Hare Krsna!!!
Dear Parents,
Prayers: Radhika Mataji revised and taught new lines of Nrsimha Prayers.
[Note: please refer to the previous post for the lyrics and the audio.]
Story: We started hearing the story of Nrsimha Dev coming to save his great devotee Prahalad.
Two devotees named Jaya and Vijaya were the doorkeepers of Vaikunta-Loka. Once four boy-saints named Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumara and Sanatsujata came to pay homage to Sri Vishnu. . Jaya and Vijaya thinking them to be ordinary children stopped them from entering VaikuntaLoka. The saints were angry and cursed them to take birth in the material world (earth) below in the most sinful families(asuras). When they were falling, the sages being kind to them said that after three births, they will be able to return to their original positon in Vaikunta.
Due to their offense to the saints, Jaya and Vijaya were born as twin Rakshasas, Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha in Satya-Yuga and Ravana and Kumbhakarna in Treta-Yuga and Sisuphala and Dantavakra in Dvapara-Yuga. They were born as the enemies of Lord Vishnu.
When Hiranyaksha tried to stop Lord Vishnu from lifting Mother earth from the ocean, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha and killed Hiranyaksha.
Lord Narasimha appeared to protect His devotee Prahalad from his demoniac father Hiranyakashipu and killed him.
Ravana and Kumbhakarna were killed by Sri Ramachandra. Shishupala and Dantavakra, were killed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Finally, they were freed from the curse and returned to Vaikunta.
Birth of Prahalad:
When the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared as the boar and killed Hiraṇyakaśipu’s brother Hiraṇyākṣa, Hiraṇyakaśipu was very much aggrieved. After the death of Hiranyaksha,Hiranyakasipu furious with the humans and the Devas, lead his army of asuras to attack them. However the Devas fought and won Hiranyakasipu and his men. Hiranyakasipu came to know that every time, Lord Vishnu helped the Devas to fight him back.Hiraṇyakaśipu wanted to become more powerful and immortal. Hiranyakashipu was the king of the demons and he wanted to be immortal and more powerful than Lord Vishnu. So, he went to Mandara Hill to meditate upon Lord Brahma to get powers and to become immortal.
Meanwhile, the demigods used the oppurtunity to kill the demons. Lord Indra, King of Heavens took pregnant Kayadhu, wife of Hiranyakashipu to kill the child in her womb. Sage Narada stopped Lord Indra and took Kayadhu to his ashram. There, he taught her about the transcendental knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu and the child in her womb also heard Sage Narada's teachings.
Because of Hiranyakashipu's intense penance, his body became skeleton and the whole world became very hot, Lord Brahma appeared to pacify Hiranyakashipu. Lord Brahma sprinkled his kamandala water and Hiranyakashipu regained his body and Lord Brahma said to Hiranyakashipu that he was very happy with Hiranyakashipu's penance and asked him what boon did he want.
Hiranyakashipu asked that he wanted to be immortal, but Lord Brahma said that everyone who had born would certainly die. So, Lord Brahma could not give him powers to be immortal. Hiranyakashipu was very upset hearing this and thought for a while and finally asked that
1. he should not be killed by a man or demigod or an animal
2. he should not be killed inside or outside a building
3. he should not be killed in the daytime or night time
4. he should not be killed by any kind of weapons man-made or devatas
5. he should not be killed on land, water or air
Lord Brahma gave the boon to Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu became very powerful and defeated the demigods and brought Kayadhu back home. They had a son named Prahalad. Hiranayakashipu lived in Indra's Palace and caused sacrifices to stop, made the demigods as his servants, disturbed sages. All the demigods prayed to Lord Vishnu for protection. Lord Vishnu pacified them to wait for some time until the time when His devotee Prahalad is tortured by Hiranyakashipu.
We will continue with the story in the next class.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.
Haribol!!
Gopala Class Teachers
Radhika Mataji
Amutha
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Lord Rama saves Sita Devi
Hare Krsna!!!
Dear Parents,
Below are the prayers we sing in our class.
