For questions about the holy texts of Hinduism. Please also use a more specific tag (e.g. [vishnu-purana]) if possible.
Questions tagged [scripture]
2180 questions
28
votes
8 answers
What are the Hindu scriptures which every Hindu should abide by?
In Christianity, one has the holy Bible and in Islam one has the holy Quran. Which scriptures should a Hindu always follow? Which scripture can a Hindu look up for references?
Rahul
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17
votes
5 answers
What are 16 shastras?
I learned from internet that there are 16 shastras, But I didn't find valid source for list of those shastras.
Can you tell me please the what are those 16 shastras?
Are there any upa-shastras (sub-shastras) like upavedas and upapuranas?
user1159
16
votes
3 answers
Is the hierarchy of scriptures discussed in any scripture or in the works of Acharyas?
Once I debated with someone regarding the superiority of Darshana Sutras vs Puranas. Because of my interest in philosophical scripture, I argued that Mimansa Sutras are written/based on Samhita & Brahmana part of Vedas which are most authoritative…
Pandya
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11
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1 answer
Which is the earliest reference to Upavedas?
We know that there are four Upavedas associated with four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva). While reading some encyclopedias, I found that core things are not clear or there are different opinions.
First of all among the name of four Upavedas,…
Pandya
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11
votes
5 answers
Mentions of bacteria, viruses, or microbes in Hindu scripture?
Are there any references to microbes, such as bacteria or viruses, in any Hindu scripture?
Ikshvaku
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9
votes
4 answers
The origin of "Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu"?
Most of us heard this famous quote "Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu" (let everybody live peacefully).
Where it is originated from and which shloka mention this line and from which text ?
Kiran RS
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9
votes
0 answers
Who were the custodians of scripture in different eras?
In the Vedic period they were called Rishis, then we hear about Sutas. Was the occupation of scribe known in Hinduism?
S K
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9
votes
1 answer
Where do scriptures or commentaries say that shlokas have to be interpreted as per context, time, place and situation?
Where in scriptures or commentaries is it said that shlokas have to be interpreted as per प्रसंग (context), काल (time),स्थान (place) and परिस्थिति (situation) (and other factors, if any)?
Please give exact references.
user13590
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8
votes
3 answers
What are some of the most logical and rational Hindu text?
I am interested in old texts which uses rationale and logical arguments only to reach to conclusion or prove some axiom. Are there such text which can be rightfully called logical treatises, scientific papers.
Does ancient Hindu literature contain…
spetzz
- 191
- 3
8
votes
1 answer
Are there any reasons to maintain spiritual practices very secret?
Does scripture say to maintain secrecy in spiritual practices? Are we not recommended to speak about our Ishta Deva, spiritual practices or devotion?
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
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8
votes
3 answers
A drop in the ocean
Can you help me find scriptural references to the idea we are like a drop or a wave in the ocean unaware that we are the ocean, or that in samadhi we become the ocean?
7
votes
1 answer
Why was Hindu scripture written in poetry format rather than descriptive text?
I have one question:
Why was hinduism scripture written in poetry format rather than descriptive text?
SamSol
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7
votes
0 answers
Which is the oldest known reference to a 7 day week in Hindu scriptures?
I thought of this question after reading about day-wise restrictions on shaving/haircut
These weekly day-wise restrictions must have started after a 7 day week was established.
Which is the oldest known reference to a 7 day week (or a particular…
user13107
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7
votes
1 answer
What are the advantages if we wake up before Sun-rise according to Vedas?
what are the advantages if we wake up before sunrise according to our scriptures.
Thanks!!!
Shree Krishna
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7
votes
2 answers
Dhanurveda original manuscript
Is there any original manuscript of Dhanurveda or the original text which can be read online.
Yogi
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