All Questions
16,949
questions
19
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Is the complete English translation of the Padma Purana available online?
The Padma Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, and it includes many important things, including a retelling of the Ramayana, a religious dialogue between Shiva and Parvati known the Shiva Gita, ...
- 96.4k
8
votes
1
answer
349
views
Is there a French translation of the Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Shankara?
There are several English translations of the Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Shankara, by Swamis speaking English. I've never found a (complete) French translation.
Question: Is there a French ...
- 1,575
20
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Why is Saraswati shown with Ganesha and Lakshmi?
Picture frames, especially the one in Diwali, Lord Ganesha is shown with Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi.
Why is that so? I know the story of Lakshmi adopting Ganesha as his son from Parvati.
...
- 6,557
10
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Is there an astronomical representation for the cycle of 60 Samvatsaras?
Here is an extract from Wikipedia :
Samvatsara is a Sanskrit term for "year". In Hindu tradition, there are 60 Samvatsaras, each of which has a name. Once all 60 samvatsaras are over, the cycle ...
- 1,575
7
votes
3
answers
743
views
How are Devdasi and Sanyasin different?
According to some comments on the question Are women allowed to be Hindu sanyasis/monks? Some people believe that Devdasi and Sanyasin are near synonyms, and others that they are very different.
...
- 1,095
3
votes
0
answers
76
views
How many types of idols are there in temples? [closed]
We can see a lot of type of idols in different temples. Can we categorized it ? Also how many types of idols are there? Explanation with pictures will be perfect.
- 8,053
3
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Were mermaids in hinduism?
This question was taunting me since I watched Animal Planet's revelation on Mermaids wikipedia about mermaids I wonder that as we have a great culture and mythology, this fact should be included in ...
user304
61
votes
8
answers
10k
views
How did the Vedas in Hinduism come into existence?
Who wrote the Vedas and why?
How did the Vedas exist since their inception?
Where can we read the Vedas?
user304
2
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Science behind working of Pushpak Vimanam [closed]
I don't know whether I should ask this in Hinduism or Physics but I think my question would would better relate with this site.
According to an ancient epic Ramayana, Ravana was having an aircraft ...
- 147
3
votes
1
answer
6k
views
What is the difference between Surya nadi and Chandra nadi?
This question is extend of my previous question. There are beliefs that some works should be done only when we have Surya nadi and other works should be done in Chandra nadi.
Is the specific works ...
- 11.5k
4
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How to know which nadi is triggered at present?
The human psychic body has two types of nadis which as I know are Surya nadi and Chandra nadi.
AFAIK, the nadis change automatically but one can also trigger them as needed. How to know which nadi is ...
- 11.5k
18
votes
2
answers
104k
views
What is the story behind lord Ganesha's broken tusk?
In many idols of lord Ganesha, I saw that the left tusk is broken.
Credit: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/64.102
What is the story behind that broken tusk? Does it signify something?
- 11.5k
12
votes
2
answers
25k
views
Why do some of the Hindu "Brahmins" wear a sacred thread?
I've seen my friends who are Brahmin(Hindu sub-caste) wearing a janoi (Gujarati for "sacred thread").
Also, when they go to the washroom, they wear that thread on their ears.
Why do they wear that ...
- 310
25
votes
2
answers
32k
views
How could Valmiki write the Ramayana?
As we know, there is no mention of Sage Valmiki in the Ramayana. He was mentioned or seen only in the Lava-Kusha story. So who told the complete story of the Ramayana to Sage Valmiki? Was it Goddess ...
- 11.5k
9
votes
2
answers
22k
views
Why Hindus write Shubh and Labh with a Swastika?
I've seen this written at various places say shop entrances, home entrances and other places.
These terms are generally written besides Lord Ganesha's image. Not only this, it is also written on ...
- 7,011
10
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Are there any English translations of the Bhavishyottara Purana or just the Srinivasa Kalyana section?
Most people are only familiar with the Bhavishya Purana, one of the 18 Mahapuranas (major Puranas) which deals primarily with prophecies about the future. But the Bhavishya Purana also comes with an ...
- 96.4k
8
votes
2
answers
6k
views
What is the significance of nãrikel (coconut) in pooja?
