Hari Om All,
This week we started our class with Likhita Japa followed by Shlokas and Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam. We completed the VIRATA PARVA of Mahabharata in this class. The following topics were covered:
- Pandavas enter King Virata's kingdom:The Pandavas entered King Virata's kingdom in Matsya to spend the last year of their exile incognito. Yudhisthira disguised as a Brahmin (Kanaka), Bhima as a cook (Vallala), Arjuna as a dance/music teacher (Brihannala), Draupadi as maid (Sairandhri), Nakula as stable hand (Damagranthi) and Sahadeva as a cowherd (Tantripal).
- Death of Keechaka: Keechaka who was the commander of the Virata army and a brother-in-law of the king was a mean person. Once he saw Draupadi in the Queen's chamber and wanted to marry her. Draupadi refused his offer and he abused her. She then warned him of her five gandharva husbands to whom she had been very loyal. Next day with help from Bhima, she asked Keechaka to come to her alone in the dance hall and there Bhima killed him.
- Cows stolen: With tthe death of Keechaka, the neighboring kingdom of Trigartas attacked King Virata. Duryodhana decided to help the Trigartas. The Pandavas decided to help King Virata. Yudhisthira defeated King Susharma of Trigartas. This was the last day of exile for the Pandavas.
- Uttara - the boaster: Next day the Kauravas attacked the Matsya kingdom. Prince Uttara (son of King Virata) was sent to defend against the Kauravas. Brihannala (Arjuna) was asked to be his charioteer. Arjuna asked Uttara to bring the divine weapons hidden in the Sami tree before the battle. He then revealed his true identity and of the other Pandavas to Uttara. Arjuna then used the divine weapons and drove away the Kauravas from the battlefield.
- Pandavas reveal their identity: When Uttara returned from the battlefield, he informed his father King Virata of the Pandavas identity. King Virata was sorry for some of his rude behavior to the Pandavas and asked their forgiveness and offered his entire kingdom to them. He also offered his daughter Uttaraa in marriage to Arjuna. However Arjuna declined and instead wanted her to marry his son Abhimanyu. Many kings including Krishna and Balarama attended Abhimanyu - Uttaraa's wedding. Thus ended the Virata Parva.
We also had a quiz in the class after our discussion.
We concluded the class by chanting Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1 - verses 1-10.
Announcements:
1. Chinmaya Kalaarangam: Chinmaya Vrindavan is pleased to announce the sixth in the Chinmaya Kalaarangam series on Saturday, Dec 14th, 2019 (1-6pm) at Chinmaya Vridavan. All music/dance learning Balavihar kids are invited to perform. Chinmaya Kalaarangam is a platform to showcase Bala Vihar children's talents in the field of Indian classical arts. So many of our children have been learning these arts, and show incredible interest. This is an opportunity for them to perform on stage and grow their skills. As Chinmaya community, we should encourage these children, and hope that this performance opportunity will inspire them to continue to learn and perform.
2. Art Contests registration is now open. Deadline for submission is Jan 12, 2020. Theme this year is 'Daanam' or 'Giving'. Participation points and prizes for everyone.
Please register at:
2. Art Contests registration is now open. Deadline for submission is Jan 12, 2020. Theme this year is 'Daanam' or 'Giving'. Participation points and prizes for everyone.
Please register at:
Thank you!
Krishna and Shasi
