The Tale of Rsyasringa
Balakanda - Sarga 9
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Balakanda - Sarga 9
After hearing about King Dasaratha's desire for sons, the royal charioteer spoke to him privately. He said, "O King, I have heard an ancient story that the officiating priests once advised. The divine sage Sanatkumara had previously narrated this tale about the birth of your sons in the presence of other sages."
The charioteer continued:
"The sage Kasyapa has a famous son named Vibhandaka. It was foretold that Vibhandaka would have a son named Rsyasringa. This child would grow up in the forest, always moving with his father. As the foremost among brahmins (priests), he would know no one else but his father.
Rsyasringa would practice a twofold brahmacharya (life of celibacy) celebrated in all three worlds and often described by brahmins. He would spend his time worshipping the fire god and attending to his renowned father."
"During this time, a powerful and celebrated king named Romapada would rule in the country of Anga. Due to the king's violation of the code of conduct, a terrible drought would strike his kingdom, frightening all living beings.
Filled with grief over the drought, King Romapada would summon learned brahmins who had grown old with wisdom. He would say to them, 'You are all well-versed in the duties enjoined by scriptures and the ways of the world. Please instruct me on the religious observances needed for expiation.'"
"The brahmins learned in the Vedas would advise the king, 'O King, bring Rsyasringa, the son of sage Vibhandaka, here by all means. Once you have brought him here, honor him greatly and offer him your daughter Shanta in marriage, following the proper religious ceremonies.'
Upon hearing their words, the king would contemplate how to bring the mighty sage to his kingdom."
"After consulting with his ministers, the intelligent king would decide to send his priest and counselors on this mission. However, frightened by the rishi's (sage's) power, they would initially refuse to go.
After careful consideration, they would propose a plan to bring the sage without incurring blame. The king of Anga would then use courtesans to bring Rsyasringa to his kingdom. Once Rsyasringa arrived, the god Indra would pour rains, and the king would offer his daughter Shanta in marriage to the sage."
"Rsyasringa, as your son-in-law, will help you obtain sons," the charioteer concluded. "This is the account communicated by Sanatkumara, which I have now related to you."
Pleased with this story, King Dasaratha asked Sumantra to describe in detail how Rsyasringa was brought to King Romapada's court.
This concludes the ninth chapter (sarga) of Balakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.