All Questions
438 questions
4
votes
0
answers
151
views
Do Rama's sacrifical posts still exist in Ayodhya?
The Sankalpa Suryodaya is an play by the 13th century Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desikan. At one point in the play, a king goes around the world in a Vimana looking for a good place to meditate. He ...
- 98.5k
9
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Why is Sri Krishna idol turned towards a window in Udupi temple?
In most of the Hindu temples, the main deity faces towards east. The devotees seeking darshan have darshan directly from the front. But this is not followed in Udupi Krishna matha, Karnataka. This ...
- 26k
1
vote
0
answers
101
views
Why does Lord Vishnu also wear Yajnopaveeta in temples?
Yajnopaveeta should be worn for doing vedic rituals. Why is it that Lord Vishnu is also adorned with yajnopaveeta in temples?
- 1,318
4
votes
1
answer
127
views
Reconsecration of deities
If the consecrated murti in a temple gets damaged or destroyed, what is the scripture-prescribed way to reconsecrate and reinstate the deity? Until such reconsecration is done, how should the temple ...
- 551
3
votes
0
answers
93
views
How did some Jain Bunts became administrators of Hindu Temples?
From this Wikipedia Article,
Some Jain Bunts are hereditary trustees abd administrators of Hindu
Temples, an example being at the Dharamsthala Temple
How and why did Jain Bunts became the ...
- 81
1
vote
0
answers
291
views
Vedic Temples on Earth's Magnetic Lines [closed]
Is there any mention of Vedic temples being built on Earths magnetic lines?
Longitude 79 meridian EAST seems to have very long list of Ancient Indian Temples built on this specific longitude:
...
- 99
3
votes
0
answers
70
views
What is and where is story of Ahobila Nava Narasimhas found?
There are 9 deities of Narasimha in Ahobilam.
What is the story of each Narasimha and name of each deity? Is Ahobila kshetra described in any puranas?
- 4,299
3
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Sthala Purana of the Thiruneermalai Temple
In the Divya Desam called Thiruneermalai, Lord Vishnu resides in four different forms:
a) Sri Neervanna Perumal (literally meaning, Lord with the complexion of water)
b) Sri Ranganatha
c) Sri ...
user15963
3
votes
0
answers
209
views
When did the worship of Sri Radha start?
Vajranava got three idols of Sri Krishna constructed and all three are in Rajasthan now.All three were recovered by the direct disciples of Mahaprabhu. But these images were worshipped without the ...
user17294
4
votes
1
answer
536
views
Why is there a Bheem temple in Gorakhnath Mandir ,Gorakhpur?
There is a temple of Bheem also known as Bhimsena or Mahabali Bhim in the premises of Gorakhnath math in Gorakhpur. What is the importance of this temple? Give references from scriptures to validate ...
- 756
2
votes
0
answers
611
views
What is the scriptural source of the DHYANA SLOKA of Sri Padmanabha Swami?
What is the scriptural source of the dhyana sloka of Padmanabha Swami as shown in the enclosed image?
Why is Shiva shown in Linga Form and not in His original form while all other deities are in ...
user17294
4
votes
1
answer
747
views
What is the history of this Kali form of Lord Shyama-sundara?
Ths Shyama-sundara mandir of Khardaha, West Bengal was establised by Sri Virabhadra, the son of Sri Nityananda Mahaprabhu.The beautiful idol is believed to be carved out of a black basalt on which Sri ...
user17294
2
votes
0
answers
72
views
Why are currency notes kept in the hand of Varanasi Annapurna?
The Golden Annapurna of Varanasi is seen to hold currency notes in the pot in Her left hand.
Mother Annapurna according to the dhyana-sloka is known to hold a pot of rice. Why are then currency notes ...
user17294
5
votes
0
answers
228
views
What does the snake on the body of Srinathji signify?
The enclosed image of Srinathji shows a snake around His body which normally remains hidden under clothes.
What does this snake signify? Please cite proper sources.
user17294
4
votes
1
answer
812
views
Why is the idol of a lizard kept in front of the Divine Mother at Dakshineswar?
As the enclosed image shows, there is an idol of a golden lizard (svarna-godhika) to the left of Mother Bhavatarini at Dakshineswar.
