December

December 14

During the Pandavas' exile (vanavasa) in the forest, as prescribed after their loss in the game of dice to the Kauravas, Arjuna embarked on a rigorous quest to acquire powerful divine weapons to prepare for the inevitable war. This period, detailed in the Vana Parva (Book of the Forest) of the Mahabharata, saw Arjuna separating from his brothers to perform intense tapasya (penance) in the Himalayas, aiming to please Lord Shiva, the destroyer and lord of the universe.

To test Arjuna's worthiness, Lord Shiva appeared disguised as a Kirata (hunter), accompanied by Parvati as a huntress. A wild boar (actually the demon Muka in disguise, sent by Duryodhana to kill Arjuna) charged at them, and both Arjuna and the hunter shot arrows at it simultaneously. A fierce argument ensued over who killed the boar first, escalating into a legendary duel. Arjuna, despite his unparalleled archery skills, found his arrows ineffective against the hunter, who effortlessly countered them. Exhausted and humbled, Arjuna realized the hunter's divine nature and worshipped him with a garland of flowers. Pleased with Arjuna's devotion, valor, and humility, Shiva revealed his true form as Mahadeva. He granted Arjuna the Pashupatashtra, one of the most destructive astral weapons. This weapon, capable of destroying entire armies or even the world if misused, could only be invoked with Shiva's permission and required immense mental discipline to control. Shiva also taught Arjuna the mantras for summoning, using, and withdrawing the astra, emphasizing its use only in dire circumstances. Additionally, Arjuna received other divine weapons from Shiva and later from other gods like Indra, Varuna, Yama, and Kubera during his visit to Indraloka.

Also set during the Pandavas' forest exile in the Vana Parva, this encounter underscores Bheem's immense strength and his familial ties to Hanuman, both being sons of Vayu, the wind god—making Hanuman Bheem's elder brother.

As Bheem walks around the forest, he encounters an aged monkey blocking his path with its tail stretched across the road. Unaware of the monkey's identity, the arrogant Bheem demands it move, but the monkey claims to be too weak and old, suggesting Bheem lift the tail himself. Bheem, boasting of his strength (capable of wielding a mace weighing thousands of tons), tries to lift the tail with one hand, then both, but fails utterly—it feels immovable like a mountain.

Humbled and realizing the monkey's extraordinary nature, Bheem inquires about its identity. The monkey reveals himself as Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama from the Ramayana era, who had been granted immortality and was residing in the Himalayas. Hanuman explains their brotherhood through Vayu and imparts wisdom to Bheem: strength alone is insufficient without humility, devotion, and strategy. He blesses Bheem with increased vigor and promises to aid the Pandavas in the upcoming war by residing on Arjuna's chariot flag (as the emblem of Hanuman), roaring to demoralize enemies and boost allies.This meeting not only boosts Bheem's morale but also connects the Mahabharata to the Ramayana, emphasizing dharma, brotherhood, and the limitations of physical might. Bheem returns with the flowers, wiser and stronger, sharing the encounter with his brothers.

The Pandavas, sustained by the Akshaya Patra (an inexhaustible vessel granted by Surya, the sun god, to Yudhishthira for feeding guests), face a crisis when the short-tempered sage Durvasa arrives unannounced with thousands of disciples. Durvasa, infamous for his curses (like the one on Indra leading to the churning of the ocean), demands food immediately but first insists on bathing in the nearby river, buying the Pandavas time.However, the Akshaya Patra only provides unlimited food once a day until Draupadi has eaten, and on this day, everyone, including Draupadi, had already finished their meal, leaving the vessel empty. Panicked, Draupadi prays fervently to Krishna, her sakha (friend and protector), who appears miraculously. Krishna, feigning hunger, asks for any leftover food. Draupadi shows him the cleaned Akshaya Patra with a single grain of rice and a vegetable leaf stuck to it. Krishna eats it with satisfaction, declaring himself full. Miraculously, this satiates Durvasa and his entire entourage mid-bath—they feel as if they've overeaten and belch contentedly. Fearing indigestion or a curse if they return without eating, Durvasa blesses the Pandavas instead and departs peacefully.Yudhishthira, ever the embodiment of dharma, is relieved, as hosting sages was a sacred duty. This episode, orchestrated by Krishna (possibly at Duryodhana's behest, who sent Durvasa to curse the Pandavas), illustrates faith, divine grace, and the power of devotion over material constraints. It reinforces Yudhishthira's title as Dharmaraja and Krishna's role as the Pandavas' guide.

