RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN
AYODHYAKANDA
CHPTER NUMBER 23 PART FOUR
“Would you go to the forest?” Lakshmana continued. “Well,
you shall go. But not now! Among the Ikshvakus the Royal sages rule for long.
When they become aged, they decide to lead the life of a hermit. Their children
rule the Kingdom. This is the honoured tradition among the Ikshvakus. So you
should reign over us for long years. And when the age catches up with you, you
must go to the forest to lead a hermit’s life. Your sons will inherit the
kingdom. Our father is impulsive. But you must not allow the kingdom change
hands with his moods. The shores keep the ocean billows within bounds. Like
that I shall protect this kingdom. This shall be my personal responsibility.
The materials for your crowning are here. I pray you turn your thoughts toward
crowning yourself. I am more than a match for any king. Whoever approaches us
with hostility will bite the dust. Why do you think I have the long arms? Are
they for show? I have the bow in my hands. I have the sword upon my thigh. The
quivers are at my back. Are they mere toys? They are meant to exterminate our
enemies. My heart knows no peace. My arms know no rest. My sword shall strike
the enemy down and drink his life blood. I will give a rare feast to you this
day. My sword will lop off heads, the hands and legs of men. If I should stand
on the battle ground hearses and elephants will lose their heads. My enemies
will hang their heads in shame. I will pierce the foes with countless arrows. I
will sheathe my darts in the vital parts of warriors. So let no shadow of doubt
cross your mind. I will get the better of the foes with great ease. I have been
initiated into the mysteries of the divine weapon. I will even pluck the crown
from the unworthy Dasaratha. I will lay the crown at your feet. Tell me what I
should do to gain your confidence.”
And to him Rama replied: “Child! The books of Dharma lay
down several rules. The parrent’s words are law unto the son. He should feed thousands
of men and women on the anniversary of their departure. Then only their soul
will be seated in World of the Blessed. I will fulfil our parrent’s wish at any
cost. This is the path trod by the good and great in this world.”
Thus Rama explained succinctly the dharma to be followed by
him at this moment. Rama wiped away the tears of Lakshmana. Thus Rama brought
solace and consolation to his grieved heart.
