texts:
The Satvata Tantra Part 2 Verse 17 mentions:

  Born as Gaya in King Priyavrata's dynasty, the Lord became very famous by the actions of His body, mind and words. Yajna personified, which had the form of Indra, passionately competed with him.

I know Yajna is also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu but I want to know who this Gaya Avatar was?


texts: What ensures a human birth in the next life?

texts:
What is the minimum merit that needs to be acquired by a human being to ensure he gets a human birth in his next life ?

Any stories/incidents in Puranas etc..that point to this ?


texts: Who cursed the snakes that they will die in Emperor Janamejaya's snake sacrifice?

texts: Somebody cursed the snakes that the nagas will die in the sarpa satra of Janamejaya who did it in revenge for the killing of his father Parikshit by Takshaka. Who cursed those nagas that they would die in snake sacrifice of Janamejaya?


texts: We often read in ancient texts that someone cursed somebody else and something bad happened to that person. It is obvious that nowadays if somebody curses somebody else we really don't see any effect of that. Why did these work in the ancient past and why not now?


texts: What is the difference between Mantra-Diksha and Mantra-Chaitanya?

texts:
According to the Tantrik scriptures, what is the difference between Mantra-Diksha and Mantra-Chaitanya?

As per Tantra, mantra is fruitless unless Mantra-Chaitanya is obtained.


texts:
Is there any mention of attire for women/men in any ancient texts ?

How was nudity treated in Hinduism ?

Did other religion deeply influence the people of India ?


texts:
Vedas tell that human can live upto 100 years with a maximum of 400 years .

So if we still assume that Ramayana happened again in current chaturyuga ( 28 th treta yuga )

Dwapara Yuga which is of 8,64,000 years .

Given below is Shri Ram Genealogy after him

Kusha
Atithi
Nishadha
Nala
Nabhas
Pundarika
Kshemadhanvan
Devanika
Ahinagu
Roop
Rooroo
Paripatra
Dala (or Balasthala)
Chhal (or Anal)
Ukya
Vajranabha
Khagan (or Shankhanaad)
Vighruti (or Vyushitashva)
Vishvasaha-2
Hiranyanabha
Pushya
Dhruvasandhi
Sudarshana-2
Agnivatna-2
Shighra
Maru-2
Prasushruta
Susandhi (or Sugandhi)
Amarshana and Sahasvanta, the sons of Susandhi
Mahasvan
Vishwasahav
Prasenjit-1
Takshaka
Brihadbala ( Abhimanyu killed Brihadbala at age 125 years in Mahabharata War).

If we divide 8,64,000 from 33 Kings after Shri Ram we get 26,181 years.

So how come Kings were able to maintain average of 26000 years of lifespan when vedas says lifespan of maximum 400 years ??

Please tell with reference.


texts: What scriptures describe Hiranyaksha mining the Earth?

texts:
Most people only know the story of the demon Hiranyaksha putting the Earth in the Garbhodska ocean, after which Vishnu’s incarnation Varaha the boar killed Hiranyaksha and rescued the Earth.  But page 41 of this book tells a different story:

  Hiranyaksha was the first and greatest demon that ever walked this earth. His body was so big and strong that it blocked the view in all directions just like a mountain. The crest of his crown seemed to kiss the sky and cover the sun. When he walked the earth shook at his every step. Even the demigods hid themselves from him. Fearing death at the hands of no one, he wandered the earth searching for a suitable opponent to fight. He wore golden anklets, a golden girdle, golden bracelets on his arms, golden armour and a crown of gold. To obtain this gold he mined the earth. He considered the earth as his property to do with as he wished, and so he mined her deeper and deeper – so deep that she lost her inner balance and fell from her position in space. Plunging to the depths she came to rest in the primeval waters which lie at the very bottom of the universe. There she lay, lost and helpless in the darkness.

Srila Prabhupada also alludes to this story in this section of his commentary on the Srimad Bhagavatam:

  Only under certain conditions do the planets float as weightless balls in the air, and as soon as these conditions are disturbed, the planets may fall down in the Garbhodaka Ocean, which covers half the universe. The other half is the spherical dome within which the innumerable planetary systems exist. The floating of the planets in the weightless air is due to the inner constitution of the globes, and the modernized drilling of the earth to exploit oil from within is a sort of disturbance by the modern demons and can result in a greatly harmful reaction to the floating condition of the earth. A similar disturbance was created formerly by the demons headed by Hiraṇyākṣa (the great exploiter of the gold rush), and the earth was detached from its weightless condition and fell down into the Garbhodaka Ocean.

So my question is, what scriptures describe Hiranyaksha disturbing the Earth by extracting gold from it?

Or is it just folklore?


texts: How was Vishwarupa, the son of Tvashtar related to Asuras?

texts: Srimad Bhagvatam tells us the story about Vritra's elder brother Vishwarupa who was killed by Indra because he used to give some portion of the Yagya oblations to the Asuras to whom he was related through his mother. Can any one tell me who was his mother and how exactly was she related to the Asuras?


texts: Why do mantras usually end with Shantih Shantih Shantih (3 times)?

texts:
At the end of most of Mantras from Vedas & Upanishads, we find Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. As in the end of this Mantra,

  ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।
  तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
  मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
  ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
  Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya |
  Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya |
  Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya |
  Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

  Meaning:
  1: Om, Lead us from Unreality (of Transitory Existence) to the Reality (of the Eternal Self),
  2: Lead us from the Darkness (of Ignorance) to the Light (of Spiritual Knowledge),
  3: Lead us from the Fear of Death to the Knowledge of Immortality.
  4: Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

As I want to know,

What is the purpose of adding om shanti shanti shanti at the end of most mantras?
What is the meaning of om shanti shanti shanti ?
Why does it written Only for three times? Why not more or less than three times?


texts: What is the difference between Eswaran and Sivaperuman?

texts:
Upanishads says Easwaran is our god and he has no shape and can't feel it on your  senses , we pray lord shiva is our first and almost god,he has shapes and lingam,
did lord Shiva is creation of Easwaran,if so it is real and exists?


texts: Where is it stated in scripture that individual jivathma is not the doer?

texts: I wanted to know where all is it written in the scriptures that individual is not the doer.


texts:
I recently became very interested in Hindu mythology and would love to hear from well-read individuals who really have a thorough understanding of the Vedas. I have just 2 questions for now:

1) Why did Brahman split itself? If it is God, then why create the world? Brahman is happy and blissed out, so why?

2) Why did Brahman create pain, suffering, pure evil in this world?


texts: Can a menstruating women prepare food for herself?

texts:
It is well-known that a rajaswala cannot prepare food for her family. It is highly discouraged to eat food prepared by a Rajaswala.
But, does it apply to herself also? Can't she cook for herself and eat it?


texts: If child is not born even after several years of trying in marriage....is there anyway to escape from punnama hell?

texts: Option like changing my dharma from Hindu to Islam/christian where we can attain heaven even without child and  through only bhakthi....


texts: Why the "Karpuragauram karunavtaaram.." shloka is recited before any aarti?

texts:
I think it is noticeable that before any aarti this shlok is recited before the start of aarti. my question is, is there any reason behind it and is it also happening from past.

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


texts:
I have heard that Kam Deva's mantra is very effective to attract anybody in this world. What is that Mantra?
Is it this mantra?

ઓમ નમો ભગવતે કામદેવાય યશ્ય યશ્ય દ્રશ્યો ભવામિ । યશ્ય યશ્ય મમ્ સુખં પશ્યતિ તં તં મોહયતુ સ્વાહા ।।
om namo bhagawate kamdevay yashya yashya drashyo bhavami| Yashya Yashya Mam sukham tam tam Mohyatu Svaha ||


texts: Where do Baudhyana dharma sutras mention Ganapati?

texts:
According to Wikipedia article on Kartikeya-

  While the Baudhayana Dharmasutra mentions a householder's rite of passage that involves prayers to Skanda with his brother Ganapati (Ganesha) together.

Where is Ganesha mentioned in Baudhayana Dharma Sutras?


texts: What is the sin incurred of a wife having lllicit sex?

texts: What is the sin incurred of one's wife having illicit sex?


texts: What is the significance of Lord Ganesh & Lord Hanuman's statue in Shiv Temple?

texts:
When we enter into Shiva temple, we can see that Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman's statue before the Shiva Lingam.

What is the significance of these two statues in Shiva Temple?


texts:
There are four Yugas and four Vedas. Do Veda and Yuga have link like:

Rig Veda : Satya Yuga
Yajur Veda: Treta Yuga
Saam Veda: Dvapara Yuga
Atharva Veda: Kali Yuga


texts: I just finished reading the Bhagavad Gita, my first Hindu read.  The concept of karma has captured my interest.  Can one's thoughts contribute to their karma?  For instance, if one thinks bad thoughts will bad things happen to them in this life or the next?


texts: Like Aditya hridayam, I came across Gayatri hridayam. What exactly are hridyam mantras? What is gyatri hridayam and why is it used to pray to Godess gyatri before doing the sandhya gyatri?.


texts:
Are there any slokas from any scriptures that depict the transfer of karmafaal(result of someone's deeds).
I'll give you a scenerio. Suppose a person earns his living by doing something, yet he makes some monthly extra cash by selling meat, cutting animals, selling their flesh, tusks, fur etc. Now his son is a normal person, not a devotee, or a yogi nor someone involved in any dharmic deeds. He is just a normal being who does no bad no good. Yet he is living by his father's earning. So, is the son also sinful?


texts: Who actually were demons (Rakshash) and Danav mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabharata and other purans?

texts:
Were they different species or just human following adharma?
We read in puranas that they were powerful, mayavi, had body features like animals.   I am confused.

Tulsidasji says in Ramcharitmanas that who follows adharma is a nishachar ( demon).

What are the differences between human, Rakshasa and Danava?


texts: Is Brahmakumaris Hindu organization? Why Brahmakumaris say 2036 is end or the judgement day ? is it true?

texts:
Is Brahmakumaris Hindu organization? Why do they claim that 2036 will be end of world?
They claim that flood will take place and then ice age will come.
Recently Scientists said that around 2030 to 2040 mini ice age will come.
Recently I visited them they say natural calamities will end the world. America and Russia will raise world war. Is it true? One earthquake will destroy the entire america and another will destroy whole china.
Brahmakumaris say we do not have much time, 2036 is very long period. but it is estimated that it can be very short. It is unexpected to predict when the war will start.
If so according to them this is time to pray. They say leave everything and pray to Shiva. This is time to go back to Paramdham, which is home to souls this world is not home of souls.
Is this true that 2036 will be the end of the world?


texts: Why is Indra referred to as 'Sahasraksha' in Valmiki Ramayana?

texts: I was reading the Indra Ahalya incident in Valmiki Ramayana and other parts. I see that Valmiki has referred Indra as 'Sahasraksh' most of the times. 'Sahasraksh' meaning one with thousand eyes. I am a little confused how can one's appearance will be with 1000 eyes. Does this name has a different meaning. Or thousand eyes means something else. Also if there is any reference of 'Sahasraksh' name in any other books and may be any story about it. Can somebody please explain?


texts: How is killing of black deer for skin and other products justified

texts:
Shatpath Bramhana says that brahmin boys should cover their bodies with skin of Black Deer or Krishna Mriga (Black Buck), and this is okay if they don't just kill them for that purpose. A dead buck's skin could serve the purpose, then why hunt for it?

There are some stages in Shodashopchar (16 stage treatment or pujan of
Gods/Goddesses) where Ashtagandha is required which uses Kasturi or Deer Musk as one of the product, and some Goddesses also require Deer Musk and sandalwood paste for their worship.

