Maharishi Valmiki describes the
glorious event of SriRama Pattabhisheka/the coronation ceremony of Rama as the
King of Ayodhya. Bharatha, the provider
of immense happiness to Kaikeyi and younger brother of Rama approached Rama
with folded hands above his head and gave a warm welcome to his brother to the
city of Ayodhya. Bharatha graciously
compares himself as a lowest and weak to carry out the functioning of a
Kingdom. Rama was adorned with flower
garlands and sandal paste all over his marvelous body. Widows of King Dasharatha adorned Sita
beautifully with most precious pieces of jewels. Shatrugna ordered Sumantra, the charioteer to
bring the magnificently decorated chariot to the assembly.
Rama gracefully took a seat on the
grand chariot, Sugriva and Anjaneya in splendid clothes and ornaments escorted
Rama. Sita elegantly followed by the
wives of Sugriva in a chariot to visit the Kingdom of Ayodhya. The prominent ministers of Ayodhya were
immersed in the prime discussion with the priests about the coronation ceremony
of Rama. Rama, the righteous prince
mounted on the chariot, Bharatha took up the reins of the horses, Shathtrugna
holding umbrella above Rama, Lakshman winning the fan, Vibhishana holding the
Chamara, the Maruthganas, deities and Sages and celestials were chanting the
Vedic hymns, followed by Sugriva and prominent Vanaras mounted on an elephant
Shatrunjaya.
The procession of Rama was
followed by the auspicious noises of drum beats and divine musical instruments
gracefully moved through the city of Ayodhya.
The people of the Kingdom of Ayodhya witnessed the most enthralling form
of Rama along with his brothers. The
procession of Rama was followed by a huge crowd of ministers, Vedic Brahmins
and the citizens of Ayodhya, Rama shone like a moon amongst the stars. At last, the procession arrived in the grand
palace of Ikshvaku dynasty. Rama paid
obeisance to mother Kousalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. As a part of the coronation ceremony
Sugriva instructed the mighty Vanaras to bring water contained jewels from the
oceans located in four directions and sacred bath was performed to Rama.
Coronation Ceremony
Sage Vashishta was duly informed with the progress of coronation ceremony. Sage Vasishta initiated the coronation ceremony, followed by Vedic chants and sprinkling of the holy water on Rama. A majestic crown decorated with precious stones and gems which were previously adorned by Manu of Ikshvaku dynasty and his lineage was duly adorned to Rama by Sage Vashishta and declared as the King of Ayodhya. Shatrugna was holding Chathram over Rama and Sita. Sita took the pearl string and told Rama about her wish to provide it to the perfect Vanara who has sharpness of mind, intelligence, compassion, clarity in speech, prowess and benevolence. She offered the pearl string to Anjaneya. King Vibhishna after receiving the Kuladhana/Idol of Lord Vishnu worshipped by the Ikshvaku Dynasty returned to Lanka.