Sumantra Summons Rama to King
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 16
Discover Agile, Tech, and Compelling Stories
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 16
Sumantra delivers a royal summons to Rama, sparking excitement for his consecration. As Rama journeys to meet King Dasaratha, the city of Ayodhya erupts in joyous celebration.
Sumantra, well-versed in ancient traditions, made his way through the crowded entrance of the inner palace. He reached a sparsely populated courtyard guarded by alert young men. These loyal guards were:
Armed with spears and bows
Wearing shining earrings
At the entrance, Sumantra saw elderly men appointed as security for the women's quarters. These guards were:
Well-adorned
Dressed in orange robes
Standing attentively with canes in their hands
The guards quickly rose from their seats upon seeing Sumantra, eager to assist Rama.
Sumantra, humble and courteous, asked them to inform Rama of his arrival.
The guards approached Rama, who was with his wife Sita, and informed him of Sumantra's presence.
Pleased to hear this, Rama ordered Sumantra to be brought in immediately.
Sumantra beheld Rama, who resembled Kubera (the god of wealth) in splendor. Rama sat on a richly-covered golden couch, adorned with precious, fragrant red sandalwood paste. Sita stood by his side with a fan made of yak's tail, making Rama look like the moon accompanied by the star Chitra.
Sumantra, knowing the art of modesty, made a humble salutation to Rama, who shone like the sun with his own radiance. With folded palms, Sumantra said, "O Rama, worthy son of Kausalya, your father wishes to see you along with Queen Kaikeyi. Please go there without delay."
Hearing this, Rama was immensely pleased. He turned to Sita and said:
"I'm sure the king and queen are discussing something related to my consecration. My mother Kaikeyi, daughter of the king of Kekaya, knows the king's intention and seeks my well-being. It's fortunate that the king and his dear queen have sent Sumantra as a messenger. I'm certain the king will consecrate me as heir-apparent today."
Excited, Rama prepared to leave, telling Sita, "Stay here happily with your attendants. I'll go immediately to see the king."
Sita, highly esteemed by her husband, followed Rama to the entrance. She said:
"The king will bestow upon you the kingdom served by brahmins (priests) who are fit to perform the 'Rajasuya' sacrifice at your consecration. I look forward to seeing you:
Initiated
Engaged in the observance of vows
Wearing excellent deerskin
Carrying the horns of an antelope"
She then invoked divine protection for Rama from all directions:
"May Indra protect you in the east
May Yama protect you in the south
May Varuna protect you in the west
May Kubera protect you in the north"
Adorned with auspicious ornaments, Rama took leave of Sita and departed from his palace with Sumantra. Like a lion emerging from a mountain cave, Rama saw Lakshmana at the entrance, bowing with folded hands.
Rama met his friends in the middle courtyard, greeting them warmly. He then mounted a magnificent silver chariot that was:
Covered with tigerskin
Glowing like fire
Spacious
Decorated with gold and gems
Harnessed to excellent horses that looked like young elephants
As Rama departed, a tumultuous roar emanated from the multitude of people around. Hundreds and thousands of soldiers on horses and elephants followed Rama. Ahead of him marched soldiers who were:
Anointed with sandalwood paste
Armed with swords and bows
The procession was accompanied by:
The sound of musical instruments
Songs of praise by bards
The roars of warriors
Women standing at windows showered flowers on Rama from all sides, paying homage with charming words. They remarked:
"Kausalya will be joyful at seeing her son secure the kingdom. Sita must have performed great austerities in the past to be united with Rama, making her the best among all women."
As Rama proceeded along the highway, he heard the admiration of the citizens:
"Rama will acquire the earth and wealth today by the king's grace. He will be our protector and fulfill all our desires. If Rama rules this kingdom for a long time, it will benefit the people. Under his reign, no one will ever witness anything unpleasant or sad."
Rama's procession, filled with elephants, horses, chariots, and a great multitude of people, resembled that of Kubera (the god of wealth). The highway was beautifully adorned with precious stones and merchandise, crowded at intersections with people eager to catch a glimpse of Rama.
This concludes the sixteenth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.