chapter 5

King Dasharatha was gazing at the faces of his loved ones standing far away, the beauty oozing from their faces was overwhelmed, the Ganges of love among the three queens had descended in Ayodhya itself. Suddenly the eyes of the queens fell on King Dasharatha. Seeing her husband smiling softly, all three became shy. King Dasharatha came to him, made him sit beside him and narrated the story of the thrilling journey from Janakpuri to Ayodhya. Slowly the night started to darken, the chirping began to speak, the owls began to wake up the atmosphere with their voices, the bats were also flapping their wings, giving the impression of night. The atmosphere far away from Ayodhya was being illuminated by the sparkle of fireflies. King Dasharatha was standing with the three queens, admiring this unique beauty of nature. Suddenly King Dasharatha yawned, the eyelids tried again and again to cover the eyes, the queens also went to the bedroom to give their signal.

Usha Devi(dawn) walked with the morning star to welcome the Sun God, when the night came and went, no one came to know. There was a stir in the whole of Ayodhya, the sun god started moving towards the earth with a dim smile today as a new dawn. All the living beings engaged in their daily routine.

Life went on.

Even the princes and princesses had risen. He was gazing at the beauty of nature. It was the new dawn of his life too. The maids dressed the four Sukanyas in beautiful clothes. They had to worship their adorable god with their husbands today. Along with the invocations, chanting was also done by the pundits, all the traditions were being followed by law, both the rites and culture were followed beautifully.

The wheel of time started moving forward at a rapid pace. One day when King Dasharatha looked at himself in the mirror, he saw some of his hair shining like silver.

He was a little shocked to see them, as well as a innocent smile came on his face, he called his queens and made them sit for discussion and announced the decision of his future king,

"Rama"

Hearing the name of Ram, all three became very happy. Mother Kaushalya became so emotional that the stream of milk started flowing from her chest. All three started sharing their happiness with each other.

The whole of Ayodhya rejoiced, there was talk of Ram becoming the king everywhere. Everyone started expressing their feelings. There was no place for Lakshman's happiness, if Bharat and Shatrughna had not gone to Nana's(maternal grandfather) house, they would have been most happy, Dasharatha's affection for Rama was full of code.

Guru Vashisht ji was called, Minister Sumantra ji obeyed. Next day Guru Vashisht ji came and bowed down to Maharaj and asked,

"Why did you remember me Rajan?"

King Dasharatha kindly made him sit beside him and made a humble request with folded hands,

"O master, I want to hand over my palace to the princes and go to Vanprastha Ashram."

Vashistha said,

"Rajan, the prince is still young, don't hand him over." But the king said,

"Guruji, my son is capable, brave and mighty. I have full faith in him that he will run the state smoothly. I want to hand over the charge of the state to my eldest son, Ram. You should take the time for his coronation."

Hearing this, Vashistha ji studied the Panchang etc. and found the auspicious time for the coronation. All the people present there were very happy. The city of Ayodhya erupted with joy after receiving the news that Ram would be the king of Ayodhya in Ram Rajya. Two lightmen ran towards the raniwas. Informed the mothers that tomorrow there will be a coronation and Ram will become the king. Even the queens sent this news to the sons and daughters-in-law. Incidentally, at that time Bharat had gone to Kaikeya country to see his maternal grandfather. Mata Kaikeyi had sent it to find out about Nanaji's health. Shatrughan also went with him. The news was also sent to him, but it was not possible for him to come till the time of Muhurta.

Ayodhya was again decorated like a bride. The lotus of the lake bloomed before time, the bird started chirping, the birds started singing in a melodious voice. There was this discussion everywhere.

"Tomorrow Ram will become king."

"King Dasharatha is coming to the palace..."

Hearing this, the three queens did their complete makeup, dressed up and the maids also stood up with a platter of Aarti. King Dasharatha came to the ranivas, his heart was satisfied to see his queens pleased with Rama becoming the king. Kaikeyi was unable to speak due to the happiness of her Rama becoming the king. He gave many congratulations to King Dasharatha and Kaushalya. Sumitra involved herself in this happiness by touching the feet of King Dasharatha, Mata Kaushalya and Kaikeyi. King Dasharatha hugged the three queens and asked them to prepare for the coronation the next day. Here, when Ram came to know that he would be made the king of the city of Ayodhya, he was left confused.