Questions tagged [brahmins]
For questions about brahmins, as in the caste. Not to be confused with [brahma] or [brahman].
120
questions
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2answers
85 views
Did Brahmins live on Daana or Bhiksha?
I was having a discussion with a friend and it came up that in earlier times Brahmins lived on Bhiksha. Somehow it didn't sound okay to me because I had read Bhiksha to be practised by Buddhists and ...
0
votes
1answer
45 views
which scripture prescribes offering food to Brahmins in the Shraddha ceremony?
Which scripture prescribes this and is it believed that feeding Brahmins on earth effectively feeds the departed ancestors in Pitr Loka?
3
votes
1answer
115 views
Is the story of Parashurama detecting Karna's non-Brahminhood from his tolerance for pain in the Mahabharata?
The story goes that Parashurama was sleeping with his head on Karna's lap. An insect started stinging Karna's thigh until blood was flowing and he bore the pain silently because he didn't want to ...
3
votes
3answers
512 views
What are the quotes, from various scriptures of early Vedic times to early medieval times which define the term Mlecchas as distinct from Brahmins?
MLECCHAS
The Vedics referred to all alien cultures and races that were less civilized in ancient times as 'Mleccha'. The term Mleccha means;
The uncouth and incomprehensible speech of ...
4
votes
1answer
208 views
Does scripture uniformly agree with this citation from Parashara smriti?
Parashara Smriti 8.25 says:
25. Even a Brahmin of a bad character deserves respect;
but not so a Shudra, even though his passions may
have been subdued by him. Who would quit a wicked cow,
...
1
vote
1answer
111 views
Sins and parihara for killing Brahmin [duplicate]
Dasharatha killed a brahmin (unintentionally) and didn't leave his kingdom for forest.
Pandu killed brahmin and left kingdom.
Rama killed Ravana, a brahmin, and didn't do anything as parihara.
...
1
vote
0answers
147 views
Does the Manusmriti have verses discriminating against Brahmins?
Why does the Manusmriti have verses discriminating against Brahmins?
For example:
A twice-born person, having, through folly, drunk wine, shall drink
wine red-hot; he becomes freed from his ...
0
votes
0answers
128 views
2
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1answer
169 views
Was it any where mentioned that in ancient ages brAhmins used to maintain celibacy upto 48 years for gaining knowledge?
I have read in one text that in ancient ages/vedic period, brAhmins used to maintain celibacy upto 48 years for gaining knowledge/realisation. And, they did not take refuge to a king for material ...
1
vote
0answers
22 views
Are there any rules of appointing a learnt scholar from Non-Brahmin origin as a clergy or priesthood for others?
By Non-Brahmin, I mean all other varnas and not specific to one caste or clan.
Please give references from scriptures, if any.
0
votes
1answer
53 views
What to incorporate? [closed]
In my mind, two of the ways to achieve enlightenment are to get rid of sensory pleasures and Sandhyavandanam; what else is required?
1
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0answers
78 views
Are there any vedic statements saying that one can be called brahmin by behavior [duplicate]
There are some people who keep claiming that one can be called brahmin by karma and give the reference of Yaksha Prashna in which Yudhishtra talks about brahmin-hood and claims that brahamana hood ...
1
vote
0answers
81 views
Kalki Avatar ( Kali Yuga ) [closed]
will in near future Democracy end in India and will Kshatriya's again rule Our country coz in Kalki Puran they have told that Shri Kalki will have 2 wives and both wives father will be king
King ...
3
votes
1answer
408 views
Rules to be followed for wearing the Sacred thread / Janeu
What are the rules that one must observe to wear the Yagnopaveetham ? Would prefer if appropriate text is also quoted.
2
votes
0answers
72 views
Why do only some Brahmins have a tuft of hair? Is it mandatory to cut the tuft of hair before leaving India?
Why is it that some Brahmins have a tuft of hair and some don't? Is it optional?
Furthermore, the great Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan before leaving to Cambridge University cut his tuft ...
3
votes
0answers
58 views
Why did the Brahmins before Uddalak not have the knowledge of the other world while Kshatriyas did?
This story from the Chandogya Upanishad 5.3-10 states something very interesting:
Shvetaketu was distressed and felt very much humiliated at this. So he returned home and asked his father Uddalaka, ...
0
votes
0answers
185 views
Can Brahmins atone for the sin of drinking liquor through other means than suicide?
According to Hinduism, there are 5 mortal sins, or mahapatakas. They are:
One who steals gold [of a Brahmana], who drinks Sura [rice or grain
based alcohol], who has sex with the Guru's wife and ...
