RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 15
RAMA SENT FOR
Brahmanas, court chaplains, ministers, generals, and civic authorities gathered in the audience hall of the king. They were beside themselves with joy. For the coronation ceremony was approaching fast. Vivasvan is the sun-god. He looked down at the assembled crowds. Pushya is the star of the day. It shone brightly as it abode with Cancer. There would be the consecration bath. For this purpose, the holy waters were gathered in vessels of gold. Sacred confluences like the Prayaga; the Godawari, the Cauvery mingled with the eastern seas; the Gandaki, the Sona, the Bhadra; Brahmavarta and Rudravarta in the Naimisa forest and other springs, lakes, wells, pools and rivulets; the ocean and the seas—all contributed their quota. There was a splendid throne; a chariot spread with tiger-skins; vessels of gold and silver, curious-shaped, in which floated fried rice, lotus leaves and milky juice of the Asvattha and the Udumbara tree; honey, curds, clarified butter, fried rice, holy grass, flowers and milk; well-bred courtesans gaily adorned; chowries with shafts of gold encrusted with gems; the silky fleece; the umbrella of state spread overhead in moon-white lustre; a lordly bull and horse; an elephant in rut, as bore kings and monarchs; eight damsels of auspicious features, blazing with gold and gems; the four kinds of musical instruments, bards, minstrels, panegyrists and heralds; and other articles used in the coronation-rite of the Ikshvaku princes were kept in readiness. The officers of the king assembled at the palace-gates and discussed the unusual delay of their master. “Whom shall we commission to report our arrival to His Majesty? He is late in coming. The sun ascends the steps to his golden throne. The sun brings us nearer to the auspicious moment fixed for Rama’s installation.” Thus they spoke. Sumantra addressed the rulers and princes. He said, “The King has commanded to bring Rama to his presence. The emperor and Rama hold you all in high esteem. Hence, I will even go back to my royal master and make enquiries on your behalf. I will ascertain why he delays so long. He must give audience to his good friends and loving subjects.”
And Sumantra retraced his steps towards the women’s apartments. He invoked the blessings of the gods on his master’s head. Dasaratha recognised the voice of his friend. He said “Sumantra! You were commissioned by Kaikeyi to bring Rama here. Go and fetch Rama.”
Sumantra bowed and left the harem. He took his way through the broad streets. The streets were gay with flags and pennons. Groups of people in the roads and squares held a joyous talk. Rama’s palace rose in view. Large gates of curious workmanship adorned it. Tiny kiosks dotted the extensive grounds. There statues of gold gleamed through garlands of gems and pearls. It burst upon the eye in dazzling splendour and beauty. It looked like the lofty peak of the Dardara. Gems and pearls, scents and perfumes and all things rare and lovely were laid there. The cries of swans, peacocks, herons and parrots came aloft the melodious breeze. Rare paintings covered the walls. Its brightness dazed the senses and the eye. It looked like the palace of the Lord of Riches. The palaces of the Lord of Day and Night paled in insignificance. The mansion of the Lord of Riches or the palace of the Lord of the Immortals or the cloud-capped summit of the Meru could not have been richer in comparison. Strange birds and beasts chirped and moved behind bars of steel and gold. Visitors from foreign lands thronged the grounds in joyful expectation. They were bearing costly gifts. Hunchbacks and dwarfs of the Kirata class moved about like black oases in a bank of fleecy clouds. Sumantra went through the happy throngs to the interior. There he came upon a large band of men. They had devoted their lives to the service of Rama. They watched over him in sleepless vigilance. They too were discussing the one topic of the day. Sumantra crossed many halls, squares and courts before he came near the women’s apartments. Groups of men were waiting there before the gates with costly gifts. There was Satrunjaya. It was the favourite elephant of Rama. Rama’s favourite ministers were there on elephants, horses and chariots. They made respectful way for Sumantra. He passed on unhindered to the inner apartments. It was like a miniature city graced with stately buildings. That resembled the huge clouds that rest on mountain peaks!
No comments:
Post a Comment