हरी ॐ
Dear Parents,
Dear Parents,
The year 2020 started with practices for our annual class program, followed by the brilliant performances of the children on February 14th. We had a fun Bala Vihar on February 28th with many exciting and mind boggling House activity puzzles. Now for the week of March 6th, and our continuation of Mahabharata, in the next Parva - Sabha Parva
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: The Sabha Parva starts with Maya (the architect asura who was allowed to save himself in the burning of the Khandava forest). He feels deeply indebted to Arjuna and wishes to fulfill any of his wishes. Arjuna tells him not to feel obligated, but Maya refuses to budge. Krishna, in his infinite wisdom as the incarnation of Vishnu, had already in his minds eye envisioned the future destruction in the Kurukshetra war and the release of his heavenly guards Jaya and Vijaya from their final mortal births (the previous births being Hiranyaksha / Hirankasipu, and Ravana/ Kumbhakarna). To allow all that happen, Krishna realizes he needed to set the events in motion. He approaches Maya and suggests that he build a grand palace in Indraprastha for the Pandavas, unique and unparalleled in beauty. Arjuna agrees to that, knowing how happy that would make Yudhisthira.
On an auspicious day, Maya commences the construction and goesto great lengths to keep his promise.
Meanwhile Krishna, having spent considerable time with his favorite cousins, decides to head back to Dwaraka. He lovingly asks permission from his sister Subhadra, who had convinced him to use his chariot to take her to Arjuna, against Balarama's wishes. The Pandavas half heartedly lead Krishna to the gates of the palace where Daruka, the charioteer, was waiting to accompany his beloved Krishna to Dwaraka. A few months pass, with peace and good fortune raining on Indraprastha. The palace gets completed, and Maya is happy to report that the sabha that was erected in the palace is most beautiful. Maya gives Arjuna the names Kapidvaja (with Hanuman on his chariot's flag), and Swetavahana (one with white horses), and takes leave of the Pandavas. On an auspicious day, with Krishna, his cousin Satyaki and many kings from all over the world, the Pandavas enter the sabha.
Meanwhile Subhadra gives birth to Abhimanyu, while Draupadi was already a mother to 5 sons - Yudhisthira's son Prativindhya, Bheema's son Sutasoma, Arjuna's son Srutakarma, Nakula's son Sataanika and Sahadeva's son Srutasena. There is peace and prosperity in the kingdom, but it was not meant to last...
It is believed that Narada, despite being one of Vishnu's greatest devotees, made lives a bit more complicated every time he made an entrance. This was the case when he visits the Pandavas in Indraprastha. He is amazed at the grandeur and uniqueness of their new palace, and even speaks of how it rivaled Indra's court in beauty, even with Indra sharing his throne with the radiant King Harischandra. He goes on to relate his experiences in other courts, and of his meeting with Shantanu and Pandu. But Yudhisthira cannot get past the fact that the great mortal King Harischandra shared a throne with Indra. It rankled him that his ancestors did not have that honor. In his eagerness, he asks Narada what gave King Harischandra the right to that honor. Narada explains that performing the great Rajasuya yagna gives one the blessings from the Gods and allows the ancestors to enjoy greater glory. King Harischandra, being a powerful monarch, a favorite of Sage Vishwamitra and having conquered all kingdoms on earth, was able to perform this yagna. Upon hearing this, Yudhisthira and his brothers are also very eager to perform the yagna, with the blessings of Sage Narada.
Performing a Rajasuya yagna is no easy task, and Yudhisthira is aware of that. He calls upon his friend, guide and mentor - Krishna. Krishna drops everything to rush to Indraprastha.
When Yudhisthira explains the requirements for the yagna, and that Kingdoms have to be conquered, Krishna tells him that they could start with the mighty Jarasandha. Once he is vanquished, his friends Sisupala, Dantavakra, Rukmi, and others will be easier to conquer. He also tells him that Jarasandha is a sworn enemy of the Vrishnis, as Krishna had killed his son in law Kamsa.
He goes on to explain Jarasandha's birth.
Jarasandha, the King of Magadha, was born to King Brihadratha. He was given the gift of a fruit to bear a child, which he divided between his two queens. That resulted in each queen giving birth to one half of a child. The two pieces thrown out of the palace gates, were found by the rakshasi Jara. When she came upon the flesh, she was happy to see her next meal. She got the pieces together, and lo a child formed! With the child in one piece, the King was pleased to name the child Jarasandha (joined by Jara). Jarasandha grew to take over the crown, and attacking his nearby kingdoms and keeping them fearful of his mighty army.
Yudhisthira gives a lot of thought to what Krishna says, but is unwilling to send his two dearest brothers, Bheema and Arjuna, and best friend, Krishna, to take on the mighty undefeatable Jarasandha. With Krishna's persistence and the confidence in his brothers, Yudhisthira gives them his permission.
At Magadha, Krishna, Bheema and Arjuna, unwilling to wait for a court appearance, climb the walls of the palace to see Jarasandha and challenge him to a duel. Impressed with their skill and courage, he accepts the challenge to fight with Bheema.
The following day witnesses the duel of two mighty warriors, both unable to outdo the other. Bheema sees an opportunity, and throws Jarasandha with much force. His body splits in two, but magically comes together again. This happens a couple more times, puzzling all the spectators and the Bheema. Krishna, knowing the trick to ending Jarasandha, shows Bheema how to do it by tearing a leaf apart and throwing them in different corners, but most importantly making sure the sides could never align. Bheema, at the next opportunity, does the same. There is much relief in the air, knowing that the most vicious Jarasandha was dead. His son, Sahadeva, is crowned King by Krishna. Having ensured the end of Jarasandha which allowed the easier conquest of kingdoms before the yagna, Krishna takes leave to return to Dwaraka.
Geeta Chanting: Practicing verses 1-10 and guided chanting of verses 27&28 with Sw. Shantanandaji. Please have the children practice every day.
Pranāms,
Akshay and Nivedita
