CULTURAL QA03-2021-02 Being a compilation there may be errors
Q1 What science objects have the most interesting backstories? A1 Sean Kernan February 24-2021 It was the 16th century, lots of innovation was happening around eyeglassdesign. To think, so many people in this world spent their lives blind, nothaving any options to improve their vision. A German glassmaker named Lipperhey was testing out an apparatus thatutilized a glass being viewed through a long pipe, with limited light being letin. He put a lid over one in with a pinhole in it, and toyed with thelighting, he began and the vision on the other end of the pipe began to improvesignificantly. And thus, the first version of the telescope was born. For the record, it was a god-awful telescope, don’t expect to see muchthrough it. But this was the seed from which telescopes would expand and becomebetter. They were popular in Europe at the time. And sold with the public. But eventually, these telescopes passed through several important hands,being improved upon with each iteration. It was when Gallileo picked one upfrom a shot in Paris (they sold them everywhere), that he began doing his own experimentsand was able to improve it multiples of what it had been. But more importantly, the telescope is what enabled Gallileo to realizethat the sun was the center of our solar system. (Source: The Nine Planets.Bill Arnet) Today, we have things like: The Hubble telescope, which would have made Galileo wet his pants. Also, for inquiring minds, the word “telescope” originates from Latin. Tele = distance Scope = from scopium whichmeans to examine. hare from Space you might like Q2 What are some interesting phenomena on Earth which scienceis yet to explain? A2 February 21-2021 Sharedby Aritra Baran Chakraborty Dawn Amber Updated July 18, 2019 A small town in Honduras, claims to have ‘fish rain’. Once or twice a year in the town of Yoro, Honduras, villagers celebrate aholiday by the name of ‘Lluvia de Peces’ or ‘Rain of Fish’.Reported to happenthe months of May or June, the Rain of Fish occurs when a very heavy stormpasses through the city. What remains? Tons of fish. Not even dead ones, mind you, tons of alive fish, flipping and floppingaround on the pavement, apparently left by the storm. This is one of the few claims of “raining animals” that scientists haveactually witnessed happen in real life. Of course, there are some theories—that have yet to be proven—about whythis occurs. The first theory is that, to put it simply, the fish aren’t actuallyfalling from the sky. Large rainstorms like these could potentially flood nearby lakes, ponds,and rivers, forcing the fish out of their streams and onto streets. Flash floods could quickly movefish from rivers and intostreets, and then quickly dry up, leaving people to believe that the fish fellfrom the sky onto the pavement. However, the second theoryentertains the idea of fishfalling from the sky. Another naturally occurring phenomenon, waterspouts,could be the cause of these ‘animal rains’. Waterspouts are like little tornadoes that form over bodies of water. Thewaterspouts don’t actually suck water up, but can lift small animals—includingfish—out of their habitat and into the air. This means the fish could be sucked up into the air and taken far awayfrom their ponds, before being deposited onto the ground elsewhere. The last theory could be thatthe fish come from underground rivers, and are washed out by the rain. This is also supported by the fact that a research team found the fishwere actually blind. Whatever the case may be, finding fish on the roads just after a heavystorm would be a weird experience for anyone. I don’t blame the villagers for thinking that it rains fish every year.(Source:Lluvia de Peces (Rain of Fish) Q3 Was Draupadi saved by Rishi Durvasa? A3 Krishna Dutta February19-2021Devotee of Bhagwan Shri Krishna. Yes, but not according to Mahabharata, according to ShivaPurana. Draupadi got this help because she helped Rishi Durvasaonce. In the Chapter 19 of Satarudra Samhita, Shiva Purana, this incident isbriefly described. Once Rishi Durvasa was bathing in Ganga when he became naked for anunknown reason. He became ashamed. Draupadi, who was also bathing there, cut apiece of his cloth and gave it to Rishi Durvasa. Rishi Durvasa covered hisprivate parts with it and gave Drauapdi the boon of increasing folds of clothwhich may have saved her from the dishonour at Dyuta Sabha. 63. O sage, once the excellent sage Durvāsas was taking bath in thecelestial river Ganga when he became naked. He became a curious object of sightand was ashamed. 64. Draupadi who was taking bath there provided him with the cut-piece ofher garment and thus saved him from dishonour. 