RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 16, SECOND PART

          RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 16, SECOND PART

Seeta stood upon a higher level than Rama. Rama spent months in the womb of his mother. But it was not the case with Seeta. She rose to view at the end of a ploughshare. It was when Janaka prepared the ground for a holy sacrificial rite. So Raghava respected her very much. Rama had cast round her shoulders a rare necklace. He had touched her feet in sweet entreaty and persuaded her to spend some time in his absence. Now Seeta cast love-laden looks. Her home was ever in the heart of Rama. And she followed him as far as etiquette allowed. She called upon Rama’s beloved head every blessing she could think of. “I pray that no evil eye rest upon all this boundless beauty and loveliness. May Gods keep away from my lord every harm and evil. May His Majesty place you on the throne and crown you in all pomp. It should be like the Demiurge placed the crown of the three worlds on Indra’s head. I long to see you in sacrificial attire! You would take your initiatory vow. You would be rubbed with holy butter on your limbs. They would put a deerskin around your shoulders. And they would also give you a deer horn. If ever Vasishtha ordained any vow or observance, you would mortify yourself fourfold. If your teacher told you that you should not allow a woman to touch you, you would bathe if my skirt brushes you lightly. May Indra watch over you in the East. May Yama watch over you in the South. May Varuna watch over you in the West. And may Kubera watch over you in the North.”

Rama took leave of Sita. He completed the preliminaries to his coronation. He came out of his seraglio with Sumantra. It was like a noble lion coming out of its rocky lair. Lakshmana awaited them at the gates. In the central hall, Rama came upon his friends and gave them his kind looks and fair greetings. Then he got on the chariot of pure silver. The chariot was very bright and commodious. The chariot was richly wrought in gem and gold. It blinded the eye of the noonday sun! Rare tiger-skins covered the seats. Horses of the purest breed were yoked to the chariot. And the noise of the wheels was like the rumbling of clouds. Raghava sprang upon it. He drove the chariot to his father’s mansion. The sight was like Indra in his car drawn by the green horses! Like the roaring distant thunder among the hills, Rama’s chariot rolled. Like the Lord of Night springing from the Rising mountain, Rama proceeded on his way. His other self, Lakshmana guarded his back. He held in one hand the umbrella of state and the Chamara in the other. The assembled people raised a shout of joy. The shout rent the very skies. Crowds followed Rama upon fleet horses, camels, elephants, and chariots. Bands of chosen veterans marched before him. Their only care was Rama’s safety. There were sweet strains of martial music. The bards and heralds sang their plaudits. There were war-cries of the chosen veterans. They all rose upon the air in pleasant confusion. Rama marched along the royal road. Countless ladies were in costly attire. They scattered fragrant flowers upon their beloved prince. And they extolled him high in the joy of their hearts.” Enhancer of Kausalya’s delight! Proceed to take the reigns of this fortunate Kosala. Your mother’s heart will swell to see you seated on the throne. Again there is none that fortune holds so dear as our Sita. She must have laid up merits in her past lives to raise her to the rank of your wife. She is like Rohini ever inseparable from the Moon.” Thus many dames and matrons spoke. And Rama loved them all for their sweet and whole-hearted devotion.

The crowds spoke in high praise of Rama; “Rama is the gem of his glorious line. He richly deserves the love and esteem of Dasaratha. Our hopes are going to be realised. Rama is going to be crowned. It is the greatest good that can ever come our way. When Rama becomes our King, we will not know what it is to want or grieve.” Rama heard them all. And he resolved to deserve better their love and confidence. He drove through huge squares dense with bulls, elephants and cows, horses and cars. Sweet strains of festive music mingled with the joyful neighs of horses. The trumpeting of elephants and the solemn benedictive chants of Brahmanas mingled together. So he drove along the royal road, even as the Guardian of Riches, toward his father’s palace.          

