What are some lesser known facts about Puri Jagannath temple?

Khichdi : Lord Jagannath proverbially loves Khichdi more than any other food.

Seers and devotees credit it to Karma bai, an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Krishna.

Legend : Karma bai was born in a Vaishanav family in Rajasthan.

She was a child widow and spent her days in devotion and domestic chores.

Her father , a Jat farmer was a great devotee of Lord Sri Krishna.

Once , he went out to some other city and asked little Karma to offer Naivadaya Bhog to Krishna.

Well, he also advised her to offer Naivadya bhog first ; then only consume food.

Being a small girl; she could only prepare Khichdi as Bhog.

But, she kept on trying to offer Khichdi to Lord but he did not eat it.

Unwavering : Interestingly, she refused to eat or drink anything as she felt it would hurt her Krishna.

Seers point out ; Lord Krishna got too appeased by her utmost devotion and consumed Khichdi.

This ritual went on till her father returned back and saw this miracle.

Naturally, she became famous across Rajasthan and priests of Puri invited her to offer Bhog to Krishna.

She prepared Khichdi bhog for Lord for years and spent her entire in Puri till her last.

Facts :Karma bai is an integral part of Sri Jagannath Yatra.

Well, priests offer Khichdi in her name to Lord Jagannath ji.

Her Samadhi is next to Lord Jagannath Puri.

Seers and devotees seek her blessings for prosperous and serene life.

Well : साधवो हृदयं मह्यं साधूनां हृदयं त्वहम् ।

मदन्यत् ते न जानन्ति नाहं तेभ्यो मनागपि ॥ ६८ (Srimad Bhagwad Purana)

(The true devotee dwells in my heart ; so do I in his /her heart. He or she only knows me and so do I )

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Jai Sita Ram Jai Balbhadra ji Ma Subhadra and Jagannath ji Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Shambo Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pranam to Ma Karma Bai , a pious and great devotee !

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What are some lesser known facts about the Indian actor Satish Kaushik?

 Satish Kaushik is a Brahmin and vegetarian. He is married to Sashi Kaushik. They lost their two year old son Shanu and were shattered by the loss.

However they were blessed with a baby girl after 15 years of their marriage.

He has done theatre and his most memorable play is Salesman Ramlal.

Besides this he was also a part of a British film Brick Lane.

He wrote the dialogues of the classic comedy cult movie Jaane Bhi Do Yaroon and was also a part of the film.

Satish worked as an assistant director to Shekhar Kapoor for the Naseerudin Shah, Shabana Azmi starrer Masoom.

He was a part of the Chandigarh Film City project but the media exposed the foul play of the developers and caught them red handed. However Satish was given a clean chit.

His directorial debut was Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja which was a debacle. He directed several movies like Prem, Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Badhai Ho Badhai, Karzz, and Tere Naam to name a few.

He was slapped by Salman Khan on the sets of Tere Naam.

His memorable performances were in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Mr. India as Calendar and Deewana Mastana as Pappu Pager. His has won the Film Fare Award twice in the Best Comedian Category for his performances in Ram Lakhan and Saajan Chale Sasural.

Images Courtesy: Google

What are some lesser known science facts?

 

1. Water can boil and freeze at the same time, it's called the 'triple point', and it occurs when the temperature and pressure is just right for the three phases (gas, liquid, and solid) of a substance to coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium.
2. A single solar flare can release the equivalent energy of millions of 100-megaton atomic bombs.
3. Cats always land on their feet, thanks to physics, cats actually use the two halves of their bodies separately to ensure rapid rotation.
4. If you spin a ball as you drop it, it flies. Magnus effect, which occurs when the air on the front side of a spinning object is going the same direction as its spin, which means it gets dragged along with the object and deflected back. Meanwhile, the air on the other side of the ball is moving in the opposite direction, so the air flow separates.
5. Only one letter J doesn’t appear in the periodic table.
6. Bananas contain potassium, and since potassium decays, that makes them slightly radioactive. But it’s nothing you need to worry about. You’d need to eat 10,000,000 bananas at once to die of radiation poisoning.
7. Hot water freezes faster than cold water: This fact seems counterintuitive, but it’s called the Mpemba effect, after a Tanzanian student named Erasto Mpemba who told his teacher that a hot mixture of ice cream froze faster than a cold one. This is because the velocities of water particles have a specific disposition while they’re hot that allows them to freeze more readily. If proven correct, this finding could also have implications in daily life, like cooling down electronic devices.

