1.
The festival of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ started from the day when
Correct Answer
C. Both A and B
Explanation
The festival of Raksha Bandhan has origins in various stories from Hindu mythology and history, with significant references from both "A" and "B."
Lakshmi Devi and King Bali: According to one story, Lakshmi Devi tied a rakhi (a protective thread) to King Bali, securing a promise from him to let Lord Vishnu return to Vaikuntha. This story is related to the legend where King Bali asked Vishnu to stay in his kingdom, and Lakshmi, desiring Vishnu's return, used the rakhi to form a bond with Bali.
Draupadi and Shrīkrushṇa: In another tale, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage Krishna's bleeding finger. Krishna, touched by her gesture, promised to protect her. This action is seen as an early form of Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing the bond of protection and care.
Because the festival is connected to multiple stories representing brother-sister relationships and bonds of protection, both these origins are considered significant in the context of Raksha Bandhan. Thus, the correct answer is "Both A and B."
2.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on which of the following days (tithi) as per the Hindu calendar?
Correct Answer
D. Shravan Purnima
Explanation
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravan Purnima (the full moon day in the month of Shravan) as per the Hindu calendar. This festival, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, typically falls in the month of August in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called "rakhi" on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their love and prayers for their well-being and prosperity. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts as a token of affection.
3.
Which of the following is the spiritual benefit of celebrating Raksha Bandhan?
Correct Answer
B. The give and take account between siblings is reduced.
Explanation
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Although it is generally seen as a day of love and affection, with the brother pledging to protect his sister, there's also a deeper spiritual aspect. The concept of "give and take" in Hindu spirituality refers to karmic accounts accumulated through actions and relationships. Celebrating Raksha Bandhan with genuine feelings of care and protection can reduce this give-and-take account, leading to spiritual growth and freeing both parties from potential karmic bonds.
4.
What should Rakhis be like from a spiritual perspective?
Correct Answer
D. With a spiritually pure design that will preserve the God principle for longer periods
Explanation
From a spiritual perspective, the significance of Raksha Bandhan extends beyond the physical exchange of rakhis and involves the spiritual energy or divine principles they carry. A rakhi with a spiritually pure design can retain and transmit these divine energies, enhancing the spiritual benefit for both the giver and the recipient. A spiritually pure rakhi design is intended to preserve the God principle for longer periods, facilitating spiritual growth and fostering a divine connection. This approach emphasizes the spiritual importance of the festival, focusing on qualities like purity, simplicity, and spiritual resonance rather than mere visual appeal. While bright colors and attractive designs might appeal visually, the spiritual perspective prioritizes purity and a deeper connection to divine energies, distinguishing these rakhis from those designed merely for aesthetic purposes.
5.
Why should a sister tie Rakhi to her brother without any expectation of a gift in return?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
By tying Rakhi to her brother without any expectation of a gift in return, the sister can fully embrace the spiritual benefits of celebrating Rakshabandhan. Expecting a gift would create a materialistic mindset, preventing her from truly experiencing the frequencies of love and bliss in the atmosphere. Additionally, this selfless act helps to reduce the give and take account between siblings, promoting a harmonious and balanced relationship. Therefore, all of the above reasons explain why a sister should tie Rakhi to her brother without expecting a gift in return.
6.
Rakhi is related to which of the following festivals?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Rakhi is a festival celebrated in India to honor the bond between brothers and sisters. It involves the sister tying a protective thread (rakhi) around her brother's wrist, symbolizing their love and protection for each other. Sama chakeva is a festival celebrated in Bihar, where sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers. Bhai tika is a festival celebrated in Nepal, where sisters apply a tika (vermilion mark) on their brother's forehead. Bhai duj is a festival celebrated in India, where sisters express their love for their brothers. All of these festivals are related to Rakhi as they celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.
7.
This Day of Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated as
Correct Answer
D. All the Above
Explanation
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is also known as Baldev Jayanti, Gattu door, and Salono in different regions of India. These names are used to refer to the same festival, but they vary based on local customs and traditions. Therefore, the correct answer is "All the Above" because all of these names are used to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.
8.
The earliest prayer on Raksha Bandhan is found in which Hindu puran?
Correct Answer
C. The Vishnu Puran
Explanation
The Vishnu Purana is believed to contain the earliest prayer on Raksha Bandhan. This Hindu puran is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a sacred text that provides detailed information about various aspects of Hindu mythology, including rituals and festivals. As Raksha Bandhan is a significant festival in Hinduism, it is likely that the earliest prayer for this occasion can be found in the Vishnu Purana.
9.
Which pilgrimage ends on the day of Raksha Bandhan?
Correct Answer
A. Amarnath
Explanation
The pilgrimage that ends on the day of Raksha Bandhan is Amarnath. This is because Amarnath Yatra, a popular Hindu pilgrimage, takes place during the months of July and August, and concludes on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan. Devotees undertake a challenging trek to reach the holy Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir, where they worship an ice stalagmite believed to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The timing of the pilgrimage aligns with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, adding significance and joy to the concluding celebrations.
10.
Raksha Bandhan festival is majorly seen in which part of India?
Correct Answer
B. Northeastern
Explanation
Raksha Bandhan festival is majorly seen in the northeastern part of India. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is of significant importance in states like Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Nagaland. The festival symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) around their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise to protect their sisters. The northeastern region has a rich cultural heritage, and Raksha Bandhan is an integral part of their traditions and customs.