Most Popular

1500 questions
17
votes
2 answers

Which is the oldest scriptural reference for Diwali?

The festival of Diwali is associated with many legends: The first day of Dhan Trayodashi is the day when Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the Samudra Manthan. Next comes Narak Chaturdashi is when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasur. The next day…
Dr. Vineet Aggarwal
  • 19,325
  • 3
  • 100
  • 206
17
votes
1 answer

Were there toilets in ancient India i.e., during times of Ramayana and Mahabharata?

The people of Indus valley did have toilets in their homes, so were there toilets in the times of Mahabharata or Ramayana? Does any Hindu scripture mention about toilet system?
Karmanya Nanda
  • 5,204
  • 3
  • 25
  • 61
17
votes
2 answers

Why does Lord Jagannath suffer from fever?

It is believed that Jagannath suffers from a high fever after the Snana-Yatra. During this time, devotees are prevented from seeing Him. After taking special care, the deities gets cured and the famous Ratha-yatra is started. From here: ....9)…
user6981
17
votes
8 answers

According to Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna is the ultimate God. So why are there other beliefs in Hinduism?

I am talking about monotheism and polytheism. When we refer to bagavat Gita we can see that bagvan gives answer to this, he is the creator, preserver and destroyer.
Rahul K Rajan
  • 421
  • 3
  • 7
17
votes
3 answers

How should Hindus treat people of other religions?

What are the teachings of Hinduism for dealing with other religions and their followers? To be more precise, what does Hinduism teach its followers about how to treat other people like Muslims and Christians?
Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan
  • 2,480
  • 4
  • 22
  • 39
17
votes
5 answers

Were women cursed with menstruation?

I vaguely remember hearing that women were cursed with menstruation or probably I read it on this site itself in some comment that I'm unable to trace now. Were women cursed by any sage or god with menstruation? I'm also curious to know if only…
Vishal prabhu lawande
  • 2,774
  • 1
  • 16
  • 40
17
votes
6 answers

Why is it said in Vedanta that you are not the doer of any action?

In my study of Advaita Vedanta, I have come across many references to the point that one is not the doer of any action. See for example these two verses धर्माधर्मौ सुखं दुखं मानसानि न ते विभो। न कर्तासि न भोक्तासि मुक्त एवासि…
Lokesh
  • 2,093
  • 12
  • 27
17
votes
6 answers

Was Adi Shankaracharya a Shaiva or a Vaishnava? What were his views on Shiva and Vishnu?

Adi Shankaracharya taught Advaita philosophy. What was his belief on how one should see Shiva and Vishnu? Was he a Shaiva or a Vaishnava? Are Shiva and Vishnu same as per Him?
abhay vajpayee
  • 181
  • 1
  • 1
  • 5
17
votes
1 answer

What is the source of this famous verse?

आकाशात् पतितं तोयं यथा गच्छति सागरम् । सर्वदेवनमस्कारं केशवं प्रतिगच्छति ॥ ākāśāt patitaṃ toyaṃ yathā gacchati sāgaram । sarvadevanamaskāraṃ keśavaṃ pratigacchati ॥ Meaning: As the water that falls down in rain from anywhere in the sky finally…
Sarvabhouma
  • 25,803
  • 11
  • 123
  • 202
17
votes
2 answers

Can a married woman take out her Mangala Sutra and keep it anywhere?

I have seen many of our sisters and mothers wear the Mangala Sutra. The question Why do brides wear a mangal sutra? answers why they wear it in the first place. But my question is: Nowadays we see many working women who don't prefer to wear the…
mano
  • 1,158
  • 4
  • 10
  • 21
17
votes
3 answers

Is Vrindavan Krishna different from Dvaraka Krishna?

Gaudiya Vaishnavas believe that there is a so-called Vrindavan Krishna and that the Krishna in Dwaraka is different from Vrindavan Krishna. Is there any scriptural evidence for that claim? They also say that Vrindavan Krishna was born to Yashoda and…
Kishore
  • 189
  • 3
17
votes
1 answer

Which Scripture mentions the famous Shiva Tandava Stotram?

Shiva Tandava Stotram is a hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva and it describes the daily evening dance of Tandava. It also poetically describes destroying aspects of Shiva. Shiva Tandava Stotram mentioned by Dr. Sarasvati Mohan on Sanskrit documents…
The Destroyer
  • 31,363
  • 14
  • 169
  • 343
17
votes
1 answer

What is the meaning of "Swasti na Indro Vridhhashravaha..."?

This mantra is very famous, mostly also used in TV shows while showing Yajnas. This is also known as Shanti Path Mantra: ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः । भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः । स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवागँसस्तनूभिः । व्यशेम देवहितं यदायूः…
Tezz
  • 48,448
  • 9
  • 230
  • 344
17
votes
2 answers

The story and Principle of adding "shree" "श्री" before our sacred religious books?

What is the story and principle behind adding the word "Shree" श्री before our sacred religious books like "Shreemad Bhagvat श्रीमद भागवत ", Shreemad Bhagvad Gita श्रीमद भगवदगीता" etc. When was this tradition born.?
SwiftPushkar
  • 32,135
  • 6
  • 88
  • 156
17
votes
2 answers

How do Dvaitins and Vishistadvaitins interpret this passage of Mahabharata?

Below is the passage from Shanti Parva of Mahabharat in the chapter 320. It describes how Suka (the son of Veda Vyas) attained moksha. When Suka through his power of Yoga goes in position of attaining moksha, Vyas is grieving for his son and…
Tezz
  • 48,448
  • 9
  • 230
  • 344