SECTION CCLXXV

“Yudhishthira said, ’O adorable one, thou hast described to me in detail the history of the birth of Rama and others.  I wish to learn the cause of their exile.  Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the sons of Dasaratha—­the brothers Rama and Lakshmana—­went to the forest with famous princess of Mithila.’

“Markandeya said, ’The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the old and assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when these sons were born.  And his sons gradually grew up in might and they became conversant with the Vedas together with all their mysteries, and with the science of arms.  And when after having gone through the Brahmacharyya vows the princes were married, king Dasaratha became happy and highly pleased.  And the intelligent Rama, the eldest of them all, became the favourite of his father, and greatly pleased the people with his charming ways.  And then, O Bharata, the wise king, considering himself old in years took counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual adviser for installing Rama as regent of the kingdom.  And all those great ministers were agreed that it was time to do so.  And, O scion of Kuru’s race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his son,—­that enhancer of Kausalya’s delight—­possessed of eyes that were red, and arms that were sinewy.  And his steps were like those of a wild elephant.  And he had long arms and high shoulders and black and curly hair.  And he was valiant, and glowing with splendour, and not inferior to Indra himself in battle.  And he was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to Vrihaspati in wisdom.  An object of love with all the people, he was skilled in every science.  And with senses under complete control, his very enemies were pleased to behold him.  And he was terror of the wicked and the protector of the virtuous.  And possessed of intelligence and incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never vanquished by any.  And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his son—­that enhancer of Kausalya’s joy—­king Dasaratha became highly pleased.  And reflecting on Rama’s virtues, the powerful and mighty king cheerfully addressed the family priest, saying, ’Blessed be thou, O Brahmana!  This night of the Pushya constellation will bring in a very auspicious conjunction.  Let, therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be invited.  This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow.  And Rama, therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as prince-regent of all my subjects!’

“Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words of the king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited to the occasion.  And she said, ’Thy great ill-luck, O Kaikeyi, hath this day been proclaimed by the king!  O unlucky one, mayst thou be bitten by a fierce and enraged snake of virulent poison!  Kausalya, indeed, is fortunate, as it is her son that is going to be installed on the throne.  Where, indeed, is thy prosperity, when thy son obtaineth not the kingdom?’