In the epic Ramcharitmanas, which revolves around the life and times of Lord Rama, the character of Dasharath stands alone and apart. He gets the honour of being the father of Shri Rama who is an incarnation of none other than Lord Vishnu.Having the Lord as his son Dasharath not only enjoyed his status but also paid a price as well. This is in line with the fundamental rule in the world that the more valuable the item you seek, the more the price you have to pay. Thus, the whole life of Dasharath went into paying the price for his status. Dasharath always passed successfully those acid tests that the destiny put him to. It is the love and adherence to truth in his life that attracts one the most. The dignity of the character of Ayodhya's king Dasharath is such that that he lived for ideals and eventually died for them. In adversity, when an ordinary human being would run for his life, Dasharath gave up his life only to honour his pledge. Only such lives as that of Dasharath become inspiration for the generations to come. A society that stops producing great men stifles the growth of not only its present but of its future also. Dasharath, thus, is a symbol of our desire to have a great society.
This book dignifies the role of Dasharath in Ramcharitmanas. Other books by the same author :
• Rama : The Lord of Decorum • Sita : The Divine Mother • Hanuman : Ocean of Devotion • Bharata : Selfless Soul

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Contents

1. Man of Morals Pgs—15

2. Supreme Benediction: Birth of Sons Pgs—37

3. Name Assigning Ceremony Pgs—63

4. Nectar of Conduct Pgs—81

5. Epitome of Paternal Love Pgs—109

6. Pious Father of Meritorious Sons Pgs—131

7. Man of Social Etiquette Pgs—149

8. Generosity of King Dasharath Pgs—161

9. Father-Sons Reunion Pgs—168

10. Grand Festivity in Janakpuri Pgs—182

11. Reciprocal Affections Pgs—199

12. Tying of Nuptial Knots Pgs—220

13. Cordiality of King Dasharath Pgs—240

14. Coronation of Shri Rama Pgs—249

15. Dasharath: Man of Words Pgs—262

16. Catastrophe for the King Pgs—273

17. Boundless Agony Pgs—290

18. Perplexity of Dasharath Pgs—301

19. Lost the Ambrosia of Life Pgs—312

20. Departure to Heavenly Abode Pgs—322

Glossary Pgs—332

He has his own place among the narrators of Ramcharitmanas. He is unique in his style, as he engages his audience and readers in a manner that is neither unnecessarily melodramatic nor philosophically dry. He narrates the story of Ramayana in a very articulate and lucid way so that the listeners while enjoying it, are immensely inspired. He has earned the adulation of his readers and recognition of critics and institutions around the world. Rajendra Arun was born on July 29, 1945 in Naravapitambarpur village in Faizabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India. He adopted journalism after acquiring a Masters, in Hindi from Allahabad University. In 1973, he went to Mauritius and became the managing editor of the 'Janata' Hindi weekly owned by the then Prime Minister Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. He had also been appointed the representative of 'Samachar' and United News of India (UNI). Presently he is the foundei Chairman of Ramayana Centre, a first institution of its kind in the World set up by an Act of Parliament. Under his leadership, the Ramayana Centre is actively promoting and propagating the spiritual, social and cultural values flowing therefrom.