हरी ॐ
Dear Parents,
Dear Parents,
Given our current schedule, we are looking to complete Adi Parva before the end of the year. The children have been constantly quizzed on the various characters and events from the Mahabharata.
Opening Prayers: Om Sahanā vavatu, followed by the chants Om Sree Ganeśaya Namaha, Sree Saraswatyai Namaha, Sree Sat Gurubhyo Namaha.
Meditation: A couple of minutes of silence.
Story:
We resume the story from when Kunti decides to go to Kampilya for the Swayamvara...
The Pandavas and their mother Kunti head out of Ekachakra and set their path towards Kampilya, in anticipation of the grand swayamvara. On their way, they decide to take a short break by the banks of the river Ganga, where they meet Angāraparna or Chithraratha, an arrogant Gandharva who claims the river cannot be used by the Pandavas. He then shoots arrows at Arjuna who shoots the agneya astra and burns his chariot. With the loss of his pride and his beautiful chariot, he renames himself Dagdharatha (burned chariot) and with great humility gives Arjuna the power to see happenings in all 3 worlds. He also suggests they get a kulaguru to guide them in their every endeavor and even suggests Dhaumya, who, when approached, accepts the role readily.
Soon, the Pandavas arrived in Kampilya, where they stayed with a Potter. The day of the swayamvara dawns and the Pandavas(dressed as Brahmins), Kauravas with Radheya, Balarama and Krishna and many other prominent kings were present at the hall. Draupadi was brought and the competition started. Many could not even string the kindhura bow, while greats like Radheya missed the target by the breadth of a hair. Arjuna leaped out of his seat, grabbed the bow and shot the arrow in the exact mark, hitting the matsya. Draupadi then places the garland around him. Meanwhile Krishna recognizes Arjuna's talent and realizes that the 5 Brahmins were actually the Pandavas in disguise. On arrival at their cottage in Kampilya, the Pandavas announce the arrival of Bhiksha, and Kunti asks them to share it among themselves, little knowing that she has now asked her sons to share Draupadi.
After the Pandavas return, Krishna and Balarama come to meet them at their little cottage And rejoice in the company of their cousins and aunt.
Meanwhile, Drupada is worried about his daughter's suitor and the fact that he is not aware of his past or present. He also worries that the future may not be a comfortable one. He voices his concerns to Dhrishtadhyumna, who appeases him by following the Pandavas back to their home. He overhears their conversations, sees their respect for the mother and their general disposition towards people and comes to the conclusion that they are of noble descent and most definitely Kshatriyas. He conveys the message to his father, who then starts preparing for the marriage of Draupadi.
On the day of the wedding, the Pandavas with their mother arrive at the Palace and are treated to the rituals of the marriage. Drupada, to quell his doubts, then asks them for their identities. Yudhisthira rises and reveals their true identities as the Pandavas and also the reason behind their disguise. Drupada is overjoyed and promises them the loyalty of his subjects and his army.
Drupada's happiness, however, is shortlived when Yudhisthira tells Drupada that the marriage will be between Draupadi and all 5 brothers. While pondering over the dilemma, Sage Vyaasa enters the palace and consoles Drupada that the marriage should happen as stated by Yudhishthira because of a boon (from Lord Shiva) received by Draupadi in a previous birth.
In Hastinapur, there is anger and disappointment. The Pandavas were alive and well to not just survive the fire but also win the hand of the beautiful Draupadi. Listening to Radheya, Duryodhana decides you wage war against the Pandavas. They are routed by the Pandavas and Drupada's mighty army. The turn of events upset Vidura who talks to Dhritarashtra on keeping a tight rein on his sons and also reveals the good fortune of the Pandavas.
Meanwhile Duryodhana overhears the conversation and gets upset, but Dhritarashtra speaks of his unhappiness and tells Duryodhana that he cannot reveal his true feelings in front of Vidura.
A meeting of the elders and the king is arranged at the assembly hall, where Bhishma tells Duryodhana to share the kingdom with the Pandavas. Everybody agrees, and Dhritarashtra is forced to evenly split the kingdom.
Vidura is sent to bring the Pandavas from Kampilya. They are given one half of the Kingdom - Khandavaprastha. A former capital that now lay in ruins as a barren wasteland. Yudhisthira is quickly coronated the king of Khandavaprastha, and the Pandavas along with their mother and wife move to their new Kingdom.
Vishwakarma, the divine architect, is asked to transform Khandavaprastha, at the behest of Lord Indra. The new and beautiful kingdom is then renamed Indraprastha.
We will have a Class presentation on February 14th. The children have decided on a modern day reenactment of a few events from the Mahabharata.
Geeta Chanting: Guided chanting of verses 9&10 with Sw. Shantanandaji. Please have the children practice the verses every day.
See you all on Friday, Dec 13 at 7pm.
Pranāms,
Akshay and Nivedita
