Friday, October 28, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 96: 28-Oct-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 76 updates.

Session 96: October 28,  2011
Theme: Deepavali or Diwali
  1. Pandavas appeared back from vanavasa or banishment in forest during Diwali. How many years were they banished in forest? #DharmaQuiz 832. Ans: Twelve years (see question. asking only about vanavasa, not agnata vasa or incognito)
  2. It was on Deepavali day, Amavasya, that Arya Samaj's founder attained nirvana. Name him - #DharmaQuiz 833. Ans: Mahrashi Dayananda 
  3. Deepavali also marks the death of demon Narakasura. Along with Krishna, which of his wives went to battleground with him? #DharmaQuiz 834. Ans: Satyabhama
  4. The foundation stone of a very famous Sikh shrine was laid out on Diwali day in 1577. Name its city. #DharmaQuiz 835. Ans: Amritsar
  5. Diwali is the birthday of a very famous Hindu Goddess. Name the event in which she was born.  #DharmaQuiz 836. Ans: Samudra Manthan or Churning of the sea.

List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @vipulgupta1976 : 5
  • @sureshvar : 5
  • @DevNakshi : 4
  • @RohitRajpurohit : 4
  • @amitgupta_lnct : 4
  • @mspenta : 4
  • @ajith_shetty : 4
  • @kishan_harathi : 3
  • @sharathinindia : 3
  • @Sammy_2912 : 3
  • @matarishva : 2
  • @agenthunt : 2
  • @itsmesuresh : 2
  • @keerthinarayan8 : 2
  • @jaideepb : 1
  • @Geminiseventh : 1
  • @pantgovinda : 1
  • @chikchirp : 1
  • @kanika_22 : 1
  • @tgirishkumar : 1
  • @prasad_athereya : 1
  • @sapana_almelkar : 1
  • @dimpsdawns : 1
  • @rubenmasc : 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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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 95: 18-Oct-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 75 updates.

Session 95: October 18,  2011
Theme: Famous Disciples of Indian Dharma Gurus

  1. Name Buddha's principle disciple, who was referred as "Guardian of the Dharma". a)Nagarjuna b)Sariputta c)Ananda  #DharmaQuiz 827. Ans: c - Ananda
  2. Name Adi Shankara's famous disciple who became the 1st Shankaracharya of Dwaraka peetha. e)Nandi f)Hastamalaka g)Sureshwara  #DharmaQuiz 828. Ans: f - Hastamalaka
  3. Name the ultra famous disciple of Shri Ramakrishna, who composed "Khandana Bhava Bandhana" aarti for his guru. #DharmaQuiz 829. Ans: Vivekananda
  4. Name the disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, who preached Krishna tradition to the west. g)Prabhupada h)Aurobindo i)Osho  #DharmaQuiz 830. Ans: g - Shrila Prabhupada
  5. Name 2 famous disciples of Vidyaranya, who were converted back from Islam by their Guru to form Vijayanagara kingdom #DharmaQuiz 831. Ans: Harihara (Hakka) Raya and Bukka Raya
List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @amitgupta_lnct : 4
  • @surenc1974 : 4
  • @bhaviknz : 4
  • @saurabhvc : 4
  • @sharathinindia : 4
  • @hindu_tweeter : 4 
  • @DevNakshi : 3
  • @clumsycoder : 3
  • @wavehit : 2
  • @man0jsharma : 2
  • @Susri1210 : 2
  • @mediacrooks : 2
  • @upendrverma : 2
  • @Sharma_spks : 2
  •  @melatturng : 1
  • @kishan_harathi : 1
  • @jaideepb : 1
  • @dimpsdawns : 1
  • @Dadlany : 1
  • @Dhruv_rathore : 1
  • @mayaadvaita : 1
  • @BKrtik : 1
  • @Dhruv_rathore : 1
  • @bhootnath : 1
  • @appu_sivamani : 1
  • @manohar_sram : 1
  • @TrueNationalist : 1
  • @Equateall : 1
  • @sgdas2004 : 1

Congratulations to all those listed above! I wonder why no one scored cent percent in this quiz:)

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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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, October 14, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 94: 14-Oct-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 74 updates.

