Apr 26, 2024 - Grade 6 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents, 




Please find the below update from our class on Friday April 26th, 2024.

 

Class began with Opening Prayers  - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..

Śri Ganeshaya Namah!

Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!

Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!




Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)

We recited  the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:

•    Karagre Vasate
•    Samudra Vasane
•    Gange cha Yamune
•    Sarasvati Namastubhyam
•    Brahmaarpanam
•    Shubham Karoti
•    Kara-charana-krtam vak

As per our curriculum, we proceeded to learn the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page #39). We recited Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page 40) all verses in the class. We learnt to chant the Mahishasuramardini Stotram.

Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.

Mahabharata Summary

The Twelfth day
After the attempt to capture Yudhishthira alive failed, Drona and others knew that if Arjuna was near Yudhishthira, it would be impossible to capture him. So, they wanted to draw Arjuna away to some other part of the battlefield by some stratagem. The Trigartadesa chief Susarma, who heard Drona say this, talked it over with his brothers and they made a plan. They took samsaptaka oath whereby they performed funeral ceremonies for themselves as if they were dead. They took the oath to kill Arjuna and return. If they fled in battle out of fear, they would be punished for their deadly sin. They marched south for that was the direction of Death and challenged Arjuna to battle.
Arjuna turned to Yudhishthira and said that he had to accept the challenge led by Susarma and the Samsaptakas. But before he left, he asked the Panchala prince Satyajit to stand guard by Yudhishthira's side.
On this twelfth day of the great battle, Arjuna along with Krishna approached the large samsaptaka force and it was a fierce battle. Heavy were the losses on the samsaptakas but under the leadership of Susarma they persevered and fought vigorously. As Arjuna was opposing the Trigartas, Drona gave orders to attack the Pandava army at the point where Yudhishthira stood. Dhrishtadyumna marched forward to meet Drona. Drona avoided Dhrishtadyumna for he knew that his death was destined at his hands, and he wheeled his chariot towards Drupada. Drupada's forces suffered greatly at Drona's hands.
Drona then turned his attention to Yudhishthira. The Pandavas stood firm and answered Drona's attacks with a shower of arrows. Satyajit made a charge on Drona's chariot and there was a fierce battle. Satyajit, Vrika, another prince of Panchala as well as Satanika, son of Virata all died in that battle.
Drona defeated Satyaki, Sikhandin and others and was now almost within reach of Yudhishthira. At that moment, Panchalya, another son of Drupada tried to stop the acharya and he also fell dead. Duryodhana was delighted to see the attack by Drona. Duryodhana and Karna now proceeded to support Drona as he was fighting hard against several of the great warriors in the Pandava army.

Brave Bhagadatta 
Drona made many attempts to take Yudhishthira prisoner but failed. Duryodhana led a large elephant division against Bhima. Bhima defended himself from his chariot, with well-aimed arrows. His shafts tore down Duryodhana's flag and cut down his bow. Seeing this the Mlechchha king Anga marched against Bhimasena, seated on a huge elephant. But Bhima sent shafts that laid the elephant low and killed Anga, which resulted in scattering that section of the Kaurava forces in fear and confusion. When the elephants stampede, the horses also took fright and thousands of footmen were trampled under the feet of the elephants and the horses. Seeing this great confusion and the scattering of the Kaurava forces in all directions, the king of Pragjyotisha, the brave Bhagadatta, got up on his renowned elephant Supratika and charged at Bhimasena.
The gigantic beast rushed forward and crashed into Bhimasena's chariot, but Bhima escaped by jumping off the car in the nick of time. He got below the great and fierce elephant and showered blows on vital points. The great beast got mad and whirled round trying to throw off Bhimasena, who was sticking to its legs. It bent down and caught Bhima by its trunk and was about to crush him under its knees, when Bhima somehow released himself from its hold and again got below, in between its limbs and sticking to the elephant's under-regions, causing exceeding pain to the beast.
Bhima was thus gaining time in the hope that some elephant on the Pandava side would be led to attack Bhagadatta's elephant and enable him to get away. But, when Bhima disappeared from view, everyone thought that he was dead. Yudhishthira heard the cry and urged the forces to destroy Bhagadatta. The king of Dasarna charged at Bhagadatta. Dasarna's elephant was also a fierce beast and there was a great battle between Supratika and Dasarna's elephant. But Supratika killed Dasarna. At that moment, Bhima emerged from below Supratika and ran out safe, and the Pandava army cheered when they saw Bhima alive.
Bhagadatta was now attacked on all sides, but he did not lose heart. Bhagadatta's elephant wrought great havoc in the Pandava army. Bhimasena, equipping himself once again with a chariot, renewed his attack on Bhagadatta. The elephant stretched out its trunk and blew out a violent spray of mucus which scared the horses of Bhima's chariot and they bolted in wild flight and the charioteer could not check them. A great cloud of dust rose from the field where this great elephant battle raged.
Arjuna saw this from where he was fighting the samsaptakas and he also heard the tumult created by Bhagadatta's elephant. He feared things had gone wrong and said to Krishna that they should offer support to the army and to save the situation. Krishna drove the chariot accordingly towards the main battle front. Susarma and his brothers came up behind the chariot and again attacked Arjuna. But Arjuna sent three well-aimed shafts, which compelled Susanna to turn back.
As soon as Arjuna's car was seen, the Pandava forces rallied and soon Arjuna reached the lines where Bhagadatta was. Bhagadatta attacked Arjuna on Supratika.  But Arjuna's arrows broke the elephant's armour and began to hurt the beast. Bhagadatta saw that his elephant could no longer stand the attack and he hurled a javelin at Krishna. Arjuna met it with a shaft from his bow and broke it into two. Bhagadatta then discharged another javelin which struck Dhananjaya's helmet. Readjusting his helmet, Arjuna bent his bow and hurled at him shafts which broke his bow, shattered his quiver and pierced the joints of his armor. 
Bhagadatta was very old and his skin hung loose down over his eyes, and he had tied its folds over his forehead with a silk kerchief so that they might not interfere with his sight. Bhagadatta was not more renowned for valor than for purity of character and conduct. When deprived of all his weapons, Bhagadatta hurled his elephant goad at Arjuna. It was sent with deadly aim and charged with the Vaishnava mantra. It would have killed Arjuna, but Krishna came in between and presented himself as a target for the missile. It settled on his chest as a shining necklace. Charged with the mantra of Vishnu, it could not hurt Vishnu but just became the Lord's jewelled garland round his neck.
Arjuna was confused why Krishna had offered himself as a target for the enemy's missile. Krishna told Arjuna that the shaft would have killed him if it had hit him, but it was really Krishna's own thing, so it came back to its lawful owner. Then, Partha sent an arrow which entered the head of Bhagadatta's elephant, and it was killed. Arjuna was somewhat grieved at the death of the noble animal and for his not having been able to slay Bhagadatta without killing the beast. Arjuna's shafts tore the silken napkin that bound up the folds of the aged king's forehead and he was blinded at once by his own hanging wrinkles.

