RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 6, AYODHYAKANDA
GAY AYODHYA
Rama followed the instructions of the saint to the letter. The happy pair was bodily and mentally pure. They offered worship to the Lord of Eternity. Rama raised the vessel of consecrated food and clarified butter above his head. He offered it to the Lord of Fire with holy mantras. He partook of what remained. He chanted a prayer of happiness and peace. He washed his lips with the holy water. The sacred grass was spread on the floor. It was done so in the presence of the Deity of Rama’s heart. Rama and Sita sought repose on the couch of grass with restrained senses and tranquil mind.
Rama awoke in the last watch of the night. He was awaked by the strains of joy and praise from the bards and panegyrists. On waking up, Rama directed the decorations of his house. He took his bath. And then he offered prayer to the Goddess of the morning twilight. He recited the sacred Gayatri with concentration. He dressed himself in robes of pure white. He bowed low to the Lord of all when the Brahmanas raised their voices of benediction. The holy strains announced the auspicious day of coronation. It was announced to the assembled myriads over the capital.
The people rejoiced to hear that Rama and Sita spent the night in fast and devotion. The dawn saw them busy with the decorations of the happy town. Gay flags and lofty pennons rose high in the sky. They rose above the stately fanes of the Gods. They adorned over the domes that adorned the cross-ways. They adorned over the shrines of Buddha. They adorned over the merchants' shops. They adorned over the wealthy mansions of the nobles. They adorned the public halls and trees. Slowly the hour of the solemn function drew near. Men and women gathered in the houses, the streets and the squares to exchange news of the happy event. The bright children spoke about the function as they played before their houses. The royal roads were strewn with gay flowers. The roads were redolent with rich perfumes and sweet odours. The streets were covered with costly hangings. The hangings were made of silk and laced with gold. From the hangings hung clusters of palm and areca. Lofty posts were erected at regular intervals. They bore the lights. Thus nature and art combined. They made the city as gay and bright as possible. The assembled myriads waited expectantly in houses and squares. They were saying, “Dasaratha has wisely realized his growing infirmities. And he has wisely decided to crown his son in his place. The Great Gods are merciful to us. That is how we are going to have Rama as our ruler. He has an intimate knowledge of the varying grades of life. He is ever humble. He is wise and righteous. He lives but for his brothers. He will watch over our welfare with more than his brotherly interest. He will rule over us for unnumbered years to come. Long live king Dasaratha. He has righteously resolved to crown his son. Let him be the glad witness of the coronation of Rama.” Thus they lauded the aged monarch. Ayodhya was the fair capital like that of Indra. Countless people had thronged from all quarters of the globe to witness Rama’s installation.
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