THE NEWLY-WED COUPLES

Messengers were sent to tell the queens about the return of the four princes with their brides to Ayodhya. When the four couples came to Ayodhya, the three queens lovingly welcomed them.

Ayodhya was decorated beautifully to welcome the brides and the four princes.

The people of Ayodhya danced and sang on the streets, celebrating the arrival of the newly-wed couples. People enjoyed themselves at the feasts, and everyone was delighted to see the four princes with their beautiful brides.

All the brides settled in their new roles. They were all loving and virtuous who respected their elders. The elders too loved them a lot.

Life in the palace of king Dasharatha was happy and peaceful.

coronation

Rama was a very obedient son. He loved and respected his father a lot.

One evening, Daharatha was missing Bharata and Sharughana who had gone to their grandfather's house. So Rama spent more time with his father. Admiring Rama, Dasharatha thought, how lucky he was to have a loving and obedient son like Rama.

One day while seeing his white hair in the mirror, Dashratha thought, "I am getting old. Now I should retire and anoint Rama as the king."

When king Dashratha consulted Vashistha, his chief minister and other ministers about his desire to crown Rama, delay. So next day, king Dashratha announced the coronation of Rama on the day of Pushyami star

Everyone began making preparations for the ceremony. The whole city was decorated with flowers, lamps and the best of flags. The temples' gateways were whitewashed. The city was filled with the sound of different musical instruments. The delighted citizens rejoiced at the thought of Rama as their future king. People from far off places came to Ayodhya to witness te grand ceremony.

The happy Queen Kaushalya distributed sweets, clothes and money to the poor. Her joy on hearing the news of Rama's coronation know no bounds.