One day, while Nandini was grazing
happily in the jungle, a lion espied her and followed her in order to allay his
hunger. Dileepa observed this; he used all his skill and might to foil the lion
from pouncing on her; he resolved to offer his own body in exchange. That lion,
though feline and ferocious, was a strict follower of Dharma. Moved by
compassion at the sacrifice that the king was willing to make to save the cow
that he worshipped, it released the cow and the king from its clutches, and
left the place.
Nandini was filled with an inexpressible
sense of gratitude and joy at the self-sacrificing gesture of Dileepa. She
said, "King! This
Vasishta had no need to be told! He knew
all; as soon as he saw the face of the King and Queen, he surmised that their
wish was fulfilled; so, he blessed them and permitted them to leave for the
City. Then, Dileepa and Queen Sudakshina prostrated before the Sage and reached
the Palace, full of joy at the happy turn of events.
The child grew in the womb as the
blessing guaranteed. When the months ran their full course, at an auspicious
moment, the son was born. When the happy tidings spread over the city and
kingdom, thousands assembled before and around the palace in great joy; the
streets were festooned with flags and green leaves; groups of people danced in
glee calling on all to share in the thrill; they waved camphor flames to mark
the occasion. Huge crowds exclaimed 'Jai' 'Jai' and moved on towards the Palace
grounds.
Dileepa ordered that the birth of the
heir to the empire be announced to the multitude gathered in the vast grounds
of the Palace, by the Minister himself, and when he did so, the joyous
acclamation of the throng hit the sky. The applause was loud and long; the jais
echoed and re-echoed from one street to another. It took many hours for the
gathering to disperse and reach home.
On the tenth day, the King invited the
Guru and celebrated the rite of Naming the New-born (Namakaranam). The name
Raghu was selected, on the basis of the asterism under which he was born. The
child gave delight to all by its prattle and play; he was liked by all as a
bright and charming youngster; he crossed his teens and became a brave,
resolute, efficient helpmate of his father!
One night - no one could guess why the
king felt so - while conversing with the Queen he said, "Sudakshina! I
have achieved many a grand victory! I have succeeded in celebrating many a
great ritual sacrifice. I have fought many a grim battle with mighty invaders
and triumphed over them all, including even ogres and sub-human Titans! We are
blessed with a son who is a precious gem! We have nothing more to gain.
"Let us spend the remainder of our
lives in the adoration of God. Raghu is the repository of all virtues; he is
fit in all respects to take up the burden of ruling over the Empire. Let us
entrust the realm to him; we shall retire into the silence of the forest, live
on roots and
So saying, he called the
Minister to his presence as soon as it was dawn: he directed that arrangements
be made for the Coronation and marriage of the Prince. Full of the spirit of
renunciation, he asked the Queen what her plans were. She shed tears of joy and
gratitude and said, "What greater good fortune can I gain? I am bound by
your order; proceed with your plans". Her enthusiasm and willing
acceptance strengthened the resolution of the Emperor.
Continued.....
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