All Questions
438 questions
2
votes
0
answers
74
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Finding a local temple in USA
I live in the NE USA. There are many temples and shrines near where I live. The problem is that all of them were founded by immigrants from India. Therefore, they exist to serve their communities.
...
user12948
5
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Which Vishnu temples do Thailakappu at irregular times?
I'm currently visiting India, and I'm trying to visit as many Vishnu temples as possible. Unfortunately I'm being stymied in some places, for the following reason. Some time in the December-January ...
- 98.5k
4
votes
0
answers
590
views
What is the story of Narasimha in the Varadaraja Perumal temple?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just saw the Varadaraja Perumal Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram. As I discuss in this question this is the site of a Yagna performed by Brahma which Saraswati tried ...
- 98.5k
7
votes
0
answers
9k
views
Why did Lakshmi become Bhrigu's daughter Vedavalli?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to the Parthasarathi Vishnu temple in Chennai. The main deity of the temple is a statue installed by the sage Vyasa depicting Krishna as the charioteer ...
- 98.5k
3
votes
0
answers
381
views
Are there any surviving poems from Thirumazhisai Alwar's disciple Kanikannan?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just saw Yatotakari Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram. The story of the temple is that Saraswati turned into the Vegavati river in order Brahma's Yagna in what is now ...
- 98.5k
3
votes
0
answers
145
views
What is the story of the seven young male figures shown in Tirupati's inner Gopuram?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to the world-famous Tirumala Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati. I noticed something interesting in the Nadimipadi Kavali, the white inner Gopuram of the ...
- 98.5k
1
vote
1
answer
756
views
Unknowingly Did Full Pradakshina in Vetakkorumakan Temple
I'm wearing mala and in 41 day vratha to go to shabarimala.I visited a Shiva temple where the deity is in Kirathamoorthy form/Vetakkorumakan.
There was no rope/block to prevent full Pradakshina.So ...
- 143
9
votes
0
answers
1k
views
What is the story of Indra being turned into an elephant by Saraswati?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to the Varadaraja Perumal Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram. It's such an important temple that Sri Vaishnavas refer to it simply as "Perumal Koil" or "the ...
- 98.5k
2
votes
0
answers
51
views
What is the mahAtmya of Pandharpur? [duplicate]
This place is one of the famous pilgrim centers.
What is its significance and glory?
- 19.4k
2
votes
0
answers
62
views
What is the significance of amritaghateshwara temple?
The.famous temple of abirami (goddess)-amrita ghateshwara (shiva) at Tirukkadiyur has an interesting fact that it also contains Lord Vishnu temple alongside. It has many miraculous and special stories ...
- 19.4k
3
votes
2
answers
668
views
What are Char Dham?
What is the meaning of dham?
Why there are 4 only i.e char-dham.
If someone visit to char-dham, then will their sin be erased?
Means why people visit there and what do they get there?
- 6,933
6
votes
2
answers
320
views
Are there temples where the deity is simply called "Vishnu"?
All Vaishnavite temples I have been to - the deity is called something other than "Vishnu", like "ranganatha" or "Venkatachalapati".
- 1
3
votes
0
answers
317
views
Why is there a fight amongst Sri Vaishnavas regarding "namam" of Lord Venkateshwara?
There is a strong controversy going on since years about the forehead tilaka.style among both sects of sri vaishnava.
The rivalry between the Tenkalai and Vadakalai sects of Iyengar
Brahmins ...
- 19.4k
5
votes
0
answers
940
views
What are the stories of Mhasoba and Khandoba?
Mhasoba and Khandoba are very popular Maharastrian deities. Their temples are popular pilgrim places.
What are their respective stories ?
Are they mentioned in any scriptures ?
- 19.4k
2
votes
0
answers
76
views
What is the complete shloka on marriage ages written in new Vishvnath temple, Varanasi
In 2013-14, I visited new Vishvnath temple (in BHU), Varanasi. Inside temple, many shlokas are written on its wall. One of them states the suiatable age of marriage, I remember only few words from it:...
- 24.7k
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What was the traditional justification for why Chandalas were not allowed in temples?
Traditionally, Chandalas and I believe even Sudras were not allowed in temples.
What was the justification for this and is it based on scriptures?
- 22.5k
3
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Are there 2 pindi's in vaishno devi for darshan?
