So , I was an atheist for a long time , I reverted back to Hinduism , I want to similar stories and experiences, what made you choose to follow Hinduism again? , reasons, explanations & stories , thanks , I am just curious

My story - so , I was an atheist , I became depressed and was suicidal but I read shrimad bhagvad Gita and I became a follower , I became immensely happy and immensely joyful and grateful for everything and I am glad I made the decision to be a Shri krishna follower

If they are different? Can't we just Hindu? Why do we create these sects? Why my friend from Tamil Nadu says that Vashnism hates shaivism but shavism not hat them? I'm confused. Lot of confusion. Rigid c@ste system and now this sects. Why we never one?

I have been reading a lot, but as someone who needs like some evidence I just don’t see how it makes sense that after we die we experience something. I really want to believe we do, but in Hinduism we believe that we are there before life and after death, but I don’t know what before death was. Isn’t it important that to believe in something I should experience it or like have some sort of recollection of it, maybe then we would surrender ourselves to ideologies.
Every Yuga had a saviour in a pretty short timespan, only for us it’s so long, it makes me think that it was written this way so we can call it the truth until it isn’t.
I know there have been studies on people remembering their previous lives but that have not been shown as being scientific evidence. Atleast if I could remember what it was like before like I’d have hope but it seems to me that idk before and after there’s nothing which is scaring me a lot.

Sharing this deeply disturbing news with the Hindu community. 

Institutionalised hatred and persistent anti-Hindu/anti-India rhetoric contribute to a climate of hostility with real-world consequences. May our Dharma and devotees remain protected.

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय

ॐ नमो भगवते श्रीमहाहनुमते प्रकटपराक्रम सकलदिङ्मण्डल-यशोवितान-धवलीकृत-जगत्त्रय

वज्रदेह रुद्रावतार लङ्कापुरीदहन उमाभैरवीप्रियानन्दवर्धन

दशकण्ठकुलनन्दनविषयविध्वंसन श्रीरामचन्द्रप्रियभक्त

अत्यन्तगम्भीरधीर सर्वतोमुख सकलविद्यानिधान सर्वलोकसात्त्विक

सकलग्रहविनाशन सकलज्वरप्रशमन सकलभयविनाशन सकलशत्रुच्छेदन

मम परसैन्यपरमन्त्रपरयन्त्रपरतन्त्रपरविद्याश्छेदय छेदय

स्वमन्त्रस्वयन्त्रस्वतन्त्रस्वविद्याः प्रकटय प्रकटय

सर्वविषं हर हर, सर्वदुष्टान् मारय मारय, सर्वशत्रून् नाशय नाशय

स्वात्मरक्षणं कुरु कुरु, परकृताभिचारं शमय शमय

असाध्यं साध्य साध्य, हुं फट् स्वाहा।

In Vedic Sanskrit poetry, a chandas (छन्दस्) is a poetic meter that determines the rhythmic structure of a verse.

Gāyatrī is one such meter, it traditionally characterized by three pādas (metrical lines), each containing eight syllables, for a total of 24 syllables.

Tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
Bhargo devasya dhīmahi.
Dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt.

As you can see, this is a combination of 8 x 3 = 24

So any verse or mantra that follows this meter can be called a “Gayatri Mantra”.

This was the mantra in its original form.

Another common misconception is that Sage Vishwamitra originally composed the now popular Gayatri Mantra. But as we are aware, the Vedas are Apaurusheya and were not composed by anyone.

Only the Mahavyahritis or the perfunctory formula “bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ” was revealed to the sage while the rest of the mantra pre-dated him.

The addition of the Omkara or Om is then prescribed in the Taittirīya Āraṇyaka illustrating how the components are joined in Vedic ritual tradition.

Another example, the first verse of the Rig Veda Itself is also a Gayatri Mantra:

Agnim īḷe purohitaṃ (8 syllables*)*
Yajñasya devam ṛtvijam, (8 syllables)
Hotāraṃ ratnadhātamam. (8 syllables)

There are 1000s of Gayatri Mantras in the Vedic corpus. So it is not accurate to claim that there is one Gayatri Mantra and that it is dedicated to a Goddess named Gayatri. This is a much later theological development.

So who exactly is Gayatri Mantra dedicated to?

In the Vaishnava traditions, it is a mantra dedicated to none other than Lord Narayana himself.

The mantra invokes Savitṛ or the solar orb which can be understood as the locus in which the presence of the supreme lord is contemplated.

