so in writing his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, known as the Sri Bhashya, he relied on the works of as many pre-Shankara commentators as could find, including Baudhayana the Vrittikara, Tanka the Vakyakara, and Dramidacharya the Bhashyakara. This webpage makes an interesting claim about Dramidacharya:

VEda vyAsa bhagavAn composed the brahma sUtras. BOdhAyaNa rishi composed the vrutti grantam – which is a very elaborate explanation of the brahma sUtras. Brahmanandhi composed the vAkya-granta on the same. Brahmanandhi is also called as “danka”. DramidAchArya composed bhAshyam on the sUtras. Therefore these AachAryas of our [Sri Vaishnava] sampradAyam protected and established the same by sUtram, vrutti, vAkyam and bhAshyam. The SrI VaishNava generation of DramidAchArya is still continuing in this period also. DramidAchArya is also known as “naidrava mAdabhUshi AzwAn”. “naidrava mAdabhUshis” are still present in this period in SrI VaishNava kulam.

I'm interested in the part in bold.  It's not uncommon for Sri Vaishnavas to call great devotees of Vishnu by the term Alwan, e.g. Ravana's brother is called Vibhishanalwan.  But my question is, is it true that Dramidacharya's descendants are Sri Vaishnavas and that they're known as Naidrava Madabhushis?
The term Naidrava suggests they belong to Naidrava Kashyapa Gotra (which is my mother's Gotra). And indeed, that's also stated in this forum post:

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD "MADABHOOSI"?
It is said that when Bharata went to request Sri RAma to return to
AyOdhya, Sri Rama declined saying he could not transgress the command
of his father. When during the conversation between them (celebrated
as "RAMAGITA"), Bharata admired Sri Rama for his devotion to their
father. Sri Rama is reported to have referred to KAsyapa Rishi (of
Naitrava KAsyapa GOtram fame).KAsyapa's mother was too old to even
stand but wanted to be taken for a pilgrimage. KAsyapa put her
comfortably on a hammock and carried her all along to fulfill her
wish. Sri RAma referred to him as "one who adorned his mother" (Matru
bhooshaNam) and that he himself was no bhooshaNam to his father
(quite unlike KAsyapa), since he could not even perform the last
rites of his father. This word "MAtru bhooshaNam" in course of time
got corrupted into "MADa bhoosi". (I understand that all "MADa bhoosis" belong to "Naitrava KAsyapa GOtram"? I am subject to correction !- Editor) Authority: Heard in KAlakshepam and it is said that because of this "Matru sisroosha",KAsyapa attained Swarga and became PrajApathi subsequently - ibid. Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam (p19)

But are there any works of Acharyas which say that Dramidacharya belonged to Naidrava Kashyapa Gotra, and/or that Naidrava Madabhooshis are descendants of Dramidacharya?  And are there any Sri Vaishnava Acharyas descended from this Naidrava Madabhooshi family?


texts: Does Mahabhagavata Purana mention Hanuman as Shiva amsha?

texts: I have seen this article on Wikipedia which tells that Hanuman is Shiva amsha and refers to Mahabhagavatha Purana. Is it mentioned in Mahabhagavatam as such?


texts: Do any other scriptures tell the story of Goddess Aranyani mentioned in Vedas?

texts:
Rig Veda Book 10 Verse 146 is dedicated to the forest goddess called Aranyani:

  1 GODDESS of wild and forest who seemest to vanish from the sight.
  How is it that thou seekest not the village? Art thou not afraid?

  2 What time the grasshopper replies and swells the shrill cicala's voice,
  Seeming to sound with tinkling bells, the Lady of the Wood exults.

  3 And, yonder, cattle seem to graze, what seems a dwelling-place appears:
  Or else at eve the Lady of the Forest seems to free the wains.

  4 Here one is calling to his cow, another there hath felled a tree:
  At eve the dweller in the wood fancies that somebody hath screamed.

  5 The Goddess never slays, unless some murderous enemy approach.
  Man eats of savoury fruit and then takes, even as he wills, his rest.

  6 Now have I praised the Forest Queen, sweet-scented, redolent of balm,
  The Mother of all sylvan things, who tills not but hath stores of food.

The verses seem to be dedicated to the personification of the forest but since she happens to be one of the lesser known goddesses I want to know more about her. My question is - Is Aranyani mentioned more in detail in any other scripture and if so what is her story?


texts: How does Dhyaneshwar's nondualism differ from Adi Shankaracharya's philosophy?

texts:
It is often said Adi Shankaracharya and Dhyaneshwar advocated the same philosophy: Advaita Vedanta.

However, after some research, I found out that there are some sharp contrasting differences in the philosophies of the two individuals:

Shankara terms the world as mithya (illusion) whereas Dhyaneshwar, like other Vaishnava philosophers, sees the world as a manifestation of Brahman and hence, real.
Shankara believes only Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are eligible for Self-realization. On the other hand, Dhyaneshwar argues that people of all castes and even intercaste progenies are eligible for Self-realization.
It is unclear whether Dhyaneshwar subscribes to the Vedanta school as he regards all castes eligible for Self-realization and also is an admirer of the Nathas, something which is heavily criticised in the Brahma Sutras. Dhyaneshwar also remains silent when the Brahma Sutras text is mentioned in the Bhagavad-Gita.

My questions are:

Does the Varkari sect founded by Dhyaneshwar subscribe to the Vedanta school? If yes, how do they interpret the caste restrictions on Self-realization in the Brahma Sutras?
What other striking differences are there between the philosophies of Adi Shankaracharya and Dhyaneshwar?


texts: Does Devi bhagavatam contain interpolation?

texts:
Does Devi bhagavatam contain interpolations?
Did anyone write a commentary on it?


texts: What does a Rig Veda verse about Usha have to do with the 100-year Yagna of the Sadhyas?

texts:
In this excerpt from the Panchavimsha Brahmana of the Sama Veda, aka the Tandya Mahabrahmana, the performance of a 100-year Yagna is described.  It says that this Yagna was once performed by the Sadhyas, a group of gods born in the Chakshusha Manvantara and which may include an incarnation of Vishnu as I discuss here and here.  In any case, the Panchavimsha Brahmana says the Sadhyas used this 100-year Yagna to go to Devaloka:

  Before the (time of the present) Gods, there were (certain) Gods called Sadhyas.  They undertook this sacrificial session; through this they throve.  Together with their cattle and their people, they all went together to the world of heaven.  In the same manner, forsooth, those who under take this (sattra) go all together to the world of heaven.  This sacrificial session is (equal in duration to) the normal life (of man).  Man reaches a hundred years.  As long as is life that they (the performers of this rite) reach.  For no sacrificial session is longer than (the duration of) life.  With regard to this, a (verse) occurs (in the sacred texts): "Those days were numerous that in the east (have risen) at sunrise whence Dawn, approaching, as it were, her lover (the sun), has shown herself as not returning."

The quote at the end is from verse 3 of Rig Veda Book 7 Hymn 76:

  tānīdahāni bahulānyāsan yā prācīnamuditā sūryasya |
  yataḥ pari jāra ivācarantyuṣo dadṛkṣe na punaryatīva ||

  Great is, in truth, the number of the Mornings which were aforetime at the Sun's uprising.
  Since thou, O Dawn, hast been beheld repairing as to thy love, as one no more to leave him.

As you can see in the Rig Veda Anukramani in my answer here, this hymn was heard by the sage Vasishta and it's addressed to Usha, goddess of the dawn.

But my question is, why does the Panchavimsha Brahmana quote this Rig Veda verse in regard to the 100-year Yagna of the Sadhyas?  I don't see any connection between this verse and the story of the Sadhyas.  Is it possible that the verse is saying that he who performs the 100-year Yagna will live to see a great many sunrises?

Unfortunately Sayana's commentary on this Rig Veda verse just says this:

  Like a wife: yatha pari jaraivacaranti... na
  punar yativa: as in the world a virtuous woman is not seen abandoning a bad
  and vagrant husband, nor herself going astray.

In any case, does anyone know of any commentaries on the Panchavimsha Brahmanas which shed light on this?


texts: Tarpana mantras and their literal meaning word by word

texts: I wanted to understand the tarpana mantras all inclusive after sankalpam ... starting from asking the pitrus to sit on koorcha and giving the manes oblations to asking them to leave and come when ever invited


texts:
I am still confuse about Sita's Mother and Father. I listen she born from earth, also She is the daughter of Ravan.

I am reaching to be around 40 years being a Hindu, still if someone asks this to me I unable answer.

Who are the real father and mother of Sita?


texts:
I am writing my thesis on aerodynamics for aircraft and as a opening quotes I am planning to mention about aerodynamics in vedic.

Is there any good vedic 2-line quote which glorifies air, aircraft or aerodynamics?


texts: Do Vedas mention the various people holding the title of Manu?

texts:
Many people would be aware that Manu, like Indra, is not the name of a person but a title that is passed on to different people from time to time (to be specific, after a Manvantar). It is also believed that the Vedas have come down to us unchanged from the beginning of time. So ideally, judging by their eternal nature, they should not contain the names of different people holding the same title since that would point to interpolations at different times.
However, an article on this site mentions that Rigveda gives the names of the following historical Manus:

Saaryaata Maanava RV 10-92
Cakshu Maanava 9-52, 9-106-4
Manu Vaivasvata – 8-5, 8-27-31
Manu Samvrana 9-49, 9-101-10
Manyu Tapasa – 10-67, 10-83,84

I could not find any reference to these Manus in the said verses so I would like to know if the various Manus of previous eras are indeed mentioned in any of the Vedic verses.


texts: Are Samvada sooktham and aikyamathya sooktham the same?

texts: What is the difference between Samvada sooktha and Aikyamathya sooktha?


texts: What is the significance of different types of flag posts on the top of temples?

texts:
On the top of temples we often see different kinds of flag posts. On temples of Vishnu we see a chakra, on the temples of Shiva we see a trident, and also some other types of flag posts. For example, see the below pics:

What is the reason behind it as per the scriptures? A person said that those are generally used for identifying the temple just by seeing it from the outside. Is that true as per the scriptures, are there any scriptural reasons for using the various types of flag posts on different temples?


texts: What is the percentage of vaishnavite temples that have anya-devata worship?

texts:
for example the anantapadmanabhaswamy temple in kerala

http://www.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org/pooja.aspx

you can see that worship services for

Sree Sastha

Agrashala Ganapathy

are offered.

https://templesinindiainfo.com/adayar-sri-anantha-padmanabha-swamy-temple-time-pooja-and-price-details/

In the chennai temple - which I believe was built by the Kerala temple authorities - the following are offered:

durga parameswari homam
maha ganapathy homam

Note: I'm not asking for names of specific temples, just percentage figures.


texts: Why do we need a guru? Can Lord be our Guru?

texts:
Most of the people say, we need a guru in the path of spirituality to drive us in the way that we attain the abode of the supreme being. I would like to know

Can't the supreme being drive the devotee to moksha by himself? Can the Lord be one's own Guru?


texts: Is it mentioned in the Vedas that God incarnates himself? If not then do people believe it. Please give reference from the Vedas only.


texts: Did Sahadeva have the knowledge of past, present and the future?

texts:
I want to know if sources like the Mahabharata, translated by KM Ganguli or the critical Edition of the Mahabharata translated by Bibek Debroy, say that Sahadeva knew the past, present and future.

