Amba, one of the daughters of the king of Kashi vowed to take revenge on Bhishma because she blamed him for her sorry plight. After receiving a boon from Shiva, she was reborn and in that birth was instrumental in killing Bhishma. Who was she reborn as? Shikhandi.
What were the names of Harishchandra's wife and son? Chandramati (sometimes referred to as Taramati) and Lohitashva (Rohitashva)
Over which kingdom did Harishchandra rule? Ayodhya.
Who built the palace for Yama? Vishwakarma.
How was Jarasandha related to Kamsa? He was the father-in-law of Kamsa.
Who told Janamejaya that Parikshit had been bitten by Takshaka? Sage Uttanka.
How was Shishupala related to Krishna? They were cousins. Shishupala's mother, Shrutasrava was the sister of Krishna's father.
To whom did Shiva present the Pashupatastra? Arjuna.
After Sugriva was driven away from Kishkindha by Vali where did he set up his kingdom? Rishyamooka.
What was the name of Drona's wife? Kripi.
Why is Krishna also called Keshava? Because he killed the asura Keshi.
Before the battle of Kurukshetra Krishna promised his help to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. How did he manage to keep his promise? To the Kauravas he promised the help of his entire army. To the Pandavas, his personal help (without his taking up any weapons).
Who killed the asura Pralamba? Balarama.
Where did Kunti stay when the Pandavas went into exile for 12 years? WithVidura.
Who did Kama approach to learn the science of archery? Parashurama.
There were two occasions when Parashurama met Krishna. One was when Krishna and Balarama went to Mount Gomanta. When was the other? The second instance was when Krishna was on his way to the court of the Kauravas as the messenger of the Pandavas.
She was a demoness who dreamt about the destruction of Lanka by a monkey. Who was she? Trijata.
Who was the guru of both Krishna and Balarama? Sandipani.
Whose sons were Kumbha and Nikumbha? Kumbhakarna.
Sanjaya was the person who narrated the course of the battle of Kurukshetra to Dhritharashtra. He was able to do so because he received a boon by which he could see the battle. When did this divine sight end? After the death of Duryodhana.
What did Vishwamitra seek from Dasharatha? He wanted Rama and Lakshmana to accompany him and help him to perform Yajnas peacefully.
The battle of Kurukshetra entailed tremendous destruction. Who was entrusted with the duty of reconstruction by Yudhishthira? Sanjaya.
Vajranabha is a weapon used by Vishnu. It is however better known by another name. What is that name? Sudarshana-Chakra.
How did Krishna help Arjuna in killing Jayadratha? On hearing that Jayadratha was responsible for Abhimanyu's death Arjuna had vowed to kill him before sunset the next day. During the course of the battle Krishna hid the sun. Thinking that the sun had set, Jayadratha came out and moved freely. When Krishna released the sun, the sun shone again and Jayadratha was killed by Arjuna.
Who is the consort of Madana, the god of love? Rati.
What was the name of the kingdom ruled by Dasharatha? Kosala. Its capital was Ayodhya.
What happened when Rama strung the bow of Shiva at Janaka's palace (at the time of Sita's swayamvara)? The bow broke into two pieces with a thunderous sound.
When did Parashurama meet Sri Rama? When Rama and Lakshamana were on their way to Ayodhya after their marriage.
What did Parashurama want from Rama? He sought to battle with Rama.
What was the task Parashurama set before Rama? He gave Rama the great bow of Vishnu and wanted Rama to draw the bow.
Who poisoned the ears of Kaikeyi when the whole city was happy that Rama would soon be crowned king? Manthara.
With what argument did Manthara convince Kaikeyi to seek the banishment of Rama? The main point made by her was that Kausalya would become the Queen Modier. Kaikeyi would have to bow to her wishes.
When did Dasharatha give the boons to Kaikeyi? In the course of a battle with Asuras, an arrow had hit him and he had fallen wounded. Sensing danger to his life Kaikeyi drove the chariot through the army of Asuras. Hence he granted her boons.
