Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update Class Name: Bhargava Week# 25: Apr 12th, 2015 General Assembly Sridhar Uncle started the GA with three Omkars followed by the Shanti Mantra and Prayer Before Studies. Children chanted the first 6 verses of the Gita Dhyanam. Three students from Valmiki class did a lead and follow of verse #7. Paaraasharya vachah sarojamamalam geetaarthagandhotkatam; Naanaakhyaanakakesaram harikathaa sambodhanaabodhitam; Loke sajjana shatpadairaharahah pepeeyamaanam mudaa; Bhooyaadbhaaratapankajam kalimala pradhwamsinah shreyase. May this lotus of the Mahabharata, born in the lake of the words of Vyasa, sweet with the fragrance of the meaning of the Gita, with many stories as its stamens, fully opened by the discourses of Hari, the destroyer of the sins of Kali, and drunk joyously by the bees of good men in the world, become day by day the bestower of good to us! We ended the GA with closing prayers. Class We started the class with a review/game of the Mahabharatha – the kids had a lot of fun answering questions and collecting points. We then continued the story of the Mahabharatha…. AT Badarikashrama – the Pandavas await the arrival of Arjuna. Then suddenly one day a great light descends from the sky – and it is Arjuna arriving in Indras chariot. There is great excitement, as Indra descends from the chariot and embraces his brothers. Indra also arrives and tells Yudhistira to ask Arjuna about his adventures, and recommends that the Pandavas now return to Kamyaka and that their darks days would soon be over. He then returns to his heavenly abode. Arjun recounts his adventures, and describes his fights with The Nivatakavachas (using the Vajra astra) and the Kalakeyas (using the Pasupata astra) – on behalf of Indra – the former had a boon that Devals could not vanquish them, and Arjuna as a mortal did. These episodes prove to the Pandavas that their weaponry and use of divine astras have improved and set them in good stead for the inevitable war ahead. Arjuna during this time, is also blessed with a new crown from Indra and gets a new name – Kiriti. The Pandavas set out towards the planes now – and come to the ashram of Vrishaparva. There one day, when Bheema is out hunting, he is caught in the coils of an enormous python, who threatens to kill him. Bheema first pleads for his life, and a death like a Kshatriya. When the Python identifies himself as King Nahusha who is bound by Sage Agastya’s curse, Bheema softens and agrees to be eaten – saying that now that Arjuna has returned, Yudhistira has the support he needs to overcome the Kauravas. Meanwhile, Yudhistira experiences many bad omens and sets out to follow Bheema – and comes upon this horrendous sight. He pleads also for Bheema’s life, and Nahuha insists that Yudhistira answers a few questions. To “Who is a Brahmana” Yudhistira replies- “one who serves, does charity, is generous and truthful, and is able to do Tapas”, and so on….Each of his answers is delivered with humility, but confidence. Nahuha is pleased, and is released from the curse. HE ascends to the heavens. The Pandavas spend another year at Vrishaparva’s ashram and then make their way to Dwaitavana. During this time, Yudhistira also masters the art of the game of dice form the sage Brihadaswa – who recounts the story of Nala who had also lost his kingdom over a game of dice. Yudishtira has now mastered a skill to overcome his weakness – something we should all learn to do. Homework Do the attached cross-word from last week, if not already – turn it in on Apr 19. Announcements None For any class related inquiry - please send email to [email protected] Sanskar Academy 1 Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update Sanskar Academy 2 .