Chapter 7: రాజ పట్టాభిషేకం (Rāja Paṭṭābhiṣēkaṁ) — The Royal Coronation Part 4: The Coronation Ceremony & The Parade of Power

Chapter 7: రాజ పట్టాభిషేకం (Rāja Paṭṭābhiṣēkaṁ) — The Royal Coronation

Part 4: The Coronation Ceremony & The Parade of Power

(Scene opens: The Grand Coronation Complex. The atmosphere is vibrating with tension and anticipation.)

The confrontation with the Chief of Avunuru had settled into a heavy, electrified silence. The commoners sat in the front row, their hearts pounding. The elites sat beside them, seething but silenced by the Prince’s decree.

A slow, proud smile spread across the King’s face.

King Maniraja: "My son's words... are my words."

His voice boomed across the complex, sealing the decree with absolute authority. He raised his royal scepter.

King Maniraja: "Let the రాజ పట్టాభిషేకం (Raja Pattabhishekaṁ) — The Royal Coronation Ceremony — BEGIN!"

The Ritual of Ascension

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A hundred ceremonial drums beat in unison, a sound so deep it resonated in the chests of every soul. Trumpets of silver and bronze flared, sending a piercing, triumphant melody into the sky.

The high priests, dressed in saffron robes bordered with crimson, stepped forward. They began the ancient chants, their voices rising like smoke.

Crown Prince Raghavendra stepped forward. He did not go to the throne immediately. Instead, he walked to the back of the dais, to the massive, towering statues carved from black granite: Dirayya, the God of Valor and progenitor, and the Divine Mother, his wife.

Raghavendra knelt. He joined his hands in prayer, closing his eyes. Behind him, King Maniraja, Queen Rathnavalli, and Princess Nilaveni did the same. It was a moment of humility before absolute power.

(With his eyes closed for a brief sacred moment, Raghavendra spoke silently within his heart.)

Raghavendra: "O great Dirayya, our revered ancestor, and your righteous and virtuous consort... O divine progenitors who enlightened our royal lineage — bestow upon me your divine blessings. Guide my steps upon the path of Dharma. Grant me strength and wisdom, that I may rise as a king who upholds truth, justice, and noble righteousness."

Raghavendra stood. He turned and walked toward the Golden Jeweled Throne. It sat empty, a seat that demanded greatness.

He bowed before it. He leaned forward and touched his forehead to the cool, golden armrest.

Prince Raghavendra (whispering): "O Great Throne... seat of my forefathers... accept me. Bless me to carry your weight."

He stood up and turned to face his father.

King Maniraja stepped forward, holding a golden bowl containing a mixture of sandalwood and saffron paste.

The Raja Tilakam (The King’s Mark)

Maniraja dipped his thumb into the paste. With a firm, decisive motion, he pressed his thumb against Raghavendra’s forehead, drawing the vertical mark of sovereignty.

The Kiritam (The Crown of Maniyanūru)

Two high priests brought forward a velvet cushion. On it rested the Kiritam — the long Golden Jeweled Royal Crown. It was a masterpiece of ancient art, encrusted with rubies, emeralds, and a massive diamond at its peak that caught the sun and scattered rainbows across the stage.

King Maniraja lifted the crown. It was heavy, burdened with history. He raised it high.

King Maniraja: "I crown thee... King!"

He lowered it onto Raghavendra’s head.

ROOOAAARRRR!

The reaction was instantaneous. The earth trembled. Hundreds of thousands of people screamed in unison”

"మహారాజు రాఘవేంద్రుడు వర్ధిల్లాలి!"

Hail to King Raghavendrudu!

"మహారాజు రాఘవేంద్రుడు వర్ధిల్లాలి!"(Maharaju Raghavendrudu vardhillali!)

Hail to King Raghavendrudu!

Vira, Timmayya, their parents, Rangayya and his father Chief of Manuru Venkatayya and his wife, Rangayya's servants, and Kesavu all sat frozen, awe-struck, unable to breathe, They were stunned by the sheer volume of love and power directed at one man.

The Staff of Power

King Maniraja stepped back. He handed Raghavendra the final symbol: the Golden Five-Foot Staff. It was topped with the emblem of the Horned White Horse, forged from pure gold.

Raghavendra took it. He felt the power surge through his arm. He raised the staff high for all to see. Then, with a sharp motion, he brought it down.

THOOM!

He tapped the base of the staff against the stone floor. The sound cut through the cheers, silencing the crowd instantly.

King Raghavendra looked at his people. His eyes were fierce, burning with vision. He gripped the ancient staff tightly and began his oath.

