Dasharatha's Instructions for Rama

King Dasharatha prepares for Rama's coronation as heir-apparent. Vasistha orders elaborate arrangements, Rama arrives, and Dasharatha offers wise counsel. The kingdom rejoices at the news. 

The King's Announcement (Shlokas 2.3.1 - 2.3.4)

King Dasharatha addressed the assembly with words both pleasing and beneficial. He said, "I am immensely pleased that you desire to see my beloved eldest son installed as the heir-apparent (yuvaraja). This auspicious month of Chaitra (the first month of the Hindu calendar) is sacred, with its groves in blossom. Let all arrangements be made for Rama's installation as heir-apparent."

Vasistha's Instructions (Shlokas 2.3.5 - 2.3.20)

After the assembly's tumultuous approval subsided, Dasharatha instructed Vasistha (the royal priest) to make the necessary preparations. Vasistha then ordered the counselors to arrange the following:

• Gold, gems, and other precious materials

• Herbs and offerings for worship

• White garlands and roasted corn

• Honey and clarified butter (ghee) in separate containers

• Fresh clothes and a chariot

• Weapons of every kind

• An army of four divisions (chaturanga bala: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots)

• An auspicious elephant

• White fans made of yak's hair (chamara)

• A standard and a white parasol (chhatra)

• A hundred golden vessels shining like fire

• A bull with gold-plated horns

• A tiger skin

Additionally, Vasistha instructed them to decorate the gates of the inner palace (antahpura) and the entire city with sandalwood paste and garlands, and to burn fragrant incense.

Preparations for the Ceremony (Shlokas 2.3.21 - 2.3.29)

The two priests, Vasistha and Vamadeva, informed Dasharatha that all preparations were complete. The king then asked Sumantra (his charioteer) to bring Rama immediately. Sumantra fetched Rama in a chariot, and as Rama approached, he appeared:

• Like the image of the king of celestial musicians (Gandharvas)

• Renowned for his courage

• With long arms and great strength

• Walking with the majestic gait of an intoxicated elephant

• With a countenance resembling the moonstone (chandrakanta)

• Extremely handsome and captivating

Rama's Arrival and Dasharatha's Joy (Shlokas 2.3.30 - 2.3.37)

Rama, accompanied by Sumantra, ascended the palace. He bowed to his father with folded hands (anjali) and touched his feet. Dasharatha embraced his beloved son and offered him a splendid seat decorated with gold and gems. As Rama sat down, he illuminated the assembly like the sun on Mount Meru (the golden mountain in Hindu cosmology).

Dasharatha's Advice to Rama (Shlokas 2.3.38 - 2.3.45)

Dasharatha, smiling at his son, spoke these words:

1. He praised Rama's virtues and his ability to endear himself to the subjects.

2. He advised Rama to assume the office of heir-apparent during the auspicious conjunction of the Pushya star with the Moon.

3. He counseled Rama to:

   • Be humble and control his senses

   • Avoid violations arising from lust and anger

   • Keep ministers and people satisfied through direct and indirect means

   • Fill granaries and arsenals

   • Keep subjects loyal and content

The Joyous Reaction (Shlokas 2.3.46 - 2.3.49)

Rama's friends quickly informed Queen Kausalya (Rama's mother) of the news. Overjoyed, she ordered gifts of gold, cows, and gems for the messengers. Rama paid obeisance to the king and left for his abode amidst the acclaim of the people. The citizens, delighted by the king's announcement, returned to their homes and worshipped their gods in celebration.

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