Hari Om Parents!
The past Sunday (6th Nov) was our 6th class of Balavihar for 2022-2023!
Here is the summary of what we covered in class:
1. We started the class with the Opening prayer. We chanted Om three times and then chanted "Sahana vavatu".
2. We also chanted "Vakradunta Mahakaya" stotram.
3. Then We sang the Bhajans that we learnt from previous classes . ""Jai ganesha jai ganeshaJai ganesha pahimam" and Atmarama Anandaramana" - My prayer book page 143. We repeated word by word so kids can memorize the bhajan.
4. Also we chanted Guru Stotram the 1st Verse. "Akhanda Mandalakaram". My prayer book page 61. We repeated word by word to familiarize it.
5. Then we learnt new Stotram about Bhumidevi. "Samudravasane devi Parvatastanamandale" please refer my prayer book page 11 - Stotram 2. Explained why we should say the prayer when we get down from bed before touching the ground. It's a way of respect to Mother earth who protects and nourisher us.
6. Did quiet time using marbles and had the kids count in their mind with eyes closed when they hear the marble drops.
7. Then moved on to Ramayana story with quick recap of what we learnt last week. continued the story of Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana reaching city Mithila and described the city and the King Janaka. Also discussed about the City Ayodhya and compared both. While we are at Story of Mithila, told story of how Sita was born/ found by King Janaka and Sita's divine characters.
8. We talked about Sita childhood and what she used to play ( Rudra's bow). How Janaka was worried about finding a matching groom for her daughter who is such a divine in nature and talented. When Janaka saw Sita playing with Rudra's bow so easily and fond of it, an idea came to his mind that whoever can handle the Rudra's bow for that person I will give my daughter in marriage.
9. Now Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshman entered Mithila and saw how beautiful the city was and also curious about the Yaga that was being performed. Viswamitra explained King Janaka who was well versed in Vedanta and dharma performs such Yagas to bring auspicious and wealth to people of Mithila. We were invited to join them and also he told them about Rudra's divine bow.
10. When they entered the palace, King welcomed and showed hospitality to them. Also he took them to show the Rudra's bow and when Rama saw it he wanted to lift. So he asked Viswamitra's permission with his eyes and then he lifted without any struggle. There was a divine sound arose as he handled. When he used the arrow the string was broken which was considered as auspicious as no one can handle the bow and arrow before Rama and everyone praised Rama for it.
11. Now King Janaka announced That Sita will marry Rama and asked Viswamitra blessings and permissions. Then said all 4 brothers will marry Janaka and his brothers daughters. The message was sent to Dasaratha so he and his family can come to join them for marriage.
12. Next class is Rama and Sita' s marriage along with other 3 brothers marriage. We have asked kids to dress up in nice Indian clothes to join the marriage. 😊
13. Went outside and played 4 corner game with character names from Ramayana and also I spy game where each kid spy one thing from nature and describe to find. Kids loved it. We too enjoyed the outside activity.
14. We lined up to go Aarti hall.
Pranams
Subha and Selvi
