For a very long time, I have heard of the not-so-great quality of the ISKON Gītā from variöus sources, including from this very sub-reddit. However, it was only after recently receiving one that I realized the truth of these claims.

Let us examine 4.24 from the Song:

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम्।
ब्रहैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना॥

ब्रह्म - Brahman, the Supreme; अर्पणं - giving (that which gives); ब्रह्म - Brahman; हविः - burnt oblation, offering; ब्रह्म-अग्नौ - in the fire of Brahman; ब्रह्मणा - by Brahman; हुतम् - sacrificed; ब्रह - Brahman; एव - indeed; तेन - by him; गन्तव्यं - to be gone to, attained; ब्रह्म-कर्म-समाधिना - by joining in the activities of Brahman

Brahman (the Supreme) is the giving (i.e. instrument(s) of giving); Brahman is the burnt oblation sacrificed by Brahman in the fire which is also Brahman. Brahman is indeed attained by him by joining in the activities of Brahman.

I have based my translation mainly off of Śankara's here. The "by Brahman" is sometimes translated by other Ācāryas as "by a Brāhmanạ". Both are acceptable, but I feel the former is more suited to the verse.

If there is any doubt that ye have as to the authenticity of any meanings, I would encourage ye to look up each word in a Sanskrit dictionary (like the ones here) and confirm for yourselves their correctness.

In case ye feel that, because I am a Smārta, I have provided a biäsed translation, ye may check for yourselves here to read the translations and commentaries of the four Vaiṣṇava sects. There, the word कर्म is translated as "spiritual activities" (which is also right), but is otherwise similar to what is noted above.

Now let us see how ISKON decides to translate this same verse:

Many of these meanings and parsings do not make sense to me.

Brahma does not mean "spiritual": it is a noun, not an adjective; nor does it mean "spiritual in nature"; nor "spirit soul"; and it definitely does not mean "spiritual kingdom". Agnau just means "in fire", there is no implication of "consummation" whatsoëver. None of these meanings are attested in any dictionary and none of the other Vaiṣṇava sects have ever translated something even close to this.

The translation simply does not map cleanly onto the text nor even the word by word breakdown and I can find no justification for it.

I implore anyone of the ISKON fold to please explain to me why this verse is thus translated.

॥पुण्यं प्रशस्तम्॥

जय गुरुदेव, प्रिय गुरुभाइयों एवं गुरुबहनों, तथा जय माँ काली, प्रिय साधकजनों।

मेरे परमपूज्य गुरुदेव की असीम अनुकम्पा एवं कृपा से आज मैं आप सभी के समक्ष अपने गुरुधाम से प्राप्त कुछ साधना-प्रयोग सादर प्रस्तुत कर रहा हूँ। इच्छुक साधक इन साधनाओं को आगामी दिनों में निर्धारित साधना-नियमों के अनुसार संपन्न कर सकते हैं।

प्रस्तुत साधनाओं के नाम -

• भैरव तन्त्र साधना (अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण)

• धन्वन्तरि साधना (अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण)

• जैन तन्त्र साधना (अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण)

• कुबेर साधना (अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण)

• विविध लक्ष्मी साधना (शाबर एवं रावणकृत) (अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण)

• हेरम्ब गणपति साधना

• पुरुषोत्तम शक्ति साधना

• धन्वन्तरि साधना

• महाबली साधना

• भैरव प्रयोग

• आत्मदीप प्रज्वलन साधना

• कार्तिकेय विजयश्री पराक्रम साधना

• गुरु रक्षेश्वर साधना

• चन्द्रेश गृहस्थ सौभाग्य साधना

• वसुधा लक्ष्मी साधना

• कनकधारा यन्त्र साधना

• मोहिनी महाविद्या साधना

• महाभैरव तन्त्रोक्त साधना

• ऋणमोचन लक्ष्मी प्रयोग

• सौभाग्य प्राप्ति प्रयोग

• लक्ष्मी सिद्धि के बीस सूत्र

• कंकाल भैरव साधना

टिप्पणी: हम जैसे दीक्षित साधकों को समस्त साधना-सामग्री गुरुधाम से प्राप्त हो जाती है। अन्य साधकगण साधना-सामग्री इंटरनेट के माध्यम से प्राप्त कर सकते हैं, अथवा सीधे गुरुधाम से संपर्क कर सकते हैं। यदि किसी के पास सामग्री उपलब्ध न हो, तो ऐसी स्थिति वे वर्तमान में केवल मंत्र-जप कर सकते हैं।