Session 94: October 14,  2011
Theme: North East India 
  1. Name the North Eastern Indian state, whose Sanskrit name's meaning is "the land of the rising sun" - #DharmaQuiz 822. Ans: Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Name the rare Indian river which has a masculine name and means "The son of the God of Creation" - #DharmaQuiz 823. Ans: Brahma Putra
  3. The ancient and very famous Kamakhya temple is in which state of North East India? #DharmaQuiz 824. Ans: Assam or Ahom
  4. Name the North East Indian state,whose Sanskrit name literally means "Abode of the Clouds". It has Hatakeswarat Shiva Linga. #DharmaQuiz 825. Ans: Meghalaya 
  5. Name the North East Indian state from which in Mahabharata, Arjuna got a Snake tribe's bride - #DharmaQuiz 826. Ans: Nagaland (Bride Ulupi)
List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @NPatnaik55 : 5
  • @kishan_harathi : 5
  • @amitgupta_lnct : 5
  • @DevNakshi : 5
  • @hindu_tweeter : 5
  • @talmukund : 5
  • @sharathinindia : 5
  • @chhayank : 5
  • @clumsycoder : 4
  • @mspenta : 4
  • @abhi_dave : 4
  • @manohar_sram : 4
  • @kk_ahm : 4
  • @MihirKumarJha : 4
  • @abhi_bol : 4
  • @PRanam1 : 4
  • @TheArvindDhar : 4
  • @ASHISHTWITTED : 4
  • @kbs321 : 3
  • @twitrkshukla : 3
  • @itsmesuresh : 3
  • @saurabhvc : 3
  • @surabhi18 : 3
  • @arora_chandan : 3
  • @gchellappan : 3
  • @upendrverma : 2
  • @AvirneniRao : 2
  • @MetalDew : 2
  • @rainaamit : 2
  • @kabadu : 2
  • @Sammy_2912 : 2
  • @pawandurani : 1
  • @sgdas2004 : 1
  • @RaviGhiyar : 1
  • @psudo : 1
  • @venshu : 1
  • @chikchirp : 1
  • @theashok1949 : 1
  • @DelAlpha : 1
  • @shreedhar_raman S : 1
  • @RAJW27 : 1
  • @pk3061972 : 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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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 93: 11-Oct-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 73 updates.

Session 93: October 11,  2011
Theme: Time scale in Ancient India
  1. Brahma's 1 day is made up of 14 what? a) Manvantaras. b)Pakshas c)Samvatsaras.  #DharmaQuiz 817. Ans: a- Manvantaras.
  2. 1 Paksha in Hindu calendar denotes what? d)30 days & nights. e)15 days & nights. f)60 days & nights. - #DharmaQuiz 818. Ans: e - 15 days & nights.
  3. Hindu calendar divides an year into two ayanas. How many ritus (seasons) make up one ayana? g)4 h)6 i)3 - #DharmaQuiz 819. Ans: i - 3 ritus.
  4. Which one is the shortest yuga in terms of the number of years? j)Satya k)Treta l)Dwapara m)Kali.  #DharmaQuiz 820. Ans: Kali Yuga, about 1/4th of Satya (Krita) Yuga.
  5. Longest unit of time measure is a Brahma's day. The shortest one? n)Ghatika o)Alpakalpa p)Nimisha - #DharmaQuiz 821. Ans: o - Alpakalpa.
More info I read in Bharata Jivana Tarangini book, describing the Hindu or Sanatana Dharama's time scale:

Alphakalpa is the time a needle takes to pierce two leaves.. precisely the time taken by the edge of the needle to traverse from one leaf to another.

30 Alpakalpas = 1 Truti
30 Trutis = 1 Kalaa
30 Kalaas = 1 Kaashta
30 Kaashtas = 1 Nimisha (Maatra)
4 Nimishas = 1 gaNita
10 gaNitas = 1 Netravirpu (time for a sigh)
6 Netravirups = 1 Vinalika
6 Vinalikas = 1 Ghatika
60 Ghatikas = 1 Day and Night
15 Days & Nights = 1 Paksha (fortnight).
2 Pakshas = 1 month of the moon (1 day of a forefather or Pitru)
2 months = 1 Ritu (season)
3 Ritus = 1 Aayana
2 Ayanas (Uttara and Dakshina) = 1 Samvatsara or Varsha or year (1 day of Gods)
360 Varshas = 1 Divya varsha (1 year of Gods)
4,32,000 Years = 1 Kali Yuga = 1/2 Dwapara Yuga = 1/3rd Tretayuga = 1/4th Krita (satya) Yuga
1 Krita + 1 Treta + 1 Dwapara + 1 Kali Yuga = 1 Chaturyuga = 43,20,000 Years.
71 Chatur Yugas = 1 Manvantara
14 Manvantaras = 1 day of Brahma

Just for this session, I will skip mentioning the list of people who got one or more answers answers right.


