CULTURAL QA 01202510
GENERAL QA – BASE QUOTA QA Digest to me on 10-1-2025.Compiled
Q1 Where is Ashwatthama now?
KR: Repeated nth time. Yet he did not say where is HE? Siranjeevi means
not parading before anyone but lives eternally in some form or shape and so
asking foolishly where is he and dilly dallying few lines are waste of
time.
Cirajīvin (चिरजीविन्).—a. long-lived 1) an epithet of seven persons who
are considered to be 'deathless'; अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनुमांश्च विभीषणः ।
कृपः परशुरामश्च सप्तैते चिरजीविनः (aśvatthāmā balirvyāso hanumāṃśca
vibhīṣaṇaḥ | kṛpaḥ paraśurāmaśca saptaite cirajīvinaḥ) ||
ASWATHAMA, BALI, VYASO, HANUMAN CHA, VIBEESHANA, KRIPA, PARASURAMA CHA,
SAPTAITHE SIRANJEEVINA: 7 PERSONS CONSIDERED WITHOUT DEATH.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ASTHA CHIRANJEEVIS
The samsara of life and death is cyclical until we attain moksha.
In Sanskrit, Chiranjeevi means a long-lived person.
‘Chiram’ means long and ‘Jivee’ means lived. They have been
mentioned in the Ramayan, Mahabharat and the Puranas.
LEGENDS OF ASTHA CHIRANJEEVIS
ASURA KING MAHABALI
Mahabali is the King of Asuras. He is the grandson of Prahlad
and a descendant of sage Kashyap. Bali had arranged
Ashvamedha Yagna, to maintain his dominance over the three
worlds. This created tension and insecurity in heaven and
amongst the Gods. So, the Devas requested Lord Vishnu to help
them. Vishnu manifested in his Vaman avatar and asked Bali, to
grant him a piece of land to traverse three steps. As a result,
Vaman traversed the earth and heaven in two steps. Bali offered
his head and pushed Mahabali to Paatal Lok. Pleased by
Mahabali’s devotion, Vaman blessed Bali with the powers of
Indra. Due to Bali’s selfless devotion and dharma, he was
granted to pay a visit, to his land once each year. Thus, the
Onam festival is celebrated every year in Kerala.
MAHA RISHI MARKANDEYA
A devotee of both, Shiva and Vishnu, rishi Mrikandu, belonged to
the Bhrigu clan. Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati, sought a
boon from Shiva, for begetting a son. He was given the choice of
either being blessed with a son, with a short life span, or a child
of low intelligence with a long life. Mrikandu, chose the former,
and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, who was
fated to die at 16 years of age.
Markandeya was a great devotee of Shiva. On the day of his
death, he continued to worship theShivalingam. Yama, the ‘God
of Death’, did not have the heart to take Markandeya’s life,
because of his devotion for Shiva. Yamraj, then came in person to
take away Markandeya’s life, and sprung his noose around the
young sage’s neck. The noose mistakenly landed around the
Shivalingam. Shiva emerged in fury and attacked Yama. Later,
Shiva revived Yama and blessed him with immortality. Hence,
Shiva was known as Kalantaka, the ‘Destroyer of Death.’
अ ब ह षण:। प: परम सए रन:॥स यमम। श सवत॥
Ashwatthama Balirvyaaso Hanumanshcha Vibheeshanaha
Krupaha Parshuramascha Saptaitey Chiranjivinaha
Saptaitaan Samsmareynnityam Markandeymathaashtamam
Jived Varshshatam Sopi Sarvavyadhivivarjit
PARSHURAM
The weapon-wielding temperamental avatar of Vishnu,
Parshuram, was a warrior and equally feared and respected by
many. He was born in Brahmin family and was quite unlike the
other Brahmins. Parshuram carried traits of a Kshatriya. He was
aggressive, brave and well-trained in warfare. He is known as
‘Brahma-Kshatriya’, as he had skills from both the clans.
Parshuram is a martial Shraman ascetic and an Avesha avatar.
He was born at Renuka Tirth, as the sixth incarnation of Lord
Vishnu. His father, Jamadagni, a great Saint Bhargva, was a
direct descendant of Lord Brahma. It is said that Kartavirya
Arjuna and his army forcibly took away Parshuram’s father’s
magical cow named Kamdhenu. Parshuram killed the entire
army and king Kartavirya. To avenge the death of his father,
Kartavirya’s son, killed Jamadagni, in Parshuram’s absence.
