Excerpt from 'Rise of the Sun Prince'
Lord Rama sat all alone on a huge golden throne with no Mother Sita by his side. She had made Valmiki’s ashram her home. The throne was placed on a raised platform, 18 steps above ground level. All of Lord Rama’s subjects were seated below in their respective seats.
Everyone eagerly waited for the performance to begin. When the narration began, everyone was engrossed. Lava and Kusha were singing the Ramayana to the tune of the veena. Lord Rama could hear His own story unfurl. He seemed unaware of the many intricate details about His life that these boys seemed to know so well.
Lord Rama suddenly felt lonely on His throne. Who wants to enjoy something pleasant all alone? He looked down at the audience and seeing them relish the narration in the loving company of their friends, he realized how lonely He was at the top.
Lord Rama wanted to descend from His throne, sit with his followers and hear the narration. But it was impossible because the awe and reverence they had for Him would not let that happen. So Lord Rama sneaked down the steps, unnoticed by others. As He climbed down, gradually moving toward the audience, He held on to His jewelry and clothes to avoid making any noise, creating any disturbance or drawing any attention toward Himself. Everyone in the assembly was too absorbed in the Ramayana to notice Lord Rama.
Soon Lord Rama was part of the general audience. Everybody was immersed in the narration, patting one another, laughing and thoroughly enjoying the story. So engrossed were they that when Lord Rama patted a person, that person patted Rama back! When the narration ended, the audience looked for Lord Rama on the throne. To their horror, He wasn’t there! They started searching for Lord Rama and were shocked to see Him sitting right next to them.
Valmiki very beautifully mentions that the attraction to the Ramayana is greater than the attraction to Rama.
The Ramayana attracted even Lord Rama! It’s no wonder that the Ramayana appeals to everyone, even today.