Watch out for  the next update. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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, October 7, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 92: 7-Oct-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 72 updates.

Session 92: October 7,  2011
Theme: Hinduism in Gujarat
  1. Gujarat's most famous dance Garba, is derived from Sanskrit words Garbha and Deep. Tell us the meaning of Garbhadeep. #DharmaQuiz 812. Ans: Earthenware lamp
  2. One of Gujarat's most famous sects of Hinduism is the Swami Narayan sect. Which of today's states was Swami Narayan born in? #DharmaQuiz 813. Ans: Uttar Pradesh (Chhapaiya)
  3. Which sect of Hinduism did Mahatma Gandhi's family belong to? a) Shaivism. b) Vaishnavism. c) Shaktism. #DharmaQuiz 814. Ans: b - Vaishnavism
  4. A famous Hindu sect, Pashupata, originated in Gujarat. It adheres primarily to which God? 1) Krishna 2) Brahma 3) Shiva.  #DharmaQuiz 815. Ans: Shiva
  5. The ultra colourful mass kite flying celebrations of Gujarat occur on which Hindu festival day? #DharmaQuiz 816. Ans: Makar Sankranti
List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @chhayank : 5
  • @imukuvacha : 5
  • @amitgupta_lnct : 5
  • @sharathinindia : 5
  • @DevNakshi : 4
  • @bhaviknz : 4
  • @schandrask : 3
  • @sapana_almelkar : 2
  • @MihirKumarJha : 2
  • @akshaydhar88 : 2
  • @malleshwara : 1
  • @kk_ahm : 1
  • @nimeshchandra : 1
  • @upendrverma : 1
  • @TUSHAR_DWIVEDI : 1
  • @suffocatedcitz : 1
  • @mayureshgaikwad : 1
  • @jaya_888 : 1
  • @Rajarath : 1
  • @DevNakshi : 1
  • @rahul89t : 1
  • @mediacrooks : 1
  • @Dadlany : 1
  • @harshvb : 1
  • @vinukj : 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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

DharmaQuiz Session 91: 20-Sep-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 71 updates.

Session 91: September 20,  2011
Theme: Satya or Truth
  1. Among the four yugas mentioned in Hinduism, what position is Satya Yuga in? #DharmaQuiz 807. Ans: First
  2. The story of Yama granting Satyawan another chance of life was due to his very dedicated wife. Name her. #DharmaQuiz 808. Ans: Sati Savitri
  3. Satyam eva jayate or Truth Alone Truimphs, the national emblem of India, is from which upanishad? a)Mundaka b)Katha c) Kena #DharmaQuiz 809. Ans: Mundaka
  4. Buddha taught Arya Satyas during teaching of Dharma Chakras. How many Arya Satyas did he teach? a)2 b)8 c)4 - #DharmaQuiz 810. Ans: Four Arya Satyas
  5. Satya is a part of Mahavratas that Jain monks follow. How many mahavratas or vows totally are there? #DharmaQuiz 811. Ans: Five Mahavratas
List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @prashanthkpp : 5
  • @vipulgupta1976 : 5
  • @sharathinindia : 5
  • @kishor_narayan : 5 
  • @rohitbhatta : 4
  • @DevNakshi : 4
  • @divya1110 : 4
  • @kishan_harathi : 4
  • @itsmesuresh : 3
  • @man0jsharma : 3
  • @manohar_sram : 2
  • @matarishwan : 2
  • @bhootnath : 2
  • @Karmasura : 2
  • @rash_tipsntips : 2
  • @nationalizer : 2
  • @pchaturved : 1
  • @SAIRAMNATARAJA : 1
  • @brknanda : 1
  • @Scrap370 : 1
  • @miraclegirl9 : 1
  • @im_adi : 1
  • @laksarma : 1
  • @08sanjeev08 : 1
  • @eabhvee : 1
  • @sarfaroshhindu : 1
  • @odunghat : 1
  • @mukunthaniyer : 1
  • @krishnachethan : 1
  • @TorontoDreams : 1
  • @amit_sincy : 1
  • @Swabhimaan : 1
  • @psudo : 1
  • @Susri1210 : 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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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 90: 16-Sep-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 70 updates.

