User:Redtigerxyz/DYK
Appearance
Created/Expanded
[edit]- ...that Ashta Lakshmi are a group of Hindu goddesses who preside over eight sources of wealth? (On 23 November 2007)
- ...that the Peshwa general Chimnaji Appa built the Vajreshwari temple to thank the goddess Vajreshwari for the conquest of the Bassein Fort in 1739? (On 29 Dec 2007)
- ...that the Hindu serpent goddess Manasa, the "destroyer of poison", is worshiped mostly in the rainy season when the snakes are most active? (On 2 January 2008)
- ...that Chamunda (pictured), a fearsome aspect of the Hindu Divine Mother, was worshipped by ritual human and animal sacrifices along with offerings of wine? (On 14 March 2008) 7500 hits when on main page
- ...that according to Hindu mythology, the deity Revanta (pictured) was born from the union of the sun-god Surya and his wife Saranya in the form of horse and mare? (On 22 Mar 2008)
- ...that Hindus believe that god Vishnu falls asleep in the cosmic ocean of milk on the cosmic serpent, for a period of four months on the day of Shayani Ekadashi? (On March 30)
- ..that unlike other sampradayas in Hinduism, which insist that the clergy lead an ascetic's life, the clergy in most Rudra sampradaya sects are expected to marry and live a worldly life with their family? (On April 25)
- ... that the Purna-Kalasha (pictured), worshipped by Hindus as the Divine Mother, symbolizes mother Earth with her water, minerals and vegetation?(ON 30 April 2008) 9.8k hits
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, the "first king" Prithu chased the Earth in the form of a cow (pictured), who eventually agreed to yield her milk as all the world's grain and vegetation? (29-7-08)
- ... that according to Hindu tradition, donation of a kamandalu in funeral rituals ensures the deceased has ample drinking water in his after-life journey? (26-8-08)
- ... that in Hindu mythology, the demoness Putana (pictured, centre) tried to kill the infant-god Krishna by breastfeeding him poisoned milk? (On 30-8-08)
- ... that Navagunjara is a beast in Hindu mythology, composed of parts of nine different animals? (On 20 OCt)
- ... that Thirumangai Alvar, considered one of the most learned Alvar saint-poets in Hinduism, was a robber before becoming a saint? (On 15-11-08)
- ... that according to Hindu legend, the yogi Visoba Khechara taught his disciple Namdev the omnipresence of God by magically filling a whole temple with lingas—the symbols of god Shiva (pictured)? (26-11)
- ... that poetry of the Hindu female-saint Bahinabai reflects her compromise between her devotion to her husband and her patron-god Vithoba? (29-11-08)
- .. that according to Fortune, Chanda Kochhar, soon to be CEO of India's largest private bank, is the 25th most powerful woman in business? (20-12-08)
- ... that houses in the Indian village Shani Shingnapur do not have doors? (On 24-12-08)
- ... that devotees across faiths swarmed St. Michael's Church, Mumbai as news of a reported "bleeding" Jesus picture spread in June this year? (30 December 2008)
- ... that Kanhopatra is venerated as a saint in the Varkari sect of Hinduism, despite spending most of her life as a courtesan? (On 17-1-09)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, the devotee Pundalik kept the god Krishna waiting because he was busy serving his parents? (on 20-1-09)
- ... that the Prince of Wales Museum (pictured), Mumbai, was used as a Children's Welfare Centre and a Military Hospital in the First World War? (13-4-09)
- ... that in an annual festival in Koovagam, India, eunuchs and transvestites ritually marry the Hindu god Aravan (statue pictured)? (16-5-09)
- ... that according to different versions of his legend, Hindu cattle-god Bir Kuar was either killed by a tigress, seven witches, Mughal soldiers, or his own sister? (15 July 2009)
- ... that on Sarvapitri amavasya (today), Hindus offer food to the ancestors, who are believed to accept the offering through a crow? (18-sept)
- ... that while the rest of India worships the Hindu wealth-goddess Lakshmi, Bengalis venerate the fearsome goddess Kali today on Kali Puja? (17-Oct)
- ... that the Tulsi Vivah (performed today) – the ritual wedding of the Tulsi plant and god Vishnu – marks the beginning of the current Hindu wedding season? (2 Nov)
- ... that Pushkar Fair—the largest camel fair in Asia—commenced on Kartik Ekadashi (29 Oct) and will end today on Kartik Poornima? (2 Nov)
- ... that the Nefertiti bust (pictured) was reinstated in Neues Museum in 2009 after 70 years away, including a period in a salt mine in World War II? (28 Nov)
- ... that Shanti Stupa (pictured), Ladakh, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985, holds the relics of the Buddha? (3 -Dec)
- ... that Shraddha Jadhav, who was recently elected as the Mayor of Mumbai and chief of India's richest municipal body, is known for her "elegant dressing"? (8-Dec)
- ... that the Hindu Morgaon Ganesha temple (pictured) – the most important Ashtavinayak shrine – has four minarets around its boundary wall, suggesting Islamic architecture influence? (19-1-10)
- ... that seven generations of Morya Gosavi (pictured) – a prominent saint of the Ganapatya Hindu sect – were worshipped as incarnations of the god Ganesha, and his tomb still attracts many Ganesha devotees? (25-1-10)
- ... that the self-decapitated Hindu goddess Chinnamasta (pictured) standing on a copulating couple signifies that life, death and sex are interdependent? (2-3-10)
- ... that the Hindu widow goddess Dhumavati (pictured) is offered liquor, meat, cigarettes and bhang, an intoxicating hashish drink? (11-3-10)
- ... that the erotic Indian classical dance Mohiniattam is named after the "seductress supreme" of Hindu mythology – Mohini (pictured), the female avatar of the male god Vishnu?
