Which is the oldest Hindu practice among Shaivism, Vishnavism, and Shaktism?

 Though Vishnu was mentioned as one of the epithets, like AGNI, INDRA, RUDRA, SARASWATI, etc of the formless ENERGY or BRAHMAN, Vaishnavism with its central deity as Vishnu has evolved at a much later period.

Shiva was mentioned to indicate auspiciousness, but not as a deity in Rig Veda. Rudra was mentioned in the Rig Veda, but Rudra cannot be connected to Puranic Shiva. Hence, Shaivism cannot be traced in the Rig Veda.

Rig Veda contains references to feminine form of worship, viz., Saraswati, Aditi, Usha, etc. As Saraswati is being adored even now, we can safely say that Shaktism has roots in Rig Veda and it must be the oldest practice among Shaivism, Vishnavism, and Shaktism.

Timeline of Rig Veda, though stated to be around 1500 BCE by Western Indologists, is not correct. It must be thousands years before Mahabharata period and composition of Yajur Veda.

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The Baghor Artifact: If the triangular stone discovered at the Baghor stone site in the Son River valley (near Medhauli village, Sidhi District, Madhya Pradesh) is linked to Shaktism, it points to the profound antiquity of Tantric symbols. Dating back to the Upper Paleolithic era (around 9,000–11,000 years ago), this artifact features concentric, inverted triangles resembling a yoni or a Yantra , suggesting that the veneration of the Mother Goddess and proto-Tantric forms of worship stretch back thousands of years.

Hinglaj Mata Temple: Situated in Balochistan, Pakistan, the Hinglaj Mata Temple) is a naturally formed, formless stone smeared with sindoor, preserving a deeply physical and ancient mode of Devi worship. The timeline of Hinglaj Mata Temple cannot be established.

Puranic narrative: The Puranas, such as the Devi Bhagavata Purana, were compiled much later, ie., between the 3rd century CE and the 10th century CE but successfully organized these earlier beliefs into the framework of the 51 Shakti Peethas. This framework is built around the narrative of Sati's dismemberment by Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra to restore cosmic balance.

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As the timeline of Hinglaj Mata Temple predates the Puranas, its inclusion of in the 51 Shakti Peethas is not correct.

In fact, Hinglaj Mata Temple can be treated as the origin of present day form of feminine deity worship.

Is there a hierarchy of respect among Hindu Gods, with Lord Shiva possibly respecting some more than others?

 It's a matter of their humility, not necessarily hierarchy..

If we inspect Dron parva, when Brahma was about to destroy universe, because he was angry with overpopulation, shiv pleaded him to spare his own creation.. we can see there's immense respect and reverence towards Brahma here.

"Rudra said, 'Be inclined to grace. O lord of the universe, cherish not the wrath for the destruction of creatures. No more let creatures, immobile and mobile, be destroyed. Through thy grace, O illustrious one, let the threefold universe, viz., the Future, the Past, and the Present exist.

Thou, O Lord, hadst blazed up with wrath. From that wrath of thine, a substance like fire sprang into existence, That fire is even now blasting rocks and trees and rivers, and all kinds of herbs and grass. Indeed, that fire is exterminating the immobile and the mobile universe.

The mobile and the immobile universe is being reduced to ashes. Be inclined to grace, O illustrious one! Do not give way to wrath. Even this is the boon I solicit, All created things, O divine Being, belonging to thee, are being destroyed.

Therefore, let thy wrath be appeased. Let it be annihilated in thy own self. Cast thy eye on thy creatures, inspired with the desire of doing them good. Do that by which creatures endued with life may not cease to be. Let not these creatures, with their productive powers weakened be exterminated.

O Creator of the worlds, thou hast appointed me their Protector, O Lord of the universe, let not the mobile and the immobile universe to be destroyed. Thou art inclined to grace, and it is for this that I say these words unto thee.'

Same is the case with Brahma for shiv too. He appealed to shiv to destroy The Tripura forts, which only shiv was capable of .

Brahman then offered his adorations, unto Sankara, and said these words for the benefit of the universe, 'Through thy favour, O Lord of all, the Lordship of all creatures is mine. Occupying that rank, I have given a great boon to the Danavas.

It behoveth none else, save thee, O Lord of the Past and the Future, to destroy those wicked wights that show no regard for any one. Thou O god, art the only person competent to slay the foes of these denizens of heaven that have sought thy protection and that solicit thee. O lord of all the gods, show favour to these.

Slay the Danavas, O wielder of the trident. O giver of honours, let the universe, through thy grace, obtain happiness. O Lord of all the worlds, thou art the one whose shelter should be sought. We all seek thy shelter.'

Brahma also respects all beings irrespective of their nature, Dev's, Asura, Yaksha gandharva or humans, and other beings.

