Ramakatha Rasavahini - Part 1

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Style'"> One day, the student-hermit, Kautsu, disciple of Varathanthu,

came to the Court after finishing his studies. He prayed to the King to help him

in securing the Thanks Offering which he had to submit to his preceptor. Raghu

gave him the money that he wanted. Kautsu was happy that the gift he received

was pure, collected from the people without causing them any distress, and paid

by them gladly and gratefully, for Raghu did not collect even a paisa more than

was absolutely needed, as he was ever afraid of the anger of God. The money was

also handed over with great love and consideration, and so, Kautsu was

overwhelmed by joy and gratefulness. His heart was full and he spoke lovingly

to the King, "May you be blessed soon with a son Who will

achieve world-wide fame". With this, he left the presence of the ruler.

True to his words, ten months later, Raghu was blessed with a son, dazzling

like a diamond! The rites of baptism and naming were performed by the palace

priests; he was named 'Aja'. [compare with Chapter 7d] He was a very charming

babe. He grew into a sprightly boy, eager to learn all the arts and sciences.

He became an adept in each of them. His fame as a great scholar and a very

accomplished lad spread throughout the land.

FONT-FAMILY: 'Bookman Old Style'"> In course of time, Raghu also felt

his father's urge to place on the prince's head the burden of the sceptre and

himself retire into the forest for the contemplation of God. He too called on

the ministers to arrange for the transfer of authority by means of the rite of

Coronation and to synchronise that rite with the marriage of Aja with a

suitable bride. Indumathi, the sister of Bhojaraja, the ruler of Magadha, was

the

bride chosen to be the life partner of Aja. After the installation of Aja on the

throne, the royal parents left for their forest hermitage. Aja, with

the queen as his loving partner, won the loyalty of the subjects by his wisdom

and sympathy: they scrupulously followed the advice given by Raghu on the ways

and means of administration. Aja loved and revered the world and its

inhabitants as the reflections and images of the Indumathi he loved so deeply;

so, he was full of happiness and exaltation. They used to spend days and weeks

in beautiful sylvan retreats, admiring the glory and grandeur of

Nature. Meanwhile, the queen gave birth to a son. The parents were

overjoyed at this happy event; they had the news communicated to their revered

preceptor, Vasishta. They wanted ceremonial rites to be done for the newborn

baby. He was named Dasaratha.

1"> Dasaratha was, indeed, the pet of every one who saw him and who had

the privilege of fondling him. The child waved and tossed its limbs about as if

he was all vitality and joy. It appeared as if it was fed on Ananda and it

lived only for imparting Ananda to all. (Chapter 2 To Be Continued..) SaiRam.