Ayodhya Kandam
(The Book on
Ayodhya)
(This book
starts with proposal for coronation of Rama as Yuvaraja by Dasaratha. On the advice of Mandhara Kaikeyi
asks Dasaratha two boons –one to crown Bharatha and the other to banish
Rama to the forest. Rama accordingly goes to forest and settles down in
Chithrakuta mountain. Dasaratha dies due to sorrow of parting with
his son. Bharatha who is summoned refuses
to become the king. He along with every
one goes to Chithrakuta to bring Rama back . Rama refuses .Bharatha returns with Sandal of Rama and
makes it a king and rules as its representative from a place called Nandigrama. Rama leaves Chithrakuta due to impending trouble from Rakshasas.)
1.Dasaratha proposes to crown Rama as Yuvaraja
(Bharatha
leaves to his uncle’s place. Due to the
very many good qualities Rama becomes
the darling of his people. Dasaratha wants to crown him as Yuvaraja and he
calls a meeting of the people.)
When Bharatha set out to his uncle’s house, he took with him the sinless Shatrugna,
the killer of foes.
1.1
Bharatha was
honoured and fondled by his uncle who was
the lord of the horses and stayed with his brother for a long time. 1.2
While those heroic
brothers , though were living
life of satisfaction were worried about their old valorous
father.
1.3
That great lustrous king also was thinking about his sons
Bharatha and Shatrugna , who were far away and who were like Indra and Varuna.
1.4
Dasaratha loved equally all his four
sons , who originated from his
own body.
1.5
Even among them, the lustrous Rama was liked by his father most and possessing many
virtues like The Lord Brahma, who was created by himself.
1.6
Requested by the devas, That God desirous of slaying the
haughty Ravana ,was born indeed in this
world of humans.
1.7
Kausalya looked great with her son who had exceedingly
great luster, similar to Adithi along with her son Indra having the
Vajrayudha.
1.8
Rama was endowed with beauty and valour and was free from envy. In virtues
he was equal to Dasaratha and was indeed an incomparable son.
1.9
He was daily endowed with peace and spoke in a sweet
voice, and though addressed by using
harsh words , he would never reply using
harsh words.
1.10
Rama with great self restraint always remembered the one act of kindness done to him some time or other and forgot
even hundred offences done to him.
1.11
Even during intervals when he is not practicing the use
of weapons , he always used to talk with Old people who are experts in knowledge and saintly persons.
1.12
Rama was wise , one who talks sweetly, one who addresses
you first , one who talks desirable words,
One who is valorous
and one who is not infatuated with valour.
1.13
He was learned , never told lies , one who worships
elders of his own accord, one who was liked by his subjects and one who loved them.
1.14
He was kind, one who has conquered anger, one who
worshipped Brahmins of his own accord, one who has pity towards suffering
people, an expert in Dharma, One who
daily controlled his self, and
one who is pure.
1.15
He was one, who
thought like his race , one who followed the royal dharma and one who believed that he should obtain fame and attain heaven
by his deeds. 1.16
He being learned was not interested in actions not
leading to welfare , disinterested in shallow talks , and used to talk like one who had control
over his words.
1.17
He was young , free from sickness , expert in
conversation, one who knew the time and place to do things, one who could judge
people and an unsurpassed sage of the world. 1.18
Endowed with such good qualities , that son of a king became
well liked by his people , to whom he appeared as their own soul walking outside their
body.
1.19
Thoroughly learning all branches of knowledge , in
accordance with tradition, he knew Veda and its branches and that elder brother of Bharatha was a better
expert than his father in archery.
1.20
Blessed with auspiciousness , he was obedient to sages , one who spoke only truth
, one who is frank, and one who
considers himself controllable by
Brahmins who were experts in Dharma and Artha.1.21
An expert in the implications of Dharma, Artha and Kama,
he was very intelligent and had excellent memory. He possessed worldly wisdom
and was an expert in Vedic rituals. 1.22
He was modest , did not show out his feelings and one who could keeps things secret and he had
many friends to help him. His anger and joy were never in vain and he knew when
to sacrifice and when to show restraint.
1.23
He had firm devotion , controlled emotions and did not accept anything bad .He never
spoke bad words , was never lazy , always vigilant and knew his own weaknesses as well as that
of others. 1.24
He was an expert in Sastras, was always grateful , a great judge of men,
and was skilled in favouring
or giving punishment according to law .
1.25
He was an expert in identifying the right people and
encouraging them and could identify
those who should be punished. He knew the right means to raise revenue and correctly spend the money so raised.
1.26
He had mastery over scriptures as well as those branches
of knowledge that were inter connected
and sought pleasure only after
following Dharma and principles
of Artha He never spent his time
unnecessarily . 1.27
He was learned in arts and crafts as a means of
entertainment and knew how to spend
wealth. He was an expert in riding elephants
and controlling horses.
1.28
He was an expert archer and was well recognized in
driving and control chariots .He
knew how to control his army and how to march against his enemies.
1.29
In the battlefield even angry devas and asuras could not
rile or upset him ,He was never jealous and had a great
control over his anger. He was never proud nor malicious , never insulted a living being and never bowed to others due to
pressure.
1.30
Thus endowed with great virtues that prince was a darling
of his subjects and was held in great esteem in all the three worlds and in intelligence he was equal to Bruhaspathi
and in Valour Devendra. 1.31
That darling of all his subjects was a source of joy to his father and That Rama due to his virtues was shining
like a sun.
1.32
He who was full of
penances was one with undefeatable
prowess and was equal to the guardians of earth and was desired by the
earth as her king.
1.33
Seeing his son blessed with varied virtues , the king
Dasaratha, the destroyer of his enemies started
thinking.
1.34
Then that aged king who had a very long life thought “How can Rama become a king while I am alive?
How can I get the pleasure of seeing that?” 1.35
The thought that how he can see his darling son being crowned arose in the mind of the king
very often.
1.36
“Rama has got
great desire to increase the welfare of this world and he shows
compassion to all people like the rain
god and he is dearer than me to my people.”
1.37
“He is equal in valour to Indra and Yama, equal in wisdom to Bruhaspathi ,
equal in firmness to the mountain and he
has more virtues than me. “
1.38
“If I am able to see
now my son ruling all over the earth , I would be attaining the joy of
attaining heaven in this earth.”
1.39
King Dasaratha then evaluated Rama along with his
ministers and found many matchless good qualities not found in any king and finding that these qualities are
praiseworthy , he decided to crown him as Junior king(Prince reagent) .
1.40-1.41
Then King Dasaratha
then told his minister about the
bad omens seen in heaven, earth and the sky and thought that old age has conquered his body.
1.42
Then thinking about
Rama with a face like full
moon and who was a remover of sorrows
and a darling of the people, he thought that if he is crowned his sorrow will
come to an end. 1.43
That king , the soul of Dharma , for protecting his as
well as his subjects’ welfare , realizing that a proper time has
come, with great love hastened to
perform the coronation of Sri Rama. 1.44
The king sent
invitations to the people residing in various cities as well as the
villagers of the earth including their
chiefs as well as various kings.
1.45
The king did not invite the king of Kekaya and Janaka ,
with a view that they are far away
and could hear the joyous news
later.
1.46
King Dasaratha adorned himself properly received them
respectfully presented them with ornaments and houses and people
felt that they were seeing Lord Brahma.
1.47
When Dasaratha ,
the tormentor of enemies occupied his
seat , all other kings who were loved
by their subjects entered .
1.48
All those kings occupied their various seats facing king
Dasaratha following the royal
tradition. 1.49
The king was surrounded by feudatory kings endowed with
modesty were well received and residents
of cities and villages surrounded and
respected the king like devas respect Lord Indra with one thousand eyes.
1.50
This is the end of the first chapter
Of book ofAyodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
2.Dasaratha proposes Rama to become Yuvaraja
( Dasaratha organizes
a meeting of his citizens , ministers , Brahmins as well as kings. He
proposes that Rama should be made Yuvaraja. Not only the people approve but
defend that decision.)
After that the king of the earth
after inviting all the invited
people and spoke these nectar like words aimed at their welfare .
2.1
The king who was the lord of men, with a deep , loud , attractive ,rumbling and incomparable voice which was like the sound of a drum and
rumbling of a cloud addressed the kings and said.
2.2-2.3
“It is well known to you , that this kingdom of mine has
been ruled by my predecessors who were great kings and that they looked after their subjects as
if they were their children. “ 2.4
“I , who belong to the Ikshuvaku clan whose great kings ruled this earth, want
to accomplish complete welfare of all
the people of this entire world. “
2.5
“While following the path trodden by my ancestors , I
also have protected my people by being ever vigilant.”
2.6
“Looking after the welfare of all the people under the shadow white flag
, my body has become old.”
2.7
“Having spent thousands of years of my life, this body has decayed and so I am
desirous of taking
rest.”
2.8
“I have become greatly exhausted by carrying the burden of the rule of dharma
with great might and courage , which
cannot be done by those who have not
won over their sense organs.” 2.9
“So I wish , after convincing all those who have
assembled here including the learned Brahmins , to consecrate my son to look after the welfare of the people and
then take rest.” 2.10
“My eldest son Rama , the conqueror of enemy cities, who
is equal to Indra in prowess , has
indeed inherited all my virtues.”
2.11
“I am pleased to install
the upholder of Dharma and the
greatest among men Rama , who resembles
the moon , as my Yuvaraja( Heir apparent/ prince in waiting) , on the day whose
star is Pushyamn(poosam) .” 2.12
“If that elder brother of Lakshmana who has a great luster is made the king, all the three worlds would
get a better king .” 2.13
“When such a son like Rama is entrusted the welfare of the three worlds without any delay , I would become relieved of all my
worries.”
2.14
“This well thought
out decision , though it is favourable to my thoughts, you all should give your
consent , as to what decision I should take?” 2.15
“Though this decision is one which I like , please think
over and tell me any other method that
would bring prosperity to our country , as an open discussion will bring
prosperity.”
2.16
Hearing these words from the king, the other kings became
happy and like a peacock producing
pleasing sound on seeing a thick
cloud , welcomed the decision. 2.17
The affectionate
sounds of joy filled cries of
the multitude of people which came from that hall seemed to shake that place.
2.18
Hearing the opinion of Dasaratha who was expert in Dharma
Sastras , all Brahmins, chiefs of people
and other citizens , deliberated jointly
and knowing each other’s mind came to an unanimous conclusion and addressed king Dasaratha as follows.
2.19-2.20
“Oh king you are our old ruler who is thousands of year old and so consecrate Rama as our Yuvaraja of this kingdom.”
2.21
“We desire that
the great hero, who is a well armed valorous one of Raghu clan, should ride on the elephant with his shadow falling on the royal
flag.”
2.22
Hearing this words from them , pretending that he was not aware of the wish of their mind, Dasaratha asked
them.
2.23
“Oh kings , as soon as you all heard my words , you
have expressed your desire to make Rama the king, and this
creates a doubt in my mind , whether you have said it in the present context.” 2.24
“When I am ruling this earth following Dharma, why are
you desiring to make my son as Yuvaraja , Please explain.”
2.25
All the great people there as well as the citizens said,
“Your son has several auspicious qualities
which will make him a great king.”
2.26
“Oh king , please listen, we shall now speak about the
good virtues Rama who is blessed with
good qualities , who is brave and who is like devas and who has
happiness to others.” 2.27
“Oh king, Rama by his divine virtues is equal to Indra ,
truly valorous one and is greatly
distinguished among the members of
Ikshuvaku clan.”
2.28
“Rama is a good man of the world , one who follows Dharma
with sincerity , and even Dharma attains fulfillment in him along with prosperity.”
2.29
“As far as welfare of people is concerned he is like the moon, in patience he is like earth, in wisdom he is
equal to Bruhaspathi and in valour , he is equal to Indra.”
2.30
“He is a follower of Dharma, a votary of truth , a man
with good conduct who is free from envy,
one with patience , one who consoles others, , gentle , grateful, and one who
has control over his sense organs.”
2.31
“Rama is soft, stable in thoughts , always humble, envy
less, sweet conversationalist with
human beings, votary of truth, one
having great knowledge of Sasthras , one who serves Brahmins and elderly people
,one with matchless fame and one with
growing luster in this world.” 2.32-2.33
“He is the most competent in using weapons among all
devas, asuras and one who has properly learned
all knowledge like penance and a learned one in shastras, Vedas and all
their branches.” 2.34
“That elder brother of Bharatha is the greatest expert in music in this world and he is pious , one of noble descent , one
whose mind is free from meanness and a very intelligent one . “ 2.35
“He is an expert in Dharma and Artha, has been well
instructed in all matters by best of
Brahmins and whenever he and Lakshmana
participate in war for a village or town, they never return without
victory.”
2.36
“When returns from the battle field either on an
elephant or on a chariot, , always he enquires about the welfare
like his own relative and he also
enquires about their son, sacred fire , wives , servants and disciples in great
detail according to the protocol.”
2.37-2.38
“That tiger among men Rama always asks us whether our
disciples obey us and also whether they are doing their job properly.”
2.39
‘Rama becomes very sad at the misfortunes of people and becomes happy like our own father on
happy occasions.”
2.40
“He is an votary of truth, a great archer , one who
serves senior citizens , one who has won over his sense organs , one who speaks
with a smiling face and one who sincerely follows Dharma.” 2.41
“He brings about unity of people and not interested in creating clashes
of opinions and is as eloquent as
Bruhaspathi in debates. “
2.42
“Rama who attracts the entire world, has charming eye
brows and copper coloured eyes and blessed with Valour, courage and
heroism and looks like Lord Vishnu to
us.”
