RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER NUMBER 12, THE HORSE SACRIFICE RESOLVED UPON

                                                               RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                  CHAPTER NUMBER 12

                                                    THE HORSE-SACRIFICE RESOLVED UPON

Spring came on. Dasaratha wished to perform the sacrifice. The Horse Sacrifice was a necessary preliminary and purificatory rite. During the preparatory Sangrahani Dasaratha prayed Rishyasringa to accept the office of Brahma. “Be it so,” replied the sage. He further said, “Make the necessary arrangements and let the horse go round over the earth.”

Dasaratha turned to Sumantra and said, “Reverently invite to the holy rite Suyajna, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa, Vasishtha, our royal chaplain and other Brahmanas skilled in the mysteries of the sacrifices and convey them here on the suitable vehicle.”

When they all arrived the king honoured them and said, “Reverent Sirs! My spirit is down. For at my old age do not have children to climb up my knees. I shall perform a horse-sacrifice to expiate my sin, conscious or otherwise that frustrates my wishes.”

Vasishtha and others applauded this resolve of the king. They said, “Your heart is righteously inclined towards this right. You will surely be blessed with four sons. So, lose no time in making the arrangement for the sacrifice.”

Dasaratha turned to the ministers and said, “See that the directions of my teacher are carried out to the letter. Let everything be in readiness to begin the rite. And lose the sacrificial horse to go his round. Let skilled priests and an army accompany it. Lay out the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayu river. If this sacrifice is conducted without any mishap, every king would gladly lay claim to the honour. But, cunning Brahma-rakshsas are ever on the watch to detect any slight flaw in these rites. And it is not easy to baffle them. I pray you to help me conduct this sacrifice without any hitch.

They replied, “Let it be on our heads and eyes.”

The Sangrahani was over. The horse was let loose. And the assembled Brahmins were loud in their praises of the good king. The king’s heart was ever set on Dharma. They then took leave of Dasaratha. After reiterating his orders to his ministers, Dasaratha retired to his apartments.  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER NUMBER 11, DASARATHA AND RISHYASRINGA

                                                                      RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                          CHAPTER NUMBER 11  

                                                                    DASARATH AND RISHYASRINGA

Ikshvaku was an illustrious line. Of that line will issue forth king Dasaratha. He will keep his word. Romapada was the king of Anga. And he would be a very dear friend of Dasaratha. Romapada will be blessed with a lovely daughter, Santa. Her beauty will match her virtue. Dasaratha will approach Romapada and say, “O friend my heart wants to dance to the boyish prattle and innocent laughter. You ask Rishyasringa and come to my capital, Ayothi. Let him device a rite. Let me get fair babies and heirs to my throne.”

Romapada will send his son-in-law, Rishyasringa and Santa with Dasaratha’s capital. Then Dasaratha will pray to the sage to help him get children. Rishyasringa would not fail Dasaratha. He will bless Dasaratha with four sons to gladden his heart and continue his throne.

All this had been predicted by the divine Sanatkumara. He said, “Now I suggest you go with your friends and family members, armies and attendants. Offer him your respects. And you should beg him to go over with you.”

Dasaratha took counsel with Vasishtha and set out for the dominons of Romapada. They had a long and pleasant journey. At last, they arrived at the palace of Romapada. He gave a hearty welcome to Dasaratha and his queens and ministers.

With pride and joy, Romapada explained the friendship between him and Dasaratha to Rishyasringa. The sage honoured all. King Dasaratha could not take his eyes off the young Rishi.

A week went by. After which Dasaratha sought the privacy of Romapada. He said, “My friend, would you allow me to take Santa and her husband to my place? They would serve a great purpose of mine.”

“I am glad,” said Romapada. He said to his son-in-law, “My valued friend, Dasaratha wants you and your wife to stay with him at his Palace. I would be glad if you could do the same.” “Nothing would give me greater pleasure” was the answer of the Rishi who smiled an enigmatic smile.

