This QA I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala krishnan

Q1 Where do we read of Krishna worshipping Siva?

A1 In Drona Parva section of Mahabharata, Vyasa tells Ashwathama that Krishna in his previous life (as sage Narayan) worshiped Shiva for 1000 years

Q2.Every body would have heard about Ashtavakra. He was the Guru of a famous king. Name the king.
A2 Asta-wak-ra became the guru of a great king named Janaka.

Q3 How is the name of Rishiyasringa connected with Sringeri?
A3 The name of the place Sringeri is derived from an old legend connected with Ramayana. Sringeri was originally the giri or the mountain of Rishya Sringa, the one horned saint. Once there was a terrible famine in Ayodhya. King Dasaratha brought the saint to his capital. At once there was abundant rain. (Recollecting Vaisali story…)

Q4 Describe the context of Mahabharatha story told by Vedavyasa.
A4 Veda Vyasa is telling the story to King Janamejaya, a Bharata, during a horse sacrifice –son of king Parakshit.

Q5 Krishna has said to have shown his Divyaroopa on two occasions in the epic Mahabharatha. Which are the occasions?
A5 First occasion-Krishna arrived as an emissary in a final attempt to safeguard peace. He speaks to Duryodhana who does not listen to him, but orders his guards to seize him. Krishna reveals his divine form: “Krishna laughed and as he did, his body suddenly flashed like lightning. He began to grow in size and various gods issued from him. Brahma sprang from his forehead and Shiva from his chest” (KD 492)
2nd occasion- during Geethopadesam to Arjuna.
Krishna reveals his divine, universal nature to Arjuna in a magnificent vision of a multitude of gods, stretching out to infinity

Q6 Duryodhana is said to keep his words. Quote an instance with Pandavas
A6 During their exile, the Pandavas rescued Duryodhana who is captured during battle, to his great humiliation. Honour bids him swear to repay Arjuna one day.
During the war, Arjuna asked Duryodhana to surrender five arrows of Bhishma's meant to kill the Pandavas, and he did so, to keep his vow.

Q7 Every body has heard of Vidura son of a maidservant to vedavyasa. Similarly Dhritarastra too had a son. Who was he?
A7 Dhritarastra had another son, Yuyutsu, with a maidservant. Yuyutsu was the only one to survive the war. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari went to the battlefield with Yuyutsu after the war.

Q8 What is the importance of Pushkar temple?
A8 Pushkar is a reputed place of pilgrimage, situated in the Ajmer district in Rajputana. It contains a beautiful lake and a temple dedicated to Brahma. It is one of the few places in India, which has a temple dedicated to Brahma.

Q9 What is the importance of Puri Jagannath temple and story related with it?
A9 Puri is one of the four dhamas, the three other dhamas being Rameshwar, Dwaraka and Badrinath. It is called Swarga Dwara or the gate of Heaven. The presiding deity of the temple is Jagannath, “the Lord of the world”. The other images are those of Balaram, brother of Lord Krishna and Subhadra, sister of Sri Krishna.
The following is a legend with regard to the origin of image. When Lord Krishna was shot, his bones were left lying under the tree till some pious person placed them in a box. Raja Indradyumna was directed to form an image and place in it these bones. The King prayed to Viswakarma to assist him in making the image.

Viswakarma promised to make the image on condition that he was not disturbed. Though the King consented he tried to see Viswakarma at work after fifteen days. There was only one ugly image without hands or feet.

The image of Jagannath has circular eyes, a straight headline, a square knob on the top and black colour. The nose is large and hooked. The mouth is crescent shaped. The height is about 6 feet.

Puri priest will receive prasad even from a low-caste Hindu. Lord Jagannath teaches here the gospel of equality and equal vision (sama drishti).

Q10 Nasik is known to everybody as the place where our currencies are printed from the beginning of Reserve bank. What is its relation with Ramayana epic?
A10 Nasik is a holy place of pilgrimage. The place is 5 miles northwest of Nasik Road station. The old Panchavati where Lord Rama lived with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana was this place. The river Godavari flows here. Hence the place is most sacred

Q11 What is the speciality of ponds in Jamunothri temple?
A11 Jamunothri is the source of the river Jamuna. Go to Tehri in the Tehri-Garhwal district. From Tehri we can proceed to Jamunotri .It is also about 180 kms from Rishikesh. There are 4 hot water Kunds in Jamunotri. Rice is boiled here in the hot water kunds. There are ice-clad peaks all around.

Q12 What is the importance of Gopeswar mahadev temple in Brindavan?
A12 There is a Siva temple also in Brindawan, known as Gopeshwar Mahadev. Lord Siva came to witness the Rasalila by assuming the form of a Gopi. Lord Krishna recognized Him and adorned Him as Gopeshwar or the Lord of the Gopis. It is said that no Hindu should leave Brindawan without worshipping Gopeshwar.

Q13 Every body would have heard of Chitragupta. Who are the parents of Chitragupta? Who appointed him as the assistant of Yama? Who are all his wives? Where do we have a temple for him in south?
A13 Chitra gupta is the son of Sun and Niladevi. He was born in the month of chithira and star chithira. Hence called as Chithragupta. Chithrapanjami is celebrated in favour of him. Lord Siva appointed him as the assistant of Yama. His three wives are prabhavathi, leelavathi and Karnikai
In north India there are lot of temples for him. In the south Chitragupta temple is at kancheepuram in the Nellukkara theru. Worship of Chitragupta will give longevity and health.

Q14 How the Chanku and salt are considered as Lekshmi?
A14 Both Lekshmi and Valampuri sanku have come from sea. It is said Lekshmi reside in the sanku. Normally Lekshmi is worshipped by keeping valampuri sanku in a peetam made of Brass or silver in the shape of tortoise and keeping gold coins marked with image of lekshmi in it.
Just like Sanku and lakshmi salt also has come from sea. It is the reason why salt is not given in the night Salt should not be wasted for this reason

Q15 Do widow marriage was permitted in Vedic period?|
A15 The Vedic practice was for a widow to marry her dead husband's younger brother. In the sutra period she was allowed to marry any near kinsman; in the earliest Dharmasutra (Gautama) without enjoining any restriction and in the later (Baudhayana and Vasishtha) enjoining ascetic practices for a short period only.

Q16 What tharpan can be performed by a person whose father is alive?
A16 It is mentioned in the Padma Puran that a boy whose father is alive should also observe Bheeshma Tarpan (Gratification).
The eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month is known as Bheemashtami. It was this day when Bheesma Pitamah expired. That person who alike Bheeshma Pitamah sacrifices sesamum and performs rites to pacify ancestral souls is blessed with fortunate progeny/child

Q17 Do the Dhanvanthari moorthy made a second appearance?
A17 Yes- Dhanvantari's Second Appearance -The second appearance occurred at the beginning of the reign of the current Manu in the second Dvapara-yuga, two billion years ago.
Lord Vishnu foretold at the time of the churning that Dhanvantari who has first appeared would appear again in the human society and be offered sacrifices and worshipped by human beings. He would also teach them the science of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari at that time was residing in the heavens and Lord Indra seeing the misery of human beings afflicted by disease on earth, requested the Lord to teach Ayurveda to the human race.
At the same time, the King Dirghatamas of Kasi was performing penance, desiring a son. The king desired to propitiate Lord Dhanvantari for the sake of a son. Thereupon, Dhanvantari appeared to him and urged the king to choose a boon as he pleased. The king said, "O Lord, if you are pleased with me, be my son, bestower of my goal." The Lord replied, "So be it," and He vanished.
Lord Dhanvantari was then born in the royal household of Kasi. He developed ascetic tendencies even as a young boy and performed severe austerities.
Lord Brahma with great difficulty persuaded Him to accept lordship over the city of Kasi and since then He became known as Kasi-raja. As a king He prepared the samhitas on Ayurveda in eight divisions for the benefit of humanity.
Lord Dhanvantari's teachings are recorded in the Agni Purana 279-289 as well as through the teachings of His disciple Susrutha.

Q18 What do Garudapurana has to say about women seeking separation From the husband?
A18 Garudapurana - 2.26.52 "If she [a woman] is separated from her husband and dies elsewhere she cannot attain the region of her husband till the day of final deluge [at the end of kalpa].
2.26.56-57 "If a woman who is married duly according to religious rites does not associate herself with her husband she will remain miserable for seven births subsequent to this.
She will be evil-conducted and repulsive in speech. The woman of such despicable character who goes after another man, leaving her own husband shall be born as lizard or an alligator or a leech.
2.26.59 "A woman who commits sins against her husband alive or dead shall never get a husband in her re-birth. She will be the most unfortunate creature among women.
2.27.36 "O excellent king, those who steal or misappropriate a brahmana's wealth, temple property, woman's wealth or children's money are turned into ghosts.
2.27.37 "Those who indulge in sexual intercourse with saintly women or women of their own gotra or forbidden women or those who steal conch shells become major ghosts (Reference US Brahmins Publication Garuda puran English by dilipkumar Raveendran)

Q19 How many childrens were born to Santhanu and Ganga?
A Eight. Over the years they had seven sons, but Ganga threw each one into the river. Santanu was distressed but he kept his promise. Finally, when their eighth son was born, Santanu asked his wife who she really was and why she had done this. They were ashta vasus.

CULTURAL QUESTION ANSWER 2
Respected sirs,

This QA 2 I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1 you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala krishnan

Q1 Every body has heard of the ayurvedic medicine Chyavana Prasam. What is its effect? Who was the first to take it?
A1 Once Princess samyuktha while playing hit two bright spots inside a Puttu. It was a sage doing penace. The sage lost his eye sight by the hitting.
King ordered the princess should marry the sage who lost the eyesight .The sage was old. However princess samyuktha agreed and married the sage She prayed to Aswini Kumars
The Aswini Kumars came and were not only able to give him eye sight but also make him YOUNG . The medicine which made him young is the famous “Chyavana Prasa”. Samyuktha and Chyavana lived happily

Q 2 Do Graha (house) yoga is related with planet kuja?
A2 yes if kuja is well placed with power it indicate griha yoga. Normally house construction is done during kuja dasa, kuja bhukthi and placement of kuja

Q3 If you see Navagrahas there is a speciality of Moon god chandra in depiction. What is it and what is the logic reasoning?
A3 . Chandra (Moon) Also knows as Soma, and probably because of his waxing and waning qualities, in the images he is never depicted in full. We see him with only his upper body from chest upwards, with two hands holding one lotus each, riding upon a chariot drawn by 10 horses.*

Q4 Did Europians believed in astrology earlier ?
A4 Ancient Europeans firmly believed that one should never have marital relations during a lunar eclipse, for surely the resulting offspring would be born with demons inside them.

Q5 Every body know the dhyana slokam santhakaram Bhujaga Sayanam-Who first sang the same?
A5 The dhyana slokam 'Santhakaram, bhujagasayanam- was sung by Bhishmapitamaha.

