RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER (3 PART 1)

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 3 (Part—1)

                                                                 KINGLY PRECEPTS

Dasaratha heard them out joyfully. He honoured them duly and said, “My children! It gives me immense pleasure to hear your wish. You unanimously wish to see my eldest son Rama crowned as heir-apparent. My greatness and glory have been enhanced thereby.” His sweet reply filled the hearts of the people with joy. Dasaratha turned to Vasishtha and Vamadeva and said, “This month of Chitra is the first and best of its kind. I pray you to see to the necessary arrangements.”

The assembled multitude was happy beyond words. The shouts of joy rent the air and calmed down after a time. Then Vasishtha addressed Sumantra and his colleagues. “Gold, gems, grain, pulse, medicinal plants, garlands of white flowers, fried grain, honey, clarified butter, new clothes, chariot, weapons of all kinds, our troops, men, horse, elephants and chariots, elephants with auspicious marks, white Chamara, flags, a snow-white umbrella, a hundred vessels of gold, a bull, a tigerskin, sandal paste, flowers and other necessaries should be ready stored by dawn in the royal sacrificial chamber. See that thousands of saintly Brahmanas are then given with all respect and reverence. They should be given food, milk, curds, condiments, ghee, fried grain and ample presents of coin. The Brahmanas should begin to chant the benedictive hymns. They should be provided with suitable seats. The houses should look gay with flags. Let the royal roads be well-watered. Let dancers in the bright array be stationed in the second block of the palace. With them should come their instructors and skilled musicians. Appoint Brahmanas to be present at the holy fanes and cross-roads. They should be there to pay heedful worship to the gods with food, sweets and garlands. Let chosen warriors range themselves in the coronation hall.” The sages directed them further to enlist the necessary servants. They directed them to complete the arrangements for the auspicious ceremony. They came to the king in a joyful mood. They said, “Your Majesty’s orders have been executed.”

Then Dasaratha called Sumantra and said, “Go, bring me my darling boy, Rama, of spotless virtue. And the aged minister hastened upon his happy mission.