Who was Oscar? The surprising facts and myths behind the Academy Awards

Maa Khushmanda, also known as Kushmanda Devi or the fourth form of Navdurga, is a Hindu goddess worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. Her name is derived from two Sanskrit words: "khush" which means happiness or pleasure, and "manda" which means slow or dull. Therefore, she is believed to bring happiness and light into the lives of her devotees.

Maa Kushmanda is depicted as a radiant and powerful goddess, with eight arms and a radiant smile. She rides a lion, symbolizing courage and strength, and holds various objects in her hands, each with a symbolic meaning. Her right hands hold a mala (rosary) and a lotus, while her left hands hold a kamandalu (water pot) and a bow and arrow. She also holds a chakra (discus), a gada (mace), a sword, and a shield, representing her power and protection.

Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Khushmanda during Navratri can bring them prosperity, success, and happiness. Her worship is said to bring positive energy and remove all obstacles in life. It is also believed that her blessings can help in getting rid of diseases and other health-related problems.

During the nine-day festival of Navratri, devotees perform various rituals and puja to worship Maa Khushmanda. It is believed that offering fruits, flowers, and sweets to her can please her and bring her blessings. Devotees also sing devotional songs and offer prayers to seek her blessings.

Maa Khushmanda is also associated with the Manipura Chakra, which is the third chakra in the human body. This chakra is located in the abdomen, and it is believed to be responsible for the digestive system and metabolism. Therefore, worshipping Maa Khushmanda is said to bring balance to this chakra and improve overall health.

According to legend, when there was only darkness and void, Maa Kushmanda created the universe by releasing her divine energy. It is believed that she resides in the core of the sun and radiates her divine energy in all directions, creating and sustaining life on earth.

The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kushmanda and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion across India. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess, and recite prayers and hymns in her honor. It is believed that worshipping Maa Kushmanda during Navratri can bring prosperity, good health, and success in all endeavors.

Apart from her role as the creator of the universe, Maa Kushmanda is also associated with the Manipura chakra, which is located in the solar plexus region of the body. This chakra is associated with the qualities of courage, self-confidence, and willpower, and is said to be the source of one’s creative energy. By meditating on Maa Kushmanda and the Manipura chakra, one can awaken their inner creative energy and overcome obstacles in life.

In conclusion, Maa Kushmanda is a powerful and radiant goddess who represents the creative energy of the universe. Her worship during Navratri can bring blessings of prosperity, good health, and success, while meditating on her can awaken the inner creative energy and help overcome obstacles in life. Let us bow down to Maa Kushmanda and seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

India opened its medal account at the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Saturday with 21-year-old weightlifter Sanket Mahadev Sargar claiming a silver in the men's 55 kg category. He wanted nothing less than the gold, but two failed clean and jerk attempts spoiled his chances, and settled for a combined lift of 248 kg (113 kg+135 kg) to finish second.

Then fellow lifter Gururaja Poojary, the silver medallist in the last edition (56 kg), took the bronze in men's 61 kg. But the biggest attraction of the day was Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, who shattered Commonwealth Games records to win India's first gold medal. Later, another Tokyo Olympic Games medallist Lovlina Borgohain (boxing) started her campaign with a 5-0 win. Bindyarani Sorokhaibam, then, won India's fourth medal of the day in the women's 55 kg weightlifting. The women's hockey team also won but the women's table tennis team, the defending champions, crashed out. Catch Day 2 highlights.   

Mother Shailputri, also known as Goddess Shailputri, is the first among the nine forms of Goddess Durga. She is worshiped on the first day of the Navratri festival, which is celebrated all across India with great enthusiasm and devotion. The word ‘Shailputri’ is derived from two words, ‘Shail’ meaning mountain, and ‘Putri’ meaning daughter. Thus, she is known as the daughter of the mountains.

According to Hindu mythology, Mother Shailputri is believed to be the reincarnation of Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. Sati had immolated herself in the holy fire as she could not bear the humiliation meted out to her husband by her own father, King Daksha. After Sati's death, Lord Shiva became detached from the world, and his anger manifested in the form of Veerabhadra, who destroyed King Daksha's yajna.

To pacify Lord Shiva, the Gods created a new body for Sati, which was found in the Himalayan mountains. This new form was named Shailputri, and she married Lord Shiva. She is depicted as a beautiful woman riding on a bull, with a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. The bull is believed to be her vehicle, which represents dharma, strength, and stability.

Mother Shailputri is also associated with the Muladhara chakra, which is located at the base of the spine. This chakra is associated with the element of earth, and it represents stability, grounding, and the physical body. It is believed that by worshiping Mother Shailputri, one can activate and balance the Muladhara chakra, which can bring stability and balance to one's life.