Dhyeyaḥ sadā savitṛ-maṇḍala-madhyavartī
Nārāyaṇaḥ sarasijāsana-sanniviṣṭaḥ |
Keyūravān makara-kuṇḍalavān kirīṭī
Hārī hiraṇmaya-vapur dhṛta-śaṅkha-cakraḥ ||

“One should always meditate upon Nārāyaṇa, who resides in the centre of the solar orb, seated upon a lotus, adorned with armlets, wearing makara-shaped earrings and a crown, decorated with a necklace, possessing a golden-hued body, and bearing the conch and discus."

Hare Krishna!

As a young child, because I grew up in a western country, where they circumcize you at birth itself. I know that it's condemned in Hinduism, but for those like me who got it at birth and others who got it for medical reasons, does that make it more difficult for us to become Hindu if we want to be?

Shiva Purana (as translated by Bibek Debroy) makes reference multiple times to characters ’controlling their atman.’

If I am supposed to control my atman… what part of me is superior to it in order to be capable of this?

I thought the atman was supreme and perfect, identical to Purusha who is Shiva. Is the Purana actually saying something different?

Or is ‘atman’ here being used not as a technical term but just to say ‘self’(-control) more generally?

Usually it is the atman who is said to do the controlling, like in Gita 3:43.

If it were the case that ‘atman’ is not being used as a technical term and is only meant to mean ‘self’ in the common sense… then I do not think it would have been left untranslated as ‘atman’ in the english translation.

Thanks for any help!

I flaired this is as ‘general question’ rather than ‘beginner question’ because I’d like a high-level answer (though I’m not picky) and I am somewhat familar with vedanta. I am, however, a beginner when it comes to Puranas.

[P.s. any other tips concerning the ontology of the Shiva Purana would be greatly appreciated, even if not directly related.]

I'm a female 24, indian and i need genuine insight.

We are told to do our karma and only then does the door to moksh open but if so then what is going on.

I know that I've taken birth to serve, I've always felt inclined to this purpose since i remember.

I know I've not fulfilled it yet.

But why do i feel such a great urge to abandon everything and work towards uniting with god.

I would love to explain it but it's unexplainable.

Today i was sitting with Krishna's portrait asking him to guide me to give me buddhi to tackle life bcoz i feel like I'm not doing things rightly and he's always guided me.

well skip half an hour or so i started to listening to mahishasura mardini stotram one thought lead to another and i realised everyone is just shiv and shakti and the way to moksh is to awaken shakti and make it meet shiv.

I'm oversimplifying how profound this realisation was. we do know that shiv and shakti complete each other and these things aren't unknown or not talked about

but in that moment i FELT it. The urge to leave everything and everyone bcoz this is all just maya anyways we are all just wearing masks and dancing in this illusion of life which feels so surreal and weird.

I get it it's required to dance until you fulfill your souls purpose but then why is this urge so strong that it's unbearable?

What should i do seriously? What is happening?

please don't be judgemental and guide me here

Hi everyone. I hope everyone is doing well.

I just want to understand and possibly understand this concept - I am seeking support but as a Hindu. I want to know for those who went through trials and hardships, especially those that made you contemplate even ending your life.. How did you overcome it. How do you move forth in prayer? How do we even approach God when are deep into this pain. If there's anyone who can help. Please please do

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दिव्यसिंहासनासीनौ दिव्यस्रग्वस्त्रभूषणौ । अनुक्षणं कटाक्षाभ्याम् संस्कृतम्

अन्योन्यसदृशाकारौ त्रैलोक्यगृहदम्पती । इमौ युवां प्रणम्याहं भजाम्यद्य कृतार्थताम् ॥

Śrī Rāma is seated majestically upon a divine, celestial throne, and Devi Sītā sits beside Him adorned in exquisite garments, heavenly garlands, and jewelry. Every single moment, through their loving side-glances, they both continuously look at each other with deep mutual affection. Both of you are perfectly matched in form, beauty, and virtue, ruling as the ultimate emperor and empress over the home of the three worlds. Bowing down before both of you today and worshipping your divine presence, I feel my life has reached its ultimate fulfilment.

Situated in Devipura First, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, this sacred temple of Maa Kali is a place of faith, devotion, and spiritual strength. Maa Kali represents Shakti — the divine feminine power that protects devotees, destroys evil, and restores balance. Devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the Divine Mother, find inner peace, and pray for courage and protection for their families. The beautifully adorned idol, traditional offerings, and vibrant devotional atmosphere reflect the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of Bulandshahr. For devotees, this temple is more than a place of worship; it is a reminder of the eternal power of Maa and the strength that faith brings into our lives. Sharing a glimpse of this beautiful temple for everyone who wishes to learn about the spiritual heritage of our region.