- ... that Tamil Hindu parents dedicate their one-month-old children to the goddess Periyachi (pictured), who is depicted ripping a woman's womb? (31 April)
- ... that Hindu god Vishnu was cursed to take countless avatars because he committed the sin of woman-slaughter? (2 April)
- ... that the god Vishnu's avatar Yajna is an embodiment of the fire sacrifice? (12 April)
- ... that the demon Kabandha (pictured), from the Hindu epic Ramayana, is described to be as big as a mountain, headless, and with arms eight miles long? (29 April)
- ... that the legend of Krishna killing the horse demon Keshi (pictured) may have its origins in the tale of Greek hero Heracles slaying the horses of Diomedes? (4 May)
- ... that according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the apsara Tilottama (pictured) was so beautiful that the god-king Indra developed a thousand eyes on his body to see her? (26 May)
- ... that according to Ramayana adaptations, Mandodari – the wife of the ten-headed demon Ravana – was the mother of Sita, whose kidnapping by Ravana would lead to his doom? (19 June)
- ... that according to Hindu cosmology, women seduce and increase the sexual energy of men – who enter the first realm of the underworld – by intoxicating them? (8-7-2010)
- ... that a good wife is prescribed to propitiate Jyestha (pictured) – the Hindu goddess of misfortune – to keep the goddess away from her home? (9-7-2010)
- ... that the Hindu goddess Chhaya was born from the shadow of goddess Sanjna and replaced Sanjna in her house, after the latter abandoned her husband? (13 July)
- ... that Vidyadharas, semi-gods of Hindu mythology, milked Mother Earth, who had assumed the form of a cow, to collect mystic powers and the art of flying as her milk? (16 July)
- ... that originally described as the Lord of thieves, Kubera (pictured) is now worshipped as the Hindu god of wealth and the regent of the North? (18-7-10)
- ... that Sarama is a bitch – in Hindu mythology – who snatches human foetuses from the womb? (22-7-10)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, the "king of songs" Tumburu (pictured) performed severe austerities to get a horse-face? (24-7-10)
- ... that Uchchaihshravas is declared the king of horses in Hindu mythology? (25-7-10)
- ... that many sex positions derive their Sanskrit names from that of the Hindu goddess of sexual pleasure – Rati (pictured with her husband, the lovegod Kama)? (5-8-10)
- ... that the 1975 Indian film Jai Santoshi Maa propelled the then little-known "new" goddess Santoshi Mata to the pan-Indian Hindu pantheon? (19 October)
- ... that Khandita (illustrated) is an enraged heroine in Indian arts, whose lover cheats on her and spends the night with another woman? (26 Oct)
- ... that Kamadhenu (pictured), "the mother of all cows", was born from the burp or the vomit of a deity, according to some Hindu scriptures? (22 Nov)
- ... that the eleven Hindu deities, the Rudras, are associated with the ten vital energies of the body and the soul, and their departure is said to cause death and tears? (30 Nov)
- ... that initially described as devouring children on the sixth day after birth, today the Hindu goddess Shashthi (pictured) is worshiped on this day as the protector of children? (9 Dec)
- ... that in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Satyavati (pictured) – who initially stank of fish – was blessed with the musk fragrance by a sage, with whom she had premarital sex? (23 Dec, 17.8k hits)
- ... that the monkey-queen Tara (pictured with her first husband) is described in the Hindu epic Ramayana to have set a habit to visit her second husband Sugriva drunk before indulging in sex? (31 Jan)
- ... that the Hindu deity Ardhanarishvara (pictured) is depicted with the right half as male, sometimes with an erect penis, and the left half as female with a well-developed breast? (14 Feb)
- ... that Tamil devotional poetry describes how clothes of married women slipped off at the sight of the Hindu god Shiva appearing in the form of a naked beggar (pictured)? (23 Apr)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, the god-king Indra was cursed with having a thousand vagina marks on his body for having extra-marital sex with Ahalya (pictured)? (22 May) 11,600 hits
- ... that the icon of "the Death of Death" is popular in South India? (25 May) 15,500 hits