Prayer:he krsna karunaa-sindho diina-bandho jagat-pate
gopesa gopikaa-kaanta raadhaa-kaanta namo'stu te
Translation: O my dear Krsna, You are the friend of the distressed and the source of creation. You are the master of the gopis and the lover of Radharani. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.
Guru Prayer:
om ajnana -timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaḿyena
tasmai sri-gurave namah
Translation: I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Vaisnava Prayer:
vaanchaa-kalpatarubhyaś ca
Finally, we concluded the class with coloring pictures.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.
Haribol!!!
Gopala Class Teachers
Radhika Mataji
Amutha
Dear Parents,
Below are the prayers we sing in our class.
Prayer:he krsna karunaa-sindho diina-bandho jagat-pate
gopesa gopikaa-kaanta raadhaa-kaanta namo'stu te
Translation: O my dear Krsna, You are the friend of the distressed and the source of creation. You are the master of the gopis and the lover of Radharani. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.
Guru Prayer:
om ajnana -timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaḿyena
tasmai sri-gurave namah
Translation: I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Vaisnava Prayer:
vaanchaa-kalpatarubhyaś ca
krpaa-sindhubhya eva ca
patitaanaam paavanebhyo
vaiṣṇavebhyo namo namah
Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto all the Vaisanava devotees of the Lord. They can fulfill the desires of everyone, just like desire trees, and they are full of compassion for the fallen souls.
Narasimha Prayer:
namas te narasiḿhāya
prahlādāhlāda-dāyine
hiraṇyakaśipor vakṣaḥ-
śilā-ṭańka-nakhālaye
ito nṛsiḿhaḥ parato nṛsiḿho
yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiḿhaḥ
bahir nṛsiḿho hṛdaye nṛsiḿho
nṛsiḿham ādiḿ śaraṇaḿ prapadye
Translation: I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stone like chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.Lord Nrsimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Nrsimha is there. He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Nrsimha, the origin of all things and the supreme refuge.
Video link: Nrsimha Prayerprahlādāhlāda-dāyine
hiraṇyakaśipor vakṣaḥ-
śilā-ṭańka-nakhālaye
ito nṛsiḿhaḥ parato nṛsiḿho
yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiḿhaḥ
bahir nṛsiḿho hṛdaye nṛsiḿho
nṛsiḿham ādiḿ śaraṇaḿ prapadye
Translation: I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stone like chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.Lord Nrsimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Nrsimha is there. He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Nrsimha, the origin of all things and the supreme refuge.
Story:
Once in Lanka, Ravana tried to convince Sita to stay in Lanka and be his queen. But Sita loved only Rama. Hearing this Ravana led Sita out of the palace and into a garden. He guarded her with many demons.
After learning from Jatayu that Sita had been taken by the demon king Ravana, Rama and Lakshmana gave Jatayu a proper funeral and began their search for Sita. They entered Kishkindha, the kingdom of the monkeys. Soon they came to a mountain where Sugreeva lived. He was the ruler of Kishkindha but had been forced out of the kingdom by his brother Vaali. Hanuman, a devoted follower of Sugreeva, guarded the entrance to the kingdom. Seeing the Ram and Lakshman approach, he ordered them to halt and asked for their purpose in the kingdom. After getting satisfactory answer, Hanuman took both of Them to see Sugreev. After meeting Ram and Lakshman, Sugreev promised to help them save Sita if they help him regain Kishkinda from his brother.Rama and Lakshmana did as they were asked. They defeated Sugreeva's brother and won back the throne. After the rainy season passed, Sugreev sent all his army in four directions in search of Sita for one month. At the end of the month, three of the four divisions returned with no word of Sita's whereabouts. Only Hanuman's division, who went south, had yet to return.
As Hanuman and his men searched for Sita, they met Sampaathi, brother of Jatayu and asked for his help in locating Sita. Sampaathi had sharp vision and he looked across the ocean and told them that Sita is in Ashoka garden near Ravana's palace.
