Tuesday, June 28, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 72: 24-June-2011

Kindly refer to the following link for an introduction to what this DharmaQuiz is all about. It also has the first 19 sessions' Questions and Answers.


Then refer to the right panel of this blog window, under 'Blog Archive' section for the subsequent 52 updates.

Session 72: June 24,  2011
Theme: Subrahmanya and Naga/snake

  1. Name the pilgrimage place in the lush green western ghat forests of Karnataka, that's famous for Snake related worships. #DharmaQuiz 692. Ans: Kukke Subrahmanya
  2. Name what is regarded as Kalidasa's greatest work, describing poetically the birth of Kartikeya or Murugan or Subrahmanya. #DharmaQuiz 693. Ans: Kumara Sambhava. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumarasambhavam
  3. Out of the Hindu Maha PuraNas, the longest one, with 81,100 verses, is dedicated to the life & deeds of Kartikeya. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 694. Ans: Skanda Purana. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skanda_Purana
  4. The Atharva Veda describes Subrahmanya as 'Agnibhuh' or son of Agni, the fire god. In that context, who was his mother? #DharmaQuiz 695. Ans: Swaha, Agni's wife.
  5. The most important reason people throng to Subrahmanya temples is for remedy from 'Kuja Dosha'. Which planet is called Kuja? #DharmaQuiz 696. Ans: Kuja is Mangala or Mars
  6. In Hindu stories, who is termed as the eternal sworn enemy of the Nagas or serpent race? #DharmaQuiz 697. Ans: Garuda, the mount of Vishnu.
Just for this session, the list of people who got answers right is not being published. I much acknowledge that the response was quite good though. Thanks to all those who attempted as well as those who are silently following the tweets or blog.

Watch out for  the next update! Of course, don't forget to leave your comments & suggestions, as well as subscribe to this blog. It is just a fun way to participate in sharing of religious / spiritual knowledge.

Friday, June 24, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 71: 21-June-2011

Kindly refer to the following link for an introduction to what this DharmaQuiz is all about. It also has the first 19 sessions' Questions and Answers.


Then refer to the right panel of this blog window, under 'Blog Archive' section for the subsequent 51 updates.

Session 71: June 21,  2011
Theme: Miscellaneous
  1. In which upanishad can one find the very famous Asatoma Sadgamaya shanti (peace) mantra? #DharmaQuiz 687. Ans: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
  2. Which deity is usually called 'Mayura Vahana' (Peacock seated)? #DharmaQuiz 688. Ans: Subrahmanya or Kartikeya or Shanmukha or Muruga
  3. Who is routinely termed as Sutaputra in Mahabharata? #DharmaQuiz 689. Ans: Karna
  4. Who commanded Valmiki Maharshi to start scripting Ramayana Maha kavya? #DharmaQuiz 690. Ans: Lord Brahma
  5. Name the tributary of Yamuna, which was called Charmanvati (leader dried on the bank) or Charmanyavati (blood of 1000 cows). #DharmaQuiz 691. Ans: Chambal
  6. Near which famous Jyotir Linga did Lord Krishna's avatara end on this earth? #DharmaQuiz 692. Ans: Somnath, traditionally called as Prabhasa Kshetra. More here: http://www.vedagnana.org/Content/Temples/List/1276_Somnath.php
List of people who got answers right:
  • @FEEL4INDIA : 6
  • @prashanthkpp : 6
  • @cpdarshi : 6
  • @IndianWeera  : 5
  • @I_am_Rajarshi : 5
  • @khaishk  : 5
  • @BeingHindu : 5
  • @pangalanrao : 4
  • @zincoshine : 4
  • @matarishva : 4
  • @amitgupta_lnct  : 4
  • @DevNakshi : 3
  • @sharathinindia : 3
  • @akhilm176  : 3
  • @internet_hindus : 2
  • @NR_Tatvamasi : 2
  • @ScorpiusMaximus  : 2
  • @umeshparab : 2
  • @manohar_sram  : 2
  • @ushavasant : 1
  • @SeeKerala  : 1
  • @subhashpakhare : 1
  • @stormylook : 1
  • @asraghunath : 1
  • @__Awdhi__ : 1
  • @swamilion : 1
  • @mjrajput : 1
  • @arora_chandan : 1
  • @jitndr : 1
  • @ganguli : 1
  • @chaitrabhat7 : 1
  • @suresh_kini  : 1
  • @Sshankara : 1
Congratulations to all those listed above! Also, thanks to all those who attempted as well as those who are silently following the tweets or blog.