So the point is that Deer Musk and Black Buck's skin are obtained from killing the specified animals.

My question is:

1) How is it justified to kill someone so that you can worship some Gods?

2) If Manu Smriti says that Dwijas are required to live in the area where Krishna Mriga or Black Buck lives then why to kill them and make them extinct.


texts: Sanskrit examples of Ghanapatha recitation?

texts:
How exactly does Ghanapatha work and can someone point me to examples? I have heard that Ghanapatha is a very useful way of preserving information by combining phrases in different permutations. For instance, if we consider "1", "2," and "3" to be their own phrases, then ganapata would be something like
121323. But can someone provide more concrete examples and explanations?


texts: How can we reduce the effect and pain while experiencing results of bad karma?

texts: I am aware that we have to experience the results of Karma done by us. If I have done a bad Karma under the influence Maaya or Agnana(With out consciousness), How to reduce the effect of bad Karma. If experiencing result of bad karma is inevitable how can I make it less painful?


texts:
What is the story of Goddess Shitala?

She is mainly worshiped in North India, West Bengal, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.


texts: Source of the Sanskrit shloka- Om Sarva Mangala Mangalye

texts:
The sanskrit shloka given below is a prayer to Goddess Durga.

  Om Sarva Mmangala Mangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike

  Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Naaraayani Namostute"

Sarva Mangala Mangalye - To auspiciousness of all auspiciousness

Shiva -to the Good

Sarvarrtha Saadhike - to the accomplisher of all objectives

Sharanye - to the Source of Refuge

Tryambake - to the mother of the three worlds.

Gauri - to the Goddess who is Rays of Light

Naaraayani - Exposer of Consciousness

Namostute- We bow to you.

What is the Source of this prayer to Goddess Durga?


texts: Where can I find Mahabharata stories about Krishna?

texts: Stories about his training, the wrestling, the mental training, how he went and killed his maternal uncle Kamsa, the Kurkurestra war, etc.


texts: About Dhanwantari Gayatri Mantra and water

texts:
I am referring to this book: Исцеляющие мантры в Аюрведе
It is said, that according to Swami Sadashiva Tirtha if Dhanwantari Gayatri Mantra is chanted 21 times over the water, it becomes elixir, capable of healing most severe ailments.
My question is should the Mantra be chanted aloud (vachika japa) or mental chanting (mansika japa)? Is is also said that mansika japa is 10 time more effective then vachika japa, but is it OK for water?
Thank you!


texts: What is the origin of bengali Hindu Swastika?

texts:
Swastika is an important symbol for almost all Dharmic faiths. Particularly in Hinduism, the symbol of Swastika is pretty much constant through out the world(unlike Om which have different symbol in different script like odia,tibetan, chinese etc).
Swastika has been constant even in china, korea and japan. But in bengal, it is drawn in a different manner.
Here are pictures of Bengali Hindu Swastika.
.
As we can see,Bengali Hindu Swastika is different from the normal Swastika.Why so?


texts: Is there any sukta in Rigveda containing 16 richas and starting with the word"Indra"?

texts:
There is a chapter called Rigvidhana in Agnipurana in which it is mentioned that if the aforementioned 16 Richas are chanted daily then one is blessed with intelligence, friends and fulfillment of desires.

So, the question is - Is there any sukta in Rigveda containing 16 richas and starting with the word "Indra"?


texts:
Why do North Indian Brahmins pronounce ‘ṣa’ (ष) as ‘kha’ (ख) while chanting mantras? Do they follow a different school (shakha) and is there a rule in any Pratishakhya of that particular school or is it incorrect chanting?
Here are a few examples of the letter ‘ṣa’ (ष) being pronounced as ‘kha’ (ख), while chanting by North Indian Brahmins:-

Yajurvedic Puruṣa Sūktam as opposed to the Rigvedic Puruṣa Sūktam chanted by South Indian Brahmins. One would clearly see that in the former, Puruṣa is pronounced as Purukha, while the latter retains the original pronunciation. In Yajurvedic recitations by South Indian Brahmins also there is no ‘kha’ pronunciation.
Svasti Mantra, North Indian style.
Rudri Patha, North Indian style.

Also if they do in fact follow a different school, I would like to know in which areas is this school spread (including the South if at all)? Is this chanting style prevalent in Western and Eastern India as well? Also which school is prevalent in Southern India, that retains the original ‘ṣa‘ sound?


texts: Why did Shri Krishna show the whole universe to his mother?

texts:
There is a famous story related to Shri Krishna that when He was kid, he used to eat soil. One day, his mother yashoda caught him and asked whether he was eating soil. but Shri Krishna lied that he wasn't eating soil. To believe him, his mother asked him to open his mouth. When he opened mouth, his mother saw whole universe which made her go unconscious.

My question is why Shri Krishna showed universe in his mouth to her mother knowing that it is not a normal act to do so?


texts: Manu Smriti contradicts Bhagavad Gita on qualities of women?

texts:
The Bhagavad Gita says in 10.34:

  I am Death among plunderers. I am the origin of all that shall be
  born. In women I am fame, prosperity, eloquence, memory, intelligence,
  endurance and forgiveness/forbearance.

Ramanujacharya's commentary for that verse:

  I am also Death or Mrtyu [a servant of Yama] who snatches away the
  life of all beings. Of those beings that shall be born I am that
  activity called birthing. In women (or known as feminine perfections, or the female Deities presiding over these qualities), I am prosperity (Śrī); fame (Kīrti); eloquence
  (Vāk); memory (Smṛti); intelligence (Medhā); endurance (Dhṛti) and
  forgiveness (Kṣamā).

However, Manusmriti says:

  For women there is no dealing with the sacred texts; such is the rule
  of law; the fact is that, being destitute of organs and devoid of
  sacred texts, women are ‘false’

The meaning of "destitute of organs" according to two commentators:

  Medhatithi - ‘Destitute of Organs’—‘Organ’ here stands for
  strength;—courage, patience, intelligence, energy and so forth are
  absent in women; that is why they are prone to become over-powered by
  sinful propensities. Hence it is that they have to be carefully
  guarded.

  Vivādaratnākara (p. 412) - ‘Nirindriyāḥ,’ devoid of the faculties
  conducive to steadiness, truthfulness and so forth.

Courage, patience/forbearance/steadiness, and intelligence, are qualities of women according to the Bhagavad Gita, but which the commentators of the Manusmriti say they don't have.

The commentators are probably wrong, and didn't have the Gita verse in mind when commenting on that Manusmriti verse. The Manusmriti merely says they are "nirindriya," which means "without organs," and could be interpreted another way.

Here is another place where the Gita and Manusmriti seem to contradict each other.

How to reconcile?


texts: Is Vishnu a Vedic deity ? Are there any mantras attributed to him?

texts: Is there any mantra attributed to Vishnu in the Veda (moola samhita). Not mention of word "Vishnu" but is he a "devata" for any specific mantra for example "brahmanaspati" devata for "gana nan tva ganapati..."


texts: When Devi Bhagavatam says Gods as doers of karma and that they are sinners, how they can remove my sin?

texts:
According to the following chapters of Devi Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu and lord Rudra are doers of karma and thus sinners.
• Devi bhagavatam: 4 book: 2 chapter: 8-9

• Devi bhagavatam: 6 book: 10 chapter: 15-18 slokas
[![devibhagavatam][2]][2]
•Devi bhagavatam : 6book :10 chapter :19-21 slokas
When they are sinners how they can remove my sin ?
[2]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/BCLI6.jpg![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/eZ7e8.jpg)


texts: Does Prarabdha karma determine one's spouse?

texts:
One's parents are decided by karma. But what about one's spouse? Is this also predetermined by Prarabdha?
The suggested question does not answer my question. Mine is specific to spouse. Is one's spouse also predetermined?


texts: Brahmins used to eat Five-nailed animals?

texts:
पंच पंच नखा भक्ष्या ब्रह्म क्षत्रेण राघव |
शल्यकः श्वाविधो गोधा शशः कूर्मः च पंचमः ||
(Kishkinda Kanda 17th Sarga 39th Shloka)

Meaning

Raghava, five kinds of five-nailed animals, viz., a kind of wild
rodent, a kind of wild-boar, a kind of lizard, a hare and fifthly the
turtle are edible for Brahmans and Kshatriya-s.

My question is, is it true that  Brahmins used to eat five-nailed animals, as mentioned by sage Valmiki in his Ramayana?


texts: What scriptures describe Vishnu's Mukta-damodara-bandana?

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 this excerpt from the Yatindra Mata Dipika, a work by the 17th century Sri Vaishnava Acharya Srinivasa Dasa, describes Para Vasudeva's appearance:

  Now It (Soul) approaches nearer the (Divine) Seat, where it finds the throne thereon, Dharma (etc.) made, the Lotus over it, and Ananta over again.  On the sides stand Vimala, etc., with fans (waving) in their hands, serving God (Bhagavan); Who is installed there with His (Queens) Shri, Bhu and Nila; Wo Is bedecked with the Divine Weapons: Conch, Discus etc.; Who is blazing with the countless Divine Ornaments: the Crown, the Diadem; and, for the head, ears, neck, breast, arms, wrists, waist and ankles, such (jewels) as Cudavatarhsa, Makara-kundala, Graiveyaka-hara, Keyura, Kataka, Shri-vatsa, Kaustubha, Mukta-damodara-bandhana, Pitambara, Kanchiguna, Nupura etc.; and Who is the boundless Ocean of Graces.

Now some of these attributes are recognizable: the Makara Kundalas are Vishnu's shark-shaped earrings, the Shrivatsa is the tuft of hair on Vishnu's chest where Lakshmi resides, and the Kaustubha is the gem Vishnu wears around his neck.  But my question is, what is the Mukta-damodara-bandhana?

Now Mukta means liberated soul, i.e. a soul which has attained Moksha.  Damodara means one who has a rope tied around his waist.  And Bandhana means refers to tying something or someone up with a rope.  So is the the Mukta-damodara-bandana a rope used to keep liberated souls attached to Vishnu?

Now of course, Vishnu doesn't actually keep liberated souls attached to him by lassoing them with a rope.  Rather, they automatically remain attached to him; they perform devotional service to Vishnu out of a sheer outpouring of joy.  But does anyone know any scriptures which mention Vishnu carrying a Mukta-damodara-bandana?


texts: What is the lineage of kings in Bharata after Mahabharata war until recent day?

texts:
Arjuna's son Abhimanyu's son Parikshit's son Janamejaya around 5000 B.C

After that, what is the lineage of monarchy of chandravamsha (to which all Kurus belong)?

In history classes, 'India' apparently starts with Indus valley civilization, which is kinda silly, or rather the foreigner's view.

I realize this is not strictly a 'religious' question, but there was no separation of state and religion in olden days, so I'm curious at what point the ruler of Indraprastha (present day Delhi) was no longer a factor / was overthrown by non-bloodline rules.


texts:
If the monk Durvasa gets so agitated easily how can he be a monk because monks remain so calm all the time.
Ex - Buddha, Ramkrishna etc

So, what makes Durvasa a monk?


texts: Why is Bhagavad Gita considered more prominent than Ramayana?

texts:
Ramayana tells us how a son should respect his parents by means of "Sravana Kumar" character.

It also tells how a wife should respect her husband by means of "Sita" character.

And how a brother should respect his elder brother by means of "Laxmana" character.

Also how a devotee should respect God by means of "Hanuman" & "Shabari" characters.

