RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN
CHAPTER NUMBER 11
DASARATH AND RISHYASRINGA
Ikshvaku was an illustrious line. Of that line will issue forth king Dasaratha. He will keep his word. Romapada was the king of Anga. And he would be a very dear friend of Dasaratha. Romapada will be blessed with a lovely daughter, Santa. Her beauty will match her virtue. Dasaratha will approach Romapada and say, “O friend my heart wants to dance to the boyish prattle and innocent laughter. You ask Rishyasringa and come to my capital, Ayothi. Let him device a rite. Let me get fair babies and heirs to my throne.”
Romapada will send his son-in-law, Rishyasringa and Santa with Dasaratha’s capital. Then Dasaratha will pray to the sage to help him get children. Rishyasringa would not fail Dasaratha. He will bless Dasaratha with four sons to gladden his heart and continue his throne.
All this had been predicted by the divine Sanatkumara. He said, “Now I suggest you go with your friends and family members, armies and attendants. Offer him your respects. And you should beg him to go over with you.”
Dasaratha took counsel with Vasishtha and set out for the dominons of Romapada. They had a long and pleasant journey. At last, they arrived at the palace of Romapada. He gave a hearty welcome to Dasaratha and his queens and ministers.
With pride and joy, Romapada explained the friendship between him and Dasaratha to Rishyasringa. The sage honoured all. King Dasaratha could not take his eyes off the young Rishi.
A week went by. After which Dasaratha sought the privacy of Romapada. He said, “My friend, would you allow me to take Santa and her husband to my place? They would serve a great purpose of mine.”
“I am glad,” said Romapada. He said to his son-in-law, “My valued friend, Dasaratha wants you and your wife to stay with him at his Palace. I would be glad if you could do the same.” “Nothing would give me greater pleasure” was the answer of the Rishi who smiled an enigmatic smile.
Dasaratha embraced Romapada and took his leave. He departed with the Rishi and his wife, Santa. Before his departure, he sent forth his swift messengers. “Go in advance and see to it that Ayodhya puts her brightest colour to invite our guests.”
And Dasaratha entered Ayothya to the sweet sounds of martial music. The people, who were dressed in their brightest and the best, shouted a hearty welcome. Dasaratha led his guests to the inner chamber of his palace. His old heart danced with pleasure. His ladies were overjoyed. Santa was happy too. She spent a happy time in ministering to her husband, Rishyasringa.
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