Dasaratha embraced Romapada and took his leave. He departed with the Rishi and his wife, Santa. Before his departure, he sent forth his swift messengers. “Go in advance and see to it that Ayodhya puts her brightest colour to invite our guests.”

And Dasaratha entered Ayothya to the sweet sounds of martial music. The people, who were dressed in their brightest and the best, shouted a hearty welcome. Dasaratha led his guests to the inner chamber of his palace. His old heart danced with pleasure. His ladies were overjoyed. Santa was happy too. She spent a happy time in ministering to her husband, Rishyasringa.

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 10, RISHYASRINGA--THE INNOCENT--(Continued)

                                                                  RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                              CHAPTER 10  

                                                     RISHYASRINGA—THE INNOCENT –(Continued)

When he was questioned thus, Sumantara went on, “The Priests spoke to the king through his ministers, “Follow our advice and you will have your wish. That ascetic has never been out of his native forests. He faithfully discharges his duties. And he studies regularly. These duties take up all his time. The face of a woman is a new sight to him. He does not know her nature. He did not know her ways and wiles. That her looks send liquid fire in a man’s veins. We will cloud his senses with sweet music, fine perfumes, delicious food, flowery touch that captivate the eye. We are sure to bring him over here. Make up your mind to follow our plan. Send lovely courtesans on this business. Bribe him well by rich presents of silk and clothes. And they can never fail to have him at their heels” “Do as seems to you best” said the king. They gave the ministers to give instructions to the courtesans

Accordingly, the girls went to the forest. And they hung about the cottage of Vibhandaka. They lay in wait for a chance to meet his son alone. The young man rarely left his cottage. He was engrossed in attendance upon his father.

As misfortune would have it, one day he came out of his residence or abode. He went to the very place where the courtesans were. They joyfully approached him. With alluring smiles, they cooed to him their welcome. “Holy one, who are you? And how is it that you make this forest your home?”

The courtesans very forms and features were new to him. He replied, “Lovely beings! I am the son of the holy Vibhandaka. And he calls me Rishysringa. There is my cottage. I would be delighted to receive you there. And I would give you the best welcome.”

The girls smiled their assent. There at his cottage, he gave them water to wash and drink. He gave them delicious fruits and roots to drink and eat. They received them with joyful thanks. They were desirous to leave the cottage before the terrible Vihbndaka returned. They said, “Fair sir you will not refuse the fruits we have brought for you.” They offered him every variety of fruits and delicacies. He partook of with unconcealed desire. For never before he had seen such wonderfully sweet fruits.

Then the girls danced with the man. The girls then took leave of him. “Holy sir, allow us to depart to our homes. For we are nearing the hour of worship.”

The young man’s senses were in a swirl. He had never seen such heavenly forms. their sight had sent a molten lava through his veins. He yearned for the moment when he will set eyes on them again. He stood distraught, spiritless then he went back to his lonely cell. He had for long meditated upon their beauteous forms. After a moment, the restlessness took possession of him. He came to the place he first met them and eagerly looked at the road they took.

They did not fail him. They insisted upon his returning their visit. “You will find nicer fruits than we gave you and you can be sure of a warmer welcome at our hemitage”

He took their words for gospel truth and went with them. The moment his feet touched the soil of Anga Great Indira’s wrath was gone. And the rain burst over the land and drenched the thirsty fields.

And the people rejoiced at that. The king met his visitor and welcomed him. “Holy one! May I beg your pardon for having made you visit my kingldom? May I pray of you to save me from the terrible wrath of your father? Rishyasringa did not disappoint him.

And Romapada took him to his palace and joyfully gave him his daughter, Santa, for a wife.

