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.
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Can Hinduism work in a classless society?
I'm not Hindu but it's my understanding that there are Hindu texts that specify a caste system. Must these systems be followed, or is something like a classless society as outlined by Marx (minus the ...
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Who is the "fiend" in this verse - Rigveda Book 10, Hymn 85
Who is the "fiend" in this verse from Rig-Veda, Book 10:
Give thou the woollen robe away: deal treasure to the Brahman priests.
This female fiend hath got her feet, and as a wife attends her ...
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Is there any significace of twitching of eyes?
Is it true that twitching of eyes indicates something?
Does it give us signal of something good or bad that is going to happen in the future?
What is the significance of left eye twitching and ...
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What should I [strictly] do to follow Hinduism as a way of life?
If I decide to follow Hinduism as a way of life, what exactly would I have to do, strictly according to the Vedanta philosophy?
I want to know what ancient Hindu scriptures say regarding this, not ...
user5063
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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 ...
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blonde haired and blue eyed people in Bharata varsha in earlier yugas
I am interested in knowing whether people in Bharata varsha in earlier yugas had blonde hair and blue eyes(the combination). Or is that combination foreign to Bharat varsha ?
Usually these are ...
user4592
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Why do Hindus give the bhoz (party) after someone's death?
I am a Hindu but sometimes I really think what is going on in our religion. Someone lost his family member and gave bhoz (party) to all the relatives and brahmins. Why is this happening in Hindu ...
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If Hindus can't kill animals, how do they get tiger carpets?
I read some Yoga books, and saw Swami Sivananda saying to not kill animals, but himself can be found in a photo making asana over a tiger's skin carpet, even pictures of Lord Shiva show him over a ...
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Why are there restrictions for women in Hindu temples (in general)? [duplicate]
I am here talking in general & not related to a specific temple or place. Why are women not allowed to touch an idol of God or come near it? Is it related to their menstrual cycle? If so, why is ...
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Vedas/Purana in Sanskrit language
Do we still have Gurukula in INDIA/Bharat. which is having new generation subjects with our traditional Vedas/Purana in Sanskrit language.
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Non-Indian Hindus
Are there European/American Hindus who converted to Hinduism, but not the newly reformed sects like Hare Krishna, Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj, but who adopted traditional sects like Shaivism, Vaishnavism,...
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What is the difference between saint,yogi and sidhas?
I wish to know but the persons who dedicate their life in search of God or peace or getting to know the meaning of Life.People often call them as saints, Sidhas, Yogis and so.
My question:
What is ...
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Is the word Hindu mentioned in any Sanatan scriptures? [duplicate]
Is the word 'Hindu' mentioned in any Sanatan scriptures?
Because there is lot said and lot to be said on the word Hindu. I went through different old literature but did not find the word Hindu.
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What does the word "mlechha" (म्लेच्छ) mean in the context of Hinduism?
I have been reading some blogs over the Internet that describe the word mleccha (म्लेच्छ) e.g., here.
Can someone explain me what mleccha actually means in the context of Hinduism and Hindu ...
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Why should not we touch Tulsi and Peepal trees on Sunday?
It is said that, we should not touch or give water to Tulsi or Peepal tree on Sunday. What is the reason behind it and what happens if someone does it?
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Why do Bengalis celebrate Kali Puja during Diwali?
I don't know why, during Diwali, the Bengalis celebrate Kali Puja? Why don't they worship Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha?
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Origin of the Shankara legend?
The film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is based on a lot of lurid and sensationalist stereotypes about worshippers of Maa Kali and Sri Shiva. However, the central plot conceit is based around a ...
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What is the proper way to say 'good bye' in Hinduism?
As we used to say Ram Ram or Jay Shree Krishna to greet when we meet someone, what is the proper good bye greeting in Hinduism?
I used to say 'bye, take care', but I want to change this to a proper ...
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Vedas and Vedic dharma on homosexuality
This link describes that the Vedas have no problem with homosexuality:
In contemporary India LGBT people face discrimination and marginalization. This results from cultural attitudes imposed by the ...
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How does artificial confluence of rivers differ from natural confluence of rivers?
The AP Government linked rivers Krishna and Godavari by artificial means. Given that;
What does this artificial confluence mean according to Hinduism? Does it signify anything in religious or ...
