Hari OM All,
This week we started our class with prayers. After reviewing the Balavihar calendar we started learning the Sri Mahishasura Mardini Stotram with the meaning of the verses. In this class we did the first verse and we will learn upto 10 verses in the remaining classes.
We then discussed the following:
- Why do we celebrate festivals
- Difference between religious festivals and social festivals
- Vasanta Panchami festival celebration - traditionally, on Vasanta Panchamí day everyone wakes-up early in the morning, takes bath, and worships the Sun, Mother Ganga, and Mother earth. Men, women and children wear yellow clothes. The yellow color is a sign of auspiciousness and
spirituality. - As per the story, ordered by Lord Vishnu, Brahmají created the world. He looked at the world; it looked dull and lifeless as there were no words, no language, no sound. So, he sprinkled some water; from the trees a power came with a vína in two hands; She played vína and made the world full of life. She gave vani, speech to the living beings; She is the one who has given intellect to all; this goddess Sarasvatí is worshipped as a giver of vak, speech, and knowledge.
- We then chanted several verses in praise of Sri Saraswati including: Om Saraswatyai namah; Om Varapradayai namah; Om Pustakabrate namah; Om Divyangayai namah; Om Vimalayai namah; Om Vagdevyai namah; Om Surapïjitayai namah; Om Padma-locanayai namah; Om Svaratmikayai namah.
The students were given HomeWork to do research on Temples of Sri Rama and other Gods - this includes writing about the Geography and History of the Temple and describing any Saints associated with the Temple. The students can also mention any other important facts about the Temple.
We concluded the class with Arati followed by Pledge.
Pranaams!
Krishna and Sachin