texts:
Recently while discussing about practice of meditation, I heard that there are five daily activities called Pancakāla Prakriyā which are Abhigamanam, Upadanam, Ijyai, Svadhyayam, and Yogam followed by those who initiated into Pancharatra.

Out of those five, "Yogam" is what I want to know more about since it is related to meditation. I heard that these Panchakala Prakriyas are described in Pancharatra texts but I have no idea in which Pancharatra text these practices are described.

So, I am looking for the text (i.e particular chapter of particular Pancharatra text) describing and explaining "Yogam" practice from Pancharatra texts.


texts: The Theory of Relation as per Visistadvaita Philosophy

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I am going to explain to clear the doubt of Relation between Jiva and Brahman Through the Visistadvaita Philsophy.

This is totally different form Differences between Advaita & Vishishtadvaita

Here is doubt come from this question How does Vishistaadvaita philosophy explain 'jiva' name for Lord Shriman Narayana


texts: Is a person without a male child not eligible for Moksha?

texts: Aputhrasya gathir nasthi? Does it really mean a family without a male child is not eligible for moksha? What about families with only girl childs?


texts: How does the karma of an executioner work? Although they are only doing their job, does it amount to bad karma? What if an executioner has to kill a wrongly accused person? And what if the executioner sympathizes with the person he is meant to kill? How does their karma work in those scenarios?


texts: Have Madhwa's methods of scripture-interpretation been criticized by later commentators?

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Madhwa's methods have been characterized as

  "often Sri Madhva's arguments rely on nuances and ingenious usage of grammar, often lending unusual meanings to very familiar and straightforward words."

the most noteworthy case being:

wiki:

  Tat Tvam Asi (Devanagari: तत्त्वमसि, Vedic: tát túvam ási), a Sanskrit phrase, translated variously as "Thou art that," (That thou art, That art thou, You are that, or That you are, or You're it) is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7,[1] in the dialogue between Uddalaka and his son Śvetaketu; it appears at the end of a section, and is repeated at the end of the subsequent sections as a refrain. The meaning of this saying is that the Self - in its original, pure, primordial state - is wholly or partially identifiable or identical with the Ultimate Reality that is the ground and origin of all phenomena.

According to Madhwa:

  “Sa atmaa-tat tvam asi” in Sanskrit is actually “Sa atma-atat tvam asi” or “Atma (soul), thou art, thou art not God”.

What are some examples of criticism of Madhwa's scripture-interpretations, not necessarily on sectarian grounds?

note: this question has been edited and does not focus solely on Mahavakyas, and is clearly not a duplicate of this

What are the exact interpretations of four Mahavakyas by Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita and Advaita?

question.


texts: Do photographs or paintings of Gods undergo prana pratishthana?

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As I understand from this question , through prana pratishthana ritual God comes and resides in the murti. And if not mistaken, the idols have to be sculpted in line with what is mentioned in Agamas in order for prana pratishthana to be successful.
But my question is on photos and paintings. As mentioned in SB , the deity form is worshipped in 8 forms

The Deity form of the Lord is said to appear in eight varieties — stone, wood, metal, earth, paint, sand, the mind or jewels.

Since paint is an acceptable form of deity, my question is whether Agamas (or any other scriptures) mention prana pratishthana process for paintings ? If not, then on what basis can we differentiate between paintings/photos that are worship worthy and ones that aren't ?


texts: Is the story of Parashurama detecting Karna's non-Brahminhood from his tolerance for pain in the Mahabharata?

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The story goes that Parashurama was sleeping with his head on Karna's lap.  An insect started stinging Karna's thigh until blood was flowing and he bore the pain silently because he didn't want to wake his guru up.

When Parashurama woke up, he realized Karna could not be a Brahmin - only a Kshatriya can show that kind of tolerance for pain.


texts: How to identify the different stages of experience in meditation?

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In meditation when you see different color what does it mean? is everybody seeing the color?

Upanishad says that a light like lighting, white blazing light should engulf the person who meditates and his/her surrounding,

But in mediation only blue color is seen. How to change color according to  Upanishad?

Is blue color in mediation is it tamasic.. as it symbol of akasha (lord is ganesha i.e. lord of tamo guna)


texts: Why to leave home after death in some nakshatras?

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It is said that people who die under Rohini Nakshatra, their children have to leave home for one year. Is it true?

If yes, than why it is so only for some Nakshatras?


texts: Are the first/early members of each varna mentioned in the scriptures?

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Verse 1.31 from the Manu Smriti

But for the sake of the prosperity of the worlds he caused the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, the Vaisya, and the Sudra to proceed from his mouth, his arms, his thighs, and his feet.

is often cited as the origin myth of the four varnas. Does any text mention the first or some very early members of each varna?


texts: What is the difference between Rajasuya Yajna and Ashwamedha Yajna?

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I had heard stories about king performing Rajasuya Yajna and Ashwamedha Yajna from Ramayana and Mahabharata (though I don't have very good knowledge about them).

They looks similar like horse is released from king's capital and made to travel through various kingdoms and king of sub-kingdoms have to either accept the dominance of the king or can stop horse to challenge. At the end, after horse return, King who has performed considered dominant and rule over entire world/nation.

However, I don't know the difference between Rajasuya and Ashvamedha Yajnas. Since this belongs to Karma Kanda part of Vedas, I think it may need to have good knowledge on Brahmanas or Purva Mimansa to exactly know and understand which Yajna is performed for what purpose and what the rituals are.

So, I want to know What are the differences between Rajasuya and Ashvamedha Yajnas.


texts: K.S. Bhagavan's critique of Adi Shankara

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An Indian writer named K.S. Bhagavan published in 1982 a book entitled

Shankaracharya and Reactionary Philosophy = ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರತಿಗಾಮಿತನ.

I heard that Bhagavan criticized Adi Shankara in his book.

Because I cannot get this book via Amazon, can you tell me

what Bhagavan criticized in detail
what his arguments are, and
whether his critique is well-founded?


texts: Were people of Srimad Ramayana period aware of Surgery?

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People in Ramayana era knew about surgery.  Go through the following narration.
Seetha recollects the time limit of two months given by Ravana and her vulnerability of being killed by him. Seetha, tormented by grief, lamented as follows.

नूनं ममाङ्गान्यचिरादनार्यः |
शस्त्रैः शितै श्छेत्स्यति राक्षसेन्द्रः |
तस्मिन्ननागच्छति लोकनाथे |
गर्भस्थजन्तोरिव शल्यकृन्तः ||
(Sundara Kanda 28 Sarga 6th Sloka)
"If Sri Rama does not come here, the evil Ravana will cut off my limbs with his sharpened weapons, even as a surgeon would cut the limbs of a lifeless feotus."

Seeta’s saying that Ravana would cut off her limbs with his sharpened weapons  as a surgeon would cut the limbs of a lifeless fetus indicate that the people at the period of Ramayana knew about surgery.
Am I right?


texts: Which Puranic Scriptures describes procedure of "Ashtanga Yoga"?

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Ashtanga yoga  means "eight-limbed yoga," as described by the Maharshi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.

consists of the following eight spiritual practices:

  1) Yama 2) Niyama 3) Asana 4) Pranayama 5) Pratyahara 6) Dharana 7)
  Dhyana 8) Samadhi.

My question is - In which puranas we find the description and procedure of "
Ashtanga Yoga"


texts:
I am aware of the different yugas and their different length.
As far as I know the time lenghts stand in a ratio of 4:3:2:1.
I believe that the ratio is always the same, but my question is whether the absolute time depends upon in which mahayuga we are in.
Moreover I have another question, do the yugas after descending from Satya Yuga to Kali Yuga ascend in reverse order to Satya Yuga or does Satya Yuga immediately follow Kali Yuga?


texts: Why Tulsi water is provided as theertha in temples?

texts: As we all know, in Hindu Temples, after the Mangalarti has been done, priest will start serving the theertha which is a Tulsi water. Why is it served in all the temples? Also sometimes they serve milk and fruit mixtures.


texts: Hare Krishna Hare Ram mantra for Vishnu or Supreme God?

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The holy verses:

hare kṛiṣhṇa hare kṛiṣhṇa
kṛiṣhṇa kṛiṣhṇa hare hare

hare rāma hare rāma
rāma rāma hare hare

Lord Krishna and Lord Ram were incarnations of Lord Vishnu? So these maha-mantras are for Lord Vishnu or the Supreme God?


texts: Complete English translations of Puranas

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Some English translations of Puranas can be found online here:

Vishnu purana
(a) Garuda purana (abridged)
(b) Garuda purana (full)
Bagavata Purana
Shiva Purana
Linga purana
(a) Brahmanda Purana (b) Online proofread edition
Padma Purana
Narada Purana
Markandeya Purana
Brahma Purana
Skanda Purana

(Correct me if any of these sources are abridged or not genuine)
What about unabridged versions of other Puranas? Are they available on net?
I found some Puranas on DLI but I don't know whether they are abridged or unabridged.
Can anyone mention online sources for complete English translations for other Puranas viz.:

Agni Purana
Brahmavaivartha Purana
Kurma Purana
Matsya purana
Vamana purana
Varaha Purana and
Vayu Purana

If all these are not available, can anyone give sources for

Matsya
Vayu and
Agni Puranas.


texts: How do we define who is a Close relative

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My mother's first death anniversary is on 19th September 2017. unfortunately my mother's second cousin (their respective grand mothers were sisters) passed away on 9th september.

I am getting a lot of conflicting views from my immediate family members and relatives. Most of them say that the annual ceremony should be put off.

As per my understanding blood line is restricted to immediate family - parents' siblings or my siblings. I also understand that our 1 year is equivalent to one day for the departed.

Would be nice to hear from the learned members here as to what I should do.


texts: According to Purusharthas (objectives of human life), the four objectives are Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Kama includes desire and Moksha requires someone not to have desire. How can they co-exist?


texts: What is the story of Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Dev idol at Sarangpur?

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What is the story of Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Dev idol at Sarangpur(Gujrat)?

Who is the female under Lord Hanuman's foot and why is Lord Hanuman crushing his teen in the image?


texts: Difference between giving curse and taking revenge

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There are several revenge stories in Mahabaratha such as between Drona and Drupada.

Similarly there are many curse giving scenarios in Mahabaratha such as Krishna giving curse to Ashwatthama as well as one of his wife.

Taking revenge is a bad conduct but curse is not. What is the difference between both? Cursing and taking revenge are both for the bad actions done by others and are harming others.


texts: Is cutting branches or leaves of plants prohibited after sunset?

