THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN KBC PART 17 GODS OF HINDUISM AND THEIR INCARNATIONS

Vipin K. Bansal
Know about all the Deities of Hinduism, Vishnu Incarnations, Goddess Incarnations, Unique temples in India, Chapters of Ram Charit Manas, Bhagwad Geeta, Char Dhams and Chhota Char Dham etc. etc.

The Key to Success in K.B.C. [Type the company address] [Type the phone number] [Type the fax number] 4/18/2013

Contents
Acknowledgement....................................................................................................................... 2 Preface ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Three Supreme Powers ........................................................................................................................... 4 Vishnu Incarnations ................................................................................................................................ 5 Unique Temples in India ......................................................................................................................... 7 Incarnation of Goddess ........................................................................................................................... 8 Other Deities in Hinduism ..................................................................................................................... 10 Main Characters of Mahabharat Yug .................................................................................................... 12 Army of Kaurav and Pandava ................................................................................................................ 13 Char Dhams ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Hindu Temples in other countries ........................................................................................................ 16 Bhagwad Gita ........................................................................................................................................ 16 Ram Charit Manas ................................................................................................................................. 17 Questions related to this chapter ......................................................................................................... 19 Scoring System ...................................................................................................................................... 22 Answers ............................................................................................................................................. 22 Bibliography: ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Thank You! ........................................................................................................................................ 23

Acknowledgement

When a book like this comes into existence, it is very hard to name and thank all the people that helped me shape this book. It took me over 6 years to consolidate and format all the content in a manner that may benefit the readers. I express my gratitude to my wife for her patience, my father for his encouragement, invaluable experience and support, my elder son Anurag who helped me design it and offer it on various online portals and my younger son Gaurav who helped me put together all the questions related to the content.

Preface

The idea of this book came to my mind after seeing so many people fall out without success in their career. Most of the time the reason was not enough preparation or lack of resource to enhance the knowledge. Thats why I started writing this book which can offer the basics on the subjects. The Key to Success has been written for the people trying to prepare for their competition. Therefore the scope of this book is not to give you exhaustive information on any subject rather offer basic to intermediate information that can make you qualify for the success. This book cannot be used to gain exhaustive knowledge on any given subject. But it provides enough information that you can easily remember and be better prepared for the game. At the last of the text matter, a Question Session has been prepared, having choice of four answers with one correct answer. you solve all questions. Keep it up!!! You can check the correct answer from the Answer Sheet put at the end after

Three Supreme Powers

The Tridev of the Hinduism is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh who are the Creator, Preserver and the Transformer respectively. These three gods are called Great Trinity. Brahmas abode is Satyalok which is about 2.0 billion miles from Surya. Brahma is the father of Manu. His consert is Devi Saraswati. Brahma had nine sons and one daughter born from various parts of his body. Agni, Kama, Daksha, Dharm, Chitragupta, Angaja are their sons and daughter. The Swan is his vaahan. o The only temple is at Pushkar (Rajasthan). Every Kartik Purnima, a religious festival is held there. Vishnu is a Vedic Supreme God. He incarnated on Earth from time to time to eradicate evil forces and to restore Dharma. o Vishnus eternal and supreme abode is Vaikuntha and Ksheer Sagara. He is depicted as four hands holding a lotus flower, Mace (Gada), Conch (Shankh) and Sudarshana Chakra in the upper right hand. Vishnu's vehicle is Garuda. Shiva is considered the Supreme God of the three. He is worshipped in the form of lingam. His abode is Mount Kailash. Shiva is depicted three-eyed, Ganges flowing through his hair, wearing serpents and a skull bracelet, crescent moon on his head, Trishul and Damaru. o Nandi bull is his Vaahan and Ganas are attendants of Shiva. Ganesh is their leader hence also called Ganapati. Shiva first wed Dakshayani (Sati), the first incarnation of adi shakthi, granddaughter of Brahma and the daughter of Daksha. Daksha, a Vishnu devotee, never liked Shiva. He publicly insulted Shiva in a Yagna ceremony and Sati immolated herself into fire. The Yagna was destroyed even was protected by all the other Gods and Rishis. Demon Tarakasur got a boon that he will be killed only by Shiva's son. The Devas managed to get Shiva married to Parvati (Dakshayani, reborn). Kartikeya is married to Devasena (daughter of Indra) and Valli (a tribal chief daughter). Kartikeya vaahan is Peacock. Maha Shivratri is celebrated every year on Maagha month on 14th day of the new moon in the Krishna Paksha. It marks when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava and also married to Parvati. There are 12 Jyotirlinga temples which are located at Somnath (Gujarat), Mahakaleshwar Ujjain and Omkareshwar Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Kedar Nath and Jageshwar in Uttrakhand, Bhima Shankar at Pune and Trimbakeshwar Temple at Nasik (Maharashtra),

Kashi Vishwanath Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Ramanath Swamy, Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), Baijnath (Himachal Pradesh), Mallikarjuna Swamy Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) and Vaidyanath Temple at Deoghar (Jharkhand). Nataraj Temple at Chidambaram, Meenakshi temple at Madurai,

Pashupatinath temple, Mandsaur and Nepal are world fame temples of Lord Shiva. Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash in Tibet are abode of Lord Shiva. Gosaikund Lake was formed by Lord Shiva by his Trishul after he drank the poison Halahala from Samudra manthan.

