Rama Readies for Royal Duty
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 4
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 4
King Dasharatha prepares to crown Rama heir-apparent. Rama informs his mother Kausalya and brother Lakshmana, promising to share his reign. A pivotal moment in the Ramayana unfolds.
After the citizens departed, King Dasharatha, skilled in decision-making, consulted his advisors once more. He declared, "Tomorrow, when the Pushya star is in ascendance, I will install my son Rama as heir-apparent. Rama, with his copper-colored eyes resembling red lotus petals, will be crowned tomorrow."
Dasharatha then retired to his private chambers and ordered his charioteer, Sumantra, to bring Rama again. Sumantra swiftly went to Rama's palace. When Rama heard of Sumantra's return, he felt apprehensive. He quickly admitted Sumantra and asked about the purpose of his visit.
Sumantra replied, "The king wishes to see you. The decision to go or not is yours." Upon hearing this, Rama immediately set out for the royal palace. King Dasharatha, hearing of Rama's arrival, had him admitted to tell him something very pleasant.
Dasharatha embraced Rama and offered him a splendid seat. He then said:
"Rama, I have grown old after a long life. I have enjoyed all the pleasures I desired and performed hundreds of rituals. You are my incomparable progeny on this earth. I have given gifts, performed rituals, and studied the Vedas. I have experienced all the pleasures I longed for and redeemed my debts to the gods, sages, ancestors, and Brahmins.
There is nothing left for me to do except your consecration. Today, all the subjects expressed their desire to see you as their king. Therefore, my dear son, I wish to crown you heir-apparent tomorrow.
However, I have been seeing frightening and ominous events in my dreams. Meteors fall with great thunder during the day. Astrologers tell me that formidable planets have afflicted my birth star. When such omens appear, a king usually faces death or grave calamity.
Therefore, before my mind becomes deluded, I wish to see you installed as heir-apparent. The human mind is unstable indeed. Today, the Moon is in conjunction with the Punarvasu constellation. Tomorrow, it will be in conjunction with Pushya, which the astrologers say is highly auspicious for your coronation."
Dasharatha instructed Rama to spend the night fasting with his wife Sita, sleeping on a bed of darbha grass (a sacred grass used in Hindu rituals for its purifying properties). He also advised Rama to have his friends protect him vigilantly, as many impediments could occur in such important events.
After receiving these instructions, Rama paid obeisance to his father and returned to his residence. However, his preparations for the coronation were not yet complete. Rama immediately left for his mother Kausalya's inner apartment to inform her of the news and seek her blessings.
Rama found his mother Kausalya meditating with half-closed eyes, accompanied by Sumitra, Lakshmana, and Sita. Having heard about her son's impending coronation, Kausalya was meditating on Lord Vishnu while controlling her breath.
Rama approached her, offered a reverential salutation, and said, "Mother, father has assigned me the duty of governing the subjects. My installation takes place tomorrow on his command. Tonight, Sita and I will fast along with the officiating priests and preceptors. Please perform the appropriate auspicious rituals for me and Sita today."
Hearing this long-cherished news, Kausalya spoke to Rama with tears of joy: "O my dear child, Rama, may you live long. Let your enemies be destroyed. Bring delight to my relatives and those of Sumitra. O Rama, you were born to me under a lucky star. You have delighted your father Dasharatha with your virtues. The royal fortune of the Ikshvakus (the royal dynasty) will pass on to you."
After expressing her joy, Kausalya fell silent. Rama then turned his attention to his loyal brother Lakshmana, who had been sitting humbly with folded palms throughout the exchange. With a warm smile, Rama addressed Lakshmana:
"O Lakshmana, rule this earth together with me. This royal fortune also accrues to you, for you are my second innermost self. O son of Sumitra, enjoy all the pleasures you wish and the fruits of royalty. I desire this life and kingdom for your sake only."
After speaking these heartfelt words to Lakshmana, Rama made reverential salutations to his mothers, obtained their consent to leave with Sita, and returned to his abode to prepare for the momentous day ahead.
This concludes the fourth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.