Watch out for  the next update! Of course, don't forget to leave your comments & suggestions, as well as subscribe to this blog. It is just a fun way to participate in sharing of religious / spiritual knowledge.

Friday, June 17, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 70: 17-June-2011

Kindly refer to the following link for an introduction to what this DharmaQuiz is all about. It also has the first 19 sessions' Questions and Answers.


Then refer to the right panel of this blog window, under 'Blog Archive' section for the subsequent 50 updates.

Session 70: June 17,  2011
Theme: Vedic Varna Systems

1. Rig Veda 5.59.6 announces absolute equality of all human beings at birth. What does 'Sujata' mean? #DharmaQuiz 680. Ans: Being born to a good lineage/family, noble birth.

Te Ajyeshtha akanishthasa udbhido,
amadhyamaso mahasaa vivavridhuh |
Sujataso janusha prishnimatarao,
divomaryaa ano acchajigatana || Rig Veda 5.59.6

Among humans, no one is superior, no one is inferior. No one is in-between. Everyone grows from lower level to higher level using their own strength. All the children of Bhumi (mother earth) are from good lineage. Everyone is divine. Let all humans live together with love.

2. Rig Veda 10.94.11 praises the Shudra Varna as brave, respectable, hard working etc. What does 'Ajara' in Sanskrit mean? #DharmaQuiz 681. Ans: The one not getting old (ever lasting)

Tridila atrudilaaso adrayo,
shramaNa ashruthitaa amrutyavah |
anaaturaa ajaraa sthama vishnavah
supeevaso atrushitaa atrushnajah || Rig Veda 10.94.11

Never letting heart break irrespective of difficulties, extremely respectable, those who can tolerate fatigue, not cheap, not afraid of death, disease-free, every day enthusiasts, balanced paced, strong, greed-less and not overly desire-ful.. that kind of service people are Shudras.
3. Atharva Veda 4.6.1 gives the quality of a Brahmana varna. What does 'Dasha Sheersha' in that mean? #DharmaQuiz 682. Ans: Ten faces.

BrahmaNo jaghne prathamo dasha sheersho dashaasyah |
sa somam prathamah papau sachakaaraarasam visham || Atharva Veda 4.6.1

The one who grasps knowledge from 10 directions, the one who can preach to all 10 directions, is the reason a Brahman is respectable. That respectable person consumes shanti/peace and makes dwesha/grudge potent-less.

4. Atharva Veda 3.15.1 describes a Vaishya varna as an ethical wealth multiplier. What does 'Mahyam' mean from that verse? #DharmaQuiz 683. Ans: For me

Indramaham vaNijam chodayaami sa na etu pura etaa no astu |
nudannataatim patipanthinam mrigam sa eeshano dhanadaa astu mahyam || Atharva Veda 3.15.1

"I" will make a wealthy & businessman vaishya more spontaneous. Let him be one among us. Let him lead us forward. Keeping aside selfish small mindedness, thwarting the thief mentality on the way, that wealthy person earn wealth for divinity's sake.

5. Rig Veda 9.112.1 accepts the diversity among human beings, in a positive way. What does the term 'dhiyo' mean from that? #DharmaQuiz 684. Ans: Buddhi Shakti or intellect.

Naanaanam Vaa u no dhiyo vivrataani janaanaam | Rig Veda 9.112.1

Our intellects, work abilities are of different levels. Determination levels also vary.
(Essentially a society's diverse abilities are recognized and a call to build the society using diverse abilities is stressed)


6. Rig Veda 10.66.8 describes Kshatriya varna as Maha tejasvis & God loving people. What does the term 'DhriDa vritaa' mean? #DharmaQuiz 685. Ans: Strong Willed.