Hanuman's army marched to the mighty ocean. There was no way they could cross this great body of water. Hanuman prayed for strength. Hanuman prayed to Rama. Then incredibly, he began to grow. He grew so huge that the ground began to shake. Only with the thought of serving Ram, Hanuman leapt into the sky to cross the ocean. On the horizon, he could see Lanka. As he approached the city, he changed back to his normal size. Once in Lanka, he set out to find Sita.
Soon he came upon Ravana's palace. He looked in each of the palace gardens, but he could not find Sita. How could he return without Sita or some word of her whereabouts. Then he saw a grove of trees. Beneath one of the trees was the most beautiful woman Hanuman had ever seen and was crying for Lord Ram repeatedly.
Hanuman looked around. He noticed that Sita was surrounded by many she-demons. Just as Hanuman was about approach her, he saw Ravana coming. The king of Lanka was sat on the ground next to Sita. He asked Sita to come live with him as his queen but Sita loved only Ram and requested him to let her go for she would ask Ram to spare his life, otherwise Ram will save her by killing all the demons including Ravana. Hearing this, Ravana went away from her angrily. Hanuman who was watching this hiding in the tree waited and waited until the she-demons guarding Sita were getting tired. One by one they fell asleep.
Here was his chance to speak to Sita. Hanuman approached her and knelt at her feet. He conveyed that Lord Ram sent him and showed her Ram's ring when Sita devi did not believe him. Seeing Lord Ram's ring, she gave Hanumal a jewel to take to Ram and tell Ram to come and save her.
Suddenly the demons awoke. They attacked Hanuman. He killed many and was captured and taken to the palace. Ravana ordered punishment by setting Hanuman's tail on fire. As the king's men wrapped Hanuman's tail in cloth to set it on fire he grew it longer and longer. The more they wrapped, the longer Hanuman grew his tail. Finally, with his long tail on fire, Hanuman flew into the sky. He decided to set the city of Lanka ablaze to punish Ravana. He flew low over the city and set each building, temple, palace and garden on fire. Flames shot high into the sky. As he flew over Ashoka garden he made sure Sita was safe. Then before he headed home, he put his tail in the ocean to put out the fire. Hanuman hurried back to tell Rama the good news. Without saying a word, Hanuman gave Rama Sita's jewel.
Meanwhile back at Lanka palace, Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, tried to save Sita's life. But Ravana would not listen to Vibhishana's wise words. Vibhishana warned again and left the palace and magically flew to Lord Rama's camp. Vibhishana declared that he is the brother of Ravana but left Lanka because he couldn't convince Ravana to return Sita.
Now Rama had to make a battle plan. Vibhishana told him that Ravana and his evil son, Indrajit, had great magical powers. His army was made up of millions of demons. For his honesty and bravery, Rama promised Vibhishana that he would become the new king of Lanka.
Rama stood on the shoreline of the great ocean and spoke to the ocean god for passage across the ocean. The ocean replied that he would support the bridge built by Lord Ram's army.With the help of the monkey army, Nala put up a bridge made of wood, rocks, and stones. Every creature helped in its own way. It took five days to complete the bridge to Lanka.
Rama, Hanuman, and the monkey army crossed the bridge by nightfall. On the morning of the fifth day, the great battle began. Each side suffered terrible losses. Blood filled the streets of Lanka. Bodies of fallen warriors were everywhere. Rama and Lakshmana fought gallantly. Hanuman was injured in a duel. Vibhishana showed great valor.
Indrajit, Ravana's son, rained poison arrows upon Rama and Lakshmana. So overwhelming was this attack, that the two brothers suffered many wounds. Rama and Lakshmana were bleeding heavily, but they fought on. Indrajit hurled even more powerful weapons at them. Each weapon took a new toll. Rama and Lakshmana fell to the ground unconscious. Vibhishana prayed to the gods for their safety.
While the monkey warriors stood by grief-stricken, the battle raged on without Rama and Lakshmana. Ravana's demons made themselves invisible and attacked the heart of the monkey army. Ravana's forces were merciless. Thousands were killed by unseen attackers.
With his remarkable strength, Hanuman smashed the skull of every visible enemy. He challenged any of Ravana's men to advance. Seeing Hanuman's great courage, the monkey-army rallied behind their leader and fought harder.
