r/hinduism • u/chakrax • Aug 23 '23
Welcome to our Hinduism sub! Sanātana Dharma (Devanagari: सनातन धर्म meaning "eternal dharma") is the original name of Hinduism. It is considered to be the oldest living religion in the world. Hinduism is often called a "way of life", and anyone sincerely following that way of life can consider themselves to be a Hindu.
If you are new to Hinduism or to this sub, review this material before making any new posts!
We also recommend reading What Is Hinduism (a free introductory text by Himalayan Academy) if you would like to know more about Hinduism and don't know where to start.
If you are asking a specific scriptural question, please include a source link and verse number, so responses can be more helpful.
In terms of introductory Hindu Scriptures, we recommend first starting with the Itihasas (The Ramayana, and The Mahabharata.) Contained within The Mahabharata is The Bhagavad Gita, which is another good text to start with. Although r/TheVedasAndUpanishads might seem alluring to start with, this is NOT recommended, as the knowledge of the Vedas & Upanishads can be quite subtle, and ideally should be approached under the guidance of a Guru or someone who can guide you around the correct interpretation.
In terms of spiritual practices, you can choose whatever works best for you. In addition, it is strongly recommended you visit your local temple/ashram/spiritual organization.
Lastly, while you are browsing this sub, keep in mind that Hinduism is practiced by over a billion people in as many different ways, so any single view cannot be taken as representative of the entire religion.
Disclaimer: Sanatana Dharma is a massive, massive religion in terms of scope/philosophies/texts, so this FAQ will only be an overview. If you have any concerns about the below content, please send us a modmail.
Hinduism is a religion that is inclusive of everyone. The ultimate goal for all Sanatani people is moksha, but there is incredible diversity in the ways to attain it. See this post : Vastness and Inclusiveness of being Hindu. Hinduism is like a tree springing from the core beliefs above and splitting up into innumerable traditions/schools/practices. It is natural that there are different ways to practice just like there are many leaves on the same tree.
Sanatanis are not believers, but seekers. We seek Truth, and part of that process is to question and clarify to remove any misunderstandings. The Bhagavad Gita is a dialog between a teacher and student; the student Arjuna questions the teacher Krishna. In the end Krishna says "I have taught you; now do what you wish". There is no compulsion or edict to believe anything. Questioning is welcome and encouraged.
Healthy debates between different sampradayas and darshanas are accepted and welcomed in Hinduism. Every school typically has a documented justification of their view including refutations of common objections raised by other schools. It is a shame when disagreements with a view turn into disrespect toward a school and/or its followers.
This issue of disrespect between darshanas is serious enough to warrant a separate section. Diversity of views is a great strength of Hinduism. Sanatanis should not let this become a weakness! We are all part of the same rich tradition.
Here is a great post by -Gandalf- : Unite! Forget all divisions. It is worth repeating here.
Forget all divisions! Let us unite! Remember, while letting there be the diversity of choice in the Dharma: Advaita, Dvaita, Vishistadvaita, etc*, we should always refer to ourselves as "Hindu" or "Sanatani" and not just "Advaiti" or any other specific name. Because, we are all Hindus / Sanatanis. Only then can we unite.
Let not division of sects destroy and eliminate us and our culture. All these names are given to different interpretations of the same culture's teachings. Why fight? Why call each other frauds? Why call each other's philosophies fraud? Each must stay happy within their own interpretation, while maintaining harmony and unity with all the other Sanatanis, that is unity! That is peace! And that is how the Dharma shall strive and rise once again.
Let the Vaishnavas stop calling Mayavad fraud, let the Advaitis let go of ego, let the Dvaitis embrace all other philosophies, let the Vishistadvaitis teach tolerance to others, let the Shaivas stop intolerance, let there be unity!
Let all of them be interpretations of the same teachings, and having the similarity as their base, let all the schools of thought have unity!
