Framework of Faith, Foresight, and Leadership
In the context of Ritual Ashwa Metha
SIMPLIFIED
AND FAITHFUL RENDERING OF THE ADI KAVYA-7
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
To beget dynasty-enriching sons,
Emperor Dasharatha decided to perform the Ashwa Metha Yajna, the Horse
Ritual, the phase-wise process of which Sage Valmiki described in the Balakanda
of the Ramayana. The plan of action was broadly outlined by Vedic Scholars
and Ministers of the Royal Court beforehand. Being an intellectual and Conscientious
King, Dasharatha conceived the thought to appease the gods in order to beget
worthy sons. Promptly, he directed Minister Sumantra to organize a meeting with
all the ‘Teachers and Clerics’ without delay. True leadership begins
with clarity of intent, when thought turns swiftly into organized action rooted
in wisdom rather than impulse.
Accordingly, Sumantra invited Suyajna,
Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, and Sage Vashishta, along with eminent Brahman
Vedic Scholars. Dasharatha, in unequivocal words, revealed his mind that was
tumultuous and without tranquility. He stated that, as he had no sons, he
desired to perform the Ashwa Metha Yajna and sought wise counsel on how
his wish might be fulfilled. Everyone expressed happiness and advised the king
to provide the paraphernalia and prepare the ritual ground on the northern
banks of River Sarayu for the release of the ritual horse. Dasharatha readily
agreed. Consultation with the wise before any great venture is the mark of a
ruler who values collective conscience over solitary command.
They deliberated on procedural
intricacies such as Broad Imperatives, Implications, and Challenges of
Implementation as ordained in the scriptures and tradition. ‘Had it been an
easy task to conduct this ritual, and without any difficult faults during its
performance, then all the kings on earth would have performed it’ was their
collective view. Another caution was that deviation from set rules could ruin
the performer. In tune with this, Dasharatha requested the elders and experts
to ensure that every act of the ritual followed procedure. In every field,
from governance to enterprise, the sanctity of process is what safeguards
purpose; shortcuts often corrupt both intent and outcome.
King Dasharatha suggested that the
Vedic Brahmans be exceedingly cautious and vigilant while performing the ritual,
faultless in rendering hymns, disciplined in every canonical detail. The
ministers responded positively, assuring him that the ritual would be conducted
flawlessly. Dasharatha endorsed all suggestions of Brahman Vedic Scholars and
instructed that they be followed. After the meeting, he moved towards his
wives, revealing that he was performing the Vedic Ritual to beget sons and
asked them to take a vow. Accountability in leadership is not fulfilled by
command alone; it extends to sharing purpose with every stakeholder, ensuring
unity of faith and action.
Consequent to this, Minister Sumantra
detailed the importance of Sage Rishyasringa and requested the king to invite
him, for his presence would be auspicious to preside over the contemplated Ashwa
Metha Yajna. He narrated an earlier legend of Sage Kashyapa’s son
Vibhaandaka and his own son, the renowned Sage Rishyasringa, who lived in the
forest, absorbed in spiritual pursuits. In every era, the success of great
undertakings depends on choosing the right person for the right purpose. In
other words, wisdom is the foundation of effective delegation.
Sumantra further described
Rishyasringa’s fame for his celibacy and purity. During that time, there was
King Romapada in Anga country. By a lapse in righteousness, a shocking and
devastating famine had struck his land. Romapada sought advice from Brahmans
and Learned Scholars, who advised that only the arrival of Rishyasringa could
end the drought. Thus, the king resolved to bring the sage to his kingdom by
all means. Even the mightiest rulers must sometimes bow before virtue to
restore balance, because, moral integrity is a force stronger than royal
decree.
It was also suggested that once
brought, Rishyasringa be honored and married to King Romapada’s daughter
Shanta. Sumantra continued narrating how this plan unfolded. The ministers and
priests informed the king that Rishyasringa, secluded in study, knew neither
men nor women nor worldly pleasures. If beautifully adorned courtesans (A Class
of Artists) approached him near his hermitage, he might be tempted to follow
them. Romapada agreed, and the plan was instantly executed. The tale subtly
reveals that even the purest minds can be influenced by art, beauty, and
persuasion, an eternal reminder of the delicate interplay between human
vulnerability and divine intent.
