RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 8, A CHILDLESS KING

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                         CHAPTER 8

                                                                   A CHILDLESS KING

Dasaratha was of great fame and virtue. He was on the evening of his life.  There were no children from his loins to cheer his last days. For this, he grieved. He underwent heavy observances. For this, he had to subdue the needs of his flesh. He often performed great sacrifices to the Gods. He had tried every means as recommended by the Holy Books. But all these were in vain. In sheer desperation, he flung his arm and cried—“Oh, you just gods! Is there no way from this living death?” And as though in answer there flashed upon him a suggestion, “May be some unwitting sin of mine in the far past sin not worked out. Anyhow, let me celebrate the Horse-sacrifice that washes all sins. He took counsel of his queens. It brought great joy to their barren hearts. Then he told Sumantra to bring his priestly guides. And when they were all before him the aged monarch honoured them duly. “I am sore in my heart,” he told them. “Because I have no son to grace my name. My royal state is like dust and ashes in my mouth. May be a Horse-sacrifice can remove the sin that bars the way to the desire of my heart. What is your view, sirs?”

The Brahmins listened to his sweet words. They warmly applauded his resolve. “This sacrifice cannot fail to accomplish your object!” they said. They also said, “Let the necessary arrangements be made and the consecrated horse be let loose.”

Unspeakable joy spread over the sad heart of the old king. And his face shone with a new light. He turned to his ministers and cried, “Place yourselves under the directions of Vashistha and get everything ready!” He also said, “Start the consecrated horse on its holy round; let brave warriors go with it and saintly priests. Raise the sacrificial grounds on the northern banks of the Sarayu. Have the necessary rites performed that the Kalpa Sutra lay down to ward off obstacles from enemies. The Brahmins gave him their blessings and withdrew from the council chamber. Dasaratha reiterated his orders to the ministers. He said to his queens, “Preparations are on foot towards the sacrifice; consecrate yourselves accordingly.”

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN , CHAPTER 7, DASARATHA'S MINISTERS

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                              CHAPTER 7

                                                                   DASARATHA’S MINISTERS

There were eight ministers to Dasaratha. The empire was vast. The emperor was war-like and wise monarch. These ministers assisted Dasaratha in wise ways. These ministers were very good readers of character. They were faithful and true. Their thoughts, words and deeds were in perfect accord. They were of subdued senses. They had large private means. They were gifted with extraordinary intelligence. They were sweet-spoken. They had fame for their honesty and truth. They had unsurpassed valour and fortitude. They were dear to their master. They always looked out for the good of Dasaratha. Their time and energies were devoted to the affairs of the state. The ministers were well-versed in the science of statecraft. They would not do any mean action. They had good patience. They had spiritual capacity. They would not tell a lie because of anger, for gain or love. They had considerable tact and knowledge of the world. They knew through their spies everything that took place in their country or abroad. They dealt out justice swiftly without fear or favour.

They guarded the interests of the good and the righteous. They were always successful against the plans of the enemies of the state. They always looked out for increasing the armaments of the kingdom and enriching the coffers. They did not oppress the Brahmins and the valiant kshatrias. Every offender was punished or fined. In this the magnitude of their crime and means to pay were taken into consideration. Due regard were given to the place and time and age and means in meeting out punishment. These excellent counsellors were tastefully and adorned. They guarded the secrets of the state. They were calm and cool in judgement.

Through his gifted ministers, Dasaratha won over the hearts of his people and was ever informed of everything that took place at home or abroad. Of faultless character, his feet were ever set on the path of virtue. No one asked for his presence and went away disappointed. His friends were numerous. He had many tributaries. He bowed to none. He acknowledged the rule of none. He ruled his country rightly with the help of his ministers.    

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 06, DASARATHA

                                                                 RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                            CHAPTER 06

                                                                            DASARATHA

King Dasaratha ruled his people from the city, Ayodhya. He ruled wisely and well like the Divine Ruler, Manu. The king was strong and hardy. He had the grace and for utmost befitting a King. He had his senses under control. Thus he ruled over his senses too. Among the line of Ikshvaku he was a noble king. To his enemies he brought terror. But to his friends he brought only joy. His name had been known in all the worlds. Indra is the king of the gods. Kubera is the Lord of Riches. King Dasaratha rivalled both in riches.

Dasaratha was well versed in all arts and science. He rejoiced in the weal of his kingdom. He celebrated many sacrifices. The people residing in his city were just and happy. They were generous and brod-minded. They speak truth only. They knew every traditional lore and legend. There were no poor people in the city of Ayodhya. The people were dressed in bright garments. They were adorned in ear rings and necklaces. They wore perfume and flower. They also wore chains and bracelets. There was no denier of God. There was no ignorant man in Ayodhya. They put first their duty. All were godlike in spirit and self-controlled. There was no hunger in the city. There was no one who was low in spirit and gloomy in outlook. There was no one who thought sinfully about his neighbour’s riches or wife. There was no thief or liar. There was no envious man. There was no deformed or ugly person in the city of Ayodhya. The people were all loyal to the King and state. They regularly performed sacrifices to fetch happiness here and hereafter.

The Brahmins of the city were endowed with lofty ideals. They regularly discharged their complicated duties. They led the way for other classes to follow. They studied and taught. They gave and received. They committed no sin. They tended the Holy Fire properly. They mastered Vedas. The other orders of the society were brave, truthful and righteous. They were hospitable. The warriors paid due obedience to the Brahmins. The Vaisyas honoured and obeyed the ruling class. And the Sudras were the tillers of the soil. They never swerved from their rule of life. They paid humble and cheerful service to other classes of people.

The forests of the Vindhya and the Himalayan mountain supplied the warriors rare elephants. The army’s might was well-known to all the nations. The city of Ayodhya was impregnable. No enemy force even thought of coming anywhere near it.