Questions tagged [culture]
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
215 questions
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
13
votes
5
answers
1k
views
How can one save Sanatana Dharma?
It is said on multiple occasions that we need to protect our sanskriti, our dharma, etc.
But is there any reference in our shastras on what should we do to save dharma?
10
votes
2
answers
10k
views
Why should a girl leave her home after marriage?
After the marriage, the wife has to live at her husband's home. What do our scriptures say about this custom?
- 2,057
5
votes
2
answers
453
views
Is there any Hindu spiritual principle that causes many Hindus to oppose the Aryan Migration Theory?
Recently a question was asked about the reasons why many Hindus are opposed to the Aryan Migration Theory (AMT)? The question was asked in a manner that does not fit with the requirements of this site....
- 38.1k
2
votes
0
answers
87
views
How regional is Hinduism? [closed]
I know that different Gods, or different manifestations of Ultimate Reality, are worshiped in different regions. Furthermore, there is a lot of linguistic diversity across Bhārat.
So, I'm wondering:
...
- 2,102
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
183
views
Is the North Indian custom of the bride kicking over a pot of rice on first entering the in-laws' house based on scripture?
I believe the rice getting scattered over the house represents the bride filling her new home with prosperity. Does any scripture prescribe/describe this custom?
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
141
views
Is Akshata used in North India?
It is ubiquitous in the South on religious occasions - is it also used in North India?
For example refer this
The rice doesn't seem to have been covered in turmeric.
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Menstruation myth in Hindu culture [duplicate]
Why are Hindu women not allowed to enter prayer areas like temples while they are menstruating?
I want to know that why are they not allowed to worship not asked to be separate from family for three ...
- 29
4
votes
1
answer
447
views
Sub-castes within lingayatism?
Are the sub-castes within lingayatism similar to the hindu caste system like the Sharana/Ainor(priests), Shettar(merchants/vaishyas), holeya(shudra) etc ?
NOTE: What will be the accepted references ...
- 49
1
vote
0
answers
43
views
what is the religious significance of the nine yards saree?
Brahmin ladies in the South wear it on religious occasions. It goes as far north as Maharashtra as far as I know.
- 1
2
votes
0
answers
217
views
What is the benefit of attending Kumbh Mela?
I learned at university that the Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of people ever and that it occurs once every 12 years. I know it rotates between four cities meaning there is a Kumbh Mela ...
- 2,102
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Other than ISKCON, who are Vaishnavites?
It seems that Vaishnavism isn't as popular as I had initially expected it to be. What groups venerate Vishnu other than ISKCon? Is there a particular region of India were Vaishnavism is the majority? ...
- 2,102
0
votes
1
answer
413
views
Are there finer classifications than the 4-varna/guna classification in scripture?
Priests, Warriors, Traders, Labourers is fine and dandy but where do scientists, journalists and artists, to name a few temperaments/occupations, fit into this?
I remember reading that a Soviet ...
- 1
2
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is there a scriptural basis for Out-of-India hypothesis? [duplicate]
I heard that Hindus believe that all Vedic-era people originated in Bhārat. Is this a cultural belief or is it from scripture?
The below non-Answers are "arguments against the mainstream theory" ...
- 2,102
0
votes
1
answer
99
views
Are there any influences of other religion on Hinduism?
In ancient time, Hindu tradition and culture had been ruled many regions in the world. But, when time passed other religion had come. So, they were taken and debt some traditions. So, Which influences ...
- 2,054
2
votes
0
answers
133
views
Marrying people born on new moon day (amāvāsyā)? [duplicate]
I was told marrying people that are born on amāvāsyā (new moon day) will bring harm to your life; you can even die because of their grahan (sin attached to them?) – is this claim true?
- 39
4
votes
0
answers
104
views
How does the Karnataka's Lingayat community worship differently compared to other Shiva Linga devotees? [duplicate]
The community name is derived from the "Linga", & hence it should be part of Hinduism.
However, recently Karnataka government proposed special religious status to the Lingayat community.
Is the ...
- 19.9k
5
votes
0
answers
273
views
What are the guidelines on child adoption?
A neighborhood couple adopted a child a while back. The main criteria they saw, was if the skin colour & general appearance of that child is matching with them, so that it looks natural to others.
...
- 19.9k
2
votes
0
answers
147
views
How has Hinduism spread & existing in Russia?
Russia & nearby countries were part of communist USSR for a while, which was typically anti-religion.
Yet there are several Hindu Russians (0.1% of population). How did it spread in such remote ...
- 19.9k
4
votes
2
answers
738
views
Why is sage Krishna DvaipAyana known as Veda VyAsa & what is his relation with Beas river?
In Mahabharata the name "Krishna DvaipAyana" (Dark skinned, Island born) is used quite a lot. Yet the other usage of "Veda VyAsa" is more famous.
What's the origin of this second name?
Is the Punjab ...
- 19.9k
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
0
answers
1k
views
Why did they hit coconut on dead Jayendra Saraswathi's head?
Jayendra Saraswathi passed away recently. During his funeral at Kanchi, one of his followers, hit coconut on the head of Jayendra Saraswathi's body. Why did they do so?
- 31
12
votes
4
answers
8k
views
Under which circumstances physical punishment to wife is allowed?
A soldier killing an enemy is not violence because it's done as a part of the war (Yuddha Dharma), or police killing criminals is not violence to reduce the burden on society.
Similarly, in what ...
- 19.9k
6
votes
1
answer
338
views
Why is Holi not much known in Southern India?
Why is Holi not much known in Southern India? Did the festival come into being relatively late in North India?
- 1
2
votes
0
answers
46
views
What is the difference: Tapas (तपस्) vs Yajna (यज्ञ)? [duplicate]
What's the terminology difference between Tapas-austerities and Yajna-sacrifice/perseverance?