2.43
“He is learned in the principles of administration of
peoples, and passion does not over power his senses and he is capable of ruling all the three worlds
and so of ruling only earth? “ 2.44
“His emotions like anger or love do not go waste and he
puts to death those who deserve to doe according to justice and does not get upset over those who deserve
mercy.” 2.45
“Whenever a person
makes him happy , he makes him wealthy and Like the Lord Sun with his great luster , Rama also shines and he is serene , the
lord of all people and one who causes happiness to the good people.” 2.46-2.47
“Rama is full of
all good qualities , truly valorous , incomparable ruler
and will not the earth thirst for such a ruler?” 2.48
“Oh king Dasaratha , due to your great fortune you got a son like him and he
looks like the great son Kashyapa born to Maricha.”
2.49
“Gandharwas, devas, asuras human beings , uragas along with all the people living in
cities as well as villages and people who are living in neighboring
countries wish Rama with strength,
health and long life.”
2.50-2.51
“Women , old people, young girls without fail during morning and evening are saluting all devas for the sake of the
very famous Rama.”
2.52
“Oh god like king, Let their prayer be fulfilled, because
of your effort in this direction. We all would like to see the son of a great king like you , with a
black colour of a blue lotus , who punishes all his enemies as our Yuvaraja.”
2.53
“Oh king who
fulfills our wishes, you should with a
joyful heart install your son who is equal to the god of gods(Vishnu) who
is interested in the welfare of the
entire world and one who welcomes
nobility as your heir for the welfare of all of us
without delay.”
This is the end of the second chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the
holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
3.Arrangements for coronation is made and Rama informed
(After the king requests Vasishta to make arrangements
for the coronation for the next day, he makes
all arrangements. Dasaratha summons Rama and informs about it.
Kausalya becomes greatly happy.)
The king with joy
saw all those people who were saluting him
who with folded hands similar to a lotus bud and told them, loving words which would be good to them.
3.1
“I am greatly pleased to appoint my eldest beloved son with matchless splendour
as per your request as the Yuvaraja” 3.2
The king after honouring the people who had come as per
his invitation, addressed Vasishta,
Vamadeva and other Brahmins who were
listening to him.
3.3
“This auspicious month Chithra(April-may) with blossoms of divine flowers is sacred and
let all arrangements be made to crown Rama
as Yuvaraja “ and all the people greatly applauded this declaration of
his.
3.4
When the tumult
among the people has calmed down, the lord of the people Dasaratha spoke
the following words to Vasishta who was the tiger among sages.
3.5
“Oh God like sage , it is proper for you to issue
necessary instructions ,to keep ready
the things that are needed to the rituals connected with the coronation of
Rama.”
3.6
“Hearing the words of the king that best among Brahmins Vasishta, with folded
hands in front of the king gave the
following order.”
3.7
“You have to
arrange in the hall for conducting sacrifices of the king,
gold and other precious metals, precious gems, articles necessary for worship, necessary
herbs, garlands of white flowers, puffed rice, and also honey, ghee , fresh
cloths, chariot , weapons of all types, army with its four divisions, an
auspicious looking elephant , fans made of the hairs of Yak, white flag, decorative
umbrella , hundred golden pots with great luster shining like fire , bulls with
their horns covered in gold and a complete tiger skin.
3.8-3.11
“If any other thing which are small are required at that
time , it may be arranged. The private apartment of the king as well as the
entire town may be decorated and the
gates of the town may be decorated with sandal paste and flowers and worshipped with sweet
smelling lighted incense.” 3.12-3.13
“Arrangements may be made to feed hundred thousand
Brahmins to their hearts content by
cooking good quality rice with milk and curd.”
3.14
“Tomorrow morning after receiving the chiefs
of Brahmins hospitably , they may be given ghee, puffed rice and curd as well as monetary gifts.”
3.15
“As soon as the sun rises tomorrow laudatory speech should be made and
seats arranged for all the Brahmins who have been invited.”
3.16
“The highways should be sprinkled with water and flags
tied on both sides. Actors and well dressed courtesans should reach the second enclosure of the
apartment and be seated there .”
3.17
“In temples people
should assemble with cooked rice and other food as well as with garland
separately and they should be given
monetary gifts.” 3.18
“Let all the
soldiers who are fully alert with long swords tied to their waist wearing new cloths enter in the courtyard of the glorious
king.” 3.19
Those highly disciplined sage, after giving this order and after informing
the king , also attended to many other
things to be done. 3.20
Those great Brahmins who were happy and satisfied with
the arrangements approached the king and
told him that all necessary actions have
been taken .
3.21
Then that king with great luster told Sumanthra, “Bring the self restrained
Rama immediately before me.”
3.22
That Sumanthra
acknowledged the king’s order and said
“So be it” , and being a great charioteer went to bring Rama in the chariot.
3.23
Afterwards the kings of the eastern, northern, southern
and western countries , kings who were not Aryans, kings of Aryan origin, the kings of the people of forest and
mountains paid Homage to Dasaratha and
he was like Indra surrounded by the devas.
3.24-3.25
The royal saint Dasaratha sitting in the palace like Indra surrounded by the
maruths, saw his son approaching him in a chariot. 3.26
Rama was like a king of Gandharwas and was famous for his courage in the world
.He had long arms, great strength , walked like an elephant in rut, greatly beautiful with a face like the moon , blessed with
beauty , generosity and valour and captivating even men with his beauty. He
looked like the rain god entering an area
burnt with heat and even after
looking at him with concentration, the king was not satisfied.
3.27-3.29
Sumanthra helped Rama in getting down from the splendid
chariot and as Rama went before his father
with folded hands , he followed him.
3.30
That great man Rama along with the charioteer Sumanthra
climbed in to the palace which was like the Kailasa mountain.
3.31
Going towards his father with folded hands , when he went
near , he bowed deeply , pronounced his own name and saluted his father’s feet.
3.32
That king seeing his saluting son near him , drew him
near , holding his folded hands
and hugged him.
3.33
The king offered a splendid seat decorated with gold and
gems which was lofty, divine and
also best of the seats. 3.34
When Rama sat on
the great seat, it shined further , like
the rising lustrous sun making the Mount Meru to shine further.
3.35
That assembly added further to its luster by Rama, like the full moon adding luster to
the autumnal sky with its bright stars.
3.36
That great king was overjoyed on seeing his son and felt as if he was
seeing his own image in a well
decorated mirror.
3.37
That great one
among those with sons, after calling him with a smile , like sage Kashyapa calling his son Indra,
spoke to him as follows.
3.38
“Oh Rama , you are the worthy son
born to my eldest wife who is worthy
and since you have excellent virtues , you are my beloved one.”
3.39
“Since you have attracted the people with your great
virtues and for that son when moon
enters the Pushya(poosam) star , you would be crowned as their Yuvaraja.”
3.40
“You are by nature attractive and one possessed with humility and though you posses all good virtues, I am
speaking to your good due to my affection to you. “
3.41
“Always endowed with humility and one with victory over his sense organs ,
you should try to be away from sorrows caused by anger and desire.”
3.42
“By your behaviour directly or indirectly , keep all the ministers and your subjects in a happy frame of mind.”
3.43
“You should rule the earth by
keeping the storehouses of
grains and weapons always full by making frequent collections, by keeping your subjects happy and devoted, for then your friends would be
happy as if they have obtained deathlessness like the devas . For achieving this you should keep your mind subdued.”
3.44-3.45
Hearing that , the friends of Rama who were interested in
his welfare , rushed to meet Kausalya
and informed her.
3.46
She gave those messengers who brought the good news
presents of cows, gold and
various type of gems. 3.47
Thereafter
Rama, after saluting the king ,
got in to his chariot and reached his
great home after being worshipped by large number of people . 3.48
Those citizens who heard the proclamation by the king
felt as if they have gained the most
beneficial objective , took leave from the king , reached their homes and
worshipped their gods.
3.49
This is the end of the third chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
4.Rama’s coronation is fixed and he meets his parents
(Dasaratha summons Rama again and tells him that he often sees bad dreams .
So he wants to complete the coronation
the next day itself. He tells Rama to observe the rituals along with
Sita. Rama goes and meets his mother who is doing special worship. There he
meets Lakshmana.)
After all the citizens departed , the king who was an
expert decision maker along with his ministers
further discussed and took a
decision that Rama with eyes like red lotus flower should be made in to the
Yuvaraja when it is Pushya(poosa
Nakshatra).
4.1-4.2
The king Dasaratha entered in to his inner apartment ,
asked his charioteer to bring Rama
once again to him.
4.3
As soon as the charioteer
heard the order, he again went to Rama’s house to again bring him. 4.4
When the door keepers informed the arrival of the charioteer again, Rama was filled with
apprehension.
4.5
Rama after admitting him quickly told him, “Why did you come back again “Please
tell me completely.”
4.6
Hearing that , the
charioteer told him. “The king wants to
see you again. It is for you to decide whether to go or not.”
4.7
Hearing these words of the Charioteer , Rama immediately
departed to the king’s home , to see the
king again.
4.8
The king Dasaratha hearing the news of arrival of Rama,
made him enter inside, so that he can tell him a very pleasing news.
4.9
While Rama was entering
the home of his father , from a distance he was saluting him with folded
hands and bending slightly in
reverence. 4.10
The king after straightening him embraced him, offered
him a great seat and then told him
again. 4.11
“Oh Rama, after living for long years I have become old
having enjoyed all the pleasures that I desired
and I have conducted hundreds of sacrifices where food in plenty as well
as lot of money was distributed.”
4.12
“Oh great man, I have also got a great son who is
matchless in the earth , in you , whom I love very much , I have done several fire sacrifices and also
have learnt Vedas.” 4.13
“Oh Valorous one, I have experienced all my desired
pleasures, and I have repaid my debt to
devas, sages and manes as also myself.”
4.14
“I do not have any other duty left except your
coronation, and for that reason you have
to do whatever I tell you now.”
4.15
“Today all my subjects want you to be their king and for that reason my dear son, I shall make you my Yuvaraja.” 4.16
“Nowadays I am seeing very bad horrible dreams also meteors and thunders with great noise are falling in the day time
itself.”
4.17
“The bad planets Sun, Rahu and mars have moved on to my birth star , the astrologers say.” 4.18
“When such bad omens occur , most probably , I will meet with his death or face great
calamities.”
4.19
“Oh Rama, for that reason , before I lose the grip on my
mind, I want to complete the coronation , as you know the mind of people is not stable.” 4.20
“Today is Punarvasu(Punartham ) and tomorrow it will be Pushyam(poosam) and astrologers say this is highly suitable and auspicious for the coronation.” 4.21
“My mind is telling me, “Crown Rama in the Pushya Nakshatra itself, “ , oh
slayer of enemies so I I am hastening it up and holding the coronation as Yuvaraja tomorrow itself.” 4.22
“For that reason from today onwards , you along with my
daughter in law Sita should behave with self restraint during nights and observe fast along with
her and sleep on a bed of Durba.” 4.23
“Since acts like this
on such occasion face several
impediments , let your friends also
protect you from all sides.”
4.24
“I think the time for consecration should be chosen when the
time Bharatha
is away from here.” 4.25
“Your brother Bharatha
desires to travel in path of virtue and has always followed his elder
brother and is the follower of dharma, compassionate and one who has won over his sense
organs.” 4.26
“But I think that the mind of human being is not
stable and this applies even to good people who has fixed their mind to Dharma.”
4.27
After telling like this about the coronation that was to take place the next day , he
permitted Rama to go back and after
thus permitted , Rama after
saluting his father went back to his home .” 4.28
After the king has
fixed the time for his crowning, Rama went to his house
and after entering immediately went to the private quarters of the king
to meet his mother.”
4.29
There he saw his mother wearing silk and praying
for the royal fortune of himself to the gods in the prayer room .
4.30
Having heard about the happy news of the coronation of
Rama, Sumithra and Lakshmana had already arrived there and Sita was
summoned to come there before arrival of Rama. 4.31
At That time Kausalya stood there with half closed
eyes accompanied by Sumithra, Lakshmana
and
Sita .
4.32
Hearing that her son will be crowned on the Pushya star , she
was praying the God Janardhana
holding her breath.
4.33
Rama approached his mother doing religious
observations, saluted her and with joy
told these blameless words.
4.34
“Oh mother , father has deputed me to acts of ruling the
people and as per his order the
crowning will take place tomorrow.”
4.35
“This night Sita also will fast along with me and this was told by my father along with the
teachers and priests.”
4.36
‘That coronation will take place tomorrow and please perform all the appropriate
auspicious rituals to me and
Vaidehi(Sita) .”
4.37
Kausalya after hearing the news that she was desiring for
a long time , spoke sweetly but indistinctly
due to her shedding tears of joy
.
4.38
“Oh son, Oh Rama , may you live for a long time. May
your enemies be destroyed .May you
become prosperous and bring joy to my relatives and those of Sumithra.”
4.39
“Oh Rama , you were born to me and your father on a lucky
star and because of that you have brought joy to your father by your virtues. What a great thing that you
were born.”
4.40
“Oh lotus eyed one , it is joyful to see that my great penances are
in vain and dear son, now the
wealth of Ikshuvaku clan would take refuge in you.”
4.41
Hearing these words Rama
looked at his brother sitting
with folded hands and saluting him and
told him with a smile.
4.42
“Oh Lakshmana rule
this earth along with me, and as you are my second inner self , this wealth also will reach you.”
4.43
“Oh son of Sumithra enjoy all the pleasures that you
wished for and you may also enjoy the
fruits of royalty , for I desire this life and kingdom only for your
sake.”
4.44
After telling like this to Lakshmana and after saluting
his mother , Rama took leave from them and along with Sita went to his
home. 4.45
This is the end of the fourth chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
5.Further preparations for Coronation Of Rama
(Dasaratha sends sage Vasishta to Rama to instruct on the rituals to be observed. Vasishta
carious out his instructions. On his way back , Vasishta observes the people of Ayodhya in a festive mood.)