Homework:

1. Find out when did Bheem marry Hidimba ( 12 year exile or earlier)

2. Find out Tithi, Paksha and Hindu Month.

December 7

In Class:

The students went over various mantras to start off the class.

Then, we went over the homework from last week (where is Gandhar now, Indiraprast, Hindu calendar, etc)

Jarasand came from being combined with his two pieces when a lady found him in the forest. The only way to kill Jarasand is by splitting him this way. Only Krishna knew about this method. Krishna wanted the Pandavas to fight Jarasand and after Bheem fought him for 2 days, Krishna told him how to fight Jarasand. He did this to have Bheem put his full effort in.

Shishupal in the assembly where Yudhisthira is becoming king is angry with everyone. This is because Krishna is the royal guest. Krishna gave 100 chances to do wrong things to Shishupal and now he only has 3 left. 

After all of his chances are gone, Shishupal dies by the Dharhan Chakra.

Duryodhan and Shakuni were not very happy to see the Pandava’s success. 

Shakuni wants to play a game of dice with Duryhodhan. Right now, they cannot beat the Pandavas, but this game could be a way to beat them. The Pandavas accept the request to play from Duryhodhan because Dhritrashta (Duryodhan's father) was the one that sent the invite. Dhritrashta is a king so Yudhistir cannot decline the invitation.

Initially the Pandavas were winning but the Kauravas won in the end. All of the Pandavas become slaves and Draupadi becomes a maid of the enemy. 

The king watching the game was blind physically and emotionally, so he wasn’t interfering in the game.

Bheem gets angry because Duryhodhan gets Druapadi to sit on his thighs. Bheem says that if he doesn’t break Duryhodhan’s thighs, he will be his slave for the next 7 lifetimes.

Then, Dushshan orders for Draipadi to be disrobed. Draupadi asks for the help of Krishna so with this help, her robe becomes infinite and cannot come off.

Bheem announces that he will not show his face to his ancestors until he drinks the blood of Dushashan. 

Homework:

Who is Chanur and why is his name mentioned in the Sri Krishna mantra?

Find out the Tithi, Paksh, and Hindu month.

Find the story of Shishupal and why he was given 100 sins to forget.

November

November 16

* Each class begins with an overview of the Hindu lunar calendar: Paksha (fortnight phase), Tithi (lunar day), and Maas (Hindu lunar month).

* We are currently in Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase). The tithi is the 12th day, meaning the New Moon (Amavasya) arrives in 2 days.

* Shukla Paksha spans from New Moon to Full Moon (waxing, or "bright" phase), while Krishna Paksha spans from Full Moon to New Moon (waning, or "darkening" phase).

Key Figures and Relationships

* Krishna's biological mother, Devaki, had a brother named Kansa (his maternal uncle and antagonist).

* Gandhari is the mother of all 100 Kauravas.

* The Kauravas and Pandavas are cousins, sharing a common grandfather (King Shantanu) through their respective fathers (Dhritarashtra and Pandu).

* The sage who granted Kunti her boon (the ability to invoke gods for children) was Durvasa.

* Bhisma and Arjuna share a special bond as legendary archers; Bhisma, as the Pandavas' grand-uncle, often mentors them despite his loyalty to the throne.

Mahabharata Plot Highlights:

* After surviving the lac house fire, the Pandavas escape into the forest, leading the Kauravas to believe them dead. They later reveal themselves during Draupadi's swayamvara.

King Drupada (Draupadi's father) organizes a competition to choose her husband, which Arjuna wins by stringing a mighty bow. Bound by dharma (warriors' code of honor), Drupada honors the result despite Arjuna being the disciple of his enemy, Guru Dronacharya.

