Birth of Rama, Four Sons of Dasaratha - Incarnation of God Himself

              In the last post, we had continued to see the able administration, ways of governing, the ministers of King Dasaratha in Ayodhya. We also came to know about the discontent of Dasaratha for not having sons to continue his dynasty. King Dasaratha sets on the mission to overcome his discontent, after coming to know about the story told by Sumantra, that he will father four renowned sons. Let us further know about the background, purpose of the birth of Rama through these five episodes.

1.       The first duty of Dasaratha to beget sons is to escort Rishyasringa into Ayodhya and make him the chief-priest of the sacrificial rites for the cause.

2.       Secondly, after sage Rishyasringa presides over the Asvamedha yaga, the king needs to make elaborate arrangements for it to be held and complete without any hindrances.

3.       Thirdly, the growing menace and atrocities committed by ten-headed king of Rakshasas, Ravana and the need to subdue him.

4.       Fourth, Lord Vishnu to enter a human form through the four sons of Dasaratha and kill Ravana.

5.       The evolution of the support system to the Lord himself, to aid Him in the mission and restore dharma.

In this post, let us know about each of these points, revolving around the birth of Rama.

Escorting Rishyasringa to Ayodhya:

           With the permission of Vasishta, Dasaratha, accompanied by his queens and courtiers, left for Angada. Crossing many rivers and forests he found the brilliantly magnetic Brahmin, Rishyasringa glowing like the flames of a newborn fire, sitting next to Romapada, king of Angada.

         Overwhelmed with joy at the sight of king Dasaratha, who was the best of his friends, Romapada welcomed him with great warmth and reverence. Aware of the bond of friendship between the two, Rshyasringa also paid special tributes and offered an even more elaborate reception. Having enjoyed the wonderful hospitality for a few days, king Dasaratha wished to return so that he could commence the austerities. Romapada bade him an affectionate and touching farewell. Eager and excited, Dasaratha set out on the journey back to his kingdom.

         He dispatched messengers ahead, to herald their arrival and to decorate the city. Hearing of the home-coming of the royal entourage, the people of Ayodhya jubilantly involved in carrying out the king's commands. Streets were sprinkled with scented water, incense was burned and flags hoisted. Soon Dasaratha with Rshyasringa preceding him made a grand and pompous entry into a beautifully bedecked Ayodhya, to the blare of conches and the beating of drums. The citizens were delighted to behold the brilliant sage who was taken into the palace to be given a traditional and fitting welcome.

         Dasaratha was happy because he was able to bring Rshyasringa. The royal ladies beholding Shanta were happy. Her beauty fascinated them and they treated her with worshipful affection honored by all. Shanta too was happy and she along with Rshyasringa dwelt in Ayodhya for some time. 

Arrangements for Asvamedha, Putrakameshti Yaga:

           Time moved on, days passed and when spring arrived, beautiful and charming, the longing to perform the sacrifice arose in Dasaratha. Bowing his head in reverence to that Brahmin, whose brilliance was celestial, Dasaratha requested him to commence the rituals and to be the chief presiding priest. Rshyasringa accepted the honor and Sumantra was summoned to gather all those masters of the Vedas - Suyajna, Vamadeva, Jabali and Kasyapa, as well as the family priest Vasishta and other learned Brahmins. Dasaratha paid homage to the venerable gathering, his words ringing with grace and righteousness. He said his yearning for sons was so intense that he was robbed of all happiness. For that reason he wished to perform the Asvamedha sacrifice as ordained so that, his desires may be fulfilled. The exalted gathering commended Dasaratha saying that he would be blessed with four sons of great renown.

          Rshysringa and the other masters directed king Dasaratha to procure articles for the sacrifice and release the horse under the protection of warriors. The king was pleased and asked his ministers to fulfill the requirements of his preceptors. A sacrificial pavilion was to be built on the northern banks of the Sarayu River, according to the methods prescribed. Auspicious rites were to be performed as ordained, for the uninterrupted completion of the sacrifice. The ministers taking leave of the king promised to carry out the commands.

          A year passed and one more spring arrived. Having completed the preliminary rituals, Dasaratha went forth to the sacrificial pavilion to commence the Asvamedha. There he paid obeisance to that great Brahmin, Vasishta to whom he said, "You are my friend and supreme guide, the responsibility of the great ceremony and the warding off of any impediment to any aspect of the sacrifice can be borne by you alone." Vasishta assured Dasaratha that all would be well and done according to his wishes.

