RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 77

                                             RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 77

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Parasurama took his departure. Rama, the victor, handed over the bow and arrows to Varuna who stood by invisible to the rest. He then saluted Vasishtha and other sages. And turning to his father he said, “Jamadagni’s fiery son is far away by now. And he will not return in a hurry. Give orders for your forces to continue the journey. We have been delayed by this trifling annoyance. Your forces and retinue await your orders impatiently.”

“Gone is Jamadagni’s son” –fell like music on the ears of afflicted Dasaratha. He hugged his son. He felt him all over to see whether he was safe. He said to himself, “This day I have passed through the portals of Death. And I have come back among the living— my dear son and I.” And with a bright face he directed his troops to proceed to his capital.

Right royal welcome was given by his happy citizens. They advanced to meet him. At the time Dasaratha was far away from his city. The citizens lined the roads. And Dasaratha entered his capital amidst the hearty blessing of the Brahmanas. There were jubilant shouts of welcome by his subjects. They decked the city gaily for the occasion. The roads were swept clean and well-watered. They were strewed thick with flowers. Pennons and flags, banners and streamers, festoons and garlands, triumphal arches and inscriptions met the monarch on every side. Sweet strains of vocal and instrumental music greeted his ears. And thus he and his sons of mighty fame passed on to his royal home. Unspeakable joy filled his aged heart. His desires were fulfilled beyond the wildest hopes?

Meanwhile, Kausalya and Sumitra, Kaikeyi and the other queens of Dasaratha were busy. They were busily happy in welcoming to their home the wives of their sons. They were welcomed according to their station—Sita and Urmila, Mandavi and Srutakiriti. The prinessses were next taken to the temples. Reverent worship and humble thanksgiving were offered. Bards and minstrels, poets and eulogists called down every blessing on their heads. Next, they paid their respects to everyone and repaired to their mansions. They made large gifts to Brahmanas, of Kine, gold and corn.  And they passed their lives in the enjoyment of every pleasure in the company of their lords.

The royal sons of Dasaratha ever waited on their noble father. They waited on him with sweet solicitude, anticipating his least wishes. By their bright virtues, they won the hearts of the elders. Their days were one long dream of unalloyed bliss. They were married to the loves of their hearts. They were perfect in every art of warfare. With the wealth of the world at their disposal, and surrounded by real friends, how could their happiness be otherwise than ideal?

Sometime later, the monarch sent for Bharata. Yudhajit, the son of the ruler of Kekaya was Bharata’s uncle. The monarch said, “Dear Bharata, your uncle waits here to take you to his kingdom. I have promised to that at Mithila. It behoves you to go with him and gladden his heart.”

“Nothing would please me better” replied Bharata. He saluted his father and Rama. He lovingly embraced Lakshmana. He took kind leave of his mothers and Rama. He was the sweet friend of all beings. He took his departure accompanied by Satrughna.

Rama and Lakshmana were thus left behind. They waited upon their lordly father. Under his father’s guidance, Rama looked after the interests of the citizens. The duties to his parents and elders were his first care. Thus he endeared himself to his parents and Brahmanas and the loyal citizens.His unfailing might and ideal virtues outran his growing fame. All looked up to him in reverence.

And the happy years chased one another. The years passed lightly over the heads of Rama and Sita. Sita was the fairest of the daughters of the earth. They centred in each other. They grew more and more into each other’s soul and being. Sita made herself dearer to Rama through her divine loveliness and rare excellences. And Sita loved her lord with a love passing speech and belief. He was the life of her life. The soul of her soul. And heart spoke to heart plainer than feeble words. Rama’s heart went out to her. They were like the Almighty Parents, Vishnu and Lakshmi. Sita’s love for Rama was stronger than Fate.