Ramakatha Rasavahini - Part 1 (Serial #15)

April 28, 2006

SaiRam

Chapter 4

The Sons

The Queens finished the Ceremonial Bath (as advised by the Preceptor); they entered the Palace Shrine where the altar of the Family Deity was: Vasishta completed the ceremony of worship. The payasam (food) that the Divine Person presented, was then placed in three golden cups. Then, Vasishta called Dasaratha in and said, 'Raja! Give these cups to your wives - first to Kausalya, next to Sumitra and last, to Kaika'. The King acted as ordered. They laid hold of the cups and fell at the feet of Vasishta and Dasaratha. Then, Vasishta directed that they should partake of the payasam, only after touching the Feet of Rshyasrnga, who officiated at the Yaga.

Therefore, Kausalya and Kaika kept their cups safe in the shrine itself and went among their maids to dry their hair, before attending to coiffure. Meanwhile, Sumitra stepped on to the terrace, and, keeping her cup on the short parapet wall, she dried her hair in the sun, ruminating all the time on her peculiar plight: "She was the second Queen! The son of the eldest queen will ascend the throne, as of right; the son of Kaika, the third Queen can ascend the throne according to the promise made by the King at the time of his marriage with her!" But, Sumitra wondered. "What will happen to the son I would get? He will be neither here nor there. Why have a son at all, to suffer as a nobody without status and sovereignty? Far better that a son is not born than be born and get neglected."

But that was only for a moment. Soon she reconciled hers felt that what the Gods decide must happen; none can stop it. She remembered that it was the command of her Preceptor and the order of the King; so, she went towards the cup, determined to eat the contents, when, an eagle flew in from somewhere and whisked it off in its beak, far, far into the sky.

Sumitra repented for her negligence of the precious payasam; she felt that the King would be very upset if he came to know of the mishap. She could not decide on her next step; she went straight to her sister Kausalya and related the whole story to her. Just then, Kaika too came there with the gold cup, after tying up her dried hair. The three were very loving to each other, like sisters bound by one single silken thread of affection.

So, to avoid breaking the saddening news to the King, they had another gold cup brought and Kausalya and Kaika poured into it a portion each from their own share, so that all could take their seats together in the shrine. They ate the payasam, while Rshyasrnga was pronouncing his blessings and other elders and scholars were chanting auspicious Vedic hymns. The Queens then sipped sanctifying water and prostrated before the altar; they fell at the Feet of Rshyasrnga and proceeded to their own palaces.

Time rolled by; News that the queens were pregnant spread among the people. The bodies of the queens took on a shining complexion. The tenth month arrived. Maids and nurses awaited the happy event and watched over the queens with vigilant care. Meanwhile, they came to know that Kausalya had the pains of labour; they hastened to her palace; while on their way, they learnt that the Royal Consort had delivered a Prince! On the second day, Kaika brought forth a son. The glad tidings filled the entire zenana with joy. The next day, Sumitra had the pangs of labour and she delivered twin sons.

Auspicious signs were seen everywhere. The happy news filled all with immeasurable joy. The earth covered herself with green; trees blossomed all over! Music filled the air. Clouds showered fragrant drops of rain, but only on the apartments where the babies were laid in their cradles! The joy of Dasaratha knew no bounds. While for years he was immersed in agony that he did not have even a single son, the birth of four sons gave him indescribable satisfaction and happiness.

(Chapter 4 To be continued..)

SaiRam.