Vishnu Incarnations
Ten avatars of Lord Vishnu are known as Dasavatara. Out of which four Avatars appeared in Satyug, three in Tretayug, one each in Dwapar and Kaliyug and the tenth avatar will be appeared as Kalki at the end of Kaliyug. Matsya (Fish) Avatar for saving Manu and rescued Vedic scriptures by killing the demon. Matsya fore-warned Manu about a flood and ordered to collect all the living creatures, seven great Sages and grains of the world in a boat. After the flood, Manu accompanied by the seven great sages was hidden by a demon. Taking Matsya Avatar, Manu was rescued. Kurma (Tortoise) Avatar for helping in Samudra Manthan. Mount Mandara and Serpent Vasuki helped in churning the ocean. Lord Vishnu in the form of a Tortoise, bore the mountain on his back to save the mountain from sinking in the ocean. Varaha (Pig) Avatar for rescueing the Earth from the Ocean by killing Hiranyaksha who had stolen the Earth and hid her in water. Narasimha (half man and lion) Avatar killed Hiranyakashipu to rescue Prahlad. Hiranyakashipu was offered a boon by Lord Brahma. Vamana (Dwarf) Avatar to restore the authority of his elder brother Indra over heaven. King Bali was grandson of Prahlada. Vamana went to Bali to request three paces of land. On consent of Bali, Vamana stepped from heaven to earth with first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second step and for the third step, Bali offered his head. Onam festival is celebrated in the honor of King Bali every year. Parashuram is the sixth avatar of Vishnu. He was descendant of Brahma and pupil of Shiva. He is son of Renuka and the saptarishi Jamadagni. An Axe was gifted by Lord Shiva to Parashuram. Parashurama is known for ridding the world of Kshatriyas 21 times. He had seen three incarnations of Vishnu as Rama, Krishna and Buddha and played an important role in Ramayan and Mahabharat.

 Rama Avatar took place on the request of the Earth to Brahma to rescue acts of evil of Ravana and his entire family. o Ram is the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu in Hinduism and a king of Ayodhya. Ram was born in Suryavansha, Ikshvaku Vansh. Ayodhya is birth place of Lord Ram who is worshipped as an infant or Ram Lalla. o Ram fights against Ravana's armies and after killing all the demons including Raavan, he liberates Sita. o Ram returns to Ayodhya and eventually becomes emperor. He ruled with happiness, prosperity, peace and justice. This period was known as Rama Rajya. o Rama also frees Ahalya, the wife of Gautama Maharishi, from a curse. o Ravana was follower of Lord Shiva. He was also a master of Veena. Lord Brahma gifted a boon of immortality which he kept in his nasal. Ravana family included six brothers Kuber, Vibhishan, Kumbhakarna, Khar, Dushan, Ahiravan and two sisters Kumbhini and Surpanakha. o Indrajit was Ravanas son. Ravana ruled on God, Heavens, Earth and Netherworlds. o Ram Rajya was lasted for 11000 years. Ram was given Pushpak Vimana by Kuber for killing Ravana. Krishna Avatar was eighth avatar which took place for killing Kansa in Dwaparyuga. Balarama

(Devaki's 7th child born to Rohini) and Subhadra (daughter of Vasudeva and Rohini) were two siblings of Krishna. o Krishna married Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambawati, Kalindi, Mitravrinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra and Lakshana. They were Eight Patraniyaan of Lord Krishna. Krishna also married 16100 maidens to save their honor, who were held captive by demon Narakasura. o Shishupal and Dantavakra were both reincarnation of Vishnu's gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya. Radha was daughter of Vrishbhanu. Pradyumna was first son of Krishna born to Rukmini. o Krishna ruled the kingdom till the age of 125 years and then retired into a forest. The hunter Jara shot an arrow on Krishna by mistake. Jara was Bali in previous birth who was killed by Lord Ram in Tretayug. Krishnas mortal body was cremated by Arjuna. Gautam Buddha was incarnation which was promote non-violence. 9th to

Kalki Avatar will be the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu to be expected to appear at the end of Kaliyug. Other than the above 10 incarnations, Mohini Avatar and Rishi Vyas were also incarnations of Maha Vishnu.

