Hari Om Parents !
We started the class by chanting three Om's, Sahana Vavathu, followed by Vakrathunda Mahakaya shloka . Next , chanted all daily prayers and Rama's Shlokas .
Story time :
Fully aware that he was going to meet his death, Ravana, ten heads fiercely blazing, enters the battlefield. His remaining rakshasa army is pursued by Lord Rama's arrows. It seemed like there were a thousand Lord Ramas, attacking the rakshasas from all sides. Pushing his way through the vaanara army, Ravana sought out Lord Rama for battle. They battled, using one after another several powerful and divine astras. The devas watched from above as Lord Rama cut off Ravana's heads one after another. But strangely, a new one emerged to take the place of the cut off heads. Seeing Lord Rama's confusion, Indra sent his divine chariot along with charioteer Maatali. Lord Rama thanked the devas and got on the chariot to resume battle. Even after Lord Rama wounded every limb of his body, Ravana still looked proud and roared with laughter. Maatali whispered to Lord Rama to use the Agastya astra. Immediately Lord Rama aimed the arrow at Ravana's chest, the seat of all his power. The arrow pierced Ravana, who fell with a crash that shook the entire world. Ravana had payed the price for his bad actions. Good had won over evil, and the vaanara army rejoiced, shouting "Jai Shri Rama!". Scented flowers poured down on Lord Rama from the heavens, rishis chanted, gandharvas played music and Mother Earth was relieved of her burden. Meanwhile Vibhishana was sad at the death of his brother. Lord Rama consoled him, saying Ravana died a brave death and would have a place in warrior heaven. After performing Ravana's last rites, Vibhishana was crowned the king of Lanka. Next Hanuman was sent to fetch Sita from ashoka vatika. On seeing the rakshasis guarding Sita, Hanuman wanted to kill them. Sita stopped him saying it was not their fault to follow orders of their king. We spoke about Sita's compassion even towards those who had treated her badly. Bathed and dressed Sita appeared before Lord Rama, who stood stern and straight not taking any step to console his wife. Lord Rama declared that he had done his duty as a kshatriya, but could not take her back and Sita was free to go wherever she pleased. Shocked and insulted by this, Sita ordered Lakshmana to kindle a fire. Everyone watched in horror as Sita entered the fire, but Sita was calm. The fire did not harm her and Agni deva himself emerged. He presented Sita to Lord Rama saying she was pure in her devotion to the Lord. Lord Rama smiled at Sita as he took her hand. Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana flew back on the pushpaka vimana as they had completed their exile. Word was sent to Ayodhya about Lord Rama's return after fourteen years and the people decorated the city with lamps and flowers. Bharata welcomed Lord Rama and gave him back the powers of the kingdom. The three queen mothers and Guru Vasishta blessed Lord Rama. Lord Rama was dressed in coronation robes and Sita in her queenly garments. They were seated on the throne and Lord Rama crowned king. Vedic mantras were chanted and holy water sprinkled. Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna stood nearby. Sita gave Hanuman a pearl necklace and he took Lord Rama's blessing. The scene was just like Bhagwan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi appearing on earth to bless their devotees. Rama Rajya, the age of supreme contentment and goodness began. We talked about qualities of Rama from beginning of the story to the end , how he was calm , respectful with elders , loving with brothers , friends and he was nice with enemies too . We concluded the Ramayana story saying " Jai Shri Ram " , " Jai Shri Ram " .
Regards ,
Jayashree and Uma