I'm not asking if Sahadeva ate Pandu's body to get his wisdom. I am asking if that supposed wisdom of Sahadeva is in canonical texts like KMG or BORI


texts:
I came across two stories on how Ravana was killed by Rama but not sure which one is correct.

Story 1 : Rama used Brahmastra to kill Ravana. Brahmastra was so powerful that it killed Ravana instantly and his body was burnt without even leaving ashes.

Story 2 : Ravana wanted to be immortal. However, Brahma gave him the nectar of immortality which resided in Ravana's navel. It was then Vibhishana who told Rama the secret to Ravana's life which was held in his navel. Rama then dried up the amrit which resided in Ravana's navel. This is even shown in the popular Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana. I do know that Ravana asked Brahma that he can be killed either by Manav & Vanar because Ravana never considered them powerful enough to kill him. I am not sure about story of Brahma giving nectar of immortality to Ravana.

I have also read that Ravana's body was still there and Vibhishana performed the funeral rites.

I think that the above line can be true in case of story 2 not story 1.

Moreover, there is another story that Ravana gave some valuable lessons to Laxmana before dying.

I have been trying to dig out the truth from different sources but they have confused me as I came across different stories. Can anyone help me to know the real story on how Ravana was killed?


texts: At what age did Shri Krishna leave Vrindavan?

texts:
Does anyone know at what age Shri Krishna leave Vrindavan?

Are there any scriptural references available for this?


texts: What are the arguments given by non Sri Vaishnava schools that the Pancharatra Agamas are non-Vedic?

texts:
Please give arguments from any school.

Please also cite from scholarly works.


texts: Which of Vishnu's incarnations have been declared supreme at least in one scripture?

texts:
Krishna we know has been declared supreme in Mahabharata, Bhagavatam etc.

It is ambiguous whether Rama has been declared so in Ramayana.  Rama himself seems to have denied being God.

how about the other incarnations, including the animal incarnations?


texts: I am looking for a right answer, why did the Akashvani said that Kamsa was going to be killed by the 8th son of Devaki and Vasudev. He loved his sister so deeply that he himself drove the chariot. He married Devaki with such a pompous way that anyone could imagine, Well to say. None of the text reveal that kamsa was evil and cruel before akashvani. He used to go out for wars every now and then, that was his ambition but there is nothing I read about reason that made such a horrifying announcement by Akashvaani?


texts: Ram Raksha or Shiva Raksha : Which one was written first?

texts:
Ram Raksha Stotra (श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रम्) is a Sanskrit stotra, hymn of praise, used as a prayer for protection to Lord Rama. This stotra is Written by Budha Kaushika Rishi.

As I discuss in this Question, there is not a lot of information about Budha Kaushika Rishi like his date of birth and when he created Ram Raksha Stotra

Also, there is a Shiva Raksha stotra, It is a Sanskrit stotra, hymn of praise, used as a prayer for protection to Lord Shiva. This stotra is Written by Yagnavalkya Rishi.

If one reads these 2 stotra, both are almost identical to each other in terms of its format because in each of this stotra, we are asking Rama and Shiva to protect different parts of our body.

Of course, deity is different but there are other similarities too.

Let's consider below instance, from Shiva Raksha

  इमां नारायणः स्वप्ने शिवरक्षां यथाऽऽदिशत् । प्रातरुत्थाय योगीन्द्रो
  याज्ञवल्क्यः तथाऽलिखत् ॥१२॥

Meaning:

  For this protection of Lord Shiva was revealed, By Lord Vishnu in the
  dream to Yagna Valkya, Who wrote it, as he was told, as soon as he
  woke up in the morning.

And this Instance from Ram Raksha:

  आदिष्टवान् यथा स्वप्ने रामरक्षामिमां हर: । तथा लिखितवान् प्रात:
  प्रबुद्धो बुधकौशिक: ॥१५॥

Meaning:

  This protective hymn of Rama, as told by Shiva (Hara) in the dream ।
  Was written down (as told) by the enlightened (by Shiva's visitation)
  Budhakoushika in the morning (upon waking up)

From Above, even the seed of origin of these 2 stotra appears so much similar.

My Question: Which out of Ram Raksha or Shiva Raksha is written first?

I guess if we can get the life duration of it's Author(like who was older between Budha Kaushika Rishi or Yagnavalkya Rishi) then we can probably say which one is composed first, but unfortunately I could not found much life info about these 2 Author Rushis.


texts: What do these Mahabharatha shlokas mean and which part of the epic do they come from?

texts:
So, both of these shlokas are used in the bollywood movie Vaastav. I deduced that these shlokas must have come from Mahabharatha and not the Geeta because I felt it is inconsistent with the Geeta narration.

I googled the shlokas and did not find any useful information about them. Now, I say Mahabharatha because, I, strongly and vehemently refuse to believe that a bollywood lyricist could have come up with these lyrics. Impossible. Should be from Vyasa. Also, both these shlokas, may not appear one after the other in the epic because they're describing events that happened, easily, 16 years apart.

  Shree Krishnena Subhadraaye, Garbhavatye nirupitam.  Chakravyuh
  Praveshasya Rahasyam Chakutam hitat. Abhimanyu Stitho Garbhe,
  Divya gyanayuto Shruno. Rahasyam Chakravyuhasya Sampurnam na satyaatavan.

This shloka, I can summarize, is talking about Krishna narrating the solution to the chakravyuha to a pregnant Subhadra and an embryo Abhimanyu listening to it, but, only to the half of it.

  Yadaarjuno Gato dooram, Yodhumsamshaptadaisah. Abhimanyum vinananyah,
  Samarthoyovyuhabhedane. Bheditechakravyuhepi, Atha eva veeryavaan.
  Parthaputrasya Ekaki, Kauravair Nirkrunerhataha.

This shloka is talking about how when Arjuna was far away, the young Abhimanyu, alone pierced into the Chakravyuha and was slain mercilessly by the Kauravas.

These two shlokas, may not appear one after the other in the epic (if at all they appear) given the amount of time between the two events.

What I ask the community here of course is the source of this shlokas, the number, the parva and the chapter, so that I may find it in the epic and read the translation for it.


texts: does any scripture say valmiki's ramayana is the most authoritative among all Ramayanas?

texts:
wikipedia says https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versions_of_Ramayana

"Ananda Ramayana is traditionally attributed to Valmiki. While it briefly recounts the traditional story of Rama, it is composed primarily of stories peripheral, though related, to Valmiki’s narrative. This ramayana provide information about last years of Rama's life. These include Ravana’s abduction of Sita and Rama’s installment of the Shiva Lingam at Rameswaram.[8]"

in particular,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananda_Ramayana

"Ananda Ramayana is a Sanskrit text traditionally ascribed to the sage Valmiki, who is also credited with the Adbhuta Ramayana, Valmiki Ramayana, and the Yoga Vasishta (Vasishta Ramayana). The text has received little attention from scholars to date, though in some traditions it is considered one of the principles sources of Rama stories.[1]"


texts: What is the source of mantra: Om Shreem Shree Dharaya Trailokya Mohanaya namaha?

texts:
What is the source and all the information of this mantra:

  Om Shreem Shree Dharaya Trailokya Mohanaya namaha?


texts: Sarasvatii - a goddess or a river first?

texts:
Historians (Marxists) claim that Rig Vedic Sarasvati is an imaginary river born out of minds of Rig Vedic Rishis, because there is no physical evidence of this river as Yamuna has.
We, the adherent of Hinduism blissfully forgot the route of ancient Sarasvati and made people to believe that it flows underground and meets Yamuna and Ganga at Allahabad (Prayag), until the satellite imagery indicated that a huge river has paleo-channel passing through Harayana, Rajsthan and Gujarat, and it might be the ancient Sarasvati. We have not maintained a single religious place as a memorial of that great river of which we claim to be descendent. What a lapse!
Our scriptures depict Sarasvati as a revered river and as goddess the wife of Brahma.But Rig Veda is categorical in agreement with satellite imagery as stated in RV.7.95.2

eko cetat sarasvati nadinam suciryati giribhyam aa samudrAt-
The only river we think is Sarasvati that cleanses from mountain upto sea.

Now my question is - In Hinduism what form of Sarasvati came first as a river or a goddess. From dogmatic religious point of view Brahma is Creator and Sarasvati is his wife, logically river is created lateron. From rational point of view Rig Veda is the source of all later scriptures and it depicts Sarasvati as river and it is later religious development that a river is symbolised as goddess.


texts:
I listened to many stories of lord Sai Baba.

Who are the parents of Sai Baba?


texts:
It is said that even though there are many varieties of pranayam, the natural pranayam which one gets from birth i.e. Sahaja Pranayam is the best. This Pranayam was given by Lord Sri Krishna to his dearest disciple Arjuna.

My question: Are there any references about it in Gita? Any other scriptures that give more information about it?


texts: I'm looking for the shloka which explains that there are two eternal principles: pradhāna or prakṛti.


texts: Which scripture mention coronation of Rama on the very first day of Chaitra Navratri?

texts:
The wiki Gudi_Padwa#Significance says:

  Gudi Padva signifies the arrival of spring and to the reaping of Rabi crops.
  The festival is linked to the mythical day on which Hindu god Brahma created time and universe. To some, it commemorates the coronation of Rama in Ayodhya after his victory over evil Ravana.

Few people sent me below wishes today:

Is there any scriptural evidence which states coronation of Rama on the very first day of Chaitra Navratri (or Yugadi/Ugadi or Gudi Padwa)?


texts: What are the names of four oceans according to Hinduism scriptures?

texts:
Vaisampayana in his conversation with Janamejaya told that there are four oceans on earth

  "Vaisampayana said, 'Asked by thee, I shall tell thee all about the
  heroic-kings in Puru's line, all equal unto Indra in prowess,
  possessing great affluence and commanding the respect of all for their
  accomplishments.

