DharmaQuiz: 2012

Friday, December 21, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 183: 18-Dec-2012

Theme: Nagas or Serpents

Name the poisonous Naga or serpent, upon whose head Shri Krishna danced at the Yamuna river, during Dwapara Yuga. #DharmaQuiz 1271. Ans: Kaaliya or Kaalinga Sarpa. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliya
Name the Naga or Serpent that protected Gautama Buddha from heavy rains, when he was meditating below the Bodhi tree. #DharmaQuiz 1272. Ans: Muchalinda. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucalinda
Name this Naga or Serpent, a descendant of Rama, who lived in a city 32 KM from Pakistan's capital, built by Bharata's son. #DharmaQuiz 1273. Ans: Takshaka -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takshaka
Name this Naga or Serpent, used by Devas and Asuras during Samudra Manthan. He's also famous in China and Japan's epics. #DharmaQuiz 1274. Ans: Vasuki. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasuki
{Final, Open till 10 PM} Name this Cosmic Naga who reincarnated many times on Earth, including twice as Vishnu's brother. #DharmaQuiz 1275. Ans: Sesha or Adi Shesha or Ananta Sesha. More here -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesha

Top Scorers during session 183:

@amitscmishra : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@gbhat_ : 5
@cubicle_warrier : 5
@vinodvyas220 : 5
@khaishk : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@Manjunaath : 5

Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@roshan_halwai : 4
@philAmit : 4
@ThejasMysore : 4
@Susri1210 : 4
@iDevNakshi : 4
@iSumitRk : 4

And

@iRohitBhat : 3
@singhrakeshk : 3
@shriram78 : 3

And

@mrsnrao : 2
@RohitR_ : 2
@shreeramm : 2
@octotus : 2
@Rajeev_RSS1925 : 2
@Keefarqpaindha : 2
@chaitanyadj : 2
@JagannathAjnabi : 2

And

@psudo : 1
@kalpesh0304 : 1
@DaringDeepa : 1
@harsha_bsh : 1
@CJ_Shekhar : 1
@man0jsharma : 1
@spicy_words : 1
@sandeepkram : 1
@ksmsundaram1975 : 1
@rameshnswamy : 1
@vinod_gowda : 1
@ABeautifulDawn : 1
@raopm9 : 3
@lalitadvani : 1
@cgmagia : 1
@maanasara : 1
@arora_chandan : 1
@srini091 : 1
@mallikaarjuna24 : 1
@BlueImpulse2517 : 1
@hemantchoti : 1
@idurgesh : 1
@KiranGowdaLAD : 1
@jenaanindya : 1
@malviyamit : 1
@mpramodkumar : 1
@DailyBreadIndia : 1
@SandeepHBhat : 1

Many thanks to all participants!

Friday, December 14, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 182: 14-Dec-2012

Theme: Ruins of Hindu Temples and University

1) This is the ruin of a very wealthy capital of a Hindu empire in South India. Name this capital.#DharmaQuiz 1266. Ans: Hampi, capital of Vijayanagara kingdom.

For Question 1

For Question 2

Picture 1: An 1868 photograph of the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage site

2) This was one of the grandest Hindu temples in Kashmir long ago. Who was the main deity of this temple? #DharmaQuiz 1267. Ans: Surya or Sun God.

Picture 2: Photograph of the Surya Temple, The most impressive and grandest ruins in Kashmir, at Marttand-Hardy Cole's Archaeological Survey of India Report 'Illustrations of Ancient Buildings in Kashmir.' (1869)

3) These are the ruins of a 900 year extremely grand temple complex in south east Asia. In which country? #DharmaQuiz 1268. Ans: Combodia.

For Question 3

4) This was the ruin of a temple before the Iron Man of India said,enough is enough, rebuild it. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1269. Ans: Somnath temple in Gujarat.

For Question 4

5) Name this ruin,that was once a grand university of Hindu & Buddhist learning. #DharmaQuiz 1270. Ans: Nalanda in Bihar.

For Question 5

Friday, December 7, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 181: 7-Dec-2012

Theme: Sri Lanka and Hindu Dharma

Majority of the Hindus in Sri Lanka follow which branch? a) Shaiva Siddhanta. b) Vaishnava Siddhanta. c) Shakta Siddhanta. #DharmaQuiz 1261. Ans: a) Shaiva Siddhanta
Bhagavata Purana describes how Sri Lanka was formed from Mount Meru's apex. Who persuaded Vayu to form Sri Lanka? #DharmaQuiz 1262. Ans: Narada.
Bharata or India was historically described as "aasetu himachala paryantham". What does it mean? #DharmaQuiz 1263. Ans: From the Rama setu connecting Sri Lanka to India, till Himalaya mountains, the land is called Bharata or India.
Adi Shankara composed "Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram". What's the name of Devi in the only Maha Shakti Peetha in Lanka? #DharmaQuiz 1264. Ans: Shankari at Trincomalee (Sri Lanka)
Apart from Ravana, name any one other king of Lanka, mentioned in Ramayana. #DharmaQuiz 1265. Ans: Vibhishana (Ravana's younger brother), Kubera (Ravana's step brother), Sumali (grandfather of Ravana).

Top Scorers of session 181:

@sharad_51 : 5
@Ethirajans : 5
@guruswamy_c : 5
@pvaidyaraj : 5

Congrats to:

@iDevNakshi : 4
@ThejasMysore : 4
@man8shree : 4
@iSumitRk : 4
@hchaturv : 4
@philAmit : 4
@sweetandu : 4

And

@KPGanesh : 3
@Manjunaath : 3
@kbharada : 3
@iRohitBhat : 3
@cubicle_warrier : 3
@abhipar7 : 3

And

@TheArvindDhar : 2
@Kaushikbaruah6 : 2
@voxindica : 2
@VijayShenli : 2
@pramodgurav : 2
@bkprajwal : 2
@sharathinindia : 2
@pp_chn : 2

And..

@dheepakg : 1
@Sreevathsaa : 1
@Marut_ : 1
@saggirex : 1
@vikramuk : 1
@krishna208 : 1
@ChandaDebabrata : 1
@somanathg : 1
@lifeisgr8nc : 1
@shyamsunderv : 1
@ramjoukani : 1
@FEEL4INDIA : 1
@Hindustani12 : 1
@dhruva91 : 1
@indianomad : 1
@Tasmayi : 1
@icountu : 1

Keep up the participation. We all can learn together more about Dharma.

DharmaQuiz Session 180: 4-Dec-2012

Theme: Hindu Renaissance leaders of 19th century.

Name the Hindu Renaissance leader of 19th century who founded a new Samaj devoid of untouchability. Family name was Tiwari. #DharmaQuiz 1256. Ans: Swami Dayananda Saraswati -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Dayananda
Name the Hindu Renaissance leader of 19th century, whose writing on Vedas came the book "The Secret of the Veda". #DharmaQuiz 1257. Ans: Sri Aurobindo -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Aurobindo
Name the Hindu Renaissance leader of 19th century, who used ancient Upanishads as a vision of rationalist 'modern' India. #DharmaQuiz 1258. Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy. More -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Mohan_Roy
Name the Hindu Renaissance leader of 19th century, who immortalized the "Arise, Awake" message of Katha Upanishad. #DharmaQuiz 1259. Ans: Swami Vivekananda. Kathopanishad says: “Uttishthata jagrata Prapyavarannibodhata, Kshurasydhara nishita”, meaning " Arise, awake, Empower yourself through knowledge, As sharp as the razor’s edge”. Vivekenanda used this splendidly in his speeches & slogans inspiring 100s of millions till date.
Name this Hindu Renaissance leader of 19th century, who in 1894 started the public Ganesha poojas. #DharmaQuiz 1260. Ans: Bala Gangadhar Tilak --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bal_Gangadhar_Tilak

Just for this session, I could not compile the full scores. So I will leave out that part. The response was very good and I had to browse through 100s of tweets. Sorry, it got too late then.

Friday, November 30, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 179: 30-Nov-2012

Theme: Festivals of Kartika month (Mostly November in 2012)

Name this festival that occurred in Novmbr this year,where Maithili & Bhojpuri speaking women give arghya to thank Sun god. #DharmaQuiz 1251. Ans: Chhath Puja.
During which Hindu calendar month, does the marriage of the most famous medicinal plant Tulasi, is symbolically celebrated? #DharmaQuiz 1252. Ans: Kartika month, Krishna Paksha, Dwadashi day.
2 days after Diwali, sisters remember the chiranjeevis like Bali & Hanuman, and wish brothers longevity. Name the festival. #DharmaQuiz 1253. Ans: Bhai Dooj.
Day after Diwali is celebrated in South India as Bali Padyami. What's it celebrated in North, symbolizing nature worship? #DharmaQuiz 1254. Ans: Goverdhan pooja.
A festival was celebrated 3 nights back by Telugu & Tamil Hindus,lighting lamps for Murugan. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1255. Ans: Karthikai Deepam or Kartika Deepotsavam. More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karthikai_Deepam

Top scorers of session 179:

@idurgesh : 5
@ramas_cal : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@man8shree : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@fas_gayi_garari : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@philAmit : 5
@cubicle_warrier : 5
@pradeepkhs : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@ThejasMysore : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5

Congrats to:

@servantofkrsna : 4
@SamitLive : 4
@iSumitRk : 4
@numbbybirth : 4

@tandonb : 3
@dominodeck : 3
@raopm9 : 3
@amitsinha19 : 3

@nitinjoshi20 : 2
@manohar_sram : 2
@emsreenu : 2
@mist_27 : 2
@shrutidharp : 2

@bezubaan : 1
@drvijayr1 : 1
@TheArvindDhar : 1
@RRMMZZ : 1
@LifeIsChels : 1
@Prach82 : 1
@bezubaan : 1
@iCSM : 1
@SthitaprajnaD : 1
@DAmunRa : 1
@sandeepmadhukar : 1
@alkeshtunara : 1
@navneet2frn : 1
@kanhaiyajaiswal : 1
@mbhagawat : 1
@vikasbsingh : 1

See you next time. Have a great Kartika month.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 178: 27-Nov-2012

Theme: The 18 days of Kurukshetra War in Mahabharata.