The sage lived thereafter with them. His least wishes were anticipated and every desire of his heart gratified.  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 9, RISHYASRINGA--THE INNOCENT

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                                 CHAPTER 9

                                                                 RISHYASRINGA—THE INNOCENT

Sumantra was the charioteer of the king, Dasaratha. He was also one of Dasaratha’s confidential ministers. He sought the privacy of the King, Dasaratha. He said, “Lord I was present at a Holy Assembly. Sanatkumara, the Divine Celibate, spoke at the time. And he alluded to the very subject spoken to by the Brahmanas.”

The divine Kasyapa has a son. His name is Vibhandaka. To him a child will be born. He will be called Rishyasringa. He will spend all his life in the forest. Then for some years he will spend his days in the service of his father. He will reverently tend the Sacred Fires. And then his Brahmachariya will receive a violent shock.

It will come to pass that Romapada will rule Anga. He will be neglectful of his kingly duties. As a result his dominions will suffer a drought. Men and beasts will suffer. Contrite with a bleeding heart he will send for the old Brahmins of wisdom. He will say to them, “Reverent sirs, you are of high wisdom. Advise me some rites whereby my crime might be expiated. And my land might be freed of the curse.” The Brahmins replied, “Your Majesty! Get somehow Rishyasringa, the son of Vibhandaka and give him your daughter Santa. Let them marry. And your land will have rain.”

“How shall I do it?” the king said to himself. “Well, the Brahmins alone know how to bring down one of their class.” He requested his chaplain and his ministers to go and bring him the young man.

But they shook with fear and refused to go. They begged pardon of their king and said, “No sir. We dare not go. Vibhandaka’s curse is too terrible to think of. But we will suggest to you another plan. By that plan, you can bring his son down here and have rain.”

The king followed their advice. He got him down through courtesans and gave him his daughter, Santa. They were married. So said Sanatkumara, and Rishyasringa, your son-in-law as well, will procure you an offspring.”

Dasaratha heard with eager ears the news. He asked, “Well, Sumantra, how was it that Romapada included Rishyasringa to leave his forest-home and visit his dominions?”  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 8, A CHILDLESS KING

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                         CHAPTER 8

                                                                   A CHILDLESS KING

Dasaratha was of great fame and virtue. He was on the evening of his life.  There were no children from his loins to cheer his last days. For this, he grieved. He underwent heavy observances. For this, he had to subdue the needs of his flesh. He often performed great sacrifices to the Gods. He had tried every means as recommended by the Holy Books. But all these were in vain. In sheer desperation, he flung his arm and cried—“Oh, you just gods! Is there no way from this living death?” And as though in answer there flashed upon him a suggestion, “May be some unwitting sin of mine in the far past sin not worked out. Anyhow, let me celebrate the Horse-sacrifice that washes all sins. He took counsel of his queens. It brought great joy to their barren hearts. Then he told Sumantra to bring his priestly guides. And when they were all before him the aged monarch honoured them duly. “I am sore in my heart,” he told them. “Because I have no son to grace my name. My royal state is like dust and ashes in my mouth. May be a Horse-sacrifice can remove the sin that bars the way to the desire of my heart. What is your view, sirs?”

The Brahmins listened to his sweet words. They warmly applauded his resolve. “This sacrifice cannot fail to accomplish your object!” they said. They also said, “Let the necessary arrangements be made and the consecrated horse be let loose.”

Unspeakable joy spread over the sad heart of the old king. And his face shone with a new light. He turned to his ministers and cried, “Place yourselves under the directions of Vashistha and get everything ready!” He also said, “Start the consecrated horse on its holy round; let brave warriors go with it and saintly priests. Raise the sacrificial grounds on the northern banks of the Sarayu. Have the necessary rites performed that the Kalpa Sutra lay down to ward off obstacles from enemies. The Brahmins gave him their blessings and withdrew from the council chamber. Dasaratha reiterated his orders to the ministers. He said to his queens, “Preparations are on foot towards the sacrifice; consecrate yourselves accordingly.”

