Sriramayana-7

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SriRamayana – 7

 

Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha

Om Asmath Gurubhyo Namaha

 

Now that we have learnt about the beauty of Ayodhya, Sage Valmiki

continues with the greatness of King Dasaratha and His Council

(court-ministers).

 

Dasaratha, was a great Vedic scholar, and practiced His life

according to dharma sastra only. He had great visions for His kingdom,

being a mighty and noble King. He was considered as Rajarshi, (king as

well as a sage) and all His subjects lived happily under His rule. He

loved all His subjects equally, and conducted Yagna for the welfare of

His people. Even the puthrakameshti Yagam was done to produce a future

King for the Kingdom and for the people. He derived the name

DASARATHA, because His chariot could roam in all 10 directions without

the fear of an enemy stopping it. So He was also called "Athiratha.".

His other attributes were, He was strong, (balawan), "nihathamithra",

one who killed all his enemies, "mithravan" had ever lasting friends,

and He could control all His Indrias. If the king leads righteous

path, the people under His rule are happy. The people of Ayodhya had

such a king and they were happy.

 

In the 7th sarga sage Valmiki described the names and qualities

of the purohithas and ministers of Dasaratha. Along with Vasistha

and Vamadeva a few more purohithas are there like Jabali and Kasyapa

etc. Purohitha-means one who predicts the hitha(welfare) of the king

and his kingdom, and gives advises in advance according to the divine

activities. In other sense we can say purohitha is a priest as well

as a advisor and spiritual supporter to the king.

 

Coming to the(important) ministers they are eight in number and some

more ministers are there to assist.

Dhrushti: one who can conduct any programme without a flaw

Jayantha: One who is hard to defeat

Vijaya: One who is always victorious

Siddhartha: One who anticipates and fulfills the wishes of the King

Arthasadhaka: One who is persistent until His work is done

Asoka: who doesn't feel sorrow in fufilling kings orders

Manthrapala:Who can keep all secrets of the kingdom

Sumanthra: The senior most and the oldest and wisest council for the king.

 

Sage Valmiki goes into great detail to explain the

qualities and qualifications of people who hold posts as Kings'

ministers, and King Dasaratha's ministers had all these fine qualities

and more…

The 27 qualities are 1) abundant knowledge about Sasthras, 2) if they

make a mistake,they have to repent sincerely and not ever to repeat

it, 3) should have a deep sense of morals, and follow it, 4) not

attracted to physical beauty and not succumb to physical pleasures, 5)

they should be wealthy enough that they can't be bribed for favors, 6)

evaluate present situations thoroughly, and predict future

consequences before making decisions, 7) must know politics well to

participate in ministry, (rajanithi), 8) they must be well qualified

warriors, 9) must have experience(seniority) in politics, 10) must be

aware of King's activities, 11) the promises made should be kept, 12)

should have an appearance that gives confidence to believers, and

should strike fear in criminals, 13) if someone makes a mistake

innocently should be ready to forgive them, 14) must have a pleasant

and smiling face while talking with people, 15) they should not tell

lies either because of desire or angry, 16) maintain secret service in

and out of their kingdom for protection, 17) they are able to collect

the data necessary for the King, 18) advise to act on it if

necessary, 19)Love the King and be loyal to the king and should be

willing to make sacrifices for the king and country, 20) should not be

partial while judging someone(weather he may be their relative or

friend), 21) they have to plan to earn money according to the proposed

budget( no deficit inthe budget), 22) have a good control on

military, pay salary to the soldiers on time, and earn their respect

and loyalty, 23) they should be willing to go to war and participate

if necessary, 24) only criminals should be punished and they have to

take care at any cost a non-criminal shouldn't be punished, 25) should

try to have a full treasury without taxing the Pundits and soldiers,

26) the punishment should fit the crime, 27) last but not least

"SHOULD MAINTAIN A STERLING REPUTATION(character)."

 

The King and ministers of Ayodhya followed sastras, there were no

natural disasters, there was no poverty, no draught, no ignorance

which goes to prove that if the ruler of the country is honest and

good, His council follows His example and everybody lives happily.

 

Jai Srimannarayana

(Cont,)

 

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