DhriDa vrataah kshatriyaa yajna nishkruto, brihaddivo adhva raaNaambhi shriyah |
agni hotaara ritasaapo adruhopo asrujannanu vratratooryee || Rig Veda 10.66.8

Strong willed, loyal to yajnas (fire sacrifice), extremely brilliant, icons of ahimsa (non violence), God loving, keepers of words/assurances, never backstabbing anyone and those who are always busy getting rid of the dushtas (wicked) - such people are Kshatriyas.

7. Rig 7.103.8 describes a Brahmana varna as pure knowledge seekers. What does the word 'Guhyaa' mean? #DharmaQuiz 686. Ans. Secretive.

BrahmaNaasah somino vaachamakrita brahma kruNwatah parivatsareeNam |
adhvaryavo gharmiNah sishvidaanaa avirbhavanti guhyaa na kechit || Rig 7.103.8

Extremely peaceful nature, fully non-violent, great ascetics, shower love on every living being, they are Brahmans. They will spread pure knowledge across the universe. Open minded for everyone and never hide anything.

List of people who got answers right:
  • @pangalanrao : 7
  • @mrshilpa1987 : 6
  • @IndianWeera : 6
  • @I_am_Rajarshi : 5
  • @ArunManjunath : 5
  • @matarishva : 5
  • @sharathinindia : 5
  • @AvinashCKM : 2
  • @Amaresh80 : 2
  • @avinashbhat01 : 2
  • @ranganaathan  : 2
  • @DevNakshi : 2
  • @amitgupta_lnct : 1
  • @aaindian : 1
  • @shailmail23 : 1
Congratulations to all those listed above! Also, thanks to all those who attempted as well as those who are silently following the tweets or blog.

Watch out for  the next update! Of course, don't forget to leave your comments & suggestions, as well as subscribe to this blog. It is just a fun way to participate in sharing of religious / spiritual knowledge.

DharmaQuiz Session 69: 10-June-2011

Kindly refer to the following link for an introduction to what this DharmaQuiz is all about. It also has the first 19 sessions' Questions and Answers.


Then refer to the right panel of this blog window, under 'Blog Archive' section for the subsequent 49 updates.

Session 69: June 10,  2011
Theme: Dasha (Ten) Avataras
  1. One of Vishnu's early Avatara is said to have taken place in today's Multan area in Pakistan. Which one is that? #DharmaQuiz 672. Ans: Narasimha
  2. Out of all major avataras of Vishnu, which is the only one that started at noon. Hint: A very famous one. #DharmaQuiz 673. Ans: Shri Rama
  3. {Easy one} Which is the only Vishnu's major avatara that took birth at midnight? #DharmaQuiz 674. Ans: Shri Krishna.
  4. Name the early avatara of Vishnu, that is said to have taken birth in or near today's Kerala. #DharmaQuiz 675. Ans: Matsya at Kritmalatata (today's Kerala).
  5. Which major avatara of Vishnu took birth at sea? Hint: No, not the one with fins:) #DharmaQuiz 676. Ans: Kurma avatara.
  6. Name the major Vishnu's avatara, that took birth at Prayag, responsible for Guru of Rakshasas, Shukracharya's eye loss. #DharmaQuiz 677. Ans: Vamana
  7. Name the major avatara of Vishnu, that took birth in today's Haridwar region, in the afternoon.  #DharmaQuiz 678. Ans: Varaha
  8. There were 3 major avataras of Vishnu in Treta Yuga. Vamana the 1st & Rama the 3rd. Name the 2nd one. #DharmaQuiz 679. Ans: Parashurama born at Jamadagnipura.
Thanks to all those who attempted as well as those who are silently following the tweets or blog.

Watch out for  the next update! Of course, don't forget to leave your comments & suggestions, as well as subscribe to this blog. It is just a fun way to participate in sharing of religious / spiritual knowledge.

Friday, June 10, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 68: 7-June-2011

Kindly refer to the following link for an introduction to what this DharmaQuiz is all about. It also has the first 19 sessions' Questions and Answers.


Then refer to the right panel of this blog window, under 'Blog Archive' section for the subsequent 48 updates.

