Sacred Forms of the Hindu Divine
“Today, 30th April is Narasimha Jayanti.
In the Narasimha Avatar, Vishnu manifests in a half lion half human form. This is the last of the four Dashavataras where Vishnu takes the form of an animal.
Animals are sacred in Hinduism in many ways. Our deities are in animal form like Ganapati or Hanumanji. Our avataras are in animal forms. Many animals are sacred vahanas of our deities. Many animals are also worshipped as divinities. This quiz covers 12 sacred animals in Hinduism.
The quiz is based on a wonderfully detailed book by Nanditha Krishna, “Sacred Animals of India.”
The Kerala mural painting is by Vishnu Vikraman. “
The Big Hindu Library
Today, 21 April 2026, is Sankara Jayanti. Sankaracharya gave us an enormous library. He provided commentaries, original philosophy and innumerable stotras.
His work in itself is a library within the great library of ancient texts. As Swami Chinmayananda said, Every religion has one Holy Book, in Hinduism I say, Welcome to My Library.
In this quiz, we take you through 12 of the essential texts of Hinduism. Just a drop in the ocean.
The quiz is based on two beautiful books, The Essential Sanatana Dharma by Shatavadani R. Ganesh, translation by Hari Ravikumar and Why Are We Like This Only, A Guide to Hindu Shastras by Ami Ganatra.
Key Jainism Concepts Quiz
On Mahavir Jayanti, lets learn the basics of Jainism. The universal symbol of Jainism has familiar icons like the three lokas, swastika, chakra & the raised hand. Jains share philosophical ideas, stories, festivals, tirthas and even the Ramayana with Hindus & others.
The magic of Ramayana
Valmiki’s Adikavya (first poem) is the earliest Ramkatha. It is much loved, with many retellings for many purposes, dance, drama and education. On Rama Navami, let’s explore the many Ramkathas in Sanskrit & Prakrit literary works. We use two great scholars as our sources – Dr V Raghavan & Dr Camille Bulcke.
Astronomy through Puranas Quiz
Puranas contain immense astronomical knowledge, told as stories. On the new year day of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa and others, we cover 12 astronomical tales in this quiz. We use Raj Vedam’s lectures as a key source.
Timeless Holi, A Quiz
The spring festival of Holi is very ancient, said Prof PV Kane. The ‘Holi of bonfires’ and the ‘Holi of colours’ are referred to in several Indian texts and sculptures. Let us examine why Holi is synonymous with bonhomie, togetherness and equality. We use Nityanand Mishra’s article in Firstpost & Leona Anderson’s book on spring festivals as the main sources.
Shivaji among us
Today (Feb 19th) is Shivaji Jayanti. This quiz takes us through his legacy which lives amongst us in many ways, in culture, in symbols, in places and in our own freedom. Five lucky participants will receive “ The Maratha Century” by Dr Uday Kulkarni as a gift.
Tandava Tales
This is IndiYatra’s 100th Quiz. On the day of Shivaratri, let us see how Shiva destroys, saves and resurrects the world; and yet is vulnerable to love and fate like mortals. A special gift of 20 copies of “Waiting for Shiva” by Vikram Sampath for lucky participants.
Netaji’s Republic
Today is Republic Day and 23rd Jan was Netaji’s birthday. Let us relive the history of his army, INA, that fought for India. Netaji disappeared before India become a Republic. Sourced from Peter Ward Fay’s book ‘The Forgotten Army.’
Life of Swami Vivekananda Quiz
Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, on Sankranti. Like Sankranti marks a journey of light and hope, Swami Vivekananda awakened the sleeping spirit of the nation. This quiz studies his life using the 1953 biography by Swami Nikhilananda.