Questions tagged [practice]
Religious practices of Hinduism including rituals, prayers, poojas, worship, etc.
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How to read Hindu Scriptures.?
Ok, I understand there are lot of Hindu scriptures.
How to read them?
I wish to read them for.:
meditation
to gain wisdom/knowledge
raise positive vibrational energy
but most importantly break out ...
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4
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What is the significance of the janeva (sacred thread)?
In Hinduism, all male brahmins are required to go through an initiation called thread ceremony (upanayanam or yagnopachhedan) in which their heads are shaved before they are given the sacred thread (...
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What do the Vedas say about animal sacrifice?
In ancient times, there had been animal sacrifices at various Yagyas and rituals were performed by Brahmins for kings, while on the other hand they also used to advocate non-violence and preferred a ...
user3870
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How do I control and slay indriyas (senses)?
I've recently read the 3rd chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. At the end, the following is said to get control over the indriyas (senses):
इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते ।
एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञा...
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What are the Saptapadi or the seven promises of marriage?
What are the Saptapadi or seven promises of marriage a Hindu couple takes walking around the fire?
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Is it true that chanting mantra without moving lips and tongue gives more effect?
Is it true that chanting mantra without moving lips and tongue gives more effect? Is it called Aajapa mantra?
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What is the truth behind the practice of Sati? How is it related to Hinduism?
Many people use the practice of Sati (सती) as a weapon against Hinduism to point out that it is full of bad practices. I have heard that it was limited to one particular community in one of the states ...
user11
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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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Shaving / Haircut / Nailcut - what days are allowed / prohibited?
On what days is a haircut or shaving (Kshoura) or a nailcut allowed and on what days is it prohibited?
Are they different between sampradayas?
Are we allowed to cut hair/beard ourselves? Or should ...
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Is Janeva (Yajñopavītam or sacred thread) limited to Brahmins only?
I heard a lot about the power of Janeva (Yajñopavītam or sacred thread), a small cloth string worn on the shoulders across the hands.
When chatting with some Brahmins, I found them suggesting that it ...
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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 ...
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Do methods of worship change according to yugas?
Are there different methods of worshiping God in different yugas?
For example, in the Sathya Yuga, the major method of worship is meditation or yagas. In Kaliyuga - chanting of God's name. I have ...
user11
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What is Hinduism's view on abortion?
What do Hindu scriptures says about abortion ("a deliberate termination of pregnancy")?
Was it a sin at some point in the past? If so, why?
Have any modern Hindu gurus, like Vivekananda, Ramakrishna ...
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What is the recommended age for marriage for girls as per Shastra?
I remember reading that girls should be married within the age of 12. The intention of the question is not to incite a debate on the ideal age for marriage in today's world, but to know what our ...
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Do any commentaries on the Brahma Sutras say that animal sacrifice is immoral?
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa ...
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Why do people celebrate Holi? Why do they throw colored powder at each other?
Holi is meant to be a happy ritual, I agree. But what is the historical context behind this whole ritual, and what do the colors represent?
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How can one increase bhakti?
How can a person increase his or her bhakti? Do scriptures give any guidance or advice over this issue?
user9969
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Why did Hindus practice untouchability?
In various sub-castes, people used to practice untouchability i.e., some of the people who were considered lower castes, for example, sweepers, cleaners, etc. were ignored, and there were rules such ...
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What is the significance of pouring milk on the Shivling?
I have seen people pouring milk on the Shivling.
What is the significance of this?
Image taken from shivmandirsarthali.com
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Is there a taboo about a younger groom marrying an elder bride? Any references where a younger groom marries an elder woman?
As the question says, are there any taboos/guidelines or any references to authoritative texts or incidents where a younger groom marries an elder woman?
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Giving Alms (Donation/charity) with the intention of getting merit will give me merit?
If someone gives alms (Donation/charity) in form of anything.
If his intention is to get merit. Then will he actually get merit out of that karma?
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What was the true reason behind the practice of Child Marriage?
In our country Child marriages were done in Hinduism at Large Level and still continuing in a small level.
Many people were against this child marriage with scientific basis that it is Bad and was ...
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Which Hindu text generally describes the rules of Niyoga?
Niyoga (Sanskrit: नियोग) is an ancient Hindu tradition, in which a woman (whose husband is either incapable of fatherhood or has died without having a child) would request and appoint a person for ...
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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 ...
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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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Why eating rice is prohibited on Ekadashi?
Why eating rice is prohibited on Ekadashi? It is practiced in some parts of India (I am not sure about this practice in all parts of India).
Is there any story or scriptural basis for this belief ...
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Is there any advantage for a person dying as virgin?
I know staying virgin whole-life really needs good discipline, strong will power et cetera.
But what are Spiritual & Material benefits of being Virgin whole life? Id est, dying as a virgin? Do ...
