SATYAN 5
-1. Dual Coronation

Sage Suryananda took his seat beneath a banyan tree and looked at his students who were eagerly awaiting his recital of a new story that evening.  All his stories taught the children to follow good principles and be virtuous in life.  The Sage glanced at his students and addressed them benignly,

“Dear students, today I am going to narrate the final prequel to the story ‘Satyan’.  This story would again highlight the nobility, selflessness and virtuosity of Vasudev.  Apart from this, there is also another important message that it would convey which you shall know during the course of narration.    Listen!”  As the students listened with rapt attention, the sage began the narration of his story.

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Vasudev entered the chamber of his Queen Manorama.  He placed his glittering crown on a wooden stand which was at the corner of the room and looked at his Queen who was seated on a golden couch that shone brilliantly in the light of the crystal chandelier that was hanging above the ceiling. 

Removing the crown revealed his well-ruffled soft hairs that had partly greyed that was the only reflection of his advancing age.  The Queen, who was desolately looking at the ground rose up instantly as Vasudev called out to her.   The King of Chandrapur adjusted the brown-beige shawl that he was wearing and made her sit back on the couch and took a seat beside her. 

Even in her gloomy mood, the Queen looked striking in her pink-colored sari with flower motifs and sparkling jewelry.   The King told her about his meeting with Lord Krishna.  Manorama appeared a little relaxed on learning about this latest development.  “Manorama!”  Vasudev continued, “…I knew that you would be disheartened if I could not make Rishabd the ruler of this kingdom.  However, the gravity of your discontent dawned on me only when King Bharadwaj told me about it. 

Why did you not reveal your mind to me?”  The King asked grimly. 

“It is not in my nature to go against your wish or desire, O King!  I had even told this to King Bharadwaj!”  “King Bharadwaj?”  Vasudev asked perplexed. 

“A…Actually he had come here to urge me face this situation bravely.  During that meeting he, too, had posed a similar question.”  Manorama explained with hesitance. 

Vasudev nodded in understanding. 

“Even in the future there may be such situations wherein I may have to take decisions that could appear very harsh and even unjust from a personal point of view. 

However, they may conform to the ethics of Dharma.  If I do not get your support then, it is going to be very difficult for me, Manorama!”  Vasudev spoke his heart out to his wife. 

“Please pardon me, O King!  I realize that I was completely swayed by parental emotions in this matter.  I promise you that henceforth I will always support you from the core of my heart if you take decisions in accordance with Dharma.”  Manorama assured him. 

A smile lit Vasudev’s face and he lovingly placed his hand over the Queen’s head.  “Alright!  Tomorrow I shall promulgate my decision to the people and then the coronation can happen soon thereafter!”

As decided, Vasudev informed the subjects about his meeting with the Lord who had supported his decision of making both his son and Abharan, his most trusted and efficient minister, the joint rulers of Chandrapur.  The people were sad at heart at Vasudev’s eminent exit from administrative affairs but nevertheless hailed his decision for they knew how diligent his would-be successors were in discharging their duties. 

Soon, the coronation was held where Rishabd and Abharan were crowned rulers.  Both of them took a pledge that they would always consider their subjects as their families and work tirelessly for their well-being and prosperity. 

The honour of placing the glittering golden crowns on their heads was given to King Bharadwaj. 

Vasudev decided against renouncing public life altogether and retire to the forests for the immense love his son possessed towards him. 

Rishabd wanted his parents to be by his side to which they had relented.  Satisfied at the turn of events, King Bharadwaj and his Queen Chitralekha finally returned to their kingdom of Somnapur.

A few months passed by.  Just as everyone had expected, the new rulers duly followed in the footsteps of Vasudev.  Both had only one goal in mind which was to keep up the reputation of their kingdom that was hard earned by their former rulers. 

They visited every nook and corner of their kingdom at intermittent intervals and ensured that the grievances of the people were not only heard but catered to in a time bound manner.  Gram sabhas continued to thrive in the kingdom which reduced their burden to a great extent. 

Just like Vasudev, these local bodies were given enough authority and independence to solve the people’s problems and take steps for their welfare.  Both the rulers kept a strict tab on their functioning and took any lackadaisical approach on the part of their subordinates very seriously.  They gave regular updates to Vasudev about the various developments in the kingdom and sometimes even sought his guidance in some administrative matters. 

Vasudev continued with his evening rounds in the kingdom where he interacted with his people.  This move gave him an opportunity to gauge whether the people were happy under the leadership of his successors.  It gave him immense satisfaction when he got positive responses from them in this matter.

Both Vasudev and Manorama felt very proud to see the duo rulers’ work with such commitment for the people’s cause.     

One day the former ruler of Chandrapur had visitors in the form of King Chandravarkar of Kantipura and his Rajguru Sage Chakrabandhava.