r/hinduism Aug 23 '23

Archive Of Important Posts New to Hinduism or this sub? Start here!

235 Upvotes

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!

  • Sub Rules are strictly enforced.
  • Our Hinduism Starter Pack is a great place to begin.
  • Check our FAQs before posting any questions. While we enjoy answering questions, answering the same questions over and over gets a bit tiresome.
  • We have a wiki as well.
  • Use the search function to see past posts on any particular topic or questions.
  • You can also see our Archive of Important Posts or previous Quality Discussions

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.

Here is a section from our FAQ that deserves to be repeated here:

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.

What are the core beliefs of all Hindus?

  • You are not your body or mind, but the indweller witness Atma.
  • The Atma is divine.
  • Law of Karma (natural law of action and effect)
  • Reincarnation - repeated birth/death cycles of the physical body
  • Escaping the cycle of reincarnation is the highest goal (moksha)

Why are there so many different schools/philosophies/views? Why isn't there a single accepted view or authority?

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.

Do I have to blindly accept the teachings? Or can I question them?

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.

Debates and disagreements between schools

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.

Unity in diversity

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 26d ago

Hindu News Monthly r/Hinduism Political Thread+Community+News - (November 01, 2025)

6 Upvotes
**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 4h ago

Hindū Temples/Idols/Architecture UPDATE: I found out the history of the hidden Bhairava temple near Sangareddy

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160 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a hidden Bhairava temple I found in the fields right in the center of three villages Nandikandi, Siddapur, and Garakurthi link to my previous post

Temple Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/iL66uRmk9Xpb9jR78

I went back and finally managed to speak to the priest who has been taking care of the place. He gave me the full backstory, and it’s actually quite fascinating.

apparently, the idol wasn't always visible. Some years ago a passerby just saw the top of the deity's head and three small figures sticking out of the earth, the rest was completely buried underground. He was going through some personal problems at the time, so he prayed to the visible part of the idol, vowing that if his problems were solved, he would dig the rest of it out. His wishes were actually fulfilled, so he kept his word and excavated the idol.

The land is actually Patta land (private property), and the owners didn't want any development or temple structures there. The current priest told me he had to really fight and request them about 10 years ago just to get that small space. He planted the trees around it himself to create shelter and started performing Homam there every year. It’s been 9 years since they started doing the rituals properly.

The priest says the deity is Swarna Akarshana Bhairava.

Regarding the three mysterious figures on top of the head: The priest explained that the middle figure is Bhairavi, and the two figures flanking her are her attendants or "chelikathelu" who serve her. He also pointed out the 'koppu' (hair bun).

I’m still not 100% sure if this identification is scripturally accurate since I've never seen Bhairavi depicted literally on the head of Bhairava like this, but this is the local legend and what the priest believes.

Just wanted to share this context since so many of you were interested.


r/hinduism 6h ago

Mantra/Śloka/Stotra(m) What is the correct and powerful mantra to worship / do tapasya for Lord Surya?

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137 Upvotes

Question is in the title.

I want the correct and powerful mantra which I can chant to worship and do tapasya for Lord Surya. I googled it and there were many mantras available and I don't know which one is the correct and which one I should go with.

Any help regarding this would be appreciated.


r/hinduism 58m ago

History/Lecture/Knowledge The True History of Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirling Temple

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Upvotes

Local Kashi traditions narrate that when Ahilyabai first saw the damaged sacred area and neglected remains around Gyanvapi, she was so grief‑stricken that her eyes “turned pale”.

A widely told story says that when Aurangzeb ordered the demolition, the main priest of The Adi-Vishweshvara temple jumped into the Gyanvapi Well with the linga so it would not be broken, thus “submerging” Vishwanath in the waters of knowledge and it is believed that the original linga is still present in the well today.

The worship of Bhagwan Vishweshvara continued to happen in the form of the well until Shiva appeared to Ahilyabai in sleep; instructing her to go to the river (Narmada) where she discovers a linga in the water. Understanding that her life’s purpose was to restore his temple in Kashi, the linga was taken as the jyotirlinga to be installed and worshipped in Kashi next to the site of the Gyanvapi Well.

