April 3 - Sargas 101 and 102.
The conquest and establishment of two kingdoms where Bharata's sons rule. Similarly, Sri Rama arranges for two suitable kingdoms to be ruled by Lakshmana's two worthy sons.
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Yudhajit was very glad to see Sage Gargya arrive, accompanied by Bharata and his sons leading a huge army. His forces joined them in their attack on the gandharvas who had occupied the territory on either side of Sindhu. (My surmise is that gandharvas being celestial beings are not naturally earthly rulers and do not enter into competition with earthly rulers except in this instance.)
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Soon there is a terrific battle described as never seen before by the gods who witness it. The seven-day and seven-night battle is finally won by Bharata after he launches a special astra named Samvarta which at once destroys all the gandharvas.
Bharata establishes two cities, one named Takshashila where Taksha is installed, and the other Pushkalavati where Pushkala is installed. That portion is situated in Gandhara. The cities rival each other in prosperity and nature's bounty. The people who inhabit them are happy, honest, and well off.
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Valmiki says gardens were established and there were many vehicles drawn by horses and elephants and camels. There are shopping districts. Beautiful mansions caught the eye.
Many temples were established. After spending five years overseeing his two sons stabilize their rule, Bharata returned to Ayodhya and reports all the developments to Sri Rama.
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Soon Sri Rama calls Lakshmana and Bharata. Lakshmana's two sons named Angada and Chandraketu are grown up and ready for royal responsibilities. Sri Rama says that they should be installed as rulers in suitable lands. However, he cautions that it should not be an invasion of good kings or cause harm to ascetics.
Bharata suggests the region called Karupatha which is suitable for Angada. It is naturally well endowed and the people are free from pestilence and poverty. Similarly, there is a region called Chandrakanta that would suit Chhandraketu. Thus the two princes are crowned respectively and begin their rule. Angada's city is called Angadiya. Chandraketu is well built like a wrestler and rules Chandrakanta. Sri Rama makes sure the cities are well erected and the princes are successful, Lakshmana spends some years with Angada and Bharata spends a year with Chandraketu to ensure they come up to the required level.
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Thereafter, Bharata and Lakshmana give their undivided attention to serving Sri Rama. Time flies as the three are happy and fully engaged in Dharmic activities, conducting many yajnas. The three take excellent care of the country and ensure the citizens are all prosperous and happy.
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॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
