Ram Pattabhishek

RAM PATTABHISHEK OR THE CORONATION OF SRI RAMA: The coronation marks the end of the Yuddha Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayan. It is the culmination of the trials of Rama- the completion of the 14 year exile and the victory against Ravana who abducted Sita. Rama returned to Ayodhya as the rightful king. His coronation was a resplendent and grand event. Rama was seated on a bejeweled throne and was crowned by the high-priest Vashishta. The coronation was also attended by Vibhishna, Ravana’s brother who assisted Rama in his battle against Ravana. Sri Rama then gave Sita a pearl necklace asking her to gift it to a person who pleased her. Sita conferred that necklace upon Hanuman. Rama ruled Ayodhya as a benevolent king and prosperity reigned.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts the scene immediately after the coronation where Rama is seen seated on the richly embellished throne canopied by a bejeweled umbrella. Sita sits beside him. They are surrounded by the brothers of Rama: Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. The person wearing a cap behind Rama is presumably Vibhishna. In the foreground are seated Hanuman sporting his pearl necklace and Vashishta.