Who gave robes made of bark to Rama? Kaikeyi.
Where did Rama, Lakshmana and Sita take their first rest after leaving Ayodhya? On the bank of the river Tamasa.
What were the names assumed by Nakula and Sahadeva while living in disguise at the palace of Virata? Granthika and Tantripala.
What was the real name of Kuchela, Krishna's boyhood friend? Sudama.
Who suggested to Rama the place they could live in happiness? What was the name of the place? Sage Bharadwaja suggested to Rama that they could live happily on Mount Chitrakoot.
Who first conveyed the news of Dasharatha's death to Rama? Bharata.
Why did Bharata place Rama's sandals on the throne? This was done as a symbol of Rama's authority who was away.
What was the name of the forest that Rama, Lakshmana and Sita went to from Chitrakoot? Dandaka Forest.
What was the name of Parashurama's mother? Renuka.
Why did Sage Kapila reduce the sons of Sagara to ashes? They accused him of stealing the horse of the Ashwamedha Yajna.
Who was the Commander-in-chief of the armies of Jarasandha? Shishupala.
What was the weapon of Indra? Vajra, the thunderbolt.
What was the name of Vishwamitra's ashram? Siddhashram.
What was the advice given by Maricha to Ravana when he spoke of his plan to carry away Sita? Do not antagonise Rama.
Where was Sandipani's ashram? Avanti.
With what instrument did Drona take out the ring, which was in the well? With an arrow.
Give the name of any one son of Draupadi. Prativindhya, Shrutasoma, Shrutakirti, Shrutasena (or Shrutakarma) and Shatanika.
What was the capital of Drupada's kingdom? Kampilya.
Among the names of Bhudevi (Bhumidevi) is Kashyapi. Why is she known by this name? Parashurama once gifted the whole earth to Sage Kashyapa. From this comes the name Kashyapi.
Who were the three children of Samjna from Surya? Manu, Yama and Yami.
When Nachiketa asked for the secret of immortality, what did Yama reply? "When all the desires- cherished by the mind cease, it is here and now that the mortal becomes immortal."
What was the name of Ashtavakra's father? Kahodara (also known as Khagodara). The child, Ashtavakra was crooked in eight parts.
Which sage narrated the story of Sage Ashtavakra to the Pandavas? Sage Lomasha.
Where in modern India is Panchavati? Near Nasik in Maharashtra.
When the Gandharva King Chitrasena defeated the Kauravas and captured Duryodhana, what does Bhima do? He feels very happy and dances for joy.
How does Yudhishthira rebuke Bhima for expressing happiness, when Duryodhana was captured by Chitrasena? Yudhishthira says, "When we have our differences we are five and the Kauravas are a hundred, but when we are facing an outsider we should be a hundred and five."
Who succeeded to the throne of Hastinapura after the death of King Shantanu? Chitrangada.
On which day of the battle of Kurukshetra did Kama start fighting for the Kauravas? Eleventh day. He did not want to take up arms so long as Bhishma was the commander of the Kaurava army. Bhishma had insulted Kama as "Sutaputra" (son of a charioteer).
Yudhishthira was also called Ajatashatru. What did the name mean? One without any enemy.
For which skill was Nala well-known? Nala was a great charioteer.
How did Nala win back his Kingdom? Nala played a game of dice with Pushkara and won it back.
Which was the kingdom of which Rukmini was the princess? Vidarbha.
Who is die god of death according to Indian Mythology? Yama.
Who was the mother of Lakshmana? Sumitra.
What happened when Kamsa seized the baby from Devaki's hand and dashed her against a stone surface? The Divine infant manifested herself as an eight-armed goddess and said," Kamsa, the one who is destined to kill you still lives."
How did Hanuman convince Sita that he was a messenger of Rama? Hanuman gave the ring Rama had given him to show to Sita.
Who was the family priest of the Yadavas? Gargacharya.