Q 6 What is the speciality of Parabrahma Upanishad?
A6 Parabrahma Upanishad- Tells what is Yagnopavitha as well as Shika, for the sanyasis as well as people of the world. Gives clearly the total length of the Upavitha. For the sanyasi it is the pranava which acts as Yagnopavitha and Shika.(Refer Nampoothiri.com)

Q7 Every body know Ravana of Lanka pleased Siva How did he pleased him?
A7 Ravana of Lanka pleased Siva with his Sama chantings

Q8 What is the legend behind Ardhanareeswara?
A8 Parvati had a dark skin. One day Lord Siva playfully referred to Her dark colour. She was much touched by Siva’s remark. She went to the Himalayas to perform austerities. She attained a beautiful complexion and came to be called Gauri. Gauri joined Siva as Ardhanarisvara by the grace of Brahma.

Q9 What is the story of Ganga the woman told in Maha Bharatha?
A9 Ganga had to take a human form on account of Her own fault in behaviour in the presence of Brahma.(story-Her upper cloth went off in wind and immediately did not care) She became the wife of Santanu. Santanu also was a celestial being known as king Mahabhisha. He had to take birth in the world for his fault in conduct (looked at ganga in the above condition) in the presence of Brahma by showing vanity. Ganga gave birth to Bhishma, the illustrious hero and sage.

Q10 Many people have Kula deivam as Tripura Sundari. What form of which goddess is it?
A10 Tripura Sundari is the Sakti of Lord Siva. She and Siva are one. She is extremely beautiful. She attracts the devotees to Her blissful Self and sheds wisdom, devotion and divine light on them. Hence, She is called Tripura Sundari.

Q11 What is the mythic story behind Ravana’s birth?
A11 In a previous life, Ravana was one of two gatekeepers who guarded the palace of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha, the spiritual world. Sages known as the four Kumaras approached for an audience with Vishnu, and the gatekeepers stopped them from entering, the gatekeepers Jay and Vijay suspected them of being demons in disguise. The Kumaras felt offended and cursed the gatekeepers to leave the spiritual world.
Vishnu heard the disturbance, approached, listened to what had occurred and modified the curse: the gatekeepers could choose to either spend six lives as pure souls in the material world, or three as demons. The gatekeepers chose to spend the shorter period of time, so that they could rejoin their beloved Lord sooner.
In one lifetime, one of the gatekeepers became King Kamsa, who menaced child Krishna during his early life in Vrindavan. In the second, he was Hiranyakashipu, the demonic father of the five-year old saint Prahlad, and was ultimately disemboweled by Nrsimhadev, the half-man/half-lion incarnation of Krishna. And in the third life, he became Ravana . (The other gatekeeper incarnated as brother to each of these demons.)

Q12 What is the story of Ravana conquering Yama?
A12 In his conquest of the universe, Ravana challenged Yama himself, the god of death, defeated him in battle, and freed the souls who were imprisoned on Yama's planet. They, too, were a part of Lanka's citizens

Q13 What were the last words of Duryodhana?
A13 “I am now dying a glorious death. That end which is always sought by virtuous warriors is mine. Who is as fortunate as me? With all my brothers I will ascend to heaven, while you Pandavas will remain here, torn by grief and continuing to suffer.” (KD 816)

Q14 Every body know about thrisanku swargam created by sage Viswamithra and sage Chandilya assisted him. What are the details of sage Chandilya?
A14 Maharshi Shandilya was the descendant of sage Kashyapa and his father's name was 'Devala' He was the royal priest of king Dileep who belonged to Raghuvansha When Vishwamitra was helping King Trishanku to perform yagya, Shandilya was the chief 'hota'

Q15 Name the various animals in Hindu Mythology:
A15 The various animals in Hindu Mythology:
AIRAVATA the elephant - vehicle of Indra AKUPARA the tortoise – on which Earth or Prithvi rests
ANTELOPE - vehicle of Vayu and Chandra .ARVA, mythical being half horse and half bird – one of the horses of the moon
BUFFALO - vehicle of Yama CERBURA - the three headed infernal dog of the Krishna legend CROW - vehicle of Shani
DOG and HORSE - vehicle of Shiva as Bhairava ARUDA the king of birds - half man and half eagle or vulture, vehicle of Vishnu
JAMBAVANT, the king of bears - ally of Rama KAMADHENU - the cow of plenty
MAKARA or JALAMPA the mythical sea monster - vehicle of Varuna (god of water)
MOUSE-vehicle of Ganesha.NANDI the bull-vehicle of Shiva and Parvati PARAVANI the peacock - vehicle of Kartikeya .PARROT - vehicle of Kamadeva RAM, the he-goat – vehicle of Agni

SARAMA - dog of Indra . His sons are the door keepers of Yama.

SHESHNAG or ANANTA the infinite - the king of Nagas, vehicle of Vishnu or the bed on which Vishnu rests SWAN - vehicle of Saraswati and Brahma

TARKSHYA - winged horse personifying the sun TIGER and LION - vehicle of Parvati as Kali and Durga
UCHCHAIH-SRAVAS - the eight headed king of horses produced during the churning of oceans

Q16 What are the similarities of Ganga and Bharatha puzha?
A16 The story goes that it was Parasurama who brought the Ganges to Kerala, which is known as Bharatapuzha. What is Manikarnika ghat in Varanasi is Tiruvilwamala to Bharatapuzha.

Q17 What is the importance of Bet dwaraka?
A17 The submerged township extended in the north up to Bet Dwaraka (Also known as Sankhodhara-said to have been the pleasure resort of Krishna and his consorts Satyabhama and Jambavati. The area is noted for its conch shell of good quality which was in great demand as a non-corrosive substitute for metal

Q18 Which river was by the side of Dwaraka?
A18 Dwaraka was a planned city, on the banks of the river Gomati It is now generally accepted that the earlier cities have been, at various times, swallowed by the sea. Interestingly, the only ancient temple for Matsya, Vishnu's incarnation at the time of the great flood, is to be found at Sankhodhara in Bet Dwarak.)

Q19 Every body body know santhanu father of Bhishma. Who was his periappa?
A19 At dwaraka one seal they have deciphered as Devapi, the elder brother of Bhishma's father, Shantanu.

Q20 What is the moral of the story Parayi petta Pandirukulam?
A20 Brahmins from Kerala have an excellent story in Vararuchi Brahmanan and “Paryi Pettta Pandhirukulam”. The Brahmin marries a paraya lady and begets 12 children and each braught by diffferent cast.
Starting with Agnihotri by Namboodiri and Pananar by out caste. all used to join and perform shradha for Vararuchi. There cannot be a better example to show that upbringing has a big part in classification on to caste and way of life . More comments later.

Q21 What is Elavratha Varsha ?
A21 Our Mythology tells us that ‘Elavratha Varsha’ is the Loka where Sri Parvathi lives and there are only ladies living with her. Even the great Lord Siva, the consort of Sri Parvathi, lives there as ArdhaNareeswara. Male species is not permitted into that territory.

Q22 Name the two wives of Yajnavalkya.
A22 Yajnavalkya had 2 wives-Maithreyi and kathyayani. They were all lady vedic scholars

Q23 Name the animals and heros gained more importance in later vedic period?
HANUMAN the monkey god- devotee of Rama
INDRA King of the abode of gods
YAMA the god of death
GAYATRI personification of the Vedic hymn
GANGA personification of the holy river
KAMADEVA god of love
KUBERA god of wealth
NARADA the wandering seer who features in almost all the Puranas
VARUNA the god of oceans
SOMA the moon god
VISHWAKARMA the divine architect of the universe

CULTURAL QUESTION ANSWER 3
Respected sirs,

This QA 3, I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1&2 you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala Krishnan

Q1What was the name of Kalidas’s wife?
A1 Vilasini

Q2 Why it is told the bell used while performing Pooja should be held over the middle level of the person? Why it should not be used for children’s play?
A2 It is believed devas reside in the bell used during the pooja. Hence the restriction. It is believed tbe sound of the bell will ward of evil effects. Devinity can not be used for child’s play.

Q3 Where do we have navagrahas in a temple? At what height they are placed? What is the speciality in their placing?
A3 In all important Siva temples of South India, the navagrahas (nine planets) are placed in a separate mandapa with a pediment of about three feet in height.The sculptures of grahas in Indian Temples are oriented in such a way that no two grahas face each other.Eight grahas surround the surya. Surya faces east. Each graha faces one of the four directions.

Q4 Which are the most famous Sun temples? What is the speciality of Gaya Sun temple?
A4 There are four temples for Surya in India which are very famous ; one is in Konarak (near Puri, Orissa) another is in Suryanarkovil (near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu). Both the temples have been built by kings of the Cola lineage.Another Sun Temple at Kandaha (Bangaon) near Saharsa, and the famous one in Bihar Sun Temple at Gaya, Bihar

The ritual of offering pindas or offerings to the dead has been long associated with Gaya and has been mentioned in the epics. (Vaayupuraana). The Sun temple is an ancient structure in Gaya. Offerings to the ancestors are made at the Surya Kunda or the Dakshina Maanas tank in front of the temple. Sun worship apparently was very popular in the Magadha region, which included Gaya. Numerous old images of the Sun God Aditya are found in the Gaya region and there are still quite a number of sun worshippers in Gaya.It is said that they may have descended from the fire worshippers of Central Asia. In fact, the granite image of Aditya (this particular image here is also referred to as Dakshinaarka) or the Sun God worshipped here is portrayed as wearing a jacket, a waist girdle and high boots in the Iranian tradition.

Sun worship in the Magadha region has been mentioned in the Puranas and thus this temple is said to be of very ancient origin. The current structure dates back to the 13th century, where the South Indian emperor Prataparudra of Warangal is said to have built it.

Q5 Who is Malini? Why did she worshipped Sani?
A5 According to Parthasarathy, this name was assumed by Draupadi heroine of the Mahabharata and wife of the five Pandava brothers. While in exile with her husbands she suffered untold privations and indignities while living at the palace of King Virata.Under her assumed name Malini she worshipped Shani to alleviate her from her sufferings.

Q6 Every body knows about Tirunallar temple where sani is worshipped though the main deity is Siva. Where we have temple which is solely meant for Shaneeswara Bhagavan ?
A6 The only temple in India, which is solely meant for Shaneeswara Bhagavan, is located at Kucha-noor - 20 Km. south of Theni near Madurai. But the most popular temple for Shaneeswara is Tirunallar, located 3 Km. from Karaikal. Here the main deity is Shiva (Darbhara-nyeshwara).

Q7 Who are jalamuneswars? Why water should not be taken in the afternoon, midnight etc from the well?
A7 The sages while perfoming penace their body will get heated. Hence they may select cool places. One such is well . The sages will be with Sooshma sarrera in the well.We will be disturbing their penace if water is fetched from the well during such time. They get irritated.

Q8 When did Sreekrishna removed the leaves after taking food by the guests and cleaned with cowdung for the next row to take food?
A8 Sreekrishna did so during the rajasuya performed by Yudhishtira.

Q9 What is the benefit of feeding the crow first before taking food?
A9 Ill effects of Saturn will vanish. Pitrus will become happy.Unity will prevail in the house.

Q10 What is the benefit of purchasing salt on Friday?
A10 You will get lekshmi kadakhsam.

Q11 Who was the astrologer for Duryodhana for fixing the date of Mahabharata war?

