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).
411
questions
3
votes
1answer
159 views
Why is it said not to eat before worshiping God?
Even for worshipping god everyday in the morning, it is said to have breakfast only after worshipping god. Or it can be said in other way that if one worships god, he or she has to complete pooja ...
12
votes
2answers
749 views
Do all Non-Hindus remain as Pretas after death?
The Jivatma will remain as a Preta unless Śrāddha is done, but non-Hindus do not perform Śrāddha.
2
votes
0answers
36 views
What are the rules for blowing conch before and after Pūjā - Upāsanā?
When should the conch (शंख) be blown? At the start of the Pūjā - Upāsanā or at the end?
Sometimes, I have seen people blowing it twice, both at the start and then in the end too. Others, blow it ...
1
vote
0answers
38 views
What are the Beej, Vedic and Tantric mantras of all the navagrahas?
I have heard astrologers at times, specifically advising to use the Beej Mantras of a particular graha as remedy for the respective planetary afflictions.
At other times, they specifically advice to ...
2
votes
0answers
40 views
Keeping two conch shells ( shankha) at home not allowed?
I have heard people saying that the shankh - conch, which is used for blowing shouldn't be used for worshipping any deities via Abhishekam (especially God Vishnu) or, in any other way, and vice-versa.
...
1
vote
0answers
49 views
The confusion between fruits & vegetables
Science classify several eatables, which in layman vernacular are called vegetables, to be fruits and vice-versa. Kind of oxymoron in itself.
For example:- Tomato, Cucumber, Chilli, Capsicum, Bell ...
2
votes
0answers
23 views
Annaprasana timing
Greetings. I have a doubt regarding the Annaparasan timings. We know the fact that "For a son, this is done in even months - the 6th, 8th, 10th or 12th months. For a daughter this is done in odd ...
3
votes
0answers
83 views
Do Pretas and Bhootas roam around for eternity unless rites are performed for them? [duplicate]
If rites and rituals are not performed for their liberation, would these pretas/bhootas roam the world for eternity?
3
votes
2answers
98 views
Why it is not advised to perform other Yugas activities into a particular Yuga?
This answer says very well that it is as it is stated but does not explain why.
https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/a/44173/22667
Quot.
Rickross user says: "
Now, since this very nature of the ...
5
votes
1answer
118 views
Why does only the bride need to move to the groom's place after marriage and not vice versa?
Is it written anywhere that only the bride has to sacrifice her parents and move to her husband's place permanently?
Why is it not applicable for the groom to move to bride's family? Only in ...
1
vote
0answers
62 views
what is Nava Shraddha, Nagna Srardham , Vrishotsarga, Ekoddishta, Sapthaham, Maasika
In relation to rituals after death, I am looking for better clarity on the following topics:-
Nagna Srardham
Nava Shraddha
Vrishotsarga
Ekoddishta
Saptaha
Maasika: This is last chapter in the karma ...
1
vote
0answers
26 views
What items should not be kept in new home before house warming?
Are there any rules to be followed before doing house warming in new house?
I heard that no god photos should be kept inside before house warming, are there any restrictions on keeping cloths, iron, ...
1
vote
1answer
87 views
Haircuts on Saturdays in Hinduism [duplicate]
Are Haircuts to be avoided on Saturdays as it is considered inauspicious in Hinduism?
If Yes, Are there Hindu mythologies behind this?
https://www.hinduismfacts.org/why-dont-hindus-cut-hair-nails-on-...
3
votes
1answer
69 views
Can substitutes in rituals be permanent fixtures?
It is my understanding that use substitutes is permissible in case of random non-availability of samagri (ingredients, material etc). Some of the answers such as this one and this one provide ...
4
votes
1answer
160 views
What to do with sandyavandanam water? Can it be drunk?
Normally we throw away the water left over after sandayavandanam or pour it under a tree. Can I drink the water instead of throwing it away? Can it enhance my health? Also can others drink it?
0
votes
0answers
52 views
Is there any procedure for giving a curse?
