Listening to the wise Vasishtha, Dasaratha saw things clearly and made up his
mind to send Rama and Lakshmana.
The two princes were then brought to the
presence of the sage. The King, the Queen-Mothers and Vasishtha blessed them and sent them
with Viswaamitra.
A pleasant breeze wafted and flowers were
strewn by the denizens of the heavens. Auspicious sounds were heard. Bow in hand, the two
lads strode proudly on either side of the Sage.
Vaalmeeki and Kamban revel in this picture
of the two hand some princes marching out to their first adventure under the guardianship
of a great rishi who had also been a renowned warrior a teacher who could create a new
world; and beside him, head erect, two princely pupils born to end the Raakshasa race.
With swords of victory hanging from their
waists, bows and quivers mounted on strong shoulders, they moved, each like a three-headed
cobra with uplifted hood. |