Soon, a sharp crescent-headed shaft came and pierced his chest and Bhagadatta fell down dead. Sakuni's brothers, Vrisha and Achala, tried their best to oppose Arjuna but they were also killed. Sakuni was full of anger, when he saw his brothers lying dead on the field. He attacked Arjuna fiercely and used all the weapons of illusion. But Arjuna's strokes broke all the charms and rendered them useless, and Sakuni had to leave the field, as fast as his horses could bear him. The Pandava forces then attacked Drona's army and wrought great havoc till the sun set, and the twelfth day's fight ended. Drona gave orders to cease fighting and the Kaurava forces, which had lost heavily, retired in sullen dejection to their camp. The Pandava army, on the other hand, was in high spirits and its warriors gathered round camp-fires in cheerful talk and praise of Arjuna and the other heroes, who had led them to victory.

ABHIMANYU 

When Dronacharya was unable to capture Yudhishthira, Duryodhana was very upset and uttered insulting words at the acharya. But Drona explained that if Arjuna is present, supporting Yudhishthira, it is not possible for them to seize him. On the thirteenth day, the samsaptakas again challenged Arjuna to battle and he accordingly went to attack them in the south of the main battlefront. The battle between the samsaptakas and Arjuna was the fiercest that ever had been seen or heard of till that day. 

When Arjuna left the main front for meeting the samsaptakas, Drona rearranged his army in lotus formation and attacked Yudhishthira fiercely. All the great warriors on the Pandava side opposed Drona, but they couldn't defeat Drona. At that point, Yudhishthira called Abhimanyu and said to him that to defeat Drona, it was important to break the lotus array. In the absence of Arjuna, only Abhimanyu knew how to break the formation.

Abhimanyu agreed to do it, but he confessed that he could break the formation, but he was not instructed in the art of extrication i.e., how to come out.   Yudhishthira and Bhima advised that once the passage was open, they would follow closely behind him, and help to break in. Abhimanyu thought of his father and Krishna and, feeling encouraged by what had been said by Bhimasena and Yudhishthira, and impelled by his own gallant nature, undertook the adventure with enthusiasm. Abhimanyu told his charioteer Sumitra to drive straight and fast towards Drona. His charioteer warned Abhimanyu to think well before he pierced Drona's array because the acharya was unrivalled in skill and experience. Abhimanyu mentioned that he was Krishna's nephew and son of Arjuna as his advantage. The charioteer drove the chariot towards Drona's division. The Pandavas followed Abhimanyu close behind him. The Kaurava army were perturbed as they saw Abhimanyu's chariot approach them with great speed. There was a ripple in the Kaurava ranks which bent under his headlong onslaught. The bend soon became a break and under Drona's very eyes, the formation was breached, and Abhimanyu entered.

But the breach closed under the inspiration of Jayadratha, king of the Sindhus, before the other Pandava warriors could force their way in according to plan-and Abhimanyu was alone. Kaurava warriors opposed him, but they fell like moths in the fire, one after another. Abhimanyu's shafts searched the weak points in the armor of his enemies, and the bodies of soldiers lay strewn on the field like Kusa grass on the sacrificial platform. Bows, arrows, swords, shields, javelins, pieces of harness, chariot canopies, axes, maces, spears, whips, conchs, along with severed heads and limbs of slain warriors, covered the field.

Seeing the destruction wrought by Abhimanyu, Duryodhana was angry and rushed in person to oppose the youthful warrior. Drona, having learnt that the king himself was engaged in battle with Abhimanyu, became anxious and sent veterans to protect Duryodhana. With great difficulty, they managed to rescue the king from the boy-hero who, greatly disappointed at the escape of Duryodhana vented his anger on the warriors that had come to rescue him and put them to headlong flight. Then, throwing away all sense of shame and chivalry, many veteran warriors made a combined and simultaneous attack on the hero, who found himself alone, surrounded by enemies on all sides. But, Arjuna's son withstood this united onslaught.

Drona, Aswatthama, Kripa, Karna, Sakuni, Salya and many other great warriors in their chariots, equipped with all arms, surged in attack on the young hero, only to be dashed back, baffled and broken. Asmaka rode his chariot at great speed against Abhimanyu's but smiling, Abhimanyu sent his shafts and disposed of him in no time. Karna's armour was pierced. Salya was badly wounded and sat, unable to move, in his chariot. Salya's brother came up in great wrath to avenge his brother's disgrace, but he fell and his chariot was broken to pieces. Thus did Abhimanyu, alone and unsupported, oppose a host of veteran warriors and show the skill in the use of arms which he had learnt from his illustrious father and from Vasudeva, his uncle.

Seeing this, the poet says, Dronacharya's eyes were filled with tears of affectionate admiration seeing the boy's valor.  This angered Duryodhana. Duhsasana roared in anger and led his chariot forward to attack Abhimanyu. The chariots of Abhimauyu and Duhsasana made wonderful movements against each other, and the battle raged long. Duhsasana was struck senseless in his car, and his charioteer just managed to drive away from the field saving Duhsasana's life. Karna attacked Abhimanyu with his shafts and harassed him greatly. But one of Abhimanyu's arrows felled Karna's bow and the young warrior followed up this advantage so vigorously that he put Karna and his supporters to flight. The Kaurava forces when they saw this were completely demoralized. The army was in confusion and men fled in all directions, not caring for Drona's shouts of remonstrance, and Abhimanyu destroyed those that stood, as fire destroys a dry jungle in summer.

 

THE DEATH OF ABHIMANYU 

THE Pandavas, proceeding according to plan, had closely followed Abhimanyu when he broke into the Kaurava formation, but Dhritarashtra's son-in-law Jayadratha, the gallant king of the Sindhus, swooped down upon the Pandavas with all his forces, and enabled the breach in the formation to be effectively and solidly closed, so that the Pandavas found it impossible to force their way in. Yudhishthira hurled a javelin and cut Jayadratha's bow but, in an instant, the Saindhava took up another bow and sent unerring shafts at Dharmaputra. Bhimasena's arrows made deadly work, crashing down the canopy and flagstaff of Jayadratha's car. But the Saindhava was alert and re-armed himself, each time his equipment was broken. He killed Bhima's chariot horses, and the latter had to go into Satyaki's car. In this manner, Jayadratha, with stubborn valor, prevented the Pandavas from entering in Abhimanyu's wake.

The young hero was thus isolated and surrounded by the Kaurava forces. The son of Subhadra was however undaunted. He attacked all the warriors around him and slew them in great numbers. The Kaurava army reeled under Abhimanyu's onslaughts. Duryodhana's son Lakshmana, a gallant young warrior, then charged on Abhimanyu. When they saw this, retreating soldiers came back and supported Lakshmana, showering arrows on Abhimanyu, like rain falling on a hill. Still Arjuna's son was undaunted and his shaft came swift and shining, and pierced Lakshmana. The handsome youth, with beautiful nose and eyebrows and hair, lay dead on the ground and the Kaurava soldiers were filled with grief.  The angry Duryodhana, and the six great warriors, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Aswathama, Brihatbala and Kritavarma closed upon Abhimanyu. 

Drona said to Karna that it was impossible to pierce Abhimanyu's armor, and to aim at the reins of his horses and cut them off and attack him from behind. The son of Surya did accordingly. Abhimanyu's bow was broken by a shaft discharged from behind. His horses and charioteer were killed. Thus disabled, the young warrior stood on the field, with sword and shield, facing his enemies. As he stood dauntless like kshatriyadharma incarnate, he filled the warriors around with amazement. Whirling his sword, he held his own against the numerous warriors who had surrounded him, with a skill that confounded them. It seemed to them as if his feet did not rest on earth and he was on wings in the air. Drona sent a shaft that broke Abhimanyu's sword. Karna's sharp arrows tore his shield into bits. 