I noticed that there are 2 queues for darshan at bhavan, but after entering the cave in one queue I did not see the other queue anywhere till exit. But my friends who were in the other queue also had ...
- 131
0
votes
1
answer
923
views
Why does my Hindu Temple ring its bell so loud for so long?
I stay next to a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Kali. On its rooftop, there is a gigantic bell. The bell is rang every morning at 8am, at noon time and around 6pm. Each session lasting a good 12 ...
- 25
9
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Are these claims about Puri Jagannath Temple really true?
Now I am interested to visit Lord Jagannath temple in Puri after reading
following facts about it (source). Are these claims true?
The flag always flaps in a direction opposite to the ...
- 6,933
9
votes
0
answers
556
views
Why should temples be closed during an eclipse?
Any reference in the Hindu scriptures (Vedas, Agamas, shastras, etc.) on why temples should remain closed during an eclipse (grahana)?
- 91
6
votes
2
answers
17k
views
Bhasma-Aarti at Mahakaleshwar temple Ujjain
I Have been visiting Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga for a couple of times this year.
Every time I visit there, it is a must for me to witness the awesome bhasma-aarti being offered to lord shiva i.e., ...
- 459
2
votes
1
answer
376
views
Why Priest give flowers and again take them back with money?
First Priest give flowers to devotee. After Puja is over and priest collect Flowers with money from devotee. Why so?
- 21
1
vote
0
answers
52
views
Why to ring bell while entering temples? [duplicate]
When I entered a temple, I saw people ringing the bell, and also Hindus keep small bells in their houses, which they ring during worship. What is reason behind it, and also notice about "dhup" ?
- 311
2
votes
0
answers
99
views
Which of the Divyadesam Sthala are presided by Vishnu's Varaha AvatAram?
Divya Desam are the group of Vishnu sthalam that are revered by Azhwargal in their spontaneous divine poetry - the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam. This collection of poetry was collated by Nathamuni, an ...
- 3,304
3
votes
0
answers
121
views
Why two Rakshasa idols are kept near the main idol of Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati?
I was listening to Chaganti Koteswara Rao's speeches about the Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati. He said that there 2 Rakshasas are kept near main idol.
Why 2 Rakshasas are kept near the main idol of ...
- 31
3
votes
0
answers
161
views
Did Sri Rama visit Hatya Haran teertha (Prabhaskar Teertha) to purify himself?
Did Sri Rama visit Hatya Haran teertha (Prabhaskar Teertha) to purify himself of the sin of Brahma Hatya due to killing of Raavana?
The Sthala Purana of Hatyaharan Teertha as it is popularly known in ...
- 2,188
2
votes
0
answers
153
views
Is the Vamana deity in Thirukoilur considered an incarnation of Krishna?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to the Ulagalantha Perumal Vamana temple in Thirukoilur. It's most famous for being the "Naalayira Divya Prabandha Avatara Sthalam", meaning the ...
- 98.5k
5
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What is the story of the Thiruvalavendhai Varaha temple in Mahabalipuram?
I'm currently visiting India, and I may try to see the Adi Varaha Perumal temple in Mahabalipuram, more commonly known as the Thiruvalavendhai temple. It's a difficult temple to visit; it's closed ...
- 98.5k
1
vote
0
answers
38
views
is temple in dwarka still visible [duplicate]
People say that there once existed a "Dwarka Nagri" that Sri Krishna had made
Is temple in Dwarka still visible?
Are any remains visible under water?
What is the proof that there once existed a ...
- 51
8
votes
2
answers
51k
views
Are pregnant women allowed to go to temples?
Is it allowed for pregnant women to go to temples?
If it's not allowed, what are the restrictions?
And are those restrictions based on scriptures or are they just traditions that have been followed ...
- 545
7
votes
1
answer
483
views
Which scripture explains Fire Walking practice in temples?
There is practice of walking in fire in temples by devotees. I have a few questions about that:
Which scripture explains Fire Walking (Themithi) practice in temples?
Why specifically wood is used and ...
- 4,196
2
votes
1
answer
220
views
Srivaishnava scriptures/acharyas mentioning Pandharpur
Pandharpur is one of the sacred place for Vaishnavas.
Is there any Srivaishnava work or some Srivaishnava acharya's injunctions revering Pandharpur as sacred place.
- 10.5k
10
votes
1
answer
15k
views
What is the meaning behind Shiva with 26 heads and 52 hands?