Ravana's army was losing its advantage. Angered by this news, he decided to join the battle. He climbed in his chariot and soared above Lanka in search of Rama. By now Rama and Lakshmana, having regained consciousness but still dazed, returned to the fight. Ravana viewed the battle scene from the clouds. Then he spotted Lakshmana. He aimed his magic bow and fired. The arrow cut through the air and struck Rama's brother in the chest. He collapsed. Hanuman rushed to Lakshmana's side. He gently lifted the wounded prince and carried him to safety.
Just when things were starting to look up for Rama's warriors, Indrajit returned to the battle. He was now invisible. All the monkey soldiers could hear was the mocking laughter of Indrajit as he soared over them. Indrajit's weapons took an enormous toll on the monkeys. By the time he returned to the palace, every monkey was either wounded or killed. Only Rama, Hanuman, and Vibhishana remained standing.
Then in a weakened voice, Jambuvan, one of the leaders of the army, said that there is still a way to regain advantage and defeat Ravana. Asked Hanuman to go to Kailasa Mountain to bring medicinal herbs before sunrise to save their army. Hanuman rose above the earth and flew off with great speed.
When he reached the mountain, he saw the hill that Jambuvan described. But he could not find the herbs. Realizing time was short, he uprooted the entire hill and carried it back to Lanka. Hanuman flew off balancing the hill in one hand.
When he returned to Lanka, the monkey warriors began inhaling the healing air of the herbs. One-by-one, they rose to their feet and regained their strength. Even Lakshmana recovered from his near-mortal wound. Hanuman returned the hill to its original place.
Using all their weapons, Rama, Lakshmana, Vibhishana, and Hanuman finally overpowered Indrajit. Ravana's son had fought long and hard, but now he was dead. Hearing of his son's death, Ravana decided now was the time to kill Rama and put an end to this bloodshed.
Arming himself with his most powerful weapons, Ravana left Lanka palace. He spotted Rama leading the monkey army toward the city gates. Ravana fired a magic arrow at Rama. Seeing the arrow, Rama split it with his own arrow. Ravana tried everything to overpower his foe. But each time, Rama had an answer. Rama reached for his most powerful weapon, the Brahma-missile. He fired the weapon at the on-rushing Ravana. The missile struck Ravana's chest and exploded. Ravana fell dead.
The devatas praised Rama. Vibhishana knelt at the body of his dead brother and burst into tears. Rama consoled Vibhishana and asked him to prepare the funeral rites for his brother. Following the funeral rite, Rama made Vibhishana the new king of Lanka.
Vibhishana's wife and maidens took Sita from the garden. Sita Devi was adorned with beautiful sari and jewels. Mother Sita could not wait to see her victorious husband. Rama entered the palace and Sita bowed at his feet. Then, they both returned to Ayodhya.
Lord Ram's coronation took place with great splendor. Rama gave priceless gifts to all his friends. He also gave an invaluable necklace and ornaments to Sitadevi. But she remembered the great help of Hanuman and gave them to him.
Once in Lanka, Ravana tried to convince Sita to stay in Lanka and be his queen. But Sita loved only Rama. Hearing this Ravana led Sita out of the palace and into a garden. He guarded her with many demons.
After learning from Jatayu that Sita had been taken by the demon king Ravana, Rama and Lakshmana gave Jatayu a proper funeral and began their search for Sita. They entered Kishkindha, the kingdom of the monkeys. Soon they came to a mountain where Sugreeva lived. He was the ruler of Kishkindha but had been forced out of the kingdom by his brother Vaali. Hanuman, a devoted follower of Sugreeva, guarded the entrance to the kingdom. Seeing the Ram and Lakshman approach, he ordered them to halt and asked for their purpose in the kingdom. After getting satisfactory answer, Hanuman took both of Them to see Sugreev. After meeting Ram and Lakshman, Sugreev promised to help them save Sita if they help him regain Kishkinda from his brother.Rama and Lakshmana did as they were asked. They defeated Sugreeva's brother and won back the throne. After the rainy season passed, Sugreev sent all his army in four directions in search of Sita for one month. At the end of the month, three of the four divisions returned with no word of Sita's whereabouts. Only Hanuman's division, who went south, had yet to return.
