Ramakatha Rasavahini - Part 1

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Style'"> Vasishta then initiated the King and Queen in the

rituallistic vow of 'Cow Worship' (Dhenuvratha); he sent them into the cow-shed

with holy water and offerings for the worship and himself walked towards the

river for ablutions and evening prayers. One day, while Nandini was

grazing happily in the jungle, a lion espied her and followed her in order to

allay his hunger.

Dileepa observed this; he used all his skill and might to foil the lion from

pouncing on her; he resolved to offer his own body in exchange. That lion,

though feline and ferocious, was a strict follower of Dharma. Moved by

compassion at the sacrifice that the king was willing to make to save the cow

that he worshipped, it released the cow and the king from its clutches, and

left the place. Nandini was filled with an inexpressible sense of

gratitude and joy at the self-sacrificing gesture of Dileepa. She said, "King!

This moment, the curse that afflicts you is lifted! You will have a son who

will subdue

the whole world, support the principles and practice of Dharma, earn renown on

earth and in heaven, enhance the fame of the dynasty, and, more than all,

continue the Ikshvaku line, wherein, the Lord Himself, Narayana, will one day

take birth! May this son be born soon". Nandini blessed the King. Attended by

the King, the sacred cow returned to the asram of Vasishta.

Vasishta had no need to be told! He knew all; as soon as he saw the face of the

King and Queen, he surmised that their wish was fulfilled; so, he blessed them

and permitted them to leave for the City. Then, Dileepa and Queen Sudakshina

prostrated before the Sage and reached the Palace, full of joy at the happy turn

of events. The child grew in the womb as the blessing guaranteed.

When the months ran their full course, at an auspicious moment, the son was

born. When the happy tidings spread over the city and kingdom, thousands

assembled before and around the palace in great joy; the streets were festooned

with flags and green leaves; groups of people danced in glee calling on all to

share in the thrill; they waved camphor flames to mark the occasion. Huge

crowds exclaimed 'Jai' 'Jai' and moved on towards the Palace

grounds. Dileepa ordered that the birth of the heir to the empire be

announced to the multitude gathered in the vast grounds of the Palace, by the

Minister himself, and when he did so, the joyous acclamation of the throng hit

the sky. The applause was loud and long; the jais echoed and re-echoed from one

street to another. It took many hours for the gathering to disperse and reach

home.

0pt"> On the tenth day, the King invited the Guru and celebrated the

rite of Naming the New-born (Namakaranam). The name Raghu was selected, on the

basis of the asterism under which he was born. The child gave delight to all by

its prattle and play; he was liked by all as a bright and charming youngster; he

crossed his teens and became a brave, resolute, efficient helpmate of his

father! (Chapter 2 To Be Continued..) SaiRam.