Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
There are several beautiful queens and princesses in Ravana's palace. Hanuman knows Sita could not be living happily among them. Finally, he begins searching the gardens and finds Sita in Ashoka Vatika. She is surrounded by rakshasis, looking sad and is chanting Rama's name. Hanuman does not want to scare her, so assumes the form of a cute little monkey. After introducing himself, he gives her Rama's ring. Sita is very happy to get Rama's message and asks Hanuman to go back and bring Rama to rescue her from Lanka. She also gives Hanuman her hair pin. Taking the jewel and Sita's blessings, Hanuman promises to be back soon with Rama.
After leaving Sita, Hanuman changed his form into a huge vaanara. He began trampling flowerbeds, uprooting trees and soon completely destroyed Ashoka Vatika. The rakshasis were terrified and ran to Ravana with the news. Ravana sent his rakshasa army led by Jambumali, son of Prahasta, the commander-in-chief of Lanka and his son Akshayakumara to capture Hanuman, but they were both defeated in the battle. Next Ravana sent his favourite son, Indrajit, who was born Meghnaad and was named thus after defeating Indra. He was a brave warrior and he used the Brahmastra on Hanuman. Hanuman surrendered knowing that because of Brahmaji's boon no weapon would harm him.The astra bound Hanuman like chains and he was dragged off to Ravana's court. Ravana's anger increased when he saw that Hanuman was just a vaanara. Brave Hanuman introduced himself as Lord Rama's messenger and chief minister of King Sugreeva. He asked Ravana to return Sita back and avoid war. He wanted Ravana to choose peace and save the people of Lanka. Ravana was so angry on hearing this that he ordered Hanuman to be killed. However, Vibeeshana, Ravana's brother objected to this, saying it was against law to kill a messenger. Next Ravana ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire to teach him a lesson. As the rakshasas bound Hanuman's tail with oil-dipped rags, the tail grew in size. The rakshasa were so exhausted and finally managed to set the tail on fire. The fire did not harm Hanuman who had the blessings of Sitaji, Vayu and Agni devas. With a shrug Hanuman escaped from the rakshasas and started burning Lanka one building at a time. After he had terrorized everyone, Hanuman dipped his fiery tail in the ocean. Shouting "Jai Shri Ram" Hanuman took a mighty leap and flew back towards the vaanara army. They welcomed him with cheers and decided to immediately report to Lord Rama.
Jambavan, Angada and the vanara army are waiting for Hanuman's return. With another mighty leap Hanuman leaves Lanka and arrives back at Mahendra hill. After a warm welcome, the vanaras hear about Hanuman's meeting with Sita. They return back to Kishkindha and begin celebrating by eating all the fruit they could find. When Sugreeva hears this he orders them to immediately report to him. Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva are given an account of Hanuman's impossible feat. Hanuman narrates a detailed account about how he successfully delivered Rama's message to Sita inspite of all the obstacles. Hanuman then offers Sita's jewel to Lord Rama and tells him that she is unharmed. Relieved to hear this, Lord Rama embraces Hanuman and thanks him. The good news charges up everyone, Rama asks Sugriva to start the preparations for war. The vaanara army, with shouts of "Jai Shri Ram", starts marching towards Lanka. When they reach the ocean, the army settles to rest. Lord Rama holds a war council to discuss how to get to Lanka.
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.
Next class on 3/9/2025
(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
