Ayodhya's Splendor Under King Dasaratha
Balakanda - Sarga 6
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Balakanda - Sarga 6
King Dasaratha ruled the magnificent city of Ayodhya. He was:
Well-versed in the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures)
In command of vast resources
Far-sighted and powerful
Beloved by both city and rural people
An exceptional chariot warrior among the Ikshvaku kings
Devoted to religious duties and sacrifices
In full control of his subjects
Renowned in the three worlds (earth, sky, and heaven)
Strong, victorious over enemies, and had many friends
Master of his senses
As wealthy as Indra (king of gods) and Kubera (god of wealth)
Dasaratha ruled Ayodhya just as the great Manu (progenitor of mankind) had protected the world. He was true to his word and balanced righteousness, wealth, and pleasure in his rule. His reign over Ayodhya was compared to Indra's rule over Amaravati (the capital of heaven).
The people of Ayodhya were:
Happy, virtuous, and well-educated
Content with their possessions and free from greed
Always truthful
Wealthy in food, cattle, and horses
Free from lust, miserliness, or cruelty
Scholarly and faithful
No atheists, liars, or ignorant people could be found in the city. Everyone was competent and free from jealousy.
The Brahmins (priestly class) of Ayodhya were:
Dedicated to their duties
In control of their senses
Charitable and studious
Self-controlled in accepting gifts and faithful to their wives
Well-versed in the six Vedangas (branches of Vedic study)
Performers of religious vows
Generous in donations
In Ayodhya:
Everyone was wealthy and beautiful
All were devoted to the king
The four castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) lived in harmony
People were grateful, generous, and brave
Families lived together with sons, grandsons, and wives
Everyone followed their duties and supported each other
Dasaratha governed Ayodhya as skillfully as the great Manu had done before him.
Ayodhya was filled with brave warriors who were:
As fierce as flaming fire
Highly skilled and determined
Well-trained in the science of arms
As powerful as lions in a mountain cave
The city boasted a wealth of exceptional horses:
Born in renowned regions like Kambhoja, Bahlika, Vanayu, and Sindhu
As excellent as Indra's horse, Ucchaisrava
Ayodhya was home to numerous impressive elephants:
Born in the Vindhya mountains and Himalayas
Enormous and strong, resembling mountains
Always in a state of excitement (musth)
From prestigious lineages such as:
Airavata (Indra's elephant)
Mahapadma
Anjana and Vamana (guardian elephants of cosmic directions)
Belonging to various breeds and their crossbreeds:
Bhadra, Mandra, and Mriga
These elephants, resembling mountains, filled the city with their constant presence.
The city of Ayodhya:
Spread over a distance of two yojanas (about 16 miles)
Lived up to its name, which means "unconquerable"
King Dasaratha governed Ayodhya:
With great splendor
Having pacified all enemies
Like the moon rules over the stars
Ayodhya was truly magnificent:
Protected by strong gates and solid locks
Adorned with beautiful buildings
Teeming with thousands of people
Ruled by King Dasaratha, who was equal to Indra (the king of gods) in his splendor
This concludes the sixth chapter (sarga) of Balakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.