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.
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