- ... that the Hindu deity Vaikuntha Kamalaja is depicted half-female? (19 June)
- ... that the one-footed form of the Hindu deity Shiva (pictured) represents the cosmic pillar of the world? (22 June)
- ... that according to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Jaya gave birth to fifty magical divine weapons? (5 Aug)
- ... that Chintamani Temple at Theur (pictured), dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha, was given a large European bell by Peshwa general Chimaji Appa? (1 Sept)
- ... that the right-trunked Ganesha icon of the Siddhivinayak Temple (pictured) is considered to be very powerful and a giver of success and powers? (1 Sept)
- ... that the temple spire of the Vigneshwara Temple, Ozar (gate pictured)—dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha—is covered with gold? (11 Sept)
- ... that the taboo offering of a cloth stained with menstrual blood to the Hindu goddess Matangi (pictured) is thought to grant the ability to attract a mate? (21 Sept)
- ... that fish-knives inscribed with Elokeshi's name were sold after her husband decapitated her with a fish-knife (pictured) following her adulterous affair with a Hindu head-priest?(6-Dec, 17.7k hits)
- ... that the 8th-century Sanskrit play Mahaviracharita by Bhavabhuti has two alternative endings? (6 Jan 2012)
- ... that the Slayer of the elephant, depicted dancing vigorously inside a flayed elephant hide, is popular in Pallava and Chola art? (22 May)
- ... that in some portrayals of the marriage of the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati, their yet-unborn sons are depicted? (2 Sept)
- ... the one who cried" is often depicted shaking Mount Kailash in Indian art? (4 Sept)
- ... that the Tantric Japanese form of the Hindu Ganesha – "God of Bliss" – depicted as an elephant-headed human couple in a sexual embrace, represents the unity of opposites? (19 Sept)
- ... that an elephant-headed goddess, often referred to as the female Ganesha, exists in the Hindu pantheon? (19 Sept)
- ... that vampire prostitutes are believed to enter a man's house naked in the night and suck his blood through his toes? (31 Oct)
- ... that women who die in childbirth or pregnancy are believed to return as undead vampires and suck blood of their male relatives? (31 Oct)
- ... that as per Hindu beliefs, people who have sex with animals are tortured in Hell after death (pictured)? (2 Nov)
- ... that some versions of theRamayana narrate that the demon Ravana abducts an illusionary double of Sita, rather than the real one? (26-Jun-13)
- ... that the soldiers who die by sword neither bravely nor cowardly are described as going to the abode of "the hidden ones" in Hinduism? (16-Apr-14)
- ... that Aghoris sit on a corpse and meditate and finally decapitate the corpse to gain control over the soul of the deceased? (26-May)
- ... that Rahul Shewale recently won a Mumbai seat in the Parliament of India by a margin of 138,000 votes? (2-June)
- ... that worshippers of Haridra Ganapati used to brand the image of the god on their palms? (26-June)
- ... that Mahaganapati (pictured) is a depiction of the Supreme Being? (26-June)
- ... that the Hindu elephant-headed god Ganesha may be depicted as a crawling infant eating sweets? (28-June)
- ... that the horned god Naigamesha was worshipped as the patron of childbirth? (30-June)
- ... that Jayanta is said to have pecked the goddess Sita's breast as a crow? (2-Jul)
- ... that in the Sita Puranamu, Sarama is admonished as the woman who turned her husband Vibhishana against his brother Ravana? (4-Jul)
- ... that a bridge between India and Sri Lanka is said to have been built by a monkey? (7 July)
- ... that Jaratkaru insisted on marrying a virgin with his own name? (8 July)
- ... that Jayanti is said to have asked the god Shukra to create a haze to shield their lovemaking from the world for ten years? (13 July)
- ... that the Tantric deity Uchchhishta Ganapati is often depicted with a naked goddess, each touching the other's genitals? (14 July)
- ... that the four-faced linga (pictured) may be called a "linga with five faces"? (31 July)
- ... that Devasena represents Heaven while her co-wife Valli (both pictured with their husband) represents the earth? (1 Aug)
- ... that Nila (pictured), leader of the monkey army, is said to have urinated on the heads of the demon Ravana and disturbed his sacrifice? (7 Aug)