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This question is not about special plants like Tulasi.
I am asking about other plants that may not be as important as Tulasi.
Is it allowed to pluck leaves or cut branches from plants or trees after sunset?


texts: It is said in the epics that same events repeat in same yuga. If so, then Hanuman is going to be the next Brahma. Now does it mean the current Brahma was once Hanuman? Was current sage Vyasa, Ashwatthama in previous Dwapara-yuga?


texts: How does Vijnanabhiksu accept Samkhya despite being a theist?

texts: It is said the Samkhya school outrightly rejects the existence of God and considered by many, an atheistic school. However, the sixteenth century Vaishnavite scholar Vijnanabhiksu accepted Samkhya to be valid and he tried to find the unity between the 3 Astika schools or Darshanas- Vedanta, Yoga and Samkhya. Now how is this possible? Vedanta and Yoga Darshanas strongly accept the existence of God but Samkhya outrightly rejects it. Moreover, Vijnanabhiksu was a Vaishnava and Vaishnavas usually are vocally opposed to the Samkhya school.


texts: Did Basavanna really conduct inter caste marriage?

texts: Some leftists argue that Basavanna was a social reformer and did not see difference in castes. They also argue that Basavanna did not worship temple Gods ,but Veerashaivas argue that these facts are fake and lingayatas do idol worship. Is it true that Basavanna was really a social reformer?


texts: Patala-Loka, as we know, is home to Asuras (Daityas) & Nagas. However, where is Patala-Loka actually located? Many say that Patala-Loka is situated under the Earth's crust while others say it is not on Earth referring to the story of Hiranyaksha and Varaha where it is said that Hiranyaksha took the Earth in Patala-Loka. However, there is the Asuri tribe that is mainly found in Jharkhand, India; which claims to be the descendants of the Asuras. Where is the exact location of Patala-Loka?


texts: How does Hindu scripture explain why it rains in places where yajnas are not performed?

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According to Hindu scripture, yajnas produce rain, and when yajnas aren't performed, it doesn't rain:

From  food  arise  all  beings;  from  rain  food  is  produced;  from  sacrifice  comes  rain;  and sacrifice is achieved through activity. - Bhagavad Gita

The  oblations  offered  in  fire  reach  the  sun, and  from  the  sun  comes  rain (Manu,  3.76)

But we see that it rains in places where yajnas are not being performed or have never been performed (Mleccha countries). How does Hindu scripture explain this phenomena?
I have some ideas:

It can rain for other reasons like good karma of the people or some other punya or yajna.

Mleccha countries don't need to perform yajnas for it to rain.

Mleccha counties were once countries where Vedic people performed yajnas, and the fruit of those yajnas is still being rewarded as rain, but has stopped in some places like the middle east deserts.

Non-Vedic rituals such as the native American "Rain Dance" has the power to produce rains. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainmaking_(ritual)

There are other non-Vedic deities or supernatural beings that give rain.

These are my speculations, but what does Hindu scripture say?


texts: If God is both omniscient and omnibenevolent, then, why do we need to pray?

texts:
The question I asked earlier on the Riddle of Epicurus was really a question on God's omnipotence and omnibenevolence, but here, I want to ask about God's omniscience and omnibenevolence.

If God is both omniscient (He already knows your problems, what you want, etc.) and omnibenevolent (He's ready to help even the gravest of sinners), then, why do we need to pray? In other words, why does God expect us to pray?
Why aren't prayers simply answered without praying? How can a God who expects one to pray to solve their problems be infinitely benevolent? Is He, then, limited in His compassion? Doesn't the fact that He expects a devotee to pray and only help those who pray prove that He is in fact not omnibenevolent? If however, He doesn't know anything about any devotee's problems therefore expects them to pray on a regular basis, then doesn't it prove that He is not infinitely knowledgeable?

Or is this still an unresolved problem in Hindu philosophy?

Note: This is not a duplicate of Why one should worship God? because the poster there just wants to know if there is a scriptural requirement to pray to God, if yes, what's that? Whereas, this question is about the apparent contradiction between the need to pray and God being both omniscient and omnibenevolent.


texts:
Gana Kuta has three classifications:

deva
manushya
rakshasa

Which Hindu text says about it and what does it imply?

Suppose a human belongs to deva gana, is he superior to the other two ganas?

What are the gana of Gods like Rama and Krishna?


texts:
There are some planets in Astrology that are believed to be natural malefic. I do not know the names and I believe that Rahu and Sani are natural malefics.
Is the concept of natural malefic planets true?


texts: Is it true that positive energy resides at the main entrance [door] of a house?

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I heard that the positive energy resides in the main entrance door of the house and obviously I am doing the Pooja and showing Agarbathi (incense) lights to the door entrance. (I saw my parents doing this and hence followed them).

Can someone explain this?


texts: Are there any English puranic storybooks ? Specific purana or multiple both will do

texts:
I am looking for Puranic storybooks in english.
Can be one specific purana or stories from many puranas.


texts: Where is the island called Ramaniyak (mentioned in the story of Garuda) located?

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Section XXVI of the Astika Parva of Mahabharata mentions the incident of Garud and his mother Vinata carrying snakes and their mother Kadru to an island called Ramaniyaka.

The next section describes it thus:

  "Sauti said, 'And then the Nagas drenched by that shower, became exceedingly glad. And borne by that bird of fair feathers, they soon arrived at the island. That island had been fixed by the Creator of the Universe as the abode of the makaras. There they saw the terrible Lavana Samudra (ocean of salt). On arriving there with Garuda, they saw there a beautiful forest washed by the waters of the sea and resounding with the music of winged choirs. And there were clusters of trees all around laden with various fruits and flowers. And there were also fair mansions all around; and many tanks full of lotuses. And it was also adorned with many lakes of pure water. And it was refreshed with pure incense-breathing breezes. And it was adorned with many a tree that grew only on the hills of Malaya, and seemed by their tallness to reach the very heavens.

Given that the salt-ocean is mentioned along with the Malaya hills that form the lower part of the western ghats, is there a way to identify this island?


texts: Which Puranas say Kalki will be born in Tamil Nadu?

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Among the Dasavataram or ten prominent incarnations of Vishnu, the last one, Kalki, has not happened yet.  Hindu scripture provides many details about him, e.g. he'll be born in the end of the Kali Yuga, his father will be named Vishnuyasha, and he will be born in a place called Shambhala.  Now I had always assumed that Shambhala was somewhere in North India, but I just found an indication that it may be somewhere else.  Let me explain.

In the beginning of this video, the Sri Vaishnava lecturer U. Ve. Ananthapadmanabhachariar Swami explains the neccesity of the Alwars taking birth in South India, due to the fact that the Dasavataram were mostly restricted to North India (translated from Tamil):

  In these ten avatarams, the really significant avatarams, that is, the ones that obtained a lot of praise: Rama avataram, Balarama avataram, Krishna avataram, before that Parashurama avataram, all of these really big avatarams, even Vamana avataram, all of these happened in North India only, South India did not have that honor.  In South India, we have not seen Vishnu taking avataram from among the Dasavataram - [except for] one avataram, Matsya avataram; we have seen that Paramatma took Matsya avataram in Tamil-born Madurai in the Kritamala river.  Similarly, the Puranas say that the avataram that will come last also, Kalki avataram, it is in Thirunelveli that Vishnu will take it.  This is a subject where Pandits have differences of opinion.

Now the fact that Matsya avataram happened in the Kritamala river (which flows through Madurai) is described in this chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam. But I'm interested in the part in bold.  My question is, where do the Puranas say that Kalki will be born in Thirunelveli, a place near the Southern coast of Tamil Nadu?

On a side note, it's possible that Shambhala is in North India, but as a result of Kalpa Bheda Kalki could sometimes be born in Thirunelveli instead of Shambhala.


texts: Do anyone has infinite tapas Shakti (power) other than Brahman?

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It is well known that Brahman has infinite power.

Other than him, in general, sages have tapas power due to their tapas and can be used for their wish such as cursing someone or for own purposes or for dharma. The tapas Shakti then decreases after using it.

Does anyone other than Brahman has never-ending Tapasya power?


texts: Where to buy the four Vedas in Sanskrit without commentary or translation?

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I've found the vedas in translation all over the Internet, but I can't find a store which sells the Sanskrit text alone. I am looking for a hardcover copy.

Every edition I've found which includes the original Sanskrit also includes commentary, or transliteration, or translation. As a result the books triple or quadruple in size. I really just want to get the original Sanskrit in Devanagari script. Is this not possible? Surely someone out there is selling this.


texts: Why was Vedanta Desikan's other uncle initiated by Pillai Lokacharya's father?

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The Sri Vaishnava sect has two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai. Vadakalais follow the teachings of Vedanta Desikan, whereas Thenkalais follow the teachings of Pillai Lokacharya.  I just found an interesting connection between Vedanta Desikan and Pillai Lokacharya.

The largest Vadakalai Matham is Ahobilam Matham.  As you can see in the picture below, it has three Guru Paramparas, a Samashrayana Parampara, a Kalakshepa Parampara, and a Sanyasa Parampara.  That's because its founder Adivan Sadagopan: one guru who gave him Samashrayanam (initiation into Pancharatra), one guru who gave him Kalakshepam (knowledge), and one guru (Lord Narasimha) who gave him Sanyasa:

If you look on the left side, you'll see that Adivan Sadagopan's Samashrayana Parampara originates from Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai, the father of Pillai Lokacharya.  And the name below it is Rangacharya.  I found some interesting information about him from this chart published by Sri Rangam Andavan Ashramam.  His full name is Kidambi Rangacharya.  You see, Vedanta Desikan's mother came from a Swayamacharya family called the Kidambi family, descended from Ramanujacharya's cook Kidambi Achan.  And Vedanta Desikan had two maternal uncles, Kidambi Apullar and Kidambi Rangacharya.  It was Kidambi Apullar who served as Vedanta Desikan's guru.  Now Kidambi Apullar, being a Swayamacharya person, received Samashrayanam from his father, but received Kalakshepam (knowledge) from a famous Sri Vaishnava Acharya named Nadadur Ammal.

But it seems that Kidambi Apullar's brother Kidambi Rangacharya received Samashrayanam from Pillai Lokacharya's father Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai.  My question is, why did Kidambi Rangacharya receive Samashrayanam from Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai?  I can understand if, like his brother Kidambi Apullar, he received knowledge from outside his own family.  But why, being a Swayamacharya person whose father was in a position to give Samashrayanam, did he receive Samashrayanam from outside his own family?

Is there a story behind this?


texts: What does Chanakya impliy when he says "Dharma" and "Kama" depends on "Artha"? How do the two depend on Artha?

texts:
Chanakya remarks - "Dharma" & "Kama" both depend on "Artha". Could you please explain how Dharma & Kama depend on Artha? What does Chanakya imply with this statement? Also, "Dharma" has multiple meanings in Sanskrit so in which sense is it used here? what is the meaning of "Dharma" here?
And, what is the message/lesson/teaching Chanakya conveying through this?
I would be grateful if you could share your insights on this. Also, if you have something more to share in connection to this, please do so.


texts: The Four Categories of Pralaya (Annihilation) and how it can be stopped?

texts: What are the four categories of Universal Annihilation? There are four kinds of annihilation  (constant, occasional, material and final) and how it can be stopped?


texts: What is the oldest surviving commentary on the Vaisheshika Sutras?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school. But there are five other Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Purva Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Nyaya. My question is about Vaisheshika, according to which atoms are the cause of the Universe.  The defining text of the Vaikeshika school is the Vaisheshika Sutras, composed by the sage Kanada Kashyapa.

My question is, what is the oldest surviving commentary on the Vaisheshika Sutras?  So far I've only come across one commentary on the Vaisheshika Sutras, at least in English: Shankara Mishra's Upaskara, which was composed in the 15th century or later and which you can read here.  Are there any older commentaries?

