Rāmāyana | Yuddha Kaṇḍa | Chapter 128

128. Sri Rāma Pattabhishekam [Crowning of Rāma]

Bhārata, who increased the happiness of Kaikeyi, saluting by raising his hands above his head and joining them together, spoke to Rāma who was his elder brother and who was truly brave man. 128.1

"You honouring the words of my mother gave this kingdom to me and now similarly I am giving it back similar to how you gave it to me." 128.2

"Unlike a strong bull which can carry it for a long distance, I, who am like a young bull, cannot carry this burden anymore." 128.3

"I think that that cracks occurring in a kingdom are as difficult to control as a breached badly constructed dam trying to stop a very big stream of water." 128.4

"Oh valorous killer of enemies I am not able to follow the path shown by any more like a donkey cannot follow the gallop of the horse a crow trying to take the chase of wild geese." 128.5

"Oh great one, Oh king of men, similar to a tree planted in the backyard of one's house, after it grows well with a huge trunk and large branches and is difficult to climb but does not yield any fruit and dries up after flowering and thus not permitting the one who planted it to enjoy its fruit would be an analogy to you, if you do not rule over us, who are your servants. I hope you understand the implication." 128.6-128.8

"Oh Rāghava, today let the world see you, who is like the lustrous sun shining at noon, being crowned." 128.9

May you relax and wake up too, to the sounds of an ensemble of musical instruments, the tinkling of ornaments strung with tiny bells and worn around the waist and anklets as well as sweet recital of songs. 128.10

"You be the king of the entire world as long as this world revolves; as long as this earth exists." 128.11

After Rāma, the one who conquered enemy cities, heard the words of Bhārata he accepted it saying, "So be it" and sat on that auspicious seat. 128.12

Then as per the words of Śatrughna expert barbers with gentle hands who can do their work in great speed surrounded Rāma. 128.13

First Bhārata took bath, then the very strong Lakṣmaṇa, Sugrīva the king of monkeys and Vibhīṣaṇa the king of Rākṣasas also took their bath. Rāma's matted hair was disentangled and then he took bath and stood there shining with splendour and adorned with variety of garlands and applied with sandal paste and clothed in very costly apparels. 128.14-128.15

That valorous and charming one [Śatrughna], the one who increased the happiness Ikshvāku clan made arrangements for personal adornment of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. 128.16

Then all the noble minded wives of Daśaratha decorated themselves personally the very pretty Sītā. 128.17

Afterwards the very joyful Kauśalya who loved her sons made auspicious decoration of the wives of all monkeys with great effort. 128.18

Then as per the orders of Śatrughna, the charioteer called Sumantra came after yoking to the chariot, horses which were auspicious in all limbs. 128.19

Seeing that divine chariot which was shining like Sun standing before him, the great Rāma who was truly valorous climbed in to it. 128.20

Sugrīva and Hanuman, who both had lustre like Indra, after taking bath, started wearing beautiful dresses and ear rings. 128.21

Wearing all types of ornaments and wearing auspicious ear rings, the wives of Sugrīva along with Sītā moved out to see the Town of Ayodhyā. 128.22

In the city of Ayodhyā, the ministers of king Daśaratha, keeping the priest in their front discussed all important aspects meaningfully. 128.23

Asoka, Vijaya and Siddhartha with complete attention discussed Rāma's advancement to the post as well as prosperity of the city. 128.24

"We have to do all that is necessary to the proper and auspicious completion of anointing of the great Rāma." 128.25

After passing on their decision to the priests, they started out of the city with great interest to see Rāma. 128.26

That faultless Rāma mounted the chariot like the thousand eyed Indra mounted his chariot drawn by green horses and started on his journey to the city. 128.27

Bhārata took up the reins of the horses. Śatrughna held the decorative umbrella on Rāma's head. Lakṣmaṇa winnowed a fan. Vibhīṣaṇa, the king of Rākṣasas who was standing nearby, held a white fan, shining brilliantly like the moon. 128.28-128.29

Groups of great sages, Devas and the troops of Maruts who were in the sky started praising Rāma and a sweet sound was heard. 128.30

