Ayodhya Approves Rama's Succession
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 2
Discover Agile, Tech, and Compelling Stories
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 2
King Dasharatha proposes Rama as heir. The assembly praises Rama's divine qualities, wisdom, and leadership. A pivotal moment in the Ramayana unfolds as Ayodhya's future hangs in the balance.
In a momentous gathering, King Dasharatha addressed the assembly of elders and counselors, his words resonating with purpose and wisdom:
"Esteemed members of this august assembly, you are well aware of the legacy of our great kingdom. My predecessors ruled with the care and devotion of parents nurturing their children. Following in their footsteps, I have dedicated myself to protecting our people with unwavering vigilance. But now, after countless years, the weight of time bears heavily upon me, and I seek to pass the torch of leadership.
It is my heartfelt desire to entrust this sacred land to my son, Rama. He is the embodiment of all my virtues, possessing the strength of Indra (the king of gods) and the ability to vanquish any foe. I propose to install him as heir-apparent, his ascension as auspicious as the moon aligning with the Pushya star.
Though I have contemplated this decision deeply and sought counsel from the wise, I stand before you seeking your approval. If you have alternative suggestions for the welfare of our kingdom, I implore you to share them. For it is often in the unbiased opinions of others that we find the seeds of greatness."
As King Dasharatha's words echoed through the hall, a wave of jubilation swept through the assembly. The gathered brahmins, kings, and other prominent figures, along with representatives from towns and villages, engaged in earnest deliberation. With one voice, they addressed their aged monarch:
"O mighty king, your reign has spanned millennia, and you have led us with unparalleled wisdom. Now, we yearn to witness Prince Rama, the mighty-armed hero of the Raghu dynasty, astride a majestic elephant, his noble countenance shaded by the royal parasol."
Filled with admiration, the assembly extolled Rama's numerous virtues:
Divine Qualities: Rama possesses attributes equal to the gods themselves.
Righteousness: He is unwavering in his dedication to truth and dharma (righteous duty).
Benevolence: Like the soothing light of the moon, Rama brings joy to all people.
Patience: His forbearance is as vast and steady as the earth itself.
Wisdom: Rama's intellect rivals that of Brihaspati, the revered preceptor of the gods.
Strength: He wields power comparable to Indra, the mighty king of the celestial realm.
Temperament: Gentle in nature, Rama is filled with gratitude and maintains perfect self-control.
Respect for Elders: He humbly serves and learns from learned elders and brahmins.
Martial Prowess: Rama is unparalleled in his mastery of all forms of weaponry.
Vedic Knowledge: He has attained profound understanding of the Vedas and their auxiliary sciences.
Artistic Accomplishment: Skilled in music and various arts, Rama is a true Renaissance man.
Noble Character: Pious, sagacious, and of illustrious lineage, he embodies the ideal leader.
The assembly emphasized Rama's exceptional qualities as a ruler, stating, "His senses remain steadfast, unswayed by base passions. Rama possesses the capability to govern not just our realm, but all three worlds if called upon to do so." They praised his equitable judgment, his generosity towards the deserving, and likened his radiant virtues to the sun's brilliant rays.
In a resounding conclusion, the assembly implored King Dasharatha:
"O bestower of boons, we beseech you to install Prince Rama as your heir-apparent without delay. He stands unparalleled in virtue, equal to the greatest of gods, and is wholly committed to the welfare of our people and the world at large. Let the auspicious coronation ceremony commence, ushering in an era of unparalleled prosperity and righteousness."
This concludes the second chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.