         Promising success, Vasishta began preparations for the mammoth event of great piety. He sent for eminent, experienced Brahmins, trained in the performance of such sacrifices and well versed in the execution of ritual related matters. He spoke to noble architects of fame, experienced in the art of construction, to artisans of integrity, to carpenters, astrologers, dancers and actors. Highly intellectual and scholarly men, with immense knowledge in the ritual texts were also interviewed. Vasishta told them to inaugurate the sacrificial rites, according to the code laid. He also ordered thousands of bricks to be brought for the construction of royal dwellings for kings with every comfort for visiting kings and many more fine houses for the brahmins. All were not only to be built, but also stocked with every possible food and drink. Shelter was also to be put up for the people of Ayodhya, furnished with everything that one could desire. Even people from small towns and countryside were to be given the best of food with great respect. All classes of society were to be accorded the same warm welcome. Neither greed, lust nor anger was to hinder hospitality.

              Sculptors, priests and artisans engaged in discharging the duties of the sacrifice were given special treatment according to rank. The final word of Vasishta was that every one should fill their hearts with love and affection, attending to everything and omitting nothing. The gathering promised to fulfill his wishes and pay attention to every detail.

             Once again Sumantra was summoned. Vasishta asked him, to invite all the kings of the earth, as well as the Kshatriyas, Brahmins, Vaisya and Sudras. He was to escort the illustrious Janaka, king of Mithila and an ally of Dasaratha, as also the aged and exceedingly noble father-in-law of Dasaratha, the king of Kekaya. Romapada, king of Angada, an intimate friend of Ayodhya was also to be escorted. Kings of all the regions in the Eastern and Southern directions and of Sindhu, Sauvera and Saurashtra, including all the allies, along with their retinues, families and relations were to be ushered into the domain. Sumantra put orders issued by Vasishta into action without delay. He dispatched emissaries to kings and set forth to honor and accompany the great Janaka, king of Mithila. Though pleased to hear that all preparations were completed Vasishta once again reminded all about absolute courtesy. He warned that without due respect gifts should never be given, as any gift given without love and with contempt would result in the downfall of the donor.

             For several days and nights, the rulers of the earth arrived in Ayodhya, bringing with them gifts for Dasaratha. Happy with his accomplishments Vasishta informed his king that he had extended due hospitality to all the noble lords who were given a royal welcome. He now wanted Dasaratha to proceed to the sacrificial pavilion, where the priests in charge fully immersed in their duties, were awaiting the king. As advised by the family priest and Rshyasringa, the lord of Ayodhya entered the hallowed sacrificial ground, on the auspicious day at the auspicious moment. The beauty and grandeur of it all was awesome and made the beholders wonder as if the whole thing had emerged by the sheer will and imagination of king Dasaratha. Amidst this splendor and auspiciousness commenced the great Asvamedha yaga according to the shastras, presided over by Rshyasringa the greatest of priests.

             After the return of the released horse at the end of a year the Asvamedha yaga was begun on the Northern bank of the river Sarayu. Rshyasringa the chief of the priests assisted by many more venerable Brahmins, with Dasaratha seated in the midst of the most honorable of kings commenced the Asvamedha.Priests whose knowledge of vedas was profound performed every ritual impeccably according to Kalpasutra.

             In the hallowed grounds of the Asvamedha no one was hungry or thirsty. People were persuaded to take the best of foods and given the best of clothes. Mounds of food were kept ready for the visiting multitudes from cities and countryside. Brahmins, ascetics, Sudras, women, children and even the sick though satiated could not stop eating the exotic foods. Amazed at the unequaled hospitality, people sang praise of Dasaratha. Brahmins built the sacrificial fireplace to the size and manner prescribed in Shastras. Even the bricks used for the construction of fireplaces were made of a special size as per Shastras. The kinds of wood used for the posts where the sacrificial animals were to be secured were also according to prescribed tradition. The sacrificial altar erected in the shape of an eagle dazzled like burnished gold appearing to be a gold winged eagle. The Asvamedha, a three-day ritual, needed eighteen fireplaces, which was thrice as many as normal. When at the end of the yaga king Dasaratha, magnanimous to the core, gave away the entire earth to the presiding priests, those noble souls refused to accept that kind of magnanimity saying that the king alone who was pure and cleansed was the supreme ruler and protector of the earth. Once again Dasaratha outdid himself by giving away a million cows, a hundred million pieces of gold and four times that amount in silver. When he prostrated to Rshyasringa for performing and overseeing the Asvamedha yaga, the sage in turn blessed Dasaratha with four sons who would perpetuate his dynasty.