Then Abhimanyu bent down and took up one of his chariot wheels and whirling it like a discus, stood up facing all the enemies that surrounded him. The dust from the chariot wheel covered him and the poet says it enhanced the natural beauty of the young hero. He fought fiercely like a second Vishnu with the discus. But soon, the combined onslaught of the warriors that surrounded him, overpowered him. The chariot wheel was shattered to pieces. The son of Duhsasana came up then and closed with him in mortal combat. Both fell together but Duhsasana's son rose again and, while Abhimanyu was struggling to his feet, struck him with his mace and killed him.

Sanjaya narrated this to Dhritarashtra and said that his people danced round Abhimanyu's dead body like savage hunters exulting over their prey. All good men in the army were grieved and tears rolled from their eyes. Even the birds of prey that circled overhead making noises seemed to cry "'Not thus!' 'Not thus!'"

While there was blowing of conchs and cries of victory all over the Kaurava army, Yuyutsu, the son of Dhritarashtra, did not approve of all this. He knew it was an ignoble act and they had all forgotten the kshatriyadharma in the battlefield. Instead of being ashamed, they were shouting cries of victory blind to the danger that was imminent. Yuyutsu threw his weapon away in disgust and left the battlefield. This young son of Dhritarashtra feared sin. His words were not sweet in the Kaurava ears, but he was a good man and spoke out his mind.

Bhagavad Gita: Verses 41 & 42 from chapter 4 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video. 

Link: https://bit.ly/BGChapter4Playlist?authuser=1

Class Reflection:

The children were divided into 2 groups and were given the chapter print out for "Death of Abhimanyu". They were asked to write 10 events from the chapter and present it to the class. 

Aarathi: We assembled at the main prayer hall. Grade 3 performed their monthly program on stage. It was followed by the Pledge.

Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama Sivakumar 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas 

Apr 19, 2024 - Grade 6 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents, 




Please find the below update from our class on Friday April 19th, 2024.

 

Class began with Opening Prayers  - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..

Śri Ganeshaya Namah!

Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!

Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!




Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)

We recited  the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:

•    Karagre Vasate
•    Samudra Vasane
•    Gange cha Yamune
•    Sarasvati Namastubhyam
•    Brahmaarpanam
•    Shubham Karoti
•    Kara-charana-krtam vak

Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.

Mahabharata Summary:

THE EIGHTH DAY 
WHEN the eighth day dawned, Bhishma arrayed his army in tortoise formation. Yudhishthira said to Dhrishtadyumna: "See there, the enemy is in kurma vyuha. You have to answer at once with a formation that can break it." Dhrishtadyumna immediately proceeded to his task. The Pandava forces were arrayed in a three-pronged formation. Bhima was at the head of one prong, Satyaki of another, and Yudhishthira at the crest of the middle division. Our ancestors had developed the science of war well. It was not reduced to writing but was preserved by tradition in the families of Kshatriya. Armour and tactics were employed suitably to meet the weapons of offence and the tactics which the enemy used in those days. 

Bhima killed eight of Dhritarashtra's sons early in the battle that day. Duryodhana's heart quailed before this. It seemed to his friends as if Bhimasena would complete his revenge that very day, even as he swore in the assembly hall, where the great outrage was enacted. Arjuna had a great bereavement in this day's battle. His dear son Iravan was killed. This son of Arjuna by his Naga wife had come and joined the Pandava forces at Kurukshetra. Duryodhana sent his friend, the rakshasa Alambasa, to oppose the Naga warrior. Iravan was slain after a fierce fight. When Arjuna heard this, he broke down completely. Said he turning to Vasudeva: "Vidura had indeed told us plainly that both sides would be plunged in grief unbearable. What are we doing all this wretched destruction upon one another for? Just for the sake of property. 
After all this killing, what joy are we or they likely to find in the end? O Madhusudana, I now see why the far-seeing Yudhishthira said he would be content if Duryodhana would give five villages to us, keeping everything else to himself and he would not resort to fighting if that were agreed to. Duryodhana, in his obstinate folly, refused to give even these five villages and so, these great sins have to be committed on both sides. I continue fighting only because men would otherwise think me a coward, who could submit tamely to wrong. When I see the dead warriors lying on the field, my heart is filled with unbearable anguish. Oh, how wicked we are to carry on in this miserable, sinful way!" Seeing Iravan killed, Ghatotkacha uttered a loud war-cry which made all the assembled soldiers tremble, and with his division, fell upon the Kaurava army ferociously. So great was the destruction he wrought that at many points the Kaurava formation was broken. Seeing this, Duryodhana personally led an attack on Bhima's son. 
The king of Vanga joined Duryodhana with his elephants. Duryodhana fought most bravely on this eighth day of the battle. He killed a great number of warriors on Ghatotkacha's side. Ghatotkacha hurled a javelin which would have ended Duryodhana's career but for the Vanga chief's prompt intervention with one of his elephants. The missile hit the beast which fell dead and Duryodhana was saved. Bhishma was anxious about Duryodhana and sent a large force under Drona to support the Kaurava prince. Many were the veterans who were in this force that attacked Ghatotkacha. So tumultuous and fierce was the fight at this sector of the battle that Yudhishthira feared for Ghatotkacha's safety and sent Bhimasena in his aid. Then the battle became even fiercer than before. Sixteen of Duryodhana's brothers perished on this day. 


THE NINTH DAY 
ON the morning of the ninth day, before the battle began. Duryodhana was closeted with the grandsire. He gave vent to his bitter feelings of disappointment over the way the battle was going. He uttered words which were like the sharp spears and pained the grandsire greatly but the latter was patient, and said sadly: "Like ghee on the sacrificial fire I am pouring my life out for you.Why do you seek to mortify me, who have been doing my very utmost for you? You speak like a man of no understanding, not knowing what is right and what is wrong. They say that, when a man is nearing his death, the tree appears to him to be made of gold. You see things now, not as they are; your vision is clouded. You are now reaping the harvest of the hatred you deliberately sowed. The best course for you is to go on fighting, as well as you can. This is also the plain path of duty. It is not possible for me to fight Sikhandin, for I can never raise my hand against a woman. Nor can I with my hands kill the Pandavas, for my mind revolts against it. I will do everything barring these two and fight all the warriors opposed to you. Nothing is gained by losing heart. Fight as a kshatriya should and honour will be yours whatever the events." Saying thus to Duryodhana and cheering him up with wise and affectionate words, Bhishma proceeded to issue instructions for arraying the forces for the day's battle. 
Duryodhana was heartened. He sent for Duhsasana and said to him: "Brother, put forth all our strength in today's battle. I am convinced, the grandsire is fighting on our side with his whole heart. It is only against Sikhandin, he says, that he cannot use his weapons. We should see that he is not exposed to Sikhandin's attacks, for you know, even a wild dog can kill a lion if the latter scorns to fight back." There was a great fight between Abhimanyu and Alambasa. Abhimanyu demonstrated that his valour was no less than his illustrious father's. Alambasa had to flee on foot to save himself. There were fierce combats between Satyaki and Aswatthama and between Drona and Arjuna. Thereafter, all the Pandavas attacked the grandsire and Duryodhana sent Duhsasana to support the old warrior. 
Bhishma fought furiously and beat the Pandavas back. The Pandava forces were thoroughly demoralised and were flying hither and thither, like cattle that had lost their way in the forest. Krishna halted the chariot and said to Arjuna: "Partha, you and your brothers were looking forward to this day, after thirteen years. Do not hesitate to kill the grandsire. Remember the duty of a soldier." Arjuna bent his head down and, without looking up, replied: "I would much rather have continued to be an exile in the forest than kill the grandsire and the teachers whom I love, but I shall obey you. Drive on." Arjuna's heart was not in the fight. Unwillingly and in great distress of mind, he proceeded to the combat. Bhishma, on the other hand, burnt fiercely like the noonday sun. When the army saw Arjuna's chariot proceed towards Bhishma, it regained courage and order once again prevailed. Bhishma's arrows came thick and fast and covered the advancing chariot so completely that neither horses nor vehicles could be seen. Krishna was unperturbed and drove on with circumspection and skill. Arjuna's shafts hit Bhishma's bow and shattered it many times. But the grandsire went on renewing his weapon. "You are not fighting, Arjuna, as you should!" exclaimed Krishna, and jumped down in a rage from the chariot and, taking up his discus, he advanced towards the grandsire. Bhishma saw Vasudeva approaching. "Hail, O Lotus-eyed One!" he cried. "Blessed am I to be separated from the body by you! Come, come!" Arjuna jumped down from the chariot and, rushing forward overtook and held Krishna, casting both his arms round him. "Stop, Krishna," he cried. "Do not break your pledge. You have promised not to use weapons in this battle. This is my work. I shall not fail. I shall send my arrows and kill the beloved grandsire myself. Pray, mount the car and take the reins." Arjuna took Krishna back and the battle was resumed. The Pandava forces had been handled roughly, but now the sun was down in the west and the fighting ended for the day. 