What is the scriptural reason of this idol of lizard?
user17294
0
votes
1
answer
138
views
What could be preventing Krishna to advance to the Middle West states? [closed]
The below map comes from this webpage and shows
North American ISKCON temples, centers, gatherings, and home programs.
I was wondering what could be the reasons why there are no centres for Krishna, ...
- 687
6
votes
1
answer
383
views
What is the significance of this form of Sri Krishna at Udupi?
What is the significance of this form of Sri Krishna at Udupi? Kindly cite authentic source.
user17294
6
votes
0
answers
258
views
Where does Vedanta Desikan lament not being a priest in the Varadaraja Perumal temple?
The Sri Vaishnava sect has two sub-sects, Thenkalai and Vadakalai. Vadakalais follow the teachings of Vedanta Desikan, whereas Thenkalais follow the teachings of Pillai Lokacharya. My question is ...
- 98.5k
6
votes
0
answers
270
views
Whose Idol is this?
In the Sri Sri Taraknath temple,Tarakeswar, West Bengal (a very very famous Shiva Temple of Bengal), an idol with two hands holding a trident is seen just beside the anadi-linga of Baba Taraknath.
So ...
user17294
3
votes
1
answer
281
views
Is preaching recommended or mandatory to a temple priest?
Every temple in India has at least one priest. The act of preaching scriptures a recommended act or mandatory act for him?
- 32k
4
votes
0
answers
465
views
Why is Lord Jagannath shown as the Buddha Avatara in Puri?
On the inner wall of the Puri temple, a panel of the ten avataras are engraved (relief on stone).There we see Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrisimha, Vamana, Parashurama,Rama,Balarama, JAGANNATH and Kalki.
...
user17294
5
votes
0
answers
192
views
Which temple was built first at Puri?
Devi Vimala's temple within the Puri Jagannath temple complex is known to be a Sati-pith. Lord Jagannath is the Bhairava of Devi Vimala.
Jagannath temple is perhaps the only temple where the main ...
user17294
1
vote
1
answer
276
views
Whats the basic reason behind placement of these deities?
What is the basic reason behind placement of deities in the three layers in the Dakshineswar Adyapith temple?
Please cite proper source.
user17294
4
votes
0
answers
119
views
What are the different hasta (hand-postures) which Sri Vishnu holds in temples?
Sri Maha Vishnu resides as Archa-avatara murti (idol form) in many temples throughout Bharata, especially in 108 Divya Desas, most of which are in Tamil Nadu.
There is a sthala purana (story) behind ...
- 1
4
votes
0
answers
529
views
Where did Thirumangai Alwar meet Narasimha?
The Alwars (also spelled Azhwars) are a group of 12 ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu and are famous for their poetry in praise of Vishnu. One of the Alwars was Thirumangai Alwar, aka ...
- 98.5k
5
votes
1
answer
731
views
Where is the account of Ramanuja recovering the Melkote idol from the Delhi Sultan originally recorded?
I have heard that Ramanuja went to Delhi to ask for the idol after it had been plundered. The idol was in a room with other plundered items but when he called out its name the idol came and sat on ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
191
views
Why do we not find any image of Durga/Kali/Shakti image in renowned Sri Vishnu/Krishna temples?
All the temples of Maa Kali/Durga/Shakti I visited have some idol of Sri Krishna/Vishnu being worshipped in the same temple complex. But excepting the Puri Sri Sri Jagannath Temple, I never found any ...
user17294
0
votes
1
answer
124
views
Do any temples allow donations via e-Hundis? [closed]
People like to go cashless nowadays, so, do any temples have e-Hundis to accept donations either through card or Paytm (a payment gateway) in temples?
Is it permitted in our scriptures? Have any ...
user16895
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
When and how did the system of adimai kaavu begin in ancient Kerala?
In Kerala (and many families which trace their ancestry to Kerala), every family identified itself with a 'Kaavu' (not exactly translated as temple) that may or may not be in their ancestral village. ...
- 2,454
2
votes
1
answer
118
views
Do the idols of gods and goddesses need to be made of same colour?
Do the idols of gods and goddesses worshipped in temples be of same colour as depicted in scriptures?
user16895
5
votes
0
answers
384
views
What is the agama being followed by the Sri Nataraja temple in Chidambaram and why is it different from other Shiva temples?
Shaiva agamas form the basis of worship in temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, it seems like the Sri Nataraja temple in the town of Chidambaram, Tamilnadu is not built and/or not follows the ...
