Chapter 83 — Shatrughna's Charge

“So it shall be,” Rama said to Shatrughna. “Do what I command.”

He ordered that Shatrughna be consecrated as ruler in the city once possessed by Madhu. The command did not pretend that Lavana's power had already been broken. It gave Shatrughna authority to make a kingdom where the threat had made settled life impossible.

Shatrughna accepted with modesty. “Your command must be carried out,” he said. “I am here to do as you ask.”

Priests, counselors, and ritual specialists gathered at Rama's order. That day they performed the consecration with the prescribed rites. When it was over, Rama drew Shatrughna close and placed in his hand a single divine arrow, one that could not fail its mark.

“This arrow was made when the Unconquered One lay upon the great ocean before the worlds were formed,” Rama told him. “It destroyed Madhu and Kaitabha when they threatened creation. I did not loose it against Ravana, because its use would have brought terror to all beings. Take it now. It will kill Lavana.”

Then Rama explained the danger with care. Lavana's trident, once given by Rudra to Madhu, rested in the demon's dwelling. When Lavana went out seeking food, he left it there. But if a challenger called him to battle after he had returned and taken it up, the trident would destroy that challenger and make Lavana invulnerable.

“Stand armed at his gate before he has entered,” Rama said. “Call him to the fight while he is without the weapon. Do not let him reach the house first.”

He also prepared Shatrughna for rule, not battle alone. Four thousand horses, two thousand chariots, a hundred elephants, treasure in gold and silver, and a well-paid army were made ready. Traders with many goods and performers were to go with the expedition, so that a living town could take root after fear had been driven away.

“Speak generously to your servants and give them what is due,” Rama said. “A leader's wealth and relatives do not remain where those who serve him are embittered. Let the people around you be content.”

The army was to leave first, accompanied by rishis, while the rivers could still be crossed at the end of summer. Shatrughna was to follow alone with his bow, travel beyond the Ganga, leave the larger force by the river, and go ahead unrecognized. The plan demanded patience as much as courage.

Shatrughna summoned the commanders and gave them their routes and halting places, ordering them to disturb no one along the road. Once the force was on its way, he went to take leave.

He bowed to Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. He circled Rama in respect and bowed at his feet. He saluted Lakshmana and Bharata, and honored Vashishta, the royal priest. Then, released by Rama's permission, Shatrughna left Ayodhya to meet Lavana in Madhu's forest.