DharmaQuiz: India

Showing posts with label India. Show all posts

Friday, November 18, 2016

Ancient and Medieval Indian Coins

#DharmaQuiz Session 369: 18-Nov-2016

#DharmaQuiz 2236: This was a gold coin from 14th century south India. King in the pose of Hanuman. Which empire? Ans: Vijayanagara Empire, Bukka Raya I, Gold pagoda, 1344-1377.

DQ 2236. Pic from coinindia.com

Fastest three answers: @viveksurat, Telugutalli and @Aks9009Pa

#DharmaQuiz 2237: This is a golden coin from 800+ years ago in North India. A foreign invader continued the Goddess Lakshmi coins. Who? Ans: The coin is an issue of Muhammad bin Sam, more generally known as Muhammad of Ghor.

DQ 2237. Pic from coinindia.com

Fastest three answers: @viveksurat, ‏@simuntweets and @VedantIndia

#DharmaQuiz 2238: These are 1500 year old coins from a mighty empire that ruled most of Indian subcontinent then. Which dynasty?
Ans: Gupta dynasty.

DQ 2238. Pic from coin-competition.eu

Fastest three answers: @Telugutalli @viveksurat and @vermaaakash10

#DharmaQuiz 2239: Silver coin having "Jagadamba Prasanna" was minted to commemorate coronation of a great Indian King of 17th century. Who?
Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji.

DQ 2239. Pic from www.thehindu.com

Fastest three answers: @ShefVaidya, @rohit24r and ‏@viveksurat.

#DharmaQuiz 2240: Hanuman image one paisa coin from central India. 1888 CE (1945 VS). Name that princely state of British India.
Ans: Ratlam

DQ 2240. Pic from blogspot.com

Fastest three answers: @viveksurat, @simuntweets and @ImpatientMonk

Have a good weekend!

Friday, March 18, 2016

India's national symbols and Dharmic Background

#DharmaQuiz Session 358: 18-Mar-2016

#DharmaQuiz 2181: India's national bird peacock, is also the mount of a famous Hindu Bhagawan (God of War). Who? Ans: Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva.

DQ 2181. Pic: pinimg.com

#DharmaQuiz 2182: India's national flower Lotus, is also the representation of the navel of a Hindu Bhagawan. Who? Ans: Vishnu, also known as Padma Nabha (Lotus Navel).

DQ 2182. Pic: Wiki

#DharmaQuiz 2183: India's national emblem has "Satyameva Jayate" written on it. From which Upanishad is that from? Ans: Mundaka upanishad, part of Atharva Veda.

DQ 2183. Pic: blogspot

#DharmaQuiz 2184: India's national animal is the mount of Durga. Name 1 other Hindu Deva/ Devi whose mount is tiger. Ans: Ayyappa.

DQ 2184. Pic: pinimg.com

#DharmaQuiz 2185: India's national fruit mango is held in hand by a Jain Devi. Name her. Ans: Ambika.

DQ 2185. Pic: jainpedia.org

Scores for session 358:
Sorry, could not complete the score. It was a huge response with 100s of people participating.
Thanks!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Folk dances and festivals for women of India

#DharmaQuiz Session 352: 12-Jan-2016

#DharmaQuiz 2151: Women of which state of India celebrate this festival predominantly?
Ans: Telangana - Bonalu.

DQ 2151. Pic: thehindu.com

#DharmaQuiz 2152: Girls and Ladies of which state of India celebrate this swing festival predominantly?
Ans: Odisha - Raja Parba.

DQ 2152: From orissadiary.com

#DharmaQuiz 2153: Women of which state of India perform this beautiful dance routine?
Ans: Asom - Bihu.

DQ 2153. Pic: demotix.com

#DharmaQuiz 2154: Women of which state of India do this rhythmic dance? Ans: Keralam - Onam.

DQ 2154. Pic: snydle.com

#DharmaQuiz 2155: In which Indian state is this special dance being performed by women? Ans: Karnataka - Kodava Ummathat dance.

DQ 2155. Pic: thehindu.com

Many confuse the last one to somewhere from Himalayas!

Scores for session 352:

@sridhar_savitha : 5
@IdamRashtray : 5
@Simuntweets : 5

@ksunjai : 3
@RAMESH4184 : 3
@ugramveeram123 : 3
@ddalmatti : 3
@shivaparv : 3

@TheJanamejaya : 2
@reindheer8 : 2
@TheLingraj : 2
@KanakMakwana : 2
@shonith2 : 2
@KSVSUBRAMANIAN : 2
@parthhas : 2
@arunrush : 2
@jayasankariz : 2