  "Puru had by his wife Paushti three sons, Pravira, Iswara, and
  Raudraswa, all of whom were mighty car-warriors. Amongst them, Pravira
  was the perpetuator of the dynasty. Pravira had by his wife Suraseni a
  son named Manasyu. And the latter of eyes like lotus-petals had his
  sway over the whole Earth bounded by the four seas. And Manasyu
  had for his wife Sauviri.

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

Although oceans are currently classified in to five, they are classified as four in history. (There is only one big ocean on the earth). This fact can be observed from the following two sources

Source 1

  Historically, there are four named ocean basins: the Atlantic,
  Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, most countries - including the
  United States - now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) as the fifth
  ocean basin. The Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian are the most commonly
  known.

Source 2

  For many years only (4) four oceans were officially recognized, and
  then in the spring of 2000, the International Hydrographic
  Organization established the Southern Ocean, and determined its
  limits. Those limits include all water below 60 degrees south, and
  some of it, like the Arctic Ocean, is frozen.

Do any scripture mention the names of the four oceans told by Vaisampayana?


texts: Why Kumarila Bhatta sacrificed his life?

texts: Kumarila Bhatta burnt his body in front of the whole villagers. What was the reason behind this act of his?


texts: What are best practices in chanting a mantra?

texts:
To my knowledge, mantra if chanted by knowing the meaning gives more result than chanting it without knowing the meaning.

How do we know what will happen if a particular mantra is not pronounced (chanted)  properly by us?

What are the other things we need to learn before we actually start chanting it?

What if we learnt mantra with wrong syllables from the teacher (not taking asking about spiritually enlightened guru)? Who has to face the consequences?


texts:
I was reading following line from  This link

'As all waters find their centre in the sea, all touches in the skin, all tastes in the tongue, all smells in the nose, all colours in the eye, all sounds in the ear, all percepts in the mind, all knowledge in the heart, all actions in the hands, all movements in the feet, and all the Vedas in speech

It says all knowledge at heart (it's clear that heart doesn't mean heart the organ), then what is heart here.
Also is there any difference(s) between buddhi,chitta,smriti,mana,pragya. What are these differences (please give answer with definitions for each).


texts: Why Lord Shiva called as Samvatsarakara?

texts:
In Shiva Sahasranāmstrotram, one of names of Shiva is Samvatsarakara.

Why is he called so? Is/Was there a calendar associated with Lord Shiva?


texts:
Kalki avataar is the avatar of lord Vishnu. It is said that Kalki Avatar will born in Kaliyug.

Is there any specific date or time which describes Kalki's birth?


texts: Are there any hindu quotes  in scriptures describing  the divinity of children, holiness of children or any other quote regarding children, normal children , not gods?


texts: Koormayoga refers to the practice of withdrawing the senses like a 'Koorma' aka tortoise withdraw its legs into the shell. This withdrawing of senses is very important for a yoga sadhak at least in the initial stage. Koorma avatara reminds us that ones journey for moksha (amrutha) starts with this withdrawing of senses. Can you please recommend a book on koormayoga?


texts:
I have been studying Hindu scriptures for few years out of curiosity to know the concept of God. The more I study the more confused I am about the identity of God according to Hindu scriptures. I am seeing atheistic philosophies which are denying the existence of God (like samkhya which basically claims there are only two realities - prakriti and purusha ie souls); then I come across mystical philosophies that define God as the spirit in all living beings - nirguna (attributeless), nirakara (formless), sudha chaitanya (pure consciousness); then I come across opposite conclusions that say God is saguna (having atributes), sakara (having form) and saying he is Vishnu; Some saying he is Shiva ..

Its really confusing. I will be thankful if any one can explain in simple terms how to understand all these contradicting concepts. Saying that everything is ok and referring to same God is not convincing.


texts: According to Dvaita philosophy , is Parmatma involved in Karma?

texts:
Parmatma is not just a witness.In my previous question it became apparent that the Parmatma had certain responsibilities to fulfill. Parmatma is bestower of blessings and punishment. If a person does a good job then he or she is blessed and if he does a bad job then he is punished by Parmatma.

My question are :

If Parmatma has responsibilities to fulfill then isn't he doing Karma and therefore liable to suffer the consequences of Karma?

(For example Bhagwan Vishnu had given Narada monkey face( this was Vishu's Karma) and Narada cursed Lord Vishnu that he will be seperated from his beloved ones(this was the consequence of Vishnu's Karma).)


texts: What is the story of Lord Parashurama getting his axe from Lord Shiva?

texts:
As most of us know that Lord Parashurama got his axe (Parashu) from Lord Shiva. Same story is mention in wikipedia as:

  Parashurama, a Brahmin, received his famous axe after undertaking terrible penance to please Shiva, who in turn taught him Kalaripayattu (the mother of all martial arts).

My question is, what is the story of Lord Shiva giving Parashu to Lord Parashurama and which scripture describe this event?


texts: When a God takes Avatar, what happens to the God in the original form?

texts: When a God takes avatar, what happens to the original God form. Does He remain as it is or is depleted or altered?


texts:
There is a Nala in Mahabharata.

  Vrihadaswa said, "There was a king named Nala, the son of Virasena.
  And he was strong, and handsome, and well-versed in (the knowledge of)
  horses, and possessed of every desirable accomplishment. And he was at
  the head of all the kings, even like the lord of the celestials. And
  exalted over all, he resembled the sun in glory. And he was the king
  of the Nishadhas, intent on the welfare of the Brahmanas, versed in
  the Vedas, and possessed of heroism...

There is another Nala in Ramayana too

  The brilliant Gandhamaadana is the son of Kubera, while the divine
  architect Vishvakarma procreated the great monkey called Nala.

Is there any meaning to the name Nala?


texts: According to Dvaita philosophy, is Vishnu the only God?

texts:
As per my understanding, according to Dvaita theory the desire of every being is to attain Moksha. And the only way to attain Moksha is to attain Vaikuntha Loka. On the whole according to Dvaita philosophy there are two states of existence: one is Parmatma and another is Jeevatma. The state of Paramatma can not be attained by any Jeevatma. Paramatma is the Supreme. Paramatma is special. Paramatma is absolute God. Paramatma is Vishnu. Krishna is that Paramatma.

However it is said that Krishna (Vishnu) prayed to Shiva. Furthermore, in the Verse 9.23 of Bhagavad Gita Krishna (Vishnu) warns against praying to other demi gods.

  Those who are devotees of other gods and who worship them with faith
  actually worship only Me, O son of Kuntī, but they do so in a wrong
  way.

My questions are :

Is Vishnu the only real God?

If yes, then why did he pray as Krishna to another demi god when he himself had warned against it?

Would Dvaitins recommend praying to Shiva?


texts: My Surname is Yadav and my  gotra is Gargeya . Is that possible because Gargeya are Suryavanshi lineage and Yadav are Chandravanshi lineage. I am confused. I am from Maharashtra if it helps.


texts: Any sins committed when Bilva tree is desecrated in any way?

texts: Does the scriptures enjoin any sins with cutting the Bilva tree and it's leaves, done either deliberately or by mistake?


texts:
Since Drona is the teacher of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas, why did Drona help the Kauravas by fighting with the Kauravas?

In stories, it shows that he is fighting on the Kauravas side. Why?

Thanks in advance!


texts: How to do Prana Prathishta of Maa Kali Idol?

texts: I am preparing to do the Prana Pratishtha of maa kali idol. Please help me to Prana Pratishtha of Maa Kali Idol.


texts: How did Bhishma pitamaha got the ichchamrityu boon?

texts: Someone can not kill Bhishma pitamaha until he wish. Because he has a boon of ichchamrityu. How did he get this boon?


texts: Story of river Samanga which cured Ashtavakra

texts:
As per wisdomlib :

In the Vana Parva of the Mahābhārata, the legend of Aṣṭāvakra is described in greater detail. On losing the game of dice with the Kauravas, the five Pāṇḍava princes and Draupadi are exiled for twelve years. On their pilgrimage, they meet the sage Lomaśa, who shows the river Samanga to Yudhiṣṭhira. Lomaśa says that this is the same river, on bathing in which the deformed Aṣṭāvakra was cured of his eight deformities.

I want to know about this river Samanga, since it cured Ashtavakra, my assumption is this river must be divine. So how did this river came into existence? Is there any story behind it?


texts: Why is Ramayana known as Sharanagati Grantham?

texts:
In SriVaishnavism Ramayana finds a special place in hearts of Bhagwatas(Sri Vaishanvas) and it is known as Sharanagati Grantham.

What is the specific reason to call it Sharanagati Grantham.

Note: I already know the abstract reason i.e. because every Kanda of Ramayana has Sharanagati Involved, I need elaborate answer.


texts:
As vedas are considered to be 'srutis' (i.e. something that is heard), my question is how do we decide if some individual proposes couple of verses claiming that it was revealed to him while in meditation. Can these be added ?
Is there a criterion ? If so where is it mentioned ?


texts: Is Vishwamitra also a creator of a new Universe like Brahma?

texts:
I have heard that Vishwamitra began creating different things. He created Sun, Moon, Stars, oceans, Rivers etc. As the result of his creations, every natural thing became double in number. one that had already been created by Brahma and the second created by Vishwamitra.

How could he able to create duplicate things?

Did he created anything new which is already not created by Brahma?

What happens to his creations?


texts: Is burning bamboo sticks really prohibited in Hinduism?

texts:
There is a popular Zee News video circulated around claiming that burning bamboo sticks are prohibited in Hindu religion. That video also shows how harmful it can be for the environment inside the house.

