Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 4 Ayodhya Kandham

Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 4

Ayodhya Kandham

Preparation for Sreerama’s Coronation

Life in Ayodhya, meanwhile, was filled with joy. King Dasaratha, surrounded by his sons and their wives, ruled over a peaceful and prosperous kingdom. Sri Rama and Sita lived in harmony, radiating the grace of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi themselves. Bharata and Shatrughna, at the request of King Yudhajith of Kekaya, had journeyed to their maternal uncle’s palace. The people of Ayodhya, along with Queen Kausalya, delighted in Rama’s virtuous rule and Sita’s gentle wisdom. It was as if Dasaratha ruled not Ayodhya but Amaravati, the city of the gods.

As Rama enjoyed his days as the ideal son, husband, and prince, one serene afternoon he rested in his palace, reclining as Sita fanned him gently with a perfumed fan. At that tranquil moment, Sage Narada descended from the heavens in his celestial chariot. Rama and Sita immediately rose, folded their hands in reverence, and welcomed the sage with customary hospitality. Narada, ever the divine messenger, spoke with playful wisdom. “O Rama, though you ask me why I have come, you know all. You, who appear as a mere prince, are the very Lord of the universe. This house is your cosmic play, and Sita is your eternal consort. All that is masculine is you; all that is feminine is Sita. Bless me with the wisdom to see reality beyond illusion.”

Narada continued with urgency: “Rama, though you appear as a human, you must not forget your mission. Ravana, the mighty demon king, terrorizes the three worlds. Only you can defeat him. Soon, your father will wish to crown you as king, but that would hinder your mission. Remember, you are here to uphold dharma.” Rama replied calmly, “O Sage, I have not forgotten. But all unfolds in its time. I shall leave for the forest soon, for fourteen years, during which I will destroy the rakshasas and ultimately Ravana himself. Sita’s role in this story is also preordained. Fear not, I will fulfill my duty.” Narada, reassured, departed.

Back in the royal palace, King Dasaratha reflected on his age and the need for a worthy successor. Consulting his guru Vasishta, he expressed his desire to crown Rama. Vasishta agreed, praising Rama’s virtues. Though Bharata and Shatrughna were away, the next day offered an auspicious moment that should not be missed. Preparations began swiftly. Sumantra, the chief minister, arranged for the city to be adorned, water from sacred rivers gathered, and musicians, dancers, and citizens invited to celebrate Rama’s coronation.

Vasishta joyfully visited Rama’s palace to convey the news. Rama and Sita welcomed him with reverence. Vasishta, wise in the divine plan, knew this coronation was but a part of the cosmic drama, yet his role was to perform his duties sincerely. He instructed Rama to observe fasting and spend the night in prayer and celibacy to prepare for his coronation.

As joy filled the palace, the cosmic play took a darker turn. The gods, seeking to fulfill the greater purpose, approached Goddess Saraswati. They requested her to influence Manthara, the maid of Queen Kaikeyi, to prevent the coronation. Saraswati obliged, entering Manthara’s speech.

Manthara, noticing Kaikeyi’s happiness about Rama’s coronation, began sowing seeds of doubt. “You, the favored queen, will soon become a servant in your own palace if Rama is crowned. Your son Bharata will be sidelined forever.” Kaikeyi, initially dismissive, was gradually swayed by Manthara’s sharp words. Manthara reminded her of the two boons Dasaratha had once promised. “Ask him now,” she urged, “to crown Bharata and banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years.”