Chapter 3 continued......
Ravana could not see the truth that nothing can ever
happen without the concurrence of the Divine Will. Brahma willed otherwise; the
box was carried by the waves on to the shore. The place where it landed was a
fine recreation area. The next day, Sumanthra, the Prime Minister of Dasaratha
happened to visit the place on a quiet holiday, to be spent in discussing
within himself the problems of the State.
His eyes fell in the box; he
retrieved it and opened it. He was surprised to find in it a charming girl,
with attractive shining eyes and a halo of divine splendour. Sumanthra was
overcome with pity; he spoke soft and sweet to the girl, "Little one! How
did it happen that you were placed inside this box?"
She replied, "Sir, I am the princess of the
Kosala kingdom; my name is Kausalya. I am not aware how I came inside this box
nor who placed me in it. I was playing with my companions in the palace
gardens; I do not remember what happened to me". Sumanthra was moved by
her simple and sincere statement. He said, "Such barbarian stratagems are
resorted to only by Rakshasas; they are beyond the ken of men! I shall take you
to your father and place you in his hands. Come with me! Let us go without
delay".
Sumanthra placed her in his chariot and proceeded to
Kosala, where he restored her to the King and recited before the Court the
details known to him.
The King too, interrogated Sumanthra in various
ways. He discovered that he was none other than the minister at the Court of
Dasaratha, Emperor of Ayodhya, and that his Master was still unmarried. He was
filled with joy at the discovery.
He said, "Minister! You brought back to
me this child of mine, saving her from destruction. So, I have resolved to give
her in marriage to your Master himself. Please inform the King of my
offer". He honoured Sumanthra with due ceremony and sent him with the
Court Priest and appropriate presents.
Sumanthra told Dasaratha in detail all that had happened.
In order to confirm his acceptance, Dasaratha sent with the Court Priest of
Kosala his own Court Priest with gifts of auspicious nature. The date and time
were fixed; Dasaratha proceeded to the Kosala capital accompanied by a
magnificent array of elephantry, chariotry, cavalry and infantry.
The paean of
music which marched with him reached the sky and echoed from the horizon. The
marriage of Dasaratha and Kausalya was celebrated with resounding grandeur and
splendour. The King of Kosala took Sumanthra near him and said, "You are
the person who brought about this glory; of course, nothing ever happens
without God's will. Nevertheless, how can I repay the debt I owe you and
demonstrate my gratitude to you? Please honor my offer and accept it; be wedded
this day itself in my capital city. If you agree, I shall arrange for the
celebration of that joyous event this very day".
Dasaratha and Sumanthra gave their consent to the
proposal. Sumanthra was married to the daughter of Veeradasa, of the clan of
Ganga. The news of the marriages of both King and Prime Minister at the same
place, on the same day, spread throughout the City, nay, throughout the
kingdom!The land was filled with wonder and delight.
The festival lasted three
days; the populace were treated to music, drama, dance and other forms of
entertainment. Night and day were packed with excitement and joy.
