Dasharatha decides to make Rama crown prince
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 1
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 1
Discover the extraordinary virtues of Rama, heir to King Dasharatha's throne. From divine origin to unmatched skills, witness the making of a legendary prince in ancient India.
Bharata and Shatrughna, two of King Dasharatha's sons, departed for their maternal uncle's house.
Shatrughna, whose name means "slayer of enemies," accompanied Bharata out of deep affection.
Their uncle Ashwapati welcomed them with warm hospitality and treated them like his own sons.
Despite being comfortable in their uncle's care, the brothers often thought of their aging father, King Dasharatha.
Similarly, King Dasharatha frequently remembered his absent sons, comparing their qualities to those of the great gods Indra (king of the gods) and Varuna (god of the waters).
The king loved all four of his sons equally, considering them as vital as his own arms.
Among them, Rama held a special place in his father's heart, much like Brahma (the creator god) is dear to all living beings.
Rama was born as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the preserver god), requested by the gods to defeat the arrogant demon king Ravana.
Queen Kausalya, Rama's mother, shone with pride, much like the goddess Aditi with her son Indra.
Rama possessed unparalleled beauty, strength, and virtues that matched or even surpassed those of his father, King Dasharatha.
He maintained a consistently calm demeanor, spoke gently, and never responded harshly, even when provoked.
Remarkably, Rama appreciated even small acts of kindness and had the capacity to forget a hundred offenses.
He regularly sought wisdom by interacting with learned elders, even during breaks in his rigorous weapons training.
Rama was known for his wisdom, soft-spoken nature, and great valor, yet remained humble about his extraordinary strength.
Truthfulness was a cornerstone of Rama's character; he never uttered a lie and always showed deep respect to elders.
He fostered a mutual love with his subjects, creating a strong bond between the prince and the people.
Compassion, righteousness, self-control, and purity of spirit were hallmarks of Rama's personality.
As a kshatriya (member of the warrior class), Rama upheld their code of conduct and believed in achieving glory through great deeds rather than mere words.
He showed no interest in harmful pursuits and excelled in debates, rivaling the skill of Brihaspati, the guru of the gods.
Despite his youth, Rama was eloquent, healthy, and keenly aware of the right time and place for every action.
His education was comprehensive; he was proficient in the Vedas (ancient sacred texts) and their auxiliary sciences, even surpassing his father's renowned skill in archery.
Rama's discipline was shaped by the teachings of aged Brahmins (priests) who were well-versed in dharma (righteousness) and artha (material prosperity and statecraft).
Rama had a deep understanding of the true nature of dharma (duty), artha (wealth), and kama (pleasure), the three main goals of human life.
He was known for his modesty and ability to keep his feelings concealed when necessary, a vital trait for a future leader.
Rama's counsel was always given in secrecy, demonstrating his understanding of diplomatic discretion.
He showed great discernment, knowing when to be generous and when to exercise restraint in various situations.
Rama's devotion was unwavering, his intellect steady, and he never accepted anything ignoble or contrary to his principles.
Gratitude was another of his virtues; he never forgot those who helped him and was skilled in judging people's merits fairly.
In matters of governance, Rama excelled at encouraging the righteous and administering just punishment to the wicked.
His education was holistic, covering various interconnected branches of learning essential for a future king.
Rama was not only proficient in the serious arts of governance but also in the finer arts and crafts, as well as in the proper ways of managing and distributing wealth.
His martial skills were exceptional; he was an expert in riding elephants and horses, and in commanding troops effectively.
In battle, Rama was considered undefeatable, his prowess so great that even enraged gods or demons could not overpower him.
As King Dasharatha observed Rama's incomparable virtues, he began to contemplate the future of his kingdom.
The aging king wondered how Rama could ascend to the throne while he, Dasharatha, was still alive.
Dasharatha's heart was filled with longing to see his dear son coronated, believing it would bring him immense joy and peace.
The king realized, with a mixture of pride and humility, that Rama had become dearer to the people than he himself was, comparing Rama's popularity to that of Parjanya, the rain-god who brings life-giving water.
In his contemplation, Dasharatha compared Rama's qualities to various gods, finding his son superior in many aspects.
After much thought, the king consulted with his trusted ministers and made the decision to name Rama as the crown prince (yuvaraja).
To formalize this decision, Dasharatha summoned kings, nobles, and important citizens from various cities and villages across his realm.
The grand assembly hall was soon filled with respected rulers and citizens, all seated facing Dasharatha in accordance with royal protocol.
The scene in the court was majestic, resembling the court of Lord Indra in heaven, with Dasharatha at the center surrounded by noble and wise men.
This concludes the first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.