By the way, apart from the Vaisheshika Sutras themselves, the two oldest surviving texts of the Vaisheshika school are Prashastapada's Padartha Dharma Sangraha, which I uploaded here, and Chandramati's Dashapadartha Shastra, which you can read here.  But neither of them are actual commentaries on the Vaisheshika Sutras; instead they're independent expositions of the views of the Vaiseshika school.  So what is the oldest surviving verse-by-verse commentary on the Vaisheshika Sutras?


texts: Explanation of SrimadBhagwadGita verse 18.66

texts:
Please explain in detail what Sri Krishna wants to say in the verse 18.66 of Srimad Bhagwad Gita :

  १८-६६|| सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज | अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो
  मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः


texts: Which incident connects Paramahansa Yogananda with Swami Vivekananda?

texts:
Swami Vivekananda I came to know had foretold that Paramhansa Swami Yogananda would come to USA for preaching hinduism.

Can anybody provide the source and details of this?


texts: What is color of Purusha(jivatman) according to Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

texts:
Brihadarnaya Upanishad Chapter II 3rd Bramhana 6th verse describes one of the attributes of Purusha its color as:

  तस्य हैतस्य पुरुषस्य रुपम् यथा महारजनं वासो यथापाण्ड्वाविकम् यथेन्द्रगोपो
  यथाअग्न्यर्चिर्यथा पुण्ड्रिकम् यथा सक्रुद्विद्युतम् सक्रुद्विद्युत्तेव ह वा अस्य श्रिभवति
  य एवम् वेदाथात आदेशो नेति नेति न हेय्तस्मादिति नेत्नय्त्परमस्त्यथ नामधेयम् सत्यस्य
  सत्यमिति  प्राणा वै सत्यम्  तेषामेष सत्यम्॥

  And what is the appearance of that person? Like a saffron-coloured raiment, like white wool,like cochineal, like the flame of fire, like the white lotus, like sudden lightning. He who knows this, his glory is like unto sudden lightning.

Clearly there is an ambiguity in this verse, how can Purusha or Atman have two colors.

1) Saffron 2) While like wool

How do we resolve this ambiguity?


texts: How to know if someone is truely enlightened?

texts:
There many people who might fake or lie about there enlightenment.
Is there a way to know, that the person is truly enlightened.


texts:
Agni is considered the mouth of the gods and goddesses and the medium that conveys offerings to them in a homa (votive ritual)
How does one feed pavana deva ?


texts: Why is Aranaykas section of vedas only ment for hermits and forest-dwellers(sanyasis)

texts:
This question describes about the 4 sections of each veda and the third section which is aranayaka is guide of rituals and it is said to be ment only for forest-dwellers and sanyasin.

Since there are many yagnas and other rituals which are performed by grahistas like the Rudra Abhishekam , Soma yagna etc, why is the guide only ment for Sanyasin's.


texts:
I know that different Gods, or different manifestations of Ultimate Reality, are worshiped in different regions. Furthermore, there is a lot of linguistic diversity across Bhārat.

So, I'm wondering:

Is it difficult to practice a form of Sānātana Dharma that differs from the majority in a particular area?
For example, there are many temples to Ganesha in Maharashtra. But, I think there are few in Uttar Pradesh. So, is it difficult for Ganesha devotees to practice in Uttar Pradesh?
If someone is devoted to a particular deity, should they try to live nearer a temple dedicated to that one?
Is it difficult to discuss philosophy & scriptures in a region which predominantly speaks a different language?
For example, is it difficult for someone from Kashmir to discuss the Bhagavad Gita with someone in Tamil Nadu?


texts:
This book talks about Pitrayana and Devayana in the Prashna Upansihad

  This interesting Upanishad deals in six questions put by six seekers of Brahaman to the sage Pippalada....the concepts of Pitrayana and Devayana are also presented..

What does the Prashna Upanishad say about Pitrayana and Devayana?


texts: Can a Bramhana become Sudra in this Birth? Right here and now?

texts: Are there any proofs from Shastras that a neglectful Bramhana becomes a Sudra in this birth?


texts: Is the vedic supreme God different from the puranic supreme God? If not, then why is the puranic concept of God trimurty and vedic concept, brahman?


texts: What is the prayaschitta (atonement) for a Brahmin for accidentally killing a cat?

texts:
Suppose, a Brahmin accidentally kills a cat.

What is the prayaschitta for this act?


texts: What is the story behind Satya Narayana form of Vishnu?

texts: I have seen in temples Sathya Narayana pooja being performed during every full moon day. What's the story behind it?


texts: Is the North Indian custom of the bride kicking over a pot of rice on first entering the in-laws' house based on scripture?

texts: I believe the rice getting scattered over the house represents the bride filling her new home with prosperity.  Does any scripture prescribe/describe this custom?


texts: Identifying Varnas based on scriptural sources

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I understand Vedas talk of four varnas — Brahmana, Vysya, Kshatriya and Sudra. I have seen arguments saying it's a classification based on Karma, Guna, Birth etc. Some say birth is of most importance, some say karma. I read it's solely based on soul somewhere. Vedas have explained lot of rules based on varnas. So it's important to have a proper understanding of varnas to interpret these rules properly.

What do the vedas say on determining varnas?


texts: What is the story of son of Indra in the form of a crow was punished by lord Rama?

texts: Is there any story that a son of Indra in the form of a crow was punished by lord Rama with his Brahmastra? I always listen to it.


texts:
How do I meditate using Hindu scriptures?

Do I need anything?
Where do I start?
What do I learn?

I already read Shani mahatmya daily, and I have found it very beneficial.
Hence now I'm looking for more improvements in my practice


texts:
For spiritual progress I want to know the role of food intake. Which type of food is suggested in scriptures for one who want to approach the path of Yoga? In other words, do Shastras recommend or instruct particular foods (to be taken) which helps one's spiritual journey be smooth?

Looking for answers from scriptures or from speech/sayings of personalities like Swami Vivekananda who believed to be perfect Yogi.


texts: Practices For Anandamaya Kosha? Happiness

texts:
Is there any practice to be in Bliss, Joy - आनन्द . Practices to nourish Anandamaya Kosha.
What are practices / mantras recommended to someone in Depression.. Always Sad or Irritated..

Who Is God of emotion, happiness or Mood


texts:
Every natural phenomenon has a presiding Devata that is responsible for it. Agni for fire, Vayu for wind, Varuna for water, Bhudevi for Earth, Dyaus Pita for akasha, Indra for storms and lightning, Yama for death, and so on.

Is there any Devata that is responsible for propagating diseases and illnesses through microbial agents?


texts: Why Ramcharitmanas 6.61 mentions Lakshmana as his mother's only son and Raama's sahodara bhraataa?

texts:
Ramcharitmanas 6.61 (Lankakaanda - Doha/Sortha 61):

सुत बित नारि भवन परिवारा। होहिं जाहिं जग बारहिं बारा।।
अस बिचारि जियँ जागहु ताता। मिलइ न जगत सहोदर भ्राता।।4।।
[Lord Rama to Lakshmana:] Sons, riches, wives, houses and kinsfolk in this world repeatedly come and go; but a real brother (or own brother or brother from same mother) cannot be had again in this world. Ponder this in your mind and arise, dear brother.
निज जननी के एक कुमारा। तात तासु तुम्ह प्रान अधारा।।7।।
[Lord Rama to Lakshmana:] Your mother's only son, you are the sole prop of her life.

Why Lord Rama calls Lakshmana as his सहोदर भ्राता (sahodara bhraataa: born from same mother) when he was born from different mother?
Also, Lakshmana had a brother named Shatrughan, so how Lakshmana could be his mother's only son?
Are there any commentaries or correct translations for Ramcharitmanas available?


texts: Is Śukla Yajurveda 26.2 also present in Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda?

texts:
Is this verse from Śukla Yajurveda also present in Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda?

  TITUS

  White Yajur-Veda: Vajasaneyi-Samhita (Madhyandina)

  Part No. 26

  Verse: 2
  Sentence: a    yátʰemā́ṃ vā́caṃ kalyāṇī́m āvádāni jánebʰyaḥ |
  Sentence: b    brahmarājanyā̀bʰyām̐ śūdrā́ya cā́ryāya ca svā́ya cā́raṇāya |
  Sentence: c    priyó devā́nāṃ dákṣiṇāyai dātúr ihá bʰūyāsam ayáṃ me kā́maḥ sám r̥dʰyatām úpa mādó namatu ||

Translation by R L Kashyap:

  May I address the auspicious speech (Veda) to all the people, the people of the Word, kings, Shūdra, Ārya, one’s own kin, the complete stranger.


texts: Who are the beings above Para Shiva recognized by Tirumular?

texts:
The term "Shaivite" is overused nowadays. For instance, Iyer Brahmins are often called Shaivites, but they're actually followers of Adi Shankaracharya's Smartha sect (which I discuss here and here), and simply adopt Shiva as their Ishta Devata. True philosophical Shaivism is relatively rare nowadays (in contrast to Vaishnavism which is pretty common). I discussed one genuine Shaivite sect, the Lingayat sect of Basava, in my answer here. But my question is about a more famous sect of Shaivism, known as Shaiva Siddhanta, which is based on the Shaiva Agamas and the poems of the Nayanars just as the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member) is based on the Pancharatra Agamas and the poems of the Alwars.

Now in the worldview of the Shaiva Agamas, the hierarchy of gods from lowest to highest is Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara, Sadashiva.  I had initially thought that Sadashiva was considered the supreme being in the Shauva Agamas.  But based on my question here and my answers to it, I revised my view and concluded that Para Shiva is considered higher than Sadashiva, and that Para Shiva is the one who's considered supreme, akin to Para Vasudeva in the Pancharatra worldview.  But now it seems that even Para Shiva may not be considered supreme.  Let me explain.

As I mentioned above, the Shaiva Siddhanta is based on the poems of the Nayanars.  One of the most famous Nayanars was Tirumular.  In Tantra 8 of his Tirumantiram, Tirumular says this:

  Paramparam and Para Maha Sivam Beyond Para Siva is Paramam;  Beyond Paramam is Paramparam; Thus are states ascending;  From Para Siva Jagra, to Para Siva Svapna, and to Para Siva Sushupti  The Jiva that has Para Siva become reaches  The Finite Truth that is Para Nandi.

My question is, who are the beings "Paramam" and "Paramparam" whom Tirumular considers to be higher than Para Shiva?  And what is the exact distinction between Para Shiva, Paramam, and Paramparam?  What are their roles, their nature, etc.?

Are there any Shaiva Siddhanta works that discuss beings higher than Para Shiva?  Commentaries on the Tirumantiram may be a good place to look.


texts: Is there any English translation available for Tattvartha Deepa Nibandha?

texts: I am looking for this text for a while now. I have searched the internet thoroughly but I could not find it. Does anybody know where can I find the work mentioned in the title, in English, as an e book?


texts: Maha Shivaratri in Margashira or Magha masa?

texts:
In this answer it is stated that Shivaratri is celebrated in Margashira masa (Dec). But Shivaratri festival is celebrated in Magha masa (Feb-Mar).
Why the celebration in a different month?
Are there any details on Magha masa celebrations?


texts: What is the life story of Srimati ubhaya bhArati?

texts:
In the well known debate of sankara and manDaNa miSra his wife ubhaya bhaarati also took part.

What was her background and important life events?

