April 24 - Sargas 7 and 8 of Balakanda.
Now comes a description of the chieftains, ministers, gurus and administrators of King Dasharatha.
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तस्यामात्या गुणैरासन्निक्ष्वाकोस्तु महात्मनः।
मन्त्रज्ञाश्चेङ्गितज्ञाश्च नित्यं प्रियहिते रताः ॥
The Ikshwaku king's chieftains knew administration, strategy, as well as were cognizant of the king's expectations. They were engaged always in doing what was agreeable and right.
ऋत्विजौ द्वावभिमतौ तस्यास्तामृषिसत्तमौ ।
वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च मन्त्रिणश्च तथापरे ॥
There were two advisors for the king on scriptural injunctions, very wise and best among sages - Vasishta and Vamadeva; in addition there were many ministers.
तैर्मन्त्रिभिर्मन्त्रहिते नियुक्तै-
र्वृतोऽनुरक्तैः कुशलैः समर्थैः ।
स पार्थिवो दीप्तिमवाप युक्त-
स्तेजोमयैर्गोभिरिवोदितोऽर्कः ॥
Thus, surrounded by a cabinet of competent, affectionate, and loyal administrators who were engaged in excellent executive duties, the king Dasharatha acquired a radiance like the rising sun surrounded by his brilliant rays.
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The poet Valmiki loses no time in developing the story. Dasharatha is unhappy that he has no heir to the throne. He seeks counsel and sets out on a great Yajna. Remember the Vedas prescribe specific powerful mantras and rituals tor every station and need of human existence.
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मम लालप्यमानस्य पुत्रार्थं नास्ति वै सुखम्।
तदर्थं हयमेधेन यक्ष्यामीति मतिर्मम ॥
Dasharatha appeals to his counselling sages: I have no son and heir to fondle as a father. Seeking progeny I wish to perform the Ashvamedha yajna. (Kindly advise me what is the right course.)
ततः साध्विति तद्वाक्यं ब्राह्मणाः प्रत्यपूजयन्।
वसिष्ठप्रमुखाः सर्वे पार्थिवस्य मुखाच्च्युतम् ॥
Indeed this is the right course, said the sages headed by Vasishtha, in approval of the words spoken by the king.
तासां तेनातिकान्तेन वचनेन सुवर्चसाम् ।
मुखपद्मान्यशेभन्त पद्मानीव हिमात्यये ॥
The king hastens to his inner court/ Antahpura and informs his queens that the Yajna is going to be performed to get progeny. The poet says in this shloka that on hearing the king's most endearing words, the queens' faces, already radiant like lotuses, shone brilliantly in joy like the lotuses shine after evaporation of the morning dew.
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श्रीरामजयम्
