Most Popular
1500 questions
15
votes
4 answers
Are there any scriptures available (or mention) that are related to GyanVapi mandir?
Shivling has been found in Gyanvapi, Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh, and the supreme court today ordered to seal the area
The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Varanasi District Magistrate to
protect the area where the ‘shivling’ was found without…
hanugm
- 31,700
- 11
- 70
- 175
15
votes
4 answers
What is the significance of Sashtang Namaskar?
In Hinduism, we do Namaskar to the God statues in the temples as a symbol of belief, respect, and worship. In addition, we also do Sashtang Namaskar.
What exactly is Sashtang Namaskar, and why must one do it?
Mr_Green
- 11,583
- 30
- 86
- 141
15
votes
0 answers
Is ‘Vayu Purāṇa’ a synonym for the Shiva Purāṇa and what is the reason for it having two names?
The Matsya Purāṇa, while enlisting the 18 mahapuranas says the following with reference to the fourth one, also known as the Shri Shiva Purāṇa
With reference to the Śvetakalpa, the dharma which Vayu spoke (on this earth), the Purāṇa in which this…
Adiyarkku
- 11,038
- 3
- 42
- 89
15
votes
2 answers
What is the meaning of Uma?
Consort of Lord Shiva is mostly known by her name 'Parvati'. But in Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas we find the name of 'Uma' being used. Right from the 5th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram which starts with 'नमः सोमाय च' or 'Salutations to Lord who is with…
Tezz
- 48,448
- 9
- 230
- 344
15
votes
0 answers
What are the purification rites for mixed castes mentioned by Manu?
Consider the following question and answer from the Mahabharata
"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana by
characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of caste
becometh futile as long as conduct doth not come…
hanugm
- 31,700
- 11
- 70
- 175
15
votes
3 answers
Do all Non-Hindus remain as Pretas after death?
The Jivatma will remain as a Preta unless Śrāddha is done, but non-Hindus do not perform Śrāddha.
learner
- 965
- 3
- 17
15
votes
4 answers
Deceit in dice game
Mahabharata repeatedly talks about "deceit" in a dice game where Yudhistira lost. The Ganguly translation quotes Yudhistira saying "Thou hast won this stake of me by unfair means" (section SECTION LX; Book 2). But there aren't any more details on…
Kanthri
- 3,267
- 1
- 7
- 25
15
votes
1 answer
What are the basic facts and summary of what the Rigveda is about?
I'd like to know more about the ancient book Rigveda. However, I think I need some basic information on this book first before I start to read it - so any shortcuts on what would be some good introduction, basic facts and a summary of what the…
Verbar
- 151
- 1
- 3
15
votes
1 answer
Difference in height of people in different yugas
I saw a story in Ramanand Sagar's TV serial 'Krishna' (and this story should be from Shreemad Bhagavatam) which goes as follows.
When King Kakudmi and his daughter Revati came back from Bramhalok, to meet Lord Balarama, for marrying Revati with him,…
Aby
- 10,103
- 22
- 71
- 143
15
votes
5 answers
What is Purascharana and how is it done?
I have a few questions about Purascharana.
Can Purascharana be initiated even without a guru?
Should the mantra be repeated fixed number of times daily? What if there is a variation in the no. of times every day?
What if he repeats without doing a…
user12458
- 4,347
- 9
- 33
- 61
15
votes
3 answers
Is Veda Vyasa still alive? If yes, where is he? How can one recognize him?
Some people say that Veda Vyasa is still alive with his body in the Himalayas. When I searched, I found this link. It is stated here also.
But where can we find him and how can we recognize him?
It is also said that with the perfection of the…
user12458
- 4,347
- 9
- 33
- 61
15
votes
3 answers
What is the reason behind fasting (vrat)?
I have seen people keeping numerous fasts in an year. Where does the idea of fasting originate, and what is the reason behind keeping a fast?
mihirjoshi
- 968
- 2
- 9
- 15
15
votes
2 answers
What is the significance of the right hand?
It is said that you should take prasadam with your right hand only. If you take it with your left hand, it is considered bad.
Is there any reasoning for the significance of right hand in the Hindu community? I am looking for scientific as well as…
Abhijeet Kasurde
- 401
- 1
- 5
- 14
15
votes
3 answers
What order should I read the Vedas and Upanishads in?
Is there any particular order in which I should read the Vedas and Upanishads? If so, in which order should a starter read for better understanding of the aspects stated in them?
user12458
- 4,347
- 9
- 33
- 61
15
votes
5 answers
What is source for claim that Sruti is more important than Smriti ? That Itihasa/Purana can be discarded if they conflict with Vedas?
We sometimes hear these arguments :
'Vedas ALONE are truth',
and
'Whenever there is conflict between Sruti and Smriti, Smriti must be discarded'.
What is the source for this argument ? Is it Sruti or Smriti ?
If it is Smriti, it's like a book saying…
ram
- 8,076
- 2
- 30
- 57