A11 believe it Not much told Sahadeva- son of Madri.. and the date given was In the monthof margazhi, Amavasya day,Night 18 Nazhika and 9 Vinadi.But it was altered by karna later

Q12 When did Sani got the position of planet, weapon , field and power?
A12 Sani came to Banaras and installed a sivalinga & worshipped. Pleased with Penace Siva gave him the position of planet, weapon , field and power . Even today the sivalinga worshipped by the Lord sani is available in the southern side of the Kasi Viswanatha temple

Q13 What is the speciality with Kannabiran temple at Dwaraka?
A13 The following are the speciality1) Dress of the lord is changed once a hour. 2) Neivedyamis done seventeen times like Laddu,Jilebi, Milk,sugar,curd, appam etc. Finally Lekiyam is made as neivedyam for digestion of Lord.

Q14 Is it correct if something is not required by us to put in waste box?
A14 Mythically Saturn do not like it .Try to make maximum use of it. In this aspect what mother Saradadevi advised is important- Any thing usefull to human should not be given to animals like cow lamp etc.

Any thing usefull to cow lamp etc should not be given to animals like dog etc.

Any thing not usefull to cow dogs lamps etc should be put on ponds for use of fish .

Any thing not use full to any one only should be put on earth.it will be usefull to the plants.

Q15 We know Aruntati was the most devoted and loyal woman (Pathi vrata) .Question- what is the meaning of Arundati?
A15 Rundati means the lady who interfear- Arundati means the lady who do not interfear. Arundati never used to interfear on her husband’s matters

Q16 What is the speciality with the Navagrahas at Tiruppancheeli near Manachanallur –Trichy?

A16 There instead of idols for Navagrahas only nine holes are there. Ghee lamp is lighted and worshipped the nine holes as navagrahas.

Q17 What is the speciality with occurring a death in Benaras?

A17 They will not have punarjanma. Lord will advise tharaka manthra in their ears and they gain mukthi.

CULTURAL QUESTION ANSWER 4
Respected sirs,

This QA 4, I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1-3) you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala Krishnan

Q1 Where do we have temple for Saneeswara considered as bachelor?

A1 There is a version Sani is a bachelor. In Maharashtra, very near to Shirdi , there is a place called SINGNAPUR. Here there is a piece of rock which is said to be the swayabhu of Lord SANI. Only male members can perform Pooja on this SHANISCHARA' S BIMBA since Hindus consider Lord SHANISCHARA as a NITHYA BRAHMACHARI.

The houses and shops at this place are never closed as no thief will dare to enter due to the fear of Shani Byagavan's wrath.
Q2 Is there any occasion Sri Rama behaved in a very bad humanly manner in the Sri lanka episode?
A2 Yes. After killing Ravana and his allies Rama told Sita: "Good woman, you are now freed. As a matter of my duty I came to rescue you. It is not because of my passion towards you. You have been with the rakshasas for a year. I cannot accept you as my wife as before. You are now free. Go anywhere you like and live."
Q3 In what way Tungabhadra is related to Laxmana and Bhimasena?

A3 Sita had lived and she favoured the flower sital, an orchid Laxman picked for her from the forest at Tunga. When Draupadi desired a pond to swim in, her husband Bhimasena built a dam of rocks in the Thunga for her.
Q4 Which temple is associated with the Pandava – Sahadeva?

A4 The /Mahavishnu Kshetram/ at Thrikodithanam is one of the five ancient / "Pancha-Pandava"/ temples in Kerala and is specially associated with Sahadeva, youngest of the five Pandava princes.

Q5 What is Soma soothra? How many circumbulations are to be made to different gods?

A5 In a siva temple You tread 3/4ths of the circle, till you reach the western bank of the little stream, which flows out of the temple towards the North. This stream is called Somasoothra, also considered 'Ganga' and lies towards north. ( To Say frankly this channel is called Somasuthra is known to me too recently)

Q6 Do you think Vedas were composed before the Saraswathi river got driedup?

A6 Yes. Given that the Vedas contained references to Saraswati, we can assume the Vedas were composed before the Saraswati dried up.

Q7 What is the importance of Kalaiketti on the way to Sabarimalai?

A7 It is said that Lord Shiva and Parvathi came on their riding bull and halted at a place called Kalaikatti, from there to witness " Mahishi Mardhanam" destruction of evil in this world.
Q8 Who is Budha?
A8 Budha (Devanagari: ) is the god of the planet Mercury and the son of Chandra (the moon) with Tara (Taraka –one of the wife of Guru( Brahaspathi)
Q9 Who is Shukra?
A9 Shukra (Devanagari: ), the Sanskrit for "clear, pure" or "brightness, clearness", is the name the son of Bhrigu and Ushana, and preceptor of the Daityas, and the guru of the Asuras, identified with the planet Venus He is Rajas in nature and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
Q10 Who was sage Chirakari ? ( Note- never skip this QA)

A10 Among the renowned seven sages Gautama was one . Once unknowingly his wife Ahalya committed a small mistake, which made him furious.
He called his son Chirakari and ordered him to kill her. But kept thinking and thinking he did not do so
By that time the sage got repented of his order but thought whether his son would have killed the mother. But kept thinking and thinking he did not do so .Gautama got very pleased with him
Indra wanted to marry Ahalya and he approached Brahma. But brahma wanted to give Ahalya to sage gautama only.
In due course Ahalya gave birth to three sons. The first son Sadananda later mastered all scriptures and was the guru of King Janaka.
The second son Sarathvanda was the father of Kripacharyaa of Mahabhaarata fame.
The third son Chirakari was great thinker. He would ponder deeply on any issue before acting on it.
Q11 How do the life after death will be?
A11 According to Sage Vasishtha in the Yoga-Vasishtha a human can after death be defined to belong to one of six different levels, from the greatly sinful to the greatly virtuos.
Depending on the level, the life after death will differ (Yoga vasisstha is complimented to Afsar by Arthi in the serial Engae Brahminana by Cho in Jeya TV)
Q12 What is the meaning of Viswamithra?
A12 Viswamithra was a king of kasi by name Yayati. He made a lot of penance and became a sage. The king then came to be known as Vishwamitra the friend of the whole world
Q13 Who were the woman maharishis -*Sooriya Savithri*

A13 Apsaras Sooriya Savithri was the daughter of God Surya. The Rigs in the Suktham that describe her wedding can be heard being chanted even now at the present-day weddings.
Q14 Who was the wife of Sage Agasthia and what were her specialities?

A14 Lopamudra woman maharishi was sage Agasthya's wife. According to Thalai cauvery Sthalapurana, she was believed to have been the origin of the Cauvery . According to this purana, Lopamudra married sage Agasthya and then laid the condition that they should never separate to which the sage agreed.

Once, when he had to leave for a short while, he turned her into water and filled her in his kamandal. It is said that after he left, Lopamudra, unable to contain herself inside the kamandal, swelled and flowed as the River Cauvery.
Q15. What was the relation with Menaka which led to Palazhi manthan? ( Note- never skip this QA too)
A15 Once when sage Durvasa was passing through a forest he met an Apasara called Menaka. She had a fragrant garland in her hand. Attracted by its fragrance, the sage asked her for the garland. Menaka bowed with respect and handed over the garland to him. With the garland adorning his head, the sage went to the Devalokam It was Given to Indra and in turn Indra put it on Iravatham and the Palazhi amthan story….
Q16 Every body know about sage Viswamithra Question Who was his sister and b- in- law?
A16 Viswamitra's sister was Sathyavathi, She was married to Risigar Maharishi
One day Risigar cursed Sathyavathi to turn into a river. She came to be known as river Gomathi, from then on. Viswamitra wanted to live on the banks of river Gomathi at a later period.
Q17 Who were the parents of sage Agasthia?

A17 Sage Mithran and famous Ooorvasi. The grandson of Brahma and son of Marisi, Kashyap married Athithi and had 12 sons through her. When Mithran one of the twelve sons saw Oorvasi, they were enamoured by her. Agasthya was born out of this union

Q18 What is said by Bodhayana regarding samskaras?
A18 According to Sage Baudhayana, the Samskaras performed while alive help one conquer the earth and that performed after death help to acheive heaven
Q19 Did Saraswathi river existed during the Dwapara yuga?
A19 A pilgrimage route of the second millennium B.C., is depicted in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata which described in the Salya parva, a pilgrimage undertaken by Balarama (brother of Krishna) from Dwaraka to Mathura along the Sarasvati river, paying homage to the ancestors at holy places on the banks of the river. (This shows that the river was navigable from Dwaraka in Gujarat to Mathura on the Yamuna.)
Q20 How many years it took for Vyasa to complete Mahabharatha epic with Ganesha?

A20 Despite Ganesa's injunction it took the duo 3 years to complete the one hundred thousand couplets that make up the great epic.

CULTURAL QUESTION ANSWER 5
Respected sirs,
This QA 5, I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1-4) you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala Krishnan

Q1 Which is the best offering to Lord Ganesha?

A1 Modakam and not vedalai/coconut. Indeed it is said that the more modakas a devotee offers to Ganesa,the more inclined the deity will be to remove obstacles.

Q2 Which is the most notable version of Ayyappa story?

A2 The third and most notable version on Ayyappa is one in which he is viewed as an historical person. This concept of Ayyappan has its own implication and importance, the same being the most rational and trustworthy

The history of the royal family of Pandalam clearly reveals the fact that the Ayyappa episode connected with the families cannot be placed before the 12th Century A.D. The principality of Pandalam came to existence only in the 12th century.

Q3 How many years did sree krishna live?

A3 125 years ,35 years after Mahbharata war.
Q4 What is the second appearance of varaha?
A4 varaha appeared a second time in a dark color( First as sweta varaha ..) from the ocean to save the Earth after she had been violated by the mischievous demon Hiranyaksha.

During this incarnation Varaha reinstated the Earth in her proper orbit and killed the demon Hiranyaksha.

The Varaha of the popular dasavatara ("the ten incarnations") refers to Varaha's second appearance. the most elaborate glorification of the Varaha-avatara occurs in the Srimad Bhagavatam

Q5 What was the curse by Durvasa on Indra?

A5 Durvasas, the angry sage, cursed Indra and all his subjects to be the victims of old age, which the divine beings never knew till then. This curse of Durvasa is the will of Lord Siva who was disturbed very much as he saw Indra proceeding to Mount Kailas.

Q6 Is there any mention about the birth of Lord Ayyappa in Sreemad Bhagavatham ?

