R4AMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA-- CHAPTER 04
KAUSALYA’S JOY
The monarch, Dasaratha was very conscientious. So he again took deep counsel with his ministers and friends. And finally, he decided to crown the lotus-eyed Rama as heir-apparent. He returned to his apartments and said to Sumantra, “Go and bring me, Rama, again. He is my heart’s delight.”
The aged minister was at the gates of Rama’s palace. The wardens apprised the prince of his arrival. He was troubled with a doubt; “How now? Has anything come between my father and his resolve?” Yet he called Sumantra to him and said, “I pray you to let me know clearly what brings you here again.” Sumantra said, “Rama! Your father desires to see you again. I am but the humble mouth-piece of his Majesty. You know best how to act.” Rama hastened toward his father’s palace. He entered the palace with an expectant heart.
The wardens ran to announce him to the king. Dasaratha ordered his prince to be brought to him at once. He wanted to communicate to him excellent and pleasant tidings. Rama entered and saluted the monarch with deep respect. Dasaratha sprang to meet him with open arms. He gave him a magnificent seat. “Rama” he said, “I am grown very old in years and experience. I have drained the cup of life to the full. I have performed countless sacrifices. And I have given food, coin, kine and gems as the Books lay it down. I have had the pleasure of giving away untold wealth to my kith and kin. I have tasted the sterner joys of a warrior’s life. I am clear of my debts to the Gods, to the Rishis, to the Pitris and to the Brahmanas. I have done this through the countless sacrificial rites, religious studies, begetting of offspring. I have also had the enjoyment of the pleasures of the life. I have now a worthy son. He is unequaled in the three worlds. My last duty to myself and my subjects is but a pleasant one. It is handing over the charge of this kingdom over to you. Again, all my subjects pray to me that Rama should be lord over them. That is another reason why I should crown you a king. Further, my sleep is troubled by ominous dreams of coming evil. Terrific meteors fall from the skies. They are accompanied by destructive thunderbolts. It is evident that these are the forerunners of the death of kings. Or they should portend some parallel disasters. That again is the additional reason for crowning you with all despatch. Moreover, men’s minds change very often. And before mine comes under the seductive influence of my other queens, I wish to place the crown on your head. The moon stays today with the star Purarvasu. And it leaves it tomorrow for Pushya. This time is declared by astrologers to be most auspicious for a king’s coronation. That is why I don’t want to lose any time. I am resolved to carry out my plan tomorrow at any cost. It is important that you and Sita spend this night in prayer on a couch of sacred grass. It is but natural that countless obstacles would rise up in the path of the good. So take good care that your friends guard you against any or evil. Bharata, your brother, is a paragon of goodly conduct. Your word is law to him. his iron will and spirit keep his senses under perfect control. He is the soul of compassion. But it is a long time since he left for his uncle’s place. None can call himself righteous or good against the guiles of Persuasion. So we should accomplish our purpose before Bharata comes back here.” Dasaratha opened his heart to his son in the privacy of his apartments. Then he gave Rama leave to return back to his palace.
Rama lost no time in going to the mansion of his mother and telling her of the glad news. He found her in the hall of worship. She was dressed in pure white silk. The news filled her with wild joy. She was just now praying to Lord Vishnu, her favourite deity. Her prayer was that Rama should succeed his father on the throne. Sumitra, Lakshmana and Sita had been sent for before and they were with her. Rama saluted his mother with respect. And he said, “It would give you pleasure to know that my father has decided to crown me. The priests and the chaplains heard him direct me and Sita to spend the night in prayer. I pray you to instruct us as to the vows we should keep.”
The words fell sweetly on the ears of Kausalya. Tears of joy shook her. “Darling Rama,” she said, “May your days upon earth continue forever. May confusion wait on your foes! Rule over us and rejoice the hearts of me and Sumitra here. You are the joy of your father through your good gifts. I prayed long to Mahavishnu. Now I am glad beyond words and expression.
Rama turned to his brother who was at his side. He raised his palms over his head in reverence. “Lakshmana! Brother of mine! This kingdom, its pomp and power are more for you. You are my other self. You will be very busy in ruling over the countless subjects, Sumitra’s son!” Rama said. “I need not tell you that this empire and everything it can give is dear to me for your sake!”
Thereafter Rama and Seeta took reverent leave of their elders. And they received permission to retire to their abode.
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