Rāmāyana |Ayodhyā Kaṇḍa| Chapter 5

5. Rāma's Coronation Further Preparation

[Daśaratha sends sage Vasiṣṭha to Rāma to instruct on the rituals to be observed. Vasiṣṭha carries out his instructions. On his way back, Vasiṣṭha observes the people of Ayodhyā in a festive mood.]

After giving farewell to Rāma, Daśaratha sent word to Vasiṣṭha 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 Rāma, the son of Kākutstha clan and advise him to observe fast along with my daughter in law and strictly observe the rituals. 5.2

That god like sage Vasiṣṭha, who was an expert in Vedas, best among those who know Mantras 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 Rāma to advise him to observe fast according to the Mantras. 5.3- 5.4

That great sage Vasiṣṭha went to the home of Rāma, like a mass of white glittering clouds, entered the home and crossed the first three sections on the chariot itself. 5.5

Rāma, 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 Rāma, who is fit to be loved, addressed him, caused him delight and gratified him. 5.8

"Oh Rāma, Your father is greatly pleased with you and would make you Yuvarāja tomorrow and so you and Sītā must observe fast today." 5.9

"Your well pleased father is going to make you Yuvarāja tomorrow early morning as did your forefathers Nahuṣa and Yayāti." 5.10

After having spoken thus to him, That sage saw that Rāma and Sītā were observing proper rituals and made them undertake the fast after chanting proper Mantras. 5.11

Then that Guru of the king was duly honoured by Rāma who was from the clan of Kākutstha, took leave from him and then departed. 5.12

Rāma who was seated with his friends who talked dear things, after duly taking leave from them, entered in to his apartment. 5.13

Rāma'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 Vasiṣṭha after leaving Rāma'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 Ayodhyā 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 Ayodhyā desiring to see the Coronation of Rāma longed for the sun rise. 5.19

People were longing to see that greatest celebration of Ayodhyā, 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 Kailāśa he met the king and this resembled Brihaspati 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 Vasiṣṭha. 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 lustre like the moon illuminates the sky. 5.26

This is the end of Fifth Sarga of Ayodhyā Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.