RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 21, PART FOUR

                                                         RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                    AYODHYAKANDA

                                                              CHAPTER 21, PART FOUR

Rama was unrivalled in persuasive eloquence. He was unrivalled in valour too. After speaking to his mother, he turned to Lakshmana. “My dear brother! I know your boundless love to me. You are very much devoted to me. My mother grieves sorely. She has forgotten the mysteries of truth and peace. You are deeply versed in the secrets of Dharma. Surely you should not speak like this. Truth is deeply implanted in Dharma. Hence it is most coveted in the Aims of Life. I should obey my father’s command. This I must do in preference to the order of my mother. I always walk in the Way of Right. I cannot afford to fail to obey my father. I also owe allegiance to my mother. And I owe allegiance to the learned Brahmanas too. All Kaikeyi did was to pass on the orders of my father. My father has ordered me to live in the forests. And who am I to say No? So put away the cruel instincts of fanatic Kshatriya. You say, ‘Let us kill this old man. After that, let us rule over the kingdom.’ Your instinctive words will lead us away from the Path of Dharma. Like Dharma Compassion and Love also merit consideration. I have never led you astray in the past!”

Then Rama bowed to Kausalya over joined palms. He said, “Mother! You and Lakshmana and Sumitra and Seeta and I should obey my father. His orders demand my immediate attention. And  I will live in the forests for fourteen years. Your orders come next. I will thereafter serve you devoutly. There is a brief spell of rough life for me. After carrying out my father’s orders, I will hasten to you. It would be like King Yayati’s life. He lived in the god-world. For a brief spell, he was sent to this world. So master your grief and give me leave to go. Perform auspicious rites that will secure us a safe journey. I will be back to your side. I beg you to grant me leave. The coronation of your son is off. Order all preparations to proceed no further. To the world, you must control yourself. You should not give yourself to the grief. Let me have your leave to speed to the forests. I am a loyal servant of Dharma!”  

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA, CHAPTER 21, PART THREE

                                                    RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                             AYODHYAKANDA

                                                       CHAPTER 21—PART THREE

Kausalya was imbued with hope now. Her heart was filled with renewed hope and joy. “Rama, my darling! Did you hear the words of Lakshmana? They need no comment or explanation. I leave it to your good sense to act as you think best. You may say that your father’s words were the law to you. But is this your father’s command? No! It is the command of Kaikeyi. This is her insidious instigation. She is my rival and an evil genius. Besides, it is all opposed to reason. There is no justice in this. Is it your duty to leave me to my enemies? I will be helpless and alone. I will be stricken with grief and misfortune. Law and duty have no mysteries for you. You always carry out the orders of your father. You think that is your duty. But there is higher dharma than that. The Books teach us that the mother is the most reverent object. So stay with me, Rama. And devote yourself to my service. There is no higher dharma. One of your ancestors is Kasyapa. He stayed with his mother. And he rendered her faithful service. His noble tapas was rewarded well. He was sent to the high regions of light. As your father is to you, so am I. He is worthy for your love and reverence. And so am I. His word is the law to you. And so is mine. Now, I don’t like your banishment. You can never have my consent to it. What joy have I in life apart from you? Life itself is a curse to me. It is my privilege and pleasure to be with you. I am attacked by misfortune and calamity. If you ever leave my side, I will starve myself to death. The Ruler of the Waters once had a misfortune. He caused grief to the heart of his mother. He was sent to Hell. He was given the place in hell reserved for the slayers of Brahmanas. And you will meet eternal misery here on earth.”

