Herath Quiz
1. The sacred river that flows from the matted hair of Lord Shiva
a.  Yamuna
b.  Ganga
c.  Godavari
d.  Cauvery
2. This bull serves as Lord Shiva’s mount
a.  Kamdhenu
b.  Nandi
c.  Vasuki
d.  Shakthi
3. Why is Mahasivaratiri is known as Herath by Kashmiri Pandits?
a.  It’s a phonetic derivation of Har-ratri the night of Hara (Shiva).
b.  Shiv ji has big Hair, and it’s his festival
c.  It symbolises the birth of Lord Shiva
d.  Lord Shiva had a Rath called Hera
4. What is the significance of Herath?
a. It symbolises the birth of Lord Shiva.
b. It’s the New Year for Kashmiris
c. It symbolises the wedding of the Shiva and Uma/ Parvati
d. It symbolises the birth of Goddess Parvati
5. What is the significance of Walnuts in Herath celebration?
a.  They are an integral part of the Vedic pooja in the Kashmiri Pandit religious ethos.
b.  They are the king of nuts.
c.  They were Lord Shiva’s favourite food
d.  They symbolise the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
6. Why is Herath puja also called Vatuk Puja?
a.  Because we worship Vatuk Bhairav, supposed to be Shiva’s most trusted dwarpal (gate-keeper), in a bid to seek his favor for an audience with the Lord.
b. Because we pray to Vatuk Dev, Lord Shiva’s celibate form, before his marriage to Uma (Parvati).
c.  Both of the above
d.  None of the above.
7. The heavenly abode of Lord Shiva is
a.  Swarga
b.  Kailasha
c.  Vaikunta
d.  Satyaloka
8. Where does the word Vatuk come from?
a.  It is one of the Vedas
b.  It is the shape of a pot
c.  It is another name for Lord Shiva’s holy abode
d. Vatuk is corruption of the word Batuka, the young Bhairava- that is Shiva.
9. In our folklore, who accompanies Shiva for his marriage with Uma/ Parvati?
a.  The Bhairavas, symbolised by five little pots – dulgees and Dhull
b.  His best mates from Kaliasha school
c.  He went alone
d. The entire Universe
10. How many names does Shiva have?
a.  Just 1 – Shiva
b.  11
c.  51
d. 108
Answers: 1 – b, 2 – b, 3 – a, 4 – c, 5 – a, 6 – c, 7 -b, 8 – d, 9 – a, 10 – d