NrsimhaDev's Appearance

Hare Krsna!!
Dear Parents,
Last week, the kids practiced their Nrsimha Prayers.
[Note: Please check the older posts for the prayers.]

Story:
Once, Hiranyakashipu sent for Prahalad and asked him what the best thing was that he had learned from his teachers.  Prahalad Maharaj answered that one should do devotional service to reach the Supreme Lord. Hiranyakashipu sent Prahalad to his teachers and then chastised him and taught their best and brought him again to Hiranyakashipu. Again when his father asked him what he learned best, Prahalad talked about the nine processes of devotional service.

sravanam kirtanam visnoh

smaranam paada-sevanam
arcanam vandanam daasyam

sakhyam aatma-nivedanam 

1. sravanam - hearing about glories of the Supreme Lord

2. Kirtanam -  singing/chanting about the glories of the Supreme Lord
3. Vishnu smaranam - remembering the Lord
4. Paada sevanam - serving the Lord's lotus like feet
5. Archanam -  worshipping Him
6. Vandanam  - praying to Him
7. Daasyam - serving Him
8. Sakhyam  - considering Him to be our best friend
9. Aatma-nivedanam  - surrendering our body, mind and words to Him
Whoever dedicates his life to serving Lord Vishnu by these nine methods is the most learned person.
Enraged  at this answer,  Hiraṇyakaśipu threw Prahalad from his lap. Since Prahalad had become a devotee of Vishnu, who had killed his uncle Hiranyaksa, Hiraṇyakaśipu asked his assistants to kill him. The assistants of Hiraṇyakaśipu struck Prahalad  with sharp weapons, threw him under the feet of elephants, subjected him to hellish conditions, threw him from the peak of a mountain and tried to kill him in thousands of other ways, but they were unsuccessful. Hiraṇyakaśipu therefore became increasingly afraid of his son Prahalad and arrested him. The sons of Hiraṇyakaśipu's spiritual master, Śukrācārya, began teaching Prahalad  in their own way, but Prahalad did not accept their instructions. While the teachers were absent from the classroom, Prahalad began to preach Krsna consciousness in the school, and by his instructions all his class friends, the sons of the demons, became devotees like him.
Hiranyakashipu became furious when Prahlad's teachers brought him and described how Prahalad was teaching other students about Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu's whole body trembled and he decided to kill Prahalad himself. He harshly shouted at Prahalad asking where he is getting his power from. Prahalad calmly replied that the source of my power is sameas yours and there's only one source of power- the Supreme Lord. Prahlad calmly asked Hiranyakashipu to stop acting like a demon and become equal minded towards everyone. But Hiranyakashipu would not listen to Prahalad and challenged Prahalad to be saved by Lord Vishnu and asked where He is now. Prahalad answered, He is everywhere. So, Hiranyakashipu pointed to a nearby pillar and asked is He in this pillar. Prahalad simply said yes.
 Extremely angy, Hiranyakashipu smashed his fist loudly against the pillar. Then, from inside the column came a frightening sound. Suddenly, a most amazing being, roaring and raging burst out of the pillar. It was neither a man nor a lion, but a combination of both. It was Lord Vishnu's incarnation of Lord Narasingha Dev. Lord Narasingha looked awesome and formidable. Hiranyakashipu grabbed his club and attacked the Lord but Lord Narasingha Dev easily caught the demon and in the assembly-hall doorway placed Hiranyakashipu on His lap and tore the demon with His sharp nails.
Lord Brahma had given Hiranyakashipu several blessings, which made the demon invincible and immortal. But the Supreme Lord, without violating any of Brahma's promises, counteracted them all. For, Hiranyakashipu could not be killed on the land or in the sky, so the Lord killed him on His lap. He could not killed inside or outside, so the Lord killed him in a doorway.He could not be slain during the day or night, so the Lord slew him at dusk. He could not be killed by any weapon or by a person or animal, so the Lord appeared as a half-man, half-lion and killed him with His sharp nails.
After killing all the demons, the Lord sat on the king's throne and all the demigods and goddesses offered their obeisances and prayers to the Lord, glorifying , praising and thanking Him for His mery. Despite the demigods's beautiful prayers, Lord Narasingha remained extremely angy at Hiranyakashipu for abusing Prahalad. So no one dared to approach Him and they asked Prahalad to go and pacify the Lord.
Prahalad approached the Lord with folded hand, Lord Narasingha being affectionate towards him placed His hand on Prahalad's head, blessing him. Prahalad then offered the Lord his most heartfelt prayers, repeatedly praising the glories of loving devotional service as the most important path to true happiness.
Prahalad's prayers completely pacified the Lord and when the Lord said to ask for any blessings, Prahalad just wanted to have no material desires in his heart. The Lord blessed him to enjoy and become the king of the demons as well as think, serve and worship Him.
Finally, Prahalad begged for Lord's mercy on behalf of his father who had committed many offenses against the Lord. The Lord assured him that because of Prahalad being a devotee of Him, not only his father Hiranyakashipu had been purified but also 21 previous fathers in his family had been purified.  Since he was a pure devotee, those who follow Prahalad would naturally become His devotees.

