February 3 - Sarga 112 of Yuddha Kanda.
I am choosing to cover only this short sarga as I want to savour the moment.
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The gods, demons, celestials, and rishis assembled in the skies leave feeling very fulfilled on having witnessed something very very special.
रावणस्य वधः घोरं राघवस्य पराक्रमम् ।
सुयुद्धं वानराणां च सुग्रीवस्य च मन्त्रितम् ॥
अनुरागं च वीर्यं च मारुतेर्लक्ष्मणस्य च।
पातिव्रत्यं सीताया हनूमति पराक्रमम् ॥
कथयन्तो महाभागा जग्मुर्हृष्टा यथागतम् ॥
"All the celestials were agog discussing the gruesome battle that ended Ravana's life, the unimaginable prowess of Sri Rama, the brave battles fought by the vanaras, the able statesmanship and counsel of Sugriva, the most endearing affection and dedication to Sri Rama displayed by both Hanuman and Lakshmana, the immaculate chastity of Devi Sita, and finally the incomparable and unbelievable valorous acts of Hanuman, as they proceeded to whence they had come. They were all feeling truly blessed to have been a part of this experience."
Sri Rama now offered his gratitude and bowed down to the divine charioteer Matali. Matali returned the obeisance and proceeded to heaven after taking Sri Rama's permission.
Sri Rama now held Sugriva in a tight embrace of joy and fulfillment and gratitude.
He looked lovingly at Lakshmana, who came and bowed to his feet.
अथोवाच च काकुत्स्थः समीपपरिवर्तिनम्।
सौमित्रिं सत्त्वसम्पन्नं लक्ष्मणं दीप्ततेजसाम् ॥
विभीषणमिमं सौम्य लङ्कायामभिषेचय ।
अनुरक्तं च भक्तं च तथा पूर्वोपकारिणम् ॥
"Then Sri Rama addressed Lakshmana, standing by his side, full of virtue, radiant in valour, these words:
My Dear Lakshmana, please do the needful and perform the coronation ceremony of our dear and devoted friend here, Vibhishana, who has helped us immensely so far, as the King of Lanka."
"My foremost desire now is to see Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, crowned and installed as the King of Lanka."
Lakshmana, as was his wont, complied most enthusiastically and competently.
सुसंहृष्टः सौवर्णं घटमाददे
तं घटं वानरेन्द्राणां हस्ते दत्वा मनोजवान्
व्यादिदेश महासत्त्वान् समुद्रसलिलं तदा (आनेतुम्)
"The delighted Lakshmana, displaying alacrity at the speed of thought, fetched a gold ceremonial pot and gave it to the vanara chiefs. He asked them to fetch the water from the ocean at once. They complied instantly."
Getting ready the Simhasana (throne) of Lanka, taking the gold pot of holy water, Lakshmana formally anointed Vibhishana as the King of Lanka in a ceremony being witnessed by all his rakshasa chiefs and ministers. The ceremony followed Vedic customs with incantations and auspicious celebrations, as ordered by Sri Rama.
There was immense joy amongst all wellwishers of Vibhishana, and especially evident was the immense delight of Sri Rama and Lakshmana.
The citizens of Lanka and rakshasa chiefs came and offered curd, akshata (holy rice grains), Indian sweets (a must-have in any Indian event), rice corn (auspicious material), and flowers to Vibhishana. Taking all these, Vibhishana devotedly approached and offered all the items to Sri Rama and Lakshmana.
Sri Rama shared in Vibhishana's moment of great fulfillment and courteously accepted all the offerings.
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ततः शैलोपमं वीरं प्राञ्जलिं प्रणतं स्थितम् ।
उवाचेदं वचो रामो हनूमन्तं प्लवङ्गमम् ॥
अनुज्ञाप्य माहाराजमिमं सौम्य विभीषणम् ।
प्रविश्य नगरीं लङ्कां कौशलं ब्रूहि मैथिलीम् ॥
वैदेह्यै मां च कुशलं सुग्रीवं च सलक्ष्मणम् ।
आचक्ष्व वदतां श्रष्ठ रावणं च हतं रणे ॥
प्रियमेतदिहाख्याहि वैदेह्यास्त्वं हरीश्वर ।
प्रतिगृह्य तु सन्देशमुपावर्तितुमर्हसि ॥
"Then Sri Rama addressed Hanuman, standing with bowed head, immense like a mountain, and said:
"Dear Hanuman, please take King Vibhishana's permission and proceed inside Lanka to where Vaidehi is. Please enquire after her welfare. Also please inform her of the welfare of Sugriva, Lakshmana and myself. You who are a master in speech, kindly inform her of the developments including the slaying of Ravana. Oh, chief of vanaras, kindly give all these good news to Vaidehi and please bring back her message.""
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॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
