Dear Parents,
This week's schedule was as such.
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)
Śloka:
Mahishasura mardhini- Verses 1 & 2.
Mahabharata:
Krishna's Vishwaroopam: As the Kauravas fear that Krishna is looking to create trouble, they hatch a plan to bind him up and throw him in prison. Despite the horrified reactions from Vidura, and Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana decides to go ahead. Satyaki, upon hearing of the plan, informs Krishna. Not giving them such an opportunity, Krishna takes on a glorious form, radiating magnificence in his divine form. Understanding that the Kauravas having free rein over decisions, Krishna realized that Vidura was his only ally, and decided to stay with him. Taking Kunti's blessings (who was also residing with Vidura and his wife), Krishna began preparations for war.
Krishna meets Radheya, returns to Upaplavya: In a last ditch effort to turn Karna away from evil, Krishna sought him out. Despite revealing his true parentage and circumstances surrounding his birth, Krishna could not sway Karna. The news of his birth gave him a sense of privilege (that he lacked since birth), but acknowledging that publicly would cost him his best friend Duryodhana. He did not wish to reveal his identity to the Pandavas, fearing Yudhisthira's love and loyalty to his 'older brother - Karna'. With a heavy heart Krishna returned to Upaplavya, knowing fully well the disastrous outcome of the war. At Upaplavya, Krishna narrates the happenings at the court, angering all the Pandavas and their allies. This only strengthens their resolve, that WAR was the only solution to end evil. The seven Akshauhinis were allotted their leaders, formations were discussed, and the Pandava army set out to the scene of the epic battle - Kurukshetra.
Commander of the Kaurava Army: The Kauravas chose Bheeshma to be the Commander of their mighty army. Upon accepting the role, Bheeshma informed Duryodhana that the Pandavas were also dear to him, and that he would not fight with them directly. He also stated that he would not fight along side Karna, putting Duryodhana in a state of dilemma. Watching his best friend's plight, Karna stepped up and offered to fight only after Bheeshma's fall.
Radheya and Kunti: Not knowing that Krishna had already visited Karna, Kunti also decides to see her firstborn. As a mother, it was her duty to inform her child of imminent danger, and the guilt that ate at her could not let her watch from the sidelines. Her Kaunteya accepted her apology and even basked in the warmth of his mother's lap, but could not give her the only thing she wanted - fight with his 'blood brothers', the Pandavas. He calmly promised her that he would not harm Yudhisthira, Bheema, Nakula or Sahadeva, but Arjuna was fair game. The enemity between the two had grown immensely, not allowing for either egos to give in. His parting words to his birth mother was that she would have 5 sons at the end of the war, the 5th being either Arjuna or himself.
Balarama and Rukmi: Balarama struggled with his emotions - his love for Duryodhana and his unconditional love and support for his brother, Krishna. He decided not to participate in the war, be witness to the gory end of his beloved student, and thus departed to the banks of the Saraswati. Meanwhile Krishna's brother in law, the fickle Rukmi came forward to the Pandavas and offered his army of one Akshauhini. He boasted of single handedly wiping out the entire Kaurava army, only to be reminded of the time he was beaten by Krishna (at the time of Rukmini's kidnapping from her swayamvara). The Pandavas asked him to keep quiet or take his support elsewhere. Utterly humiliated, Rukmi took his offer to the Kauravas, who gave him a similar treatment.
Uluka in the Pandava camp: As both camps were set up, Uluka (Śakuni's son) was senteith messages to the Pandavas, taunting them of their inaction and 'cowardice'over the years. Draupadi's and Bheema's oaths (after the dice game) were reminded in the general message to all, while individual messages attacking each of them personally were also delivered by Uluka.
The Pandavas responded with confidence and anger in their replies to Duryodhana.
With this ends Udhyoga Parvā. We will resume class with Bheeshma Parvā, which covers important aspects of the war, including the divine message of the Bhagavad Gita from Lord Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita: Chanted verses 21 and 22 with Swamiji.
Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.
See you all on Friday February 19, 2021.
Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi and Nivedita
Friday Grade 6 sevikas