Unique Temples in India

Ram Raja Temple is a temple in Orchha in Madhya Pradesh built in the year 1600 and is visited by about one million tourists every year. This is the only temple where Lord Ram is worshipped as a King and also in a Palace. o A Guard of Honour is held everyday. Police Personnel have been designated as Guards at the temple as in the manner of a King. The food and other amenities provided to the Lord are a royal Repast. Armed salutation is provided to Lord Ram everyday. o First invitation card of any Hindu wedding in the region is sent to Raja Ram even today also. The temple is accompanied by Sita, Laxman, Sugreev and Narsingh Bhagwan. o Durga Maa is also present in Darbaar. Lord Hanuman and Jamwant are in praying position. o The other specialty of this temple is that Lord Ram has a Sword in his right hand and a Shield in the other and is sitting in Padmasan with the left leg crossed on to the right thigh. o King of Orchha Madhukar Shah Judeo and his wife Ganesh Kunwwarji were devotees of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram respectively. The temple is in Rani Mahal. o Every day after worship sandalwoods teeka is applied on Lord Rams lefts thumb. It is believed if worshippers look at the left foots thumb then their wish gets fulfilled. Shrinathji is a form of Krishna as a 7-years child. It is located at Nathdwara, about 50 kms away from Udaipur. Doodh ghar, Paan ghar, Mishri ghar, Phool ghar, Rasoi ghar, Gahna ghar, Kharcha bhandaar, Ashva shala, Chakki and a Baithak are the names of places in the temple. The inner sanctum is opened 8 times a day for darshan. o Since the deity is believed to be a child form of Krishna, special care is taken and attention is given to the deity. Mangala, Shringar, Gval, Rajbhog, Uthanpan, Bhog, Sandhya and Shayan are kinds of darshan to the public. Karni Mata temple is an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The temple is famous for about 20000 black and white rats which are treated as sacred and given protection in the temple. It is believed that if one of the rats is killed, it must be replaced with one made of solid gold. Rat nibbled food is considered to be a high honor. Mehandipur Balaji Mandir is located in Dausa District of Rajasthan, about 60 kms. From Jaipur on Agra-Jaipur Highway. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. o Thousands of devotees come every day to pay homage. It is believed that the Lord not only cures the Sankat but also provide health and prosperity. About 1000 years ago, Mehandipur Dham appeared in a valley of Aravali Range.

The Divine Trinity comprises of Sri Balaji Hanuman, Sri Bhairava Baba and Sri Pretraaj Sarkar. The legend is that one who goes with a clean mind and respect dos and donts would be cured of any evil spirits or effects.

of the country which have its importance. They are Banke Bihari Temple, Tirupati, Padmanabhaswamy, Mumba Devi Temple, Dagduseth Halwai temple, Pune, Maha Kaleshwar temple, Ujjain, Meenakshi Temple, Thiruvanathapuram, Ranganathaswamy, Sabarimala Temple, Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram Temple etc.

There are several other major temples located in different part

Incarnation of Goddess
Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune and beauty. She is the consort of the God Vishnu. Lakshmi is called Thirumagal. Goddess Lakshmi is the sister of Shukracharya and Chandra. Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyaati and resided in Swarga but due to curse of Durvasa, left Swarga and made Ksheer Saagar her home. Her Vaahan is Owl. Durga is a popular form of Hindu Goddess. She is depicted with ten arms carrying various weapons and riding a lion. Each of her weapons was given by a different god. Himavaan is the father of Durga. He gifted a chariot to her. o Mahishasura was a demon who was killed by Durga. Durga is another form of Parvati. During the festival of Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped in nine avatars each day as First day Shail putri pooja Kalasha Sthapana; Second day Brahmacharini Pooja; Third day Chandra Ghanta pooja; Fourth day Kushmanda pooja; She controls whole solar system. Fifth day - Skanda Mata Pooja; Sixth day Katyayani Pooja. She is prime deity of Braj Mandal; Seventh day Kaal Ratri Pooja; Eighth day - Maha Gauri Pooja; and Ninth day Siddhi datri Pooja also called Durga Navami. Tenth day - Vijaya Dashami or Dusssehra.

Santoshi Mata is known as the Mother of Satisfaction. She is worshipped mainly in North India and Nepal. Santoshi Mata vrata is to be observed on 16 successive Fridays or till one's wish is fulfilled. The devotee should perform a puja and offer gur chana and should not eat or serve bitter or sour food to others. Shitala is a Hindu goddess widely worshipped in North India, West

Bengal, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan as the pox goddess. Shitala is accompanied by demons of Fever, Cholera etc. She is said to be carrying a bunch of neem leaves also. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science. She is the companion of Brahma as Shakti. Saraswati's birthday is Vasant Panchami. Saraswati wears no jewels. Brahma created the universe with the help of Saraswati. Vaishno Devi is Hindu goddess. She was called Trikuta during childhood. She prayed to Lord Vishnu (in Rama form) and accepted him as her husband. During search of Sita by Rama, Trikuta told him to accept her but Ram pleased and blessed that when he will be incarnated as Kalki, he would marry her. He also gave her a bow and arrows, army of monkeys and a lion for her protection. o Vaishno Devi Temple, near Katra, the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is at an altitude of 5300 feet and about 12 kms. from Katra. About 8 million pilgrims visit the temple every year. o Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. o Shree Dhar was a devotee of Maa Vaishno Devi. Once Ma appeared to him and asked for a Bhandara. Shree Dhar invited all pandits including Bhairav Nath, a selfish Taantrik. As Shree Dhar was short of money, the Divine girl arranged everything for the Bhandara. o After Bhairav Nath followed her to locate for 9 months, she took shelter o

in Adhkwari to hide herself. Baan Ganga is a boon of Maa Devis arrow into the Earth. Charan Paduka near bank of the river is marked by Devi's foot imprints. During meditation, Bhairav located her. Vaishno Devi was then compelled to take the form of Maha Kali when Bhairav tried to kill her. Goddess then beheaded Bhairav with such sheer force that his skull fell at a place known as Bhairav Ghati. In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. Devi Maa not only granted Bhairav liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, but also granted him a boon, whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after the darshan of the Goddess. Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindis. Pandit Shree Dhar also reached the cave mouth and made a daily routine of worshiping the 'Pindis' in several ways. She appeared in front of him and blessed him. Since that day, Shree Dhar and his descendants have been worshiping the Goddess Mother Vaishno Devi.