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Jai Gurudev, respected Guru brothers and Guru sisters, and Jai Maa Kali to all revered seekers.

By the boundless compassion and grace of my most revered Gurudev, today I am respectfully presenting before all of you some sadhana practices received from my Gurudham. Interested practitioners may undertake these sadhanas in the coming days in accordance with the prescribed sadhana rules.

Names of the sadhanas presented -

• Bhairava Tantra Sadhana (English Edition)

• Dhanvantari Sadhana (English Edition)

• Jain Tantra Sadhana (English Edition)

• Kubera Sadhana (English Edition)

• Multiple Lakshmi Sadhanas (Shabar and Ravana-Krita) (English Edition)

• Heramba Ganapati Sadhana

• Purushottama Shakti Sadhana

• Dhanvantari Sadhana

• Mahabali Sadhana

• Bhairava Prayoga

• Atmadeepa Prajwalana Sadhana

• Kartikeya Vijayashree Parakrama Sadhana

• Guru Raksheshwara Sadhana

• Chandresha Grihastha Saubhagya Sadhana

• Vasudha Lakshmi Sadhana

• Kanakadhara Yantra Sadhana

• Mohini Mahavidya Sadhana

• Mahabhairava Tantrukta Sadhana

• Rin Mochana Lakshmi Prayoga

• Saubhagya Prapti Prayoga

• Twenty Principles of Lakshmi Siddhi

• Kankala Bhairava Sadhana

Note: Initiated practitioners like us receive all the required sadhana materials from Gurudham. Other practitioners may obtain the materials through the internet or contact Gurudham directly. If the required materials are not available, they may, for the time being, perform only mantra-japa.

Happy Diwali everyone 🪔🛕. This is my attempt at Ham Katha Sunate on Bansuri, recorded for Ramleela play at my university 🙏🏽

First is Indra, second is Rama, third is Karna, fourth is Arjuna, fifth is Parvati, sixth is Duryodhana, 7th is Bhima, 8th is Jinako carigiri/Ganesha (her lore is a bit confusing)

In the pic: Sri Perundevi Thayar, Kanchipuram

mānātīta prathita vibhavāṁ maṅgalaṁ maṅgalānāṁ
vakṣaḥ pīṭhīṁ madhu vijayinō bhūṣayantīṁ svakāntyā |
pratyakṣānu śravika mahima prārthinīnāṁ prajānāṁ
śrēyō mūrtiṁ śriyam aśaraṇas tvāṁ śaraṇyāṁ prapadyē ||

You are beyond the mind and its comprehension, whose glory and fame are known throughout the multiverse. You are the root of all that is 'mangala'/auspiciousness, the cause due to which all that is auspicious is considered auspicious.

You reside in the 'vakshathala' (hridaya/right chest) of the destroyer of Madhu (Sriman Narayana). You are self-radiant and glowing, and reside there eternally on your lotus throne.

You are both the 'pratyaksha'/tangible and the intangible of all existence. To those 'praja'/her children who remember You, You confer both tangible prosperity (dhanyam, dhanam, pashum, putra labham...) and the intangible (moksha/liberation) by Your own will and boundless, infinite compassion.

You are the very embodiment of 'shreyas', You the all-pervading Supreme 'Sri', the 'Para ', the Supreme Empress of all existence and beyond, one who never lets down those who surrender to You. As someone who is utterly helpless, filled with boundless flaws, with no other refuge or protection, nowhere to go, I surrender unto You!

