In an auspicious turn of events, Lakshmana, driven by zeal, made his way to the house of Suyajna, a learned sage engaged in Agnihotra rituals. Upon his arrival, Suyajna greeted him with blessings. Lakshmana, with hands folded in reverence, implored the sage:
“O great friend and well-wisher! Rama has embarked on a sojourn unparalleled in the annals of history. I beseech you to bear witness to this momentous journey.”
After completing his sacred rituals, Suyajna accompanied Lakshmana to Rama’s palace. There, he reminisced fondly about Rama’s earnestness and diligence during his Vedic studies. The sage was welcomed with utmost honor, seated appropriately, and worshipped. Together with Sita, Rama circumambulated him in respect.
Rama then bestowed upon Suyajna an abundance of gifts: exquisite bangles, rings, necklaces, earrings, waistbands, and other ornaments, alongside silk sarees and colorful garments for his noble wife. Furthermore, a grand cot adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and corals—crafted with gold and silver by expert artisans—was presented, embodying royal splendor.
“O venerable Brahmin,” Rama declared, “my maternal uncle gifted me strong elephants. Among them, my cherished Santhrumjaya and another thousand are now yours.” Accepting these offerings, Suyajna blessed them with Vedic chants and departed, laden with wealth.
Later, Rama, with serene composure, instructed Lakshmana to summon the revered sages Agastya and Kausika. “Shower them with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies until they request you to stop,” he ordered. He clarified that these were not the renowned sages Vishvamitra and Agastya but bearers of the same names, distinguished in their own right.
Rama continued, “Invite the chief priest of the Taittiriya school and the devoted pundits who have blessed Queen Kausalya and honor them generously. Flood them with wealth to support their sacred endeavors. My father’s loyal advisor and charioteer, Chitra Radha, must also be rewarded—grant him land, a house, livestock, and a thousand cows.”
He further emphasized aiding the unsung custodians of Vedic traditions—humble scholars clad in simple garments, wholly devoted to Vedadhyana (Vedic study). “These sages cannot pursue worldly occupations. A king who neglects to sustain them invites their ruin. Provide them with gold, gems, land, oxen, carts, and cows, ensuring they remain unburdened by material concerns. Call upon every Kulapathi (head of a scholarly lineage) and grant them ample resources to maintain their institutions and train future generations. Let no sacred center falter due to lack of support. The treasury’s primary duty is to uphold such endeavors.”
Thereafter, Rama and Sita distributed gold coins, garments, and treasures among their attendants, ensuring their lifelong prosperity. He entrusted the safety of their homes to loyal guards during their absence, cautioning them to remain vigilant. To his treasurer, he commanded, “Bring forth all our wealth.” The riches were allocated judiciously to those deserving, as Rama intimately knew each resident’s character and needs.
One day, Trijata, an ascetic from the Garga lineage, approached Rama. Burdened by poverty and the responsibility of a large family, his wife urged him to seek Rama’s aid. Trijata’s dignified presence, borne of Vedic tradition, did not escape Rama’s notice.
“O noble prince!” Trijata addressed Rama, “I am a poor Brahmin, dedicated solely to Vedic pursuits. With many children to care for, I seek your support.”
Rama, with a jovial tone, replied, “Trijata, I have never granted a thousand cows to a single individual. Cast your staff, and wherever it lands, all the cows within that expanse shall be yours.”
Following Rama’s instructions, Trijata hurled his staff with all his might. It fell beyond the Sarayu River, encompassing countless cows and oxen. Rama, deeply moved, embraced Trijata and commanded the delivery of 5,000 cows and 100 oxen to his household.
“O Brahmin,” Rama said warmly, “I doubted not your strength but wished to demonstrate the grandeur of the Garga lineage, esteemed by the Ikshvakus. Should you desire more, ask without hesitation, for all my wealth is for scholars, teachers, and sages.”
Trijata, overwhelmed, responded humbly, “This bounty is more than sufficient for generations. In your honor, I offer my blessings.” He departed with the wealth, distributing it among his kin, leaving witnesses astounded by Rama’s unparalleled generosity.
Rama’s principle was simple yet profound: to aid the needy, uphold sacred traditions, and honor teachers. By alleviating their material concerns, he enabled them to excel in their pursuits. For Rama, a king’s wealth was not for personal comfort but for the welfare of his subjects. Moreover, his dedication to ascetic ideals underscored his integrity. Rama’s life serves as a timeless testament to virtue, offering countless lessons for the modern world.