65. As the piece of cloth reached him being carried by the current, thesage covered his private parts with it. He was therefore pleased with her. 66. He granted her the boon of ever increasing folds of cloth. Later,Draupadī made the Pandavas happy due to that boon. Ref : Shiva Purana, Satarudra Samhita, Chapter 19 - The Narrative ofDurvasas. Q4 Why are daughters considered Lakshmi? A4 Shraddha Singh 1-3-2021 In India daughters are considered Laksmi because , they are said to bringwealth and prosperity in their house . A daughter can be Soft sweet and kind like lakshmi A daughter can also be strong and brave like Lakshmi.She can be loyal andcourageous like sita.She can give infinite love like radha.She can be beautifuland humble like Rukmini.A daughter can do anything Q5 What facts about Switzerland do foreigners not believe untilthey come to Switzerland? A5 Benzion Inditsky UpdatedNovember 12-2020 CEO at Visus Photonics (1995–present) My first wife was from Zurich where I lived in the 1980s. When we decided to marry, my local friend warned me that in case ofdivorce I’ll have to pay a huge alimony to my wife covering her full livingcosts etc to three years irrespective of having no children. Turned out Swissused an original 14th century law obliging a man to take full responsibilityfor his (former) wife. We registered in a Standesamt in GermanyVery noble butno more active. Once I was jogging in a remote Alpine area and came around a hugeisolated cherry tree with giant cherries. I had to climb up two meters to pickthem. The tree was about a mile from the nearest village down the slope. Within 10 minutes I noticed a man running and shouting with a large bat. Seemed like a friendly peasant happy to meet a rare visitor. I was dead wrong. He owned this tree and threatened to arrest me forstealing.10 SFs settled it. Even if you are close to Montblanc, never indulge in cherry picking Q6 Why was Duryodhan sent to heaven despite being Adharmi? A6 Bhanu Kiran 2-3-2021 Mahabharata(Hindu epic) · Exploring ancient texts of Sanatana Dharma Once King Kuru was cultivating in the field of Kurukshetra. Indra saw itand came to Kurukshetra toenquire Kuru the reason tilling the field. Kuru expressed a desire that men whodie there should reach heaven and their sins should be washed off. Indralaughed at Kuru and went back to heaven without giving the boon Kuru desired.This happened repeatedly and Indra asked the gods on what Kuru is up to. The gods asked Indra to grantthe boon Kuru wanted. Indra again came to Kuruksheta and granted a boon to Kurusaying men who fast there and give up their bodies or those who are killedfighting a battle in that land will reach heaven. This is the reasonwhy the warriors who died in Kurukshetra battle reached heaven. I am providing two quotes from Shalya Parva which confirms this fact. ‘Rama asked, “Why did the great-souled Kuru cultivate this field? Ostores of austerities! I wish to hear this. Tell me.” ‘The rishis replied, “ORama! In earlier times, Kuru was always engaged in tilling this. On seeingthis, Shakra came from heaven and asked him the reason. ‘O king! Why are youmaking this supreme effort? O rajarshi! What is the reason for you to till thisfield?’ Kuru said, ‘O Shatakratu! Men who die in this field will go to theworlds reserved for those with meritorious deeds. They will be cleansed oftheir sins.’ Laughing at this, the lord Shakra returned to heaven. The rajarshiwas not distressed and continued to plough the earth. Shatakratu repeatedlycame to him and repeatedly received the same reply. Disgusted, he repeatedlywent away. The king continued to till the earth with great perseverance. Shakratold the other gods what the rajarshi was up to. On hearing this, the godsspoke these words to the one with one thousand eyes. ‘O Shakra! If you can,grant the rajarshi a boon and stop him. If men can die here and go to heaven,without dutifully giving us a share in the sacrifices, we will have noexistence left.’ Shakra came to the rajarshi and told him, ‘Do not make anymore efforts. Listen to my words. O king! Men who fast here and give up theirbodies, with all their senses intact, or those who are killed in battle, will certainlygo to heaven. O Indra among kings! O immensely intelligent one! They will enjoyheaven.’ King Kuru agreed to the words that Shakra had spoken. Having taken hisleave and delighted in his mind, the slayer of Bala swiftly returned to heaven. Second mention in the same chapter. The region between Tarantuka and Arantuka, between Rama’s lakes andMachakruka, is Kurukshetra Samantapanchaka. It is known as Prajapati’s northernaltar. It is sacred, extremely auspicious and is revered by the residents ofheaven. It possesses all the qualities of heaven. Therefore, all the lords ofthe earth who are slain here obtain the ends earmarked for great-souled ones. Source: Mahabharata translated by Bibek Debroy Shalya Parva Chapter1271(52) Q7 Why did Lord Shankar give his Sudarshan Chakra to SriVishnu? A7 Tarun Yadav February 14-2021HinduGods and Goddesses · Interested in Sanatan Literature Once upon a time, Daityas became very powerful. They harassed the world.Being tormented by the Daityas, the gods came to Lord Vishnu and seeked hisrefuge. Lord Vishnu heard their pleas and said that he will carry theirtask by propitiating Lord Shiva. For the benefit of entire world, Lord Vishnuworshipped Lord Shiva. He went to Kailasha and performed penance. He performed his worship bysinging hymns and chanting mantras related to Lord Shiva. He recitedone-thousand names of Lord Shiva (Shiva sahasranama). He offered one-thousandlotus flowers to Lord Shiva after chanting each name. To test his devotee, Lord Shiva took away one of the flowers. Lord Vishnu then offered his lotus eye to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva thenappeared in front of Lord Vishnu and offered him a boon. Lord Vishnu asked for a powerful weapon to slay Daityas. Lord Shiva thengave him the Sudarshana Chakra