           After pondering for a while in spiritual contemplation, Rshyasringa master of the vedas said, "I shall perform Putrakameshti Yaga for you to beget sons with the aid of mantras as in Atharvasirasi".

Growing Menace of Ravana:

            When the ritual commenced, the gods, gandharvas, all the spiritually accomplished sages and Brahma the creator assembled to receive their share of the ritual offerings as was the custom. At this time, the assembly of celestials told Brahma of their troubles. "Oh Lord! A rakshasa by name Ravana armed with the boon granted by you is tormenting us. His diabolic powers leave us powerless. Unable to chastise him and honoring the boon granted by you, we bear the havoc that he creates. With arrogance born of that power, the evil demon makes the three worlds tremble with fear. Rendered invincible, he spares neither asuras, Brahmins or gandharvas. We dread him. Even the Sun shines subdued, the winds dare not to blow and the restless oceans still at his appearance".

Lord Vishnu to enter a human form to Kill Ravana:

              Brahma said that it was true Ravana was armed with a boon worded in such a way that it rendered him virtually deathless. In asking for the boon he had sought immunity from every celestial and from every creature born on earth but of man, there was no mention. In his insolence he felt humiliated to seek immunity from a man because of their paltry strength which in his disdain he even refused to recognize. "So Ravana will die and die in the hands of man. His death has already been ordained". Even as the celestials were rejoicing, Lord Vishnu attired in yellow bearing conch, mace and discus appeared in all his glory. The divine gathering prostrated to that god of gods entreating him to be born as human and rid the world of Ravana. Allaying their fears and bowing to their wishes, Vishnu promised not only to slay Ravana but also his sons and his kin. He pondered for a moment as to where he should be born? He then decided to divide himself into four parts to be born as Dasaratha's four sons. "Do that" urged the celestials, "and return soon to Vaikunta, that permanent abode of yours.

             Lord Vishnu, the omniscient knower of all, yet wanting to be courteous and graceful, asked the gods "Is there a strategy to kill that lord of the rakshasas who causes so much misery to the sages?" And they chorused ". Assume the body of a human and kill him. The boon of Brahma renders him invincible to all the gods and to all creatures. Ravana, in his contempt for men, brushed them aside as mere mortals unworthy of mention and sought no immunity from them. So his death lies in the hands of man alone". After the gods and sages bade a worshipful farewell to Vishnu, he too vanished to take on his next incarnation as the son of Dasaratha, who at that very moment was conducting the Putreyshti yagna for the sake of progeny. 

Supporting Lord in his Mission:

               At the imminent incarnation of Lord Visnu as heir to king Dasaratha, Brahma gathered all the Devas and said "Vishnu true to his word is valiantly going forth as man into the world of men for our cause. So we must provide forces to be with him and serve him. Create powerful sons whose bodies will have the might of lions and the speed of winds. Noble, intelligent, knowledgeable and equal in valor they should be indestructible. Resistant to hunger and thirst like those who have partaken of the nectar of immortality, those invincible beings should be blessed with magical skills to take any form at will. I have already created Jambavan, the best among the breed of bears. Ordered by Brahma, the devas created the sons in the form of monkeys. Great Siddhas, Vidyadharas and Uragas produced heroic sons and wood-dwellers who used stones, trees and their own teeth and nails as weapons. Indra created Vali the king of vanaras and the Sun created Sugriva. Brihaspathi brought forth wise Tara, Kubera was responsible for Gandamadana, Viswakarma created Nala and the fire god begot Nila. The Aswini gods created mainda and Dvivida, Varuna and Parjanya created Susena and Sarabha respectively. Vayu produced the invincible Hanuman; whose courage, wisdom and strength matched his diamond hard body, while his speed matched that of Garuda. Thousands of warriors who could shatter the earth with their feet, make mountains shudder and torment the very oceans across which they could leap appeared. Their booming voices as they roamed the forests, mountains along river banks and seashores made flying binds plummet in fright. The earth teemed with those who wanted to assist Rama. They came into existence lofty as mountain peaks with fearful bodies and matchless strength.

