Questions tagged [practice]
Religious practices of Hinduism including rituals, prayers, poojas, worship, etc.
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Why do some Hindus, especially brahmins, not eat onion or garlic?
I have been with some Brahmins, and I was told that along with meat, they are also prohibited from eating onions and garlic.
I can understand the meat prohibition because of cows, but what is the ...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Why do we perform pradakshinam (circumambulation) clockwise?
When circumambulating a temple or an idol (i.e. perform pradakshinam), we do so clockwise. Now, it's obvious that we need to have everybody circumambulating in the same direction, or else people would ...
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What is the significance of Rudraksha in Saivism?
Rudraksham seems to have an important place in the Saivite sect of Hinduism. I have seen it being worn by many Saivite temple priests and many rishis (in their portrayals). Apart from priests, I have ...
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If a Brahmin doesn't perform duties as per his varna, is he still called as brahmin?
Normal duties of Brahmana varna are waking up early morning, learning and chanting Vedas, etc, But if a Brahmin doesn't perform these duties, is he still respected like other brahmins who perform ...
user9554
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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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Why Sanyasi (संन्यासी) shouldn't stay at a place for Long?
I was going through the below lines from a very famous गुरूचरित्र (Guru Charitra)
श्रीगुरु म्हणती शिष्यांसी । तुम्ही आश्रमी संन्यासी । राहूं नये पांच
दिवशीं । एके ठायीं वास करीत ॥१६॥
In above ...
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Why does Hindus add "Darbha Grass" to every food during moon eclipse?
Today is Moon Eclipse, so my mother added "Darbha Grass" to every food. Why so?
Why Hindus add "Darbha Grass" to every food during moon eclipse?
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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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When was "Adhik Maas" added to the Hindu calendar?
Since the Hindu calendar is based on the lunar calendar, there is a difference of 11 days between the earth year and the lunar year.
It is a fact that the solar year is made up of 365 days and about ...
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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 the history behind celebrating Tulsi Vivah?
What is the history behind celebrating Tulsi Vivah and What are the correct ways follows to do the Tulsi Vivah Pujan?
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Do any Acharyas support a return to Hindu monarchy?
Throughout most of its history, the system of government in India was Vedic monarchy (the claims of P.C. Dharma notwithstanding). But in modern times, India has turned into a democracy. My question ...
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Rules to discard photos
How to discard old photos and idols in a dignified manner? Please give authentic suggestion with support from scriptures.
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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 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 a Shivling? [duplicate]
As far as I know and understand, the Sanskrit word "lingam" लिन्गम् means the genital organ of a human or an animal.
Is the Shivling the same thing? If this is so, what is the significance behind ...
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Why can't we walk full clockwise in shiva temple?
While on Shiva Temple, we does not walk full clockwise around the temple, why? What is the reason behind it?
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Origins of the dowry system
In many religions, a practice/custom or tradition starts with a noble intention, mainly due to prevalent social needs. But with time it is corrupted, or digresses or even becomes obsolete.
With that ...
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What are the Hindu Code of Conduct (Ethics)?
Codes of Conduct or Ethical codes are very essential norms, rules and values that guides the right living practices and standard behaviour for individual as well as social welfare.
For example Code ...
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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 is the importance of Brahmacharya (Celibacy) in Hinduism?
Many saints and yogis practice Brahmacharya(Celibacy) for whole life. What are the benefits of Brahmacharya and how important is this practice according to Sanathana Dharma?
What are the rules to be ...
user11
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What do we gain from chanting the names of Lord Shiva?
There are various scriptures enumerate the results one can obtain by chanting the name of Lord Shiva and it is believed that Lord Shiva is pleased very easily as compared to Lord Vishnu and Lord ...
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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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Did Adi Shankaracharya support animal sacrifice?
I had always assumed that the Advaitin philosopher Adi Shankaracharya opposed animal sacrifice in Vedic Yagnas (fire-rituals). Here is what this blog post says, for instance:
In the 7th century A....
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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 ...
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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 ...
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What is the significance of facing East?
When I was brought up, I was told to face East when starting some new task or while doing prayers or chanting mantras.
My guess is that it might have come out of ancient sun (Surya) worship as sun ...
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Why do we keep saying "rama naam satya" while carrying a dead body for funeral?
Why do we only say about the Rama naam during the funeral though we have various gods in hinduism. Is there any specific story behind this?
I've never heard anyone pronouncing the names of lord ...
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