THE PASSING OF BHISHMA 
It was the tenth day of the battle. Keeping Sikhandin in front of him. Arjuna attacked Bhishma. When Sikhandin's darts pierced his breast, sparks flew from the grandsire's eyes. For a moment the old warrior's anger rose like flaming fire and his eyes glared as if to consume Sikhandin. But, at once, the grandsire restrained himself. He decided not to be provoked into lighting Sikhandin, who was born a woman and to strike whom it seemed unworthy of a warrior. He knew, however, his end was near and calmed himself. Sikhandin went on discharging his arrows, not minding the battle of emotions in his opponent's mind. Arjuna also steeled his heart, and from behind Sikhandin aimed arrows at the weak points in Bhishma's armour, even while the grandsire stood still. Bhishma smiled as the arrows continued to come down thick on him, and turning to Duhsasana, said: "Ah, these are Arjuna's arrows! These cannot be Sikhandin's, for they burn my flesh as the crab's young ones tear their mother's body." Thus did the grandsire look upon his dear pupil's arrows and, while saying this to Duhsasana, he took up a javelin and hurled it at Arjuna. 
Arjuna met it with three arrows which cut it to pieces, even as it was speeding through the air. Bhishma then decided to end the combat and made as if to dismount from his chariot, sword and shield in hand, but before he could do so, his shield was cut to pieces by Arjuna's arrows. With arrows sticking all over his body so thickly that there was not even an inch of intervening space, Bhishma fell headlong to the ground from his chariot. As he fell, the gods, who looked on from above, folded their hands in reverent salutation and a gentle breeze, laden with fragrance and cool raindrops, swept over the battlefield. Thus fell the great and good Bhishma, the son of Ganga-Ganga, who came on earth to hallow it and all it bears. The blameless hero who, unasked made the great renunciation to give joy to his father, the undefeated bowman who had humbled the pride of Rama of the axe, the selfless worker for righteousness sake, thus repaid his debt to Duryodhana, and lay wounded to death sanctifying with his life-blood the battlefield. As the grandsire fell, the hearts of the Kauravas also fell along with him. 
Bhishma's body did not touch the ground, on account of the arrows sticking out all over his body. His body shone more brightly than ever before, as it lay as on a bed of honour, supported by the shafts that had pierced his flesh. Both armies ceased fighting and all the warriors came running and crowded round the great hero, who lay on his bed of arrows. The kings of the earth stood with bowed heads round him, as the gods round Brahma. "My head bangs down unsupported," said the grandsire. The princes who stood near, ran and brought cushions. The old warrior rejected them with a smile and, turning towards Arjuna said: "Dear son Partha, give me a cushion befitting a warrior." When Arjuna, whose arrows were just then bunting the grandsire's flesh, heard those words addressed to him, he took three arrows from out of his quiver and so placed them that the grandsire's head found support on their points. "Princes," said Bhishma addressing the assembled chiefs, "Arjuna's arrows were indeed what my head required to be supported on. This pillow gives me satisfaction. Now, I must lie thus until the sun turns north. My soul will not depart till then. When I pass away, those of you who may be alive then may come and see me." 
Then the grandsire turned again to Arjuna and said: "I am tormented with thirst. Get me some drinking water." At once, Arjuna raised his bow, and drawing it to the ear, shot a shaft down into the earth near the grandsire on his right side. Up the opening made by the arrow, there gushed a stream of pure sweet water to the very lips of the dying man. Ganga came up, says the poet, to quench her dear son's burning thirst. Bhishma drank and was happy. "Duryodhana, may you be wise!" said Bhishma addressing the Kaurava prince. "Did you see how Arjuna brought me water to quench my thirst? Who else in this world can do such a deed? Make peace with him without further delay. May the war cease with my exit. Listen to me, son, make peace with the Pandavas." The grandsire's words did not please Duryodhana. Even when dying, the patient does not like medicine. He objects to the bitter taste. All the princes retired to their camps."