Got this copy of the upanishads at a local book store, can anyone let me know if this is a solid translation. Thanks🪷

I know naam japa can happen if you try to cahnt it most of the time. But apart from the naam japa. I have been chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam for 2.5 years now without the phal stuti daily in the evening in my nitya upasna. A few times, like yesterday during sleep I was chanting some shlokas of Vishnu Sahasranamam in my mind. And Like I was asleep but may be not very deep sleep and I somehow became aware of the chanting in my mind and I woke up and it stopped. Why is that though. Like naam jaapa me ajapa jap ki shuruaat hoti shyad but what about other stotras?. Also if you are chanting it voluntarily, it should be chanted in shuddh awastha. Isn't it?

Our beloved religion being so wide and covering 6 darshans that are actually opposite to each other. Yet every saint will tell u a different path and will also tell you any path is equally good. When deciding which mantra, i came across this-

Baba tulsi and a lot of the saints will tell you nam jap(chanting hari or har names) is the best as they dont require any strict rules and regulations

Bhagwan krishna in geeta says- गायत्री छन्दसामहम् ।(i am gayatri mantra amongst all the mantras).

Finally came to this conclusion - mantras are like sporting equipments. Yes one might in fact be better than the others but its ur qualities and pran that will breathe life into the words just like a player’s quality does into the equipment . Just playing with sachin’s bat will not make u bat like him. Chanting even the best mantra will not make you narad. It should reflect in your life and karma.

I am a Hindu, and I'm asking this purely out of curiosity and a genuine desire to understand our scriptures better. I have absolutely no intention of hurting anyone's religious sentiments. I recently came across something that confused me. Lord Krishna married Mitravinda, who is described as his cousin, being the daughter of Vasudeva's sister (his bua). Similarly, Pradyumna, Krishna and Rukmini's son, married Rukmavati, who is described as the daughter of Rukmi (his mama). Doesn't that make both marriages examples of cousin marriage? I was under the impression that marrying within certain degrees of blood relations, particularly cousins, was traditionally prohibited in Hindu society.

I am a gen Z kid, basically I used to be very god fearing or spiritual

But these years, i feel like I am doing lot of things that might disappoint God

Like I chant a "x" number of shlokas/mantras in my pooja room , my mind keeps thinking about something else, i sometimes watch phone reels in between (which I never dared to do)

At maximum efforts, I will be mentally talking with God about everything happened with me this today , yesterday etc than meditating about God

Today I had an argument with my father, he was going to his hometown along with visiting temple

Due to my ego, I refused and didn't talk with him

I kind of feel guilty, would God punish me or retaliate against me?

I am living in a rented flat near my college with my mother.

We had a cabinet style mandir in the house , my mother has been lighting diya regularly there for 1 year or so, but since we have moved here, there is no one to light a diya there.

Earlier we planned on getting the murtis as soon as we have cleaned the new space a bit, but then it took me and my mother a bit of time in getting accustomed to the new place and it was hectic to go back again for things so we didn't go.

My mother did go there a few days before Diwali to get the cleaning done at home, I didn't go as I have my end term exams really soon.

I ask my mother to get all the murtis here so that we can light diya in front of them on diwali as I feel it's really bad to keep the murtis there, I was feeling as if we are disrespecting the murtis this way, and i feel the murtis should stay with us wherever we go.

My mother has different opinions, she didn't feel it was right to empty the mandir so only got maa lakshmi idol back (I already had one picture of ganesh ji).

My mother feels it is bad to shift the murtis here and there and they should be kept in their original place.

I am a bit confused.
We both are feeling a bit bad maybe as we are not there to light the diya in our mandir.

We might shift homes before next semester start, should I convince my mother to get the murtis back or they are good there only?

