LAVA-KUSHA

As the children were growing up in the hermitage, Rama in Ayodhya was in unbearable agony, with the memory of Sita haunting him. He always had one worry or the other. He decided to perform the Ashwamedha (Horse) sacrifice.

The Ashwamedha sacrifice was not easy to perform. Only the most powerful of kings could undertake it. Rama was of course very powerful. So he formally got anointed to perform that sacrifice. The pavilion to perform the sacrifice was erected on the bank of the river Ganga. Rama worshipped the sacrificial horse. A medallion made of gold was tied on its forehead. On it was engraved the message: "This is the sacrificial horse of Sri Rama, son of Kausalya. He is the most powerful king on Earth. All those who agree should pay tribute and become his vassals. Otherwise they will tie up this horse, and fight with Rama." The horse was left to go as it liked. Rama appointed his brother Shatrughna t o go with a large army for its protection.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]