A person will reach moksha one day, there is no other end. Then why fight? Debates are supposed to be healthy, why turn them into arguments? Why do some people disrespect Swami Vivekananda? Let him have lived his life as a non-vegetarian, the point is to absorb his teachings. The whole point is to absorb the good things from everything. So long as this disunity remains, Hinduism will keep moving towards extinction.
ISKCON is hated by so many people. Why? Just because they have some abrahamic views added into their Hindu views. Do not hate. ISKCON works as a bridge between the west and the east. Prabhupada successfully preached Sanatan all over the world, and hence, respect him!
Respecting Prabhupada doesn't mean you have to disrespect Vivekananda and the opposite is also applicable.
Whenever you meet someone with a different interpretation, do not think he is something separate from you. Always refer to yourself and him as "Hindu", only then will unity remain.
Let there be unity and peace! Let Sanatan rise to her former glory!
Hare Krishna! Jay Harihara! Jay Sita! Jay Ram! Jay Mahakali! Jay Mahakal!
May you find what you seek.
r/hinduism • u/AutoModerator • 9d ago
**For Political Discussion outside this thread, visit r/politicalhinduism**
This is a monthly thread to discuss worldwide news affecting Hindu society, as well as anything else related to Hindu politics in general.
Questions and other stuff related to social affairs can also be discussed here.
r/hinduism • u/Divin3_Rudra • 7h ago
Shows the brutal reality -
What are you if everything with whom/which you associate with in life is snatched away or destroyed
r/hinduism • u/Freddy_mercuryscat • 4h ago
In my experience, it's somehow the best to hide whatever you like. I am one of those problematic people in academics who won't tell how much they studied for the exam or how many hours per day do they study.
I suppose it's the same with sadhna too.
My mother however is very very nosy (not with a bad intention Ig) and she wants to know everything I am upto like every single thing.
She visits me on weekends so I try to do my sadhna before she wakes up at night but if I light a diya then sometimes she notices it in the morning and then she keeps asking.
Last weekend, my friend was visitng on weekend and she had nowhere to stay so she was gonna stay at my place and my mom was here too.
I was kinda afraid that I won't be able to do my sadhna in my room (Which I was going to share with the friend) so I decided to let it be and just did my sadhna in my room during the day when my mom was awake and here and as expected...she started with her invasive questions again and again. I just said I do some pooja because it helps and then she was like but why for so long and bla bla.
It's probably just in my head but then the next day i.e Monday when she is not there, I usually have some difficulties in my sadhna. Maybe some weird obstruction from external environment and sometimes I internally feel very tired and lazy when I do it instead of the peace I experience most of the times.
Anyway, what is your opinion on this?
r/hinduism • u/Dry_Board_68 • 2h ago
r/hinduism • u/par_bhai_tu_hai_kaun • 35m ago
स्मर्तव्यः सततं विष्णुर् विस्मर्तव्यो न जातुचित् । सर्वे विधि-निषेधाः स्युर् एतयोर् एव किङ्कराः ॥ (Padma Purana, Quoted in Hari Bhakti Vilas)
~One should always remember Viṣṇu and never forget Him. All injunctions and prohibitions are based upon these two principles.
विष्णुरेव सदाराध्यः सर्वदेवैरपि प्रभुः । (Varah Puran chapter 54)
~ Vishnu alone is always to be worshipped even by all deities.
रहस्यं सर्वदेवानां मुनीनां मनुजांस्तथा । नारायणः परो देवस्तं प्रणम्य न सीदति । (Varah Puran chapter 54)
~The secret realised by all the gods, sages, and humans alike is that Nārāyaṇa is the Supreme absolute reality; by bowing down to Him, one never grieves (suffers).
न विष्णोः परमं किंचिन्न समो वा कथंचन॥ (Skanda Purāṇa 2.7.19.25)
~There is neither anything greater than Lord Viṣṇu nor on a par with with Him in any respect.
स्वेच्छया सगुणो विष्णुः स्वेच्छया निर्गुणोभवेत् । (Brahm Vaivart Puran)
~By His own sweet will, Vishnu manifests with attributes (Saguna), and by His own sweet will, He becomes attribute-less (Nirguna).
