Doubt (known as Samasya in Hindu philosophy) is one of the sixteen categories accepted in Nyaya Philosophy. In Hinduism, knowledge is either valid or invalid. According to Naiyayikas, knowledge based on perception (anubhava) is valid. But those based on remembrance (smriti), doubt, error and hypothetical argument is invalid.   These are sources of invalid cognition, because they are not sure and definite or they do not impart the true nature of the object. Doubt in Hinduism is defined as the knowledge which is both of a positive and negative nature and is opposite to the nature of an object. Thus, the exact characteristic or salient features of an object are indefinite, so that a firm decision about the object is not possible. According to Nyaya Sutra, doubt arises because of five reasons: Some common features between one object and other similar but not alike object (samana dharma) lead to doubt whether this is that or not. For Example – On seeing a block at

You might have come across the term Sriman and Srimati. The reference Srimati and Sriman Narayana are very common especially in Vaishnava theology. The term has deep spiritual importance and symbolism. ‘Sri’ in all these term is Goddess Lakshmi, the eternal consort of Vishnu. She is inseparable from Narayana. Thus, she is omnipotent and omnipresent. The Dvaya Mantra in Vaishnavism has two lines both of which have Sriman as the first word. The suffix 'man' or 'mat' indicates the state of eternal union of Sri and Narayana. By first invoking Sri, the Divine Mother, a seeker seeks her help in connecting with the Lord. When self realization happens we will realize that there is no second. There is nothing outside. Mother and Father are one. Sriman and Srimati merges into Sri and then into eternal silence... Related Shri Symbolism

The idol of Lord Narayan Gosain at Singapur Village near Rasulpur in Jajpur District of Orissa is kept underwater, except for three days in a year. People in large number gather on these three days to have a glimpse of the God. And the unique annual ceremony is known as Singhapur yatra (January 14 to January 17). This has been a practice here for more than four centuries. The idol of Lord Narayan Gosain remains in a pond near the temple, Madhuritha Khetra, dedicated to Him. The idol is brought out on Pana Sankranti day (March – April) for three days and on the fourth day the idol is again immersed in the pond. So, why is the idol kept underwater? There is some history involved. In the 16th century, Kalapahad, a Muslim invader, after destroying numerous temples and Hindu idols reached the region. The then King of Madhupur Garh, to save the idol from Kalapahad, hid it in the pond. But people and the King were unhappy as the idol remained underwater. A few day

Story of Origin of Goddess Lakshmi and Samudra Manthan (Sagar Mantha), or churning of ocean, is found in the Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavad Purana. Samudra Manthan was performed by Devas and Asuras to obtain elixir of life, Amrita. Numerous things emerged during the churning of ocean . Among the things emerged one was Goddess Lakshmi. This was the first appearance of Goddess Lakshmi. In the story of the Samudra Manthan, the devas (Demi gods led by Indra and the other divinities) were cursed by the Sage Durvasa, such that they lose all their strength. As a result of the curse asuras (demons), take control of the universe by defeating the demigods. Demigods led by Indra go to Lord Vishnu for help, who advises that only the nectar, which resides at the bottom of the celestial ocean of milk (Ksheer [milk] + sagar [ocean]; sometimes alluded to the Milky Way galaxy) can make them strong again, and they would become immortal. However, the ocean would need to be churned in order f

Quotes on the Concept of God in Hinduism - Hindu scriptures define God as Brahman and various Hindu Scriptures define it in the following manner. What is the Meaning of the Word Brahman? Brahman is the word used to refer to God in the Upanishads. Have you ever wondered what the meaning of the word Brahman in Hinduism is? In Sanskrit, ‘Brah’ means to expand and ‘Mann’ is mind. Brahman means ‘to expand your mind.’ What is Brahman? One with true knowledge will remain silent to the question. Brahman cannot be defined in words; neither can it be capture in a painting. It cannot be defined. But Brahman can be experienced. To experience Brahman we need to expand our mind. We need to drop all narrow thoughts. We need to prepare our mind to capture and understand that, which has no beginning and end. The mind has to be fertile enough to know that, which is beyond birth and death. When the mind totally dies, the I merges in the Supreme Truth...it is Brahman...it cannot be expla