A6 No No - In none of the recognised Puranas occurs the story of the birth of Ayyappan or Ayyanar or at least that no son was born to Mohini from Siva, is sufficiently supported by `Narayaniyam' of Metpatur Narayana Bhattatiri

Q7 What is the difference between human and other species in food consumption?
A7 After we eat, the food is digested, and the waste is passed out. In the higher species such as gandharvas, the waste products are evaporated into the air automatically. There is no passing of waste. So the entire system of digestion is much more subtle, which is in tune with their own subtle existence.
Q8 What is the importance of peepal tree?
A8 According to Skand Purana, Lord Vishnu resides in the root of Peepal. In its trunk live Keshav and in the branches Narayan, in its leaves Hari and in its fruits live all the other gods. Thus from the tip of its root to the top of its shoot, Peepal is an idol of Lord Vishnu Watering Peepal with water and sugar is a sure remedy to undo the adverse influence of Shani.
Q9 What is the legend behind Siva had to use his trident on Manjal Ganapathi?
A9 Once upon a time, Surya had killed the demons, Mali and Sumaali. This infuriated Lord Shiva because Mali and Sumaali were His devotees. So, Lord Shiva launched His trident on Surya. The blow of the trident was unbearable for Surya and he fell from his chariot unconscious.
Seeing that dire condition of his son, sage Kashyap began to wail in agony. All the gods soon accompanied him and began to cry mournfully. Without the regular motion of Surya, the whole world was plunged in darkness.
Sage Kashyap cursed Lord Shiva that as from His trident, his son had been hit, one day His own son will be decapitated by His trident.
Shiva’s anger subsided soon afterwards. He resurrected Surya but because of Kashyap’s curse, He had to cut the head of His own son.

Q10 Who is instructed in Brahma purana? What is the speciality of this purana?
A10 Brahma Purana. This is in the form of teachings by Brahma to Daksa This is called Adi Purana also.

There is a special treatise in this book on Orissa, an ancient holy region of Bharata. Brahma Purana states about a suryakshetra (sun-temple) situated at a place called Konarka near the holy place of Puri, installed there in the year 1241 A.D

Q11 Which Purana is similar to Varaha purana What is the speciality of this purana?

A11 Vamana Purana. There is a great similarity between the contents of this Purana and that of Varaha Purana

Q12 What is the speciality of Markandeya purana?

A12 Markandeya Purana. This is one of the ancient Puranas. There are many stories regarding Indra, Surya and Agni in this.
This includes a division called Devimahatmya containing praises about the goddess Durga. Stories of Rama and Krishna is available in this purana.

Q13 Which Purana deals with the creation of the universe in addition to Brahmavaivarta Purana ? What is the speciality of Brahmanda Purana?

A13Brahmanda Purana. This deals with the origin of the universe as told by Brahma. In the beginning there was a golden egg and the prapanca (universe with its activities) was formed out of it.

Portions of Adhyatma Ramayana, references to Radha and Krsna and the incarnation of Parasurama are included in this

Q14 What is the speciality of Garuda Purana?

A14 Garuda Purana. This is in the form of instructions to Garuda by Vishnu.

This deals with astronomy, medicine, grammar, and with the structure and qualities of diamonds .The latter half of this Purana deals with life after death

Q15 Name the purana read by North Indians at the time of death?

A15 The Hindus of north-India generally read Garuda Purana while cremating the bodies of the dead. This has given great importance to the origin of Garuda Subject of Bhagavad-gita; reincarnation; vishnu-sahasranama; description of Tarsya Kalpa.

Q16 Which purana contain the story of Sakunthala?

A16 Padma Purana The six Khandas The Uttarakhanda describes the importance of all months and also the lotus, the seat of Brahma. This contains the stories of Sakuntala and Sri Rama as described by Kalidasa in his works Sakuntala and Raghuvamsa which has made some believe that this Purana was written after Kalidasa.

Q17 Which is the most ancient Purana?

A17 Vishnu Purana is the most ancient of all the Puranas and has got the name Puranaratna (gem of Puranas).The method of narration is in the form of teaching his disciple Maitreya by sage Parasara
Q18 What is the sloka to be recited while taking bath?
A18 While Taking a bath (Gange cha Yamune)
Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati,
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru
In this water, I invoke the presence of holy waters from the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri
Q19 Why is Manjal given to women and why not after she loses her husband?

A19 Well Turmeric is rich in anti ageing properties. It helps remove the wrinkles and restore the fair colour. Women"s skin is more receptive than the man"s. Tumeric is never offered to men but only to women

Q 20 Every body going to Rameswaram invariably visit Devipatinam too. What is the reason?

A 20 It is said that at the coastal town of Devi Patnam Navapasanam) Lord Rama put nine stones standing upright in the shallow bay.

They are supposed to represent the nine planets that He worshiped for success.

It is observed that the sea water increase from practically nil to cover the idols as the day increases in time. I have practically observed the slight increase of water with tide in the afternoon.

Q21 Why do it is suggested to sleep with head facing east?

A 21 sage Markandeya said that a man becomes learned by lying down with his head placed Eastward and is troubled with distressing thoughts by lyingdown with his head placed westward

Q22 Do Tulasi is used in Siva temples ?

A22 Tulasi which is commonly known Sweet Basil bears the botanical name of Ocimum Sanctim. It purifies air and water and surroundings and protect our health. It is used in Shiva puja and Vishnu Puja. One who eats its leaves daily can conquer passion.
Q23 Who is Kalyansunadr?
A23 The enchanting Lord in the wedding robe got married to the Daughter of the mountains and this form of God is called kalyANa sundharar
Q24 What are all the specialties of Cowdung in Ayurveda and jewellary ?
A24 Jewelers employ cow urine to purify gold and silver ornaments, and ayurvedic doctors prescribe it in the treatment of skin disease, obesity. Cow dung can leech poison from the body, including from snake and scorpion bites, and when made into a solution and sprayed on municipal waste, its antiseptic qualities kill foul odors.

CULTURAL QUESTION ANSWER 6
Respected sirs,
This QA 6, I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1-5) you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala Krishnan
Q1 Why it is said that cremation of dead body should be delayed by about five human hours?

A1 When a soul departs the body, it must cross the river of the dead, past Yama's fierce, hounds to reach the god. The journey is said to take some four hours and forty minutes, therefore cremation of the body must wait that long to ensure a trouble-free journey for the soul

Q2 Do Sun come alone in his chariot every day?

A2 No. In every season, two Adityas (gods), two sages, two gandharvas, two apsaras, two rakshasas (demons) and two nagas (snakes) ride on the suns chariot to keep the sun company.

Q3 Do Sun and Moon rule over planets?

A3 Just as Indra rules over the gods, the sun rules over the planets and the moon rules over the nakshatras (stars) and the herbs. But all of these revolve around Dhruva (the Pole Star). (Refer lingapurana chapter6)

Q4 Do there is a version Apsaras and Gandharvas are children of sage Kashyapa through daughters of Daksha whom he married?

A4 Yes. Muni one of the daughter of Daksha was the mother of the apsaras and Arishta another daughter of Daksha was the mother of the gandharvas.
Q5 Do dogs have a representation in Hindu mythology?
A5 In Hindu mythology too, dogs have a special place. In religious ceremonies, dogs are considered to be a link between us and our ancestors. Special offerings are given to dogs, along with the cow and the crow, so as to remember and invoke the blessings of our ancestors. According to Hindu mythology dogs are considered to be an incarnation of Bhairav.
Q6 We know about Nandi in the mandapam’s of all Siva temples. What is the birth story of Nandi?

A6 Sage Shilada conducted penace for an extra ordinary child on Lord Siva. Lord Siva appeared in the end and said ‘I will grant you the son you want. I myself will be born as your son and be known as Nandi." Having said this, Shiva vanished. But not before he had revived Shilada with his touch.

Shilada now started a yajna (sacrifice) so that the son might be born. And Nandi emerged from the fire that had been lit on the occasion of the sacrifice. Nandi had three eyes and four arm. But as soon as Nandi was taken home by Shilada. Nandis divine appearance vanished and he assumed the form of an ordinary human child. By the time Nandi was seven years old, he had become well-versed in the Vedas and other shastras (sacred texts). Later. Nandi was adopted as a son by Parvati.

Q7 What are the advantages of feeding crow and dog?

A7 According to Lal kitab - an astrological variation of the north, specifically suggest feeding the crows for growth, prospects and comfortable job, it also suggest feeding the dogs especially to have good relations with the children and even to beget a child there is an `upaya` or pariharam where the dog comes into it. Thirdly, feeding the cows with greens is also suggested for good family relations

Q8 Do Yudhisthira was 100% perfect ?

A8 No is the answer. Yudhisthira had no business gambling away his assets and the utlimate crime was staking Draupadi.

Q9 Is it correct that mocking Duryodhana by Panchali lead for Mahabhata war?

A9 Draupadi mocked Duryodhana when he visited them at the palace of mirrors and called him the blind son of blind father.This mocking made Duryodhan to take the vow against Panchali and lead to Mahabhata war.

Q10 Do Saraswathi is the daughter of Lord Siva? What is vasantha panchami?

A10 There is a version that Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art and music is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. The colour yellow is given special importance on Vasant Panchami. On this day, Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped.

Q11 Do Devendra or Vasistha maintained Kamadhenu?

A11 Indra. Ashram of Vsistha needed great quantities of milk, curds and ghee for the feeding of thousands of his disciples, guests and performance of sacrifices regularly.

Devendra had gifted to Vasishta a divine cow, having admired his generosity and performance of sacrifices. The cow was called Nandini. She was the daughter of Kamadhenu. Since it had moonlike patches all over the body, it was also called 'Shabala.' The word mean many-coloured. Vasishta and Arundha were very fond of Nandini.

Q12 How do death occurs according to Bhagavath geetha?

A12 The Lord (Sri Krishna) in the Gita at one point says that at the dying moments a human being is shown a glimpse of his following birth. As you may all recall we may have come across instances where the person at the verge of death is surrounded by all his relatives and friends and each one of us may have one opinion or another about the dying wish of the person about to go.

What is being shown before his eyes is a gist of what happened in his lifetime right from childhood till his old age. His likes, dislikes, his quarrels, his friendships etc. At one point the eyes get stuck on one particular scene/picture/person and he departs.

Q13 Do the brey of cow indicate ill luck?

A13 Yes. Even the bray of a cow in the nights is an indication of an ensuing ill-luck . Many are so keen of the brays they even leave their houses in the night. They prove to be true

Q14 What is the relation between sage Parasara and Vasistha?

A14 Parasra is the grandson of sage vasistha through his son Sakthi.

Q15 How Mount Abu got the name so?

A15 According to another legend, once sage Vashishth's cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form - Mount Abu.
Q16 What was the part of Srirama in giving all the land conquered by Parasurama as gifts?
A16 Legend says that Parasurama gave as gift all the land he conquered from kings, as per the instruction of Lord Rama
Q17 What is the story behind Droupadi had five husbands?
A17 NALAYANI was the young wife of a very old sage, Mudgala, but she was a great Pativrata. Even when Mudgala Rshi became afflicted by leprosy and started stinking, she continued to serve him. Once, when he was consuming food, one of his fingers fell of from his hands and fell into the food. Nalayani removed it and partook the remaining food.

The sage was extremely pleased. In order to please he took five bodily forms corresponding to the five (Panchabhootas) elements and satisfied her in all respects.

After thousands of years, he wanted to retire from family life and wanted to live the life of a sage. But, Nalayani tried to prevent him and keep him in the material pleasures. Mudgala Rshi cursed her that she will be borne as the daughter of Drupada and will marry five men. (source : Adi Parva of Mahabharata verses 197 to 204)

Q18 Do Viswamithra’s penace was hintered by Menaka only?

A18 No A second time Devas sent a celestial maiden of peerless beauty, Rambha, to him but did not succed

Q19 Every body know Sakuntala daughter of sage Viswamithra born to Menaka. Question-Who is the prominent son of sage Viswamithra?

