SYNOPSIS- Satyan 3 - The Coronation
The Coronation - Satyan 3 - Finally Vasudev is anointed the King! A suitable day is choosen and all royal dignitaries are invited! King Bharadwaj also comes and meets his beloved Vasudev after a long time! Witness the great Satyan's coronation! Read on...
SATYAN3
-8. The Coronation
In the next two months, Vasudev actively participated in the administrative affairs of the kingdom alongwith King Dharmaraja. From what he observed, Chandrapur was a very prosperous province. It had clean roads having no dearth of ashrams, dharmasalas, dispensaries and wells. Besides, the kingdom had wealth in opulence and was rich in agriculture. There were some disquieting factors like family disputes among the people, gender inequality and superstitions prevalent in some pockets of the kingdom but that were well within manageable limits.
Vasudev also took note of the admirable way prisons were maintained in that kingdom and the novel schemes which the King adopted to reform criminals. Even while grilling them, they were never subjected to any torture. The King had some trained professionals who knew the art of getting the information they wanted from the culprits by tactfully questioning them. Sometimes, when the situation appeared intractable, the criminals were put under a spell of hypnotism to extract the truth.
Vasudev found the overall scenario very impressive. He felt that all he had to do after becoming the King was to continue with the good work of Dharmaraja that would keep the people happy and contended.
With the passage of time, both Vasudev and Bharadwaj came out of the grief over their separation to some extent. They diligently involved themselves in the kingdom activities that did not give them any time to think about each other. It was only when they retired to bed that the pain of their separation surfaced till the time sleep showed mercy on their tired eyes.
In these couple of months, on two occasions, informers came from the ashram of Sage Amegha to meet Vasudev to acquaint him of the performance of the Prince. Vasudev had already told Manorama about the problem faced by Vasu and therefore the visit of these informers did not surprise her. There was no change in the attitude of the Prince during this time.
The relationship of Vasudev and Manorama only blossomed during this period who lived in conjugal love and affection.
Finally, after Vasudev had gained enough confidence to manage the administration, King Dharmaraja decided to anoint him as his successor. A suitable day was choosen and many rulers of different kingdoms were invited to witness the occasion. King Bharadwaj was pleased to hear this news. After a long time, he was in a buoyant mood and he immediately decided to set out for Chandrapur with Chitralekha to see his beloved Satyan ascend the throne.
As the day of Vasudev’s coronation neared, all the royal invitees came to Chandrapur who were accommodated in small mansions beside the palace that was specifically meant for visitors. When Vasudev learnt that King Bharadwaj and his Queen Chitralekha had arrived he ran to welcome them. He hugged the King tightly and then enquired, “How are you, Maharaj? How is everyone out there in Somnapur?”
Smiling endearingly, Bharadwaj replied, “I am fine, Satyan! And so are our subjects. At this moment, everyone is celebrating over your impending coronation.” He took a deep breath and continued, “Oh! I am so glad to see you, Satya! How are you doing?”
“I, too, am carrying along well, Maharaj! Full credit should go to King Dharamrajaji for looking after his kingdom in such an admirable manner. I only hope that I live up to his reputation!”
These words of praise from Vasudev pleased the King and the Queen. Just then, Manorama came over and greeted them. After a brief exchange of words, the couple met King Dharamaraja and then was escorted to their chamber for resting awhile. Later Vasudev met the King and spoke with him for a long time. When the topic touched upon Prince Vasu, the face of the King appeared perturbed.
“Please do not worry about our Prince, O King! Let us give Sage Amegha some time to do his job. After all, it is only a year since the Prince started taking education under him. Let us have trust on the Almighty. He is there to take care of everything.” Vasudev pacified the King who nodded his head thoughtfully looking at the floor.
The next day, Vasudev’s three friends, who were specially invited, came over to wish him and witness the grand occasion. Overjoyed, Vasudev gave them a warm welcome and made all arrangements for their comfortable stay. Later, during his conversation with them, he enquired with Shiva and Sridhar about how the Prince was faring in the ashram. “All of us are trying our best and we are sure everything would be fine by the time he completes his education! Let us have patience and see what happens!” Shiva stressed.
That evening, Sage Pradayumna, Vasudev’s guru Sage Adirath and Manorama’s father Sage Amulya came over who were received with utmost warmth and reverence.
Finally, the day arrived for which all of them were waiting for. The coronation took place in the Durbar in the presence of esteemed rulers, ministers, sages, friends and the subjects of the kingdom. Vasudev, who was dressed in shining silky robes and Manorama, who looked like an apsara in her beautiful peach coloured silk saree and rich ornaments, were led to a raised platform of the durbar where two majestic thrones that were replete with sparkling gems waited for them. The singing of holy bhajans and hymns rent the air even as Vasudev and Manorama ascended the thrones. All the religious rites were performed by Adirath and after the rituals were over, two maids came over holding golden plates which were covered with white clothes. After Adirath gave his nod, Dharmaraja and Satyaki moved forward and removed the clothes which revealed two glittering golden crowns! Taking them in their hands, the elderly couple requested Bharadwaj and Sage Amulya to come forward and do the honours.