I am also specifically looking for verses which talks of her education and wisdom and the fact that she was well versed in shaastras including VEDAS and VEDANGAS


texts:
Lord Dattatreya is supposed to be the form of the trinity gods born on Earth and I saw that he has three faces, each of which resembles one god of the trinity (i.e lord Shiva, lord Vishnu, and lord Brahma).

How was lord Dattatreya born on Earth?


texts: What led Bhishma Pitamah to arrow bed in Mahabharat battle?

texts: I want to know that What kind of past deeds led Bhishma Pitamah to suffer on Bed of Arrows in Mahabharat battle. Is there any karma theory relate Bhishma Pitamah to be in the bed of arrows? or any incident ?


texts: What scriptures describe Sadashiva carrying Vishnu in Vishnu's abode of Paramapadam?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I am a member) places great importance on the Divya Desams, the 108 sacred places of Vishnu which are mentioned in the poems of the Alwars.  Now two of the Divya Desams are not even on Earth!  As I discuss here, there is Thiruparkadal, Vishnu's ocean of milk, and then there is Paramapadam, the abode of Para Vasudeva or the supreme Vishnu as well as the destination of those who have attained Moksha.  (See my answer here for more information on Para Vasudeva.)

In any case, here is how the Sri Vaishnava Acharya HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami describes Paramapadam in one of his discourses:

  Swamiji narrated the seating arrangement of Paravasudeva in Vaikuntam starting with Kurma (holy tortoise) forming the base on which Adisesha lies down as the bed hosting eight different demi-gods on 8 sides namely, Dharma, Adharma, Aiswarya, Anaiswarya, Jnana , Ajnana, Vairagya and Avairagya (each with three heads namely, Satva, Rajas and Tamas) and 12 different Ganas holding various weapons. All of these demi-gods hold a Lotus that hosts Simha Mukhas (Loin Faced demi-gods) on four corners and Sadasiva with 25 heads in the middle holding Bhadrasanam on which, Vaikuntanadha is seated with Sreedevi, Bhudevi and Neela devi. Vaikuntanadha holds a mudra with his right hand extending an invitation to all the souls to come to him. His left hand is placed on the ‘Bhadrasanam’ giving it the needed support. In the other two hands he holds the divine conch and the discuss like ornaments to assure his devotees that he is not exposed to the evil eye.

Bhadrasana refers to a sitting posture, but my question is, what scriptures describe Sadashiva carrying Vishnu in Paramapadam?

As you can see in the image above, how Paramapadam is usually depicted is with Vishnu sitting directly on his serpent couch along with his wives Lakshmi, Bhudevi, and Niladevi.  But HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami seems to be saying that Sadashiva is on the serpent couch and then Vishnu and his wives are being carried by him.

I'm also surprised that Sadashiva is playing a role at all; as I discuss in this answer, in Shaivism Sadashiva denotes the supreme Shiva, whom Shaivites equate with Brahman. But Sri Vaishnavas believe that Para Vasudeva (the supreme Vishnu) is Brahman, and that Shiva is a Jiva, so what role could Sadashiva play?  The only Vaishnavas I know of who acknowledge the existence of Sadashiva are the Gaudiya Vaishnavas, who believe on the basis on the Brahma Vaivarta Puranas that Sadashiva came from the body of Krishna.

On a side note, I found it strange that Sadashiva was described as 25-headed, when he's usually depicted as 5-headed as I discuss here.  But this webpage says there is a so-called "Mahasadashiva" form, which has 25 heads relating to the 25 elements found in the Samkhya system.  (24 elements of Prakriti plus Purusha.)


texts: Does Rahu actually cause solar eclipses, or does the Moon?

texts:
According to Hindu astronomy, solar eclipses are caused by the Moon being consumed by Rahu, and not by the Moon coming front of the Sun and causing a shadow to fall on the Earth.

The Chhandogya Upanishad makes reference to it:

  From the dark (the Brahman of the heart) I come to the nebulous (the world of Brahman), from the nebulous to the dark, shaking off all
  evil, as a horse shakes his hairs, and as the moon frees herself from
  the mouth of Râhu. Having shaken off the body, I obtain, self made
  and satisfied, the uncreated world of Brahman, yea, I obtain it.

However, this website by an ISKCON member claims that the Moon is actually farther from the Earth than the Sun, and that during a solar eclipse, the moon actually goes directly behind the Sun while Rahu actually comes infront of the Sun instead of the Moon.


texts: Lord Vishnu has been destroying adharma since his first avatar and he keeps on destroying adharma by promoting dharma. But how was adharma born in humans? Aren't humans the creation of god?


texts: Is Sanvi one of the other names of goddess Lakshmi?

texts: There are different opinion on web about this. I am not able to get any confirmation. In case of yes, it is in which language?


texts: Comparison of contributions of manas and buddhi in attaining moksha

texts:
Across the Scriptures of sanathan dharma, a particular classification is as follows:

Universe/world, Senses of body, manas, buddhi, and para brahman.

One needs to attain para brahman, which is generally called moksha. Buddhi can be viewed as the container of intelligence or knowledge useful for attaining moksha. Mahavakyas is then enough for buddhi. The key task is then to stabilize manas on para brahman using buddhi.
In this context, Can I say that the contribution of manas is more than the contribution of Buddhi for attaining moksha?
Or am I wrong anywhere? If wrong then how Buddhi need to contribute more than manas for attaining moksha?


texts: Like there is a meaning of the word Shiva which is explained here, what is the meaning of Indra?


texts:
Many people say that the Mahabharata is from 5000 B.C
How old is the Mahabharata? Is there any proof that Mahabharata is as old as 5000 B.C?
Is the Mahabharata manuscript written by Ganapati available now or did it burn in Nalanda University?
According to the Puranas and epics what happened to those paramparas of students to whom Vyasa had given Mahabharata to protect?


texts:
As we know a Japa(recitation of Mantras,names of Gods etc) can be of the following 3 types:

1)Vachik-A japa where recitation is loud enough so that both the performer & others(present around him) will be able to hear it.

2)Upanshu-A japa where recitation is like whispering.No one(except the performer himself) will be able to hear the recitation.

3)Manasik-In this case the japa is done silently, completely in mind.While chanting even the lips and tongue are not supposed to  touch each other.

We have been repeatedly told by our Gurus that among all the above 3 types of japa its the "Manasik Japa" that's considered the best.

The following sloka from Nrishinga Purana says the same.In fact it says  that Manasik japa is the best form of japa followed by Upanshu japa followed by Vachik japa.So,the most beneficial form of Japa is "Manasik" whereas the least beneficial is "Vachik".

  Vachikshcha Upanshuscha Manasartrividhah Smritah Trayanaam Japa
  Yajnanaam Shreyaath Syaduttarottaram||-Meaning-Among the 3 forms of Japa (Vachik,Upanshu & Manasik)the 2nd one is better than the 1st one and the 3rd one is better than the 2nd.

Now,apparently and rationally, it should be the other way round,because Vachik japa requires the most purvanga(preparation) whereas Mansik japa can be done at any place at any conditions(of suchi etc).

Question-Why "Manasik Japa" is considered the best form of Japa?


texts:
Is Brihaspati the author of Brihaspati Agama?
When did the scripture Brihaspati Agama has been revealed and what is the context?


texts:
Why are Vedas regarded as Apaurusheya (authorless/ not created by anyone)?

Is it a sin to consider that Veda was written by someone as propagated by Western scholars?


texts: I have come across the term Panch Maha Paap (5 great sins) in colloquial usage and in astrology. What are the Panch Maha Paapas, their astrological indicators and what are the parihara(remedies) for the same?


texts:
Please take a look at this book.
It reports many times pieces of the Rig Veda. For example on page 25.

  May the three-seated (tri-vandhura) and mentally-governed (manasa-yukta) come – spreading over the five abodes (Rig Veda VII.69.2)

Or on page 95:

  'In the wild ecstasy of divine immortality, I destroyed all the
  ninety-nine cities of Shambara; And utterly the hundredth abode, when
  helping the servant of the gods in the Atithgva lineage' (Rig Veda.
  IV.26.3)

I tried to find the original texts in the Rig Veda. But in those verses there is completely different text. And sometimes there is no reference at all.

I am expecially interested in this one:

  According to the Vedas, there are Seven Chakras in each 'layer', of
  which consists of Three Worlds. But, there are 33 'Layers' of these
  Chakras, of which correspond to the Thirty Three Gods of the Vedic
  Philosophy (Rig Veda. II.6.9).

This one does not seem to be a citation. Anyway there is not such as II.6.9 - the last verse is 8.

You can check here: https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/index.htm

Can anyone help to find (Rig Veda. II.6.9) and to explain why on page 95 based on that verse(s) he states that there are ninety-nine chakras?


texts: What is the source of rAmachandra having a green colored form?

texts: What is the source of Ramachandra having a green colored form? If I remember correctly, Shukavarna was the term used.


texts:
According to the book "Hindu Dharma" by Sri Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati:

  If the Gayatri has not been chanted for three generations in the
  family of a Brahmin, its members lose caste (they cease to be
  Brahmins). The quarter where such Brahmins live cannot be called an
  "agrahara". It is perhaps not yet three generations since Brahmins
  gave up the Gayatri. So they still may be called Brahmins.

  In the same way if the Brahmin family has not performed sacrifices for
  three generations its members will be called "Durbrahmanas",
  degenerate Brahmins. Even though degenerate the label "Brahmin" sticks
  to them. There are prayascittas (expiatory rites) by means of which
  the corrupted Brahmins will be remade true Brahmins. But there is no
  such hope for a Brahmin in whose family Gayatri has not been chanted
  for three generations. A member of such a family ceases altogether to
  be a Brahmin and cannot be made one again. He is just a "Brahmana-
  bandhu", a kin or a friend of Brahmins. The same rule applies to
  Ksatriyas and Vaisyas with regard to the Gayatri mantra; they become
  "ksatriya-bandhus" and "Vaisya-bandhus" respectively.

Now, technically I am a Kshatriya-bandhu since upanayana hasn't taken place in my family for more than three generations. So what are the duties prescribed for me? What about Brahmana-Bandhus and Vaishya-Bandhus?

Edit: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in his commentary to Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.12.35, equates Brahmana-Bandhus to Shudras:

  Simply taking birth in the family of a brāhmaṇa does not make one qualified to perform yajñas. One must be twice-born by proper training and initiation from the bona fide ācārya. The once-born scions of brāhmaṇa families are equal with the once-born śūdras, and such brahma-bandhus, or unqualified once-born scions, must be rejected for any purpose of religious or Vedic function. Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa was entrusted to look after this arrangement, and perfect as He is, He caused the yajñas to be performed by the bona fide twice-born brāhmaṇas for successful execution.
  The unworthy sons of the royal orders are called kṣatra-bandhavas, as the unworthy sons of the brāhmaṇas are called dvija-bandhus or brahma-bandhus.

Does that mean Dvija-Bandhus have the same duties as Shudras? Should they be treated as Shudras as well or as the Varna they are born into?


texts: What proportion of Vishnu temples do not follow any vaishnavite sampradaya and if they do they don't follow any vaishnavite agamas?

texts:
We have some Siva Vishnu temples in which both Siva and Vishnu are worshiped.  temples like Sankaranarayanan koil have both deities in the sanctum sanctorum.  In my town at one of the local hindus temples, the main deity is krishna, but there is a Siva linga also and all major Hindu religious festivals like siva ratri are celebrated.

