Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
Story-
The Yuddha Kanda of our Ramayana story continued with the epic battle between Lord Rama's vaanara army and Ravana's rakshasa army. It is the last day of the war, and Ravana decides to face Lord Rama himself. He gets dressed in his finest royal clothes,chooses the best weapons and rides on his chariot onto the battlefield. Soon he injured all the brave warriors in Lord Rama's army, including Lakshmana. Thanks to Hanuman's special herb from the Himalayas, they were all revived. The rakshasa army too felt Lord Rama's wrath and soon was reduced to nothing. Finally, Ravana faced Lord Rama one on one. Lord Rama proceeded to cut off each of Ravana's heads, but strangely they kept growing back. Indra from Devaloka sent his chariot and charioteer Maatali, who advised Lord Rama to use the "Agastya - astra". Lord Rama aimed the arrow at Ravana's chest and let go. Ravana's seat of power was destroyed and he fell with a crash. The vaanara army jumped up with joy, congratulated Lord Rama with shouts of "Jai Sri Ram!" Lord Rama however noticed the sorrow on Vibheeshana's face and did a noble thing. He spoke kindly and consoled Vibheeshana, saying that Ravana died a brave warrior and deserved a place in heaven. After Ravana's funeral, Vibheeshana was crowned king of Lanka. Hanuman was sent to deliver the great news and bring Mother Sita from Ashoka Vatika. There were rakshasas still guarding her and Hanuman wanted to kill them too. Mother Sita stopped him and said they deserve forgiveness. It was not their fault as they were only following the king's orders. Hanuman then brought her back to Lord Rama. They all then returned to Dandaka and the last few days of their exile were soon over.
The Ramayana story concluded with Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana returning to Dandaka forest. Their exile has ended and word is sent to Ayodhya of their return. The entire kingdom is decorated with flowers and lamps lit everywhere. Bharata greets and welcomes them back. At the palace all three queen mothers welcome Lord Rama. The coronation preparations are made and Sage Vasishta crowns Lord Rama king of Ayodhya. Lord Rama began his Rama Rajya. And by his side are Sita, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrugna and at his feet is Hanuman.
We had a short class today, grade 2 and 7 had stage presentations. We had to go to the mantapa earlier.
Please play the videos and show it to the children, they can practice. The playlist is linked in the description box of our class whatsapp. We have to memorize verses until 16 for our grade level.
Chinmaya CORD walkathon is coming up on 4/26 at the mercer county park. We encourage every family to register and participate in this event for a good cause. All details in the link below.
This is the registration link Chinmaya Vrindavan
Please ask our children about this event, they were briefed up in the class about the CORD
Next class on 4/6/2025
(please head to class, unless there is any message)
Children should bring their own copy of "My prayers" book, Ramayana coloring book (for coloring activity), Balavihar handbook (we provided on the first session) 9/15), pencils and erasers and crayons.
Children may bring their own "spill proof water bottles"
NO snacks please. Please give them a good breakfast before coming to Balavihar. Also make sure they use the bathroom before going into the class.
Please bring the children to balavihar a few minutes before 9.15. We want to promptly start by 9.15. Please make sure the student is not late and may come latest by 9.20 and not later than that.
Links and Reminders:
Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already-
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IAbzyq5I0ioF7FF6Cr85J0