The courtesans entered the forest and
presented themselves near the hermitage of Rishyasringa. Curious Rishyasringa
who never stirred out of his hermitage, casually arrived at that place, saw
them, approached, and conversed with them. They sang melodious tunes, and
friendship blossomed. ‘Our hermitage is nearby’ said Rishyasringa, ‘and I wish
to worship you all.’ They visited his hut, where he revered them as divine
beings. When they departed, he felt disturbed and longed for their company. One
day, they convinced him to come to Anga, and as soon as he stepped into the
kingdom, the rains poured down to everyone’s joy. In that rain lay a
profound metaphor, that, when virtue meets worldly awareness, life flourishes;
isolation without connection yields only drought of spirit.
king Romapada had gone towards that
sage and bowed his head down, and paid respects touching the ground, and
offered water customarily with dedication. (The salutation in prostration on
the ground is usually performed before Gods or Deities in Reverence. It is
called ‘Sashtanga Pranamam’). Later, Princess Shanta was given to
Rishyasringa in customary marriage by King Romapada. He lived in Anga kingdom
along with his wife Shanta with all his desires fulfilled and also well
worshipped. Sumantra completed this narration at this stage. In honoring the
learned and recognizing moral worth, society not only earns prosperity but also
reaffirms the sacred bond between knowledge and governance.
Then, Dasharatha decided to go
personally to Anga to invite Rishyasringa and Shanta to Ayodhya. Meanwhile,
Sumantra recounted the prophecy once declared by Sage Sanat Kumara: that
Dasharatha, born of the Ikshvaku line, would befriend King Romapada, whose daughter
Shanta would wed Rishyasringa, the very sage destined to preside over
Dasharatha’s Yajna. (In fact, Shanta was said to be the daughter of Dasharatha
but was given to Romapada in adoption, whom Rishyasringa married). Prophecy
here mirrors foresight, the capacity to see destiny not as chance but as
consequence of purposeful connections and virtuous bonds.
Sanat Kumara had
foretold: ‘Dasharatha will approach King Romapada also known as Chitraratha,
and will seek progeny for his dynasty through a Vedic Ritual. Rishyasringa,
husband of his daughter Shanta, will preside, and four valorous sons will be
born to Dasharatha, enriching the dynasty’s glory.’ Every age awaits leaders
who can turn prophecy into purpose, not by superstition but through
faith-driven action anchored in righteousness.
Dasharatha resolved to proceed with
the plan. Chief Priest Vashishta’s consent was obtained to invite Rishyasringa.
The king journeyed with his entourage to Anga. Romapada welcomed him with
reverence, informed Rishyasringa of their kinship, and the sage too paid his
respects. Respect among equals, when power bows to wisdom and wisdom honors
power, creates the harmony every state aspires to.
Dasharatha revealed his desire to
perform the Yajna and requested Romapada to send Shanta and Rishyasringa to
Ayodhya. Romapada agreed, asking his son-in-law to accompany Dasharatha.
Rishyasringa, set forth to Ayodhya with his wife. With a message from Dasharatha
through messengers Ayodhya was adorned with festivity, echoed with conch shells
and drumbeats. When noble intent journeys home accompanied by virtue and
wisdom, every city becomes a celebration of renewal and faith.
Dasharatha and Rishyasringa were received with great honor. Shanta and her husband Rishyasringa, whose presence would soon sanctify the Royal Yajna, the Horse Ritual, resided comfortably in the palace. Thus, in the union of devotion, discipline, and divine purpose, the Framework of Dasharatha’s Ashwa Metha Yajna stood as a timeless testament, that, great destinies are born not merely from ritual, but from righteous resolve and enlightened leadership.
{{PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY ONE ANONYMOUS RAMA BHAKTA}}
No comments:
Post a Comment