Monday 12 September 2016

Rama's coronation

Rama stood in the courtyard watching his army. There were millions of them lined up. There were all trying to seat themselves. Rama called Bharata and started pointing out the main people. He said - There you see Sugriva's ward, Angada. He is the son of Vali who Sugriva treats as his own son and has given control over everything. In a corner are the vanaras Gaya, Gabaksha and Gandhamadan. Mahendra and Devendra are in a corner. They are the sons of Gabaksha. Nala Nila are here and so are Susehna and Jambuvana, the wise. This is Hanumana whose strength and valor is beyond comparision. He is the one who went in search of Sita and got the news. He is like my elder brother. Along with him is Vibhishana, brother of Ravana. Listening to his advise, I was able to kill Ravana.

Bharata addressing all said Please be witness. Today I bow down to Rama and request him to take over his kingdom. For years I have looked over the kingdom as a servant of Rama. I am not able to control this huge kingdom. A lion's task cannot be performed by a jackal.

Rama hugged Bharata. He said Your name will be spoken off, for centuries to come. Please arrange for an appropriate time when I can cut off my matted locks.

At the correct time, the barber came and cut off the matted hair of the four brothers. They then had a bath with scented waters. Discarding the bark and old clothes, they put on new clothes.
Sita was bathed and decked by the queen mothers.
All sat down for a meal and Sita came to serve them food.

After food, people came flocking to see Rama.
Sumantra then arranged for a chariot. The four brothers climbed up on the chariot. Bharata took the reins of the horses in his hand. Lakshmana fanned Rama and Shatrughna held an umbrella on Rama's head.

Rama asked for huts to be constructed for the soldiers and generals of the army which was done. Bharata went to Sugriva and told him that Rama would be crowned king the next day. For the coronation, water was needed from the oceans and rivers. Sugriva instructed the vanaras to go and fetch what was needed.

The priests started the procedure. Narada came and started reciting the vedas, along with Vashistha. Rama and Sita went there. They had been fasting. The vanaras fetched water and got that.
Sugriva and Vibhishana bathed Rama and Sita with the waters and Rama was crowned king.

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