Let us put the brief pause behind and get back to reminiscing the glorious Being. For that will be a good exercise to make us better persons. The story came to a halt at the end of first book – Bala Kanda. This post is the new beginning to mark our voyage into Ayodhya Kanda. Before that let us briefly recollect the important events in the first book.
The epic and the first book begin with Valmiki questioning sage Narada if there is any man who is truly virtuous with all the great qualities. Narada replies there is a man, he is Rama and establishes all his characteristics outlying Ramayana in brief. Then, Valmiki completes writing Ramayana after envisioning it completely and taught it to the twin sons of Rama – Lava and Kusa. The twins sing the epic throughout the land and eventually come before Rama. Thus, Ramayana presents itself as a narration by Lava and Kusa to his father in his courtyard. It begins with the description of Ikshvaku ancestry, King Dasaratha and the land of Ayodhya. Everything is utopian except the King does not have any sons. As a remedy, Dasaratha performs Aswamedha and Putryeshti yaga in the most grandiose and auspicious manner. At the most productive time, a being from sacrificial fire gives celestial porridge to his wives, which bear the sons – Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna to Dasaratha. Rama took birth as an incarnation of Vishnu in human form to rid the world of Ravana, who can only killed by a human.The next part deals with the arrival of Sage Viswamitra who himself has transcended to Brahmarshi by then. He took the custody of Rama to help him perform yagna which has been disrupted by few rakshasas. The master guides the young Rama and Lakshmana by hand and gives them all the astra , shastra and mantras. He narrates numerous tales of the persons, places while they traverse. Rama slays Tataka, Maricha, Subahu – his first experience in war fare introduced in first book. Viswamitra completes the sacrifice while Rama stands guard. The group then decides to visit Janaka’s sacrifice in his kingdom Mithila. This journey once again gives account of places in between and their rich history.
The trio in Mithila gets to know the famed bow of Shiva and the challenge to string it. Rama then proceeds to not only string the bow, but snap it in the process which prompts Janaka to offer Sita to Rama. Thus the noble ceremony of marriage takes place for all the four brothers. While entourage in on the way back, Rama humbles Parasurama by lifting the bow. The young princess then lead the newly married life in Ayodhya which ends the first book – Bala Kanda. This is the brief summary of the 77 chapters in book one. We dealt with background, twin sons, Ayodhya, Dasaratha, Birth of Rama, his learnings under Viswamitra, marriage to Sita in the journey of Rama till now. Let us look what the second book offers from this post. This book, as mentioned is titled ‘Ayodhya Kanda’ for its backdrop of the city and events taking place within the kingdom.
Let us delve into it. In the first chapter, Valmiki describes the innumerable virtues of Sree Rama. Dasaratha wants to coronate Rama as the crown prince with the approval of all his people. With this end in mind, he invites various citizens, important people from all cities and villages in his kingdom. Let us look the virtues detailed of Rama and the reason behind the thought of coronation below.
Bharata, accompanied by his noble brother Satrughna, journeyed to his maternal uncle's Kingdom of Kekaya. Though they were honoured, welcomed and taken care of, like the very sons of the king, there was no moment that the two princes did not think of their father and no moment that their father Dasaratha, at Ayodhya did not miss his sons. Dasaratha loved all his sons dearly, but the one closest to his heart was Rama, distinguished by his exemplary virtues.
Yielding to the impassioned pleas of the devatas, Vishnu, the eternal, was born among men, to free them from the evil that was Ravana. Born of Kausalya, Rama, the incarnate was her joy and pride. Endowed with every noble quality, there was no virtue that existed in the world which he did not possess, nor did one exist that was not already his. Magnificent and manifold were his virtuous traits. His devotion to truth and righteousness brought him renown as the very embodiment of dharma. Beautiful of form, unrivalled in valour, Rama was an equal of Dasaratha like a light born out of light. Egoless and devoid of hatred he was a son without compare. Tranquility in soul, stranger to envy and softspoken, Rama never spoke a harsh word. Ever graceful and gentle he was the first to address whom so ever he met. Even the lowliest of them were spoken to with utmost affection. Though his strength and courage were without equal, he never took advantage of his might. Well versed in every scripture, his knowledge of all things was boundless, and it never stopped him from bowing with reverence to other scholars. Pledging to protect everyone from all fears, Rama the merciful and compassionate could not stand the sorrow of others. The welfare of his people was his prime concern and to them he was like their very life. The mighty Ikshvaku censured none and none censured him. A personification of righteousness and of unshakeable resolve, he was ever cheerful and guileless. Revered for his incomparable qualities, he was worshipped by the three worlds. Intelligent as Brihaspathi, valorous as Indra his very virtues made him glow with a brilliance like that of the Sun and the earth desired him to be her Lord. An example for all humanity in heroism, unrivalled even by the celestials, the magnificence of his glory was awesome. Large limpid eyes were like fathomless pools of compassion and skin, a soft lustrous blue. Mighty armed and stunning to behold, Rama was an epitome of all that was handsome, wise, compassionate and valiant, admired even by his enemies. Rama born of Kausalya though steadfast as the Himalayas and patient as mother earth blazed like the cosmic fire when angered. Bounteous like Kubera, the lord of wealth, Rama was a savior of creatures.
