Ayodhyaa Mathuraa Maayaa Kaashii Kaanchii Avantikaa |
Purii Dvaaravatii chaiva saptaite mokShadaayikaaH ||
The Garuda Purana lists 7 cities as the holiest of holy, the sacred lands where one can obtain moksha (liberation) - Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar (Maaya), Varnasi (Kasi), Kanchipuram, Ujjain (Avantika), and Dwarka (Dvaaravati).
Spread over an area of roughly 10 square kilometres, present day Ayodhya has a population of around 50,000 people with an average literacy of 65%, according to the 2001 census. Every nook and cranny of this city, carries with it a legacy, sometimes with proudly and sometimes grudgingly. Everything in Ayodhya has a connection to the Ramayana. This is where Hanuman lived, this is where Luv and Kush took bath, this is where the horses were kept for the Ashwamedha Yagnya, this is where the karsevaks gathered on the fateful 6th of December...after a while, you never know where history ends and myth begins. But all of these spots are marked, photographed and even prayed to, with equal fervour and enthusiasm. Who cares really?
One of such landmarks is a lovely old building known by the locals as Badi Jagah - The Big Place. In its better days, it would have been a magnificient palace worthy of a king, where Dasharatha would have lived with his kith and kin. Little would he have imagined how his city would turn out several millenia later. His Ayodhya was a city that was true to its name. A-yudhya (yudh = war). The city that could not be fought. The inconquerable. It was a rectangular city, laid out like the ancient board game of Ashtapada (a precursor to chess), 180 kms in length and 36kms in width. Full of trees, gardens and happy people, Ayodhya was also impenetrable, with huge walls and deep moats guarding it on all sides. There were no liars, thieves and misers in Ayodhya. Neither were there any illiterates or starved ones. The city had the best horses, which were bred in countries far away. It also had the most skillful archers, who strictly followed the rules of archery. They would not kill someone who was alone, someone who did not have a successor or predecessor, or someone who was running away from them. Sonic archery - shooting a target by listening to its sound, was also banned in Ayodhya (Can you guess why?). As a patron of the performing arts, Dasharatha ensured that musical instruments like veena, mridangam and dundubhi were always played at central places in the city, for the enjoyment of his subjects. He lived a good life, our man Dasharatha. He ruled justly, conquered several colonies and had taken not one but three wives.
As he stood atop the terrace of his palace and watched the sun rise on his kingdom, he felt proud. This was a kingdom that would be spoken about for several thousand years to come. But something constantly bothered him. He needed answers. As he gazed at the rising sun, a dying Shravan's face suddenly flashed in front of his eyes. He shuddered and looked down. What he saw gave him some solace. Making their way towards him across the lawn were his eight ministers, the eight most intelligent men of Ayodhya. Dhristi, Jayantha, Vijaya, Suraashtra, Raashtravardhana, Akopa, Dharmapaala and Sumantra. Sharp, skillful and strategic, these men were brains behind all that Dasharatha took credit for. They spoke to each other in hushed voices, wondering what an emergency meeting this early in the morning could be about. Sumantra alone was quiet and walked by himself. Once they had reached the terrace and bowed to the King, they enquired what it was that was troubling a man so wise.
"Why don't I have any sons? Who will rule this kingdom after me? I didn't build all that to give it away for free or have it conquered by someone else!". Dasharatha was someone who couldn't stand being helpless.The ministers were silent, knowing fully well that he already had something in mind.
"Do you think performing an Ashwamedha Yagnya will help me beget sons?", he finished.
The discussion continued almost until lunchtime, as they discussed the feasibility, logistics and requirements for such a large exercise. The horse sacrifice was a long and arduous ritual to please the Gods, described in detail in the Yajur Veda. It was to be done by kings only, for power, glory and prosperity of his kingdom. It is also one of the five vedic rites banned in the Kali Yuga. The daunty Sumantra quickly fetched Suyajna, Vaama Deva, Jaabala and Vasishta to join the discussion, so that the exact vedic procedures could be discussed. At the end of it, everyone went back resolved to get started on the Yagnya as soon as possible. Sumantra alone stayed behind.
"Yes, my friend?" inquired the king.
"O Conqueror of the Universe, I'm sure you know fully well that in an exercise like this, we cannot leave anything to chance. The ritual must be performed without a single fault, in keeping with the exact rules laid down in the Vedas. Even the slightest mistake might anger the Gods and prove damaging for not just you, but our entire Kingdom.."
"Of course, Sumantra! We have the best vedic Brahmans right here in our kingdom. We will ensure that all their needs are met. No stone shall be unturned to make this the best sacrifice the Gods have ever seen. Are you not sure of our abilities?"
"I know of your quest for perfection more than any other man, my Lord. Which is exactly why I wanted to bring this up now. There is someone who has a track record in carrying out such large sacrifices with utmost precision and devotion. The Anga kingdom begot rains only after his interference, when a famine almost threatened to wipe out their populace. He is right person to lead this noble ritual and ensure progeny for your great race. But it is a mammoth task to convince him to come to our land. He lives in the forests and prefers not to mix with humans. If you consent, then I-"
"Who is he?", interrupted the impatient king.
"Your son-in-law", Sumantra snapped back.
Dasharatha stood stunned, as realization slowly dawned upon him.