Kathas, Yoga, Sanskrit and Music
‘Kathavani’ is a bundle of stories, songs and mantras which mentally connect us with the wisdom of the universe.
Below is the list of our katha bundles…
Mythological Stories
Recommended for Ages 5 and up: kids are the most curious and the most imaginative lot and so is the scope in mythology. We start with the basics of Hindu trinity: Our own take on the creator couple, Brahma and Saraswati (without knowledge you can't create a thing); the protector/ maintenance/ preserver duo, Vishnu and Lakshmi (sustenance needs prosperity and resources); finally the recycling aspects of death and rebirth being the responsibility of Siva and Parvati where Siva is giving and taking away the life force and thus destroying with a purpose of propagation, while Shakthi is the counterpart who helps Siva (union of energy and consciousness) in this task. The stories here are from vishnu purana, siva purana and others spanning across the 4 yugas of our sanathana dharma. Some examples are... values-based stories of shravana kumara, Ambarisha, Harishchandra, popular stories of Siva, brahma and vishnu, of all the goddesses, women scholars in ancient times, Sapta rishis, demi gods and their correspondence with elements of nature, child prodigies like dhruva, Prahlaad, markandeya, ashtavakra, abhimanyu, specials on hanuman and ganesha, the essence of krishna through a myriad of gokul stories and some lesser known stories like Barbarik, stories told by grandmothers like parvathi giving her palace away to ravana, oral stories of locals like Balaji and chenchu with little traditions explained.Recommended for Ages 5 and up: kids are the most curious and the most imaginative lot and so is the scope in mythology. We start with the basics of Hindu trinity: Our own take on the creator couple, Brahma and Saraswati (without knowledge you can't create a thing); the protector/ maintenance/ preserver duo, Vishnu and Lakshmi (sustenance needs prosperity and resources); finally the recycling aspects of death and rebirth being the responsibility of Siva and Parvati where Siva is giving and taking away the life force and thus destroying with a purpose of propagation, while Shakthi is the counterpart who helps Siva (union of energy and consciousness) in this task. The stories here are from vishnu purana, siva purana and others spanning across the 4 yugas of our sanathana dharma. Some examples are... values-based stories of shravana kumara, Ambarisha, Harishchandra, popular stories of Siva, brahma and vishnu, of all the goddesses, women scholars in ancient times, Sapta rishis, demi gods and their correspondence with elements of nature, child prodigies like dhruva, Prahlaad, markandeya, ashtavakra, abhimanyu, specials on hanuman and ganesha, the essence of krishna through a myriad of gokul stories and some lesser known stories like Barbarik, stories told by grandmothers like parvathi giving her palace away to ravana, oral stories of locals like Balaji and chenchu with little traditions explained.
Hanuman Chalisa
Recommendation 5 and up, but if kids can talk, hum or chant, 3s and 4s are welcome. Estimated period: 24 classes of an hour each to learn and revise the chalisa. Specifically designed to embed the 40 slokas within stories of Hanuman, every child's favorite Indian super hero, we celebrate little Hanuman's life which stands as an embodiment of the very essence of childhood. Naughty and mighty, devout and yet rebellious, endowed with the super natural powers every child would like to possess. Hanuman can drive away the evil spirits and all negative thoughts from every mind. An excellent way to drive away the fears and apprehensions of COVID ridden world. Fills up positivity and hope in our homes; as individuals and families and even communities have thrived chanting the praises of Hanuman. 40 slokas have 80 short verses and each verse has a story in itself to tell to audience. Kids will be able to visualize the story in their hearts and minds thus discovering the power of hanuman within them. It’s the spirit of this Rama bhakta that drives our lives towards success, sincere devotion, surrender to almighty and peace; not to forget the power of human mind and the inner potential in each of us. We teach 2 slokas per day in detail, after every 5 classes, we will revise that set of 10 slokas. Learning takes 20 days and revision spans across 4 classes and the finale will be of all 40 at once. Occasionally we will sing simple bhajans of lord Rama.
Mahabharat and Gita
Bhagavad Gita 1st chapter sloka chanting with analysis of Mahabharata epic. Note: There are scale up versions for teenagers and adults. "The ordeal they had to face was for their good. Good and bad experiences are essential to get correct perspective and fulfillment of life. Suffering and sorrows bring requisite feeling of renunciation essential to seek higher goal in life." - Exile of pandavas after the game of dice Mahabharata is a treasure trove of stories of all kinds: boons and curses, enchanted forests, demons, charming free-spirited women, super heroes like Bhima and Arjuna, celestial beings, celestial weapons and some possible nuclear missiles, of Krishna the living god, of wilderness and magic, of wars and a great battle, of supernatural powers, of flaws in humans, of deceit and treachery... the list is just unending. Originally titled as Jaya, this literary treasure is a blend of Hindu mythology and philosophy. Contrary to the popular belief, it’s not for adults only. This great epic is so much more than that. Its varied stories and plethora of characters have an appeal for the kids too. For today’s generation raised on Harry Potter and likewise tales, it’s another enriching tale with a myriad of stories that teach valuable lessons in ethics and morality. This great epic is a part of our culture and should have a rightful place in the hearts of our children. A storyteller's delight and listener's allure, it’s a platform to learn lessons of an era and not merely a fight between 2 sets of brothers. The motifs like Game of Dice and Palace of illusions has so many layers within layers. The characters are anything but plain, the choices they made, their circumstances and obligations, their morality and the repercussions they faced provide unlimited opportunities of group discussion, self-study and inner reflection. Apart from the benefits of Sanskrit sloka chanting that helps in ways described all over the social media, this class teaches kids how to analyze motifs of a narrative, critical plot analysis, character analysis without criticizing, mimicking or accusing. This broad spectrum helps kids to understand the hues for human perception.
Aditya Hrudyam
Within us the Sun god is none other than our SOUL, even in Astrology, Sun signifies Soul. So chanting Aditya Hrudayam strengthens the Soul and will power the reader in adversities. Soul in turn will become charged up and will guide the mind to act in a pattern that gives us an extra strength and will power. Also, it gives us an aura that attracts positive energy and success. These sacred verses find a mention in the Yuddha Kanda of Sage Valmiki's Ramayana. And the Stotram was recited by Sage Agastya to Shri Ram just before the war against Ravana. Before the fateful day, Shri Ram had spent sleepless nights and restless days as he was relentlessly searching for his beloved wife Sita, who was abducted by Ravana. Therefore, a need arose to calm him and provide him with the much needed mental and physical strength to face the enemy on the battlefield. "The ordeal they had to face was for their good. Good and bad experiences are essential to get correct perspective and fulfillment of life. Suffering and sorrows bring requisite feeling of renunciation essential to seek higher goal in life." - Exile of pandavas after the game of dice Mahabharata is a treasure trove of stories of all kinds: boons and curses, enchanted forests, demons, charming free-spirited women, super heroes like Bhima and Arjuna, celestial beings, celestial weapons and some possible nuclear missiles, of Krishna the living god, of wilderness and magic, of wars and a great battle, of supernatural powers, of flaws in humans, of deceit and treachery... the list is just unending. Originally titled as Jaya, this literary treasure is a blend of Hindu mythology and philosophy. Contrary to the popular belief, it’s not for adults only. This great epic is so much more than that. Its varied stories and plethora of characters have an appeal for the kids too. For today’s generation raised on Harry Potter and likewise tales, it’s another enriching tale with a myriad of stories that teach valuable lessons in ethics and morality. This great epic is a part of our culture and should have a rightful place in the hearts of our children. A storyteller's delight and listener's allure, it’s a platform to learn lessons of an era and not merely a fight between 2 sets of brothers. The motifs like Game of Dice and Palace of illusions has so many layers within layers. The characters are anything but plain, the choices they made, their circumstances and obligations, their morality and the repercussions they faced provide unlimited opportunities of group discussion, self-study and inner reflection. Apart from the benefits of Sanskrit sloka chanting that helps in ways described all over the social media, this class teaches kids how to analyze motifs of a narrative, critical plot analysis, character analysis without criticizing, mimicking or accusing. This broad spectrum helps kids to understand the hues for human perception.
Features
- The hymns pay tribute to the Sun God, who showers the Earth with light and heat, both that are essential for sustaining life on the planet. And since Ravi Var (Sunday) is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, you can seek his benevolent grace and get showered with his choicest blessings. Thus, you may thank him for nurturing all kinds of life on earth.
- Since both light and heat are inherent characteristics of the Sun God, you can energise yourself mentally and physically by reciting this sacred Stotram.
- Mainly during testing times, this Stotram acts as an immune and morale booster for the body and the mind, respectively. And since we in India are in the middle of a lockdown owing to the novel coronavirus pandemic, we genuinely need to uplift our spirits.
- Like Shri Ram defeated Ravana and achieved victory over evil, you too can overcome the challenges in your life. This Stotram helps a person regain lost confidence, and helps him/her focus on her goal to triumph.
- We wouldn't be able to sustain on earth without the Sun. Therefore, the recitation of the Aditya Hridayam is a thanksgiving gesture. By expressing gratitude, we can seek the blessings of the all-encompassing Surya Dev.
Benefits
Ramayna
The story part of the class deals with the epic which is an integral part of our culture and very prominent in the oral storytelling tradition of India, especially as bedtime stories to children. It has various layers catering to audience of all ages
The enchanted forests, the near perfect protagonists, their ideals, morality of those times, the life and journey of the obedient Rama, the free-spirited and charming Sita, the Indian superhero Hanuman, celestial weapons and flying chariots, Demons and ogres, the resplendent villain Ravana, of royals and commoners and the politics of the society… there is a vast scope to understand the nuances of an era.
Apart from the benefits of Sanskrit sloka chanting that helps in ways described all over the social media, this class teaches kids how to analyze motifs of a narrative, critical plot analysis, character analysis without criticizing, mimicking or accusing. This broad spectrum helps kids to understand the hues for human perception.
Bhagwatam
Bhagavatam is a book about Bhagavatas, of great devotees. We see the tales of Prahlada, Dhruva, Ambarisha Maharaja, Gopikas, Sudama, some more tales of Pandavas and Draupadi not detailed in Mahabharata also, etc. From them, we learn how to practice the teachings of the Gita in our lives filled with so many worries. More than just reading about some other people, we realize that these devotees are meant to represent how we should act as well