Jayaram School of Divinity

26 January 2024

Eka Shloki Ramayan

Eka Shloki Ramayanam is reading the ancient epic Ramayana in one stanza describing all the 7 Kandas of Ramayana. It is believed that reading this single sloka with devotion is equal to reading the whole Ramayan.

Sanskrit Lyrics
आदौ रामतपोवनादिगमनं हत्वा मृगं काञ्चनं
वैदेहीहरणं जटायुमरणं सुग्रीवसम्भाषणम्।
वालीनिग्रहणं समुद्रतरणं लंकापुरी दाहनं
पश्चाद्रावण कुम्भकर्ण हननमेतद्धि रामायणम्।।

English lyrics
Aadau raama tapovanaadi gamnam , hatvaa mrigam kaanchanam |
vaidehi haraNam jataayu marNam sugreeva sambhashaNam ||
vaali nigrahanam samudra tarNam lankaapuri daahanam |
paschaadraavaNa kumbhakarNa hananam etaddhi raamaayaNam ||

Meaning
आदौ रामतपोवनादिगमनं : Once Ram went to Forest
हत्वा मृगं काञ्चनं : (there) he chased and killed the Golden Deer
वैदेहीहरणं जटायुमरणं : Meanwhile Sita (his wife) was abducted (by Ravana) and Jatayu (a bird) was killed
सुग्रीवसम्भाषणम् : Ram spoke with Sugriva
बालीनिग्रहणं : Killed Bali (unrighteous brother of Sugriva)
समुद्रतरणं लंकापुरी दाहनं: Crossed the ocean and burnt Lanka (Ravan’s city)
पश्चाद्रावण कुम्भकर्ण हनन: (Ram) Later killed Ravan and (his brother) Kumbhkaran
मेतद्धि रामायणम्: This is the story of Ramayana

20 November 2019

Thiruppavai - Each Passuram in a different Raga

Thiruppavai is composed by Andal Nachiyar. Andal is one among the twelve tamil azhwars. Thiruppavai is a part of The Divya Prabandham, comprising of 4,000 verses. The thirty paasurams of Tiruppavai are sung in the Tamil month of Margazhi. Tiruppavai has captivating lyrics, with in-depth meaning. It is considered equivalent to the Vedas. Tiruppavai was composed by Andal with an aim to reach Paramathma (Lord Vishnu) by singing these verses and undertaking fast (known as Pavai nombhu).

Link to the lyrics in Tamizh and English:
http://swayamvaraparvathi.com/mantras/thiruppavai.htm

Smt. Vidya Subramanian, a disciple of Lalgudi Shri G.Jayaraman, has beautifully sung each paasuram, in an easy-to-learn format. She mentions the names of all the ragas and provides a brief description as well, which is very useful.
Link: http://www.carnaticdarbar.com/Tiruppavai/Margazhi-Thingal.asp

My favourite rendition of Thiruppavai is by Sikkil Gurucharan, in the same raagas:

Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrCrJMse5oAi5M-WM1U0HBgFYigierZT8

01 September 2016

Ramayana - An interesting interpretation

... this is the best interpretation I have read about Ra ma and Ramayana

The Interpretation of Ramayana
As a Philosophy of Life..

‘Ra’ means light, ‘Ma’ means within me, in my heart. So,
Rama means the Light Within Me..

Rama was born to Dasharath & Kousalya.

Dasharath means ‘Ten Chariots’..
The ten chariots symbolize the five sense organs & five organs of action..

Kousalya means ‘Skill’..
The skillful rider of the ten chariots can give birth to Ram..

When the ten chariots are used skillfully,
Radiance is born within..

Rama was born in Ayodhya.
Ayodhya means ‘a place where no war can happen’..

When There Is No Conflict In Our Mind, Then The Radiance Can Dawn..

The Ramayana is not just a story which happened long ago..
It has a philosophical, spiritual significance and a deep truth in it..