TO SEIZE YUDHISHTHIRA ALIVE 
As soon as Drona assumed command of the Kaurava forces, Duryodhana, Karna and Duhsasana sat in council and decided on a plan, and Duryodhana went to Dronacharya to put it in operation. "Acharya, we desire that you capture Yudhishthira alive and give him over to us. We desire nothing more, not even a total victory. If you achieve this for us, we shall all be exceedingly satisfied with your conduct of the war." When Drona heard Duryodhana address him thus, great was his joy, for he hated the very idea of slaying the Pandava brothers. Even though, to fulfil his obligation, the acharya loyally joined the Kaurava side against the Pandavas, he loved the sons of Kunti and especially the pure-minded Yudhishthira. So, when he heard Duryodhana request that Yudhishthira should be captured alive, he felt greatly relieved. "Duryodhana, may you be blessed!" Acharya said. "Do you too wish to abstain from killing Yudhishthira? How it gladdens my heart! Truly, Yudhishthira is one without an enemy and the name Ajatasatru, which the people have given to Kunti's eldest son, has been justified by your great decision. When even you have made up your mind that he should not be killed but should be captured alive, his unrivalled glory has become ten times enhanced." "I see, dear Duryodhana, what you intend," Drona continued. "You wish to defeat the Pandavas in battle and then give them their share in the kingdom and live in peace and amity with them. I see this clearly from your desire to capture Yudhishthira alive." Drona was exceedingly glad and he said again: "Indeed Yudhishthira is the most fortunate man on earth. The gods are showering their favours on Kunti's good son. So has he won the hearts of even enemies." But Duryodhana's motives in wishing to take Yudhishthira alive were far different, and as soon as Drona acceded to his proposal and gave his pledge that he would do his best to capture Yudhishthira, he began to reveal his real intentions. If Yudhishthira were slain, nothing would be gained by it, and the anger of the Pandavas would be all the greater. The battle would rage more fiercely than before, and Duryodhana knew that it would only mean the utter defeat of his army. Even if the fight were to be continued relentlessly until both armies were destroyed, Krishna would still remain alive and he would put either Draupadi or Kunti in sovereign possession of the kingdom. What then was the point in killing Yudhishthira? On the other hand, if Yudhishthira was captured alive Duryodhana thought, the war would end more speedily and victoriously for the Kauravas. Thereafter, he could surely play on Yudhishthira's goodness and his loyalty to the traditional code of kshatriya conduct. It was pretty certain he could be drawn into the battle of dice again and sent to the forests once more. Ten days of fighting had demonstrated to Duryodhana that further fighting would only result in the destruction of the race, not the fulfillment of the desires. When Duryodhana made his motives clear to Drona, the acharya was greatly disappointed and he cursed Duryodhana in his heart. But whatever the reason for it, he was glad that Yudhishthira was not to be killed. The news that Drona had given a solemn assurance to Duryodhana that he would take Yudhishthira prisoner, was carried by their spies to the Pandava army. The Pandavas knew that, when the acharya was determined on something and gave his pledged word for executing it, his unrivalled eminence in the art of war and his valour made it a most serious affair. So, they soon got busy and so arrayed the forces that Yudhishthira was never left unsupported. Whatever movements might take place, they always took care to leave sufficient protection against any surprise attack on Yudhishthira. In the first day's battle under the leadership of Drona, the acharya amply demonstrated his great skill and energy. He moved about destroying the Pandava forces like a fire burning up dry logs. His rapid movements made the Pandava army feel as if Drona was everywhere at the same time showering arrows like rain and converting the battlefield into a stage for the dance of the God of Death. He cut the Pandava army in twain where Dhrishtadyumna stood. Many were the single combats among renowned warriors. There was a fierce battle between Sahadeva and Sakuni skilled in illusion-warfare. When their chariots broke, they alighted on the ground and, like two bills sprung to life and motion, they struck each other with maces and closed with one another in single combat. Between Bhima and Vivimsati there was a great battle in which chariots were broken on both sides. Salya fought his nephew Nakula and harassed him exceedingly, smiling most provokingly all the time. But, in the end, Salya had his car smashed and his flag brought down, and he withdrew, admitting defeat. Between Kripacharya and Dhrishtaketu there was a battle in which the latter was worsted. So also was there fierce fighting between Satyaki and Kritavarma and between Virata and Karna. Abhimanyu's valour was also demonstrated as he fought Paurava, Kritavarma, Jayadratha and Salya single-handed and made them withdraw. Then there was a great combat between Salya and Bhimasena in which Salya was defeated and made to retire. The Kaurava forces began to lose courage and the Pandava army, who saw this, attacked the Kaurava army with renewed energy and broke its ranks. When Drona saw this, he decided to restore lost morale by leading a straight attack on Yudhishthira. His golden chariot went forward, drawn by four noble Sindhu horses, in the direction of Yudhishthira. Yudhishthira answered with barbed arrows, feathered with eagle-feathers. But Drona did not mind, and advanced at great speed. Yudhishthira's bow was cut down and Drona was coming very near. Dhrishtadyumna tried to intercept Drona but in vain. The whole army shouted: "Yudhishthira has been taken!" So near came Drona. Suddenly, then, Arjuna appeared on the battlefield, the earth rumbling under the wheels of his chariot, as it coursed swiftly over the bloody field, over bones and bodies lying in heaps. Drona held back, for Arjuna had come on the scene. Gandiva issued a continuous stream of arrows. No one could see the shafts taken out of the quiver or placed in position. It seemed as if, from out of the great how, an unending flood of arrows issued without intermission. The battlefield was darkened by flying missiles. Drona retreated. Yudhishthira was not taken. The battle was stopped for the day and the Kaurava forces went to their camp in a chastened mood. The Pandava army marched proudly to camp and behind them walked Kesava* and Arjuna conversing. Thus closed the eleventh day of the battle."

Bhagavad Gita: Verses 39 - 40 from chapter 4 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video. 

Link: https://youtu.be/7xGmogtZ-uA

Aarathi: We assembled at the main prayer hall for Aarathi and pledge. 

Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama Sivakumar 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas 

Apr 12, 2024 - Grade 6 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents, 




Please find the below update from our class on Friday April 12th, 2024.

 

Class began with Opening Prayers  - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..

Śri Ganeshaya Namah!

Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!

Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!




Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)

We recited  the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:

•    Karagre Vasate
•    Samudra Vasane
•    Gange cha Yamune
•    Sarasvati Namastubhyam
•    Brahmaarpanam
•    Shubham Karoti
•    Kara-charana-krtam vak

Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.

Mahabharata Summary:

THE SIXTH DAY 
According to Yudhishthira's order Dhrishtadyumna arrayed the Pandava army in makara* formation for the sixth day's battle. The Kaurava army was arrayed in krauncha  formation. Vyuha was the general name for battle array. Which vyuha was best for any particular occasion, depended on the requirements of the offensive and defensive plans of the day. What the strength and composition of the forces arrayed should be and what positions they should take up were decided upon, according to the situation as it developed from time to time. The sixth day was marked by a prodigious slaughter, even in the first part of the morning. Drona's charioteer was killed and Drona took the reins of the horses himself and used his bow as well. Great was the destruction he effected. He went about like fire among cotton heaps. 
The formations of both armies were soon broken and indiscriminate and fierce fighting went on. Blood flowed in torrents and the field was covered by dead bodies of soldiers, elephants and horses and the debris of chariots. Bhimasena pierced the enemy's lines to seek out Duryodhana's brothers and finish them. They, for their part, did not wait to be sought, but rushed on him, in a combined attack from all sides. He was attacked by Duhsasana, Durvishaha, Durmata, Jaya, Jayatsena, Vikarna, Chitrasena, Sudarsana, Charuchitra, Suvarma, Dushkarna and others, all together. Bhimasena, who did not know what fear was, stood up and fought them all. They desired to take him prisoner and he to kill them all on the spot. The battle raged fiercely, even like the ancient battle between the gods and the asuras. 
Suddenly, the son of Pandu lost his patience and jumped down from his chariot, mace in hand, and made straight on foot for the sons of Dhritarashtra, in hot haste to slay them. When Dhrishtadyumna saw Bhima's chariot disappear in the enemy lines, he was alarmed and rushed to prevent disaster. He reached Bhima's car, but found it was occupied only by the charioteer and Bhima was not in it. With tears in his eyes, he asked the charioteer: "Visoka, where is Bhima dearer to me than life?" Dhrishtadyumna naturally thought Bhima had fallen. Visoka bowed and said to the son of Drupada: "The son of Pandu asked me to stay here and, without waiting for my reply, rushed forward on foot, mace in hand, into the enemy ranks." 
Fearing that Bhima would be overpowered and killed, Drishtadyumna drove his chariot into the enemy lines in search of Bhimasena, whose path was marked by the bodies of slain elephants. When Dhrishtadyumna found Bhima, he saw him surrounded on all sides by enemies fighting from their chariots. Bhima stood against them all, mace in hand, wounded all over and breathing fire. Dhrishtadyumna embraced him and took him into his chariot and proceeded to pick out the shafts that had stuck in his body. Duryodhana now ordered his warriors to attack Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna and not to wait for them to attack or challenge. Accordingly, they made a combined attack even though they were not inclined to engage themselves in further fighting.Dhrishtadyumna had a secret weapon, which he had obtained from Dronacharya and, discharging it, threw the enemy forces into a stupor. But Duryodhana then joined the fray and discharged weapons to counter the stupor weapons of Dhrishtadyumna. Just then, reinforcements sent by Yudhishthira arrived. A force of twelve chariots with their equipage led by Abhimanyu came upon the scene to support Bhima. Dhrishtadyumna was greatly relieved when he saw this. Bhimasena had also by now refreshed himself and was ready to renew the fight. He got into Kekaya's chariot and took his position along with the rest. Drona, however, was terrible that day. He killed Dhrishtadyumna's charioteer and horses and smashed his chariot and Drupada's son had to seek a place in Abhimanyu's car. 
The Pandava forces began to waver and Drona was cheered on by the Kaurava Army. Indiscriminate mass fighting and slaughter went on that day. At one time, Bhima and Duryodhana met face to face. The usual exchange of hot words took place and was followed by a great battle of archery. Duryodhana was hit and fell unconscious. Kripa extricated him with great skill and took him away in his own chariot. Bhishma personally arrived at the spot now and led the attack and scattered the Pandava forces. The sun was sinking, but the battle continued for an hour and the fighting was fierce and many thousands perished. Then the day's battle ceased. Yudhishthira was glad that Dhrishtadyumna and Bhima returned to camp alive.

