37
votes
How to read Hindu Scriptures.?
The following sentence from question motivated/inspired me to introduce following two steps:
Ok, I understand there are lot of Hindu scriptures.
Step-1 Know about Hindu scriptures.
First of ...
- 25.9k
24
votes
Accepted
How do I control and slay indriyas (senses)?
A complete description of senses and how to control them have been written by the great Seer Sri Swami Sivnananda. 'Control of the Indriyas by Sri Swami Sivananda'.
Senses
Senses are not different ...
- 4,385
24
votes
What is Hinduism's view on abortion?
Abortion is strictly forbidden. Here is what this chapter of the Gautama Dharma Sutras says:
A woman becomes an outcast by procuring abortion, by connection with a (man of) lower (caste) and (the ...
- 96.9k
22
votes
Accepted
Shaving / Haircut / Nailcut - what days are allowed / prohibited?
Shaving/Haircut also called Kshoura Karma is not allowed on all days.
When shaving beard, start from right side. then cut the mustache, armpits and then at last haircut. Then shave whichever hairs ...
- 3,489
19
votes
What is the truth behind the practice of Sati? How is it related to Hinduism?
The "Sati Pratha" has been praised in Hindu Shastras but it is voluntary, not mandatory.
So,it is upto the wives to decide and can't be enforced upon them as a "Sastra Vachan"(a ...
- 111k
18
votes
Accepted
Brahmins used to eat Five-nailed animals?
First of all, the quote is from this chapter of the Kishkindha Kanda of the Ramayana, where Vali accuses Rama of acting sinfully in killing him:
My skin is unwearable, holy people forbid my hair and ...
- 96.9k
18
votes
Accepted
Is it true that chanting mantra without moving lips and tongue gives more effect?
Yes, that's true. Usually three forms of chanting (japa) are mentioned in scriptures.
From Tantra SAra:
NijakarnAgocharohayam Sajapo MAnasah Smrito | UpAnsunijakarnasya
Gocharaha Parikirtitaha ||...
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17
votes
Accepted
What do the Vedas say about animal sacrifice?
Animal sacrifice, when performed properly according to Vedas, is an exception to the general rule about not harming living beings. Here is what Adi Shankaracharya says in his commentary on the Brahma ...
- 96.9k
17
votes
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What are the Saptapadi or the seven promises of marriage?
The seven steps around the fire represents seven promises taken by newly married couple in the presence of the fire. In Hindu religion, he is believed as the maintainer of life. He carries the fruits ...
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17
votes
Accepted
Any other slokas suggesting drinking of cow urine
There are numerous such verses in the Smritis. Consuming Panchagavyas (the five products obtained from a cow) is considered as an effective sin-cleansing remedy for a variety of sins.
Here are a few ...
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15
votes
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If a Brahmin doesn't perform duties as per his varna, is he still called as brahmin?
No. He will be considered degraded then. He will be a Brahmin just for the namesake.
From Manu Smriti:
2.103. But he who does not (worship) standing in the morning, nor sitting in the evening, ...
- 111k
14
votes
Why do women not wear Yagnopaveetham (Janeu or Poonal)?
The Yajyopavita is worn by those who after Upanayana study Vedas and live life by practicing Vedic duties.
In the olden days, many women underwent Upanayana and studied Vedas. They were called ...
- 1,883
14
votes
Does Anushasan Parva, chapter 88 of the Mahabharata, allow cow sacrifice?
No. It doesn't support cow sacrifice though cow sacrifice is allowed during Yagnas.
Bibek Debroy's translation of BORI critical edition is critical edition of Mahabharta. You can read Anushasana ...
- 31k
14
votes
Accepted
What is the recommended age for marriage for girls as per Shastra?
Here is what this chapter of the Manu Smriti recommends:
A man, aged thirty years, shall marry a maiden of twelve who pleases him, or a man of twenty-four a girl eight years of age; if (the ...
- 96.9k
14
votes
What is Hinduism's view on abortion?
Here is my partial answer.
Abortion is a grave sin.The Parashara Smriti says that the sin is even greater than in the case of killing a Brahmin.And killing a Brahmin is considered as one of the 5 ...
