The Path to Rama's Coronation

Rama and Sita's happy marriage is an excellent example of the domestic stage of life. In the domestic stage, the husband and the wife modestly live their lives. It is said that Rama was an ideal man and husband, while Sita was an ideal woman and wife. Even today, people are impressed by their ideals. The princesses of Mithila and princes of Ayodhya happily lived at the palace. Rama and Sita lived twelve years of married life with loyalty and devotion. They presented an ideal example of mutual love and dedication during this period. They served their family members and, with their service-oriented attitude, won the hearts of everyone.

One day, Bharata's uncle, Yudhajeet, came to Ayodhya and took Bharata and Shatrughna to his kingdom for a few days. Yudhajit was a courageous ruler. His kingdom's name was Kekaya. When Bharata and Shatrughna were with their uncle in Kekaya, King Dasharatha decided Rama should be crowned heir-apparent due to his old age. He went to Maharshi Vashishtha's ashram for his advice and blessings. The guru told the king that, to approve this proposal, he must call a meeting of his council of ministers. 

When Dasharatha called a meeting and made this proposal, all the members agreed in a vote to make Rama heir-apparent because he was a store of bravery and virtues. For crowning him as heir-apparent, Rama was not just worthy by being the eldest son but was second to none in integrity and knowledge. After getting approval in the meeting of scholars, King Dasharatha told his friend and Prime Minister Sumantra to call Rama. Until then, Rama hadn't the slightest idea he would be crowned heir-apparent.

Rama was an obedient son who always prioritized his father's commands. Upon hearing his father's order, Rama swiftly approached and touched Dasharatha's feet reverently. Dasharatha embraced him and seated him beside the throne. 

"Dear son, I have grown old," lamented King Dasharatha to his eldest son. "I have lived a full life as both a person and a king. I have no more aspirations left, only one desire: to pass on the throne of my ancestors to you. I wish for your coronation to take place tomorrow."

King Dasharatha was a knowledgeable, law-abiding person who followed traditions. He wished for clan guru Vashishtha to give Rama some advice regarding this. So, he decided to contact Maharshi Vashishtha. He folded his hands and requested, "Dear Guru, please advise Rama and Sita to fast today for their welfare so that there are no obstacles in the coronation."