- ... that the Hindu deity Heramba, protector of the weak, is associated with rites for inflicting harm on one's enemies? (22 Aug)
- ... that the demoness Trijata is described as the ideal of a true friend by Indologist Camille Bulcke? (14 Sept)
- ... that the Hindu saint Sena Nhavi says that barbers show the "mirror of discrimination" and cut the "hair of egotism" and the "nails of passion"? (3 Dec)
- ... that Sheikh Muhammad (pictured), the most well-known Muslim Marathi poet, wrote devotional poetry to the Hindu god Vithoba? (11 Dec)
- ... that the ovi poems sung by women are protest songs that narrate their complaints about hard work, unhappy marriages, and despotic husbands? (19 Dec, The 100th one)
- ... that the famine of 1460 is known as "Damaji Pant's famine" in the Deccan region in honour of the saint's generosity in the famine? (24 Dec)
- ... that the saint Narahari Sonar calls God his customer? (28 Dec)
- ... that folk songs give erotic descriptions of the beauty of Banai that maddened her would-be husband Khandoba? (3 Jan 2015)
- ... that the hymn Vatapi Ganapatim – dedicated to the god Ganesha – is sung at the beginning of many Carnatic music concerts? (17 Jan)
- ... that the sword of the god Vishnu symbolizes knowledge? (26 Jan)
- ... that the god Vishnu's mace represents his wife? (1 Feb)
- ... that images of Nandanar, Vayilar, Sakkiya, Idangazhi, Anaya, Kalikamba, Kaliya, Satti, Pusalar, Kungiliya Kalaya, Sadaiya, Murthi, Murkha, Nami Nandi Adigal, Somasi Mara, Isaignaniyar, Viralminda, Eyarkon Kalikkama, Pugal Chola, Eripatha, Manakanchara, Kotpuli, Enathinathar, Sirappuli, Seruthunai, Amaraneedi, Nesa, Pugazh Thunai, Kutruva, Kalarsinga, Munaiyaduvar, Ilayankudi Maranar, Meiporul, Iyarpagai, Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar, Tirunilakanta, Tiruneelanakka, and Apputhi Adigal are among the 63 Nayanar saints paraded during processions at temple festivals in Tamil Nadu? (38 articles, 9 Feb)
- ... that the references to Ganesha in the popular devotional song Sukhakarta Dukhaharta are described as "remarkable", considering he was not the patron god of its poet? (18 Feb)
- ... that the Aam Aadmi Party won 67 out of 70 seats—including Nerela, Krishna Nagar, Gokalpur, Sultan Pur Majra, Tri Nagar, Vikaspuri, Matia Mahal, Madipur, Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Hari Nagar, and Rohtas Nagar—in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly election? (12 articles, 25 Apr)
- ... that according to legend, Mekhala_and_Kanakhala decapitated themselves and danced headless to please their guru? (25-8-16)
- ... that fearsome Hindu and Buddhist deities are depicted wearing a garland of severed human heads? (26-8-16)
- ... that the Hindu goddess Matangi is worshipped with the taboo offering of leftovers? (7-10-18)
- ... that the Hindu god Shani is worshipped for protection from fear, accident, death and enemies in the 13th-century Akshayapureeswarar Temple (pictured)? (12-Apr-24)
Collaborated in creation/expansion
[edit]- ...that according to Hindu mythology, the Tandava, a vigorous dance by Hindu god Shiva (pictured), is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution of the universe? (On 18 December 2007, with User:Fconaway)
- ... that during the history of Pulicat between 1621 and 1665, over 38,000 Indian slaves were obtained by Dutch slave traders and shipped from the Coromandel Coast, mostly to the East Indies? (On 14 Dec 08, worked with the cleanup of references and text, someone credited me for the DYK too)
- ... that the Royal Opera House in Mumbai is India's only surviving opera house? (14 July 09, with User:Nvvchar)
- ... that an uncommon sentry tower (pictured) at Banashankari temple is a mélange of Vijayanagara Hindu and Islamic architectural styles? (25 July, with Nvvchar)
- ... that Kalpeshwar is the only temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, a group of five sacred Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas, accessible throughout the year? (3 Aug 2009, with Nvvchar)
- ... that the Hindu god Shiva is worshipped in form of a navel-shaped lingam at Madhyamaheshwar temple? (3 Aug 2009, with Nvvchar)
- ... that the Hindu shrine Tungnath (pictured) is closed during winter and a symbolic image of the temple's presiding deity is moved to Mukunath, 19 km (12 mi) away?
