Questions tagged [rituals]
For questions about customs and traditions in Hinduism (called "Karma kand", as opposed to "Gyana kand", which refers to the philosophical aspects of Hinduism).
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0answers
22 views
What daily practices (achara - anushtana) should a brahmana follow?
Brahamanas (at least orthodox followers) are expected to follow a ton of daily achara & anushtana, for e.g.
Anushtana:
Get up during brahma muhurta
Do Pratah-Sandhya before sun-rise
Do Ijyai (...
2
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0answers
34 views
What is the reason behind tonsuring?
I've heard varying reasons behind tonsuring, some that it is a way of shedding one's ego, others that the hair is a sacrifice. Which reasoning is correct?
3
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1answer
1k views
Can a groom touch the feet of the bride during marriage?
In some hindu marriages I see couples durning the feet touching practice, once the bride bends down, touches the groom's feet and gets back up, the groom then bends down and touches the feet of the ...
1
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1answer
55 views
Is changing or altering rituals allowed in Hinduism?
I hear some people say as time changes rituals need to change in order to make them compatible with the modern world.
Is it possible to change or alter rituals that are found in scriptures followed ...
7
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4answers
229 views
Which chapters of Bhagavad Gita should be read for Shanti of the departed ancestors?
What are the specific chapters of Bhagavad Gita that should be read for the Shanti of the departed ancestors/ family members ?
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0answers
24 views
What is Straishuya karma and how to perform it?
This answer says that Pumsavana Karma is a ritual conducted for getting a male child. Somewhere I heard that similar to this ritual, there is also a ritual called Straishuya Karma which can be ...
4
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2answers
56 views
What is the order of cremation rights?
I know that the eldest son takes precedence. What happens in case of someone who dies without sons? Can daughters cremate their dead father?
3
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0answers
41 views
What is the purpose of Maa Baglamukhi Yantra?
Recently heard about 'Maa Baglamukhi Yantra' so was curious to know more about this yantra.
My questions:
What exactly is the purpose of this yantra?
Who was the first person who used or we can say ...
2
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0answers
51 views
What is the agama/tantra being followed at the Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur in Kerala?
When were the rituals in Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur, Kerala standardized to current form? Who was responsible for that? Which agamas/tantras are followed in the temple while performing rituals to ...
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0answers
76 views
Ritual after sexual intercourse [closed]
My wife always insists on bathing after sexual intercourse. She also insists the bed sheet and pillow slips must be washed. Is this the way of cleansing?
4
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1answer
156 views
Difference between Naishtika Brahmacharya and Sanyasa
What is the difference between Naishtika Brahmacharya and Sanyasa. Specifically in the context of 'Agni'. Since Sanyasa involves 'agni-tyaga'. Does Naishtika Brahmacharya also involve 'Agni-tyaga'?
4
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0answers
108 views
Chowdeshwari Devi's mantra shakti used by the king for daily rituals ?
From the wiki article:
Hundreds of years ago, it is said, that there was a kingdom called Nandavara on the banks of the river Tunga in Karnataka near Raichur district, or another namesake village ...
4
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2answers
160 views
Which scripture talks about killing baby cows in sacrifices?
Manusmriti verses 5.41-42 say this:
madhuparke ca yajñe ca pitṛdaivatakarmaṇi | atraiva paśavo hiṃsyā
nānyatraityabravīn manuḥ || 41 || eṣvartheṣu paśūn hiṃsan
vedatattvārthavid dvijaḥ | ...
3
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2answers
138 views
What are various types of Snanam (bathing)?
Which scripture describes Muni Snanam, Deva Snanam, Manava Snanam and Rakshasa Snanam (bathing)?
Additionally, which scripture mentions about Vaaruna Snanam, Mantra Snanam, Dhivya Snanam, Kriya ...
3
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1answer
195 views
Performing Pooja, japa etc during wife's monthly period
My question is should the men in the household perform sandhyavandanam,, Pooja and japa when the woman in the family is during her monthly menstrual cycle. We do not have provision to spare the only ...
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0answers
137 views
Is it sin to sleep with a prostitute before marriage being a shudra? [duplicate]
Being a shudra, I'm eager to know whether sleeping with a prostitute is considered as a sinful act in hinduism.