The heart-rending laments of Kausalya had no power on Rama. The Path of Duty was very important for him. He replied gently: “The duty of obeying the commands of my father is on me. Of course, I am bound to obey you too. But it is impossible to obey you both simultaneously. Besides, my father’s orders have come prior to yours. So my father’s command demands immediate attention. I dare not set it aside. So I go to the forests. And I pray you to give me your leave and blessings. Do I seem to pierce your heart? Maharshi Kandu, once, slew a holy cow! It was in obedience to his father’s command. He was not unacquainted with the niceties of dharma. He was an ascetic. And I would give you another example. It is nearer and more pertinent. King Sagara is of our line. He once gave orders to his sons. He had sixty thousand sons. The order was to tear up this earth. The sons obeyed his orders to the letter. They were consumed to ashes in doing their duty. My father commands me to do no such things. My life is his to dispose of as he wills. He only demands that I spend just fourteen years in the forests. And can I cry upon it as a great hardship? Jamadagni ordered his son to lop off the head of his mother. Parasurama did not waver or flinch. Shall I prove a traitorous son to my father? There have been many sons who carried out their fathers’ command at any cost. I am only trying to walk in their path. I have their instances to cheer me on. It is not an invention of mine. It is the law of man. And there will be no merit in me if I fulfil it. To spare you agonies I will do anything. But I have my father’s command. I might happen to cause some grief to you, my mother. But it is because of my carrying out the command of my father!”

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 21, PART TWO

                  RAMAYANA FOR CHIDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 21 PART TWO

“The king is in his second childhood. The prince (Rama) is well-versed in the traditions of royalty. It is strange that he should obey the King. Brother” continued Lakshmanan, “Make yourself master of this kingdom. Do it before others come to know of your banishment. I am at your back. I will defy anyone who tries to approach you. It is high time to put the god of Death in the due discharge of his duty! It’s child’s play to me to stop the whole city of Ayodhya. The millions of this city cannot lift their little finger against you. I will guard you against the whole world. Even if Bharata is against us, I will take care of him. Let he come against you with his friends and relations. I will take care of them all. You are gentle and meek to a fault. Such people will be insulted in this world. Merit is recognized only when it asserts itself. I see no sin or wickedness in taking the life of our father. He is in alliance with our enemies. He has done this to you at the instigation of Kaikeyi. The king is intoxicated with pride. He has no sense of right and wrong. He must be chastised. This kingdom is yours by right. How dare the king promises the kingdom to Kaikeyi’s son! He has no right to give this kingdom to anyone than you. Did the king believe in his valour and that of his armies? Does he want to chase you out of the kingdom? We should make him see that he cannot banish you to the forests. What kind of pride is that of his that makes him think he could take you on? Nobody can bother either Rama or his slave, Lakshmana. Nobody can place Bharata on the throne. Mother, Rama is my brother. He is the object of my love and reverence. I solemnly swear I will go wherever Rama goes. It shall be my duty to serve Rama wherever he goes. This day, you and Rama will see the might of my arm.”    

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA, CHAPTER 21, PART ONE

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 21, PART ONE

Then Lakshman turned to Kausalya. He was lamenting her miserable fate. He spoke to her as the occasion demanded. “Mother! It is extremely unjust to send Rama to the forests. The throne belongs to him by the right of birth. And all these are done at the behest of a woman. Rama may say Kaikeyi’s words are immaterial. That he was going to the forests by the command of his majesty. Well, his majesty is tottering under his age. So he gives his fancies the colour of the Royal Command. The pleasure of senses enslaves him. A pure heart can set at naught the rush of the senses. His reason is completely unhinged by love and passion. The evil-hearted Kaikeyi is always at his elbow. The monarch is invested with boundless power and wealth. He will do anything to win Kaikeyi’s smile. Rama is without a blemish. One cannot accuse him of treason or treachery or any heinous sin. I see none. Not even Rama’s worst enemy will accuse him on these grounds. Not even the wild wretch will say Rama has blemishes in his character. There is no chance for anyone to accuse him of any crime. My father has become an unworthy ruler. I don’t care about blaming my own father. He is some father, truly! Rama excels very gods in purity at heart. But my father banishes Rama to the forests. Rama’s words and thought are ever set on the path of Right. His one ambition is the happiness of the subjects. He has trained many a good man. He has under his stern control all his senses. Rama has endeared himself even to Kaikeyi. He is the embodiment of duty and justice. He is the eldest child of our father. He has a lawful right to the throne. Would anyone even think of banishing him to the forests? There is no justification for Rama’s banishment. I do not care for the grey hair of my father. Sixty-thousand years have passed over his head.  They disgrace him all the more. He is a slave to lust and passion. He is a hoary libertine. He is a blot upon good society. This world is foul with his presence. If I send him out of the world, it would be a great service to the world.   

