Preparations for Rama's Consecration
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 15
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 15
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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."
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, 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.