* Draupadi's marriage to Arjuna (and, by extension, all five Pandavas due to Kunti's inadvertent command) forces the brothers to return to Hastinapur and disclose their survival.

* Guru Dronacharya advises King Yudhishthira that war is justified only to uphold peace, dharma, and righteousness.

* The Pandavas are granted the barren land of Khandavaprastha, which they transform into the prosperous city of Indraprastha. Though initially desolate (lacking vegetation), they embrace it with contentment.

* Krishna accompanies them there, continuing to honor their guru (Dronacharya). He mentors Arjuna on kingship: forging alliances

Homework:

* Current Hindu Lunar Month: Ask your parents what Maas (Hindu lunar month) we are currently in, and discuss it together.

* Indraprastha Exploration: Research why the Pandavas' capital was named Indraprastha. Also, identify which modern Indian city is located closest to the ancient site of Indraprastha.

* Jarasandha's Origins: Find out the meaning of the name "Jarasandha" and the unique story behind his birth in the Mahabharata.

* Daily Engagement Reminder: Ensure your parents are actively answering the daily questions shared in the WhatsApp group. (The upcoming question will focus on Jarasandha—get ready to share what you learn!) 

November 2

Topics covered today:

1. Poisoning of Bhima under Influence of Shakuni

Duryodhana, resentful of Bhima’s strength and influence among the Pandavas, orchestrated a plan to eliminate him, with Shakuni’s guidance and assistance. Knowing Bhima’s legendary appetite, Duryodhana mixed a potent poison into Bhima’s favorite food and presented it in a seemingly innocent setting, often after moments like games or feasts. Trusting his cousin, Bhima consumed the food and soon fell unconscious due to the effects of the poison. To ensure Bhima’s death, Duryodhana (and sometimes Dushasana) tied up the unconscious Bhima with creepers and weighted his body with stones, throwing him into the Ganges River. The plot was designed so that, even if the poison did not work, the river’s snakes or drowning would guarantee his demise.​

However, fate intervened—Bhima sank to the bottom of the river, where the Nagas (serpent beings) resided. Unsuspectingly, the Nagas bit him, and their venom acted as an antidote, curing the poisoning. Recognizing Bhima as the descendant of their own lineage (Vayu’s son and Kunti’s son), the Nagas revived him with special nectar, enhancing his strength manifold. Bhima remained with the Nagas for several days, emerging not just revived, but significantly stronger.

2. Dronacharya’s First Interaction: The Well and Ball Incident

Dronacharya’s entry into Hastinapur’s royal life was marked by a simple yet profound incident involving the Pandavas and Kauravas while they were playing outside. As the princes played with a ball, it accidentally fell into an old, deep well. Various attempts by the princes to retrieve it failed. At that moment, Drona, then an unknown Brahmin, happened by. Observing the failed attempts, he used blades of grass and his skill to create a chain and retrieve both the ball and the princes’ ring, impressing everyone present. The princes marvelled at Drona’s remarkable skill and called upon Bhishma, who recognized Drona’s expertise and invited him to head the royal school of arms in Hastinapur.

3. Dronacharya - Teacher 

Among his pupils, Arjuna quickly distinguished himself by his exceptional devotion, discipline, and drive. When Drona asked for a promise that his students would help fulfill his personal mission, Arjuna alone eagerly accepted. Touched by this devotion, Drona made Arjuna his favored pupil, promising to make him the world’s greatest archer. This bond was strengthened by Arjuna’s relentless practice, such as when he trained at night after observing he could still eat in the dark—a display of dedication that greatly impressed Drona. Arjuna’s focus and respect for his guru set him apart, leading Drona to share his deepest knowledge and bestow unparalleled skills upon him—thus shaping Arjuna into the legendary archer he became.

October

October 12

Today's discussion point:

When Satyavati requested Vyasa to grant heirs to the widows of Vichitravirya — Ambika and Ambalika, along with a maidservant — he agreed, though he warned that the outcome would depend on their mental state and reactions during the process.