8. Cold water heats up faster than hot water

The researchers who investigated the cause of the Mpemba effect made this discovery as well. They unsurprisingly named the phenomenon the inverse Mpemba effect.

9. We have a lot of DNA:

There are over 3 billion base pairs of DNA in human genes and over 25,000 genes in the human genome. An entire copy of that genome exists in each of the 10 trillion cells in the human body. If all of that DNA were lined up, it would cover the distance between Earth and the sun 100 times.

10. Helium can work against gravity: When helium is cooled to extreme temperatures, just a few degrees away from absolute zero (-460˚F or -273˚C), it turns into a superfluid, meaning it can flow without friction. It can climb up and over the sides of a glass. It can leak through molecule-thick cracks in a container. If it starts flowing like a fountain, it will never stop.

11. Vantablack: is a material developed by Surrey NanoSystems in the United Kingdom and is one of the darkest man-made substance known, absorbing up to 99.96% of visible light. It's made of carbon nanotubes – rods of carbon that are much, much thinner than any human hair – packed so close together in a maze-like matrix that light goes in, but can't escape.

Never stop learning.

What are 10 lesser known facts about Chitrangada Singh?

 

• Chitrangada was born and brought up in Rajasthan. She belongs to a Hindu Jat family. Her father is an army officer and her brother is a professional golfer. Chitrangada was born on August 30, 1976. Surprisingly, she is 41 years at present. She studied at Sophia Girl’s school at Meerut. She graduated in Home Science from Lady Irwin College at New Delhi.

• Chitrangada worked as a model before entering in films. She has acted in several advertisements and endorsed brands such as Alukkas Jewellery and ICICI Bank.

• Chitrangada is also a good dancer. She has received training in classical dance form Kathak. She became popular when she appeared in the musical video of Gulzar known as Sunset Point.

• Chitrangada wanted to become an Air hostess before entering the film industry. However, she was rejected thrice. She first appeared in Hindi films as a special appearance in a song of film ‘Joker’ directed by Shirish Kunder. She has also sang a song in this movie.

• Chitrangada got married to Jyoti Randhawa who is a popular Golfer. However, they got separated in the year 2013. They have filed mutual divorce in 2014. They have a son named as Zorawar. Chitrangada is given the legal the legal custody of their son.

• Chitrangada moved away from films from 2005 to 2008. She returned back with the film ‘Sorry Bhai’ which released during the Mumbai Terror Attack of 2008. It was a flop at the box office.

• Chitrangada is the brand officer of many leading brands such as Garnier, Taj Mahal Tea, Airtel, Aliva crackers, Borges Olive Oil, Parachute, Puma etc. She also endorsed brands such as Tanishq and Titan eye plus.

• Chitrangada won the ‘Best Female Debut’ award in Bollywood in the year 2006. She also won the FICCI Young Women Achiever Award from FICCI. Chitrangada is compared with the Bollywood actress Smita Patel. Both have some striking similarities. She has lot of fan following. It is said that the popular singer Honey Singh had a massive crush on her.

• Chitrangada left the film industry in 2005 after the film ‘Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi.’ She was not interested to continue in films further. However, she made a comeback in the year 2008.

• Chitrangada maintains a good balance between professional work and personal life. She never lets her work interfere her personal life. She loves spending her weekends in shopping. She is interested in fishing and skydiving. Her favorite actress is Hema Malini, Rekha, and Shabana Azmi. She charged Rs 2 crore per movie.