Parshuram was furious and killed all the sons of kings. He also
conducted the Ashvamedha sacrifice, and gave away his entire
holdings to the karma Kandis, who conducted the ritual.
In the Mahabharata, Parshuram, was the Guru of the warrior
Karna. Parshuram gave the Sudarshan chakra to Krishna. The
main motto of Vishnu’s sixth incarnation was to free the earth’s
burden, by assassinating the sinful and irreligious kings, who
neglected their respective duties. As mentioned in the Kalki
Purana, Parshuram still resides on earth. Parshuram is the
martial guru of Kalki. He instructed Kalki, to perform a
sacrament to appease Shiva, who blessed Parshuram with
celestial weaponry.
VIBHISHANA
Vibhishana was a younger brother of Ravan. Though a Rakshas
himself, Vibhishana was of a noble character. He was against
Sita’s abduction. Since his brother Ravan, did not heed his
advice, Vibhishana joined Ram’s army. Later, when Ram defeated
Ravan and crowned Vibhishana, as the king of Lanka. After
Vibhishana became the King of Lanka, he turned his subjects
from the path of evil, to the path of righteousness. Vishnu
ordered Vibhishana to stay on earth, serve the people and guide
them to the path of truth and righteousness. Vishnu, also asked
Vibhishana to pray to Lord Ranganatha, the family deity of Ram’s
natal sun dynasty.
HANUMAN
Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari. While Hanuman’s
mother was worshipping Shiva, king Dashrath of Ayodhya,
performed the ritual of Putra kama yagna, since he desired to
bear children. Dashrath was offered kheer, which was shared by
his three wives, leading to the birth of Ram, Lakshman, Bharat
and Shatrughna. As the story goes, through divine intervention,
a kite snatched and delivered kheer to Anjana. Vayu, the wind
God delivered the kheer to Anjana As a result, Hanuman was
born. The Sundara Kanda in the Ramayan, focusses on
Hanuman, who met Ram, after Ravan had kidnapped Sita.
Hanuman helped them to defeat Ravan and rescue Sita.
VED VYAS
Ved Vyas is also known as Krishna Dvaipayana. Around 5000
years ago, he was born in Damauli of Tanahi district in Nepal. His
father was sage Parashar Rishi and his mother was Satyavati. He
was the grandfather to Pandavas and Kauravas. He taught the
Vedas to his pupils with immense devotion and dedication. It is
said that Mahabharata is the 18th Purana that was written by
Ved Vyas. It is believed that Ved Vyas requested Lord Ganesha to
assist him in compiling the Mahabharata. However, Ganesha
agreed on one condition. He stated that he would write the
Mahabharata, only if Vyas narrates it without a single pause. To
supersede this condition, Vyas put another condition and asked
Ganesha to understand the verses, even before he had recited
them. This is how the Mahabharata was written. Ved Vyas
narrated the Upanishads and the 18 Puranas continuously to
Lord Ganesha. He has been fondly mentioned in the Jataka tales
too.
He fathered four famous sons, Pandu, Dhritarashtra, Vidur and
Sukhdev. He received knowledge from great sages like Vasudev
and Sanakadik. He described that the most important goal in
one's life is to attain Narayana or the Divine Supreme.
He compiled the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and
Atharvaveda. He was the first and greatest acharya of Sanatan
Dharma. He is considered as a semi-incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
It is believed that he reincarnated on earth in the Dwaparyuga
to spread knowledge. Before his existence, Vedic knowledge
only existed in the form of spoken words. He is referred to as Ved
Vyas, because he had split the original version of Vedas into four
parts. Ved Vyas literally means 'the splitter of Vedas'. According
to Mahabharat, Vyasa's mother, Satyavati, was married to the
king of Hastinapur. Shantanu bore two children, Chitrangada
and Vichitravirya. After Shantanu's death, she and her sons ruled
the kingdom with the help of Bhishma. Although both her sons
died childless, she arranged for her eldest son, Vyasa, to father
the children of the two widows of Vichitravirya.
KRIPACHARYA
Kripacharya, is an important character in the Mahabharata. He
taught warfare to the young princes of Mahabharat. It describes
Kripacharya as capable of managing 60,000 warriors single handedly on the
battle field. He ravaged the foe’s army like a blazing fire. Though, the
Kauravas resorted to immoral ways, Kripacharya impartially carried out his
duty. Later, Krishna conferred immortality on Kripacharya. He demonstrated
great virtues like truth, righteousness and impartiality. Even under
extreme situations, Kripacharya would never compromise on his values, and
would stand out as the noblest among men.