Sugrīva, the king of monkeys with great lustre rode on a mountain like elephant called Satrunjaya. 128.31

Monkeys who had assumed human form adorned with several types of ornaments mounted on nine thousand elephants rode along. 128.32

With blowing of conches piercing the ears and with playing of kettle drums, Rāma, the foremost among men proceeded to the city of Ayodhyā which had several great palaces. 128.33

Then the people saw the pretty form of the great expert in chariot war who was pretty riding on a chariot with attendants walking in front. 128.34

Felicitating Rāma, greeted with joy by him in return all the people followed the great Rāma who was surrounded by his brothers. 128.35

Surrounded by ministers, Brahmins and other citizens, Rāma shined brilliantly, like the moon among stars. 128.36

Then That Rāma drove surrounded by musicians who were walking in front playing musical instruments, with cymbals and swastika instruments in their hands and singing auspicious songs. 128.37

Men with golden coloured rice, cows and maidens along with Brahmins carrying Modhakas [ball like sweets] in their hands walked in front of Rāma. 128.38

Then Rāma told his ministers about his friendship of Sugrīva, the great power of Hanuman the son of wind God and the other great adventures of monkeys. 128.39

Hearing about the great job done by the monkeys and about the strength of Rākṣasas, the citizens of the city of Ayodhyā were astonished. 128.40

Then he told his ministers about his meeting with Vibhīṣaṇa and after telling that, the greatly lustrous Rāma entered the city of Ayodhyā, which was full of joyful and happy people and also monkeys. 128.41

The citizens erected flags from house to house on every house and Rāma reached the pretty palace of his father which had been occupied by the Ikshvāku kings. 128.42

That great one, after reaching the home of his father, entered in to it and offered salutations to Kauśalya, Sumitrā and Kaikeyi. Then that son of Raghu clan told the prince Bhārata who was a great follower of Dharma these meaningful and sweet words. 128.43-128.44

"Give this very great house of mine which has a great Asoka garden and which is decorated by pearls and Vaidūrya to Sugrīva to stay." 128.45

Bhārata, the truly valorous one, hearing those words, took hold of the hands of Sugrīva and entered in to that house. 128.46

Here some men who were directed by Śatrughna quickly brought oil lamps, beds and mats and placed in that house. 128.47

The greatly lustrous Bhārata told Sugrīva as follows, "Oh Lord, please order the messengers to arrange for the coronation of Rāma." 128.48

Then that Sugrīva immediately gave four golden pots which were full of ornaments made of gems to four chiefs of monkeys. 128.49

"Oh monkeys get four water pots filled with waters from four different oceans and you await my orders in the early dawn after getting ready properly." 128.50

When the great one told like this those monkeys resembling elephants travelled like eagles after leaping in to the sky. 128.51

Jambhavan, Hanuman and monkeys called Vega Darsi and Riṣabha brought pot filled with water collected from five hundred rivers in those jars. 128.52-128.53

After that the very energetic Suṣeṇa brought a jar adorned with different types of precious gems, filled with water from the eastern sea. 128.54

Riṣabha brought water speedily in a golden jar from the southern sea covered with stems of red sandalwood tree. 128.55

Gavaya who could travel with the speed of the wind brought cool water from the western ocean in a large jar studded with gems. 128.56

Nala the follower of Dharma who competed with Garuda and the wind God for his valour and who was blessed with all good characters brought water with great speed from the southern sea. 128.57

Then Śatrughna along with his ministers reported to the chief priest and his friends about the fact that water required for anointing if Rāma had been brought by those foremost of the monkeys. 128.58

Then the very old Vasiṣṭha with great attention along with other Brahmins by his side requested Rāma along with Sītā to occupy the seat made of precious stones. 128.59

Sages Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, Katyāyana, Sujajñā, Gautama and Vijaya consecrated that tiger among men with clear and sweet smelling water just as the eight Vāsus consecrated Lord Indra." 128.60-128.61

They all consecrated him first and then got him consecrated by Brahmins who were the priests performing Yajña, then by virgins, ministers, soldiers, traders with all kind of medicinal herbs. The four gods who are the guardians of the earth stood in the air and all other gods also assembled there. 128, 62-128, 63

Using that crown which was used long ago by Manu the emperor was adorned when he was consecrated and with which, the kings followed in his line were successively adorned while they were crowned, that crown studded with precious jewels, fashioned by Brahma at the beginning of creation and dazzling with lustre, being kept according to practice on a throne adorned with many kinds of precious stones in the council-hall, studded with gold, graced with abundant riches, decorated and shiningly made with most charming jewels of various kinds, and thereafter Rāma was duly adorned by that crown as well as jewels by the great-soul Vasiṣṭha and other priests officiating at the coronation-ceremony. 128.64-128.67

Śatrughna held an auspicious and white Umbrella over him, Sugrīva the king of monkeys held a white fan and Vibhīṣaṇa, the king of Rākṣasas held another fan which was shining like the moon. 128.68-128.69

As suggested by Indra, the wind God presented to Rāghava a golden necklace consisting of one hundred lotuses which were shining brilliantly. 128.70

Induced by Indra the wind God also presented the king a chain of pearls which was decorated by gems inlaid with all types of precious stones. 128.71

During the occasion of the crowning of the great Rāma, the well deserving Gandharvas sang and groups of Apsarā maidens danced. 128.72

In that festival of the coronation of Rāghava, earth was covered by crops, trees yielded fruits and all flowers were fragrant. 128.73

That great man Rāma gave away to Brahmins one hundred thousand horses and cows and also gave them a hundred bulls. 128.74

Rāma again gave the Brahmins thirty crores of gold coins and also several types of ornaments as well as cloths which are costly. 128.75

Rāma gave Sugrīva an auspicious golden garland to wear over the head studded with lot of gems which looked like ray of sun light. 128.76

That lustrous one presented Angada, the son of Vali am armlet which was studded by different types of Vaidūrya gems and decorated with several precious gems. 128.77

Rāma presented Sītā a matchless garland of pearls further studded with various types of superior gems which was shining like moon and two pretty apparels and other lovely ornaments. 128.78

When that daughter of Janaka looking towards the monkey Hanuman and took out the pearl necklace from her neck she was catching the glimpse of her husband and all the monkeys again and again. 128.79-128.80

Rāma who was expert in understanding gestures looking at her told the daughter of Janaka, "Oh auspicious and pretty lady, give that pearl garland, to whomsoever you are happy with and in whom you see lustre, sharpness, firmness, fame, dexterity, competence, modesty, prudence, masculinity, valour and intelligence are always there." 128.81-128.82

That black eyed one then gave that garland which white and resembled the collection of beam of lights of the moon, to Hanuman, the son of wind God who was a great monkey and it shined on the monkey like a white cloud on a mountain. 128.83

Then all the very aged monkeys and other great monkeys were honoured suitably with apparels and ornaments. 128.84

After that that king of the earth and the tormentor of his enemies seeing around presented many objects as per their characteristics to Mainda, Nīla and Dvividha. 128.85

Rāma who never got tired doing his duties then suitably honoured Vibhīṣaṇa, Sugrīva, Hanuman, Jambavan and all old monkeys satisfied their desire presented all of them with suitable gifts with a very joyful mind as and when they came. 128.86-128.87

Then all those great and excellent monkeys saluted Rāma and being allowed to go by Rāma went back to Kiṣkindha. 128.88

The Monkey Lord Sugrīva, after witnessing the coronation ceremony of Rāma and after being honoured by Rāma entered the city of Kiṣkindha. 128.89

Also Vibhīṣaṇa, the votary of Dharma along with his army after receiving the kingdom of his clan returned back to Lanka as its king. 128.90

That greatly renowned Rāghava who was greatly generous, after destroying his enemies enjoyed the ruling of his entire kingdom with great delight and that lover of Dharma told Lakṣmaṇa who was an expert in Dharma. 128.91-128.92

"Oh expert in Dharma rule this earth along with me similar to our forefathers who ruled it with the help of the army. Installed a Yuvarāja you would bear this burden very like our forefathers." 128.93

Even though, he was requested in many ways, the son of Sumitrā did not agree to this proposal for being appointed to the post of Yuvarāja and so the great one consecrated Bhārata as Yuvarāja. 128.94

Rāma the son of the king satisfied the gods several times by performing Aśvamedha and Paudarika sacrifices as well as Vājapeya and other sacrifices. 128.95

After having ruled the country for ten thousand years Rāghava performed one hundred Aśvamedha sacrifices in which horses were sacrificed and great gifts were bestowed. 128.96

That Rāma, whose hands touched his knees, had a broad chest and with great glory ruled this earth along with Lakṣmaṇa as his companion. 128.97

That Rāghava who is the soul of Dharma after getting that matchless kingdom performed many type of sacrifices along with his sons, brothers and relatives. 128.98

When Rāma was ruling the country, there were no widows for getting worried, no fear from wild animals and no fear from birth diseases. 128.99

There were no thieves and robbers in this world, no one felt that he was useless and no old man performed obsequies to people younger than him." 128.100

Every creature was happy. Even creature followed their Dharma and seeing only Rāma no creature killed another creature. 128.101

When Rāma was ruling the kingdom, people lived for one thousand years and had thousand sons and were free of sorrow and sickness. 128.102

When Rāma was ruling the talk of the people was centred on Rāma, Rāma and Rāma alone and the world became the world of Rāma. 128.103

The trees were bearing flowers and fruits always without being affected by pests and diseases, the cloud was raining in time and the touch of the wind was pleasant. 128.104

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaiṣyas and Śūdras were not having greed, happily performed the duties they were supposed to do and all people were intent on performing acts of Dharma. 128.105

All people were with all good characteristics, all people were interested in following Dharma and like that Rāma ruled for ten thousand years. 128.106

Whichever person of this world reads or listens to this first book which is endowed with Dharma would be blessed with fame and longevity and it would fetch victory to the kings and this first book was written by sage Vālmīki. 128.107-128.108

Any person hearing about the crowning of Rāma, if he needs son he will get son, if he needs wealth he will get wealth, the king would win over earth and would become a master over his enemies.128.109

Like Kauśalya having Rāma, Sumitrā having Lakṣmaṇa, Kaikeyi having Bhārata, women would become mothers to long living sons and they would be always happy and live with sons and grandsons. 128.110-128.111

Any one hearing Rāmāyaṇa would get very long life and one who reads about victory of Rāma will never fail in any of his actions. 128.112

He who hears this epic which was composed long ago by sage Vālmīki with attention and with control over anger would be able to cross over all difficulties with ease. 128.113

He who hears this epic which was composed long ago by sage Vālmīki would meet all his relatives after a long journey and would become happy with their relatives. 128.114

By the grace of Rāghava, all the boons that they pray for would be realized and all gods would be pleased with those who listened to it. 128.115

To those living in their home, all obstacles would be removed, a king would win over earth and a man who lives outside his home would become comfortable. 128.116

"Menstruating women hearing this would get matchless and excellent sons and one who worships it and reads it gets relieved of all sins and would live long. 128.117

The Kshatriyas with bent head should salute and listen to it and the Brahmins should read it every day regularly and there is no doubt that the listener and reader of the entire Rāmāyaṇa will get immeasurable wealth and birth of a son. 128.118-128.119

Rāma is indeed Lord Vishnu who is eternal. Rāma, the chief of Raghu clan is the primeval God, the very strong Hari, the lord Nārāyaṇa and Lakṣmaṇa is Adhisesha. Rāma would always love you on reading this. 128.120

Please narrate this great story which occurred long ago without any fear. You would be safe. Let the power of Lord Vishnu increase. 128.121

By analysing and listening to this epic all Devas would become happy with you and by listening to Rāmāyaṇa, your manes would get pleased. 128.122

To those persons who write this collection on Rāma written by great sages with devotion, residence in heaven is assured. 128.123

By listening to this auspicious work of literary merit one gets increase in family prosperity, increase in wealth, grains, superior women, great happiness and acquisition of wealth in this earth. 128.124

This great work should be listened to by good people seeking wisdom, long life, heath, fame, love from brothers, intelligence, welfare and splendour. 128.125

This is the end of One Hundred and Twenty Eighth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.

End of Yuddha Kaṇḍa.

Thus ends Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.