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.