66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

guests and the public who thronged in to watch the
coronation. Rama, clad in simple silk robes after several
ritual baths and purification ceremonies ordained by the
chief priest, was also ready, waiting for the ceremonial
dress. A little before the dawn, the holy fire was lit in which
offerings were to be placed to please the gods in heaven.
The priestly groups were already chanting the sacred
mantras in unison. Music from many sources filled the air.
The babble of the crowd was continuous. But in the inner ring
where the chief minister and other immediate executives
were assembled, there was concern. “The King should have
arrived by now. He must initiate the rites; he has to receive
the rulers who will soon be arriving… .” The chief minister,
Sumanthra, got up to find out the reason for the delay. Things
had to go according to a time-table in every detail so as to
synchronize with the auspicious movement of the stars. And
any single item delayed would throw the entire ceremony out
of gear. Sumanthra left the assembly hall and went in search
of the King. He hesitated for a moment at the door of the
kopa gruha, but parted the curtains, opened the door, and
entered. The sight before him, naturally, startled him. “Is His
Majesty unwell?” asked the minister. “Asks him yourself,”
replied Kaikeyi.
“Are you also unwell? Has some food disagreed with you
both?” asked the minister anxiously. The queen gave him no
answer. The minister softly approached the couch and
whispered, “They are waiting for you. Are you ready to come