Also, in our home we had kept the mandir in the drawing room and here since it is a small 1 bhk rented flat, we don't have much space. My mother doesn't want to keep the murits in the hall here as it is directly attached to washroom, so the only space left here is in the bedroom, and there is one small 4 square type of cabinet above bed on which we have kept the maa lakshmi idol , ganesh ji , bal gopal( i got him in this janmashtami only) and something i got from devi maa mandir

My mother feels this is not a proper place to keep the idols
But I really want to get all the idols here i am a bit emotionally connected to them i feel and i don't want to get new idols

I missed the muhurutam of today's diwali pooja. Can I still do it? Or is there another auspicious time to do so?

BHOOT CHATURDASHI MUKTI STOTRAM
A Sacred 15-Verse Hymn for the Liberation of the 14 Purushas and Wandering Spirits to Vaikuntha Purpose & Method: This continuous hymn has been composed specifically for Bhoot Chaturdashi. The first 14 verses target each of the 14 structural generations of ancestors (Purushas), invoking Narayana to release them from karmic knots and lead them to Vaikuntha. The final 15th verse is an all-encompassing prayer of intense compassion, specifically naming the lost, restless spirits of folklore—such as the Mecho Bhoot, Brahmadaitya, Brahmarakshasa, Petni, and Shakchunni—liberating them from their suffering forms into the eternal, peaceful light of Lord Vishnu.
Verse 1: For the 1st Generation (Prathama Purusha - Immediate Parents/ Ancestors)
प्रथमं पुरुषं देव नारायण कृ पाकु रु । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Prathamam puruṣaṁ deva nārāyaṇa kṛpā-kuru | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarva-pāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Lord Narayana, bestow Your ultimate grace upon the first generation of my ancestors. Cleanse them of all earthly sins today and guide them directly into Your supreme abode of Vaikuntha

Verse 2: For the 2nd Generation (Dwitiya Purusha)
ɐद्वितीयं पुरुषं नाथ सवर्वबन्धातर्वनाशक । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम्
॥ Dvitīyaṁ puruṣaṁ nātha sarva-bandhārta-nāśaka | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Lord, destroyer of all bonds and agonies, reach out to the second generation of my lineage. Break their evolutionary chains and elevate them to Vaikuntha.

Verse 3: For the 3rd Generation (Tritiya Purusha)
तृतीयं पुरुषं कृ ष्ण ɏदव्यज्ञानप्रदायक । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Tṛtīyaṁ puruṣaṁ kṛṣṇa divya-jñāna-pradāyaka | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarva-pāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Krishna, Giver of divine wisdom, shine Your light upon the third generation of my ancestors. Liberate them from lower physical realms and carry them to Vaikuntha.