After giving farewell to Rama, Dasaratha sent word to
Vasishta who was his priest to discuss
about the coronation that was to take
place next day and told him 5.1
“Oh sage with wealth of penance, please go to Rama , the
son of Kakustha clan and advice him to observe fast along with my daughter in
law and strictly observe the
rituals. 5.2
That god like sage
Vasishta , who was an expert in Vedas,
best among those who know Manthras and
one who observes strict penance said
“Let it be so” and mounted the best of
chariots worthy of Brahmins , went to the home of Rama to advice him to observe fast according to the
Manthras. 5.3-5.4
That great sage Vasishta went to the home of Rama , like a mass of white
glittering clouds , entered the home and crossed the first three sections on
the chariot itself .
5.5
Rama knowing about
the visit by the honoured sage , came out of his house in great
haste and excitement, to show suitable
honours to him.
5.6
Thereafter he neared
the chariot of the sage and himself helped the very intelligent sage to alight from the
chariot .
5.7
That sage seeing the humble Rama , who is fit to be loved,
addressed him , caused him delight and
gratified him.
5.8
“Oh Rama , Your father is greatly pleased with you and
would make you Yuvaraja tomorrow and so
you and Sita must observe fast today.”
5.9
“Your well pleased father is going to make you Yuvaraja
tomorrow early morning as did your forefathers Nahusha and Yayathi. “
5.10
After having spoken thus to him, That sage saw that Rama and Sita were observing
proper rituals and made them undertake the fast after chanting proper
Manthras.
5.11
Then that Guru of the king was duly honoured by Rama who was from the
clan of Kakustha , took leave from him and then departed.
5.12
Rama who was seated with his friends who talked dear
things , after duly taking leave from them , entered in to his apartment.
5.13
Rama’s residence filled with happy men and women , looked
like a lake full of splendid lotus flowers with large number on intoxicated birds.
5.14
That Vasishta after leaving Rama’s home which resembled
the king’s palace , found that the high way was greatly crowded with
people.
5.15
Groups and groups of people had completely filled the
royal high way and it was jammed on all sides by people filled
with ecstasy.
5.16
Then from the royal high way sounds emerged of the meeting together
and exultations of great joy and it
resembled the roaring of the sea.
5.17
On that day the thoroughfares of the city of Ayodhya were
cleaned and sprinkled with water and the homes of people were decked with
forest garlands and flags.
5.18
Then all women, men, children and old people living in
Ayodhya desiring to see the Coronation
of Rama longed for the sun rise.
5.19
People were longing to see that greatest celebration of Ayodhya , so that their joy would be enhanced by dressing up
well with ornaments.
5.20
The priest seeing that the high way was thronged with men
and women, who were standing on both sides
, slowly went and reached the
palace.
5.21
Having climbed up the royal palace which was like the
peak of Kailasa he met the king and this resembled Bruhaspathi meeting with Indra. 5.22
Having seen him arrive the king left his throne ,
enquired from him , whether he has carried out his wishes and the sage said, “yes”.
5.23
Then all those members of the assembly who were all occupying, seats of equal glamour stood up and saluted sage Vasishta. 5.24
The king after being permitted by his Guru, took leave of
his assembly and entered his inner apartment like a lion
entering its cave in the mountain.
5.25
The king entered his private apartment which resembled
the palace of Indra and which was thronged with well dressed and ornamented
women , illuminating the place with his luster like the moon illuminates the
sky.
5.26
This is the end of the fifth chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic
6.Rama observes rituals
and Ayodhya celebrates
(Rama and Sita
performed the rituals , and woke up early morning. Ayodhya was
celebrating the great function and all
thoroughfares were full of happy people.)
After the departure of the family priest Rama took bath and worshipped Lord Narayana with great
concentration along with his wife who
had broad eyes.
6.1
Then in accordance with the rituals he held on his head a
pot of Havis(cooked rice ) and performed
oblations with ghee and Havis on the
fire to Lord Vishnu.
6.2
Then Rama , the son of a great man, ate the remaining
Havis , for his own welfare , adopting silence meditated on
Lord Vishnu with a disciplined
mind and slept along with Sita on the divine temple of Lord
Vishnu on a bed of Durba grass.
6.3-6.4
He awoke when one quarter
of the night was remaining and
got his home decorated in a befitting manner.
6.5
Then after hearing the sweet songs of pleasant words from the bards and poets , he performed his
early morning rituals and chanted
Gayathri with great devotion.
6.6
Dressed in spotless silk attire , with a deeply bowed
head , he praised the killer of
Madhu and listened to the purificatory
rites by the Brahmins.
6.7
Thereafter in a sweet majestic voice they proclaimed the auspiciousness of the
day and the entire Ayodhya was
filled with sounds of musical
instruments.
6.8
Hearing that Rama undertook fast along with the princess
of Videha, from their home , the people of Ayodhya became happy. 6.9
All the citizens of Ayodhya hearing about the coronation
of Rama , started decorating their house from dawn itself. 6.10
On the temple towers surrounded by white clouds , in four road junctions , on thoroughfares
, on tall monuments, on towers of forts
, on shops of merchants selling various goods , on prosperous and great houses
, on all public halls and on tall trees , banners of various colours were
hung. 6.11-6.13
Groups of actors, dancers and musicians entertained
people by pleasing their mind and heart
and these sounds could be heard everywhere .
6.14
When the time for coronation of Rama was approaching
people in cross roads and in private
homes talked only about the coronation.
6.15
Similarly boys playing in groups in front of their
homes were only talking about stories
relating to the crowning of Rama.
6.16
On the occasion of the coronation Of Rama , the royal highway was strewn
with flowers and made fragrant by burning of incense sticks. 6.17
Having a doubt that the coronation may prolong till night , for providing light
to the high ways . trees full of
lamps were provided all over.
6.18
All the people living in the city , after decorating it were eagerly desiring to see the coronation
of Rama as Yuvaraja and had assembled
in road junctions, public halls in groups and were praising king Dasaratha.
6.19-6.20
“Oh, our great king Dasaratha is the great son of
Ikshuvaku clan, and realizing that he has
become old , he is doing this coronation of Rama.”
6.21
“We are all blessed to have Rama as our king, since he knows the good and bad people and rule for a very long
time. “
6.22
“Being one without pride , very learned , a follower of
Dharma and lover of his brothers, That Rama would also love all of us like his
brothers.”
6.23
“Let the soul of Dharma
and the spotless Dasaratha live
long , for only by his grace we are able
to see the coronation of Rama.”
6.24
All these conversations were also being heard by the hoards of people who have come
from the village, who have come to the town hearing the news.”
6.25
At that time the city was overflowing from the crowd of
people who have come from the villages
from different directions to see the coronation of Rama.
6.26
Due to the moving to and fro from a huge crowd of
men, a noise rose from there which was
like roaring sound of the ocean with a great speed.
6.27
Crowded by citizens wishing to see the coronation of Rama , who have arrived
from all directions , Ayodhya resembled city of Indra and with the sound generated
made it resemble the ocean with all its aquatic animals. 6.28
This is the end of the sixth chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic
7.Mandhara tries to
poison mind of Kaikeyi
(The hunchback Mandhara , who is the personal
servant of Kakieyi , tells her that the crowning of Rama is a very bad news
to Kaikeyi . she is rebuffed as
Kaikeyi becomes happy with the news.)
The family maid
servant who was living with her
from the time of her birth, without any
specific reason came out of the white
palace which shined like moon.
7.1
She saw the royal
high way of Ayodhya sprinkled with water
and spread with flowers from
that palace
7.2
Mandhara was
perplexed at seeing from the palace, the
city decorated with very costly banners
and flags as also the
auspiciously decorated
thoroughfares which usually
were free , crowded with people who had
washed their heads and occupied by
people holding garlands and sweets in
their hands . The temples with white
doors were reverberating with the Vedic chant of great Brahmins and was crowded with people . Several types
of musical instruments were blowing out
musical sound. The city was filled up with joyful horses and elephants as well as mowing bulls and cows .The
exceeding pleased citizens were tying flags
everywhere.
7.3-7.6
That Mandhara seeing, the royal nurse maid with a joyful fully awake eyes and clad in
white silk standing nearby asked her.
7.7
“Why is mother of Rama who is miserly, gifting
away wealth with great joy to
men?” 7.8
“Why are people greatly joyous? Please tell me what the
delighted king is proposing to do?”
7.9
That nurse maid
bursting with great joy told the hunchback about the luck of
Rama with greater joy.
7.10
“Tomorrow the king Dasaratha is going to celebrate the coronation as
Yuvaraja of the blemish less Rama who has conquered his anger”
7.11
Hearing the words of the nursemaid, that hunchback became infuriated , descended from the palace which looked like
Kailasa peak.
7.12
That sinful looking Mandhara burning with anger reached Kaikeyi who was reclining upon her couch and told her.
7.13
“Oh fool , get up. Why are you sleeping without fear, in
spite of the fact that you are being submerged
in the flood of sorrow , which you are not realizing? “
7.14
“ Oh Lady who
appears to be loved by her husband, Oh undesired one, You are playing with your
good fortune which is like the unstable river in summer season. “
7.15
Hearing the harsh words
spoken by the sinful furious
hunchback , Kaikeyi became worried.
7.16
Kaikeyi told that hunchback, “Oh Mandhara is everything all right ? I am seeing you with a downcast face and greatly distressed.” 7.17
That Mandhara who was an expert in speech , having heard
the words of Kaikeyi spoken with sweetness
told.
7.18
That hunchback
becoming more worried , being a
do-gooder of Kaikeyi , greatly agitated
about separating Rama told.
7.19
“Oh queen, great and
never ending destruction is
awaiting as Raja is crowning Rama as
Yuvaraja” 7.20
“As I am plunged in
endless fear and affected by
great sorrow , I am feeling as if I am burnt
and I have come here seeking your welfare.”
7.21
“Oh Kaikeyi , your
sorrow is greatly sorrowful to me and without any doubt your prosperity will be mine also.”
7.22
“ Though Born in a royal family and being the chief wife
of a king and you do not
understand the cruelty of the state
craft.” 7.23
“Though he is the
follower of Dharma in public , he is really deceitful Her speaks sweetly and affectionately but is
cruel and you who is innocent are not
able follow his guile.”
7.24
“When your husband confers with you he uses meaningless
appeasing words but he has conferred
good things to Kausalya only.”
7.25
“That soul of wickedness
having side tracked Bharatha by sending
him the house of your relations,
he will give away the kingdom to Rama devoid of thorns.”
7.26
“Oh child ,. Like
a mother I am telling you the truth that you are holding a venomous serpent on
your lap, who is nobody else but your husband.” 7.27
“The king Dasaratha has done you and Bharatha the same
thing that a serpent or an enemy
would have done .”
7.28
“Oh child , who is accustomed only to comfort, with good
words devoid of any truth , that sinner has established Rama in this kingdom and you and your son have
been ruined.”
7.29
“Oh Kaikeyi, the correct time to act to protect your
happiness has come, Oh lady who
is looking with awe, please save
yourselves, Bharatha and me.”
7.30
After hearing her words that Kaikeyi , with a pretty form
who was lying on her couch till then ,rose completely with joy ,like a crescent of the autumn moon.
7.31
That Kaikeyi who
became extremely pleased, gave a
marvelous ornament to the hunch back causing great surprise in her. 7.32
Kaikeyi , that greatly delighted lady after giving the
ornament to the hunchback , again spoke
these words to her. 7.33
“Oh Mandhara , the news that you
gave me is very pleasant to me and the gift that I gave you is for
informing this pleasant news. Shall I
gave you more gifts?”
7.34
“I do not make any distinction between Rama and Bharatha
and I am happy that Rama is being
consecrated as the king.” 7.35
“Oh Mandhara meriting my love, there is nothing more pleasing to me than the news that you gave and my joy cannot be easily expressed by words . Oh best among those dear to me, you have now told me the best news and ask for another reward.” 7.36
“Oh Mandhara meriting my love, there is nothing more pleasing to me than the news that you gave and my joy cannot be easily expressed by words . Oh best among those dear to me, you have now told me the best news and ask for another reward.” 7.36
This is the end of the seventh chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
8. Mandhara poisons the mind of Kakieyi (contd)
(Mandhara tries to tell in skilful words , the problems that may arise when Rama becomes the king. She says that
Kaikeyi would be made a slave by her co-wife.)
Mandhara thoroughly disgusted and filled with rage and sorrow , rejected
that ornament and said. 8.1
“Oh childish lady, why are you happy at the inappropriate
time and do not realize that you are in
the middle of a ocean of sorrow.”
8.2
“Oh great lady, a great misfortune has fallen on you and at this time you should become sad
instead of being happy and because of
that though I am sad at your present state
I am laughing.”
8.3
“I am feeling sorry about your misinterpretation. Will an
intelligent woman become happy at the
prosperity of her enemy like co-wife’s son
?” 8.4
“Bharatha has equal claim to the kingdom like Rama and is
the source of fear to Rama. Thinking it over I feel sad for danger comes from one who fears.” 8.5
“The valorous
Lakshmana with a great bow has
taken to Rama’s soul and Shatrugna has
similar feelings like Lakshmana towards Bharatha.” 8.6
“Oh pretty lady, in the order of succession according to
birth also Bharatha is just next to
Rama , and the younger ones do not have even a remote chance .” 8.7
“Rama is competent and learned in the royal Dharma and one who does things at appropriate time
.Out of fear , when I think of your son, I am trembling.” 8.8
“Kausalya whose son is going to be crowned tomorrow as Yuvaraja
in the Pushya star is indeed
lucky.
8.9
“To Kausalya
having obtained this great fame by getting her enemies destroyed , you
have to serve with folded hands like maid.” 8.10
“If you along with us becomes her maid, then your son
also has to become the slave of Rama.”
8.11
“The great women of Rama would indeed be very happy and with the downfall of Bharatha, your
daughter in law would be deprived of
joy.”
8.12
Seeing here very favourite Mandhara
talking this way, the great lady
Kaikeyi started praising the qualities of Rama.
8.13
“Rama is a follower of Dharma and he has been taught self
restraint by his Gurus and he is an
votary of truth and one who is honest and grateful. And being the eldest son
of the king , the kingdom should go to
him. “
8.14
“He who has a long life would protect his brothers as
well as servants like a father and oh
hunchback, why you are you sorrowing to hear about the coronation of
Rama.”