And all the dwellers in heaven repairing thither behold the Supreme Deity when they please, and worshipping him with a bow of their head return whence they came.

And, O king of men, the Grandsire of all created beings, the Soul of the universe, the Self create Brahma of immeasurable intelligence and glory, equally kind unto all creatures, honoureth as they deserve, and gratifieth with sweet speech and gift of wealth and other enjoyable articles, the gods, the Daityas, the Nagas, the Brahmanas, the Yakshas, the Birds, the Kaleyas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, and all other exalted beings that came to him as his guests.

Brahma also treats other gods like Indra , Agni and Vishnu too with great reverence.

Fact is this doesn't necessarily create a hierarchy of honour. But reflects on the great nature of these gods.

What is Prasadam in Hindu rituals, and why is it considered special after being offered to the gods?

 

“ sAdam “ means food. “ pra “ means good. prasAdam means good and hygienic food.

Food can have three types of flaws (doshas): 1. Jati Dosha (Inherent flaw) – foods like onions and radishes are considered Tamasic (dull/lethargic in nature). 2. Ashrita/Patra Dosha (Flaw due to the container) – milk and coconut water are beneficial, but if stored in a copper vessel, they spoil and cause illness. 3. Nimitta Dosha (Flaw due to origin) – the place where the food was cultivated is unsuitable.

One might wonder, "How can we possibly know where the food was grown?"

That is precisely why, if we offer the food to the Divine Mother and consume it as Prasadam (sanctified offering), these flaws are neutralized.

In the Bhagavad Gita, the Supreme Lord states:

" Aharastvapi sarvasya trividho bhavati priyah " – Bhagavad Gita 17:7

This means, "Depending on human nature, food also falls into three categories: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic."

In the Vishnu Sahasranama, the names "Annam" and "Annadah" appear. They signify that He is the provider of food, and indeed, He is the food itself.

I recently read an article about Palghat (Palakkad). The average lifespan of the residents there is 95 years, and there are many who live beyond a century. People often wonder how they manage to live such long, peaceful lives despite facing various indignities from both Tamilians and Keralites. The reason identified was that they consume only Sattvic food, and in moderate quantities. Spirituality also plays a significant role in their lives.

Therefore, one should pray to the Divine Mother: "Oh Mother, grant me the fortune of consuming any food only after offering it to You."

Subhamastu

Can you share the stories or legends behind some of the most famous Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu?

 There are 75 Vishnu Kshethra out of 108 Divyadesa, revered by Alvars. There are 108 Siva temples revered by Nayanars in the surroundings of Kumbakonam. No need to tell about more than 1000 Siva temples in Tamilnadu. There are six main abodes of Subrahmanya Swami in Tamilnadu with the name Arupadaiveedu. (Where Kumaraswami killed Tarakasura in one place, married Devasena in another place, got Brahmagnana in another place... like that), excluding Marda malai near Coimbatore, with a great temple of Subrahmanya Swami. No need to tell about Kanchi Kamakshi, Madhura Meenakshi like temples which belong to Parvati Mata. Many famous temples of Narasimha Swami are also there in TN.

Every temple and it's Kshethra have a history and legend of which, one can get through Google. We had visited more than 200 temples in Tamilnadu though I am pakka Hyderabadi and a pure Telugu person who doesn't know how to talk and read Tamil. We used only maps to get there and read the history before the trip. Now I tell some interesting facts and rare temples in TN for you, though we have many such temples in our Telugu states also.

Madhura Meenakshi is the sister of Lord Mahavishnu with the name Azhagar or Kalazhagar, Who comes to do marriage ceremony of Meenakshi with Sundareswar every year. Because at first, Mahavishnu did this marriage ceremony of Meenakshi, the daughter of Pandyaraja alongwith Parameswara who came as Sundareswarar to marry her. Azhagar comes here by procession every year from Azhagar Koil, which is also a Divyadesa with a great legend. It takes 2 days to understand the largest temple of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. This temple has lotus pond, 1000 pillared Mandapam etc…

From Azhagar Koil, we can go uphill to Pazhamudhircholai (one of Subrahmanya Swami's Aruveedu Divyakshathras) and Nupura Gangai. These waters are used for the Brahmothsava of Meenakshi. While going to uphill from Azhagar Koil, turn head to see back the beautiful alaya Sikharam of Azhagar Koil. This Sikharam is called Somasundara Vimanam, brought by Indra. Tirupparakundram (one of Aruveedu) is also in Madurai, where Shanmukha Swami had celestial wedding with Devayani. Tirukkudal, the temple of Kudal Azhagar Perumal is also in Madurai, which is very unique in its style with three storeyed temple where Lord Vishnu lies in sitting, standing and sleeping postures.

