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.
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