There are so many other characters like the above from Ramayana which continue to influence us, but still Bhagavad Gita is considered more prominent than Ramayana, why is it so?


texts: Did Lord Rama's wife Devi Sita belong to Nepal? In which place did she stay during pregnancy?

texts:
The Wikipedia article suggests that Sita was either from Bihar or Nepal:

  Born: Either present-day Sitamarhi district, Bihar, India or Janakpur, present-day Nepal (both the places were part of the Mithila Kingdom)

Another non-verified article suggests that she was from Nepal.
During her second exile, she was sheltered in hermitage of Valmiki. Which geo location did that place belong to?


texts: Our parents are doing puja to saligrama since last 25 years. It is a family tradition. My brother is getting married in few months. I want to know if we can we do saligrama puja at home during wive's periods time.


texts: According to vedanta what causes a person to wake up from Sushupti state?

texts:
According to Vedanta the jiva experiences three states viz

Jagrat (waking state)
Svapna (dreaming state)
Sushupti (deep sleep state)

My question is regarding the third state that is Susupti.

According to vedanta in this state working as well as knowledge acquiring senses becomes totally inactive along with mind and ego.

But we experience that we wake up by hearing some sounds(say alarm) even from state of Sushupti.

Now the question arises, did person hear the sound and wake up or did he wake up and hear the sound?
If we say that the person hear the word and wake up then we will have to admit that he was not sleeping(by definition of Vedanta of Sushupti). And if we accept that after waking person heard the sound then we will have to also accept that sound did not wake the person up.
Contrary to views of vedanta is modern science which claims that even in deep sleep sound sensation is there but other sensations such as smell and taste is inactive.
In any case I'm interested in knowing the vedanta view on this.

What causes the person to wake up from state of Sushupti?
Is it external stimuli like sound etc or something else?


texts: What is the origin of Nishkama Karma (selfless action)?

texts:
I am interested to know where in the Vedas or Upanishad is the philosophy of Nishkama Karma i.e., giving up fruits of actions, mentioned?
What is the origin of Karma Yoga as we know in the Gita?


texts:
There is a mention of fast in Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva about fasting which is continued for twenty eight days, which is the maximum days of fasting.

That man who having fasted for eight and twenty days eats a single
meal on the twenty-ninth day, and bears himself in this way for a full
year, adhering all the while to truthfulness of speech, attains to
auspicious regions of great happiness that are worshipped by celestial
Rishis and royal sages.

My question is, are there any diet plans for fastings which may be prolonged for such long days in scriptures. Are there any books which deals with such diet.
If there are any references that these type of fastings are valid for Dwapara Yuga only, then what is the diet plan for fasting for maximum number of days that is allowed in kaliyuga.


texts: Importance of drop of water according to scriptures?

texts:
Water is one of the panchabhutas for the survival of all living beings. Many people say that water is precious and not even a single drop of water should be wasted as each and every drop of water is important and also every drop should be used purposefully. Some say that the water wasted by an individual will reflect in reducing one's own wealth.
Is it true? According to scriptures, What are the consequences?


texts: What is the story of Narasimha in the Varadaraja Perumal temple?

texts:
I'm currently visiting India, and I just saw the Varadaraja Perumal Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram.  As I discuss in this question this is the site of a Yagna performed by Brahma which Saraswati tried to thwart but Vishnu stopped her. Varadaraja Perumal, the main deity of the temple, is the form of Vishnu that appeared before Brahma in the Yagna.

But there is another Vishnu statue in the temple, a statue of Vishnu's incarnation Narasimha the man-lion.  Here is what the priest told me about the statue.  As I discuss in this answer, it is Vishnu's incarnation Varaha the boar, and not Venkateshwara, who was the original inhabitant of the seven hills of Tirupati.  And then Venkateshwara had to get permission from Varaha to stay there.  The priest said that similarly, it is Narasimha who is the Sthaladhipati or owner of the place where the Varadaraja Perumal temple is now, and Varadaraja Perumal is just "renting" it from Narasimha.

So my question is, what is the story of the Narasimha deity of the Varadaraja Perumal temple?  Why did Narasimha appear in or come to Kanchipuram?  And what interactions did Varadaraja Perumal have with Narasimha?  Did he get Narasimha's permission so Brahma could do his Yagna there?

Does the Sthalapurana of the temple shed any light about this?


texts: Can Lingayats be considered as a part of Hinduism?

texts: Lingayatism is considered as a Shaivite sect within Hinduism which worship Linga, founded by Basava. This sects seems to reject everything belonging to Hinduism—like the Varna system, the Vedas, and other concepts—and considers only Shiva as god. However, Shiva is a Hindu god and was incarnated as Adi Shankara. Even 63 Nayanmars have attained Lord Shiva. How can this co-exist with Hinduism?


texts: Is it true that whatever happens to us is due to karma and karma only?

texts: Whatever good or bad happens to us is due to our own karma only,  Or there is a another think in play ?


texts: When and how to tie the shikha शिखा and scripture recommendations regarding it?

texts: I was wondering how to tie a braid(tribraid or others?) and when to keep the shikha, (choti or tuft of hair) or when to tie it and when to leave it as it is. Are there any texts/scripture recommendations I should consult regarding how and when I should do this?


texts: Are there any eating restrictions during solar/lunar eclipse?

texts:
21st June 2020.
I think solar eclipse started from around 9:15 AM IST and it will stay till 2:30 PM IST. My mom is not allowing me to eat anything. And local news channels are also claiming that food must be avoided during those hours.
Are there any such restrictions according to scriptures?


texts: What is karma as described in the Upanishads and in Mahabharata?

texts:
To my understanding karma is what you get when you don't do dharma.
I want to understand this with the example of Krishna, the very embodiment of dharma.
What did he do to get such seemingly bad karma, (being cursed and his sons killing each other)
Did he do something adharmic  in his past life, or up until the age of 16 when his guru's guru revealed to him what his destiny was?


texts:
I was reading this answer, where the author of the answer Keshav Srinivasan speculated that Rishi Jaimini was totally in agreement with Vedanta School, but was pretending to have views like that of Purva Mimansa School.

If that is true then as we know from Mahabharata that Rishi Jaimini was present during the time of Mahabharata war on the battlefield of Kurukshetra surrounding Shri Bhishma on the bed of arrows.

  Vaisampayana said, 'Listen, O king, with pure heart and concentrated attention, as to how, O tiger among the Kurus, the high-souled Bhishma cast off his body. As soon as the Sun, passing the solstitial point, entered in his northerly course, Bhishma, with concentrated attention, caused his soul (as connected with and independent of the body) to enter his soul (in its independent and absolute state). Surrounded by many foremost of Brahmanas, that hero, his body pierced with innumerable arrows, blazed forth in great beauty like Surya himself with his innumerable rays. Surrounded by Vyasa conversant with the Vedas by the celestial Rishi Narada, by Devasthana, by Asmaka Sumantu, by Jaimini, by the high-souled Paila, by Sandilya, by Devarata, by Maitreya of great intelligence, by Asita and Vasishtha and the high-souled Kausika, by Harita and Lomasa and Atri's son of great intelligence, by Vrihaspati and Sukra and the great sage Chyavana, by Sanatkumara and Kapila and Valmiki and Tumvuru and Kuru, by Maudgalya and Rama of Bhrigu's race, and the great sage Trinavindu, by Pippalada and Vayu and Samvarta and Pulaha and Katha, by Kasyapa and Pulastya and Kratu and Daksha and Parasara, by Marichi and Angiras and Kasmya and Gautama and the sage Galava, by Dhaumya and Vibhanda and Mandavya and Dhaumra and Krishnanubhautika, by Uluka, that foremost of Brahmanas and the great sage Markandeya, by Bhaskari and Purana and Krishna and Suta,--that foremost of virtuous persons, surrounded by these and many other highly-blessed sages of great souls and possessed of faith and self-restraint and tranquillity of mind, the Kuru hero looked like the Moon in the midst of the planets and the stars. Stretched on his bed of arrows, that tiger among men, Bhishma, with pure heart and joined palms, thought of Krishna in mind, word, and act.

Then it is obvious that he knew about Krishna and he had seen Krishna, so what were his views on Krishna? Did Rishi Jaimini had knowledge that Krishna is an incarnation of Shriman Narayana and that he is Brahman?

A point to be noted, according to Rishi Jaimini and Purva Mimansa thinks Brahman is not the material, substantial cause of Universe rather Brahman is a powerful eternal being.

After reading this from Skanda Purana it appears that according to Rishi Jaimini Shriman Narayana is all powerful and omnipotent aka Brahman.


texts: Why Godess Parvati was not aware of Raam as Vishnu's avatar?

texts:
In Treta yuga, when Lord Vishnu took avatar as Raam, Lord Shiva was aware about this and he took avatar as Lord Hanuman.

In the Ramayana there is a part mentioned that when Raam was in forest ( for 14 years vanvas ) with Sita & Laxmana, Godess Parvati went to forest to check actually Raam is Vishnu's avatar or not ? When Raam show her, he simply said why you are alone, where is Lord Shiva ? Hearing this she got confirmed that Raam is an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Now when she come back to Kailash, Lord Shiva asked her about examination of Raam.

Generally when Vishnu takes any avatar, it is well known among all the devi-devtas.

So in this case Why Godess Parvati was not aware that Raam is actually an avatar of Lord Vishnu while Lord Shiva was very well known about this part ?


texts: In Kali Yuga, how do devas get havir bhaaga, since yagnas are rarely performed?

texts:
In Bhagavad Gita 3.10 & 11, Krishna says:

  सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः
   अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक्

  देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः
   परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ

  sahayajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā purovāca prajāpatiḥ
      anena prasaviṣyadhvameṣa vo'stviṣṭakāmadhuk

  devānbhāvayatānena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ
      parasparaṃ bhāvayantaḥ śreyaḥ paramavāpsyatha

By yagna (sacrifice), devas are pleased, and in turn they please humans.

In Kali Yuga, almost nobody does yagnas, or their frequency is negligible. Even the orthodox brahmanas who attempt them have to deal with lot of impurities of dravya, mantra, bhava. Nitya Agnihotra itself is gone from most households.

So, how do Devas get the ghee + rice havis ? Without that, how can we expect them to give us rains, food, aushadhi etc. ?


texts: What did Kashyapa do with the Earth after he received it from Parashurama?

texts:
Parashurama is a famous avatara (incarnation) of Vishnu who killed the Kshatriyas (kings) of the world twenty-one times.  Since he had defeated all the rulers of the world, he obtained control of the entire Earth.  But I'm interested in what happened to the Earth afterward.  The immediate aftermath seems clear: to repent for the sin of killing all those people, Parashurama conducted an Ashwamedha Yagna (horse ritual), performed by sage Kashyapa (the ancestor of many gods and demons), and then Parashurama gave the earth to Kashyapa as a gift for performing the yagna.  This is well-attested in many scriptures: In the Bala Kanda of the Ramayana, Parashurama says to Rama "I gave all that earth to sage Kashyapa, a sage with divine soul and with pious observances, as a ritualistic-generosity."  The Vana Parva of the Mahabharata says "And the exterminator of the [Kshatriyas] possessed of immense strength, bestowed the earth upon the high-souled Kasyapa, and then became engaged in penance of an exceedingly severe form."  Finally, the Srimad Bhagavatam describes Parashurama dividing the earth among Kashyapa and the priests working under him.

