Translation of Hindu scriptures is not an easy task and requires a lot of knowledge and even experience in different domains. Linguistic expertise is not the only one required to do it. Many of the verses may have a variety of valid interpretations. Context of the verse also plays an important ro...

As far as I know, varnashram is originally a Vedic idea, by which Shudras that were Not recognised as dvija were Not entitled for Upanayana that usually used to take place at the age of 8-11 years of the boys fathered by dvija males. From this, it evidently follows that by the Vedic varnashram, p...

Nandī, the vehicle mount (vāhana) of Śhiva, is commonly referred to as "Nandī baila" (नंदी बैल), in the popular hindi jargon. However, there's a difference between a Bull (सांड) and an Ox (बैल)? A bull is a natural male counterpart of a cow, while an ox is an unnaturally made. So, the question...

As per a comment in this question, A Vedic Brāhmiṇa is worse than a chāṇḍāla/achût, who knows "real Śhruti". Here's a screenshot of the comment, just in case: So, which scriptures say that a Vedic Brāhmiṇa is worse than a chāṇḍāla/Achût, who knows the real Śhruti ? Is there any s...

Here I am giving unconfirmed sources. In Kurma Purana II.39.56-62, Shiva says Indeed the holy Pasupata vow has been formerly designed by me for the achievement of liberation. It is the greatest of all secrets. It is the subtlest essence of the Vedas... Sruti states that this Pasupata Yoga should...

What is the story about Namagiri Thayar/ MahaLakshmi and Hanuman who placed a Saligrama there unwittingly and it grew up to a hill? Are large stone idols of Namagiri and Suchindram related? Posted in response to recent interest generated by Jaggi Vasudev's initiative.

Understanding Prakriti or Maya. Is she Jada or chetana or both. Since supreme goddess is Maya, Maya is not necessarily a bad or scary thing as is commonly stated. this answer too speaks very highly of her. Puri Shankaracharya says: When Brahman wants to become sākāra and saguna (with form and at...

I heard in one upanyasa a vidwan say that we should must continue the activity/work on second iteration; he said "dwitiya nasta" will not result in good outcome. For example: if you start reading something today and this is supposed to be a daily routine, you must do it second day. If you dont d...

As far as I know the main ones are: 1. Vaishnava Puranas - Vishnu beats up (or almost beats up) Shiva. Demean Shaiva Puranas as tamasic. 2. Ramayana & Mahabharata - Vishnu beats up Shiva and is the hero. Krishna says Lord Shiva is just his part. 3. Vaishnava Upanishads like Rama Rahasya Upanishad...

What are the qualifications one need to understand Bhagavad Gita as it is? Because I have seen many people in first impression misunderstood Gita as it is, and people have much confusion regarding it. What does the Acharyas says about qualifications to understand Bhagavad Gita? What are qualifica...

Shakta and Shaiva shrutis sometimes state that Brahmin is lower than their followers. But I also found these verses: Shiva Purana Vayaviya Samhita II, 31.173-4: “[Upamanyu said] The followers of Siva who adhere to the philosophical path, those who perform the Pasupata rites those who observe hol...