ASHWATTHAMA
Ashwatthama is considered as an avatar of one of the eleven
Rudras. Along with his maternal uncle Kripa, Ashwatthama was a
survivor of the Kurukshetra war. He was the son of Dronacharya
and Kripi. Drona practiced severe penance to appease Lord
Shiva, since he wanted a son, who possesses the same valiance
as Lord Shiva. He was blessed with a gem on his forehead. The
night after Duryodhana’s defeat, a very disturbed and restless.
Ashwatthama, had planned an attack on the Pandavas. Once he
arrived at the Pandava camp, along with his army, they found a
Bhairava blocking their entry. Ashwatthama strangled
Dhrishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava army, and the
killer of his father Drona.
There are different versions of the story. In one version,
Ashwatthama mistakes the sleeping Upapandavas for the
Pandavas and kills them. In another version, he is known to have
killed the Upapandavas, since he could not trace the Pandavas.
The Pandavas and Krishna returned the next morning, to search
for Ashwathama, who seeks refuge in Vyasa’s ashram.
Ashwatthama invoked the deadly Brahmaastra, only to face
Another Brahmaastra from Arjuna. Ashwatthama asked the
warriors to revoke the astras. Ashwatthama decided that if he
could not kill the Pandavas, he would end their lineage, aiming
the weapon at Uttara’s womb. Krishna revived the still born
baby. Later, the infant was named ‘Parikshit’, which means the
one who has been tested. Krishna asked Aswathhama, to
surrender the gem on his forehead. He was cursed that the
wound caused by removing the gem, on his forehead would not
heal, and his body would suffer from a host of incurable diseases
for over 3000 years.
During the Ayush Homam, other than Lord Ayur, the Astha
Chiranjeevis are also invoked and worshipped. Astha
Chiranjeevis are eight immortals in the Sanatan Dharma. The
Astha Chiranjeevis are King Bali, Rishi Markandeya, Lord
Parashurama, Vibhishana, Lord Hanuman, Veda Vyasa, Sage
Kripacharya and Ashwatthama.
Astha Chiranjeevi Mantra:
Om Sri Markandeya Namah ।
Om Sri Balaya Namah ।
Om Sri Vyasaaya Namah ।
Om Sri Hanuman Namah ।
Om Sri Bibhishanaaya Namah ।
Om Sri Kripaaya Namah ।
Om Sri Parashuramaaya Namah ।
Om Sri Ashvatthamane Namah ।
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Q2 Why do mosquitoes circle over your heads?
KR Sir either write the reason or pass off skipping but why
wasting few lines?
Mosquitoes often circle around people's heads for several reasons:
1. *Attraction to Carbon Dioxide (CO2):* Humans exhale carbon dioxide
when they breathe, which mosquitoes are highly attracted to. The carbon
dioxide helps them locate potential hosts from a distance. Since you exhale
from your mouth and nose, mosquitoes are often drawn to your face and head.
2. *Heat and Sweat:* Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and certain
compounds found in sweat, such as lactic acid. These factors are more
concentrated around your head, neck, and face, making this area
particularly appealing to mosquitoes.
3. *Odors**:* Besides sweat, mosquitoes are attracted to the scents of
various body Odors, including those produced by skin bacteria. The head
area, where there is more skin exposure, can emit these scents more
strongly.
4. *Visual Cues:* Mosquitoes also rely on visual cues to locate hosts,
particularly at dusk or dawn. Your movement and the contrast of your head
against the background may help mosquitoes hone in on you.
So, when mosquitoes circle around your head, it's because they are using a
combination of chemical signals, body heat, and visual cues to find you!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Q4 What are some of the most mind-blowing facts?
KR: Manindra Agarwal’s statement refers to a breakthrough in the
field of computational mathematics and cryptography, specifically in
relation to IIT Kanpur's contribution to the development of a
high-performance solution for vaccine technology, as well as advancements
in machine learning and artificial intelligence. However, without more
specific context, it's challenging to pinpoint exactly which "mixture" he
is referring to. It could be related to a specific project or technology
developed at IIT Kanpur, potentially around drug or vaccine formulations,
which may involve a combination of several elements or scientific
advancements that are crucial to the technology.
Generally speaking, when someone like Manindra Agarwal—who is an expert in
computer science, cryptography, and algorithm development—says "the mixture
is a most critical part," it could be alluding to the integration of
various scientific or technological components that work together in a way
that is more advanced than just using standard methodologies.
