जय श्रीराम!
तस्याभिषेकसम्भारं कल्पितं क्रूरनिश्चया ।
दूषयामास कैकेयी शोकोष्णैः पार्थिवाश्रुभिः ॥ १२.४ ॥
Notes: Kālidāsa paints his pictures in the choicest of words. He has the source of the story in the form of the great work of Vālmīki, a Ṛṣi blessed by Brahmā to tell the story that will live forever.
Vālmīki describes in magnificent detail the contrasting moods and moments within the royal chambers as Kaikeyī crushes the King's plans and squeezes his unending tears of great distress, even as dawn breaks and the resplendent arrangements are displayed outside arrayed for the coronation. Sage Vasiṣṭha arrives and urges Sumantra, the minister/charioteer confidant of the King, to ask the king to hurry for the sacred ceremony. See what the saint poet describes:
"Here are golden vessels filled with the holy waters of Gaṅgā and the oceans. The empowering seat for seating the prince during the coronation, made of Audumbara wood, is placed and ready. Sacred grains and fragrant balms, as well as gems of all kinds, are in readiness. Honey, curd, ghee, Darbha grass, flowers, and milk are all set up here."
Let's see what Kālidāsa says. "The evil-intentioned Kaikeyī now wrung out hot tears from the pitiable King Dasharatha that fell and polluted the sacred arrangements got ready for the coronation of Śrī Rāma."
In a few trenchant words, the prince of poets echoes the wrenchingly detailed descriptions of the Ṛṣi spread over a few Sargas, but our poet leaves a strong taste and mood that will linger long on our tongues.
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जय श्रीराम!