But I want to know which scripture said that? And does that scripture mention any reason for it?


texts:
God imposes bondage on us during creation deprive us from exalted state of consciousness. But we are supposed to put our own efforts to liberate. How is this justice? God puts veil of ignorance on us for his own selfishness of creation & we are the ones who supposed to liberate from these bondages? i.e, He is responsible for our bondages & we are supposed to be responsible for liberation.
Isn't this cosmic injustice? If indeed it is (which seems to be), what is the justification of this injustice.?


texts: Does consuming non-vegetarian food hinder our spiritual progress?

texts: Does taking non-vegetarian food prevent us from becoming spiritual and getting salvation?


texts:
It is known that this is from Krishna yajurvedam
It is not clear as to the exact source like which aranyaka.. which samhita..
this post is to know if some one can tell the exact source of narayana Upanishad from the Krishna yajurvedam


texts: Why Ramcharitmanas received more popularity than Valmiki Ramayana?

texts: I have seen majority of people having Ramcharitmanas and even temples keep many copies of Ramcharitmanas rather than Valmiki Ramayana for Akhand Ramayan Paath. Why has Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas, which is a retelling of Ramayana, gained more popularity than Valmiki Ramayana? Tulsidas was criticized by the Sanskrit scholars of the 15th century ; is there any story why Tulsidas chose to write the Ramayan in Awadhi language. What were the events that led to the acceptance of his version more than Valmiki's?


texts: What are the purposes of Devi's five main forms from the Devi Bhagavata Purana?

texts:
The purposes of Shiva's Pancha Bramha Avatars are stated here. However, what are the purposes of Devi's five forms?

On a side note, what is the need for five devi's when there already are the Tri Devi?


texts:
As I've discussed here, we know that ancient Rishi heard Vedic hymns in the state of Tapasya (deep mediation) which are called Shruti/Vedas. Vedas are divided into two parts Samhita - the (mantra) part of Veda seen/heard by Rishi & Brahman-Grantha - interpretation & commentaries on Samhita.

Now talking about Shakha (branch of Veda), generally each Shakha have it's own Brahmana of which some are lost. Aaranyaka are extracted from Brahmana and Upanishads are extracted from Aaranyaka (except Isha Upanishad). So, each & every Brahman/Aaranyaka/Upanishad belongs to a particular Shakha of a particular Veda.

For example if we talk Rigveda, there are two popular shakha - Shakala & Bashkala. Shakala has Aitareya Brahman & Upanishad and Bashkala has Kaushitaki Brahman & Upanishad.

But several times (in books and on web) I found they mention different/various Samhita of a particular Veda. For example (Note that I know that Yajurveda has two forms Shukla & Krishna and hence separate Samhita - which is different topic):

Taittariya Samhita, Maitrayani Samhita, Charaka-Katha & Kapishthala Samhita of Krishna Yajurveda.
Kauthuma, Ranayaniya and Jaimini Samhita of Samaveda.

Similar thing I found from the following image of veda-tree at here:

As I've not read any Samhita yet and don't know deeply about Samhita.

So, I want to know:

Does Veda has more than one Samhita regarding to Shakha?
In other words, does Shakha has it's Samhita like Brahmana?
Or here different Samhita just/actually refers to Shakha of Veda?

I think if there are more than one (version) of Samhita of a particular Veda, they might be similar with just minor (chant) difference.


texts: What is the story reference of Ravana, who made a loud cry (thus deriving this name ) crushed by Shiva? { When proud Ravana tried to lift and trouble Shiva on the Kailash mountain).


texts:
Vyasa quoting Manu says:

If a Brahmana takes food that has been cooked by a Kshatriya, it diminishes his energy; if he takes the food provided by a Sudra, it dims his Brahmanic lustre; and if he takes the food provided by a goldsmith or a woman who has neither husband nor children it lessens the period of his life.

There are multiple instances in Mahabharata where Brahmins were fed by Kshatriyas, including Draupadi while in forest.
So how these two contradictions explained?


texts: Source book for story of Lohitansh/Lohitang

texts: Recently, I saw a track going on in TV serial Devo Ke Dev Mahadev on LIfe OK channel. The track is about an ansha of Lord Shiva called Lohitansh, who was born from the blood of Shiva while he was teaching Tandava dance to Pushpadant. I wanted to know, which Purana/Scripture/Book actually contains this story?


texts: Managing perception compared to executing righteous action

texts:
I believe on several occasions where those in positions of power focus on managing perception than carrying out there right act. Under what circumstances can it be considered dharmic to manage perception than follow truth. Any examples in scriptures ?

EDIT (example)
So let's say for instance that the head of state announces measures to prohibit social contact in times of pandemic. However he knows that practically it is difficult to enforce it effectively. So best way around it is to create a perception that those not following it are being punished. Is this dharmic ? Or is it not dharmic as it is giving false sense of security to others ?


texts:
Why are brahmins represented by names of Vedas?

For example, a person x is a brahmin of some y class (Kanyakubja/ Kokanstha/Deshastha etc.) Then person x will be introduced or called as x person is a y class - Sama, Yajur or Rig - vedi brahmin e.g., let's assume him to be a rigvedi. So, he will be referred to as:

  x is a y-class rigvedi brahmin

or

  x is a rigvedi y-class brahmin

What is the significance of calling Brahmins by Veda names, do they study or specialize in that Veda alone?

If so, what about Atharva Veda, I've never heard someone called an Atharva-Vedi brahmin?


texts:
According to Hinduism, Reincarnation (Rebirth) does occur, but it is somewhat related to Karma. Also, I felt that Human is ultimate species in Hinduism, so now the question arises that does god create new souls anymore?

If we see, the population of humans is increasing day by day, so either the souls are new or they are reincarnations of some other species.

Also, if god does create new souls, then does those new souls take birth as humans or some other species? How is that decided? As there is nothing called karma for new souls so he cannot take avatar of any species.


texts:
In the Rig Veda, 1.155.2 it’s written

yā martyāya pratidhīyamānamit kṛśānorasturasanāmuruṣyathaḥ ||

That which hath been directed well at mortal man, bow-armed Kṛśānu's
arrow, ye turn far aside.

Who is Krsanu?


texts:
I have always believed that Lord Rama was a vegetarian, but after reading certain blogs I found out that there might be certain verses in Ramayana (like the one below) which indicate quite the opposite.

  idaM medhyamidaM svaadu niSTaptamidamagninaa |  evamaaste sa
  dharmaatmaa siitayaa saha raaghavaH || 2-96-2

  Rama, whose mind was devoted to righteousness stayed there with
  Seetha, saying; "This meat is fresh, this is savoury and roasted in
  the fire."

Now, since I haven't read the entire Ramayana, I cannot attest to the fact that whether Rama was a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian.

Which is why I need to ask, is there some concrete proof that Rama was a meat eater?


texts: Why do some Hindus observe fast during the month of "Shravan"?

texts:
Why do some Hindus observe fast during the lunar month of "Shravan"?
What does it signify?
Is it prescribed by the holy texts?


texts: Source and translation of these verses please

texts:
I know what the first verse means, and can guess what the 2nd one implies, but can anyone who knows Sanskrit translate the 2nd & the 3rd stanzas? And if you know what text or scripture these have been lifted from, please mention that as well. Just FYI - this is a pic I took from a Sukta book I have at home, last page of Sri Rudra Chamakam portion.

Transliteration:

yadakṣarapadabhraṣṭaṃ mātrāhīnaṃ tu yad bhavet। tatsarvaṃ kṣamyatāṃ deva nārāyaṇa namo'stute॥
visargabindumātrāṇi padapādākṣarāṇi ca। nyūnātiriktaṃ yatkiñcidābhirgīrbhirudīrayet॥
ābhirgīrbhiryadato na ūnamāpyāyaya harivo vardhamānaḥ। yadā stotṛbhyo mahi gotrā rujāsi bhūyiṣṭhabhājo adha te syāma। brahma prāvādiṣma tanno mā hāsīt ।
oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ


texts: What was Shankara's stand on Bhairava Agamas?

texts: It is a well-known fact that Shankara rejected both Vaishnava and Shaivite Agamas. However, I got to know from a friend that the philosophy of  Bhairava Agamas were similar to Shankara's Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Did Shankara reject all Shaivite Agamas including the Bhairava ones?


texts: What is the history behind celebrating Tulsi Vivah?

texts: What is the history behind celebrating Tulsi Vivah and What are the correct ways follows to do the Tulsi Vivah Pujan?


texts: Is Shiva depicted as fighting mounted on Nandi in his bull form?

texts:
Has Shiva ever been depicted as fighting mounted on Nandi in his bull form?

The Banasura fight as related in Harivamsa is one example.  Are there any others?


texts: Is it true that more than half of the knowledge of the Atharva Veda was lost or went missing?

texts:
I have often read that the Atharva Veda was a combined composition of both Atharvans and Bhrigus.
However the Atharva Veda consists of only the Atharvans part of the knowledge.

Is this true and described anywhere in later texts?

Edit:
Found a few blogs that describe this
https://sreenivasaraos.com/tag/bhrigu-angirasa-conflict/

http://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/athravanavesta


texts: Are Shiva , Vishnu and Brahma non vedic Gods?

texts:
I got to know that Shiva is non Vedic god that got assimiliated into mainstream hinduism on the Puranic age. Are Vishnu and Brahma also non Vedic gods? As those three are considered manifestation of the paramatma?
Can someone explain how did non Vedic god got assimiliated into mainstream religion? As per wikipedia (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigvedic_deities), Rudra and Vishnu are mentioned only half a dozen times . I could not find details about Brahma and his mention in Rig Veda.
Why did Indra and other vedic Gods lose their significance? How did this change in dynamics take place?


texts: what is Nava Shraddha, Nagna Srardham , Vrishotsarga, Ekoddishta, Sapthaham, Maasika

texts:
In relation to rituals after death, I am looking for better clarity on the following topics:-

Nagna Srardham
Nava Shraddha
Vrishotsarga
Ekoddishta
Saptaha
Maasika: This is last chapter in the karma karriya. This is something about offering food for the next 11 months.


texts: Was there any form of discrimination in the yajurveda?

texts:
Since the Purusha Sukta of RigVeda is open to interpretations, I have read in certain places of various passages of YajurVeda having some passages that pertain to discrimination of some form in various rituals or otherwise, I found their claims without proof to be somewhat unsettling.
Since this community proves to be unbiased in terms of the Sanatana Dharm without getting in to politics, so I want to know if their are certain passages or not and what are those passages. If they are then what is the spiritual justification for it is written?
For example I have heard that the brahmin stops the yajna immediately if a shudra passes nearby.


texts: Protection of cows and subsequent sins when failing in it

texts:
In India, I saw many cows roaming freely in the city. They were feasting on plastic bags. Isn't this ironic?

On one hand, Hindus seem to accept that humans shouldn't harm cows.
Does this not imply that humans should also protect cows from harm (e.g. death from not being able to digest plastic)?