Also when to choose one over the other?
- 19.9k
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What are the differences among Hath Yoga vs Kriya Yoga vs Raja Yoga?
Often these terms are used in same context & create confusion. May be 2 of them are synonymous.
What are the difference among them?
Extra Qn: PrANAyAma of today's time, made famous by modern day ...
- 19.9k
2
votes
0
answers
49
views
for gods that are worshiped in both north and south india are their faces depicted similarly in the two areas?
do scriptures like agamas prescribe how different deities should look? to me except siva,durga/kali and ganesa all other gods look quite dissimilar in north and south india.
- 1
4
votes
0
answers
201
views
Why are Tantras used in fierce ways? To whom they are unaffected?
I have read rickross answers which are stated from tantras and angmas but almost i found nothing scarey in what he writed so how they are used in such a fierce manner?
Is there are some type ...
- 3,969
7
votes
0
answers
65
views
Is Brahma Kumaris considered as a part of Hinduism? [duplicate]
I was wondering whether they are part of Hinduism or work as a separate organisation.
- 1,315
6
votes
1
answer
173
views
Why is Bhagavad Gita the only the Granth whose jayanti (birthday) being celebrated?
Other granthas are also there like the Vedas, The Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Manusmruti and many others. Why those are not celebrated for their jayanti, but only Gita?
- 6,933
5
votes
1
answer
12k
views
Should we study or not study on Saraswati Puja?
Saraswati Puja is soon coming and like any other year, my parents have told me to not study on the auspicious day. In fact, in most Bengali households, studying is forbidden on Saraswati Puja. However,...
user9969
1
vote
0
answers
81
views
Why Hindu Gods never appeared anywhere else on this Earth like America, Japan, China, African continents, Middle east before christ B. C. era? [duplicate]
Why Hindu gods like Vishnu, siva, and Brahma appeared for people of India in the past before christ. Why they never appeared to anyone anywhere else on this Earth like America, Japan, China, ...
- 732
6
votes
1
answer
743
views
Which Gita verses did Rajinikanth refer, while announcing his entry into politics?
Famous actor Rajinikanth did a grand announcement of his entry into politics on 31st December, 2017. During his speech, he referred Gita in following context:
"Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu ...
- 19.9k
5
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is only Bhagvad Gita being used in the Indian courts for taking oath? Why? [closed]
I have seen in many movies, people keep their hands on a book of Bhagavad Gita and assure that they will tell the truth.
Is Bhagvat Gita used in court?
Why are Ramayana, Vedas, Mahabharata & ...
- 6,933
6
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Are shudras allowed to wander near sacrifices?
This question is asked by the curiosity created by my previous question.
Are shudras allowed to wander near sacrifices?
Are they allowed to put a sight on a sacrifice?
Are they allowed to touch ...
- 3,969
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
6
votes
1
answer
171
views
How does Hinduism believe they should treat those inside and outside of their cultural frame?
This is a question I have about Hinduism. How does Hinduism believe they should treat those inside and outside of their cultural frame?
- 63
7
votes
1
answer
235
views
Which verses in the Vedas describe humans as the same as Pashus?
I remember seeing some Vedic verses related to this (either in Rig or Atharva Veda)
and they were either talking about all animals and in that humans were too there or like that only but thinking (...
- 3,969
3
votes
1
answer
511
views
What is Arya really?
In vedas the word arya appears may be it is addressed to indra too but i have listened that "ARYAS belong to no race" those are aryas who read vedas and those who not are called shudra.
So do ...
- 3,969
7
votes
1
answer
595
views
What do Vedas say about non-sacrificial killing of animals?
Do Vedas or any scripture say anything about any restrictions on non-sacrificial killing of animals?
We all know about animal sacrifices which was later explained by scholars.
But what about normal (...
- 3,969
6
votes
1
answer
804
views
In what ways vedas give equal respect to women?
Hindu texts present diverse and
conflicting views on the position
of women, ranging from feminine
leadership as the highest
goddess, to limiting her role to
an obedient daughter, housewife
and mother. ...
- 3,969
6
votes
3
answers
789
views
Do any Hindu scriptures say that Hinduism is not a religion but simply a way of life?
I have seen in many answers here that a lot of people have this notion that Hinduism is a way of life (as opposed to a well-defined religion. I find this notion amusing because I think Hinduism is ...
user12262
4
votes
1
answer
258
views
Were there "Awards" during ancient times?
In today's times, for every aspect of life, there is an award -- be it films, companies, schools, science, literature, arts, sports, competition, talent and so on ...
In ancient times, according to ...
- 19.9k
4
votes
0
answers
217
views
Which deity should be prayed or which mantra can be recited, while flying in an aircraft?
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 ...
user12262
8
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Nuclear family vs Joint family
A married couple of male & female with their children is consider a social unit.
A single social unit staying independently -- is called "Nuclear family" and when multiple such units stays ...
- 19.9k
1
vote
0
answers
180
views
Did the term "blind support" originate from Mahabharata?
DhritarAshtra was physically blind and implicitly supported wrongdoing of his son Duryodhana. GAndhAri blindfolded her eyes to follow the distress of her husband & never objected Duryodhana.
...
- 19.9k
15
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Why is Lord Hanuman also referred as "Bajaranga Bali"?
The name "Bajaranga Bali" is quite famous especially in the northern parts of India. There are popular movies made with this name, such as Bajrangbali and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
However these names are ...
- 19.9k
9
votes
1
answer
461
views
Is applying sindoor compulsory after marriage?
Is applying sindoor after marriage mandatory or just a choice? Do Hindu scripture say anything about applying sindoor after marriage?
- 91
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