During Navratri, devotees worship Mother Shailputri with great devotion and offer her flowers, fruits, and sweets. They also perform various rituals, such as fasting and reciting mantras, to seek her blessings. It is believed that by worshiping her, one can overcome all obstacles and attain success in life.

Her worship during Navratri is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to the devotees. On the first day of Navratri, devotees offer special prayers and perform puja to seek the blessings of Maa Shailputri. It is also believed that worshipping Maa Shailputri can help in overcoming physical and mental ailments, and provide strength and courage to face life's challenges.

Apart from Navratri, Maa Shailputri is also worshipped on various occasions, such as weddings, childbirth, and housewarming ceremonies. She is considered to be the nurturer of the universe and the provider of abundance and blessings.

In conclusion, Maa Shailputri is an embodiment of strength, beauty, and divine power. Her worship helps us connect with nature and seek the blessings of the divine feminine. Her grace can help us overcome obstacles and lead a life filled with peace and prosperity.

Oscar, also known as the Academy Award, is the most prestigious and coveted prize in the world of cinema. Every year, Hollywood's brightest stars gather to celebrate the best in film, television, and visual effects. But who was Oscar? What are the surprising facts and myths behind this iconic award?

Contrary to popular belief, Oscar was not a real person. The award was named after Margaret Herrick, the Academy's librarian, who remarked that the statue resembled her uncle Oscar. The nickname stuck, and in 1939, the Academy officially adopted the name "Oscar" for the golden statuette.

The first Academy Awards ceremony took place in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The ceremony was a modest affair, with just 270 guests in attendance. The winners were announced in advance, and the ceremony lasted just 15 minutes. The first winner of the Best Picture award was the silent film "Wings."

Over the years, the Oscars have become more elaborate, with hundreds of guests in attendance and live television broadcasts watched by millions of people worldwide. The ceremony has also faced its fair share of controversies, from snubs and surprises to allegations of bias and lack of diversity.

One of the most enduring myths about the Oscars is that winner must deliver a lengthy acceptance speech. In fact, winners are given just 45 seconds to make their remarks before the orchestra starts playing. However, some winners have managed to make their mark with memorable speeches, such as Halle Berry's emotional tribute to other black actresses when she won Best Actress in 2002.

Another myth is that the Oscars are a reflection of popular opinion. In reality, the awards are decided by the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a group of over 9,000 industry professionals. While the awards are not a perfect reflection of popular opinion, they do often highlight exceptional work that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Despite its flaws, the Oscars remain a celebration of the best in film, television, and visual effects. They serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema. Whether you're a die-hard movie buff or a casual viewer, the Oscars are an event worth celebrating.

Over the years, the Oscars have become not only a celebration of artistic achievement in filmmaking but also a major event in popular culture. The ceremony is broadcast live around the world, and viewers tune in to see their favorite stars on the red carpet and to find out who will take home the coveted awards.

But with great fame comes great scrutiny, and the Oscars have not been immune to controversy over the years. In recent years, critics have accused the Academy of being out of touch with the diversity of the film industry, leading to the popularization of the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. In response, the Academy has taken steps to diversify its membership and voting process, but the issue remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Despite the occasional controversies, the Oscars remain a beloved institution in the world of film, and winning an Oscar is still considered one of the highest honors in the industry. From the classic Hollywood glamour of the early years to the modern-day spectacle of today's ceremonies, the Oscars have come a long way since their inception in 1929. And though the history of Oscar himself may be shrouded in mystery, his legacy as a symbol of artistic excellence lives on.

The Design of the Oscar Statuette

The Oscar statuette is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world of entertainment. The statuette stands 13.5 inches tall and weighs 8.5 pounds, and is made of gold-plated bronze. The design of the statuette is also steeped in myth and legend.

According to one story, the statuette was modeled after Mexican actor Emilio Fernandez, who was famous for his muscular physique. However, this story has been debunked by the Academy, who have stated that the statuette was designed by artist Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by George Stanley.

The design of the statuette is said to represent a knight holding a crusader's sword. The five spokes on the base of the statuette represent the five original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. The statuette's blank face is said to represent the anonymity of the actors who receive the award.

In Conclusion

The Academy Awards are a beloved institution in the world of entertainment, and the statuette known as "Oscar" is an iconic symbol of excellence in filmmaking. While the origins of the name "Oscar" are somewhat less glamorous than the myths would have us believe, the history and tradition of the Academy Awards continue to captivate audiences around the world. Whether you're a die-hard film buff or just a casual viewer, the Oscars are a must-see event that captures the glamour, excitement, and drama of Hollywood.