On the 15th day of Kurukshetra war, who killed Dronacharya violating "No warrior may kill an unarmed warrior" Dharma rule? #DharmaQuiz 1246. Ans: Drishtadyumna. More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhristadyumna
When Abhimanyu was killed on the 13th day of Kurukshetra war, in Chakravyuha, whom did Arjuna target as revenge next day? #DharmaQuiz 1247. Ans: Jayadratha. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhimanyu
Karna beats Sahadeva & Yudhisthira in Kurukshetra battle on 17th day, but spared their lives. Sparing as a promise to whom? #DharmaQuiz 1248. Ans: As a promise to his mother Kunti on the 15th night.
On which day of the 18 days' Kurukshetra war, did Shri Krishna render Bhagavad Gita to warrior Arjuna? #DharmaQuiz 1249. Ans: The very first day. It's celebrated as Gita Jayanti -> http://hinduism.about.com/od/thegita/a/gita_jayanti.htm
Out of the millions who went to Kurukshetra war, only 12 warriors survived. Name 1 Kaurava survivor. #DharmaQuiz 1250. Ans: Any one of these -> Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, Yuyutsu (only son of Dhritarashtra who survived, but he fought on Pandava side), Vrishakethu (son of Karna) and Kritvarma.

Top Scorers of session 178:

@Tasmayi : 5
@ramas_cal : 5
@iRohitBhat : 5
@arunz : 5
@man8shree : 5
@ChdryPk : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@shivsankar : 5
@indianomad : 5
@shriram78 : 5
@iSumitRk : 5
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 5
@SandeepHBhat : 5
@lodyaashi : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@servantofkrsna : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@Manojakrishna : 5
@pangalanrao : 5
@neovasant : 5
@philAmit : 5
@shibinbly : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@MandoosMallu : 5
@kishan_harathi : 5
@guruswamy_c : 5
@smna17 : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@keerthinarayan8 : 5
@geophyraj : 5
@Ethirajans : 5
@vyasraj : 5
@sharad_51 : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5

Also, Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@its_poooja : 4
@vamshitweet : 4
@pvsswamy : 4
@Keefarqpaindha : 4

@AJAY_KR_GUPTA : 3
@RohitR_ : 2
@rinku3009 : 3
@amitsinha19 : 3
@flip2win : 3
@gboxam : 3
@R_Bhartiya : 3
@SamitLive : 3
@ankushanup : 3

@at_patel : 2
@vipulIT : 2
@stille_wensen : 2
@PawanDande : 2
@manishwebmaster : 2
@manohar_sram : 2
@sathya_ngt: 2
@pramodgurav : 2
@AmitRVKSharma : 2
@_Murali : 2
@dominodeck : 2

@AmitBajare1 : 1
@pradysp : 1
@anilkoulz : 1
@VikranthKalva : 1
@rZZv : 1
@CACAECILIA : 1
@zombiespirits : 1
@balmaa : 1
@hmani2000 : 1
@ravin1sky : 1
@venatarajan : 1
@Kachnarr : 1
@DAmunRa : 1
@lldhr : 1
@sunilmumbaikar : 1
@vicramb : 1
@Pseudo_Secular : 1
@upendrverma : 1
@ArunTatTvamAsi : 1
@vga_sagar : 1
@hethal09 : 1
@shivoahm : 1
@loveshsingla : 1
@sharmayuvaraj : 1
@madhuvanpushp : 1
@GP545 : 1
@sandeepsmys : 1
@wavehit : 1
@ulatyabomba : 1
@ishekhar_sk : 1
@mabhik : 1
@deepakbharat : 1
@natrajan : 1
@sahucar : 1
@rameshnswamy : 1
@upretivineet : 1
@ChoteBhai1 : 1
@antidespondent : 1
@karthiks_india : 1
@kaliom : 1
@avinashkarn : 1

Amazing response today. 100 people got to the scoreboard and many more tried! Keep up the interest friends in our Dharma and Heritage!

Friday, November 23, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 177: 23-Nov-2012

Theme: Key heritage sources of North and East India, from the South.

Name this very famous Hindu Sanyasi, born in South India, who established the Jyotirmath in
Uttarakhand 1200 years ago. #DharmaQuiz 1241. Ans: Adi Shankara.
Name this South Indian barber, whose parents were from Bidar, Karnataka, who was 1 of the first 5
Sikhs to form the Khalsa. #DharmaQuiz 1242. Ans: Bhai Sahib Singh.
For 350 years, all chief priests of Nepal's most famous Pashupatinath temple, have been from South
India. From which state? #DharmaQuiz 1243. Ans: Karnataka.
Name this Acharya who founded the Shuddha Advaita Pushti sect 500 years back, born in Bihar, in a
Telugu Brahmin family. #DharmaQuiz 1244. Ans: Vallabha Acharya.
{Final,Open till 11PM} A powerful dynasty ruled Bengal 1000 yrs ago (1070-1230), whose origin was from Karnataka. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1245. Ans: The Sena Dynasty. More: http://www.indianetzone.com/22/sena_dynasty_origin_early_history.htm

Top scorers of session 177:

@pirateadmiral : 5
@surenc1974 : 5
@bbkhilari : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@Dhanushm : 5
@philAmit : 5
@geophyraj : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@being_delhite : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@Shree03 : 5

Many Congrats to these:

@ChandanYogendra : 4
@Tasmayi : 4
@bhaviknz : 4
@sweetandu : 4
@pradeepkhs : 4
@anandt_05 : 4

@ThejasMysore : 3
@Manjunaath : 3

@manohar_sram : 2
@vyasraj : 2
@iRohitBhat : 2
@rinku3009 : 2

@pandurangpai40 : 1
@alok_bhatt : 1
@911ashish : 1
@shra1kulkarni : 1
@CAPMohan : 1
@BalachandarS : 1
@Dilipmys : 1
@skumbar : 1
@HeathensWeb : 1
@dankchikidang : 1
@bkprajwal : 1
@vyas_rs : 1
@1800guru : 1
@sreedharag : 1
@matarishwan : 1
@divyankp : 1
@Rasraj : 1
@gantinm : 1
@shriram78 : 1
@imukuvacha : 1
@Marut_ : 1
@CJ_Shekhar : 1
@siva420 : 1

This particular session combined (Hindu) history too to Dharma part. But will give you quite a bit of insight into how Sikhs in Punjab, Dynasties of Bengal and Temples of Nepal have historical link to South India. Very few would ever know that one of the first five Sikhs ever (Khalsa's Punj Pyares) was a Kannadiga!

More interesting topic next time. Watch out for Tuesday and Friday around 6 PM India time on Twitter for this quiz, with a tag #DharmaQuiz .

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 176: 20-Nov-2012

Theme: Panchatantra

Panchatantra, composed at least 4000 years ago by Vishnu Sharma, is a part of which shastra? a) Dharma b) Niti c) Sankhya. #DharmaQuiz 1236 Ans: b) Niti Shastra or the treatise of the wise.
Panchatantra shares many stories in common with Jataka tales of which religion? d) Sikhism. e) Jainism. f) Buddhism. #DharmaQuiz 1237. Ans: f) Buddhism.
The oldest available Sanskrit recension of Panchatantra, the "Tantrakhyayika" was found where? g)Asom. h) Kashmir i) Bihar. #DharmaQuiz 1238. Ans: h) Kashmir.
"Kalila wa Dimna", considered the first masterpiece of Arabic prose, was a translation of Pancha tantra. Who translated? #DharmaQuiz 1239. Ans: Ibn al-Muqaffa.
Panchatantra's translation, Das Der Buch Beyspiele, was the earliest German print after Bible. When? #DharmaQuiz 1240. Ans: 1483 CE. One of the earliest ones after Bible to be printed in Germany.

Top scorers:

@geophyraj : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@ChandanYogendra : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@surnell : 5
@Ramgopaljgd : 5
@iSumitRk : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@man8shree : 5
@sharathinindia : 5

Congrats to:

@vinodvyas220 : 4

@cubicle_warrier : 3
@babu2034 : 3
@hd223 : 3
@sweathot : 3

@raopm9 : 2
@shivsankar : 2
@lshyam : 2
@Can2Ind : 2
@Satya046 : 2
@TheArvindDhar : 2
@Ganja_Baba : 2
@sharan_vj : 2

@Marut_ : 1
@ahmednkhan : 1
@lodyaashi : 1
@upretivineet : 1

It's nice to see so many attempt this particular quiz. Many did not make to this list, but my thanks to them. Pancha Tantra stories were the original Indian colonization of the then known world. Every major civilization got a translation over 1000s of years.

Friday, November 16, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 175: 16-Nov-2012

Theme: Basics of a Hindu Pooja or Worship.

During poojas, the man doing pooja is asked to do "Achamana". What is Achamana? #DharmaQuiz 1231. Ans: Drinking spoon quantity of water three times, chanting Krishna's name. Purification of the body before worship. Essentially swallowing water 3 times from the base of the right thumb, while reciting different mantras in praise of the lord like Keshavaya Swaha, Narayanaya Swaha and Madhavaya Swaha. Names change based on local customs.
Few Hindus worship Vishwaksena before the main deity. But whom do majority of Hindus worship as the first deity in a pooja? #DharmaQuiz 1232. Ans: Ganapati.
When Hindus setup a Kalasha or pot for sacred water during pooja, symbolically how many rivers' water is invited in that? #DharmaQuiz 1233. Ans: Seven rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri.
In any pooja, you symbolically wash the feet of Deva or Devi using "padya". Which is the very next step in most poojas? #DharmaQuiz 1234. Ans: Arghya or offering water to cleanse the hands. There are more meanings too: http://vedabase.net/a/arghya
{Final, Open till 11PM} Usually poojas involve "Ashtottara" name chanting. Ashta = 8, Uttara =After. Eight after what? #DharmaQuiz 1235. Ans: Full name is Shata-Ashta-Uttara or 8 after 100. In short used as Ashtottara. There is also Sahasra-Ashta-Uttara or 1008.

Top scorers of session 175:

@cubicle_warrier : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@hindujanjagruti : 5
@Right2bRight : 5
@arunz : 5
@Tasmayi : 5
@man8shree : 5
@surenc1974 : 5
@surnell : 5
@vipulgupta1976 : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@ramas_cal : 5
@iSaakshi : 5

Congratulations to:

@Manojakrishna : 4

@raopm9 : 3
@pvaidyaraj : 3
@philAmit : 3
@fas_gayi_garari : 3
@rainaamit : 3

@Rasraj : 2
@Keefarqpaindha : 2
@ishuaadi : 2
@khaishk : 2
@Manjunaath : 2
@dominodeck : 2
@rinku3009 : 2
@Darksider150 : 2

@psudo : 1
@PANDIT_SAURABH : 1
@rucheesharma : 1
@AvinashCKM : 1
@aanchall : 1
@Vimzy_ : 1
@halovivek : 1
@yoginisd : 1
@antidespondent : 1
@mayureshgaikwad : 1
@saggirex : 1
@DAmunRa : 1
@rkjain2903 : 1
@DrShobha : 1
@KPGanesh : 1
@Modi4India : 1
@SathyaSher : 1
@Anirvachan : 1
@im_adi : 1

See you next time. If you have topic ideas, please do drop in a comment. I will surely read and incororate it.

Friday, November 9, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 174: 09-Nov-2012

Theme: Deepavali or Diwali

In which language is this Diwali wish? "Thanu Diwali diyan bohut boht vadhaiyan" - #DharmaQuiz 1226. Ans: Punjabi, but may be Dogri too.
Name this African Union nation where Diwali is a public holiday. #DharmaQuiz 1227. Ans: Mauritius
Name any Rakshasa or Demon, whose slaying is one prominent day among the 6 Diwali days. #DharmaQuiz 1228. Ans: Narakasura, Chaturdashi day when Krishna slayed him. But Bali also can be considered.
Identify the language of this Diwali greeting: "deepavaLi habbada ShubhashayagaLu". #DharmaQuiz 1229. Ans: Kannada.
{Final, Open till 11PM} Name any one state in India where Devi Kali's pooja is done during one of the Diwali nights. #DharmaQuiz 1230. Ans: Odisha, Asom, Poschim Bongo and Bihar.

Top Scorers of session 174:

@arunz : 5
@Shree03 : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@gupta_n : 5
@cybercalci : 5
@ramas_cal : 5

Congrats to:

@philAmit : 4
@fas_gayi_garari : 4
@Keefarqpaindha : 4
@gbhat_ : 4
@ClownPrinceG : 4
@pradeepkhs : 4
@reach_alak : 4
@anandt_05 : 4
@surenc1974 : 4
@iSumitRk : 4
@sweetandu : 4

@ankushraj29 : 3
@vinodvyas220 : 3
@mayureshgaikwad : 3
@NayakPradeep : 3
@mamtan14 : 3
@AvinashCKM : 3
@cubicle_warrier : 3

@rinku3009 : 2
@Susri1210 : 2
@prasanpd : 2
@gboxam : 2

@hchaturv : 1
@pawandurani : 1
@miumesh : 1
@piyush9999 : 1
@praveenmla : 1
@Mayank29Gupta : 1
@nilavya : 1
@SuvenduHuddar : 1
@idurgesh : 1
@venkatej : 1
@pramodthap : 1
@upretivineet : 1
@sushmahari : 1
@maheshksatija : 1
@Ameysd : 1
@vikashroy : 1
@saggirex : 1
@hethal09 : 1
@ramkirangowda : 1
@tpratheesh : 1
@The_Rocktor : 1
@gcmogre : 1
@sridharkswamy : 1
@sa_kiran : 1
@psychiatrycal : 1
@shantivr : 1
@911ashish : 1
@raopm9 : 1
@SastiBaat : 1
@PankajBagla : 1
@ChandanYogendra : 1
@bharathtintin : 1

Have a colourful Deepawali everyone!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 173: 06-Nov-2012

Theme: Apastamba Sutra's Ethical Code of Conduct

The Apastamba Sutra tells "Anasuya" is a required good trait to develop. What does "Anasuya" mean? #DharmaQuiz 1221. Ans: Asuya = Jealousy Anasuya = Free from Jealousy.
The Apastamba Sutra tells "Adroha" is a required good trait to develop. What does "Adroha" mean? #DharmaQuiz 1222. Ans: Droha = Cheating or Malice. Adroha = Not cheating.
The Apastamba Sutra tells "Alobha" is a required good trait for Humans. What does "Alobha" mean? #DharmaQuiz 1223. Ans: Lobha = Greed, Alobha = Greedless
The Apastamba Sutra tells "Apaishunya" is a must have good trait for the society. What does "Apaishunya" mean? #DharmaQuiz 1224. Ans: Paishunya = Calumny or Slandering or harming reputation of someone unreasonably. Apaishunya = Not Slandering
The Apastamba Sutra tells "Arosha" is a required good trait to develop. What does "Arosha" mean? #DharmaQuiz 1225. Ans: Rosha = Extreme anger. Arosha = Controlling extreme anger.

Top Scorers for session 173:

@Dhanushm : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@shanthigrama : 5
@pvaidyaraj : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@being_delhite : 5
@Manjunaath : 5
@lodyaashi : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@raopm9 : 5

Congrats to:

@surenc1974 : 4
@cubicle_warrier : 4
@man8shree : 4
@DevNakshi : 4

@forevernivesh : 3
@Geminiseventh : 3

@Kachnarr : 2
@sharathinindia : 2

@lskrish : 1
@rinku3009 : 1
@Amaresh80 : 1
@_cowInspector : 1

See you next time.

DharmaQuiz Session 172: 26-Oct-2012

Theme: Important Gunas (ethics) from Ramayana and Mahabharata

Cite one person from Ramayana or Mahabharata who exemplified "Satya vaachi" or Ever Truthful. #DharmaQuiz 1216. Ans: Yudhishtira, Shri Rama, Pandavas towards Jayadratha, Bhishma, Sahadeva
Cite one character from Mahabharata or Ramayana, that most displayed "Akrodha" or "never get angry" trait. #DharmaQuiz 1217. Ans: Vibhishana in Ramayana and Vidura in Mahabharata, Sita, Sanjaya.
Cite any one incident from Ramayana or Mahabharata, where "Kshama" or forgiving trait was shown for an enemy or opponent. #DharmaQuiz 1218. Ans: Shishupala being forgiven by Krishna 100 times, Devavrata forgiving Saalva King, Sita forgiving rakshasis who tortured her, Rama forgiving Indrajitu for a day, Yudhishtira forgiving Sindhu raja, Pandavas forgiving Ashwatthama, Rama forgiving Manthara & Kaikeyi
Vidya is an essential trait. Name one female from Mahabharata or Ramayana, who was an expert in Yuddha Vidya (warfare). #DharmaQuiz 1219. Satyabhama, Krishna's wife who fought Narakasura (Deepavali time), Chitrangada, Kaikeyi, Utthara, Uluchi (mother of Babruvahana), Hidimba
Cite an incident from Ramayana or Mahabharata, where "Indriya Nigraha" or pefect control of senses, was demonstrated. #DharmaQuiz 1220. Ans: Arjuna treating Urvashi as mother, Rama ignoring Shurpanakha's advances, Lakshmana living a bachelor life after marriage for 14 years, Hanuman when searching for Sita at Ravana's antahpura, Sukhamuni seeing bathing girls, Bhishma who could have married Amba, Ambika or Ambalika, Bhishma at the bed of arrows.

