September

September 20

Today we had a productive and engaging class.

We commenced the session by distributing the textbooks for the year, followed by a review of the previous week's homework about paksha, tithi, and the Hindu month. After the review, we explored how the Hindu calendar months are related to and based on the movement of the Earth. 

We then transitioned to the Mahabharata, discussing the epic's original title and examining whether "Ved Vyas" functions as a proper name or an honorific title. Following this, we introduced King Janmejaya and his revenge against the snakes to avenge his father, noting his vital role in the unfolding narrative of the epic.

Next, we viewed a segment illustrating the King of Hastinapur falling in love with Mother Ganga and the critical condition she imposed for their union. We examined the poignant sequence in which Ganga casts their newborn children into the river while the king watches in silent sorrow, bound by her condition not to question her actions.

Rajeev Uncle provided deeper contextual analysis, explaining that the eight children were Vasus (celestial beings) cursed to mortal rebirth as retribution for stealing a rishi’s sacred cow, known as Kamadhenu.

Homework:

Identify the original name of the Mahabharata.

Determine whether Ved Vyas is a name or a title.