Hari Om All,
Summary of Dec 6, 2020 Class.
The class resumed after a long break. We started with how Ganga and Shantanu met. Ganga leaves when Shantanu stops her from killing the 8th Vasu reborn. So, Devrata is born and Ganga takes him away. Later, when Shantanu is enamoured by Satyavati, a fisherman's daughter, Devrata takes a vow to remain celebate throughout and becomes Bheeshma. Two sons are born to Satyavati - Chitrangadha and Vichetraveera. Chitrangadha gets killed by another gandharva by the same name. Vichetraveera is crowned king. Bheeshma wins over Kashi princesses Ambika and Ambalika for Vichitraveera but Vichetraveera died childless. As per the traditions followed by kings of those times, Ved Vyas (Krishna Dwaipanya) is called to help give children to Ambika and Ambalika. (if you recollect, Ved Vyaas was born to Satyavati and Parashar Rishi ). Ambika closes her eyes and Dritarashtra is born to her. Ambalika becomes yellow with fear and Pandu is born to her. A maid gives birth to Vidura.
Later, Pandu becomes the king. He is married to Kunti and Madri. He is cursed by a rishi and decides to leave the kingdom. Dritarashtra is made the caretaker king. He gets married to Gandhari. Soon, Kunti gives birth to Yudhishtara, Bheema and Arjuna. Madri gives birth to Nakula and Sahadeva.
Meanwhile, Gandhari gives birth to 100 sons and 1 daughter.
Pandu dies because of curse and Madri too decides to give up her life. Kunti with the pandavas are taken back to Hastinapur.
Pandavas and Kauravas are both trained together. Bheema is the strongest of them all. Duryodhana becomes jealous of them and tries to kill Bheema.
We discussed Duryodhana's evil nature and what makes him evil and how pandavas progressively become stronger by following Dharma.
We discussed the law of Karma and how it will affect everyone.
This evil nature makes Duryodhana trap pandavas in a Wax(Lac) palace. Pandavas escape this and burn the palace themselves.
We discussed the symbolism of the Lac palace. (All that looks beautiful is not necessarily good).
We did our regular geeta chanting.
Pranams,
Partha & Nikhita