Chamunda is a fearsome aspect of Devi. As she killed Chanda and Munda, two monsters hence named as Chamunda. Devi Chamunda is also present in Kaila Devi temple as small deity.

 Manasa is a Hindu goddess of snakes and is worshipped mainly in Bengal, North and North Eastern parts of India. Manasa is the sister of Naag king Vasuki. She is often called One-eyed Goddess, as one of her eyes was burnt by her stepmother Chandi. Generally Manasa is worshipped without an image. She is worshipped for protection from and cure of snake bites and infectious diseases like smallpox and chicken pox and for prosperity and fertility. Kali Maa is associated with Shakti. Kali is the Goddess of Time and Change. Once Kali had destroyed all the demons including Raktaabeej in battle, she began a terrific dance out of the sheer joy of victory. At the

request of all the Gods, Shiva himself asked her to desist from this behaviour but since she was too intoxicated, hence Shiva laid down on the earth. When Kali eventually stepped upon Shiva, she realized hurting her husband and bit her tongue in shame. Kali Ma is often considered the kindest and most loving of all the Hindu goddesses, as she is regarded by her devotees as the Mother of the whole Universe. Annapoorna is the Hindu goddess and an avatar of Parvati. Annapurna temple is in Varanasi adjacent to Kashi Viswanath temple. Annapurna is regarded as the queen of Varanasi alongside her husband Vishweshwar, the King of Varanasi.

Other Deities in Hinduism

Vaayu is a primary Hindu deity, Lord of the winds. He is father of Bhima and the spiritual father of Lord Hanuman. The Vaahan of Vaayu is a chariot driven by the horses. Indra is the leader of the Gods and the lord of Svargalok on mount Meru. He holds a lightning thunderbolt known as vajra. His Vaahan is White Elephant Airavata. Indra and Agni are twin brothers. o He is married to Shachi. Indra is father of Arjuna. Indra is also brother to Surya. Indra tricked Ahalya on which Gautama punished Indra with a curse of losing his manliness. Kubera is the Lord of wealth and was son of sage Vishravaa. Vishravaa had two wives and his second wife gave birth to Raavan, Kumbhkarn and Vibheeshan. Kuber used to rule in Lanka. Kuber also possessed Pushpak Vimaan which he had gifted to Lord Ram. o When Raavan pleased Brahma and got a boon of win over the kingdom of Lanka as a result he attacked Kuber and defeated him and captured Lanka. Vishwakarma is the divine engineer of the universe. Vishwakarma Jayanthi is celebrated all over India by all Industrial houses, Craftsmen and weavers on 17th September each year. o When Lord Shiva married Parvati, Viswakarma had built a beautiful palace made up of the Gold for them to reside but it was

taken by Ravana during house warming as Dakshina. Viswakarma had also built Dwarka over a night. Mayasura was also an architect and his daughter Mandodri married Ravana.

In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak transformed this annual Ganesha festival from private family celebrations into a grand public event.

Shani is the son of Surya and his wife Chhaya. He is also called Chayyaputra. He is the elder brother of Yama. Shani is known as the greatest teacher and well wisher for the righteous as well the greatest punisher for those who follow the path of evil. He is depicted dark in colour, clothed in black, holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and mounted on a crow, which is Shani's vhana. Agni is a Hindu deity and is the god of fire and acceptor of sacrifices. Agni is a messenger from and to the Gods. His vehicle is the ram (goat). Agnis consort is Svaha. Agni is the eldest son of Brahma. Agneya is the Hindu Goddess of Fire and the daughter of Agni. Ganesha is most widely worshipped in the Hinduism. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles and is worshipped in entire India and Nepal. Ganesh is son of Shiva and Parvati. Kartikey, the War God is his brother. o Ganesha is married to Riddhi and Siddhi. The sons of Ganesha are Shubh and Laabh. o Ganesha Chaturthi is an annual festival of ten days dedicated to Ganesha. The festival culminates on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi when idols of Ganesha are immersed in the most convenient body of water.

Hanuman is a Hindu deity and son of Vaayu. Hanuman was born to mother Anjana and father Kesari. Due to a curse, Apsara Anjana was born on earth. Father Kesari was the son of Brihaspati. Hanuman is brother of Bheema. o Hanuman got boons from: Brahma - Nobody will be able to kill and to change his form at will and to easily travel wherever he wished; Shiva for longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean; o Indra blessed that the body stronger than Vajra; Varuna booned protection from water; Agni blessed with immunity to burning by fire; Surya booned to attain smallest or biggest form; o Yama blessed free from death; Vishwakarma blessed to be protected from all weapons; Vaayu blessed Speed and Kamdev blessed him that the sex will not be effective. o Hanuman scripted a version of Ramayana after the victory at Himalaya using his nails but when Maharishi Valmiki visited him to show him his own version, he discarded his own version. o Hanuman is one of the four people to have heard Bhagwad Gita from Krishna including Arjuna, Sanjaya and Barbarika. o Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani from the clutches of Ravana. In gratitude, Shani promised

Hanuman that those who prayed him would be rescued from the painful effects of Saturn.

