The Coronation of Rama
Once upon a time, around five thousand years ago, in the holy land of Ayodhya, a grand celebration was about to commence. Its hero was the righteous Prince Rama, a god figure embodying virtue and honour.
Rama had been unjustly exiled for fourteen long years by his own beloved father, King Dasharatha, as a result of a promise he once made to one of his wives, Kaikeyi. While living in the forest, Rama’s beloved wife, Sita, had been kidnapped by the villainous demon king Ravana, inciting a brutal war. With unyielding courage and devotion, Rama had saved his wife and his honour by defeating Ravana in an epic battle.
Upon the completion of Rama's exile, news of his victory spread all over the Kingdom and the Ayodhya dwellers cheerfully anticipated Rama's homecoming. They lit their homes and paths with diyas, to guide their beloved prince back to his rightful place. This event still celebrated today is known as ‘Diwali’, the festival of lights.
Rama’s return to Ayodhya marked not just a victorious hero’s homecoming, but also the dawn of a new era of justice and peace. As the rightful heir, Rama was to be crowned King of Ayodhya, while Ayodhya itself breathed a sigh of relief as it prepared to welcome its king with bliss and grandeur.
The coronation day finally arrived. People from far and wide came to witness the historic event. The city was adorned with flowers, colourful banners, and bright lights. The air was filled with joyous cheers and songs. Dancers swirled through the streets, musicians played triumphant melodies, and the aroma of sweet and spicy delicacies hung in the air.
The day started with sacred yajnas, hymns sung, and blessings bestowed upon Rama by the venerable sage Vashishta, the royal guru. Then, Rama, cloaked in royal silk and adorned with dazzling jewels, was led to the royal throne. Here, the greatness of this grandeur was captured not just by the physical beauty but the underlying promise of a future under Rama’s noble rule.
In that auspicious moment, Rama’s coronation took place. The crown placed upon his head, a chorus of trumpets sounded, the crowd erupted into applause, the air seemed to vibrate with their cheers. Sita, resplendent in her queenly attire, was by his side, adding to the allure of this royal spectacle.
With a magnanimous smile, Rama accepted the crown and promised to uphold dharma and righteousness as he stepped into his role as king. The city echoed with the jubilant chants of 'Long live King Rama'.
Rama’s coronation marked the start of 'Ramarajya', a reign noted in the scriptures as an era of peace, prosperity, righteousness, and justice. It was a time when Dharma had triumphed, when the Ayodhyans could live with contentment under the rule of a monarch who was not just a king, but their protector, their hero.
Thousands of years have passed but the story of Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya and his coronation, turned into celebrations, illuminate the power of virtue and the victory of good over evil. Rama, the prince, the hero, the king, remains a beacon of righteousness and honour to this day, and his great story a testament to the eternal truth that Dharma eventually triumphs over Adharma.