Namakkal itself is very special place near Srirangam with Narasimha Swami and Anjaneya Swami temples. While returning from Himalayas to Lanka, a piece of Sanjivani fell from the mount, which had been lifted by Hanuman. Hanuman requested to see Narasimha Swami here. Meanwhile, Lakshmi Devi was doing Tapas to see Narasimha Swami in the same place. So Narasimha Swami appeared for both of them. One can observe very beautiful carvings of Narasimha Swami idols on the hill rock inside the temple. 18 feet Hanuman gives us goosebumps. A grand abhisheka is held to Hanuman for which 1000 eyes are not enough.

If you plan Rameshwaram don't forget to Visit Dharbhasayana (Tiruppulani), where Rama lied down for 3 days praying the Hindu Ocean to make the way to Lanka. The Ramasethu was built afterwards. One can see Rama here in three temples as Jagannatha (standing posture), Dharbhasayana (sleeping posture) and Pattabhisheka Murthi (sitting posture), side by side. One should not forget to bath in the sea at Dhanushkoti. I saw Guruvayurappan in Palani Murugan while watching early morning Abhishek here. Subrahmanya Swami looked like Guruvayoor Krishna.

Kanyakumari, Suchindram, Vaideeswaran Koil, Tirukkadiyur Abhirami temple (where the temple is bustling always with Shashtipurthi couples etc... One can get the lunch also here.), Srimushnam Adi Varaha Swami temple (the first foot of Varaha Swami on the Earth happened here), Siva temples in Kurthalam, Tirunalveli, Papanasam, Sankaran KOil etc.., are very famous temples with a great legend. Wherever you go you find a temple nearby your location. That's it.

Tiruppulani Dharbhasayana Perumal

Namakkal Anjaneyar

Subrahmanya Skandha Shanmukha Kamara Swami in Palani

Madurai Meenakshi

How old is the universe according to Hindu scriptures?

 

Let us reflect upon our Vedic scientific knowledge:

We often use the phrase "the Brahmanda (cosmic egg) has shattered" when a major problem arises or a significant event occurs. The Upanishads state that the universe was formed when the Brahmanda shattered.

The "Big Bang Theory" posits that the universe originated from the explosion of a fireball. According to this theory, the universe was formed 13.8 billion years ago.

Let us examine what our Vedic knowledge says. When we recite the Sankalpa (ritual vow), we say: "Shveta-Varaha-Kalpe, Vaivasvata-Manvantare, Kali-Yuge, Prathama-Pade..."

The "Shveta-Varaha-Kalpa" is the third Kalpa; this means two Kalpas have already concluded.

A single Kalpa consists of 14 Manvantaras. Our current era, the "Vaivasvata," is the seventh Manvantara; thus, six Manvantaras have already passed within the third Kalpa.

This implies that a total of 34 Manvantaras (2 × 14 + 6) have elapsed so far.

One Manvantara comprises 71 Mahayugas. A Mahayuga consists of four Yugas: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali.

A single Mahayuga spans 4.32 million years. Therefore, one Manvantara equals 71 × 4.32 million years.

Since we have established that 34 Manvantaras have passed, the total duration is 34 × 71 × 4.32 million years, which equals 10,428.48 million years (or approximately 10.43 billion years). Since we are currently in the Kali Yuga, the Krita, Treta, and Dvapara Yugas have already passed, and 5,000 years of the Kali Yuga have elapsed. This amounts to 38.93 lakh years. Adding this figure brings the total to 104,323.73 lakh years.

It is recorded that a "Sandhi-kala" (transitional period) occurs after the completion of each Manvantara to allow for stabilization and cleaning the garbage. The duration of this period is equal to the lifespan of the Krita Yuga—that is, 17.28 lakh years. As 34 Manvantaras have passed, the total time for these transitions is 34 × 17.28 = 587.52 lakh years.

Combining all the above figures results in a total of 104,911.25 lakh years, which is approximately 1,050 crore years.

There is no consensus among scientists regarding this figure of 1380 crores; some dispute it. However, none of our sages ever declared our Vedic knowledge to be incorrect; there was no refutation—it was universally accepted.

Just as touching a single grain of rice is enough to determine if the whole pot is cooked, let us consider one aspect of Vedic knowledge. We can predict with absolute precision exactly when solar and lunar eclipses will occur—specifying the day and the exact time interval—not just for the next year or two, but even for the year 2050. This demonstrates the remarkable accuracy of our Vedic mathematical science.

What we state regarding the origin of the universe is also the truth. What room is there for doubt?.

Perhaps it was after reading about these amazing concepts that the Irish astrologer " Cheiro " described the Indian system of time calculation as "miraculous." (I mention his name because of the proverb, "A plant in one's own backyard is of no medicinal value"; since he was a foreigner—specifically of Greek origin—his words carried greater weight.)

