Hari Om Dear Parents,
Here is this week's update: Jan 22nd 2021
Likhita Japa, Opening Prayers, Dhyana Sholka
Activity:
One of the kids did a beautiful presentation on Rameshwaram - talked about Teerthas, Pamban bridge, Pamban Island. Stay tuned for next class' presentation.
Ramayana Story : Sundara Khanda
This week we entered Sundara(Beauty) Khanda (section) portion of Ramayana and explained to kids how Hanumanji becomes hero in this khanda.
As Jambaavan started praising Hanumanji and his powers, Hanumanji grew enormous in size. Confident, he took one leap towards the sky with his fingers stretched out like 5-headed cobra, uprooting trees in Mahendra hill. On his way over to Lanka which was 100 yojanas (1 yojana=8 miles), he came across various obstacles such as Mainika mountain, Surasaa, Simihika. After passing through those obstacles, Hanumanji landed in Lanka shore. He reduced his size to a cat and as he was trying to pass through the fort, he was stopped by the Guardian Goddess of Lanka. He gave a blow to her face and she fell down.
Hanumanji searched every nook and corner of the city - all palaces, houses, gardens and atlast went to the biggest and most beautiful palace in that island. He assumed it was Raavana's and started searching for Sitaji in every room. As night had fallen, he saw many people sleeping. For a moment, he mistook some ladies for Sitaji and convinced himself that Sitajiji would not be sleeping in peace. He passed by Pushpak Vimana too. Hanumanji came across Raavana sleeping in a room like a big giant surrounded by people. The sight of mighty Raavana even made Hanumanji tremble a bit. Hanumanji felt a bit disappointed as he could not spot Sitaji ji and then remembered a small park besides a temple. He jumped onto the wall and entered Ashoka Vana.
He saw Sitaji sitting quietly and crying under a tree. He climbed the tree and sat on a branch as he debated how to approach her. As morning approached, Raavana woke up with the thought of Sitaji and visited her with his wifes, asuras and an entire processtion, to convince her and marry him. Raavana pleaded with Sitaji first, discouraging her waiting for Rama, citing that Rama might have been killed in the forest or lost looking for her. Sitaji took a small grass and laid it inbetween both of them. She advised him to send her back to Rama and threated him that Rama will not spare his life. Atlast, Raavana threatened her that she would be killed and fed to asuras if she didnt agree to marry him. He ordered all the asuras who were taking care of Sita to convince her. Trijata and other asuras advised Sita and fell asleep.
Hanumanji was witnessing this from top of the tree and once Raavana left Sitaji weeping, he decided to chant Rama's name and narrate Rama's story from birth till his own visit to Lanka. Sitaji called out for Hanumanji and was plesantly surprised hearing it from a monkey. They both talked in length and exchanged stories, as Sitaji would waver between hope and doubt. Hanumanji handed over Ramaji's ring and Sitaji was overwhelmed with joy. She enquired about both Rama and Lakshmana. She in turn gives the jewel that was in her hair as a token to show Rama. Hanumanji took leave of her and left Ashoka vana.
To leave a note of threat to Raavana, Hanumanji destroyed Ashoka vana completely except for the tree that Sitaji was sitting under. When Raavana came to know about this, he sent an army of asuras to destroy Hanuman.
Our monthly program:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrYoxVpPpDVm3_BBU3PbNRfhq8Sw758C/view?usp=sharing
Thanks and Hari Om
Purnima and Shankar