8.15
“After one hundred years the best among men, Bharatha
also would definitely get the kingdom
of his father and grandfather “ 8.16
“OH Mandhara you are getting prosperity as of now and in future also you would be getting the
same. Why are you grieving?” 8.17
“If I have appreciation to Bharatha , I have more
appreciation to Rama as he serves me
better than his mother Kausalya.” 8.18
“If this kingdom belongs to Rama , then it belongs to
Bharatha also as Rama treats all his brothers as his equal.” 8.19
Hearing the words of Kaikeyi Mandhara became greatly sad
, and breathing hot and deep she told like this to Kaikeyi. 8.20
“Being stupid , though you are sinking in the wide ocean
of grief, you are not realizing the benefits for yourselves.”
8.21
“Rama will become the king and afterwards his son will
become the king and on the other hand
Bharatha would be teased of not being a king.”
8.22
“Oh pretty lady, all the sons of a king do not become
kings for if all of them are made
kings, there would be great problems in ruling of the kingdom.” 8.23
“Oh faultless lady Kaikeyi , because of this the kings will entrust the
rule of kingdom to the eldest or the son who has great virtues.”
8.24
“Oh dear Kaikeyi , when your son is cut off from the
royal succession and its comforts , he
would become greatly distressed.”
8.25
“I have come here wishing for your benefit and you are giving me a gift not
understanding that your co-wife is getting
prosperity.
8.26
“As soon as Rama gets the kingdom without any problems,
it is certain that he would send Bharatha out of this country or even out of
the world.”
8.27
“Your son from childhood has been sent to his uncle’s
house and it is the proximity of some one that strengthens the
affection.”
8.28
“Obediently following Bharatha, Shatrugna also has gone along with him and
similarly Lakshmana is attached to Rama.”
8.29
“It is heard that the tree which live in the forest , intended for felling is freed even from thorny bushes
attached to it.”
8.30
“Like Lakshmana protecting Rama , Rama also protects
Lakshmana and they are famous as
inseparable like Aswini kumara.”
8.31
“Because of That Rama will not do even a small sinful act towards Lakshmana but he will definitely harm Bharatha without
any doubt. “
8.32
“And so send your son directly to the forest from his
uncle’s house,. This would be pleasing to me and beneficial to you.”
8.33
“If Bharatha gets
the kingdom of his father as her Dharma, then it would be beneficial to you and
your clan. “
8.34
“Your son is used to great comforts and he is the natural
enemy of Rama and how would he live
happily if wealth is separated from him.”
8.35
“Similar to the leader of the herd of elephants is attacked
by a lion in the forest, Bharatha is being overpowered
by Rama and it is your duty to
save him.” 8.36
“You being endowed with prosperity , you have ill
treated your co-wife who is mother of
Rama due to pride . Will she not
retaliate due to grudge.”
8.37
“Oh pretty lady , when this earth with its oceans, towns
and cities comes under the control of
Rama, you along with Bharatha would become inauspicious and miserable.”
8.38
“If Rama takes over this earth , then Bharatha would definitely be destroyed and so now do something to get the kingdom to Bharatha and banish his enemy Rama.”
8.39
This is the end of the eighth chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
9.Kaikeyi is influenced by Mandhara
(By the very influencing words of Mandhara , Kaikeyi asks
Mandhara for a plan to crown Bharatha. Mandhara suggests she request for two boons promised earlier by Dasaratha
and ask that Bharatha should be crowned and Rama should go to the forest for fourteen years.
According to her advice Kaikeyi strips off all her ornaments and lies on the
bare floor of the room of anger)
Having heard these words, Kaikeyi started burning with rage
and breathing with effort and
fire like,
she told
Mandhara.
9.1
“I would immediately send Rama to the forest and get Bharatha crowned as Yuvaraja” 9.2
“Oh Mandhara , do you see any method by which Bharatha
would get the kingdom and Rama would be
forced to go to forest.” 9.3
Addressed like this by Kaikeyi , the sinful Mandhara who
was bent upon destroying interests of Rama
spoke like this.
9.4
“What a joy, Oh Kaikeyi, please hear me for I
will tell you how to make Bharatha
alone get the kingdom .”
9.5
“Oh Kaikeyi, please
hear from what is being told for your welfare as per your desire. Do you
remember or are you concealing what you remember.?”
9.6
“Oh pretty Kaikeyi, please listen to what I am
telling you . I shall tell you and ,
please listen to it and then think about it.”
9.7
Hearing these words of Mandhara, Kaikeyi got up from her well spread bed and
told. 9.8
“Oh Mandhara, how can Bharatha get the kingdom and how can Rama not get it? Tell me the
means in detail.”
9.9
The sinful Mandhara after hearing these words from the great lady , with an aim to destroy welfare of Rama told.
9.10
“Oh lady , your husband
went along with other royal saints
gave help to Indra in the war between devas and asuras
in the southern region and reached the city of Vaijayantha in the Dandaka where Asura Thimidwaja lived. He also took
you along with him.” 9.11-9.12
“There a very powerful asura called Sambara well
known for taking many illusory forms could not be defeated by the
devas in the great battle with Indra.”
9.13
“In that great battle , the Rakshasa used to kill those wounded by weapons and also when they were sleeping at night.” 9.14
“There the very
strong Dasaratha fought a very great battle
and he was wounded by their weapons and his body was greatly wounded .”
9.15
“Oh great lady , he
who had fainted was protected because you carried him away from the
battle field and there again the asuras
wounded him and you saved your
husband.”
9.16
“Oh auspicious looking one , then he gave you two boons
and you told him that you will demand them whenever you need them and then that great king
agreed to your proposal.” 9.17
“Oh queen, I was knowing nothing about this matter , till
you told me about this , out of our
friendship , which I have retained in my
memory. Prevent the preparations for
Rama’s consecration by holding it
down. “
9.18-9.19
“You request for the boons of crowning of Bharatha
and banishment of Rama for fourteen years from the kingdom. “
9.20
“If Rama is banished
to the forest for fourteen years , Your son would have captured the
minds of people and would have
established himself firmly.”
9.21
“Oh Kaikeyi , the daughter of Aswapathi , with great anger enter the room
of anger , wear bad smelling dirty cloths and lie down on the bare floor.”
9.22
“When the king sees you
crying with great sorrow, do not look at him, nor speak to him.” 9.23
“I know without doubt that you are the darling of your
husband and for your sake the king even
will immolate himself in fire.”
9.24
“Nor is he capable
of seeing you angry or stare at you with
anger and for the sake of your love, the
king will even forsake his life.”
9.25
“The king is not capable of going against your words , Oh
dull witted one , please recognize the
strength of your charm.”
9.26
“The king Dasaratha will give you different types gems, pearls and
gold and do not fix your mind on them. “
9.27
“Oh great lady,
make Dasaratha recollect that he
has given you two boons in the war between the devas and Asuras and so stand firm in your objective.”
9.28
“The descendent of the Raghu can will personally lift you
from the floor and then make him settle
down and ask for the boons.”
9.29
“You ask for the boon like this, “Oh great king Bharatha
should rule over this country and Rama should be banished to the forest for
fourteen years.”
9.30
“When Rama lives in the forest for fourteen years , your
son will grow strong and strike roots here.”
9.31
“Oh lady definitely also ask for the banishment of Rama to the forest
because only by that all interests of your son would be accomplished.”
9.32
“By banishing Rama to the forest he would lose his charm of attraction, and Bharatha would become great as his enemy would be destroyed.” 9.33
“By banishing Rama to the forest he would lose his charm of attraction, and Bharatha would become great as his enemy would be destroyed.” 9.33
“By the time Rama returns back from the forest , Bharatha
would have stuck roots and that
intellectual son of yours would have
gained the affection of the people in company of his friends.” 9.34
“You know that the proper time has come to ask for the boons and with force make the king change his
intention of making Rama as the king.”
9.35
Understanding
the extremely meaningful plan as
one beneficial , that Kaikeyi became greatly happy
And spoke to
Mandhara.
9.36
That Kaikeyi who was a lady with a clear vision, hearing the words of the
Hunchback was greatly surprised like an immature young girl and adopted the wrong path.
9.37
“Oh hunchback , I
did not recognize that you are great and
can speak great words . After knowing your intelligence , I think
among the hunchbacks in the world , you
are the best one.”
9.38
“You are the one only interested in doing what is good to me in
my affairs as but for you, I would not have known the evil intention of the
king.” 9.39
“Hunchbacks are physically retarded , crooked, bent and
are terrible in appearance but you are
like lotus flower bent in breeze.” 9.40
“Your chest is tightly fixed and raises up to your
shoulders and beneath it your navel and waist are slender and bashful.” 9.41
“ Oh Mandhara, Your hips are full grown, your breasts are
round and plump and your face is like the full moon and you are regally lovely.” 9.42
“You are glittering in your waist belt, which is making
jingling sounds ,. Your calves of the legs
are strong and your feet long.” 9.43
“With your wide thigh bones and clad in silk and with lengthy strides , when you walk in
front of me, I feel as if a swan is walking.” 9.44
“In addition the
thousands of illusory powers which asura Sambara had , are in you too , in many more thousands.” 9.45
“Your hump which resembles a long
hub of a chariot stores lot of
royal powers as well as many magical
powers.”
9.46
“Oh hunchback, after Rama has gone to the forest after Bharatha is consecrated , I shall decorate the hump of yours with a
golden garland.”
9.47
“Oh Mandhara, after my objectives in achieved and when I am fully satisfied , I will smear
your hump with best quality pure gold.”
9.48
“Oh hunchback , I
will mark your forehead with a golden Thilaka and for your auspicious face I will make very
many gold ornaments.”
9.49
“You will walk wearing silk garments like a goddess. With your matchless countenance you will challenge moon for a contest and feeling greatly proud you will attain a
great status among your enemies,.”
9.50-9.51
“Like you are serving me several well ornamented
hunchbacks would be serving you
always. 9.52
When Kaikeyi was flattering her like this, Mandhara looked at the white
Kaikeyi who was shining like a
fire in the sacrificial altar lying on
her great couch and told her like this. 9.53
“Of fortunate one , there is no point in building a dam after the water has flown out and so perform your auspicious act and show
it to the king. “
9.54
That broad one
eyed, proud because of her intoxicating beauty , thus encouraged by Mandhara
, entered the room of anger along with Mandhara and that blessed lady threw the a highly
auspicious a very precious pearl necklace costing several hundred thousand as well as several other ornaments and laid down on the gold like
floor and then told Mandhara.
9.55-9.57
“Oh hunchback, go and inform Dasaratha that if Bharatha is not crowned and if Rama
does not go to the forest I will
die.” 9.58
“I am neither
interested in gold or ornaments or precious gems , If Rama is
consecrated as king , that will be the end of my life.”
9.59
That hunchback hearing
the exceeding powerful and sharp words of the wife of the king , again said these words which are beneficial to Bharatha
and harmful to Rama.
9.60
“ If Rama gets this
kingdom , it is very definite that you will suffer and oh auspicious one, you strive in such a manner that your
son would be crowned.”
9.61
That queen , repeatedly hit by the words of the
hunchback became sad as well as angry and
she kept her hands on her chest due to great surprise and praised again and again that angry hunchback. 9.62
“Oh hunch back
, either you will go and tell the
king that I have gone to the land of the dead
or inform me about the departure of Rama for a long duration to the
forest so that my son Bharatha
shall get his desires fulfilled.”
9.63
“If Rama does not go to the forest, I do not need cloths,
garlands , sandal paste , nor unguents , nor food , nor water nor even life.”
9.64
That pretty lady
after telling these horrible
words , removed all her ornaments and fell
like a KInnara woman and lay down on the earth without covering herself.
9.65
She who was the
wife of the king, with her face darkened
by great fury and with a restless
mind , stripped off all her
ornaments and looked like a dark sky without any stars. 9.66
This is the end of the ninth chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
10. Dasaratha consoles Kaikeyi who is angry
(Dasaratha is shocked to see his young wife in the room of anger . He
promises that , he will fulfill all her
wishes as she is very dear to him.
Kaikeyi gets hope.)
That lady misled
by the very sinful hunchback
lay down on earth like a Kinnara
woman hit by a poisoned arrow.
10.1
After making up
her mind extremely well, that pretty ,
very skilful lady , told everything
slowly to Mandhara.
10.2
After hearing the world that dejected pretty lady having
made up her mind breathed
long hot breath thought for some time
and determined ways , which will
lead her to happiness.
10.3
That Mandhara who was aiming for her
own benefit, heard the
queen’s firm decision , became very
happy and felt as if she has
succeeded.
10.4
That very angry lady greatly angry and with a face knitted , with
great determination lay down on the floor .
10.5
That Kaikeyi then threw the colorful garlands and divine ornaments
and they reached the floor. 10.6
The garlands and ornaments which were thrown away by
her was making the earth shine like the stars in the sky.
10.7
She was lying down
on the floor of the house of anger with
dirty cloths and tying a single
braid like a kinnara woman.
10.8
After passing various orders regarding the coronation, the king took leave of those present and entered his home.
10.9
King Dasaratha who
had his senses under control , though thinking that news of Rama’s coronation
was known to everybody entered his
private apartments so that he can
communicate the good news to her , who merited his love. 10.10
He who was very famous
went to the home of Kaikeyi like a moon
accompanied by Rahu on a white sky. 10.11
Dasaratha entered
his inner apartment resembling heaven which was filled with
parrots and peacocks , filled with the sound of swans and kinnara birds, filled
with music from musical instruments ,with hunchbacks and dwarfs moving here and
there , blessed with Champaka , Asoka
trees and houses of creepers, picture galleries , with stages decorated by
gold, silver and ivory, filled with trees yielding flowers and fruits daily, Water
tanks decorated by gold, silver and ivory, Excellent seats various kinds of
food and drinks , various kinds of other eatables and with expensive decorations but did not see his beloved wife Kaikeyi on the excellent bed.
