Birth of Lord Rama

Hare Krsna!!

Dear Parents,
We sincerely appreciate your effort in bringing your kids to Sunday Class during Spring break. Thank you!!

Last week,
We started hearing the pasttimes of Lord Rama as we are approaching Rama Navami. Rama Navami celebrations will be held on April 19, 20 and 21st.


Prayers: Radhika Mataji taught a new prayer about Lord Ram.
'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: Radhika Mataji narrated the story of the Birth of Lord Rama.
On the banks of the Sarayu River stood the beautiful city of Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala. In the city there were magnificent palaces decorated with precious stones. Spires of great temples rose above the city as if to touch the sky. For protection, the city was surrounded by a great moat. The people of Ayodhya were peace loving and happy. No one was ignorant or poor. Everyone had faith in God and read the scriptures daily. Even thoughDasharatha had everything that he desired, he wasvery sad at heart; he had no children.
At the same moment many of the demigods were growing more and more angry with Ravana, the ruler of the rakshasas, or demons. Ravana was no ordinary looking demon. He had ten heads and twenty arms. Years ago Ravana was granted a boon, or promise. This boon protected him from demigods and demons. But he was using his power to prevent the demigods and holy men from performing sacred rituals. All the demigods went to Bramha who gave the boon to Ravana. Bramha took them to Vishnu and all of them offered prayers to Vishnu. Vishnu assured them that he will take care of them.Vishnu thought, "Ravana, in his arrogance, protected himself only from those beings whom he thought could hurt him. He failed to protect himself from humans and monkeys."
Vishnu decided to be born as a human who could kill Ravana. The demigods and holy men were pleased with his decision.
The childless Dasharatha was advised by his family priest Vashishtha to perform a fire sacrifice ceremony to seek the blessings of God for children. Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, decided to manifest himself as the eldest son of Dasharatha in order to kill Ravana. While performing the fire worship ceremony, a majestic figure rose from the sacrificial fire and handed to Dasharatha a bowl of　rice pudding, saying, "God is pleased with you and has asked you to distribute this rice pudding(payasa) to your wives - they will soon bear your children."
The king received the gift joyfully and distributed the payasa to his three queens,Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kausalya, the eldest queen, gave birth to the eldest son Rama. Bharata, the second son was born to Kaikeyi and Sumitra gave birth to the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

Finally, the class was concluded with the coloring picture.

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