These would be examples that don't belong to any vaishnavite sampradaya, but vishnu or one of his avataras is being worshiped.

Mere co-location of Vishnu with an anya-devata doesn't exclude following vaishnavite sampradaya - at chidambaram govindaraja (vishnu) is co-located with nataraja (Siva) but there ia an old joke that iyengars on entering the temple complex would walk with averted eyes until they come to the vishnu temple, do their worship and walk out with averted eyes.

The second part of the question is not necessarily about anya devatas - the question is whether an agama accepted by vaishnavites is being followed.


texts:
According to dharma shastras, are ladies allowed to take bath by pouring water on their head after dusk, in the dark ?

I heard someone say it is a bad thing, similar to ladies leaving their hair untied.


texts: When did Narakasura perform his atrocities on Svarga?

texts:
Narakasura, the son of Lord Varaha and Bhudevi, is quite famous. It is because of him that Lord Krsna was able to get the name Murari, Narakari, as well as whole festival dedicated to him (Deepavali). Oh, also Krsna was able to marry 16100 princesses.
Narakasura's story is described in the 59th Chapter of the Dasama Skandha of Srimad Bhagavatam (as well as many other scriptures, but we will restrict ourselves to Bhagavatam in this question). Since he is the son of Bhudevi and Varaha, it can be logical to assume that he could have been born anytime from the beginning of our Kalpa to the beginning of the Vaivasvata Manvantara.
That he is very old is vouched for by Sugriva in the Ramayana, where in the Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 42 he directs the monkeys to search for Sitadevi, but cautions them against going to Narakasura's kingdom (Sloka 31).
Also in the Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva, Chapter 130, Vidura tells everyone how Krsna slew Narakasura, who was Aneka Yuga Varshayuh, 'Of Many Yugas in Age' (Verse 44).
But taking all this into consideration, it is surprising that Narakasura would remain dormant for so long and attack Svargaloka only when Krsnavatara happens. At least, that is what is presumed from the 59th Chapter of Dasama Skandha, where it is said that having lost all his riches, as well as Varuna's umbrella and Mother Aditi's earrings to Narakasura, indra rushed to Krsna for help.
So, did Narakasura really wait that long to attack Svarga? Or did Indra just wait for the right time and right person to lodge his complaint? If the latter is the case, when exactly did Narakasura conquer Svarga?


texts: Is every Jeeva "eternal" like the ultimate God (nirguna Brahman) or "temporary" within cycle?

texts:
"Temporary" vs "Eternal":
"Temporary" (may be sat-asat) means, something which keeps changing. It survives by repetition. "Eternal" (may be param akshara) means, with respect to which all these changes are happening. Both are permanent, but one is cyclic and other is constant.
A very over-simplistic analogy is:
-- In typical routine, you wake up every morning, get ready, go to work, come back, have dinner and sleep. Ideally these actions can repeat forever. All the above actions are "temporaries". They happen & vanish for a while, but again repeat. However, your home is "eternal", because with respect to your constant "home", everything happens.
To me, it appeared that jeevas are not eternal based on studying Gita. However I can be wrong. Below are some points which made me believe that.

During pralaya there is only 1 "nature" (bhAva in Sanskrit) which remains, when everything else is annihilated. There is absolutely no verse suggests that apart from this nature, the other jeevas would also continue to remain somewhere as separate identities.
I feel that the word "All" in various below verses is quite explicit and doesn't leave the slightest chance of separate existence of jeevas.

BG 8.18 — All become from unmanifested to manifested at the beginning of (Brahma's) day; At beginning of night, certainly (all are) destroyed into what is understood as unmanifest-able.
BG 8.19 — Like this, these elementary world (made of "5 elements" or "पञ्चभूत") certainly happens again and again; Upon arrival of night, it's destroyed; upon arrival of day it flourishes.
BG 8.20 — But there is an eternal Nature, which is beyond manifested & unmanifested; When all elementary world is destroyed, that remains.
BG 9.7 — O son of Kunti, all elementary entities enter my nature at end of cycle(Kalpa); Again I create them at the beginning of the cycle.

Possible source of confusion: "Soul"
Atma (BG 2.many) actually means "(true) Self" (Gita also uses I/me). It is also a representation of nirguna/nirAkAra Brahman (BG 8.20). Some call it "soul", as a synonymous. Now many people use "soul" to refer jeeva as well. However Atma and jeeva are not same. But because sometimes "soul" refers to both as a common English term, certain misunderstanding is created.
Atma ≠ Jeeva

This is clarified in wiki of Jeeva. Unfortunately, such articles also become source of confusion. They have cited BG 2.12, 2.16-21, 2.23-25, 2.30 to prove that Jeevas are eternal. However, all these verses describe Atma and doesn't have anything related to jeeva.
Here jeeva means something which differs between you and me. But it's same among your past births & my past births. As a matter of taste, some call it [individual] "consciousness" (chetanA).

Question:
Nirguna Brahman is eternal. Is jeeva "eternal" or "temporary"?
In other words, what happens to jeevas after pralaya (or towards end of Kalpa or Brahma's night)?

Note: Some answers suggest that, if "xyz" part (say mAyA) is removed from jeeva, then it's eternal. But if we remove something from jeeva then we are no longer referring jeeva. A specific quote which says jeeva (or equivalent) is eternal will be helpful.


texts: Where can I get books written by Brahmananda Saraswati?

texts:
Brahmananda Saraswati was the pontiff of jyotir math of Uttarakhand. He had taught yoga to famous personalities like Mahesh Yogi.

which are the books written by him?

where can I download or purchase these ?


texts:
What is the significance of Number 9 in Hindu mythology?

Even that every important numbers when summed up ends to a number 9.

Example#1: the life span of four yugas from this link

Krita or Satya-yuga is 1,440,000 human years (sum of digits is 9)
Treta-yuga is 1,080,000 human years (sum of digits is 9)
Dvapara-yuga is 720,000 human years (sum of digits is 9)
Kali-yuga is 360,000 human years (sum of digits is 9)

Example#2: "Nava grahas" - Nine planets in Hindu mythology.

Example#3: Navratri - lasts nine days.

Example#4: There are 9 Purans, 108 MahaPuran (Upnishads).Mahabharat has 18 chapters (batter lasted for 18 days), Geeta has 18 chapters, Bhagavat has 108000 Shloks (verses)

Links to refer:

Significance of 9?
Myths-Dreams-Symbols

PS: There might be some nonsense in the above reference links but they are just only to support my question.


texts: Does any Āstika text mention Gunas association with the Adharmic cults?

texts:
Someone said that Abrahmic cults are associated with Gunas [Tamoguna for Islam and Rajaguna for Christianity].
This information I have read was not documented by any Shastras quotation.
So I want to ask if is that true, and where to find mention of that in Shastras or eventually Samhkya evaluable texts or others Āstika texts.


texts: Why is Veda Vyasa Siddhanta different from Vedanta Siddhanta in Sarva Siddhanta Sangraha?

texts:
I recently came across the book called Sarva Siddhanta Sangraha which is claimed to be written by Shankaracharya.
Was this book written by Adi Shankaracharya?

And, in the contents, Veda Vyasa Siddhanta is different from Vedanta Siddhanta. Why is this?
As far as I know, Vedic, Upanishadic, Vedantic, Uttara Mimamsa or Veda Vyasa Siddhanta all point to the same philosophy.
So, why is Veda Vyasa Siddhanta different from Vedanta Siddhanta in Sarva Siddhanta Sangraha?


texts: The way we are praying God is it correct?

texts:
I am not an Atheist. After reading Bhavath Geetha, I thought of spreading these wonderful things to my friends. But the problem with our generation is they seek scientific reasoning. So I researched some sites and books. After reading those I had some doubts. So I am going to list out those doubts.

I understood some ideas about big bang theory. So who are all saying this universe is not created by God. This Universe created because of the big bang. Everyone accepted that because of the collision only our universe was created. (But I don't accept because how scientists concluded it when no one was there? So that is also assumption only.) If we assume because of collision only for initiating that collision also we need external force right? I am believing that force is the god. We can't say everything is happening because of science or some force. How come earth was created like that other when other planets were also created? But why earth only is suitable for living? We have oxygen, some other gases, water, Sun, and Moon are you thinking that everything happened co-incidentally? No. Everything is created by one creator and that creator we are calling "God".

We can't call him as God also. Because that word also found by us. Before finding the word "God", God exists. So We don't know how to call him. I am thinking that God is not in human form. Maybe he will be in the form of sun or light. So how to pray god without thinking like he is in human form?


texts: Is there any online translation of grhya and shrauta sutras?

texts:
I m looking for some translation of these sutras preferably with actual sanskrit verse.

There are grhya sutras on sacred texts website but various sutras are combined together and i m not able to find some chapter.

English or hindi translations would be okay


texts: Can prarabdha be diluted by 1. Ram Nam Japam 2. Good Kriyaman Karma?

texts:
Can Prarabdha be diluted with these two factors :-

Ram Nam Japam :-

With Ram Nam Japam can bad consequences in the future be avoided ?
I have heared , If person is going to have bad accident and going to loose his hands as per prarabdha , then if he is continuously doing Ram Nam Japam , then that prarabdha gets diluted and just he will fall from Bed and his hand will get fracture instead of loosing the hand or If more diluted then he will just face that accident thing in dream while sleeping.

2.Good Kriyaman Karma :-

In this case I want to ask :-
If a person does something wrong or bad (eg. Killing innocent animal) in this life. And if he realizes he has done something really very wrong. But with the law of karma definitely he has to face its consequences.

Then for repentance if he starts doing some really good kriyaman karmas like charity , then does his prarabdha gets diluted?


texts: How do Daityas and Danavas look? What is their physical appearance?

texts:
This is similar to my previous questions:
How do Apsaras look? What are their physical characteristics and physical appearance?
How do Rakshasas look? Physical appearance of Rakshasas?
But now I am asking how do Daityas and Danavas look?
Rakshasas are described in detail in Hindu scripture, but I haven't come across a detailed description of how Daityas and Danavas look.
Do they look just like ordinary humans?


texts: How much of the Vedas exist as of present?

texts:
I've read somewhere that there are many shakhas of vedas and some of them have been lost, how much of the 4 Vedas have survived to this date?

How many shakhas are surviving, and what are the names of the lost shakhas?


texts: Which is the largest Hindu temple in the world?

texts:
Which is the largest Hindu temple (in terms of area) in the world?

Some say it is Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Although, others say it is a Buddhist temple.


texts: My daughter wants to know what's with 12, 21, 48, 108 numbers

texts:
Since as per Hinduism, the above are auspicious numbers.

After I told my daughter to do namaskara 12 times, and I told her I am reciting a certain small prayer 108 times each day for 1 mandala (48) days, etc, she is questioning me. What would be the right answer?


texts:
Is Buddha ninth Avataram of Vishnu?

But Lord Venkateshvara (Balaji) is also an avataram of Vishnu who came to earth in Kaliyuga(will be exists on earth to the end of Kaliyuga).

