Hari Om Parents
Welcome to our monthly Balvihar class report for Nov 2024. We started class with beginning prayers followed by chanting Nama Ramayanam
Continuing with the story, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita got into a chariot for their journey to the forest the next morning. People flocked to say their goodbyes. Rama addressed them to transfer their loyalties to Bharata. Some of them followed the chariot.
The chariot loaded with bows, arrows etc reached the banks of the Tamasa River at dusk. After offering prayers they rested for the night.
The next morning, they reached the banks of the river Ganga. They were welcomed by the tribal king Guha. Rama asked Guha to bring a raft to cross the river. After crossing the river they were on their own. A new phase had begun.
They started walking in the forest until they reached Rishi Bharadhhwaja's ashram. The rishi showed them the way to the beautiful Chitrakoota mountain. Lakshmana skillfully built a little mud hut where they lived for some time.
Dasharatha, meanwhile, remembered a story from his past which he narrated to Kausalya. In his youth he had wrongly killed a youth on one of his hunting trip. The youth's parents had cursed the king that he would meet the same fate with his sons. Dasharatha soon passed away stricken with grief after his dear Rama, Lakshmana and Sita departed to the forest. Ayodhya was grief stricken again.
At this time Bharata abs Shatrughna were in kekaya at their grandfather's place. They were summoned by Vasishtha to return to Ayodhya. On their return they were shocked to hear the news of their fathers death. They also were told about Rama going to exile and he was the next king from his heartless mother Kaikeyi. Bharata's fury and grief was uncontrollable.
He performed the last rites of his father. He decided to bring his dear brother Rama back home as he refused to accept to be the next king.
He left for the forest with his brother, mother and some people. The brothers meet. It was an auspicious meeting and told by Tulasidas ji in great detail. Bharat was also a noble soul like Rama. Rama explains to Bharata the highest truths of philosophy and governing. He refuses to come back to Ayodhya due to his commitment to dharma. He had promised his father to be in exile. Finally, Bharata on the advice of Vasishtha agreed to act as Rama's representative and govern. He took Rama's sandals and put them on the throne.
Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita decided to move deeper into the forest Dandaka. It was gloomy and dark. Here they were met by many demons. Rama feels it's his duty to destroy them. They were also very happy to be in the company of great rishis and get their blessings like Sharabhanga and Suteeksha. Ten years pass by in Dandaka forest. We now enter Aranya Kanda
After visiting many rishis in the Dandaka forest and encountering many deadly demons, Sita was getting anxious for Rama's and Lakshmana's lives. She felt that they had come to do penance at the forest and not to use weapons. Rama assured her that his dharma was to protect the rishis at the forest. They started moving south and entered the ashrama of Rishi Agastya. He was one of the strongest rishis. We talked about a story depicting his power.
There were 2 demon brothers, Vaatapi and Ilvala. Their aim was to destroy all the rishis in the forest. Ilvala would dress up like a brahmin boy and invite the rishi for bhiksha. He would cut up Vatapi into pieces and serve it to the rishi. The rishi could not refuse the bhiksha. After eating Ilvala would call Vatapi to come out. Vatapi would tear the rishi's stomach and come out and the rishi would die. One day it was Agastya's turn to for having bhiksha. When Ilvala shouted for Vatapi to come out, Agastya told him he had already eaten and digested Vatapi. Agastya then opened his eyes and burned Ilvala into ashes. Such was the power and glory of Rishi Agastya.
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were blessed by the rishi. He gave them a divine bow, arrows, and two swords. He suggested for them to live in Panchavati, close to the rishi's ashram.
After telling the stories we discussed the values learned
Sri Rama was a true champion of dharma. He always followed his father's instructions. He was happy to leave the palace and live in the forest as it would give him an opportunity to be in the company of rishis and holy people. He followed dharma and felt it was his duty to destroy the demons in the forest and help the rishis do their rituals.
Bharata was a noble person very devoted to Rama. He was not greedy for the throne and wanted to give it back to Rama. His character represents humility and love
Sita was a princess, but she preferred a life of discomfort. She accompanied her Lord to the forest.
Lakshmana was also devoted to Rama. He accompanied his brother to the forest and was by his side always helping them.
We discussed Dasharatha's character in detail. His attachment to Rama took away his life. We talked about karma and karmaphala. He paid for his life due to his mistake in killing the boy Shravana and separating him from his parents. Talked about how we can lead a vigilant life.
Our next class is on December 20th.
Pranams
Nirmala and Mythili