Top Scorers for session 172:

@ramas_cal : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@Tasmayi : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@gbhat_ : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@surenc1974 : 5
@lodyaashi : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@cubicle_warrier : 5
@NPatnaik55 : 5
@bhaviknz : 5

Congrats to:

@philAmit : 4
@pvaidyaraj : 4
@DevNakshi : 4

@PankajBagla : 3
@sharathinindia : 3
@Sanjaypro : 3

@FakeJourno : 2
@natrajan : 2
@psudo : 2
@raopm9 : 2
@Geminiseventh : 2
@shylsmn : 2
@stormylook : 2
@nimeshchandra : 2
@seeker8002 : 2

@pankajtalkies : 1
@__Alka : 1
@RishiShenoy : 1
@DAmunRa : 1
@bhijeetD : 1
@bhattvihang : 1
@roshan_halwai : 1
@khaishk : 1
@BeingJai : 1
@ankushraj29 : 1
@sudhee26 : 1
@Flyfiddlesticks : 1
@Bact_man : 1

Thanks for participating.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 171: 23-Oct-2012

Theme: Nava Durgas or Nine forms of Devi Durga

Among the Nava Durgas (9 Durgas) worshiped during Navaratri, which form of Devi derives its name from her son? #DharmaQuiz 1211. Ans: Skanda Mata (Mother of Subrahmanya or Skanda)
Which of the 9 forms of Goddess Durga worshiped during Navaratri denotes her as being extremely fair complexioned? #DharmaQuiz 1212. Ans: Maha Gauri (Gaura colour in Sanskrit means spotless white)
Which of the 9 forms of Devi Durga worshiped during Navaratri denotes her as very dark in colour, ready to fight demons? #DharmaQuiz 1213. Ans: Kala Raatri, fighting rakshasas Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Goddess Durga wears a half moon, or crescent on her forehead during the 3rd day of Navaratri. What is she called that day? #DharmaQuiz 1214. Ans: Chandra Ghanta.
Shiva worshiped Durga on 9th day of Navaratri and got powers. Which Nava Durga form he worshiped? #DharmaQuiz 1215. Ans: Siddhi Dhaatri (The one who bestows powers or siddhis).

Read more here:

Nava Durgas: http://hinduism.about.com/od/godsgoddesses/ss/navadurga_2.htm

Sequence of how Nava Durgas were formed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navadurga#NavaDurga_Life_Phases

Top Scorers of session 171:

@nanditathhakur : 5
@AshutoshNSingh : 5
@Amaresh80 : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@man8shree : 5
@suryakantpandey : 5
@sharad_51 : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5

Many congrats to:

@udgeetha : 4
@smna17 : 4

@ankushraj29 : 3
@harishkaushik15 : 3
@forevernivesh : 3

@keewwllguy : 2
@ochrerocker : 2

@Ajaymishra412 : 1
@iNeelSoni : 1
@lodyaashi : 1
@archie229 : 1
@meelogsin : 1
@Prach82 : 1
@dppoddar : 1
@IamSrivatsanV : 1

May Goddess Durga bless everyone! Peace.

Friday, October 19, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 170: 19-Oct-2012

Theme: Navaratri Special

"Yatra Naryastu pujyante,ramante tatra devatah" -Where women r revered, Gods r pleased to be there. Which Smriti says this? #DharmaQuiz 1206. Ans: Manu Smriti.
Navaratri or 9 days of Goddess worship happening now, is a part of which Hindu calendar month? (Hint: Named after Ashwini) #DharmaQuiz 1207. Ans: Ashwayuja or Ashwin month. More: http://hindusphere.com/significance-of-aswayuja-ashwayuja-ashwini-masam/
Shri Sukta is 1 revered text that glorifies Goddess aka "Devi Mahatmya". Name any 1 other Dharma text which does the same. #DharmaQuiz 1208. Ans: Durga Sukta, Devi Bhagavata, Harivamsha, Sapta Shati and Many Puranas.
Name a city in India, whose name is derived from the name of a demon that Goddess Durga killed during Navaratri. #DharmaQuiz 1209. Ans: Mysore or Mysuru. From Mahisha-uru (place of Mahisha Asura or the place where Mahisha was killed)
Which Dharma text contains the famous "Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Matru RupeNa Samsthita" chant? #DharmaQuiz 1210. Ans: Markandeya Purana's Devi Mahatmya's Chandi Path.

Top scorers during session 170:

@smna17 : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@Sahyadri : 5
@ThejasMysore : 5
@bhaviknz : 5
@man8shree : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@wnnbl : 5
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 5
@iSumitRk : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@khaishk : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@hchaturv : 5

Also, Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@DevNakshi : 4

@ankushraj29 : 3
@Shree03 : 3

@voxindica : 2
@shivsankar : 2
@sbharti : 2

@PrateekThakkar : 1
@amitssingh83 : 1
@swamy_sena : 1
@B_S_YADDI : 1
@DailyBreadIndia : 1
@sushmahari : 1
@svinayak85 : 1
@cubicle_warrier : 1
@pcrajendra : 1
@anand_vaidya : 1
@nikhilda12 : 1
@psudo : 1
@amit8195 : 1
@beingprabhu : 1
@_Murali : 1
@upretivineet : 1

Have a great Navaratri. If you find DharmaQuiz interesting do let me know via comments or tweets. Also, indicate any improvement I can do to reach more people effectively.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 169: 16-Oct-2012

Theme: Ayurveda

This common herbal plant is prescribed by Ayurveda for over 15 remedies to skin, heart, fever & other ailments. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1201. Ans: Tulasi or Basil. But neem and Aloe Vera will also be considered.
Give one common market name (not brand name) for a comprehensive Ayurvedic herbal tonic with multiple health benefits. #DharmaQuiz 1202. Ans: Chyawanprash.
Name this Indian state that gets the maximum number of Ayurvedic therapy related tourism, particularly Panchakarma therapy. #DharmaQuiz 1203. Ans: Kerala.
At least 3 nations in Europe allow Doctors to study Ayurveda in University post graduate courses. Name any one of them. #DharmaQuiz 1204. Ans: Germany or Italy or England. Read more here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117322/
In Ayurveda, the "The Path of Juice" or "Elixir Vitae" is commonly used. Name the Sanskrit term. #DharmaQuiz 1205. Ans: Rasayana (Rasa + Ayana)

Top Scorers this session:

@rahulghildiyal : 5
@cubicle_warrier : 5
@Sahyadri : 5
@surenc1974 : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@smna17 : 5
@cybercalci : 5

Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@raopm9 : 4
@dolby_mehul : 4
@man8shree : 4
@raoathreyas : 4
@lodyaashi : 4

@jagdish : 3

@rinku3009 : 2
@PankajBagla : 2
@Umeshkumarr26 : 2
@Anirvachan : 2
@upendrverma : 2
@jagdish : 2
@lldhr : 2
@alkeshtunara : 2
@CJ_Shekhar : 2

@ajayjmun : 1
@Tailwind3 : 1
@desprem : 1
@GirishPodar : 1
@nagarjund : 1
@sandeeptvenkat : 1
@VijayDharwad : 1
@roshanmadhav4 : 1
@aknarendranath : 1
@bhsngr : 1
@MullahYogi : 1
@kshetragnya : 1
@Dinuraghubansi : 1
@R_Bhartiya : 1
@shailkumar7468 : 1
@puneetdwd : 1
@mbhagawat : 1

Many thanks to all the participants, including those who could not get to the list above.

Friday, October 12, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 168: 12-Oct-2012

Theme: Contribution to Sanskrit literature from ancient and medieval Karnataka.

1500 years back, a king of W Ganga dynasty in Karnataka, gave the Sanskrit world, the majestic "Brihatkatha". Name him. #DharmaQuiz 1196. Ans: Durvinita (Note, he translated from Baladya's Prakrit work) More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durvinita
700 yrs ago, this commentator on Vedas was 1ST to compute approx speed of light. Name this brother of Vijayanagara founder. #DharmaQuiz 1197. Ans: Sayana Acharya. More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayana
"Jambavati Parinayam" is a Sanskrit work by the most famous emperor of South India 500 years back. Name him. #DharmaQuiz 1198. Ans: Krishna Deva Raya. More: http://www.museindia.com/viewarticle.asp?myr=2009&issid=26&id=1607
Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya wrote "Ramabhyudayam" a Sanskrit work over 500 years ago. Which empire's king was he? #DharmaQuiz 1199. Ans: Vijaya Nagara Empire. Ans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluva_Narasimha_Deva_Raya
Tirumalamba, a poetess from S India,wrote Varadambika Parinayam. Meaning of "Parinayam" in Sanskrit? #DharmaQuiz 1200 Ans: Marriage/Wedding. More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumalamba

Top Scorers:

@man8shree : 5
@surnell : 5
@gupta_n : 5

Congrats to:

@DevNakshi : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@abhipar7 : 4
@mareekuree : 4
@iRohitBhat : 4
@TheArvindDhar : 4

@ThejasMysore : 3
@Shree03 : 3
@sweetandu : 3

@voxindica : 2
@Marut_ : 2
@Amaresh80 : 2

@vishchan : 1
@marriagewiz : 1
@Susri1210 : 1
@ravikantbhat : 1
@cubicle_warrier : 1
@Nisharp : 1
@Rasraj : 1
@shylsmn : 1
@anurup : 1
@Durden47 : 1
@SathyaSher : 1

Thanks for participating. This one was surely a tough one!

Friday, October 5, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 167: 05-Oct-2012

Theme: Significance of the number 5 in Dharma

Pancha Upachara (5 step Pooja) include Gandha (scent), Pushpa (flower), Dhoopa (incense) & Deepa (Light). Name the 5th one. #DharmaQuiz 1191. Ans: Naivedya or Food Offering.
Pancha Gavya (5 Cow Products) include Ksheera (Milk), Ghrita (Ghee), Gomutra (urine) and Gomya (dung). Name the 5th one. #DharmaQuiz 1192. Ans. Dadhi or Curds.
Pancha Kanya (5 revered women in Hinduism) include Druapadi, Sita, Tara and Mandodari. Name the fifth one. #DharmaQuiz 1193. Ans: Ahalya.
Pancha Maha Kavyas of Sanskrit (Court Epics) include Kumara Sambhava, Kiratarjuniya, Shishupala Vadha & Naishadha. 5th one? #DharmaQuiz 1194. Ans: Raghu Vamsha.
Pancha Lohas (5 metals) used for making murtis include Iron, Lead, Gold & Silver. Name the 5th one. #DharmaQuiz 1195. Ans: Copper

Top scorers during session 167:

@pvaidyaraj : 5
@surnell : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@Manojakrishna : 5
@Sahyadri : 5
@smna17 : 5
@Right2bRight : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@arunz : 5
@man8shree : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@iSumitRk : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@shylsmn : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@SandipPawar : 5

Congrats to:

@Manjunaath : 4
@voxindica : 4
@DevNakshi : 4

@stormylook : 3
@cubicle_warrier : 3

@Rasraj : 2
@anantjoshi84 : 2
@Dhanushm : 2
@ThejasMysore : 2
@praveenudupa : 2

@OneindiaKannada : 1
@VijayDharwad : 1
@rpmkarthi : 1
@TheArvindDhar : 1
@K_Oswal : 1

Thanks for participating. Next quiz on next Friday.