THE SEVENTH DAY 
Duryodhana, wounded all over and suffering greatly, went to Bhishma and said: "The battle had been going against us every day. Our formations are broken and our warriors are being slain in large numbers. You are looking on doing nothing." The grandsire soothed Duryodhana with comforting words: "Why do you let yourself be disheartened? Here are all of us-Drona, Salya, Kritavarma, Aswatthama, Vikarna, Bhagadatta, Sakuni, the two brothers of Avanti, the Trigarta chief, the king of Magadha, and Kripacharya. When these great warriors are here, ready to give up their lives for you, why should you feel downhearted? Get rid of this mood of dejection." Saying this, he issued orders for the day. "See there," the grandsire said to Duryodhana, "These thousands of cars, horses and horsemen, great war elephants, and those armed foot soldiers from various kingdoms are all ready to fight for you. With this fine army, you can vanquish even the gods. Fear not." 
Thus cheering up the dejected Duryodhana, he gave him a healing balm for his wounds. Duryodhana rubbed it over his numerous wounds and felt relieved. He went to the field, heartened by the grandsire's words of confidence. The army was that day arrayed in circular formation. With each war elephant were seven chariots fully equipped. Each chariot was supported by seven horsemen. To each horseman were attached ten shield bearers. Everyone wore armour. Duryodhana stood resplendent like Indra at the centre of this great and well-equipped army. 
Yudhishthira arrayed the Pandava army in vajravyuha. This day's battle was fiercely fought simultaneously in many sectors. Bhishma personally opposed Arjuna's attacks. Drona and Virata were engaged with each other at another point. Sikhandin and Aswatthama fought a big battle in another sector. Duryodhana and Dhrishtadyumna fought with each other at yet another point. Nakula and Sahadeva attacked their uncle Salya. The Avanti kings opposed Yudhamanyu, while Bhimasena opposed Kritavarma, Chitrasena, Vikama and Durmarsha. There were great battles between Ghatotkacha and Bhagadatta, between Alambasa and Satyaki, between Bhurisravas and Dhrishtaketu, between Yudhishthira and Srutayu and between Chekitana and Kripa. In the battle between Drona and Virata, the latter was worsted and he had to climb into the chariot of his son Sanga, having lost his own chariot, horses and charioteer. Virata's sons Uttara and Sveta had fallen in the first day's battle. On this seventh day, Sanga also was slain just as his father came up to his side. 
Sikhandin, Drupada's son, was defeated by Aswatthama. His chariot was smashed and he jumped down and stood sword and shield in hand. Aswatthama aimed his shaft at his sword and broke it. Sikhandin then whirled the broken sword and hurled it at Aswatthama with tremendous force, but it was met by Aswatthama's arrow. Sikhandin, badly beaten, got into Satyaki's chariot and retired. In the fight between Satyaki and Alambasa, the former had the worst of it at first but later recovered ground and Alambasa had to flee. In the battle between Dhrishtadyumna and Duryodhana, the horses of the latter were killed and he had to alight from his chariot. He, however, continued the fight, sword in hand. 
Sakuni came then and took the prince away in his chariot. Kritavarma made a strong attack on Bhima but was worsted. He lost his chariot and horses and, acknowledging defeat, fled towards Sakuni's car, with Bhima's arrows sticking all over him, making him look like a porcupine speeding away in the forest. Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti were defeated by Yudhamanyu, and their armies were completely destroyed. Bhagadatta attacked Ghatotkacha and put to flight all his supporters. But, alone, Ghatotkacha stood and fought bravely, but in the end, he too had to save himself by flight, which gladdened the whole Kaurava army. Salya attacked his nephews. Nakula's horses were killed and he had to join his brother in the latter's chariot. Both continued the fight from the same car. Salya was hit by Sahadeva's arrow and swooned. The charioteer skilfully drove the car away and saved Salya. When the Madra king* was seen retreating from the field Duryodhana's army lost heart and the twin sons of Madri blew their conches in triumph and, taking advantage of the situation, inflicted heavy damage on Salya's forces. 
At noon, Yudhishthira led an attack on Srutayu. The latter's well-aimed arrows intercepted Dharmaputra's missiles, and his armour was pierced and he was severely wounded. Yudhishthira then lost his temper and sent a powerful arrow which pierced Srutayu's breast-plate. That day, Yudhishthira was not his normal self and burnt with anger. Srutayu's charioteer and horses were killed and the chariot was smashed and he had to flee on foot from the field. This completed the demoralisation of Duryodhana's army. In the attack on Kripa, Chekitana, losing his chariot and charioteer, alighted and attacked Kripa's charioteer and horses with mace in hand and killed them. Kripa also alighted, and standing on the ground, discharged his arrows. Chekitana was badly hit. He then whirled his mace and hurled it at Kripacharya, but the latter was able to intercept it with his own arrow. Thereupon, they closed with each other, sword in hand. Both were wounded and fell on the ground, when Bhima came and took Chekitana away in his chariot. 
Sakuni similarly took wounded Kripa away in his car. Ninety-six arrows of Dhrishtaketu struck Bhurisravas, and the great warrior was like a sun radiating glory, as the arrows, all sticking in his breast-plate, shone bright around his radiant face. Even in that condition, he compelled Dhrishtaketu to admit defeat and retire. Three of Duryodhana's brothers attacked Abhimanyu who inflicted a heavy defeat on them but spared their lives, because Bhima had sworn to kill them. Thereupon, Bhishma attacked Abhimanyu. Arjuna saw this and said to his illustrious charioteer: "Krishna, drive the car towards Bhishma." At that moment, the other Pandavas also joined Arjuna, but the grandsire was able to hold his own against all five until the sunset and the battle was suspended for the day, and the warriors of both sides, weary and wounded, retired to their tents for rest and for having their injuries attended to. After this, for an hour, soft music was played, soothing the warriors to their rest. That hour was spent, says the poet, without a word about war or hatred and was an hour of heavenly bliss, and it was a glad sight to see. One can see herein what the great lesson of the Mahabharata is."