🙏 Jai Maa Kali! Jai Mata Di! 🔱

Hi,

How come all the animals depicted in the stories and manuscripts are only animals from Indian subcontinent only?

Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Rodents, etc are local to the Indian subcontinent.

How come animals like Zebras, Giraffe, Kangaroo, Polar bear, ostrich, etc that are not familiar to Indian geography not mentioned anywhere?

Was the knowledge limited to the subcontinent?

Can anyone explain.

Nobody comes even close to hanuman ji in terms of bravery, devotion and strength. Anyway it's ai directed with some post editing. Let me know your thoughts on this.

Full Context — 5 Second Reality Check:

Top Left: Parliament in rain — Question: Hum vote dete hai, sarkar banate hai, lekin sawal ka jawab kyu nahi milta?

Top Right: Mandir Gate + GOVERNMENT CONTROL BOARD — Mandir sarkar control me kyu hai? Ram Mandir me Shankaracharya ko samman kyu nahi?

Bottom: Trishul glowing border + Sunrise — My personal solution: System Badlo, Mandir Mukt Karo, Brahmin Kshatriya Vaishya Shudra — Sab Hindu Ek Bano — Har Har Mahadev.

This is my personal opinion under Article 19(1)(a) — No hate against any community — For democratic discussion and education purpose only — Open to debate.

My question to you:

A. Should Mandirs be freed from Govt control?

B. Should Shankaracharya be given more samman?

C. Should Shakha + Hindu Ekta increase?

What is your view? A, B or C?

Full 10-min video: https://youtu.be/CObb7PQaIn4

Mummy went out and asked me to keep an eye on the diya. Around the same time, the people coming to fix the fridge were about to arrive, and I was on the phone giving them directions, so my mind was distracted. I was also working on my laptop. When the call came and I talked, I remembered to check the diya. After checking it and leaving, I turned on the fan by mistake, and the diya went out. I thought the fan was in my room, where I was working.

After the call ended, I heard a fan running and it clicked: why is that sound coming from there? I went and switched it off, but by then the diya had already gone out. I immediately relit it with a matchstick and asked Mata for forgiveness. But I haven't told Mummy or Papa, because they would worry even more. I'm not fasting, but my parents are. What should I do?"

I recently had a thought of doing something wrong (no was was going to get hurt) and I got blocked first 2 times and today my family found out so another block. I am going though a tough phase of my life, and I asked Mahadev to ease my pain and give me the reason to live. Is my wish going to get fulfilled soon?

If it doesn't make sense, it's okay. You can skip.

Controversy over the beheaded Vishnu idol at Khajuraho's Javari temple reached the Supreme Court last year when advocate Rakesh Dalal sought restoration, replacement or reconstruction of the seven-foot statue. While dismissing the petition, then CJI BR Gavai had said, "Go and ask the deity itself to do something now." Though Gavai later said he respects all religions and that his statement was taken out of context, a lawyer had tried to throw a shoe at him inside the courtroom.

I've been doing research on religions lately, and hinduism caught my eye as well as a couple of other ones. I've wanted to learn more about it, but I'm not really sure where to start or find info. Can anyone tell me what this whole thing is about and where do i read about it?

Durga Puja is Bengal's biggest festival, celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over evil. For five days, cities glow with artistic pandals, dazzling idols, and joyful crowds. The air fills with dhak beats, incense, and devotion. It's a homecoming, a reunion, and a celebration of culture, faith, and togetherness for every Bengali.

Coffee withdrawal is high it's been 6 years I have usually kept 1st and last fast but this time keeping all it's 4th day all I can think of I need black Coffee to work please help my brain just keep on thinking about coffee I don't need food just black coffee

Hi guys, this is my first time posting on this sub. I am currently in a moral dilemma.

I wanted to know what our religion says about wishing evil/bad for someone who wronged you.

The other person (in my life) committed an unforgivable sin, and inflicted so much trauma and hurt on me and I've suffered for nearly a decade mentally and physically, somehow surviving, while that person is living an amazing life, now married and all.

Now I cannot help but wish bad for that person. Am I wrong in doing so ? Are there any sources which can guide me through this ethical conundrum ?

I really don't want to wish evil upon someone, I feel like a pos, but my mind can't help but do it. I'd really appreciate some guidance on this. Thanks.