It is said that the Ramayana is happening in Your Own Body.

Your Soul is Rama,
Your Mind is Sita,
Your Breath or Life-Force (Prana) is Hanuman,
Your Awareness is Laxmana and
Your Ego is Ravana..

When the Mind (Sita),is stolen by the Ego (Ravana), then the Soul (Rama) gets Restless..

Now the SOUL (Rama) cannot reach the Mind (Sita) on its own..
It has to take the help of the Breath – the Prana (Hanuman) by Being In Awareness(Laxmana)

With the help of the Prana (Hanuman), & Awareness(Laxmana),
The Mind (Sita) got reunited with The Soul (Rama) and The Ego (Ravana) died/ vanished..

In reality Ramayana is an eternal phenomenon happening all the time..

26 August 2016

Ek Shloki Ramayan

25 August 2016

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam

The Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is a sanskrit hymn composed in eight stanzas. This is a prayer to Goddess Maha Lakshmi who is also called “Shree” and represents wealth as well as auspiciousness. Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam originally appeared in Padmapuranam (Padma Purana). It is considered to have been first recited by Indra, the Lord of the Devas to propitiate Goddess Mahalakshmi. The meaning of the hymn is explained below the lyrics.

Lyrics

नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते ।
शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥१॥
Namastestu Mahaa-Maaye Shrii-Piitthe Sura-Puujite |
Shangkha-Cakra-Gadaa-Haste Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||1||

नमस्ते गरुडारूढे कोलासुरभयंकरि ।
सर्वपापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥२॥
Namaste Garudda-Aaruuddhe Kola-Aasura-Bhayamkari |
Sarva-Paapa-Hare Devi Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||2||

सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्टभयंकरि ।
सर्वदुःखहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥३॥
Sarvajnye Sarva-Varade Sarva-Dusstta-Bhayamkari |
Sarva-Duhkha-Hare Devi Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||3||

सिद्धिबुद्धिप्रदे देवि भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि ।
मन्त्रमूर्ते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥४॥
Siddhi-Buddhi-Prade Devi Bhukti-Mukti-Pradaayini |
Mantra-Muurte Sadaa Devi Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||4||

आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्तिमहेश्वरि ।
योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥५॥
Aady-Anta-Rahite Devi Aadya-Shakti-Maheshvari |
Yogaje Yoga-Sambhuute Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||5||

स्थूलसूक्ष्ममहारौद्रे महाशक्तिमहोदरे ।
महापापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥६॥
Sthuula-Suukssma-Mahaaroudre Mahaa-Shakti-Mahodare |
Mahaa-Paapa-Hare Devi Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||6||

पद्मासन स्थिते देवि परब्रह्म स्वरूपिणि ।
परमेशि जगन्मातः महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥ 7 ॥
Padma-Aasana-Sthite Devi Para-Brahma-Svaruupinni |
Parameshi Jagan-Maatah-Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||7||

श्वेताम्बरधरे देवि नानालङ्कार भूषिते ।
जगस्थिते जगन्मातः महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥ 8 ॥
Shveta-Ambara-Dhare Devi Naana-Alangkaara-Bhuussite |
Jagatsthite Jagan-Maatah-Mahaalakssmi Namostute ||8||

महालक्ष्म्यष्टकं स्तोत्रं यः पठेद्भक्तिमान्नरः ।
सर्वसिद्धिमवाप्नोति राज्यं प्राप्नोति सर्वदा ॥९॥
Mahaalakssmy-Assttakam Stotram Yah Patthed-Bhaktimaan-Narah |
Sarva-Siddhim-Avaapnoti Raajyam Praapnoti Sarvadaa ||9||

एककाले पठेन्नित्यं महापापविनाशनम् ।
द्विकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं धनधान्यसमन्वितः ॥१०॥
Eka-Kaale Patthen-Nityam Mahaa-Paapa-Vinaashanam |
Dvi-Kaalam Yah Patthen-Nityam Dhana-Dhaanya-Samanvitah ||10||