When Vasudeva, holding the baby Krishna in his arms, reached the banks of the river Yamuna, what happened? The river waters parted.
Whom did Kamsa send to Gokul to kill all newborn babies? Putana.
What is sage Agastya known for? He stamped the Vindhya Mountain down. He is also said to be the writer of Tamil grammar.
What was the picture on the flag of Krishna? Garuda.
When the Devas and the Asuras churned the ocean of milk what did they want from the ocean? Amrit, the divine nectar.
What is Alakananda? A river, which flows through Devaloka (the land of Devas). After descending to earth it is called Ganga.
What was the first product that arose when the Ocean of Milk was churned? Halahala, deadly poison. The message that is conveyed here is important. When we start churning our mind in search of truth what comes out of the churning are doubts, despair, etc. It is when we continue the churning that we receive knowledge that gives peace.
Why did Amba curse Bhishma? Because he seized her by hand and wanted to carry her away to be wife of the Kuru princes.
The Pandavas had decided to construct a palace at Indraprastha. During this discussion who joined in and gave them the description of the courts of Indra, Yama, Varuna, Kubera and Brahma? Narada.
For how many years was Rama banished to the forest? Fourteen years.
Who was the Guru of the Devas (gods)? Brihaspati.
Where did Hanuman find Sita in Lanka? In the Ashoka Vana (forest).
What was the musical instrument that was always carried by Narada? Veena.
What were the names of the sons of Madri? Nakula and Sahadeva.
Why did Hiranyakashipu want to kill his own son? Because Prahlada, his son had become a devotee of his arch enemy, Vishnu.
How did Krishna get the name Giridhari? Because he held Mount Govardhan on his little finger. [Giridhara literally means holder (dhara) of a mountain (giri)]
When Indra was unable to defeat the asura Vritrasura, he sought the advice of Brahma. Brahma's advice was to approach die son of sage Bhrigu and ask him for a bone from his body. This bone was to be converted into an astra that would kill the asura. Name the sage who donated his bone and thereby discarded his life so that the devas could triumph over the asuras. Sage Dadhichi.
Where did Bharata meet Rama after he set out from Ayodhya? At Chitrakoot.
Who were the Asuras? They were not much different from Suras (Devas), their cousins. According to one interpretation the word "Asura" is derived from 'Asu', which means 'life' and 'ra', which means 'engrossed in'. Hence those who are engrossed in life were called Asuras.
When Sita was presented garments made of bark before leaving for the forest who forbade her from wearing them and why? Vasishtha, because it was only Rama who had been banished.
Why is Draupadi also called Panchali? Because she was the daughter of the King of Panchala (not because she had five husbands.)
What was the capital of Vidarbha? Kundinapura.
What was the name of Jatayu's elder brother? Sampati.
Who was the commander of the Kaurava army after the death of Bhishma? Dronacharya.
Who is considered to be the architect of the Devas? Maya. Sometimes he is considered only as a carpenter of the Asuras.
Where did Rama meet Sugriva? Kishkindha.
Where did Krishna teach the Gita to Arjuna? On the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Why is Sita sometimes called Vaidehi? Because she was the daughter of the King of Videha.
Who was Dhumraksha, referred to in the Ramayana? A minister of Ravana.
Who was anointed as the heir apparent to the kingdom of Kishkindha after the battle of Lanka? Sugriva's son, Angada.
Who told Kamsa that Krishna and Balarama were, in reality, the sons of Vasudeva? Narada.
How was Dundubhi related to Ravana? He was Ravana's brother-in-law.
Who killed Dundubhi? Vali.
Who was crowned King of Lanka after Havana's death? Vibhishana.
What was the name of the place where Rama meets Guha, the Nishada King? Shringaverapura.
How was Hanuman captured by Indrajit? Indrajit, the son of Ravana, used the Brahmastra to bind Hanuman.
On his return from Lanka where did Rama meet Bharata? Nandigrama.
