For questions about customs and traditions in Hinduism (called "Karma kand", as opposed to "Gyana kand", which refers to the philosophical aspects of Hinduism).
1
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0answers
35 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? ...
5
votes
1answer
166 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
47 views
Does doing Pithru Tharpana in Kasi and Rameswaram reduces evil effects to 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 to the doer. Any substantiative ...
3
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0answers
36 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
votes
1answer
31 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
43 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
45 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
69 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
28 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
81 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
71 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
15 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
80 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
votes
2answers
140 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 ...
0
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0answers
40 views
Mundan ceremony - Whether mundan can be performed at the age of 13 years 10 months on day mundan ceremony
My child has completed 13 years 10 months. Whether mundan can be done now.
4
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1answer
76 views
Does anybody have the complete Sanskrit version of Jayatirtha's Padyamala?
I have come across the abridged English version of Sri Jayatirtha's Padyamala. It is a Sanskrit Nitya pooja text that is based on Madhwacharya's tantrasara sangrama.
I am looking for its Sanskrit ...
4
votes
1answer
78 views
What is the consequence of performing deity worship using stale flowers?
In a deity worship, flower (or Pushpa) is an important Upachara. It is thus included among both Pancha Upacharas and the Shodasha Upacharas.
Now, I know that the act is very much proscribed in ...
2
votes
1answer
173 views
When to start tarpanam [closed]
My Maternal Uncle (mother`s elder brother) passed away 4 days ago. His wife passed away 24 years ago. All this while my Maternal Uncle was performing Tila Tarpanam for his wife. My question is can my ...
5
votes
2answers
301 views
Why do we need to do Three time praying(trikal sandhya)
As per Hindu culture, we believe in God and worship to them. We should need to remember on time(Like during Morning when we wake up, Then when we eating and last when we sleep) in a day.
So what is ...
4
votes
0answers
99 views
Who should perform shraddha/funeral ceremony of a married women whose husband is still alive
According to shastra (specifically to Brahmin, no offence to others though) who should perform funeral and post death rituals of a married women whose husband in still alive (they call muttaide in ...
5
votes
0answers
33 views
How to worship Dvārapāla?
Dvārapāla
Doorkeeper, gatekeeper, guardian of a Hindu temple.
The Hindu temple is a sacred space, a divine home for the gods when invoked by their devotees. At most temples, sculptures of deities and ...
1
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0answers
52 views
Is Narasimha versus Hiranyakashipu divine retribution versus human rage?
Would be appropriate to ask as today is Narasimha Jayanti.
Can we look at Hiranyakashipu as our (Human) rage and Narasimha as a god who can help us to get rid of this aspect of our ego.
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0answers
22 views
Why do some women only tonsure three cuts (instead of the whole head)? Is there any spiritual signicance to the three cuts?
I just wanted to know if the three cuts that are sometimes done by women at the tonsuring- if it has a spiritual meaning. Why three cuts- why not 1 or 2? What is the significance behind the three cuts
2
votes
1answer
166 views
Asthi visarjan of one's father when one's mother is alive
Can one do Asthi Visarjan of one's father when one's mother is still alive? Is it the case that one can't do asti visarjan until one's mother is alive?
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0answers
56 views
What are the rituals to be performed for a dead kitten at our house?
A 3 days kitten died in our house. We tried to bring her to life but failed. What type of rituals should we do? Are there any rituals to distribute salt among neighbours and like that?
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Do scriptures prescribe what dues must be paid to the dead?
I believe immediately after death, the Preta (the one that has been sent) has to be guided to heaven with rituals and mantras. Are there similar rules about the shraddha ceremony also?
5
votes
1answer
61 views
In the marriage function the couples to see the sky for vashistar and arundathi stars?
In Hindu's marriage function the married couples are needed to see the sky for seeing the Vashistar and Arundhati stars. Why do we need to see this and what is the impact on this one?
4
votes
0answers
32 views
When did Holi start being celebrated?
Wikipedia writes:
The Holi festival is an ancient Hindu festival with its cultural rituals. It is mentioned in the Puranas, Dasakumara Charita, and by the poet Kālidāsa during the 4th century ...
4
votes
0answers
58 views
A priest died inside the temple beside the valmiki sage idol
My question is nearly about 24 years ago a priest died inside the temple beside an idol of sage shri valmiki rishi and after the death of the sage the temple was open and alternatively pooja rituals ...
2
votes
2answers
131 views
In which scriptures are found the rituals for Sannyasa initiation?
The Vedas (Samhitas) do not talk about Sannyasa at all, so they won't have them.
The principle Upanishads (13/14 of them) also do not have them, but they do mention the word "Sannyasa".
Then, in ...
2
votes
2answers
93 views
What are the counter-arguments within Hinduism against the Satī (sahamaraṇa) system?
Are there any counter-arguments within Hinduism against the concept/practice of Satī?
I heard that some commentators/interpreters of scripture believe the widow actually goes to hell since self-...
1
vote
1answer
24 views
Can anyone who had food at annual pithru/bhathru ritual cermony function visit other person's house?