Are there any sins related to it according to scriptures?


texts: Tasting food (prasad) before offering to God?

texts:
When people prepare a food like halwa and offer it to God before being distributed to other people as Prasad, is it alright to taste the food before being offered to God?
How does one know the food being offered to God tastes good or not? Also interested to find out what the scriptures say about this.


texts: Who is Soma in this mantra from Rigveda?

texts:
Somah pavate janita matinam janita divo janita prthivyah
  Janitaghnerjanita suryasya      janitendrasya janitota vishnoh  (Rigveda 9.96.5).

Who was Soma in this shloka? Is it Rudra or someone else?


texts: Why is there a fight amongst Sri Vaishnavas regarding "namam" of Lord Venkateshwara?

texts:
There is a strong controversy going on since years about the forehead tilaka.style among both sects of sri vaishnava.

  The rivalry between the Tenkalai and Vadakalai sects of Iyengar
  Brahmins plunged to lower levels recently, with a fresh controversy
  emerging at the holy Hindu hill shrine of Venkateswara in Tirumala
  over how the idol should look. One of the groups has decided to move
  court against the other over the alleged change in the style of
  "Namam" or forehead-mark of the presiding deity.

  According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, members of one sect
  intentionally changed the style of "namam" on the forehead of the idol
  of Lord Venkateswara. Though it is unclear as to which sect changed
  it, the TTD has allegedly excused the accused priest from Abhishekam
  duty.   Priests of the Vadakalai sect wear the Tirunamam or U-shaped
  namam, while those of the Tenkalai sect wear it in the shape of  the
  alphabet ‘Y’. An apparent change in practice on what adorns the sacred
  idol has resulted in one of the sects planning to approach a court of
  law against the other sect.

Source

Why is there a fight amongst the Sri Vaishnavas regarding "namam" of Lord Venkateshwara?


texts:
I have two questions on this:

How can one find out his/her varna? For example, my caste is Kasar - what varna do I belong to?
Is there actually any strong link between caste and varna at birth i.e. a Brahmin will stay Brahmin even if he changes his profession considering modern era?


texts: Were the warriors who were killed in the Mahabharata war revived for one night?

texts: I read somewhere that a heroic warrior killed in the Mahabharata war was revived for one night. Is it true? Who was he?


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The picture shows the sacred cow, Gomata, and the position of Devas (Gods) in Gomata.

How was the position of Gods determined? For example, why is Shiva shown between the eyebrows? Why are Bhairava and Hanuman shown in the legs?


texts: Today my grandfather told me that our Kuldevta is Lord Vishnu and I had a hard time believing it. Is it possible to have Vishnu as a Kuldevta? If yes then which Rishi was originated from Lord Vishnu?


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What is the story about Namagiri Thayar/ MahaLakshmi and Hanuman who placed a Saligrama there unwittingly  and it grew up to a hill?
Are large stone idols of Namagiri and Suchindram related?
Posted in response to recent interest generated by Jaggi Vasudev's initiative.


texts: Do any Puranas or Itihasas explicitly state that Vishnu incarnated as Kapila to delude the masses?

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Various Puranas and Itihasas explicitly mention Vishnu incarnating as Buddha to teach an anti-Vedic doctrine in order to deceive certain Asuras from their righteous path.

Kapila, the founder of the atheistic Samkhya school, is another figure who is mentioned in the Puranas and Itihasas to be an incarnation of Vishnu.

My question is do any Puranas or Itihasas deal with the reason why he, despite being an incarnation of Vishnu, teach an atheistic doctrine? Do any of the Puranas and Itihasas state that his main purpose was to delude people just like Buddha?

Note: Please avoid quoting from the Uttara Khanda of the Padma Purana in your answer.

Edit: I'm aware that certain Acharyas such as Adi Shankara and Baladeva Vidyabhushana believed in two different Kapilas who propagated two different Sankhya philosophies. However, Vijnanabhikshu was one such Acharya who believed that there was only one Kapila who was an incarnation of Vishnu and propagated a Sankhya philosophy which was purely atheistic in order to delude the masses. Perhaps, he has quoted any such Puranic or Itihasic verses to support his theory in his works.

Related: Which Acharyas believe in the two-Kapilas theory and which don't?


texts: Do kalpas and manvantars have existence in vedas?

texts: we know in epic period to puranic period the kalpas, manvantaras and yugas mentions occoured but what about vedas do they mention kalpas,manvantaras or even yugas.


texts: Visiting 108 Siva temples in one's lifetime is said to absolve one of all sins and attain bliss. Is there a specific list of 108 temples or does it refer to any 108 out of the thousands of Siva temples?


texts: According to scriptures, how Bana lingas are formed in Narmada river bed?

texts: For those who don't know what are Bana Lingas, they are self manifested lingams which can be found only in Narmada river bed. What is the reason for formation of those Bala Lingas and how those Lingas are formed according to scriptures?


texts: English translation of Bharata Paryatanam by Kuttikrishna Marar?

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From Wikipedia:

  Bharata Paryatanam (Travel through Bharata), another important work of Kuttikrishna Marar is a critical exposition of the characters and main events in the epic Mahabharata. Bharata Paryatanam shows his immense knowledge of the epic, Mahabharata.

Has this been translated to English? If yes, where can I find the translation?


texts: Why do Hindus worship different Gods if they believe in only one God which is parabrahma?

texts: Why do Hindus worship different avatars of Gods and aspects of nature like Sun, Snake, Cow etc if they believe in only God which is Parabrahma?


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According to one thought "If you can't explain anything simply that means you don't understand it"

Does that mean we human beings don't certainly know about god also?

What's Hinduism's views on above saying ?


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He was the founder of gAyatrI parivar. He propagated gayatri worship among the masses.

What is his life story?

What were his main teachings ?


texts: Did the Vaisheshika school believe Yogis can see atoms?

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As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya.  My question is about the Samkhya and the Vaisheshika schools.  The Samkhya school believed that the Universe was made of Prakriti or matter/energy, whereas the Vaisheshika school believed that the Universe was made of atoms.

Now the Yukti Dipika, an ancient Samkhya work of unknown origin, argues that the atoms postulated by the Vaisheshika school cannot possible be the ultimate cause of the Universe, because these atoms would themselves have a cause.  The Yukti Dupika gives numerous reasons for why atoms must have a more fundamental cause, but here is one of them:

  [Moreover,] because of their perceptibility. Here whatever is perceptible is observed to be caused just as the pot. The atoms are perceptible to Yogis.  They are caused.... If it is argued that [this argument] will give rise to the undesirable contingency (of being caused) in case of [Prakriti], etc., we reply no, because it is not admitted by us.  According to our [Samkhya] Scripture [Prakriti and Purusha] are not perceptible even to a Brahmin like Kapila. Therefore the argument has no force.

The Yukti Dipika is arguing that anything that can be known through Pratyaksha or perception has a cause, and since atoms can be perceived through Yogipratyaksha or divine vision, they too must have cause.  Whereas the Samkhya school believes Purusha and Prakriti cannot be perceived even through Yogipratyaksha, so they're not vulnerable to the same objection. But my question is, is the Yukti Dipika right that the Vaisheshika school believes that atoms can be perceived through Yogipratyaksha?

Are there any Vaisheshika works that discuss this?


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Can someone please clarify what is the right spelling and pronounciation in Sanskrit - Sanatan Dharma OR Sanatan Dharam??

I always thought 'Dharma' was an English term and 'Dharm' Hindi/ Sanskrit. Like Rama English for Ram and Mahabharata for Mahabharat.


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Are there any Mantra, Stotra; requesting GOD to guard us against our enemies..
Protect us from internal enemies like Shadripu and External enemies..


texts: What is the benefits or significance of child's Karnavedha or ear piercing ceremony. Is it necessary to do for every child or not.


texts: Six Hindu philosophical systems and Puranas

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There are six philosophical systems in Hinduism: Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Vedanta.

What is each school's opinion on Puranas?
Do they accept the puranas as authentic or they reject or don't comment on them?


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Did adi shankara accept purans as a valid source of information/knowledge?
If not why did he rejected the Puranas because they are also divine in origin?


texts: Is there any mention in Hindu mythology of time slowing down or stopping for people who are doing severe penance?

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In Hindu mythology, there are several tales of sages, warriors, etc performing penance for months, hundreds and even thousands of years.

For example, Amba, Arjuna, Jayadrath, Ravana, Vishwamitra, etc. in various mythological stories.

Is there any mention of time slowing down or stopping for such people in the tales or other texts, so that the timelines with other relevant characters are still matching?


texts: Who are the forest deities mentioned in the Aranya Kanda?

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According to the Valmiki Ramayana, Ravana abducts Sita by carrying her forcibly. By looking at Ravana grabbing Sita, forest deities were terrorised.

  tam dṛṣṭvā giri śṛṃga ābham tīkṣṇa daṃṣṭram mahā bhujam |
  prādravan mṛtyu saṃkāśam bhaya ārtā vana devatāḥ ||

  On seeing him who grabbed Seetha, who has incisive fangs, mightily armed and who is shining forth like a mountain crest and similar to Death, the forest deities quickly fled away terrorised by his terrorism. [Aranya Kanda Sarga 49 shloka 18]

I found out there is a goddess of forests and animals named Aranyani in the RigVeda. But Valmiki maharshi uses plural "vana devatāḥ" which indicates there could be a group of gods or goddesses.

Who are the forest deities mentioned in this instance? Is there any detail available about these deities in other chapters of Ramayana, Purana or other literature?


texts: The Legend of Chessboard (Pala payasam story) of Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

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Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple located in Kerala, India.

According to the story,

  The King of Ambalappuzha was a big chess enthusiast. One day a sage challenged him (the king) to play the chess. To motivate this Sage, the King  offered any reward that the sage could name. The sage modestly asked just for a few grains of rice in the following manner: the king has to put a single grain of rice on the first chess square and double it on every consequent one. So King accepts this and the game was started.
  Having lost the game and being a man of his word the king ordered a bag of rice to be brought to the chess board. He started placing the grains according the reward asked by the sage.

The following picture describes growth of number of grains:

From the above image, at 64th square King has to place the total number of grains are about 9 million trillion tons.

  Upon seeing the dilemma, the sage appeared to the king in his true-form, that of Lord Krishna. He told the King that he did not have to pay the debt immediately but could pay him over time. The king would serve paal-payasam (made of rice) in the temple freely to the pilgrims every day until the debt was paid off.

Here is one more image from Google images (In any case, if the above link is not accessible) :

My questions:

Who was that King?
As these links (or any other) do not mention any references to Scriptures or Purans. I'm curious to know the actual story according to Hindu Scriptures.
Also Why Krishna played this Leela?


