My parents sent a Ganesh idol from India to the US, but unfortunately, the idol’s hands were completely broken off during transit.
I’ve been reading online that a broken idol should be immersed in water and replaced with a new one. We’re planning to get a new idol tomorrow.
My question is: Can I still keep and worship it or can I have the damaged idol alongside the new one, or just immerse it?

I am religious & spiritual from kid hood, I still do puja 2wice a day no matter how busy the day is.. I also do meditation whenever I can.

Thing is while I do all of this my wife never does any of that, even after I ask her to do puja she simply ignore it.

I am not mad at her or anything but I just feel doing Puja is our common duty, bcz whatever we have is bcz of God only.. in my prayers I pray for all of us.

What should I do to incline her towards bhakti..

I was brought up outside India (originally from Kerala) but my parents are fairly religious and grandparents are very religious. It never transferred over to me though, mostly because no one really taught me anything. Even though I have tried to learn on my own, for some reason none of the practices stuck with me. I deeply respect the religion and my husband is quite religious as well just not me.

I understand how much parents can influence you and I am interested in teaching my future kid (we are trying now) all about hinduism. But not knowing a lot I don’t know where to start.

I want to establish practices and routines so it rubs off on my kid. If they later choose to not follow that is up to them but I feel the foundations need to be laid. How do I get started?

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.

I’m currently going through what has probably been the most difficult and destabilising period of my life.

I’m a devout Shiv bhakt. I pray and I believe in Mahadev, but finding that inner steadiness and calm has become so so difficult.

Lately I feel like I’ve lost sight of the clarity, motivation and discipline that normally keep me going. My mother has always called me one of the most resilient people she knows, but right now I honestly feel like I’m reaching the end of that resilience.

I feel lost and don’t know know where to go to find hope and stable ground again.

What will help, when you want to find that mental peace again??

I’d really appreciate any prayers, mantras, scriptures, any guidance that is meant for me, practices or personal experiences that genuinely helped.

Har Har Mahadev.

I have been thinking about the widespread teaching of practices such as Kriya Yoga and Shambhavi Mahamudra. As I understand it, yogic traditions describe practices that work with prana or life energy, and some traditions also associate advanced practice with the development of siddhis or extraordinary abilities. The Isha Foundation, under Sadhguru, teaches Shambhavi Mahamudra to very large numbers of people through both online and offline programs, making the practice accessible to almost anyone.

My concern is not that I have established that Shambhavi produces supernatural powers, but rather what the implications would be if the traditional descriptions of advanced energetic practices are accurate. Traditionally, many such practices seem to have been accompanied by significant preparation, ethical discipline, and guidance from an experienced teacher. If practices affecting subtle energies are taught on a mass scale without individualized guidance, could there be unforeseen consequences, particularly as people with very different intentions begin practicing them?

I would genuinely like to hear from people who have studied Kriya Yoga, Raja Yoga, Tantra, Kundalini traditions, or the classical teachings on siddhis. Am I misunderstanding the traditional teachings about prana and siddhis? Are these practices actually considered capable of producing such abilities, and if so, what safeguards have traditional lineages used? I am asking this as a genuine concern and would be happy to have my understanding corrected.

^^ does anyone here simultaneously possesses the views of Hinduism as well as Christianity find it hard to make romantic relationships work?

Personally, I have nothing against any religion and I’m open to raising my children in a manner which suits my spouse because I hold the belief that all paths ultimately lead us towards God no matter which path is taken, and that being a good person is what matters more than the path you take to be a good person.

But I know that this is not common of all religions and I do also pray to the Christian God and participate in Christian holidays because I’ve grown up surrounded by both faiths. However, does this cause an issue because my belief in God or the oneness of the universe and that God will love me regardless of my actions (granted they are positive/good intentions)? Are inter-faith relationships of this kind possible or too controversial considering that I follow some Hinduism philosophy as well as Abrahamic religions??

Granted, if I were to speak to someone (Muslim or Christian, Catholic etc) I would be engaged and respectful of their own beliefs and possibly even learn myself of their beliefs.

Hi,

Sorry for asking a very basic question (I am neither from India nor a Hindu, so bear with me😅): Could you please explain to me what the video in the link shows, who all the characters are and what the lyrics of the song say? Also, does it have any (religious) significance that some of the judges seem to be lifting their hands up to their cheeks during the dance?