2
votes
0answers
115 views
Can anyone help me find this verse in the Atharva Veda?
I have found this verse quoted many places, but so far have not been able to verify that it is from the Atharva Veda. If anyone can help me I will be very grateful!
"A brahmana's house without a ...
4
votes
2answers
182 views
How can a brahmin attain powers in Kaliyuga similar to the Trikala Gnana brahmarshi's or Saptharishi's in other yugas?
How can a brahmin attain powers in Kaliyuga similar to the power of Trikala Gnana brahmarshi's or Saptharishi's in other yugas?
Examples: Vasishta, Agasthya, Atri, Gautama, Kashyapa, Bharadvaja, ...
0
votes
0answers
65 views
Which are the sub sects and shakas are Non-Brahmins in Sri Vaishnava community?
Which are the sub sects and shakas are Non-Brahmins in Sri Vaishnava community?
What's their role and duties generally perfomed such Sri Vaishnava Non-Brahmins?
Why some of the non-Brahmins will ...
4
votes
1answer
113 views
Any scripture describes five types of Brahmins?
In Dona Brahmana Sutta, a Buddhist scripture, Buddha reminds a Brahmin named Dona about five types of Brahmins as described by Vedic Seers.
The blessed one said, "Dona, those ancient sages the ...
3
votes
1answer
112 views
Who are the Samaneans?
St. Jerome, in his Against Jovinianus bk. 2 (393 A.D.) c. 14, divides the
Gymnosophists of India [into two classes,] the one [of which is] called Brahmans, the other Samaneans [SamanƦos], who are ...
5
votes
1answer
811 views
Why are some brahmins called Dwija or twice born?
I have heard this term Dwija a lot in this site but I am not sure why are some brahmins called Dwija or 'Twice Born'. I know not all but only some special ones are called Dwijas but how are they ...
5
votes
1answer
305 views
Why do Brahmins have such surnames?
In Uttar Pradesh Brahmins have common surnames as Chaturvedi alias Chaubey, Dwivedi alias Dubey and Trivedi. Are these surnames which have "Vedi" included in them have something to do with the Vedas. ...
3
votes
1answer
115 views
Is anti-Brahminism a quality of Asuras and Rakshasas?
Is anti-Brahminism a characteristic of Asuras and Rakshasas?
Which group of created beings is the most anti-Brahmin (hatred and opposition to Brahminism and Brahminical way of life)?
2
votes
0answers
129 views
Is intelligence an innate quality of Brahmanas?
According to Hindu scriptures, different castes were created differently and therefore have different innate qualities.
For example, Kshatriyas are strong according to the Taittiriya Samhita:
7.1....
3
votes
3answers
2k views
Are brahmins allowed to drink alcohol?
Do the scriptures mention anything about this? Can brahmins drink alcohol?
5
votes
1answer
864 views
Can a brahmin eat meat according to shastras
I had posted the following in an answer but was urged to post it as a question.
I thought brahmins were not supposed to eat meat but I was reading MahAbhArata when I came across the following in ...
5
votes
2answers
168 views
Why did Drona and Kripa, who were Brahmanas, fight in the Mahabharata war? [duplicate]
Dronacharya and Kripacharya were powerful warriors who fought in the Mahabharata war. However, they were Brahmanas and not Kshatriyas.
Why did they decide to fight?
Apastamba says:
A BrÄhmaį¹a ...
2
votes
0answers
68 views
Can Kshatriyas teach Brahmanas some Brahma Vidyas?
According to Hindu scripture, only Brahmanas can teach the Vedas and knowledge that directly comes from Vedic texts:
Manu 1.88 - For the BrÄhmaį¹as he ordained teaching, studying, sacrificing and ...
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vote
0answers
38 views
Marriage within the brahmin shakhas [duplicate]
I did read another question about marriage between different varnas but my question is marriage between two different Brahmin shakhas allowed in the scriptures?
For instance two Brahmin communities ...
4
votes
2answers
166 views
What daily practices (achara - anushtana) should a brahmana follow?
Brahamanas (at least orthodox followers) are expected to follow a ton of daily achara & anushtana, for e.g.
Anushtana:
Get up during brahma muhurta
Do Pratah-Sandhya before sun-rise
Do Ijyai (...
0
votes
1answer
106 views
History of Brahmin's diet [closed]
What is the history of brahmana diet?