- 2,454
1
vote
0
answers
44
views
How to worship in temples? Please explain in context of human body as temple
We know temples are a representation of human body. Please explain how one must approach each part of temple and worship it for ones progress.
For eg one prostrates at the flagpost of temple because ...
- 97
0
votes
0
answers
123
views
Is nagas in temple related to Kundalini?
Does naga in temples represent kundalini?
If yes how can it be used for ones spiritual enhancenent?
What are the mantras one can use to worship it?
- 97
2
votes
0
answers
358
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 ...
- 2,454
0
votes
0
answers
45
views
Why is Sadari placed on the palms of Vishwa Brahmins? [duplicate]
Sadari in temple is placed on the head for the people and my question is why the sadari is placed only on the palms for Vishwa brahmins?
So please give me a clarification about both the differences.
9
votes
2
answers
787
views
Are there any temples for Mohini avatar?
We see many temples of Lord Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, Narasimha. Also temples for Varaha, Kurma, Hayagriva etc.. Are there any temples for Mohini avatar? Also, which avatars don't have temples and why?
user16895
6
votes
0
answers
286
views
What is the reason behind closing the village/street/agrahara temple in case of a death in the nearby area?
I have seen this several times, that temples are closed if there is a death in the houses in the vicinity. To clarify, vicinity has a variable scope here; sometimes it's a street, sometimes an ...
- 2,454
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What restrictions should we follow when visiting temples?
What are all the niyama (restrictions) before, during and after visiting temples ? Regarding cleanliness, dress, prostration, pradakshan etc.
- 1
5
votes
0
answers
189
views
Did Lord Vishnu build Sri Jagannath Temple situated at Puri?
Is there any story, that tells about who had built the Sri Jagannath temple at Puri?
Are these following facts true?
Lord Vishnu himself came to Puri to build the Jagannath temple.
After 10,000 ...
- 6,933
4
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Can anyone explain about lord Ayyappa irumudi kattu?
Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Temple carry with a specially designed bag with two compartments called Irumudi Kattu. I need to know more about that which is followed for many years.
Can any one ...
- 141
3
votes
0
answers
50
views
Temple bell : Animal horn for ringing
In a temple (Shri Raam Temple, Jaysingpur, Dist. Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, to be exact), I have seen the bell having a piece of "deere horn"
(सींग in hindi) tied inside to strike and ring it.
...
- 1,220
0
votes
0
answers
72
views
South Indian Vaishnava temple tradition of blessing with a conical cap (kirita) [duplicate]
While having "darshanam" in South Indian Vaishnav temples, the priest keeps a conical cap (kirita) on devotee's head.
What might be the significance of this tradition?
- 1,220
1
vote
0
answers
514
views
Visiting other temples after visiting Sri Kalahasti Temple
Is it true that you are not supposed to visit other temples after visiting Sri Kalahasti Temple in India?
- 19
1
vote
0
answers
24
views
Is it possible for the power of the deity in a temple to get diminished for whatever reason? [duplicate]
Can it get diminished for whatever reason?
- 2,021
1
vote
0
answers
52
views
What are the benefits of visiting temples? [duplicate]
What are the benefits, either spiritual or material, mental or physical?
EDIT: This is a more specific question asking specifically about the benefits.
- 2,021
6
votes
0
answers
296
views
Do any scriptures mention what would happen if temple restrictions are not followed?
The Supreme Court allowed the entry of women in the Swami Ayappa Temple at Shabarimala and ever since then a lot of protests have erupted in Kerala against the decision. One of the points that is ...
- 927
3
votes
1
answer
263
views
Is Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Mangalagiri one of the eight sacred places of Lord Vishnu in India?
Wikipedia of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Mangalagiri says it is one of the eight sacred places of Lord Vishnu in India.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a vaishnavite temple and one of the eight
sacred ...
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Difference between old and new temple of Yadagiri gutta
I recently visited Yadagiri gutta sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple with my parents and siblings.
While going back I came to know that we don't visit the old temple. I did search on the wiki about ...
- 32k
8
votes
1
answer
516
views
What is the story behind the legendary temple of the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari?
As the question title says I would like to read references from some authentic resources (scriptures, if possible) about the story behind the legendary temple of the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari, like ...
- 8,958
6
votes
2
answers
19k
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 ...
