This week, we started the class with chanting of the 'Shiva Panchakshari Sthotram' and re-visiting the various names and symbolism of Lord Shiva, that were covered during the previous week.
Symbolism of Nataraja
- Lord Nataraja literally means 'King of Dance', and depicts Shiva doing the cosmic dance. He is shown standing on the Asura 'Mulayaka' and is a symbolism of Shiva crushing everything that is evil and wicked, like the Asura.
- In one of his right hands he holds the 'Damaru', which is 'Nada Brahma' or Sound of Creation. In one of his left hands he holds fire, that stands for Destruction. This is to say that Creation and Destruction is a cycle and goes hand in hand.
- One of his other right hands is the 'Abhaya Hasta' or the hand that bestows blessings upon us. The other left hand is the 'Gaja Hasta', which is positioned like the trunk of an Elephant. This symbolizes discrimination. The elephant trunk is known to pick up objects as big as a truck and also as minute as a needle!
A bronze statue of Lord Nataraja on the stage before any dance performance is a very common sight. He is first worshiped before any performing art.
Geetha Chanting - Children should memorize chapter 14 up to the 12th verse.
QUIZ Show on February 9th
We are having our 5th grade quiz show on Feb 9th, based on what they've studied in the class. The kids who were present picked up their 'Roles' from random chits. Parents must have received email communications regarding this event. February 2nd is the final rehearsal for the show, so make sure all participating kids attend Balavihar without fail.
HariOM!!!