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, AYODHYAKANDA, CHAPTER 20, THIRD PART

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 20, THIRD PART

Kausalya continued to speak about her life in the palace: “There are well-meaning souls. But they are afraid of speaking to me and cheer me up. They are afraid of the son of Kaikeyi. So they will avoid me like a pestilence. For they fear that Kaikeyi’s son might punish them. Kaikeyi has never a kind word or look for me. Cruel taunts and cutting sarcasms fall from her lips. Now, you say you will go to the Dantaka forests. This is the cruellest stroke of misfortune. It delivers me over to her. Do I have the strong heart to meet her frowns? For seventeen years I have been bearing my cross. I thought My Rama will grow into a youth. And then he will be crowned in the place of his father. And with that all my sufferings would come to a closure. This was how I used to think. But, alas! My hopes are nipped in the bud. The gibes and jeers of my rivals would pierce my heart. And how long could I bear these refined torments? It is a night that knows no morning. “Youth, health and beauty have passed away from me. I am an eye-sore to the king. It is not possible for me to live this dog’s life. I can no more bear this misery and disgrace. I thought your sweet presence would the awful gloom. Verily, this is a dark misery. My fasts, vows, observances and prayers are directed to one end. My sweet hopes have turned to dust and ashes. The glorious future I expected has suddenly darkened into a gloom. It is ominous and terrible. My heart breaks under the stress of and strain of this calamity. It is like the roaring flood in rainy season turns the solid banks into powder. Death does not come to one one moment sooner or later. It occurs at the right time. Or has Death forgotten me? How good it would be if death occurs to me now! If there is a chance to die before our time, I would hug Death and oblivion. My mind is set toward the Mansions of Yama. It would be miserable to live in your absence. It would be like a cow violently deprived of her one calf! My place is not here when you are in the woods. I will even follow you where you go. My hopes and joy rest on you. I am like an aged cow. I can never be parted from my calf.” Thus Kaikeyi moaned and wailed. She was in the utter agony of her grief. Rama was bound by the bonds of truth. He was absolutely powerless to stretch forth a helping hand. Kausalya raised her voice and wept aloud.

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 20, SECOND PART

        RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 20, SECOND PART.

Kausalya bitterly complained of her fate. “Darling!  Why were you born to me? Otherwise, such calamities might not have happened to you! A barren woman has no other sorrow than that of childlessness. Manifold misfortunes have befallen me. I have a son. But I have not him. I spent over him years of love and care. But everything has come unstuck. I counted upon your service in my old age. I fondly hoped that your hands would close my eyes gently at the time of my death. But I live to see you violently torn from me. The curse of childlessness has befallen me. It will dog my dying days. Alas! A barren wife has only her heart to grapple with! But my heart, mind, senses, body, are consumed by grief.

“To the world, I am the queen consort of Dasaratha. But I am devoid of the wealth, power and pomp. My husband’s heart is turned away from me. Your birth gave me a new lease of life. Your birth instilled fresh hope in my heart. I thought I would get back my power through his affection to you. That has been the main expectation of mine. Alas! Grief seems to be the only portion of the rest of my life. I am denied of the joy and comfort in marital life. I am being insulted by your father’s other wives. I have to endure the wanton indignities at their hands. They are co-wives and rivals for my husband’s love. The king’s fancy or whim has raised them to such a height. They have poisoned my husband’s heart. I have been shut from the light of his affection. They have kept their plan back till now. But hereafter they will be emboldened. They would thrust their insolence upon my face. They will cry in scorn and fury. ‘Get away! Don’t darken the presence of my lord’. This is how they will behave now. Or they may adopt a tone of ridicule. They will say, ‘Surely, a barren woman should not be the centre of feasts!’ Or, when the monarch visits me, they will drag him away. They will say to him, ‘what are you doing here? Your place is in my rooms!’ Their birth, status and talents are not superior to me. Fortune has been very cruel to me. Women do not survive such shocks. Before me stretches a whole eternity of grief! They are unparalleled and unutterable. Just imagine if they could do this in your presence, how would they behave when you are gone? Death, natural or violent, would be a boon for me! Every day finds my husband colder to me. I suffer like the waiting women of Kaikeyi. No, those women have a share of Kaikeyi’s favour!”  