Beholding this wondrous son of his, endowed with countless outstanding qualities, unattainable by the other princes, king Dasaratha reflected, 'How can Rama be crowned king while I was still live? He is dearer to the people than I am and the one who protects all life on earth.' This thought filled the noble king with irrepressible joy and he called for his ministers to consult with them on this matter. He also told them of his fears about certain inauspicious signs and omens that boded him ill and of his advancing age and waning strength. Dasaratha then sent for the important people of towns and country. Soon monarchs of all the lands with the exception of Janaka and Kekaya to whom it was not possible to send messages, waited with great deference to be spoken to by their king.
In the second chapter, Dasaratha mentions his desire about coronation of Rama before the assembly of people. All people in the assembly unanimously and delightfully accept it while describing all of Rama's virtues. It is as below.
Dasaratha's voice was deep and sonorous like that of a giant gong. It rang across the hall with a booming resonance as he said, 'Sixty thousand years have I lived under the royal canopy. Born of the Ikshvaku dynasty, treading the noble path of my ancestors, I have protected and ruled my people to the best of my ability, endeavoring eternally to establish dharma on this earth. With the permission of all the eminent sages and Brahmins, I seek repose due to my ageing body and failing strength. I desire to install Rama, who is as mighty as Indra and my equal in virtue, as king. I ask your approval to crown him the very next morrow.' Amidst thunderous noises of happy acceptance, the distinguished dignitaries said that it was their cherished wish to see Rama as king.
Dasaratha asked, "Your haste in accepting my proposal raises doubts about myself. Have I erred? Where have I gone wrong?" To the king's query, the monarchs and the other assembled said, "Divine one, the qualities and glory of Rama, surpass those of all other Ikshvakus. He is the noblest. Rooted in truth, versed in every branch of knowledge, he knows neither jealousy nor envy. His charming disposition makes him easily accessible. Receiving all with goodwill and grace, his compassion is so profound that with a single glance he can delve into the hearts of men. Innumerable and rare are the attributes of Rama. Mounted on horse, elephant, or chariot, he never fails to enquire of the welfare of all those that come his way. Each utterance is accompanied by a sweet smile. Like a father and like a friend does he endear himself to his subjects, who adore and worship him. Handsome, as Lord Vishnu, he is capable of ruling all the worlds and is the God of gods. To your good fortune and for the welfare of the world Rama is born as your son and is worshipped by the devatas. The world prays and invokes all that is divine for the prosperity and protection of him who never deviates from the path of dharma. He has every virtue. A virtue not possessed by him does not exist in this world. Without delay enthrone Rama as king" was the unanimous opinion of the people of the land.
In the third chapter, Dasaratha, glad after hearing the words of assembled people, requests Vasishta and Vamadeva to start arrangements for the anointing ceremony of Rama. Vasishta and Vamadeva order the officers present there to make all arrangements, describing them in detail. Dasaratha then orders Sumantra to bring Rama to the assembly. After letting Rama know of his desire, Dasaratha then advises Rama on how to rule the kingdom for the benefit of the people. This is elaborated as below.
The wholehearted acceptance of his proposal sent a wave of joy through Dasaratha who said, "Your wish that my son be made king makes me most happy. In this auspicious month of Chaitra when the trees are in bloom, let things be readied for the coronation." Dasaratha then requested Vasishta to be the master of ceremonies. Taking instant charge, Vasishta ordered for the procurement of all that was needed for the great event, including gold, gems, herbs, unguents and flowers. A double fan made of Yak's hair, an elephant and a whole tiger skin was also on the list. All gates of the palace and city were to be festooned with garlands of flowers. Food prepared was to be of the best quality and enough in quantity to satisfy the hunger of a hundred thousand Brahmins. Invocation (Svasthivachana) was to be performed from dawn the next day. Ayodhya was to look dazzlingly beautiful decked with flowers, perfumed by sandalwood and incense. The streets were to be sprinkled with water and made lively by dancers and singers dressed richly, while temples were to be stocked with food and alms.
Sumantra was sent to fetch Rama from the palace. The king watched his son so very dear to him, approach looking like the lord of the gandharvas. Mighty armed, beautiful of countenance with eyes large like the soft lotus petals, he captivated the hearts of all those that beheld him. His presence made them delirious with joy. Alighting from the chariot, Rama advanced towards the palace that shone like the peaks of mount Kailash. With palms held together, he bowed to his sire saying, 'I, Rama, have come,' and prostrated to Dasaratha touching his feet with reverence. The king then embraced Rama and sat him on a seat made of gold encrusted with the most precious of gems, on which was cast the brilliance of Rama's self-effulgence. "My son, offspring of the best of my queens, you are the most cherished of my children. Virtuous that you are, you have won the hearts of your people. Accept the throne of Ayodhya. Though you are blemish less, my boundless love for you makes me give counsel, for your benefit. Let neither love nor anger sway you. Keep your ministers and subjects happy. Granaries and arsenal must be well stocked. To you, the love of your people is as important as the nectar of immorality is to the gods. Always be calm with all your senses under control and never indulge in acts that generate greed or anger. Be ever aware of all happenings in the country."
Friends of Rama hurried to Kausalya to convey the glad tidings and the queen, filled with joy, gifted them with cows, gold and jewels. Rama adored and worshipped by the thronging crowds took leave of Dasaratha reverentially and retreated to his abode. The assembled crowds, who were happy their wishes were gratified, prayed to the gods for a coronation without obstructions.
This concludes chapters 1,2 and 3 of Ayodhya Kanda where we learnt the many virtues of Rama which ushered Dasaratha to coronate him as his successor. The unanimous approval by all the subjects for this proposal and guidance to Rama from Dasaratha. We also recollected a brief summary of Balakanda in this post. Let us look at the development of obstacles in the path of Rama’s coronation as a King from the next post.
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