|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -4 - Uththara Kandam

The city of Ayodhya prepares for the grand coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Bhavani, the compassionate Lord Rama understood Devi Kaikeyi is uncomfortable to meet her children, therefore Prabhu went to meet her in her private fortress, he pacified her and returned his fortress, and the people of Ayodhya highly praised the kindhearted Sri Hari. Preceptor Vashishta called for a meeting of twice-born and advised “ Oh! Vipra, today the Thithi and time are highly auspicious, therefore instruct Raghava to accept the throne of the Kingdom of Ayodhya.” The twice-born assembled were extremely happy and welcomed the very idea of Maharishi Vashishta, they spoke in chorus “Oh! Maharishi, the coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya would provide auspiciousness to the whole world. Oh! Munivara, do not delay it, adorn the auspicious vermilion and sandalwood paste on the forehead of King of Ayodhya.” Sage Vashishta called for Sumanthra and instructed to keep several chariots, elephants, horses, ready for the function, Sumanthra ordered several warriors to collect Mangaladhravya for the coronation ceremony, and he returned and prostrated before Maharishi Vashishta and reverentially stood beside him.

 

The city of Ayodhya got ready for receiving it huge numbers of guests for the grand coronation ceremony of Rama. The deities showered flowers; Sri Rama called his attendants and instructed “Make all the arrangements for the comfortable stay and bathing for my companions/Sakha.” They rushed to prepare all the arrangements for the very important guests of Prabhu, and Prabhu called Bharatha and removed his matted hair locks. The Supreme Lord who is Bhakthavathsala, Karunanidhi assisted his three brothers to have a bath with the various scents and Mangaladhravya. It is impossible to describe the kindness of Prabhu and the fortune of Bharatha, even for the number of Adhishsesha. Prabhu received permission from Preceptors and removed his matted hair locks, and took a bath. Prabhu attired in marvelous garments, decorated with the finest ornaments all over the body, the beauty of Prabhu put shame to crores of Manmatha.

 

Inside the grand palace, the mothers-in-law gave bath to Devi Janaki, attired in finest garments, and adorned in exquisite ornaments all over the body, smeared in auspicious vermilion and sandalwood paste, and rich scents. Thus, Goddess Rama who is the storehouse of virtues and beauty took a seat on the left of Raghurama.” Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, at that moment Lord Bhrama, Lord Shambhu, and all the deities, along with several Rishis and Sages arrived in their celestial vehicles to witness Prabu Sri Ram and Devi Janaki. Sage Vashishta could not remove his eyes off from the loveliness of Prabhu, soon he called for the attendants to bring a magnificent throne gem decorated that has the brilliance of Surya, was beyond description.

 

Sri Rama prostrated before the twice-born and took a seat on that marvelous throne and Devi Sita on his left, witnessing the Janakisametha Rama, all the Rishis and Sages transported to a state of bliss, the Vedic Bhramins recited the sacred texts reverberated in the atmosphere, the deities and Rishis uttered the Jayaghosha, thus Maharishi Vashishta adorned Rama with the vermilion and sandalwood paste, and the twice-born assembled were repeated the same. The mothers were in a state of bliss, took Harathi several times to ward off evil eyes on Prabhu. They performed several charities to the twice-born and the beggars were served with an abundance of wealth enough for their life, so that they need not beg again. The deities produced the sounds of divine instruments watching the Lord of three worlds majestically seated on the throne. Kinnaras and Gandharvas sang melodiously, and the beautiful celestial Apsaras danced to their tune, thus the deities and Sages enjoyed the beautiful ceremony to their heart's content. Janakismetha Rama who has the loveliness of crores of Manmatha, seated on the majestic throne, surrounded by Bharatha, Shathrughna, Angadha, Vibheeshana and Hanuman holding Chathra, Chamara, sword, shield, and spear. The Supreme Lord Rama who has the dark-complexioned physique and the marvelous yellow silk garment, beautiful eyes resemble lotus flower petals, adorned in various ornaments all over the body, broad chest adorned in gem decorated ornaments, adorned in magnificent crown, armlets, waist ornaments, etc. enticed the hearts of the deities.

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, the loveliness of that Prabhu along with Goddess Janaki, and the happiness of the people assembled in the palace were beyond description even for thousand tongued Adhishesha, but it was known to Lord Shambhu who has experienced it. The deities and Rishis eulogized Prabhu Sri Ram and returned to their respective abodes. The Veda assumed the form of Vandhigana who sang in praise of Emperor.  Prabhu who is Kripanidhi and Sarvajja received the Vandhiganas with great honor; none has understood the secret of it. The Vandhiganas has sung in praise of the virtues of Prabhu Sri Ram.