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 20, FIRST PART

            RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 20, FIRST PART

                                                              “YOU SHALL NOT GO”

Rama walked three blocks. In the last block, the gates were guarded by elderly damsels. They gave him their sincere blessings.

The queen, Kausalya, spent the night in fast and meditation. This was to secure peace and prosperity to her darling son. At day-break, she worshipped Lord Vishnu. She was always occupied with vows, fasts, penances and meditation. Now she was in the sacrificial hall. Rama found her clad in white silk. She was directing the brahmanas in making offerings in the oblational fire. Curds, coloured unbroken rice, ghee, sweets, cooked food, parched grain, white garlands, sweet drinks were there. Moreover, cooked food, sacred twigs for fuel, a water jar and other materials stood in readiness for the sacrifice. She was offering libations of water to the gods. This was to ensure welfare and happiness to her son. Kausalya was wholly absorbed in the details of the Sacrifice. Her body was wasted through constant observances. Vows and fasts were undertaken regularly. But there was a halo of glory around her. She was thrilled to see her son in her rooms. He was a rare visitor there. So Kausalya sprang to her feet to welcome him. Rama went round his mother in reverence. He bowed to her and touched her feet. Kausalya embraced Rama fondly. “May length of days, boundless fame and the proper observances crown you for always. Your ancestors were righteous, noble and grey in the experience of years. Your father never broke his words and promises. This day he will instal you as the heir-apparent. He is well-versed in the mysteries of Dharma.”

Kausalya offered him a seat. She invited Rama to dine there. Rama was modest and unassuming by nature.  He had extreme devotion to his mother. He was not going to show the least tinge of shamefacedness. In a cheerful voice, he addressed his mother; “Mother! The king has given orders to stop my coronation. He is desirous of installing Bharata in my place. I am ordered to live for fourteen years in the forests of Dandaka. I go straight from here to the forests. I have come to take leave of you. I have resolved to live in the wilderness. I will feed on honey, roots and fruits. It will feel like a hermit. Are not they abstain from the flesh of animals? I have nothing to do with the seats wrought with diamonds?”

The cruel words fell like a thunder-bolt on Kausalya. She fainted from excess of grief. It was like the huge Sala tree cut down by the axes. Rama sprang towards her. He raised her gently in his arms. She lay like an uprooted plantain tree. Soon she regained consciousness.      

  

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 19 SECOND AND THIRD PARTS

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 19, SECOND PART

Rama never would go back on his word. Kaikeyi knew this for a fact. So Rama was as good as gone to Dandaka. Her heart rejoiced. And she did her best to hurry him on. “You are absolutely correct, Rama” she said. Let messengers hasten to bring Bharata back to Ayodhya. It does not benefit you to delay here. And you are so eager to go to the forests. So you hasten to the Dandaka forests. Your father is ashamed and that prevents him from issuing the order. He will not bathe nor have breakfast unless he sees you depart for the woods” thus spoke Kaikeyi.

Dasaratha was shocked to hear these cruel words. He cried, “Alas! What have I done to witness this horrendous act of Kaikeyi?” And he fell in a dead faint on his bed. Rama sprang to his side. And he caught Dasaratha in his arm. Kaikeyi hastened Rama’s departure. She lashed him with her cruel words. “My queen!” Rama spoke in anguish, “You do me wrong. Don’t think that I hanker after wealth, pomp and power. Indeed I don’t want to remain here. You seem to be afraid of what Bharata would do. You are afraid that he might renounce the crown in my favour! My act, my words, my thoughts centre round only one desire. I must fulfil my Dharma. I am as dispassionate as the sages in the holy forests. Hollow joys of life have no power over me. I want you to remember that I value my father’s happiness very much. I know no other joy in life than obey his words. His majesty need not command me. A word from you, mother, is enough. Your hint is more than enough to make the life in the forests joyful. No one has unquestioned right like you have to order me. I take pride on being the chosen servant of yours. And yet I am at a loss to understand that you should have asked my father to send me to the forests. Just give me to take leave of my mother. And I also need to console Sita. I pray you to do all the arrangements for Bharata’s coronation.”