10.12-10.16
That passionate king
seeking sexual pleasure not
seeing his beloved wife was dejected and enquired with great depression .
10.17
Previously Kaikeyi was never missing at that time and the king had never before entered an
empty apartment. 10.18
The king having reached the apartment without knowing the whereabouts of
foolish Kaikeyi who was seeking
selfish interest , as usual enquired.
10.19
Then the trembling door keeper bowing with folded hands told him, “Oh Lord ,
lady was in great wrath and went
speedily towards the room of anger.”
10.20
The king hearing the words of the door keeper became more
agitated and due to his passionate
frame of mind again became sad.
10.21
Then he saw her in the room of anger lying
in an improper way and felt that
she was feeling great sorrow .
10.22
That sinless old man,
regarded his youthful wife with sinful intentions , much greater than
his own life and she looked like a severed creeping plant and also like a goddess as well as kinnara lady who has fallen on earth and she also looked to him like an Apsara maiden who has slipped
in to earth and like a broken down
illusion and like a female deer which was tied down.
10.23-10.25
Then Dasaratha touched her like a giant elephant touching
a she elephant which has fallen down due to a poisonous arrow.
10.26
That passionate one who was completely
shattered due to his fear , touched
that lotus eyed lady and spoke to her
with great humility.
10.27
“Oh lady of auspicious qualities , I never knew that you
were angry with me,. Who has cursed you? Who has insulted you? I am immensely
sad that you are resting on this dirty floor.” 10.28
“When I have mind favourable to you, why are lying down like this on the floor like one
possessed by the devil and causing me great sorrow?
10.29
“If you are not feeling well, there are skilled doctors
who are being praised everywhere who
can make you healthy and so please tell your sickness.”
10.30
“To whom do you want to favour? Who has done something
which is not liked by you? To whom should I show a favour and to whom should I do offense?” 10.31
“Oh great lady, do not weep nor make your body
dehydrated? If you tell me , I shall kill a person who does not merit to be
killed and release a person who merits
to be killed. I shall make a poor man
wealthy and a rich man a beggar.”
10.32-10.33
“I and all people under my control would obey you and I do not want to even a little thing
which is not liked by you.”
10.34
“Tell me anything which you like and I would get it
done even losing my soul and you know me
so well that you would not have any
doubt in that. I take an oath on Dharma that I would do whatever you
like.”
10.35
“My earth is as long as the extent my chariot can go. The
eastern countries of Sindhu , Sauvira and Saurashtra , all the southern
countries ,. The countries like Anga, Vanga, Magadha,Mathsya and the prosperous Kasi and Kosala are under my control.”
10.36-10.37
In those countries are produced wealth, grains, animal products and which of those do you want to acquire, Oh
Kaikeyi?”
10.38
“Oh coward , what is the need for all these exertion and
please get up, Oh pretty one. Oh Kaikeyi tell me the source of your
fear. I shall remove them forthwith like a sun removes the mist.” 10.39
Consoled by the words spoken by him, she was getting
prepared to tell words he may not
like and she started harassing her
husband further.” 10.40
This is the end of the tenth chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya
, of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
11.Kaikeyi asks her two boons.
(Dasaratha
promises her to give any boon asked by her and takes the oath on Rama.
Kaikeyi reminds him of the earlier war
and his promise to give her two boons. She wants Bharatha to be crowned next day and that Rama should go to the forest for fourteen years.)
Armed with the darts of the God of love , she addressed
the king who was completely caught in the net of passion with the following words. 11.1
“Oh god like king, I have not been offended by any one
nor was I insulted by anyone but I want to communicate an opinion of mine to
you.”
11.2
“If you want to fulfill my desires, then give me a
promise that you will fulfill whatever I
ask for. Then I will tell you what I want.”
11.3
The magnificent Dasaratha
in the throes of passion with a
visible smile , took the hair
of the lady who can smile brightly
in his hand and said.
11.4
“Oh lady with pride , don’t you know that there is no one whom I love more than yourself other than the best among men Rama.”
11.5
“I take an oath on the invincible Rama , who is broad
minded and who is best among all those
who live and so please tell me what your mind desires?” 11.6
“Ok Kaikeyi , I cannot live even for a moment without
seeing Rama and as per your words, I
take an oath.”
11.7
“Oh Kaikeyi , I would choose Rama, the best among
men , more than me or my other sons and I am taking an oath on
him.”
11.8
“Oh lady with great virtue, my heart is sinking and so
Oh Kaikeyi touch me and lit my heart
up and after you consider well, please
tell me what you want?” 11.9
“You know your strength on my mind and there is no need for any doubt about it. I swear on my merits that I will do whatever
you want .”
11.10
That lady who was intent on fulfilling her wish ,
expressed her wish using very harsh words
and without giving any alternative solution. 11.11
Becoming greatly happy by his words , she spoke about her
wish which is highly dreadful and which had come in her
mind like the God of death .”
11.12
“You have been repeatedly taking an oath that you will
fulfill my wish and let the thirty three
gods lead by the fire God listen
to it.”
11.13
“Let the moon, the sun, the sky , all the planets, night
as well as day, the ten directions, the entire world with all Gandharwas ,
Rakshasas, the ghosts who move around at night , the home gods in all
homes and all other beings , know the
words of your promise.” 11.14-11.15
“Let all the gods hear that the truthful , greatly
lustrous , votary of Dharma and the well
composed Dasaratha is granting me his
word.”
11.16
That Lady after flattering the great archer Dasaratha
like this and spoke like this to the
passion filled giver of boons.” 11.17
“Ok king ,
remember the battle between Devas and Asuras which took place long ago and
there the enemy destroyed your everything except your life.”
11.18
“Oh God like person, you conferred on me two boons when I
rescued you as I made great efforts with alertness to save you.” 11.19
“Oh king, Oh lord wedded to truth, oh god, now I am
seeking those boons which were left with
you , to be demanded when I want them.”
11.20
“Thus bound by dharma, if you do not give me those boons
, insulted by you, I would give up my life immediately .” 11.21
Thus that Kaikeyi
made the king in to her power by the
arrow of words and the king entered in
to the trap laid by her like a deer walking in to the trap.
11.22
After wards she spoke to the king who was caught in passion and who was also the giver of boons “Oh God,
now I will ask for those boons which you had given me earlier and Oh king , I will ask them now, please
hear.”
11.23
“Arrangements have been already made for the coronation
of Rama and with these materials you now
conduct the coronation of Bharatha.”
11.24
“Oh God, you have also given me a second boon , pleased
with me, in the war between devas and asuras and time has come to ask that
also.”
11.25
“Rama like a saint should live for fourteen years in the
Dandaka forest clad in bark of wood
or skin of deer and wearing a matted
hair.”
11.26
“Let Bharatha enjoy the position of Yuvaraja without any thorns to trouble
him and this is my great desire and
please grant it. I want to see Rama departing to the forest today itself.” 11.27-11.28
“Oh king of kings, become the protector of truth and protect your clan, character and birth. Those whose wealth is penance are
saying that only telling of truth will
ensure you great welfare in the other
world.”
11.29
This is the end of the eleventh chapter
Of the book of Ayodhya
of the holy Ramayana composed by
Valmiki as the first epic.
12. The shattered Dasaratha requests Kaikeyi to reconsider.
(Dasaratha is shattered
and here he reasons out , chides,
shouts , begs and requests Kaikeyi to change her decision.. She seems to
be unyielding.)
Hearing those
horrible words , the great king
, became very sad and extremely
pained. 12.1
He thought , “Am I dreaming ? Has my mind paralyzed? Is
it one of those bad omens which I have been experiencing recently? Or is it a
disease of the mind?”
12.2
Having thought over like this, the king did not get
comfort. Being beaten by the words of Kaikeyi , that king could not regain his senses for a long time and after that he
felt startled and distressed like a deer
seeing a ferocious tigress. Then he sat
down in a great stupor and he heaved sighs like a
highly venomous snake controlled in a circle by powerful chants. After saying “What a
pity?’ being benumbed by great sorrow,
he again lost his consciousness.
12.3-12.5
After a long time he regained his consciousness ,
affected by great sorrow, with burning eyes saw Kaikeyi and said.
12.6
“Oh cruel woman, Oh lady of bad character , oh destroyer
of the clan, what sin has Rama done and for that matter what sin I have
done?” 12.7
“That son of Raghu clan was treating
you equal to his mother, and for what purpose are you trying to bring
misfortune to him?” 12.8
“ Out of ignorance, thinking
that you are a daughter of a king
, I brought you home not knowing that
you are a very poisonous snake and invited my own destruction.”
12.9
“When all the living world is praising Rama , for what
crime should I abandon my son.”
12.10
“I can give up Kausalya , Sumithra or all my wealth but If
I am alive I will not give up Rama , who
is my darling son.”
12.11
“I feel supreme bliss on seeing my first born son and if
I do not seem him , my soul will be lost.” 12.12
“The world can exist without sun and crops can exist
without water but I and my body cannot exist without Rama.”
12.13
“Oh lady who has decided to do sin, this is enough . Give
up your evil intention . I am touching your feet with my head . Please take
mercy on me.”
12.14
“Oh sinful one, why did you get this horrible thought .
Are you interested in knowing my opinion of Bharatha? Let it be like that.
Earlier you used to say “Rama is like my
eldest son . He is an expert in Dharma and one who fulfills his duty of my
eldest son perfectly.” Such sweet words
uttered by you
Could not have been spoken only to please me.”
12.15-12.17
“You are one who listens to the words of others and you have caused me great pain by entering
this empty room of anger.”
12.18
“Oh lady, till now you have been possessing great virtues
but now a great immorality has
fallen on the clan of Ikshuvakus.”
12.19
“Oh broad eyed one , you have never even done a minute
improper or wrong act towards me in the
past and for that reason I am unable to
believe your words .”
12.20
“Oh childish girl, several times you have told me that
the great Rama is equal to Bharatha to you .”
12.21
“Oh lady who is a coward, how is it that you are
desiring that famous votary of Dharma
should stay in the forest for fourteen years.? “
12.22
“Why do you desire the very tender Rama who follows
Dharma should stay in a dreadful forest?”
12.23
“Oh lady with auspicious eyes, Why do you desire Rama
should go away to a far off place when he is interested in serving you?” 12.24
“Rama is always doing much more service to you than
Bharatha and because of that I feel that
you should not have more
affection towards Bharatha.” 12.25
“Though there are thousands of lady attendants to you in
your apartment, I feel , Rama, the best among men, will honour you , do you great service and carries out all your orders truthfully.
“ 12.26
“The word of blame or word of finding fault never applies
to Rama . Rama with a clean mind
appeases all beings. He attracts
everyone in the country by performing
acts dear to them.” 12.27-12.28
“He wins people by truth and he wins the downtrodden by
charity and wins over elders by doing service to them and he wins over his enemies by his bow. “
12.29
“Truth , charity , penance, sacrifice , friendliness ,
purity , uprightness , knowledge, service to the elders are fixed firmly in the mind of that son of
Raghu clan.”
12.30
“Oh lady, he is the one endowed with honesty , he resembles
devas and has luster greater than
sages and how can you desire harm to
such a one.” 12.31
“I never recollect
having heard Rama who speaks
sweet words, speaking unpleasant words to any one and for your sake , how can I
speak such unpleasant words to him.”
12.32
“What can I ever do without Rama blessed with
forgiveness, self –command , sacrifice, truth , Dharma, gratefulness , and
also non violence towards all human beings.”
12.33
Oh Kaikeyi, you
need to give consideration to my old age , being on the verge of death, and also being wretched and wailing and show mercy on me.”
12.34
“I would give you anything that one can
find in this earth surrounded by
the ocean and so please leave out your
anger.” 12.35
“Oh Kaikeyi, I bow to you with folded palms and I will
also touch your feet . I surrender to
you and not sin done to Rama touch
me.”
12.36
Then Kaikeyi who was extremely angry
replied using harsher words to
the king who was drowned in sorrow ,
crying , deprived of his senses , tottering with distress , overwhelmed with great pain of sorrow, who was
again and again requesting her not to
take him to the other bank of the ocean
of sorrow.
12.37-12.38
“Oh king if you are repenting like this after giving the
boon , how can you talk of Dharma in this earth?’
12.39
“Oh follower of Dharma, when innumerable royal sages join
together and ask you about it, what answer will you give?” 12.40
“Will you tell them, “By Kaikeyi’s grace I am living and
she looked after me, and I am
breaking the oath given to her.”
12.41
“Oh great king you are bringing great disgrace to all kings , by giving the two boons and
by talking differently as of
now.”
12.42
“When the pigeon and hawk had a disagreement , King Shaibya gave his
pound of flesh and king Alarka , gave away his eyes and went to
heaven.”
12.43
“Having the oath to the Gods, water of oceans never cross over to the shore .Please
recollect the stories of earlier kings
and do not make yourself false.”
12.44
“Oh bad one you want to go against Dharma , install Rama
as a king and enjoy the remaining life with Kausalya.” 12.45
“Whatever I have demanded
may be according to Dharma or against Dharma, it may be true or
false but you cannot go away from the promise that you
have given.”
12.46
“If Rama is installed as Yuvaraja today , In your presence I will drink strong
poison and will die when you are watching me.” 12.47
“Even if for one day I see the mother of Rama being
honoured and receives salutations , I
would prefer to die.”
12.48
“Oh lord of men, I am taking a vow on Bharatha
and on my life that I would not
get satisfied by anything except banishing of
Rama to the forest.”
12.49
After seeing all this
Kaikeyi became silent and did
not give any reply to the king who
was wailing .
12.50
That king hearing the
inauspicious boons asked by
Kaikeyi about Rama’s banishment to the
forest and the very wealthy life of Bharatha , due to great sorrow did not talk
to Kaikeyi for a long time.
