Oct 30, 2020 - Grade 6 (Friday)

हरी ॐ

Dear Parents,

This week's class was our inaugural day for Houses. The House team had organized a crossword puzzle (based on the Mahābhārata) and a create-your-own-pennant activity (with directions). The children were enthusiastic and also did very well with the quiz, contributing well to their House - Durga's Daredevils! 

The limited time we had for class included the following...

Opening Prayers: 

* Om Sahanā vavatu śloka 

* Om Sree Ganeśaya Namaha, Sree Saraswatyai Namaha, Sree Sat Gurubhyo Namaha. 

* Daily prayers (as given in the 'My Prayers' book)

Mahabharata:

Having completed their twelve years of vanavās, the Pāndavas were ready to start their 13th year of exile - Ajnātavāsa. This was the year meant for their identities to remain hidden, and their location undisclosed to the Kauravas or their allies.

Within the Virāta Parvā, we start with the Pāndava Praveśa Parvā, which explains how the Pāndavas undertook the task of not just selecting an appropriate location for their 13th year, but also appropriate disguises to suit the temperament of each.

Yudhisthira, known for his valor and equanimity, chose to be a companion for the King of Matsya, Virāta. Having extensive knowledge in the Spiritual texts and different philosophies, along with the newly acquired knowledge (from Sage Brihadaswa) on Akshahridaya (art of playing dice), Yudhisthira was most qualified to be a mentor of sorts to King Virāta. He gave himself the name Kanka.

Bheema, given his love for food and his extraordinary strength, chose to be the chief cook in the palace kitchens while also training young wrestlers in the palace gymnasium. His assumed name was Vallabha.

Arjuna's choice was already determined, thanks to the curse given by Urvaśi while he resided in Indraloka. Assuming the name Brihannalla, Arjuna was in disguise as a eunuch, trained by a Gandharva, proving his proficiency in the art of music and dance. He agreed to teach the arts to Princess Uttara.

Nakula and Sahadeva, assuming the names Damagranthi and Tantripāla, took up work in the palace as chief of the stables and chief cowherder respectively. 

Draupadi, as Sairendri, chose to be a hairdresser and companion to Queen Sudeshna, with the promise that she will not ever leave the inner apartments of the Queen's palace. The Queen was afraid that Draupadi's blinding beauty might distract her husband, but Draupadi's promise kept her assured.

Before their newly assumed lives began, the Pāndavas kept all their weapons on a branch of a mighty tree outside the city limits, and requested the help of the Gods to keep them safe in their year of Ajnātavās.

Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.

Thank you! See you all on Friday Nov 6, 2020.

Pranāms,

Viji Lakshmi and Nivedita 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas