VALMIKI’S RĀMĀYAṆA: AYODHYA KĀṆDA

KING DASARATHA’S DECISION

Bharata had left for the kingdom of his maternal grandfather.

King Dasaratha wanted  to crown Prince Rāma as Prince Regent.

For this  he consulted some princes to get their views on this.

He told them all  his intention to retire from kingship

As soon as he transferred responsibility and power to Prince Rāma:

This was a proposal with which all minsters concurred.

In order to do the power-transfer solemnly and properly

Sage Vasishtha instructed the ministers like Sumantra and others

To arrange what needed to be done for the formal ceremony.

Minister Sumantra also conveyed the King’s decision to Rāma,

And asked him to go and talk to the emperor about his decision,

Whereupon Rāma went to his father who told him more on the matter

And also gave the young prince a lot of relevant advice.

Rāma’s comrades spoke  about this to his dear mother Kausalya.

Respectful of his parents and valuing King Dasharatha’s  advice

Rāma returned to his quarters after this eventful day.