@rajkarsewak : 1
@band318 : 1
@PappuRobot : 1
@bhushan_tweets : 1
@rajubusa : 1
@mavanthoor : 1
@PriyaPippi : 1
@Remesh2015 : 1
@sguru22 : 1
@ShyamSundarRath : 1
@Mamdhata : 1
@PBnrg : 1
@pramodthap : 1
@ksunjai : 1
@sahirgp : 1
@IyerMira : 1
@bimal_pr : 1
@Venky1971 : 1
@Aneesh_chandrA : 1
@chilakalakartik : 1
@lakshman_POMA : 1
@DiAltoK10 : 1
@LJhegade : 1
@kiranjankalar : 1
@mailparam : 1
@prashanthmaiya : 1
@Rasraj : 1
@joethim : 1
@ajithashetty : 1
@shreyasbdwaj : 1
@ShambuNashipudi : 1
@emsreenu : 1
@v4viraj : 1
@yelvee : 1
@samba3thy : 1
@rkvk2001a : 1
@vinaygoel15 : 1
@rkvk2001 : 1
@IndiafirstVM : 1
@Reddy_7304 : 1
@rsborar : 1
@hegdeamh : 1
@su_smile4u : 1
@VaibhavTweeeter : 1
@Pputhige : 1
@naveenha : 1
@t_anupam : 1
@PrathamNayak : 1
@veraghavan : 1
@berneyab : 1

Thanks for taking interest to participate and enrich your Dharmic civilizational knowledge.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Theme: Kurukshetra war of Mahabharata

#DharmaQuiz Session 351: 8-Jan-2016

#DharmaQuiz 2146: Drona, the great teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas, was killed by whom in the Kurukshetra war? Ans: Dhrishtadyumna.

#DharmaQuiz 2147: The day before Karna's death, who was the charioteer or sarathy of Karna, in the Kurukshetra war? Ans: Shalya, uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva.

#DharmaQuiz 2148: 18 days of Kurukshetra war in Mahabharata, saw many commanders for Duryodhana's Kaurava army. Who was the first one? Ans: Bhishma.

#DharmaQuiz 2149: The much talked about mace fight / gada yuddha between Bhima and Duryodhana, happened next to which pond, in Mahabharata? Ans: Dwaipayana Sarovara.

{Final, open till 9 PM}: #DharmaQuiz 2150: Draupadi's name during ajnata vasa, is also a place of at silent valley in south India. Name it. Ans: Sairandhri.

Scores for session 351:

‏@jasshu7 : 5
@mamtan14 : 5
@shanthigrama : 5
@Pputhige : 5
@RAMESH4184 : 5
@Simuntweets : 5

@sridhar_savitha : 4
@confusini : 4
@mrsnrao : 4
@BharatBhakta : 4

@MukeshRIL : 3
‏@IndiafirstVM : 3
@bulletguru : 3
@vivaankj : 3
@Keefarqpaindha : 3

‏@sujeetpillai : 2
@raghavk2001 : 2
@rinku3009 : 2
@Sunil221010 : 2
@anamika_99 : 2

@maduraimanoj : 1
@shriram78 : 1
@arjun_eklavya : 1
@shathrao : 1
@raghu_lm : 1
@pankajtalkies : 1
@CoolGuy12356 : 1
@jkyadav12 : 1
‏@Mamdhata : 1
@shettysuhasa : 1
@bhat_shriraj : 1
@PBnrg : 1
‏@santoshsm : 1
@kapoormohit_mk : 1
@nevesaydie : 1
@NPIswaran : 1
‏@anujkapoor83 : 1
@rkvk2001 : 1
@proud_indian5 : 1
‏@enlightend_mind : 1
@db_is_db : 1
@VishalmKamath : 1
@arunmramu : 1
@nikhildubei : 1
@chatteso : 1
@shoksing : 1
@RajnishTuli : 1
@Raziel_646 : 1
@prahashrjoshi : 1

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Ancient India's amazing temple building techniques

#DharmaQuiz Session 316: 27-Jan-2015

#DharmaQuiz 1966: Which is this 1000+ year old temple, that has 81,250 KG stone Shikara (crown) at 210+ feet? Ans: Brihadeshwarar temple, Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

DQ 1966. Image from indiatemplesinfo

#DharmaQuiz 1967: This iron pillar is 1600+ yr old. No rust in a heavy rainfall area.
Front of which temple is this? Ans: Kollur, Karnataka.

DQ 1967: Image - iisc

Read more here: http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/jun10/articles13.htm

#DharmaQuiz 1968: 1250 year old temple carved from top, off a rocky hill.
4,00,000 tons rock scooped. By which King? Ans: Krishna 1 of Rashtrakuta dynasty. Temple is Kailasanatha temple at Ellora, Maharashtra.

DQ 1968. Image: Wiki

#DharmaQuiz 1969: 150+ year old Shiva temple can be visited in the mornings, but gets submerged by afternoons. Where? Ans: Stambheshwar Mahadev, Kavi Kambhoi, Gujarat

DQ 1969 - Before (Image Cityshor)

DQ 1969 - After (image: cityshor)

Read more here: http://www.cityshor.com/ahmedabad/travel/others/stambheshwar-mahadev-the-disappearing-temple-of-gujarat/

{Final,Open till 10.00PM} #DharmaQuiz 1970: A Hindu temple, built in 1553 CE, is in a Japanese pagoda style. Where? Ans: Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Hidimba Devi temple.