using which Lord Vishnu slayed the Daityas andrestored peace on Earth. The Shiva Puranaby J. L. Shastri | 1970 | 616,585 words-Hinduism Purana This page relates “acquisitionof sudarshana by vishnu” as found in the Shiva-purana, which, in Hinduism,represents one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. This work eulogizes Lord Shiva as the supreme deity,besides topics such as cosmology and philosophy. It is written in Sanskrit andclaims to be a redaction of an original text consisting of 100,000 metricalverses. Chapter 34 - Acquisition of Sudarśana by Viṣṇu Vyāsa said:— 1. O great sages, on hearing the words of Sūta the sages praised him andspoke desiring the welfare of the worlds. The sages said:—2. O Sūta, you know everything. Hence we ask you. O holylord, please narrate the greatness of the phallic image Harīśvara. 3. O dear, this was heard by us formerly that by propitiating Harīśvara,Viṣṇu acquired his discus Sudarśana. Please narrate thatstory particularly. Sūta said:— 4. O great sages, may the auspicious story of Harīśvara be heard, howSudarśana was acquired by Viṣṇu formerly from Śiva. 5. On a certain occasion the Daityas became very powerful. They harassedthe worlds and violated sacred rites. 6. Tormented by the Daityas of great strength and exploit, the godsnarrated their misery to Viṣṇu, their saviour. The gods said:— 7. O lord, be merciful. We are very much afflicted by the Daityas. Whereshall we go? What shall we do? We have resorted to you, for you are worthy ofseeking refuge by us. Sūta said:— 8. On hearing these words of the gods distressed in mind, Viṣṇu remembered the lotus-like feet of Śiva and said. Viṣṇu said:— 9. O gods, I shall carry out your task after propitiating Śiva. Thesepowerful enemies shall be conquered with great effort. Sūta said:— 10. Thus consoled by lord Viṣṇu, the gods thought that the Daityas would be surelykilled. They then went to their respective abodes. 11. For the victory of the gods, Viṣṇu worshipped śiva, the lord of all the gods, theimperishable and the cosmic witness of all. 12. He went to Kailāsa and dug a pit there wherein he kindled fire andperformed penance. 13. He worshipped Śiva joyously with various mantras and hymns prescribedfor the worship of earthen image. 14. O great sages, he worshipped with the lotus-flowers growing in theMānasa lake. He sat firmly in the Yogic posture and did not move at all. 15. Thinking decisively—“By all means I shall stay here till the lord ispleased” Viṣṇu worshipped Śiva. 16. O brahmins, when Śiva was not pleased with Viṣṇu, the latter began to think anxiously. 17. After thinking thus he rendered him various services. Still, lordŚiva, indulging in divine sports was not satisfied. 18. Surprised much at this, Viṣṇu, endowed with great devotion, eulogised lord Śivaby reciting his thousand names with pleasure. 19. Repeating every name, he worshipped Śiva, favourably disposed towardsthose who seek refuge in him? with a lotus flower. 20. In order to test the piety of Viṣṇu, one of the thousand lotus-flowers was taken awayby Śiva. 21. That wonderful Māyā of Śiva was not noticed by Viṣṇu. But when he came to know of the shortage hestarted to search. 22. In order to find it out he roamed over the world, steadilymaintaining his sacred rite. But not finding the same, the pious Viṣṇu offered one of his eyes (instead of the lotus). 23. On seeing it Śiva who destroys all miseries was delighted andappeared before him. He spoke these words to Viṣṇu. Śiva said:— 24. O Viṣṇu, I am delighted with you. Mention the boon youwish to have. I shall grant you what you desire. There is nothing which cannot be given to you. Sūta said:— 25. On hearing the words of Śiva, Viṣṇu was pleased in his mind. Extremely delighted hespoke to Śiva with palms joined in reverence. Viṣṇu said:— 26. What is there to be mentioned to you? You are the immanent soul.Still, O Lord, I mention the same with due deference to your behest. 27. O Sadāśiva, the entire universe is afflicted by the Daityas. We haveno pleasure at all. Our weapons are in effectual in killing the Daityas. 28. What shall I do? Where shall I go? I have no greater saviour thanyou. O lord, I seek refuge in you. Sūta said:— 29. After saying this he stood in affliction and bowed to Śiva, thesupreme soul. 30. On hearing these words of Viṣṇu, Śiva, the lord of gods, gave him his discusSudarśana shining with the mass of splendour. 31. On receiving it Viṣṇu slew the powerful demons immediately with the discus without anystrain. 32. Thereupon the universe derived normalcy, the gods became happy. Afterreceiving the Sudarśana missile Viṣṇu was greatly delighted. The sages said:— 33. What is that hymn of Śiva that consists of his thousand names? Whatis that hymn whereby Śíva was so much delighted that he gave Viṣṇu the discus. 34. Please expound the glory of this hymn to us and narrate the dialoguebetween Śiva and Viṣṇu. The merciful nature of Śiva towards Viṣṇu may also be narrated to us. Vyāsa said:— 35. On hearing the words of the pious sages, Sūta spoke after rememberingthe lotus-like feet of Śiva. All the above QA are based onQuora digest to me on 03-03 - 2021. Quora answers need not be 100% correctanswers Compiled and posted by R. Gopala krishnan on 04-3-2021 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1855345585.274238.1614818492391%40mail.yahoo.com.