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Whenever Goswami's meet, why do they say Aum Namo Narayana?
Whenever two Goswami's meet then why do they say Aum Namo Narayana?
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Can non brother sisters wish each other Happy Raksha Bandhan?
Can people who are not (and cannot be) brothers and sisters wish each other Happy Raksha Bandhan without tying Rakhis?
People like friends, lovers, spouse etc.
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Who are Gramadevathas found especially in South India?
Common names of these Gramadevathas are Ankamma, Poleramma etc.
What is their relation to Lord Shiva?
Can we Worship Lord Shiva along with Gramadevathas? See this blog.
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How do Hindus justify depositing money in a Temple Hundi or giving money during Aarthi?
In almost all Hindu temples there is a Hundi (money pot) where people deposit money or offer it to God during an aarthi. Are they giving money to God? If yes, why? God creates everything, why would He ...
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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 ...
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Why is there so much diversity b/w north and south and still both hindu
I have myself observed it, all the things b/w north and south are very different, may it be the language, eating habits and in terms of religion both consider themselves as Hindu but have different ...
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What are the cultural and religious differences between Hindus in India and Bali?
Indonesia is the country with largest Muslim population but majority of people in Bali islands are Hindus. I want to know whether there are any cultural and religious differences or similarities ...
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Why are non-Hindus not allowed inside temples?
Many Hindu temples have a board which says 'only Hindus allowed beyond this point.'
What is the reason for this?
Was there a historical event which led to this kind of rule in Hindu temples?
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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.
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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....
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What are some of the practices of having pets as per Hinduism?
Is it ok to have pets in Hinduism and if so, what pets are ok and which are not ok?
Moreover, is there a proper protocol for raising pets? In general, views from Shastras would be very helpful.
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Why should a person sprinkle water on himself, if he sneezes at a door entrance (Gadapa)?
Why should a person sprinkle water on himself, if he sneezes at a door entrance (Gadapa)?
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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 ...
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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-...
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What is the significance of designing the courtyard?
I am not sure about North India, but in South India House wives draw a beautiful Rangoli (In south, muggulu) in the courtyard (angan) of their house. Some women even use cow dung to design their ...
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A few questions about being Hindu in America [closed]
I am involved in a class focused on studying different civilizations and cultures. I chose to study Indian culture and focused on religion.
If anyone is willing to give me a few answers, I would ...
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What is the significance behind saffron and turmeric mixed rice shower in hindu marriage?
In south indian hindu marriages bride and groom shower each other with turmeric rice. what is the reason/story behind this ritual practice? Some says it is the significance of glory, desire for ...
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Should we chant mantras before eating food?
Usually, we pray before having food. Are there any mantras which should be chanted before taking food? If such mantras exist, do they differ according to the meal e.g., breakfast, lunch and supper?
user11
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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
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What does Hinduism say about protection of nature?
Sanathana Dharma is one of the rarest culture in history of mankind which emphasize on the protection of nature. Here in India, Hindus respect the value of life in Nature. They respect trees, animals ...
user11
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Significance of Marapachi doll in Gollu
During the festival season of Navrathri it is a custom of keeping Marapachi dolls in Gollu (Navrathri Golu), a custom which is widely practiced in the southern states. What is the significance of ...
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How do Hindus celebrate birthday?
I have not heard about birthday celebrations in our puranas or texts.
But is there any account of Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna) celebration in any of the puranas or other texts? When did it ...
user11
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Does hinduism/vedas allow non-veg consumption? [duplicate]
This question has puzzled me for long. My family does consume non-veg but we don't do it on Mondays and Thursdays and also not on full moon days. Also we only consume mostly meat and fish. So why is ...
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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 ...
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Is there any provision for 'Divorce' in Hindusm? [duplicate]
By law and court system a marriage can be ended with legal divorce. Islam says if they say Talaq three times then the marriage is over. Like Islam, does Hinduism allow divorce for a married couple?
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Why can't we have same calendar?
I'm Hindu and I've noticed that in some places, Sravan month ends a few weeks earlier (eg. in Nepal it's already over), than for other places (e.g my town). Why does this happen?
Sravan month is just ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Why can Garuda Purana be read on specific days only?
Is there any reason behind the restriction that Garuda Purana should only be read during normal days (i.e., when there's no death in the family)?
My elders told me that it should be only read on the ...
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