The Oath of Raghavendra

His voice was amplified, carrying to the furthest edges of the crowd. He spoke not just as a ruler, but as a force of nature.

1)"శ్రీ మణిరాజు మరియు రాణి రత్నవల్లి దేవి సుపుత్రుడైన రాఘవేంద్రుడు అనే నేను..."

"Sri Maniraju mariyu Rani Ratnavalli Devi suputrudaina Raghavendrudu ane nenu..."

2)"ఉత్తరాన గిరినూరు రాజ్యము మొదలుకొని, దక్షిణాన సస్యనూరు రాజ్యము వరకు విస్తరించి..."

"Uttarana Girinuru rajyamu modalukoni, Dakshinana Sasyanuru rajyamu varaku vistarinchi..."

3)"జీవనదులైన పెద్ద నది మరియు అమృత నది ప్రవహించేటటువంటి..."

"Jeevanadulaina Pedda Nadi mariyu Amrutha Nadi pravahinchetu-vanti..."

4)"అమ్మనూరు, తాటూరు, దొరనూరు, మామిడూరు లాంటి రాజ్యాలు కలిగినట్టి..."

"Ammanuru, Taturu, Doranuru, Mamiduru lanti rajyalu kaliginatti..."

5)"కీలూరు, లేకూరు, అవునూరు, మూవూరు మరియు మానూరు అనే ఐదు ప్రధాన గ్రామాలు, అనేక సామంత రాజ్యాలకు నిలయమైనట్టి..."

"Keeluru, Lekuru, Avunuru, Muvuru mariyu Manuru ane aidu pradhana gramalu, aneka samanta rajyalaku nilayamainatti..."

6)"వ్యాపార వాణిజ్య సంపదలతో తులతూగుతూ, పదిహేను వేల మహాసైన్యము కలిగి అఖండంగా వెలిగిపోయే..."

"Vyapara vanijya sampadalato tulatugutu, padihenu vela mahasainyamu kaligi akhandanga veligipoye..."

7)"మహోన్నతమైన ఈ 'మణియానూరు' సామ్రాజ్యానికి సింహాసనాధీశుడిగా ప్రమాణం చేస్తున్నాను."

"Mahonnatamaina ee 'Maniyanuru' samrajyaniki simhasanadhishudiga pramanam chestunnanu."

8)"మన కులదైవాలైన వీరయ్య మరియు శాంతమ్మ ఆశీస్సులతో..."

"Mana kuladaivalaina Veerayya mariyu Shantamma aasheessulato..."

9)"నా పరిపాలనలో భయము గానీ, పక్షపాతము గానీ, రాగద్వేషాలు గానీ లేకుండా..."

"Na paripalanalo bhayamu gani, pakshapatamu gani, raga-dveshalu gani lekunda..."

10)"ఉచ్ఛనీచ తారతమ్యాలు లేకుండా, ప్రజలందరినీ సమాన దృష్టితో పరిపాలిస్తానని, న్యాయము మరియు ధర్మము నా పరిపాలనకు మూల స్తంభాలుగా నిలుస్తాయని..."

"Ucchaneecha taratamyalu lekunda, prajalandarini samana drushtito paripalistani, nyayamu mariyu dharmamu na paripalanaku mula stambhaluga nilustayani..."

11)"ఈ మహోన్నతమైన రాజ్యాన్ని పదింతలు శక్తివంతంగానూ, వైభవపేతంగానూ మారుస్తానని..."

"Ee mahonnatamaina rajyanni padintalu shaktivantanganu, vaibhavapetanganu marustanani..."

12)"మా తల్లిదండ్రులు శ్రీ మణిరాజు మరియు రాణి రత్నవల్లి దేవి..."

"Ma tallidandrulu Sri Maniraju mariyu Rani Ratnavalli Devi..."

13)"మా సహోదరి నీలవేణి..."

"Ma sahodari Neelaveni..."

14)"మహోన్నత దైవం వీరయ్య సుపుత్రుడు, మా రాజవంశ మూలపురుషుడు అయిన దిరయ్య మరియు వారి ధర్మపత్ని..."

15)"నా మిత్రులు మరియు నా సామ్రాజ్యంలోని సమస్త ప్రజల సాక్షిగా ఈ దివ్య ప్రతిజ్ఞ పూనుతున్నాను!"

మీ మహారాజు, రాఘవేంద్రుడు.

— Mee Maharaju, Raghavendrudu.

(English Translation of the Oath)

1)I, Raghavendra, the son of Sri Maniraju and Queen Ratnavalli Devi, do hereby take this sacred oath.