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In this song it refers to Parvati
http://translationsofsomesongsofcarnticmusic.blogspot.com/2010/04/jaga-janani.html


texts: What is the function of brain according to Hinduism?

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I want to know what the function of brain is.

I'm talking about the physical organ brain not the mind.

What do the sacred texts say about the brain?


texts: Which scripture says Shiva first created Brahma-Vishnu and delegated rest of the creation to them?

texts: I watched a serial that narrates how Shiva created Vishnu and Brahma to create and save Earth and all the souls. I have not read this in any of the scriptures but could someone point me to the source of this story?


texts: Lord Krishna said after Karna fired his Sakti weapon at Ghatotkasha that even his Sudarsha Chakra was incapable of stopping the Sakti Weapon. My question is: Why Krishna, being the Lord of the universe, was incapable of stopping a weapon given to Karna by Indra?


texts: What is the story behind the Agni Lingam?

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As the story goes in the Purunas, Lord Vishnu and Brahma compete to find the beginning or end of the Agni Linga to establish who is the superior deity. At the end of the competition Brahma and the witness Ketaki flower become ineligible for worship. My questions are as follows.

1) What or who exactly is the swaroopa of Agni Linga? Is it Lord Shiva or ParaBrahm? What does it Signify?

2) Is this story just a fabricated legend or is there any mention of this in the authentic Puranas?

http://www.mahashivratri.org/legend-of-shiva-linga.html


texts: Married Couples who doesn't have a child and they want to adopt a male or female baby

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If the Married couples who doesn't have a child and they want to adopt a male or female baby and they need to do some yaaga in Hinduism for our ancestors blessings and the ancestors agreed that the child will be our Heir. Is it true?

  ஒரு மகனைத் தத்து எடுக்க விரும்புபவர்கள் அதற்க்கு முறைப்படியான ஹோமத்தீ வளர்த்து மந்திரங்கள் ஓதி அவனை மகனாக ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். அப்படி செய்வதனால், தான், அவன் தத்து எடுதவருக்கோ அல்லது மூதாதையருக்கோ முறைப்படியாக தத்து எடுக்கபட்டவன் செய்கின்ற சிரார்த்தத்தால் மட்டுமே பித்ருக்கள் மகிழ்ச்சி அடைவார்கள் என்று சாத்திரத்தில் சொல்லப் படுகிறது.

Translation: Those who want to adopt a son must do a formal homage to recite the mantras and accept him as a son. By doing so, it is said that the Pithru is happy, only by the method that he is taken by the adoptive or ancestor of the ancestors

Please someone suggest and it would be appreciated.


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About the Samhitas books. I wish to know who composed these books, what are these books related to (itihasa, smritris, srutris or others) in the canon of Sanataan Dharma. I mean: which integrant part do these books constitutes? Are from Agamas or Vedas? Are they related with Shiva and or are His words?
Editing:
Only referring to Samhitas and in particular to Shiva Samhita and Yoga Shiva Samhita.
Not mentioning all the corpus of the Vedas per se.
Asking how to collocate them.
Archit already answered well.
The suggested other answer fulfills other requirements more generic about the entire corpus of the Dharma literature.
Both answers are very well done but my question required a more synthetic and short answer which deal with a particular part of the corpus.
Thanks to both the members anyway :)


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In chapter 10, sloka 12 of Sri Sri Chandi, devi says :

शरत्काले महापूजा क्रियते या च वार्षिकी
meaning that in the sarat (autumn) seaon, my great annual puja is done. So in the very Chandi, Sri Sri Durga recognizes the saratkaalin durga puja.

Then why is it told that Rama worshipped Her first in an inappropriate time (Akala)? Chandi is from Swarochisha mannantwara by the way.


texts: Will I (Psycho-Physical 'I') cease to exist after death or moksha?

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In the Gita sloka 2.12 God declares that

  Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these
  kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

My question is: Will I cease to exist in any state after death or moksha ?


texts: Why viradha said that he should be buried in a Pit?

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I was reading bengali ramayan by parashuram and came accross this .

ramayan aranya kand , viradh vadh

this says that it is the customary for rakshasas to get buried after death.

अवटे च अपि माम् राम निक्षिप्य कुशली व्रज |
रक्षसाम् गत सत्त्वानाम् एष धर्मः सनातनः || ३-४-२२
अवटे ये निधीयन्ते तेषाम् लोकाः सनातनाः |

Then i checked the sanskrit version it also says the same .

My question is why is maharshi valmiki saying so ? What is happening to all those who are getting buried after death? Is it happening because they were rakshasas and their time is ending?

And since paganism is taking pace all over the world and they are burning their dead ,does that mean that reign of rakshasas is ending over the world.

Please make an informed comment .


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What are the exact definitions and calculations related to Gulika, Yamganda and Ardhaprahara Kalas? Which are auspicious and which inauspicious?
I think Rahu Kala is already answered on this site, but the other three popular kalas are not. I think except Gulika, the other kalas are inauspicious. Could someone give the exact muhurta in the daytime when a particular kala is named with respect to sunrise and sunset? Thanks beforehand.


texts: Can Hinduism work in a classless society?

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I'm not Hindu but it's my understanding that there are Hindu texts that specify a caste system. Must these systems be followed, or is something like a classless society as outlined by Marx (minus the atheism bit) allowed?

See also this question on Politics.SE (there are links to more questions at other religious sites there).

This question is different because I'm not asking about the why of the caste system, although that may provide context. This question asks is it necessary, and does the religion work with Communism.


texts: Where do the Puranas describe Krishna fighting suitors after marrying Nagnajiti?

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The incident I am talking about is this:

  Finally, Krishna and Nagnajiti departed towards Dwarka, accompanied by their army to protect them. On this way, they were attacked by the princes who had lost in Nagnajit's bull challenge. Krishna's army yielded by his Yadava clan warriors and his friend Arjuna defeated the princes and chased them away.

Source- Wikipedia

Also, from Quora:

  When Lord Krishna married Nagnajiti, many unsuccessful suitors of royal lineage attacked Krishna. Arjuna defeated all of them single handedly without killing them, on Krishna’s orders.

My question is- In which section of the Puranas is this incident found?


texts: How to know What is the purpose of my life?

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People say we need to find by ourselves the purpose we came on Earth but what if I never come to know why exactly I have been created by him and what he wants me to do?

Can someone please help me in seeking? I am not patient or knowledgeable enough to go and find by myself!!


texts: Reference for "Dayanand Saraswati rejected Brahmanas (of Vedas) and Aranyakas (of Vedas) and Upanishads"

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Observation 1

Book "Discovering the Rigveda" By Geerpuram Nadadur Srinivasa Raghavan, Pg 73 says

  Dayanand Saraswati rejected Brahmanas (of Vedas) and Aranyakas (of Vedas) as wild imaginations."

Observation 2

Pg 16 of this pdf hosted on Shodganga also says the same.

Question

Now my question is that, Please provide any direct reference for this rejection of Brahmanas and Aranyakas "from any Arya samaj books or Dayananda Saraswati written books or articles itself".


texts: What kind of purifactory rite is mentioned in ayodhya kanda which uses "aiNeyaM mamsa" antelope meat?

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This is mentioned in ayodhya kand-

  "aiNeyam maamsam aahR^itya shaalaam yakSyaamahe vayam | kartvyam
  vaastushamanam saumitre cirajiivabhiH || 2-56-22

  saumitre= Oh, Lakshmana!; aahR^itya= being; aiNeyam maamsam= bring meat of the antelope; vayam= we; yakshyaamahe= shall worship;
  shaalaam= (this) leaf-hut; vaastushamanam= purifactory ceremony on
  entering the house; kartavyam= on entering the; chirajiivibhiH= by
  those who wish to live long.

  Oh, Lakshmana! Bring the meat of an antelope. We shall perform a
  purifactory ceremony while entering the house. Which is to be done by
  those who wish to live long."

  "mR^igam hatvaa.a.anaya kshipram lakshmaNeha shubhekshaNa kartavyaH
  shaastradR^iSTo hi vidhirdarmamanusmara || 2-56-23

  shubhekshaNa= Oh, large-eyed; lakshmaNa= Lakshmana!; hatvaa= killing; mR^igam= the antelope; kshhipram= quickly; anaya= bring; iha=
  here; vidhiH= the prescribed rite; shaastra dR^iSTaH= according to
  scriptural point of view; kartavyaH hi= indeed is to be done;
  anusmara= keep in mind; dharmam= the sacred obligation.

  Oh, large-eyed Lakshmana! Killing the antelope quickly, bring it here.
  The prescribed rite according to scriptural point of view indeed is to
  be performed. Keep in mind the sacred obligation.”

  "raamaH snaatvaa tu niyataH guNavaan japya kovidaH |
  samgraheNaakarotsarvaan mantran satraavasaanikaan || 2-56-29

  raamaH= Rama; guNavaan= the virtuous man; japyakovidaH= and the learned man in chanting of prayers; snaatvaa= after taking bath;
  niyataH= with subdned mind; samgraheNa= briefly; akarot= chanted;
  sarvaan= all; mantran= the sacred scripts; satraavasaanikaan= which
  are to be chanted at the end of a purifactory ceremony.

  Rama, the virtuous man and the learned man in chanting of sacred
  spells, after taking bath and with subdued mind, briefly chanted all
  the sacred scripts to be chanted at the end of a purifactory
  ceremony."

What kind of purifactory rite is done with antelope meat- is this mentioned in any of the Vedic rituals?


texts: Was Kartavirya Arjuna cursed to be forgotten under the shadow of the Pandava prince Arjuna?

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I found a story from a Facebook Post which gives an incident about Kartavirya Arjuna who is also known as SahasraBahu Arjuna (thousand armed Arjuna). In that post, the author says that Kartavirya Arjuna was cursed by a sage named Apava.

Following is the relevant [excerpt] from that post:

  Angered by the destruction of his ashrama, the Sage Apava (literally “Watery” see the poetic construct Water Ashrama destroyed by Agni (with aurva the hidden fire in water present in world)) cursed Kartavirya Arjuna that he who was renowned will be forgotten, another Arjuna will take his place, who will be the greatest Warrior and the greatest student.

Is this story true? Was Kartavirya Arjuna cursed by a sage that he will be forgotten under the shadow of Arjuna?


texts: How is avatara different from realized souls?

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Swami Vivekananda has said that avataras are always different from ordinary gurus even if they have attained the highest state.

Complete Works/Volume 5/Questions and Answers:

  Q.—Cannot the spiritual teacher make the aspirant fit?