Birth of Rama:

             Meanwhile from the flames of the rituals, sacrificial fires which have been presided over by Dasharatha, rose a glowing form whose incomparable radiance pulsated with power and might. He wore a robe of black and red, his voice was like the booming of drums, and his hair and beard glossy like the lion's mane and his gait like that of an arrogant tiger. Tall as a mountain peak, he blazed like the Sun. In his arms he held a vessel crafted of fine gold covered with a silver lid. A vessel so ethereal and so exquisite it seemed to have just materialized from space and was filled with celestial porridge. Looking at Dasaratha he said, "My lord, know that I have come here sent by Prajapathi Brahma". Dasaratha greeted him with folded palms saying "Lord! Welcome and what may I do for you? The divine form said, "Take this porridge prepared by the gods. Give it to your wives who will bear you sons".

             Receiving the celestial porridge Dasaratha was ecstatic, he felt like a pauper would at the sudden discovery of a great treasure. With his mission achieved, that splendid apparition, who had risen from the flames disappeared. Dasaratha entered the palace ringing with great joy. The king directly went to the queen's quarters and offered them the porridge. He gave half of it to Kausalya and a quarter to Sumithra. Of the remaining quarter he gave one half to Kaikeyi. After thinking for a while he gave the other half to Sumithra. The grateful queens were extremely happy, and boundless was Dasaratha's joy when the queens became pregnant.

               The ritual consecrations of the Asvamedha yaga ended. The gods received their share of the havis and returned to their worlds, the happy lords and rulers of the earth went back to their countries while Dasaratha returned to Ayodhya with his queens and entourage. Rishyasringa and Shantha took leave of the king who now awaited the birth of his sons. Six seasons passed after the completion of rituals. In the twelfth month of Chaitra, on the ninth day of the new moon, in Kartaka lagna presided by Aditi as devata, when the star Punarvasu was in ascendance with the five planets Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus, Kausalya gave birth to an illustrious son Rama. She beheld him the pride of the Ikshvakus, with great joy. Blessed with every sign of divinity, he was one half of Vishnu.

                Kaikeyi's son Bharata whose purity of mind was flawless was born under the next star Pushya, which was ascendant in the Meena lagna. To Sumithra were born the equally impeccable Lakshmana and Shatrughna in the Karkataka lagna when the star Aslesha appeared.These incarnations of Vishnu as the four sons of Dasaratha radiated effulgence like the stars of Purvabhadra and Uttarabhadra. At that auspicious moment the palace reverberated with joy. Gandharvas sang, apsaras danced, the kettle drums of heaven boomed and the skies rained flowers. The streets of Ayodhya thronged and reverberated with the sound of music, revelry and joy as the citizens celebrated the birth of the divine princes. Twelve days after the birth of the princes, Vasishta performed appropriate rituals and named the first born of princes Rama, Kaikeyi's son as Bharata and Sumithra's twins as Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The brahmins were feted, feasted and showered with gifts and the people of Ayodhya came in droves from towns and country to share the joy of the palace.

          This concludes the chapters 11,12,13,14,15,16,17 and a part of 18. We learnt everything forming the background and the reason for the birth of Rama at the most opportune time. He is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu himself in human form and going to display an absolute form of humanity for the benefit of the world. Let us continue to learn more about the Lord's human-dwelling and how he restored dharma in the world he lived and very far into the future as well.

Sage Rishyasringa and Essence of Chapters 7,8,9,10 of Balakanda

               In this post, let us dwell into the story leading to the birth of Rama. We looked at the Kingdom of Ayodhya and how well it is ruled by Dasaratha, the soon-to-be father of Rama. Let us look at some of the further qualities of Ayodhya, Dasaratha and the men presided in his kingdom. We will also touch upon the story of Sage Rishyasringa, who will be the chief-priest when the King Dasharatha performed a yajna to beget progeny, and Rama, Bharata, and the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna were born. Dasaratha himself was hailed as a noble descendant of Ikshvakus and his rule, kingdom was near perfect except the discontent he had for a son to prolong his dynasty. Let us get there and know how the mighty king Dasaratha did many a rituals on a grandest scale for the birth of four brightest and radiating sons. This story of a great king giving birth to the noblest among men will give many a good omens to whomsoever came to know about it.

             Eight ministers, of outstanding qualities aided Dasaratha. Incorruptible indomitable and stalwarts in their devotion to duty and to the affairs of the state they were Drishti, Jayantha, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Artha, Sadhaka, Asoka, Mantrapala and Sumantra. The foremost of seers, Vasishta and Vamadeva were family priests, besides other counselors. Never did any of them utter a falsehood, either for the sake of pleasure, profit or in anger.