Brahmins are generally vegetarians but there are some exceptions to it such as Pancha-Gauda Brahmans, Kashmiri Brahmans, and Oriya Brahmins?
So why is there so ...
2
votes
0answers
50 views
How do I convert into Brahmin when I am already a converted Hindu? [duplicate]
My ancestors were Brahmins but they were forced to be Muslims, so I am a born Muslim but I already converted to Hinduism and I'm a pure vegetarian and I have knowledge of Vedas and Mahabharata. So can ...
1
vote
0answers
72 views
Does this statement about Smartas have scriptural authority?
A book by Agehananda Bharati contains a statement on Smartas:
The Smarta-brahmins of the Tamil. Telugu. and Malayalam speaking
areas of the Dravidian South of India are no doubt the highest ...
4
votes
1answer
111 views
Which texts are Brahmins allowed to read?
Does scripture mention texts of Hindu or non-Hindu origin that would be sinful for Brahmins to read or prohibited by their Varna Dharma?
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1answer
81 views
Should Hindu politicians support Brahmins according to scriptures? [closed]
Should Hindu politicians support Brahmins according to scriptures?
Is it a sin if Hindu politicians don't support Brahmins?
Please cite verses from scriptures.
0
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0answers
113 views
Do the scriptures talk about procedures that a Brahmin has to do before eating food? [duplicate]
What are the procedures that a Brahmin has to follow before having food. I have seen the process of sprinkling water, but what is the whole process? What is the mantra one has to chant at that time?
2
votes
1answer
185 views
Are grooming/dress rules prescribed for Brahmins?
For example, are Brahmin males required to maintain a Shikha, be freshly bathed and bare-chested while performing rituals or wear dhotis in a certain way?
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votes
1answer
134 views
Is anti-Brahminism a sin according to scriptures?
Is anti-Brahminism in accordance with Hinduism and its scriptures? Is it a sin or is it glorified?
4
votes
1answer
159 views
Who was the first ÅuĢdra to be born or appear on Earth?
Who was the first ÅuĢdra (or the ÅuĢdra-couple) to be born?
Likewise, who was the first brÄhmaį¹a, the first kį¹£atriya and vaiÅya to be born?
Some might argue, the first ÅuĢdra could not have been ...
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0answers
78 views
At which point in time did Hinduism begin to embrace vegetarianism exactly?
I was watching a BBC documentary where they claimed that early Rig Vedic writers (early Brahmins) practiced "horse sacrifice" and were indeed non vegetarians. So at what point did they decide to ...
1
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1answer
381 views
Are Brahmins who eat fish fallen Brahmins?
Some Brahmins are known to be lovers and avid eaters of fish.
Are Brahmins allowed to eat fish?
7
votes
0answers
105 views
Who were the two priests of Asuras (not Shukracharya)?
I came across an interesting story while reading the Shatapatha brahmana regarding Manu's encounters with the priests of Asuras:
Manu was in possession of a bull. Into him had entered an Asura-...
5
votes
5answers
1k views
Why Gayatri mantra is widely recited by non-bramhins nowadays which was once the stronghold of only the brahmins?
Is there any reason for release of Gayatri mantra to non brahmins and even to women? I think such practice is irregular. Who is responsible for deviation from very ancient practice and making it ...
4
votes
1answer
293 views
Prohibitions on Brahmins regarding reading Bhagavad Gita
Why Hindu Brahmins were not allowed by other castes,which includes Kayasthas to read BHAGVAD GITA and were (discouraged by Hindu Bramhan Gurus also}during a distinct period of history? Is there any ...
1
vote
1answer
207 views
Why Avani Avittam (Upakarma) festival is performed? What's its history?
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.
7
votes
0answers
81 views
Do any other scriptures mention Brahma Tirtha, bathing where non-Brahmins become Brahmins?
Mahabharat, Vana parva, tirtha-yatra parva https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mahabharata-third-book/d/doc7362.html. Says:
One should next proceed to the excellent tirtha of Brahma. ...
6
votes
1answer
187 views
Who was the Brahmin's wife in Atharva Veda hymn that was abducted and restored?
The Atharva Veda Book 5 Hymn 17 is curiously titled - The abduction and restoration of a BrÄhman's wife. I am sharing a few verses of the same here:
These first, the boundless Sea, and MÄtarisvan, ...
1
vote
1answer
436 views
Who are the Rajpurohits?
I read about rajpurohit that they are rajgurus of the king in the kingdom but I'm not sure about this position. So who are the Rajpurohits and were Guru Dronacharya and Kripacharya the Rajpurohits of ...