Then Venkateshvara can be considered as ninth Avataram of Vishnu. Because he is know avataram of Vishnu, but How Buddha became ninth?


texts: What is the validity of Ayurveda in modern times?

texts:
What is the validity of Ayurveda in the face of modern medicine?
The issue is that the Ayurveda texts were orally passed down for millions-billions of years from Vishnu (who orally passed it to Brahma, and so forth):

Charaka Samhita - At first, Prajapati received the Ayurveda in its entirety as recited by Brahma, from whom the Ashwins received it, and from the Ashwins, lord Indra received it fully.

So this means the knowledge of Ayurveda hasn't been "verified" or "updated" in billions of years:

This tri-aphorismic, continuing from time immemorial and virtuous knowledge which was known to Brahma first.

Humans evolve and can change biologically, diseases come and go, microbes mutate and acquire new resistances, materials and new technology offer alternative treatments that get improved over time. But since Ayurveda doesn't get updated (since it's an oral tradition), contemporary scientific inquiry into medicine is superior to Ayurveda since it's based on present-time, direct perception of facts, and it's a living tradition that gets improved over time as opposed to a static (oral) tradition.
Ayurveda was the only option in ancient times when they didn't have the concept of modern science. But now, anyone would choose direct perception of facts over an oral tradition of recollection of facts.
My question is, does Ayurveda truly contain eternally valid knowledge regarding human health and medicine? What indicators does it give to show this?


texts:
From website of Chinna Jeeyar,

  Lord Siva also several occasions sought the help of these incarnations. You can see that in Sri Ramayana, after the killing of Ravana. All the devathas appeared before Rama and one among was Lord Siva, who praised Srirama as the saviour of the wise and punisher of wicked.

Does this statement of Chinna jeeyar have a scriptural basis?


texts: Why is Nrisimha not a fierce form of God?

texts:
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1/2/26 says:

  Those who want salvation reject the fierce forms like Bhutapati without having any hatred against them and worship the gentle forms of Narayana.

But Sri Nrisimha is worshipped by the Vaishnavas in many forms.

Why is this 'Nrisimha' form of Sri Vishnu not treated as 'fierce'? Kindly state the scriptural reason.


texts: Various vedic chants contain the word हासिषु in phrases like मा मा हासिषु which translates to don't abandon me like सत्यम् मा माहासिषु which means May Truth not abandon me however I am unable to find dhatu roop for हासिषु , it resembles बहुवचन अधिकरण कारक. Is it that vedic samskrit has its own syntax which differs from samskrit we speak ?


texts: Is BG 16.23 referring to Vedas or dharma śāstras?

texts:
BG 16.23

  yaḥ śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya vartate kāma-kārataḥ
  na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim

  Ignoring the precept of the scriptures, he who acts under the impulsion of passion, he does not attain perfection, nor happiness,
  nor the supreme Goal.

  (Translation by Swami Gambirananda)

The Vedas are only a few but there are hundreds of smṛtis and dharma śāstras.

Is the verse referring to the Vedas or dharma śāstras or Hindu scripture as a whole?


texts: Is there any scriptural ( Vedic or Puranic ) reference for all matter coming from Akasha and Prana?

texts:
In Raja Yoga, page number 26, Swami Vivekananda says this:

  At the beginning of creation there is only this Akaca; at the end of
  the cycle, the solids, the liquids, and the gases all melt into the
  Akaca again, and the next creation similarly proceeds out  of this
  Akaca. By what power is this Akaca manifested into this universe? By
  the power of Prana. Just as Akaca is the infinite omnipresent material
  of this universe, so is this Prana the infinite, omnipresent
  manifesting power of this universe. At the beginning and at the end of
  a cycle everything becomes Akaca, and all the forces that are in the
  universe resolve back into the Prana; in the next cycle, out of this
  Prana is evolved everything that we call energy, everything that we
  call force.

And in  'Complete works of Swami Vivekananda' - Volume 8, Swami Vivekananda says this

  The whole of this universe is composed of matter and force; and
  according to Sanskrit philosophers, everything that we call matter,
  solid and liquid, is the outcome of one primal matter which they call
  Akasha or ether; and the primordial force, of which all the forces
  that we see in nature are manifestations, they call Prana. It is this
  Prana acting upon Akasha, which creates this Universe

From where did Swamiji get this idea apart from Self realization. Is there any scriptural ( Vedic or Puranic ) reference for all matter coming from Akasha being acted upon by Prana?


texts: Vedas say u must acquire wealth by good deeds, conserve and distribute wealth but it said u shouldn't be passionate. If someone is not passionate about his dream how can he make his dream complete to earn money?


texts: What do the guidelines of ancient scriptures say on "resource wastage"?

texts:
In today's time, the "wastage" is among the grave issues. For example wasting food/water etc.. e.g. nations like USA alone consume 25% of world resources, despite having 5% population.

Do the scriptures have any mention of such "wasteful behaviour"?
(Mention in form of guidelines or punishment or anything else)


texts: Were the mantras of the Isha Upanishad ever used in Yagnas?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, each of the four Vedas consists of four portions: Samhitas, the core part of the Vedas which consist of mantras heard from the gods; Brahmanas, commentaries on the Samhitas which provide instructions on the proper conducting of important Vedic Yagnas; Aranyakas, which provide instructions for Yagnas meant for forest-dwellers and hermits; and Upanishads, which consist of conversations between teachers and students which clarify the philosophical teachings of the Vedas.  But as I discuss in this question, the Isha Upanishad has a very different origin: it isn't some supplement or commentary, rather it is part of the Samhita of the Shukla Yajur Veda.

Now as I mentioned above, the mantras of the Samhitas were generally used in Vedic Yagnas (fire-rituals), in a precise fashion delineated in the Brahmanas and Aranyakas of the Vedas.  But in this excerpt from his commentary on the Isha Upanishad, Adi Shankaracharya says that the mantras found in the Isha Upanishad were never used in Vedic Yagnas:

  Adoration to the Brahman.  The mantras beginning with Isavasyam, etc., have not been utilized in rituals, because the serve the purpose of enlightening us on the true nature of the Atman, who is not an anga of, i.e. not connected with, Karma.  The true nature of the Atman consists, as will be described, in its purity being untouched by sin, oneness, being eternal, having no body, omnipresence, etc., and as that conflicts with Karma, it is only reasonable that these mantras should not be utilized in rituals[.]

I discuss the issue of knowledge of the Atma not being a supplement to Karma here.   But my question is, is Adi Shankaracharya correct that the mantras of the Isha Upanishad were never used in Vedic Yagnas?

Do other commentators on the Isha Upanishad agree or disagree with Adi Shankaracharya here?  If it helps, here is Madhvacharya's Dvaita commentary and here is Vedanta Desikan's Visistadvaita commentary; neither of them seem to address this issue.

Also, do any Brahmanas or Aranyakas of the Vedas reference the Isha Upanishad in their descriptions of Yagnas?  The Brahmana of the Shukla Yajur Veda is the Shatapatha Brahmana, and as I discuss here it contains an Aranyaka within it, but often Brahmanas and Aranyakas from one Vedas will reference mantras found in another Vedas.  So it's possible other Brahmanas and Aranyakas may reference it.  Also, does anyone know if the Isha Upanishad is mentioned in Shrauta Sutras, since they compile instructions for various Vedic Yagnas?


texts: How does the process of rational thinking using buddhi look like?

texts:
When buddhi tries to think about something(like solving a problem using logic) does it use the mann to do the thinking part or does the thinking happen in buddhi itself (meaning mann and buddhi work independant of each other while performing rational thinking). So for example, we know one can witness one's mind having vrittis(thoughts). But when one decides to think about something rationally then : Does it happen in the buddhi itself while mann is still doing its thing of creating vrittis and because the person is focused on the rational thinking he ceases to recognise the vrittis occuring in mann OR Does buddhi use the mann to perform rationaly thinking thereby preventing mann from creating any vritti during this time?

In other words : Is mann, the equipment used for performing both kinds of thinking : rational (driven by buddhi)/irrational (mann itself) OR Is buddhi the equipment for rational thinking while mann is the equipment for irrational thoughts (vrittis) ?

TLDR :
Buddhi -> creates logical vrittis in the mind -> using such logical vrittis in the mind, buddhi arrives at a logical conclusion -> mind instructs the karmendriyas (action senses) to take action accordingly
OR
Buddhi -> creates logical thoughts in itself -> reaches a logical conclusion in itself -> provides logical conclusion to mind -> mind instructs the karmendriyas (action senses) to take action accordingly ?


texts:
There's a weapon discussed in Mahabharata called Brahmastra. Maybe Bhishma and Drona had this weapon.

How powerful was it? If any person used it, would it destroy whole world? Was there any technique/way to respond to it and make it fail once it is released by someone? Or once released, it will destroy the world?

EDIT: Now since it seems a duplicate, let me add more details to clarify why I need answer for it.

In a few answers earlier on different questions, I read that "Arjuna or someone fired Brahmastra on Karna. The story after being fired is not described. Nobody knows what happened." Then the author concluded that since Karna was still alive, it must have been destroyed with ordinary arrows.

Unfortunately, I can't find those questions and answers, but I'm sure I read it.

EDIT 2: If you still not ready to remove it as duplicate, let me add further details. In Star Plus Mahabharata, it is shown that Brahmastra fired by Ashwathama attacks only the womb of Uttara. No point of destroying whole world. Secondly, it is also shown that Brahmastra fired by Arjuna to counter attack Ashwathama's Brahmastra, withdrawn back by Arjuna after Krishna told him to do so.


texts: Is there any Hindu sect which considers Lord Hanuman as Supreme Brahman?

texts: I would like to know if there are any sects like Vaishnavas,Shaivas or Shaktas who consider Lord Hanuman as the Supreme God(Brahman). Not including smartha sect which considers all Gods as Supreme.


texts: Are the honorifics Shrimaan and Shrimati from scripture?

texts:
Are the extensions of Vishnu and Laxmi applied to ordinary people?
not a duplicate of
What is the meaning of various honorific prefixes with "Sri"?
asking only for regular folk.


texts:
Who all need to do or read the Garuda Puranam pooja.
What all are the instructions that we need to follow while doing, and after doing that. What age people can to do this.
What is the purpose of Garuda Purana .


texts:
Just wanted to understand if this life cycle of birth and death is a never ending one?

We know that a person/soul/jeevatama can get out of this cycle under certain conditions/circumstances by attaining moksha and let's assume that some day every one attains moksha then will this cycle end or is this never ending cycle as something or the other will keep this cycle alive for some specific purpose?

If it's a never ending cycle then what is it's main purpose/supreme goal? Do our scriptures have anything to say about this?


texts: on reading Srimad Bhagavatam it gets quite confusing on where did it all start and who recited initially and was passed on to whom. Can anyone share a chart showing how Bhagavatam was passed on?


texts: why no epic is there in Kaliyuga like Ramayan and Mahabharat?

texts:
Like Ramayan and Mahabharat, Is there any epic happened or yet to happen in Kaliyuga? This question is related but no proper resources.

It is said that all the four Yugas have repeated multiple times. And every Yugas events were written in puranas but except of Kali Yug, why?

From this question do Vedas talk about Avatars?
The answer says yes then what about Kalki Avatar written in Veda?


texts: How the Saptrishis are Identified for all Manvantaras?

texts:
Who/how are the Saptrishis & Manus in Hindu mythology identified for all the 14 Manvantaras? According to a article on Wikipedia the names of the Saptrishis for all the 14 Manvantaras are already identified well ahead of time/period. My question is how the names are given prior w.r.t Manvantara (which is a very huge timelime.)
Please advise.


texts: Why do Indians or Hindus celebrate Dev Deepavali?

texts:
After Deepavali, Hindus or Indians celebrate Dev Deepavali.