              Proficient in Shastras and sciences they had knowledge of every branch of study and shied away from all acts of injustice. Famed, eminent wealthy and with well-restrained senses, their deeds matched their words, their decisions were never made in haste, but after much contemplation. Peerless and forgiving, they always spoke with a smile. Nothing took place at home or abroad that they had no knowledge of. Secret agents kept them informed of events already accomplished, actually happening or merely contemplated. Adept at their duties, so loyal they were, that if an occasion demanded it, they would not spare even their own sons. Engaged in replenishing the royal coffers and maintaining an army, they would not harm even an enemy if he had done no wrong. Mighty and powerful they were exemplary statesmen and protectors of the realm and its people. While discharging their duties they did not cause injury to the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Punishment was meted out only after considering the gravity of a man's offense. When those honest and illustrious men sat in judgment, there was not a single man in the kingdom who dared to bear false witness.

             Ever vigilant and alert to the welfare of the king, the judicious and discerning ministers of exemplary statesmanship were of impeccable conduct.They wore fine garments and ornaments, known for their courtesy resoluteness boundless bravery and heroism, they made flawless and wise decisions, for which they were reputed, even outside the country. They always conversed kindly and pleasingly. Ever watchful through the secret agents, rewarding his subjects according to their virtues, Dasaratha, found no enemy to be his equal, much less, superior to him! Enemies were suppressed, the tributary kings were loyal, all was peaceful and Ayodhya basked in serenity. Blessed with many friends, surrounded by a host of supremely capable counselors Dasaratha, like the rising sun with its brilliant rays, ruled the earth gloriously like Indra ruled the heavens.

             Dasaratha, though indomitable, sublime and fabled the world over as an embodiment of virtues, he had a lurking discontent. It was the discontent of having no progeny to carry on his dynasty. Heavy hearted and pining for sons, he questioned himself as to why he should not perform the Asvamedha yaga to beget sons. Having made up his mind, he sent for that most excellent of his ministers, Sumantra and asked him to fetch the entire spiritual preceptors and family priests. Thereupon Suyajna, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa and Vasishta along with other Brahmins arrived. Paying homage to the exalted assembly, venerable Dasaratha, addressed them with utmost grace saying "Pining for sons I am ever unhappy and restless, because I have no progeny. It is my desire now to perform the Asvamedha yaga and worship the gods. Also tell me how I can fulfill my wish".

              Vasishta and the other Brahmins commended that decision and blessed him saying that his desire would soon come to pass. Their approval delighted Dasaratha, whose eyes gleamed with joy and excitement. He bade that articles required for the ritual be procured as directed by the spiritual masters and the sacrificial horse was to be released under the protection of warriors. On the left bank of the river Sarayu was to be erected the sacred pavilion in accordance with the scriptural norms. Auspicious rites were to be performed as ordained, for the uninterrupted completion of the sacrifice. He emphasized that Asvamedha was the best of yagas and if difficulties and obstacles did not arise, every king would like to accomplish it."Learned brahma rakshasas will always be on the prowl for faults in the sacrifice, so that they can strike into it and if such a thing happens, he who is conducting the sacrifice will be destroyed instantaneously!So flawless performance is imperative by strictly following the rules and taking care of every detail." The ministers assured Dasaratha that his orders would be implicitly carried out. The wise and enlightened Brahmins blessed the king for the speedy fulfillment of his desires and took leave. Dasaratha made his way to the palace when he told his dear wives of his plans. They were ecstatic and enthralled at the idea of the Asvamedha. Their beautiful faces glowed like the lotuses.

              Later king Dasaratha in the privacy of his palace heard the story narrated to him by his charioteer Sumantra. An ancient story told by the holy Sanath Kumara in the presence of seers. Sumantra said that this story related to Dasaratha who now desired a progeny; "The eminent Kasyapa had a son named Vibhandaka who was ordained to have a son, the famed Rishyasringa. This lord among brahmins raised in the forest, had no other avocation except to minister to the needs of his father. He knew no life other than that of tending the sacred fire and knew no other human other than his father. He practiced the life of the two-fold celibacy honoured by the Brahmins as Vratitva and Prajapatya. Long years passed by, as he worshipped the fire god and served his venerable father andmany more passed, in his practice of Vratitiva, a way of celibate life.