As Hanuman and his men searched for Sita, they met Sampaathi, brother of Jatayu and asked for his help in locating Sita. Sampaathi had sharp vision and he looked across the ocean and told them that Sita is in Ashoka garden near Ravana's palace.
Hanuman's army marched to the mighty ocean. There was no way they could cross this great body of water. Hanuman prayed for strength. Hanuman prayed to Rama. Then incredibly, he began to grow. He grew so huge that the ground began to shake. Only with the thought of serving Ram, Hanuman leapt into the sky to cross the ocean. On the horizon, he could see Lanka. As he approached the city, he changed back to his normal size. Once in Lanka, he set out to find Sita.
Soon he came upon Ravana's palace. He looked in each of the palace gardens, but he could not find Sita. How could he return without Sita or some word of her whereabouts. Then he saw a grove of trees. Beneath one of the trees was the most beautiful woman Hanuman had ever seen and was crying for Lord Ram repeatedly.
Hanuman looked around. He noticed that Sita was surrounded by many she-demons. Just as Hanuman was about approach her, he saw Ravana coming. The king of Lanka was sat on the ground next to Sita. He asked Sita to come live with him as his queen but Sita loved only Ram and requested him to let her go for she would ask Ram to spare his life, otherwise Ram will save her by killing all the demons including Ravana. Hearing this, Ravana went away from her angrily. Hanuman who was watching this hiding in the tree waited and waited until the she-demons guarding Sita were getting tired. One by one they fell asleep.
Here was his chance to speak to Sita. Hanuman approached her and knelt at her feet. He conveyed that Lord Ram sent him and showed her Ram's ring when Sita devi did not believe him. Seeing Lord Ram's ring, she gave Hanumal a jewel to take to Ram and tell Ram to come and save her.
Suddenly the demons awoke. They attacked Hanuman. He killed many and was captured and taken to the palace. Ravana ordered punishment by setting Hanuman's tail on fire. As the king's men wrapped Hanuman's tail in cloth to set it on fire he grew it longer and longer. The more they wrapped, the longer Hanuman grew his tail. Finally, with his long tail on fire, Hanuman flew into the sky. He decided to set the city of Lanka ablaze to punish Ravana. He flew low over the city and set each building, temple, palace and garden on fire. Flames shot high into the sky. As he flew over Ashoka garden he made sure Sita was safe. Then before he headed home, he put his tail in the ocean to put out the fire. Hanuman hurried back to tell Rama the good news. Without saying a word, Hanuman gave Rama Sita's jewel.
Meanwhile back at Lanka palace, Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, tried to save Sita's life. But Ravana would not listen to Vibhishana's wise words. Vibhishana warned again and left the palace and magically flew to Lord Rama's camp. Vibhishana declared that he is the brother of Ravana but left Lanka because he couldn't convince Ravana to return Sita.
Now Rama had to make a battle plan. Vibhishana told him that Ravana and his evil son, Indrajit, had great magical powers. His army was made up of millions of demons. For his honesty and bravery, Rama promised Vibhishana that he would become the new king of Lanka.
Rama stood on the shoreline of the great ocean and spoke to the ocean god for passage across the ocean. The ocean replied that he would support the bridge built by Lord Ram's army.With the help of the monkey army, Nala put up a bridge made of wood, rocks, and stones. Every creature helped in its own way. It took five days to complete the bridge to Lanka.
Rama, Hanuman, and the monkey army crossed the bridge by nightfall. On the morning of the fifth day, the great battle began. Each side suffered terrible losses. Blood filled the streets of Lanka. Bodies of fallen warriors were everywhere. Rama and Lakshmana fought gallantly. Hanuman was injured in a duel. Vibhishana showed great valor.