त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं महाशत्रुविनाशनम् ।
महालक्ष्मिर्भवेन्नित्यं प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा ॥११॥
Tri-Kaalam Yah Patthen-Nityam Mahaa-Shatru-Vinaashanam |
Mahaalakssmir-Bhaven-Nityam Prasannaa Varadaa Shubhaa ||11||

Nama Ramayanam

Composer: Lakshmanacharya || Ragam: Raga Malika || Talam: Adi || Language: Sanskrit

Introduction:The Nama Ramayana is written by a Sri Vaisnava devotee, Laksmanacharya. There are seven cantos/Kandams which are chronologically placed in the same order as specified in the original Valmiki Ramayana. These Kandams depict the life story of Shri Rama. The name RAMA is formulated based on powerful base letters (beejaaksharam) 'Ra' and 'Ma'. Ra is agni beejam reciting which burns out all sins. Ma is amrutha beejam reciting which gives stability of mind. Hence reciting Rama namam with love will burn out all our sins and give us constant peace of mind.

Part 1: Balakandam - Ragam: Yamuna kalyani (Shruti F #)

Part 2: Ayodhya kandam - Ragam Kaanada

Part 3: AraNya Kandam - Ragam Valaji

Part 4: Kishkinda kandam - Ragam Hamsaanandam

Part 5: Sundara Kandam - Ragam Desh

Part 6: Yuddha Kandam - Ragam Shuddha dhanyasy

Part 7: Utthara Kandam - Ragam Kapi

Quiz on Carnatic music Swaras

1. WHAT ARE THE SEVEN BASIC SWARAS OF CARNATIC MUSIC?

The seven basic swaras of Carnatic music are named Shadjam (Sa),
Rishabam (Ri), Gandharam (Ga),Madhyamam (Ma),Panchamam (Pa),
Dhaivatham (Da) and Nishadam (Ni)

2. WHICH TWO SWARAS ARE INVARIANT?

Shadjam (Sa) and Panchamam (Pa) are invariant. Whatever be the raga, Sa and Pa do not change. Thus, Sa and Pa are called Prakriti Swaras (one that does not change) and the rest are called Vikruti swaras (one that changes). The Vikruti swaras have sub-types. We will look at them in the questions below.

3. HOW MANY PITCH POSSIBILITIES/TYPES DOES RISHABHAM (RI) HAVE? WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?

R (Rishabam) is of three types namely: Shuddha Rishabam (R1), Chatushruti Rishabam (R2) and Shatshruti Rishabam (R3).

4. HOW MANY PITCH POSSIBILITIES/TYPES DOES GANDHARAM (GA) HAVE? WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?

G (Gandharam) is of three types namely: Shuddha Gandharam (G1), Sadhaarana Gandharam (G2) and Anthara Gandharam (G3).

5. HOW MANY PITCH POSSIBILITIES/TYPES DOES MADHYAMAM (MA) HAVE? WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?

M (Madhyamam) is of two types, Shuddha Madhyamam(M1) and Prathi Madhyamam(M2)

6. HOW MANY PITCH POSSIBILITIES/TYPES DOES DAIVATAM (DA) HAVE? WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?

D (Daivatham) is of three types, Shuddha Daivatham (D1), Chathushruthi Daivatham (D2) and Shatshruti Daivatham (D3).

7. HOW MANY PITCH POSSIBILITIES/TYPES DOES NISHADAM (NI) HAVE? WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?

N (Nishadam) is of three types, Shuddha Nishadam (N1), Kaisiki Nishadam (N2) and Kaakali Nishadam (N3).

8. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RISHABHAM AND GANDHARAM? LIKEWISE, BETWEEN DAIVATAM AND NISHADAM?