Can anyone who attend an annual pithru/bhathru ceremony function and after having food in ceremony can directly go or visit some other closer relative's house?
What Dharma Shastra say about this?
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0answers
54 views
The importance of “Harichandra” for the human last funeral ceremony
In Hinduism, the people follow some process called "Harichandra" at the last time of human body in the burial ground. And they also say some slogans at the time of the same.
Does anyone know about ...
4
votes
3answers
4k views
Under which circumstances physical punishment to wife is allowed?
A soldier killing an enemy is not violence because it's done as a part of the war (Yuddha Dharma), or police killing criminals is not violence to reduce the burden on society.
Similarly, in what ...
0
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0answers
35 views
Can I have a damaged Bilva tree at my home? [duplicate]
Suppose that I have a Bilva tree at my house, and it got damaged due to some reasons. What should I do to it?
Bilva trees are considered sacred in Hindu scriptures, and also mostly used in the ...
3
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0answers
31 views
Is the naivedyam ritual mentioned in the Vedas?
We know that naivedyam is an important smarta/pauranik ritual usually done before or after nirAjanam/aarati.
Is this ritual also indicated in the Vedic rites? Like how it is done in the 16 upachara ...
2
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0answers
62 views
Was/is there animal sacrifice at dakshineshwar?
Since it is a Kali temple, animal sacrifice probably does take place there. Did Ramakrishna Paramahamsa sanction it? How about Vivekananda?
2
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0answers
50 views
What is the procedure for Agnishtoma ritual that leads to Heaven?
Agnishtoma is a Vedic ritual that takes its name from three hymns to Agni recited in it and was performed by those who want to ascend to heaven. This Hindupedia page - Agniṣṭoma gives the basic steps ...
4
votes
0answers
51 views
Shraddha Ritual - On Pindadaan and its offering locations
I have heard that Pindadaan is given in Gaya. Why can't "any place" be suitable for Pindadaan? Does Gaya (or Pinda-eligible places) contain any sort of spiritual momentum or subtle spiritual forces, ...
1
vote
1answer
65 views
Can families that have been Vratyas for 3 generations or more perform the Vratyastoma ritual?
Vratyastoma is a ritual performed by Vratyas (people who have failed to perform Upanayana in time) to readmit themselves to the fold of Varnashrama Dharma. Many Westerners who convert into Hinduism ...
3
votes
0answers
38 views
If two kings perform a sacrifice which yields victory, and fight each other, who wins?
The Vedas have sacrifices which, when performed, yield guaranteed victory in the next battle fought.
If two kings perform that sacrifice and fight each other, who wins?
6
votes
1answer
211 views
Odd way of doing Antim Sanskar ?
Recently I visited Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga. On the way I found out that Hindus mostly there, instead of burning the dead body, they buried dead body in the graves. As far ...
2
votes
0answers
45 views
What are the right rituals & food for Maha Shivaratri fast? [duplicate]
I would like to know the following:
The right type of food for the fast, so what to eat & when to eat?
The rituals to be performed before & after the fast?
Any precautions to be taken?
Any ...
5
votes
0answers
180 views
Japa Sankalpam for Australia ( Melbourne)
I've been meaning to do Sandhya vandhanam but I don't know what words to use instead of "Bharata Varshe" "Bharata Khande ". Can anyone please help me out. Thanks
3
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0answers
42 views
If mother dies within 12 months of father's death, when the final ritual will happen for father & mother?
If mother dies within 12 months of father's death, when the final ritual will happen for father & mother?
3
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0answers
25 views
What kind of purifactory rite is mentioned in ayodhya kanda which uses “aiNeyaM mamsa” antelope meat?
This is mentioned in ayodhya kand-
"aiNeyam maamsam aahR^itya shaalaam yakSyaamahe vayam | kartvyam
vaastushamanam saumitre cirajiivabhiH || 2-56-22
saumitre= Oh, Lakshmana!; aahR^itya= ...
2
votes
1answer
374 views
What is the Sutaka period for the death of the mentioned family members? [duplicate]
How many days sutaka is to be followed in case of the following events.
If Father's Mother dies
Mother's Mother dies
Father's Brother dies
Father's Sister dies
Please Provide the answer with ...
3
votes
2answers
149 views
What is the meaning of word Sanskara?
Recently I participated in the Antim Sanskara of my Father in Law.
Also we say that " He or She is very Sanskari. "
In both the context word Sanskar is used.
My questions are : What is the meaning of ...
3
votes
1answer
55 views
Different hair dos & bhakti style of Krishna bhakts and Shiva bhakts?
I have seen that most all Shiva bhakts have long hair and long beard where as Krishna bhakts have clean shaven heads having long 'choti' at the center towards the backside of the skull.
Secondly, ...
2
votes
0answers
88 views
Why were the Mandehas cursed to try to eat the Sun every day?
Sandhyavandhanam is a ritual that all Brahmanas (in fact all Dvijas) are required to perform three times a day. This chapter of the Vishnu Purana describes one reason why Sandhyavandhanam is done, ...