You are referring to a statement made by Manindra Agarwal regarding the
refusal of China to share critical raw materials for India's vaccine
production during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this context, the "mixture" mentioned by Manindra Agarwal likely refers
to the precise formulation or combination of elements required to produce
vaccines, which involves a highly specific and carefully developed process.
Agarwal's comment about perfecting the "mixture" could refer to the
successful creation of an effective vaccine formula or production process
at IIT Kanpur, despite challenges in obtaining certain necessary raw
materials from China, which is a major supplier of various pharmaceutical
ingredients.
The broader point in this context is that while the technology and
scientific processes involved in vaccine production might be relatively
standard or known (such as using mRNA technology, viral vector technology,
or traditional approaches), the "mixture" – the combination of ingredients
and processes – is a critical part of making it work effectively. Agarwal
emphasizes that the team had perfected this critical aspect, even if the
rest of the technology was "quite standard."
In terms of China refusing to help, this could refer to China's withholding
of certain raw materials or supplies necessary for India's vaccine
production efforts, which India would have otherwise relied on during the
pandemic. Despite these challenges, Agarwal's team and others managed to
produce vaccines with the right combination of materials, demonstrating
resilience and innovation in India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
And the facts are not stated perfectly by the compiler
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Q5 If the Indus Valley civilisation had no wars nor kings, how
was it organized?
Please do not torture the Indus civilisation Nth time.
The book *"Indus Valley Civilization"* by Kalyana Raman Director of ASI is
a work that explores the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley, also
known as the Harappan Civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization, which
existed around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, was one of the world's earliest urban
cultures, and it flourished in what is now Pakistan and northwest India.
In his book, Kalyana Raman examines various aspects of this civilization,
such as its cities (like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro), social organization,
trade practices, architecture, art, and the script that has not yet been
fully deciphered. The book also reflects on the mystery surrounding the
decline of the civilization and the potential reasons behind it.
The author presents this civilization in the context of ancient history,
offering insights into the advancements of the people of the Indus Valley
in terms of urban planning, water management, and craftsmanship. It might
also delve into the ongoing debates among archaeologists and historians
about the nature of the civilization and its interaction with other
contemporary cultures.
II *Cradle of Civilization: New Light on Ancient India SUBASH KAK AND
DAVID FRAWLEY @ VAMADEVA SASTRI WILL ENLIGHTEN YOU FULLY.*
* XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX*
*K RAJARAM IRS 11125*
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gopala Krishnan <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, 11 Jan 2025 at 17:52
Subject: [iyer123] CULTURAL QA 01-2025-10
To: <[email protected]>
*CULTURAL QA 01-2025-10*
*GENERAL QA – BASE QUOTA QA Digest to me on 10-1-2025.Compiled*
*Q1 Where is Ashwatthama now?*
A1 Sarang Gurao, B. E Computers from Savitribai Phule Pune
University (SPPU) 7y
He was cursed around 3200 BC on last day of Mahabharata war, the curse to
be on earth till end of the Kaliyuga of present Kalpa.
Very few people/saints doing Narmada river parikrama have seen him or meet
him in Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary which is spread across MP and
Gujarat. He had helped them or saved some of their life's and then became
invisible like a super hero. He doesn't talk to anyone and people who saw
him have seen big mark on his forehead.
How does Ashwathama look, still it is not cleared as encounter has happened
with him was so fast that people would have merely recalled.
*Ashwathama is known as partial incarnation of lord Shiva and has attained
very high level in spritiuality in these 5000+ years of his life. He is
also destined to be one of the Saptarishi in next Kalpa.*
*Q2 Why do mosquitoes circle over your heads?*
Rich Pollack, Entomologist Updated 9y
Mosquitoes and other kinds of flies may circle around one's head for many
reasons. *If it is a female mosquito, she may be homing in upon you because
you exhale and exude carbon dioxide and other substances that she finds
attractive*. Better that she circles than lands and bites you. Remember the
old adage: Barking dogs never bite, except when they stop barking.
Ah, but there are other possibilities. *It may be that the mosquito is a
male. Male mosquitoes cannot bite. They can, for reasons that are not
obvious, detect and respond to changing carbon dioxide concentrations.* But
that's less likely the explanation.
Instead, male mosquitoes (and males of certain other kinds of flies) often
form 'mating swarms'. They select a prominent (to them) feature of the
landscape, be it a tall tree, a boulder or a person, then flit above it.