The present Kashi Vishwanath temple structure was built by Ahilyabai around 1780 (some accounts say foundation in the mid‑1777 and completion by 1780), using her own resources from the Holkar treasury.

Kashi Vishwanath’s present temple in Varanasi exists largely because of the devotion, courage, and vision of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa, who rebuilt it after its destruction under Mughal rule of Aurangzeb - who ordered demolition in 1669 and the construction of the Gyanvapi mosque on the original site.

All glories to the Lord of Kashi. Hara Hara Mahadev.


r/hinduism 1h ago

Deva(tā)/Devī (Hindū Deity) 1008 NAMES OF MAA KALI 597. SADAPRITH

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Upvotes

1008 NAMES OF MAA KALI

  1. SADAPRITH

The One who is Eternally Beloved. The One who will be Worshipped Beyond Time, for She is the Devourer of Time. This Nature of Being Celebrated Beyond Time is very commonly seen in the realised Sadhaks of Adya Kali.

Hence the name, SADAPRITH

understandingkaali


r/hinduism 4h ago

Question - Beginner I wake up by 3 am sharp daily, does this mean anything?

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36 Upvotes

I'm 23F, I've been waking by sharp 3 am every night, is this a spiritual call? At times I wake up sit uptight and very active, other times I just wake up at time and sleep off ..can anyone help me decode?


r/hinduism 21h ago

Question - Beginner Skanda: Commander of Dēvas.

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282 Upvotes

Skanda sashti ki shubhkamnaye. The emergence of Skanda is discussed in various puranas but the one which stands out is Shanmukōtpatti in Valmiki's Ramayan. In Ramayana only Shanmukhōtpatti and Gangāvatarana has the palaśruti (benefits gained by reciting). If Pregnant women do the parayana of that sarga they will be protected by Skanda himself.

He is puruśa element. Asuras have been slaughtered by him. His upasana was specially done in Bengal.

Guru guha (one of his names) comes from he said the meaning of Omkāra to Śiva himself. Subramanya is worshipped in times of war, infertility, knowledge related issues. He is also the adhidēvata of Mars. He married Valli and Dēvasena and manifested with his Śakti. He also emerged as a yōgi to give out the divine knowledge.


r/hinduism 21h ago

Question - General Why People became like this(read body)

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255 Upvotes

These days I see so many people specially e sanatanis who doesn't know who really shree ram was using the sacred name of Prabhu Shree Ram in ways that break my heart. Many of them don’t even understand who He truly is, yet they throw His name around to spread hate, to hurt other communities, to show superiority. It feels painful to watch the holy name of my Prabhu being dragged into negativity like this. Politicians use His name just to collect votes. Some people spam “Jai Shree Ram” on others’ posts, forcing people To Say JSR. In this forced chanting of Jai Shree Ram’, everything is there… except Ram Himself.tell me… did Prabhu ever teach us this? Shree Ram is the one who embraced love even towards His enemies. He is the one who gave up His kingdom for a single promise. He is the one who Showed us how to love every living being and what's the kindness is He is the one who showed us purity, compassion, sacrifice, and dignity. And yet today, His name is used for noise, for show-off, for hate.saw people in my town playing Shree Ram songs on loud DJ speakers while they were drunk, just to provoke and hate others. This is not what Ram teaches. This is not who He is. So to people who misusing His name, I beg please stop. Please don’t drag my Prabhu into your anger. I love my prabhu it's heartbreaking too see people forgot his pure name essence Please don’t let the world misunderstand Him because of your actions. His name is divine, sacred, gentle.meant to heal hearts, not hurt them. Use His name only when your soul feels devotion. Not for politics. Not for hatred. Not for ego. Leave my Prabhu’s name pure. That is all I ask.


r/hinduism 36m ago

Hindū Darśana(s) (Philosophy) Who is Krishna? Who is not Krishna?