What was the boon sought by Raktabija from Shiva? If one drop of his blood fell on the battlefield, many Raktabijas would arise from the blood and fight the enemy. It conveys the idea that violence begets more violence.
In the Ashoka grove when Ravana produces the head of Rama who assures Sita that it is not a real one? Sarama.
According to puranas who is holding the earth on their back? The eight elephants known as Diggajas.
How many verses are there in the Ramayana? About 24,000.
What was the name of the monkey general who supervised the construction of the bridge to Lanka? Nala.
Who drove the chariot in which Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita left for the forest after Rama was banished? Sumantra.
Name the people who went to Magadha to subdue Jarasandha? Bhima, Arjuna and Krishna.
Where did Urmila live while her husband Lakshmana was keeping company of Rama in the forest? In Ayodhya, in the palace.
What was the name of Urmila's father? King Kushadhvaja.
When the Yaksha asked Yudhishthira what is the greatest wonder, what did he reply? Day after day countless people die, yet the living wish to live forever.
Who were the companions of Shakuntala in Kanva's ashram? Anasuya and Priyamvada.
Who killed Sunda and Upasunda? They fought with each other and got killed.
How was Shakuni related to Duryodhana? He was Duryodhana's mother's brother, his maternal uncle.
What kind of sacrifice was Vishwajit? At a Vishwajit sacrifice one has to give away everything he possesses.
How did Nahusha incur the anger of rishis? He made the rishis carry him in a Palanquin. He felt they were slow. -Hence shouting at them he said "Sarpa" (go fast). Hearing this Sage Agastya cursed him "Sarpo Bhava" (be a serpent).
Who killed Tarakasura? Karttikeya.
What was the pseudonym assumed by Bhima at the palace of Virata? Ballava (sometimes referred to as Vallala)
How many horses were yoked to Arjuna's chariot? Four.
Who was the founder of the Yadava clan? Yadu, son of Yayati.
Which mountain was the abode of Sage Parashurama? Mount Mahendra.
Who were the three warriors in the Kaurava army who planned an attack on the sleeping Pandavas? Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Kritavarma.
Who was the consort of Shiva? Parvati, also known as Shakti (strength). Through this concept it is communicated that the one who has strength alone can be Shiva (good).
What did Mt Mainaka tell Hanuman when he was en route to Lanka? "Your father once helped me. Rest here for a while."
In which disguise did Hanuman meet Rama? In the disguise of a Brahmin.
What was the threat Ravana held out to Sita? "If you do not yield within two months my cook will mince your limbs for my morning meals."
On whose shoulders did Rama ride during the battle with Kumbhakama? Hanuman.
In what disguise did Shiva appear before Parvati while she was performing penance? In the disguise of a hermit.
What was the name of the bow of Shiva? Pinaka.
What was the name of Ravana's father? Vishrava.
What role did Trinavarta play in the life of Krishna? Trinavarta assumed the form of a whirlwind and swooped the baby Krishna off and attempted to kill him.
What was the vehicle of Agni? Male Goat.
Who occupied Duryodhana's palace after the battle of Kurukshetra? Bhima.
What is said to be the vehicle of Yama, God of Death? Buffalo.
He was the brother in law of Virata, King of Matsyadesha. He was killed by Bhima because he had molested Draupadi. Who was he? Kichaka.
When devas and asuras were churning the ocean of milk a deva arose from it with a Kamandalu in one hand and a danda in the other. Who was he? Dhanwantari, who is said to have taught ayurveda to the world.
Who was Yayati's father? Nahusha.
Who killed Shikhandi? Ashwatthama.
Who was the guru of Banasura? Shukracharya.
Who was responsible for the origin of the land mass that we now know as Kerala? Parashurama.
In which avatar did Lord Vishnu kill Hiranyakashipu? Narasimha Avatar.
Kripacharya and his sister Kripi were abandoned as children. Who took pity on them and brought them up? King Shantanu.
Who set fire to the camp of the Pandavas? Kritavarma.