*Birth of Dhritarashtra:

*Vyasa first approached Ambika, the elder queen. Terrified by Vyasa’s austere and ascetic appearance, she shut her eyes in fear during the union. As a result, Dhritarashtra was born blind, symbolizing the blindness that would later extend to his attachment and judgment.

Birth of Pandu:

Next, Vyasa approached Ambalika, the younger queen. She turned pale with fright upon seeing the sage, though she did not close her eyes. Consequently, Pandu was born with a pale complexion. His name literally means “the pale one.” He would grow to be virtuous, disciplined, and a mighty archer — destined to be the king of Hastinapura, though fate would later lead him into exile.

Birth of Vidura:

When Satyavati again requested another heir from Ambika, the queen, still afraid, sent her maid in her stead. The maid, calm and respectful toward Vyasa, served him dutifully. Pleased by her composure and humility, Vyasa blessed her, and Vidura was born — a man of unmatched wisdom, truthfulness, and dharma. Though not born of royal blood, Vidura became the embodiment of righteousness and the wisest counselor to the Kuru court.

_*Dhritarashtra represents attachment and ignorance, blinded both literally and morally.

Pandu symbolizes purity and strength, but also the restraint born of fear and fate.

Vidura embodies ethical intelligence, born from humility rather than privilege.

_*Thus, through Vyasa’s divine intervention, the Kuru dynasty was restored, leading to the next generations — the Kauravas and Pandavas

*Pandu’s Curse

**After marrying Kunti and Madri, King Pandu went hunting in the forest. During his hunt, Pandu shot a pair of deer who, unbeknownst to him, were actually a sage named Kindama and his wife, transformed into animals. The wounded sage, deeply anguished, rebuked Pandu for interrupting such a sacred union. As punishment, Kindama cursed Pandu: if Pandu ever tried to approach his wife with desire, he would die instantly. Stricken with remorse, Pandu abdicated his throne and retreated to the forest with his wives, renouncing royal pleasures and his kingly duties.

Life in the Forest

While living as an ascetic in the Himalayan foothills, Pandu felt tormented by the thought that, due to the curse, he would be unable to produce heirs — thus failing in his duty to his ancestors. Kunti, remembering a boon once granted to her by sage Durvasa, had the special power to invoke any deity and have a child by them. Pandu requested her to use this power to bear children on his behalf so the Kuru lineage would not perish

Yudhishthira was born by invoking Dharmadeva (the god of righteousness).

Bhima was born by invoking Vayu (the wind god).

Arjuna was born by invoking Indra (the king of the gods).

Later, Kunti shared her mantra with Madri, who invoked the Ashwini twins and bore Nakula and Sahadeva.

These miraculous births happened in the seclusion of the forest, far from the palace of Hastinapura. Thus, the Pandavas’ origins are marked by both ascetic hardship and divine intervention.

Homework

1. Where is Gandhar located as of today.

2. Find Kunti’s story. How did Kunti get her name. She is not the daughter of Kuntibhoj.

3. What power did Kunti have and who gave it to her? Was it before her marriage or after?

4. Why did she let her baby go?

5. Which rishi cursed Pandu? What was the curse?

September

September 28

*Earth, Moon, and Sun: Seasons & Movements*

 • Interaction of Earth, Moon, and Sun

 • The tilt of Earth’s axis (23.5°) and its revolution around the Sun create seasons.

 • The Moon influences tides and lunar phases (Amavasya = New Moon, Poornima = Full Moon).

 • Equinoxes

 • Spring Equinox (March)– day and night are equal; marks the start of warmer months.

 • Fall Equinox (September) – day and night are equal; marks the start of cooler months.

 • Uttarayan & Dakshinayan

 • Uttarayan → the Sun moves northward; associated with spring & summer.

 • Celebrated as a festival of kites and the new harvest 

 • Dakshinayan → the Sun moves southward; associated with fall & winter.

*Mahabharata Stories*

_Ganga, Shantanu, and Beeshma_

 • Shantanu marries Ganga.

 • Their son is Devrath, later known as Beeshma.

_Shantanu, Satyavati, and the Throne_

 • Shantanu falls in love with Satyavati.

