RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 9, RISHYASRINGA--THE INNOCENT

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                                 CHAPTER 9

                                                                 RISHYASRINGA—THE INNOCENT

Sumantra was the charioteer of the king, Dasaratha. He was also one of Dasaratha’s confidential ministers. He sought the privacy of the King, Dasaratha. He said, “Lord I was present at a Holy Assembly. Sanatkumara, the Divine Celibate, spoke at the time. And he alluded to the very subject spoken to by the Brahmanas.”

The divine Kasyapa has a son. His name is Vibhandaka. To him a child will be born. He will be called Rishyasringa. He will spend all his life in the forest. Then for some years he will spend his days in the service of his father. He will reverently tend the Sacred Fires. And then his Brahmachariya will receive a violent shock.

It will come to pass that Romapada will rule Anga. He will be neglectful of his kingly duties. As a result his dominions will suffer a drought. Men and beasts will suffer. Contrite with a bleeding heart he will send for the old Brahmins of wisdom. He will say to them, “Reverent sirs, you are of high wisdom. Advise me some rites whereby my crime might be expiated. And my land might be freed of the curse.” The Brahmins replied, “Your Majesty! Get somehow Rishyasringa, the son of Vibhandaka and give him your daughter Santa. Let them marry. And your land will have rain.”

“How shall I do it?” the king said to himself. “Well, the Brahmins alone know how to bring down one of their class.” He requested his chaplain and his ministers to go and bring him the young man.

But they shook with fear and refused to go. They begged pardon of their king and said, “No sir. We dare not go. Vibhandaka’s curse is too terrible to think of. But we will suggest to you another plan. By that plan, you can bring his son down here and have rain.”

The king followed their advice. He got him down through courtesans and gave him his daughter, Santa. They were married. So said Sanatkumara, and Rishyasringa, your son-in-law as well, will procure you an offspring.”

Dasaratha heard with eager ears the news. He asked, “Well, Sumantra, how was it that Romapada included Rishyasringa to leave his forest-home and visit his dominions?”