Preparations for Shri Rama’s Coronation (Ramayana Series 15)

After meeting the assembled kings and citizens, King Dasharatha entered the royal court. Seated on the gem-studded throne, he addressed the sages and priests, with Sage Vasishta at the forefront:

“O revered Brahmins! The present month of Chaitra is most auspicious. It is a season of abundance, when forests and groves are adorned with flowers and greenery. Moreover, this month is sanctified as the birth month of Sri Rama. Therefore, it is my firm belief that this is the most appropriate time for the consecration of Rama as Yuvaraja (Crown Prince). Hence, make all the necessary arrangements for this grand ceremony.”

As soon as Dasharatha concluded, the great assembly resounded with joyful acclamations—“Victory to Rama! Long live King Rama!” Sage Vasishta and Sage Vamadeva immediately instructed the ministers about the required preparations and ensured that all ritual duties were carried out in the royal palace with utmost propriety.

When all arrangements were complete, the delighted Vasishta and Vamadeva informed King Dasharatha that everything was ready for Rama’s coronation. Dasharatha then ordered his charioteer Sumantra to bring Rama without delay. Sumantra, in obedience to the king’s command, mounted Rama—foremost among warriors—on the royal chariot and brought him to the palace.

Surrounded by his ministers and courtiers like Lord Indra amidst the gods, Dasharatha beheld Rama arriving in the chariot. Though his eyes were fixed on his beloved son, his heart longed for more.

Ascending the palace, lofty like Mount Kailasa itself, Rama entered with eagerness to behold his father. Bowing deeply with folded hands before Dasharatha, Rama touched his father’s feet and respectfully greeted him: “Sri Rama namaham abhivadaye.” Dasharatha, overwhelmed with love, raised Rama up, embraced him warmly, and kissed his head. Pointing to a lofty, resplendent throne adorned with pearls, gems, and golden embellishments, the king asked Rama to be seated.

When Rama humbly sat, Dasharatha addressed him tenderly:“Rama! I have grown old. I have lived long and enjoyed the pleasures of life as destined. I have performed countless sacrifices. I have been blessed with sons. Among them, you are the noblest and most virtuous. Hence, it is fitting that you now assume the responsibilities of rulership. Moreover, the people themselves desire you to be their king. Therefore, I wish to anoint you as Yuvaraja immediately.

Of late, I have been troubled by many inauspicious dreams. Meteors fall in broad daylight with thunderous sounds. The astrologers foretell danger, saying that my birth star is besieged by malefic planets—Sun, Mars, and Rahu. Such omens often indicate calamity or even death for the king. Therefore, before my mind wavers further, let your consecration be accomplished.

Tomorrow the Pushya Nakshatra is in ascendancy, a star most auspicious for coronation. Hence, tomorrow itself you shall be consecrated. Tonight, you and Sita must observe a fast with strict discipline. Know that such great undertakings are always beset with many obstacles. Furthermore, Bharata, who has gone to his maternal grandfather’s home, has not yet returned. Before he comes back, this coronation must be completed.

Though Bharata is virtuous, noble, and devoted to you, and though I have no doubt about his loyalty, still, Rama, the mind of man is unstable. Even the wise and righteous at times may falter under the sway of desire or anger. Therefore, let this sacred rite be performed without delay.”

Having thus spoken, Dasharatha permitted Rama to return to his palace. Rama once again bowed respectfully to his father, circumambulated him, and took leave to go back to his residence.