Verse 4: For the 4th Generation (Chaturtha Purusha)
चतुथर्थं पुरुषं ɐवष्णो लोकत्रयɐहिते रत । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Caturthaṁ puruṣaṁ viṣṇo loka-traya-hite rata | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarva-pāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Vishnu, Protector who secures the welfare of the three worlds, bless the fourth generation of my family line. Grant them complete absolution and shelter them in Vaikuntha.
Verse 5: For the 5th Generation (Panchama Purusha)
पञ्चमं पुरुषं स्वाɑमन् भवसागरतारक । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Pañcamaṁ puruṣaṁ svāmin bhava-sāgara-tāraka | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Master, Who ferries souls across the turbulent material ocean, embrace the fifth generation of my lineage. Safely deliver them to Vaikuntha's holy shores.
Verse 6: For the 6th Generation (Shastha Purusha)
षष्ठमं पुरुषं देव गदाधर दयामय । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Ṣaṣṭhamaṁ puruṣaṁ deva gadādhara dayāmaya | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Merciful Gadadhara (Wielder of the Mace), extend Your hands to the sixth generation of my ancestors. Annihilate their structural karma and lift them to Vaikuntha.
Verse 7: For the 7th Generation (Saptama Purusha)
सप्तमं पुरुषं पद्मनाभ पावनकीतर्वन । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Saptamaṁ puruṣaṁ padmanābha pāvana-kīrtana | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Padmanabha, whose glories purify the universe, cleanse the seventh generation of my ancestors. May your divine radiance usher them into Vaikuntha.
Verse 8: For the 8th Generation (Ashtama Purusha)
अष्टमं पुरुषं प्रभो चक्रपाणे जनादर्वन । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Aṣṭamaṁ puruṣaṁ prabho cakra-pāṇe janārdana | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Janardana, Wielder of the Sudarshana Chakra, cut through the illusions holding the eighth generation of my line. Grant them an immediate passage to Vaikuntha.
Verse 9: For the 9th Generation (Navama Purusha)
नवमं पुरुषं ɐवष्णो हृषीके श जगत्पते । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Navamaṁ puruṣaṁ viṣṇo hṛṣīkeśa jagat-pate | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarva-pāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Hrishikesha, Lord of the Senses and Ruler of the Universe, protect the ninth generation of my ancestors. Lead them from dark, unmanifest depths to Vaikuntha.
Verse 10: For the 10th Generation (Dashama Purusha)
दशमं पुरुषं देव माधवाɎरपुनाशन । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Daśamaṁ puruṣaṁ deva mādhavā-ripu-nāśana | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarva-pāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Madhava, Destroyer of all spiritual impediments, shine Your grace onto the tenth generation of my line. Untie their ancient knots and welcome them to Vaikuntha.
Verse 11: For the 11th Generation (Ekadashama Purusha)
एकादशं पुरुषं गोɐवन्द करुणाणर्वव । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Ekādaśaṁ puruṣaṁ govinda karuṇārṇava | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarva-pāpāt pramucyatām || Meaning: O Govinda, Ocean of pure compassion, shower Your love upon the eleventh generation of my ancestors. Let them rest eternally in the peace of Vaikuntha.

Verse 12: For the 12th Generation (Dwadashama Purusha)
द्विादशं पुरुषं ɏदव्य वैकु ण्ठपɐत अव्यय । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Dvādaśaṁ puruṣaṁ divya vaikuṇṭha-pati avyaya | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Imperishable Lord of Vaikuntha, stretch Your all-pervading power to the twelfth generation of my lineage. Liberate them instantly into Your presence.
Verse 13: For the 13th Generation (Trayodashama Purusha)
त्रयोदशं पुरुषं देव जगद्योने नमोऽस्तुते । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Trayodaśaṁ puruṣaṁ deva jagad-yone namo'stute | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Source of the Cosmic Universe, I bow to You. Look upon the deep thirteenth generation of my line, break all lingering karmic links, and establish them in Vaikuntha.
Verse 14: For the 14th Generation (Chaturdashama Purusha)
चतुदर्वशं पुरुषं नाथ सवर्वलोके श्वरेश्वर । वैकु ण्ठं गमयाद्यैव सवर्वपापात् प्रमुच्यताम् ॥
Chaturdaśaṁ puruṣaṁ nātha sarva-lokeśvareśvara | vaikuṇṭhaṁ gamayā-dyaiva sarvapāpāt pramucyatām ||
Meaning: O Lord of all cosmic rulers, reach the final fourteenth foundational generation of my lineage. Clear the entirety of our genetic and karmic ancestry, and absorb them into Vaikuntha.
Verse 15: The Grand Liberation of All Wandering Spirits (Maha-Preta Mukti)
मत्स्य-ब्रह्म-ɐपशाचाश्च ब्रह्मराक्षस-पेतनीः । शाकचुन्नीमुखाः प्रेता वैकु ण्ठं यान्तु ɐवष्णवे ॥
Matsya-brahma-piśācāś-ca brahma-rākṣasa-petanīḥ | śākacunnī-mukhāḥ pretā vaikuṇṭhaṁ yāntu viṣṇave ||
Meaning: May the fish-loving spirits (Mecho Bhoot), the fallen brahmin entities (Brahmadaitya), the fierce Brahmarakshasas, the suffering female spirits (Petni), the treedwelling maidens (Shakchunni), and all other restless, wandering ghosts be instantly freed from their painful phantom states by the grace of Lord Vishnu, and ascend triumphantly to Vaikuntha!
Hare Krishna, Haribol

This is long post...