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0answers
35 views
What is the proper procedure to light the puja lamp in the altar?
What is the proper procedure to light the puja lamp (Kamakshi vilakku) in the puja altar?
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0answers
56 views
What are the rules associated with the ritual of kshoura/kshavaram (shaving of hair)? And do these differ between sampradayas? [duplicate]
Almost all samparadayas and communities have some set of rules associated with the kshoura karma. There are rules related not just to the days on which such activities can be performed but also ...
5
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2answers
120 views
Why water is considered as an indispensable commodity in a charity ritual?
According to the scriptures a ritual involving charity (DAnam) will not be successful without the use of water. For example, while going through a Tantra related book that I have I found the following ...
2
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0answers
224 views
Can I pour water on the shivling for abhishek as many times as I want?
I go to a temple where there is a shivling set on some soil at the base of a tree. So all the water poured goes in the root, and I feel good about giving the tree so much Shiva Nirmalaya to drink. ...
4
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2answers
168 views
What is the mudra to be used when performing Achamanam?
What is the mudra to be used when performing Achamanam? How should our fingers be positioned when sipping the water?
0
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1answer
82 views
Nyasa etc for Lalita Sahasranama
Hari Om,
I'm looking for a source of explanation of the procedure of using the Nyasas of Lalita Sahasranama. See below.
Would be much appreciated. -Hari
अस्य श्रीललितासहस्रनामस्तोत्रमहामन्त्रस्य वशि...
8
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1answer
749 views
What are the benefits of doing sandhyavandanam?
What are the benefits, physical or mental, material or spiritual? Also, what are the consequences of not doing it?
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3answers
2k views
How do we clear our debts?
As stated in one of the answer here: There is a variation in the thread count of yajñopavītam. Bachelors wear a single thread, married men wear 2, and married men with children wear 3. Each thread ...
5
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1answer
91 views
If rituals are performed imperfectly, then do they have effect?
If rituals are performed imperfectly, maybe due to human error, or lack of detailed knowledge, do they still have effect?
If possible give quotes from scriptures.
2
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1answer
139 views
Why is it considered compulsory for brahmins to perform sandhyavandanam? [duplicate]
Although it has been mentioned that it is considered compulsory, the reason why is not mentioned?
Also, are there any shortcuts? Like performing sandhyavandanam only once a day or once a week?
Also, ...
4
votes
2answers
781 views
Marriage tradition of brushing the grooms legs, hands, shoulders and head
This year I had to opportunity to visit an Indian wedding being a friend of the groom. It was a very interesting experience and I would like to give a presentation in my home country about it. To do ...
2
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0answers
50 views
Why Lord Ayyappa Vratam or Mandalam is done only in few months?
Why Lord Ayyappa vratam or mandalam done only during Karthika masa or generally from September - January? I know even temple is generally opened during this period. Is there any reason or shastra ...
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0answers
49 views
What are the legends associated with Kānwar Yātrā (कांवड़ यात्रा) and which scriptures mention them?
Kānwar Yātrā (कांवड़ यात्रा): In the month of Shravan, Millions devotees (from North India) walk for hundreds of miles to collect holy water from the Ganga to offer in their local Shiva temples. This ...
5
votes
1answer
466 views
Can a person before upanayana perform anga nyasa and kara nyasa?
When I read kavachams, sahasranamamas and ashtothrams, there is mention of anga nyasa and kara nyasa.
I am yet to be initiated into gayathri.
Can I do anga and kara nyasa?
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1answer
111 views
What is 'dhuni', is it mere burning firewood?
I would like to know something about 'dhuni' and its association with the 'Nath' tradition. Any references from some authentic resources would be helpful.
3
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1answer
97 views
What scriptures say about sraddha (श्राद्ध) during pitru paksha for untimely deaths?
Is sraddha (श्राद्ध) during pitru paksha for untimely deaths such as suicides, accidents prescribed in scriptures? Some random sources say it's not allowed, and few say it should be done on Amavasya. ...
4
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0answers
74 views
Guidance about visiting temples after a 13th day of death of any family member
I am a Hindu and Maratha Kshatriya from Goa.