12.51
He stared at his dear queen who was telling words
which were not liked by him , who shot words as strong as
Vajrayudha at him, and was filled by dreadful distress and anguish and felt great amount of discomfort.
12.52-12.53
He thought over
the great determination of Kaikeyi as well as the vow taken by her , the
king crying “Oh Rama” fell down like
a severed tree.
12.54
Having lost his mind and behaving like a mad man and behaving in a contrary manner , he was a sick person bereft of his luster he was lying like a serpent .
12.55
The king addressed
Kaikeyi in great sorrow, “Who has
given you this meaningless idea
which appears to be in your interest?
You are talking to me without any shame , with your faculties being
directed by a devil.”
12.56
“Earlier , when you were young , I never noticed this , sorrow due to absence of character in you
and now I am seeing the just opposite of it.”
12.57
“You were requesting that Bharatha should occupy the
throne and Rama should go to the forest. Who put this fear of Rama in
you?”
12.58
“If you want to do good service to your husband as well
as Bharatha , leave the thought permanently
that Bharatha should become the king and Rama should go to the
forest.”
12.59
“Oh cruel lady, Oh sinful lady , Oh troublesome one , oh
lady who does evil deeds , what sin(drawback) are you seeing in me and
Rama.”
12.60
“Removing Rama from the throne, Bharatha will never
occupy it because he is much more stronger
in Dharma than Rama.”
12.61
“How can I see the pale face of Rama who has a moon like
face , when I tell him to go to the
forest”
12.62
“I have taken the decision to make Rama as Yuvaraja in
consultations with my friends and going back from the decision would be like
retreating before an army after being defeated by enemy armies. How can I see
the face of kings from different states
for they will ask, how did this childlike Dasaratha rule the country for so long?”
12.63-12.64
“When various elders possessing various virtues and who are also well known , ask me about the
Kakustha clan, what shall I reply them?”
12.65
If I tell them the truth
that , “I took the decision
to banish Rama , due to torture
of Kaikeyi” they will think that I am
telling a lie.”
12.66
“Suppose I banish Rama to the forest, what will Kausalya
tell about it? After doing such an unpleasant act , what reply can I give
her?”
12.67
“Oh lady, Kausalya
with sweet words , who is desirous of my
welfare and who gave me, my very dear son , looked after me like a servant , like a friend, like a wife ,
like a sister and like a mother and merited my great attention but never got it.” 12.68-12.69
“I have done lot of good to you and now like a sick
person eating rice with tasteless add on
, those actions are burning me.”
12.70
“If Sumithra sees the punishment meted out to Rama by sending him to forest , what
confidence will she have on me?”
12.71
“In a greatly pitiable state that Vaidehi(Daughter of
Videha) will hear about the two bad news of Rama going to the forest and also my death.”
12.72
“Vaidehi would
become sad for my death like a she kinnara being thrown on slopes of
Himalaya by a Kinnara.” 12.73
“After I see Rama
travel to the great forest and
after seeing Sita crying , I will not be alive
for a long time. “
12.74
“Oh lady , as a widow along with your son , you will look after this kingdom for a long time as I
do not wish to live after Rama goes to the forest.”
12.75
“ Like people drinking wine mixed with poison as
wine , I was considering you as
a very pretty chaste woman you
are really unchaste.”
12.76
“You used to comfort me with sweet but untrue words ,like
a hunter attracting a deer by music and later killing it.” 12.77
“Respectable gentleman would certainly call me
ungentlemanly for having sold my son and
consider me like a mean Brahmin who has consumed liquor.”
12.78
“What a sorrow, what a pain that I have to tolerate your words .This
sorrow must have come because of the sins
committed by me earlier.” 12.79
“Oh sinner , due to the sins committed by me , I was
protecting you till now for a long time and it is like the rope taken care of well, turning in to a noose to hang me .” 12.80
“All along when you were entertaining me and I did not
realize that you are goddess of death. It was like a child in a solitary dark
place touching a venomous snake that I touched you.” 12.81
“Being wicked minded, I have made the great Rama as
fatherless and the people of the world
can rightly condemn me.”
12.82
“What a great childishness, that Dasaratha , the soul of
passion is sending his son to the forest
for the sake of a woman.” they will say.”
12.83
“Rama already emaciated due to celibacy as well as penances as prescribed by the
Gurus , is going to
suffer further great pain in this time meant for
pleasure.” 12.84
“If I see a word ,”go to the forest” my son will not wait for a second word and
say and he would immediately go to the
forest.”
12.85
“If my Rama is urged to go to the forest, if he tells a
word opposing to it , then it will be very dear to me.” 12.86
“Pure in thought Rama will not know my intentions and if I say “go to forest” , he will say
“immediately.” 12.87
“If that son of Raghu clan goes to the forest , being berated by all the
world, and death will take me to the
land of God of death.”
12.88
“After the greatest among men Rama goes to the
forest and after I am dead, of sinful
woman, what are your plans of treatment of those who are dear to me? “ 12.89
“If Kausalya loses me ,
her son Rama and her other sons, she will not able to bear the sorrow
and follow me and die.”
12.90
“Oh Kaikeyi , after throwing me, Kausalya , Sumithra and
my other three sons to hell, please lead a pleasant life.”
12.91
“After me and Rama
are thrown out . the stable Ikshuvaku clan which does only good and which cannot be shaken ,will be continue
with great sorrow.”
12.92
“If Banishing of Rama to the forest is liked by Bharatha
, after I am dead , let Bharatha not perform my funeral rites.”
12.93
“Oh my enemy , Oh one who is not a cultured lady ,Oh
Kaikeyi, be fulfilled in your desires , After Rama the best among men has left
to the forest and after my death , you rule
this kingdom along with your son. “
12.94-12.95
“Till now you were living in my abode as the daughter of
a king and I am sure to get matchless
bad fame and be disgraced and all living
beings would look at me who is a sinner with great contempt.”
12.96
“My son Rama was used always to move around on
horses or elephants of chariots but now he will walk around the forest on foot.”
12.97
“During his food time cooks wearing ear globes used to
compete with each other for preparing
excellent food and drinks. How will my
son live in the forest eating astringent , bitter and pungent roots and fruits.”
12.98-12.99
“”Having enjoyed a great life of pleasure wearing costly
cloths , how will he live wearing ochre robes, that too sleeping on the
floor.”
12.100
“Who has given this inconceivable and dreadful advise of sending Rama to the
forest and crowning of Bharatha?” 12.101
“The name woman means one who are always
adamant and greatly selfish but I can’t say that all women are like the
mother of Bharatha.” 12.102
“Oh dangerous lady, oh lady with avarice , oh cruel lady
, Oh lady with a firm intention of making me pitiable , What undesirable
qualities are you seeing in Rama who is devoted to welfare of others?”
12.103
“On seeing Rama plunged in great sorrow , fathers would
leave their sons and wives who love
their husbands are also would
abandon them.”
12.104
“Me seeing my god like son fully decorated coming towards
me would be drowned in joy and just
seeing him would make me younger.” 12.105
“The earth can
continue to live without the Sun or the rains caused by Devendra holding Vajrayudha but I am sure all those who see Rama go to the forest would not be interested in
living further.”
12.106
“I made you who like an enemy who desires
my destruction as well as the
ruin of others to love me and all that
while for a long time I was keeping a
highly poisonous snake on my lap , like one keeping his death near him. Due to delusion I am now ruined.” 12.107
“Let you and Bharatha, without me, Rama and Lakshmana,
having killed all our relations , rule the kingdom , to the delight all of our
enemies.”
12.108
“You are a woman of very cruel nature , hitting others
when they are drenched in sorrow and I am not able understand why your teeth
are not breaking in to thousands of pieces and fall on the ground , when you are talking such harsh unpalatable words?” 12.109
“Rama never tells even slightly unpalatable , unkind and harmful words . He does not know how to talk
harsh words. He always talks pleasing
words and recognized and honoured for his great virtues. How are
you finding faults with him?”
12.110
“The contemptible one of
the Kekaya country, You grieve , get burnt and get destroyed .Even if you get broken in to thousand pieces and reach the earth , the very pitiable me
will not act according to your
words.”
12.111
“You are like a knife , talking daily sweet and deceitful
words , having wicked nature , destroying your own clan, one who never pleases
the mind and interested only in destroying my mind from its roots and so I
cannot tolerate living with you.” 12.112
“I do not have a life without my son and why to talk
of happiness in my life. While I am
alive a self respecting man will not seek carnal pleasures from you. Oh lady
you should not do this harmful act. I will touch your feet, please be kind to
me.”
12.113
“Much beyond the limit of his respectability that king ,
whose heart was in the grip of a woman, like an orphan wailed and tried to touch her feet but
because she pulled them out , he could
not touch her feet and fell down like a
very sick person.”
12.114
This is the end of the twelfth chapter
Of book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
13. Dasaratha tries diplomacy but fails
(Dasaratha again cries but when he sees that she is not bothered about it flatters her in various eways and requests her not to insist on that boon.)
The king who did
not merit this treatment was lying down
in an unsuitable manner like King Yayathi who had fallen from the land of devas after
his blessed deeds are exhausted. That personification of danger who was adamant
on her opinions , displaying fear though not having any fear , again urged him
for the boons that she has asked.
13.1-13.2
“Oh king you used to boast that you are a votary of
truth and steadfast on what you do, Why
are you trying to avoid granting the boons that I requested?”
13.3
The king Dasaratha addressed this way by Kaikeyi ,
remained for some time in a state of delirium
and angrily replied.
13.4
“Oh fatal woman, Oh my enemy , Oh person who is not like a lady , after the
great man Rama goes to the forest and after I die , you can
live happily after achieving your objective.” 13.5
“When devas ask me about the welfare of Rama after I reach there , how
will I tell them about his banishment? How?”
13.6
“If I tell them, “To please Kaikeyi , I have banished him to the forest
“ they will think that I am telling them a lie.”
13.7
“Me who was childless , with
great effort , I got the very great Rama
, who was very strong and so how I can forsake him.”
13.8
“How can I banish the lotus eyed
Rama who is valorous , well
educated , one who has won over anger, one who is patient . “
13.9
“How can I send Rama who has the
black colour of blue lotus , who has long hands
, who is very strong and who is charming every second.”
13.10
“He deserves pleasure and not suitable for sorrow and how can I
see the sagacious Rama who is caught in sorrow.”
13.11
“Without sorrow reaching Rama ,
if death comes to me now, I would be really happy.” 13.12
“Oh Cruel Kaikeyi with evil intentions
, Rama has truth as his valour
and is very dear to me and why do
you want to cause harm to him ? Inevitably I will get matchless notoriety and disgrace
in this world by this.”
13.13
When with a nervous mind he was crying
the sun went down the Astra mountain and night set in.”
13.14
“For the king with the anguished
mind who was lamenting , the time
dragged on for three quarters night , and the moon was shining , it appeared
dark for him.”
13.15
That very old king Dasaratha breathing
warmly and heavily like a sick
man, stared at the sky and pitiably
cried. 13.16
“Oh auspicious looking night
adorned with stars do not ever give way
to dawn as I do not desire it. I would salute you with folded hands and beg you to do this kindness to me.” 13.17
“Or otherwise go away quickly as I do not want to see the heartless , malicious Kaikeyi , who has
done such a bad thing to me .” 13.18
Having told like this the king Dasaratha , folding his hands in
salutation try to please Kaikeyi again and spoke these words.”
13.19
“Oh fortunate one, oh lady , I am a humble and depressed old man
with good conduct who is greatly
devoted to you. Please do this favour
specially because I am a
king.” 13.20
“ Oh lady with a fair hip, All that I have not has not been told to any one and Oh young one
as you are very good hearted please do me this favour.”
13.21
“Oh queen ,be pleased Let this very big
kingdom be given by you to Rama. Oh lady with long eye lashes .”
13.22
“Oh lady with elegant hips,
charming eyes and a pretty face ,
you will be doing this to me, Rama , to
the world , to the great teachers and to Bharatha.”
13.23
Hearing the pitiable wail of
the king with very good thoughts, with a stable mind
whose eyes were reddened and
filled with tears and who was pitiably
wailing , that wicked malicious woman
did not obey him. 13.24
Seeing that beloved wife was
not pleased in spite of his
humble requests and was urging him to
banish his son , again the king fainted
and fell on the ground overcome with his grief.
13.25
Like this the grieving ,
very intelligent king , spent the night breathing heavily and after the end of the night that great
king stopped his attendants from
awakening him . 13.26
This is the end of the thirteenth chapter
Of book of Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
14.The day of coronation dawns
(Kaikeyi keeps on tormenting Dasaratha . the day of
coronation dawns. Vasishta wants to see the king and sends Sumanthra to announce his arrival. The king is not able to tell anything. Kaikeyi
orders Sumanthra to bring Rama immediately.)
That sinner looked at the scion of Ikshuvaku clan who
had been tortured on account of sorrow regarding his son and
who had lost his senses and was writhing on the floor and said. 14.1
“ After hearing
about the promised boons , why are
you acting like a dejected man
and lying on the floor as if you have committed a sin ? You should
maintain your dignity.” 14.2
“People who are conversant with Dharma say that telling truth is a great virtue and I have told you , your duty if you are
going to depend on truth.”
14.3
“Oh king, Saibhya the king , kept up his promise to the
hawk and gave it his own body and attained the highest state .”
14.4
“In the same way , the lustrous Halarka , when a Brahmin who had mastered Vedas , begged from him,
plucked his own eyes and gave it to
him.”
14.5
“The ocean who is the lord of the rivers who follows the
truth , even on the days of high tide does not cross the
thin boundary at his shore.
“
14.6
“”Truth” is a word that is Brahman, Dharma is installed
on truth and “Truth” is the never dying Vedas and
only by depending on truth you can attain the highest state .”
14.7
“Oh good man, If your brain is fixed firmly on Dharma , follow truth and
fulfill the boons given to me. Are you really
a boon giver?”
14.8
“As per my requests , for the sake of fulfilling your
dharma , Rama may be exiled to the
forest. I am repeating this thrice.”