(3 Aug 2009, with Nvvchar)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, the god Shiva assumed the form of a bull and his hump, arms, face, navel and hair are worshipped at the Panch Kedar temples (Kedarnath pictured) in Uttarakhand, India?(5 Aug 2009, with Nvvchar)
- ... that the river Vaitarani that flows near the Rudranath Hindu shrine is identified with the "river of salvation", where souls of the dead cross to the other world? (5 Aug 2009, with Nvvchar)
- ... that because the only approach to Badrinath, Uttarakhand, India, since early times was along a path through a forest of berries, the word "Badri" (berry) was suffixed to Sapta Badri temples? (with Nvvchar, 15 Aug 09)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, the five Pandava brothers followed a route to heaven alongside the Panch Prayag (Devprayag pictured) – five confluences which finally result in the holy Ganges river? (with Nvvchar, 20 Aug 09)
- ... that according to LBGT interpretations, the Hindu fire god Agni's role in accepting sacrifices is paralleled by his accepting semen from other gods like Shiva and Soma? (22 August 2009, with User:Yobmod)
- ... that devotees believe that worshipping the Hindu god Ganesha (pictured) at the Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple will result in a successful marriage? (with Nvvchar, 23 Aug 09)
- ... that an eternal flame burns at Triyuginarayan Temple, believed to be the venue of the marriage of Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati? (with Nvvchar, 23 Aug 09)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, god Shiva proposed to his consort Parvati at Guptakashi? (with Nvvchar, 8- Sept 09)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, Balipratipada commemorates the victory of the god Vishnu in his dwarf incarnation Vamana (pictured), defeating demon king Bali, and pushing him to the nether world? (19-10-09, with Nvvchar)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, Ila was cursed to change his/her gender every month? (with Yobmod, 9-Nov 09)
- ... that the Shakyamuni Buddha (pictured) of Shey Monastery is believed to be the second largest such statue in the northern Indian region of Ladakh? (with Nvvchar , User:Dr. Blofeld, 7-12-09)
- ... that the Thikse Monastery in India is called Mini-Potala because of its structural similarity to the former residence of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace in Tibet? (with Nvvchar)
- ... that because of its aquatic origin and resemblance to the vulva, the shankha (carved examples pictured) is linked with female fertility and is an integral part of Tantric rites? (with Nvvchar, 4-1-2010)
- ... that today on Mattu Pongal, the bull riding sport Jallikattu (pictured) – that has led to deaths in the past – is traditionally conducted in the villages of Tamil Nadu, India? (with Nvvchar, 15-1-2010)
- ... that Paduka (pictured), a footwear, is generally worn by mendicants and saints of Hindu and Jain religions, with significance in Hindu mythology linked to the epic Ramayana? (with Nvvchar, 18-1-2010)
- ... that today – on Ganesh Jayanti (Ganesha's birthday) – the Hindu god Ganesha (pictured) is worshipped by couples to beget a son?(with Nvvchar, 19-1-2010)
- ... that the Hindu mythical beast Sharabha (pictured, god Shiva as Sharabha), described as mightier than the lion and elephant, is included in the list of edible animals in the Mahabharata? (with Nvvchar, 29-1-2010)
- ... that Diskit Monastery (pictured) is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India? (with Nvvchar, 6-2-2010)
- ... that the Hindu goddess Varahi (statue pictured) is worshipped only in the night according to secretive Vamamarga Tantric practices? (with User:TheMandarin, 7-2-2010)
- ... that according to Hindu mythology, goddess Savitri cursed her husband, the creator-god Brahma, only to be worshipped at Brahma temple (pictured)? (with Nvvchar, 12-2-2010)
- ... that Hindu pilgrims to Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, India, considered it lucky to be devoured by the crocodiles there? (with Nvvchar, Blofield, 15-2-2010)
- ... that Portuguese soldiers used Elephanta Caves – now a World Heritage Site – sculptures for target practice, sparing only the Trimurti (pictured) ? (with Nvvchar, 23-2-2010, 13.5k hits)
- ... that the prominent Hindu Ganesha cave temple at Lenyadri is located in vicinity of about 30 Buddhist caves? (with Nvvchar, 8-3-2010)