Friday, September 28, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 166: 28-Sep-2012

For Question 3's reference. {Source: Jpgmag}

Theme: Special place for Cow in Hindu Heritage.

Name a Vishnu avatara that is very closely linked to loving & protecting the cow. #DharmaQuiz 1186. Ans: Krishna the Gopala. Go (cow) Pala (protector)
During churning of milky ocean, 5 Kamadhenus (wish cows) came out. Name the 5th 1 after Nanda, Subhadra, Surabhi & Sushila. #DharmaQuiz 1187. Ans: Bahula. (Sumana also considered per Hare Krishna preachings)
Name the famous pilgrimage place in coastal Karnataka, which is shaped as the ear of a Cow when viewed from satellite. #DharmaQuiz 1188. Ans: Gokarna (Go = cow, Karna = ear). Amazing how Hindus named it Go-Karna millenia back! See Google map for shape -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=gokarna&hl=en&ll=14.546367,74.317017&spn=0.195403,0.308647&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.817312,79.013672hnear=Gokarna,+Uttara+Kannada,+Karnataka,+India&t=m&z=12 . Compare with the picture shown.
Ayurveda talks of 4 Cow products for human use & disinfection. Godugdha, Goghruta, Gomutra and Gomaya. Which 1 is Ghee here? #DharmaQuiz 1189. Ans: Goghruta.
This town, "Land of Cow" in Sanskrit, became infamous for violence 10yrs ago in West India. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1190. Ans: Godhra (Go = cow, Dhara = Land)

For more info on the special place for cows in Hindu nation, please read this article by Subramanian Swamy -> http://janamejayan.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/the-importance-of-the-cow-in-vedic-culture-by-dr-subramanian-swamy/

Top Scorers:

@keewwllguy : 5
@smna17 : 5
@sharad_51 : 5
@arunz : 5
@stormylook : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@surnell : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@amit8195 : 5
@alkeshtunara : 5
@Sahyadri : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@bhaviknz : 5
@man8shree : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@Shree03 : 5

Also, congrats to:

@Susri1210 : 4
@Manojakrishna : 4
@surenc1974 : 4
@Amaresh80 : 4
@kbharada : 4
@bhijeetD : 4

@balmaa : 3
@RishiShenoy : 3

@rinku3009 : 2
@cubicle_warrier : 2
@AvinashCKM : 2
@PankajBagla : 2
@praveenudupa : 2
@shra1kulkarni : 2
@ManishManke : 2
@rk_kulkarni : 2

@MsKattarHindu : 1
@videonova : 1
@bkapilyadav : 1
@kishubhat : 1
@santoshsm : 1
@bickybadhera : 1
@Deshabhakta : 1
@mayureshgaikwad : 1
@SSJ2010 : 1
@umanathtrip : 1
@veenaazz : 1
@emsreenu : 1
@TheArvindDhar : 1
@TedhiLakeer : 1
@CJ_Shekhar : 1
@djankit7 : 1
@arvind_joshi : 1
@spandan8 : 1
@techblueprints : 1
@mane_arvind05 : 1
@Alex_Pandian : 1
@dankchikidang : 1
@hemant_smile : 1
@aamadmo : 1
@sandeeptvenkat : 1
@bhattvihang : 1
@DAmunRa : 1

It was wonderful to see 62 people get on the scoreboard. Also thanks to many more who attempted, but didn't get to this list.

Keep up your participation. Also, feel free to use the meticulously compiled info in Dharma Quiz blog into your blogs, writeups, emails and anywhere else as necessary!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 165: 25-Sep-2012

Theme: Vishwa Hindu Parishad or World Hindu Council.

On the Krishna Janmashtami day of which calendar year was Vishwa Hindu Parishad or theWorld Hindu Council founded? #DharmaQuiz 1181. Ans: 1964.
In which year did Vishwa Hindu Parishad launch its youth wing Bajrang Dal with a slogan "Garv se kaho hum Hindu hain"? #DharmaQuiz 1182. Ans: 1984
In 1991, Vishwa Hindu Parishad launched its women's' wing, Durga Vahini, with a famous Sadhvi as the chairperson. Name her. #DharmaQuiz 1183. Ans: Sadhvi Ritambara.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad conducted 3 World Hindu meets at Prayag. From how many nations Hindus participated? a) 75 b) 48 c) 18 #DharmaQuiz 1184. Ans: b) 48.
Name any one Hindu sacred place or monument in south India, that VHP has famously fought for. #DharmaQuiz 1185. Ans: Rama sethu, Tirupati hills' recovery from government, Datta peetha encroachment removal etc.

Top Scorers:

@Senag23 : 5
@Manjunaath : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@arunz : 5
@hindu_tweeter : 5
@ManiKSK : 5
@man8shree : 5
@bhaviknz : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5

Congrats to:

@pvaidyaraj : 4
@surnell : 4

@truevirathindu : 3

@geophyraj : 2
@kbharada : 2
@Bharathnagar : 2
@rk_kulkarni : 2

@drsriramvdongre : 1
@sweetandu : 1
@roshanmadhav4 : 1
@Bact_man : 1
@voxindica : 1
@cpings4 : 1
@iNeelSoni : 1
@kshetragnya : 1
@navneet2frn : 1
@suryakantpandey : 1
@kapsology : 1

Thanks to all those who attempted, but could not make to the list above. Better luck next time.

Friday, September 21, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 164: 21-Sep-2012

Theme: Bhagawan Ganesha's Names in Different Languages

Ganesha is called Pillayar in this language. Which one? #DharmaQuiz 1176. Ans: Tamil or Thamizh.
Lord Ganesha is known as 'Shoten' in a country outside India. In which language? #DharmaQuiz 1177. Ans: Japanese
In which language is Ganesha called as "Phra Pikanet"?. (Hint: 2004 Tsunami hit this nation) #DharmaQuiz 1178. Ans: Thai language.
In which language is Ganapati called "Tsog gi dagpo, mar chen"? {Hint: Extremely cold nation}. #DharmaQuiz 1179. Ans: Tibetan (Chamdo, thanks to friend @Surnell )
{Final, Open till 11 PM} From which is the most famous praise/slogan "Ganpati Bappa Morya" taken? #DharmaQuiz 1180. Ans: Marathi.

Top Scorers:

@ManiKSK : 5
@iSumitRk : 5
@man8shree : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@surenc1974 : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@arunz : 5
@pvaidyaraj : 5
@surnell : 5
@sharad_51 : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@Shree03 : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@bhaviknz : 5
@deetham : 5

Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@jemin_p : 4

@Susri1210 : 3

@alkeshtunara : 2
@ArunTatTvamAsi : 2
@VikranthKalva : 2

@natrajan : 1
@nikysaji : 1
@SuryaTiranga : 1
@sweetsudha1 : 1
@Sreevathsaa : 1
@pvsswamy : 1
@murali_2ms : 1
@being_hassan : 1
@Dilipmys : 1
@nemkals : 1
@jai1900 : 1
@dhanu_lagna : 1
@bezubaan : 1
@siddarthpaim : 1
@shurabh : 1
@SukuNambi : 1
@oneandonlydilip : 1
@_Aniket : 1
@apthamitra : 1
@arun88twts : 1
@kharesm : 1
@sudsmobile : 1
@Twadda : 1
@manohar_sram : 1
@ChandanYogendra : 1

Hope you all had a great Ganapati week. Keep sharing your comments here or on Twitter for improvement of DharmaQuiz. Thanks.

DharmaQuiz Session 163: 14-Sep-2012

Theme: Acharya Chanakya's Arthashatra

Chanakya taught 7 tricks to Chandragupta. Sanmana, Daana, Danda, Bheda, Maya, Upeksha & Indrajala. What does Upeksha mean? #DharmaQuiz 1171. Ans: Ignoring strategically.
How many books are there in Acharya Chanakya's mega treatise collection, Arthashastra? #DharmaQuiz 1172. Ans: 15 books.
Chanakya in depth describes the qualities of a Rajarshi, a wise & virtuous king. Name any 1 Rajarshi from Ramayana. #DharmaQuiz 1173. Ans: Vishwamitra or Janaka.
Which of these 3 does Chanakya term as the most harmful vice? a) Hunting. b) Lust for women. c) Addiction to drinks. #DharmaQuiz 1174. Ans: c) Addition to drinks.
Arthashastra terms the science of law enforcement as? d) Sutra Niti. e) Danda Niti. f) Praja Niti. #DharmaQuiz 1175. Ans: Danda Niti.