14.9
“Oh husband, at this time , if you do not fulfill my
request, it means you have forsaken me and so I will give up my life.”
14.10
BY the urgings of Kaikeyi
done without any hesitation , Dasaratha felt trapped in the noose of his
promise like Mahabali got trapped in the noose set by Indra.
14.11
Due to the heart beating fast , his face became ashen and
pale and
he was like a bullock torturously moving
between the yoke and the wheel. 14.12
That king with blurred eyes and a very poor vision , with
great difficulty and courage , he found
is footing stood up and told Kaikeyi. 14.13
“Oh sinner I married you
according to Vedic rituals with fire as the witness and now I will give
you up along with your son begotten through me.” 14.14
“Oh lady, the night has gone away and the sun is about to
rise. My guru and others will now definitely hasten me up to get ready for the coronation of Rama with the preparations already made. “
14.15
“Oh woman of inauspicious practices , , if you prevent
Rama’s coronation, then you and your son would not be eligible to do water
based funeral rites to my dead body.”
14.16-14.17
“I am not capable of seeing their
cheerless, joyless downcast faces having seen them enjoying
pleasures.”
14.18
While the great king was talking to her like this the
night with moon and stars faded away and
the auspicious day time dawned. 14.19
Afterwards that
Kaikeyi with sinful behaviour , who was an expert in speech but rendered
speechless due to great anger again spoke these harsh words to the
king.
14.20
“Oh king , why are you speaking these words of venomous
pain? It is proper for you to summon immediately Rama who has not suffered any
pain.”
14.21
“Only after crowning my son and banishing Rama to the forest , and seeing me without
any rivals, you would have done your duty.” 14.22
Like a well bred
horse lashed by the sharp whip, King
Dasaratha, was greatly agitated by the words of Kaikeyi and said 14.23
“I am fettered by Dharma and my intelligence has vanished
and I want to see my eldest son, who
is virtuous and beloved Rama” 14.24
By that time the night had lifted and gave way to
morning and the sun has risen and the
auspicious star also had come and sage Vasishta surrounded by
several disciples of good character
after assembling the required materials entered the city.
14.25-14.26
The streets of Ayodhya were swept and sprinkled with
water and flowers of different hues were spread on them . The great flags also had been hoisted and
decorated with flower garlands. The roads were crowded by people who were in
joyous mood and for the sake of coronation of Rama festivities were being held
in various places. The people were anxiously crowding everywhere. Sandalwood and other incense were burnt
everywhere and the city resembled the capital city of Indra. Vasishta who
entered the city saw the king’s private apartments , which was graced with very learned
Brahmins who were experts in
rituals relating to the rules of conducting a Yagna, Several assistants and other eminent Brahmins were also present.
14-27-14.30
The great sage Vasishta , greatly pleased entered the private apartments passed through large number of people.
14.31
Sage Vasishta saw
at the entrance of those apartments
of Dasaratha, the tiger among
men, the very pleasing Sumanthra who was a minster as well as the
charioteer . 14.32
The sage Vasishta who had great luster told that son of a
charioteer “please announce my arrival
to the king.”
14.33
“Here are pots of
Ganga water and also golden pots
with water of the ocean. Here is the auspicious seat made of Udumbara wood for the installation ceremony. All
kinds of seeds and perfumes , gems , honey
, curd, ghee , puffed rice , Durba , flowers, milk , eight pretty maids , the elephant in rut ,
a luxurious chariot drawn by four horses, sword , good bow ,
Vehicle accompanied by men
resembling moon, umbrella, white fans , golden vessel tied with golden ropes , a pale coloured bull
, a good strong horse with four teeth ,
throne, tiger skin , samith(sticks for fire sacrifice) , fire , all kinds of
musical instruments , courtesans, well decorated woman, , priests , Brahmins,
cows , sacred animals and birds , inhabitants of towns and villages along with their societies and merchants
, and many others speaking sweet
words and also kings who are here for Rama’s coronation. 14.34-14.41
Please with haste bring the king here since Rama has to
be installed soon when there is Pushya Nakshatra.
14.42
Hearing these words the great son of the charioteer ,
entered the palace praising the tiger
among the kings.
14.43
The guards of the door being desirous of king’s interests
were not competent to stop the old Sumanthra who was liked by the
king .
14.44
Going nearer the
king but not knowing his state of mind , he started praising him in very
complementary pleasing words.
14.45
Then that charioteer entered the apartment of the king
and with folded hands showered praises
on the king which were appropriate.
14.46
“Like the splendid ocean rises along with the rise of the
Sun, be pleased to get up with a happy frame of mind .”
14.47
“Just as Mathali , the charioteer wakes up
Indra , who is the conqueror of all
asuras at the present time, I also wake you up.”
14.48
“Like Vedas along with Vedangas wakes up the self born Brahma , in the same
way I am awakening you now.”
14.49
“Like the sun and moon support the life of all
beings of earth, in the same manner I am
awakening you.”
14.50
“Oh great king , clad in auspicious cloths suitable to
the occasion, please get up like the sun coming out of the Meru mountain.”
14.51
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, let the sun and the moon ,
shiva and Khubera , Varuna , Agni and also Indra bless you with
prosperity.”
14.52
“Oh great king the goddess night has passed by . After acquainting yourself with tasks which have been done so far , do
whatever is necessary to the coronation of Rama.” 14.53-14.54
All the citizens of your kingdom have arrived saluting
you and the great sage Vasishta who is a
god like Brahmin is waiting for you at
the gate.”
14.55
“Ok king quickly
give the order for the coronation of Rama. Like the cow without the
keeper, the army without the commander , night without moon cows without
bull, would be the kingdom , if it does
not see its king.”
14.56-14.57
The king hearing these meaningful and appeasing words ,
again was completely pervaded with
great grief.
14.58
That virtuous and glorious king , with
destroyed pleasure and reddish eyes due
to great sorrow looked up to the
charioteer and said, “With words you
are piercing my important parts of the
body.” 14.59
Having heard those words of sorrow and having seen the pitiable king , Sumanthra moved away from
the place with folded hands.
14.60
Due to his very miserable state the king could not speak anything but the very diplomatic Kaikeyi said to
Sumanthra.
14.61
“Oh Sumanthra , excited by happiness due to the thought
of Rama , the king could not sleep all
through the night and is very tired as he is very sleepy.”
14.62
“And so oh charioteer, rush out and bring illustrious prince Rama without any
hesitation and delay. Please be safe.”
14.63
He thinking of that
auspicious event felt happy with the king’s order and quickly went away. 14.64
Sumanthra thought
that summoned by Kaikeyi , Rama the follower of Dharma would definitely come
here for the purpose of the crowning.
14.65
Deciding like this , that charioteer with great joy came out of palace with an
idea of
going and meeting the great Rama. 14.66
Sumanthra having left the auspicious private apartment
which was like an ocean , he saw ahead of him crowds of people thronging the
entrance .
14.67
Then immediately moving and after reaching the entrance , he saw several
kings standing at the door and he also
saw kings , wealthy people and
citizens who had already come and waiting there. 14.68
This is the end of the fourteenth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
15.Sumanthra goes to Rama’s palace.
(Sumanthra is again sent back by the people in charge of
arrangements to get final approval of the king. Dasaratha sends Sumanthra to
bring Rama. Sumanthra goes to the crowded palace of Rama.)
Those Brahmins who were expert in Vedas having stayed for
the whole night , along with the priests of the king assembled near the
place where coronation would take place.
15.1
Ministers , chiefs of army , chiefs of merchant
associations had also assembled there
with great joy for Rama’s coronation.
15.2
The chiefs of Brahmins had decided to celebrate the coronation of Rama when the Sun becomes
bright in the Pushya star and when Karkidaga
Lagna , which was the Lagna of Rama , is in ascendant. 15.3
Golden jars with water , a well decorated throne with a tiger skin spread on it
and a chariot were all shining .
15.4
Sacred water from the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, as
also water from other sacred rivers , wells, lakes , ponds and from rivers flowing east or west
words and from rivers which has joined
together , and those rivers flowing
crookedly and from all oceans had been
brought. 15.5-15.6
Gold and silver pots filled with excellent water
,together with popped grains covered by milky sappy leaves along with lotuses and water lilies were shining.
15.7
Honey, curds, ghee , puffed rice, Dhurbha , flowers ,
milk , Courtesans with dignified conduct and well ornamented were all have been arranged.
15.8
A great fan made with hairs of Yak, made of gold and inlaid with various precious
gems , which resembled the diffused rays
of the moon was held in readiness for
Rama.
15.9
A white majestic Umbrella resembling the full moon
which is to be used before the
coronation was kept ready . 15.10
A white bull was kept ready. A white horse and a white
majestic elephant in rut , which were worthy of ridden by a great king was also
got ready.
15.11
Eight auspicious maids
decorated with all types of
ornaments, all sorts of musical instruments
and poets who flatter and
others were waiting.
15.12
All the articles which were arranged for the coronation
of a prince belonging to the Ikshuvaku race
were also arranged for the coronation of the king’s son. All those
people who were assembled there as per the order of the king told, “Who will tell the king about our
arrival?”
15.13-15.14
“The sun has risen and we are not able to see the
king though all arrangements to make Rama as Yuvaraja are kept ready.”
15.15
When great kings
from all over were talking like this among themselves, Sumanthra who had met
the king said.
15.16
“As per the orders of the king , I am going speedily to
meet Rama. You are all honourable to the king and specially to Rama.”
15.17
“I shall ask the
king on your behalf his welfare , wish him long life and the
reason for his not coming here.”
15.18
That expert in all
things historic, after saying this entered the private apartments , which remained closed always.
15.19
After having entered and after praising the king’s clan ,
he approached the bed room of the king and stood there.
15.20
After entering near the bed room and he stood behind the curtain, he praised the
king Dasaratha and also told him the words of blessing.
15.21
“Oh king of Kakustha clan, may the sun and the moon,
Shiva and Khubera , Varuna, fire God and Indra
bless you with victory,
15.22
“The divine night has come to an end and the auspicious day has arrived. Oh tiger
like king, please wake up and attend to your other duties.”
15.23
“Oh member of
Raghu clan, oh king, several Brahmins, army commanders and merchants have
arrived and are seeking your audience
and so please wake up.”
15.24
That king who woke up saw
Sumanthra , the minister and charioteer , and an expert in Manthras and told him as follows.
15.25
“Oh Charioteer , you have been told by her to bring Rama
speedily and for what reason are my orders not implemented?”
15.26
And Again the king Dasaratha ordered the charioteer, “I have
not been sleeping and instantly go and bring Rama.”
15.27
After hearing the orders , respecting him with a bow of
head , he again left the king’s residence , thinking himself about the coming
auspicious event.
15.28
The Charioteer saw
the royal avenue well decorated by flags
and banners and was greatly
pleased by it.
15.29
That charioteer
over heard the conversation between all the well pleased assembled
citizens about the coronation of
Rams.
15.30
Then Sumanthra saw the palace of Rama resembling the Kailasa peak which in splendour resembled the residence of
Devendra.
15.31
Sumanthra saw the palace closed by two very great doors ,
shining with hundreds of galleries ,
with idols of gold kept on its top
and with decorations made of
costly gems. He saw it like
the lustrous clouds of autumn resembling
the shining cave of Mount Meru .It was
decorated with garlands of very precious
stones and pearls strewn here and there with pearls and being decorated by sandal and aloe wood itr was emitting fragrance like the peak
of Dardura mountains and captivated all minds. The sarasa
birds and peacocks added to its glitter by their sweet songs and the palace was well decorated with well carved images and other trimmings . With its great splendour it captivated the
eyes and minds of all living beings ,
It was shining like the Sun and moon
and looked like the residence of Khubera and was like the mirror image of the palace
of Indra. It was populated by various
types of birds . And that Charioteer
saw the house of Rama like the
peak in Meru mountain. The villagers had come as crowds bringing gifts along
with them and were waiting impatiently
to see the coronation. That palace of Rama which looked like a great cloud
was well decorated and
filled with variety of gems. It was also crowded with hunchbacks and
hunters.
15.32-15.40
That charioteer travelling in the chariot drawn by horses
delighting the people and the royal clans
and all the people of the city reached the house of Rama.
15.41
Having reached there , That charioteer was greatly thrilled on seeing the magnificent and
great riches of the house of
Rama filled with peacocks and great
beauty and resembling the house of Indra
. 15.42
The courtyards of
that house of Rama was like Kailasa
and greatly decorated and resembled the house of devas
and being very close to Rama passed through several waiting friends and
entered the private apartment of Rama.
15.43
There the
charioteer heard all the people who were
greatly delighted by the arrangements
made for the coronation of Rama
and talking about the auspicious
future of the son of the king . 15.44
Sumanthra saw Rama’s
house which looked like the home of Indra , filled with various animals and birds and it looked like the peak of Meru mountain and shining with light. 15.45
Millions of people from the village had arrived and having left the chariots were
standing near the gate , giving salutations with folded hands and they had also brought several gifts. 15.46
There he also saw
a huge bodied royal elephant named Sathrunjaya , resembling the great clouds surrounding the
mountain , with flowing ichors from its temples
, standing without caring for the goad and waiting for Rama
to climb on it .
15.47
The important minister had already come there riding
on well decorates chariots, horses
and elephants but Sumanthra found
his way to Rama’s private apartment
walking the crowds on both sides of the
road.
15.48
With its great towers
the house looked like Mahendra
mountain surrounded by motionless clouds
and it had very many rooms and
that charioteer entered it like a crocodile entering the sea which was blessed with different type of
precious stones.
15.49
This is the end of the fifteenth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
16.Rama goes to meet Dasaratha
(Sumanthra informs Rama that his ather and queen Kaikeyi want to see him.
With great expectations he takes leave
from Sita and goes in Sumanthra ‘s chariot. Lakshmana also travels with him.
The people express their expectation
from Rama and their great admiration.
Rama reaches the palace of Dasaratha.)
