Chapter summary
इक्ष्वाकुकुलधनम् Ikṣvāku Kula Dhanam
The Family Treasure of the Ikshvaku Dynasty
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
The glorious Vaivasvata Manu, desiring a son, worshipped Hari day after day with his wife Śraddhā and with profound faith. By the grace of Lord Ranganatha, Śraddhā conceived and gave birth to Ikshvaku, a great hero of immense strength. Seeing a son so similar to himself, King Vaivasvata Manu's heart swelled with joy as he performed the traditional birth ceremonies. (v.1-3)
Ikshvaku grew rapidly, like the moon waxing in the bright fortnight, delighting daily in the stories of Vishnu narrated by his parents. Day after day, he would accompany his father to the abode of Ranganatha, joyfully beholding the Lord with devotion and chanting His sacred names. Witnessing such profound devotion to Vishnu in his own son, the lord of the earth attained supreme bliss, recognizing his householder life as truly fruitful. (v.4-6)
The divine sage, the revered Vashishtha, performed Ikshvaku's sacred thread ceremony, then meticulously taught him the Vedas and the science of archery according to tradition. Ikshvaku blossomed into a great warrior, skilled on horseback and elephant-back; he was righteous, eloquent, devoted to his father, and possessed of a keen intellect. The best among those with sons, Manu arranged his son's marriage and also performed the consecration ceremony for Ikshvaku to become crown prince, beloved by all people. Protecting dharma, this righteous prince remained ever firm in his own duty, honored by vassal kings, and esteemed even by the most virtuous. (v.7-10)
Thereafter, Śraddhā successively bore ten more great warrior sons: Nṛga, Śaryāti, Diṣṭa, Dhṛṣṭa, Karūṣaka, Nariṣyanta, Pṛṣadhra, Nabhaga, and the mighty Kavi. Seeing this multitude of sons, King Vaivasvata Manu was overcome with great joy. All of them were knowers of the essence of the Vedas and Vedanta, proficient in the science of archery, devoted to their father, and followed their eldest brother. (v.11-13)
By the grace of Lord Ranganatha, the king's heart was filled with contentment, seeing his home always complete with wife, sons, and abundant wealth. In the end, desiring to retire to the forest, the righteous lord lovingly divided his inheritance in due order and bestowed it upon his sons. To Ikshvaku, his eldest and wise son, the great king devotedly gave Lord Ranganatha Himself, who was his own cherished family treasure. Having thus entrusted Śrī Ranganayaka to the devout Ikshvaku, the king, his eyes moist with tears of affection, spoke with profound faith. (v.14-17)
**Manu said:**
"This, my son, is Dharma, this is Truth, and the supreme goal of all austerities. This is the merit of all meritorious deeds, the highest fortune of all fortunes. This is the greatest of all treasures, bestowed upon me by my grandfather; it is the most auspicious of all auspicious things, the God of all gods. This is the secret of secrets, the eternal Supreme Brahman. O Ikshvaku, you are my eldest son; you must worship Madhava." (v.18-20)
"Wherever the Ranga Vimana [the celestial abode/form of Lord Ranganatha] is present, there indeed is welfare. Rain falls in due season, and crops flourish continuously upon the earth. Plagues and pestilences certainly do not arise there, and droughts are destroyed wherever this sacred Vimana is established." (v.21-22)
"This Ranga Vimana is truly the cause of all auspiciousness. By merely seeing it, by bowing to it with devotion, by worshipping it, and by circumambulating it, human beings on earth obtain long life, health, and prosperity. From the daily sight of the Ranga Vimana flows all good fortune." (v.23-24)
"O my child, He is to be worshipped in our dynasty as long as the moon and sun endure. This supreme treasure should never, under any circumstances, be given to anyone. Know this to be the family treasure, which enhances all good fortune. Even if the moment of giving up your life arrives, do not abandon this treasure. One's house may be abandoned, wealth may be abandoned, wife, sons, and others may be abandoned; but Ranganatha must never be abandoned. Worship Him day after day." (v.25-27)
"O son, when worshipped with faith, He Himself takes care of your welfare and security. Therefore, free from anxiety and fully dependent on Him, worship the Lord of the universe. This indeed was my duty, and I have fulfilled it. I now become one whose purpose is accomplished, for I have given this great family treasure to my eldest son." (v.28-29)
**Ikshvaku said:**
"I am blessed, I am graced! I have received this great family treasure. I shall worship Him with unwavering faith day after day. O Father, its greatness has indeed been described by you. Hearing it, I now understand its divine nature, and I consider this to be my greatest fortune." (v.30-31)
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
Thus consoled, King Vaivasvata Manu, pleased and content, gave away both Ranga (the deity) and the kingdom. Detached from worldly affairs and with his senses fully conquered, he departed with his wife Śraddhā to the Badarika hermitage. Having performed rigorous austerities there, at the end of his time, he attained the supreme state. (v.32-33)
Thus, the fourteenth chapter, named "The Family Treasure of the Ikshvaku Dynasty," in the Fourth Part of the "Divyadesavaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