A19Viswamithra had a prominent son called Ashtaka from Madhavi.
Q20 What is the story of chandrasekhar?
A20 Every body know the story of Moon’s special favour to Rohini. So all the other wives complained it to the father Dakasha that their husband moon is not treating them fairly Daksha got angry and cursed the moon to lose its luminance (kala) day by day. Everyday the moon started loosing one luminance part (kala) out of his 16 parts.
Afraid and ashamed moon disappeared into the ocean. There are many herbs that require the light of the moon to grow. Without moon, they were harmed. Consequently there was suffering in the world.

To end the problem the celestials advised moon to take refuge in the Great Divine, Lord shiva. Left with only one kalA, he took refuge in Lord Shiva.

Being the graceful Almighty, He wore the moon crescent on His head, making him grow for 15 days and decay for 15 days periodically.

Q 21 Who was the son born to sage Atharva?

A21 The Mahabharata states that Dadhicha was the son of Shanti and the sage Atharva.)

CULTURAL QUIZ 7
Respected sirs,

This QA 7 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-6 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites. I will be happy to get the members comments which may encourage me to continue.

Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala krishnan
Q1 How many Apsaras are told in Mahabhata?
A1 Mr. Subhash Mazumdar in his book Who is Who in the Mahabharata has compiled a list of characters appearing in the epic. Fortunately he has listed all the Apsaras together. This is the most exhaustive listing of the Apsaras I have come across. The list of forty-five Apsaras is reproduced below in alphabetical order.
Adrika, Alamvusha, Ambika, Anavadya, Anuchana, Aruna, Asita, Budbuda, Devi, Ghritachi, Gunamukhya, Gunuvara, Kamya, Karnika, Kesini, Kshema, Lata, Laxmana, Manorama, Marichi, Menaka, Misrasthala, Purvachitti, Rakshita, Rambha, Ritushala, Sahajanya, Samichi, Saurbhedi, Sharadvati, Shuchika, Soma, Suvahu, Sugandha, Supria, Suraja, Surasa, Surata, Tilottama, Umlocha, Urvashi, Vapu, Varga, Vidyutparna & Vishvachi

Q2 Who is the apsaras refered in Rigveda and Mahabharatha?

A2 Urvashi is referred to in the Riga Veda, the earliest Hindu text. She is famous for her love affair with King Pururava. This liaison was not at the instructions of Indra, but a matter of love at first sight Pururava's wife was barren and the dynasty continued through the son born by Urvashi

Q3 Who is the apsars refered in Ramayana?

A3 The apsaras Harsha. Once Harsha was send to seduce sage Vibondaka. She said if Vibondak do not have sex with her she will die.. Then as everybody knowing Rishia sringa story.

Q4 When did tale of Ganga was told to Srirama? Who told it?

A4 The tale of how the River Ganga came to earth is the famous one Bhageeratha story and is available in many scriptures, Sage Vishwamitra recounted this tale to Rama and Laxman as they made their way to Mithila for Sita's swayamvar.

Q5 Why do apsaras are called so?

A5 They were known as apsaras because they emerged from ap (water).

Q6 Which Deva form was taken by Rahu while nectar was distributed after Palazhi manthan?

A6 Rahu adopted the form of Chandra, the moon-god, and succeeded in drinking some of the amrita

Q7 Do Ramayana story was told earlier to Valmiki?

A7 Yes. It was written by the sage Valmiki after he had heard the story from the sage Narada.

Q8 What is the orgin of Yadavas where lord Krishna was born?

A8 King Yayati had two wives, Devayani and Sharmishtha. Devayani had two sons, Yadu and Turvusu. And Sharmishtha had three sons, Druhya, Anu and Puru. The descendants of Yadu were known as the Yadavas.

Q9 What are the specialities of Agni with referance to Rigveda?

A9 In Rig Veda the largest number of hymns are addressed to AGNI. AGNI, as per scriptures, has seven tongues, each of which has a separate name and in being used for licking up butter offered in sacrifices.

Q10 Who were agni’s parents? Who is his wife and what is his progency?

A10 AGNI is the son of sage ANGIRAS and the grandson of SANDILA, one of the seven great sages.Vishnu Purana has a version that AGNI is the eldest son of Brahma.

His wife is SWAHA and through this marriage he has three sons, PAVAK, PAVMAN and SUCHI and through them forty-six grandsons.

Thus AGNI has Forty-nine members as his descendants. AGNI himself recited the AGNI Purana to sage VASHISTA.

Q11Every body kow about Parasurama son of sage Jamadagni What was the name of Parasurama’s wife?

A11 When Lord Vishnu took incarnation as Parashurama, Lakshmi followed him as his wife DHARNI;

Q12 Who is Alekshmi?

A12 Interestingly enough bad luck is personified as ALAKSHMI. She is the sister of Lakshmi. It is told by cleaning backside of the house Alekshmi is given a warm sent off.

Note-Sirs, Before reading this recently it came to my mind before months to clean backside every day before lighting Lamp in the evening and sprinkle water in the front and at Tulasi housing in my house.-Are these too any eternal control!?)

Q13 An interesting Question – We know initially devas and Asuras too were mortals. We know abundant story of killing of Asuras. But we are familiar with killing of one Deva too. Who is that Deva?

A13 Deva and Asuras were both mortal (mrita) at one time. Seeking immortality they churned the ocean of milk.The last to come up was "amritam", the "nectar of immortality".

Deva killed and again restored is Kamadeva by Lord Siva.

Q14 Everybody know Lekshmi emerged during Palazhimanthan. But Vishnupurana states about her parents. How is it possible?

A14 According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyaati and resided in Swarga but due to the curse of Durvasa, she left Swarga and made Ksheersagara her home. During Palazhi manthan she again came up.

Q15 Where do we have saptha mathru temple in Tamilandu and Kerala?

A15 Shrine of the "Seven Mothers" in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. The Saptamatrikas are worshipped as Saptakanyakas (the celestial nymphs) some times. In Kerala the temples are at Kodungallur as Sub deities and Ameda near Ernakulam as main deities.

Q16 What are the names of Saptha matrukas?

A16 saptha matrikas -Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshvari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi and Chamunda

Q17 How do Sapthamathrus relate to natya sasthra?

A17 The Natya Shastra (13.66) recommends worship to Matrikas before setting up the stage and before dance performances.

Q 18 An interesting question-Did Krishna married Radha?

A18 Yes is the answer. Brahma Vaivarta Purana and the Garga Samhita describing the wedding of Radha and Krishna.

Q19 Who were the parents of Radha?

A19 Vaishnava tradition states that Radha was born in either Barsana, or Rawal, a village about 8 kilometers from Vrindavan, near present day New Delhi in India. Her father was the king of cowherds called Vrsabhanu. Vrsabhanu was a partial incarnation of Lord Narayana while her mother Kalavati was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Her worship is especially prominent in Vrindavan, the place where Krishna is said to have lived over 5000 years ago. Wherein Her importance surpasses even the importance of Krishna.

Q20 Another interesting question-Do Radha was married to some other person other than Krishna?

A20 In a number of versions of her story, although Radha's first love is Krishna (whom she knows through her childhood) she is later forced to marry Ayanaghosh. Other traditions give the name of the husband of Radha as 'Chandrasena

Q21 Do Saraswathi and Parvathi were the wives of Vishnu?

A21 According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana 1.6.13-95 Vishnu has three wives, who constantly quarrel with each other, so that eventually, he keeps only Lakshmi, giving Ganga to Shiva and Saraswati to Brahma.

Q22 What are the special attributes of Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi ?

A22 Dashashwamedh Ghat is located close to "Vishwanath Temple", and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it:

According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a yajna here.
A group of priests daily perform in the evening at this ghat "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganga, the Sun, Agni (Fire), and the whole universe.
Q 23 What are the special attributes of Mani karnika ghat in Varanasi ?
A 23 Two legends are associated with Manikarnik Ghat:
According to one, it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu dug a pit with his Chakra and filled it with his perspiration while performing various penances. While Lord Shiva was watching Lord Vishnu at that time, the latter's earring ("manikarnik") fell into the pit.
According to the second legend, in order to keep Lord Shiva from moving around with his devotees, his consort Goddess Parvati hid her earrings, and asked him to find them, saying that they had been lost on the banks of Ganga.
Goddess Parvati's idea behind the fib was that Lord Shiva would then stay around, searching forever for the lost earrings.
In this legend, whenever a body gets cremated at the Manikarnik Ghat, Lord Shiva asks the soul whether it has seen the earrings. and that Vishalakshi Temple stands on the spot where Goddess Sati's earrings fell.
According to mythology, the owner of Manikarnika bought King Harishchandra as a slave and made him work on the Manikarnika at Harishchandra Ghat.
Hindu cremations customarily take place here, though a majority of dead bodies are taken for creation to the Manikarnik Ghat.

CULTURAL QUIZ 8
Respected sirs,
This QA 8 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-7 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites. I will be happy to get the members comments which may encourage me to continue. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala krishnan
Q1 Why did Daksha got angry with Lord Siva?

A1 In a conference called for by Daksha after sati’s marriage with Siva, only two persons did not stand up from their seats nor did they applaud like the rest of the audience when Daksha entered.

They were Brahma and Siva. Daksha noticed it and he excused Brahma, as he was his father. But he could not tolerate his son-in-law, Siva, who was never in his good books at any time.

Daksha was infuriated by this ‘insult’ and punished him then and there. He decreed that henceforth, no one would ever give to Siva any share in any sacrificial oblations. He deliberately performed another big YAGA shortly just to prove the veracity of his decree.
Q2 What is the legend behind vellai pillayar?
A2 Refer Palazhi manthan story…The churning staff, Mount Meru, gradually sank down, making further churning impossible. The devas realised that they had not worshipped Lord Vinayaka, the God of Success.
They wanted to appease Vinayaka for attaining their desires; but the problem was how to get a Vinayaka in the Milky Ocean. To overcome this difficulty, they collected the foam caused by the great churning of the ocean and compressed it to make an idol of Lord Vinayaka. They did so and propitiated him. Then only could they get the pot of nectar after further churning. Vinayaka made of this white foam is known as Vellai Pillaiar (Vellai means white and Pillaiar, Vinayaka.). This is a very rare color for Vinayaka, probably the only instance.
Q3 What are the specialties with Dog, Cat and Crow?
A3 Dog, Cat and Crow were the animals/ birds who identified as they understand and can see the Yam (lord of Death) and as they desire to tell the same to human, he punished them to remain in earth.
Q4 What are the specialties with Swan, White Pigeon, Elephant, & cow ?
A4 Swan, White Pigeon, Elephant, Dear and cow are the animal/ birds who are getting signals from heaven
Q5 What is a Brahma Rakshas?
A5 A leisurely visit to ancient temples of Kerala, would familiarize a person with a place, built with low elevation, appearing like a single large room unfinished during construction, and stopped at plinth level, with that sand filling.
Devotees take a walk around it, with devotion, and a few pick up a pinch of that mud from the elevated place. The name given to this sacrosanct place is `BrahmaRakshas'.
Some Brahmins are of the opinion that Brahmins do not `bow' to this place! There is a belief that persons who acquired great knowledge, and yet refused to part with it, become such BrahmaRakshas!
An abode or resting place is given to them thus! They appear or become perceivable to those vulnerable people who are prone to run into demons or Rakshasas, only during the early morning hours of Brahma-Muhurtham, and are quite harmless! They (BrahmaRakshas), it seems happen to realize a bit late (after having lost access to the gross body), that distributing knowledge to worthy disciples constitutes to be an integral part of spiritual evolvement. So, they stagnate at a point, and wander aimlessly!
Basically they are supposed to be good souls; just that they discovered a bit late that spiritual knowledge is to be treated as `open-source', `free-ware' etc, and not to be jealously guarded, at least from non-hackers! nd never by medicines.
Q6 What are all the speciality of Akshaya thrithiya day?
A6 Mythologically speaking, Kubera, the treasurer in Heaven received his wealth on this day from Siva. It is on this day Lord Siva blessed Goddess Lakshmi with wealth. In fact Lord Siva made Kubera as Lord of wealth and Lakshmi as Goddess of wealth.
Two people were born on this 3rd moon. One is Parasurama, the warrior Brahmin who destroyed all his enemies and then became a sage.
The second one was Annapurani, a special form of Parvati who feeds the hungry. Annapurani fed Siva on this day.
Q7 What is the mythological story of Abhijit Star?