                                RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 19, THIRD PART

Rama’s words were gentle and very noble. He was very generous. And he was utterly unselfish. But Rama’s words were too much for Dasaratha. He became very grieved. He was shaken to the very foundation. He sobbed aloud. The burning tears coursed down his cheeks. Then Rama touched gently his father’s feet. He also touched the feet of the scheming Kaikeyi. Rama went round them in humility. He had no grief nor anger nor disappointment nor annoyance. His looks were bright. He went back to his palace. His friends followed him. He was closely followed by Lakshmana. He was beside himself with wrath and anger. He was like a hissing cobra. And he could not check his tears. One should go round in reverence rare and auspicious articles. So Rama went round the materials stored for his coronation. He would not glance at them. But he passed on slowly. Rama prayed that those articles must be utilised for Bharata’s coronation. The dark night had no power to dim the beauty of the moon. The bright moon brought joy to all.  The loss of his crown and his banishment to the forests did not dim the glory of the Lord. For eternal and boundless bliss was one of his attributes. He was ready to go and live in the trackless forests. His mind was very serene. He was dispassionate and unshaken. He gently refused the umbrella of the state. His royal insignia went forward to the mansion of Rama’s mother. He wanted to tell her the news. He gently dismissed his friends and a teeming number of people. His senses were under stern control. He grieved to see others grieve for him. But he did not allow that to show in his face. Those around him were unable to detect any change in his face. He was the lord of Sree and the champion of Truth. He lost nothing of his inner cheerfulness. He was like the autumn moon. Rama was undisturbed by joy or sorrow. He was unparalleled in fame. He was still the giver of happiness to all. He was kind to all around him. He spoke sweet words to all. Thus Rama passed on to his mother’s palace.

Lakshmana followed Rama. He had to exercise iron control over himself. Rama saw there groups of people rejoicing in anticipation of his coronation. He said to himself, “Alas! I had to be the bringer of the sad news! My friends here are so happy. I should exercise great control over myself. Otherwise, these good folks will die of grief. Rama entered the apartments of the queen with a cheerful smile.  

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 19 FIRST PART

              RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 19, FIRST PART

Rama lent a joyful ear to the words of Kaikeyi. “My queen!” he addressed Kaikeyi like this, “I will go to the dark forests. I will live there like a hermit. I will sport matted hair. I will be dressed in deerskin and bark of trees. It is my duty to fulfil my father’s promise! But my father knows me very well. Nothing can shake his iron will.  He is the flower of valour and heroism. I am surprised that he does not show his delight at my sight. I am anxious to know why. But I pray you do not entertain any doubt. I will stick to my promise. I swear it before you again. I will go to the forests and live like a hermit. The king is a guardian of my interest. I have sat at his feet and learned about life. He is the Lord and Ruler over us. Ingratitude was never associated with his name. It is a great joy to obey him. But one thought rankles in my heart. Why did not the King himself tell me about Bharata’s coronation? Was it to spare me any mental pain? How can he forget that Bharata is none other than my own brother? There is no one who loves Bharata more. Would I not have most willingly resigned my right as the first-born son? If only Bharata expressed his wish?! I hold these wealth, kingdom and my very life only so far as they are of service to him. It is the most sacred duty of mine to fulfil my father’s promise. Alas! My heart bleeds to see the King in this condition. I pray you to soothe away his grief. Let the messengers go to Kekayas to bring back Bharata. I go straight from here to the forests of dandaka. I will live there for fourteen years. I would not think twice about obeying my father’s command!”