Hanuman is worshiped also to get rid or win over daitya, yaksha, gandharva, bhut-pret and other negative energies.

Main Characters of Mahabharat Yug

Abhimanyu Arjun (Gandiv was gifted by Varun and Chariot by Agni; Wives Draupdi, Ulupi, Subhadra, Chitrangada) Yudhishthir (son of Dharmraj) Nakul and Sahdev (Twins of Ashwini Kumar; Madri mother) Bheem (son of Vaayu; Wives Hidimba and Draupdi) Ashwathama (Dronacharya son) Karna (son of Kunti and Sun, cared by Adhirath and Radha who was Saarthi of Kaurava, Amogh Shakti gifted by Indra) Dronacharya Kripacharya (Brother in laws) Gandhari Ghatotkutch (Bheem-Hidimba son) Dushala (Sister of Duryodhan, wife of Jaidrath) Dushashan (younger brother of Duryodhan) Bhishma (real name Dev Vrat, Son of Shantanu) Drupad (King of Panchal, father of Draupdi, Dhrashdyuman and Shikhandi) Draupdi (wives of Pandavas) Dhratrashtra (Son of Vichitra virya and father of Duryodhan) Parikshit (son of Abhimanyu, mother Uttra, King of Khandvprashtha after Pandava) Pandu (younger brother of Dhratrashtra, Kuntis husband) Yuyutsu (son of Dhratrashtra but favoured to Pandava) Vidur (Daasi Putra) Shakuni (master mind of gambling, maternal uncle of Duryodhan) Shalya (Madris brother, Nakul Sahdev Mama) Shantnu (father of Bhishma) Shikhandi (Kashiraj daughter Amba, rebirth as daughter of Drupad but was Eunuch) Saatyki (friend of Krishna) Subhadra (sister of Krishna, wife of Arjun and mother of Abhimanyu) Satyawati (Nishad kanya, wife of Shantnu, mother of Chitrangad and Vichitravirya) Amba, Ambika and Ambalika (daughters of Kashi Naresh), Ambika and Ambalika (Mothers of Dhratrashtra and Pandu) Kichaka (Army commander of King Virat, attempted to harass Draupadi during final year of exile and was killed by Bheem) King Virat (where Pandavas lived in the final year of exile Yudhishthir as Kank Brahman, Bheem as Ballabh Rasoiya, Arjun as Vrahanalla dance teacher, Nakul as Granthik Horse care taker, Sahdev as Tantripal hopper of animals and Draupadi as Serandhiri female servant) Kunti (daughter of Shursen, Pandus wife, mother of Yudhishthir, Bheem and Arjun; boon by Sage Durvasa that she could invoke any God, Used this boon to Dharma, Vaayu and Indra for sons, She also shared her mantra with Madri who beared the twins Nakula and

Sahadeva through the Ashwini twins) Madri (Pandus second wife and mother of Nakul and Sahdev

twins, Due to a curse during sex with Madri, Pandu died and Madri died on his funeral pyre).

Army of Kaurav and Pandava

Pandava Army had 7 akshauhini warriors consists of Bhima, Shikhandi, Drupada, Virata, Dhristadyumna, Satyaki, Chekitana, Kekaya, Pandya, Cholas, Magadha army etc. Dhristadyumna was appointed as the supreme commander of the army by the Pandavas. The Kaurava army consisted of 11 Akshauhini warriors. Each division of Akshauhini consists of Chariots, horses, elephants and foot soldiers. There were about 4 millions warriors from both the sides. Bhishma was first supreme commander of the Kaurava army. In the war of 19 days, Bhishma was the chief commander for first 10 days. After that Dronacharya was for next 5 days, Karna was for next 2 days, Shalya for 18th day and Ashwathama was last chief commander till the end of war. Chakravyuh was created during Dronacharya commandership on 12th day. Jayadratha, Shalya, Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Shakuni, Bahlika, Sudakshina, Bhurisravas and many more were from the side of Kauravas. The Vidarbha kingdom and Balarama were the only neutrals in this war. The kingdoms of Panchala, Dwarka, Kasi, Magadha, Matsya, Chedi, Pandya, Telinga, Kambojas, Yadus of Mathura and some other were allied with the Pandavas. The allies of the Kauravas were kingdom of Pragjyotisha, Anga, Kekaya, Sindhu, Mahishmati, Avanti, Gandhara, Bahlikas and many others. On the 18th day, Yudhishthira killed Shalya, Sahadeva killed Shakuni and Bhima killed the remaining brothers of Duryodhana. Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Kritavarma attacked the Pandavas' camp in the night and killed all the Pandavas' remaining army including their family. At the end of the 18th day war, only twelve warriors survived i.e. five Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, Yuyutsu, son of Karna Vrishakethu and Kritvarma. Yudhishthir was crowned as king of Hastinapur who ruled for 36 years.