• Chitrangada is also a brand ambassador for the animal rights and protection organization PETA.

What are some of the lesser known events in Indian History?

 Story of Pandavas's Aagyatvas, when Bheem creates bhim kund.

Bhim Kund, which is located in Bajna village, about 70 km from Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

It is said about this Kund that in the Mahabharata period, when the Pandavas were on the Aagyatvas and wandering here and there for water, but they got no water anywhere. Then Bhima made this Kund by hitting the ground with his mace (gada) and quenched their thirst. It is said that this Kund of 40-80 meters is like a Mace(Gada) in view.

It seems quite ordinary to see this Kund, but its specialty will surprise you. It is said about this Kund that whenever there is a natural calamity (flood, hurricane, tsunami) occurring in the Asian continent, the water of the Kund automatically increases.

It is also said that , from the local administration to foreign scientists have tried to find the depth of this mysterious pool, but everyone is disappointed.

It is said that once foreign scientists had sent a camera up to 200 meters underwater to find the depth of the pool, but still the depth could not be found. It is also said about this Kund that its water is as pure as that of the Ganges and it never spoils, while the normally stagnant water slowly starts to deteriorate.

Even today, scientists do not have any answer as to what is the depth of the Kund and whenever a catastrophe is coming, why does the water level of this tank rise?

https://m.patrika.com/sagar-news/bhimkund-amazing-natural-water-tank-and-a-holy-place-of-india-11367/

What are some lesser known stories about Karna?

 on 16th day war, Karna had an edge over Arjuna, after Dushasan's killing. We know that Karna overpowered Arjuna on 17th day of Kurukshetra war. He promised Duryodhan that he will finish Arjuna. He informed his mother too that he will kill only Arjuna. Karna has multiple weapons and mighty Vijaya bow in his hand. Even he got couple of chances to kill Arjuna. But Karna didn't do so. What prevented him?

There is a story that happened during 16th day post the war. Karna had a dream in which he envisioned his guru and asked him to take back the curse he had placed years back. However, Guru rejected his request due to following reasons. In order to protect Arjuna and Dharma, Krishna sought the help of his previous avatar. The avatar Parasurama explained to Karna that if he killed Arjuna, Duryodhana and chaos would ensue. Parashurama asked Karna to accept death and asked him to die at the hands of Arjuna, so that the world might live in peace.

Karna protested to this idea but Parasurama asked this as his Guru Dakshina. Previously, Karna never had a chance to pay his Guru Dakshina; Parasurama never asked for it either. Severely, Parasurama reminds Karna that whatever he became or attained in his life is due to the knowledge he gained from his guru. Karna accepted his guru's words and promised he would never kill Arjuna. Pleased by this offering, the grateful Parashurama blessed Karna with immortal glory and everlasting fame after his death. Thus, Karna never took the kill shot on Arjuna, even though he often had the opportunity to do so.

When Karna's car got stuck in mud, Karna got down from his chariot to free the wheel and he asked Arjuna to wait. Because the Kshatriya dharma says so. But Krishna asks Arjuna to shoot. He reminds of Karna's sin acts when he supported Duryodhan. Arjuna became more furious to kill Karna even when he is unarmed. In this critical situation, Karna didn't give up, he took his bow and fought with arjuna from the ground. Karna defended himself and invoked Rudraastra, hitting Arjuna on his chest. Swooning, Arjuna lost his grip on his Gandiva, which fell down from his hand for the first time. In this situation Karna didn't try to kill Arjuna as per the promise he made to his Guru, but wanted to prove his skills and ability since his meeting with Arjuna from the tournament. Following the rules of engagement of war, Karna did not try to kill the unconscious Arjuna but instead tried to utilize the time in extracting the wheels of his chariot. Arjuna recovered and using the Anjalika weapon, decapitated the weaponless Karna, who was still trying to lift the sunken chariot wheel.