R2 = G1, and R3 = G2
i.e Chatushruti Rishabam (R2) is the same as Shuddha Gandharam (G1)
and
Shatshruti Rishabam (R3) is the same as Sadhaarana Gandharam (G2)
Likewise,
D2 = N1 and D3 = N2
i.e Chatushruti Daivatham (D2) is the same as Shuddha Nishadam(N1)
and
Shatshruti Daivatham (D3) is the same as Kaisiki Nishadam (N2)

9. WHICH SWARA STHANAS CANNOT OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY?

Because of the above mentioned relationship, whenever R2 occurs, only G2 or G3 can occur, similarly when R3 occurs, only G3 can occur. This is true in the case of Da and Ni also. In other words, the following combination of swaras cannot occur together in the same raga:
(R2 & G1)
(R3 & G2)
(D2 & N1)
(D3 & N2)

Shatshruthi Rishabam (R3),Suddha gandaram (G1), shatsruthi deivatham (D3)and sudha nishadam (N1) are considered as vivadi swaras and the raagas which have any of these are vivadi raagas. A Vivadi svara (dissonant note) is a svara which takes over the place of another svara at certain times. Thus sometimes, Shatsruthi Rishabam takes over the place of Sadharana Gandharam; Suddha Gandharam takes over the place of Chatusruthi Rishabam; Shatsruthi Dhaivatam takes over the place of Kaisiki Nishadam; Suddha Nishadam takes over the place of chatusruthi dhaivatam.

10. HOW MANY MELAKARTA RAGAS DO WE HAVE? HOW IS THAT NUMBER DERIVED?

Melakartha ragas are better known as the 'Janaka' ragas meaning 'parent' ragas i.e. the ragas from which other ragas are born or derived. Melakartha ragas contain all the 7 swaras, Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni in their arohanam and avarohanam in the exact ascending and descending pattern.

The total number of 'Melakartha' ragas is 72. The 72 melakarthas are divided into two equal groups each containing 36 ragas.
1. Shuddha Madhyamam melakartha ragas – sampoorna ragas based on shuddha madhyamam (M1)
2. Prati Madhyamam melakartha ragas – sampoorna ragas based on Prati madhyamam (M2)

The 72 melakarthas can also be split into 12 groups called chakrams. Each chakram contains 6 ragams.

In order to understand how this number is derived, let us begin by keeping M1 constant and vary the other four swaras, Ri, Ga, Da and Ni. Keeping R1, G1 constant, Da and Ni can be varied and it is possible to get 6 ragas totally with the S R1 G1 M1 series (D1 N1, D1 N2, D1 N3, D2 N2, D2 N3 and D3 N3). Similarly it is possible to make a series with S R1 G2 M1..., S R1 G3 M1..., S R2 G2 M1..., S R2 G3 M1... and S R3 G3 M1.... Thus we would arrive at 6 Chakras and 36 ragas. All these ragas having a common M1 swara are called the 'Suddha Madhyama' Ragas. By replacing M1 with M2 in each of the 36 raga, it is possible to get a M2 series of 36 ragas, called the Prati Madhyama Ragas. Thus we arrive at the total number of 72 Melakarthas.

Quiz on Diwali

1. What does the word ‘Diwali’ mean?
2. Which religious groups celebrate Diwali?
3. In which country is Diwali known as “Lam Kriyongh” ?
4. In which Hindu month is Diwali celebrated?
5. In which country is Diwali known as Tihar?
6. What event from Ramayana does Diwali symbolize?
7. Diwali commemorates the killing of which demon by Lord Krishna?
8. What is normally considered a vice , but is an extremely popular tradition during Diwali? And why?
9. Diwali commemorates the spiritual enlightenment of which two famous saints?
10. For how many days Diwali is celebrated according to the lunar Hindu Calendar? - What are each of these days called?

