Thanks all for the overwhelming responses to our first quiz. There were several responses through comments and social media. It was heartening to see that many had attempted and a lot had correctly answered all questions as well.
Here are some of the readers who got all the answers right:
Srikanth J, Soumya S, Nirmala and Ravi.
Congrats to all of them and also to those who attempted the quiz!
Here are the answers to the questions:
1. Which is the oldest among the 4 Vedas?
The oldest among the four Vedas is the Rig Veda. According to our beliefs, Vedas are known as ‘Anaadhi’, meaning ‘one without a beginning’. According to scientific dating, Rig Veda is at least over 3500 years old (around 1500 BCE).
2. As per Hindu mythology, who is called as Jaahnavi?
River Ganges. According to Puranaas, Ganges descended to the Earth from Heavens to grant salvation to the princes of Sagara dynasty due to the efforts taken by Bhagiratha. On her way, she was drunk by Sage Jahnu and came out through his ears, hence the name Jaahnavi. For more details, please read the story here (Bhagiratha).
3. In Ramayana, who was the wife of Bharatha?
Maandavi. Lakshmana’s wife is Urmilaa and Shatrugna’s wife is Shruthakeerthi.
4. In which famous temple did the ‘arangetram’ (first staging) of Kambaramayana happen?
Srirangam Temple. When Kambar completed his work, he wanted to do the first staging in Srirangam temple. When tried to do so, it was not accepted by certain people from the temple as he had included ‘Iranya vadhaip padalam’ ( The story of Narasimma Avatara) which didn’t figure in Valmiki Ramayanam. So Kambar left the manuscript in the temple to let the God reply with his verdict. Then, they all heard a thundering laughter from the Narasimmar shrine (Mettu Azagiya Singar Sannidhi) which indicated that the Lord accepted Kambar’s Version. Even today there is a place in the temple known as Kambar Mandapam.
5. In Tamil Sangam literature who was worshipped as the Goddess of War and Victory?
Kotravai. Kotravai is the other name for Uma or Parvathy. In Tholkaappiyam ‘Kotravai Nilai‘ is mentioned as blessing from the Goddess for success in war. In another work Thirumugugaatruppadai, another mention ‘Vetrivel Por kotravai‘ (similar meaning) is made.
6. Who was called ‘Sundara’ in Ramayana?
Lord Aanjaneya. Anjana Devi, the mother of Lord Hanuman gave this name to her son on account of his beauty. Sundara Kanda was named thus by Valmiki as it outlines the valor of Lord Hanuman in this chapter.
7. Which Shaivaite Saint (Naayanaar) built a grand temple in his heart?
Poosala Nayanaar. In an interesting story, a wealthy king built a big temple and wanted Lord Shiva to preside over it. The God came in his dream asked him to change the consecration date as he plan to preside over another temple built by Poosalar. Upon enquiry the king found that Poosalar being a simpleton, built a temple in his Heart instead. Such was his devotion that the Lord felt compelled to consecrate his temple over the King’s temple. For those who know Tamil, this story will provide more details on the Hrudayaleeswarar temple.
8. Who is the author of Bhaja Govindam?
Adishankara. Though lived only for 32 years, Adishankara played a major role in the revival of Hinduism about 1000 years ago. Among many of his works, Bhaja Govindam is devoted to Lord Govinda. It was further enhanced by his disciples to include a few more relevant verses.
9. Which Vaishnavaite Aazhwar received a spear (Vel) as a gift from the Shaivite saint Tirugnaanasambandhar?
Thirumangai Azhwar. Thirugnana sambandhar, a Shaiva saint, once met with Thirumangai Azhwar in the town of Sirkazhi. There Thirumangai Azhwar composed a poem in praise of the local deity Thadaalan. The poem was admired by the Sambandhar who gifted him a spear as a mark of appreciation.
10. What is common name for ‘Samprokshanam’ that depicts a temple event?
Samprokshanam is also called as Kumbaabhishekam (‘Kuda muzukku’ in Tamil). It denoted the consecration ceremony that happens once in every 12 years.
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Rangarajan has been blogging for over 12 years now on various topics. With Thedal, he becomes one with the universe and he is hoping that his search will help him discover the eternal truth. Please join him as he traverses through the universe across temples, philosophies and science!