DQ 1970. Image: blogspot

Scores for session 316:

@srikrishnashar : 4

@sudarshan_v1 : 2
@Telugutalli : 2
@talismaan : 2
@naonome : 2
@SnookyBangalore : 2
@pai_rajesh : 2
@Nachiketa_Vriti : 2

@FakeJourno : 1
@YuthikaSharma : 1
@optimist_300 : 1
@guyonblackybx : 1
@SSViv : 1
@spicy_words : 1
@skdeshpande : 1
@Mamdhata : 1
@Vyomakesha_ : 1
@pavanaja : 1
@SameerTandon1 : 1
@santhosh680 : 1
@shaileshwelekar : 1
@anandrk77 : 1
@105Hari : 1
@SumitBajoria : 1
@Muktaatma : 1
@sivajichowdary1 : 1
@unrealTechie : 1
@mrsnrao : 1
@Akhilesh_k_r : 1
@arunrush : 1
@NKNAIK : 1
@ShootinThoughts : 1
@deepchilwal : 1
@oarhtanirs : 1
@_abhisingh_ : 1
@77Rohitsharma : 1
@aapforcongress : 1
@ushavasant : 1

These were some very unusual temples of India!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Ancient India's contribution to mathematics and science

DharmaQuiz Session 306: 18-Nov-2014

#DharmaQuiz 1916:
1000 yrs bef Copernicus, an Indian showed earth is spherical: "Mrit jala shikhi vayumayo BHUGOLAH sarvato vrttah". Who? Ans: Arya Bhata in the Aryabhatiya – Chapter 4, verse 6
Meaning: The globe of earth stands suspended in space at the centre of a circular frame that is at the
centre of the Bhugola surrounded by the orbits of the planets; it is made of water, soil, fire and air and
is circular on all sides that is spherical.

More: http://yuvashakthichennai.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/

#DharmaQuiz 1917: An Indian calculated Earth's diameter as 1050 Yojanas (12715.5 KM) 1500 years ago - "Neela Bhu vyasa...". In which book? Ans: Arya bhateeya.

More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80ryabha%E1%B9%AD%C4%ABya

#DharmaQuiz 1918: Laghu Bhaskareeya, a wonderful ancient Indian mathematics book was written during 629 CE. By which mathematician? Ans: Bhaskaracharya 1

#DharmaQuiz 1919: Shri Vateshwar Acharya wrote Vateshwar Siddhanta during 748 CE.
Which scientific topic does this book deal with? Ans: Astronomy.

{Final,Open till 10.00PM} #DharmaQuiz 1920: Brahmasputa Siddhanta written during 528 CE deals with quadratic equations. Who wrote it? Ans: Brahma Gupta.

Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Br%C4%81hmasphu%E1%B9%ADasiddh%C4%81nta

Watch this amazing video of Dr. N Gopala Krishnan to learn a lot about ancient India's contribution to mathematics and science. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yIoBsYNjHA
It's a gold mine of information.. Long video, but worth every minute!

Scores for session 306:

@Simuntweets : 5
@mdbiyani : 5
@sankarbe : 5

@karthikjana : 4
@stormylook : 4
@gurudath29 : 4

@Divakar31 : 2

@raghavendra3190 : 1
‏@SanghiBeerbal : 1
@jp_surat : 1

Explore further about the glorious science and maths heritage of India!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Hindu population percentages across the world.

DQ 1906. Pic from Wiki

DharmaQuiz Session 304: 31-Oct-2014

#DharmaQuiz 1906: In one of the 22 republics in Russia, more than 2% of the population have become Hindus. Name it. Ans: Altai Republic

#DharmaQuiz 1907: Name one Arab country today, where Hindus form more than 5% of the resident population, including migrant workers. Ans: Oman 20%, Kuwait 6%, Qatar 7.2%, UAE 5% and Bahrain 6.25%.

#DharmaQuiz 1908: In terms of percentage of the country's population, name the country today that has the max percentage of Hindus. Ans: Nepal 81.3% (India, 80.5%).

#DharmaQuiz 1909: Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname in south America, have large Hindu populations. Which 1 has the max % of Hindus? Ans: Guyana, with 28% Hindus.

#DharmaQuiz 1910: Which African country has the max percentage of Hindus? Mauritius or South Africa? Ans: Mauritius, which has 48% Hindus.

Answers to session 304:

@mdbiyani : 5

@Simuntweets : 4
@Telugutalli : 4
@MangoAdmi : 4

@MadusudhanR : 3

@drswapnilm : 2
‏@ProtectIndia : 2

‏@pandey_ashishkp : 1
@sudhirapai : 1
@kp8278 : 1
@harishshenoy1 : 1
@suresh97 : 1
@jayashreeravish : 1
@sbnIndia : 1
@GreatMind_Quote : 1
@vimaljaitly : 1
@navdesh50 : 1
@abhi2911 : 1
@stormylook : 1
@mitkon : 1
‏@SujnanNayak : 1
@rajnish821 : 1
@srinivasanands : 1
@TarunMaini3 : 1
@hrnaidu : 1
@abhicm03 : 1
‏@sunil_kumarpg : 1

Thanks for being a part of this today. Hindus should know more about Hindus who now reside on all the 6 continents outside Antarctica.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Buddha and Buddhism

DharmaQuiz Session 297: 12-Sep-2014

#DharmaQuiz 1871: Apart from Siddharta Gautama, give one other famous name of Buddha. Ans: Shakyamuni as he was from Shakya family. Also, Tathagata and Dipankara considered.

