All Questions
4,982
questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
26
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0
answers
576
views
Which are those 400 words of Veda not known or understood to even Yaska?
Nirukta is one of six Vedangas which are very essential to completely understanding Vedas. Nirukta is the study of the origin of Sanskrit words i.e etymology which is very useful for understanding and ...
- 25.7k
26
votes
0
answers
3k
views
Do any Deities, other than the Pancha Mahadevatas, have Swayambhu representations?
The Pancha Mahadevatas are Ganapaty,Shiva,Vishnu,Devi(Ambika) & Surya.
There is a Smarta tradition of worshiping them together in the Panchayatana Puja..In this Puja instead of idols or images of ...
- 109k
21
votes
0
answers
2k
views
Do any commentators of Brahmasūtras other than Ādi Śaṅkarācārya disagree with both Pañcarātra and Śaiva Āgamas?
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedānta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sūtras, a work by the sage Vyāsa ...
- 96.4k
19
votes
0
answers
7k
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Who is the Samaveda-singing Brahmin incarnation of Vishnu prophesied in the Skanda Purana?
As I discuss in this question, one of the early movements that was important in the development of Vaishnavism was the ancient Pancharatra movement, whose sacred texts consisted of detailed procedures ...
- 96.4k
18
votes
1
answer
2k
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Why was Shishupala born with three eyes and four arms?
From this answer by Keshav Srinivasan,
Shishupala had three eyes and four arms.
When Shishupala was born, he had three eyes and four arms, which terrified his parents, the king and queen of Chedi.
...
user6981
18
votes
0
answers
2k
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How did the Advaita Acharya Gaudapada meet Vyasa's son Shuka?
The most prominent thinker of the Advaita Vedanta school is Adi Shankaracharaya, but he wasn't the founder of Advaita; Adi Shankaracharaya's guru Govinda and Govinda's guru Gaudapada were also ...
- 96.4k
17
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0
answers
484
views
Who is Soma Natha?
For Kaliyuga, Lord Shiva has appointed 12 great gurus each for 500 years. Which will keep repeating till the arrival of Satyuga.
Therefore, henceforward twelve Great Souls shall uphold My Law ...
- 15.6k
17
votes
0
answers
589
views
What is the story of Brahma forgetting his knowledge after teaching Indra?
The Rahasyatraya Sara is a work by the Sri Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desikan, concerning the meaning of the Rahasya Traya or three secrets of the Sri Vaishnava sect (of which I'm a member). (One of ...
- 96.4k
16
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0
answers
324
views
How do we solve the contradiction of Rukmi being alive during the war, though Balarama had killed him before?
The events of Shri Krishna’s life described the Harivamsa, take place before the Mahabharata war. The same can also be gauged from the chronology of events given in the tenth skandha of the Srimad ...
- 10.3k
16
votes
0
answers
405
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What are the positions of planets at the beginning of every Yuga (age)?
How to find all planetary positions on starting of every Yuga?
- 696
16
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0
answers
3k
views
What is the story of Vamana's wife Kirti and son Brihatshloka?
In the Srimad Bhagavatam, there's a description of the spouses and descendants of the Adityas, a group of 12 gods who are the sons of Aditi and the sage Kashyapa. The Adityas include Surya, Indra, ...
- 96.4k
16
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How was the Madhu Vidya passed down before Dadhichi?
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa ...
- 96.4k
15
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0
answers
469
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Is ‘Vayu Purāṇa’ a synonym for the Shiva Purāṇa and what is the reason for it having two names?
The Matsya Purāṇa, while enlisting the 18 mahapuranas says the following with reference to the fourth one, also known as the Shri Shiva Purāṇa
With reference to the Śvetakalpa, the dharma which Vayu ...
- 10.3k
15
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0
answers
499
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What is the story of Prahlada being slain by Indra?
In Mahabharata, Santi Parva, SECTION XCVIII, it is said by Indra himself that he has slain Prahlada.
Having slain in battle Jambha, Vritra, Vala, Paka, Satamaya, Virochana, the irresistible Namuchi,...
- 23.6k
15
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0
answers
717
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What is the origin of Kumbha Mela?
Once every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh is celebrated at Haridwar, Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain. It is generally believed that the reason for celebrating Maha Kumbh at those 4 places is because the Amrita (...
- 23.6k
15
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0
answers
897
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What scriptures describe Vishnu marrying a rebirth of the golden Sita statue?
I'm currently visiting India, and I just went to my Mom's Kula Devata, the Veeraraghava Perumal Vishnu Temple in Thiruvallore. Many things have happened in this location over the ages, including ...