2)Stretching from the kingdom of Girinuru in the North to the kingdom of Sasyanuru in the South...

3)Where the eternal rivers, the Pedda Nadi and the Amrutha Nadi, flow with life...

4)Comprising mighty realms such as Ammanuru, Taturu, Doranuru, and Mamiduru...

5)Home to the five great villages — Kiluru, Lekuru, Avunuru, Muvuru, and Manuru — and many loyal vassal kingdoms...

6)Thriving with abundant trade and commercial prosperity, defended by a grand army of fifteen thousand warriors, shining eternal and unbroken...

7)I swear as the rightful sovereign seated upon the throne of this magnificent empire of 'Maniyanuru.'

8)With the blessings of our clan deities, Veerayya and Shantamma...

9)Without fear or favoritism, without hatred or attachment in my governance...

10)Without discrimination of high or low, ruling all people with equality, and upholding justice and dharma as the foundational pillars of my reign...

11)I vow to shape this great empire into one tenfold stronger and more glorious than ever before...

12)With my revered parents, Sri Maniraju and Queen Ratnavalli Devi...

13)And my beloved sister, Nīlavēnī...

14)And with reverence to Dirayya, son of the great god of glory Veerayya and founder of our royal lineage, along with his righteous consort...

15)Before my friends, my allies, and all the citizens of this empire as witnesses, I take this divine oath this day!

Your Maharaja, Raghavendra.

(After the oath)

As Maharaja Raghavendra sat upon the Golden Jeweled Throne, the earth shook once more with the cries of the people:

"మహారాజు రాఘవేంద్రుడు వర్ధిల్లాలి!"(Maharaju Raghavendrudu vardhillali!)

Hail to King Raghavendrudu!

"మహారాజు రాఘవేంద్రుడు వర్ధిల్లాలి!"(Maharaju Raghavendrudu vardhillali!)

Hail to King Raghavendrudu!

(CUT TO — The front rows.)

Vīra, Timmayya, their parents, Rangayya and his father, Chief of Manuru Venkatayya, his wife, Rangayya's servants, and Kesavu, who sat in the near row, felt the shaking of the lesser thrones.

SFX: Priests begin chanting the Anthem of Maniyanuru.

ANNOUNCER / PRIEST (low chant): "The army parade has begun."

The Grand Parade of Power

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

The ground shook rhythmically. Vira, Timmayya, and their families gripped the arms of their chairs. The vibrations were coming from the earth itself.

(CHANTING — Hymn block 1)

పంచానేక కిరీటయుక్తమగు రాజ్యశ్రేష్ఠమై, దివ్యమై

(Kingdom and Civilization)

(English Translation):

(Camera pans)

(Army parade — Entrance order)

మహా సేనాని (Maha Senani): 'Great General' — the highest military rank, equivalent to a field marshal, arrived first in his royal chariot and gave his salute to the king.

సేనాధిపతులు (Senadhipatis): 'Lords of the Army' — generals who command major wings — came in their own chariots and gave their salutes to the king.

మహా దండనాయకుడు (Maha-Dandanayakudu): 'Great Commander of Punishment/Justice' — arrived in his royal chariot and saluted the king.

ధర్మాధికారి (Dharmaadhikari): 'Authority on Dharma/Justice' — a role ensuring war ethics — arrived in his chariot and saluted the king.

రాజ ప్రహరి (Raja-Prahari): 'Royal Striker/Guard' — commander of the elite palace guard — arrived with the special royal guard unit in golden armor and saluted the king.

(CAMERA PAN) — The 15,000-strong army arrives behind them.

The chant grew louder. The earth rumbled harder.

(CHANTING — Hymn block 2)

వీరయ్య దేవుని తేజంబు వెలయ, శాంతమ్మ శాంతియున్ నిండునట్లు భూరి సంపదలు నదీ రీతి వెలుగొంద, మమ్ము పాలించుమూ మణియానూరా.

(Wealth and Founders)

May the glory of God Veerayya shine, and Shantamma's peace be complete; and may vast wealth flow like a river. O Maniyanura, rule over us.

(Camera pans)

Unit 1: రథ దళం (Ratha Dalam) — The Chariot Corps

1,500 men. 500 war chariots. 

Led by the రథాధిపతి (Rathadhipati).

They thundered past — five hundred chariots, wheels spinning, bronze plating gleaming. Each carried a driver and two warriors. The noise was deafening, a mechanical roar of wood and metal. They turned their heads in unison, saluting the new king.