My question is, what happened to the Earth after Parashurama gave it to Kashyapa?  The next major mythological event that occurred was Ravana taking over the three worlds, as described in the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana.  So how did Ravana take over the earth?  Did he take it directly from Kashyapa, or were there some intermediate stages between Kashyapa's control of the earth and Ravana's?

If Ravana did take over the world from Kashyapa, then I think it may have been a voluntary transfer (akin to how Ravana got the island of Lanka), because there are legends (I don't know whether they're based in scripture) that Ravana and Parashurama were friends. so it's possible that Parashurama simply told Kashyapa to give the earth to Ravana.  But that's just speculation.  Are there any other scriptures that detail how custody of the earth went from Kashyapa to Ravana?


texts: Is Maa Kali, Devi Durga, Maa Parvati, Maa Jagadhatri all are same?

texts: Is Maa Kali, Devi Durga ,Maa Parvati, Maa Jagadhatri all are same?


texts: Do we have any record of events in any previous Kaliyuga?

texts: We know that at the end of every Dwapara yuga, Vyasa compiles the events of the yugas into various puranas. These puranas sometimes contains stories and other details about Kritayuga, Dwapara Yuga and Treta Yuga of different Mahayugas also. But I wonder why I have not come across any stories from any previous Kaliyuga. At the most, what we read about is the stories around starting of Kaliyuga like those related to Parikshit or Janamejaya, etc but not later part of Kaliyuga. Do we know why is it so? Is it that there are no incarnations in later part of any previous Kaliyuga, therefore there were no stories, or are there any stories which I am unaware of?


texts: Udyoga Parva - Mahabharata BORI edition with the footnotes

texts: I am looking for the BORI critical edition of the Mahabharata in Sanskrit, with footnotes, so that I can see the different variations available for a text. I saw archive.org has a few of those pdfs. I am specifically looking for Udyoga parva (Volume 6). A pdf I found on archive.org has poorly scanned pages of Udyoga parva. Can you please point me to where can I get Udyoga parva of the Mahabharata (BORI edition)?


texts: What does Narada mean by when he says "those Asuras.......who sprang from Vishnu"?

texts:
Here dwell, O Matali, those Asuras called Kalakhanjas who sprang from
  Vishnu, and those Rakshasas also called Yatudhanas who sprang from the
  feet of Brahman.Udyoga Narada Parva


texts: Sanyasa Vratham: Was there a stage called Sanyasa prior to Jagadguru Sankaracharya?

texts: Were there any Sanyasi's in our ancient history prior to Jagadguru Sankaracharya? Can someone provide references of one existing in the B.C period who are as famous as Jagadguru Sankaracharya who provided Kanakadhara Sthotram at an age of around 5 years?


texts: We can view a gopuram in any Hindu temple consisting of small statues and kalasams above them. The kalasams will be in odd numbers and will be in gold or copper and placed on the top of the gopuram. It is said that the power to the deity will come from heaven thru this kalasams. An old age saying is gopura darisanam kodi punnyam  ; meaning If a person see the gopura alonngwith kalasams then it will be crores of punya to that person. Any scriptural evidence from Hinduism related ithihasas or puranas.


texts:
Most people have only heard of the lunar dynasty king Yayati, who was cursed with old age by Sukracharya (guru of the Asuras) and temporarily regained his youth by giving his old age to his youngest son Puru. Puru, along with Yayati's eldest son Yadu, started two of the most famous royal families, the Pauravas (which include both the Pandavas and Kauravas) and the Yadavas (which include Krishna). Less famous, however, is Yayati's father Nahusha.  As I discuss in this question, Nahusha was such a good king on Earth that when Indra temporarily abandoned his post, the gods chose Nahusha to serve as the new king of the three worlds. But Nahusha was soon corrupted by his power, so the sage Agastya cursed him to become a large snake. Nahusha was only freed from the curse when he had a conversation with the Pandava Yudishthira about the proper way he should have lived his life, as described in the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata.

In any case, before he got corrupted, Nahusha was such a religious person that he was able to engage in Tapasya (deep meditation) and get Vedic verses directly from the gods.  As you can see in the Rig Veda Anukramani compiled in my answer here, Nahusha was the one who heard verses 7-9 of Rig Veda Book 9 Hymn 101 (which you can read here) from the gods.

But my question is, why is Nahusha listed as "Nahusha Manava"?  The term "Manava" is nowadays used to mean human, but here it's being used as a patronymic, i.e. it means "patrilineal descendant of Manu".  But the thing is, as far as I can tell Nahusha wasn't a patrilineal descendant of Manu.  Nahusha was the son of the king Ayu, who was the son of the king Puruavas.  Puruavas' parents were Budha, god of the planet Mercury and son of Chandra the moon god, and Ila.  Now Ila was an individual who kept changing between being a man and being a woman, but either way Ila was the child of Vaivasvata Manu.

So why would Nahusha have the patronymic Manava, if only his paternal grandmother  was a descendant of Vaivasvata Manu?  Shouldn't Nahusha's patronymic be related to his patrilineal ancestors like Ayu, Budha, Chandra, and Chandra's father Atri?  The only source I found which addresses Nahusha's patronymic is this book, which says "Nahusha is said to be the son of the King Manu Samvarana".

So is this Manu Samvarana?  Is he different from Vaivasvata Manu?  Is it another name for the king Ayu?


texts: What is solar Longitude and  Lunar Longitude while calculating tithi[(Lunar Longitude-solar Longitude)/12]. I could not get their meaning and values anywhere. How are they connected to their Azimuth angle and altitude angle? Because I only find these values.


texts: Why did Brihaspati establish Charvaka or materialistic philosophical Sect?

texts: Brihaspati is DevaGuru, the spiritual Guru of the Gods. More so, He is the planet of Spirituality. Brihaspati is the God of all knowledge and intellect. So Brihaspati could bring the philosophical or logical thinking sect. But Baarhaspatya thoughts just disregard Spirituality. How is this possible?


texts: What are the rules / requirements of applying a Vaishnava tilaka? Is diksha required?


texts: Why to ring bell while entering temples?

texts: When I entered a temple, I saw people ringing the bell, and also Hindus keep  small  bells in their houses, which they ring during worship. What is reason behind it, and also notice about "dhup" ?


texts: There is so much confusion  shiva Purana says shiva is god, visnu purana says visnu is god which purana to follow who is right? Help me


texts: How do Sri Vaishnava Acharyas interpret this verse from the Kaushitaki Upanishad?

texts:
This verse:

  For he [Brahman](the self of prâna and pragñâ) makes him [the Jivatma], whom he wishes to lead up from these worlds, do a good deed; and the same makes him, whom he wishes to lead down from these worlds, do a bad deed.

If I remember correctly from a summary of Visishtadvaita by a Vadakalai scholar, he says when a Jiva wants to do good things, and starts doing good things, the Lord helps him do more good things. On the other hand, if a Jiva wants to do bad things, and starts doing bad things, the Lord helps him do more bad things to give him what he wants.

My question is about the "Lord helping him do more bad things" part.

Medieval Thenkalai Acharya Pillai Lokacharya on the other hand, does not seem to agree with that view. He doesn't think the Lord encourages the Jiva to do more bad deeds. Instead, he thinks the Lord tries to reform the Jiva by punishing him.

From his work called the Tattvatraya:

Is this a difference between the Thenkalai and Vadakalai schools?


texts: What year is it according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar?

texts:
I've had a question for quite a while now, but no one seems to know the answer.

It is my understanding that Diwali is the Indian New Year, but no one seems to know the number of the year. (It isn't 2015.)

Before the British invaded India and switched them to the British calendar system, Indians must have kept the date in years in some type of Indian system.

For example, in China they use the British calendar system, but they also have a Chinese one.  Currently the Chinese year is 4713.

I am unable to find anything similar for the Indian Calendar. India had lots of astronomers and mathematicians in the past, so it doesn't make sense to me that they wouldn't have devised a time keeping system that adequately described years for the past and for the future.

So I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what year it is, with references.


texts: Why Avani Avittam (Upakarma) festival is performed? What's its history?

texts: What's the history of Avani Avittam (Upakarma)  festival? What does our scriptures say about it? This is not about Raksha Bandhan but its purely about a festival for male.


texts: What are the differences between Nyaya and Navya Nyaya philosophies?

texts:
There are six orthodox Hindu philosophical schools. Nyaya is one of these schools. At some point, the Nyaya philosophy got heavily criticized by the Advaita school. It led to the reformation, where Nyaya philosophers reflected and critically examined their own philosophy. As a result, they came up with a better version of Nyaya philosophy, known as the Navya Nyaya school. Scholars from Bengal, specifically from Nabadwip, played a vital role in this revitalization of the Nyaya school. One of the founders of this Navya Nyaya school was Raghunatha Shiromani from Nabadwip. He lived in the 15th-16th century.
In which philosophical aspects Navya Nyaya school differ from the Nyaya school? How did Navya Nyaya (or Nyaya v2.0, if I may say) overcome its weakness? How did it plug its loopholes? So much so that they became a solid philosophical school, which efficiently dealt with its rival schools and remained relevant till the 18th century.


texts: Which deity should be prayed or which mantra can be recited, while flying in an aircraft?

texts:
Sometimes while a flight takes off, I become nervous. I would like to know which mantra to recite or which deity to invoke.
I know to remove fear of water while travelling in water one may chant शं नो वरुणः.


texts: Who or What was Swami Vivekananda in his previous births? Why was he silent about his past lives?

texts:
Who (or what) was Swami Vivekananda in his previous births?

This answer to Why don't we remember our past lives? says:

  Swami Vivekananda said he remembered all his past lives. Patanjali says in the Yoga Aphorisms that a man who attains samadhi is able to know all his past lives.

If Vivekananda wrote at length on several topics, why was he silent about his past lives?

What's the harm in writing about ones previous births?


texts: What happens when a mantra deeksha given is totally forgotten or not followed ? Can it be restarted again?

texts: Can a mantra deeksha given , which was stopped abruptly be restarted again ? Are there any Do's and Dont's to do so ?


texts: There are different mantras for worshipping Lord Vishnu for different yugas. What are the meanings of them?

texts:
There are different mantras to chant Lord Vishnu's name in different Yugas.

This names are known as tārakabrahma names.

The mantra for Satya Yuga is-

  nārāya়ṇa parābedā nārāya়ṇa parākṣarāḥ।

  nārāya়ṇa paramukti nārāya়ṇa paragati:।।

The mantra for Treta Yuga is-

  rāma nārāya়ṇānanta mukunda madhusūdana।

  kṛṣṇa keśaba kaṃsāre hare baikuṇṭha bāmana।।

The mantra for Dwapara Yuga is-

  hare murāre madhukaiṭabhāre gopāla gobinda mukunda saure।

  yajñeśa nārāya়ṇa kṛṣṇa biṣṇo nirāśraya়ṃ māṃ jagadīśa rakṣa।।

The mantra for Kali Yuga is-

  hare kṛṣṇa hare kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa hare hare।

  hare rāma hare rāma rāma rāma hare hare।।

I sincerely wish to know the meanings of the second and the third ślokas word by word and their complete meaning and significance. Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

PS- If you translate all the ślokas here, that would be additionally helpful.


texts: Where is this statement "Destiny determines the consequences...." found?

texts:
Does anyone know the source for the following quote?

  Destiny determines the consequences of our actions but not the actions themselves.

I heard that this is told by Vidura to Dhritarastra. This article also claims the same.


texts:
What is soma mentioned in vedas is it ritulastic drink it is said that it causes immortality but it is taken by humans too so is it devine knowledge as only the knoledge of self or both self and impersonal self can give immortality.
or it is used adjectively

Wikipedia article on soma gives—

  The references to immortality and light are characteristics of
  an entheogenic experience.

