Knowledge Bank

Did Kartavirya Arjuna defeat Ravana?

Yes. Ravana was defeated and imprisoned by Kartavirya Arjuna. Once, Ravana came to the banks of Narmada and was preparing to do Shiva Puja. Down the river, Kartavirya Arjuna along with his wives was playing and enjoying in the river. Kartavirya Arjuna stopped the flow of Narmada with his thousand hands. The water level rose and submerged Ravana's preparations for the Puja. Ravana attacked Kartavirya Arjuna, was defeated and imprisoned. After one year, Kartavirya Arjuna released him upon being requested by Maharshi Pulastya, Ravana's grandfather.

What are the minimum requirements of any puja?

Lighting lamp, dhoopa (agarbatti), offering chandana, offering flowers, offering naivedya (along with water). This is called panchopachara puja.