              At this time, Romapada ruled the kingdom of Angada. As a result of a lapse in the conduct of its king, the country was going through a spell of dreadful drought, threatening all life and its creatures. The despondent king summoned and spoke to the Brahmins, "all of you are experienced and wise to the ways of the world. Specify some penance by which I can find deliverance by absolving myself of my sins". The masters of the Vedas, then told Romapada, that he should, by some means or the other bring Rishyasringa into Angada, receive him with due honor and ceremoniously offer him, his daughter Shanta, in marriage. At that, Romapada wondered aloud as to how he could bring a man of such stupendous brilliance, a colossus among men, master of all his senses and a born celibate into the country. After much deliberation and consultation with his counselors, it was decided to dispatch the priests and ministers for the purpose of bringing Rishyasringa into the land of Romapada. This news terrified the priests and ministers, as they were mortally afraid of mighty Vibhandaka. Fearing that they may incur his wrath, they cringed at the idea and approached the king with crestfallen faces begging him to relieve them of that task. Once more the administrators got together, thought long and hard and concluded that they would achieve the purpose with the help of courtesans! The strategy succeeded. Rishyasringa arrived in Angada. Shanta was given in marriage and parjanya opened the sky to rain abundantly! Having heard and enjoyed Sumantra's narration, Dasaratha wished to know in detail, how exactly Rishyasringa was brought into the court of Romapada.

              Sumanthra, in response to king Dasaratha's desire elaborated upon the event that led to the arrival of Rishyasringa in Angada. The ministers and priests informed king Romapada of the flawless strategy that they had come up with to bring that peerless Brahmin. They assured him that it posed no danger and could be successfully executed. Rishyasringa, the forest dweller and great Vedic scholar unacquainted with the pleasures of life and the pleasures of the senses, was to be lured out of the forest by gorgeous courtesans lavishly dressed, beautiful and bejewelled.

              These charming persons whose sweet voices filled the forest with song, one day invaded the quiet forest glades as planned. From a distance they tried to catch a glimpse of Rishyasringa, the ascetic of celestial brilliance practicing austerities, living contentedly and following his father. Having never stepped out of the hermitage, and never seen any man or woman other than his father the tranquil spell of Rishyasringa's life, took a sudden turn, when he tumbled onto that bevy of beautiful woman, who had strayed into the forest with a purpose. Soon these women approached Rishyasringa and plied him with questions. "Brahmin! How do you survive here? Why do you roam these desolate and deserted forests?"Having never seen such loveliness, Rishyasringa felt a wave of friendship and an urge talk to them as he said. "My name is Rishyasringa and I am the son of Vibhandaka. What I do is known the world over by name and action."Rishyasringa invited the damsels to his hermitage and they agreed. On reaching the place he honored them as custom demanded and offered them water to wash their feet as also forest fruits and roots. The courtesans longed to linger but were afraid of sage Vibhandaka, and not wanting to invite his ire, decided to leave. Before they left they offered some food and sweet meat that they had brought, along with them the likes of which Rishyasringa had never set his eyes upon. It was time to go back and on the pretext that they had some religious rites to perform, the courtesans fled the place.

              After the maidens left Rishyasringa became sick at heart and wandered around desolately. The next day when he came back to the place where he had met the lovely courtesans, they were delighted to see him and invited him to go back with them to their hermitage where he would be given a lavish welcome. Bewitched Rishyasringa, trapped by the charms of the human snares, allowed them to have their way and was thus lured away from the forest and from his innocence! Even as Rshyasringa set foot in Angada, parjanya sent torrents of rain on to the parched earth. Romapada went forth to receive Rishyasringa and prostrated to him for bringing rains to the country .He also asked for the favor of warding off Vibhandaka's wrath, for bringing away Rishyasringa. Shanta was given in marriage to Rishyasringa and Romapada attained great peace and happiness with his desires fulfilled.

              Sumantra continued with Sanath Kumara's narration. "In the Ikshvaku dynasty, will be born a king, radiant, prosperous and devoted to truth. A man of his word and of many virtues, he will be known as Dasaratha who later will form a friendship with Romapada. The story goes on to say that the famed king Dasaratha, lord of the people, upholder of morality and truth would approach Romapada and request him to send Rishyasringa to conduct the religious sacrifice, for the invocation of progeny, so that the Ikshvaku dynasty may continue without interruption. When Romapada agreed, Dasaratha's tormented mind raced with joy. Free of all anxiety, he approached Rishyasringa, reverently with folded palms. He said that bereft of sons, he wished to perform suitable rituals to beget children and that Rishyasringa should preside over them and bless him with sons. His boons were granted. Four sons of great renown were born, bringing glory and fame to the Ikshvakus unequaled in all the three worlds. This was the story told by Sanath Kumara during the early period of Krita Yuga, who knew long back about the legend of Rishyasringa in the birth of four sons to Dasaratha.