Bhagavad Gita: Verses 31 - 38 from chapter 4 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video. 

Link: https://bit.ly/BGChapter4Playlist?authuser=1

Class Reflection:

The children paid attention and asked several pertinent questions. They were intrigued by the war strategy and the weapons used by the warriors during the Mahabharata war. They compared it to modern day warfare and discussed it. We continued our discussion on the different army formations as the children seemed to be really interested in understanding that. 

Aarathi: We assembled at the main prayer hall. The 7th graders performed their monthly program. It was followed by Pledge.

Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.

Thank you! See you back on Friday Apr 19th, 2024.

Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama Sivakumar 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas 

Apr 5, 2024 - Grade 6 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents, 




Please find the below update from our class on Friday April 5th, 2024.

 

Class began with Opening Prayers  - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..

Śri Ganeshaya Namah!

Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!

Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!




Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)

We recited  the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:

•    Karagre Vasate
•    Samudra Vasane
•    Gange cha Yamune
•    Sarasvati Namastubhyam
•    Brahmaarpanam
•    Shubham Karoti
•    Kara-charana-krtam vak

As per our curriculum, we proceeded to learn the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page #39). We recited Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page 40) all verses in the class. We learnt to chant the Mahishasuramardini Stotram (verses 1-8).

Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.

Mahabharata Summary:

Fourth day of the battle
On the fourth day, Bhishma arrayed the Kaurava forces again. Surrounded by Drona, Duryodhana and others, the grandsire looked verily like great Indra, holding his thunderbolt surrounded by the devas. Arjuna watched the hostile movements from his chariot, whereon the Hanuman flag was waving, and he too got ready. The battle commenced. Aswatthama, Bhurisravas, Salya, Chitrasena and the son of Chala surrounded Abhimanyu and attacked him. The warrior fought like a lion opposing five elephants. Arjuna saw this combined attack on his son and, with a wrathful lion-roar joined his son where the tempo of fighting flared up. Dhrishtadyumna also arrived with a large force. The son of Chala was killed. Chala himself now joined and he, with Salya, made a strong attack on Dhrishtadyumna. The latter's bow was severed into two by a sharp missile discharged by Salya. Abhimanyu saw this and sent a shower of arrows on Salya and put him in such danger that Duryodhana and his brothers rushed to Salya's help. Bhimasena also appeared on the scene at this juncture. 
When Bhima raised his mace aloft, Duryodhana's brothers quailed. Duryodhana, who saw this, was exceedingly angry and immediately charged at Bhima with a large force of elephants. As soon as Bhima saw the elephants coming up, he descended from his chariot, iron mace in hand, attacked them so fiercely that they scattered in a wild stampede, throwing the Kaurava ranks into disorder. The slaughtered mammoths lay dead on the field like great hills. Those that escaped fled in panic and caused great havoc in the Kaurava army, trampling numerous soldiers in their wild career. 
Duryodhana, thereupon, ordered a wholesale attack on Bhima, but he stood firm as a rock and presently, the Pandava warriors came up and joined him. A number of Duryodhana's arrows struck Bhima's chest and he climbed up his chariot again. Bhima's arrows would have killed Duryodhana then and there, had it not been for his armour. Eight of Duryodhana's brothers were slain in that day's battle by Bhima. Duryodhana fought fiercely. Bhima's bow was smashed by one of Duryodhana's arrows. Taking up a fresh bow, Bhima sent an arrow with a knife edge at Duryodhana which cut the latter's bow into two. Not baffled by this, Duryodhana took up a fresh bow and discharged a well-aimed shaft which struck Bhima on his chest with such force that he reeled and sat down. The Pandava warriors now poured a great shower of arrows on Duryodhana. 
Ghatotkacha, who saw his father sit dazed with the force of the blow, got exceedingly angry and fell on the Kaurava army, which was unable to stand against his onslaught. The grandsire ordered his army to retire for the night. Duryodhana sat musing in his tent, his eyes filled with tears. He had lost many of his brothers in that day's battle. Dhritarashtra, on hearing the narration from Sanjaya, was plunged into great grief.

Fifth day of the battle
When Sanjaya related the happenings of the great battle on the fifth day, Dhritarashtra lamented, unable to bear his grief. Sanjaya tried to calm the king. He reminded the king that since the Pandavas rested on the strength of a just cause, they won. But his sons, although brave, their thoughts were wicked. They had done great injustice to the Pandavas, and were reaping the harvest of their sins. 
When the fighting was stopped on the evening of the fourth day, Duryodhana went by himself to Bhishma's tent and, bowing reverently, asked him what was the mystery behind this daily defeat of our army at the hands of the Pandavas, although their army had the best of warriors. Bhishma replied that he had advised Duryodhana to make peace with the Pandavas, but he had disregarded it. Duryodhana had wronged the Pandavas and was reaping the results of his past actions. Bhishma said that the Pandavas were protected by Krishna himself. He reminded Duryodhana that Destruction awaited him if he insulted Dhananjaya and Krishna, who were none other than Nara and Narayana.
Duryodhana took leave and went to his tent, but he could not sleep that night. The battle resumed the next morning. Bhishma arrayed the Kaurava forces in a strong formation; so did Dhrishtadyumna, the Pandava army. Bhima stood at the head of the advance lines as usual, and Sikhandin, Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki stood behind, securely guarding the main body, aided by other generals. Dharmaputra and the twin brothers held the rear. Bhishma bent his bow and discharged his shafts. The Pandava army suffered greatly under the grandsire's attack. Dhananjaya saw this and retaliated by fierce shafts aimed at Bhishma. 
Drona's powerful attack on the Pandava army was too much for Satyaki who was meeting it and Bhima, therefore turned his attention to Drona. The battle grew fiercer still. Drona, Bhishma and Salya made a combined attack on Bhima. Sikhandin supported Bhima by pouring a shower of arrows on Bhishma. As soon as Sikhandin stepped in, Bhishma turned away, for Sikhandin was born a girl, and Bhishma's principles did not permit him to attack a woman. In the end, this same objection proved to be the cause of Bhishma's death. When Drona saw Bhishma turn away, he attacked Sikhandin fiercely and compelled him to withdraw.  
In the afternoon, Duryodhana sent a large force to oppose Satyaki. But Satyaki destroyed it completely and advanced to attack Bhurisravas. Bhurisravas, who was a powerful opponent, put Satyaki's men to fight, and pressed Satyaki himself so fiercely that he was in distress. Satyaki's ten sons saw their father's plight and sought to relieve him by launching an offensive against Bhurisravas, but Bhurisravas undaunted by numbers, opposed the combined attack and was not to be shaken. His well-aimed darts broke their weapons and they were all slain, strewn on the field like so many tall trees struck down by lightning. Satyaki, wild with rage and grief, drove forward at a furious pace to slay Bhurisravas. The chariots of the two warriors dashed against each other and crumbled to pieces and the warriors stood face to face with sword and shield in desperate single combat. Then, Bhima came and took away Satyaki by force into his chariot and drove away, for Bhima knew that Bhurisravas was an unrivalled swordsman and he did not want Satyaki to be slain. Arjuna killed thousands of warriors that evening. The soldiers, despatched against him by Duryodhana, perished like moths in the fire. As the sun went down and Bhishma gave orders to cease fighting, the princes of the Pandava army surrounded Arjuna and greeted him with loud cries of admiration and victory. The armies on both sides retired to camp along with the tired horses and elephants.