- 111k
13
votes
Accepted
Is there a taboo about a younger groom marrying an elder bride? Any references where a younger groom marries an elder woman?
Yes, there is a scriptural basis for the restriction.
Here is what Krishna says to Uddhava in the eleventh chapter of the Uddhava Gita of the Srimad Bhagavatam:
One who desires to establish ...
- 96.9k
13
votes
Why eating rice is prohibited on Ekadashi?
There is a quotation from the Skanda Purana admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekadasi becomes a murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master,
and even if he is elevated to a ...
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13
votes
Accepted
What are the Hindu Code of Conduct (Ethics)?
In Santana Dharma, the "right way of living" is preached in many scriptures. Actually the Sanskrit word "Dharma" itself stands for similar meaning.
Ethics (Ethical code or Code Of ...
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12
votes
What is Hinduism's view on abortion?
The sage Vyasa gives the following reasons for having written the Mahabharata.
As the full-moon by its mild light expandeth the buds of the water-lily, so this Purana, by exposing the light of ...
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12
votes
Accepted
Is there any advantage for a person dying as virgin?
There is no advantage in dying a virgin unless one has formally taken up the Sannyasa dharma i.e unless one has ritually become a sannyasi.
For a sannyasi strict celibacy is a must.
But for all ...
- 111k
12
votes
Accepted
How can one increase bhakti?
Yes, scriptures provide 9 steps of Bhakti known as Navdha Bhakti. In the Ramacharitmanas 3.35 - 3.36, Lord Shri Rama explains Navdha Bhakti to Shabri:
प्रथम भगति संतन्ह कर संगा।
The first ...
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11
votes
Accepted
Why eating rice is prohibited on Ekadashi?
It is said in the PurAnas that the personification of all sins or the pApa purusha resides within the grains like rice on this day. That's why eating all grains including rice is prohibited on the ...
- 111k
11
votes
Accepted
Giving Alms (Donation/charity) with the intention of getting merit will give me merit?
Yes, if your intention is getting merit then you will get it.
Manu Smriti 4.234. For whatever purpose (a man) bestows any gift, for
that same purpose he receives (in his next birth) with due ...
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10
votes
Does Anushasan Parva, chapter 88 of the Mahabharata, allow cow sacrifice?
No, this is the wrong information given by Zakir naik. But I would like to thank him to read the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata or I want to give him a suggestion that he should read properly and ...
10
votes
Accepted
What is Kayakalpa?
Kayakalpa is yogic practice but not the Kayakalpa we know in current world. Siddhar Sivavakkiyar describes it in his song.
Urutharitha Nadiyl odingi nindra vaivinai
Karuthinal nirthuye kabalam atre ...
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9
votes
Why is it forbidden to marry a person with the same Gotra?
Yes, Sagotra (same-gotra) marriages are prohibited by Hindu scripture. Here's what this chapter of the Manu Smriti says:
A damsel who is neither a Sapinda on the mother's side, nor belongs to ...
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9
votes
Why do women not wear Yagnopaveetham (Janeu or Poonal)?
In addition to the above answers, I would like to add mine:
In Vedic Era, which continued upto Mahabharata period, i.e, 3102 B.C., women used to perform SANDHYA rites. Thereafter, due to reasons not ...
- 17.2k
9
votes
How do I control and slay indriyas (senses)?
TL;DR
Short Answer
Sri Krishna teaches:
Undoubtedly, O Arjuna, the mind is restless and hard to control. But by practice (abhyasa) and dispassion (vairagya) it can be controlled. [BG ...
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9
votes
Do all Shaiva Siddhantins reject Vamachara practices as sinful?
Tirumular in Tirumantiram condemns Vamachara practises like drinking wine:
326: The Wicked Drink In VAma Tantra
Lust and drink, fit for the wicked are they;
In ritual unholy they drink and ...
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9
votes
Do any Hindu scriptures condemn magick? Is the practice of magick by Wiccans using Hindu deities legitimate?
Here is a verse that says that black magic (using roots) is a punishable offence.
Manu Smriti 9.290. For all incantations intended to destroy life, for
magic rites with roots (practised by ...
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