For giving a curse, does any mantra need to be recited, water sprinkled, etc.? Is there any procedure which needs to be followed? Also, who is eligible to give a curse? Are there any qualifications ...
3
votes
2answers
99 views
Does kanyadana mean donating or gifting a bride?
I have read so many articles on this topic! does Sanatan Dharma support kanyadaan? Kanya = Maiden Daan = Donation
2
votes
0answers
81 views
Why is porcupine quill used in seemantham samskara?
In the Seemantham (baby shower) samskara, a porcupine quill is used to draw a line straight from navel of expectant mother to her forehead - thrice, amid constant prayers and chants.
As per this blog ...
2
votes
1answer
93 views
Defining Number Of Days For Ashoucha(sutaka) in case of death within bloodlines (relatives)
I wanted to understand regarding the Ashoucha(sutaka) in case of death of a relative.
I wanted to know regarding number of days for Ashoucha(sutaka), and when and how we should follow the sutaka.
And ...
3
votes
0answers
34 views
Exemptions for performing Sandhya
Are Hindus exempted from performing Sandhyavandanam in certain circumstances like natural disasters or travel?
1
vote
1answer
107 views
Putting Mata Shodasi Mahavidya picture with other gods and recite mantras
Can Mata Shodasi Mahavidya picture be put in pooja room with other gods?
I don't know anything about MahaVidya but want to do Mata Shadoshi puja. Is there any special rule to do her puja and if not ...
2
votes
0answers
42 views
Is it mandatory to chant laghunyasam before chanting Sri Rudram?
I would like to know Is it mandatory to chant laghunyasam before chanting Sri Rudram?
1
vote
0answers
54 views
Why do we have mantras and rituals for sinful activities?
Let's take gambling. As seen in these answers here and here, gambling is a vice. No two ways about it. But there is an entire sukta in Atharva Veda dedicated to success in gambling as seen here
I have ...
1
vote
2answers
151 views
How can one fulfill wishes through rituals?
Are there rituals (including vrat, tapa, japa, anusthan, purasharan,etc) through which one can fulfill one's wishes and overcome obstacles?
2
votes
0answers
56 views
What is the authentic procedure for Vratyastoma?
Any respectable scholar can list about the types and conditions to perform vratyastoma sacrifice?
2
votes
4answers
547 views
What are the correct mantras while giving arghya to Surya?
I only chant om suryay namah but now I want to learn complete mantras while giving arghya to Surya and should we also chant the Gayatri mantra? As a Brahmana (Brahmin) what else should I do beside ...
4
votes
0answers
53 views
What is the Vedic ritual for Bhumi Puja of Mandir?
Recently the historic Bhumi Puja for Ram Mandir was conducted at Ayodhya, after at least 1000 years.
Which scripture details the exact method for doing Bhumi Puja, especially for that of a Mandir?
Is ...
4
votes
0answers
44 views
Why is the month of Aadi considered auspicious for the Goddess Parvati (Ambaal)?
The month of Aadi in the Tamil calendar is considered particularly auspicious for the Goddess Parvati, i.e. Ambaal.
Why is this so?
(In case it matters, my perspective comes from that of a Tamil ...
2
votes
0answers
46 views
Is it mandatory to shave beard also along with head
After someone's demise, I know family member's go through a ritual where they shave off their head but I heard a new thing from my house Pandit Ji, he said now it is mandatory to shave beard also, ...
1
vote
0answers
33 views
Can married couples climb hills in first six months after marriage?
Is there any restriction in Hinduism that newly married couples should not climb hills for the first six months after their marriage?
2
votes
1answer
86 views
Mantras while cooking
There are mantras to be recited and practice like Annashuddhi/parishechanam before eating. But are there any mantras to be recited before/while/after cooking to bless the food? Are there some ...
1
vote
0answers
44 views
How to re-energize gemstones? [closed]
I want to know the procedure of re-energizing the gemstones. We wear them for long time so should we re-energize them from time to time? If so then how should we do that?
3
votes
1answer
122 views
What is the age at which a child can be cremated instead of being buried or attend a funeral?
