Preparations for Rama's Consecration

Witness the opulent preparations for Rama's consecration as Sumantra navigates Dasharatha's palace. Immerse yourself in the Ramayana's rich tapestry of ritual and royalty. 

The Assembly Gathers (Shlokas 2.15.1 - 2.15.2)

Throughout the night, Brahmins (priests) well-versed in the Vedas (ancient sacred texts) kept vigil. As dawn approached, they gathered at the pavilion for the consecration ceremony, joined by royal priests. Ministers, army chiefs, and leaders of merchant associations also assembled. A palpable sense of joy filled the air as they anticipated Rama's consecration as prince regent.

Astrological Considerations (Shlokas 2.15.3 - 2.15.4)

The most learned Brahmins had carefully selected the auspicious time for the ceremony. They chose the moment when:

• The bright sun would appear in the sky

• The Pushya star (a favorable constellation) would approach the Karkataka lagna (Cancer ascendant)

• This alignment mirrored the celestial positions at the time of Rama's birth

In preparation, they arranged:

• Golden water jars

• A well-decorated throne

• A chariot adorned with a bright tiger skin

Sacred Waters and Offerings (Shlokas 2.15.5 - 2.15.8)

Water for the ceremony was meticulously collected from various sacred sources:

• The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers

• Other holy streams, ponds, wells, and lakes

• Rivers flowing in all directions

• All the seas

The Brahmins prepared gold and silver vessels, filling them with:

• Holy water

• Puffed rice

• Lotuses and water lilies

• Leaves from trees rich in sap

Additional offerings included:

• Honey

• Curds

• Ghee (clarified butter)

• Puffed grain

• Darbha grass (sacred grass used in rituals)

• Flowers

• Milk

Well-mannered courtesans, adorned with all types of ornaments, were also present.

Ceremonial Items (Shlokas 2.15.9 - 2.15.15)

For the consecration, they readied:

• A fan made of yak's tail with a golden, gem-studded handle, resembling diffused moonbeams

• A pale white umbrella resembling the moon's orb

• A white bull and a white horse

• A majestic elephant in rut, worthy of a royal ride

• Eight auspicious maidens adorned with ornaments

• Various musical instruments

• Panegyrists (professional praise-singers)

The Brahmins arranged everything according to the time-honored customs of the Ikshvaku dynasty for a prince's consecration. However, as the sun rose and preparations were complete, the assembled guests noticed King Dasharatha's absence. They wondered who would inform the king of their arrival, as everything was ready for Rama's consecration, but the king was nowhere to be seen.

Sumantra Addresses the Assembly (Shlokas 2.15.16 - 2.15.24)

As the monarchs discussed this, Sumantra, the king's confidant, addressed them:

"By the king's command, I am departing to fetch Rama. You are all honorable to King Dasharatha, especially to Rama. On your behalf, I shall inquire about the king's well-being and the reason for summoning Rama."

After speaking, Sumantra, well-versed in history and tradition, approached the entrance to the inner apartment of King Dasharatha's palace, which usually remained closed.

Sumantra Enters the King's Chamber (Shlokas 2.15.25 - 2.15.30)

Entering the king's inner apartment, Sumantra began extolling the virtues of the royal dynasty. Standing behind a screen near the king's bedchamber, he sang praises to wake King Dasharatha:

"O descendant of Kakutstha, may the celestial beings grant you victory:

• The Moon and Sun

• Shiva and Kubera

• Varuna, Agni, and Indra

The holy night has passed, giving way to an auspicious day. Awaken, O tiger among kings, for your royal duties await. Brahmins, army commanders, and merchants have assembled, eagerly seeking an audience with you."

The King Awakens (Shlokas 2.15.31 - 2.15.40)

King Dasharatha, waking up, saw Sumantra praising him and said:

"You were asked by her (Kaikeyi) to bring Rama here. Why has this command been disregarded? I have not slept. Bring Rama here at once."

Dasharatha repeated this order to Sumantra.

Sumantra Departs for Rama's Palace (Shlokas 2.15.41 - 2.15.49)

Sumantra, having heard the king's words, offered salutations and left the king's apartment, reflecting on the great event to come. He departed cheerfully, observing the highway bedecked with pennants and banners. Along the way, he heard conversations among the citizens about Rama's upcoming consecration.

As Sumantra approached, he beheld Rama's magnificent palace:

• It rivaled the peak of Mount Kailasa in grandeur

• Its splendor matched the celestial abode of Indra

• Massive doors guarded the entrance

• Hundreds of ornate galleries adorned its exterior

• Golden idols crowned its peak

• Gem-studded arches sparkled in the morning light

• It shone like dense autumnal clouds

• Its brilliance evoked comparisons to a cave on Mount Meru

• Garlands, diamonds, and pearls decorated its walls

• The fragrance of sandalwood and aloe wood perfumed the air

• Birds like Sarasas (cranes) and peacocks added life to the scene

• Skillfully carved images of deer and other creatures embellished the walls

• Its radiance captivated all who beheld it

• The palace grounds teemed with various birds, and even hunchbacks and hunters gathered nearby

Sumantra saw crowds of people from both city and village bringing gifts, citizens paying respects with folded hands, and a massive elephant named Satrunjaya, specially prepared for Rama to ride. Important ministers were arriving on horses, chariots, and elephants.

Finally, Sumantra entered the glorious outer chambers of Rama's palace. The structure towered like a mountain peak shrouded in clouds. Sumantra moved through unimpeded, like a crocodile gliding into a gem-filled ocean.

This concludes the fifteenth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.