The Path to Ram's Coronation: A Tale of Ideal Marriage and Royal Duty

Ram and Seeta's happy marriage is an excellent example of the domestic stage of life. In the domestic stage, the husband and the wife modestly live their lives. It is said that Ram was an ideal man and husband, while Seeta was an ideal woman and wife. Even today, people are impressed by their ideals. The princesses of Mithila and princes of Ayodhya happily lived at the palace. Ram and Seeta lived twelve years of married life with loyalty and devotion. They presented an ideal example of mutual love and dedication during this period. They served their family members and, with their service-oriented attitude, won the hearts of everyone.

One day, Bharat's uncle, Yudhajeet, came to Ayodhya and took Bharat and Shatrughna to his kingdom for a few days. Yudhajit was a courageous ruler. His kingdom's name was Kekay. When Bharat and Shatrughna were with their uncle in Kekay, King Dasharath decided Ram should be crowned heir-apparent due to his old age. He went to Guru Vashishth's ashram for his advice and blessings. The guru told the king that, to approve this proposal, he must call a meeting of his council of ministers. 

When Dasharath called a meeting and made this proposal, all the members agreed in a vote to make Ram heir-apparent because he was a store of bravery and virtues. For crowning him as heir-apparent, Ram was not just worthy by being the eldest son but was second to none in integrity and knowledge. After getting approval in the meeting of scholars, King Dasharath told his friend and Prime Minister Sumantra to call Ram. Until then, Ram hadn't the slightest idea he would be crowned heir-apparent.

Ram was an obedient son who always prioritized his father's commands. Upon hearing his father's order, Ram swiftly approached and touched Dasharath's feet reverently. Dasharath embraced him and seated him beside the throne. 

"Dear son, I have grown old," lamented King Dasharath to his eldest son. "I have lived a full life as both a person and a king. I have no more aspirations left, only one desire: to pass on the throne of my ancestors to you. I wish for your coronation to take place tomorrow."

King Dasharath was a knowledgeable, law-abiding person who followed traditions. He wished for clan guru Vashishth to give Ram some advice regarding this. So, he decided to contact Mahamuni Vashishth. He folded his hands and requested, "Dear Guru, please advise Ram and Seeta to fast today for their welfare so that there are no obstacles in the coronation."