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
2
votes
0
answers
84
views
Why Mata given more importance than Pita?
We all know that in order to bring a child into this world we need need both a female and a male (not taking into consideration current scientific methodologies), agree that a woman nurtures the baby ...
- 8,958
1
vote
0
answers
67
views
How does Hindu life make different from any other religion?
I had a discussion with my friend that Indian (Hindu) culture is restricted, or one should obey their elders, respect them, and do what elders want not what that individual wants. I was like this is ...
- 11
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Which were the Holidays in ancient Indian culture?
In today's time the Indian government offices are full of holidays, so are many western corporations.
How were the weekly/monthly/yearly Holidays in earlier times?(e.g. Weekends, Seasonal holidays, ...
- 19.9k
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Are there any scriptural references of the trinity "Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh(Shiva)" as depicted in popular culture?
Brahma is typically depicted as an ancient deity with multiple heads
[& hands] in various directions.
Vishnu is depicted in form of a deity sleeping in the midst of an
ocean over a big snake (...
- 19.9k
6
votes
2
answers
675
views
Physical appearance of various Gods for worship
This is question about pictorial representation of various gods, especially their facial hair.
Brahma has a full beard & moustache. But Vishnu (including RAma, Krishna incarnations) and Shankara ...
- 2,652
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What was the traditional attire for men and women in the Vedic period? [closed]
The clothes that we wear can say a lot about our personality. I believe in Vedic period clothing for men and women are different than that of us. If yes, what was the traditional attire for men and ...
- 3,117
17
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Were there toilets in ancient India i.e., during times of Ramayana and Mahabharata?
The people of Indus valley did have toilets in their homes, so were there toilets in the times of Mahabharata or Ramayana? Does any Hindu scripture mention about toilet system?
- 5,232
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Is there any mention of "Scissors" in the Hindu literature?
The Goddess Tara is shown holding scissors
Scissors symbolises that the Goddess cuts asunder the attachments to this material worlds, much feared by the spiritual souls.
Now, scissors looks a bit ...
user9392
3
votes
0
answers
121
views
Why religious activities aren't suggested during absence of Venus?
In most of places where Hindu religion is believed, Most of the religious activities are not suggested during period of absence of Venus. Can anyone describe reason behind this ?
- 241
1
vote
0
answers
103
views
What is the significance or benefit of chanting Maha Mrityunjay Mantra? [duplicate]
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्
...
tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam
urvārukamiva ...
2
votes
0
answers
47
views
Fasting time with one time meal
I do night shift till 4 am so what will be the normal fasting start time . Fast with one time meal I.e only dinner .
- 21
1
vote
0
answers
363
views
Are there any handshake restrictions for Hindus?
According to this question on Workplace.SE:
Muslims have some restrictions when it comes to interacting with members of the opposite sex. Usually many people in USA and Europe do not know that, for ...
- 31.2k
3
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What does Hindu scripture say about the need for clothing?
In most societies, clothing is a requirement to cover the private parts. But Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in Future of Feminine said that
Our Body parts are Not Secret it is just that we learnt How to ...
- 4,196
1
vote
0
answers
64
views
Reference Books for Hindu/Indian Mythology, Culture & Philosophy? [duplicate]
What concise classical references do we have in English of Hindu/Indian mythology, religion and philosophy subjects especially from the colonial period by non-Indian indologists? An objective ...
- 2,652
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Does Hinduism allow Guru-Shishya Marriage?
I have seen in a Vikram and Betal story that the prince is not allowed to marry the princess since prince has secretly learnt Archery from the princess in that way the princess is his Guru and Guru-...
- 297
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
2
votes
1
answer
688
views
Why people play cards during Ugadhi?
Is there any significance of doing gambling on this Ugadhi day? I am seeing from my childhood days, people keep playing cards all over the city without any fear of cops during these day. Any myth ...
- 1,466
2
votes
0
answers
212
views
What is the significance of circumambulating the sacred fire by bride and groom in marriage? [duplicate]
EXPLANATION :
In Hindu marriage Sacred Fire is used as a important ritual by all the people.
During the rituals the Bride and Groom circumambulate the Sacred Fire for 7 times(Not Sure).
QUESTION :
...
- 4,196
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
9
votes
0
answers
329
views
Is the Jallikattu festival connected to Hinduism? If so, what is its significance?
The famous Jallikattu festival of Tamil Nadu, India was temporarily banned and then reinstated recently. My questions are:
Is the Jallikattu festival connected to Hinduism?
If so, what is the ...
- 649
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
A Comprehensive book on Hinduism [duplicate]
Of course when one finds it necessary to know about one religion, the first books or valid references they would be offered, are each religion's number one book! (Quran, Bible, etc), but what about ...
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
2
votes
5
answers
8k
views
Why and how do Hindus celebrate Christmas?
Why and how do (some) Hindus celebrate Christmas?
What have any modern Hindu Gurus commented on this practice?
EDIT
I don't think this is an opinion-based question. From What types of questions ...
- 31.2k
6
votes
1
answer
15k
views
Why do Sabarimala devotees wear Black clothes ?
Black cloth is usual considered inauspicious and not used especially when visiting a temple. But devotee of Ayyappa wears black clothes when they visit Sabarimala. Is there any reason for this ...
- 3,523
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
17
votes
2
answers
20k
views
Can a married woman take out her Mangala Sutra and keep it anywhere?
I have seen many of our sisters and mothers wear the Mangala Sutra. The question Why do brides wear a mangal sutra? answers why they wear it in the first place.
But my question is:
Nowadays we see ...
