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1500 questions
98
votes
21 answers
Why can we eat 'living' plants but not 'living' animals?
I attended a session of a priest. He described how eating non-veg food is disfavoured in Hinduism. He told us that a verse of Bhagavad-Gita says that eating non-veg food is evil.
Priest: If you eat non-veg food, you share the karma of killing an…
user3459110
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93
votes
8 answers
Why do Hindus believe in cremation instead of burial?
The other two major religions, Christianity and Islam both practice burial after death. What factors influence the Hindus to practice cremation instead?
Pawan
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85
votes
6 answers
Is our destiny predetermined? If yes, then why do our actions affect our karma?
Is our destiny predetermined? I've read some stories which do show that a person's destiny is predetermined, like:
pathi pragrahiṇaṁ kaṁsam ābhāṣyāhāśarīra-vāk asyās tvām aṣṭamo
garbho hantā yāṁ vahase ’budha [SB 10.1.34]
Meaning: While Kaṁsa,…
Mr. Alien
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65
votes
6 answers
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 first place in all (or most) mantras (at least to…
user3459110
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61
votes
8 answers
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
59
votes
12 answers
Why is Shiva primarily worshipped in a linga form?
In Hindu temples, the statues of the deities are present in the sanctum. But in (most) Shiva temples, only a linga is present instead of a Shiva statue. The linga worship seems to be limited only to Shiva, since no other deity is worshipped widely…
TheLoneKing
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58
votes
1 answer
What were the seven curses said by the goddesses to Lord Vishnu?
It is believed that when Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Venkateshwara Swamy, the goddesses (Lord Vishnu's two wives) gave seven curses to Him. For each curse, Lord Vishnu took one step back from them and at last became a statue which is in…
Mr_Green
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56
votes
6 answers
What exactly happens at end of Kali Yuga? Will the world be destroyed?
I heard that at the end of the Kali Yuga, the world will be destroyed.
What does this mean?
Will the Earth be destroyed or will the entire Universe be destroyed?
Can someone throw light on this?
ckv
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55
votes
11 answers
How were the Trimurti born?
In Hinduism, there are three supreme gods, Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh (Shiva). Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the protector/Preserver, and Shiva (Rudra) is the Destroyer/Regenerater.
But how these gods were born? Did the Supreme Lord (Brahman) create…
demonofthemist
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52
votes
6 answers
Are there any references to Gravity in Hindu Scriptures?
Are there any references to Gravity or any fundamental forces in Hindu Scriptures viz. Vedas, Upanishands and Puranas or any Scientific Vedic Scriptures?
The Destroyer
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52
votes
5 answers
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.
Kiran RS
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52
votes
8 answers
Is the ultimate purpose of life only to serve God?
I wonder at this question, because as with most major religions, it seems all you are mostly meant to do is to serve/devote yourself to God. It also seems that even in Hinduism this is the only way to unite with God? Why can't we just be good, why…
Xarcell
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51
votes
10 answers
Why is lord Ganesha worshipped first before any puja?
I've seen that Hindus worship lord Ganesha before starting any puja (act of worship) or important task.
I've also seen people worshipping lord Ganesha before they start off with marriage proceedings, and on marriage invitation cards.
They also keep…
Mr. Alien
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47
votes
6 answers
Was Lord Rama a non-vegetarian?
I have always believed that Lord Rama was a vegetarian, but after reading certain blogs I found out that there might be certain verses in Ramayana (like the one below) which indicate quite the opposite.
idaM medhyamidaM svaadu niSTaptamidamagninaa…
anon456
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47
votes
1 answer
What are some online sources to get unabridged Hindu Scriptures or to learn Hinduism?
What are some good websites to find unabridged versions of Hindu Scriptures and to learn Hinduism (with proper interpretations)?
Also, see:
Where can I find/get basic information about Hinduism on the web?
Where can I find the Hindu scriptures in…
The Destroyer
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