Indrajit, Ravana's son, rained poison arrows upon Rama and Lakshmana. So overwhelming was this attack, that the two brothers suffered many wounds. Rama and Lakshmana were bleeding heavily, but they fought on. Indrajit hurled even more powerful weapons at them. Each weapon took a new toll. Rama and Lakshmana fell to the ground unconscious. Vibhishana prayed to the gods for their safety.
While the monkey warriors stood by grief-stricken, the battle raged on without Rama and Lakshmana. Ravana's demons made themselves invisible and attacked the heart of the monkey army. Ravana's forces were merciless. Thousands were killed by unseen attackers.
With his remarkable strength, Hanuman smashed the skull of every visible enemy. He challenged any of Ravana's men to advance. Seeing Hanuman's great courage, the monkey-army rallied behind their leader and fought harder.
Ravana's army was losing its advantage. Angered by this news, he decided to join the battle. He climbed in his chariot and soared above Lanka in search of Rama. By now Rama and Lakshmana, having regained consciousness but still dazed, returned to the fight. Ravana viewed the battle scene from the clouds. Then he spotted Lakshmana. He aimed his magic bow and fired. The arrow cut through the air and struck Rama's brother in the chest. He collapsed. Hanuman rushed to Lakshmana's side. He gently lifted the wounded prince and carried him to safety.
Just when things were starting to look up for Rama's warriors, Indrajit returned to the battle. He was now invisible. All the monkey soldiers could hear was the mocking laughter of Indrajit as he soared over them. Indrajit's weapons took an enormous toll on the monkeys. By the time he returned to the palace, every monkey was either wounded or killed. Only Rama, Hanuman, and Vibhishana remained standing.
Then in a weakened voice, Jambuvan, one of the leaders of the army, said that there is still a way to regain advantage and defeat Ravana. Asked Hanuman to go to Kailasa Mountain to bring medicinal herbs before sunrise to save their army. Hanuman rose above the earth and flew off with great speed.
When he reached the mountain, he saw the hill that Jambuvan described. But he could not find the herbs. Realizing time was short, he uprooted the entire hill and carried it back to Lanka. Hanuman flew off balancing the hill in one hand.
When he returned to Lanka, the monkey warriors began inhaling the healing air of the herbs. One-by-one, they rose to their feet and regained their strength. Even Lakshmana recovered from his near-mortal wound. Hanuman returned the hill to its original place.
Using all their weapons, Rama, Lakshmana, Vibhishana, and Hanuman finally overpowered Indrajit. Ravana's son had fought long and hard, but now he was dead. Hearing of his son's death, Ravana decided now was the time to kill Rama and put an end to this bloodshed.
Arming himself with his most powerful weapons, Ravana left Lanka palace. He spotted Rama leading the monkey army toward the city gates. Ravana fired a magic arrow at Rama. Seeing the arrow, Rama split it with his own arrow. Ravana tried everything to overpower his foe. But each time, Rama had an answer. Rama reached for his most powerful weapon, the Brahma-missile. He fired the weapon at the on-rushing Ravana. The missile struck Ravana's chest and exploded. Ravana fell dead.
The devatas praised Rama. Vibhishana knelt at the body of his dead brother and burst into tears. Rama consoled Vibhishana and asked him to prepare the funeral rites for his brother. Following the funeral rite, Rama made Vibhishana the new king of Lanka.
Vibhishana's wife and maidens took Sita from the garden. Sita Devi was adorned with beautiful sari and jewels. Mother Sita could not wait to see her victorious husband. Rama entered the palace and Sita bowed at his feet. Then, they both returned to Ayodhya.
Lord Ram's coronation took place with great splendor. Rama gave priceless gifts to all his friends. He also gave an invaluable necklace and ornaments to Sitadevi. But she remembered the great help of Hanuman and gave them to him.
Finally, we concluded the class with coloring pictures.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.
Haribol!!!
Gopala Class Teachers
Radhika Mataji
Amutha
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Sita Devi's abduction
Hare Krsna !!!