Top scorers:

@intodust_in : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@smna17 : 5
@Shree03 : 5
@cybercalci : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@arunz : 5
@surnell : 5
@shanthigrama : 5
@asraghunath : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5

Congrats to:

@surenc1974 : 4
@sweetandu : 4
@shylsmn : 4
@anandt_05 : 4
@DevNakshi : 4
@ChandanYogendra : 4

@Mimaniya : 3
@R_Bhartiya : 3

@SamitLive : 2
@CJ_Shekhar : 2

@raopm9 : 1
@lldhr : 1
@SandeepShelke : 1
@alkeshtunara : 1
@psudo : 1
@shivsBHARAT : 1
@aaryesdeeblore : 1
@servantofkrsna : 1
@zizou789 : 1
@Taures_RF : 1
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 1
@kapildsharma : 1
@subodh1945 : 1
@veenaazz : 1
@hethal09 : 1
@seeniram : 1
@ashokhajeri : 1

Thanks for participation!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 162: 11-Sep-2012

Theme: Swami Vivekananda's September 11th 1893 speech at Chicago.

On Sep 11, 1893, in which Chicago hall did Swami Vivekananda give his "Brother & Sisters of America" speech? #DharmaQuiz 1166 #Remember911 Ans: Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago. (Hall of Columbus considered too). See -> http://hinduism.about.com/b/2012/09/11/swami-vivekanadas-911-speech.htm?nl=1
Vivekananda give his 1st speech on Sep 11, 1893. When was his last speech during the same world's parliament of religions? #DharmaQuiz 1167. Ans: September 27, 1893.
What did Swami Vivekananda teach in America primarily? a) Puranas. b) Mahabharata. c) Vedanta. #DharmaQuiz 1168. Ans: c) Vedanta.
Vivekananda's speech at Chicago covered Hinduism teaching the world tolerance and universal acceptance. True or False? #DharmaQuiz 1169. Ans: True. Read his speech here -> http://hinduism.about.com/od/vivekananda/a/vivekananda_speeches.htm and http://hinduism.about.com/od/vivekananda/a/vivekananda_speeches_2.htm
{Final,Open till 11PM} Vivekananda spoke at Chicago about a grand religion of West Asia to which India gave refuge. Name it #DharmaQuiz 1170. Ans: Zoroastrianism.

Top Scorers during session 162:

@sweetandu : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@Manjunaath : 5
@asraghunath : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@hchaturv : 5
@Shree03 : 5
@surnell : 5
@iSaakshi : 5

Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@prashanthkpp : 4

@kapil_dev : 3
@man8shreen : 3

@Sahyadri : 2
@rinku3009 : 2
@bihar_ke_lala : 2
@IndianDarKnight : 2
@shylsmn : 2

@RaiAbhinav84 : 1
@Bhaarateeyudu : 1
@Sameer470 : 1
@CJ_Shekhar : 1
@nipun1090 : 1
@ChandanYogendra : 1
@PankajBagla : 1
@um_dubey : 1
@SandeepShelke : 1
@MadhusudanLohia : 1
@akyma1947 : 1
@UtsavMitra : 1

Do read through the reference links provided above to understand what a stellar performance was that of Swami Vivekananda in 1893.

Friday, September 7, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 161: 7-Sep-2012

Theme: Famous Hindu/Sikh temples outside India.

Benzaiten is the Japanese name for a famous Hindu goddess. Who? #DharmaQuiz 1161. Ans: Saraswati. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzaiten
Combodia's Angkor Wat, largest Hindu temple complex in world, has influence from 2 Indian states. 1 is Odisha. The other? #DharmaQuiz 1162. Ans: Tamil Nadu, the Chola influence.
In 2011, historic Gorakhnath temple reopened in Pakistan, thanks to a court verdict, after 60yrs of closure. In which city? #DharmaQuiz 1163. Ans: Peshawar, NWFP. Read more here - http://hindutemplespakistan.blogspot.in/
Sri Sri Ravishankar addressed a huge crowd at Argentina y'day. Name the place where Argentina's biggest Gurudwara exists. #DharmaQuiz 1164. Ans: Rosario de la Frontera in Salta province.
In 1975, Swami Ghanananda Saraswati, an African, setup a Hindu temple in West Africa. Which nation? #DharmaQuiz 1165. Ans: The hint is in his name, Ghana. Read more here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10401741

Top scorers:

@smna17 : 5
@arunz : 5
@mareekuree : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@nisargsoni : 5
@pvaidyaraj : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@Manjunaath : 5
@cybercalci : 5

@abhipar7 : 4
@Amaresh80 : 4
@surnell : 4
@ramas_cal : 4
@DevNakshi : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@sweetandu : 4
@hindu_tweeter : 4
@rahulghildiyal : 4
@dolby_mehul : 4

@jemin_p : 3
@Dhanushm : 3
@iSumitRk : 3
@surenc1974 : 3
@pkagrawala : 3

@srinivasa444 : 2
@SandeepShelke : 2
@wavehit : 2

@KPGanesh : 1
@zizou789 : 1
@man8shree : 1
@rinku3009 : 1
@sandeepsmysore : 1
@RiddleBoza : 1
@RohitR_ : 1
@kannaniyyer : 1

This was a tougher one, but very glad that so many answered with or without searching on the net. It helps for Hindus to know famous Hindu shrines outside India.

See you next time.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 160: 4-Sep-2012

Theme: Dharmic names of Indian cities.

Name this city in South India that has a 1000 pillar temple nearby and had the name Eka Shila Nagar in olden days. #DharmaQuiz 1156. Ans: Warangal or Oru Gallu (One Rock) in Andhra Pradesh. Abode of Bhadrakali.
This city on the banks of a famous Western Indian river had a name that started with "Karna" after a Solanki king. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1157. Ans: Karnavati or Ahmedabad or Amdavad in Gujarat.
Name this major city in North India, with over 30,00,000 population, that originally was named after Kanhaiya or Krishna. #DharmaQuiz 1158. Ans: Kanpur, UP.
Name this city (and district with same name) in the northernmost state of India, named after Vishnu's Varaha avatara. #DharmaQuiz 1159. Ans: Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. Originally, Varaha Mula (Boar's Origin)
{Final,Open till 11PM} Name this city in Eastern India,whose name was Aastika Grama, before Jain Mahavira spent time there. #DharmaQuiz 1160. Ans: Bardhaman, Poschim Bongo.

Top Scorers of session 160:

@sweetandu : 5
@bhaviknz : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@hindu_tweeter : 5
@Amaresh80 : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@cybercalci : 5
@iSaakshi : 5

Congrats to:

@nisargsoni : 4
@mareekuree : 4
@dolby_mehul : 4
@simplybhavesh : 4
@venkateshkm : 4

@RohitR_ : 3
@vbpulla : 3
@cpings4 : 3

@abhikayabhi : 2
@kalyan_sk3011 : 2
@SudheerS : 2
@VaaNara : 2

@satyamitra08 : 1
@mjrajput : 1
@niraj_dave : 1
@surenc1974 : 1
@gvenki9868 : 1
@raunakjhawar : 1
@man0jsharma : 1
@ChandanYogendra : 1
@wupendram : 1
@numbbybirth : 1
@manohar_sram : 1
@NayakPradeep : 1
@KPGanesh : 1
@um_dubey : 1

Do feel free to suggest subjects for future DharmaQuiz. You can also conduct it by contacting me offline, if interested.

Friday, August 31, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 159: 31-Aug-2012

Theme: Hindu Dharma Compared with Abhrahamic Religions

Hindu Dharma defines an individual as 'sat-chit-ananda' & must self realize.What does Christianity say about an individual? #DharmaQuiz 1151. Ans: A sinner and must be saved.
Abrahamic religions (Judeo-Christiantiy and Islam) say you only have one life. What does Hindu Dharma say? #DharmaQuiz 1152. Ans: You might reincarnate. Law of Karma.
Hindu Dharma tells about beginning-less and endless space and time. Do Abrahamic religions believe in a beginning for time? #DharmaQuiz 1153. Ans: Yes, space and time have beginning per Abhrahamic religions.
Does Hindu Dharma mandate individuals to proselytize non Hindus so that they can be "saved" on judgment day? Yes or No. #DharmaQuiz 1154. Ans. No. No doctrine about non-believers is enforced. Let others be what they are. You worry about your spirituality.
{Final, Open till 11PM} In Sanatana Dharma, is Moksha or salvation, an individual or collective possibility (all at once)? #DharmaQuiz 1155. Ans: Individual. Each person will decide his/her own fate via Karma balance sheet.

Top Scorers:

@Susri1210 : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@cybercalci : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@surnell : 5
@intodust_in : 5
@surenc1974 : 5
@hchaturv : 5
@DevNakshi : 5

Congrats:

@raopm9 : 4
@vinodvyas220 : 4
@Dhanushm : 4

@Hitlerbai : 2
@SangeetaRG : 2
@niraj_dave : 2
@raghuvirshenoy : 2
@ankaachoo : 2
@swetamishraa : 2
@Lawan22 : 2

@Sanjaypro : 1
@AnuMelkote : 1
@ashithakur : 1
@Marut_ : 1
@AmitRVSharma : 1
@Le_Tweeter : 1
@nilayparikh : 1
@MyIdea_Of_India : 1
@Sahyadri : 1
@jemin_p : 1
@Saffron_State : 1
@rinku3009 : 1

Thanks for everyone's participation. Do read more on this important topic from Rajeev Malhotra's "Being Different" book.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 158: 28-Aug-2012

Theme: Onam

Onam is a mega festival in Kerala. Starts from Atham and ends on Thiruvonam. How many days are in between these two? #DharmaQuiz 1146. Ans: 8 days. But will consider 10 days as this was a trick question.
During Onam festival, Malayalee people welcome Maveli very respectfully to their homes. What is the other name of Maveli? #DharmaQuiz 1147. Ans: Bali Chakravarti.
Puranic King welcomed during Onam is welcomed in Karnataka,Maharashtra etc during a different festival. Name that festival. #DharmaQuiz 1148. Ans: Bali Padyami or Bali Pratipada, during Deepavali.
Name the avatara of Vishnu, that is linked to the generous emperor welcomed during Onam festival. #DharmaQuiz 1149. Ans: Vamana.
{Final,Open till 11PM} Onam is essentially a harvest festival with religious favour. Name any other Hindu harvest festival. #DharmaQuiz 1150. Ans: Sankranti in most of India, Pongal in TN, Bihu in Asom, Baisakhi & Lohri in Punjab.