A7 In those Vedic Era, a constellation - Star named Abhijit was existing then. Abhijit nakshatra, an auspicious one was placed in-between Uthrashada and Shravan (in-between Uthiradam and Thiruvonam). And the Nakshatra Lord is said to be Brahma. To achieve success in every act, persons used to start their activities on this day.

During the Mahabharata time, Lord Sri Krishna came to know, that Dhuriyodhana is planning to start the War with PanchaPandavas on this auspicious day, combining with Amavasya & Abhijit Nakshatra! On getting Dhuriyodhana's plans and knowing his intentions, Abhijit Nakshatra was plucked from the stellar system, by the Lord Sri Krishna, to avoid misuse of this auspicious nakshatram during Kali Yuga. However Abhijit Muhurtham after 12 and before 1 PM every day is followed.

Q8 Do king Dasarathas Parents too wedded through Swayamvaram?

A8 Yes. AJA- It is the name of a prince in the solar race of kings, son of king Raghu. He redeemed a celestial musician, a gandharva, transformed as a mad elephant. On his release, the gandharva gave Aja certain arrows, which enabled him to win and marry Indumati, the daughter of the King of Vidarbha, in a Swayamvara . When their son Dasharath, the father of Rama, grew up, Aja ascended to Indra's heaven

Q9 Everybody knows Ramayana story –Who was Kamavalli?

A9 It was a name of Soorpanakha gave to herself.
Q10 What is somaskanda?
A10 Somaskanda is thus a manifestation of Shiva featuring Shiva, Uma and Skanda; Shiva in a seated posture, with Parvati to his left and with Skanda his son, seated in between the two.
Q11 Every body know of Celestial nymph Menaka and her daughter Sakunthala from sage Viswamithra.Had she any other daughter?

A11 Yes. Madanika .
Q12 What was the primitive myth reg sneezing?

A12 Primitive people held the belief that a sneeze signified approaching death, and immediately assisted the distressed person by crying out "God help you!"

Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, saw the sneeze as an omen of approaching danger, or, on a more positive note, as a way of foretelling the future.

Biblically speaking, sneezing meant a certain death, until Jacob nosed in and made a deal with God, whereby a prayer per sneeze cheated the grim reaper.

Q13 What is the legend behind Mattupongal?

A13 Another legend associated to the third day of Pongal known as Mattu Pongal involves Lord Shiva and his mount, Nandi the bull.

It is said that once Shiva ordered Nandi to go to the Earth and deliver his message to the people that they should take oil bath every day and eat food once a month.

However, the dozing Nandi could not hear the message right and told the people to eat everyday and take oil bath once a month. Shiva was furious and said that due to his folly, there will be lack of grains on the Earth and so he would have to remain on Earth to help humans plough the fields.

Q14 What is the legend behind Panchamukha hanuman?

A14 Lord Hanuman assumed this form to kill Mahiravana, a powerful rakshasa black-magician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war.

Mahiravana had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana captive, and the only way to kill him was to extinguish five lamps burning in different directions, all at the same instant. The five faces of Panchamukha Hanuman are those of Sri Hayagriva, Sri Narasimha Sri Garuda, Sri Varaha and Hanuman Himself

CULTURAL QUIZ 9
Respected sirs,

This QA 9 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-8 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites.

Every care is taken the QA as of not much known things. Hope a curious reading.

I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far which encourage me to continue.

Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)

Q1 Do there is any legend about the Chengannur ( Kerala ) temple connected with Dakshayaga? Is there any speciality with the idol at Chengannur?

A1 Yes. Every body know Daksha yaga story. Resent the insult to her and her husband Sati immolated by jumping into the sacrificial fire…

The grief-stricken Siva carrying the char of Sati wandered here and there in desolation. To relieve him from this situation, Mahavishnu with the aid of Sudarsana chakra cut Sati's body into pieces. Where ever her limbs fell the place acquired Siva's Chaitanya.

At Taliparambu (Kerala)the head fell, at Chengannur, the middle portion which explains why the Devi gets her periods here. I have attended the temple once in such occasion in 2001middle when sanctum is closed and pooja is conducted to a small idol outside. The expenditure for the celebration is partially met by the deposit made by a British collector who did not initially believed such an occurance but later believed and became a devote of Devi.
Q2 What is the myth behind Tiruchengode?
A2 A battle of strength between Adi Seshan and Vayu, saw the former clinging tightly to Mount Meru and Vayu using his might to blow it away. The latter succeeded in blowing it away to Tiruchengode and the blood spilled by Adiseshan colored it red.
This hill with 2 stories of its origin, with rocks colored both red and yellow represents the masculine and feminine aspects of the Ardhanareeswara manifestation of Shiva.
Q3 Do the epic Ramayana story appear in Mahabharata too?
A3 Yes. Ramayana story is briefly told in the Varna Parva of the Maha-bharata
Q4 Every body know there is another Uthaara kandam for Ramayanan. What are the different versions of the Uttarakandam?
A4 First version- Sita was sent to forest. Lava was born to her at kanvashrama. Kusa was made by sage kanva. When they were about fifteen years old they wandered accidentally to Ayodhya and were recognised by their father, who acknowledged them, and recalled Sita to attest her innocence.
Second version- Sita returned to Ayodhya , and in a public assembly declared her purity, and called upon the earth to verify her words. It did so. The ground opened and received “the daughter of the furrow,” and Rama lost his beloved and only wife.
Unable to endure life without her, he resolved to follow, and the gods favoured his determination Time appeared to him in the form of an ascetic and told him that he must stay on earth for some time or ascend to heaven and rule over the gods.
After ruling Ayodhya for a brief period Rama went to the river Sarayu, and walking into the water was hailed by Brahma’s voice of welcome from heaven, and entered “into the glory of Vishnu.”
Third version- Sita remained in exile until her sons were fifteen or sixteen years of age. Rama had resolved upon performing the Aswa-medha sacrifice; the horse was turned loose, and Satru-ghna followed it with an army. Kusa and Lava took the horse and defeated and wounded Satru-ghna, followed by defeating Lekshmana and Bharatha too. Rama then went himself to repair his reverses. When the father and sons came into each other’s presence, nature spoke out, and Rama acknowledged his sons.
Sita also agreed to forgive her husband. They returned to Ayodhya. Rama performed the Aswa-medha, and they passed the remainder of their lives in peace and joy The conclusion of the story as told in the version of the Ramayana used by Mr. Wheeler is this with the subham end.
Q5 When did Bhima appeared as a wild Gandharva and what was the reason for it?
A5 The relatives of Kichaka were about to burn Draupadi on his funeral pile, but Bhima appeared as a wild Gandharva and rescued her. This was during Anjathavasam.
( Incidently I saw it in film Abimanyu in Kalainger TV yesterday afternoon-26-5-09)
Q6 Who were the five children born to Panchalai ?
A6 Yudhi-shthira’s son was Prativindhya, Bhima’s son was Sruta-soma, Arjuna’s was Sruta-kirti, Nakula’s was Satanika, and Saha-deva’s was Sruta-karman.
Q7 Do there a school of thought that row of lights lit are meant to welcome the souls of the departed ancestors who visit the family on Deepavali night ?

A7 Yes. The rows of light apart from making this dark bright and gay, are also meant to welcome the souls of the departed ancestors who visit the family on Deepawali night.

In Bengal, lighted torches are fixed on long poles to guide the souls of the departed ancestors. The lighting of lamps on Deepawali night is so important that even when a family is in mourning and no festivities take place, five lamps are always lit at strategic places in the house

Q8 Every body know about one foot slightly limbing of Yama. The incident made Sun god realize one thing. What is it?
A8Yama and Yami, goddess spirit of the river Yamuna, were twins born to Surya, the Sun god and his wife Samjna.

One day Yama kicked his step-mother Chhaaya for being partial to her own children. At this Chhaaya cursed him and said that the leg that kicked her would be full of worms.

Surya heard the curse and, realising that a mother would never curse her own children, suspected the identity of Chhaaya and went in search of his real wife, Samjna ( Note- There is another legend Saturn another son of Soorya similarly limbing one foot)

Q9 Do sage Atri appear in Ramayana story?

A9 Atri, vedic sage is said to have composed many hymns in praise of Agni, Indra, the Ashwins and the Vishwa-Devas. He was also considered one of the ten Prajapatis assigned the task of human generation.

Rama along with Sita and Lakshman visited Atri's hermitage during his exile from Ayodhya.
Q 10Every body know about Srikrishna as a child up rooted two Arjuna trees. Question- who were those trees? What is their relation with Kubera and Narada?
A10 Sri Krishna liberated the two Arjuna trees who had been sons of Kubera in their previous life, Nala Kubara and Manigreeva by name. They were endowed with immense wealth, beauty and splendour; but, on account of their pride, they had been turned into trees, by Narada’s curse.
The two sons of Kubera were playing with Gandharva girls in a river. Narada happened to pass that way. But the two Yakshas did not care .

