RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 16, FIRST PART

           RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 16—FIRST PART

                                                             RAMA GOES TO HIS FATHER

Sumantra went through the gates of the seraglio. It was crowded with expectant people. Sumantra entered another suit of apartments. It was comparatively quiet. There he found many armed youths richly dressed and watching over Rama. There were wardens of the women’s apartments. They were venerable old men past the age of ninety-five. The whole world reposed in security under the shadow of Rama’s bow. And Rama was sleeping. He was under the shadow of the light wands. The wands were held in the trembling hands of these ancients. They were clothed in gems and gold. It was only to please Rama. They loved him more than his own father, Dasaratha. Every time Rama returned from the palace, they laid him on their laps and caressed him. They would smell his head in affection. They would not part with Rama until they were assured of his happiness. Scents and perfums adorned the lovely form of Rama. They left their mark upon the bodies of these elders. They knew that Sumantra was Rama’s favourite. So they rose in respectful haste to welcome him. Sumantra went around them in reverence and spoke to them. “May I request you to inform Rama that Sumantra waits upon his pleasure?” Rama was in conversation with Seeta when the news was brought to him. He knew Sumantra was a counselor and intimate friend of his father. He ordered Sumantra to be brought to his presence at once. Sumantra advanced to where Rama sat. Rama was the master of boundless wealth even as Kubera. The Guardian of the North bestowed on him everything his followers might pray for. Sumantra was granted the privilege of beholding the supreme beauty of Rama’s form. He was absorbed in meditation upon Narayana. His palms were joined in humble reverence. Graceful garlands adorned his shoulders. Sumantra beheld Sree Rama. Ah! What merit did he lay up in past lives! Sumantra was blessed to behold Rama. He saw Rama exactly as he is described under the mystic symbology of Paryanka Vidya in the Kaushitaki Upanishad. Sandal paste prepared with saffron paint adorned his shapely hands and breast. Sita stood by, fanning him softly with the moon-white Chamara. Sumantra beheld him and was rewarded with a clearer vision. The Supreme Person shone like a sun of limitless radiance. Sumantra prostrated himself before the Deity of his heart. He folded his palms on his head and made respectful enquries. “Fair fruit of Kausalya’s glorious past! Your father desires your presence. Kaikeyi also wants to see you. You are expected there soon.” Sumantra spoke thus.

Rama expressed his pleasure the news gave him. He turned to Seeta and said, “Seeta! I think my father and mother have a new plan in relation to the coronation ceremony. The King thinks it will not do to wait till Bharata’s return. Father might plead the weight of his age and infirmities. Kaikeyi’s sharp intellect might urge the king to hurry on the arrangements for his investiture. She would do much to advance the peoples’ welfare and happiness. My interest and advancement are ever nearest her heart. Hence I am sure that my consecration may be put forward considerably. It is nice of them to have chosen Sumantra as their messenger. Sumantra holds his very life to serve me. The attendants of the women’s apartments are interested in my coronation. But even more ambitious is this aged emissary. My father will crown me heir-apparent before the day is over. Hence I go to hear my father’s commands. Rest here, Seeta, in comfort. Amuse yourself with your friends and people.”