Hindu Mythology and Chennai Culture Quiz

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish contact and trade in the Chennai region in the early 16th century, arriving before the Dutch, French, or British. They established a trading post in the area. The British (East India Company) came later and eventually acquired Madras in 1639.

Chennai has long been popularly known as the 'Gateway to the South' due to its strategic location and role as the entry point to South India for travelers and traders. The other options are not recognized titles for Chennai.

Osho (Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh), the influential spiritual guru, wrote extensively about Krishna's philosophy and stated that "the future belongs to Krishna" in his book titles and discourses. This reflects his interpretation of Krishna's teachings as being relevant for future humanity. Vanamali and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati are other Krishna devotees, but this specific quote is associated with Osho.

During the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma Pitamaha vowed that he would either kill Arjuna or force Krishna to break his vow of not taking up arms. On the ninth day, Bhishma's ferocity forced Krishna to charge at him with a chariot wheel.

In the folk traditions and plays based on the Mahabharata (specifically the story of Sasirekha/Vatsala), Krishna uses a magical object called 'Priyadarshini' to help Abhimanyu and Sasirekha see each other and fall in love, thwarting Duryodhana's plans.

Sudama was a childhood friend of Krishna from their days at the gurukul of Sage Sandipani. Their story is a famous example of true friendship, where the poor Sudama visits the king Krishna and is treated with immense respect and love.

Shani (Saturn) is the son of Surya (the Sun god) and Chhaya (the shadow goddess). His relationship with his father is often described as strained in Hindu mythology, which explains various astrological aspects of the planet Saturn.

King Sagara performed an Ashvamedha Yagna to prove his supremacy. Indra, fearing the king's growing power, stole the sacrificial horse and hid it in the hermitage of Sage Kapila, leading to the eventual destruction of Sagara's 60,000 sons.

The sage Agastya is famous for defeating the demons Ilvala and Vatapi. Vatapi would transform into food and then burst out of the stomachs of victims, but Agastya used his yogic powers to digest the demon before he could reform.

In the Ramayana, Ruma was the wife of Sugriva, the Vanara king. She was forcibly taken by Sugriva's brother Vali, which became a primary reason for the enmity between the brothers and Sugriva's subsequent alliance with Rama.

According to the Puranas, Brahma gave Kama (the god of love) a boon but also a curse that he would be reduced to ashes by Shiva's third eye when he tried to disturb Shiva's meditation. This was intended to eventually lead to Kama's rebirth.

Vasuki is the king of the Nagas (serpents) and is famously depicted coiled around Lord Shiva's neck. While Ananta (Shesha) is the primordial serpent upon whom Vishnu rests, Vasuki is generally cited as the ruling chief of Nagaloka in various Puranas.

Maya (or Mayasura), the great architect of the Asuras, built the magnificent 'Maya Sabha' (palace) for the Pandavas at Indraprastha. Vishwakarma is the architect of the Devas, but Maya specifically built this palace as a gesture of gratitude to Arjuna.

Lord Ganesha is revered as the 'Vighnaharta' (remover of obstacles). In Hindu tradition, he is worshipped first at the start of any new venture, ritual, or enterprise to ensure success and the removal of any potential hurdles.