So, let all of us follow in Prahalad Maharaj's footsteps and become pure devotees of the Lord.  Let us remember Lord Narasingha Dev all the time and go back to Godhead in this lifetime.
Finally, we concluded the class with coloring pictures.

 Looking forward to seeing all of you in next class.
Haribol!!!!
Gopala Class Teachers
Radhika Mataji
Amutha

Prahalad, a great devotee of the Lord

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

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

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 Prayer
 

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.

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

 

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.

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.

Finally, the class was concluded with coloring pictures.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.

Haribol!!
Gopala Class Teachers

Lord Ram's Exile

Hare Krsna!!
Dear Parents,
It was wonderful to be back in the class and hear the kids chant the prayers enthusiastically. Thank you for bringing your wonderful kids to the class.

Last week,
Many kids recited 'he krsna karuna sindhu' and 'vancha kalpa ' prayers excellently.

Prayers: We revised the prayers that was previously taught.
rāmādi-mūrtiṣu kalā-niyamena tiṣṭhan

nānāvatāram akarod bhuvaneṣu kintu

kṛṣṇaḥ svayaḿ samabhavat paramaḥ pumān yo

govindam ādi-puruṣaḿ tam ahaḿ bhajāmi

Translation: I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who manifested Himself personally as Krishna and the different avataras in the world in the forms of Rama, Nrisimha, Vamana, etc., as His subjective portions.

Audio Link: BrahmaSamhita: Verse 39

 

Story: We heard the story of how Lord Ram was sent to the forest.

King Dashratha prepared to coronate Lord Rama as the next king. The proposal was approved by his kingly priest Vashishtha and all the ministers. Kaikeyi got informed of coronation of Ram and she was misguided by her most faithful friend & servant Manthara. Mischievous Manthara told Kaikeyi that the king under a tricky and treacherous plan had sent Bharat to his maternal house and took decision of coronation of Ram with the convenience of Kaushalya without any knowledge of Kaikeyi. The plan of coronation was ill intended against Kaikeyi by the King and Kaushalya and it put black shadow on her future status and on future status of her son, Bharat. Kaikeyi got shocked and convinced by Manthra immediately prepared a strategy to stop coronation of Ram and send him to forest for fourteen years, to lead an sage life and Bharat should be called back from his maternal uncle's house for coronation.
When King Dashratha went to the palace of Kaikeyi to give this happy surprise of coronation of Ram, he found her weeping and sad. He consoled her that he was prepared to give anything on the happy occasion of Ram's coronation. Kaikeyi wanted the two benedictions that she has received earlier. Kaikeyi had received two gifts from King Dasarath when she saved his life in a previous battle. She asked assurance whether King Dasarath would keep his promise in the name of Ram. King Dasarath was happy to give anything to make his favorite queen happy and on the auspicious occasion of Lord Ram's coronation.
Now, she asked for the benedictions from King Dasharath : 1 )to have Lord Ram sent to the forest and 2) to have Bharat coronated as the next king. King Dasarath fell unconscious hearing this horrible benedictions. He tried to persuade Kaikeyi to ask for something rather than to send Ram to the forest. King Dasarath tried to convince her that he would crown Bharat but begged Kaikeyi to rescind the benediction of exiling Ram to the forest. But Kaikeyi would not be persuaded nor convinced nor withdraw but stood steadfast in her askance.
King Dasarath was a man of his word. He never went back on his words. But the boons asked by Kaikeyi was unimaginably cruel to him and felt the pain in his heart of his son Ram's imminent seperation.
Lord Ram was called to the Kaikeyi's apartments and saw his father in distress. Hearing all that had happened from Kaikeyi, Lord Ramachandra, in order to protect the word of honour of His father and upon hearing Kaikeyi’s request, Ram decided to live as an exile for 14 years in the forest. Lord Ram took the entire incident very graciously and nobly. There was not a slightest sign of sorrow on his face. He not only maintained tranquility of mind and heart rather pacified his remorsing father, shocked mother and entire family members, and affectionate subjects of Ayodhya. He sought mother Kaikeyi's blessing as well.　
Sitadevi would not be separated from Lord Ram and decided to go with Him to the forest. His younger brother Lakshmana, who was like a second soul to Ram would not be persuaded to stay in the palace of Ayodya and take care of their parents. So, Lord Ram along with His chaste wife Sitadevi and younger brother Lakshman went to reside in the forest.
Finally, we concluded the class with the coloring picture.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.
Haribol!!
Gopala Class Teachers
Radhika Mataji
Amutha
 

Sita Rama Kalayanam

Hare Krsna!!