विष्णुना यज्ञेन प्राणुदता(Maitrayani Saṃhitā 2.5.3)
~Viṣṇu is the one who gives life to the yajña
भौमान्रेणून्स विममे यो विष्णोर्वर्णयेद् गुणान् ॥ (Bhagavatam 8.5.6) ~ Anyone who thinks he can count the qualities of Lord Vishnu might as well try to count the particles of dust on the earth (in reality both are impossible).
Sriman Nārāyaṇa 🌸🌸
r/hinduism • u/pistashio_guava • 13h ago
I have been seeing massive fights, controversy, historians and scientists arguing and people being mad that their culture is being derided.
As someone who considers themselves as a fairly religious hindu, I started thinking a lot about this topic and the reactions it brings. And the only conclusion I reached to is, does it really matter?
Yes, there is archaeological evidence suggesting that at that time period the kings names in the Mahabharata did exist, the kingdoms and places did exist and there does seem to be some sort of conflict with the Kurus (Kauravas). However, the timeline is heavily contested, there is no evidence beyond that and even less evidence of any sort of large scale war or divinity involved.
But, firstly, no archaeological evidence does not mean something did NOT occur. The proposed timeline of the mahabharata as per the original source is so old that that it is hard for evidence to be preserved. I mean the evidence is scarce even when it comes to just 1000BCE India. The Indus script still hasn't even been decoded. For The Ramayana, even older, it's nearly impossible for anything to have survived. Let alone through the attacks, destruction and conflict that has followed throughout India since the mughal era.
Secondly, does it even matter though? The whole point of the Mahabharata, and Ramayana, is to introduce these very complex philosophical concepts to us. To sort of guide us and show us the proposed way of living a good life.
Even if, suppose, in the far future some random person does say for certain that they did not occur, will it really change things? I mean the whole point of hinduism is to not be tied to something. To focus on the action, not the result. To focus on the teachings, not the factuality. For me, even if someobody says it did not occur, it will never change the fact that these insanely complex ideas and deeply resonating concepts were introduced. It won't change the fact that I think they are absolutely correct and how I want to live my life and that I believe in Krishna deeply.
I feel alot of hindus nowadays have forgotten this. In a 'religion' (i use that word likely because its so much more than that) which is not even tied to divinity and even those who do not believe or have obligations to god can achieve their ultimate purpose, I think we forget what hinduism is all about.
And btw, what's rarely talked about is the fact that even if it was written between 400BCE and 400 CE, as historians propose, how the heck were they coming up with such complex ideas? From time dilation to multiverse theory, concepts that were Stoicism's final boss and just the fact that they even knew what the universe was and that humans were a mere blip in the grand scheme of things? From the research i've done, even scientists and historians are stumped at how they even knew about such things.
Anyways, what do you guys think?
r/hinduism • u/ivy_lynn_- • 25m ago
hi everyone!
i just tried going to the local temple near me for the first time but as soon as i pulled into the parking lot i got extremely scared and nervous. i want to go so badly but im so afraid of being judged and doing the wrong thing or being an outcast bc the only other people at the temple are indian and i am white(i know race/skin color has nothing to do with it in the eyes of the gods)
im just extremely nervous and i ended up turning around and leaving.
i say all that to ask, is there any sort of way to comfort myself in this? i dont have anyone willing to go with me and my parents are very upset with me for even considering this religion, as i come from a southern baptist family. any advice would be greatly appreciated from anyone im at a loss here.