Top Scorers:

@anandt_05 : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@TwtbyKoushik : 5
@DevNakshi : 5
@simplybhavesh : 5
@cybercalci : 5
@sharad_51 : 5
@philamit : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@intodust_in : 5

Congrats to:

@surenc1974 : 4
@surnell : 4
@udgeetha : 4
@Dilipmys : 4

@Susri1210 : 3
@pvaidyaraj : 3

@krisnendu : 2
@belurgsu : 2
@shyam012 : 2
@shripathi1984 : 2
@stormylook : 2
@jaideepb : 2
@Sahyadri : 2

@bkprajwal : 1
@RiddleBoza : 1
@Sanjaypro : 1
@raopm9 : 1
@Drksenthilkumar : 1
@R_Bhartiya : 1
@rajgunda : 1
@rinku3009 : 1
@satyajitdas84 : 1
@KaileshRajdev : 1
@pvsswamy : 1
@bkprajwal : 1
@bips_98 : 1
@krimhumhrim : 1
@shylsmn : 1
@bezubaan : 1
@AmitRVSharma : 1
@SamitLive : 1
@hethal09 : 1
@GetAbhi : 1
@TheArvindDhar : 1
@GanapathyI : 1
@Geminiseventh : 1
@ShubhamBhuyat : 1
@Georgian3761 : 1
@VenuSpeak : 1
@suhas_patel : 1
@jairajp : 1
@RishiShenoy : 1

Let's hope that this session helped you gain some info into Kerala's unique festival. I too learnt some things during my research.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 157: 21-Aug-2012

Theme: Sri Aurobindo

When is the birth anniv of Indian scholar, litterateur, philosopher,patriot, social reformer & visionary, Sri Aurobindo? #DharmaQuiz 1141. Ans: 15th August
What was Sri Aurobindo's surname given by his parents? #DharmaQuiz 1142. Ans: Ghose
Name Sri Aurobindo's most famous epical work in English of 23,837 lines directing man towards the Supreme Being. #DharmaQuiz 1143. Ans: Savitri.
Name one upanishad over which Sri Aurobindo wrote extensive commentary. #DharmaQuiz 1144. Ans: Isha Upanishad
{Final, open till 11PM} Where did Sri Aurobindo establish the famous Auroville Ashram? #DharmaQuiz 1145. Ans: Pudhucherry or Pondicherry.

For further study:
http://hinduism.about.com/od/gurussaintsofthepast/a/aurobindo.htm
http://hinduism.about.com/od/gurussaintsofthepast/a/Sri-Aurobindo-Top-10-Quotations.htm

Top Scorers:

@sharathinindia : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@jemin_p : 5
@deetham : 5
@cpdarshi : 5
@vinodvyas220 : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@DevNakshi : 5

Congrats to:

@BhartiyaAgnosti : 4
@rahulghildiyal : 4
@DilipVyawahare : 4
@psychiatrycal : 4
@gnanambalam : 4
@pkagrawala : 4

@Susri1210 : 3

@sumashiv : 2
@tathagat12 : 2

@Sahyadri : 1
@Good_Bipin : 1
@seshasivasailam : 1
@Mihirkumarjha : 1
@NagPingili : 1
@grk001 : 1
@bhava326 : 1
@vikram_sharma09 : 1
@Primal_White : 1
@dharmakrit : 1

See you next Tuesday!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 156: 14-Aug-2012

Theme: Hindu Chandramana Calendar

As per the Chandramana Hindu Calendar, for how many months once, an "Adhika Maasa" or extra month occurs? Ans: a) 33 b) 22 c)44. #DharmaQuiz 1136. Ans: a) 33 months. Slightly less than 33, but rounded off. @surnell gives the exact thing -> 32 months, 16 days, 3 hours and 12 minutes.
This is missing during an "Adhika Maasa" or extra month. Name it. d) Surya Tarpana. e) Surya Grahana. f) Surya Sankranti. #DharmaQuiz 1137. Ans: f) Surya Sankranti.
Which is the 5th basic element of a Hindu Pancha-anga, after Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra & Yoga? g)Ganita. h) Maasa. i) Karana. #DharmaQuiz 1138. Ans: i) Karana.
All 12 months of Hindu calendar have "Adhipatis" or gods. Whose different names are those 12? j)Shiva. k)Vishnu. l)Brahma. #DharmaQuiz 1139. Ans: k) Vishnu.
How many days does Moon take per Hindu Chandramana calendar, to travel from Purnima to Purnima? m)29.531 n) 31.231 o) 27.898 #DharmaQuiz 1140. Ans: m) 29.531, after taking into account Earth's move around Sun.

Top Scorers:

@pkagrawala : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@udgeetha : 5
@CAKiranb : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@surnell : 5
@iSaakshi : 5

Congrats to:

@sharathinindia : 4
@geophyraj : 4
@abhipar7 : 4
@singhrakeshk : 4
@iSumitRk : 4
@surenc1974 : 4

@wickedparam : 3
@DevNakshi : 3
@dolby_mehul : 3
@prashanthkpp : 3
@pal_pec07 : 3

@Rasraj : 1
@bkapilyadav : 1
@navneet2frn : 1
@voxindica : 1

Thanks for everyone's participation. This was a bit tougher, but need us to research more thoroughly sometimes :)

DharmaQuiz Session 155: 10-Aug-2012

Theme: Bhagavata

During Janmashtami 7 deities are worshiped. Krishna, Balarama, Krishna's birth parents & foster parents. Who's the 7th? #DharmaQuiz 1131. Ans: Chandika or Durga. Per Bhavishyottara Purana's Krishna-Yudhishtira talk. She's also known as Yogmaya.
Name the Rakshasi who was suckled to death by baby Krishna. #DharmaQuiz 1132. Ans: Putani or Putana.
Dahi Handi filled with buttermilk is broken by a pyramid of men during Gokulashtami. Usually with what object is it broken? #DharmaQuiz 1133. Ans: Coconut, symbolic of purity and truth.
When a very poor childhood friend, Sudama, reluctantly meets Krishna, what does he carry as gift? #DharmaQuiz 1134. Ans: Beaten Rice.
{Final, Open till 11PM} There are 2 very famous Krishna temple towns in S India, 390KM apart, on Arbi sea coast. Name them. #DharmaQuiz 1135. Ans: Guruvayur (Kerala) and Udupi (Karnataka).

Top Scorer:

@chandrabhushanj : 5

Congrats to:

@rahulghildiyal : 4
@pirateadmiral : 4
@geophyraj : 4
@sweetandu : 4
@DevNakshi : 4
@Right2bRight : 4
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 4
@raopm9 : 4
@shawjipk : 4
@hchaturv : 4
@FatAngryBird : 4
@Susri1210 : 4
@iSaakshi : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@prawinsays : 4
@Tasmayi : 4
@arunz : 4

@TheArvindDhar : 3
@bkartic : 3
@ChandanYogendra : 3
@surenc1974 : 3
@pal_pec07 : 3
@archer_1812 : 3
@kalyan_sk3011 : 3
@shalini_mishtie : 3

@seshasivasailam : 2
@abndnkmtr : 2
@RiddleBoza : 2
@manikandan_s_k : 2
@jemin_p : 2
@dolby_mehul : 2
@vamshitweet : 2
@RastrSwabhimaan : 2
@philAmit : 2
@niraj_dave : 2
@abhipar7 : 2

@VidrohiArya : 1
@arunsark : 1
@imharshp : 1
@imharshp : 1
@pvsswamy : 1
@eabhvee : 1
@octotus : 1
@Rakeshpundir15 : 1
@suraj8989 : 1
@vinaybsub : 1
@ravighiyar : 1
@sahuashis : 1
@Tailwind3 : 1
@Dhanushm : 1
@pramodgurav : 1
@bezubaan : 1
@nanditathhakur : 1
@rinku3009 : 1
@abhipatil7771 : 1
@amitprabhu : 1
@apthamitra : 1
@RisingIndiawins : 1
@vinsisthebest : 1
@11thfailshayar : 1
@anisthereddevil : 1
@bhartendu2206 : 1
@pkaushal_99 : 1
@dinnair123 : 1
@Fight4Futur1976 : 1
@san_dcool : 1
@MrsGandhi : 1
@priyaooo : 1
@divyendupratap : 1
@Kaushik_Shinde : 1
@singhrakeshk : 1
@octa_sud : 1
@subbureddy : 1
@man0jsharma : 1
@Just_an_Indian_ : 1
@PiratedPirate : 1
@_GheTa : 0.5
@GetAbhi : 0.5

Congratulations to all those who successfully got to the list above! Jai Shri Krishna.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 154: 7-Aug-2012

Theme: Mahabharata

What's the name of Drona Acharya's father? #DharmaQuiz 1126. Ans: Bharadwaja Maharshi.
Who was the Guru of Karna in Mahabharata? #DharmaQuiz 1127. Ans: Parashurama. But will also accept Lord Surya.
Jarasandha was a very famous wrestler and a King in Mahabharata. Which kingdom did he rule? #DharmaQuiz 1128. Ans: Magadha.
Name the Maha Astra (major weapon) that Karna used against Arjuna in Mahabharata's 17th day? #DharmaQuiz 1129. Ans: Prashuramaastra or Bhargava Astra. The Naga astra was used on the 16th day itself. This Bhargava astra was given by guru Parashurama after feeling bad about the curse he gave regarding Brahmastra.
{Final, Open till 11PM} Arjuna got Pashupata Astra (weapon) from Lord Shiva. In which mountain did he get that? #DharmaQuiz 1130. Ans: Indra Keela Mountain.