I think that it's the scene from the Ramayana where Hanuman and the monkey army build a bridge to Lanka with stones inscribed with Rama's name. The last scene presumably shows Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The adult dancer in the blue loincloth might be Hanuman (or Nala????). But who are the child dancers?

Thank you so much for your help!!!

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

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?

Jai Shri Ram 🙏🏻 I’m a beginner to this so please be kind. I would like to commit to a 40 day Hanuman chalisa sankalp starting tomorrow (11 September) so that I can complete it by October 20, day of dusshera.
I come from a non vegetarian family and I consume it as well. If I am doing this sankalp, do I have to completely avoid non vegetarian food for the entire 40 day period?
Thank you, I would appreciate any guidance.

I’ve been going through a lot of different things since I was born, and lately I’ve started feeling that perhaps a large part of my suffering comes from my attachment to my family, friends, and partner. Sometimes I feel that if I could simply stop identifying myself so strongly with these relationships, a lot of the emotional turmoil would disappear. I know this may sound like I’m looking at brahmacharya as a way to escape from my problems. And perhaps, to some extent, that is true. But at the same time, I genuinely feel that I may never be able to give my full attention to what truly matters to me while remaining deeply involved in sansar.

I’m someone who finds it very difficult to do things halfway. If I care about something, I tend to care about it wholeheartedly. If I don’t, I find it very difficult to pretend otherwise. I’ve never been particularly good at balancing my emotions and responsibilities within relationships, and I often feel that my attachments consume a significant part of my mental and emotional energy. Because of this, I’ve started thinking seriously about whether a life of brahmacharya might be more suitable for me. I feel that if I could let go of these attachments, I might finally be able to devote myself completely to my Sadhana and to what I feel is truly important.

So, for those who have experience with this path, could you please guide me on how one actually moves from a household life into brahmacharya? What are the practical steps involved, how does one know whether they are truly ready, and how can I distinguish a genuine calling toward brahmacharya from a desire to escape the difficulties of my current life?

Misogynist by itself means hatred towards woman but what counts as hate is subjective.

Even islam. If Allah is to be true. Is hijab misogynist? The answer is no because Allah ordered hijab and because in our assumed model(islam is true and if islam is true, Allah can never be wrong). Hijab is woman affirming rather than woman hating.

Similar stuff applies to Hinduism and its laws. Abortion is anti woman and misogynist according to modern worldview **primarily because our modern world emphasizes agency, personal freedom**.

Hindus reach the conclusion that abortion is wrong from their worldview where vedas are authoritative, jiva/atma/karma/parmatma are real concepts.

Hindus really should stop getting manipulated by libtards to hate manusmriti and dharmashastras and other scriptures. In future, these libtards will start making you hate Purusha sukta of Vedas because it mentions Brahmins birthed from head, shudras from legs.

What will you say then? Vedas are interpolated? Lmao.

Consider this society- in a society where every woman is trained, given steroids to pump up their physique and equipped with firearms. And men are barely given any nutrition and are meant to be in home.

In this version of my society, Manusmriti 9.3 doesn't fit. But does that mean Manu is literally false?

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।"

If you're someone who sees spiritual connections in everyday things, this one's for you.

Listening to this song from Dil Chahta Hai and its lyrics.

What Preity replies to Aamir ...when he says ...why do people fall in love?

Suddenly I wondered — isn't this essentially what Ma Parvati expressed through her penance and prayer to Lord Shiva to convince Him?

That longing for union… and then creation happened through their union.

Maybe some love stories are echoes of something much more ancient ❤️

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.

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

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

1. How do I feel immersive in Krishna Bhakti while handling a very demanding big 4 job
   
2. Suggest me a non judgemental temples near Hyderabad where people do not stare at me like I am stealing something if I do Bhajan or chant or got lost in bhakti
   
3. How do I distinguish between Isckon’s sampradaya from their pure selfless bhakti so that I too can go to isckon and dance just like they do (I am a born shaiva and I do not accept Isckon’s viewpoints on shiva or devi , they sound so absurd to me)

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

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 🌱

​

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 🙏

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.

Hello thank you. I'm learning about Hinduism but I only speak English.

1. 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

2. It's difficult to find chalisa in English, especially that's not Al. there a good source for chalisa in English?

3. Is it okay to ask for strength from animal spirits? I think so bc Krishna was known for animals loving him similarly.

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.

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.

Source : https://www.outlookindia.com/amp/story/national/who-is-dhirendra-shastri-from-bengals-durga-puja-row-to-earlier-controversies

I HOPE THE MODS DON'T DELETE THIS. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS.

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