April 2006

Rama’s Radiance A newsletter for and by the 5-12s of Sunday Sanskriti School, ISKCON DC April 2006

Lord Rama’s Appearance On the ninth day in Shukla paksha of Caitra month, Lord Ramachandra was born. With great pomp and splendor His birth was celebrated. The legacy of a great Kshatriya and the great pastimes of His life were bestowed upon Him, revealing the great epic Ramayana. Bringing immense happiness and joy throughout the kingdom of Ayodhya, Lord Ramachandra was the light and joy of the kingdom. A happy childhood with His beloved brothers Bharat, Lakshmana, Shatrughna, they were taught the Vedas, Upanishads, and the art of archery. They were the joy and light of king Dasharath. With rejoicing and sheer bliss was the birth of Sri Ram celebrated revealing a great epic story revealing the glorious heritage of India. -- Aksheetha Sridhar, age 12 Lord Rama was born to Kaushalya and Dashratha in the kingdom of Kosala in Ayodhya. There was gaiety and rejoicing, singing and dancing, merry making in the beautiful city of Ayodhya, when Lord Rama was born. All four princes with Lord Rama being the eldest brother along with Lakshmana, Bharat and Shatrughna, grew up together. Lord Rama with His brothers learnt the art of warfare and archery and learnt Vedas and Upanishads. Lord Rama was a great, noble and dutiful son and brother. Ayodhya was very proud and happy of Lord Rama and His brothers. -- Anirudh Sridhar, age 9

Chant and Be Happy! rama raghava rama raghava rama raghava raksa maam krsna kesava krsna kesava krsna kesava pahi maam

artwork by Nimai

Qualities of Lord Rama Lord Ramachandra is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rama appeared in the Treta yuga and took birth in Ayodhya. His parents’ names were king Dashratha and Kaushalya. Main reason for His appearance was to destroy Ravana and to teach proper etiquette to everybody. Long ago, Ravana was harassing the demigods. The demigods went to the Ksira (milk) ocean. Vishnu appeared and said, “I’ll come as Rama” and told them to assist Him as monkeys. That was how Rama appeared. He was very tolerant and would also respect the people who gave Him difficulties. Like when Kaikeyi sent Rama to the forest for exile He didn’t protest but happily agreed. He was very determined. Like when he constructed the bridge over the mighty ocean, He chastised the ocean until it surrendered. He was very merciful, like when Shabari first tasted the berries to see if they were ripe and offered to Rama, He lovingly accepted. Lord Rama is full of super excellent qualities! We should also try to follow the example that He showed us. -- Nimai C. Agarwal, age 7

RAMA CROSSWORD Across 3. Demoness who stopped Hanuman on his voyage to Lanka 6. Sacrificed his life in Rama’s service 7. Demon who helped in Sita’s kidnapping 8. Lord Rama worshipped him before invading Lanka

Down 1. Daughter of King Janaka 2. Father of Hanuman 4. Leader of the monkeys 5. He made a chair higher than Ravana out of his tail

Word Jumble

QUIZ

by Om Shahi, age 9

1. What was the name of Ravana’s father? 2. Which incarnation of Krishna is present in both Rama’s and Krishna’s pastimes. 3. Who are Ravana and Kumbhakarna in their original spiritual positions. 4. Which two servants of Lord Rama were also present in Lord Krishna’s pastimes. 5. Who were the wives of Lord Rama’s brothers? 6. What was the name of the bow Lord Rama broke to marry Sita? 7. Who were responsible for building the bridge? 8. Who killed Indrajit, Ravana’s foremost son?

1. AAAKLSNM 2. IKAIKYE 3. AGSES 4. NAAARV 5. CHMRAI 6. NAHANUM 7. UJAAYT 8. YYAOHDA 9. YANASNSI 10. RBAASI 11. HTARAASDH 12. CTORVIY

All young (5-12) talents, send your artwork, writings or other interesting stuff for publication in this newsletter to Vidarbha at [email protected].

About Love and Devotion by Reeya Chopda, age 7 Please write us a paragraph of Rama, which can tell about love and devotion. We shall all do our service for Rama, not like getting any gold, trophy or money. We should not do any such thing as gambling or any other such bad thing.

Quiz Answers: 1. Vishrava 2. Parashuram 3. Jaya and Vijaya 4. Hanuman, Jambavan 5. Laksmana: Urmila, Bharat: Mandavi, Shatrughna: Shrutakirti 6. Pinaka 7. Nala &Neel 8. Lakshmana Crossword Answers: 1. Sita 2. Kesari 3. Surasa 4. Sugriva 5. Angad 6. Jatayu 7. Maric 8. Siva Word Jumble Answers: 1. Lakshmana 2. Kaikeyi 3. Sages 4. Ravana 5. Marich 6. Hanuman 7. Jatayu 8. Ayodhya 9. Sannyasi 10. Sabari 11. Dashratha12. Victory

We should all try to do everything for Rama. We should all try to develop our love and devotion to Rama and Sita.

April 2006