Top Scorer:
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 5

Runners Up:
@shawjipk : 4
@pkagrawala : 4
@rahulghildiyal : 4
@sweetandu : 4
@DevNakshi : 4
@arunz : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@surenc1974 : 4
@a_adarsh : 4
@dolby_mehul : 4
@hchaturv : 4
@bkartic : 4
@prashanthkpp : 4
@iSaakshi : 4
@surnell : 4
@smna17 : 4
@deetham : 4
@sharad_51 : 4
@philAmit : 4
@pvaidyaraj : 4
@abhipar7 : 4

Congrats to:

@TheArvindDhar : 3
@agarwalekta1 : 3
@bhattvihang : 3
@bigvjp : 3
@jemin_p : 3

@lodyaashi : 2
@avinashkarn : 2
@shanthigrama : 2
@RohitRajpurohit : 2
@manohar_sram : 2
@bitterTab : 2
@jaideepb : 2
@aashwanikashyap : 2
@bkapilyadav : 2

@mahanteshneel : 1
@VidrohiArya : 1
@pvsswamy : 1
@rishitwt : 1
@Nalayakvoter : 1
@MyIdea_Of_India : 1
@luckyfresh : 1
@hindujanjagruti : 1
@MetalDew : 1
@man0jsharma : 1
@DevaSrik : 1
@twitrkshukla : 1
@PowercutIN : 1
@ganguli : 1
@akandpal : 1
@vis25 : 1
@simplybhavesh : 2
@parag1626 : 1
@udgeetha : 1

Thanks for taking part today.

Friday, August 3, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 153: 3-Aug-2012

Theme: Puranas

One of these Puranas have Krishna's life story. Which one? a) Vamana. b) Brahma. c) Agni . #DharmaQuiz 1121. Ans: b) Brahma Purana mainly. Agni Purana also has some details.
This Purana describing many pilgrimage places, is also named after a Chiranjeevi. Name it: d) Matsya e) Skanda. f) Narada. #DharmaQuiz 1122. Ans: f) Narada Purana.
This Purana has mentions of beginning of cosmos or Cosmology. Name it. g) Agni. h) Markandeya. i) Bhavishya. #DharmaQuiz 1123. Ans: g) Agni Purana.
How many Maha Puranas are there? k) 21. l) 16. m) 18. #DharmaQuiz 1124. Ans: m) 18.
{Final, Open till 11PM} Name any one Purana that is named after one of the 5 natural elements of this planet. #DharmaQuiz 1125. Ans: Vayu or Agni.Purana.

Top Scorers:

@Tasmayi : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@Dhanushm : 5
@pirateadmiral : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@Amaresh80 : 5

Congrats to:

@arunz : 4
@shawjipk : 4
@philAmit : 4
@vinodvyas220 : 4
@dolby_mehul : 4
@surenc1974 : 4
@lodyaashi : 4
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 4
@pkagrawala : 4

@udgeetha : 3
@pvaidyaraj : 3
@iSumitRk : 3
@rahulghildiyal : 3
@DevNakshi : 3
@sharathinindia : 3

@servantofkrsna : 2
@raopm9 : 2
@MyIdea_Of_India : 2
@anandt_05 : 2
@bezubaan : 2
@mayooravalli : 2

@bhijeetD : 1
@psudo : 1
@rasita : 1
@amanpaggarwal : 1
@PowercutIN : 1
@HaddHaiYaar : 1
@rpmkarthi : 1
@manu_bhaarat : 1
@laksarma : 1
@AmitK2K : 1
@Hitlerbai : 1
@shivangi_0703 : 1

See you next time. Leave comments if you have topic choices.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 152: 31-Jul-2012

Theme: Festivals of Shravana Month

During Shravana saturdays what's the popular chant when people go home to home seeking alms? a) Mahadev b) Govinda. c)Devi. #DharmaQuiz 1116. Ans: b) Govinda Govinda.
On the 8th day of Shravana month's 2nd paksha, a very famous born-in-prison child's birthday is celebrated. Whose? #DharmaQuiz 1117. Ans: Krishna.
During the Purnima day of Shravana month, some Hindus celebrate Upakarma festival. What do they change on that day? #DharmaQuiz 1118. Ans: Sacred Thread or Yajnopaveeta.
During Shravana month, sisters tie Raakhi to their brothers. Does Raksha Bandhan fall in Shukla paksha or Krishna paksha? #DharmaQuiz 1119. Ans: Purnima or Full moon day.
{Final, Open till 11PM} During Shravana month, there are Gowri poojas done by females each week. On which day of the week? #DharmaQuiz 1120. Ans: Tuesdays.

Top Scorers:

@abhipar7 : 5
@arunz : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@surnell : 5

Congrats to:

@iSaakshi : 4
@iSumitRk : 4
@sharad_51 : 4
@geophyraj : 4
@sweetandu : 4
@a_adarsh : 4
@vinodvyas220 : 4
@hethal09 : 4
@prawinsays : 4
@TheArvindDhar : 4
@pkagrawala : 4
@gupta_n : 4
@anandt_05 : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@iCSM : 4

@kk_ahm : 3
@mayureshgaikwad : 3
@Dhanushm : 3
@udgeetha : 3
@CAKiranb : 3
@philAmit : 3
@Susri1210 : 3

@premchandu_a : 2
@niraj_dave : 2
@sureshnakhua : 2
@voxindica : 2
@bhijeetD : 2
@Keefarqpaindha : 2
@sanjeevirao : 2

@sumat_patel : 1
@raopm9 : 1
@kalyan_sk3011 : 1
@saggirex : 1
@gkamitabh : 1
@m_mrsrita : 1
@long_laugh : 1
@ashutoshkulkar1 : 1
@kaushkrahul : 1
@puneethot : 1
@NikhilShembekar : 1
@AmitRVSharma : 1
@gandabherunda : 1
@shivsBHARAT : 1
@amitraval111 : 1
@rk_kulkarni : 1
@Narainised : 1
@gauravrathi08 : 1
@ABeautifulDawn : 1
@alkeshtunara : 1

Many thanks to all participants. The "Govinda Govinda" chant that people use to ask alms on Shravana saturdays is a bit tricky.

More coming up on Friday. Subscribe to @kiranks/dharmaquiz list on Twitter to automatically get every session's answers in your Twitter Connect/mention without fail.

Friday, July 27, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 151: 27-Jul-2012

Theme: Vara MahaLakshmi Festival

Lakshmi is worshiped as "Surabhyai Namah". There's also a famous cow from Puranas which was called Surabhi. Name the cow. #DharmaQuiz 1111. Ans: Kamadhenu.
Lakshmi is worshiped as "Adityai namah" and "Dityai Namah". Among Aditi and Diti, who is called "Deva Matri'? #DharmaQuiz 1112. Ans: Aditi, the mother of all gods.
Vara MahaLakshmi is worshiped as "Padmodbhavaa". What does Padmod-bhavaa mean? #DharmaQuiz 1113. Ans: Originated or Born in a Lotus.
Lakshmi is lauded during pooja and bhajan as "Ahlaada Janani". What does Ahlaada in Sanskrit mean? #DharmaQuiz 1114. Ans: Ahlaada = Happiness, Bliss.
{Final, Open till 11PM} We worship Goddess Lakshmi as "Sarvopadrava NivaariNi". What does "Upadrava" mean in Samskritam? #DharmaQuiz 1115. Ans: Trouble or Obstacle

Top scorers:

@ksmsundaram1975 : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@TheArvindDhar : 5
@arunz : 5
@shawjipk : 5
@philAmit : 5
@bkartic : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@pkagrawala : 5
@hindu_tweeter : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@Tasmayi : 5
@Right2bRight : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@sharad_51 : 5

Congratulations to :

@bhijeetD : 4
@DevNakshi : 4
@aravozhukkam : 4
@surenc1974 : 4

@dolby_mehul : 3
@niraj_dave : 3
@udgeetha : 3
@smna17 : 3
@gchellappan : 3
@vschanna : 3
@hemanthkeelara : 3

@Flyfiddlesticks : 2
@ChandanYogendra : 2
@mbhagawat : 2
@CAKiranb : 2

@lodyaashi : 1
@Susri1210 : 1
@rajivgaxdhi : 1
@mayaadvaita : 1
@Swabhimaan : 1
@vinaykashy : 1
@Satya046 : 1
@manjumca34 : 1
@a_adarsh : 1
@seshasivasailam : 1

May Goddess Lakshmi bless you all!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Friday, November 16, 2012

Friday, November 9, 2012

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Friday, October 19, 2012

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Friday, October 12, 2012

Friday, October 5, 2012

Friday, September 28, 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Friday, September 21, 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Friday, September 7, 2012

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

You Are Visitor Number: