Ramakatha Rasavahini, Chapter 9 - Preparations for the Coronation

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Chapter 9Preparations for the Coronation

 

Meanwhile, the prince from Kekaya, the maternal uncle of Bharatha, approached

Dasaratha and represented that a long time had elapsed since he came from his

kingdom. "Father is waiting to see me back. He would have been very happy to be

present here during these festivities. He does not know about the wedding of

Bharatha. He would be very disappointed when he comes to know that the marriage

of his grandson was celebrated in his absence. That disappointment can be

assuaged to some extent if Bharatha is sent with me now, so that some

festivities might be

arranged there for his satisfaction and pleasure."

Dasaratha consulted his wives and called Bharatha to his presence. "Son! Your

maternal uncle, Yudhajit, had come to take you with him from Mithila itself, I

did not agree. I have come to know that your grandfather is very anxious to see

you. So, make yourselves ready to accompany him", Dasaratha ordered. Then

Bharatha said, "Father! It would be very good if Satrughna too comes along with

me". So, he was also ordered to prepare himself to leave. And, both of them left

for the city of Girivraja, with their wives.

Moved by his respect towards elders, Bharatha made preparations to leave

Ayodhya, with his wife. No objections were raised, or arguments presented

against. Bharatha was endowed with the highest intellect; besides, he was

master of himself, his senses and desires, Bharatha and Satrughna, with their

wives, journeyed quite happily, and reached the city of Girivraja. The

grandfather was longing to see him and fondle him, and inquired about the

health and happiness of people in Ayodhya; he asserted that they looked

exhausted by the long hours of travel and insisted that they should rest; he

led them to the residences allotted for them. From that moment, he treated them

more affectionately than his

own children and paid close attention to their smallest needs.

Though the grandfather cared for their comfort and joy, the brothers appeared to

suffer from some secret discontent; for, they could not bear separation from

their aged father and Rama, who was the very breath of their existence. They

conversed among themselves constantly only about Dasaratha and Rama. Off and

on, anxiety about the health and welfare of the father tormented them, in spite

of themselves, and deprived them of peace of mind.

While their feelings in Girivraja were such, in Ayodhya, not a single moment

passed without Dasaratha pining for them. He sensed a void without them. Many

times, he asked himself the question, "Why did I send them from here? O, it

would have been good if I had not agreed to send them".

The four sons were as four arms for Dasaratha. Now he had been deprived of two.

One day, Rama saw his father plunged in thought, at the separation from

Bharatha and Satrughna. He approached his father and sitting near him spoke

soft and sweet words, making him happy. Rama was supremely gentle. However

harsh others might speak, he used to reply soft and sweet. Though others might

do him harm, he never remembered it against them. He only sought to be good and

be of service to them. Whenever he found time he used to discuss with aged

monks, revered Brahmins and learned scholars, codes of good conduct and rules

of morality. He analyzed the mysteries of Vedantic thought in

simple words and like an ordinary enquirer, he posed problems before pundits for

elucidation. The sages and scholars who had mastered the science of Vedanta and

philosophical enquiry were elated at the elaborations given by Rama of the

knotty points he himself raised; they praised in a thousand different ways his

intelligence and scholarship.

Rama spoke to his subjects even before they spoke to him; so ardent was his love

towards them. He lovingly inquired about their welfare and was full of sympathy

for them. So, the subjects too loved him as their staunchest friend and dearest

kinsman, and they revered him for his affectionate interest in them. Rama

followed strictly the various rules of living, dictated by tradition, whatever

the inconvenience or discomfort. To whomsoever he spoke, he had a charming

smile on his face, a merry twinkle in the eye and lasting sweetness in his

words. No one noticed the slightest trace of anger, dislike, despair or hate in

his face.

He was the embodiment of compassion and sympathy. He was full of eagerness to

rescue those who surrendered their wishes to his will. Undesirable habits to

which royalty is an easy prey never dared approach him. He was not a victim of

the evil habits of garrulity and dalliance. In spite of this, if any one

displayed before him his cleverness in argument, he would never fail to foil

him by cleverer counter-argument and put him in his place. He never knew

illness of body or anxiety in the mind. He recognized the needs

of the people and, even before they represented them to the ruler, he considered

the response that could be made and remedied the grievance, after taking the

permission of Dasaratha and making the ministers interested in the solution.

Dasaratha too did not obstruct his wishes in any way; he put them into

execution the moment he came to know about them. Rama paid detailed attention

to even the smallest detail of administration and took adequate precautions to

see that problems and complexities do not raise their heads once they had been

solved and set right. Another quality which was evident in Rama was: He never

revealed in advance what he had resolved in his mind. Until it took final shape

no one could make out his will or

wish. And his anger or resentment, or his satisfaction would never be futile. He

would not delay or allow himself to be diverted or deceived. With such supreme

characteristics, Rama shone in glory. Dasaratha was delighted observing the way

Rama was winning the love and loyalty of his people. He heard from ministers,

priests and others the growing popularity of Rama and was thrilled.

One night, Dasaratha was thirsty and he desired to drink a little water; he did

not like to awaken the sleeping queens; so, he poured out himself into a small

cup the water from a jar near the bed and while drinking it, he observed that

his grasp was not firm; the fingers were shaking! He had no sleep after that.

His mind sank into a variety of thoughts. Finally, he inferred that old age had

brought on debility; he decided that he should no longer rule over the empire.

Any attempt to govern the people without strength of limb and will can only

spell confusion and calamity. He was counting the minutes so that as soon as

day dawned he could communicate his resolve to his ministers. At last, night

melted away and there was light.

Finishing his morning ablutions and completing his rites of daily worship he

directed the chamberlains to call together the ministers, the leaders of the

people and the priests for a special meeting at the Palace. Bowing to the

command of the Emperor all whom he wanted gathered very soon, and awaited him.

Dasaratha fell at the feet of Vasistha and informed him of the happenings

during the night and the stream of thought that they aroused in him. He said

that he had decided to place the burden of Imperial administration on Rama. He

prayed that no objection be raised against his proposal. He wanted that all

arrangements be made soon for the realization of his desire.

The chief among the Ministers, Sumanthra, announced this decision to the

gathering; the ministers, courtiers, citizens, priests and scholars who were

gathered there, acclaimed the news with joyful approbation. They cheered,

'Subham; Subham!' ("0 most auspicious! Fortunate are we"). Their applause

reached the heavens. Vasistha rose from his seat and said, "Emperor! you need

not worry over this in the least. Rama is in every way fit for this great role

but we can well afford to wait a little and celebrate it on a grand scale

inviting all those whom we wish to be present. I suggest that we wait for a

month or two, so that the Coronation of Rama is done as magnificently as we

would like to."

But, Dasaratha exclaimed, "Mahatma! Nothing is beyond your ken; you are

omniscient. When the king loses strength of limb, he does not deserve to hold

the reins of high office. It is a bad sign when a king, whom old age has

debilitated, entertains the greed to continue on the throne. It indicates

avarice in the heart. Knowing all this, if I oppose it, I would have failed in

the duty I clearly envisage. Pardon me; do not try to adjourn this ceremony.

Grant me permission to appoint Rama as the Yuvaraja (heir-apparent) within the

next two or three days". Dasaratha pleaded thus, in great humility and with

deep reverence.

Vasistha lifted Dasaratha up and conferred blessings on him. He said, "0 King!

The wedding of Rama too happened on the spur of the moment! It dropped from

heaven as Grace. So the people of the kingdom, your subjects, had no chance to

share in the joy of that momentous occasion. If the Coronation too is resolved

upon and celebrated suddenly, it would pain not only the rulers of many parts

of this land, but, even more, it will be a source of great sorrow for the

brothers, Bharatha and Satrughna. And Janaka who has become your kinsman and

friend might not be able to attend! I suggest, therefore, that you may well

ponder over these considerations before settling the date".

The chief among the Ministers then rose and said: "May the revered family

Preceptor pardon me! The decision of the Emperor has the appreciation and

approbation of every one. Ramacandra is, as the name indicates, as the Moon,

which repels the burning heat and restores coolness and comfort to all. He

removes the pain caused by hate, malice, greed and envy. There should not be

any delay in crowning him as Yuvaraja, for whatever reason. Please issue

necessary orders on this behalf, O Emperor! I am praying for this, on behalf of

the entire population of this empire".

When the Emperor and the Chief among the Ministers pleaded like this, Vasishta

could not hold on to his attitude any longer. He said that it was necessary to

know what the people themselves thought about it. At this Dasaratha stood up

and with one sweep of his eye, he looked at the ministers, leading citizens,

pundits and priests, as well as others of the vast assembly. The assembly was

acclaiming the auspicious proposal in a voice of thunder! In the midst of that

excitement, one citizen, who belonged to a very important group, rose and

exclaimed, "Maharaja! The mighty emperors of your line fostered us, the

subjects of this empire, as if we were their own children. This Kosala realm

attained prosperity and peace through the care and affection of Ikshvaku. Your

eldest son Rama is rich in virtue, highly devoted to the ways of righteousness,

as heroic as the Chief of Gods, and more than all he has the ability to rule

over the three [triloka] worlds. It is indeed our good fortune that you

entertain the idea of crowning him as Yuvaraja. This is undoubtedly our

fortune."

When the citizen spoke thus, on behalf of all the subjects of the realm,

Dasaratha addressed the gathering, "Members of this Assembly! I have all these

years ruled over this empire along the path laid down by my forebears and

guarded its welfare and prosperity to the best of my abilities, with a sincere

desire to promote the good of the entire world. All the years of my life I have

spent under the shade of this White Umbrella [sathwic way of life: pure, equal

and steady and detached] that is over my throne; I am now an old man. I have

realized that the vigour and vitality of these limbs have declined. This

dilapidated body has to be given a little rest. I have decided on this. It is

not an easy task, not an insignificant minion, to rule over a kingdom, for it

calls for dedication of oneself to Dharma or Righteousness. Dharma can be

maintained unbroken

in the running of the government only by a person engaged in constant Sadhana

and who is endowed with rigorous control of the senses. I have borne this

burden so long that I am exhausted with the effort. If all of you approve and

appreciate my plan, I shall tell you all about it. I shall never act against

your desires and preferences.

"There is no pressure on you; do not fear that I am forcing my wishes on you, or

that this is a royal command, which you have perforce to obey. I leave you to

your own free will and judgement. In case some other arrangement strikes you as

more beneficial, you are at perfect liberty to present it before us for candid

consideration. Therefore, confer among yourselves and inform me by nightfall

what you have agreed upon".

Even before Dasaratha concluded his address, the assembly became restive and

excited, as a flock of peacocks under a cloudridden sky that promises copious

thunder showers! They shouted aloud their assent, their gratitude and their

joy, in unmistakable terms. "You desire just what is our own desire. We do not

want any other gift; give us this gift. 0 this is indeed great good fortune. 0

Good Luck! Yuvaraj Ramachandrajiki Jai. Jai Dasaratha Rama." The acclamation

rent the firmament. Listening to the popular acclaim, Dasaratha was tossed

between joy and apprehension.

He stood petrified by this spontaneous outburst of loyalty and affection.

Recovering composure after some time, Dasaratha gazed upon the assembly and

started speaking: "Members of this Assembly! No task is more important to me

than acceding to your wishes. I shall, without fail, crown Rama as the

Yuvaraja. But, I have some little apprehension too. I want to explain it to you

and receive from you consolation on that point. I desire that you should tell me

your correct assessment and give me the satisfaction I crave. The fact is while

I was about to lay before you the proposal to crown Rama as Yuvaraja, even

before I spoke about it, you proclaimed that I must crown him without fail and

that he had unbounded capabilities to rule over this realm efficiently and

well. Looking this fact in the face, it is obvious that you are a little

dissatisfied with my rule, or that some of my laws are against your interests

or inclinations. Or, did I exhibit any tendency

opposed to Dharma? Are you yearning for the coronation of Rama as Yuvaraja

because you doubt my ability to govern you for your good? I invite you to point

out my faults or the errors I have committed, fearlessly and fully. I welcome

this frank recital".

At this, one of the people’s leaders rose and replied, "The capacity and

intelligence of Rama are beyond description. And, you, 0 King, are equal to the

God of Gods; you are like Sankara (Siva), with the same divine compassion and

readiness to confer whatever is asked on behalf of the subjects. You are Vishnu

in your ability to protect us. We must be awfully vile and wicked if ever we

cast aspersions on your rule. Those who do so are atrocious sinners. You have

arrived at this resolve, since you are eager to do us good, and you are anxious

to make us happy. We obey unquestioningly your command". At this, Dasaratha

turned to the Chief Priest. "0 Greatest among Brahmins! you have heard the

expressions of the wishes of the people. Do not delay any further;

collect all the materials and ritual requirements for the Coronation Ceremony",

declared Dasaratha, thrilled with the excitement of anticipation. "Erect the

enclosures and the platforms that the scriptures prescribe for the component

rites, the sacrificial sites and other sacred structures", he said.

He fell at the feet of the Family Preceptor, Vasishta, requesting him to

supervise the process. "Master! All those who can make it will be present; let

us not delay, awaiting those who have to come from afar. They can derive equal

joy when they hear that Rama has been crowned. Do not suggest, as a reason for

postponement, the need to invite the Kekaya ruler or Janaka and wait until they

arrive. Grant permission to have the holy rite of Coronation performed as early

as possible", he pleaded and prayed with folded hands.

"Maharaja!" Vasishta responded, "I have got all things ready; we can get going

as soon as you want. I have directed that the hundred sacred pots, the tiger

skin, the covered sacrificial enclosure with its adjuncts, the materials laid

down in the scriptures for the rituals of worship, the herbs and flowers, will

all be available by dawn tomorrow. Nor is this all. I have intimated the four

wings of the armed forces to be in good trim; and also the elephant,

Sathrunjaya, the one which has every auspicious mark that the Sastras lay down,

to be caparisoned most magnificently; the White Umbrella of Splendour, the Royal

Flag of the Imperial Dynasty will also be ready at the Palace. The auspicious

moment too has been selected; it will be tomorrow". When Vasishta announced the

good news the populace was overcome with grateful ecstasy; they leaped in joy.

The roads were scrupulously swept and cleaned; elaborate designs were painted on

them and on the walls and buildings facing them; festoons were hung; arches and

awnings and shades were erected over the roads; every citizen was busy and

happy. The entire city was working fast and excitedly The Brahmins and the

leading citizens took leave of Dasaratha and emerged from the Palace, a

veritable stream of exhilaration and excited conversation. The ministers and

Vasishta proceeded into the Inner halls with the Emperor.

Dasaratha sent for Rama, and meeting him in the Durbar Hall, he explained to him

all the ceremonial formalities and rituals connected with the Coronation. He

reminded him that he should be ready before sunrise, and described the

preliminaries he had to observe. Lakshmana heard the news; he ran towards

Kausalya, the mother, to convey the joyful tidings and communicate his

exultation. She could not contain her happiness; she just waited for Rama to

appear before her. There was very little time before them; so, the entire city

was agog [full of intense interest] with excitement. The villages around for

miles and even neighbouring states, knew of it pretty soon, for good tidings

spread quick and fast. And no one waited for another; no sooner did he hear

than he hurried forward to the Capital City. The flow of humanity along all the

roads leading to Ayodhya became an uncontrollable surge.

Ramachandra listened to what Dasaratha was detailing to him, but he did not

reply; his feelings were beyond words. He could not express what passed in his

mind; he stayed silent. So, Dasaratha accosted him; "Son! why is it that I do

not see in you any sign of joy at the prospect of your being crowned tomorrow

as Yuvaraja? Do you not like to become Yuvaraja? Or, is it a sign of anxiety or

fear that we are placing on your head the burden of the State?" In spite of long

questioning, and fond appeals, Rama appeared tongue tied before the Emperor. At

last, he said, "Father! I do not understand why you are acting in such hurry.

