Rama’s Pattabhishekam (coronation) - Chapter 49

In the previous chapter, we saw Rama’s meeting with Bharata. , Now we'll see Rama’s Pattabhishekam (coronation).

This is the last and concluding chapter in Valmiki Ramayana and Valmiki describes the coronation in 120 verses. Generally one ends the Ramayana with this.

Bharata paid his respects to Rama and said “My mother has been glorified by you by obeying her orders by giving the kingdom to me. Now I am returning it to you. How can a calf bear a heavy load conferred on it by a strong bull? My situation is like that. As an ass could not replace a horse and a crow a swan I am also unfit to perform the duties that are yours”. He wanted Rama to be crowned then and there and start enjoying the life of a king with all royal comforts. He said, “You will rule for as long as the Sun and the Moon function”.

Rama accepted what Bharata said and sat down in a beautiful seat. Then the barbers who were quick in their work and also worked (shaved) without it being realised started shaving Rama. They tidied his matted hair. All took bath. Shatrughna dressed Rama and Lakshmana. The queens dressed and decorated Sita beautifully. Kausalya took special care to dress the wives of all Vanaras. Sumantra brought a well decorated chariot and Rama sat in it. Sugreeva and Hanuman also started. Sita accompanied Sugreeva’s wives who were very eager to see the city of Ayodhya. In Ayodhya the ministers requested Vashishtha to conduct the coronation of Rama and they all went to welcome Rama. Rama was coming in the magnificent chariot with Bharata holding the reigns. Shatrughna held the white umbrella and Lakshmana and Vibheeshana were fanning with white ’Chamara’. All the Rishis and Devas praised Rama. Sugreeva came riding a mighty elephant called Satrunjaya. All the Vanaras assumed human form and were riding on nine thousand elephants. Rama surrounded by the Brahmins, people and ministers shone like the Moon surrounded by the stars. They were accompanied by the musicians carrying several musical instruments such as Toorya Vadya, Tala and Swastika. Rama was telling the ministers about the friendship of Sugreeva, the great strength of Hanuman and the heroic acts of the Vanaras. He also told about the enormous strength of the Rakshasas. Rama described the surrender of Vibheeshana. All were greatly impressed in listening to Rama. Rama thus entered Ayodhya city and there were flags and decorations in all the houses. It is interesting to note that the same is very much true even today.

Rama reached his father’s palace and paid his respects to his mother Kausalya and also to Sumitra and Kaikeyi. Then he asked Bharata to give his personal palace with the beautiful garden to Sugreeva for his stay and Bharata led Sugreeva to the palace. The servants ordered by Shatrughna then brought the oil lamps, cots and bed spreads (paryanaka astrani). (These details are of great interest and show how they slept in those times). Bharata asked Sugreeva to order the Vanaras to get the water from various seas. And Jambavan, Hanuman and Angada immediately went and fetched water from different seas. There were also well decorated pots with waters collected from five hundred different rivers.

The Raja Guru Vashishtha made Rama and Sita to sit on the throne decorated with precious stones and diamonds. Vashishtha, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, Katyayana, Suyajnya, Gautama and Vijaya all chanting the mantras poured the holy water (Abhisheka) on Rama. They also bathed Rama with essence from herbs and medicinal plants. Shatrughna was holding the beautiful white umbrella and Sugreeva along with Vibheeshana were fanning with white ‘Chamara’. The wind God Vayu under instructions from Lord Indra offered a garland of hundred lotus flowers made of gold and also a pearl necklace to Rama. Devas and Gandharvas sang and the Apsara ladies danced. What a glorious sight it must have been!

At the time of coronation the earth was in its splendour with trees full of flowers and fruits and the flowers were highly perfumed. Rama gave away to Brahmins in charity hundred thousand horses and hundred thousand cows which had just given birth to calves. He also gave thirty crores of gold coins and expensive dresses and ornaments. Rama gifted Sugreeva with a beautiful gold necklace studded with diamonds and Angada with a sort of bangles of gold which one wears on the shoulders. He gave to Sita a gold necklace an ornament, which had no equal. Sita blessed Hanuman with two beautiful dresses and ornaments. She removed one of her necklaces and looked at her husband and all the Vanaras. Rama understood her intention and said “Dear you may give it to the one whom you find heroic, perseverant, victor and who pleased you most”. Sita chose Hanuman as the recipient. Hanuman wore it and was like a black mountain shining with a white cloud. Rama gave gifts also to other Vanaras and honoured them all. Then Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Hanuman and Jambavan and all other Vanaras all left the place happily and pleased with their gifts. They were all happy to have participated in the coronation ceremony of Rama. Sugreeva and the Vanaras returned to Kishkindha after taking leave of Rama. Vibheeshana and other Rakshasas also returned to Lanka. Rama ruled his kingdom happily and making everyone happy.

It is generally said that Vibheeshana had asked Rama to give him the idol he was worshipping and that Rama did give it to him. And while Vibheeshana was taking it to Lanka near the place where Tiruchi now stands it was cunningly taken off from him by Lord Ganesha. That idol now is said to be in Sri Ranganatha Temple in Sri Rangam near Trichy. However in Valmiki Ramayana there is no mention of Rama giving the idol he was worshipping to Vibheeshana. Perhaps there is reference to this in some other Purana.

Rama ruled the kingdom following rigorously the principles of Dharma. Once he asked Lakshmana to assist him in ruling the country as his equal. However Lakshmana refused despite many requests from Rama. Then Rama crowned Bharata as the prince to assist him.

Rama worshipped the Gods by performing many times the great Yajnya s such as, Paundarikam, Ashwamedha Yaga, Vajapeya Yaga and other Yagas. Rama ruled for ten thousand years and performed hundred Ashwamedha Yagas with horses of excellent breed. Rama served by Lakshmana ruled happily for a long time.

Valmiki describes how the country was during Rama’s reign or a description of ‘Rama Rajya’. There was no woman who mourned her husband’s death. There was no danger from wild animals. There was no suffering from any sickness. In Rama Rajya there were no thieves, no one did harm to anyone, and all had children and led a healthy life and lived long. Everyone talked about Rama and his name was always on the lips of the people. The trees bore flowers and fruits and it rained without fail and in the appropriate season. Wind was always blowing comfortably. People were not greedy and followed Dharma strictly. Rama thus ruled along with his brothers for eleven thousand years.

Rama Rajya is the ideal state and that is a role model how a country should be ruled and administered. It is a synonym for a country where all live peacefully and happily.

 

In the next chapter, We'll see Conclusion.

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