Rsyasringa's Arrival in Ayodhya
Balakanda - Sarga 11
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Balakanda - Sarga 11
Sumantra continued narrating the story to King Dasaratha, recounting the words of the celestial being Sanatkumara:
"In the Ikshvaku dynasty, a righteous king named Dasaratha will be born. He will be known for his prosperity and for keeping his promises. This king will develop a friendship with the king of Anga.
The king of Anga will have a virtuous daughter named Shanta. His son, known as Romapada, will become famous. The great King Dasaratha will approach Romapada with a request.
Dasaratha will say to Romapada, 'O righteous one, I am childless. Please order Rsyasringa (the husband of Shanta) to perform a sacrificial ceremony for me. This will help me have children and continue my family line.'
After hearing Dasaratha's words and thinking deeply, the wise Romapada will agree to send Rsyasringa, who is capable of blessing Dasaratha with a son.
King Dasaratha, relieved of his worries, will receive the brahmin (Rsyasringa) with great joy. He will perform the sacrificial ritual with a delighted heart.
Dasaratha, the knower of dharma (righteousness) and truth, will respectfully request Rsyasringa to perform the sacrifice. This will help Dasaratha obtain children and attain heaven. The king's desires will be fulfilled through this prominent brahmin.
As a result, four sons of immense power will be born to Dasaratha. They will bring glory to their dynasty and become renowned throughout all worlds."
Sumantra explained that this story was originally narrated by the holy and competent Sanatkumara in the early period of Krita Yuga (the first of the four yugas or ages in Hindu cosmology).
Sumantra advised King Dasaratha:
"O great king, you should personally go and bring Rsyasringa to your city. Travel with your forces and vehicles, and honor him with due respect."
Heeding Sumantra's words and obtaining the consent of Sage Vasishta, Dasaratha departed for Rsyasringa's residence. He was accompanied by his queens and courtiers.
The king's party slowly crossed forests and rivers until they reached the place where the eminent ascetic lived. There, Dasaratha saw Rsyasringa seated beside King Romapada, glowing like fire.
King Romapada, delighted to see his friend Dasaratha, offered him special hospitality according to tradition. Romapada then explained to the wise Rsyasringa about his friendship and relationship with Dasaratha. In return, Rsyasringa, impressed by Dasaratha's intellect, paid his respects to the king.
Dasaratha, honored by this welcome, stayed there for seven or eight days. Then he spoke to Romapada:
"O king, lord of the people, please send your daughter Shanta along with her husband (Rsyasringa) to my city. An important religious rite has been planned."
Romapada agreed to Dasaratha's request and said to Rsyasringa, "Please go to Ayodhya with your wife."
Rsyasringa consented, saying, "So it shall be done." With the king's permission, he prepared to depart with his wife Shanta.
The two kings, Dasaratha and the valiant Romapada, bid farewell to each other. They exchanged respectful gestures with folded hands and embraced each other affectionately, both pleased with the arrangement.
After bidding farewell to his friend Romapada, Dasaratha set out for Ayodhya. He sent swift messengers ahead to the citizens with instructions:
"Decorate the entire city immediately. Let it be perfumed, sprinkled with water, cleaned, and adorned with flags."
The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed at hearing of their king's return, carried out all his instructions diligently.
Dasaratha then entered the beautifully decorated city, with Rsyasringa (the foremost of brahmins) at the forefront. The air was filled with the sound of conch shells and beating drums.
All the citizens were delighted to see the honored brahmin (Rsyasringa) entering the city alongside their king, who was as valiant as Indra (the king of gods).
Dasaratha took Rsyasringa to the inner apartments of the palace and welcomed him according to the traditional scriptures. The king felt he had accomplished his objective by bringing Rsyasringa to Ayodhya.
When the women of the royal household saw the wide-eyed Shanta arriving with her husband, they were filled with affection and joy.
Shanta was especially honored by the royal ladies and King Dasaratha. She lived there comfortably with Rsyasringa for some time.
This concludes the eleventh chapter (sarga) of Balakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.