#DharmaQuiz 1872: When Buddhism went to China from India, China already had a well developed family oriented religion/ philosophy. Name that. Ans: Confucianism. But Taoism is also considered.

#DharmaQuiz 1873: What was the name for "Zen" in China, before that form of Buddhism reached Japan? Ans: Chan.

#DharmaQuiz 1874: Which is the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism? It translates to English as
"teaching of the elders". Ans: Theravada. In Sanskrit: स्थविरवाद and in Pali: थेरवाद.

#DharmaQuiz 1875: What was Buddha's only son's name? Ans: Rahula.

Scores for session 297:

@Simuntweets : 5
@meenabg : 5

@ramitmkaul : 2
@punam1punam : 2
@PulivendulaK : 2
@tradetoday99 : 2

@R_Bhartiya : 1
‏@keshavaram : 1
@ramesh_katte : 1
@patnaikt : 1
@deshi_mangoman : 1
@IndianKashmiri : 1
@eternit96426605 : 1
@A31X64Vijay : 1
@VedanshKanojia : 1
‏@sidsun2013 : 1
@sonitarun1 : 1
@ganeshmahnar : 1
@nandaakumar : 1
@AjithRamanath : 1
@maulik_doshi : 1
@peeyushmalhotra : 1
@HerrBains : 1
@a_gopinathan : 1
@mamtakejriwal75 : 1
‏@Susri1210 : 1
@shashipratap85 : 1
@immanishgupta : 1
@anamika_99 : 1

Have a good weekend.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Famous philosophers of India.

DharmaQuiz Session 289: 22-July-2014

#DharmaQuiz 1831: In which place did the the famous 12th century philosopher and reformer, Basavanna, die (Aikya)? Ans: Kudala Sangama, Karnataka.

#DharmaQuiz 1832: The great philosopher Sri Aurobindo's "Savitri" is based on which Hindu Itihasa
(epic)? Ans: Mahabharata.

#DharmaQuiz 1833: Name this 16th century Hindu reformer and philosopher, who started the "Vasudeva Sanstha" movement (house to house bhajan) Ans: Eknath.

#DharmaQuiz 1834: Thakur Jaidev Singh was a philosopher and chief producer of AIR. He was an expert on Shaivism. Of which region's Shaivism? Ans: Kashmiri Shaivism.

{Final,Open till 10.30PM} #DharmaQuiz 1835: Mandana Mishra, philosopher 1200 yrs ago, got what name after becoming Adi Shankara's shishya? Ans: Sureshwara Acharya.

Scores of session 289:

@jitvg : 5
@pramod_klr : 5
@arunz : 5
@abhipar7 : 5
@man8shree : 5
@GuruCharan99 : 5

@3f58ee17d4d34bb : 2
@tradetoday99 : 2
@ajaypawardr : 2

@mrsnrao : 1
@surnell : 1
@seshasivasailam : 1
@manjumca34 : 1
@Hindu_Extremist : 1

Hope we learnt a bit more on the famous souls who guided us!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

DharmaQuiz Session 280: 10-Jun-2014

Theme: Ancient rock carved murtis in India

#DharmaQuiz 1786: These magnificent ancient rock carving of Shiva is in which North Eastern state of India? Ans: Tripura. Kailashahar in North Tripura district is famous for the Unakoti Shiva pilgrimage.

DQ 1786: Pic: indiaonline.in

#DharmaQuiz 1787: This large Shiva Linga, a monolith always surrounded by water, is in which south Indian state? Ans: Karnataka. It's in Hampi. Badavilinga (near to Lakshmi-Narsimha statue) is a monolith, carved out of one rock. The sanctum chamber that houses it is a large stone, brick and mortar structure.

DQ 1787: Pic: Blogspot

#DharmaQuiz 1788: At Siyamangalam, TN, a temple on top of a rock. Only brave climb dangerous steps. For which Deva? Ans: Murugan or Subrahmanya or Kartikeya.

DQ 1788. Pic: gkamesh.wordpress

DQ 1789. Pic: pkothavade.blogspot

#DharmaQuiz 1789: This Hanuman carving by lake is near a famous fort at 3500 feet in Western India. In which state? Ans: Maharashtra. Vilaspur area. Bhaje fort and caves.

DQ 1790. Pic: trekearth

{Final,Open till 10.30 PM} #DharmaQuiz 1790: This ancient rock carving of Maitreya is in which North Indian state? Ans: Jammu and Kashmir. Karchay Khar village, Suru valley, Kargil district.

