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).
2
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1answer
59 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
765 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
34 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
43 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 ...
4
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1answer
94 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?
6
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1answer
82 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
69 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
45 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
59 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
160 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 ...
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2answers
142 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 ...
1
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0answers
46 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? ...
6
votes
1answer
238 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
58 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 ...
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0answers
39 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
37 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
54 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 ...
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0answers
46 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
29 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
84 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
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1answer
77 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
16 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
108 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
188 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 ...
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0answers
53 views
Can mundan ceremony be performed at the age of 13 years 10 months?
My child has completed 13 years 10 months and I want to know whether mundan can be done for him at this age.
4
votes
1answer
96 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
80 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
578 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
506 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
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0answers
259 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
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0answers
35 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 ...
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0answers
54 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
23 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
418 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
59 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?
1
vote
1answer
42 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
90 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
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0answers
33 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
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0answers
63 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
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2answers
156 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
100 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-...
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vote
1answer
26 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
66 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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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0answers
325 views
How many days Sutak should be followed by an unmarried granddaughter, on the death of grandfather's brother's wife?
My paternal grandfather's brother's wife passed away and there are lot of contradictory statements we are getting over the Sutak period that is applicable to me in this case. Should it be three and ...
2
votes
0answers
90 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?
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0answers
63 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 ...