In almost all Poojas (worship) nãrikel (coconut) is used.
Image source: picdif.com
What is the significance of using nãrikel in pooja?
- 1,618
13
votes
2
answers
489
views
What led to a unified Hinduism?
There were (and still are) many divisions in Hinduism. According to historical facts, these divisions were very deep rooted in the society during the Medieval period. It is also known that there were ...
- 3,373
5
votes
2
answers
877
views
Are there any female trinities in Hinduism?
Every Hindu is well aware of (male) trinities, but I have also heard that there are female trinities too.
Is that correct?
- 8,053
15
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Does every mantra begin with/contain ॐ(Aum)?
OP claimed in this question that:
Every mantra begins with the word ॐ (Aum/Om).
Is that true? Are there any mantras that don't have ॐ in them?
- 609
11
votes
4
answers
32k
views
Why can't we do tasks like cutting nails on three alternate weekdays?
We have a lot of things that we can't do on certain week days. (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
They include cutting nails, getting a hair cut, shampooing hair etc. Why is it so?
- 111
65
votes
5
answers
19k
views
What is the significance of ॐ (Om/Aum)?
Every mantra begins with the word ॐ (Aum/Om). (Ex. Aum Namho Bhagwate Vasudevaya Namah etc.)
ॐ itself is considered a mantra in Ayurveda.
My Questions:
What is the meaning of ॐ?
Why is it given the ...
- 4,326
7
votes
3
answers
14k
views
Why do people offer mustard oil to Lord Shani?
It is often seen that people offer mustard oil to Lord Shani, mostly on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
So, what is the significance behind pouring mustard oil over Lord Shani's Idol?
Image credits : blog....
- 7,011
10
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Why do Hindus follow the quote "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam"?
I often hear about "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" which means "The whole world is one family".
What is the story behind this quote?
- 2,335
7
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Are Sanatan Dharm and Hindu Dharm synonymous terms? If not, what is the difference between the two?
I heard about these two words and want to know, are they the same or is there any difference or relation between them?
- 173
7
votes
1
answer
5k
views
What is the story of Dhruva Tara (North Star)?
The Dhruva Tara (North Star) is believed to be a holy star in Hinduism. What is the story behind it?
- 11.5k
10
votes
1
answer
19k
views
What is the story of tortoise which is just in front of Nandi in Lord Shiva Temple?
I have seen in many temples there are Nandi and tortoise facing the Shiva linga. what is the story of being tortoise facing the Shiva linga?
- 11.5k
6
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What is the significance of viewing Shiva-Linga from in between the ears of Nandi?
I have seen in many temples of Lord Shiva where people do pradakshinas and then while entering/leaving the Sanctrum, they see Shiva-Linga from in between the ears of the Nandi statue which is exactly ...
- 11.5k
13
votes
3
answers
56k
views
Why lord Shiva has a crescent moon on his head?
Why there's a crescent moon over lord Shiva's head?
Image Credits : hdwallpapers.com
- 7,011
8
votes
2
answers
26k
views
Why don't Hindus enter temples after certain occasions?
We know that if our nearest relatives have passed away, we can't enter temple for 16 days and also if there were any children born, family members and close relative's don't visit temples for 11 days.
...
- 8,053
6
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How does the practice of self-defense fit into the concept of Ahimsa?
We know Ahimsa is the core concept of Hinduism. It is not just non-violence or not resorting to arms, but it is also the feeling that tries to reduce harm to all living creatures.
Sometimes, force ...
- 8,053
18
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Why do Hindu temples have Bells?
It is often seen that people who worship gods at temple rung bells when they enter the temple.
These bells are hung generally near the idols or at the entrance of the temples. They are also rung ...
- 7,011
17
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Are women allowed to be Hindu sanyasis/monks?
Many religions have a history of disallowing women (or men, in some cases) from being religious leaders.
What level of leadership are women allowed to hold in Hinduism?
Is there anything ...
- 1,095
14
votes
3
answers
20k
views
Why do Hindus bathe in river Ganges (Ganga)?
I've seen at many of the devotees bathe in river Ganges at sacred places.
This is often seen when people are celebrating Kumbh Mela as well, so why do they bathe in river Ganges (Ganga)?
Image ...