              But it still needs to take shape now. Sumantra then asked king Dasaratha to command the best of chariots and gather a resplendent retinue to honor and escort Rishyasringa back to Ayodhya. 

              This concludes chapters 7,8,9,10 and a part of 11 of Balakanda. We continued to learn about the able administration in Ayodhya, valor of eight ministers to the king, his discontent on not having a son, initiating Asvamedha Yaga for this purpose and the fable on the Lord of Brahmins, sage Rishyasringa who is born with the horns of a deer. Let us continue to learn more on this backdrop, leading to the moment of joy when Sri Rama, along with his three brothers were born.

          

                        

Introduction to City of Ayodhya, King Dasaratha in Chapters 5,6

             One of the main virtues and motives behind starting the blog on the age-old subject of ‘Ramayana’ is to impart age-old practices into the young nation and get the priorities right. There must be people living in the land who live by and practice the ideals of the epic in their lives. Ramayana in India is sustained for so long, because there are ‘Ram Bhakts’ in every corner of the country and the devotion which is running in the veins of the nation. The cultural fabric of sustenance should be created in this young nation as well by clinging to age-old ideals. Culture of a nation or the way of living is an important tool for anyone to see. There is a lot of scope to exchange notes and impart it as part of lifestyle. There is a lot of room for improvement in the prevailing Western culture, which even a large part of India clings to. There is a huge space which this epic can fill in this nation. Even though I am not a qualified person to talk about this subject, I got this opportunity by virtue of many great men in India, who molded my personality and character. Hence, I feel extremely grateful for writing about this in this space.

             As I said, the epic has withstood the test of time which details the occurrence of thousands of years-old story. It is an amazement, that the epic written so poetically in the ancient Sanskrit language moved people for as old as life is there on earth and will continue as a guiding force far into the future. We can hold on to the temporary or transient goods but establishing practices for longevity is the need of the hour. There is none other than this beautiful epic which can lend some of its age if we cling to it. Once again, there is no major obligation on anyone to follow, read, practice or improve. There is no need to get distracted or disrupted suddenly, as change can be slow and takes a lot of time and effort. This holy task is a small step in that direction, that if a few handfuls are inspired to shape their personality, it will make a huge difference to the future. Even if there is no outward change, I write it to create peace in myself. I feel a lot of joy in reading on this subject to write this blog post after bearing a lot of turbulence in these times.

             With that, let us delve into the detailed story of Lord Rama as portrayed by Valmiki through Lava, Kusa after a brief background. Lava and Kusa started by tracing the descent of the Ikshwaku kings to Vaivaswata Manu and King Sagara. Ramayana recounts the victories and glories of the dynasty founded by Ikshvaku, a descendant of Manu. As it relates to the story of Rama, the noblest of Ikshvakus, it came to be known as Ramayana. The Ikshvakus were descendants of Brahma, lord of creation, by whose grace the Ramayana came forth. Among the Ikshvakus was the great Sagara, who caused the ocean to be dug. The Ramayana, which has the principle qualities of human life- Dharma, Artha and Kama incorporated into it, should be heard from the beginning and without prejudice.

            On the banks of the river Sarayu was situated the happy and prosperous country of Kosala, inhabited by contented people who were abounding in wealth and grain. In the Kosala empire was the famous city of Ayodhya, created by Manu, the lord of men and lawmaker. It was a magnificent city, twelve yojanas(ninety-six miles) long and three yojanas(twenty-four miles) wide with well-laid out streets and royal highways that were constantly sprinkled with water and strewn with flower petals. Having expanded his already vast empire, like the lord of the gods Indra, in Amaravathi, king Dasaratha lived in his Ayodhya, which had beautiful ornate gates, with paneled doors. Its markets' displaying every conceivable article instrument and weapon was home to every great artisan. Beyond comparison in splendor, bustling with bards and storytellers, ramparts that girdled it fluttered with flags and 'sataghnis', rendering it a strikingly spectacular city. Ayodhya had several dancers and actors creating an ambiance of beauty and color. Filled with groves and gardens, it was surrounded by suburban towns. There was an abundance of animals like elephants, horses, cattle, camels, mules and more. True to its name the entire city surrounded by a moat was so well fortified that it was impregnable and so was known as Ayodhya, the inviolable.

