RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 70
THE RACE OF THE SUN
The next morning Janaka finished his daily round of religious observances. He was seated in the midst of the sages. He addressed his chaplain, Satananda, “My younger brother is Kusadhvajja. And that he lives in Sankasya. I desire to see him. He is the protector of my sacrifice. And he should share in this joy with me.”
He spoke and soon there stood before him messengers. They were quick of grasp. They were skilful of speech and fleet-footed. On the command of the king they were away on swift horses. They were to bring the royal Kusadhvaja. They went like the messengers of Indra hastening for the Lord Vishnu. They were at Sankasya at no time. They communicated to Janaka about the arrival of his brother. He touched the feet of his brother, Janaka and his chaplain, Satanand. Janaka directed his brother to take his seat. Then he sent for his prime minister, Sudaman. “You seek the audience of the Ruler of Ayodhya. And request his presence here with his sons and minsters.”
Sudaman bowed to Janaka and went to the quarters of Dasaratha. He respectfully conveyed the message of his Lord. “Monarch of Ayodhya! My master would know if it would please you to go over to his residence. Will you go with your sons, priests, chaplain and others?”
“We follow you” replied Dasaratha. Very soon he was at the royal palace of Janaka. He was accompanied by his kinsmen, the holy sages and his countless retinue. “Your Majesty,” he said, “the holy Vasishtha is the patron saint of the Ikshvaku line. He is our spokesman on every important occasion. With the mermission of Visvamitra he will now proclaim our royal lineage to all.”
Vasishtha spoke thus, “From the unmanifested one issued Brahma. From Brahma was born Marichi. Marichi begat Kasyapa. Kasyapa begat Vivasvan. Vivsvan begat Manu. Manu was known as the Vaivasvata. He was the first Lord of Men. Manu begat Ikshvaku. Ikshvaku was the first king of Ayodhya. Ikshvaku begat Kukshi. Kuksi begat Vikukshi. Vikukshi begat Bana. Bana begat Anaranya. Anaranya begat Prithu. Prithu begat Trisanku. Trisanku begat Dundhumara. Dundhumara begat Yuvanasva. Yuvanasva begat Mandhata. Mandhata begat Susndhi. Susandhi begat Dhruvasandhi and Prasenajit. Dhruvasandhi begat Bharat. Bharata begat Asita.
And his enemy the Haiyayas, the Talajanghas and the Sasabindus confronted him in battle. Asita’s forces were defeated and Asita fled from his kingdom. He took refuge in Bhrigu Prasravana. He had two wives. They were big with child at the time. One of the hated the other and poison her food. At that time, Chyavana lived thereabouts. He came from the line of Bhrigu. He was also a great sage. One of the queens waited upon him to be blessed with a fair boy. Kalindi was the one poisoned. She approached the Holy One and prayed for a son. He replied, “In your womb lies a son of immeasurable might. But poison has permeated him. But don’t be afraid. No harm will be done to him. She bowed and retired. To her was born a son. His name was Chyavana. He came out of the womb with the poison upon him. Hence the world knew him as Sagara.
Sagara begat Asamanjas. Asamanjas begat Amsuman. Amsuman begat Dilipa. Dilipa begat Bhagiratha. Bhagiratha begat Kakutstha. Kakutstha begat Raghu. Raghu begat Pravriddha, the Man-eater. He was known as Kalmashapada. Pravriddha begat Sankhana. Samnkhana begat Sudarsana. Sudarsana begat Agnivarna; Agnivarna begat Sighraga. Sighraga begat Maru. Maru begat Prasusruka. Prasusuruka begat Ambrisha. Ambarisha begat Nahusha. Nahusha begat Yayati. Yayati begat Nabhagha. Nabhagha begat Aja. Aja begat Dasarath. Dasaratha begat Rama and Lakshmana.
And on behalf of the brothers, the worthy descendants of Ikshvaku, I ask of you your daughters in marriage. The alliance will be happy. The royal race is characterised by spotless purity. The alliance will be approved by all. Because the parties are so highly worthy of each other.”
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