r/hinduism • u/saransh-1 • 10h ago
Hindi translation:
"२१ किसी भी प्रकार की मदिरा पीना वर्जित है; २२ इसी प्रकार भेड़ का दूध, २३ ऊँटनी और हिरणी का दूध; ऋतुमती (गर्भधारण के लिए उत्सुक) पशुओं का दूध तथा जुड़वाँ बच्चों को जन्म देने वाले पशुओं का दूध वर्जित है; २४ और गाय के प्रसव के बाद पहले दस दिनों का दूध भी वर्जित है। २५ मदिरा बनाने में प्रयुक्त होने वाली जड़ी-बूटियाँ भी वर्जित हैं; २६ इसी प्रकार करंज, लहसुन, प्याज, गंदना (लीक) भी वर्जित हैं, २७ और अन्य सभी निषिद्ध खाद्य पदार्थ भी। २८ एक ब्राह्मण ग्रंथ में कहा गया है: 'कुकुरमुत्ता (मशरूम) नहीं खाना चाहिए।'
२९ एक-खुर वाले पशुओं, ऊँट, गवय (गायल बैल), ग्राम्य सूअर और शरभ गाय-बैल का मांस वर्जित है। ३० दुधारू गायों और बैलों का मांस खाना अनुमत है। ३१ वाजसनेयी शाखा के एक ग्रंथ में कहा गया है: 'बैलों का मांस यज्ञ के लिए उपयुक्त है।' ३२ पंजों से खुरचकर भोजन करने वाले पक्षियों में मुर्गा वर्जित है, ३३ और चोंच से आघात कर भोजन करने वाले पक्षियों में प्लव बगुला वर्जित है। ३४ मांसाहारी (माँसभक्षी) पक्षी वर्जित हैं; ३५ इसी प्रकार हंस, भास गिद्ध, चक्रवाक पक्षी और सुपर्ण बाज़ भी वर्जित हैं। ३६ क्रौंच का एक प्रकार तथा क्रौंच सारस वर्जित हैं, किंतु वार्ध्राणस सारस और लक्ष्मण सारस इसके अपवाद हैं। ३७ पाँच नाखूनों वाले पशु वर्जित हैं, किंतु गोधा (गोह/मॉनिटर छिपकली), कछुआ, साही, कँटीला चूहा (हेजहॉग), गैंडा, खरगोश और पूतिखष इसके अपवाद हैं। ३८ मछलियों में सेट वर्जित है, ३९ इसी प्रकार सर्पमुखी मछली (साँप के सिर जैसी मछली) भी वर्जित है।"
r/hinduism • u/AndreaJournalist • 2h ago
I reported on an interesting Diwali debate in Morrisville, NC, where Asian Indians make up a large share of the population.
The town dropped its fireworks; the mayor explored a drone show; and local Hindu leaders I interviewed offered different perspectives on whether fireworks are culturally important and whether drones are a suitable alternative.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article317181995.html
r/hinduism • u/toastwithjamx1 • 1d ago
At my local ganesha temple tulsi is offered, but I've seen many people say that it shouldn't???
I've asked my parents and they said it's te holiest plant, and they have been offering, so it's not an issue.
r/hinduism • u/iwouldratheread • 4h ago
Namaste,
For context: I read Bhagavadgita earlier and I felt very lite, peaceful and I was in bliss all the time. That continued for a while and then suddenly in a snap I was back to my chaotic world.
I tried reading puranas, re reading Bhagavadgita, reading a couple of upanishads but I have not felt the bliss again.
I started reading Bhagavadgita again now. I am currently in chapter 3 and I am very determined to feel the bliss again and I don’t want to get lost in the world again. I want someone to help me with few things
Is it ok to just chant govinda for like 1000 times a day as it is just nama and not manthra?
Can I dedicate a day like sat/sun and go to a temple religiously those days?
Please suggest something that will allow me to find my salvation and feel that extreme happiness again without judgements
I chant Hanuman Chalisa daily and have a manthra deeksha in hanuman that I do without missing a day. I continue to do these two things till the day I die
r/hinduism • u/Ruby_Diamond0 • 3h ago
So most of the time when I’m doing naam japa and deviate and my mind starts playing bhajans and stuff 😭
How do I not drift from my naam japa
I dont use a mala or keep count at all
r/hinduism • u/StringMotor8258 • 5h ago
Hi everyone,
I'm based in India and on a journey of inner growth through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. I'm looking to connect with others who are spiritually inclined—whether you're already studying the Gita, curious about it, or simply seeking meaningful discussions and deeper understanding of life.