ANSWERS

1. Diwali means rows of lighted lamps which is why it's often called the festival of lights.

2. Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism

3. Thailand

4. Karthika

5. Nepal

6. Return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile

7. Narakasura

8. Playing cards. It is said that on playing cards, the goddess of wealth smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill. The memories of Diwali night can be joyful to the winners and the losers can't wait for the next Diwali to come around.The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husbandLord Shiva and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. This tradition of playing cards- flush and rummy with stakes on this particular day continues even to-day.

9. Vardhaman Mahavir and ~Swami Dayananda Saraswati

10. Five. The first day of Diwali: Dhanteras. The second day of Diwali: Choti Diwali. The third day of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. The fourth day of Diwali: Padwa & Govardhan Puja. The fifth day of Diwali: Bhai Duj

Quiz on Ramayana

1	Ravana was also a skilled?	Musician (Rudra Veena)
2	Lakshmana's wife's name was?	Urmila
3	The first person Lakshmana saw on his return back to Ayodhya and apologized was?	His Wife
4	The name of Ravana's vehicle which could fly on air?	Pushpaka Vimana
5	What was the name of Jatayu' brother?	Sampati
6	How is Hidimba connected to Ravana?	Only that she was also a Rakshasi. She was Bhima's wife in Mahabharata
7	Ayodhya is situated in the banks of the river?	Sarayu
8	Who adviced Ravana to spare Hanuman?	Vibhishana
9	By which Astra could Hanuman be bound?	Brahma astra
10	Angad was son of?	Vaali
11	Vaali's wife's name was?	Tara
12	Sugriva's wife's name was?	Rumaa
13	Which Rakshasa's came to Shurpanaka's rescue on her humiliation and lost their lives in the hands of Rama and Lakshmana?	Khar and Dhushana
14	Which kingdom existed from Hampi to Vindya hills?	Kishkintha
15	The River Pampa Saras that played a minor role in Ramayana still exists in the name of?	Tungabhadra
16	The mountain where Sugriva lay hidden during his exile?	Rishimukha
17	Who is the avatara of Indra in Ramayana?	Vaali
18	In which forest did Rama spend the majority of the exile period?	Dandakaranya
19	In Which forest did Rama encounter Shurpanaka?	Panchavati
20	Which forest did Bharata come and meet Rama and ask him to return?	ChitraKoota
21	Ayodhya was the capital of which Kingdom?	Kosala
22	Which ancient kingdom associated with Ramayana extends from North Bihar to Nepal?	Mithila
23	The Capital of Mithila was?	Janakpur
24	Name the language spoke in North Bihar, which was derived from one of the names of Seetha?	Maithili
25	Name the wife of Shatrugna?	Shrutakirti
26	Name the Sons of Rama?	Luv and Kush
27	Name the sons of Shatrugna?	Chitraketu and Subahu
28	Name the sons of Lakshmana?	Chitraketu and Angad
29	Name the wife of King Janaka?	Sunayana
30	Name the wife of Bharatha?	Mandavi
31	How are Shrutakirti and Mandavi connected to Ramayana?	Seeta's cousins, married to Shatrugna and Bharata
32	Name the sons of Bharata?	Taksha and Pushkara
33	Name the son of Hanuman?	Makardhwaja
34	Makradwaja worked for?	Ahiravana (or Mahiravana) gaurding the Patala loka
35	Who were Makradwaja's parents?	Hanuman and a giant fish (crocodile)
36	Ahiravana was the ruler of?	Patala loka
37	Who helped Ravana carry away Seeta?	Mareecha
38	Who was the Chief minister of King Dasaratha?	Sumantha