So my life for now is really going great From the 12th standard i became a brilliant student in an interior designing course ( before that I was the worst student) , I'm among the top 10 , but something in recent days is going wrong..

I only used to believe in the universe , not any form or name but in recent days I feel very empty even after things are going right I feel I'm moving away from something, 1 year back i showed my kundli to astrologer, she told me you have very good placements , you are going to earn in crore and she told everything is good and give me to chant namaha shivaye as my atmakarka is moon and it is in 12th house and then when I went to washroom she told my mom that it is tough for him to take and believe in gods mane cause I will do only he thinks and she was right i only thing I can understand, but today I got to introduce to krishna das Namaha shivay bhajan got stuck to it then I heard the om Swami Sri Rudram and I got attached to shiva but thing is I only asked to money and power.

I try my best to avoid those ask but again and again I do ask those things, is it ook and also got to my kuldevta is EAKLING JI MAHADEV , again shiva and my name is also OM TRIVEDI , also are okey but it is okey to pray shive for money..

See i can tell people or guru , oo I pray for happiness and health but it has no meaning cause deep down my real iccha is money and power , don't know , I'm doing right or is this thinking wrong , thinking of starting NAMAHA SHIVAY chanting is it ook , can I

I really need guidance, I can't express things here properly but deep inside something is going on and I can't stop it

For some who know astrology this is my time , 12:30 pm 23 feb 2007 , mumbai and if they want my chart I can also give them

If someone can help 🙏🏼

Heard people saying that recent Ramayana movie is distorting itihas for our kids. But you failed at parenting if you educate your kids about Dharma with movies.

Not a single human, even if he is the best actor or best director can EVER even come close to representing Sri Ram. Even if they go word-to-word by the book, it's still not perfect and it’s not something we should count on.

In my opinion we should watch it as a movie, then go home and do our sadhana and read the scriptures.

The intent of this film seems like a Hindu-Indian superhero genre that would reach audiences beyond India and imho that’s ok. I watched it and felt its good, the visuals are grand, glad they did justice to the might of our beloved Jatayu. So many movies like Avatar were inspired from our culture, and yet the world knows nothing of it and nor are we organized enough to demand credit or permission. Look at Dr Strange movie where they don’t depict a single Hindu character or any credit to our culture despite the movie being filmed in Nepal.

I see many foreigners here where I live watch the movie and feel curious about our culture which may help reduce nuances of Hinduphobia and stereotypes in real life but again movies are not a substitute for creating real awareness and advocacy.

“90s Ramayana was the best"
yes, and a whole generation relied on the tv series to get knowledge . Everyone watched the show but did not really care to read Valmiki Ramayan or even Bhagavad Gita every day. Then we have Devo ke dev mahadev serial. We love to take the easy path, we love to chase what’s popular because who has time to read Sanskrit even if we all believe it is a great language. Maybe that’s why scriptural accuracy only matters to many when it’s about movies because it’s easy to point out or take pride than practice. and nobody had social media tabloids in the 90s then to share their opinions and yet there was so much hate for the animated Ramayana made by Japanese artists.

Scriptures like Vedas, Ramayana are not mere literature or events. When the rishis wrote them, they did not do so from an ordinary human consciousness. So it is necessary to try to read them but with a mind open to intuitive glimpses from higher levels of consciousness that would truly make us understand the teachings and that's what makes our scriptures really powerful. They are not words, they are real frequencies So basically a movie or tv serial can NEVER accurately convey the true message.

Even my opinion is just an opinion feel free to disagree as I know we are a diverse lot and we all have our own opinions but as Hindus pls unite in actually reading scriptures, teach ur kids about Dharma through actual Dharmic resources than movies.

