Ramakatha Rasavahini - Part 1

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Style'"> One night - no one could guess why the king felt so - while

conversing with the Queen he said, "Sudakshina! I have achieved many a grand

victory! I have succeeded in celebrating many a great ritual sacrifice. I have

fought many a grim battle with mighty invaders and triumphed over them all,

including even ogres and sub-human Titans! We are blessed with a son who is a

precious gem! We have nothing more to gain.

1"> "Let us spend the remainder of our lives in the adoration of God.

Raghu is the repository of all virtues; he is fit in all respects to take up

the burden of ruling over the Empire. Let us entrust the realm to him; we shall

retire into the silence of the forest, live on roots and fruits, serve the sages

who lead austere lives filled with godly thoughts and godward aspiration, and

sanctify every moment with Sravana (Listening to the sacred teachings), Manana

(Meditating on their inner meaning) and Nididhyasana (Practising the path laid

down) We shall not yield for a minute to sloth based on Thamasic qualities."

So saying, he called the Minister to his presence as soon as it was

dawn: he directed that arrangements be made for the Coronation and marriage of

the Prince. Full of the spirit of renunciation, he asked the Queen what her

plans were. She shed tears of joy and gratitude and said, "What greater good

fortune can I gain? I am bound by your order; proceed with your plans". Her

enthusiasm and willing acceptance strengthened the resolution of the Emperor.

Dileepa called together his ministers, scholars, and sages and

communicated to them his intention to celebrate the Coronation and marriage of

his son; they wholeheartedly agreed and the two functions were held in great

pomp. The father then gave the Prince, valuable advice on administration

emphasising the need to promote the study of the Vedas and the fostering of

scholars learned in Vedic lore, and lay down laws that will promote popular

well-being. After this, he moved into the forest, with the queen, bent on

acquiring the Grace of God. Emperor Raghu ruled the kingdom from

that day in accordance with the directives given by the pundits and with the

twin

objectives: the happiness of his subjects and the promotion of righteous living.

He believed that these two are as vital as breath, and he spared no pains in

pursuing these ideals, and making his ministers too adhere to the path. Though

young, he was rich in virtue. However tough a problem happened to be, he

grasped it quick and discovered the means of solving it; he made his subjects

happy and contented. Wicked kings were taught severe lessons by him. He won

them over by peaceful approach and clever diplomatic tactics, or by fielding a

little army in order to win them over, or openly breaking with them and

defeating them on the field of battle.

1"> He was engaged in activities that ensured the welfare of the people

and promoted the culture enshrined in the Vedas. All classes of people extolled

his rule, irrespective of age, economic status, or attainments. They said he

was proving himself superior to his father in physical prowess, courage,

righteous conduct and compassion. Everyone said that he brought lasting

significance to the name he bore. Raghu paid special attention to

the care and comfort of the hermits engaged in asceticism in the forests; he

saw to it that they were saved

from harassment and himself supervised the arrangements for assuring them

protection and encouragement. So, he received their blessings and grace in

ample measure. (Chapter 2 To Be Continued..) SaiRam.