Scores in session 280:

‏@PrashanthSai369 : 4
‏@man8shree : 4
‏@pramod_klr : 4
@Tasmayi : 4

@RakiTweets : 3

@shivprasath : 2
‏@muktivardhan : 2
@durgaramdas : 2

‏@raamss : 1
@SonofUdupi : 1
‏@Yaba_dabadoo : 1
@ChampakRoy : 1
@Ravindra_Maiya : 1
@SadanandaAithal : 1
@balaji210671 : 1
@arunpatil36 : 1
‏@rajeev_n : 1
@KRMuraleedharan : 1
@anamika_99 : 1
@sridhar17 : 1
@comfykaju : 1
@vvkashyap : 1
@RameshAllenki : 1
@dilipdehariya : 1

Feel free to leave future sessions' topic suggestion.

Friday, June 6, 2014

DharmaQuiz Session 279: 6-Jun-2014

Theme: Ancient Indian names for famous places.

#DharmaQuiz 1781: During Ramayana era, which place was called as Pampa Kshetra? Hint: In Kali Yuga became a mighty capital. Ans: Hampi, Karnataka.

#DharmaQuiz 1782: During ancient times, a famous place in today's south India, with French influence, was called Veda Puri. Name it. Ans: Puducherry or Pondicherry.

#DharmaQuiz 1783: Which major landmass in Asia, the abode of Lord Shiva, was known as Trivishtapa during ancient times? Ans: Tibet.

#DharmaQuiz 1784: Which major city in India today was called during ancient times, as 'Punyapattanam' (City of Auspicious Deeds)? Ans: Pune, Maharashtra.

{Final,Open till 10.30PM} #DharmaQuiz 1785: This city that is the abode of Devi Maha Lakshmi, was known as Karaveera Pura. Name it. Ans: Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Read more: http://www.shaktipeethas.org/ashtadasa/topic538.html

Answers to session 279:

@GuruCharan99 : 5
@pramod_klr : 5
@KaushikRg : 5
@chandrasuren : 5

@ragusmg : 4
@meenabg : 4
@whitetiger2651 : 4
@deshi_mangoman : 4
@AgentSaffron : 4
‏@JagannathAjnabi : 4
@durgaramdas : 4

@mitkon : 3

@NilimaNilimas : 2
@PrashanthSai369 : 2

@DanielDurairaj2 : 1
@Sh07509514 : 1
‏@im_adi : 1
@abishtooh : 1
@Gurunamo : 1
@mahi1878 : 1
@KamalPremi2 : 1
@Bharath_SN : 1
@SwathiRagha : 1
@udupinet : 1
@Sajikairali : 1
‏@SSKvenkatesh : 1
@KesariDhwaj : 1
@pranesh_k : 1
@Susri1210 : 1
@kadian_anurag : 1
‏@luitelshravan : 1
@amitsinghai16 : 1
@BharatKandpal2 : 1
@Maasterjee : 1
@sudhica84 : 1

It's always exciting to know about the historical names for the places we are fond of.
They tell a lot about the culture of that place.

Friday, December 13, 2013

DharmaQuiz Session 247: 13-Nov-2013

DQ 1621: Source thelivingmoon.com

Theme: Discovery of ancient Hindu monuments

#DharmaQuiz 1621: This is a diver examining the submerged city built during Shri Krishna's era. Name the city. Ans: Dwaraka, off Gujarat's coast.

#DharmaQuiz 1622: A massive settlement happened in North West of India & Pakistan, along the banks of which river? Ans: Saraswati. (But Sindhu also considered, though the map clearly identifies Saraswati valley's ascent)

DQ 1622: Source telegraphindia

DQ 1623: Image - causes-prod.caudn.com

#DharmaQuiz 1623: This is an ancient bridge submerged now in Indian ocean. Where does it's Eastern end connect to? Ans: Talai Mannar in Sri Lanka.

#DharmaQuiz 1624: This satellite image shows 900 yr old Vishnu temple (world's biggest temple complex). Where is it?. Ans: Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

DQ 1624: Image - dailymail.co.uk

DQ 1625: Source - weather-forecast

#DharmaQuiz 1625: Satellite image of Hindu pilgrimage place looking like Cow's ear. Name it. Ans: Gokarna in Karnataka. (Go = cow, karna = ear).

Answers for session 247:

@drarora_gaurav : 5
@rajeshrajput1 : 5
@gupta_n : 5
@GirishLN : 5
@KaushikRg : 5
‏@ramas_cal : 5
@man8shree : 5
@mareekuree : 5
@GayathriSrinath : 5

@brahmavith : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@sudhee26 : 4
@rinku3009 : 4
@kr_upadhyaya : 4
@rravi55 : 4
@manjunathbhg : 4
@JagannathAjnabi : 4
@AMoorthy : 4
@sinhankur : 4

@meenabg : 3
@MKanthaliya : 3
@saggirex : 3
@sunilgujar : 3
@pnthacker : 3
@nareshdixit82 : 3
@MorpariaRajesh : 3

