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Samudra Manthan and the role of Alcohol - Suras, Asuras and Varuni

The relationship between Samudra Manthan and alcohol came up in a comment thread to another question, with one commenter stating that alcohol was forbidden in Hinduism because Daanavs drank alcohol and lost the chance at the amrit (nectar of…
Shisa
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What is the story of Vyuptakesha incarnation of Lord Shiva?

Sri Rudram is the 16th chapter of Vajasaneyi Samhita, and also 4.5.1 -4.5.11 of Taittariya Samhita. There are 11 Anuvaks in total in Krishna YajurVeda. 5th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram is of specific significance. In the first paragraph of 5th Anuvaka it…
Tezz
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Why do widows wear white sarees after their husband's death?

After the death of a man (husband), the wife (widow) is not allowed to wear bangles, kumkum (sindhur) and is asked to wear white saree & shave her head. Is there any reference for such a practice in scriptures? And what is the purpose of such a…
Ganesh
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Can women do Pitru Tarpanam?

Pitrus are our ancestors who have deceased.And "Tarpanam" means "to satiate". Pitru Tarpanam is done to please our deceased ancestors with offerings of black sesame seeds mixed with water. It can be done yearly in the Pitru Paksha,monthly on each…
Rickross
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What is the mythological origin of Vastu?

Hindus follow principles of Vastu Sastra for construction purposes. Vastu Sastra can be defined as follows: Vaastu is an ancient Indian science of architecture and buildings which helps in making a congenial setting or a place to live and work in a…
The Destroyer
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Why do Hindus cover their head?

All Hindu women cover their heads in Temples and during prayers which shows respect towards God. Here I have found there is no mention of women covering their head in any of the Hindu texts. If it is not mentioned any where then how we came to know…
user6981
11
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1 answer

Definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana

Bhagavan is a term which is commonly used,by several traditions. What is the definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana?
Uday Krishna
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11
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Please Explain The Number 108

Why is 108 significant in Hinduism? What is the scientific/mathematic/spiritual/religious significance? We are told to aim for 108 reps of Surya Namaskar (I'm on 69 reps a day, LOL) If you circumambulate Mount Kailash 108 times, you attain…
Rhonda
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On Identity of Sage Valmiki

Rishi Valmiki is the author of the Great Epic Ramayana. What are whereabouts of his earlier life? I have heard something like this about him (that he was dacoit) is there a way to prove or disprove this speculation? In India specially in north India…
Yogi
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Manu Smriti as a source of controversy

Many contemporary groups (fundamentalist Christians and Muslims; secular liberals; Marxists) have denounced the "Manu Smriti" text as a source of discrimination against the "lesser castes" as well as against women. One researcher from the Arya…
Nehal Patel
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Does Hinduism allow chanting translated Vedic mantras?

A fella gave me an idea about translating Hindu texts to Chinese and others for preaching. Chinese chanting mantras in their native Chinese. Does Hinduism allow or recommend this practice? E.g., this is the translation of Mahamrtyunjaya…
Mohak Sahu
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11
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5 answers

Why man is mortal irrespective of good or bad activity?

Why man is mortal? Suppose one person is very religious and very responsible family person as well.He is very much dedicated/ respectful to god and he loves his family very much and he don't want to leave the world.Then what is the logic behind the…
Gopal Biswas
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Timeline of the battle of the ten kings in the Vedas

What is the timeline of the battle of the 10 kings mentioned in the Vedas? What are the circumstances that lead to the battle and also, what is the best account(translated) of the events surrounding the battle?
Naveen
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Where is the mention of 'Chanting Rama three times is equal to chanting 1000 names of Vishnu'?

In the ending part of Vishnu Sahasranaam Stotra these verses are recited: पार्वत्युवाच : केनोपायेन लघुनां विष्णुर्नामसहस्रकम् । पठ्यते पंण्डितैर नित्यं श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं प्रभो ॥ 26 ॥ pArvatyuvAcha: keno pAyena lagunA vishNor nAma…
Tezz
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Is Lord Shiva First Vaishnava (Devotee of Lord Vishnu)?

My question is that Lord Shiva is also Vaishnava (Devotee of Lord Vishnu). Because I read this fact before from one scripture, so anybody can attach that scripture which claimed that Siva is greatest Vaishnav.
Shree Krishna
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