What is the reason for celebrating Dev Deepavali?

Does this festival or tradition find mention in the Puranas?


texts: Please, can anyone give me the exact source of ṛte jñānānna muktih?

texts: Please, can you give me the exact source of ṛte jñānānna muktih (ऋते ज्ञानान्न मुक्तिः)?


texts: What is the location of Vishnu's sacred place of Mallakupa?

texts:
As I discuss in this answer, the Pancharatra Agamas are the foundational texts of Vaishnavism. Similarly, the foundational texts of Shaivism are known as the Shaiva Agamas, aka the Shaiva Tantras.  One of the oldest Shaiva Agamas is the Nishvasatattva Samhita, which is only preserved in a single manuscript from Nepal.

In any case, in this excerpt from the Nishvasatattva Samhita, various sacred places of Vishnu are described:

  Hari always resides in Shalagrama, Mallakupa, Saukarava, in Sannidhana, Mathura, as well as Shvetadvipa; having seen Vishnu ... one will be freed from all sins; people deceased in these places will go to that highest abode (paramam padam) of Vishnu.

Now most of these places are recognizable; Shalagrama is where the Muktinath Vishnu temple is located, Saukarava is where the Soron Varaha temple is located, Mathura is the birthplace of Krishna, and Shwetadvipa is the abode of Vishnu's Vyuha Vasudeva form, who lies down on the serpent Adiseshan.  But my question is, what is this Mallakupa place which is sacred to Vishnu?

The translator just says this:

  As far as we can see, this place sacred to Vishnu is attested only in our text and in the Shivadharmasangraha.

But does anyone know the location of this place?


texts: Which was the ancient time when gods and men used to dwell together on the earth?

texts:
The Dharma Sutras of Apasthambha  (supposedly) mentions that in ancient past the Gods and human beings used to live together on the earth. But, then the Gods performed sacred rites and as a result they attained the heavens.

  In ancient times gods and men used to live together in this world.
  Then the gods went to heaven by performing  rites, while men were left
  behind.* Those among them who perform rites in the same manner get to
  dwell in that world together with the gods and Brahman

Q1. Which was this ancient time when Gods and men used to dwell together on the earth? Do other scriptures like the Puranas etc shed any light on the issue?

Q2. If Gods attained heavens by performing sacred rites then why the humans did not do the same? What stopped them from doing the same?

Q3. Who used to live in the heavens when the Gods lived on the earth?


texts: Which scriptures describe Abhimanyu's marriage?

texts:
The plot of the very popular Telugu film Mayabazaar, revolves around the marriage of Abhimanyu. The brief story is:

Balarama wanted to marry his daughter Sashirekha to Lakshmana Kumara, who was the son of Duryodhana. However Abhimanyu falls in love with her and seeks Krishna's help to get married with her. Krishna asks Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima to help his cousin. Ghatotkacha creates a world of illusion (hence the name Mayabazaar), and manages to trick Duryodhana and Shakuni, and helps Abhimanyu marry Sashirekha.

This story is a well known folklore tale in South India, and is called "Sashirekha Parinayam". My question is, is this story just a folklore or has it been mentioned in any scriptures?


texts: What beliefs are there regarding the moral status of eating lab grown or plant based meats in Hinduism?

texts:
I have seen various arguments about the validity of vegetarianism as a core tenet of Hindu moral thought. I would like to set that aside for this question and focus just on the belief systems within Hinduism, Jainism, etc. that either forbid or discourage meat eating. This would include Ayurvedic ideas about meat being tamasic.
I assume the logic may be subtly different in the two cases of plant based or lab grown meat. When I say plant based meat I refer to things like "Impossible Burger" or "Beyond Meat" where they extract substances from plants (such as peas or soy beans) and put them through various industrial processes to approximate the taste and texture of real meat. As I understand it, the only living things killed in this process (aside from side-effects of industrial processes, like pest control in warehouses) are plants so they're technically considered vegan.
When I say lab grown meat these are things that don't exist yet. But in theory it would be more like a cellular growth culture that uses real animal cells to create real animal tissue, but there is no nervous system or brain involved. Functionally it would work almost like growing meat hydroponically. In theory depending on how the technology works this would could be about as violent as picking fruit from a tree, harvesting a tuber (like garlic) in a way that kills the plant, or killing/harvesting a large colony of fungi.
Another corollary to this question would be beliefs about lab-grown beef specifically among non-vegetarians.


texts: How is reciting Rigveda swara (udatta anudatta swarita) different from Yajurveda?

texts: I observed that in Rigveda, swarita is recited with high pitch with some extra time in that pitch as compared with Yajurveda. But some people won't follow this, they will simply recite riks as yajus only. Which one is correct here?


texts: What is the meaning of: merging with Brahman after Moksha?

texts:
We know that we undergo multiple incarnation until we get Moksha, then we get merged with Brahman after Moksha, and then there's no incarnation.

What is the meaning of merging with Brahman?.

Is this a kind of eternal life without body?

If Brahman is impersonal, then what is the meaning of merging with impersonal entity?

Is this kind of life eternal?, Or till the time of paralay?


texts: Is it possible that we had been born as humans before this very life?

texts: Is it that Human births for each soul take place after long periods of time?


texts: Did Bhimasena laugh at Duryodhana infront of Vasudeva?

texts:
It is known that Bhimasena laughed at Duryodhana in Mayasabha due to the incident of Duryodhana falling down due to confusion.
Did it happen in front of Sri Krishna?
The following passage from Adi Parva of the Mahabharata confirms that it happened infront of Krishna

Yudhishthira, after having, through the wise counsels of Vasudeva and
by the valour of Bhimasena and Arjuna, slain Jarasandha (the king of
Magadha) and the proud Chaidya, acquired the right to perform the
grand sacrifice of Rajasuya abounding in provisions and offering and
fraught with transcendent merits. And Duryodhana came to this
sacrifice; and when he beheld the vast wealth of the Pandavas
scattered all around, the offerings, the precious stones, gold and
jewels; the wealth in cows, elephants, and horses; the curious
textures, garments, and mantles; the precious shawls and furs and
carpets made of the skin of the Ranku; he was filled with envy and
became exceedingly displeased. And when he beheld the hall of assembly
elegantly constructed by Maya (the Asura architect) after the fashion
of a celestial court, he was inflamed with rage. And having started in
confusion at certain architectural deceptions within this building, he
was derided by Bhimasena in the presence of Vasudeva, like one of mean
descent.

But I heard from some other sources that it happened in the absence of Krishna (After krishna went to Dwaraka after Rajasuya).
Which one is true?


texts: Ganapati Gayatri Mantra | In which Shastra it is contained this mantra and who wrote it firstly?

texts:
This very mantra for Shree Ganesha
Who wrote it for first?
Which Shastra- Veda or others- contain that?
Dhanyawaad
Thank you
https://www.thedivineindia.com/ganpati-gayatri-mantra/5889


texts: Are the warrior lineages birthed by Surabhi (the cow) Sūryavaṃśa, Candravaṃśa or neither? Who are their common father?

texts: In sacred texts, such as the Mahābhārata, it is said that warrior lineages of humans were created by a sacred cow. These include lineages that would become important in the history of China and Iran. Which Vaṃśa did these warrior lines belong to?


texts: Do beings killed by Lord Shiva get Moksha?

texts: Do any of the  Hinduism scriptures say that someone was killed by Lord Shiva and thus he got Moksha?


texts: Examples of Varna migration in Hindu mythology?

texts: Is migration between Varna really allowed in Hinduism? If yes, please give examples along with reference.


texts: What citations from non-sectarian Shruti and/or the Itihasas claim that Vishnu is the antaryami of all the other Gods?

texts:
There is probably enormous sectarian literature claiming this, including sectarian Upanishads - but I am interested in Vedas, principal non-sectarian Upanishads etc AS DIRECT CITATIONS, without too much interpretation.

Wiki says

  The Maha Upanishad (Sanskrit: महा उपनिषद्, IAST: Mahā Upaniṣad) is a Sanskrit text and is one of the minor Upanishads of Hinduism.[4][5] The text is classified as a Vaishnava Upanishad.[6]

So if Maha Upanishad says

  They say Narayana was alone. There were not Brahma, Shiva, Waters, Fire and Soma, Heaven and Earth, Stars, Sun and Moon.

This is such a sectarian assertion - it can be accepted only by believers of the sect it is catering to.

Are such citations available?  And I am looking for EXCLUSIVE citations - if a scripture says this of Vishnu in one place, Brahma in another and Indra in a third, it is obviously poetry/henotheism and nothing else.


texts: what is the exact sleeping hours of swamiji?

texts:
How many hours Swami Vivekananda use to sleep?
some say's that swami Swami Vivekananda use to sleep 10 hrs per day ,some are saying  Swami Vivekananda use to sleep 5-6 hours per day
Here im confused that   what is the exact sleeping hours of  swamiji ?


texts: Scriptural age for Srimad Bhagavata Purana

texts:
There are several opinions on when the Srimad Bhagavata Purana originated.
Other than the opinions of the modern scholars, does the Srimad Bhagavatam comment on its time of origin? Any lines from the scripture say about its time of origin either directly or indirectly?


texts: I'm a hindu girl I used to visit temple daily and devotee of lord Vishnu. Once my friend (she belongs to other religion) asked me that why your hindu gods needs relationship such as wife, children etc. Please Anyone helps me to answer her..


texts:
I somewhere read:

  A jyoti mudra technique that is taught to Kriya Yogis has for its
  purpose the making manifest the light (jyoti) of the spiritual eye by
  "closing of the nine gates of the body," which Lord Krishna here
  advocates as a means for man's illumination.

Also

  He who closes the nine gates of the body, who cloisters the mind in
  the heart center, who fixes the full life force in the cerebrum— he
  who thus engages in the steady practice of yoga, establishing himself
  in Aum, the Holy Word of Brahman, and remembering Me (Spirit) at the
  time of his final exit from the body, reaches the Highest Goal. —The
  Bhagavad Gita VIII:12-13

Which are the nine gates being referred here? Are these ears, nose, mouth, eyes etc?


texts: Why we do not keep Tulsi on Prasada offered to lord Ganpati?

texts:
Generally we keep leaves of Tulsi over Prasāda( SACRAMENT) we offer to Gods. But recently in Ganesh Festival our priest while doing pooja told us that "Tulsi is not offered to Lord ganesha, it is offered to Lord Vishnu" on this I asked reason, then  priest answered that it was a curse to Tulsi and since then Tulsi plant is kept out of our house(Aangan) and there is a more story behind that which he don't know.

Do any One know story what happened between Lord Ganesha and Tulsi?


texts: Origin of कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः (karaagre vasate lakshmi)

texts:
One of the most popular and widely used Shloka in Hinduism is

  कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती ।

  करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥

  karAgre vasate lakShmIH kara-madhye sarasvatI |

  kara-moole tu govindaH prabhAte kara-darshanam ||

Meaning: At the Top of the Hand (i.e. Palm) Dwell Devi Lakshmi and at the Middle of the Hand Dwell Devi Saraswati,
 At the Base of the Hand Dwell Sri Govinda; Therefore one should Look at one's Hands in the Early Morning and contemplate on Them.