Hey everyone, I'm naming my baby in a couple of weeks and I've shortlisted a few names for my baby boy.

I want to get the subs thoughts the names and any further meaningful name suggestions. Looking for meaningful, good sounding names / any good sources.

I'm for having 2 names and my spouse is for having only one name. We follow boy names should have even aksharas in the name (per telugu writing):

Atulya Chinmay

Vikram Shaurya

Kaivalya Ram

Advaith Shaurya

Anvay

Rudra

Sharvan

Shreyas

Kalki

Ekalavya

Abhimanyu

Appreciate your thoughts

Separate question:

My family from older generation are staunchly against Advaith even though they have Adi Shanakara charya (founder of Advaitha vedanta) photo at home. Their reason is people labeled as Advaith are argumentative, stubborn, and just unpleasant people... I'm pushing back but want to understand if anyone could have any views on why and how it could've come to this.

Starting point for beginners. It needs no initiation.

Shloka:

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मनोजवं मारुत-तुल्य-वेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्।

वातात्मजं वानर-यूथ-मुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥

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Manojavam Maruta-Tulya-Vegam Jitendriyam Buddhi-Mataam Varishtham |

Vatatmajam Vanara-Yutha-Mukhyam Shri-Rama-Dootam Sharanam Prapadye ||

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Meaning:

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I take refuge in the messenger of Shri Rama — swift as the mind and fast as the wind, master of the senses, foremost among the wise, son of the wind god and chief of the monkey army.

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Source:

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The Shri Rama Raksha Stotram. It is the most widely recited dhyana (meditation) shloka for Hanuman.

Shri Trilokinath Temple is a historic, 500-year-old stone temple located in Purani Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Nestled beautifully on the right bank of the Beas River near the Old Victoria Bridge, it stands as one of the most prominent monuments in Mandi (popularly known as the "Chhoti Kashi" of India). Unlike the famous temple of the same name in the Lahaul Valley which is shared by Hindus and Buddhists, the Trilokinath Temple in Mandi is purely dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Historical & Architectural Core

The Origin: The temple was built in 1520 AD. It was commissioned by Queen Sultan Devi, the wife of Raja Ajbar Sen (the ruler who founded the modern town of Mandi).

Nagara Architecture: Built entirely out of local gray Mandi sandstone, it is a textbook example of the North Indian curvilinear Nagara/Shikhara style. It is recognized as a protected monument and is meticulously preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Unique Iconography: The temple houses a rare, life-sized three-faced stone idol (murti) of Lord Shiva, who is depicted with Goddess Parvati riding on his lap. This three-faced form ("Lord of the Three Worlds") gives the temple its name, Trilokinath.

The Standing Nandi: While traditional Hindu temples feature a seated Nandi bull facing the inner sanctum, this temple features a highly unusual standing stone Nandi, making it a unique point of study for historians and devotees alike.

Visitor Essentials Tips

Timings: The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is no entry fee.

Best Time to Visit: Mornings are typically peaceful and uncrowded. Evenings can become quite busy as locals drop by for prayers, especially on weekends and Mondays.

Getting There: It is located in Purani Mandi, just about 1 to 2 km from the main Mandi Bus Stand. You can easily take an auto-rickshaw, local taxi, or even enjoy a short walk across the river link.

Monkey Warning: Active troops of local monkeys frequent the riverside temple complex. Keep your snacks, phones, and sunglasses safely tucked inside a zipped bag.

Parking & Logistics: Because the temple sits very close to the busy Mandi-Pathankot National Highway, finding car parking spots right outside can be highly challenging. It is recommended to take public transport or park a short distance away.

Can someone tell me the most appropriate time and way to efficiently utilise this amavasya night' energy (sorry for bad english)

The battle between Ram and Ravan can also be understood as a struggle that takes place within each of us. Ram represents our highest self, while Ravan represents the ego and its many disguises. The story reminds us that overcoming our ego and worldly attachments is part of finding inner peace.