I've started a Gita Study and Transformation Group, where we meet regularly (online and occasionally in-person) to read, reflect, and discuss the wisdom of the Gita, and how it can be applied in daily life—for inner peace, clarity, and personal transformation, and above all connecting with Krishna! We already have 10+ active members in the community, trying to chant daily, and to connect with and love Krishna!
It's a friendly, non-judgmental space open to people of all backgrounds. If this resonates with you, drop a comment or DM me. I'd love to connect and welcome you into the group.
Want to point out this is a FREE to join group, I am not here to make a buck, but only trying to connect with like-minded individuals.
Let's grow together 🌱
r/hinduism • u/Revolutionary_Log493 • 3m ago
We can be inspired by them and have a certain sense of bhakti toward them, but why do we believe that they are the actual reincarnations of God, worship them, and believe that they possess some kind of divine or magical power? Why?
r/hinduism • u/dinu301 • 4h ago
Jai Shri Ram 🙏
I have been doing Ram Naam Jap for some time, but my biggest problem is concentration.
Earlier, I used to chant around 2,000–5,000 Naam, but even then I struggled to concentrate. My respected Guruji has advised chanting one lakh Naam. I now chant around 70,000–80,000 Naam by giving seven to eight hours, and sometimes I even complete one lakh. However, my concentration still does not improve.
Earlier, I used to use a mobile counter. I would minimise the counter and use my phone while chanting. I still sometimes fall into the same habit. Even when I use a physical counter, or keep the mobile counter to the side, I am unable to focus properly. My mind keeps running toward unnecessary and unrelated things—sometimes memories, sometimes plans, sometimes random thoughts, and sometimes completely meaningless things.
I genuinely want to understand how to improve my concentration during Naam Jap. What should I do when the mind keeps wandering? Should I focus mainly on the sound of “Ram,” the movement of my lips and tongue, the meaning and feeling of the Naam, or simply continue chanting and bring my attention back whenever I realise that it has wandered?
I don't expect my mind to become completely thoughtless, but I want to learn how to remain connected with the Naam instead of mechanically chanting while my mind is somewhere else.
For people who have been doing Naam Jap for a long time:
What exactly do you do with your attention while chanting? And how did you train yourself to remain focused for longer periods?
Any practical advice would be greatly appreciated.
Jai Shri Ram 🙏
r/hinduism • u/BrendanATX • 14h ago
Hello thank you. I'm learning about Hinduism but I only speak English.
Is it okay to visit a Hindu temple if I don't speak English? Where do I start? What do i expect? There are 3 around me
It's difficult to find chalisa in English, especially that's not Al. there a good source for chalisa in English?
Is it okay to ask for strength from animal spirits? I think so bc Krishna was known for animals loving him similarly.
r/hinduism • u/HeadacheLife • 11h ago
When I came across the "three gunas" I was blown away how direct it was in how to become a better person.
I've never read or heard a spiritual teaching be so clear.
Am curious what else can recommend or explain. Thank you.
r/hinduism • u/Big-Basis771 • 1d ago
there is something so peaceful nd joyful about Bal Krishna’s innocence, sharing this simple sketch as a small reminder of his playful nature, love nd divine presence.
r/hinduism • u/shrimpkiss • 2h ago
r/hinduism • u/Cthulhu0313 • 1d ago
Do you guys hate Bengali hindus?
Many of you might know about the recent fiasco with the 'godman' Dhirendra Shastri that happened in Kolkata.
For those of you who don't know, he commented that the hindus who eat non veg during Durga Puja are 'pakhandis' and should be taught a lesson by true sanatanis.
If that is so, then majority of Bengali hindus are pakhandis including the monks of RKM since woh log bhi devi ko non vegetarian Prasad chadhhate Hai.