39	Who was the first demon to be killed by Rama?	Taraka (Tataka in tamil)
40	Which was the snake demon that stopped Hanuman and was killed by him?	Surasa
41	Which was the female demon whose mouth Hanuman entered?	Simhika
42	Which female demon's name in Ramayana is shared by Rahu's (one of the nine planets) mother?	Simhika
43	Which female demon gaurded the city of Lanka?	Lankini (or Lanka devi)
44	Who was the father of Ravana?	Sage Vishrava
45	Who was the mother of Ravana?	Kaikesi
46	What was the name of the woman who tried to become Rama's wife, only to have her ears, nose, and breasts chopped off by Lakshmana?	Shurpanaka
47	What was the other name of Shurpanaka?	Chandramukhi
48	Who was the head wife of Ravana?	Mandodari
49	Who is Sulochana?	Indrajith's wife
50	Who was Vibhishana's daughter?	Trijada (Trijadai)
51	How did Vibhishana ensure Seeta's safety in Ashoka Vana?	By deputing his daughter Trijada as Seetha's caretaker in Ashokavana
52	Which yuga did Rama live in?	Treta yuga
53	Who wrote the Hindi (Awadhi) version of Ramayan and what is it called?	Tulasidas, Ramacharitamanas
54	Lakshmana is said to be the avatar of?	Adisesha
55	Who gave the four sons of Dasharatha education?	Sage Vasishtha
56	Rama is considered as the __th avatar of Maha Vishnu (fill in the blank)	7th
57	What is Rama's nakshtram (star)?	Punarpoosam aka Punarvasu
58	Who took an illusory form of a golden deer as per Ravana's command?	Mareecha
59	What did Hanuman give to Shree Ram as a token of identification from Seeta?	Choodamani (hair ornament)
60	From which plant did Sushena extract juice to cure Lakshman who fell unconsconscious, near death, when hit by an arrow from Ravana's son Meghnad?	Sanjeevani
61	Who Killed Indrajit?	Lakshman
62	According to south Indian traditional beliefs, how long did the Ramayanawar last?	8 days
63	Who was the son of Vishwakarma (the divine engineer) that engineered the bridge across the ocean?	A monkey named Nala
64	In which yuga did the Ramayana war occur?	Treta yuga
65	Who was the monkey who had good knowledge about medicines and advised Sugreeva about Sanjivini?	Sushena (Vaali's Father-in-law)
66	Who came to the rescue of Rama and Lakshmana when they were bound by Serpant arrows of Indrajith?	GARUDA
67	Who were the sons of Sun, Wind, Fire who fought on the side of Rama in the Ramayana battle?	Sugreeva (son of Sun), Hanuman (son of Wind), Nila (son of Fire)
68	Which daughter of Rishi Kushadwaja cursed Ravana for having attempted to molest her and was reborn as Seeta?	Vedavati
69	What was the curse on Kumbhakarna?	His death will come if awoken from his sleep
70	Who killed Kumbhakarna?	Rama
71	Who were Ravana's official wives?	Mandodari, Maya (the celestial architect) and Dhanyamalini
72	How many Sons did Ravana have?	SEVEN - All seven were killed in the war
73	Name the sons of Ravana who were killed by Rama in the War?	1. Indrajit / Megnath 2. Prahasta 3. Atikaya 4. Akshyakumra 5. Devantaka 6. Nrantaka 7. Trishira
74	What is the significance of Nikumbila caves in Ramayana?	t is a Cave of Horrors where Ravana’s son Indrajit did voodoo ceremonies by sacrificing blood and human beings. Indrajita had a boon of winning anyone provided he does a sacrifice there. Vibheeshana warned Rama and Lakshmana to finish off Indrajita before he did the sacrifice. Lakshmana with Hanuman went on time to Nikumbhila and prevented the sacrifice.
75	By which Astra could Hanuman be bound?	BRAHMASTRA