- ... that Hindu sadhus live in the cremation grounds of Tarapith as they believe that goddess Tara – who is attracted to bones – dwells there? (with Nvvchar, 8-7-2010)
- ... that Hindus fast without food or water on Nirjala Ekadashi in the hot Indian summer to propitiate the god Vishnu? ( Nvvchar, 21-Nov-12)
- ... that veneration of the Amla tree (pictured), in particular on Amalaka Ekadashi, is due to the belief that the god Vishnu resides in and near the tree? ( Nvvchar, 22-Nov-12)
- ... that about 100,000 people visit Varanasi today (pictured) to see the city and the Ganges lit with lamps? (Nvvchar, 28 Nov)
- ... that Hindus worship Krishna (pictured) on Kamada Ekadashi for fulfilment of all desires? (Nvvchar, 3 Dec)
- ... that amorous couples and erotic scenes are depicted on the outer walls of the Vimala Temple? (Nvvchar, 4 Dec)
- ... that the "wide-eyed" goddess of North India forms a triad with love-eyed and fish-eyed goddesses of the South? (Nvvchar, 6 Dec)
- ... that local Muslim tribes in Balochistan, Pakistan, follow an ancient tradition and join the pilgrimage group to the Hindu shrine Hinglaj Mata (pictured) and call it the "Nani Ki Haj"? (Nvvchar, 7 Dec)
- ... that the two Hindu fasting days Putrada Ekadashi and Putrada Ekadashi are both devoted to the goal of acquiring a son? (Nvvchar, 8 Dec)
- ... that Hindus worship dogs on Bhairava Ashtami? (Nvvchar, 9 Dec)
- ... that like all ekadashis, the god Vishnu is worshipped but in particular his fifth avatar of Vamana is worshipped, on Varuthini Ekadashi? (Nvvchar, 11 Dec)
- ... that the marriage of the Tulsi plant to the god Vishnu inaugurates the Hindu wedding season? (Nvvchar, 13 Dec)
- ... that Vishvarupa (pictured) should have as many arms as possible? (Nvvchar, 17 Dec)
- ... that in the Hindu epic Ramayana, Maricha assumed the form of a golden deer studded with gems to facilitate the kidnapping of the heroine? (Nvvchar, 22 Dec)
- ... that today is the day when Krishna gave the holy sermon of the Bhagavad Gita to the Pandava prince Arjuna, as described in the Mahabharata? (Nvvchar, 23 Dec)
- ... that the 15.4-metre (51 ft) long Anantashayana Vishnu at Saranga (pictured) is the longest sculpture of a reclining Vishnu in India? (Nvvchar, 27 Dec)
- ... that today is the birthday of Dattatreya, the combined form of the Hindu Trinity? (Nvvchar, 27 Dec)
- ... that the great ancestors of the world are believed to roam the universe as four naked five-year-old children? (Nvvchar, 1 Jan 2013)
- ... that in Hindu mythology Lakshmi ordered her consort's chariot (pictured) damaged when he left her behind for his annual vacation to Gundicha Temple? (Nvvchar, Sidsahu, 2 Jan 2013)
- ... that the Tiger of Mysore did not have his meal until he heard the bell of the Srirangapatna Ranganatha temple, one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams? (Nvvchar, Sidsahu, 2 Jan 2013)
- ... that Vaikuntha Chaturmurti, a four-headed aspect of the Hindu god Vishnu, is mostly found in Kashmir? (Nvvchar, 4 Jan)
- ... that on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, a Hindu festival day, worshippers offer earthen lamps and cotton wicks to Shiva and Vishnu (pictured) at the Varanasi Shiva Temple? (Nvvchar, 5 Jan)
- ... that Vishvaksena is described as the commander-in-chief of the army of the god Vishnu and the gate-keeper and "chamberlain" of Vishnu's abode Vaikuntha? (Nvvchar, 13 Jan)
- ... that Kankalamurti (pictured) carries a staff on which the bones of the arms and legs of the slain person are tied? (Nvvchar, 16 Jan)
- ... that the Hindu scriptures describe how a boar (pictured) rescued the earth, which had been kidnapped and hidden in the primordial waters? (Nvvchar, 18 Jan)
- ... that Varahanatha Temple (pictured) has erotic sculptures and amorous couples carved on its outer wall? (Nvvchar, 19 Jan)
- ... that the tale of the Great Flood and the Ark is also told in Hinduism? (Nvvchar, 21 Jan)
- ... that Bandhi community of Karnataka seek divine approval for marriage from the Ganesha of Idagunji? (Nvvchar, 13 Feb)
- ... that each of the five heroines (pictured) from Hindu epics, venerated as exemplary chaste women, is recorded to have "known" at least one man other than her husband? (Nvvchar, 17 Feb)
- ... that there are figures of many gods as well as, unusually, a tortoise (pictured), on the steps to the Saptashrungi temple, built in 1710 AD? (Nvvchar, 28 Mar)