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 16, FIRST PART

           RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 16—FIRST PART

                                                             RAMA GOES TO HIS FATHER

Sumantra went through the gates of the seraglio. It was crowded with expectant people. Sumantra entered another suit of apartments. It was comparatively quiet. There he found many armed youths richly dressed and watching over Rama. There were wardens of the women’s apartments. They were venerable old men past the age of ninety-five. The whole world reposed in security under the shadow of Rama’s bow. And Rama was sleeping. He was under the shadow of the light wands. The wands were held in the trembling hands of these ancients. They were clothed in gems and gold. It was only to please Rama. They loved him more than his own father, Dasaratha. Every time Rama returned from the palace, they laid him on their laps and caressed him. They would smell his head in affection. They would not part with Rama until they were assured of his happiness. Scents and perfums adorned the lovely form of Rama. They left their mark upon the bodies of these elders. They knew that Sumantra was Rama’s favourite. So they rose in respectful haste to welcome him. Sumantra went around them in reverence and spoke to them. “May I request you to inform Rama that Sumantra waits upon his pleasure?” Rama was in conversation with Seeta when the news was brought to him. He knew Sumantra was a counselor and intimate friend of his father. He ordered Sumantra to be brought to his presence at once. Sumantra advanced to where Rama sat. Rama was the master of boundless wealth even as Kubera. The Guardian of the North bestowed on him everything his followers might pray for. Sumantra was granted the privilege of beholding the supreme beauty of Rama’s form. He was absorbed in meditation upon Narayana. His palms were joined in humble reverence. Graceful garlands adorned his shoulders. Sumantra beheld Sree Rama. Ah! What merit did he lay up in past lives! Sumantra was blessed to behold Rama. He saw Rama exactly as he is described under the mystic symbology of Paryanka Vidya in the Kaushitaki Upanishad. Sandal paste prepared with saffron paint adorned his shapely hands and breast. Sita stood by, fanning him softly with the moon-white Chamara. Sumantra beheld him and was rewarded with a clearer vision. The Supreme Person shone like a sun of limitless radiance. Sumantra prostrated himself before the Deity of his heart. He folded his palms on his head and made respectful enquries. “Fair fruit of Kausalya’s glorious past! Your father desires your presence. Kaikeyi also wants to see you. You are expected there soon.” Sumantra spoke thus.

Rama expressed his pleasure the news gave him. He turned to Seeta and said, “Seeta! I think my father and mother have a new plan in relation to the coronation ceremony. The King thinks it will not do to wait till Bharata’s return. Father might plead the weight of his age and infirmities. Kaikeyi’s sharp intellect might urge the king to hurry on the arrangements for his investiture. She would do much to advance the peoples’ welfare and happiness. My interest and advancement are ever nearest her heart. Hence I am sure that my consecration may be put forward considerably. It is nice of them to have chosen Sumantra as their messenger. Sumantra holds his very life to serve me. The attendants of the women’s apartments are interested in my coronation. But even more ambitious is this aged emissary. My father will crown me heir-apparent before the day is over. Hence I go to hear my father’s commands. Rest here, Seeta, in comfort. Amuse yourself with your friends and people.”     

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN---AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 15

                         RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 15

                                                                 RAMA SENT FOR

Brahmanas, court chaplains, ministers, generals, and civic authorities gathered in the audience hall of the king. They were beside themselves with joy. For the coronation ceremony was approaching fast. Vivasvan is the sun-god. He looked down at the assembled crowds. Pushya is the star of the day. It shone brightly as it abode with Cancer. There would be the consecration bath. For this purpose, the holy waters were gathered in vessels of gold. Sacred confluences like the Prayaga; the Godawari, the Cauvery mingled with the eastern seas; the Gandaki, the Sona, the Bhadra; Brahmavarta and Rudravarta in the Naimisa forest and other springs, lakes, wells, pools and rivulets; the ocean and the seas—all contributed their quota. There was a splendid throne; a chariot spread with tiger-skins; vessels of gold and silver, curious-shaped, in which floated fried rice, lotus leaves and milky juice of the Asvattha and the Udumbara tree; honey, curds, clarified butter, fried rice, holy grass, flowers and milk; well-bred courtesans gaily adorned; chowries with shafts of gold encrusted with gems; the silky fleece; the umbrella of state spread overhead in moon-white lustre; a lordly bull and horse; an elephant in rut, as bore kings and monarchs; eight damsels of auspicious features, blazing with gold and gems; the four kinds of musical instruments, bards, minstrels, panegyrists and heralds; and other articles used in the coronation-rite of the Ikshvaku princes were kept in readiness. The officers of the king assembled at the palace-gates and discussed the unusual delay of their master. “Whom shall we commission to report our arrival to His Majesty? He is late in coming. The sun ascends the steps to his golden throne. The sun brings us nearer to the auspicious moment fixed for Rama’s installation.” Thus they spoke. Sumantra addressed the rulers and princes. He said, “The King has commanded to bring Rama to his presence. The emperor and Rama hold you all in high esteem. Hence, I will even go back to my royal master and make enquiries on your behalf. I will ascertain why he delays so long. He must give audience to his good friends and loving subjects.”

And Sumantra retraced his steps towards the women’s apartments. He invoked the blessings of the gods on his master’s head. Dasaratha recognised the voice of his friend. He said “Sumantra! You were commissioned by Kaikeyi to bring Rama here. Go and fetch Rama.”

Sumantra bowed and left the harem. He took his way through the broad streets. The streets were gay with flags and pennons. Groups of people in the roads and squares held a joyous talk. Rama’s palace rose in view. Large gates of curious workmanship adorned it. Tiny kiosks dotted the extensive grounds. There statues of gold gleamed through garlands of gems and pearls. It burst upon the eye in dazzling splendour and beauty. It looked like the lofty peak of the Dardara. Gems and pearls, scents and perfumes and all things rare and lovely were laid there. The cries of swans, peacocks, herons and parrots came aloft the melodious breeze. Rare paintings covered the walls. Its brightness dazed the senses and the eye. It looked like the palace of the Lord of Riches. The palaces of the Lord of Day and Night paled in insignificance. The mansion of the Lord of Riches or the palace of the Lord of the Immortals or the cloud-capped summit of the Meru could not have been richer in comparison. Strange birds and beasts chirped and moved behind bars of steel and gold. Visitors from foreign lands thronged the grounds in joyful expectation. They were bearing costly gifts. Hunchbacks and dwarfs of the Kirata class moved about like black oases in a bank of fleecy clouds. Sumantra went through the happy throngs to the interior. There he came upon a large band of men. They had devoted their lives to the service of Rama. They watched over him in sleepless vigilance. They too were discussing the one topic of the day. Sumantra crossed many halls, squares and courts before he came near the women’s apartments. Groups of men were waiting there before the gates with costly gifts. There was Satrunjaya. It was the favourite elephant of Rama. Rama’s favourite ministers were there on elephants, horses and chariots. They made respectful way for Sumantra. He passed on unhindered to the inner apartments. It was like a miniature city graced with stately buildings. That resembled the huge clouds that rest on mountain peaks!

  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 14 PART THREE

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 14, PART THREE

Sumantara continued; “The Lord of Waters overflows with joy. This happens when he sees his friends, the Sun and the Moon, rise on the horizon. Please, you may rise and gladden our hearts. Matali is the charioteer of Indra. He lauded his master, Indra. And he inspired Indra with joy and energy to triumph over Danavas; even so do I venture to sing your praises. Let me thus rouse you to joy and victory. The Vedas and Vedangas, Sciences and Arts rouse Brahma to his duties. And I announce to your Majesty the dawn of a new day. You have to attend to your duties. The Sun and the Moon gently break upon the slumbers of the tired Earth; even so do I call you back from the realms of sweet sleep. May it please your Majesty to come forth. Please come forth in gorgeous dress befitting the occasion of Rama’s coronation. Sail into our horizon in all your glory and splendour. You should come as the Sun over the golden mount Meru. May the Sun, the Moon, Siva, Kubera, Varuna, Agni, Indra and the other Lords crown your arms with success! The happy night has come to an end. It has ushered in the happier day. All beings will rejoice to see Rama adorned in the crown. For the crown of the Ikshvakus is unique. Your commands have been carried out to the letter. And it behoves you to brighten us with your presence. Everything is ready towards the coronation rite. Citizens, provincials, merchants, Brahmanas and all others await your presence. And I came to announce the saintly Vasishtha. I pray you to give assent for the starting of the function. Your people yearn for your presence.” Sumantra sang eagerly to please his Monarch. But his words fell like the drops of molten lead on Dasaratha’s heart. The righteous king was a pitiable sight. His eyes were swollen and red with weeping. “Sumantra! Your words lacerate my heart. It has been already tortured beyond words.” Dasaratha cried plaintively in answer to Sumantra’s words.

Sumantra stood aghast. He saw the wan face of his friend and master. He bowed with reverence. He withdrew in silence. But Kaikeyi was furious with Dasaratha. She had thought Dasaratha would order Rama into his presence. She called back Sumantra. “Sumantra, His Majesty has passed a sleepless night talking over the happy event of coronation. He was sleeping even as you came in. You go to Rama’s place and bring him here as soon as possible.” But Sumantra replied respectfully. “But I cannot go without the King’s order.” Then Dasaratha spoke. He said, “Sumantra, I will see Rama as soon as I can. Fetch him here!” Sumantra was beside himself with joy. How fortunate he was to serve as a messenger to Rama! He hurried on towards the mansion of the prince. He emerged from the place of Dasaratha. And he found himself in the midst of many groups of kings. They all were bearing costly and rare presents for the Monarch!      

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, AYODHYAKANDA, CHAPTER 14--SECOND PART

            RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 14, PART TWO

The moon and the stars paled. They paled in sorrow to hear the old king’s lamentations. In a way, it was a happy night. The old king was wounded to the heart; despite that, he kept thinking of Rama. Kaikeyi changed her tactics and turned upon the king with fury. “Your words cause me unendurable agony. Send for Rama this moment. Place my son on the throne. Banish Rama to the woods. And thus keep your sworn words to me.” Dasaratha writhed beneath the cruel words and cried, “The bonds of Dharma crush my heart. And I must keep my word to this she-devil. Alas! My senses desert me. I don’t know what to do. Yet, I would see my Rama once again.”

The day broke. The sun beamed on his children. The auspicious hour fixed for Rama’s coronation drew near. The saintly Vasishtha entered the city. His disciples came after him. They were ready with everything for the solemn rite. The roads were neatly swept. They were watered and strewn with a thick layer of flowers. Bright flags and lofty banners waved from every house. Garlands and arches spanned the streets. The stores and shops were invitingly open. They were rich with rare products of nature and art. Groups of happy men and women were seen everywhere. They were eagerly discussing the absorbing subject. Rare and costly perfumes rolled in heavy waves in the morning breeze. The sage had his bath in the holy Sarayu. He said his prayers. Now he started towards the palace. The fair city cast into the shade the capital of Indra. Brahmanas, citizens, provincials, and experts in sacrificial lore awaited the presence of Dhasaratha. The sage left them behind and reached the seraglio. He saw the charioteer, Sumantra, coming out of it. Vasishtha stopped the king’s confidential adviser. “I leave it to you to announce my presence here to his Majesty,” Vasishtha said to Sumantra. He further said, “Vessels of gold filled with the water of the Ocean and Ganga’s sin-cleansing water are ready. A beautifully-carved seat of Udumbara wood is ready. All kinds of seed, perfumes, gems, honey, curds, clarified butter, fried rice, holy grass, flowers, milk, eight winsome damsels, an elephant, a chariot, a magnificent sword, a bow, palanquins, a white umbrella, a gold vase inlaid with precious stones, a bull of spotless garlands of gold, a noble lion with four fangs, a horse of immense strength, a throne spread with a tiger-skin, sacrificial fire, instrumental music, courtesans, priests, Brahmanas, cows, sacred animals and birds—all are ready for Rama’s coronation. Citizens, provincials, heads of clans, the crafts and guilds with their Masters, royal visitors and the common folk are present. They all call down sweet blessings on the head of Rama. They look forward to the happy moment of his coronation. The day has begun. And Rama is to be consecrated to his high office. Go, hasten his Majesty.” Sumantra returned to seraglio. He sang aloud the praises of the king. He was a very dear friend to Dasaratha. Sumantra was old in years and virtue.  He had free access to the women’s apartments. He was utterly ignorant of his Master’s misery. He drew the curtains. His palms were joined. He began to sing the praises of his lord and master.     

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 14, PART ONE

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 14—PART ONE

                                                                    KAIKEYI’S TRIUMPH

The pitiful sight of her lord and husband did not have the slightest impression on Kaikeyi’s sinful heart. It was nothing to her that Dasaratha was a mighty emperor. He was also the head of Ikshvaku clan counted for nothing. She never wavered from her purpose. But she struck at him again and again. “You are a fine king!” she sneered at him. “You are profuse in your promises. And now you hold back. You are a pitiful sinner to truth and virtue. I cannot think of any reason as to why you roll on the ground. You were not called upon to make a great and sudden sacrifice. Let me tell you this; bear in your mind that you have to keep your promise to the letter. I do ask you to honour your promise. King Sibi is your noble ancestor. He once passed his word to a vulture. He gave his own flesh for it to feed upon. And thus Sibi won the World of Light. Alarka was a royal sage. He promised to a Brahmana to grant him anything he might ask for. The strange petitioner asked for the eyes of Alarka. And Alarka gladly gave his eyes to the Brahmana. It was to keep his word. The Lord of the ocean could easily break his promise. But he would never dream of it. The Supreme Brahman is the goal of all aspirations. He knows there is nothing higher than Truth. Dharma flourishes in the rich soil of Truth. Don’t you think you are one of such great Beings? The eternal Vedas teach nothing higher than Truth. It is the surest means to realize our farthest hopes. And if you are earnest to uphold dharma, hold fast to Truth. Is it not your proud boast that none sought your grace in vain? Then, let not my boons go to waste. Banish Rama to the woods. And thus earn more righteous fame. Grant my earnest prayer. Once, twice and thrice I warn you. If you do not heed my request, you will be doused with my blood!”

Thus Kaikeyi goaded him on. She was now surer of her triumph. “Bali was an Asura. He struggled to cast off the noose thrown round him by Lord Vishnu. Vishnu had come down on earth as Upendra. He was helpless and he groped as a blind man. His pride as a king belonging to Ikshvaku came to his rescue. With a great effort, he became calm and put on a bold front. He cried, ‘Sinful wretch! Let me fling away the hand that grasped in holy wedlock. I put away the wicked offspring of that marriage!’ he said.” Kaikeyi was sermonizing to Dasaratha.  The Night came to an end and soon it was daybreak. “The sages and the Brahmanas are at my doors,” said a careless Kaikeyi. “They will want to hasten you for the coronation of Rama. It is a very congenial piece of work to do. You will not hesitate to crown your Rama. You can utilize the very materials brought together for the coronation of Rama to perform my funeral obsequies!”   

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --AYODHYAKANDA --CHAPTER 13

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 13

What had Dasaratha done to deserve such a fate? He lay stretched on the bare earth. It was like the emperor Yayati whom the gods hurled down to the earth! But, Kaikeyi, Sin incarnate, was furious at the delay. She snapped her fingers at the monarch. “Ideal monarch! You brag loudly about your strict adherence to Truth. You never go back upon your word. But you would be my debtor for you have granted me two boons!”