- 96.4k
15
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0
answers
263
views
What are the main gotras and the upagotras among Brahmins?
I would like to know the names of the original gotras. I have seen online different lists of gotras (sometimes up to 100+). I would like to know if there is a tree diagram of gotras and upagotras ...
- 151
15
votes
1
answer
9k
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When did Vibhishana stop being king of Lanka?
In this chapter of the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana, after Ravana's death his brother Vibhishana is coronated as the king of Lanka:
Hearing the words of the great soled Rama, Lakshmana replied, 'so ...
- 96.4k
14
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0
answers
179
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What are the purification rites for mixed castes mentioned by Manu?
Consider the following question and answer from the Mahabharata
"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana by
characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of ...
- 31k
14
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0
answers
903
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What are the meal timings according to Smritis?
While there is Intermittent Fasting and Time Restricted Feeding buzz going on in the fitness community, I want to know what is the take of Smritis regarding
Time of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Of ...
user13262
14
votes
0
answers
718
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Which scripture or book is the origin of the Surya Namaskara asanas?
In which scripture (not of Kaliyuga), Surya Namaskara (12 steps asana) is mentioned? I have checked Hatha yoga Pradipika and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, but nowhere Surya Namaskara is mentioned.
I have ...
- 1,097
14
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0
answers
336
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What are the different Vaishnava interpretations on the nature of Lord Vishnu's physical form?
I understand that Lord Vishnu's body is aprakrita, composed of sat-chit-ananda, but is it understood to have a physical reality? i.e. four arms, two legs, one head, two eyes, five fingered hands, ie, ...
- 1,293
14
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1
answer
3k
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What is the mystery of ayOnija (अयोनिज) births?
We will come across Sita in Valmiki Ramayana, as ayOnija - अयोनिज, a non-uterine birth. Similarly, in Mahabharata, we read about Draupadi and Dhristadyumna, who are also ayOnijas, borne out of fire.
...
- 17.1k
13
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0
answers
163
views
Do we meet all our dead relatives and ancestors after death?
After dying do we meet all our dead relatives and ancestors ? Do we meet even our those ancestors whom we don't know ?
What does Hinduism say about this ? Whom do we meet after death - in heaven or ...
- 5,649
13
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0
answers
223
views
What is the history behind celebrating Tulsi Vivah?
What is the history behind celebrating Tulsi Vivah and What are the correct ways follows to do the Tulsi Vivah Pujan?
- 2,037
13
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0
answers
322
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Slokas about discipline in Mahabaratha
It is well known that many people in Mahabaratha such as Bhishma, Drona, Arjuna, Duryodhana, Karna, Abhimanyu etc., are experts in certain fields.
In order to gain such expertise, there should be a ...
- 31k
13
votes
0
answers
415
views
Why does Hindus add "Darbha Grass" to every food during moon eclipse?
Today is Moon Eclipse, so my mother added "Darbha Grass" to every food. Why so?
Why Hindus add "Darbha Grass" to every food during moon eclipse?
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13
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0
answers
220
views
Do any Acharyas support a return to Hindu monarchy?
Throughout most of its history, the system of government in India was Vedic monarchy (the claims of P.C. Dharma notwithstanding). But in modern times, India has turned into a democracy. My question ...
- 96.4k
13
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0
answers
380
views
Who is Sarasvati's daughter Kotara?
According to this extract from the Uttarakhanda of Padma Purana there is a Goddess named Kotara/Kotaraksi that was worshiped by Aniruddha (Krishna's son) during his battle against Banasura. Krishna ...
- 4,380
13
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0
answers
618
views
What is the difference between Raudra and Saumya sects of Shaivism?
The term "Shaivite" is often overused nowadays. For instance, Iyer Brahmins are often called Shaivites, but they are actually followers of Adi Shankaracharya's Smartha sect (which I discuss ...
- 96.4k
13
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0
answers
2k
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Where is this Srimad Bhagavatam verse about the different forms of Moksha?
According to Vaishnavism, there are six kinds of liberation from Samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). They're each defined in relation to Vishnu, since Vaishnavas consider Vishnu to be ...
- 96.4k
13
votes
1
answer
972
views
Which sage will learn the Vishnu Purana at the end of the Kali Yuga?
The sage Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa (or Vyasa for short) is generally viewed as the author of the 18 Puranas. But actually the sage Parashara, Vyasa's father, authored two of them, the Vishnu ...
- 96.4k
13
votes
1
answer
939
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Rules to discard photos
How to discard old photos and idols in a dignified manner? Please give authentic suggestion with support from scriptures.
- 3,332
12
votes
0
answers
162
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Scriptural reference for the statement "gods reside towards our right side"?