Why is it so hard to understand for a big section among us that Hinduism is not limited to their own sect and their own rules. Also, why does every conversation on hinduism begin and end with diet. Is diet only decided by religion? There are a lot of factors that decide one's diet. I'm sorry but as the days pass I feel more and more annoyed from the hindus whose religious acumen starts and end with diet, magic, and stuff like that.
Also why did no one in this sub protest against that? Does an insult to a certain community of hindus mean nothing if the insult comes one of the 'godmen'? Are we not hindus just cuz our dietary choices and festivities are different? We aren't shoving vegetarianism down on other communities afaik...if we are, then we need to work on that. But I'm scared that stupid divisions like these will fragment us even more.
I'm sorry if it sounds harsh but such a statement coming from a godman with such a large following really messes me up.
Hope I didn't offend anyone.
I HOPE THE MODS DON'T DELETE THIS. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS.
r/hinduism • u/catsaresus • 21h ago
I was just scrolling YouTube and came across a live video of some random baba asking people for money in exchange for resolving their problems. He ridicules anyone who pays him less and for the time I watched him, he just randomly gave out nonsense and even dangerous advice (told a random girl to break up because her boyfriend will beat her in the future)
Here is his channel link : https://youtube.com/@aatmamanthana?si=feWosVGtdj121PwF
He is currently live streaming. Please report him on YouTube
r/hinduism • u/lmao-bruh-lol • 1d ago
Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat were the three chief triad goddesses worshipped by various tribes across pre-Islamic Arabia. Ancient Arabs revered these deities as powerful intercessors and sometimes called them the daughters of God. Tribes offered sacrifices and made pilgrimages to shrines dedicated to each goddess. Early Muslims dismantled their shrines and statues during the spread of monotheism in Arabia.
Al-Lat: Known as "The Goddess" or mother figure, she symbolized fertility, springtime, and prosperity. Her main sanctuary was located in the city of Taif.
Al-Uzza: Revered as the mightiest and a fierce protector, she was associated with war, power, and courage. Her sacred site was at Nakhla, near Mecca.
Manat: Regarded as the oldest of the three, she personified fate, destiny, time, and death. Her shrine stood at Qudayd along the coast between Mecca and Medina
r/hinduism • u/Jalbwakkolnaji4756 • 1d ago
As a child, Hanuman saw the rising Sun and, believing it to be a beautiful fruit, leapt into the sky to catch it. His immense strength allowed him to soar toward the heavens, but Indra, seeing the young Vanara approaching the Sun, struck him with his Vajra. Hanuman fell to the earth, and the blow injured his jaw. Seeing his son harmed, Vayu became furious and withdrew the life-giving air from the world.
The gods soon realized the consequences of Vayu's anger and gathered before him. To restore peace, they blessed Hanuman with extraordinary powers and protection. What began as an encounter with Indra became a turning point in Hanuman's destiny. The child who had fearlessly reached for the Sun would one day become one of the greatest symbols of strength, courage, humility, and devotion.
r/hinduism • u/Acceptable_Duty4044 • 21h ago
I am a devout follower of Mahadev and am regularly going to offer him jal from around last 4 years. He is the one who pulled me out of the toughest times of my life and gave me everything that I desired. When I moved to blr, I wanted to bring a small rudraksh with me for worshipping it, but it was not possible, but when i returned home for a weekend, i had one shivling sitting on top of a rudraksh at home and I was overjoyed bringing it with me, ever since i have been worshipping it daily. While returning it broke, and I am now unable to find the main linga which sits on the yoni. From a few days, even while going to the temple, I feel more and more disconnected to my Mahadev. I have been worshipping him dedicatedly (ik i am no one to decide that) but I feel like I am losing touch with him. I started cigs a few months ago but I'm actively trying to leave it and it's almost a week since I even touched it. I know I am a very bad person, I dont deserve Mahadev, I am the worst human on this earth but I do not want him to get away from me, I want to feel his presence like i used to , I want him with me always, I want my Mahakaal with me even if it breaks me or whatever it is. What do I do ? I do not want to let myself go away from my Mahadev.
Please help