Dear Parents,
Prayers: Radhika Mataji taught new prayers from Brahma Samhita.
rāmādi-mūrtiṣu kalā-niyamena tiṣṭhan

nānāvatāram akarod bhuvaneṣu kintu

kṛṣṇaḥ svayaḿ samabhavat paramaḥ pumān yo

govindam ādi-puruṣaḿ tam ahaḿ bhajāmi

Translation: I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who manifested Himself personally as Krishna and the different avataras in the world in the forms of Rama, Nrisimha, Vamana, etc., as His subjective portions.

Audio Link: BrahmaSamhita: Verse 39

Story : Radhika Mataji narrated the story of Sita - Ram Kalayanam.

Soon after Sita was found, King Seeradhwaja Janaka was blessed with another daughter by the name of Urmila.Sita and Urmila frew up playing with with their paternal cousins Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi. One day while they played, the ball slipped from Sita's hands and rolled along the passageway into Janaka's pooja room. Sita saw a huge wooden decorated box on the floor and the ball wedged between the box and the wall. The royal maids came rushing to the scene to find out what was bothering Sita. On finding the reason, they tried to explain to Sita that the box held the Siva Dhanush and required atleast 5000 strong men to move the box. They quickly brought another ball for her to play. Sita's mind was set only on her lucky ball with which she always won. With one effortless movement with her left hand, she moved the box out of its way. The maids, totally stunned ran to tell King Janaka. On learning this, King Janaka went into deep thought whether he would be able to find a groom who would be equal in match to Sita. All the kings were summoned for sita' swayamvara. An announcement was made that the groom would to be selected based on his ability to lift the Siva Dhanush.

On the day of the Swayamara, the great bow was brought forth upon an eight-wheeled cart drawn by five thousand tall men. Viswamithra arrived in Mithila bringing Rama and Lakshmana with him. 

Many Kings and princes failed to lift the bow and seeing them fail, all the other kings and princes who were present slowly withdrew from the competition.

Rama lifted the bow efforlessly and strove to bend it. It broke in two. Sita's marriage was fixed with Rama, who had the blue color of the sky, just like Her father Padmakshan had promised. 

Along with their marriage, the marriages of Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakkerthi were fixed with Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrugna.

King Dasaratha performed the vrathas for his sons. He had invited all the people from Ayodhya to Mithila for the marriage. Next morning, Dasaratha having finished his morning duties , reached the marriage hall , next to the yagasala, surrounded by his relatives, ministers, maharishis and others.

His four sons, dressed in shiny clothes and donned with ornaments, finished the vedic rituals prior to marriage. They sat next to their father preceded by Vasishta and other maharishis, sadhus and bhaktas. 

Janaka maharaja gently guided Sita in front of Rama. Sita was dressed in a red color sari and adorned with precious jewels.

He addressed Rama and said, "Sita is named so because she was found on the Earth. I have brought her up as my daughter with great love. I have taught her all the dharmas. She will follow the dharma that you wish to observe. Please accept her as you wife. May You be blessed with all the prosperity. Please take her hand. She will be a great pathivrata, your shadow , never to leave you". Thus saying he let holy water in his hand. Devas and Maharishis blessed the couple. Flowers rained from the sky. Divine instruments were heard playing auspicious music.

Then Janaka conducted the marriage of Lakshmana with Urmila, Bharatha with Mandavi and Shatrugna with Sruthakeerthi.

The four princes wed the princesses with the blessings of Vasishta. Then they circumambulated the fire, seeking the blessings of all elders. 

At that time, the devas rained flowers, played dhundhubi and bheri instruments. Gandharvas and apsaras sang melodiously and danced merrily. These joyous activities occured during the marriage of the princes. 

The princes went around the agni three times and retired to their palaces with the princesses. Dasaratha joyously followed them with his relatives, friends and maharishis.

The class was concluded with the coloring picture.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in the next class.

Haribol!!

Gopala Class Teachers

Radhika Mataji

Amutha

Lord Ram slays Taataka and Subahu

Hare Krsna!!

Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you that kids from Sunday school will be putting on a show for Lord Ram's pleasure on April 21st (sunday) after arati. We kindly request all of you to attend and enjoy and encourage the kids.