Char Dhams
Badrinath Dham is situated along Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the four Char Dham (Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Puri) and Chota Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri) pilgrimage site. o The temple is open only six months every year between April and November. The most important statue of Vishnu as Lord

Badrinarayan, made of black Saligram stone is situated alongwith other 15 murtis of Nara and Narayana, Narasimha, Lakshmi, Narada, Ganesha, Uddhava, Kubera, Garuda and Navadurga. Tapt Kund hot springs having temperature of 45 degree Celcium next to Badrinath Temple is enclosed inside bath house. Dry fruits, sugar and Tulsi are offered as Prasad here. Nambudiri Brahman or Rawal is the main priest of the temple who is selected by the rulers of Garhwal and Travancore. The Rawal is provided full respect by the State. It is one of the five Punya kshethras where the Hindus offer Shraddha karmas to their 42 line of ancestors of both mother and father's side out of Kashi, Ramesharam, Gaya and Prayag.

It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga. The head priest (Rawal) of the Kedarnath temple belongs to Veerashaiva community from Karnataka.

Gangotri is the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga. It is one of the four sites in the Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh called Gangotri Glacier. Yamunotri is the source of Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna. It is one of the four sites in Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage. The Yamunotri is the westernmost shrine at Bandar Poonch Parvat. o The actual frozen lake of ice and Champasar glacier located on the Kalind Mountain is main source of Yamunotri. o The deity is made of black marble. Close to the temple are Suraj Kund, a hot water springs. Near the Surya Kund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja. o The pilgrims prepare rice and potatoes, tied in muslin cloth to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasad. o The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritya and closes on the sacred day of Diwali. The Jagannath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath located in Puri (Odisha) built in 11th century. It is one of a part of Char Dham pilgrimage comprising of Rameshwaram, Badrinath and

Kedarnath Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. The temple is open only between End of April and Kartik Purnima. o During the winters, the murtis from Kedarnath temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months. o The temple is not directly accessible by road and has to be reached by a 14 km uphill trek from Gaurikund. The temple is one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrims of Northern Himalayas.

Dwarka in four corners of India i.e. Jagannath in East, Dwarka in West, Badrinath in North and Rameshwaram in South. o The wooden form of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshipped. The temple complex is a very large area of 4 lac sq.ft. It is surrounded by 20 feet high fortified wall, called Meghanada Pacheri. o Six times a day, different types of offerings are made to the Lord which includes breakfast, Sakala Dhupa, Chhatra Bhog (Pilgrims share this food), Madhyanha dhupa, Sandhya Dhupa and finally Bada Simhara Bhoga. The Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath is distributed amongst the devotees near the Ratnavedi. o The kitchen of the temple is considered as the largest kitchen in the world. It is believed that all pure vegetarian food is supervised by Goddess Mahalakshmi herself and is also said that if the food has any fault, a shadow dog appears near the temple kitchen. o Cooking is done only in earthen pots with water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganges and Yamuna. Dwarka is located in Jamnagar of Gujarat. It is one of the seven most ancient cities in India. River Gomati flows towards the sea. There are shrines of Vasudeva,

Devaki, Balarama and Revati, Subhadra, Rukmini Devi, Jambavati Devi and Satyabhama Devi. o Bet Dwarka is a deity of Lord Dwarakanath which can be reached through boat. o Dwarkadheesh is dressed in a Royal form which is changed frequently. Darshan of Mangala, Singaar, Gwaal, Rajbhog, Uthapan, Bhog, Sandhya Aarti and Shayan are being made from time to time. o It was built on the order of Lord Krishna himself by Vishwakarma. The flag of the temple shows the sun and moon. The flag is changed 5 times a day without changing the symbol. o There are two entrances to the temple namely Moksha Dwara and Swarga Dwara. Outside this doorway are 56 steps that lead to the Gomati River. The temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham. Rameshwaram is in Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the Gulf of Mannar. This is the place from where Lord Rama built a bridge Ram Setu to Lanka. Rama prayed to Shiva here to absolve any sins that he might have committed during his war against Ravana in Sri Lanka to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya. Ramanathaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines. Agni Teertham is the main teerth here.

Hindu Temples in other countries

ost Hindu temples of Shri Ram Sita, Shri Radha Krishna, Shri Venkatesh, Lord Ganesh, Shakti (Durga) temples, Swaminarayan Temples, Lord Shiva are built and worshipped in other countries. Numerous mandir in North America and Europe have gained prominence and acclaim. The B.A.P.S. organization has built over 60 temples in North America as well as numerous temples in Europe also. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest traditional Hindu temple outside India and has been constructed according to Vedic architectural standard. BAPS means Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swami Narayan Sanstha. It is a major Charitable Non-governmental organization within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism which was established in 1907.

