Mandalam Musings Day 27- Sree Ayyappan, now has a younger brother, Rajarajan-

 

Mandalam Musings Day 27-

Sree Ayyappan, now has a younger brother, Rajarajan-

The queen was very fond of Manikantha and one day she told him that he is going to get a little brother to play with. The palace was again buzzing with activities and celebrations since the queen is pregnant. The arrival of the baby was feted by all, especially, Prince Ayyappan was very happy anticipating the arrival of his brother.  They named the new baby Rajarajan, meaning the king among kings.  The whole country rejoiced at the prospect of having two bright princes for their country. Both boys grew up loving each other and Manikanthan always had special care for his younger sibling and the queen was also delighted.

A few years passed and the king thought of retiring and to take up Vanaprastha, the third stage of a righteous life to pursue the traditional four Ashramas (dharmic stages) of Human life. Vanaprashtha Ashrama is the stage before taking up the Sanyasa Ashrama, complete renunciation of material life. He had led a wonderful Brahmachari (bachelor) life where he spent his time in studies and religious work. He was an obedient son to his parents. Then as a householder (Grihastha), he has done his duties, ruling the country. making it prosperous and powerful. He had progeny to continue with the traditions, and thus completed his duties so far.

He decided to pass on the reign of the kingdom to the young Ayyappan, a decision that was welcomed by everyone in the country. The queen praised the king for his timely pronouncement and Prince Rajarajan was excited. The palace and the kingdom were in a celebration mood just as King Dasaratha’s palace that prepared for crowning Prince Rama, in Ayodhya.

Here, the comparison of Ayodhya and Panthalam was made on purpose because in both cases, the crowning of the young prince would not proceed as planned. The chief minister who is the main adviser of the king was not pleased with the news. After all, Ayyappan is not the king’s biological son, and the king does have a son of his own. So, why would he give the kingdom to the adopted son? The minister’s mind worked like Manthara’s mind in the epic, Ramayanam. He wanted to stop the crowning of prince Ayyappan at any cost and he conspired up a plan of action.