- 7,011
13
votes
2
answers
961
views
What is Pitra Dosh?
I've heard about Pitra Dosh. There is a disbelief regarding the actual meaning of Pitra Dosh that it arises as our forefathers are not happy with us and they have feelings of hatred for us. But that ...
- 2,335
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How Skanda in North India to Kandha (Lord muruga) in South India?
While reading an article I got this line,
The references to Murugan can be traced back to the first millennium
BCE. There are references to Murugan in Kautilya's Arthashastra, in
the works ...
- 269
51
votes
6
answers
210k
views
What does Hinduism say about masturbation?
Semitic religions such as Islam and Christianity consider masturbation to be a sin. What about Hinduism? Please give some authentic quotes for the answers.
- 8,053
6
votes
2
answers
13k
views
How many white horses were there in the chariot of Arjuna in mahabharatha war?
How many white horses were there in the chariot of Arjuna in Mahabharata ? 4 or 5 ? Some pictures showing 5 and some others showing 4 ? What is the exact number? It will be great if you add some ...
- 8,053
17
votes
6
answers
10k
views
Why didn't Krishna take a more active part in Battle of Kurukshetra in Mahabharata?
Why didn't Krishna take a more active part in Battle of Kurukshetra in Mahabharata?
Krishna was the Saarthi (Charioteer) of Arjuna and rode his rath (Chariot) around during battle and was a ...
- 485
17
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Did lord Hanuman have a son?
As per a previous question asked on this site, we know that Lord Hanuman was a bachelor,
Surya grants him a boon that he will still be a bachelor even after
marriage as a Prajapatya Brahmachari ...
- 7,011
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Did Ravana kill Brihaspati's brother?
As I discussed previously in this answer, this excerpt from the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana describes how a king named Marutha once had a Maheswara Yagna (Shiva ritual) performed, conducted by the ...
- 96.4k
10
votes
2
answers
22k
views
Differences between "Ishwar" and "Bhagvan"?
We Hindus often hear the words "ishwar" and "bhagvan" . What are the differences between these two words?
- 8,053
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why do Hindus touch Earth before starting the day?
Before starting the day, or keeping feet on Earth, Hindus usually touch Earth by their hands. What could be the possible reasons behind this ritual?
Is this to show respect to Earth?
user11
6
votes
1
answer
776
views
Correct way of Surya namaskar?
It is stated in Hindu scriptures that every Hindu must do Surya Namaskar. But I am not sure how to do it? I always do Namaskar by facing towards east.
As far as I know, there are 12 steps for Surya ...
- 11.5k
13
votes
5
answers
16k
views
Why is it necessary to burn incense stick while praying?
If you do not light a lamp while doing a prayer and reciting any mantras. But it is necessary to burn an incense stick. This is practised by Buddhist too. Why do we need to do so?
- 613
10
votes
1
answer
7k
views
What is the significance of "Akhanda Deepak" while doing puja?
It is considered very good to have the lamp that we light be lit through out the prayer. During Navratra, the lamp if lit till the end of the 9th day is considered to bring lot of luck, happiness, ...
- 613
13
votes
2
answers
40k
views
Why is it best if we light ghee lamp in the house while praying?
Before starting any prayer it is required that we light a lamp which is made up of oil and cotton wick. But it is considered uttam (best) if ghee (Clarified butter) is used instead of oil. Why is ghee ...
- 613
44
votes
5
answers
78k
views
Who are the children of Vishnu and Lakshmi?
Most of us are aware of the children of Shiva and Parvati ⇒ Kartikeya, Ganesh and many others.
I have never come across the children of Vishnu and Lakshmi.
Lastly, I am aware of the avatars of Vishnu ...
- 595
15
votes
5
answers
16k
views
What is the significance of Kundali in Hindu Family
When a baby is born in Hindu family the very first thing they do is prepare a Kundali of that child.
In that Kundali they draw a chart like
From this Kundali the future of that guy is predicted. It ...
- 2,335
36
votes
1
answer
35k
views
Why do Hindus remove their footwear before entering temples?
Why is it that people don't wear shoes and sandals when they visit a temple? Sometimes they remove them outside of temple premises and sometimes outside of the temple steps...
It's a common practice ...
- 7,011