The Charity is affiliated with the United Nations. This organisation is a Trustee of all BAPS Swaminarayan temples spread over all the countries in United Kingdom, United States of America etc. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto is the largest Hindu temple in Canada. The Radha Madhav temple established by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is one of the largest Hindu Temple complexes in Texas (U.S.A.). Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, United States of America, Mauritius, Seychelles, London, Singapore, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Canada are the countries having major Hindu temples. Nepals famous temples are Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kashthamandap, Mahadev Parwati, Ram Temple, Ganesh Temple and more than 200 other temples.

Bhagwad Gita

he Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture. This scripture contains a conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. It is divided into 18 chapters. Gita Dhyanam contains 9 verses which is not a part of the main Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna Visada yoga Chapter-1 contains 46 verses Sankhya yoga chapter-2 contains 72 verses Karma yoga chapter-3 contains 43 verses

Jnana Karma Sanyasa yoga chapter-4 contains 42 verses Karma Sanyasa yoga chapter-5 contains 29 verses Dhyan yoga chapter-6 contains 47 verses Jnana Vijnana yoga chapter-7 contains 30 verses Aksara Brahma yoga chapter-8 contains 28 verses Rajavidya Rajaguhya yoga chapter-9 contains 34 verses Vibhuti Vistara yoga chapter-10 contains 42 verses

Visvarupa Darsana yoga chapter11 contains 55 verses Bhakti yoga chapter-12 contains 20 verses Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga yoga chapter-13 contains 35 verses Gunatraya Vibhaga yoga chapter14 contains 27 verses

Purusottama yoga chapter-15 contains 20 verses Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga yoga chapter-16 contains 24 verses Sraddhatraya Vibhaga yoga chapter-17 contains 28 verses, and Moksha Sanyasa yoga chapter-18 contains 78 verses.

Ram Charit Manas

am Charit Manas is an epic poem in Awadhi composed by Goswami Tulsidas in 16th century. It is composed in Seven Chapters as 1. Baal Kanda It has 361 Shloks and has description of childhood. It is the first and longest chapter of Ram Charit Manas. It begins with extensive invocations to various God and Goddess, story of Shiva and Parvati, Birth of Rama, his childhood, Breaking of Lord Shivas bow, Marriage to Sita and return to Ayodhya. 2. Ayodhya Kanda It has 326 Shloks and has description of Ayodhya. It begins with preparation for Rama coronation in Ayodhya, exile of Rama, Dashraths death, Nishad and Kevata encounter, Return of Bharat to Ayodhya and his anger at his mother Kaikeyi, Meeting of Bharat and Rama in forest and installation of Ramas paduka on the throne of Ayodhya. 3. Aranya Kanda It has 46 shloks and has chapter of Forest. Ramas life in forest with Sita and Lakshman, meeting with Rishi Atri, Rishi Anasuya, Rishi Agastya, meeting with Shurpanakha, battle with Khar and Dushan, Marichi golden deer and abduction of Sita, Ramas

grief and beginning of search for Sita. 4. Kishkindha Kanda It has 30 shloks and has chapter of Kishkindha. It is the shortest chapter of Ram Charit Manas. It describes meeting of Hanuman and Rama, Rama friendship with Sugreeva, Slaying of Bali and beginning of search for Sita with Sugreevas army. 5. Sunder Kanda It has 60 Shloks and has Chapter of Beauty. It describes the exploits of Hanuman, Crossing over the Ocean, Entry in Lanka, meeting with Vibhishana, meeting with Sita and burning of Lanka. 6. Lanka Kanda It has 121 Shloks and has chapter of Lanka. It describes the whole period of Rama and his army stay in Lanka, building of Bridge on the ocean and crossing over into Lanka, Angadas peace mission to Ravana, Battle with fall of various Kings, Lakshamas injury, Hanuman visit to Himalaya for recovery of Lakshamas injury, Ravanas end, Crowning as King of Lanka to Vibhishan, Return of Sita and journey back to Ayodhya.

7. Uttar Kanda It has 130 Shloks and has chapter of later events. It includes the talks of events occurring after the battle of Lanka, end of Ramas exile and return to Ayodhya, Crowning of Rama as King of Ayodhya and

governance of Ram Rajya. Ram sons are Luv and Kush; Bharat sons are Taksha and Pushka; Shatrughna sons are Chitraketu and Subahu and Laxman sons are Angad and Dharmketu.

Questions related to this chapter

1-N. Who was not Commander Kaurav Sena in Mahabharat? (a) Shalya (b) Dronacharya (c) Ashwathama (d) Yuyutsu 2-G. Prem Vatika, a poems on Lord Krishna which Poet? (a) Behari (b) (c) Raskhan (d) of 9-G. Who was the first person, interacted by Yaksh, near the pool during Mahabharat? (a) Sahdev (b) Nakul (c) Arjun (d) Bheem 10-L. In which hand, Lord Vishnu is depicted with a Mace (Gadaa) other than Sudarshan Chakra, Lotus and Conch in other hands? (a) Upper Left hand (b) Lower Right hand (c) Lower Left hand (d) Upper Right hand 11-O. What type of weapon, the deity of Brahma depicts in the picture? (a) Trishul (b) Sword (c) Needle (d) Nothing 12-B. Who won the hands of Draupadi in Swayambara? (a) Arjun (b) Bhima (c) Yudhishthir (d) All the Pandavas jointly 13-G. By whom, a Boon of Ability to cross Ocean to Hanuman was gifted? (a) Lord Shiva (b) Indra (c) Agni (d) Vaayu 14-L. From which Gods energy Durgas third eye was created? (a) Agni (b) Brahma (c) Shiva (d) Vishnu 15-B. Who revived Ram and Laxman from the effect of Nagapassa? (a) Jatayu (b) Sampati (c) Hanuman (d) Garuda 16-D. From which Pandava, did Yudhishthir seek opinion before taking any important decisions? (a) Arjun (b) Bhima (c) Nakula (d) Sahadev 17-S. Which mighty Bow? (a) Indra God designed Ramas