I have 2 questions regarding age limit for funeral:
1.) Children are not allowed in a funeral ceremony. What is the earliest age at which a person can attend a funeral?
2.) Children are buried and ...
4
votes
0answers
110 views
What is the reason behind opposite rituals during Shraddha and last rites as compared to those for devatas
(Though the question may seem long, actually it is short. Even if one is able to read till the first point of Edit it would be nice)
It is seen that while performing the last rites (antyeshti, ...
2
votes
0answers
40 views
Eating Prasada during fasting
Is it ok to eat Prasada (naivedhya offered to God) during fasting day? Normally it is said that prasada must not be declined. Eating will break fasting vow?
0
votes
0answers
63 views
Practicing Vedas during evening time
I have learnt Sri Rudram from a guru. Now I would like to keep on practising, learning and improving myself on it. Due to my job, etc. sometimes it may not be possible to learn early in the morning. ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views
How to practise fire worship in modern times?
I tried to worship Pauranic gods like Shiva, Durga, Vishnu but it doesn't click with me. I am from a family of priests but we are modern and practise the rituals on special occasions only. Everywhere ...
0
votes
0answers
18 views
Which scripture discuss about anjanam in detail?
There is a procedure called anajanm, which was usually practiced in villages.
It was used by villagers to know who committed to thief or to know information about incident that takes place in ...
2
votes
2answers
159 views
Why only after brahmopadesham, marriages are done in Brahmins?
Some does Brahmopadesham to their kids at very early age and some in the middle and some just before marriage. But why is this mandatory before marriage? What if it’s not done at all?
3
votes
1answer
83 views
Performing Puja/Havan for Shudras
In this answer it states that Brahmins should not perform vedic rituals for Shudras.
Question is: does this mean most of the brahmins who are in temple or in priest role are breaking the rules by ...
3
votes
0answers
25 views
Which material should be used for incense?
Hindus generally uses different types of sticks for incense.
Is there any scriptural recommendation of materials to be used for incense?
3
votes
1answer
111 views
What are the consequences of not doing shraddha for the departed ancestors?
I have heard people say that they can be bad. Are there ways to compensate for missed Shraddhas?
1
vote
1answer
80 views
Why are kumbhabhishekams of temples performed?
Basically it is pouring consecrated waters over a temple to energize a new temple or re-energize an existing shrine.
(1) which scripture lays out the procedures for kumbhabhishekam?
(2) these days, ...
2
votes
1answer
112 views
If durva is not available then what can be offered to Ganesh ji as a substitute?
Its difficult to get durva by me so what else can be offered to Ganesh ji, instead of durva.
0
votes
0answers
46 views
Need to know precise steps for tattwa shuddhi sadhana?
As the title says I need to understand in brief precisely all the mandatory steps a sadhak needs to follow for tattwa shuddhi sadhana.
Please cite authentic references.
1
vote
0answers
61 views
What is the significance of Suutak? [duplicate]
When a family member dies, generally every member of that family observes a 13-day mourning period called Suutak.
What is the significance of observing this period? meaning.. a person is not allowed ...
5
votes
4answers
135 views
How to prepare oneself for the grace of Guru?
It is said that once the student is ready the Guru will appear before him, but my question is what are the steps a person (wanting to be a student seeking a true guru) should follow in order to ...
3
votes
1answer
4k views
What does the priest say when offering prasad?
I understand that the prasad is offered 6 times and the priest says something each time. It sounds like:
Om Apanaaya Swahaa,
Om Udanaaya Swahaa,
...,
...,
...,
Om Bramhane Swahaa.
Can someone give ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
Why do Hindus mourns for 13 days?
The normal practice of hinduism is that the family of dead ones mourn for 13 days when someone dies. Is there any reason behind it? How did our ancestors decided 13 days time period to mourn? Why not ...
4
votes
0answers
99 views
Can someone explain me the meaning and process of passing hands upon fire then on the face?
I'm very new to hinduism, and I have seen this happening several times, but I cannot find any info about it.
Thanks a lot.