- ... that the Baroli Temples (temple complex pictured), one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan, India, are reported to have been built during the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire in the 10th-11th centuries? (15-Apr, Nvvchar, Dr. Blofeld)
- ... that Sant Tukaram (scene pictured) was the first Indian film to receive international recognition and was adjudged as one of the three best films of the world at the Venice Film Festival? (3-May, Nvvchar)
- ... that in Hunterwali (poster pictured), Fearless Nadia appears as a swashbuckling princess in disguise wearing hot pants, "with her big breasts and bare white thighs" setting things right with a scowl? (3-May, Nvvchar)
- ... that Master Vithal, the hero of India's first talkie Alam Ara and many silent stunt films, was known as the "Douglas Fairbanks of India"? (3-May, Nvvchar)
- ... that while the heroine of India's first full length film was a man, Mohini Bhasmasur was the first Indian film to feature actresses? (3-May, Nvvchar)
- ... that the Hindu god Krishna is described as having eight chief queens (pictured with Krishna) – Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra and Lakshmana – and 16,000 other wives headed by Rohini? (25-May, Nvvchar)
- ... that Amba was given the epithet "incarnation of penance” for her undaunted courage and dedicated approach to do penance seeking revenge against Bhishma? (27-May, Nvvchar)
- ... that the Kumarakottam Temple (pictured) is one of the 21 major temples in Kanchipuram and an important pilgrimage centre? (7-Sept, Nvvchar)
- ... that "an esoteric teaching of the science of Brahman" explains the structure of Om (pictured) and its sound? (Nvvchar, 28 Jan 2015)
- ... that the Kaivalya Upanishad exalts the one who sees without eyes and hears without ears? (Nvvchar, 30 Jan)
- ... that the rare clouds that shower in the desert are called "Uttanka's clouds"? (Nvvchar, 3 Feb)
- ... that the Garuda Upanishad, dedicated to the "Lord of birds", includes spells claimed to cure wounds inflicted by poisonous snakes, ghosts, and demons? (Nvvchar, 4 Feb)
- ... that according to the Atharvashikha Upanishad, Om represents the Hindu Trinity, the Vedic scriptures, Vedic poetic meters and holy fires? (Nvvchar, 11 Feb)
- ... that the Krishna Upanishad advocates serving God by love and devotion to achieve emancipation? (Nvvchar, 13 Feb)
- ... that the Hayagriva Upanishad is dedicated to a horse-headed god (pictured)? (Nvvchar, 15 Feb)
- ... that the Chitrakoot Falls (pictured) is often called "the Niagara Falls of India" because of its wide spread of water during the monsoon season? (Nvvchar, 20 Feb)
- ... that the Dattatreya Upanishad describes the god Dattatreya variously as a child, a demon, crazy, and an ocean of knowledge? (Nvvchar, 20 Feb)
- ... that according to the Brahma Upanishad, a living being controls all its senses similarly to a spider, which weaves its web with a single thread? (Nvvchar, 20 Feb)
- ... that the Aruneya Upanishad says that an itinerant monk should practise chastity, nonviolence, truthfulness, and indifference to material possessions? (Nvvchar, 21 Feb)
- ... the Atmabodha Upanishad explains "state of knowledge of the inner self"? (Nvvchar, 23 Feb)
- ... that according to the Adhyatma Upanishad an intelligent person avoiding truth gets into an illusory state, in the same way as a reed pulled out does not remain straight? (Nvvchar, 27 Feb)
- ... that Atma Upanishad tells about three types of "Self"? (Nvvchar, 2 Mar)
- ... that Vasudeva Upanishad extols Vaishnava sectarian marks? (Nvvchar, 3 Mar)
- ... that the 104-foot (32 m) Sivadol (pictured) in Sivasagar, Assam, is believed to be the tallestShiva temple in India? (Nvvchar, 4 Mar)
- ... that the Skanda Upanishad preaches the unity of Vishnu and Shiva, gods of the rival Hindu sects? (Nvvchar, 4 Mar)
- ... that the Advayataraka Upanishad defines a guru (teacher) as one who disperses darkness? (Nvvchar, 19 Mar)
- ... that in the Sanskrit epic poem Ramayana, Krodhavasa, wife of Kashyapa, was short-tempered, and the children born to her were ferocious animals, birds, and fish, all monsters with sharp teeth? (Nvvchar, 30 Mar)
- ... that the Akshamalika Upanishad, the Bhasmajabala Upanishad, the Brihajjabala Upanishad, the Kalagni Rudra Upanishad, and the Rudrakshajabala Upanishad glorify Shaiva sectarian practices, such as smearing ash on the body (pictured)?