Last week,
Prayers: Radhika Mataji revised the prayer about Lord Ram taught last week.
'Sri Rama Rama Rameti
Rame Rame Manorame;
Sahasra nama tattulyam
Rama nama varanane!’
Translation: Lord Shiva addressed Devi PArvati: “O Varanana (lovely-faced woman), I chant the holy name of Rama, Rama, Rama and thus constantly enjoy this beautiful sound. This holy name of Ramacandra is equal to one thousand holy names of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu-sahasra-nama-stotram).
AudioLink: Sri Rama Rama Rameti Mantra

Story: King Dasarath enjoyed watching his sons Rama, Lakshmana, Bharath and Satrughna grow before his eyes. He did not say it in so many words, but he did have a special place in his heart for Rama.
One day the sage, or wise man, Vishvamitra came to Ayodhya to see the king. The king had great respect for him and welcomed him.
"Greetings, oh, wise one. What brings you to my kingdom?"
The sage said, "I have come to ask you a favor."
"How can I help? No wish is too great to ask," the king responded.
"It pleases me to hear those words from you, " said Vishwamitra.
I have been trying to perform an important sacred rite which is again and again being interrupted by Ravana's demons. My vows prevent me personally from fighting these demons."
The king listened intently.
"I pray, Dasaratha, that you allow me to take Rama with me to protect my sacred rite."
"But Rama is only a child. He is but sixteen years of age. I shall send you my armies to battle these demons. I will even accompany you. I shall fight these demons with my own hands. But please do not take Rama. Without Rama I cannot live even a few minutes."
The king began to weep.
Vishwamitra understood the king's pain. But the sage also had no choice and he was getting angry. Sage Vasishta advised King Dasarath to send Rama with Vishwamitra. Then, the king told Rama about Vishwamitra's request. Rama understood and willingly went with the sage.
"I shall go, too, father," declared Lakshmana. The king did not protest.
Rama and Lakshmana, weapons slung over their shoulders, and followed the sage along the Sarayu River bank.
The journey was a long one. Whenever the three stopped to rest, the sage took the time to teach the boys how to use the powerful weapons of the gods to fight the demons. They journeyed until they reached the foot of a frightening forest. They paused. The sage said, "This was once a beautiful and prosperous country. Now the terrible she-demon, Tataka, lives here. She attacks and kills anyone who enters."
Neither Rama nor Lakshmana were afraid.
The sage turned to Rama and said, "Now it is up to you to rid this forest of these demons. By doing so, you will restore the land to the prosperity and the peace it once enjoyed."
Rama clutched his bow and removed arrows from his quiver. Rama and Lakshmana followed Vishwamitra into the forest. They heard many strange and frightening sounds. Each step they took brought them deeper into the forest.
Suddenly there was an unearthly roar. The three men stopped. From nowhere a huge rock came hurling out of the sky heading straight for Rama. He slipped an arrow in place and drew his bow. He fired just as the rock was about to hit him. The arrow split the rock in two. The pieces fell harmlessly to earth.
Then appearing out of between two trees, Rama saw a horrible sight. It was the hideous form of the demoness, Taataka. She was enormous. She had sharp claws on her hands. She looked at Rama and made a growling noise. Lakshmana decided to wait no longer. He fired his arrow and gravely wounded the demoness. A strange look came over her face as she felt the arrow pierce her flesh. Placing her hand to the wound she moaned. Then taking careful aim, Rama fired his arrow into Taataka's heart killing her.
No sooner had the she-demon died, than the gods in heaven rained lotus blossoms down on Rama blessing him. The three continued on their journey deeper into the forest. Along the way, Rama and Lakshmana killed many demons.
Vishwamitra delighted with Rama presents Him with several astras and sastras (divine weapons) that will be of use to him in the future, and Rama masters the knowledge of all the weapons and their uses. Vishwamitra then tells Rama and Lakshmana that soon, he along with some of his disciples, will perform a yagna for seven days and nights that will be of great benefit to the world, and the two princes must keep close watch for the two sons of Taataka, Maricha and Subahu, who will try to defile the yagna at all costs. The princes therefore keep a strong vigil for all of the days, and on the seventh day they spot Maricha and Subahu coming with a whole host of Raakshasas ready to pour bones and blood into the fire. Rama points his bow at the two, and with one arrow kills Subahu, and with the other arrow flings Mareecha thousands of miles away into the ocean. Lakshmana deals with the rest of the demons. The yagna is completed successfully.

Finally, the class was concluded with coloring pictures.

Haribol!!
Gopala Class Teachers,
Radhika Mataji