Ramayana Part I City Of Ayodhaya Poem by Diwakar Bhatt

It is a saga of love, treachery and sacrifice,
Of India, a country of people honest and wise.

In the aeon of thretha, Kaushal, a vast sovereign state.
Flourished to its zenith of prosperity and power great.

Its capital Ayodhya was situated on the banks of river Saryu,
A city of palaces, where people were happy in peaceful milieu.

High spires were trying to reach the seventh heaven,
As if boasting for Ayodhya's glory and glitter well woven.

Roads of the city were wide and clean with rows of trees,
Beautiful vista was giving a pleasing look never to cease.

Balconies were covered with numerous flowery creepers,
Wide windows and magnificent gates decorated all mansions.

Lush green gardens were a magical feast for all eyes,
Numerous birds filled the atmosphere with mirthful cries.

Cooing of pigeons, talks of parrots, songs of nightingales
Lured every passer-by to rest a little after his travails.

Beautiful damsels could be seen on the lofty terraces,
As if celestial nymphs were showering their blessings.

Rows of temples around created a majestic panorama,
A signature of king's faith in sacrosanct code of Dharma.

The sound of bells in the morning welcome the day,
Votaries would visit their deity regularly to pray.

Holy smoke of incense turned atmosphere aromatic,
Devotees echoed the temples with hymns Vedic.

Nobody was worried, nobody was morbid, all were contented,
Every dwelling was full of life and bliss never to be depleted.

People of all caste and creed, low or elite,
Occupied in their trades, full of zeal, without deceit.

People enjoyed the evenings with consorts quenching their desire,
Specks of vermilion gave the maidens a blush as they perspire.

Innumerable lamps lighted the city defeating the reign of night,
A distant look gave an illusion of a place studded with stars bright.

Sweet murmur of the flowing river was soothing to listen,
As if a lovelorn beauty humming a melody waiting for reunion.

Its grandeur was comparable to Amravati, abode of Gods,
Its prosperity and ambience even envied many lords.