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How is animal or human sacrifice justified?
Killing of animals or humans as a sacrifice is generally banished in Hinduism although some clans are still allowed to do so.
How is this Hindu practice of sacrificing animal or human life to make ...
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Why do women not wear Yagnopaveetham (Janeu or Poonal)?
In this question it is said that the three strands of the poonal signify the debts to parents, teachers and sages.
If so, aren't these debts also meant for women?
Why is it that women do not wear ...
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Why is aarti performed to deities in temples?
In all temples Aarti i.e a lamp with camphor or ghee is lit and is shown in circular motion in front of the deities. Is this just a ritual for revering Agni or does it have a deeper significance?
...
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Duty of a Shudra
Duty of a Shudra is not giving alms to Brahmins, as they are prohibited from having wealth.
Mahabharata Santi Parva chapter 59:
A Sudra should never amass wealth, lest, by his wealth, he makes the
...
user9554
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1
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Is there a scripturally recommended age of marriage for men?
As discussed in this QnA: What is the recommended age for marriage for girls as per Shastra?
We have lots of guidelines for how much "younger" a bride must be compared to her groom.
For ...
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Keeping Deities/God photos in everywhere in home
Some orthodox Hindu families (Middle class) keep deities photos every place in their home.
Some keep partially divided in the kitchen
Some keep in the hall itself
Bed room is an optional if ...
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Why are Hindus not allowed to eat beef when scriptures seem to indicate otherwise? [duplicate]
A recent photograph of some Hindu protesters demanding a ban on beef and other non-vegetarian food made me sit and take notice of the Vedas.
I believe that these protesters are ignorant of what their ...
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Why are crows considered to be a link to our pitris (spirits of ancestors)?
In Devasams (srardham) or annual memorial ritual performed to the deceased, rice is fed to crows. I was told by elders at home that the crows represent our Pitris.
What is the reason behind crows ...
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Rituals to be performed during Shiv Ratri and their significance
Shivaratri comes every month and Maha Shivaratri comes once a year. Many people offer prayers to Lord Shiva on that night without sleeping. Are there any specific rituals that one must do while ...
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What is Purascharana and how is it done?
I have a few questions about Purascharana.
Can Purascharana be initiated even without a guru?
Should the mantra be repeated fixed number of times daily? What if there is a variation in the no. of ...
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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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Are there any examples of incest in Hindu mythology?
I am wondering if there are examples of incest relationships such as between Father/Daughter, Brother/Sister in Hindu mythology?
I would be thankful if you could mention the source.
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What is the significance of odd numbers in Hinduism?
There seems to be a special preference given to odd numbers in Hinduism. For instance:
The ahutis in yagnas are always odd.
Tradition of feeding 11 Brahamins.
Tradition of feeding 9 young girls in ...
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What is Shaktipata?
Can anyone explain about it with good examples?
What are the different types of Shaktipata?
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When and how to tie the shikha शिखा and scripture recommendations regarding it?
I was wondering how to tie a braid(tribraid or others?) and when to keep the shikha, (choti or tuft of hair) or when to tie it and when to leave it as it is. Are there any texts/scripture ...
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Brahmins used to eat Five-nailed animals?
पंच पंच नखा भक्ष्या ब्रह्म क्षत्रेण राघव |
शल्यकः श्वाविधो गोधा शशः कूर्मः च पंचमः ||
(Kishkinda Kanda 17th Sarga 39th Shloka)
Meaning
Raghava, five kinds of five-nailed animals, viz., a kind of ...
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Any other slokas suggesting drinking of cow urine
The following statement from Section 81, Anushasana Parva of Mahabharata suggests drinking cow urine
"Vyasa said, ... One should for three days drink the hot urine of the
cow..."
In ...
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What is Dīkṣā (दीक्षा)?
I've found this basic definition of Dīkṣā though I don't know in which scripture it appears -
svarupasambodhadanatmako bhedamayabandha-ksapanalaksanasca sarhskaravisesah i.e. Dikshā is a ...
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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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Is naam japa better than mantra japa in kaliyuga?
It is said by some that in kaliyuga, naam japa is the only means of salvation.
Even if we ignore this extreme position, does it imply that naam japa is definitely better than mantra japa in kaliyuga ?...
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Why is Shikha Bandhan needed at the time of pooja?
Why Shikha Bandhan is needed at the time of pooja? Is it related to God or due to any other reason and what would happen if we do not do shikha bandhan? What is the benefit? What to be done for those ...
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Can anyone tell me the six kinds of renunciation described in Hindu scripture?
What are the six kinds of renunciation that are mentioned in the Vedas or other Hindu scriptures?
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Why is Thiruman Sacred?
What is purpose/reason of using Thiruman katti for making Urdhwapundra or Namam, What is relation of Thiruman to Shriman Narayana? How is it holy clay?
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