"Respecting my mother's words, this kingdom was handed over by you to me. I am now returning the kingdom to you, Sri Rama!"
"Sri Rama, the reasons are simple. A fully laden cart that can be drawn only by a powerful bull cannot be drawn by a tender calf, which I am. If a dam across the waters has developed cracks and leaks, it is difficult to repair for a novice. That is how I feel about all the open challenges of our kingdom as far as my capability is concerned. I can never hope to be as capable as you, oh, lord Sri Rama, just as a donkey cannot run like a powerful steed and a crow cannot try and fly like a swan, oh vanquisher of foes!"
"You are like a great tree planted long ago with much expectation in the courtyard of a great home. The tree grew spelndidly with big branches bearing many flowers. But the flowers did not turn into fruits, and the tree was wasted. This is what happened here! From the very first, you were groomed to be the great monarch of Ayodhya। That course of destiny was subverted so far. The time is now to set right this matter."
एषोपमा महाबाहो त्वमर्थं वेत्तुमर्हसि । यद्यस्मान् मनुजेन्द्र त्वं भर्ता भृत्यान् च शाधि हि ॥
जगदद्याभिषिक्तं त्वामनुपश्यतु राघव । प्रत्यपन्तमिवादित्यं मध्याह्ने दीप्ततेजसम् ॥
"Dear Lord, oh, the mighty-armed Sri Rama, I think you understand well my similes. You are our supreme monarch and therefore kindly deign to rule and protect us always. Let the whole world witness today itself your great coronation, with you, Sri Rama, resplendent like the blazing sun at its zenith at noon-time."
"Lord Sri Rama, may you wake up in the king's palace to the sounds of musical instruments and panygerics and the sounds of anklets of busy attendants. May you rule Ayodhya as long as the stars and planets revolve in the heavens, and may your monarchy extend to the far corners of the earth."
Sri Rama, benevolence itself, said, "Dear Bharata, be it so!" and went and occupied the seat placed there, reserved for the future king.
Valmiki now describes the frenetic preparations and exultant activities that were set in motion at once. On Shatrughna's orders, the best of barbers came and groomed Sri Rama after cutting off the matted locks. Bharata, Lakshmana, Sugriva and Vibhishana had their baths and thereafter Sri Rama also bathed and got ready, was anointed, and wore splendid garlands. He was looking radiant in a wonderful garment. Shatrughna brought and put on both Sri Rama and Lakshmana wonderful ornaments. All the queens of Dasharatha took great delight in getting Devi Sita ready, all decked up. Kausalya herself joyously readied all the wives of the vanaras with finery and ornaments.
Sumantra now brought a heavenly chariot. Sri Rama ascended it. King Sugriva and Hanuman were looking radiant like Indra himself with their earrings and attire. Devi Sita and the the vanara queens advanced majestically.
मन्त्रयन् रामवृध्यर्थमृध्यर्थं नगरस्य च सर्वमेवाभिषेकार्थं जयार्हस्य महात्मनः यद् यन्मङ्गलपूर्वकम्
Sage Vasishtha, as requested, guided the Ayodhya ministers on the ceremony. Everything that needed to be done for the glory of Sri Rama, the prosperity of Ayodhya, the triumph of Lord Sri Rama, including all the ceremonies as per the auspicious injunctions of the Vedic scriptures was arranged.
Sri Rama travelled in the chariot like Indra himself. Bharata was the charioteer wielding the reins. Shatrughna held the white royal umbrella over Sri Rama's head. Lakshmana and Vibhishana stood on either side, fanning Sri Rama with royal fans made of yak's hair (very special in India). Rishis and gods and Wind-deities of the quarters overhead were singing hymns of benediction.
Sugriva rode a huge elephant named Shartrunjaya. All the vanaras had assumed lustrous human forms and rode on elephants. The most delightful procession proceeded to the accompaniment of auspicious melodic instruments called Swastika, cymbals, trumpets, castanets, and drums. The citizens of Ayodhya feasted their eyes on Sri Rama's arrival in the chariot. Everyone bowed low and greeted Sri Rama in utter joy and then joined the retinue. The ministers and Brahmins followed behind the chariot. Many celebratory songs were being sung. Ahead of Sri Rama's chariot, women marched carrying sacred materials like rice grains, corn, and turmeric, as well as a variety of laddoos on trays (मोदकहास्ताः).
Sri Rama described to his ministers the major incidents during exile, especially his alliance with King Sugriva, the incredible deeds of Hanuman, and the relentless exertions of the vanara army. He also described Lanka and the might of rakshasas who were defeated. He described his meeting with King Vibhishana.
By now the procession had reached the centre of Ayodhya where lay the palace of King Dasharatha. All the mansions were hoisting flags and banners. Bowing down to Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi, Sri Rama now told Bharata that his own palace, with all its bejewelled decorations and the Ashoka Vatika, should be placed for the use of King Sugriva and his family. Bharata and Shatrughna respectfully took King Sugriva into the palace, bringing immediately lamps and coverlets for the couches.
Bharata now requested King Sugriva:
अभिषेकाय रामस्य दूतानाज्ञापय प्रभो । सौवर्णान् वानरेन्द्राणां चतुर्णां चतुरो घटान् ॥
"Dear King Sugriva, for the Abhisheka coronation bath of Sri Rama, would you kindly despatch four of your vanara heroes with these golden pots to fetch the auspicious waters from the oceans."
ददौ क्षिप्रं च सुग्रीवः सर्वरत्नविभूषितान् । तथा प्रत्यूषसमये चतुर्णां सागराम्भसाम् पूर्णैर्घटैः प्रतीक्षध्वं तथा कुरुत वानराः ॥
"Thereupon, King Sugriva called to his ablest lieutenants, giving them the bejewelled golden pots, and asked them to bring them filled at once to the brim with the waters from the four oceans."
***
॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