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 18, THIRD PART

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 18, THIRD PART

After Rama’s outburst, Kaikeyi spoke to Rama.

“In the past, there was a great battle. And the battle was between the gods and the asuras. In the battle, your father fought for the gods! The asuras wounded your father grievously. He was at death’s door. I brought him back to life and safety. For this, he was pleased to give me two boons. Now I demand the fulfilment of those boons. If you think your father’s promise must be carried out, just listen to me. Bharata should be crowned today. He is the heir-apparent. The articles prepared for your coronation must be used for Bharata’s coronation. You should cancel all arrangements for your coronation. You must live in the forest of Dandaka for fourteen years like a recluse. You must sport matted hair. You must be dressed in deer-skin and bark of trees. My Bharata should reign from today. Ayodhya has treasures of gold and silver, horses and elephants. The king is torn between the conflicting emotions. He is torn between compassion and grief. He does not want you even to see him. You must fulfil the promise made by your father. You must thus walk in the path of Truth. This is how you can save your father from hell!”

The cruel words fell on Dasarath’s ears. And he wreathed in impotent agony. “Alas! What sin have I committed? Why should I have to listen to her words? She is a fiend in human shape. Now I have to inflict this cruelty on Rama! Rama is dearer to me than my very life. Even the worst enemies would shrink from such cruelty!”

But Rama’s heart was serene and joyful. He wanted to carry out his filial duty. His face was a faithful index of his heart. He did not show any sign of grief. There was no anger or disappointment. He did not think Kaikeyi’s actions and words as cruel. Though it was an injustice and an irony of fate! Rama did not think that the crown was his by right of birth. He did not even think that his father proclaimed to the whole world about his coronation. He did not think that at the last moment he had to lose the crown. He did not worry about having to renounce all the comforts and luxuries. The wealth and pomp and power, all these, he had to renounce. Rama was the Supreme God. So he maintained complete equilibrium in the face of such a turn of the events!

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 18, SECOND PART

             RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 18 SECOND PART

.

Kaikeyi knew that she had no fault to find with Rama. But her selfishness blinded her to every other consideration. She felt no fear or shame. She was about to speak to Rama the unholy things. But she was resolute in her resolve. “Rama!” Kaikeyi said, “The king is not offended with you. He is not afflicted with any other grief. He desires to speak to you. But he is afraid that you may not carry out his wishes. You know how much he loves you. And his love stands in the way of his talking to you. He has made a promise to me long ago. And it rests with you to fulfil it. He forced his boons upon me. But now when I invoke the same he repents of it.  Is it not a fault in giving me two boons and when I invoke them he hesitates? His act is like a man who shuts the stable after the horse has bolted. Dharma is the root of this Universe. And it is your duty to ensure that your father carries out his promise to me. Your father must not turn a traitor to Truth. I will speak on his behalf if you give your word that you will fulfil whatever I demand.”

Rama’s heart was filled with unutterable grief. “Alas! What a fate! Has it come to this that you, my mother, should suspect me? You can speak for my father, Dasaratha. He is not only my father but my lord and teacher!” Rama turned to Kaikeyi and spoke in a voice so Dasaratha also could hear. “Fie, fie! How can I disobey my very own mother’s words? I wish to die and sucked into fathomless darkness. He is not only my father. He is also is my lord, ruler, my master and the guardian of my interests. All he needs to do is speak one word. And I will gladly leap into the flames. Or I will drink poison. Or I will plunge into the depths of the deep ocean. So I pray you to speak on behalf of my father. Is it necessary that I should promise you to do your bidding? Rama does not speak twice!”

