Rama Katha Rasa Vahini - Post 11

One day, while Nandini was grazing happily in the jungle, a lion espied her and followed her in order to allay his hunger. Dileepa observed this; he used all his skill and might to foil the lion from pouncing on her; he resolved to offer his own body in exchange. That lion, though feline and ferocious, was a strict follower of Dharma. Moved by compassion at the sacrifice that the king was willing to make to save the cow that he worshipped, it released the cow and the king from its clutches, and left the place.

Nandini was filled with an inexpressible sense of gratitude and joy at the self-sacrificing gesture of Dileepa. She said, "King! This

moment, the curse that afflicts you is lifted! You will have a son who will subdue the whole world, support the principles and practice of Dharma, earn renown on earth and in heaven, enhance the fame of the dynasty, and, more than all, continue the Ikshvaku line, wherein, the Lord Himself, Narayana, will one day take birth! May this son be born soon". Nandini blessed the King. Attended by the King, the sacred cow returned to the asram of Vasishta.

  

Vasishta had no need to be told! He knew all; as soon as he saw the face of the King and Queen, he surmised that their wish was fulfilled; so, he blessed them and permitted them to leave for the City. Then, Dileepa and Queen Sudakshina prostrated before the Sage and reached the Palace, full of joy at the happy turn of events.

The child grew in the womb as the blessing guaranteed. When the months ran their full course, at an auspicious moment, the son was born. When the happy tidings spread over the city and kingdom, thousands assembled before and around the palace in great joy; the streets were festooned with flags and green leaves; groups of people danced in glee calling on all to share in the thrill; they waved camphor flames to mark the occasion. Huge crowds exclaimed 'Jai' 'Jai' and moved on towards the Palace grounds.

Dileepa ordered that the birth of the heir to the empire be announced to the multitude gathered in the vast grounds of the Palace, by the Minister himself, and when he did so, the joyous acclamation of the throng hit the sky. The applause was loud and long; the jais echoed and re-echoed from one street to another. It took many hours for the gathering to disperse and reach home.

On the tenth day, the King invited the Guru and celebrated the rite of Naming the New-born (Namakaranam). The name Raghu was selected, on the basis of the asterism under which he was born. The child gave delight to all by its prattle and play; he was liked by all as a bright and charming youngster; he crossed his teens and became a brave, resolute, efficient helpmate of his father!

One night - no one could guess why the king felt so - while conversing with the Queen he said, "Sudakshina! I have achieved many a grand victory! I have succeeded in celebrating many a great ritual sacrifice. I have fought many a grim battle with mighty invaders and triumphed over them all, including even ogres and sub-human Titans! We are blessed with a son who is a precious gem! We have nothing more to gain.

"Let us spend the remainder of our lives in the adoration of God. Raghu is the repository of all virtues; he is fit in all respects to take up the burden of ruling over the Empire. Let us entrust the realm to him; we shall retire into the silence of the forest, live on roots and

fruits, serve the sages who lead austere lives filled with godly thoughts and godward aspiration, and sanctify every moment with Sravana (Listening to the sacred teachings), Manana (Meditating on their inner meaning) and Nididhyasana (Practicing the path laid down) We shall not yield for a minute to sloth based on Thamasic qualities."

So saying, he called the Minister to his presence as soon as it was dawn: he directed that arrangements be made for the Coronation and marriage of the Prince. Full of the spirit of renunciation, he asked the Queen what her plans were. She shed tears of joy and gratitude and said, "What greater good fortune can I gain? I am bound by your order; proceed with your plans". Her enthusiasm and willing acceptance strengthened the resolution of the Emperor.

Continued.....

Love.