 • Her father agrees only if her son becomes king.

 • Shantanu cannot agree because Devrath already has the throne.

 • Devrath learns the truth → to protect his father’s happiness, he takes a terrible oath:

 • He will never claim the throne.

 • He will never marry or have children.

 • This sacrifice earns him the name Beeshma (the one who took a terrible vow).

_Sons of Shantanu & Satyavati_

 • Chitrangada – son of Shantanu & Satyavati.

 • Vichitravirya – son of Shantanu & Satyavati.

*Homework*

 1. Story of Vasu being cursed (to review).

 2. Story of Ma Ganga being cursed (to review).

 3. Promise – Think of a promise you will keep for 1 month.

 4. Find out who Chitrangada and Vichitravirya got married to.

September 21

In Class:

 We first covered the homework from last week. 

The class then watched a video of Vyasa’s perilous journey to meet Ganesha in the mountains. Vyasa has been tasked with writing a great scripture called the Mahabharata. The two make a deal in which Ganesha will constantly narrate the Mahabharata and stop speaking if Vyasa stops writing. Ved Vyasa is the creator and one of the characters in the Mahabharata because he saw the events happening and wanted to write them down as a lesson for humanity. Ved Vyasa’s parents are Parashar and Satyavati. 

The Mahabharata comprises Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Dharma means one which sustains and upholds life. Artha means management, administration, and economics. Kama means desire, wants, and needs. Finally, Moksha means salvation.

 We then watched a video of Shantanu meeting Ganga and falling in love with her. The two then get married and give birth to a son. Ganga killed her first son by drowning him and another 6 sons. Ganga didn’t kill the 8th son because Shantanu begged her not to. Then, years later, Shantanu comes back from war and meets his son who is now an adult. At the end of the video, Shantanu met Satyavati.

Then, the students learned that the process of new moon to full moon is called Shakla Paksh (15 days). Full moon to new moon is called Krisha Paksh (15 days). This whole process takes 30 days which is called Maas (Month). 

Homework: 

The students have to gradually read the Mahabharata book that they were  handheld in class at their own pace. They will be expected to know a couple facts about the Mahabharata by next class.

 Which Veda has Ayurveda in it. 

Find out the original name of the Mahabharata and name of 8th son who was left alive.

They should figure out the name of Shantanu and Ganga’s second son. The students should also know which of the Shantanu + Ganga OR Parashar + Satyavati stories happened first or at the same time.

The students should know the day of the lunar cycle for next week. 

The students should pick a mantra and recite it 5-10 times everyday, then recall their experiences next week.

September 14

Key Learnings

• Planetary Alignment & Time: The position of planets on a given day can help determine the exact date of an event.

• Hindu Calendar: Students are learning about Hindu months based on the calendar we follow.

• Mahabharata Structure:

◦ A shlokha is a poetic verse; the Mahabharata is composed in this format (it contains over 100,000 shlokas/lines).

◦ The Mahabharata has 18 Parvas (chapters/sections).

• Author of Mahabharata:

◦ Written by Ved Vyasa, also known as Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.

◦ He was the son of a rishi and a fisherwoman.

◦ He later became known as Ved Vyasa because he compiled and organized the Vedas.

• Writing of the Mahabharata:

◦ Vyasa requested a devata to write while he dictated the Mahabharata.

◦ Condition: the devata would only write continuously as long as Vyasa narrated. Vyasa, in turn, required the devata to write only after understanding what was said—so he added puzzles to slow down the writing.

• Ved Vyasa’s Saying:

◦ “Whatever you can see in life is in the Mahabharata, and whatever is not in life is not in the Mahabharata.”

Homework for Students

1 Learn the Hindu months from the calendar we follow.



2 Find out the names of the rishi and the fisherwoman who were Vyasa’s parents (Book 1, pages 1–20).



3 Ask your parents the four names of the Vedas.



4 Find out who the devata was that wrote the Mahabharata while Vyasa narrated it.



5 Look at the moon one night this week and find out its phase (Is it moving from new moon → full moon, or full moon → new moon?).