The Beginning of Ayodhya Kanda (Ramayana Series – 14)

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Having obtained the blessings of his parents, the noble Bharata set out to his maternal uncle’s palace, taking with him his ever-valiant brother Shatrughna, who was known for destroying enemies each day without fail. Bharata was received with great affection and honor, while Shatrughna was cherished like a son by King Yudhajit, the master of thousands of horses.

King Dasharatha loved all his four sons as if they were his very own arms, extensions of his own being. Yet, among them, Rama was the one who brought him the greatest joy. Why? Because Rama was unequalled in charm, valor, and virtue. There was none like him upon the earth.

Rama was calm, serene, and never shaken by anger or anxiety. His words were soft and gentle. Even when spoken to harshly, he never replied with cruelty. A single act of kindness filled him with gratitude, while countless wrongs against him never lingered in his heart. During intervals in his martial training, Rama would spend his time conversing respectfully with elders, scholars, and the wise.

He was profoundly intelligent, yet without pride. Despite his immense prowess, he remained humble, always devoted to the service of the learned, the virtuous, and the elderly. The people adored Rama deeply, and Rama too held immeasurable affection for them.

Compassionate and free of anger, he honored Brahmins, cared for the needy, and lived with perfect mastery over his senses. He had no desire for anything that was unworthy or unrighteous. Rama delighted in discussions of Vedic truths and reasoned debates, where he defended dharma with wisdom and clarity.

In qualities, Rama resembled the earth in patience, Brihaspati in intellect, and Indra in valor. Seeing such incomparable virtues in his son, Dasharatha’s heart swelled with pride. The aged king thought: "When shall I see my beloved son Rama, seated upon the throne, consecrated as crown prince? In the evening of my life, nothing would bring me greater joy than to behold Rama ruling the earth, before I depart to heaven."

With this thought, Dasharatha resolved to make Rama the Yuvaraja (crown prince). Consulting his ministers, he ordered that preparations for the coronation be begun at once. Messengers were sent to summon people from across the kingdom—city dwellers, villagers, and even neighboring rulers—to witness the grand event.

In his urgency, however, Dasharatha did not send word to King Kekaya, Bharata’s grandfather, nor to King Janaka, Sita’s father. He believed they could be informed later, after Rama’s consecration.

Thus began the joyous preparations for Rama’s coronation, a moment awaited by all of Ayodhya, filled with divine anticipation and bliss.