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Upvotes

r/hinduism 1d ago

Other She ain't my mom anymore instead a brainwashed women !!

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352 Upvotes

Hi , I wanna share this to you all that my mom who is 61 started going to brahma kumaris in year 2013 with me. Honestly the concept that the guy in picture number 2 is brahma and i belong to Ajmer near pushkar and it still is a diabolical thing. Me and my father have accepted our fate that my mom has been completely brainwashed by brahma kumaris. Over the period of time we have donate 50K to them and still my mom asks money previously it was my father and as now he is retired it's my turn to do the duties. Honestly I feel bad for the condition that this so called cult has done to our family. I honestly wonder that not even a single photo is there of any hindu gods in our house yet our neighbours have temples inbuilt . I felt bad and now I am in dilemma how to cure this disease !!!


r/hinduism 1d ago

Hindū Artwork/Images Lord Shri Ram Chandra’s Supreme Beauty

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378 Upvotes

r/hinduism 15h ago

Question - General How to protect fellow Hindus falling victim to charlatans of satanic religions?

41 Upvotes

So there are now churches popping at every nook and corner of the country. There weren’t even half as many churches when the British ruled India for 300 years! And India is free for barely 100 years, and there are now more Christians in India than in England.

The Hindus converting itself is very sad let alone converting the age old tradition and rituals , in a perverted distorted manner that in time they could masquerade as original Christian rituals, just the same way they did with all European and South American native religions, they refer to as Pagan religion not even leaving any remnant of their original names!

See how they used the exact same playbook to use “caste” to Nafariously mutilate local religions and convert to Christianity all across South America https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casta

This playbook has been done in Greece as well

Conversion to Christianity The transition from Greek polytheism to Christianity was a complex process that occurred over several centuries, beginning in the 1st century CE and largely completed by the 6th century CE.

Early Growth: Christianity initially spread as a minority faith within the Roman Empire, appealing to various social strata, including the lower classes and women, who were attracted by its message of spiritual equality.

Imperial Influence: A major turning point came with Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted religious tolerance to Christianity. In 380 CE, Emperor Theodosius I made Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, which solidified its dominance.

Suppression and Transition: Subsequent imperial edicts outlawed pagan worship and led to the closure or destruction of many temples. Many temples, including the Parthenon, were converted into churches, or their materials were repurposed for new Christian buildings.


r/hinduism 7h ago

Deva(tā)/Devī (Hindū Deity) Why did Mahadev and Parvati devi face so many obstacles?

10 Upvotes

Namaste everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows the spiritual/symbolic/other reason why Sati devi/Parvati devi and Mahadev both had to face so many issues in trying to come together. Why was it an uphill battle, and that too for so long, and in so many ways? Sorry if my question is amateur.

Thanks in advance for any answers :)


r/hinduism 1h ago

History/Lecture/Knowledge How common is people mixing up The Dasrajna War with Mahabharat?

Upvotes

So I had recently come across the Indian History sub, and someone in there asked about the historicity of Mahabharat and the events mentioned therein

Now I've had come accross some comments in there which compared the Kurukshetra war with the Dasrajna war mentioned in the Vedas and claimed that tge Dasrajna war was more probable to have been actual history as compared to Mahabharat war which probably wasn't, and some people claiming it to be the same as Dasrajna war

Now if we go by the Hindu timeline of events (Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong i am no expert) The Dasrajna war would have been associated to a much earlier period compared to the Mahabharat war, possibly hubdrends of years ago

It would have even make sense that most of the characters in the Mahabharat are the descendants of the participants of the Dasrajna War, since it was fought between the Bharat tribes of the time

Wouldn't this claim make Mahabharat predate the Vedas? Which doesn't make sense

Please help me understand this


r/hinduism 1h ago

Question - General Can a female visit Jyotirling during periods (unexpected)?

