66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

listened to it all again as if for the first time. “My stars, Mars
and Jupiter, are aspecting the same house, so say my
astrologers, which means death or near death or some
catastrophe. And so I want to impress on you the urgency of
the matter. Tomorrow’s star will be Pushya, and the
ceremony must be gone through, without doubts or
impediments. Do not think for a moment that anything is
postponable. Nothing should be put off, for we cannot say
how fickle the human mind is, and what changes will occur
therein… . And so what is important is that we should go
through the ceremonies without hesitation. I want you to be
very careful tonight, until the ceremony is over. Do not come
out without your bodyguard, and observe all the austerities
and vows to the last letter. Sita and yourself should have
ritual baths and avoid your bed and sleep lightly on a mat of
dharbha grass… . The ceremonies will begin at dawn. Be
ready, and see that your robes are ready. You must fast
tonight. Caution Sita not to delay. In a ceremonial, the wife’s
presence and timely participation are of the utmost
importance… .”
Rama listened, promising to carry out every word of his
instructions faithfully. Finally Dasaratha explained, “It is best
to complete all this while Bharatha is away at his
grandfather’s place. It is good that he is away. I know his
devotion to you, but the human mind, you know, can be
fickle… . He may question why he should not have been the
king … after all. But if he learns of it as an accomplished