Last week,
We started learning a new prayer about Lord Narasimha as we are approaching Narasimha chaturdasi on May 23rd. The celebrations will be going on from May 23rd to May 26 (dances will be on May 26th, Sunday after Arati)
Prayers:
namas te narasiḿhāya
prahlādāhlāda-dāyine
hiraṇyakaśipor vakṣaḥ-
śilā-ṭańka-nakhālaye
ito nṛsiḿhaḥ parato nṛsiḿho
yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiḿhaḥ
bahir nṛsiḿho hṛdaye nṛsiḿho
nṛsiḿham ādiḿ śaraṇaḿ prapadye
Translation: I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stone like chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.
Lord Nrsimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Nrsimha is there. He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Nrsimha, the origin of all things and the supreme refuge.
Story: We heard the story of how Sita Devi is kidnapped by the demon King Ravana.
Last week,
We started learning a new prayer about Lord Narasimha as we are approaching Narasimha chaturdasi on May 23rd. The celebrations will be going on from May 23rd to May 26 (dances will be on May 26th, Sunday after Arati)
Prayers:
namas te narasiḿhāya
prahlādāhlāda-dāyine
hiraṇyakaśipor vakṣaḥ-
śilā-ṭańka-nakhālaye
ito nṛsiḿhaḥ parato nṛsiḿho
yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiḿhaḥ
bahir nṛsiḿho hṛdaye nṛsiḿho
nṛsiḿham ādiḿ śaraṇaḿ prapadye
Translation: I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stone like chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.
Lord Nrsimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Nrsimha is there. He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Nrsimha, the origin of all things and the supreme refuge.
Video link: Nrsimha Prayer
Story: We heard the story of how Sita Devi is kidnapped by the demon King Ravana.
After
Rama's departure, king Dasharatha, unable to bear the grief, passes away. Meanwhile, Bharata who was on a visit to
his maternal uncle, learns about the events in Ayodhya. Bharata refuses to
profit from his mother's wicked scheming and visits Rama in the forest. He
requests Rama to return and rule. But Rama, determined to carry out his
father's orders to the letter, refuses to return before the period of exile.
However, Bharata carries Rama's sandals, and keeps them on the throne, while he
rules as Rama's regent.
Rama, Sita and
Lakshmana journeyed southward along the banks of river Godavari, where they built cottages and lived off
the land. At the Panchavati forest they are
visited by a rakshasha woman, Surpanaka, the sister of Ravana. She attempts to
marry the brothers and, failing in this, attempts to kill Sita. Lakshmana
stops her by cutting off her nose and ears.
When news of
these events reaches Ravana, he resolves to destroy Rama by capturing Sita with
the aid of the rakshasha named Maricha. Maricha, assuming
the form of a golden deer, captivates Sita's attention. Entranced by the beauty
of the deer, Sita pleads with Rama to capture it. Lord Rama, aware that this is
the play of the demons, is unable to dissuade Sita from her desire and chases
the deer into the forest, leaving Sita under Lakshmana's guard. After some time
Sita hears Rama calling out to her; afraid for his life she insists that
Lakshmana rush to his aid. Lakshmana tries to assure her that Rama is
invincible, and that it is best if he continues to follow Rama's orders to
protect her. On the verge of hysterics Sita insists that it is not she but Rama
who needs Lakshmana's help. He obeys her wish but stipulates that she is not to
leave the cottage or entertain any strangers. He draws a chalk outline around the cottage and casts a
spell on it that prevents anyone from entering the boundary but allows people
to exit. Finally with the coast clear, Ravana appears in the guise of an
ascetic requesting Sita's hospitality. Unaware of the devious plan of her
guest, Sita is tricked into leaving the rekha and then forcibly carried away by
the evil Ravana.
Jatayu, a vulture, tries to rescue Sita, but is mortally wounded. Rama and Lakshmana learn about Sita's abduction from Jatayu, and immediately set out to save her.
Jatayu, a vulture, tries to rescue Sita, but is mortally wounded. Rama and Lakshmana learn about Sita's abduction from Jatayu, and immediately set out to save her.
Finally, the class was concluded with coloring pictures.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.
Haribol!!
Gopala Class Teachers
Gopala Class Teachers
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