It took some time for Dasaratha to recover from the shock. He turned upon her with wild fury. He cried at Kaikeyi, “You mean wretch! My tireless foe! You want to drink my heart’s blood. You want my Rama to live with savage beasts? You bent yourself to a foolish woman’s whim. You bartered away the life of my Rama for a fickle-minded swain? What put you up to perpetuate such wickedness? Where shall I hide my disgraceful self? Shall I say that I banished Rama from the Kingdom? Shall I say it was to fulfil my promise to Kaikeyi? That would be the truth of it. But would they not reply, “What of your word to us and to Rama?” Alas! I have broken it. I moaned and waited for sixty thousand years for an heir. I was, at last, fortunate to be blessed with Rama. And you want Rama’s life to be doomed in the forests? Rama is the bravest of the brave. There is not a science nor an art he has not mastered. He has sweet patience. How shall I give my consent to drive him away to the forests? He is the idol of my subjects. My tongue will blister if I speak to him to go to Dandaka forests! My eyes shall not see Rama undergo pain and misery. Who deserves more of joy and comfort than he? I wish to die before having to tell him to go to the forests. Why do you desire to do this to Rama?”

The sun set upon the sight of a weak old man. He was the lord of the earth. But now he is raving like one demented! The moon was an eyesore to Dasaratha. He spent the long night like one afflicted with an incurable malady.  He fixed his tearful eye on the sky. He called out to it in heart-rending lamentations. “Star bedecked Queen of Night! Have pity on me and continue ever. I am powerless to flee from Kaikeyi. If it dawns, my subjects will seek me out. And I will be relieved the sight of my enemy. Kaikeyi is the author of my woe.”

Then Dasaratha stood up. His thoughts wandered to another point. He stood before Kaikeyi with clasped hands. He sought to turn her from her purpose. “Girl! To the world, I am a God-fearing and principled man. I may die at any moment. My heart is wounded. You are my only hope. Besides, am I not your lord and husband? You owe me reverence and allegiance. I have made you what you are. You are my favourite queen of the ruler of Kosala. Let these things weigh with you in granting me my prayer. There was none with us when I gave you the two boons. You may drop them now. Thereby you will not incur the displeasure or ridicule of any. But my promise to Rama is far otherwise. I have passed my words to all the kings from the four quarters. So have I given my words to saintly Rishis and holy Brahmanas and to the millions of my subjects! If I break my pledge, how would I stand in their esteem? You are but a girl. Some intriguer may have put you up to this obstinacy. Let be; I pass it over. But grant me my prayer. I love you so much. Now I crave your pity for Rama. It is true that the kingdom is yours by right of the two boons. But, I pray you to make a gift of it to Rama. May Rama live long to rule over this realm! He will bless you, the fair donor, every moment of his life! Thus you will earn undying fame in the world of men and gods. It is but a trifle for you to do so. You will confer great happiness on Rama. The whole world will acclaim your praises. Good men will hold you in high esteem. But you might think that it will disappoint my Bharata. Is it what holds you back? No, he is the soul of nobility and justice. He sets no bounds to his love for Rama. Nothing will gladden his heart more.” Thus Dasaratha tried many an argument. He appealed to every possible weakness of hers. Alas! Dasaratha’s heart was open as the day. But Kaikeyi’s heart was blacker than hell. His eyes were red and weary with grief and sleeplessness. Her eyes were redder through rage. Tears rolled down his aged cheeks. She wept hot tears of grief to think that her beauty and wiles had not enslaved him sooner. He stormed, he raged and he entreated hard enough to melt the heart of an iron statue. But she brought into play every art. She tried every stratagem that a cunning woman’s brain could devise. She cooed, she froze, she preached, she philosophised, she cut and thrust to bend him to her will. Dasaratha fainted beneath the shock and came back to himself after a time. “Is this the woman I loved so much? Is she the same Kaikeyi, the faithful wife with a guileless heart?” Dasaratha gazed at her as though it was for the first time he was seeing her. All of a sudden his thoughts turned to the moment when he would have to condemn Rama to the forests of Dandaka. Thus the noble king passed the night with impotent rage and unavailing grief. And when the pale East began to quicken to the sun there came sweet music and songs and sweeter words. Conch, veena, tabor, bards, minstrels, and heralds recalled their lord to the duties of the new day.

But Dasaratha curtly bade them stop! 

      

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