I just wanted to ask few questions which I believe to have different answers from different brahmans I consulted so far.
It's been a month, I lost my ...
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0answers
78 views
Karunya Pitru Tharpana
Amavasya and monthly tharpanas we perform only for pithrus. But
during Chaturmasya period, tharpana is being done on Madhya Ashtami or Maha Barani to the pithrus [forefathers] along with Karunya ...
7
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1answer
824 views
Which direction should one face while doing Sayam Sandhyavandanam?
Some people say it is not advisable to do achamana facing west, so one should face north while doing evening Sandhyavandanam up to Navagruha Tarpanam and after that one should do facing west till ...
3
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2answers
207 views
Are these rituals really done in Ashvamedha as per Brahmanas? Is the translation correct?
When the water for washing the feet is ready, they make the chief
queen (Mahishi) lie down next to the horse, and they cover the two of
them up with the upper cloth as they say the verse, ‘Let the ...
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0answers
56 views
What is the significance of hand imprint of the departed soul in ash of cow dung set in a plate in a locked room overnight, after Garud Puran?
We were told to perform this i.e., placing ash of cow dung in a plate in a locked room, for the probable hope that the hand imprint of our loved one would appear. What is the significance of this? ...
8
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1answer
521 views
How does one get initiated into Sri Vaishnavism?
How does a non-Sri Vaishnava get initiated into Sri Vaishnavism? What Sri Vaishnava Acharyas are there in the world today who initiate people?
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0answers
96 views
Does Pithru Tharpana in both Kasi & Rameswaram reduces evil effects of the doer?
Legend says that doing pithru tharpana in Kasi and from there directly going to Rameswaram and performing the pithru tharpana is good and it reduces evil effects of the doer. Any substantiative ...
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0answers
45 views
What is vaamadevya vrata?
What is vamadevya vrata and how is it generally performed?
Which texts deals with its procedures? And what are the fruits of performing it?
3
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1answer
43 views
How are ashtaka-shrAddha and preta-shraddha performed?
What are these shraddhas and how are they done?
Which texts give procedure for these rituals?
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0answers
130 views
Why the Mangalsutra thread should not be changed during the period of pregnancy?
In Hindu religion after marriage Mangalsutra thread is worn by the ladies. They will change the threads after some days/months.
However, during the period when the woman is pregnant, she is not ...
2
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0answers
51 views
Why in Aashadamaasa and Dhanurmaas no auspicious things happens?
Why in Aashadamaasa and Dhanurmaas no auspicious things happens? People follow some rituals during these time by not doing any auspicious functions. All business, marriages, home construction stops or ...
2
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1answer
79 views
What is sankalpa seva listed in many temples' seva list?
Many temples have listed sankalpa seva in their seva list. Please explain what is this.
2
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0answers
32 views
Why is thread ceremony not performed for girls? [duplicate]
There were many women in ancient times who became sages in their own right.
Why then was sacred thread ceremony not prescribed, at least for some girls willing to follow any recommended strict ...
5
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0answers
110 views
Rituals at Rameswaram before going to Varanasi
What rituals to be done at Rameswaram before going to Varanasi ?
And What rituals to be done at Rameswaram after returning from Varanasi ?
2
votes
1answer
90 views
Shraddha performance by host (himself)
Whether 'Shraddha' can be performed by the 'yajaman' (host) himself if he is a Brahmin?
The purpose of asking this is now a days it is difficult to get a Brahmin who performs this 'sincerely', ...
2
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0answers
19 views
Significance of Karnavedha? [duplicate]
What is the benefits or significance of child's Karnavedha or ear piercing ceremony. Is it necessary to do for every child or not.
2
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1answer
224 views
Which mantras should be chanted for Agnihotra more than aahuti?
I perform it daily and I know about
SaptaShloki , sunrise and sunset mantras but I wish to chant more and different shlokas like mantras, Vedic Shlokas and Vedic Sukta. Can I ?
Can I chant Purush ...
2
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2answers
341 views
Is the 6th section/Putramantha Brahmana of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad shruti?
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 6.4.7:
If she does not willingly yield her body to him, he should buy her
with presents. If she is still unyielding, he should strike her with a
stick or with his hand ...