@ravlu : 2
@sweetandu : 2
@AmitIntruder : 2
@mangalorecafe : 2
@Sravan : 2
@rajmohan_k : 2
@BhaghatGuru : 2
‏@pooja_LuvIndia : 2
@stormylook : 2
@SaffronRahul : 2
@Harshythsunkari : 2
@pradeep_noida : 2
@sidd1993 : 2
‏@sndpmysuru : 2
@ksmsundaram1975 : 2
@piyush1062 : 2

@sid_dhupe : 1
@praveenmla : 1
@nimeshchandra : 1
@gnswamy74 : 1
@BRIJGOPALJOSHI: 1
@kumarnandaj : 1
@SrDPO : 1
@chaitanyasoul : 1
@rohitsamvada : 1
‏@padmakark : 1
@venkataa : 1
@InternetVHindu : 1
@satishpatil24 : 1
@srisriyash : 1
@showadarsh : 1
@iChiradeep : 1
@gprasadadv : 1
@praveena_kd : 1
@RramachandranR : 1
@Rudra_TheArcher : 1
@geffbeck : 1
@rationaldeep : 1
@SarayuBaawan : 1
@shekhu : 1
@alokjain_ : 1
@satishmohite : 1
@gautam_purohit : 1
@VBRajiv : 1
@ShKa89 : 1
‏@imharshp : 1
@zincmetal : 1
@ashu_tryambak : 1
‏@RaRao23 : 1
@bhartikaushal79 : 1
@Sunrisecandles1 : 1
‏@vidhyaaradhya : 1
@ilovedirestrait : 1
@iHardikBhatt : 1
@vishal1818 : 1
@srikanthviru : 1
@NirmaalyaDe : 1
‏@harshit13175873 : 1
@kbharada : 1

See you next week. Hope you are exploring further on these ancient Hindu treasures!

Friday, November 8, 2013

DharmaQuiz Session 240: 8-Nov-2013

Theme: Sun worship among Hindus

#DharmaQuiz 1586: Today is Chhath pooja mainly celebrated in Bihar. What do women give to Surya Bhagawan on this day?. Ans: They give Arghya to rising and setting sun. Along with water, wheat, sugarcane, bananas, milk and coconut too offered. Thanks to ‏@man8shree for details.
#DharmaQuiz 1587: Worshiping Solar deities is an ancient Indian custom. Which Aditya or Sun is the great Gayatri mantra dedicated to?. Ans: Savitr (Tat Savitur varenyam). @cgmagia explains futher - "Savitr" one of aditya offspring of Vedic deity Aditi. His name in Vedic Sanskrit connotes impeller, rouser, vivifier.
#DharmaQuiz 1588: The 7th day after Sun starts his northern ascent (Uttarayana), Hindus celebrate a festival dedicated to Sun. Name it. Ans: Ratha Saptami.
#DharmaQuiz 1589: This is a temple dedicated to Surya or Sun God. Also a UNESCO World heritage site. Where is it? Ans: Konark, Puri, Odisha. @amitagra21 explains further that this is not a temple anymore, but is only the remnants of a grand temple destroyed by "Kalapahar".

DQ 1589 ; From Wiki
#DharmaQuiz 1590: Name this community found in North India, Pakistan & Afghan, who were historically Sun-worshipers. Ans: Gujjars -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurjar - Answers with Suryavamshi or Suryavanshi also accepted.

Top scorers of session 240:

@GuruCharan99 : 5
@bhaviknz : 5
@vipulgupta1976 : 5
@man8shree : 5

Congrats to all the following:

@paivijay : 4
‏@sharathinindia : 4
@cgmagia : 4
‏@arunz : 4
@n_dolli : 4

@Simuntweets : 3
@wakeupindia777 : 3
@tradetoday99 : 3

@MeSavitha : 2
@AgentSaffron : 2
@rohitsamvada : 2

‏@nkgrock : 1
@RaghuVamshee : 1
@Mamdhata : 1
‏@_shomy : 1
@dheepakg : 1
@trolleswar : 1
‏@sillyslaphappy : 1
@usrnamecntblnk : 1
@sparkbird : 1
@gugujyoti : 1
@indiapremi : 1
@kalika3107 : 1
@lodyaashi : 1
@DreameMerchant : 1
‏@ShatajitBasu : 1
@rajeshrajput1 : 1
@pappu_pedia : 1
@chetankshet : 1
@pramod_klr : 1
@hthakur1990 : 1
@pramoo : 1
‏@chaitanyasoul : 1
@amitagra21 : 1
@chaitanyasoul : 1
@aackthu : 1
@errajalok : 1
@Livenletlive33 : 1
@shikha_shrivas : 1
@BhartPutra : 1

See you next week.

Friday, June 14, 2013

DharmaQuiz Session 220: 7-Jun-2013

Theme: Famous mathematicians of ancient India.

