Ayodhya Awaits Rama's Grand Ceremony

King Dasharatha prepares for Rama's coronation. Sage Vasistha instructs Rama and Sita on fasting rituals. Ayodhya buzzes with excitement as the city readies for the grand event. 

The King's Instructions to Vasistha (Shlokas 2.5.1 - 2.5.4)

King Dasharatha summoned Vasistha, the royal priest, to discuss Rama's upcoming coronation. The king addressed the sage:

"O Vasistha, whose wealth is asceticism, please:

1. Go to Rama

2. Advise him to undertake a fast along with Sita, my daughter-in-law

3. Explain that this fast will help secure prosperity, fame, and the kingdom for Rama"

Vasistha, renowned as:

• The best among Vedic scholars

• Skilled in mantras (sacred hymns)

Agreed to the king's request. He then:

1. Mounted a chariot befitting a Brahmin (priest)

2. Personally went to Rama's residence

3. Prepared to instruct Rama on the preparatory fast, accompanied by sacred mantras

Rama Receives Vasistha (Shlokas 2.5.5 - 2.5.8)

Vasistha's arrival at Rama's abode:

1. He entered the residence, which shone like a mass of white clouds

2. Crossed three courtyards in his chariot

Rama's response:

1. Quickly came out of his home with great excitement

2. Approached Vasistha's chariot

3. Personally helped the sage alight from the vehicle

The family priest, pleased by Rama's humility, addressed him with words of affection.

Vasistha's Instructions to Rama (Shlokas 2.5.9 - 2.5.11)

Vasistha said to Rama:

"O Rama,

1. Your father is well-disposed towards you

2. He will declare you heir-apparent

3. Today, undertake a fast along with Sita

4. Early tomorrow morning, King Dasharatha will coronate you as heir-apparent

5. This coronation will be done with great affection, just as King Nahusha did for his son Yayati"

After speaking these words, Vasistha:

1. Instructed Rama and Sita to observe the fast

2. Accompanied his instructions with sacred hymns

Preparations in Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.5.12 - 2.5.20)

After Vasistha's departure:

1. Rama sat with his sweet-tongued friends

2. He then entered his private chambers

Rama's residence:

• Filled with cheerful men and women

• Looked splendid like a lake with full-blown lotuses surrounded by intoxicated birds

Meanwhile, in Ayodhya:

1. Royal highways were jammed with curious onlookers

2. The exultation of the multitudes resembled the roar of ocean waves

3. The city was adorned with:

   • Thoroughfares sprinkled with water and swept clean

   • Pleasure gardens surrounding the area

   • Houses with flags raised high

The people of Ayodhya:

• Including women, children, and the elderly

• Eagerly awaited the sunrise

• Were anxious to witness Rama's coronation

• Viewed the event as precious, like an ornament to the people

• Saw it as a source of immense joy

Vasistha Returns to the Palace (Shlokas 2.5.21 - 2.5.26)

Vasistha's journey back:

1. Made his way through crowded streets

2. Slowly returned to the royal palace

3. Ascended the palace, which resembled a mountain peak covered with white clouds

4. Approached King Dasharatha like the sage Brihaspati meeting the god Indra

King Dasharatha's response:

1. Descended from his throne upon seeing Vasistha

2. Inquired about the mission

3. Received confirmation of its completion from Vasistha

The courtiers:

• Rose from their seats

• Paid obeisance to the priest

King's actions after Vasistha's report:

1. Dismissed the assembly with the priest's permission

2. Entered his inner apartment, like a lion entering a mountain cave

3. Illuminated the inner chambers, which were filled with beautifully attired women

The king's presence in the inner chambers was compared to the moon illuminating a sky full of stars.

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