All Questions
30 questions
1
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160
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Is it ok for me (Not Hindu) to wear a turban/head wrap to represent the Hindu character I am playing in a play?
I have done a bit on research into this, and I plan to do more, but I am looking for a more personal answer from people who are Hindu. If you can help, please do, as I need it. I am attempting to ...
- 19
5
votes
0
answers
117
views
Is the popular practice of applying Mehndi (Henna tattoo) during weddings supported by scriptures?
From Wikipedia:
Mehndi is a form of body art and temporary skin decoration usually drawn on hands or legs, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the ...
- 13.7k
2
votes
0
answers
107
views
Why is the Virata Parva of the Mahabharata is read during the srAddha ceremony?
In Bengal, I heard that the Virata Parva of the Mahabharata is read aloud during the srAddha ceremony.
I am not aware of whether this is followed in other parts of India though.
What is the ...
user17294
6
votes
1
answer
190
views
Are different ways of salutation (pranaam) just cultural or prescribed in scripture?
In the North, the young just bend down and touch the feet of elders. In the South, they lie down flat on the ground while doing namaskaram (women would keep the midriff off the ground).
There are ...
- 1
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Requirements for wearing Tilak
What are the rules / requirements of applying a Vaishnava tilaka? Is diksha required?
- 311
6
votes
2
answers
19k
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Guidance about visiting temples after a 13th day of death of any family member
I am a Hindu and Maratha Kshatriya from Goa.
I just wanted to ask few questions which I believe to have different answers from different brahmans I consulted so far.
It's been a month, I lost my ...
2
votes
0
answers
51
views
What does Hinduism say about organ donation? [duplicate]
Does the religion say anything good/bad about organ donation ?
Is one not circumventing some sort of karmic rules by giving and receiving organs ? Say, if someone is blind, he is paying for his karma....
- 327
1
vote
1
answer
151
views
Have any acharyas commented on taking a dip in sacred but infected rivers?
Background
According to this article, an Australian woman became very ill after she took a dip in the sacred Ganges river at Varanasi.
My love affair with Varanasi continued and I studied yoga at ...
- 31.2k
5
votes
1
answer
833
views
Are Hindu scriptures pro- or anti-dowry?
Do Hindu scriptures discuss the topic of dowry (which Google defines as "property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage")?
Do they take pro or anti stance on this practice?
...
- 461
5
votes
0
answers
3k
views
While praying, who are allowed to touch/caress "Shiva Linga", the sacred phallus?
As per this thread, there are various opinions of whether the idol at the temple should be touched or not: Is it allowed to hug/touch the main idol at a temple?
Now there is a special case of Shiva, ...
- 19.9k
3
votes
1
answer
94
views
Is it true that positive energy resides at the main entrance [door] of a house?
I heard that the positive energy resides in the main entrance door of the house and obviously I am doing the Pooja and showing Agarbathi (incense) lights to the door entrance. (I saw my parents doing ...
- 2,175
12
votes
2
answers
7k
views
What is the overall take of Hinduism on menstruation?
One of the debated topic related to Hinduism is menstruation and related matters. There are some texts including smritis which seem to depict menstruation with antipathy.
In some of the regions and ...
- 19.4k
4
votes
0
answers
239
views
In Hinduism, is it commanded to change clothes everyday?
If we wear the same clothes for more than a day, is it unclean according to the culture? I know in general, that one should change his clothes everyday if possible, but what does our culture say ...
- 978
6
votes
1
answer
4k
views
In Hindu culture, is it mandatory to bathe everyday?
Like the question says, do the scriptures say that we should clean our bodies with water every day? What happens if one forgets or does not feel like showering? is it classified as a sin?
- 978
4
votes
0
answers
370
views
Why are we named 12 days after birth?
Including myself, many of my family members got their names 12 days after their birth, a day called Namakarana. This is done via a ritual, for example in Nepalese tradition (My ethnicity) we have an ...
- 978
5
votes
0
answers
306
views
Is Dristhi (Evil Eye) Pottu,Photos and other activities are said in our scriptures?
Dristhi pottu for new babies are applied as a black dot in their cheek to escape from Evil Eye.
Industries have scary photos in its gate as to escape from Evil eye .
When a person looks very jealously ...
- 4,196
10
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Why low-caste people are not allowed inside some temples and homes?
In most temples and homes, especially in villages, low-caste people are not allowed.
These regulations are being followed for thousands of years now.
What is the reason behind such practice? What do ...
- 4,196
6
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Why Dakshina is given to Guru?
In ancient Gurukula System after the education, the students are required to give Guru Dakshina to their respective Guru. Why is this practice when we have stayed with the master and served him all ...
- 3,523
11
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Why do widows wear white sarees after their husband's death?
After the death of a man (husband), the wife (widow) is not allowed to wear bangles, kumkum (sindhur) and is asked to wear white saree & shave her head. Is there any reference for such a practice ...
- 3,523
6
votes
1
answer
758
views
Why was Widow re-marriage not tolerated in South India?
Widows had their head shaved and forced into seclusion in South. Why??
- 61
4
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Can I get a mundan and Janeo at 33 years of age? [closed]
I think I should add some context to this.
I like in Austin, Texas. My parents moved to USA in the mid 70s. My younger brother and I were born here. My parents have not been the best when it came to ...
5
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What do the various forehead dots and marks signify?
I currently live in an area which has a high Indian population. I've noticed a number of Indian men and women with various marks and dots on their foreheads but have never asked about the significance ...
2
votes
0
answers
223
views
Why do some hindu men wear black strings around their waists?
Why do some hindu men wear black strings around their waists?
Even i do, but i don't know the significance of it.
- 1,567
2
votes
1
answer
193
views
What does painting on an elephant's face in religious events signify?
Often times I have seen many Hindu based gatherings via the internet where live elephants are involved. One thing I have seen is a sort of paint creating a very beautiful design on the elephant's face....
- 21
13
votes
4
answers
8k
views
What is the relationship between Hinduism and atheism?
I have recently read somewhere that atheism is the pillar of Hinduism.
If Hindus don't believe in God then why do they worship Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Kali etc.?
Is atheism followed by all Hindus ...
- 757
12
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What do Hindu scriptures or Gurus say on How to Introduce Hinduism to Children?
I am aware that this question is more a parenting question.
The reason I ask the question is, to me and many young children around me, it was just told that idol worship in a temple is holy and wish-...
- 337
5
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What daily routines should be followed in a Hindu's life?
There are many rituals and practices in everyday life of Hindus. There will be slight variations according to the regions. Even though there are some common practices to be followed by everyone. What ...
user11
30
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Is organ donation allowed? Have any Hindu acharyas commented on this practice?
According to some religions, donating the human organs (especially after one's death) is considered a good practice.
So is it a good thing to do according to Hindu scripture?
Have any Hindu acharyas ...
- 835
8
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Why restriction on taking images and publishing 'some' mantras
Why people are not allowed to take images of god/goddesses in Garbha gudi (sanctum sanctorum) of a temple. Is it a sin according to scriptures? or any other reason behind such restriction?
In addition ...
- 32k
7
votes
1
answer
6k
views
What is the significance of pan and supari in yagna?
In northern India whenever we perform any yagna we keep the pan, supari, batasha at the base of the havan kunda and then start the yagna.
Although in various other ritual performances we use pan and ...
- 1,971