collection of was work of Surdas Kabir

3-B. In which language, Surdas wrote Sur Sagar? (a) Khari Boli (b) Sanskrit (c) Brij Bhasha (d) Bhojpuri 4-A. Which Dynasty is the oldest one in Indian History? (a) Puru dynasty (b) Ishkavaku Dynasty (c) Lunar Dynasty (d) Yadav Dynasty 5-B. Which plant is worshipped in the morning as per Hindu Mythology? (a) Peepal Tree (b) Banyan Tree (c) Basil (d) Black Plum 6-D. As per Hindu mythology, who was not son of Lord Brahma? (a) Agni (b) Chitragupt (c) Vishwakarma (d) Kamdev 7-L. gifted (a) (c) By whom, Pushpak Vimaan was to Lord Ram? Brahma (b) Surya Indra (d) Kuber

8-N. Who was not directly related to golden Lanka as his residence? (a) Lord Shiva (b) Kuber (c) Raavan (d) Vishwakarma

(b) (c) (d)

Vishwakarma Maya Danava Brahma

18-B. Which one of the following contains Gayatri Mantra? (a) Rig Veda (b) Yajur Veda (c) Upanishad (d) Aranyakas 19-B. many (a) (c) As per Hindu Mythology, how Purans are there? Four (b) Ten Twelve (d) Eighteen

27-N. learnt (a) (c)

From whom did Parashuram the Art of Fighting? Lord Shiva (b) Lord Brahma Lord Vishnu (d) Lord Indra

28-B. How many sections are there in Bhagwad Geeta? (a) Eight (b) Twelve (c) Eighteen (d) Twenty Four 29-O. Which God granted Ravana the boon of almost total invincibility? (a) Brahma (b) Agni (c) Indra (d) Shiva 30-B. Who was Dhritrashtras only daughter in Mahabharat? (a) Dussala (b) Danayu (c) Danu (d) Dhriti 31-G. Who provided Gandeev to Arjun in Mahabharat? (a) Surya (b) Indra (c) Agni (d) Krishna 32-O. By what method did Kaurava try unsuccessfully to kill Bhima in his childhood? (a) Poison (b) Fire (c) Drawning (d) All methods 33-E. What was the name of Duryodhans wife in Mahabharat? (a) Bhanumati (b) Budbuda (c) Brihatsena (d) Brihannala 34-B. Which is supposed to be a Mediator between human and God? (a) Agni (b) Indra (c) Narada (d) Chitragupt 35-G. How many days and nights did Bhishma spend on his bed of arrows before he left for his heavenly abode? (a) 7 days (b) 18 days (c) 36 days (d) 58 days 36-N. Who gifted a lion to Goddess Durga as her chariot? (a) Shiva (b) Himavaan (c) Varun (d) Brahma 37-L. In Mahabharat, who set the fire in house of Lakshagrah?

20-D. Who was Duryodhans son in Mahabharat? (a) Laxman (b) Vikarna (c) Yuyutsu (d) Keechak 21-N. On which Mountain did Ravana and his brothers perform penance? (a) Rishiyamukh (b) Mount Meru (c) Mount Kailash (d) Mount Vindhya 22-B. Who was father of Bhima in Mahabharat? (a) Indra (b) Vaayu (c) Yama (d) Surya 23-E. By which Pandava, Shakuni was killed in Mahabharat? (a) Arjun (b) Bheem (c) Sahadev (d) Nakul 24-A. The deity of Lord Ram is placed in Rani Mahal and is worshipped as a King. Where is it? (a) Ayodhya in U.P. (b) Orchha in M.P. (c) Chitrakoot in U.P. (d) Tirupati in A.P. 25-O. To which God Gayatri Mantra is addressed? (a) Agni (b) Shiva (c) Laxmi (d) Surya 26-B. Which other Gods abode besides Lord Shiva is on Mount Kailash? (a) Indra (b) Brahma (c) Kubera (d) Vishnu

(a) (c)

Duryodhan (b) Shakuni (d)

Purochan Bhima

(a) (c)

Indra Vaayu

(b) (d)

Moon Agni

38-L. According to Hindu Mythology, Lanka was originally built for? (a) Ravana (b) Indra (c) Shiva (d) Agni 39-O. As per Hindu Mythology, who is brother of Surya?

40-A. How many years did Yudhishthir rule the Empire after their victory in the Kurukshetra battle? (a) 12 years (b) 24 years (c) 36 years (d) 48 years

Scoring System
Answers
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Bibliography:
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