The great mathematician of India 850 years back, Bhaskaracharya, was also the head of astronomical observatory at Ujjain, MP. Which of today's states was he born in? #DharmaQuiz 1471. Ans: Karnataka
Aryabhata, the great mathematician is said to have headed an astronomical observatory in Bihar 1500 yrs ago. Near which coast of India was he born in? #DharmaQuiz 1472. Ans: West
Bhaskara 1, mathematician 1400 years ago, was probably the first human to write zero as a circle. Which Indian state was he born in? #DharmaQuiz 1473. Ans: Maharashtra
Varahamihira, the great astronomer 1500 yrs ago, was the first to calculate shifting of equinox in seconds. Which Indian state was he born in? #DharmaQuiz 1474. Ans: Madhya Pradesh
2400 years ago, Pingala wrote Chandashastra, first known description of a binary numeral system. Which province of Pakistan was he born in? #DharmaQuiz 1475. Ans: Punjab (Pakistan)

Scores:
Sorry, could not collect all details, as I was traveling.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

DharmaQuiz Session 218: 28-May-2013

Theme: Bhagawan Vishnu

What's the name of the gada or mace that Lord Vishnu carries? #DharmaQuiz 1456. Ans: Kaumodaki
Who are the two dwarapalakas or gate keepers of Vishnu's abode, Vaikuntha? #DharmaQuiz 1457. Ans: Jaya and Vijaya.
Vishnu Purana's Book 4 and Chapter 4, clearly talks about Rama Setu (bridge) between India and Sri Lanka. True or False? #DharmaQuiz 1458. Ans: True. Vishnu Purana - Book IV, Chapter4, Verses 40-49
A very famous warrior chanted the 1000 names of Vishnu, on his deathbed, which became known as Vishnu Sahasra Nama. Who? #DharmaQuiz 1459. Ans: Bhishma, chanted this to Yudhishtira. This is per149th chapter of Anushasanaparva (verses 14 to 120) in Mahabharata.
Name the mother of 2 brothers, Vishnu's gate keepers' avataras, to eliminate whom Vishnu came twice. #DharmaQuiz 1460. Ans: Diti, the mother of Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. Vishnu came in Varaha and Narasimha avataras to eliminate them, respectively.

Top Scorers of Session 218:

@biswajeetdash : 5
@vschanna : 5
@brahmavith : 5
@GuruCharan99 : 5
@lodyaashi : 5
@saikumar_k : 5
@Tasmayi : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@sweetandu : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@man8shree : 5
@CJ_Shekhar : 5
@Mamdhata : 5
@Kaushikrg : 5
@Parixyt : 5
@amitscmishra : 5
@dolby_mehul : 5
@sharathinindia : 5
@sreekannoth : 5
@ComedyDivine : 5

Congrats to:

@Simuntweets : 4
@PrachinVaani : 4
@sushmahari : 4
@voxindica : 2
@VellaDev : 4
@Modi4India : 4

@mukunthaniyer : 3
@pundeerjitendra : 3
@KamalPremi2 : 3
@ssmalani : 3
@ramprakashbagri : 3
@ankushraj29 : 3
@Shivsankar : 3

@raopm9 : 2
@Ameysd : 2
@vijayamaajgd : 2
@agneepankh : 2
@SvenVish : 2
@kshetragnya : 2
@kv18 : 2
@AshutoshNSingh : 2
@natb786 : 2
@veraghavan : 2

@rn201959 : 1
@mahnooj : 1
@BhaghatGuru : 1
@nanduhari : 1
@manohar_sram : 1
@Ethirajans : 1
@infoHINDU : 1
@karuvaki : 1
@SelvakP : 1
@madhusudan1908 : 1
@prashanthv108 : 1
@rodencha : 1
@VAIDYALINGAMPUT : 1
@niku_sai : 1
@paritosh2608 : 1
@RoshanSdrprop : 1
@SPHEREHEADSAYS : 1
@madhuiyengar : 1
@IamSrivatsanV : 1
@Satya046 : 1
@KrishnHelpIndia : 1
@Kannadiga1956 : 1
@gantinm : 1
@SadanandaAithal : 1
@RocketLaunche10 : 1
@NikhilShastry : 1
@InternetHindu08 : 1
@GIJurix : 1
@vinod_gowda : 1
@goldenarcher : 1
@ramayanfestival : 1
@letsgethere : 1
@smartsam15 : 1
@ProudDilliwala : 1

Congrats to all those who attempted and got into this list!

Feel free to leave a comment on your suggestions or corrections.

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 .

Friday, July 6, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 147: 6-Jul-2012

Theme: The 7 Sacred Rivers for Hindus

Kapila or Kabini a river originating in Kerala, joins one of the 7 most sacred rivers for Hindus. Name the sacred river. #DharmaQuiz 1091. Ans: Kaveri.
This sacred river of India is termed in Hindu scriptures as the daughter of Saranyu (wife of Surya). Name the river. #DharmaQuiz 1092. Ans: Yamuna (or Yami)
This river, among the 7 most sacred rivers for Hindus, touches the northernmost part of (Greater) Jammu & Kashmir. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1093. Ans: Sindhu.
This river, among the 7 most sacred for Hindus, is the second longest within Indian borders, after Ganga. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1094. Ans: Godavari. 1465 KM long.
{Final, Open till 11 PM} This river, among the 7 most sacred rivers for Hindus, was traditionally a boundary between North and South India. Name it. #DharmaQuiz 1095. Ans: Narmada.