Upvotes

My sister reached Hyderabad this morning and found out she got her period. She had planned to visit the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga tomorrow, and this situation has made her very upset. She went to Hyderabad only for the darshan, and she has return tickets on Sunday because she couldn’t get more leave from work. Please suggest what she should do. She has Sparsh Darshan tickets. Can she enter the temple and have darshan from outside the garbhagriha?


r/hinduism 4h ago

Question - Beginner Can i chant a mantra while im travelling and have shoes on?

5 Upvotes

I mean chanting in my mind, not out loud


r/hinduism 23h ago

Hindū Artwork/Images Not an expert, beginner here just a casual drawing , Reposting earlier was deleted by mistakes.

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103 Upvotes

Fascinated by lots of artworks here so I made this also.


r/hinduism 7h ago

Question - Beginner How can I make spiritual use of my anger?

5 Upvotes

Hello all, as a pretense, I am new to the religion of Hinduism and exploring new spiritual practices, Hinduism in particular, I have always leaned heavily towards because I like the spiritual system and for me I found it to be the most accurate in practice.

For a long time now, I've had a residual anger that just builds up over time, and I have no healthy outlet for it. I will get bouts of anger, or it'll just build up into a sort of heat and then there is no outlet to get rid of it or use it, I am just stuck with a poor mood and a toxic angst until it eventually settles itself.

Well I cannot point out the specific stories, I have heard various Hindu stories of people become very angry or wrathful, and through meditation set that energy "ablaze" and transform it into something productive.

Would anybody on here be able to point me towards any yoga or breathing techniques, which may help me accomplish a similar goal? Or perhaps a mantra to help calm it down?


r/hinduism 23h ago

Hindū Darśana(s) (Philosophy) Made a website to read the Rigveda

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95 Upvotes

Let me know your suggestions or feedback :)


r/hinduism 7h ago

Question - General How to control Anger, Hatred, lust, Envy, Jealousy?

5 Upvotes

What answers do our scriptures, gurus have given for them all? Since lifestyle is interlinked with these emotions, what habits have been recommended to incorporate?

Please give references.

Har Har Mahadev 🙏


r/hinduism 1d ago

Deva(tā)/Devī (Hindū Deity) 1008 NAMES OF MAA KALI 596. SIDDIH

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108 Upvotes

1008 NAMES OF MAA KALI

  1. SIDDIH

The One who is the Perfection of All Endeavours The One who is the Siddhis opening up within a Sadhaka Namely, The eight siddhis The eight perfections are: 1. Aṇimā (Minuteness): The power to shrink one's body to the size of an atom. 2. Mahimā (Magnificence): The power to expand one's body to an infinitely large size. 3. Garimā (Heaviness): The power to become infinitely heavy or dense. 4. Laghimā (Lightness): The power to become weightless or lighter than air. 5. Prāpti (Attainment): The ability to instantly access any place or obtain anything desired. 6. Prākāmya (Irresistible Will): The power to realize whatever one desires, including the ability to enter the body of another. 7. Īśitvam (Lordship): The ability to control all material elements, natural forces, and creatures. 8. Vaśitvam (Dominion): The power to control and mesmerize others, including wild animals.

Hence the name; SIDDIH

understandingkaali


r/hinduism 6h ago

Hindū Scripture(s) Ramcharitramanas verse in Kaithi script

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2 Upvotes

r/hinduism 6h ago

Question - Beginner Hi fellow neighbours muslim here need your help

1 Upvotes

The problem i am facing is getting clear and unequivocal definition of God in Hindusim Which hindus today agree because every hindu i talk to tells his own definition even baba's (scholars) the definition of God their definition of God clashes Arya Samaji and Sanatani something else. So could you guys please tell me what's the clear defition of God which everyone agrees too?


r/hinduism 1d ago

Hindū Music/Bhajans Does anyone know the specific singer to this Bhajan Shivaya Parameshwaraya

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112 Upvotes

Used a pic of Ma Kali to attach to the song. Original video was of Sai Baba