Also,consider Rigveda (8.79.2-6) regarding the power of Soma:

  "...He covers the naked and heals all who are sick. The blind
  man sees; the lame man steps forth....Let those who seek find
  what they seek: let them receive the treasure....Let him find what
  was lost before; let him push forward the man of truth...."

Such is indicative of an experience with an entheogen of
some source.


texts: Does Bhagvad Gita 8.5 and 8.6 say that karma can be overcome at time of death?

texts:
This is what BG 8.5 and 8.6 say

Bhagavad Gita 8.5 Those who relinquish the body while remembering Me at the moment of death will come to Me. There is certainly no doubt about this.
Bhagavad Gita 8.6 Whatever one remembers upon giving up the body at the time of death, O son of Kunti, one attains that state, being always absorbed in such contemplation.

Does it mean a lifetime of wrong karma will be forgotten if one remembers God at time of death ?
Please note I am not delving into how lifetime preparation is required to remember God at time of death. Just seeing if this is a shortcut
Scripture references would be helpful if the answer is No.


texts: Why do the use the items they do such as Arshina, sandalwood, milk, yogurt, Honey, bananas etc?


texts:
Any Book or website with best illustration of Hindu Gods.. preferably illustrations based on Dhyan Shloka..

While searching for Book I came across these images.. they seems to be image of pages from an old book. Anyone know this Book.. Image Links Saraswati Krishna Indra


texts: Is Tower of Brahma mentioned in any Hindu text?

texts:
Tower of Brahma, is a mathematical puzzle which describes the concept of recursion. Does this originate in a Hindu text? If yes, please also mention the original text of the puzzle.

Wikipedia describes the fable thus without giving any references:

  There is a story about an Indian temple in Kashi Vishwanath which
  contains a large room with three time-worn posts in it surrounded by
  64 golden disks. Brahmin priests, acting out the command of an ancient
  prophecy, have been moving these disks, in accordance with the
  immutable rules of the Brahma, since that time. The puzzle is
  therefore also known as the Tower of Brahma puzzle. According to the
  legend, when the last move of the puzzle will be completed, the world
  will end.


texts: Was Ravana's Lanka not the present day Sri Lanka?

texts:
Many people are thinking and confidently stating that Ravana's Lanka is in fact present day Sri Lanka, situated south-east of India.

However, the narration given by Sage Valmiki in Sundara Kanda gives a different picture about the location of Ravana's Lanka.

After flying 100 Yojanas over the ocean and reaching Lanka,  Sri Hanuman observes the scenic beauty of flora  of the Lanka.  Sage Valmiki describes elaborately in Sundara Kanda.

  संततान् विविधैर्वऋकैः सर्वर्तुफलपुष्पितैः |
  उद्यानानि च रम्याणि ददर्श कपिकुञ्जरः ||

  (Sundara Kanda 2nd Sarga 13th Sloka)

  Hanuman saw various glorious pleasure-groves filled by various trees
  that give fruits and flowers in all seasons and beautiful gardens.

After reaching Asoka Garden, Sri Hanuman observes the beautiful flora in that Garden.

  नन्दनम् विविध उद्यानम् चित्रम् चैत्ररथम् यथा || ५-१५-११

  अतिवृत्तम् इव अचिन्त्यम् दिव्यम् रम्यम् श्रिया वृतम् |
  द्वितीयम् इव च आकाशम् पुष्प ज्योतिर् गण आयुतम् || ५-१५-१२

  पुष्प रत्न शतैः चित्रम् पन्चमम् सागरम्य था |
  सर्व ऋतु पुष्पैर् निचितम् पादपैर् मधु गन्धिभिः || ५-१५-१३

  नाना निनादैः उद्यानम् रम्यम् मृग गणैर् द्विजैः |
  अनेक गन्ध प्रवहम् पुण्य गन्धम् मनो रमम् ||

  (Sundara Kanda 15th Sarga 11 -14th Slokas)

  Like the garden of Nandana, a celestial garden, wonderful like
  Caitraratham, a garden of Kubera, surpassing all, unfathomable, an
  excellent one, a beautiful one consisting of glory together with
  flowers like clusters of stars, like a second sky wonderful with
  flowers, like hundreds of diamonds, like a second ocean with flowers
  of all seasons, spread with trees having the smell of honey, beautiful
  with groups of animals of various sounds, diffused with many smells
  with an auspicious soul pleasing smell.

It is necessary to study the following phrase used by Sage Valmiki :

  सर्वर्तुफलपुष्पितैः   -   Trees that give fruits and flowers in all
  seasons

Modern research revealed that the equatorial zone on the Earth has the special climatic feature of allowing the trees to bear flowers and fruits in all seasons.

  The various causes now enumerated are sufficient to enable us to understand how the great characteristic features of the climate of the equatorial zone are brought about; how it is that so high a temperature is maintained during the absence of the sun at night, and why so little effect is produced by the sun's varying altitude during its passage from the northern to the southern tropic.

  As a result of this condition of the earth and atmosphere, there is no check to vegetation, and little if any demarcation of the seasons. Plants are all evergreen; flowers and fruits, although more abundant at certain seasons, are never altogether absent; while many annual food-plants as well as some fruit-trees produce two crops a year. In other cases, more than one complete year is required to mature the large and massive fruits, so that it is not uncommon for fruit to be ripe at the same time that the tree is covered with flowers, in preparation for the succeeding crop.

Sri Hanuman flew 100 Yojanas over the ocean.

1 Yojana = 13 Kms (approx.)

Hence, Sri Hanuman flew 1,300 Kms. over the ocean.

We have to calculate the aerial distance from Southern tip of India to Northern tip of Lanka only, as Sri Hanuman flew 100 Yojanas over the ocean to reach Ravana's Lanka.

The Latitude and Longitude of Sri Lanka at Jaffna, the Northern tip of Sri Lanka, is 09°45'N and  80°02'E.

Hence, Sri Lanka cannot be Ravana's Lanka.

Am I correct?


texts: How does the practice of self-defense fit into the concept of Ahimsa?

texts:
We know Ahimsa is the core concept of Hinduism. It is not just non-violence or not resorting to arms, but it is also the feeling that tries to reduce harm to all living creatures.

Sometimes, force or violence may in fact be necessary to prevent harm.

How is it possible inline with the concept of Ahimsa?


texts: What is the philosophy of Yatharth Geeta?

texts:
Yatharth Geeta is the most popular for its translation available in almost all global languages. It is freely distributed both in soft copy and hard copy.

Swami Adgadananda who translated this Geeta claims to have been translated as Bhagavad Geeta was meant to be. This is not something new and even ISKCON claims it's 'Bhagavada Gita As It Is' to be most authentic of all.

But my question is about the philosophy of Yatharth Geeta. The author says that it doesn't matter if Krishna existed or if Mahabharata ever happened and connects various characters of Mahabharata to metaphorical. Like Drona to double conduct, Krishna to Guru etc. What's even more surprising to me is how worship of deities is shown to be wrong(even Krishna) and the belief in One God without form is promoted.

So my question is what is the philosophy of this widely distributed Yatharth Geeta? Is it a Vedantic commentary?


texts: How does dvaita theory counteract/explain BG 10:20

texts:
Bhagwad Gita Chapter 10 verse 20

अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभुताशयस्थित: ॥
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भुतानामन्त एव च ॥

Meaning

I am the Self, O Gudakesha (Arjuna —Conqueror-of-sleep), dwelling in the hearts of all beings.I am verily am the Beginning, the middle and also the end of all beings.

Explanation According to Advaita

This one verse from Brihadaranyak upanishad to explain Advaita philosophy
अहम् ब्रम्हास्मि / Aham Bramhhasmi I am(the self or atman) the bramhan

Explanation according to Vishitadvaita

Enthroned as such within the atma of all living entities as paramatma the Supreme Lord is the beginning, the middle and the end of all beings and their cause, their evolution and their dissolution.

From Bhagwad Ramanujacharya's Gita Bhasya
This verse is consistent with Vishitadvaita and Adivata thought school but how is this verse explained by Dvaita.


texts: Is there a correspondence between Antahkarana and Chaturvyuha?

texts:
The Antahkarana (Inner Organ or Inner Cause) is composed of four parts:

Chitta (Consciousness)
Manas (Mind)
Ahamkara (Ego)
Buddhi (Intellect)

The Chaturvyuhas are the primitive emanations of Sriman Narayana and are listed as follows:

Vasudeva
Sankarshana
Pradyumna
Aniruddha

Is there a one-one correspondence between the two lists? If so, what does this relationship indicate?


texts: Why did Lord Krishna give another life to Parikshit? Was it the only way? Why didn't Pandavas plan another child?

texts:
According to Mahabharat, after the epic Kurukshetra war, only Parikshit was the final successor of the Kuru dynasty and while he was still in Uttara's womb, Ashwathama killed him using a Brahmastra.

With the death of Parikshit, Pandavas lost their hope about future. And Lord Krishna had to give him another life to secure the purpose of the Kurukshetra war and the millions killed in the war.

Now my questions are:

Each Pandava has one or more than one wife other than Draupadi and all of their sons were also killed in the war. But was it not possible for them to have more children again?
What was the technical/medical/mythical/social problem for Pandavas to not reproduce more children?
Why did Krishna break the law of nature by giving life to a dead person?


texts: Rules of the Kurukshetra war in Mahabharata?

texts:
Anyone knows all the rules of the main Kurukshetra war of Mahabharata?

And who had broken any particular rule?

I want to know all rules and the names of character that broke any particular rule.


texts:
This thread explains different lokas in detail.

In which of these lokas, Narada Muni lives? Is there a reference in puranas about this?


texts: Looking for that passage or verse from Ramayana where Rama acknowldeges the power of Bhakti

texts: So pleased with Hanuman at a certain time in Ramayana Lord Rama declares that by dint of his love and Bhakthi Hanuman has become in fact even more powerful than himself (Rama)... a sort of win-over. Can someone cite this sloka or passage? I heard it a long time ago, but not the yathra yathra Raghunatha Samkirthanam one.


texts: Is Velukkudi Krishnan from a Swayamacharya lineage?

texts:
As I discuss in this question, the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member) is divided into two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai.  Both Thenkalais and Vadakalais have Mathams, similar to the Shankaracharya Mathams in Advaita.  But a small number of Sri Vaishnavas, known as Swayamacharyas, do not belong to any of these Mathams.  They're biological descendants of the 74 original disciples of Ramanujacharya, and for them a member of their own family functions as their Sri Vaishnava Acharya.  For instance, my family is Swayamacharya family descended from Ramanujacharya’s nephew and disciple Mudhaliandan.  But I think I may have found another descendant of Mudhaliandan.  Let me explain.

One of the most popular Sri Vaishnava lecturers today is U. Ve. Velukkudi Krishnan Swami.  I’ve long known he’s a Thenkalai, but I recently found out that his guru was the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Sholingur KKC Vedantachariar Swami: see this Wikipedia page and this tweet by Velukkudi Krishnan himself.  Now Sholingur KKC Vedantachariar Swami was a descendant of Cholasimhapuram Doddacharya, a 17th century Sri Vaishnava Acharya descended from Mudhaliandan, most famous for getting Varadaraja Perumal, the Vishnu deity of Kanchipuram, to appear before him in Sholingur. (Cholasimhapuram is the original name for Sholingur.)