My dear brothers, Bharatha and Satrughna, are not here now. Again, grandfather

is far away and he may not be able to reach in time. Father-in-law also might

not be able to come. And, rulers of other States, Princes, the vassal Kings -

they too may find it difficult to attend. My mind is heavy because we are

disappointing such large

numbers of people. It does not accept the idea of celebration when so many are

certain to feel pained". Pleading pardon for his sentiments, he fell at the

feet of Dasaratha.

It was Vasishta who replied. "Rama! These objections were raised even by us; do

not think that we quietly acceded to the wish of the Emperor. We thought of all

the arguments for and against, and we consulted the opinion of the people before

we decided. Do not raise any objection now; respect the wish of the Emperor; the

Coronation and the anointment have to take place tomorrow itself. You have to

observe certain vows; this day you should not use a cot or a soft bed. You and

Sita have to be on fast. As soon as day breaks, you must both take bath, after

applying sacred oil on the head; for, the auspicious star Pushya which has been

selected for the holy rite rises at that time. So, retire into your residence

now, without demur".

As soon as the Preceptor finished, Rama fell at the feet of his father and of

Vasishta and proceeded to his palace, accompanied by Sumanthra, the trusted

Minister. He had no hesitation this time. He conveyed the news to Sita, and

thence moved on fast to the apartments of his mother. He prostrated before her;

she raised him tenderly, and fondled him affectionately, overwhelmed with joy;

she directed him to give away to Brahmins, as a mark of thanksgiving, cows

which she had collected for the purpose and which she had decorated with costly

ornaments. She made Rama give away many other varieties of gifts to others.

Lakshmana and his mother were there, at that time. Kausalya had Rama seated by

her side and wiping the tears of joy that flowed freely she said, "Son! I had

long awaited this precious moment; my yearning is now fulfilled. I am happy; my

life is rendered worthwhile. 0 dearest jewel! My golden son! From tomorrow, you

are the Yuvaraja! Live long,

rule over the empire, let the welfare of the people be ever your ideal; may your

rule be happy and secure, in accordance with the dictates of justice and

morality; accumulate untarnished fame and maintain the reputation and glory

earned by the kings of this line; attain might and majesty more than even your

father. The day you achieve that position, I would feel that my life has

attained fruition; my vows, fasts and vigils would have then borne fruit".

Kausalya, the mother, caressed Rama, stroked the curls of his hair and spoke

sweet words of benediction. She gave him very valuable counsel, to which Rama

paid meticulous attention. Rama chuckled at Lakshmana and teased him in

innocent fun. "Brother! Can you tell me which Rajyalakshmi will be delighted at

this lovely taunt?" He reported, "Brother! I need no Rajyalakshmi to wed me. In

your kingdom itself, if you assign any responsibility, I shall fulfil it; that

is enough fortune for me". With that, he prostrated at Rama’s feet!

Rama said, "Lakshmana! You are my breath. So, half the responsibility in

governance is yours. So, you too should get ready, with me, wearing jewels and

regal robes. You have a half share in my burdens, and in my happiness, my fame

and fortune. You have a half share in all that I am and will".

While Rama was speaking thus, Sumitra was shedding tears, and showering

blessings on both Rama and Lakshmana. She said, "Rama! The love that subsists

between you and Lakshmana gives me great happiness. My son needs no higher

status than being your servant. If he is able to have for ever your love and

affection, that is enough for him". When she finished, Rama fell at the feet of

the mother and rose. Lakshmana too did the same and accompanied Rama to his

palace, when he moved towards it. The vow of ritual fast was begun by Rama at

nightfall. He lay upon a mat made of the sacred kusa grass.

[For further reading, see also Srimad Ramayana, Vol. one, Canto 2: Rama's

Inauguration Debated and Canto 3: Settling Lord Rama's Inauguration]

Bhajan 13: Sung by Baba: Prema Mudita Mana Se Kaho Rama Rama Ram

Ramakatha RasavahiniThe Sweet Story of Rama's GloryOriginal in Telegu written by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaRendered into English by Professor N. Kasturi

Source: http://www.vahini.org/ramakatha/chapter9.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

 

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