Session 90: September 16,  2011
Theme: Hinduism outside India
  1. In terms of Hindu population, which is the world's third largest Hindu populated country? #DharmaQuiz 802 . Ans: Bangladesh, around 15 million Hindus in 2011.
  2. This capital city of a South Asian country draws its name from a Hindu temple for Ishwari or Goddess. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 803. Ans: Dhaka, from Dhakeshwari temple.
  3. This capital city of a South Asian country derives its name from Sanskrit, meaning "Wooden Covered Shelter". Name it. #DharmaQuiz 804. Ans: Kathmandu from Kaashtha (wooden) Mantapa (covered shelter)
  4. Which Shiva temple in Bangladesh holds the largest Linga in that country? a)Kantaji  b) Kal Bhairab c)Ramna Kali. #DharmaQuiz 805. Ans: Kal Bhairab 
  5. Nepal's official calendar is Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar. Is that a Solar or a Lunar calender? #DharmaQuiz 806. Ans: Solar
List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @vipulgupta1976 : 3
  • @sharathinindia : 3
  • @sumeetgarg : 3
  • @SantaSingh : 3
  • @DevNakshi : 3
  • @jagdish : 3
  • @talmukund : 2
  • @hd223 : 1
  • @BKrtik : 1
  • @manu_bajaj : 1
  • @smartAleckTweet : 1
  • @itsmesuresh : 1
  • @RefugeeBlues: 1
  • @Dhruv_rathore : 1
  • @krbhavsar : 1
  • @sanatsan : 1
  • @subodh1945 : 1
  • @SandeepMertia : 1
  • @Ricky_Kha : 1
  • @ChefSanketo : 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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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 89: 13-Sep-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 69 updates.

Session 89: September 13,  2011
Theme: Sacred Sayings 
  1. When Rig Veda says "ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti", who are Vipras? a)Kings b)Sages c)Soldiers #DharmaQuiz 797 Ans: b - Sages
  2. When Rig Veda proclaims "Prajnanam Brahma" what is prajnanam? a)Consciousness b)Validity c)Bravery  #DharmaQuiz 798  Ans: b - Consciousness
  3. When Yajur Veda announces "aham brahmaasmi", who is 'brahman' in the context? a)Teacher b)Priest c)God   #DharmaQuiz 799. Ans: c- God
  4. When Yajur Veda prays, "Sham no mitrah, sham varunah" kind to gods, what is 'sham' conveying? a)Bliss b)Grace c)Arrival  #DharmaQuiz 800. Ans: a - Bliss
  5. {Final, 9 PM closing} Atharva Veda says "Bhadram Karnebhih shrunuyama devah" what's 'bhadram'? a)Auspicious b)First c)Eager #DharmaQuiz 801. Ans: a - Auspicious
 List of people who got one or more answers answers right, with their scores:
  • @ManiKSK : 5
  • @krish53 : 5
  • @DevNakshi : 5
  • @sharathinindia : 5
  • @AvinashCKM : 4
  • @itsmesuresh : 4
  • @Mimaniya : 4
  • @man0jsharma : 4
  • @amitgupta_lnct : 4
  • @manohar_sram : 3
  • @internet__hindu : 3
  • @krbhavsar : 3
  • @mukuvacha : 3
  • @surabhi18 : 3
  • @SathyMJ : 2
  • @matarishva : 2
  • @SantaSingh : 2
  • @prashanthkpp : 2
  • @rainaamit : 1
  • @stormylook : 1
  • @mayureshgaikwad : 1
  • @manga_man : 1
  • @doubtinggaurav : 1
  • @kk_ahm : 1
  • @KittuKrithika : 1
  • @straighthindu : 1
  • @ninaada : 1
  • @ChanakyPandit : 1
  • @itz_deva : 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. Usually these quiz sessions happen on Tuesday and/or Friday afternoon India time, while being open for at least 3 hours for answers to come in. 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.