  A.— An Avatâra can. Not an ordinary Guru.

  Q.—Is there no easy way to liberation?

  A.—"There is no royal road to Geometry"—except for those who have been fortunate enough to come in contact with an Avatara. Paramahamsa Deva used to say, "One who is having his last birth shall somehow or other see me."

  Q.—What is the meaning of "क्षणमिह सज्जनसंगतिरेका"—"Even a moment's association with the holy ones serves to take one beyond this relative existence"?

  A.—A fit person coming in contact with a true Sadhu attains to liberation. True Sadhus are very rare, but their influence is such that a great writer has said, "Hypocrisy is the tribute which vice pays to virtue." But Avataras are Kapâlamochanas, that is, they can alter the doom of people. They can stir the whole world. The least dangerous and best form of worship is worshipping man. One who has got the idea of Brahman in a man has realised it in the whole universe. Monasticism and the householder's life are both good, according to different circumstances. Knowledge is the only thing necessary.

He is saying that Avataras can give liberation so why can't ordinary realized gurus do that?

  One who can alter the doom of people is the Lord. No sadhu, however advanced, can claim this unique position.

Why no sadhu can claim this unique position? Speaking from Advaita perspective, the moment you get realized, you become aware of your true nature. You realize that you are no different from indivisible Brahman and that is what Avatara is: God in human form.

So what exactly is the difference between avataras and normal gurus?


texts: Examples showing effect of pronouncing the mantra's wrongly in Vedic text?

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In my local area prabachan guru said pronouncing the mantra's wrongly will not give the desired result and may have bad outcome, also giving one example of that case but I am not able to recall that example maybe from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता) not sure though.
From the answer of user Swami Vishwananda on this question:

Mantras are based on sound (vibration). If the mantra is pronounced correctly it will create a certain vibration and that vibration sets in motion actions that deliver a certain result.
All mantras must be pronounced correctly to deliver the correct result. If not pronounced correctly, some mantras will not deliver any result. Some mantras if not pronounced correctly will deliver harmful results.

So, I'm interested in knowing some examples of pronouncing the mantra's wrongly from Vedic text with effect (outcome). If it's making question too broad limit your answer to Bhagavad or any famous vedic text.


texts: What is the reason behind the differences between Samaveda Āvaṇi Aviṭṭam and other Āvaṇi Aviṭṭam (upAkarma)?

texts: You can Read more about Āvaṇi Aviṭṭam Here . Is the listed differences in the link exhaustive? And to the question, why so?


texts: Who is Vata mentioned in this Sama Veda Verse?

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While reading the translation of Sama Veda, I came across this verse dedicated to Vata in Part 2 Book 9 Chapter 2:

  May Vata breathe his balm on us, healthful, delightful to our heart:
  May he prolong our days of life!
  Thou art our father, Vata, yea, thou art our brother and our friend:
  So give us strength that we may live!
  The store of Amrit that laid away yonder, O Vata, in thine home--
  Give us strength that we may live!

I am not really sure to whom this hymn is addressed. Is this related to the three doshas mentioned in Ayurveda - Vata, Pitta, Kapha? Is there any detailed description with meaning of this or any other Vedic verse on Vata that can understand who or what it is?


texts: Is paramAtma/brahman just consciousness (awareness) OR is both, consciousness plus sentience (ability to perceive & feel)?

texts: The current understanding is that that brahman/paramAtma/bhagawAn is that universal, inter-galactic & inter-multiverse consciousness. But is sentience ALSO an attribute of that paramAtam/brahman/bhagawAn? sentience is awareness (consciousness + ability to perceive & feel).


texts: What is the sangalpam for Dhakyanam in USA for July 15, 2016?


texts: What do scriptures say about greed & corruption?

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These days if you see people are always greedy about others' money. The theives & beggars in the society are increasing. Some common examples include

One borrowss money from others and will not show intent to repay it.
Being thankless even after being helped.
Bus conductor takes money to give ticket but will not repay the change.
One friend always looks who gives party in college but he will never give to others :).
One growsup with the help of their parents but will not care about them in their old ages.
Even the education system became highly expensive.

There are many more examples apart from above. Corruption increased everywhere in society because of greed.

What did various scriptures say about greed and what will be the punishment to these people?


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It is said that Pushpak chariot was owned by lord Kubera. But later it was forcefully captured by Ravana and then lord Rama took the chariot in the war. And after the Ramayan war lord Rama brings it to Ayodhya. And don't Know after that. So I want to know Who created Pushpak viman and for whom? Is it for Kubera?
And how did Ravana capture it from Kubera?
How could the chariot come to lord Rama in the war?
What happened to the Pushpak chariot taken by lord Rama?


texts: Is Vrindavan in India the same village which is described in Bhagavatam?

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The tenth canto of Shrimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) describes the pastimes of Lord Krishna in detail. The pastimes of Lord krishna are also summarized in KṚṢṆA, The Supreme Personality of Godhead by Prabhupada.
The reason for my doubt are these following two pastimes of the Lord

Subduing of Kaliya
Indra's wrath on Vrindavan

Krishna was born in Mathura in a prison house of Kamsa. Vasudev immediately after the birth of Krishna took Him to Gokul.
Due to atrocities of Kamsa; the inhabitants of Gokul left for Vrindavan and Krishna stayed there in a place which is today called NandGram.
So regardless of where Krishna stayed during pastime with Kaliya or Indra(He was mostly in NandGram according to me):

NandGram to Vrindavan distance:approx 45km.
NandGram to Govardhan:approx 29km.

So when Krishna was caught by Kaliya; yashoda and all others came running to a place which is today called Kaliya ghat and is approx 45km from NandGram.
Similar thing happened during Govardhan Lila of the lord; Govardhan is approx 29Km from NandGram.
How did they travel so swiftly to such a far distance?
Considering that Krishna incarnated approximately 5000 years ago; i don't think they had very huge bodies or bodily ability in comparison to us.
Is Today's Vrindanvan; the one in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh the same which is mentioned in Bhagavatam?


texts: Is English translation of Baskala Shaka available?

texts:
The vedas form the base of Hinduism.Rigveda the most oldest and important scripture of Hinduism has 5 parts as discussed in my previous question and I am interested most in the baskala Shaka.

So I want the English translation of Baskala shaka,is it available online anywhere?


texts: Why did the life expansion(living for many year like 1000 years kept decreasing?

texts: We all know that people lived longer in different yugas than Kali yuga and I heard the life expansion decreased and now we can  barely live for 100 years. So why did the life expansion decrease?


texts: How our body parts are classified as Vata,Pitta and Kapha Dosha in Aurveda?

texts:
I am interested in knowing the science behind the classification because Ayurveda is based upon this foundation.
Even Astrology is also based upon these doshas.


texts: Is good or bad absolute or relative? does it change over time?

texts:
It is always a question to the humanity which is bad which is good.

But are "good" "bad" absolute or does those change with time?


texts: Why did Aadi Shankaracharya accept the Sanyasashram in his childhood?

texts:
Birth-24 years: Brahmcharyashram

24-48 years: Grihasthashram

48-72 years: Vanprashthashram

72- Till death: Sanyasashram

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashrama_(stage)

I have also read in various Hindu books for an age of accepting the Sanyasashram is 72 years. One can not accept it before the arrival of this age. But Adi Shankaracharya brake down the rule. What is the reason behind this decision of Shankaracharya?


texts: What is the reason behind fasting on Amavasya?

texts:
I have seen my dad doing fasting on every Amavasya in remembrance of my late grandfather i.e., dad's father. He usually will not have breakfast and lunch on that day and directly will have dinner with all variety of food after offering it to a photo of the grandfather and having that food later.

When I asked him why he does so every Amavasya, his reply was "Its on the remembrance of Ancestors" and nothing more than that. I'm not satisfied with his reply.

What is the reason behind doing so every Amavasya? Does it have any significance with Hindu history and Hindu scripts? Is it more than any beliefs? Can anyone help me out with this?


texts:
In Rig Veda 1-114

  imā rudrāya tavase kapardine kṣayadvīrāya pra bharāmahe matīḥ |
  yathā śamasad dvipade catuṣpade viśvaṃ puṣṭaṃghrāme asminnanāturam ||
  mṛḷā no rudrota no mayas kṛdhi kṣayadvīrāya namasā vidhemate |
  yacchaṃ ca yośca manurāyeje pitā tadaśyāma tavarudra praṇītiṣu ||
  aśyāma te sumatiṃ devayajyayā kṣayadvīrasya tava rudra mīḍhvaḥ |
  sumnāyannid viśo asmākamā carāriṣṭavīrā juhavāma te haviḥ ||
  tveṣaṃ vayaṃ rudraṃ yajñasādhaṃ vaṅkuṃ kavimavase nihvayāmahe |
  āre asmad daivyaṃ heḷo asyatu sumatimid vayamasyā vṛṇīmahe ||
  divo varāhamaruṣaṃ kapardinaṃ tveṣaṃ rūpaṃ namasā nihvayāmahe |
  haste bibhrad bheṣajā vāryāṇi śarma varma chardirasmabhyaṃ yaṃsat ||
  idaṃ pitre marutāmucyate vacaḥ svādoḥ svādīyo rudrāya vardhanam |
  rāsvā ca no amṛta martabhojanaṃ tmane tokāya tanayāya mṛḷa ||
  mā no mahāntamuta mā no arbhakaṃ mā na ukṣantamuta māna ukṣitam |
  mā no vadhīḥ pitaraṃ mota mātaraṃ mā naḥ priyāstanvo rudra rīriṣaḥ ||
  mā nastoke tanaye mā na āyau mā no ghoṣu mā no aśveṣurīriṣaḥ |
  vīrān mā no rudra bhāmito vadhīrhaviṣmantaḥsadamit tvā havāmahe ||
  upa te stomān paśupā ivākaraṃ rāsvā pitarmarutāṃ sumnamasme |
  bhadrā hi te sumatirmṛḷayattamāthā vayamava itte vṛṇīmahe ||
  āre te ghoghnamuta pūruṣaghnaṃ kṣayadvīra sumnamasme teastu |
  mṛḷā ca no adhi ca brūhi devādhā ca naḥ śarma yachadvibarhāḥ ||
  avocāma namo asmā avasyavaḥ śṛṇotu no havaṃ rudro marutvān |
  tan no ... ||

How it ends after Tan no... ?  Hearing another version seems there is another verse after tan no...