Sumanthra who was conversant with epics having
entered through the door , which
was crowded with lot of peoples reached the sparsely populated courtyard which was being guarded with
alertness, attentive young men who were
devoted to king and who were wearing shining
ear studs . 16.1-16.2
There he also saw well ornamented old people wearing
ochre robes , holding a staff in their hands
and appointed to guard the entrances of the apartments of ladies .
16.3
On seeing him all those guards who were interested in the
welfare of Rama , with great haste stood from their seats.
16.4
That humble minded son of the charioteer courteously informed them, “ Please tell
Rama quickly that Sumanthra is waiting at the entrance.”
16.5
They who were always interested in doing good to the
master , went and met Rama who was in
the company of Sita and informed him
accordingly.
16.6
When Rama was informed by them that the charioteer who was a close friend
of his father has arrived , he ordered
them to bring him inside so
that he himself will have the
pleasure of seeing him. 16.7
That charioteer
saw Rama who was resembling the god of wealth, completely decorated sitting on a richly covered golden seat. He
was well adorned and anointed with red
perfumed sandal paste resembling in colour the red blood of
a boar . With Sita by his side
fanning him with a fan of yak tails in her hand he
resembled the moon along with the star Chithra. 16.8-16.10
Sumanthra well known for his humility and modesty saluted Rama who had natural luster like the sun , the giver of boons.
16.11
Sumanthra who is honoured by Dasaratha
having seen the son of a king with pleasant looks sitting on an easy chair with saluting hands said.
16.12
“Oh great son of Kausalya, your father along with queen
Kaikeyi wants to see you and so
please go there without any delay.
“
16.13
When thus spoken the lustrous lion among men was greatly
pleased and after honouring Sumanthra told Sita,
16.14
“It is certain that the king and queen after meeting and
discussing about the coronation , are thinking about some important
aspect.”
16.15
“Having an opinion , that dark eyed , skilled queen who is interested in general welfare , is urging the king in my
favour.”
16.16
“My mother , who is the daughter of the king of Kekaya ,
who follows the wishes of the king
perhaps wants to do something in my interest. “
16.17
“It is fortunate that the king and his dear wife who is
the queen , has sent Sumanthra who
desires my earning of Artha and Kama
as their messenger.”
16.18
“As per the opinion of the council , a befitting
messenger has arrived and it is certain
that the king will consecrate me as Yuvaraja today.”
16.19
“Sure , I will
go to the king immediately from
here, meanwhile you entertain yourself along with the attendants.”
16.20
That black
eyed Sita, greatly recognized by her
husband thinking over the coming auspicious events, followed him up to the
entrance.
16.21
“The king will give you the kingdom served by Brahmins ,
who are worthy of helping one to conduct
Rajasuya sacrifice , Like Lord Brahma gave the deva loka to Indra,.” 16.22
“ I would like to see
you observing the rituals , after
completing the penance , wearing the excellent purified deer skin
and carrying the horns of antelope.”
16.23
“Let Indra protect you from east, Yama protect you from
south , Varuna protect you from west and Khubera protect you from north.”
16.24
After taking leave from Sita, wearing auspicious
ornaments , Rama left the palace along with
Sumanthra.
16.25
Having come out of the palace like a lion coming out of
the mountain cave Rama, saw Lakshmana
standing at the entrance who bowed and
saluted him.
16.26
Then that son of the king who was tiger among the
men met his friends in the middle
courtyard . He approached and greeted
all of them who were interested in seeing him
and later he clad in a tiger skin
and resembling a fire entered the chariot.
16.27-16.28
That Rama whose
brilliance matched the thousand eyed Indra
, mounted in to that spacious and
well harnessed chariot decorated with gold and precious gems , which was
dazzling the eye due to its great luster equal to that of the sun, drawn by
excellent swift moving horses which looked like young
elephants and which was moving
creating sound like thunder and sped
away swiftly. 16.29-16.30
That chariot moved making sounds like thunder like a dark rich cloud
emerged from the house like moon emerging from behind the cloud . 16.31
Lakshmana the younger brother of Rama holding in his
hands a fan and an umbrella mounted at the rear of the chariot to guard
his brother.
16.32
Then from the multitude of people who were gathered the sound of
applauds emanated . 16.33
Chiefs of soldiers in hundreds and thousands riding on
best horses and mountain like elephants followed him. 16.34
Well prepared heroic
men applying sandal and agaru in
their bodies holding swords and bows,
greeting Rama went ahead
of him .
16.35
Then on the way
musical instruments were played and poems flattering him were being sung by poets along with
lion like roaring by
warriors.
16.36
Well dressed women standing on balconies of their houses all the way showered heaps of flowers from all sides on the tamer of his enemies.
16.37
Women with faultless body standing on the top of the
houses as well as on the ground were
praising Rama with sweet words aiming to
please him. 16.38
“Oh Rama who gives joy to his mother , since you have got
the kingdom of your father , you must be seeing that your mother is greatly
delighted . “
16.39
Those women
considered Sita as more greater
than all women, because she was dear to the heart of Rama.
16.40
“ There is no doubt that , Sita like, Rohini joining
with moon ,was united with Rama ,
because of the great penance done by her formerly.”
16.41
When the great man Rama was going through the royal avenue heard the conversation between woman standing on the top of their homes.
16.42-16.43
Then that Rama heard
the words of admiration , from
those very happy citizens concerning himself using different
words.
16.44
“Due to the grace of the king Rama is going to receive
this kingdom and its wealth. . Because he is going to protect us , all our desires would be fulfilled.”
16.45
“If Rama looks after our kingdom for a long time it will bring benefit for all the people. If
he looks after us , nothing that we do not like will happen and there would be
no sorrow.” 16.46
Rama proceeded
further like Khubera and was preceded by elephants and horses and his praise was sung about by great poets
, while very sweet music was also being played. 16.47
Rama thronged by he and she elephants as well as horses and the
road junctions were filled with
great number of people . The highway
which looked splendid was also
filled lot of merchandise and lot of gems for sale .
16.48
This is the end of the sixteenth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
17.The scenes on
Rama’s way to Dasaratha ’s palace
(Here a very detailed description of the way to Dasaratha’ s palace as well
various people on the way is described.)
That Rama sitting on the chariot surrounded by
friends who were filled with joy saw the city decorated with banners and
flags and made perfumed by burning of Sandal and Agaru and crowded by people of all types.
17.1
Rama drove in the middle of the street , which was made
scented by agaru and incense and with white buildings resembling cloud on both sides . 17.2
He entered the
excellent royal highway made
fragrant by heaping of Sandal and pre eminent
Agaru on both sides as well as pure white silk, white pearls without
holes and several excellent articles made
of crystals . It was very spacious , strewn with different
type of flowers and food articles
of all types were available on either sides.
17.3-17.5
Rama saw the
royal avenue looked like the
avenues of God in heaven and
the broad areas covered by cross
roads were worshipped with curds , parched grains , sacrificial
libations , rice coated with turmeric
, fragrant substances like sandal
and agaru .
17.6
He heard many blessings , said by his friends and after honouring each
according to their rank , he
travelled further.
17.7
“After being consecrated
today , you follow the path for
ruling followed by grandfather and great grandfather .” 17.8
“When Rama becomes the king, he will rule us better than
his father and grandfather and we would live with great happiness.” 17.9
“If we are going to be able to see consecrated as
the king today , then we can live
devoid of food, because there would be nothing more to be
accomplished in this life.” 17.10
“For us nothing
greater need to be achieved
than the coronation of the
greatly lustrous Rama as a king.”
17.11
Hearing all these
words praising him told by his
friends as well as other auspicious
dialogues , Rama remained listless as
they further proceeded on the royal
avenue.
17.12
Though Rama has crossed them and gone ahead , no one was
able to no one was able to remove his image from their eyes or mind.
17.13
They thought that if a person does not see Rama or Rama
does not see him, will be found fault by
all the worlds besides he will blame himself.
17.14
The best among those who follow Dharma would show mercy to all the four Varnas(caste groups), for that
reason all of them devoted him.
17.15
The son of the king
crossed intersections of two roads, roads leading to the
temples , religious structures and
temples and he crossed them on the
right and proceeded. 17.16
That prince
reached the family house of the king
which resembled the dazzling
home of Indra in this earth in
its royal splendour, with its various peaks
similar to the cluster of clouds, white peaks of auspicious
Kailasa and like the air planes
decorated by gems which covered the entire sky.17.17-17.19
The great man Rama crossed the first three
courtyards , which were protected by the archers , riding
on horses and crossed the remaining two
courtyards by foot .
17.20
Rama , the son of
Dasaratha after passing through
the courtyards sent back
all his followers and entered the
private quarters of the king.
17.21
When the prince went to his father’s presence all the people were happy and started waiting like the lord of waters waiting for the
appearance of moon and were waiting for
his moon like rise. 17.22
This is the end of the seventeenth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
18. Kaikeyi tells about her demands
(Rama finds Dasaratha as sorrowing and greatly upset. He
did not speak to him. When he asked Kaikeyi about it, she tells about the background
and informs about her demands.
Rama agrees to them)
Rama saw his father
reclining on the auspicious seat with Kaikeyi and had a dry face and pathetic look.
18.1
He with a well composed mind , after first saluting the
feet of father with great humility , he saluted his mother Kaikeyi’ s feet
.
18.2
Dasaratha with eyes full of tears said “Rama” and the king was not able to look at him or
say anything further.
18.3
Having seen very rarely
this appearance of his father, Rama was scared as if he has stamped a serpent .
18.4
The king with senses devoid of pleasure , emaciated because
of sorrow and grief, with an agitated and upset mind was taking tortured breaths . He was like a
ocean full of agitated and beating waves , like a sun caught in an eclipse,
like a sage who has told a lie and was without luster and Rama was scared to
see him like that.
18.5-18.6
After worried thinking about the reason for the sorrow of
the king , Rama became agitated like a ocean
during the full moon.
18.7
Then that Rama thought over about
his father to whom he was devoted and thought, “Why is my father not
replying to my greetings today like all
other days.”
18.8
“At other times on seeing me , my father even though angry used
to get calmed down but today even
after seeing me , why is it that he is sad?”
18.9
Depressed and extremely sad Rama with a face of
diminished luster , after saluting
Kaikeyi asked her.
18.10
“Without intention have I committed an offence? Why is my father angry with me?
Please tell and show kindness to me.
“
18.11
“ Why does he who
is always with love to me , today dejected? Today he is with a pale face and depressed look. Why is he not speaking to
me?”
18.12
“Is his mind or body sick? Does some great distress trouble him? Surely
one cannot always have pleasures.”
18.13
“Has some misfortune befallen on the lovely Bharatha or the very powerful Shatrugna or to
any of my mothers? I hope not.”
18.14
“If the great king
is not happy with me for not obeying his words, I do not want to live
even for a second.”
18.15
“For a man , if his father who is his root of origin and
who is his God is existing, how else can
he conduct himself?”
18.16
“Did you speak
harsh words to him out of
wounding of self respect or due to anger, which has upset his
mind?”
18.17
“Oh great lady, I am asking you repeatedly the reason for this negative emotion of the
king, which has never happened .Please tell me the reason.”
18.18
When the great Rama asked like this to Kaikeyi , then she
replied without shame and with evil intentions in mind.
18.19
“Oh Rama, the king is not angry and he does not suffer
from any sorrow but he is hesitating to talk to you some matter existing in his mind, due to his
fear of you.”
18.20
‘He is not able to speak something which is not liked by
you , due to his great love to you and so you should fulfill the promise that
he has given to me.”
18.21
“Earlier he had
honoured me by giving two boons and now like a common man he is repenting for giving them to me.”
18.22
“The king after saying , “I shall give you two boons” , now desires to
construct a dam , after the water has
flown away.”
18.23
“Oh Rama , truth is the corner stone of Dharma and
virtuous people agree to this and so you act so that the king does not
sacrifice the truth due to anger.”
18.24
“I shall tell you
everything , if you tell me that “I would obey the what the king says , whether it is
auspicious or inauspicious.”
18.25
“If you promise me that whatever the king tells you, will not go in vain , I shall tell it to you as the king is not
willing to tell it to you.”
18.26
Hearing the words uttered by Kaikeyi Rama was greatly
depressed and he told the great lady in
presence of the king.
18.27
“Oh great lady, what a pity , such words from you are not fit to be told,
because on hearing the words of the king
I would jump into the fire or even consume strong poison or get drowned in the
ocean as he is my worshipful father who
would desire only good to me.”
18.28-18.29
“Because of that Oh great lady, please tell me in words
the desire of the king. I, Rama
am promising and Rama never repeats
anything twice.”
18.30
Kaikeyi with sincerity
told Rama , who is the votary of
truth these very cruel words
which are not fit to be told by
a lady.
18.31
“Oh Rama, earlier in a great war between devas and asuras
when your father was wounded I saved him and he promised me
two boons.”
18.32
“Using those two boons , I requested the king to perform
the coronation of Bharatha and your
departure to Dandakaranya
forest today itself.”
18.33
“Oh best among men, if you and your father want to
protect the oath , then please hear my words. “
18.34
“As per the oath of your father, which you have
heard , you enter the forest for
fourteen years.” 18.35
“Bharatha would be consecrated with the preparations made by the king
for your coronation.” 18.36
“You occupy the Dandakaranya(punishing forest) for fourteen years after sacrificing your coronation and
wearing matted hair and cloths of
bark.”
18.37
“Bharatha will stay in the capital of Kosala country (Ayodhya) which is blessed with various types of
gems and horses, chariots and
elephants and rule this earth.”
18.38
“For that reason the king greatly under the control
of mercy
has face showing sorrow and is not competent even to see you.”
18.39
“Oh son of the Raghu clan, carry out these words of the king and see to it that your adheres to truth
and liberate him.”
18.40
After hearing these
words which hurt, Rama never felt any sorrow but the king was greatly pained to see the calamity which fell on his son.
This is the end of the eighteenth chapter Of the
book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