- 1,158
3
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Reason behind Kashi Yatra in Indian Wedding
In Indian marriages, especially the South Indian Weddings, I have noticed the ritual of Kashi Yatra. This ritual involves persuading the groom to accept the girl for marriage and enter Grihastasramam....
- 3,523
6
votes
3
answers
341
views
Are we encouraged to become a brahmin?
Is becoming a brahmin best for us? if yes then why? are we discouraged if we choose a different path?
- 978
6
votes
1
answer
658
views
Why is Ram lila popular in North India than South India?
When thought of Deepavali the question struck my mind---
Krishna killed Narakasura and we celebrate Deepavali. Rama killed Ravana mightier than Narakasura. During vijayadasami, Ramlila is the one we ...
- 4,945
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
23
votes
5
answers
2k
views
How is "Patriotism" seen from the Hindu Dharma perspective?
Are there any scriptures (Dharma Shastra-s) or Hindu saints who have talked about patriotism?
Related: This post discusses specific to Kshatriya class, Martyr concept in Hinduism
- 10.5k
8
votes
1
answer
9k
views
Which Scriptures mention "Chitrahuti" (चित्राहुति) or "Chitravati" procedure which we carry out before starting of our meals?
Chitrahuti (चित्राहुति) Or "Chitravati", is a procedure of keeping small amount of food out side of the plate on the floor , as offering to "Chitra ,Chitragupta and Yama (चित्रा , चित्रगुप्त , यम) ...
- 32.2k
0
votes
0
answers
196
views
Love, fate and marriages [duplicate]
Is there something like we get to marry the person that God has pre written for us in our fate? Because i have seen so many love stories which dating happens for years, they will be so in love but in ...
- 1
3
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Two different names of same gothras
I somewhere heard that same gothras cannot get married. I have a friend who belongs to the gothras Srivatsa loved a boy of gothra Bhargavasa. Is there any possibility that both gothras are same but ...
- 31
11
votes
2
answers
13k
views
Why do Hindus cover their head?
All Hindu women cover their heads in Temples and during prayers which shows respect towards God. Here I have found there is no mention of women covering their head in any of the Hindu texts. If it is ...
user6981
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Materials to be avoided during Chatur Masa Vrata?
What are the materials should be discarded each month in this 4 month vrata period? Like dal,cumins,milk, curd etc, Vegetable, fruits.
- 4,945
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
What is significance of Shashtanga Namaskaram near Kodimaram/Dwajastambha/flagpole?
Why do we do Shashtanga Namaskara near Kodimaram/Flag Pole/Dwajastamaba ? I often watched people also doing Namaskaram near Garbha Gruha (inner sanctorum)? Please clarify me which one is the right way ...
- 55
6
votes
2
answers
790
views
Aesthetics in Hinduism
Is there a branch of philosophy in Hinduism about aesthetics? By aesthetics I mean the western notions of the term as we currently understand to be one of the main branches of western philosophy. I do ...
- 205
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How Monsoon Season or Rainy Season (वर्षा ऋतू) has been described in Ancient scriptures of Hinduism?
How Rushies (ऋषी) , Poets (कवी) described Monsoon Season (वर्षा ऋतू) in ancient Scriptures , shlokas , Subhasitas (सुभाषित) , Plays etc.?
Is there any description of Rainy season / Monsoon Season ...
- 32.2k
4
votes
3
answers
621
views
What is the significance of " Vratas" ( व्रत ) In Hinduism?
What is the significance of "Vratas (व्रत )" described in Hinduism. e.g. "Haritalika (हरितालिका)" , "Rushi Panchami (ऋषि पंचमी) etc.
Are there any scriptures pointing towards importance of "vratas" ...
- 32.2k
12
votes
2
answers
4k
views
The story behind Names of Hindu calender Months?
In Hindu traditional calender Their are 12 months (मास)
Chaitra (चैत्र), Vaisakha (वैशाख), Jyaistha (जेष्ठ), Asadha (आषाढ), Sravana (श्रावण), Bhadrapada (भाद्रपद), Asvina (अश्विन), Kartika (कार्तिक),...
- 32.2k
6
votes
2
answers
329
views
What are the qualities or attributes that differentiate Sanathana Dharma from other religious faiths?
I would like to know whether there are any ideals or principles in Sanathana Dharma that make it distinctly different from other religious faiths of the world? What qualities or principles does ...
- 61
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
3
votes
0
answers
3k
views
Which hand should be used for supporting head while applying Tilak on the forehead?
Which hand do i have to put on the back of the head while getting a tilak on the forehead? If someone applies tilak on my forehead, i should place my hand on the back of my head. But do I have to use ...
- 31
4
votes
1
answer
422
views
Why do we join our hands in the way we do, when we pray? [duplicate]
Whenever we pray, we tend to keep our hands together.
Is there a reason why we do so ??
- 231
9
votes
1
answer
18k
views
Why are women advised to tie their hair in temples?
Once when I visited a Durga temple, a man who was giving out flowers to all devotees told me to tie my hair and not leave it open in the temple. I genuinely want to know the reason.
- 231
1
vote
2
answers
2k
views
What are the remedies as per Hindu religion to reduce parents curse?
Parents give curse to their children when they are very angry and actually the child also did some work which is beyond the boundary of their society culture, but the child is not wrong. The curse is ...
5
votes
2
answers
487
views
Why do most people fast on Rama Navami but not on Janmashtami?
Why do people fast on Rama Navami unlike Krishna Janmashtami where we celebrate with lot of sweets?
- 91