What are some of the lesser known facts about the Indian film director K. Viswanath?

 

• K. Viswanath was an Indian director, screenwriter, dialogue writer, lyricist and actor who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema.
• He was born on 19th February 1930 at his native village, Repalee, which is in the present day Andhra Pradesh.
• His parents were Mr Kashinadhuni Subramanyam and Mrs Kashinadhuni Saraswatamma.
• K Vishwanath finished his intermediate at Guntur Hindu College and pursued a Bachelor of Science from Andhra Christian College which was affiliated to Andhra University.

K Viswanath (extremely left) on film sets

• He never planned to work in the film industry. He aspired to appear in civil service examinations and do an administrative job. He was pursuaded by his maternal uncle to join the film industry.
• Viswanath Garu worked as a Sound Recordist for Vauhini Studios & as an Assistant Director for Annapurna Studios.
• He worked as associate of Indian film director Adurthi Subba Rao before making his own directional debut.

K Viswanath Garu while shooting for one of his films

• In 1965, he made his directional debut with the Telugu film Aatmagouravam starring A. Nageshwar Rao in the lead role. The film won two State Nandi Awards and was a box office hit.
• Apart from direction, Viswanath Garu also contributed as a screenwriter for few other films. He contributed screenplay for films like Sudigundalu & Maro Prapancham.
• He directed many successful mainstream films and established himself as one of the leading directors of his time.

DVD cover of 1976 film Siri Siri Muvva

• His 1976 film, Siri Siri Muvva proved to be the turning point of his directional career. He changed his trajectory and started making films based on Indian fine arts and Telugu Culture.

Sankarabharanam is considered to be a landmark film of Telugu Cinema

• He delivered the biggest film of his career in 1980, Sankarabharanam. It opened to almost empty theatres but gradually became a box office phenomenon through positive word of mouth.
• The title of most of his films after Sankarabharanam started with the letter “S”. He paid tribute to Mother Saraswati through this.

Swathi Mutyam was the first Telugu movie to be sent for Oscar Nomination

• His 1986 film Swathi Mutyam was the first and till date the only Telugu film to be sent as India's submission to Oscars.

(Left to Right) Sirivennela Garu and Veturi Garu were introduced by K Viswanath Garu to Telugu Cinema

• Viswanath Garu is credited for introducing lyricists Veturi Sundararama Murthy and Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry to Telugu Film Industry.

K Viswanath Garu was persuaded by S P Balasubramanyam and Kamal Hassan to make his acting debut

• Viswanath Garu was a great actor! He would often act and explain scenes to actors working in his film. He was pursuaded by S P Balasubramaniam and Kamal Hassan to make his acting debut.

(Left to Right) Kamal Hassan, K Viswanath Garu and Aamani in a still from Subha Sankalpam

• He made his acting debut with the 1995 Telugu film, Subha Sankalpam, which was his own directional venture. It was produced by S P Balasubramaniam and distributed by Kamal Hassan.
• K Viswanath acted in more 30 films in supporting roles. Some of the famous films in which he acted include, Kalisundam Raa, Narasimha Naidu and Uttama Villian.

K Viswanath Garu was also a noted lyricist. He contributed lyrics for two of his own films.

• Apart from directing, screenwriting and acting, he was also a noted lyricist. He wrote the lyrics of two songs, Pattu Chera for Swathi Mutyam (1986) and Kudikannu for Swarabhishekam (2004). Both these films were his own directional.

2010 film Subhapradham was the last directional of K Viswanath

• His last directional was Subhapradham which was released in 2010. Unfortunately, the film performed poorly at the box office.

K Viswanath Garu received Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2017

• K Viswanath was awarded Padmasri in 1992 and the highest cinema award Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2016 for his contribution to Indian Cinema.
• He died at the early hours of 2nd February 2023 at his residence, aged 92. Tragically, he passed away on the day when his magnum opus Sankarabharanam completed 43 years of its theatrical release.

(Photo source: Google)