            Filled with neighboring kings who come to pay taxes and tribute, bustling with merchants from near and distant lands, Ayodhya was as dazzling as lndra's Amaravathi, abounding in all kinds of gems, even mansions and palaces were studded with precious stones making Ayodhya look like a celestial palace floating in the sky. People lived in well-built houses. Paddy and rice were stored in abundance and water was as sweet as sugarcane juice. There was no place on earth like Ayodhya where women were beautiful and men were handsome. The entire city was vibrant with the music of dundubhis, mrdangas, veenas, trumpets, and panavas. The king filled this city with charioteers who were also warriors of great skill and dexterity, known as Maharathas. They were men of honor, who would never shoot an arrow at a person who was alone, unarmed, fleeing, hiding or if he were the sole supporter of a family. Yet they would kill with bare hands, if necessary, raging lions, tigers and boars of the forest.

            The Brahmins of Ayodhya who tended the sacrificial fires were masters of Vedas and Vedangas whose caliber matched that of Maharshis like Vasishta. The Kshatriyas and Vaisyas performed their duties implicitly. All were charitable, honest and upright. Devoted to the truth, they were forgiving, patient and highly intelligent.

             Brilliant, valorous, and virtuous, king Dasaratha famed in the three words, as an Athiratha, renowned for the subjugation of his senses ruled the entire world, residing in the city of Ayodhya, as had Manu. He was the master of the Vedas, a commander of all resources and gifted with foresight, prepared to meet any challenge. He was dear to those living in towns and villages too. Among the Ikshvakus, he was renowned as an unrivaled warrior fighting from speeding chariots. He performed many sacrifices, devoted to righteousness he was perfectly self-disciplined and was famed in the three worlds as a destroyer of foes. In wealth and riches, Dasaratha matched Indra and Kubera. Colossus among men, he was true to his word, adhered to virtue and ruled Ayodhya the best of cities as did Indra, his Amaravathi. In this magnificent city, people were cheerful, honest and upright. They had profound knowledge of the Vedas and Sastras, were truthful and not covetous, for each man was content with whatever he possessed. There was no householder without a significant amount of property who had not achieved his or her goals of Dharma, Artha and Kama. They never lacked wealth of money, horses, cattle or grain. Nowhere in Ayodhya could be found a philanderer, a miser, an unlettered person or an atheist.

             All men and women conducted themselves decorously. None were without earrings, diadems, necklaces or garlands. They led a life of happiness and many pleasures. They bathed in scented water, used unguents and perfumes and wore armlets and golden breastplates. All had good clean food, were generous and exercised restraint over their passions and emotions. There were no thieves, no mean minded persons or people of improper descent and mixed castes. The Brahmins meticulously tended the sacred fires, performed Chandrayana, promoted the Vedas, and were proficient in Sastras. Marital relations were pure. None denied the existence of god nor uttered a lie. All adored their king, none were unhappy or fickle-minded. There was no man or woman who was not endowed with beauty. The people of Ayodhya were by nature charitable and given to self-study. The four castes worshiped their guests as gods. Protected by truth and honor, they lived long and happily amidst generations of their children and grandchildren.

            Kshatriyas were submissive to Brahmins and Vaisyas followed Kshatriyas. Sudras assisted all others. Everyone was fully occupied in their profession. Like Manu Dasaratha ably governed the city known for its lion-like warriors, skilled, accomplished and invincible masters in their art. Ayodhya had horses from the regions of Kamboja, Bahlika, Vanayu and Sindhu, comparable to Indra's horse Utchaisrava. There were other mighty elephants born in the Vindhyas and the Himalayas, peerless breeds, from Airavata, Mahapadma, Anjana and Vamana, belonging to the races of Bhadra, Mandra, Mriga and interbreeds of the race of Bhadra and Mandra, Mandra and Mriga, as well as Bhadra and Mriga. With its teeming population of thousands, resplendent with monumental buildings, strong gates with firm bolts, Ayodhya, which meant "the unassailable" was truly meaningful. Having subdued his enemies, Dasaratha, equal to Indra, ruled the glorious city, like the moon ruling the stars.

              This concludes Chapters 5,6 of Balakanda where we learnt of the magnificence of the city of Ayodhya, its people and its king Dasaratha, who is going to be the father of Rama. Let us quickly recollect how spectacular and ordered the city of Ayodhya, the order of its people and their adherence to sastra. Let us hope, the city of Ayodhya will once again come to life in full form as evinced in Ramayana. It will definitely materialize, since the Ram mandir is emerging from soil, so will the ancient city surrounding it. We will see the story behind the birth of Rama along with three brothers to Dasaratha in the subsequent posts.