Sumantra Prepares a Kingdom for the Coronation at Dawn
Uttara Kanda, Doha 11
Doha 11 · Movement 2 of 2
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At Vashishtha's word, Sumantra leaves overflowing with joy. The elder minister moves quickly through Ayodhya, setting in motion the immense practical body of a royal consecration.
Chariots are readied, horses groomed, elephants adorned. Runners stream outward in every direction to gather the auspicious substances required for the rite. After fourteen years of waiting, the city has no wish to lose another hour.
The scene fills with harness, hoof, wheel, messenger, vessel, garland, and sacred preparation. Joy does not remain an inward feeling. It becomes exact service, each needed thing found and placed where the Guru has ordained. When all has been set in motion, Sumantra returns to Vashishtha and bows his head at the sage's feet. The minister's delight completes itself not in command but in obedience, ready for whatever must come next.
Ayodhya's joy takes the form of swift hands and ordered service as Sumantra prepares every road to lead toward Rama's throne.
Read the passage from the Manas
तब मुनि कहेउ सुमंत्र सन सुनत चलेउ हरषाइ। रथ अनेक बहु बाजि गज तुरत सँवारे जाइ।।10(क)।। जहँ तहँ धावन पठइ पुनि मंगल द्रब्य मगाइ। हरष समेत बसिष्ट पद पुनि सिरु नायउ आइ।।10(ख)।।
Then the sage spoke to Sumantra, who departed at once, overjoyed. Swiftly he went and prepared countless chariots, horses, and elephants. 10(ka) He sent runners in every direction to gather all things needed for the ceremony. Then, filled with delight, he returned and bowed his head at Vasishtha's feet. 10(kha)