Hence Narada cursed them to become trees, but they did not lost memory. Narada said that the touch of Sri Krishna later shall save them. These sons of Kubera became a pair of Arjuna trees in Brindavan waiting for Child krishna’s touch.
Ques11 Every body know kaliya mardana story. Question- What happened to kaliya after trampled him down?
Answ11. The serpent sought the protection of the Lord. The wives of the serpent praised Krishna and prayed for their husband’s life. The Lord stopped His dance. Kaliya slowly recovered consciousness.
Krishna told Kaliya to go to the sea immediately with all your kith and kin and, wives and let the water of the Yamuna be used by the cows and men. There upon Kaliya proceeded to the Ramanaka island in the sea with his wives, friends and children. The waters of the Yamuna then turned as sweet as nectar itself.
Q12 Everybody know about the story of Tara wife of Guru. Do Guru had famous children ?
A12 Guru had two more wifes . They were Shubha and Mamta. Seven daughters were born to Shubha – Seven sons and a daughter were born to Tara. Mamta gave birth to ‘Bhardwaja’ and ‘Kacha’.
Bharadwaja is connected with Ayurveda and aircraft. Kacha is related with learning Mritasanjeevani mantra from Sukra after marrying his daughter Devayani.
Q13 What is the legend about the curse on Saturn by his wife ?
A13 Saturn is the son of Sun god and Chaya (Sanvarna). He is considered as a cruel planet. The cruelty, which he possesses in his sight, is due to the curse he received from his wife
The deity Shani (Saturn) was a great devotee of lord Krishna right from his childhood. He used to be immersed in the love for lord Krishna.
After he grew up, his father married him with Neela devi the daughter of ‘Chitraratha’. She was a chaste woman full of radiance.
One night she went to him, with a desire of having a son, but her husband Shani (Saturn) was immersed in the meditation of lord Krishna, he was unconscious of his surroundings. She became tired of waiting and she became angry. She cursed him that from today onwards whoevervgets seen by him would be destroyed.
After he came out of his meditative trance ‘Shani’ (Saturn) could make up with her . Neela devi too felt sorry for her mistake but she was powerless in neutralizing the ill effects of her curse.
From then onwards Shani has been keeping his gaze downwards because he did not want to cause harm to anybody.
Q14 Who is Malini? Why did she worshipped Sani?

A14 According to Parthasarathy, this name was assumed by Draupadi heroine of the Mahabharata and wife of the five Pandava brothers. While in exile with her husbands she suffered untold privations and indignities while living at the palace of King Virata. Under her assumed name Malini she worshipped Shani to alleviate her from her sufferings.

Q15 When did Sreekrishna removed the leaves after taking food by the guests and cleaned the place with cowdung for the next row to take food?

A15 Sreekrishna did so during the rajasuya performed by Yudhishtira.

Q16 What is the benefit of feeding the crow first before taking food?

A16 Ill effects of Saturn will vanish. Pitrus will become happy. Unity will prevail in the house.

CULTURAL QUIZ 10
Respected sirs,

This QA 10 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-9 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites.

Every care is taken the QA as of not much known things. Hope a curious reading.

I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far. The series I am continueing.

Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)

Q1 Which place in Banaras is called Kapalamoksham?

A1Once Lord Siva while travelling came to Sathya loka where Brahma reside.Brahams four faces welcomed but one face ill treated. Lord Siva just touched that face. It came out but did not fell down. It got sticked to Siva’s finger.

Lord Siva started further journey. When Lord Siva came to Kasi it fell down. Lord Siva got pleased and decided to permanently stay there. The place where Brahma’s head fell down is called Kapalamoksham.

Q2 What is vararuchi story related with Ramayana?
A2 Vararuchi a Brahmin, learned in all sastras was a famous scholar in King Vikramaditya’s court. One day the king wanted to know from all those assembled, the key verse in Ramayana and he wanted the answer in 41 days

Vararuchi set out and went all around the country, met number of scholars, none of whom could give a satisfactory answer. One evening,(on 40th day) dog tired and worried he rested under a banyan tree. Soon after he heard chirping of birds and two birds talking to each other. Vararuchi knew bird language. One bird asked the other who was the person resting under the tree and the other replied that he was Vararuchi who did not know “mam viddhi” and who was destined to marry a lower caste(paraya) girl.

Vararuchi knew immediately that the key verse in Ramayana was Ramam Dasaradham viddhi, mam viddhi janakatmajam Ayodhyam ataveem viddhi gacha tata yadha sukham

This is what Sumtira told Lakhmana when he was about to leave for the forest with Rama and Sita. Consider Rama as Dasaradha, Consider Sita as me Consider the forest as Ayodhya. ( But did Sita reciprocated in the same manner during Mareecha incident?) The king showered Vararuchi with gifts on furnishing the answer.

Q3 Where is Vaayilla Kunnilappan temple? What is the sacredess with the temple?

A3 . Refer Parayi petta pandirukulam story. Vararuchi consecrated his 12th baby on top of a hill in Thiruvazhode near Kadampazhippuram in Palghat Distt and this came to be known as Vaayilla Kunnilappan. Children with deficiency in talking are cured after worshipping in the temple
Q4 Every body would have used the word Rudra thandavam when a person is totally out of control and beyond pacification. What is Rudra Tahandavam?
A4 Belief has it that Shiva performed the rudra tandava dance, carrying the dead body of his consort Sati. The Universe unable to bear the fury of the dance requested Vishnu to intervene, and Vishnu used is chakra to tear the body into several pieces, and bring down the fury of Shiva's tandavam

Q5 Many people name the daughter Dharini. Who is Dharini?

A5 Two daughters were born to Swadha daughter of Dhaksha and prasuti , the wife of Pitrganas .They were named Dharini and Vayuna- viz- Grand daughter of Daksha.

Q6What is the importance of Priyavrata?

A6 Priyvrata accepted two wives. His first wife was Prajapati Vishwkarma's daughter Barhismati. She begot ten sons- Priyvrat's second wife begot three sons- Uttam, Raiwat and Tamas

In his chariot, he travelled around the land and divided it into seven parts and appointed each of his seven sons as the lord of one island. Agnidhra, the eldest son was given Jambu Dweep. Bharat is part of Jambodeep( recollect the mantra –Jambodeepe, Bharatha varshe, Bharatha-kande, merohum, Dhakshine parse…)
Priyvrata has divided the earth into seven islands. These islands are:
(1)Jambudweep, (2)Plukshdweep, 3)Shalmalidweep (4)Kushdweep, (5)Kronchdweep, (6)Shakdweep and (7)Pushkardweep.
All these islands are surrounded by seven seas, which comprise of saline water, sugarcane juices, and wine, ghee, milk, whay and sweet water respectively. Extent of each island is double than that of it's preceding one.

Q7 Which purana describes seven Islands and seven oceans?

A7 Kurma Purana .All the seven islands and seven oceans are described in this book. Bharata is situated in the centre of all these and is called Jambudvipa.

Q8 What is the speciality of Brahma purana?

A8 Brahma Purana is in the form of teachings by Brahma to Daksa This is called Adi Purana also.

There is a special treatise in this book on Orissa, an ancient holy region of Bharata. Brahma Purana states about a suryakshetra (sun-temple) situated at a place called Konarka near the holy place of Puri, installed there in the year 1241 A.D

Q9 What is the speciality of Markandeya purana?

A9 Markandeya Purana. includes a division called Devimahatmya containing praises about the goddess Durga. Stories of Rama and Krishna is available in this purana.
Q10 Why do we do sraddah and read Ramayana etc in the month of Katakam/karkitakam/cancer (When dakshinayana starts)?
A10 It is considered that when Dakshinaayana starts , that is Sun starts moving from the Northern Hemisphere towards South negative tendencies emanates internally and externally. The evil spirits who have not attained liberation descent to earth during the period.
We do Sraadha or Bali for all the Pithru’s during the Amavasi day of Karkidakam so that they can return to the Pithruloka.
By the reading of Epics like Ramayana and with the performance of Yajnaas not only we can check the troubles if any of these spirits and help them in returning to their loka destined to them according to their Karma while they were living. This is the significance of reading Ramayana during the month of Karkidakam.
Q 11 Where did Lord jagannatha gave Divya chapa to Srirama?

A 11 At Darbha Sayanam (Tirupallani, Pullanranyam) Sri Rama observed penance, lying on darbha grass here for three days. It is said that Adi Jagannatha appeared before Him, gave him the weapon called Divya Chapa, and blessed

Q 12 Every body going to Rameswaram invariably visit Devipatinam too. What is the reason?

A 12 It is said that at the coastal town of Devi Patnam Navapasanam) Lord Rama put nine stones standing upright in the shallow bay. They are supposed to represent the nine planets that He worshiped for success.

It is observed that the sea water increase from practically nil to cover the idols as the day increases in time. I have practically observed the increasing of water with tide in the afternoon.

Q 13 What is the importance of koti theertha and Jatatheertha at Rameswaram?

A 13 Kodi Tirtha is supposed to be a spring that Lord Rama created by shooting an arrow into the ground. It is said that at Jata Tirtha, Sri Rama washed His hair to get rid of any sins that He might have incurred in the battle at Lanka.

Q14 Every body know gandharva stories. What is the relation between Gandharvas and Saraswathi? What is her special quality?
A14 She is said to be associated with the Gandharvas, a supernatural race that excels at dancing," and she is often associated with music, both instrumental and vocal. She removes speech defects and dumbness and grants charming speech

Q15. Who is Brinji?
A15 Another important member of Siva pariwar is Bhringi, the zealous devotee who was not inclined to worship anyone other than Siva and refused to worship even Parvathi, till he was made to realize his mistake

Q16 Every body has heard about Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda. What is its difference from eagle/kite? Do he is separately worshipped like Hanuman?
A16 Garuda with the head and wings of eagle and sometimes with the rest of his body like that of a man is called the king of birds and he is also the carrier of god Vishnu.
Yes Garuda is not separately worshipped widely as an independent god; he is worshipped together with Vishnu. His image is placed near Vishnu in temples The name of Garuda's son is Jatayu

Q 17 What is the priority for the month and thithi for sraadha?
A17 The importance of fixed date for Sradah- if we give later they will be more hungry and if we give earlier they will be very less hungry. However under extreme circumstances sraadha on a later date is performed.

Q18 What is the progency from the saptharshies? (Do not skip-Answer is long but will gve some valuable information)

A18 The details are as follows:-

Kala, was married to the sage Marichi They begot Kashyap and Purnima. Their offsprings comprise today's population of the entire world
Gati was the wife of Pulaha They begot three sons Karmshreshtha, Variyan and Sahishnu.
Ansuya was the wife of Atri. Chandrama appeared from Brahma's part, Dattatreya from Vishnus part and sage Durvasa appeared from Lord Shiva's part as children
Shardha was the wife of and Angirasa four daughters- Simivali, Kuhu, Raka and Anumati. They begot two sons also- Utathya and Brihaspati
Havirbhu was married to Pulastya. They begot two sons- Agastya and Vishrava In later course, sage Vishrava produced Yakshraj Kuber from Idvida his second wife Keshini gave birth to Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Vibhishan
Arundhati was the wife of wife of Vashishth Seven Bramarishis like Chitraketu

Q19. Who is the mother of Sati? What is her progency?

A19 Manu's and Satrupa’s third daughter Prasuti was married to Daksh. She got sixteen daughters. Daksh married thirteen of them to Dharma raja. Of the remaining three daughters, one was married to Agni, one to Pitrgana and one by name sati to Lord Shiva.

CULTURAL QUIZ 11
Respected sirs,

This QA 11 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for those interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-10 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites. As one of the esteemed member desired, the QA is given a second check for vocabulary and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the essence of it. In addition every care is taken the QA pertains to not much known things. Hope a curious reading.

I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far. I am continuing the series.

Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)

Q1Every body knows the Saranam “Pandi Malayalam Adakkivazhum Sreedharma sasthave..” on the occasion of Sabarimalai pilgrimage. What is the meaning of the saranam?
A1 King Rajasekhara of Panthalam in Kerala, who belonged to the Pandya dynasty of South India brought up Ayyappan. Hence the Saranam (Note- I too belong to Panthalam by the grace of almighty)

Q2 It is said swaaha is the wife of Agni. Then who is Swaadha and how she is related to swaaha?

A2 Dhaksha’s second daughter Swaaha was given in marriage to Agni deva. (The Rhyming names had started even at that time.)

Daksha wanted a person to look after, like a mother, every soul that entered Pitruloka. Hence he decided to create the 16th daughter, this daughter was named Swaadha. (People who perform Sraadha will recollect that they say Swaadha Namaha at the end of Shraddha ceremony.

Q3 What is the very interesting story behind thoppikkaranam to Lord Vinayaka?

A3 It is Mahavishnu who did the first Dorbhikaranam (Thoppikkaranam) to Vinayaka. Once Vinayaka swallowed Maha Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra and to retrieve the chakra Vishnu had to make Ganapati laugh and so he did the thoppikkaranam and made Ganapathi laugh and got his Chakra back. We too perform Thoppikaranam to Ganapathi, to make him happy and receive his blessings.

Q 4 Do the “Purusha sooktham” talk of castes in it?

A4 The Purusha Sooktham verse regarding Varna, which gets cited very often, does not relate to the four castes. It means the four Varnas or races of Human society. The four Varnas are the White race, the yellow race, the African race and the brown race.

Q5At Tirumalai God Venkatachalapathi has two wives- Padmavathi and Mahalekshmi. Who is Padmavathi? Why Mahavishnu had to take loan from Kubera for his marriage to Padmavathi?

A5 During Srirama avathara one Vedavathi wanted to marry him. Srirama said in this Avathar he would have only one wife- Sita. Her wish will be fulfilled in the Kaliyuga when she will be born as the daughter of the king Akasharaj. Accordingly Vedavathi was born as the daughter of Akashraj. She was named Padmavathi. Perumal married Vedavathi now known as Padmavathi taking loan from Kubera.

The reason for taking loan was that Perumal had to marry a king’s daughter and Mahavishnu (Perumal) was left with no wealth, since Mahalekshmi left him earlier on sage Brighu incident known to every body.

Mahalekshmi who left Mahavishnu on the sage Brighu incident stayed at Kolhapur. All Devas went to her with request to join Mahavishnu and sage Brighu too lay flat on her feet. She got pleased and came with them to Tirupathi where she was welcomed by Mahavishnu and together went to Tirumalai where Padmavathi welcomed them.

Q6 Every body know the sisters of Seetha were married to Lekshmana, Bharata and Satrugna. What were their names?

A6 Seetha’s own sister Urmila was married to Lekshmana. Seetha’s chitthappa’s daughter Mandavi was married to Bharatha and Mandavi’s younger sister Srutakeerthi was married to Satrugna.

Q7 Do we have SriBuddha told as an incarnation in any lyrics?
A7 Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam states that Vishnu became Buddha out of compassion to animals and to put an end to blood sacrifice.

Q8 Who is the other consort of Kamadeva other than Rati?
A8. She was Priti

Q9 Do any Purana favour sati? Have we any instance of sati in Mythological days?
A9 The Garudapurana favourably mentions sati for women of all castes, with the only exceptions being pregnant women or those who have small children. [Garuda Purana. II.4.91-100] [Kane 237].
Many wives of Sri Krishna performed sati upon his death, including Rukmini, Rohini, Devaki, Bhadra and Madura [Mah.Bhar. Mausalaparvan 7.18 ] [Alld, p.977, 1018-1019: Rukmini]
Madri, second wife of Pandu, who is considered an incarnation of the goddess Dhriti , performed sati [ Mah.Bhar. Adiparvan 95.65] [Alld, p.985]

Q10 What was the importance of betel in the Indian culture (Answer supported from an article by Smt. Gariyali IAS)
A10 Not many people know that a young Burmese girl is called sireh, which means tender leaf.
The eating of betel was connected with shringara and Tambula had an important role in it. In the Naisadhiya-Charitam of Sriharsa (12th C), Nala tells Dhamayanti, “Dose thou recollect, after passing bits from my mouth into thine I justly demand them back”.
In the Sangam literature classic, Silapathikaram, the virtuous heroine Kannagi offers Tambula to her husband Kovalan as a token of love.
Tambula is a Sanskrit word, meaning chewing quid. This custom was introduced in South India in the beginning of the Christian Era and later it spread to the North. It is possible that the tradition was brought to India from Ceylon and South-East Asia.

Q11 What is the legend about the Nandi in Tanjore big temple?
A11 Built by the Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century, Tanjore Big temple is one of the tallest temples in the world. It was so designed that the vimana never casts a shadow at noon at any part of the year.
Legend has it that that the magnificent Nandi bull reclining on the stone plinth inside the temple started growing every year after being installed there by Rajaraja Chola. Finally, a nail was driven into the stone back of Nandi to stop it from growing

Q12 What are the details of Dilwara temples in mount Abu?
A12 Mount Abu, where the Dilwara temples are located, is referred to as Arbudgiri in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures and is the only hill-station in Rajasthan. It is also a very important Jain pilgrimage center.
Hindus revere this place because once Nandini, the cow of the sage Vasishta, was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage requested Lord Shiva for his assistance in rescuing the cow . The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. The sage Vasishta then decided to ensure that such mishaps should not occur in future and asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake.
This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form – Mount Abu. This region is revered by Jains too. Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, visited Mount Abu and blessed this place.

Q13 Like India do any other country in the world worshipped many Gods?
A13 The Egyptians had more than 2,000 deities.

Q14 Do Lord Krishna kidnapped Rugmini and then married her?
A14 In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Queen Rukmini personally relates the story of Her kidnapping: "My dear Draupadi, it was practically a settled fact that princes like Jarasandha and others wanted me to marry King Sisupala, and, as is usual, all the princes present during the marriage ceremony were prepared with their armor and weapons to fight with any rival who dared stop the marriage. "But Lord Krishna kidnapped me in the way a lion takes away a lamb from the flock”.

Q15 Do destruction of Dwaraka is told in the epic Mahabharatha. Who is narrating the incident?
A15 The destruction of Dwaraka is so graphically described by Arjuna in the Mausala Parva of the Mahabharata: "The sea, which had been beating against the shores, suddenly broke the boundary that was imposed on it by nature. The sea rushed into the city. It coursed through the streets of the beautiful city. The sea covered up everything in the city. I saw the beautiful buildings becoming submerged one by one. In a matter of a few moments it was all over. The sea had now become as placid as a lake. There was no trace of the city. Dwaraka was just a name; just a memory."

CULTURAL QUIZ 12
Respected sirs,
This QA 12 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for those interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-11 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites.
As one of the esteemed member desired, the QA is given a second check for vocabulary and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the essence of it. In addition every care is taken the QA pertains to not much known things. Hope a curious reading.
I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far. I am continuing the series.
Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)

Q1Refer Mahabharata war. Why did Lord Krishna tried for a compromise between Pandavas and Kauravas knowing very well that war was inevitable?
A1 Vidura asked Krishna why he bothered for a compromise at all considering war was inevitable, Krishna told him: "I am thinking not of my place and my time, but of the future.
Future generations will think that I allowed a great calamity to befall the world without my lifting a finger to prevent it. Failure is not an excuse for lack of effort..."

Q2 Do Lord Siva had the third eye from the beginning?
A2 His third eye is believed to have appeared when Parvati, in a playful mood, covered his eyes with her hands. Immediately, the universe was plunged into darkness and there was chaos. To restore order, Shiva formed another eye on his forehead, from which emerged fire to restore light.

Q3 What was the physical appearance of Siva Ganas?
A3 Shiva is believed to have a large number of attendants, called ganas. These mythological beings have human bodies with animal heads. Ganesha is the leader of the ganas.

Q4 Have we got any other version for Ganesha having One Broken tusk other than that it was broken by him to write Mahabharata recited by Vyasa?
A4 Yes. According to the Padma Purana, one-day when Shiva was sleeping, Parasurama came to visit him. However, Ganesha did not allow Parasurama in, for his father's sleep would be disturbed. When Parasurama insisted he be permitted entry, a fight broke out. In the course of their struggle, Parasurama threw his axe at Ganesha. This axe had been given to him by Shiva. Recognizing the axe and out of reverence for his father, Ganesha refused to intercept the weapon. He bowed and took its impact on one of his tusks, which broke.

Q5 Where do we have Adivaraha temple? What is the history of Adi varaha idol there?
A5 In the Satya-yuga sage Kapila gave the Deity of Adivaraha to Lord Indra, Lord Indra took the Deity to his residence in the heavenly planets to be worshipped. Ravana took the Deity with him to his capital of Sri Lanka when Ravana defeated Indra.
When Ravana was killed and Vibhishana put to Crown Sri rama asked Vibhishana- Will you give me the Deity that was taken here from the city of Indra. I shall take Him to Ayodhya and worship Him every day."
Vibishana gave Rama the Kapila-Varaha, whom Rama carried to Ayodhya. He installed the Deity at Ayodhya and worshipped Him there for 110 years. When Shatrughna, Lord Rama's brother, went to Madhupuri (Mathura) to defeat some demons, he brought the Deity with him, and Lord Varaha has been there ever since.

Q6What is the speciality of River Kaveri in relation with death ceremonies?
A6 It is told people who get killed by weapons, can attain heaven, if ‘Ekodisht Shraadh’ is performed at the banks of Kaveri and Sesame seeds, which are mixed with the water of Kaveri, are sprinkled in their names. (My note – recollect our Upakarma manthra” Narmada sindhu Kaveri Godavari namosthuthae”)

Q7 What are the details of the river Narmada? How the river is connected with king Pururuva?
A7 King Pururva was the descendant of the Chandravansh (Moon). One day he asked his courtiers about the means by which a man who attracted by sins could attain heaven, without performing religious rites like ‘Yagya’ etc.
The courtiers replied that only river Narmada is capable of doing that. But, it has to be brought down to the earth from the heaven. By severe pence Pururuva brought Narmada to Earth.
Pururva performed the ‘tarpana’ of his dead ancestors by the holy water of Narmada consequently all of them achieved liberation. The water of river Saraswati purifies a man in three days. Yamuna purifies a man in seven days. The Ganges purifies a man instantly after taking a bath. But the Narmada absolves a man of all his sins, and makes him pure, by merely her divine sight.
Narmada is the most important river of Madhya-Pradesh and Western part of India. And situated approximately 35 miles east of Mysore, divides its course into two parts. This river is considered so sacred that it is called the Ganga of the South.

Q8 What is the sacredness of the Tulasi? (Please do not skip)
A8 The holy basil is said to have its origin from the hairs of Tulasi who in her previous life was blessed by Lord Narayan.

A place is considered most sacred, where exists the holy basil plant. This is the reason why every Hindu tries to have it in the house. Women worship Tulasi for good fortune and well-beings and lineage. Worshipping God with the new sprout of Tulasi give salvation. Such a man is freed from the cycles of birth and death. Tulasi is permitted for reusing after washing if necessary in offerings.