How to learn more about Shova/Shaivism? As a westerner, my introduction to Sanatana Dharma was through Mahabharata & Gita, so I learned early on about Krishna/Vishnu. But I know that Shiva is another major deity (but not Brahma for some reason?) and I am looking for more stories or scriptures that involve him so I can gain a broader view. I consider myself an Advaitan, if that makes a difference. Thank you! 3 8 replies
Why in many places maa kali and maa shetla are worshipped with Muslim pirs? Just found this out. In many parts of Bengal Muslim pirs like Sayed are worshipped alongside maa kali as her "servants" or "companions". Same seen is up in punjab with maa shetla Devi being worshipped with pirs in dargha and temples. Usually in all these places pirs are given a lower rank to the actual deity. While I don't know how all this happened but what I do know is...these seems to have merged well honestly. I have heard enough Stories and personal tales about the pirs helping the... 5 6 replies
Random shower thought Actually not a thought, it's a doubt. In every religion including hinduism, when ever God cam to earth, he/she were described as handsome,pretty, buetiful, tall, cute(if kid) etc. and evils were described as ugly, black etc. So, if I am ugly, does that I am closer to demon n god doesn't love me or smth? And did God never took the avatar of ugly person? Like did he knew it was harder to live as a ugly person than to fight demons? I really don't want to be disrespectful,... 5 10 replies
What is the best mantra to seek for forgiveness? I am a Hindu Brahmin and am fairly well versed in all traditional activities and carry good knowledge of stotras and mantras. But I am unsure of what is the best veda mantra or sloka to say sorry for my previous deeds, like eating non veg before performing pooja, whether knowingly or unknowingly. What's the best way for that? 4 3 replies
What Should I Do? Hey guys, A while ago, I caught my mom cheating. For some reasons, I couldn't confront her at that time, and now it's not even an option anymore. But ever since then, my mental health has gone downhill trust issues, emotional distress, everything. Deep down, I feel like I hate her. I can't love her the way I used to. And I know it sounds stupid she's my mom, she raised me, made me who I am today. But still, I just can't seem to forgive her. I feel... 1 6 replies
Any other forms of daily puja without lighting a lamp? I know how integral fire is in our puja, especially the daily upasana. My problem is that I'm moving abroad and the student hostel I'm living in has a very sensitive fire detector in each room. Lighting up a little diya, even a tea candlelamp or agarbattis wouldn't be possible. I can offer flowers and prasad but i dont know how to complete my puja without a lamp. Do you know of any alternatives mentioned in our books for fire/deepjyoti? Also, is there any way mentioned to cleanse the... 2 4 replies
Hinduism in Singapore Hinduism is currently the 5th largest religion in Singapore and it is mostly practiced by Indian Singaporeans and Nepali Singaporeans. Hinduism was introduced in Singapore by Hindus who moved to Singapore from India in the 19th century during the British Colonial Rule. 2 0 replies
Why does any chants or hymns of Budha have hymns related to Vishnu I've seen two instances where the chants for Budha graha seem to have those of vishnu but there's no such thing for any other graha devata. Am I missing something or is there a reason? 4 3 replies
It is said natives of ashlesha nakshatra should worship nagas my que is how? What mantras, stotras and in general what is the benifit of worshipping nagas? 5 0 replies
Ganesha mantra that can be chanted whenever? Could someone kindly point me towards a Ganesha mantra that has no or little rules/regulations around it? Something that can be chanted in a similar way to naam japa, something that wouldn't be considered disrespectful to chant even if due to circumstances I'm not able to put on clean clothes etc beforehand? Thank you very much in advance! 1 0 replies
Why should we do Radha naam jap? Namaste. I am a born and practicing Hindu and I have been taught and learnt to do jap on many forms of the supreme - Shiva, Vishnu, Durga and many other beautiful ones. Recently I have been watching maharaj Ji’s videos and realized that Radha naam is considered equally, if not more, beneficial as compared to Krishna. I know the stories of Radha Krishna and have watched TV series on Uddhav Gopi interactions as well but I am still unclear as to why Radha naam jap is so special?.... 5 0 replies
What is the reason for vegetarianism among (most) brahmins? What is the reason for vegetarianism among (most) brahmins? 4 0 replies
Who is the elder one?? I have a question since long time. Who is elder Ganpati Bappa or Karthik Swami?? Different people have different opinion?? Can anybody answer factually correct ! 5 0 replies
Rebirth If we are bound by our karmic deeds, ie. If we have good karmic deeds, we will attain salvation, if we have bad karmic deeds we will be reborn, how does prayer tie in. Does it mean if we are loyal devotees and pray at every given moment, but our actions are not good, will we still be reborn? If yes, does that not mean that the karmic laws are useless, it it not unjust? And if no, what about a person who has the most purest soul and... 2 0 replies