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN , CHAPTER 7, DASARATHA'S MINISTERS

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                              CHAPTER 7

                                                                   DASARATHA’S MINISTERS

There were eight ministers to Dasaratha. The empire was vast. The emperor was war-like and wise monarch. These ministers assisted Dasaratha in wise ways. These ministers were very good readers of character. They were faithful and true. Their thoughts, words and deeds were in perfect accord. They were of subdued senses. They had large private means. They were gifted with extraordinary intelligence. They were sweet-spoken. They had fame for their honesty and truth. They had unsurpassed valour and fortitude. They were dear to their master. They always looked out for the good of Dasaratha. Their time and energies were devoted to the affairs of the state. The ministers were well-versed in the science of statecraft. They would not do any mean action. They had good patience. They had spiritual capacity. They would not tell a lie because of anger, for gain or love. They had considerable tact and knowledge of the world. They knew through their spies everything that took place in their country or abroad. They dealt out justice swiftly without fear or favour.

They guarded the interests of the good and the righteous. They were always successful against the plans of the enemies of the state. They always looked out for increasing the armaments of the kingdom and enriching the coffers. They did not oppress the Brahmins and the valiant kshatrias. Every offender was punished or fined. In this the magnitude of their crime and means to pay were taken into consideration. Due regard were given to the place and time and age and means in meeting out punishment. These excellent counsellors were tastefully and adorned. They guarded the secrets of the state. They were calm and cool in judgement.

Through his gifted ministers, Dasaratha won over the hearts of his people and was ever informed of everything that took place at home or abroad. Of faultless character, his feet were ever set on the path of virtue. No one asked for his presence and went away disappointed. His friends were numerous. He had many tributaries. He bowed to none. He acknowledged the rule of none. He ruled his country rightly with the help of his ministers.    

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 06, DASARATHA

                                                                 RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                            CHAPTER 06

                                                                            DASARATHA

King Dasaratha ruled his people from the city, Ayodhya. He ruled wisely and well like the Divine Ruler, Manu. The king was strong and hardy. He had the grace and for utmost befitting a King. He had his senses under control. Thus he ruled over his senses too. Among the line of Ikshvaku he was a noble king. To his enemies he brought terror. But to his friends he brought only joy. His name had been known in all the worlds. Indra is the king of the gods. Kubera is the Lord of Riches. King Dasaratha rivalled both in riches.

Dasaratha was well versed in all arts and science. He rejoiced in the weal of his kingdom. He celebrated many sacrifices. The people residing in his city were just and happy. They were generous and brod-minded. They speak truth only. They knew every traditional lore and legend. There were no poor people in the city of Ayodhya. The people were dressed in bright garments. They were adorned in ear rings and necklaces. They wore perfume and flower. They also wore chains and bracelets. There was no denier of God. There was no ignorant man in Ayodhya. They put first their duty. All were godlike in spirit and self-controlled. There was no hunger in the city. There was no one who was low in spirit and gloomy in outlook. There was no one who thought sinfully about his neighbour’s riches or wife. There was no thief or liar. There was no envious man. There was no deformed or ugly person in the city of Ayodhya. The people were all loyal to the King and state. They regularly performed sacrifices to fetch happiness here and hereafter.

The Brahmins of the city were endowed with lofty ideals. They regularly discharged their complicated duties. They led the way for other classes to follow. They studied and taught. They gave and received. They committed no sin. They tended the Holy Fire properly. They mastered Vedas. The other orders of the society were brave, truthful and righteous. They were hospitable. The warriors paid due obedience to the Brahmins. The Vaisyas honoured and obeyed the ruling class. And the Sudras were the tillers of the soil. They never swerved from their rule of life. They paid humble and cheerful service to other classes of people.

The forests of the Vindhya and the Himalayan mountain supplied the warriors rare elephants. The army’s might was well-known to all the nations. The city of Ayodhya was impregnable. No enemy force even thought of coming anywhere near it.