Ayodhya's Splendor Under King Dasaratha

The Glorious City of Ayodhya (Shlokas 1.6.1 - 1.6.20)

King Dasaratha: A Virtuous Ruler

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 Prosperous Citizens of Ayodhya

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 Learned Brahmins

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

The Prosperous and Beautiful People

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.

The Mighty Forces of Ayodhya ((Shlokas 1.6.21 - 1.6.28))

Brave Warriors

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

Excellent Horses

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

Majestic Elephants

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 Vastness of Ayodhya

The city of Ayodhya:

• Spread over a distance of two yojanas (about 16 miles)

• Lived up to its name, which means "unconquerable"

King Dasaratha's Rule

King Dasaratha governed Ayodhya:

• With great splendor

• Having pacified all enemies

• Like the moon rules over the stars

The Glory of Ayodhya

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.