Ramayana Chapter 30 Ayodhya Is Getting Ready

Ramayana

Chapter 30

Ayodhya Is Getting Ready

After he left his father’s palace Rama went straight to his own palace. It was necessary to meet Seeta and prepare her for the momentous changes awaiting them. However, not finding Seeta in the palace he proceeded to his mother’s palace. He found Kausalya clad in a silken garment which she always wore according to the protocol of the family, on auspicious occasions like these. She was in the prayer-hall, sitting in the presence of the idol of Narayana who was the family deity.  She had closed her eyes in meditation. She was absolutely still. Because of the undivided state of mind she had entered, she was oblivious to the surroundings. Sumitra, Seeta and Laxman were present there. They were standing beside her in silence. Holy quiet pervaded the place. Rama went straight to his mother and touched her feet. They had no time to express emotions. Rama announced his father’s decision to her.

“As you already must have received the news, I need not repeat. Father has instructed me regarding the holy rites to be performed and the discipline to be followed before the auspicious constellation Pushya is seen in the eastern sky in the morning tomorrow. Accordigly, Seeta will have to share with me the rites and the other ceremonies. Please give orders to the priests accordingly”.

Kausalya was beside herself. She was overwhelmed to see Rama and hear the words from his mouth. With tremor in her voice, she addressed Rama. “May you live long my son! May God give you the power to annihilate the foes. May those who wish you ill, be destroyed by the will of God. You will certainly give happiness to me, Sumitra and our well-wishers when you will be surrounded by the magnificent aura of the crown. Indeed, there were auspicious stars in the sky to bless you at the time of your birth. It was God’s will that you should endear yourself to your father. My prayers are answered today. My prayers have brought to you the splendor and the glory of the crown of this illustrious Ishwaku dynasty.”

After this, her voice failed her. She was unable to utter a word beyond this.   Rama restrained himself. He did not want her emotions to affect his balance. He turned to Laxman and saw him listening intently, with deep reverence. He was probably absorbing the meaning of every word that Kausalya had uttered.

Rama felt drawn to him more than anyone else in this moment, which was perhaps a moment of loneliness and uncertainty in their relationship.

Turning to him, Rama tried to communicate a renewed warmth and assurance. His face beaming with a smile and with the awareness of his new responsibility towards this beloved brother, he said, “Oh Laxman, I am happy more for you than for my own self. I look forward to your participation and cooperation in this holy mission. I shall not be able to fulfill it without you by my side. I shall not be alone while ruling over this kingdom. You will be my right hand. You are my soul. You are as much the recipient of this glory as I. I am accepting the crown to see you experience the splendor and the power that is bestowed upon those nearest to the king.”

Laxman was speechless. He was at a loss for words. So he remained silent.  But he was certain that what he desired above everything was the safety and the well-being of Rama.