76. WHERE WAS HANUMAN BORN? IN WHICH PLACE?.............. According to one theory, Hanuman was born on 'Anjaneya Hill', in Hampi, Karnataka. This is located near the Risyamukha mountain near the lake called Pampa Sarovar, where Sugreeva and Rama are said to have met in Valmiki Ramayana's Kishkinda Kanda. There is a temple that marks the spot. Kishkinda itself is identified with the modern Anegundi taluk (near Hampi) in Bellary district of Karnataka.
Anjan, a small village about 18 km away from Gumla, houses "Anjan Dham", which is said to be the birthplace of Hanuman. The name of the village is derived from the name of the goddess Anjani, the mother of Hanuman. Aanjani Gufa (cave), 4 km from the village, is believed to be the place where Anjani once lived. Many objects of archaeological importance obtained from this site are now held at the Patna Museum.
The Anjaneri (or Anjneri) mountain, located 7 km from Trimbakeshwar in the Nasik district, is also claimed as the birthplace of Hanuman.
According to Anjan Dham, Hanuman was born on Lakshka Hill near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan.
According to Puri Dham, Hanuman was met Sri Ram on dense forest of mountain hill near Khurda, Bhubaneshwar . It is believed that the mountain was once the kingdom of Bali (The Monkey King), where Bali deafeated a Asura in a cave, fighting for 15 days and 15 nights.

77. FOR HOW MANY MONTHS DID SEETHA STAY IN LANKA? 10 months (as per a para in karya siddhi Ramayana book) + 18 days of war

78. WHOM DID HANUMAN FIRST CONQUER WHEN HE ENTERED LANKA? Lankini

79. HOW MANY YEARS DID RAMA LIVE? At least 14000 years (as life expectancy in Tretha Yuga was that long). He ruled for 11000 years as king

80. NAME THE TITHI, LAGNA AND STAR OF RAMA? Place of birth : Ayodhya. Year : Sri Prabhava. Month: Chaithra. Day : Sudda Navami. Birth Star : Punarvasu. Karkaataka lagna.

81. WHO WAS RAVANA'S FATHER AND WHAT WAS HIS VAMSA? Sage Vishravasa; PULASTHIYA VAMSA

82. WHO IS THE GURU OF SURYA VAMSA? VASISHTHA MAHARISHI

83. WHO WROTE RAGHUVAMSAM AND IN WHICH LANGUAGE? MAHAKAVI KALIDASA IN SANSKRIT

84. RAMA'S DYNASTY IS KNOWN BY THREE NAMES. WHAT ARE THEY? SURYAVAMSA, IKSHVAKU VAMSA AND RAGHUVAMSA

85. WHAT WAS THE PLACE SITA WAS KEPT IN LANKA?.................ASHOKA VANA

86. FOR HOW MANY YEARS DID KING DASHARATHA LIVE? .......... Dasaratha is said to have lived longer for 60000 years as his life was cursed to end due to puthra sogam

85. WHO WROTE SAMKSHEPA RAMAYANA? VALMIKI penned this abridged version of the RAMAYANA, which he heard from the divine sage NARADA. The Samkshepa Ramayanam is the first chapter of Valmiki Ramayana. In this chapter, Valmiki, looking to write an epic asks Narada Muni for a topic. Narada tells him to write about Rama and explains to him in brief the story of Rama.

86. What is Gayathri Ramayanam?......... Valmiki Ramayana contains 24000 slokas divided into 7 Kandas, namely, Balakanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkindha kanda, Sundara kanda, Yuddha kanda and Uttara Kanda. The first letter of the first sloka in each group of 1000 slokas is taken from the Gayatri Mahamantra (given below) in the same sequence namely, त, स, वि, तु, व etc.,

तत्सवितुर्वरॆण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियॊ यॊ नः प्रचोदयात्
The collection of these slokas constitutes the Gayatri Ramayana. Unlike what is suggested by the title, this is not the story of Rama. It signifies that Ramayana is the essence of the entire Vedas and Sri Rama is Narayana. Listening and chanting of sri gayathri ramayanm bestows peace and bliss.