Thank you!


texts: Did Max Müller actually distort Hindu scriptures in his translations?

texts:
This answer claims:

  It is also said that Müller was hired by the British East Indian Company only to distort Hindu scriptures.

But did Müller actually distort Hindu scriptures? If yes, how exactly did he do it? Are there any examples where the original Sanskrit verses say one thing but his translation/commentary says something else?


texts: How does one figure out what is metaphorical(symbolic) and what is real, even the gods?

texts:
There are a lot of god-descriptions (and others) in Hinduism, a lot of which are said to be metaphorical.
For example, the snake around Lord Shiva's neck, is in some stories said to be a metaphor for the rise in Kundalini, and the three coils around his neck are said to symbolize his control over the past, present, and future. But in other stories, there's the story of the Samudra Manthan, where Lord Shiva granted the snakes a place around his neck as a reward for drinking some of the Halahal, and the snakes also supposedly help him stop the poison from going deeper into his body.
For another example, the conch in Lord Vishnu's hand is said to symbolize victory, and his color as blue is often claimed to be symbolic, like here.
My question is, is/was there a being actually sitting in a yogi pose with a snake around his neck, and another one with a conch in his hand resting on a giant snake in an ocean of milk (Ksheersagar), or are all these descriptions supposed to represent something? How do I differentiate between what is real and what is metaphorical, because even some gods, like Kaam-dev seem to be largely symbolical because lust originates within the mind?
TL;DR: Are gods(and their descriptions) real, or are they supposed to be metaphors to represent certain things or teach us something? And how do I differentiate between the two?


texts: Did Ramayana occur 1.6 million years ago?

texts:
Many Western scholars and Indian scholars with Western mindset tried to fix the age of Srimad Ramayana, to approximately the 5th to 4th century BC.   And, they succeeded to some extent in making people believe in the above fictitious theory.

If we study Srimad Ramayana in depth, we will get a clue to this riddle.

After conquering Lankhini, the Godess of Lanka, Sri Hanuma enters Lanka and searches for Seeta. Sage Valmiki describes what Sri Hanuma saw, as follows:

  त्रिविष्टप निभम् दिव्यम् दिव्य नाद विनादितम् |
  वाजि हेषित सम्घुष्टम् नादितम् भूषणैः तथा ||
  रथैः यानैः विमानैः च तथा गज हयैः शुभैः |
  वारणैः च चतुः दन्तैः श्वेत अभ्र निचय उपमैः ||
  भूषितम् रुचिर द्वारम् मत्तैः च मृग पक्षिभिः |
  राक्षस अधिपतेः गुप्तम् आविवेश गृहम् कपिः ||

  The great Hanuma entered secretly Ravana's inner city which was equal to paradise, rendered noisy by neighing of horses and tinkling of ornaments, by chariots, vehicles and aerial-cars and decorated by auspicious elephants and horses and great elephants with four tusks and by birds and animals in heat. It had beautiful entrances and was protected by thousands of rakshasas with great strength.

(Sundara Kanda 4th Sarga 26 - 28 Slokas)

  उत्तमम् राक्षसावासम् हनुमानवलोकयन् |
  आससादाथ लक्ष्मीवान् राक्षसेन्द्रनिवेशनम् ||
  चतुर् विषाणैर् द्विरदैः त्रिविषाणैः तथैव च |
  परिक्षिप्तम् असम्बाधम् रक्ष्यमाणम् उदायुधैः ||

  Thereafter, Hanuma the glorious one neared and observed the best residence of Rakshasas and the house of Ravana, containing elephants with four tusks and also those with three tusks, those with two tusks and still not crowded. It was protected by soldiers bearing raised weapons.

(Sundara Kanda 9th Sarga 4 - 5 Slokas)

Here, Sage Valmiki describes elephants with four tusks and also those with three tusks and those with two tusks.

Modern  anthropologists say that elephants with four tusks existed 12-1.6 million years ago.

The Gomphotheriidae were a diverse taxonomic family of extinct elephant-like animals (proboscideans). Referred to as gomphotheres, they were widespread in North America during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, 12-1.6 million years ago. Some lived in parts of Eurasia, Beringia and, following the Great American Interchange, South America.

Gomphotheres differed from elephants in their tooth structure, particularly the chewing surfaces on the molar teeth. Most had four tusks, and their retracted facial and nasal bones prompt palaeontologists to believe that gomphotheres had elephant-like trunks.

Hence, can we infer that Srimad Ramayana occurred  16 lakh or 1.6 million years ago and not 5th to 4th century BC, as the scholars made us believe?


texts: Why does Vishnu have eight arms when Krishna and Arjuna go to see him?

texts:
Most people only know of occasions in which two different incarnations of Vishnu met, for instance the encounter of Rama and Parashurama as described in the Bala Kanda of the Ramayana.  What is not as well known, however, is that Vishnu's incarnation Krishna once met Vishnu himself!  The story is described in both the Harivamsa and the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Once when Arjuna was visiting Dwaraka, he saw a Brahmana complain that all his sons were dying as soon as they were born.  So Arjuna offered to stand guard and prevent any more of his children from being taken away by Yama god of death.  But when the next child was born, it magically floated up into the sky.  Arjuna was baffled by this, and he asked for Krishna's help in retrieving the Brahmana's sons from the afterlife.  Krishna obliged and took Arjuna in his chariot.  They left the realms of Man until they came to a region of darkness.  Krishna cut through the darkness with the illumination of his Sudarshana Chakra, and soon they entered the brilliance of Brahman, after which they finally encountered Vishnu himself.  Vishnu explained that he was the one who took away the Brahmin's sons, just to get Krishna and Arjuna to come there, as they were the next births of his incarnation Narayana and his twin brother Nara (whom I discuss here and here).  Finally Krishna and Arjuna returned to Dwaraka with the Brahmana's sons restored to life.

But my question isn't about the story of how they met Vishnu, but rather about how Vishnu looked.  Here is how the Srimad Bhagavatam describes him:

  Arjuna then saw the omnipresent and omnipotent Supreme Personality of Godhead, Mahā-Viṣṇu, sitting at ease on the serpent bed. His bluish complexion was the color of a dense rain cloud, He wore a beautiful yellow garment, His face looked charming, His broad eyes were most attractive, and He had eight long, handsome arms. His profuse locks of hair were bathed on all sides in the brilliance reflected from the clusters of precious jewels decorating His crown and earrings. He wore the Kaustubha gem, the mark of Śrīvatsa and a garland of forest flowers. Serving that topmost of all Lords were His personal attendants, headed by Sunanda and Nanda; His cakra and other weapons in their personified forms; His consort potencies Puṣṭi, Śrī, Kīrti and Ajā; and all His various mystic powers.

My question is, why is Vishnu described as having eight arms?  He is usually described in Hindu scripture as having four arms, not eight.

Is this one of Vishnu's manifestations, like the famous Vyuha forms of Vishnu discussed in Pancharatra texts?  Are there any other scriptures that describe an eight-armed form of Vishnu?

EDIT: I found another verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam that mentions Vishnu having eight arms.  It's from the Narayana Kavacham, a famous prayer to Vishnu that I discuss in this answer:

  The Supreme Lord, who sits on the back of the bird Garuḍa, touching him with His lotus feet, holds eight weapons — the conchshell, disc, shield, sword, club, arrows, bow and ropes. May that Supreme Personality of Godhead protect me at all times with His eight arms. He is all-powerful because He fully possesses the eight mystic powers.


texts: How is the problem of metaphysical, natural and moral evil resolved within traditional Advaita Vedanta?


texts: Who were the people that thought Śaṅkarācārya was the author of Bhagavad-gītā?

texts:
In his lecture Thoughts on the Gita, Swami Vivekananda says the following. I'm interested in the part that's in bold.

  THOUGHTS ON THE GITA

  The book known as the Gita forms a part of the Mahābhārata. To understand the Gita properly, several things are very important to know. First, whether it formed a part of the Mahabharata, i.e. whether the authorship attributed to Veda-Vyāsa was true, or if it was merely interpolated within the great epic; secondly, whether there was any historical personality of the name of Krishna; thirdly, whether the great war of Kurukshetra as mentioned in the Gita actually took place; and fourthly, whether Arjuna and others were real historical persons.

  Now in the first place, let us see what grounds there are for such inquiry. We know that there were many who went by the name of Veda-Vyasa; and among them who was the real author of the Gita — the Bādarāyaṇa Vyasa or Dvaipāyana Vyasa? "Vyasa" was only a title. Anyone who composed a new Purāna was known by the name of Vyasa, like the word Vikramāditya, which was also a general name. Another point is, the book, Gita, had not been much known to the generality of people before Shankarāchārya made it famous by writing his great commentary on it. Long before that, there was current, according to many, the commentary on it by Bodhāyana. If this could be proved, it would go a long way, no doubt, to establish the antiquity of the Gita and the authorship of Vyasa. But the Bodhayana Bhāshya on the Vedānta Sutras — from which Rāmānuja compiled his Shri-Bhāshya, which Shankaracharya mentions and even quotes in part here and there in his own commentary, and which was so greatly discussed by the Swami Dayānanda — not a copy even of that Bodhayana Bhashya could I find while travelling throughout India. It is said that even Ramanuja compiled his Bhashya from a worm-eaten manuscript which he happened to find. When even this great Bodhayana Bhashya on the Vedanta-Sutras is so much enshrouded in the darkness of uncertainty, it is simply useless to try to establish the existence of the Bodhayana Bhashya on the Gita. Some infer that Shankarāchārya was the author of the Gita, and that it was he who foisted it into the body of the Mahābhārata.

  ...

Who were these people that thought Śaṅkarācārya was the author of Bhagavad-gītā?


texts:
Please convert the below sankalpam that i recite during my sandhyavandanam into location specific one. I am right now in Zurich,Switzerland. Can someone give me sankalpam specific to Zurich?

Shubhe shobhana muhurthe, aadya bramhana, dwitiya pararthe, swetha varaha kalpe, vaivasvatha manvanthare, kaliyuge, prathama paade,JAMBU DWEEPE, BHARATA VARSHE, BHARATA KHANDE, DANDAKAARANYE, GODAVARYAAHA, DAKSHINE TEERE, SHAALIVAAHANA SHAKHE, BOUDHAVATHARE, RAMA KSHETHRE, KRISHNA KAAVERIYO MADHYA PRADESHE, samastha devatha brahmana harihara sannidhou......

I am sure, everything in the capital letter will change. Can anyone kindly, sincerely reply to this question...?