Subhamastu

What are the lesser known facts about Hindu temples (or any other religious place)?

 Duryodhana and the 101 Kauravas temples of kerela, India

Despised in most of India, The eldest Kaurava Duryodhana has a temple in kollam which witness millions of devotees every year. Around 20 lakh devotees visit Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanda temple and offer prayers to Duryodhana and his 100 siblings including Yuyutsu who opted to join the Pandavas to fight Kauravas.

And it's not only the 101 Kauravas, Dushala(their sister), Shakuni and Karna also have temples around 50 km of radius. The Kauravas community in Kerela worship them and consider them as their ancestors.

The belief:

During the exile of Pandavas, the tired and thirsty Duryodhana, along with other Kauravas including Karna and Shakuni, approached their community to take some rest and food. They were served with palm wine and offered the village to take rest for a couple of days.

Duryodhana promised to return to their village to celebrate more days with the community, but he never returned. Assuming they all died, the villagers performed their last rites. However, they believe that his spirit still resides here as he gifted vast swathes of agricultural land to the villagers

Although, it is still to be cleared authentically that did Duryodhana ever stepped there? Faith brings love for many

Is there any mosque that looks like a Hindu temple?

 

How does this architecture look like?

A temple?

No.

It is a mosque. In fact it is one of the oldest mosques

[1]

in India, not just in India, but also one of the oldest mosques in the world as well.

It is the Kilakkarai Mosque, in Tamil Nadu. It was built in 628–630 AD and was re-constructed in 1036

[2]

.

Ibn Batutah and Murad, Sultan of Ottoman have visited this mosque.

Incredible!

Edit:

In comments section, people have asked whether it was a temple which was converted to a mosque in an invasion.

No. It wasn't. It was not a Hindu temple before. The mosque was constructed in Dravidian style.

This is Tamil Nadu!

Footnotes

[1] http://Gibb & Beckingham 1994, pp. 814–815 Vol. 4.

[2] Palaiya Jumma Palli - Wikipedia

What are the strange facts about Hindu mythology?

 Women of Substance: A journey through the Devadasis culture in India

The Devadasis culture was a prominent practice in many Southern parts of India centuries ago where the “Dasis(females) ” were served to Devs(Gods and their Wives ).

The Dasis were basically the courteans who performed dance, music and other chores within the palaces or outdoors. Such Devadasis were invited for essential rituals, royal coronations and other ceremonies including at the time of worship in temples.

The cultural practice of Devdasis was a regular practice and the inscriptions found in many temples in South India common practice in Vishnu temples dating back to A.D 966 reveal that the word Devdasi was a terminology used for talented women who belonged to lower sections of the society

The Devadasis were sophisticated, intellectual and respected in the community as they were the epitome of culture, arts and were “married to the gods”. The Devadasis during the Dwapar Yuga were served to gods and their wives including the imperial almighty. Even Lord Krishna were gifted 1001 virgin Devadasis when he was welcomed by Dhritshartra to parley the negotiations between the Kauravas and Pandavas before the war began

The concept, later was transformed to Devadasis who would not please the king and their wives anymore , but dedicate their lives to the temples by participating in music, dance forms, art and culture, but are married to gods.

What is the significance of the rat to the Hindu god Ganesha?

 The narration of Rat as the vehicle of Ganapati in Puranas, is an allegorical way of presenting a deep spiritual message. This symbolism had been derived from the Rig Veda.

Here, Ganapati is the BRAHMAN or all powerful god and rat indicates our weaknesses, which eat away our spiritual inclination/strength.

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Rig Veda 9.67.30

अलाय्यस्य परशुर्ननाश तमा पवस्व देव सोम । आखुं चिदेव देव सोम ॥
alāyyasya paraśur nanāśa tam ā pavasva deva soma | ākhuṃ cid eva deva soma ||

English translation:

SOMA destroyed the destructive power (axe) of the alāyya. Soma! so also (make) the rat (to disappear). By purifying yourself flow here, o DIVINE Soma.

——

alāyya indicates a destructive creature/thief that destroys/steals wealth.

A rat is a creature that operates in the dark, chewing away at foundations quietly and surreptitiously without the owner immediately noticing. This is an exact parallel to human vices—like ego, doubt, desire, and laziness, following the path of UNTRUTH—which secretly consume a person's spiritual strength/inclination.

—-

The rishi is requesting esoterically the BLISS/DIVINE SOMA to destroy the destructive power (axe) of alāyya. And, also requesting the SOMA to destroy the rat, so that the BLISS/DIVINE SOMA flows to him.

If understood properly, this Rik is advising the spiritual practitioner to get rid of vices or weaknesses, viz., ego, doubt, desire, and laziness, following the path of UNTRUTH, that stills progress in spiritual path of the individual, so that one can experience the DIVINE BLISS/SOMA.