87. Upon the recommendation of Sage Vashishta, what yagnya did King Dasharatha of Ayodhya perform for the sake of having children?........Putrakameshti

LINK TO QUIZ ON VALMIKI RAMAYANA: http://www.slideshare.net/Iyyaval/valmiki-ramayana-quiz-with-answers

Quiz on Vahanas/vehicles of Gods and Goddesses

1. What is the vehicle of Varuna, lord of the seas and waters?

Answer: Crocodile. The Sanskrit word for the vahana of Varuna is makara, which is usually translated as crocodile, but is sometimes associated with other aquatic or semi-aquatic animals, such as sharks or hippopotami. In iconic representation, however, the animal is roughly like the goat-fish capricorn, so may more properly be described as a 'sea monster.'

2. What mount bears Agni, lord of fire?

Answer: Ram

3. What is the vehicle of Vayu, lord of the wind and air?

Answer: Antelope. Presumably because the antelope can run like the wind.

4. Lord Yama, god of death, is borne by what mount?

Answer: Buffalo

5. What is the mount of Lord Karthik?

Answer: Peacock

6. What is the mount of Bhairavar (a form of Shiva)?

Answer: Dog

7. What is the mount of Kamadeva?

Answer: Parrot

8. What is the mount of Shani Bhagawan?

Answer: There are nine Mounts of Shani Deva and they are Horse, Elephant, Donkey, Lion, Dog, jackal, Crow, Deer, Vulture. Astrologers say that Shani Dev choose his rides according to his tasks to be performed i.e either to punish or to reward. When he rides over an Elephant he brings money along with him , over a horse he brings comfort and wealth to your life, over an ass he brings losses , over a lion he brings kingdom and fame, over a deer he grants death like pains, Over jackal he takes away all the intellect, Over a dog, gives threat of theft and make him a beggar.

9. What is the mount of Kubera?

Answer: Kubera is also called Nara-vahana as he is said to ride on a human being or spirits. But generally his vahana is an elephant or white horse.

11. What is the Vahana of Brahma? - Hamsa, the swan

Hamsa (also spelled Hansa), able to separate milk and water, symbolises intelligence and discrimination.

12. What is the Vahana of Vishnu? - Garuda, Lord of Birds

Garuda is a remover of obstacles and a fanatic enemy of serpents. He once stole and hid the moon, prompting all of the gods to attack him. He overcame them all except Vishnu, and thenceforth served as his mount.

13. What is the Vahana of Shiva? - Nandi, the bull

Long ago, Nandi was an independent deity, the 'Lord of Joy,' but gradually his divine prerogatives were transferred to Shiva. He now symbolises something roughly like inner strength.

14. What is the Mount of Indra? - Airavata, Lord of Elephants

He was formed out of primordial ocean when churned by the gods, and his name means produced by water. He is sometimes depicted with eight trunks and-or four tusks. His wife is Abharamu.

15. Who bears the considerable weight of Lord Ganesh? - Mushika, the mouse

The great paradox of a mouse bearing an elephantine god like Ganesh is, of course, a source of much theological exploration and explanation. On the other hand, it is also a highly comic idea. Ganesh, popular among devotees of Shiva and of Vishnu alike, is one of the few gods friendly and approachable enough to laugh um, with. Respectfully.

16. What animal is the vehicle of Saraswati? - Swan

Saraswati, consort of Lord Brahma, is usually associated with the god's vahana. She is also often accompanied by a peacock.

17. Which animal is the vehicle of Lakshmi? - Owl

The owl represents spiritual wisdom, the blindness associated with seeking worldly rather than spiritual wealth. The owl is also a good avian match for Garuda, since Lakshmi is Vishnu's consort.

18. What is the vahana of Parvati? - Lion

Parvati is the consort of Lord Shiva, who rides a bull. It is highly interesting that Parvati rides a lion, almost the only animal that can hunt a bull.

19. What is Durga's vahana? - Tiger

It is the fearlessness of the tiger that qualifies it to be the vahana of Durga, the goddess who exists to destroy evil. Though usually depicted as a tiger, the vahana is sometimes drawn as a lion, appearing without stripes.