Session 68: June 7,  2011
Theme: Bhagavad Gita
  1. In Bhagavad Gita, there is Jnana-Karma-Sanyasa-Yoga and Moksha-Sanyasa-Yoga chapters. Which one comes later? #DharmaQuiz 667. Ans: Moksha-Sanyasa-Yoga, chapter 18
  2. There is a chapter in Bhagavad Gita that has the Sanskrit word for 'sacred ash' in it. Name the chapter. #DharmaQuiz 668. Ans: Vibhuti Yoga, Chapter 10.
  3. Chapter 17 of Bhagavad Gita is Shraddha-Traya-Vibhaga-Yoga. Name the 3rd type of Shraddha or faith of men dealt by Krishna. #DharmaQuiz 669. Ans: Tamas or Tamasic type
  4. The ninth chapter of Bhagavad Gita deals with Raja-Vidya-Raja-Guhya Yoga. What does 'Guhya' mean? #DharmaQuiz 67. Ans: Secracy or Confidentiality
  5. There's a chapter in Bhagavad Gita that has the Sanskrit word for 'Science' in it. Name the chapter. #DharmaQuiz 671. Ans: Jnana-Vijnana-Yoga, Chapter 7.
Thanks to all those who attempted as well as those who are silently following the tweets or blog.

Watch out for  the next update! Of course, don't forget to leave your comments & suggestions, as well as subscribe to this blog. It is just a fun way to participate in sharing of religious / spiritual knowledge.

DharmaQuiz Session 67: 3-June-2011

Kindly refer to the following link for an introduction to what this DharmaQuiz is all about. It also has the first 19 sessions' Questions and Answers.


Then refer to the right panel of this blog window, under 'Blog Archive' section for the subsequent 47 updates.

Session 67: June 3,  2011
Theme: Satyagraha
  1.  Satyagraha is the most common Sanskrit word to describe non violent resistance. Satya is truth. What does Agraha mean? #DharmaQuiz 661. Ans: Insistance or firm requets or holding firmly to
  2. Among the 15 days in a fortnight, which day of the Hindu calendar sees the most number of fasts by practicing Hindus?  #DharmaQuiz 662. Ans: Ekadashi, the 11th day of each fortnight.
  3. Which famous Hindu festival, that occurs in February/March period, sees fasting as an important part of the ritual? #DharmaQuiz 663. Ans: Maha Shivaratri
  4. Name the most popular festival among Hindus, where females fast for the well-being of their husbands. #DharmaQuiz 664. Ans: Karva Chauth
  5. Self starvation by fasting, also called as Sallekhana vrita, was practiced by monks of which Indian religion? #DharmaQuiz 665. Ans: Jainism
  6. {Final one,open till 9 PM} On 3, Mar, 1943, 9.34 AM, Gandhi broke his life's longest fast. What date did he start that fast? #DharmaQuiz 666 #DharmaQuiz 666 Ans: 1943, February 10 - More here: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mahatma_Gandhi%27s_life/India_1943
List of people who got answers right:
  • @AvinashCKM
  • @maheshrao
  • @GirishLN
  • @stormylook 
  • @FEEL4INDIA
  • @rabiagr
  • @amitgupta_lnct 
  • @mayureshgaikwad
  • @1KaDuM
  • @ajith_shetty
  • @svelaga
  • @Amaresh80
  • @zincoshine
  • @indiantweeter
  • @shailmail23 
  • @Swabhimaan 
  • @jatinkhanna26
  • @lillyvgp
  • @AmiSri
  • @AisAmit
  • @mojokajojo
  • @manohar_sram
  • @khamandhokla
  • @idurgesh
  • @ranganaathan
  • @ssiddyy_
  • @IndianWeera
  • @pirateadmiral
  • @Aagan86
  • @Sidp_MS 
Congratulations to all those listed above! Also, thanks to all those who attempted as well as those who are silently following the tweets or blog.

Watch out for  the next update! Of course, don't forget to leave your comments & suggestions, as well as subscribe to this blog. It is just a fun way to participate in sharing of religious / spiritual knowledge.