39. Rama’s Return: The Reign of Justice and Prosperity

The city of Ayodhya remained festive for many days. The happiness of the people from the entire land of Koshala was spontaneous and genuine.

Rama’s Administration

Rama now devoted all of his attention to the administration of the kingdom. A good deal of money was necessary to execute the plans he had in mind for the welfare of his subjects. He called his minister, Sumantra, and inquired about the amount of money in the treasury.

Delayed Dues

“My lord, the people have not paid their dues for the last fourteen years,” reported Sumantra.

“They must have been in need. That is why they have not paid,” observed Rama.

“No, my lord. There is no dearth of anything in the kingdom. They have not paid simply because they have not been asked to pay. The wealthy ones neglected their payments, and others followed suit. That is all,” said Sumantra.

Bharata’s Concern

“How is it that Bharata did not look into the matter?” Rama asked, surprised.

“My lord, he was absorbed in thoughts concerning you. He had hardly any interest in anything else. Whoever met him and sang your praises returned with rewards. If I raised the question of the unrealized dues, he advised me never to bother the people about it. He did not want anybody to feel even slightly wounded during your absence,” explained Sumantra.

Finding a Solution

Rama understood the situation. “But how can we serve the people with an empty treasury?” he asked after a while.

At that moment, Lakshmana arrived and suggested, “Let us announce by beating drums that all our wealthy subjects may please pay, in lieu of their arrears, gold equal to the weight of a pumpkin gourd. I am sure the good people of Koshala will respond to the appeal quite happily.”

Lakshmana’s suggestion was accepted, and the announcement was made accordingly. He knew well that the wealthy defaulters were capable of paying much more than demanded. However, he requested Hanuman to wander in disguise and gauge the people’s reactions to the announcement.

Hanuman’s Observation

Hanuman returned and told Lakshmana, “The people are showing happiness at the proposal. In fact, they rejoice at the fact that they are not required to pay any penalties for their default. It is quite easy for them to pay what is asked of them.”

Yet Lakshmana felt uneasy. “Perhaps there are people who have already paid their dues in full or in part. Maybe some will find it difficult to pay so much gold, even if they do not grumble openly. How do we ensure true justice prevails?”

Seeking Dharma’s Wisdom

Lakshmana deeply reflected on this issue and sequestered himself inside the temple of Dharma, accompanied by Hanuman. They meditated together and came out at sunset, both appearing bright and enlightened. Lakshmana felt assured of the decision’s soundness.

The Balance of Justice

The next morning, an impressive balance was set in front of the palace. On one side of it, a pumpkin gourd was placed. Soon, people began to arrive, bringing bricks of gold. To everyone’s surprise, it was observed that the balance functioned differently in each case. In some cases, despite a lot of gold being placed against it, the fruit appeared heavier; in others, just a small amount of gold was enough to balance the scales.

It became clear that another power was at work. The fruit grew heavier if a man owed more gold to the royal treasury and grew lighter when he owed less or was genuinely incapable of paying.

Most people were honest, and those who intended to pay less were thwarted by the balance’s mysterious operation. Soon, the royal treasury was filled to the brim.

Rama’s Inquiry

When Rama was informed about the strange phenomenon with the balance, he became intrigued and called Lakshmana into his private conference chamber.

“How is it that the fruit proved quite heavy in some cases? I hope nobody has been obliged to pay more than they owed us,” he expressed.

Lakshmana replied with folded hands, “No injustice has been done towards anybody. All was managed under the direct guidance of Dharma. If anyone had to labor hard, it was Hanuman. He stood invisibly on the balance bar, applying pressure as guided by Dharma’s principles. We prayed to Dharma for this favor, and there was no risk of injustice occurring.”

Dharma’s Assurance

“What Lakshmana says is true. Whatever is done, it is done under my supervision,” said a reassuring voice from above. It was Dharma.

Hanuman, who had been invisibly present during the conversation, then became visible and bowed to Rama, who felt satisfied.

A Grand Feast

Days later, Rama proposed to host a grand feast for the people of his kingdom. Hanuman took the lead in making the necessary arrangements, preparing a vast array of food.

Sita, touched by the sight, said, “My child, you have to work hard once the guests arrive. I am afraid you will find no time to eat. Better you eat first.”

Obediently, Hanuman followed Sita into the kitchen and sat down to eat.

Sita’s Generosity

Sita served Hanuman generously, but he finished everything quickly. Each time Sita filled his leaves again, he emptied them in no time!

Sita reported the matter to Rama. He smiled and said, “Do you think Hanuman is just a hero? He is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. You cannot satisfy him with food alone; he can be appeased through prayer.”

Sita approached Hanuman, standing behind him as she prayed to Shiva, saying, “Who can ever please you with such a material offering as food? It is only your Grace that can satisfy me!”

Divine Fulfillment

Sita then recited a hymn to Shiva. At once, Hanuman stood up, thoroughly satisfied.

“Won’t you have something more, son?” Sita asked him.

“No, mother, my tummy is full,” replied Hanuman with gratitude.

Sita then prayed to Annapurna, the Divine Mother, to grant that her stock of food would not be exhausted before the last guest had been satisfied.

The Feast Begins

Soon, the feast began, and the Vanaras congregated in a spacious hall of the palace.

A young Vanara playfully pressed a finger on a berry, causing its seed to shoot up. This inspired him to boast, “How dare you leap before me, a Vanara! Let me show you how high I can jump!”

His example led many others to leap, each trying to outdo the other in the feat!

Hanuman’s Humility

But Hanuman sat quietly. Soon, Rama was drawn to the amusing scene.

“Why don’t you join the sport?” he asked Hanuman.

“My capacity for jumping is nothing compared to these heroes,” replied Hanuman with genuine humility.

This surprised Rama, but Jumbavan explained, “O Rama, Hanuman’s strength is meant for great causes, not frivolous pursuits. He will never feel inspired to jump just for fun.”

A Special Task

Rama then handed a white lotus to Hanuman, saying, “This is meant for the Sun God. Who but you can carry it to him?”

“As you wish!” said Hanuman, and he instantly took a mighty leap into the sky! Soon, he reached the Sun God’s chariot, placing the flower at his feet. “O my master, it is at Rama’s command that I am here to offer this white lotus to you.”

“Live forever,” said the Sun God, blessing Hanuman. He accepted the white lotus but returned it to Hanuman, adding, “Offer this to Rama on my behalf. This will ensure peace and prosperity in his kingdom.”

Promise of Abundance

Hanuman understood that the white lotus would never fade. Its presence in the kingdom would ensure smooth seasons, keep the people free from ailments, and allow the land to abound in a variety of crops.

Hanuman returned to Rama and presented him with the flower. Rama embraced him, and as Hanuman prostrated himself before Rama and Sita, Sita said, “My son, live forever!”