Jeeyar Educational Trust

Now that we have learnt about the beauty of Ayodhya, Sage Valmiki continues with the greatness of King Dasaratha and His Council (court-ministers).

Dasaratha, was a great Vedic scholar, and practiced His life according to dharma sastra only. He had great visions for His kingdom, being a mighty and noble King. He was considered as Rajarshi, (king as well as a sage) and all His subjects lived happily under His rule. He loved all His subjects equally, and conducted Yagna for the welfare of His people. Even the puthrakameshti Yagam was done to produce a future
King for the Kingdom and for the people. He derived the name DASARATHA, because His chariot could roam in all 10 directions without the fear of an enemy stopping it. So He was also called "Athiratha.".
His other attributes were, He was strong, (balawan), "nihathamithra", one who killed all his enemies, "mithravan" had ever lasting friends, and He could control all His Indrias. If the king leads righteous
path, the people under His rule are happy. The people of Ayodhya had such a king and they were happy.

In the 7th sarga sage Valmiki described the names and qualities of the purohithas and ministers of Dasaratha. Along with Vasistha and Vamadeva a few more purohithas are there like Jabali and Kasyapa etc. Purohitha-means one who predicts the hitha(welfare) of the king and his kingdom, and gives advises in advance according to the divine activities. In other sense we can say purohitha is a priest as well as a advisor and spiritual supporter to the king.

Coming to the (important) ministers they are eight in number and some more ministers are there to assist.
Dhrushti: one who can conduct any programme without a flaw. 
Jayantha: One who is hard to defeat
Vijaya: One who is always victorious
Siddhartha: One who anticipates and fulfills the wishes of the King
Arthasadhaka: One who is persistent until His work is done
Asoka: who doesn't feel sorrow in fufilling kings orders
Manthrapala: Who can keep all secrets of the kingdom
Sumanthra: The senior most and the oldest and wisest council for the king.

Sage Valmiki goes into great detail to explain the qualities and qualifications of people who hold posts as Kings' ministers, and King Dasaratha's ministers had all these fine qualities and more...

The 27 qualities are 1) abundant knowledge about Sasthras 2) if they make a mistake,they have to repent sincerely and not ever to repeat it 3) should have a deep sense of morals, and follow it, 4) not attracted to physical beauty and not succumb to physical pleasures, 5) they should be wealthy enough that they can't be bribed for favors, 6) evaluate present situations thoroughly, and predict future consequences before making decisions, 7) must know politics well to participate in ministry, (rajanithi), 8) they must be well qualified warriors, 9) must have experience (seniority) in politics, 10) must be aware of King's activities, 11) the promises made should be kept, 12) should have an appearance that gives confidence to believers, and should strike fear in criminals, 13) if someone makes a mistake innocently should be ready to forgive them, 14) must have a pleasant and smiling face while talking with people, 15) they should not tell lies either because of desire or angry, 16) maintain secret service in and out of their kingdom for protection, 17) they are able to collect the data necessary for the King, 18) advise to act on it if necessary, 19)Love the King and be loyal to the king and should be willing to make sacrifices for the king and country, 20) should not be partial while judging someone(weather he may be their relative or friend), 21) they have to plan to earn money according to the proposed budget( no deficit inthe budget), 22) have a good control on military, pay salary to the soldiers on time, and earn their respect and loyalty, 23) they should be willing to go to war and participate if necessary, 24) only criminals should be punished and they have to take care at any cost a non-criminal shouldn't be punished, 25) should try to have a full treasury without taxing the Pundits and soldiers, 26) the punishment should fit the crime, 27) last but not least "SHOULD MAINTAIN A STERLING REPUTATION (character)."

The King and ministers of Ayodhya followed sastras, there were no natural disasters, there was no poverty, no draught, no ignorance which goes to prove that if the ruler of the country is honest and good, His council follows His example and everybody lives happily.

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