But my question is, does this mean that Velukkudi Krishnan is a Swayamacharya person descended from Mudhaliandan?  Or did he merely decide to take a guru who happened to be a descendant of Mudhaliandan?


texts: What was the Self-enlightenment which was got by Nachiketa?

texts:
When Nachiketa had gone into the Yamaloka at that time he got the self-enlightenment.

How Nachiketa got the Enlightenment by the lord Yamaraj?

Here, I got some point about Self-enlightenment. But, I want to know some detail information about self-enlightenment.


texts:
Lord Brahma is said to be the creator of Earth but what about other planets? Who created them?

I have heard that for every planet there is a creator like Brahma.

I have also seen an incident in Shri Krishna when Lord Brahma feels that no one is more powerful than him and abducts friends of Shri Krishna (in child hood).

Then as a lesson, Shri Krishna summons all Brahmas (creator of other planets) to teach a lesson to Lord Brahma that he is not the only one who is a "Creator".

Is there any explanation about this?

PS: The story resembles in this link but this did not mention about the other Brahmas.


texts: What happened to the Vanara Sena who had died in the Ramayana war?

texts:
What happened to the Vanara Sena after the Ramayana?
 describes about the vanaras who had returned from the war with their lives.

But What happened to those Vanara Sena who had died in the war, who had given their lives fighting for truth?

I heard that, all of them again got their lives and freed from pains by lord Rama.

Why and how did lord Rama live them again?


texts: What is discipline according to Bhagavat Gita?

texts: What is discipline, as lord Krishna describes it in the Bhagavat Gita?


texts: Is there any refutation of the idea that Indra is Brahman?

texts:
Some people think that Indra is Brahman. The Vedas have lots of verses that say things like "Prana is Brahman", "Akasha is Brahman", "Indra is Brahman", "Shiva is Brahman", etc. Hence, some people think that there are multiple Brahmans, or all these entities are Brahman. People who read these verses at a first glance might get this impression.

Is there any refutation of the idea that Indra is Brahman by the Vedas, Vedic scholars, commentaries, or the Brahma Sutras?


texts: When a lizard makes noise whatever we think may happen --Is it a myth or true?

texts:
Generally when we are in house thinking some good things or bad things, if a lizard makes noise, there is a saying that whatever we thought at that time will happen. Good things or bad things may happen. It is also said we have to listen  how many times the lizard made noise? If it made 3 times there will be a result  for that. If it is 4 the result will vary. Similarly increase the counts.

Is it a myth or true? Anywhere in Hindu scriptures this has been mentioned?


texts: From which Gayatri Mantra is this part taken?

texts:
The emblem of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission bears a part of some Gayatri Mantra that reads : TAN NO HAMSAH PRACHODAYAT

From which Gayatri is this part taken? Please cite proper scriptural source.


texts: From where the lyrics is taken for the following song? Shri Radhe Sharanam Mamah

texts:
The song found on Youtube sung by Pt. Jasraj ji

Full lyrics

Lyrics for Shri Radhe Sharanam Mamah by Pandit Jasraj
shree radhey sharnam mamah

  chaturmukhadi sanstutam
  samasta satwatanutam
  halayudadi samyutam
  namami radhikadhipam

  bakadi daitya kalkam
  sagop gopi palakam
  manoharasi thalkam
  namami radhikadhipam

  surendra garva bhanjanam
  viranchi moh bhanjanam
  brajanjananuranjanam
  namami radhikadhipam

  mayurprichha mandanam
  gajendra dant khandanam
  nrishinsha kansa dandanam
  namami radhikadhipam

  pradatta vipradarakam
  sudama dham karakam
  suradrumapaharakam
  namami radhikadhipam

  dhanjaya jayapaham
  maha cha mookshayavaham
  pitamahavyathapaham
  namami radhikadhipam


texts: What do scriptures say about Irāvān (son of Arjuna) who married Mohini avatar?

texts:
In common folk manner it is told that a Warrior named Irāvān or Aravan (Reference from Wikipedia is because it is at folk manner) who was a great warrior and son of arjuna.
It is told that he was sacrificed (Human sacrifice) for mahabharatha war victory.
Also He asked Boon before his death as to marry a woman and every women refused due to his sacrifice for victory.
At last Lord Krishna turned to Mohini avatar and married him and next day morning he was sacrificed and Mohini turned into a widow and mourned for his death.
There is also a temple named Kuttantavar  where aravan is worshipped as a god.

QUESTION :

Did this warrior named  Aravan Existed in Mahabharatha or is it a myth ?
If he existed did this marriage of Mohini avatar told ?


texts: Correct gender version of Sanskrit name तेजस्वी or tejasvī

texts:
Not sure if this is a relevant question for this site.

Is Tejasvi, a masculine or feminine term or name in Sanskrit?

Any references from Hindu scripture or Sanskrit literature on how this word is used?

Some websites say that Tejasvi is neutral, while, Tejasvee or Tejasvī (with a long I) is masculine and Tejasvini is feminine.

Any Sanskrit experts here who can answer the above question?


texts: Does Pithru Tharpana in both Kasi & Rameswaram reduces evil effects of the doer?

texts: Legend says that doing pithru tharpana in Kasi and from there directly going to Rameswaram and performing the pithru tharpana is good and it reduces evil effects of the doer. Any substantiative evidence for this??


texts: I'm looking for some places where traditional Vedic Chanting books can be bought from

texts: I'm looking for a place where i can buy traditional Vedic chanting books like the one in the image below:


texts: What do the Azhvars say about Draupadi Sharanagati?

texts:
The Azhvars are revered for their Bhakti laden Pasurams which also teach about Prapatti or Surrender to Narayana, one of the main tenets of Sri Vaishnavas.

One of the most significant Sharanagatis found in our scriptures is that done by Draupadi, when she calls out to Govinda in the midst of the Sabha.

But there are many who say that this episode is an interpolation into the Mahabharata and that Duhshasana only dragged Draupadi to the Sabha, thus falsifying the whole Sharanagati episode. So what do the Azhvars say on this Sharanagati?


texts:
I saw several videos on YouTube saying that Radha and Rukmini were the same person, but from what I have read, I wasn't able to find any references about the same.

Links to YouTube videos:

क्या राधा और रुक्मिणी एक थी? (Were Radha and Rukmini  the same person?)

कृष्ण ने राधा से क्यूं नहीं किया था...विवाह? (Why didn't Krishna marry Radha?)

Based on the scriptures can someone help me clear the doubts regarding them being the same?


texts: Prayaschitta for plucking tulasi leaves on Dwadasi

texts:
I have a question what is the  'prayaschitta', if unknowingly one plucks tulasi leaves on the Dwadasi day ?
Also does the rule regarding the prohibition on plucking tulasi leaves on Dwadasi Tithis apply when Ekadasi is not shuddya and fasting is on Dwadasi ( as Ekadasi fasting)?
Please can someone shed some light on this?


texts: What are the General rules of worshipping Lord Hanuman?


texts: What is Hinduism's View on extraterrestrials?

texts:
Different Religions have surprisingly diverse approaches to the issue of possible extraterrestrial life. What is Hindu scripture's view on existence of extraterrestrial life?

https://www.hinduwebsite.com/random/prometheus.asp


texts: Interpretation of a verse from Bhagavatha purana

texts:
In the first skanda, third chapter of Bhagavatha has the sloka

एते चांशकला: पुंस: कृष्णस्तु भगवान् स्वयम् ।
इन्द्रारिव्याकुलं लोकं मृडयन्ति युगे युगे ॥

ISKCON followers interpret this as below.

All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the original Personality of Godhead. All of them appear on planets whenever there is a disturbance created by the atheists. The Lord incarnates to protect the theists.

How do Shrivaishnavas and Madhvas interpret this sloka?


texts: According to vedanta from where does jivaatma originates?

texts: Origin and end of jivatma?? Is it created or can the atma divide? what happens to atma in nirvana or moksha, how did it come to be, how can it be eternally fragmented from the supreme? How did the fragmentation occur?


texts: Which Hindu scriptures discuss the Sati practice?

texts:
My teacher said that the Sati practice was not actually a common practice and does not belong to our dharma. Vedic Religion was there from around 500 BC but Sati started from around 4th century (I forgot the number but I guess it was 4th). She also mentioned that at that time widows were seen in bad light and usually after wars (like in Rajput wars) widows were tortured physically and sexually. Also widows were expected to marry their husbands' younger brother. So the widow will voluntarily jump in to fire of her dead husband.

But I also saw someone commenting:

  Sati is not a questionable practice. It is the greatest display of chastity a woman can show toward her husband, and since chastity comes from the mind, it is only true if it is voluntary. It is also religious, because it is accepted by shastras and they mention phalan (great rewards) for this act. It is not 'merely cultural'

So my question is where in our texts is Sati mentioned? Also, except sati devi, is there anyone who performed sati?

NOTE

This is not a dup. of the other question What is the truth behind the practice of Sati? How is it related to Hinduism? There, the asker wants to know the truth behind Sati system. The top-voted answer there doesn't cite any sources and goes on to say that Sati is a cultural practice and not a religious one. This question however is looking for scriptural sanction for Sati and some real examples.


texts: Why Shrirama often referred as Raghava after Raghu when before and after Raghu many illustrious kings have emerged?

texts: ShriRama was a purushottama. However he is linked only to Raghu, one of his ancestors but not Dilipa, Sagara, Ikshvaku, Bhagiratha, Aja, Dasharatha. Why Raghu is so important? Also after Rama, his sons are not referred as Raghus why?


texts: Does Rig Veda contain the word yoga or its synonyms explicitly? If not, then which among the four Vedas explicitly contains the word Yoga?


texts: Do scriptures say anything about 'Buddhi Karmaanu Saarini'?

texts:
I heard a sentence, Buddhi Karmaanu Saarini, which means that sometimes your mind makes choices without your consciousness and drives you closer towards your destiny.

Is this true? Is it mentioned in any Hindu scriptures?


texts: Where were Lakshmi & Narayana mentioned separately or together, as God Heads, in the Rig Veda?

texts:
In the wiki article, it was stated as follows:

In terms of theology, Ramanujacharya puts forth the view that both the
Supreme Goddess Lakshmi and Supreme God Narayana together constitute
Brahman - the Absolute. Sri Lakshmi is the female personification of
Brahman and Narayana is the male personification of Brahman, but they
are both inseparable, co-eternal, co-absolute and are always
substantially one. Thus, in reference to these dual aspects of
Brahman, the Supreme is referred to in the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya as
Sriman Narayana.