I was wondering what the meaning is behind Shiva's 26 heads and 52 hands in a temple in Tamil Nadu? I have never seen him in this form before.
- 101
6
votes
0
answers
265
views
Navagrahas with their consorts
In most of the temples of Karnataka, the Navagrahas are present with their consorts. In contrast at other places in India, only the Navagraha are there - without their consorts. Why is there such a ...
- 4,945
5
votes
0
answers
747
views
How was Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple wall constructed?
The task was assigned to Thurumangai alwar who was then a king turned to thief. He constructed the temple wall by acquiring a gold Buddha idol from srilanka.
Anyone knows the story how he brought ...
- 4,945
6
votes
2
answers
267
views
What are some of major Shiva temples in Karnataka?
I'm planning for a trip to visit major Shiva temples in Karnataka. I have done some research and there are close to 54 prominent ones. Which are the ones which holds much importance in Puranas or ...
- 406
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What is the need of temple in Hinduism? [duplicate]
Generally all Hindus Visit temple for to perform prayers. But according to Hindu ideology why we need temple as we can perform prayers at our home as well?
- 2,321
0
votes
0
answers
46
views
Temple rules and regulations [duplicate]
This is my common observation. In all the temples one finds a notice
Photography inside temple is not allowed.
In other words, photography of the temple or deity is prohibited. I fail to ...
8
votes
0
answers
625
views
What is story of Ati Varadar Swamy?
The main deity (moolavar) of Ati Vardar Swamy of Swamy Varadaraja Perumal is immersed in nearby pushkarini . It is taken out for public worship every 40 years, next time this is going to happen in ...
- 10.5k
7
votes
1
answer
5k
views
What actually is the Daru Brahma In the idol of Lord Jagannath?
I have heard that the heart of Lord Krishna which was unburnt is kept inside the idol of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Is it True???? Probably the heart is termed as 'Daru Brahma'. Does anyone know the true ...
- 71
13
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Is there temple worship in the Vedas?
Do Vedas talk of temples? Were there any temples in the Vedic era?
If yes what are some of the references?
If no then is temple worship a post Vedic concept?
- 19.4k
4
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How many Lord Indra temples are there in India?
Are there any temples in India which are exclusively dedicated to Lord Indra?
If yes, then where are those temples located?
If no, what are the reasons for Lord Indra not having temples dedicated ...
- 19.4k
17
votes
2
answers
10k
views
Why does Lord Jagannath suffer from fever?
It is believed that Jagannath suffers from a high fever after the Snana-Yatra. During this time, devotees are prevented from seeing Him. After taking special care, the deities gets cured and the ...
user6981
2
votes
0
answers
196
views
What is the importance of Dhwajasthamba in any of the temples that we go?
It is said to be the respect that the King Mayura Dhwaja has earned by donating his complete left half of his body to Lord Sri Krishna in one of his leelas?
Is that the reason why we need to pray to ...
- 201
3
votes
0
answers
140
views
Why are nava grahas in a temple placed such? [duplicate]
When we visit a navagraha mandapa(where the nine planets are placed) in a temple, we observe a distinct placement of the planets. No planet faces other planet. But in reality, a planet faces other ...
- 26k
4
votes
0
answers
236
views
Origin of Srisailam Hills
Srisailam is a Holy place known which is called kshetra, amongst other things, for hosting Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, one of the eighteen Mahashakthi peethas.
The ...
- 3,304
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Mystery of Ancient Hindu Temples?
Our Ancients built Hindu Temples in a Straight line (From Kedarnath to Rameswaram - all are Lord Shiva temples), at that time without having proper Maps and Satellite's how can they built in straight ...
- 3,117
2
votes
0
answers
83
views
What is the oldest hindu temple? [duplicate]
which temple among the Vaishnava/Shiva shrines are the oldest?
Thanks.
- 121
2
votes
0
answers
94
views
What scriptures describe night being caused by mount Meru?
Lalla's Shishyavriddhida Tantra is a Hindu astronomical work dating to the 8th century. In this chapter of the Shishyavriddhida Tantra, Lalla attempts to refute various astronomical theories he ...
- 98.5k
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Were there any temples in Satya yuga?
Is there any reference of temple of lord in the time of Satya Yuga?
Around that time people used to worship which God/Goddess?
- 733