Top Scorers:

@MV_BN : 5
@pvaidyaraj : 5
@surnell : 5
@sharad_51 : 5
@surenc1974 : 5

Congratulations to:

@danjurious : 4
@iSaakshi : 4
@sharathinindia : 4
@neerajstpl : 4

@iCSM : 3
@DevNakshi : 3
@lagudapandi : 3

@TheArvindDhar : 2

@amit8195 : 1
@Singh_ummm : 1
@proudHindu123 : 1
@Malligere : 1
@BKS_5 : 1
@chaitanyadj : 1
@chandrabhushanj : 1
@AnkurTri : 1
@Marut_ : 1
@anandt_05 : 1
@NectarSrc : 1
@hrishisays : 1
@pathak_rajiv : 1

See you next week, with a new edition of DharmaQuiz.

You can subscribe to @kiranks/dharmaquiz list for answers right into your Twitter inbox.

Friday, May 11, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 136: 11-May-2012

Theme: Vande Mataram

In Vande Mataram, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee sang "Malayaja Sheetalam". What does that phrase mean? #DharmaQuiz 1036. Ans: malaya-ja = of the fragrance of (Sandalwood) hilly trees. Sheetalam = cold winds. So "Cold winds of delight" is the poetic expression. Check this for malaya-ja meaning - http://vedabase.net/sb/10/35/20-21/
Mother India is termed as "Suhasini" in Vande Mataram. What does Suhasini mean? #DharmaQuiz 1037. Ans: Woman with lovely smile.
Vande Mataram song describes the nation-goddess' brave face as 'ripu daLa variNi' - What does it mean? #DharmaQuiz 1038. Ans: ripu = enemy; daLa = army; variNi = Destroyer.
What is Bankim Candra conveying with the words "Shubra Jyotsna" in Vande Mataram? #DharmaQuiz 1039. Ans: Shubra = Clean (white). Jyotna = Light - referring to moonlight.
Vande Mataram talks of "kamalaa kamaladaLa vihaariNi". Which Goddess is being referred here? #DharmaQuiz 1040. Ans: Lakshmi.

Please refer for Shri Aurobindo's authentic translation for the entire Vande Mataram:
http://www.indianchild.com/vande_mataram.htm

Top Scorers:

@Gaandeeva : 5
@venkateshkm : 5
@pvaidyaraj : 5
@clumsycoder : 5
@iSaakshi : 5
@rahulghildiyal : 5
@shanthigrama : 5
@anandt_05 : 5
@SAKottadamane : 5

Congratulations to:

@TheArvindDhar : 4
@bhijeetD : 4
@prashanthkpp : 4
@neerajstpl : 4

@talmukund : 3
@kalyan_sk3011 : 3
@_Innovision : 3
@Rasraj : 3
@shalini_mishtie : 3

@akhilm176 : 2
@AjitVGupta : 2
@geophyraj : 2
@neesh2073 : 2
@abhipar7 : 2
@sharathinindia : 2
@pchaturved : 2
@tnvlalitha : 2

@MukulAgarwal66 : 1
@khaishk : 1
@BalkishanLohia : 1
@puneethot : 1
@rinku3009 : 1
@neesh2073 : 1
@arvind_joshi : 1
@BasantiMomified : 1
@shakwrites : 1
@pvnatarajan : 1
@hakkiraju : 1
@rpmkarthi : 1
@vastav4 : 1
@seshasivasailam : 1
@mamtan14 : 1
@dnaveenvarma : 1
@manojkagarwal : 1

This was indeed a very interesting session for me, as I had to read through some good translations. If you know more authentic translations of Vande Mataram, than presented above, kindly share word by word translations.

If there's a mistake, do correct in a comment.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

DharmaQuiz Session 126: 20-Mar-2012

Theme: Female Centric Hindu Festivals

Name the spiritual movement in meditation, involving lakhs of women, which calls itself daughters of the Creator - #DharmaQuiz 986. Ans: Brahma Kumaris. More here: http://www.bkwsu.org/whoweare/history.htm/
Name the Hindu cultural festival in Kerala,which has set the Guinness record for the largest gathering of women at 1 place! #DharmaQuiz 987 Ans: Pongala. More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pongala
92 KM from a metro city in India, women of all backgrounds can worship Adi Parashakti at sanctum sanctorum. Name the metro. #DharmaQuiz 988. Ans: Chennai. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adhiparasakthi_Siddhar_Peetam
Like Sabarimala, there's a mostly women pilgrimage with mala & "irumudi" for women. It's call Om "____". Fill the blanks. #DharmaQuiz 989. Ans: Om Shaki pilgrimage. More here: http://www.sakthiolhi.org/irumudi.htm and http://www.omsakthi.org/news/2001/011211.html
Name a famous festival in & around Bihar,where the chief worshiper is a woman & titled "Parvaitin". #DharmaQuiz 990. Ans: Chhath Puja. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath