The Ramayana: The Book of Ayodhya

AYODHYAKĀNDAM

The Book of Ayodhya

ment king Daçaratha The King of Ayodhya and Rāma's father. said unto the charioteer Sumantra A trusted royal counselor and driver.,—
"Do thou again bring Rāma hither." In response to those
words, the charioteer again speedily went unto Rāma's
residence, for bringing him thither. His fresh approach having
been announced unto Rāma by the warders, the latter, filled
with apprehension, became anxious. And bringing Sumantra
in, Rāma with eagerness said "Tell me fully the reason of
this thy fresh visit." Thereupon, the charioteer told him,—
"The sovereign wisheth to behold thee. Thou hast known
the occasion; and now decide whether thou wilt go thither
or not." Hearing the charioteer's speech, Rāma also in
haste repaired unto the king's palace, with the view of
again beholding the lord of men. And on hearing of Rāma's
arrival, king Daçaratha made him enter his own chamber,
with the view of communicating unto him something
exceedingly agreeable. And immediately on entering
his father's residence, the graceful Rāghava original: "Rāghava"; a patronymic for Rāma as a descendant of King Raghu. seeing his father
from a distance, bent low with clasped hands. Thereupon
raising Rāma as he was bending down, and embracing him,
and pointing out a seat, the protector of the earth again
spake unto him,—"O Rāma, enjoying at my will the good
things of life, I have grown old; and have attained great
age. I have worshipped the deities by celebrating hundreds
of sacrifices with numerous sacrificial gifts original: "Dakshinas"; ritual fees or donations given to priests. and gifts of boiled
rice; and incomparable on earth, thou hast been born
unto me for a son after my heart. I have given whatever
had been wanted (by others); I have finished my studies,
O foremost of men. I have, O hero, acted and enjoyed.
I have been emancipated from my obligations unto the
celestials The gods. and saints The Rishis or ancient seers., and the ancestors original: "Pitris"; the spirits of the departed forefathers., and the priests original: "Vipras"; the learned Brahmin class., and
myself.* And naught now remaineth to be done by me
save thy consecration original: "installation"; the "Abhisheka" or ritual crowning of the prince.. Therefore it behoveth thee to do even

* Sacrifice, study, son, gift, enjoyment are the five means of clearing
the debts one owes to the celestials, the saints the ancestors original: "pitris", the priests original: "vipras"
and self.—T.