Quoting from an article hosted at kamakoti.org "VEDA DHARMA SASTRA PARIPALANA SABHA (Regd.), Kumbhakonam, Publication No. 50":
MORNING ROUTINE
Everyone should get up from bed in Braahma ...
- 109k
12
votes
0
answers
5k
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About the author of Shri Hari Stotram?
Shri Hari stotram is a beautiful hymn dedicated to lord Shri Hari (Vishnu). You may read or listen to it on this website http://reveredhinduism.blogspot.com/2016/07/sri-hari-stotram.html?m=1
This ...
- 1,525
12
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0
answers
855
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What is the source of the legend of Vyāghrapāda?
Which Hindu scripture narrates the story of Vyāghrapāda (the name literally means tiger-footed)?
From Wikipedia:
Vyaghrapada was a rishi and he was entrusted with the task of picking up fresh ...
- 30.2k
12
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Why Holika died inside fire, in spite of a boon?
King Hiranyakashipu tried many ways to kill his son Prahlada. Holika was his sister with a boon that a fire can not burn/harm her.
To kill Prahlada in fire, Hiranyakashipu asked her sister's help. ...
- 4,678
11
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0
answers
158
views
What are the 14 layers of the mind
I had read somewhere that in the vedas the awareness can be divided into four categories, i.e chitta (consciousness/conscience), manas (heart/want/desire), aham (ego) and buddhi (intelligence).
Each ...
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0
answers
289
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Prayaschitta (regret) Mantra when one breaks fasting during Shravana month?
Is there any praaschitta mantra if someone by mistake breaks fasting during holy month of Shravana?
- 7,069
11
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0
answers
485
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12 Major battles between the Devas and Danavas
Many Puranas talk about 12 major battles between the Danavas and Devas. As per Brahmanda Purana (3rd Canto, Ch 72), they are as follows:
Lord Narasimha fighting the Danavas
Lord Vamana binding the ...
- 710
11
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0
answers
354
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What are the 10 doors of the Dharma?
When I read Adi Parva about the families of the gods and how they were classified, I read that when Brahma gave ten wives to the Dharma, they were "the ten doors of the Dharma":
13 नामतॊ ...
11
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0
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119
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Was Seeta ji born as a blessing from Shiva?
We know that Shri Rama took birth to rid the three worlds of the tyranny of Ravana. But I recently came across a verse in the Valmiki Ramayan that says that Seeta was also born for the same purpose!
...
- 18.9k
11
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0
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597
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What is the story of Vishnu incarnating as a mango tree in the Dandaka forest?
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 ...
- 96.4k
11
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0
answers
207
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Was the Akshay Patra ever used before Mahabharat?
Chapter 9 of Book 12 of the Devi Bhagvat Puran mentions the following benediction by Devi Gayatri to Rishi Gautam:
Thus praised and worshipped, the World-Mother appeared and gave to the Risi one ...
- 18.9k
11
votes
2
answers
165
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What are the major schools of Kashmir Shaivism?
One of the nondual Agamic traditions is the Kashmir Shaiva agama.
What are the major schools of this tradition?
- 19k
11
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0
answers
423
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Which Tantric scripture classifies the Agamas into SAttvic, RAjasic and TAmasic categories?
It is a well known fact that the PurAnas have a classification based on the TriGunAs (Sattva, Rajas and Tamah). That is, there are SAttvic PurAnas, RAjasic PurAnas and TAmasic PurAnas.
Now, for the ...
- 109k
11
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0
answers
2k
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What script did Ganesha write the Mahabharata in?
The first chapter of the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata describes how Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata to Ganesha, who wrote it down:
Brahma said. 'I esteem thee for thy knowledge of divine mysteries, ...
- 96.4k
11
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0
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450
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What surviving works of the Rudra Sampradayam are there before Vallabhacharya?
As I discuss in my question here, Vishnu is said to have taught the principles of Vaishnavism to four disciples: Lakshmi, Brahma, Shiva and Sanatkumara. And in turn they started the four main ...
- 96.4k
11
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0
answers
2k
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Which verse of Padma purana and Narasimha purana claims Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna/Vishnu Himself?
This website provides many evidences to prove the divinity of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Verse from Padma purana:
yatrayogesvarah saksad
yogi-cintyo janardanah
caitanya vapur aste vai
...
user6981
11
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0
answers
284
views
Timeline of the battle of the ten kings in the Vedas
What is the timeline of the battle of the 10 kings mentioned in the Vedas? What are the circumstances that lead to the battle and also, what is the best account(translated) of the events surrounding ...
- 3,724