Could you guide me on how to fast for Mahashivratri Hello lovely people! I’d like some help with regard to fasting for Mahashivratri. Last year was the fast time I did it for mental peace. And I plan to do it this year too. However, 1) I am travelling 2) not sure if there are rules and a way of doing this. Last year I started off by bathing and then drinking some water infront of god. Didn’t have any rice, salt. Survived on water and fruits. So if you can guide me how I can go about this... 2 1 replies
Initiation for Sandhyavandane I want to start doing Sandhyavandane. So I want to ask do i need to get initiated to perform Sandhyavandane. If not please also educate me on how to do it as a beginner. 2 4 replies
Creating a problems database for Sanatana Dharma So I have a question and thought maybe this would be the right place to ask. I’ve been doing a research study of major problems people have in the practice of Sanatan Dharma, whether this is integrating Dharmic principles in daily life on a more consistent basis , philosophical understandings or even ideas of about wealth accumulation. It could be issues with puja or issue with practicing karma yoga at work. What problems have you encountered with your practice and staying afloat? What solutions are your currently using to... 1 0 replies
Contradiction? Edit 2: I have received my answer, I didn't fully know what Lakshmi represented So recently this contradiction has come into my view. So most (if not all) gods preach that you should detach from wealth and that wealth doesn't matter. But then you see that Vishnu is literally married to Lakshmi... Then you see that most gods are adorned in at least some jewels in most depictions (but let's ignore this point since it might be artwork symbolism). Then you remember that when Lakshmi got cursed and disappeared... 2 9 replies
Is Shiva is Paramvaishnav? I have heared the song "chandrachuda" that contains this line. This not same video but same song- https://youtube.com/shorts/wGQzrl72Fms?si=HIIerscHDlfUiA0F 4 3 replies
Shivling in Hanuman temple I have noticed in multiple temples that, right in front of Humanji idol there is a small shivling in front inside garbha gruha. Does anyone know why is it so or any significance of this. 3 3 replies
The name Leena Can anyone please advise if Leena is a Hindu name? I know that variations of the name are used in several cultures, and I was wondering if Leena would also be considered a Hindu name. Thanks for your help. 1 4 replies
We use rudraksha mala for japa, any specific rules to follow? Is there any rules in doing japa on rudraksha mala , and instructions to be followed before japa.? 1 0 replies
Question about Gayatri Mantra : Varenyam Vs Vidvamahe Jai Siya Ram I know that there are many types of Gayatri Mantra for various Gods. And that they generally follow this structure: Om <God name 1> Vidvamahe <God name 2> Dhimahi <God name 3> Prachodayat Also I'm familiar with the Savitur Gayatri: Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo yo nah Prachodayat My question is what is the difference between 'Vidvamahe' and 'Varenyam'? What are the meaning of these words, and also 'dhimahi ', and 'prachodayat '? Thanks in advance 4 1 replies
How to do naap jaap? I am sorry if this is a stupid question. I am heavily inspired by Premananda Maharajji and he always talks about naam jaap. I am a Hanuman and Shri Raam bhakt. I have started chanting “Jay Shri Ram” mentally or verbally. But I am scared I am doing it wrong. Is there a specific way to do naam jaap? Can I do it even after consuming non-veg? 3 10 replies
Question on Ganesha chants Hey everyone, I’m an 18-year-old male Westerner who has been into Dharma for a little while now. I’ve been stuck in a pretty bad situation for quite some time—feeling lost in life, not respected, frequently disrespected, and not really liked by anyone. I’m quite lonely and struggle with a severe lack of confidence. Since I’ll be on my own soon, I’ve been wondering if I could ask Ganesha for some help. Could I chant the Vakratunda Mahakaya mantra and Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha for success and positive change in... 1 4 replies
Question about service in temple Hello! I am an American who was raised Catholic and I've been trying to get into Hinduism for years as I was blessed with a vision from Lakshmi in 2019. I've read the Gita and it brings me peace. The way I view God in all is exactly how I think Hindus do as well and I would like to be apart of a community of people who share my beliefs. I have a temple in my local area, but I don't understand how they work. https://sanatanlft.org/ This is... 3 2 replies
Mantras to start off day I have a long drive in the morning to work and don’t like listening to music or radio What mantras would be best to play in car 2 5 replies
What to do on that day So as we all might know that tomorrow's mahashivratri, and i want to know what things can i go to get lord Shiva's blessings for me and my family 1 0 replies
Visitation from Shakti.. I saw Shakti last night. She was Blue and stunningly Gorgeous. She said that she see's that I'm currently under demonic attack and that she will try to help me in my current fight. She told me that I need to get a certain book on her that should aid me in my quest. I'm just curious what are some things Shakti can do? I know she is a wife for Shiva.. I used to talk to him all the time but that was some time ago. I knew... 3 7 replies
Tips for reading and understanding the BhagavadGita? I am currently living abroad, and I was not able to find many translations of bhagavadgita. I have gone through this sub and have decided to go with the gita press edition instead of Bhagavad-Gita as it is. I bought my first Bhagavad-Gita!! Please guide me to a youtube playlist/resources that teaches how to pronounce the slokas properly and also give a unbiased deeper meaning and explanation to each sloka. I am only able to find iskon related videos. Please help me in finding the right resources to learn.... 1 4 replies