It seems like another version with small modification also exist.

  कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती ।

  करमूले स्थिता गौरी मंगलं करदर्शनम् ॥

  karAgre vasate lakShmIH, kara-madhye saraswatI |

  kara-moole sthitA gaurI, mangalaM kara-darshanam ||

The difference is instead of Lord Govinda, the second version mentions about Gauri at the base of the Hand.

Which Hindu scripture has the mention of the above shloka and which version is mentioned out of the above two?


texts: What is the significance of this form of Sri Krishna at Udupi? Kindly cite authentic source.


texts: What is the initiation process for the Dvaita sampradaya? In what aspects does it differ from the Panchasamskara done by Srivaishnavas?

texts: I was hearing a upanyasam about the Taapa part of the panchasamskaram which comes under Samaashrayanam for Srivaishnavas. It was mentioned that Dvaitins also have a similar procedure but instead of donning the chakra and conch brands, they do it using sandalwood paste with flowers and do it everytime they visit their acharya. So, I would like to know how different the procedures of initiation are between the 2 sampradayas, given they both derive from pancaratra agamas.


texts: Does South India comes within land of mlechhas?

texts:
Manusmriti 2:22-23

  But (the tract) between those two mountains (just mentioned), which (extends) as far as the eastern and the western oceans, the wise call Aryavarta (the country of the Aryans).That land where the black antelope naturally roams, one must know to be fit for the performance of sacrifices; (the tract) different from that (is) the country of the Mlekkhas (barbarians).

As far as I know, whole India is considered as Aryavartaas many great sages like Agastya were sages of south India. There are many temples in south India of Lord Shiva and Vishnu.But this verse is now creating confusion in my mind.


texts: I'm a Bhumihar Brahmin(18),my father a Kaushik and mother a Bharadwaj by Gotra(Read the body)

texts:
I'm 18, as far as I know the Upanayana has to be done when the child is 8, I'm 18, is it too late for me to go through one?
I'm a medical student as of now, and I come from an upper middle class family in India, can I still do my Brahmin/Bhumihar duties to claim my Dwijatva or is it too late?
If the answer to the above question is yes, then what would those duties be?

P.S It would be preferable if the answers are provided as per the Rigveda, Mandala 1-7


texts: What is the significance of ह्रीं HRIM beej mantra?

texts:
I have seen the reference of ह्रीं at multiple mantras.
What is the exact significance of this mantra and how powerful is this?


texts: What is to be done with meat of sacrificed animal in vedic yajna?

texts: Do any of the scriptures mention what is it to be done with meat of animal sacrificed in a yajna? Is it be thrown into fire the way butter etc is offered? Is it be eaten? If eaten then by whom? Sacrificer himself and his family or is it to be donated to people?


texts: How did Kripacharya become "Chiranjivi"?

texts:
Kripacharya, is one of the Chiranjivi (long lived) mentioned in the Sapta Chiranjivi Stuthi -

  Ashwathaama Balirvyaaso Hanumanshach Vibhishanha Krupascha
  Parshuramascha Saptaitey Chiranjivinaha

My question is, how and why did he gain his extremely long life?


texts: In Uttar Pradesh Brahmins have common surnames as Chaturvedi alias Chaubey, Dwivedi alias Dubey and Trivedi. Are these surnames which have "Vedi" included in them have something to do with the Vedas. There is common folklore that the Brahmins who know all four Vedas are known as Chaturvedi and those who knew three were called Trivedi and Dwivedi were who knew two Vedas. Is this folklore true if not how did they get such titles?


texts: Is it a sin for a human to kill innocent Rakshasas, Asuras, Pisachas, or Nagas?

texts:
It is a sin for a human to kill other humans, animals, etc. But what about celestial beings?

Is it a sin for a human to kill innocent Rakshasas, Asuras, Pisachas, and Nagas? Like can humans commit genocide on them without sinning?


texts: How many Gayatri Chalisa/Mantra Janevdhari Brahman has to do?

texts: I heard that After taking Janev Brahman has to do some number of Gayatri Mantra to praise Mother Gayatri in lifetime. It is curse due to Janev. Is it so? If yes, how many Gayatri Mantra malas brahman has to do?


texts: Are the upanishads later to the puranas?

texts:
In some places it is mentioned that some of the main upanishad like chandogya and brihadaranyaka mention about the puranas.

What are the references where puranas are referred in upanishad?

If indeed the puranas are talked in the upanishads then how come they be the part of vedas ?

Because vedas are considered as pre puranic era.

Update: I also heard that chAndogya also mentions Krishna i.e son of Devaki. If so then is it is not later to Mahabharata era ?


texts:
I have read the following claims regarding Smritis countless times :

... what scriptures also say.
They say that you should keep the Desha (country or place) and the Kaala (time) in
mind when you apply knowledge or a particular scripture.

It had relevance at that time but they are no longer relevant.

Firstly the Law Book known as Manusmriti or Manvadharma Shastra was not the work of a single author, there are too many inconsistencies and contradictions.

It is “idealistic’ in that it was never a practical text, nor was it every actually applied in any kingdom in ancient India. Laws in India were primarily caste-based - each and every caste was autonomous and created their own laws which governed them. It was only major disputes which were brought to the royal court. The Kings were primarily interested in collecting taxes and left the daily legalities to the caste panchayats and their self-governance.

There are a large number of different Law Books (Smritis) produced by different Law-givers and used in the many countries and districts of India, many of them contradict each other.

These claims are never supported by any verse or studies. Are these true ?


texts: Where is the account of Shishupala's atrocities in Dvaraka?

texts:
In Chapter 44 of the Sabha Parva of Mahabharata, during the Rajasuya Yajna of Yudhishthira, Shishupala criticises Krishna using many insults, and then Krishna retorts to Shishupala's insults directed at him. He talks about how Shishupala committed many sins, and in particular lists these sins:

  "This wretch of cruel deeds, ye kings, hearing that we had gone to the city of Pragjyotisha, came and burnt Dwaraka, although he is the son of my father's sister. While king Bhoja was sporting on the Raivataka hill, this one fell upon the attendants of that king and slew and led away many of them in chains to his own city. Sinful in all his purpose, this wretch, in order to obstruct the sacrifice of my father, stole the sacrificial horse of the horse-sacrifice that had been let loose under the guard of armed men."

So Shishupala, when Krsna was off battling Narakasura, had arrived at Dvaraka, manhandled one of the attendants and had burnt Dvaraka. He had also stolen the horse of Vasudeva's Ashvamedha Yajna.

While Krsna lists all of these offences, none of these incidents are found either in Mahabharata or in Srimad Bhagavatam. Though since it is Krsna himself who is speaking, his words can be taken as a truthful account. So are there any scriptures which talk about Shishupala's deeds in Dvaraka?

Also, when and how did Vasudeva conduct the Ashvamedha sacrifice, which is meant only for emperors? The only account I know of Vasudeva's Ashvamedha is during the sequence of Prabhavati-Pradyumna Parinayam, which occurs in Harivamsa. But there, no such stealing of the horse occurs. So do any other texts talk about this?


texts:
Lord Shiva had 2 bows - Pinaka and Ajagava.  There are few stories associated with the first bow Pinaka like Sita swayamvar.
Are there any distinct stories/incidents associated with Ajagava that have been mentioned in our scriptures for instance Shiva Puran or any other purans?


texts: What are Prakṣipta? And are they as important as original verses?

texts:
Why do many people call Prakṣipta uncreditable?
Are verse relating the philosophy of existence of one god Prakṣipta ?


texts: What is the ultimate destination for souls in Bhagavad Gita?

texts:
The English translation of Bhagavad Gita isn't quite perfect to what actually Krishna conveyed in Bhagavad Gita. When I read that, there Lord Krishna mentions the word, Paramatma, Parameshwar in so many places and in the verse 21 of chapter 8 he says, (I am translating to English in correct manner)

  "What is described as unmanifest & eternal, the highest surrendered principle parampurush, is the supreme destination for all souls, and that's my Paramapatham (abode)"

In the google translated versions, Parampurush, Parameshwar words are completely missing. Krishna uses the words "AVAYKATHA, AKSHARA" frequently in chapter 8 meaning - ParamPurush.

So is - Parampurush the supreme destination for we souls which is beyond the "Brahmajyoti" ?


texts: Currently how many types of peethas are there in India?

texts: In India how many different types of peethas such as shakti peethas,  Advaita peethas etc., are there now?


texts:
Every mantra begins with the word ॐ (Aum/Om). (Ex. Aum Namho Bhagwate Vasudevaya Namah etc.)

ॐ itself is considered a mantra in Ayurveda.

My Questions:

What is the meaning of ॐ?
Why is it given the first place in all (or most) mantras (at least to my knowledge)?
What other significance does it have, if any, in Hinduism?
Why this specific word?


texts: Are there any other vedic ritual other than yajnas?

texts:
Samhita is the ritualistic part of the Vedas. There must be many rituals in the Samhita.
So are there any other vedic ritual other than yajnas


texts:
Is it bad if the husband puts the thaali on the wife's neck multiple times during marriage because the wife likes to only wear the thaali for auspicious occasions.

Just to make it clear, it's always the same husband putting the thaali on the same wife.
I think sometimes in Hinduism, people say odd numbers are bad or something, So is it bad if your husband put the thaali on you 15 times for example?


texts: Who had the first priority in getting Moksha in the 'Gajendra Moksha' story, the crocodile or the elephant Gajendra?

texts:
I was going through this question about animals attaining Moksha.
According to story, both elephant and crocodile were the devotees of the the Lord Vishnu in previous life. In the plot of the story, elephant named the Gajendra(King Indradyumna in previous life) was drowned in to the lake by a crocodile(Huhu, a ghandarva in previous life). The crocodile caught the elephant's leg and was dragging him to the deep water. The story end like this, Lord Vishnu appears and escapes Gajendra from crocodile by killing the crocodile with the weapon 'Sudarsana Chakra' and then the elephant got the Moksha.
So the question goes here, even though it is known as 'Gajendra Moksha', actually the moksha was given to the crocodile also. And crocodile got the 'rare privilege'(same as in the case of Ravana, Kamsa,etc.) of getting killed by the hands of Lord Vishnu and was given moksha before the Gajendra. The crocodile was actually trying to kill the devotee elephant who prayed Lord Vishnu with this famous prayer,

शुक्लांबरधरं विष्णुं शशि वर्णं चतुर्भुजं ।
प्रसन्न वदनं ध्यायेत सर्व विघ्नोपशान्तये॥

But the moksha was first given to the crocodile who had not at all prayed to Lord and also we can not find any form of devotion directly to Lord Vishnu or any other Gods from the crocodile. But in the case of Gajendra, he was chanting and praying the name of Lord Vishnu with total devotion. Still he was second compared to the crocodile in attaining Moksha. What is the reason? Why was the true devotee elephant Gajendra second? Or what was the particular form of karma or devotion method of crocodile which lead to attaining moksha?


texts:
Please let me know the Lagna Gayatri Mantra.

It's not about scorpio or leo placed on lagna .
I heard the mantra starts something like this Om Lagnaye ...