Vasudev also took note of the admirable way prisons were maintained in that kingdom and the novel schemes which the King adopted to reform criminals. Even while grilling them, they were never subjected to any torture. The King had some trained professionals who knew the art of getting the information they wanted from the culprits by tactfully questioning them. Sometimes, when the situation appeared intractable, the criminals were put under a spell of hypnotism to extract the truth.
Vasudev found the overall scenario very impressive. He felt that all he had to do after becoming the King was to continue with the good work of Dharmaraja that would keep the people happy and contended.
With the passage of time, both Vasudev and Bharadwaj came out of the grief over their separation to some extent. They diligently involved themselves in the kingdom activities that did not give them any time to think about each other. It was only when they retired to bed that the pain of their separation surfaced till the time sleep showed mercy on their tired eyes.
In these couple of months, on two occasions, informers came from the ashram of Sage Amegha to meet Vasudev to acquaint him of the performance of the Prince. Vasudev had already told Manorama about the problem faced by Vasu and therefore the visit of these informers did not surprise her. There was no change in the attitude of the Prince during this time.
The relationship of Vasudev and Manorama only blossomed during this period who lived in conjugal love and affection.
Finally, after Vasudev had gained enough confidence to manage the administration, King Dharmaraja decided to anoint him as his successor. A suitable day was choosen and many rulers of different kingdoms were invited to witness the occasion. King Bharadwaj was pleased to hear this news. After a long time, he was in a buoyant mood and he immediately decided to set out for Chandrapur with Chitralekha to see his beloved Satyan ascend the throne.
As the day of Vasudev’s coronation neared, all the royal invitees came to Chandrapur who were accommodated in small mansions beside the palace that was specifically meant for visitors. When Vasudev learnt that King Bharadwaj and his Queen Chitralekha had arrived he ran to welcome them. He hugged the King tightly and then enquired, “How are you, Maharaj? How is everyone out there in Somnapur?”
Smiling endearingly, Bharadwaj replied, “I am fine, Satyan! And so are our subjects. At this moment, everyone is celebrating over your impending coronation.” He took a deep breath and continued, “Oh! I am so glad to see you, Satya! How are you doing?”
“I, too, am carrying along well, Maharaj! Full credit should go to King Dharamrajaji for looking after his kingdom in such an admirable manner. I only hope that I live up to his reputation!”
These words of praise from Vasudev pleased the King and the Queen. Just then, Manorama came over and greeted them. After a brief exchange of words, the couple met King Dharamaraja and then was escorted to their chamber for resting awhile. Later Vasudev met the King and spoke with him for a long time. When the topic touched upon Prince Vasu, the face of the King appeared perturbed.
“Please do not worry about our Prince, O King! Let us give Sage Amegha some time to do his job. After all, it is only a year since the Prince started taking education under him. Let us have trust on the Almighty. He is there to take care of everything.” Vasudev pacified the King who nodded his head thoughtfully looking at the floor.
The next day, Vasudev’s three friends, who were specially invited, came over to wish him and witness the grand occasion. Overjoyed, Vasudev gave them a warm welcome and made all arrangements for their comfortable stay. Later, during his conversation with them, he enquired with Shiva and Sridhar about how the Prince was faring in the ashram. “All of us are trying our best and we are sure everything would be fine by the time he completes his education! Let us have patience and see what happens!” Shiva stressed.
That evening, Sage Pradayumna, Vasudev’s guru Sage Adirath and Manorama’s father Sage Amulya came over who were received with utmost warmth and reverence.
Finally, the day arrived for which all of them were waiting for. The coronation took place in the Durbar in the presence of esteemed rulers, ministers, sages, friends and the subjects of the kingdom. Vasudev, who was dressed in shining silky robes and Manorama, who looked like an apsara in her beautiful peach coloured silk saree and rich ornaments, were led to a raised platform of the durbar where two majestic thrones that were replete with sparkling gems waited for them. The singing of holy bhajans and hymns rent the air even as Vasudev and Manorama ascended the thrones. All the religious rites were performed by Adirath and after the rituals were over, two maids came over holding golden plates which were covered with white clothes. After Adirath gave his nod, Dharmaraja and Satyaki moved forward and removed the clothes which revealed two glittering golden crowns! Taking them in their hands, the elderly couple requested Bharadwaj and Sage Amulya to come forward and do the honours.
(To ConTINUE)