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 18

                        RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 18, PART 1

                                                                KAIKEYI’S TRIUMPH

Rama entered the hall. He saw his father lying on the bed. His eyes were hopeless and the face was not normal. Kaikeyi was standing by the bed. Rama clasped his father’s feet. Then he did the same with respect to Kaikeyi. Dasaratha cried, “Rama”. And then speech failed him. Torrential tears blinded his eyes. And he could not see Rama. To Rama it was a fearful sight. He had never seen his father in such a state. Rama felt as though he had stepped on a cobra. Suddenly terror gripped him. Rama was always serene and unruffled in any situation. But his father was great. Rama wondered whether he could have been an unconscious reason for his father’s state. His father was sighing hot and furiously. He breathed thus like a wounded snake. He was pale and emaciated with grief. He also seemed to be bewildered and dazed. He lay there in strange despair. It looked as though the monarch of the waters had been disturbed to the very depths. It also looked like the Sun in the jaws of Rahu. Or he could be likened to a Rishi who had uttered a lie. Rama became angry with himself. He thought he had been unconsciously the reason for Dasaratha’s state. The monarch’s interests were important for Rama. He said to himself, “It is very strange. My lord’s face is not bright as usual. He always would exhibit joy at seeing him! I might have been the cause for this quite unconsciously. The Monarch will always be pleased to see Rama. Dasaratha’s face will be wreathed in a smile. But now my lord’s heart is torn with grief at my sight!” With a heavy heart, Rama turned to face Kaikeyi. Rama said, “My mother! Is my father displeased with me for any fault of mine? Please enlighten me! My father has great affection for me. It almost looked he was partial in his kindness to me. But now I find him careworn and miserable. He is quite silent to me. This body is subjected to bliss and grief. He might be subject to infirmities and maladies. Or has something unpleasant happened to Bharata? Bharata always brings joy to all. Or could it be that Satrughna or my mothers are the cause of my father’s misery? He is my lord and king. My duty always waits upon his pleasure. He is my fond father. I take no pleasure in life unless it were devoted to his service. But now his heart is turned away from me. Whatever he commands I will faithfully carry out. This very body is derived from him. So he is the only god we see. By carrying out his commands, our highest desires have been fulfilled. Or could it be that you, my mother, in anger done something unpleasant to him?  Have you spoken to him harshly? Mother! I pray you to tell me the truth. What is it that has brought about this sudden change?”

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 17

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 17

                                                              RAMA GOES TO HIS FATHER

                                                                           (Continued)

Every part of the city was adorned suitably. Colourful flags and proud pennons rose to the sky. Many rare perfumes spread sweet fragrance everywhere. The mansions of the nobility gleamed white like a bank of fleecy clouds. The royal road was lined with shops, booths, stalls, stores and emporiums. There were stocks of silks, cloths, wraps and unbored pearls, crystals and every delicacy. Every moment huge crowds poured in. And Rama drove along. His eyes rested on the familiar and loved scenes. The crossings were gay with curds, grains of the coloured rice. There were also parched grain, sandal, aloes, incense, garlands. There were offerings of food. Rama had numerous friends and well-wishers. They all gave Rama their blessings as he passed on. “May your fair brow wear the crown of Kosala. Walk in the traditions of your forefathers. Please extend the shadow of your protecting arm over us. There is going to be a long period of peace and prosperity for us. For, you are going to be our king. We desire to see you return to your palace after the consecration bath. We don’t care for the material pleasures. We don’t care for the life hereafter even. Our hearts desire only one wish. That wish is to see you as our monarch.

Such praises and plaudits did not elate Rama. He was humbler and more solicitous to deserve such boundless love. Rama passed on rewarding the mass with a glance. He would nod, bow, exchange a word with the people of the city. Those who looked at Rama stood rooted to the spot. Their looks followed their hearts which they had lost to Rama. They saw him in every object. They heard him in every sound. Not everyone was blessed with a word from Rama. The crowds kept pouring in. The very sight of Rama’s supernal beauty raised them to boundless bliss. Those who were more fortunate had a close look at Rama. Rama was the same to all. He passed through crossings, lanes, holy trees, halls. And Rama approached the palace of his father. The Vardhamana houses flashed like gems. It looked as though they were the mansions of Indra. Lofty towers hid the sun from view. Rama walked through three blocks. At last Rama was at the gates of the seraglio. Rama left his friends and retinue. The vast crowd waited outside in high anticipation. They all wanted dearly the pleasure of seeing Rama’s coronation.