My question is - Where were Lakshmi & Narayana mentioned separately or together, as God Heads,  in the Rig Veda ?
Note
I am not expecting answers referring to The Khilāni hymns, or Appendices to Rig Veda


texts: Was Ramakrishna Paramhansa an avatar of Vishnu?

texts: I have heard Swami Vivekananda quoting that Ramakrishna was verily an avatar. I was initially agnostic about it, but now I am totally convinced. If possible please add Shastric references for avatar criteria etc.


texts: Where is Narayana's verse about the duties of householders?

texts:
In the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhishma gives advice to Yudishthira and the Pandavas concerning how to be a good king and how to be good person, while he is lying on a bed of arrows after the end of the Kurukshetra war.  In this chapter, Bhishma tells Yudhisthira about the duties of each of the four stages of life, namely Brahmachari (celibate student), Grihasthi (householder), Vanaprasthi (forest dweller), and Sanyasi (ascetic).  Here is Bhishma says about the Grihasta stage of life:

  The person leading the Garhasthya mode of life should, after studying the Vedas, accomplish all the religious acts laid down for him. He should beget children and enjoy pleasures and comforts. With careful attention he should accomplish all the duties of this mode of life that is applauded by ascetics and that is extremely difficult to go through (without transgressions). He should be satisfied with his own wedded wife and should never approach her except her season. He should observe the ordinances of the scriptures, should not be cunning and deceitful. He should be abstemious in diet, devoted to the gods, grateful, mild, destitute of cruelty, and forgiving. He should be of a tranquil heart, tractable and attentive in making offerings to the gods and the Pitris. He should always be hospitable to the Brahmanas. He should be without pride, and his charity should not be confined to any one sect. He should also be always devoted to the performance of the Vedic rites. In this connection, the illustrious and great Rishis cite a verse sung by Narayana himself, of grave import and endued with high ascetic merit. Listen to me as I repeat it.--'By truth, simplicity, worship of guests, acquisition of morality and profit, and enjoyment of one's own wedded wives, one should enjoy diverse kinds of happiness both here and hereafter.' The great Rishis have said that support of sons and wives, and study of the Vedas, form the duties of those that lead this high mode of life.

But my question isn't about these duties themselves, but rather the portion in bold, where Bhishma quotes a verse which was "sung by Narayana himself." My question is, where is this verse from?  Is it a verse of the Vedas?  And when Bhishma says that it was sung by Narayana, does he mean Vishnu himself or does he mean Vishnu's incarnation sage Narayana, whom I discuss here?

The fact that he says "endued with high ascetic merit" suggests that he's referring to the sage Narayana.  And Narayana was the seer of the famous Purusha Sukta of the Rig Veda (see Book 10 Hymn 90 in the Rig Veda Anukramani here), so it's possible that this is another verse of the Vedas heard from the gods by Narayana.


texts: Will chanting the same mantra 10 lakh times earn Siddhi power?

texts:
I was told that if you chant a mantra 100 000 times you get the siddhi that correspondes to this specific mantra. is this true?or do i need to chant more? There's one siddhi I need to obtain and im studing the proper way to do it.
I need the siddhi of yogic materialization,for the good of my country.


texts: Is the word 'Jati' in the sense of caste used anywhere in Vedas?

texts: I have read the word 'Jati' used in Nirukta XII,13 Krishna Jatiya (Black by birth) in the later Vedic literature. And also Dr. Ambedkar pointed out the word Jati has used even in Atharva Veda by quoting a western scholar.  Can we find the term Jati used as in any such meaning even in Atharva Veda?


texts: Where in Mahabharat it is told that Abhimanyu learned the breaking of Chakra-Vyuha while he was in his mother's womb?

texts:
I have heard the story of Abhimanyu and the Chakra-Vyuha. But I cant find the exact location where it is told, how he learned it.

Was he  in his mother's womb or Arjuna taught him later physically?


texts: Who else besides Vishnu achieves the "paramam padam" in Rig Veda?

texts:
For one, Apam Napat is also said to achieve it in 2 35 14
From Sanskrit documents.org

a̱sminpa̱de pa̍ra̱me ta̍sthi̱vāṁsa̍madhva̱smabhi̍rvi̱śvahā̍ dīdi̱vāṁsa̍m |
āpo̱ naptre̍ ghṛ̱tamanna̱ṁ vaha̍ntīḥ sva̱yamatkai̱ḥ pari̍ dīyanti ya̱hvīḥ || 2.035.14

English translation of the above mantra

14 While here he dwelleth in sublimest station, resplendent with the rays that never perish,
The Waters, bearing oil to feed their offspring, flow, Youthful Ones, in wanderings about him.

Any others?


texts: Relation of Rahu in 12th house and Liberation/Moksha

texts:
Below is half learned knowledge from internet. If you start Googling "Rahu 12th house ..." then one auto-complete will suggest "Moksha"!

Rahu is considered the master of material desires. When travels to 12th house (hence Ketu in 6th house), it would find itself lack of those resources.

Such position usually creates situations where person is forced to have disinterest (vairAgya) from the material desires. Such mindset is considered an ideal candidate for Moksha as it pacifies the Rajas (passion) mode (BG 6.27).

Questions:

How is the 12th house of Rahu calculated?
Does it have any relation to liberation?

Related: Ketu in 12th House


texts: What is the significance of bathing in the kaveri river during the thula month?

texts: It is spoken highly of. But what is its significance? What are the benefits? Does it wash away all sins?


texts: What is the Thenkalai-Vadakalai disagreement about "Sriman Narayana Preethiyartham" vs "Bhagavat Kainkarya Roopam"?

texts:
The members of the Sri Vaishnava sect of Hinduism (of which I'm a member), especially the Iyengars (Sri Vaishnavas who are Brahmanas), are divided into two sub-sects, Thenkalais and Vadakalais.  These sub-sects both agree on the Visishtadvaita philosophy of Ramanujacharya that characterizes the Sri Vaishnava belief system, but they have several fine-grained but important doctrinal differences; this web page does a good job of laying out the points of dispute.  (See my answer here for more details.) In any case, these differences don't have much impact on the day-to-day religious practices of Iyengars, but they do have some: for instance, Vadakalais wear a U-shaped namam on their foreheads while Thenkalais wear a Y-shaped namam, Vadakalais bow down twice while Thenkalais only bow once, etc.

But my question is about another such difference, concerning the words used in the Sankalpam.  Before you do any Hindu ritual, you are supposed to begin by saying the Sankalpam, a formulaic utterance where you tell the gods where you're located in the universe, the time and date you're performing the ritual, what ritual you'd like to do, etc.  Hindus of all sects say the Sankalpam in almost identical fashion, except for a single line.  (See page 2 of this PDF). The line begins with the words "Sri Bhagavat Aagjna", meaning you are doing this ritual with the blessings/approval of Bhagavan or God (similar to the Latin expression Annuit Coeptis).  But how the line is continued depends on what sect you belong to.

If you're a Shaiva or Smartha, you would continue the line by saying something like "Parvati Parameshwara Preethiyartham" or just "Parameshwara Preethiyartham", meaning that you are doing the ritual for the sake of Parameshwara (a name of Shiva).  But if you're a Sri Vaishnava, what you say next depends on what sub-sect you belong to.  Vadakalai Iyengars say something similar to the Shaivites: "Sriman Narayana Preethiyartham", meaning that you are doing the ritual for the sake of Sriman Narayana (a name of Vishnu).  Thenkalai Iyengars, on the other hand, say "Bhagavat Kainkarya Rupam", meaning that your performance of the ritual is a form of service to Bhagavan (God).

My question is, what is the philosophical difference between Thenkalais and Vadakalais that could possibly lead to such a small change in wording?  Thenkalais and Vadakalais are all Vaishnavas, so presumably they'd all agree that Vishnu can rightly be called Bhagavan, the supreme being.  So what's the difference they're quarreling about?  Doing something for the sake of a god vs doing something as a form of service to a god seems like splitting hairs to me.  Could it be that I'm mistranslating the Sanskrit words Preethiyartha and/or Kainkarya?  Or am I missing some subtle philosophical distinction here?

On a side note, I just noticed that the preamble of the Vishnu Sahasranamam contains the phrase "Sri Mahavishnu Preethyarthe".  Could that be related to the Vadakalai practice of saying "Sriman Narayana Preethyartham"?  If so, why would they substitute the name "Mahavishnu" with the name "Sriman Narayana"?


texts: How did earth sustain itself after Rishi agastya drank all the water from the oceans?

texts:
Rishi Agastya drank the oceans so the Devtas can iradicate the asura's hiding in the depth of Oceans,but he digested all the water and it was not filled back.
Then after many 1000s of years later Bhagirathi prayed to Brahma/Ganga/and Shiva so that Devi Ganga could come to earth, and then oceans were filled again.
We know that Bhagirathi did tapas for 1000s of years, so how did earth managed without oceans for such a long time, wouldn't that kill all the sea life.
It also happened in this manvantara, so what happened to all the species of oceans before that?
Did someone restore fishes etc?


texts: I heard that Balinese Hindus always include non-vegetarian in their diet including pork and beef. Is this true?


texts: Why did Shalya fight on the side of the Kauravas?

texts:
Shalya was an uncle of two of the Pandavas (Nakula and Sahadeva). Why did he fight on the side of the Kauravas then?

Also, if you could provide the Sanskrit Shlokas to support your answer, that would be great (although, not necessary).


texts: Is oral sex forbidden (or is a sin) in Hinduism?

texts:
I haven't found any scriptures which explicitly forbid this. So my questions are:

Is oral sex involving male genital organ that is totally consensual with the said person's wife a sin?
Is oral sex involving female genital organ a sin?


texts: Is this book available anywhere for purchase or is there is an online digitial version?


texts: Why all Avatar's and Grantha's references happened only in India and not elsewhere?

texts:
This is more merely an outside question. Many have a conscious feeling that why all Devas, Avataras and incidents written on our text books are confined to Indian Mediterranean, mostly North region of India?

The spread through mapping seems to start from Afghanistan (Gandhar) and ending to Uttar Pradesh (Indian state), as what there current names.

If I take a look at the mapping, the most conscious is Shiva, who resided in Himalayas (Peculiarly), but there being thousands of mountains around the world.

Similarly Rama took avatar in Ayodhya which is the northern part of India, but not in any other country.

Even most of the mythological history seems to revolve around Northern Part of India only, leaving Ramayana which includes Sri Lanka as a core part.


texts: Why are the Yavanas associated with the Greeks?

texts: I keep hearing the claim that the Yavanas mentioned in Mahabharatha and Puranas are actually the Greeks. Is there any good reason to believe this? Does the scriptures give a description of the geography, culture, etc of the Yavanas that match with those of the Greeks? Is there any historical accounts of Alexander's invasion of India where the invading greeks are called Yavanas?


texts: I have seen orange statues of Lord Hanuman in temples. It is orange because of "Sindoor" on it. Why "Sindoor" is offered to Lord Hanuman?


texts: What are sacrifices done on new moon and full moon where a part is thrown for Rakshasas?

texts:
Sage valmiki uses many metaphors and writes in a poetic sense while explaining an incident in the Valmiki Ramayana. There are hundreds of usages of Upama and rupaka alankara which is used to explain the similarity between two incidents or show the non difference between two incidents. For example, In Sundara kanda, Hanuma sees Ravana and the description is given like this:

  That Hanuma also saw the wealthy Ravana's arms tied with golden armlets thrown apart resembling flag staffs raised in honour of Indra. Those arms had wounds made by stabbing from the pointed edges of tusks of Iraavata and fleshy shoulders smeared with diamond and hit by Vishnu chakra. These arms of Ravana were opulent with well grown and equal strong shoulders proportionate to body, with knees and thumbs of good characteristic, with good fingers and palms. With strong joints in the shape of club, round in shape resembling the trunks of an elephant like five headed snakes thrown on clean couch.