Bhagavad Gita: Verses 22 - 30 from chapter 4 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video. 

Link: https://bit.ly/BGChapter4Playlist?authuser=1

Class Reflection:

The next topic that is assigned to the children is "Saints of India". They can make a powerpoint presentation or a poster board with the following details. 

• Life of the Saint (their life journey from young age onwards)
• From the teachings of the Saint, what was one key philosophical message that you liked
• Mention how you will adopt and follow the key message in your life

The presentation should be less than 10 minutes.If the children prefer to use powerpoint, please have them complete the slides and post it in google classroom. The children will be presenting during the last couple of weeks in May. Updated dates will be posted in google classroom.

Aarathi: We assembled at the main prayer hall for aarathi and concluding prayers.

Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.

Thank you! See you back on Friday Apr 12th, 2024.

Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama Sivakumar 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas 

Mar 22, 2024 - Grade 6 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents,

  This is a brief summary of our activities on Friday, March 22nd, 2024. Surprisingly there were only very few children who attended last week's session. We watched the movie "Little Krishna" in class. We then quizzed the children on what they had learnt on Mahabharata so far. Some of the questions included:

• Name 5 generals from the Pandava army
  
• Who led the Pandava army and why was he chosen as the Pandava Generalissimo?
  
• What was the significance of vyuha's or the army formations?
  
• Why was Bhishma not perturbed when Lord Krishna dashed forward towards him with his discus in hand?
  

The children enjoyed the activity and were able to remember the incidents and provided correct answers. For each correct response, they received a small gift.

The next topic that is assigned to them is "Saints of India". The assignment sheet has been shared in the google classroom.

The children can make a powerpoint presentation or a poster board with the following details

• Life of the Saint (their life journey from young age onwards)
• From the teachings of the Saint, what was one key philosophical message that you liked
• Mention how you will adopt and follow the key message in your life

The presentation should be about 5 minutes.If the children prefer to use powerpoint, please have them complete the slides and post it in google classroom before their assigned dates.

Arathi: Our class recited the arathi and pledge.

Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.

Thank you! See you back on Friday April 5, 2024.

Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama Sivakumar 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas 

  

Mar 15, 2024 - Grade 6 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents, 




Please find below update from our class on Friday March 15th, 2024.

 

Class began with Opening Prayers  - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..

Śri Ganeshaya Namah!

Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!

Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!




Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)

We recited  the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:

•    Karagre Vasate
•    Samudra Vasane
•    Gange cha Yamune
•    Sarasvati Namastubhyam
•    Brahmaarpanam
•    Shubham Karoti
•    Kara-charana-krtam vak

As per our curriculum, we proceeded to learn the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page #39). We recited Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page 40) all verses in the class. We then continued with our Mahabharata review. We learnt to chant the Mahishasuramardini Stotram (verses 1-7).

Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.

Mahabharata Summary: 3rd day of battle

On the morning of the third day, Bhishma arrayed his army in eagle formation and himself led it while Duryodhana and his forces protected the rear. Dhananjaya and Dhrishtadyumna decided in favour of a crescent formation of their army so as to cope with the eagle formation of the enemy's forces. On the right horn of the crescent stood Bhima and on the left Arjuna, leading the respective divisions. The battle began. Dhananjaya's attack was powerful but the enemy stood firm. A counter-attack was made by the Kauravas concentrating on Arjuna's position. 
At another point Sakuni led a large force against Satyaki and Abhimanyu. Satyaki's chariot was broken to shivers and he had to scramble up Abhimanyu's chariot and thereafter both fought from the same chariot. They were able to destroy Sakuni's forces. Drona and Bhishma jointly attacked Dharmaputra's division and Nakula and Sahadeva joined their brother in opposing Drona's offensive. Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha attacked Duryodhana's division. Bhima's shafts hit Duryodhana and he lay in a swoon in his chariot. His charioteer quickly drove the chariot away from the scene fearing that the forces would be completely demoralized if they saw that the prince had been disabled. But even this movement created great confusion. 
Bhimasena took full advantage of the position and worked havoc among the fleeing Kaurava forces. Drona and Bhishma who saw the confusion of the Kaurava army came up quickly and restored confidence. The scattered forces were brought together and Duryodhana was again seen leading them. Duryodhana was upset with Bhishma and asked Bhishma to honestly say what was in his mind since he loved the Pandavas very much. The chagrin of defeat, and the knowledge that the grandsire disapproved of his ways made Duryodhana speak thus bitterly, but Bhishma merely smiled and said that he had not approved of the war and had tried hard to prevent it. But Duryodhana had rejected his advice. He also added that he was fulfilling his duties to his utmost. Saying thus, the grandsire resumed his operations. The turn of events in the forenoon had been so much in their favour that the delighted Pandavas were now somewhat careless. They did not expect Bhishma to rally his forces and attack them again. But, stung by Duryodhana's reproaches, the grandsire raged about the field like a destroying fire. He rallied his men and delivered the most severe attack yet made on the Pandava army. The latter thought that the grandsire had multiplied himself into a number of Bhishma's fighting at several points: so swift were his movements that afternoon. Those who opposed him were struck down and perished like moths in the fire. 
The Pandava army was thoroughly broken and began to scatter. Vasudeva, Partha and Sikhandin tried hard to restore order and confidence, but were unsuccessful. Krishna now reminded Arjuna to attach the grandsire and to be true to his decision not to flinch from his duty to kill Bhishma, Drona and all the other friends and relatives and respected elders. Arjuna agreed and as Dhananjaya's chariot sped on towards Bhishma, it met a hot reception from the grandsire, who covered it with his arrows. But, Arjuna bent his bow and discharged three shafts which broke the grandsire's bow. Bhishma picked up another bow but it too met the same fate. The grandsire's heart was gladdened when he saw Arjuna's skill in archery and he poured shafts on Arjuna's chariot with unerring aim. Krishna was not happy at the way Arjuna met the attack. The grandsire's bow was working fiercely, but Arjuna's hands did not do their best, for his heart was not in it. He had too much regard for his great grandsire. Krishna thought that, if Arjuna went on like this, the army, which had been so badly demoralized already, would be utterly destroyed and all would be lost. Krishna managed the chariot skilfully, but in spite of it, both he and Arjuna were hit many times by Bhishma's arrows. 
Janardana's anger rose. He couldn't stand it any longer. Dropping the reins, he took up his discus and jumped down from the chariot and dashed forward towards Bhishma. Bhishma was ecstatic and welcomed Krishna to slain him. Arjuna was distressed to see this and he jumped down and ran after Krishna and entreated Krishna to turn back. Arjuna promised not to flinch again and persuaded Krishna to return. The chariot reins were again in Krishna's hands. Arjuna attacked the Kaurava forces furiously and thousands were slain by him. The Kauravas suffered a severe defeat on the evening of the third day.

Bhagavad Gita: Verses 12 - 21 from chapter 4 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video. 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwv-WSJSokEMDUAisk23c-TudJA6lE-pf

Class Reflection: Please encourage the children to read the chapter summaries posted in google classroom so they become familiar with the characters in Mahabharata, the different techniques and formations that were used during the battle every day. 

Aarathi: The second grade children performed a beautiful play as part of their monthly program. We concluded with reciting the pledge. 

Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.

Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama Sivakumar 

Friday Grade 6 sevikas