Nominated
[edit]- ... that Radha Ramana is the only image of Krishna that remained in Vrindavana during the 17th-century raids by Islamic king Aurangzeb? (On 22 May 08)
- ... that Hindus often worship Krishna as the small child Bala Krishna (pictured), crawling on his hands and knees with a lump of butter in his hands? (On 28 May 08)
- ... that Papyrus 110, a Greek manuscript copy of the Gospel of Matthew from the New Testament, may have been composed as early as the 3rd century? (on 21-11-08)
- ... that Uncial 0212 is the first manuscript of Greek Diatessaron, a Gospel harmony, to be discovered in modern time? (25-11-08)
- ... that according to legend, Anandibai led to the assassination of the 13 year old king Narayanrao Peshwa by changing one letter dha to ma, thus changing the order "capture him" to "kill him"? (on 23-1-09)
- ... that Keene Fitzpatrick (pictured) invented modern pole-vaulting technique, coached five Olympic gold medalists, and trained the University of Michigan's "Point-a-Minute" football teams from 1901 to 1905? (on 24-1-09, article nom, different entry was nom by me)
- ... that in its heyday the historic Mountain Springs Hotel in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, hosted U.S. Presidents Lincoln, Grant, and Buchanan? (on 25-1-09, article nom, different entry was nom by me)
- ... that only 100 Mahatma Gandhi 10 Rs. stamps were overprinted with "Service", making it the world's least printed stamp? (On 26-1-09)
- ... that the Imperial_Japanese_Navy destroyer Kamikaze was one of the few larger Japanese warships to survive the Pacific War without significant damage? (on 28-1-09)
- ... that the legend of Sumbha and Nisumbha, demons from Hindu mythology, is used as a warning against the dangers of seduction in Shashi Tharoor's novel The Great Indian Novel? (29-01-09)
- ... that the Kay Moor coal mine near Fayetteville, West Virginia, was first worked with mule-drawn railcars? (30-01-09)
- ... that the GDP of the Ming Dynasty was 31% of the world's GDP, a percentage which is relatively higher than the GDP of USA in 1997? (1-2-09)
- ... that the World Wide Fund for Nature rates the Mizoram-Manipur-Kachin rain forests bordering India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar (Burma) as "Globally Outstanding" in biological distinctiveness? (3-2-09)
- ... that in a festival at the Norse Temple at Uppsala, men and male animals were sacrificed by hanging? (6-2-09)
- ... that in 2005 UNESCO proclaimed the Moravian male recruit dance verbuňk as the part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind? (14-2-09)
- ... that the Zen rock garden in the grounds of Zuisen-ji temple, near Kamakura, Japan, is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty? (14-2-09)
- ... that the Hindu temple Swaminaryan Mandir in Colonia, New Jersey, USA, was originally a Jewish place of worship? (4-6-09)
- ... that due to his home country's proximity to Ireland, the music of Davy Knowles – a Manx blues guitarist – is influenced by the Celtic genre? (17-11-09)
- ... that female sterilization is considered the most prevalent birth-control method in India? (26-11-09)
- ... that the outdoor sculpture Zephyr is dedicated by its artist to today's youth? (1-12)
- ... that a 1999 fire in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church caused an estimated $1.2 million in damage? (5-12)
- ... that a study concluded that the ideal temple design described in the Hindu text Vishnudharmottara Purana is based on Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh (sculpture pictured)?
- ... that Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, India, built on the site of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, still shows evidence of the temple in its foundation, columns, and rear? (15 April 2011)
- ... that Brihat Jataka is described as India's foremost astrological text? (30 Oct 2012)
- ... that the Kaushitaki Upanishad teaches that knowledge should be one's pursuit, not religious rituals? (Sarah, 30 Mar 2015)
In the news
[edit]Well done! --candle•wicke 19:26, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
On this day
[edit]- Edible Book Festival: 1 April 2010