Usually, that object is inanimate and the swarm fixed in location. Other
times, such as when the swarm forms above the head of an animal, it may
move in concert with the animal.
Sometimes these swarms may contain dozens or many thousands of males. A
female that encounters such a male swarm is then almost certainly to be
seized and impregnated by the most robust, clever or lucky male present.
Not all mosquitoes, of course, perform this aerial dance or do so around an
animal's head. Other kinds might be more inclined to focus on the ankles or
other exposed areas. These won't sing in your ears.
For many folks, it matters not whether the swarm about the head is composed
of male mosquitoes, female mosquitoes or yet other flies. But, it can be an
interesting endeavor to capture a few and learn of their identity. If
nothing else, it can be nice to have one's own fan club, if even for a
short time.
*Q3 How is Indian life in the United Kingdom?*
A3 Narendra, Lives in The United Kingdom Updated Oct 29
For context; I was born and brought up in India. Have been in UK, mainly
outer London, for over 45 years.
Life is great.
There is law and order, traffic behaves, weather is OK but at least not too
hot, I don’t worry about bureaucracy, authorities or similar, never thought
of paying bribe for anything, nor ever approached, I don’t worry about what
other will think of me, just do the right thing.
I find society in general very tolerant and pleasant to each other. I know
I don’t have to worry about healthcare, although at times couldn’t get what
I want, when I want. At work, generally always received respect that I
believe I earned, despite obvious features and accent. To all above, there
are always exceptions, but generally OK. I know I am not breathing in dodgy
air, probably something that contributes to longer longevity and longer
healthy lifespan.
To cap it all, compared to early days in late 70s, I can get Indian
groceries nearly everywhere and some very good Indian food. Great food from
many countries, nice alcoholic beverages, never had to worry about
contamination.
In all, great, relatively easy life.
*Q4 What are some of the most mind-blowing facts?*
Raghvendar Kaur, Sales Executive at Pidilite Industries Limited
(2018–present) Oct 14
A4 When China refused to share technology with India-
The Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh was dealing with a severe water
crisis.
receives the lowest rainfall and underground water levels are at an
all-time low with Mahoba being the most parched district.
So Uttar Pradesh government decided to moisten the ground by inducing rain
artificially.
But India doesn't have such technology so they contacted the pioneer of
this technology, their neighbour cum rival, China.
According to Dharampal Singh, State irrigation minister, “China had offered
to share the process with us for about Rs 10.5 crore but for reasons best
known to them, they backed out in February this year.
We even asked them to participate in a global tender but they didn’t.” After
China turned their back IIT Kanpur was asked to undertake the project.
The process, known as cloud seeding, involves spraying a mixture in the
atmosphere around which water vapours condense and when these water
droplets become too heavy to stay in the air they fall down as rain.
Development
of this mixture was the most difficult part of the project but IIT Kanpur
in collaboration with the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Civil
Engineering and Bioengineering developed it in just five months.
In IIT Kanpur’s deputy director Manindra Agarwal’s words “The mixture is a
most critical part and we have perfected it. The rest of the technology is
quite standard.”
Also, the estimated cost of inducing artificial rain over 1000 square
kilometres using the IIT Kanpur technique would come to around Rs 5 crore.
*Once America and now China…never underestimate the power of Indian
scientists…*
*Q5 If the Indus Valley civilisation had no wars nor kings, how
was it organized?*
A5 Gokul Renjith, Lives in India (1999–present)Dec 6
It's not clear if Indus Valley people really didn't fight any wars or not.
Meluhha is generally accepted as another name of Indus valley civilisation.
Mesapotomian texts mention conflict with Meluhha.
Rimush the second ruler of Akkadian Empire says in his inscription that he
defeated the combined forces of Meluhha and its allies in battle -
Zabar, Elarn, [Glupin, and [Me]luhha assembled in Pa[rah]sum for battle,
but ... he, (Rimus) captured S[idga'u], general of [Parahsum] (and) [the
king(?) of] Elam i[n betwe]en (the cities of) [Aw]an and [Susa], by the
[Middle Ri[ver].Page 58, Sargonic and Gutian periods, 2334-2113 BC.
There is also apparently another really old Mesapotomian inscription which
talks about war with Meluhha. I couldn't find any proper English
translation to it.
Since we can't decipher any of the Indus Valley writing, it's impossible to
know what their perspective was about all of this.
So if we assume that Meluhha and Indus valley are the same, then they were
certainly not completely peaceful.
Gopalakrishnan 11-1-2025
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