Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update Class Name: Bhagiratha Week# 26: April 20, 2014 General Assembly We started the GA with three Omkars followed by the Shanti Mantra. One of the uncles discussed about two games, supposed to be played on the field day. Some students were called on stage to demonstrate the games. Class We stated the class with three Omkars, Shanti Mantra and Before Study Prayers. In Ramayana, we finish Sundara Kanda. We started the story where Hanuman-ji was sitting on Shimshupa tree whose branches are very close to Ashoka tree, under which Sita-ji was standing. Hanumanji begin His recital….. There was a great king named Dasaratha……he had four sons; the oldest is Rama, who is the best among the men. He is the protector of Dharma and devoted to truth. He went to forest with His wife and brother Lakshmana and killed several rakshasas….In Janasthana he killed Khara Dushana along with an army of 14 thousand rakshasas. Ravana kidnapped Sitaji, in search of her, Shree Rama made new friends like Sugreeva, who promised to help in finding Sita-ji. Sugeeva sent vaanaras in all directions to search for Sitaji. I am one of them. An eagle named Sampati, brother of Jatayu, told me Sita ji is in Lanka. I crossed the wide sea and landed in this city. Sitaji who has been described to me by Shree Rama has been seen by me. Hanumanji sat silent after this. Sita-ji looked up and a bit frightened when she saw a little monkey. Hanumanji came down and said Devi, I have been sent by Shree Rama to find out how are you? He gave her Shree Rama’s ring, so that she can trust him. She took the ring in her hand and tears started coming in her eyes. Maruti said there is no point in waiting mother. Sit on my shoulder, in one jump I will take you back to Shree Rama. She said I can’t come with you it is a question of my honor. Shree Rama must fight and kill Ravana, then He should take me back. She gave a jewel from her hair for Shri Rama. Hanumanji took the jewel and left. Before leaving Hanuman-ji thought, I should let Ravana and his men realized the power of the army which they have to face soon. He began to destroy the Ashok vana. Ravana was furious when he heard about the fate of his garden. Thousand of rakashas were sent to fight and all were killed by Hanumanji. Ravana could not believe this, he sent Jambumali, one of his minister with large army. They suffered the same fate. Then, Ravana decided to send his son Aksha. This young warrior was also killed by Hanumanji. After that Ravana send his son Indrajit, who had once defeated Indra, the Lord of Heavens. Indrajit used one divine astra after another against Hanumanji but nothing happened to Him. Finally, Indrajit invoke Brahmastra, given to him by Lord Brahma and was able to bind Hanumanji with it. Hanumanji was dragged to Ravana’s court and being questioned by one of the minister who are you? what is your purpose? Hanumanji said, I am the messenger of Shree Rama, prince of Ayodhya and my name is Hanuman, chief of king Sugreeva. Ravana right away ordered death penalty for Hanumanji, but Ravana’s younger brother, Vibheeshana suggested, it is against the laws of the court to kill a messenger. Ravana said in that case tie rags in his tail and dip in the oil and set fire to his tail. Angry Hanuman started jumping from wall to wall, from building to building and set fire to the entire Lanka by his tail. Then he went to seashore to put out the fire on his tail. Soon he came back to Shree Rama and shared with Him everything that has happened in Lanka. On the other hand Ravana called a council of his ministers, to discuss what would be the next step, since Rama is planning a battle against us and we have seen his messenger’s power. His generals Prahasta, Sanskar Academy 1 Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update Durmukha, Nikumbha and others assured Ravana they alone can finish off Rama with his brother. They said you should not fear about Rama because you have defeated Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras and Kubera in battle and won his Pushpaka Vimana and this golden Lanka. But Ravan’s younger brother Vibheeshana said don’t listen to these foolish counselors, please return Sita-ji to Shree Rama and save yourself from the path of ruin. Ravana got furious about his brother’s advice and insulted him very badly. Vibheeshana realized Lanka has no place for him and left the Lanka with his four faithful rakshasas. He knows now their refuge was at Lord’s feet. They all came forward to clasp Shree Rama’s feet. Shree Rama lovingly embraced them and a simple Abhisheka was performed to crown Vibheeshana, the king of Lanka. Then, with the advice of elders Shree Rama sat on Darba grass at seashore to pray sea god for his help. But sea god did not replied for three days. Shree Rama got angry and plans to teach him a lesson, the very moment sea god appeared and told Shree Rama the solution of crossing the sea. He said in your army you have a special gifted vaanara Nala, who is an excellent engineer, will help you in making a bridge to Lanka. According to Nala’s instruction vaanaras in the army start collecting the materials for the bridge. The bridge was completed in five days. Mountain Suvela formed the other end of the bridge. Homework In Bala Ramayana complete pages 110- 113. For extra credit color pages 114-115 (optional) Announcements Field day April 27 from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Green Hope Elementary School Kul Fest, June 08th from 9.30am to 3.00pm Sanskar Academy 2 .