There are hundreds of examples more. Some examples are taken which are known naturally like "an agry snake hissing" to show person is anger or well known incidents like "just like Garuda snatches a snake". Similarly, I found an example Valmiki maharshi uses to describe Kausalya's lamentation towards Sri Rama and says the following about Kaikeyi: (emphasis mine)

  Pātayitvā tu kaikeyyā rāmam sthānāt yathā iṣṭataḥ |
  pradiṣṭaḥ rakṣasām bhāgaḥ parvaṇi iva āhita agninā || 2-43-5

  "Having willfully thrown Rama out of his position, Kaikeyi has acted in the same way as one who tends the sacred fire throws a part of the sacrifice to ogres on a new or full moon." [Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 43 shloka 5]

I am asking about this bold part. Valmiki Maharshi generally uses references of incidents from Puranas or popular in the society of that time to describe something. But here, it is Kausalya speaking. Here, she says a sacrifice where a part is thrown for ogres (rakshasas) on new moon and full moon day. What are these sacrifices and why is a part is thrown for Rakshasas? What is the reference made by Kausalya here?


texts: Is Rearing and selling fish for meat a sin?

texts: I want to start a fish Rearing business. I understand that meat is tamasic and eating it effects the guna of human body. But isn't the soul same in case of whether if it is an animal or a plant. How is killing an animal not any different from killing a plant? Doesn't that make all farmers as plant-killers and Animal-killers? (Some farmers do rear goats and fish for meat)


texts: Did Rama and Ravana agree to rules of war, as was done in the Mahabharata?

texts:
I think Ravana says Rakshasas don't have dharmic rules of war.  Did Ravana's side fight adharmically all the time, or did they show fair play on occasion?
Was destroying Indrajit's Yagna to prevent him from acquiring more powers Dharmic?


texts: How old is "Om Jai Jagdish Hare"? What are the original lyrics?

texts:
I am teaching myself Om Jai Jagdish Hare on Bansuri(flute).

What are the official lyrics? Everywhere I see there are slight variations. And some are longer than others.

Also, how old are these Hymns?


texts: Did Lord Vishnu incarnate as Kalki in any of the previous Yugas?

texts:
Lots of Vishnu avatars have repeated during the previous Chaturyugas.

Are there any references citing the Kalki avatar in previous Yugas?


texts: Where it has been written that a particular Vedic hymn has to be associated with a specific devata, rishi, etc

texts: We all maintain that each Vedic hymn is associated with a devata, Chanda, and rishi as maintained in Anukraminika. But what is the source of our that belief? Where it has been written that verse has to be associated with a devata, Chanda & rishi? Is there specific verse from scripture that's revealing the fact?


texts:
Who is satyaki and why he fought on the side of the Pandavas in Kurukshetra war?

Satyaki spared Karna's life in Kurukshetra war for Arjuna's vow, is it true? I think not even arjuna defeated Karna in a straight battle (with out Krishna).


texts: What are the three worlds in the Rig Veda

texts:
I was reading a book called 'Astronomical Myths:Myths of the Heavens' by John F. Blake and I came across this at Page 11-13:

  "Thus to the earth they gave the name  P'RTHOVI, "the wide expanse;"
  the blue and star-bespangled heavens they called VARUNA, "the vault;"
  and beneath it in the region of the clouds they enthroned the light
  DYAUS, i.e. "the luminous air."

followed by this image

Upon researching further, I only found that the heavens are called 'Dyaus' and the mid-region is called 'Antariksh'. So how accurate is this image and what do we know about the three worlds in Vedic era?


texts: Is years in all eras(yugas) calculation related to any increment of sins on earth?

texts:
We have 4 eras like a Satiyuga, Dwaparayuga, Tretayuga, Kaliyuga.

I have read all of the time periods. But, Is this calculation linked to any other criteria like increment of sins on earth or anything else?


texts: Today I've heard Swahas song "Om namah Shivaya" from album Salutations. There was text: "Om namah Shivaya, Om namah Hari Hari". I was looking for meaning and founded bhajan "Hari Om Namah Shivaya"... What does it mean? I thought Hari is name of lord Vishnu... Does the word Hari have any other meanings? Thank you


texts: Is Advaita's Nirguna Brahman same as Madhyamaka's "emptiness of emptiness"?

texts:
In Adi Shankaracharya's Advaita Vedanta, Nirguna Brahman (Brahman without form or qualities) is the Para Brahman (Supreme Brahman) according to this Wikipedia article. This is the Ultimate Reality of Advaita.

Meanwhile in Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka, the Ultimate Reality is described as the "emptiness of emptiness" (from this Wikipedia article):

  Central to Madhyamaka philosophy is śūnyatā, "emptiness." The term
  refers to the "emptiness" of inherent existence: all phenomena are
  empty of "substance" or "essence" (Sanskrit: svabhāva) or inherent
  existence, because they are dependently co-arisen. At a conventional
  level, "things" do exist, but ultimately they are "empty" of inherent
  existence. But this "emptiness" itself is also "empty": it does not
  have an existence on its own, nor does it refer to a transcendental
  reality beyond or above phenomenal reality.

Also:

  Nagarjuna's critique of the notion of own-nature (svabhāva)
  argues that anything which arises according to conditions, as all
  phenomena do, can have no inherent nature, for what is depends on what
  conditions it. Moreover, if there is nothing with own-nature, there
  can be nothing with 'other-nature' (para-bhāva), i.e. something which
  is dependent for its existence and nature on something else which has
  own-nature. Furthermore, if there is neither own-nature nor
  other-nature, there cannot be anything with a true, substantial
  existent nature (bhāva). If there is no true existent, then there can
  be no non-existent (abhāva).

If Advaita's Nirguna Brahman does not have any form or qualities whatsoever, then is it the same as Madhyamaka's "emptiness of emptiness"?

If not, then what is the difference?


texts: How do advaitins defend argument against scriptural eternity?

texts:
Advaitins believe that scriptures teach monism.

  Are they real or unreal? The first cannot be, for it would be imply
  duality. The second also can't be, for it would imply that scriptures
  were produced and thus contradict Brahma Sutra(1.3.29) ata eva ca
  nityatvam "Therefore the eternity of the Vedas is proved"

How do Advaitins defend this argument?


texts: Does Balarama ever regret killing Romaharshana?

texts:
From SB 10.78:

  When Lord Baladeva heard that the Pāṇḍavas and Kauravas were about to
  go to war, in order to remain neutral He left Dvārakā on the pretext
  of going on pilgrimage. The Lord bathed in sacred places such as
  Prabhāsa, Tritakūpa and Viśāla, and eventually He came to the holy
  Naimiṣāraṇya forest, where great sages were performing an extended
  fire sacrifice. While being worshiped by the assembled sages and
  offered a seat of honor, the Lord noticed that Romaharṣaṇa Sūta,
  sitting on the speaker’s seat, had failed to stand in deference to
  Him. Greatly angered by this offense, Lord Balarāma killed Romaharṣaṇa
  by touching him with the tip of a blade of kuśa grass.

  The assembled sages were disturbed by what Lord Baladeva had done, and
  they said to Him, “You have unknowingly killed a brāhmaṇa. Therefore,
  even though You are above the Vedic injunctions, we request You to set
  a perfect example for the general populace by atoning for this sin.”
  Then Śrī Baladeva, following the Vedic maxim that “one’s son takes
  birth as one’s own self,” granted to Romaharṣaṇa’s son Ugraśravā the
  position of speaker of the Purāṇas, and in accordance with the sages’
  desires He promised Ugraśravā a long life with unfailing sensory
  capacity.

  Wanting to do something more for the sages, Lord Baladeva promised to
  kill a demon named Balvala, who had been polluting their sacrificial
  arena. Finally, on the sages’ advice, He agreed to go on a year-long
  pilgrimage of all the holy places in India.

How is this killing of Romaharshana (for simply not standing up) justified?

Does Balarama ever regret his action? If not, what is the point of going on a pilgrimage?


texts: For Maharudram or Athirudram how many priests should chant the rudram?

texts: For Maharudram or Athirudram, how many priests should chant the rudram?


texts: Why did many devas along with Vishnu incarnate on earth as major Mahabharat characters during dwapara yuga?

texts: Why were devas born on earth as major Mahabharat characters such as Pandavas, Karna, Krishna, Balram, Bhishma, Abhimanyu, Upapandavas in the first place? Why did gods incarnate on earth?


texts: How did Gods select their animal vehicles?

texts:
For example,

Ganesh --> Mouse
Durga --> Lion
Shiva -–> Bull, and the list is endless....
So, how are these assigned or rather selected by all the Gods as their vehicles?
OR
Is it just that we humans related the qualities of these animals to the Gods?


texts: Did Lord Rama break His promise to his mother Kausalya and if so why?

texts:
Lord Rama, the seventh avatara of Vishnu is known as a personality who always keeps His word. However, the following verses from the Valmiki Ramayana struck me.

  चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि वत्स्यामि विजने वने ।
  मधुमूलफलैर्जीवन्हित्वा मुनिवदामिषम् ॥ २-२०-२९

  I shall live in a solitary forest like a sage for fourteen years, leaving off meat and living with roots, fruits and honey.

The above verse was said by Lord Rama to Kausalya before going into exile. However, after this we find these verses which contradicts the above verse:

  तौ तत्र हत्वा चतुरो महामृगान्_
  वराहमृश्यम् पृषतं महारुरुम् ।
  आदाय मेध्यं त्वरितं बुभुक्षितौ
  वासाय काले ययतुर्वनस्पतिम् ॥ २-५२-१०२

  Having hunted there four deer, namely Varaaha, Rishya, Prisata; and Mahaaruru (the four principal species of deer) and taking quickly the portions that were pure, being hungry as they were, Rama and Lakshmana reached a tree to take rest in the evening.

  समाश्वस मुहूर्तं तु शक्यं वस्तुमिह त्वया ॥ 3-47-22
  आगमिष्यति मे भर्ता वन्यमादाय पुष्कलम् ।
  रुरून्गोधान्वराहांश्च हत्वाऽऽदायाऽमिषान्बहून् ॥ 3-47-23

  Be comfortable for a moment, here it is possible for you to make a sojourn, and soon my husband will be coming on taking plentiful forest produce, and on killing stags, mongooses, wild boars he fetches meat, aplenty. [3-47-22b, 23]

So these verse appear to be very contradictory to the promise made by Lord Rama to His mother. But it is highly unlikely that He would not keep his word. Is the translation wrong? Or is it that Lord Rama did take meat in the forest? If so why? Apologies to anyone offended by my question including to Lord Rama.


texts: What's the story involving Shitala Devi & Jwarasura where Lord Vishnu gets inflicted by fever?

texts:
As per Wikipedia

Jvarasura or Jwarasura (ज्वरासुर) in Hindu mythology is the fever-deity and consort of pox-deity goddess, Shitala/Sheetala (शीतला or śītalā).

Further,

Once Vishnu was inflicted with fever of Javarasura, when in form of
Haya-griva. He killed the fever-demon, Jvarasura, by cutting him into
three pieces using his cosmic-disk weapon, the Sudarshana Chakra.
However, Jvarasura was later revived by Brahma, who joined the three
parts.

The article on Shitala Deví, citing Skanda Purana, mention something a bit different

from Lord Shiva's sweat was born Jwarasura, who spread disease all
over the world. Goddess Shitala rid the world from the disease, and
from then onwards, Jvarasura became her servant.

So, at one point it's saying that Jvarasura is the consort of Deví Sheetala but then, it says he became her servant. Also, an Asura (even though born of Shiva's sweat) being a Devi's consort, dosen't add up. I'd like to get some explanation on this apparent paradox.
Also, what's the story of Shri Vishnu in his Hayagreeva form getting fever-afflicted? And exactly how or why (considering he's a God)?
So, basically, I'd like to know all related stories (from different scriptures, if possible) in reference to Deví Shitala & Jvarasura, vis-a-vis, their connections with Lord Shiva, Maa Parvatí, Lord Vishnu & Lord Brahmã.

Slightly Related Question: What is the story of Goddess Shitala?
But, it doesn't answer my question at all.