(CHANTING — Hymn block 3)

రాజిల్లుం గుణరత్న ధామమయి నిత్యం బర్థి రక్షింపుచున్

రాజీవాకర బంధు కీర్తి విధి నారాధింపుచున్ మాదొసల్

Rajilum gunaratna dhamamayi nityam barthi rakshimpucun rajivakara bandhu keerti vidhi naradhimpucun madosal tejovantula ritiga pariharinchi, yugaanta mayyentakun rajambun Maniyanurambu sthiramai ranjillagakan sada.

(English Translation):

Unit 2: గజ దళం (Gaja Dalam) — The Elephant Corps

 Led by the హస్తికోశా (Hastikosha).

The ground heaved. Massive war elephants, draped in chainmail and silk, marched forward. Their tusks were capped with steel swords. On their backs sat archers and spearmen. As they passed the throne, 250 elephants raised their trunks and trumpeted — a sound that shook the very stones of the complex.

(CHANTING — Hymn block 4)

భీతిన్ నీదు యశంబు విన్న దనుజుల్ మృత్యు భయంబందుచున్

Bhitin nidu yashambu vinna danujul mrtyu bhaya banducun cetas tamu dahinchucun dolagucun jerun kadun dooramun ni tevambuna rajyambun sthiramagun nityambu santoshmun ma pitrun Maniyanura! parulan mardinchucun brovuma.

(English Translation):

Just upon hearing your name, all enemies are seized with fear, along with the dread of death. O our great father Maniyanura, crush the enemies and protect us.

(Camera pans)

Led by the తురగాధిపతి (Turagadhipati).

They came like a storm. Fast, agile, deadly. The horses were frothing, eager for battle. The riders wielded long lances and curved swords. They galloped past, a blur of motion and lethal intent.

(CHANTING — Hymn block 5)

వీరయ్య సుతుడైన ధీరుండు దీరయ్య, నిన్ను స్థాపించెన్ నిశ్చయముగా శాంతమ్మ పురివి, దైవాల ఆశీస్సుచే, నీ వంశంబు శాశ్వతంబై ఏలుగాక.

(Dynasty and Blessings)

Virayya sutudaina dhirundu Dirayya, ninnu sthapinchen nischayamuga Shantamma purivi, daivala asissuche, ni vamshambu shashvatambai elugaka.

(English Translation):Dirayya, the wise son of Veerayya, assuredly established you. By the blessings of the gods, may your dynasty stand eternal.

(Camera pans)

Unit 4: పదాతి దళం (Padati Dalam) — The Infantry

7,500 soldiers.

 Led by the వీరకోశా (Virakosha).

The backbone of the empire. Four thousand spearmen marched in a phalanx, their spears creating a forest of steel. Three thousand five hundred swordsmen followed with heavy shields.

STOMP. STOMP. STOMP.

Their marching steps were perfectly synchronized, sounding like a giant heartbeat. They stopped, turned, and slammed their shields. "HAIL!"

(FINAL CHANTING — Hymn block 6)

ఉద్వీలంబుగ మణియానూరంబు, సువర్ణ సూర్య ధ్వజమై తేజంబొప్ప రత్న సింహాసనస్థుండై, దైవంబునై రాజిల్లే పితృ మాతృ రీతి రక్షింపుచున్, శాశ్వతమై రాజంబున్ నిరతంబున్ కావుమా మమ్ములన్, పరమ గతిన్.

(Throne, Protection, and Refuge)

Udveelambuga Maniyanurambu, suvarna surya dhvajamai tejaboppa ratna simhasana sthundai, daivambunai rajille pitru matru riti rakshipucun, shashvatamai rajambun niratambun kavuma mamulan, paramagatin.

(English Translation):

The Golden Sun's flag shines above the jeweled throne. Protecting us like a father and mother — O eternal kingdom, be our refuge and keep us forever.

(Camera pans)

Unit 5: ధనుర్ధర సేన (Dhanurdhara Sena) — The Archers

3,000 archers. 

Led by the ధనుష్కోశా (Dhanushkosha).

They marched silently, deadly and precise. Longbows slung across their backs, quivers full. They represented death from a distance. They bowed, their movements fluid as water.

(The hymn ends. A final, powerful conch blast echoes across the land.)

The Invincible Kingdom

The camera sweeps across the faces of the spectators. The minor kings, the village chiefs, the haughty elites, and the ministers — all of them looked on with slack jaws. The sheer scale of the military power displayed before them was terrifying. Any thought of rebellion or disrespect evaporated in the heat of the sun.

Vira, Timmayya, their parents, Rangayya and his father Chief of Manuru Venkatayya and his wife, Rangayya's servants, and Kesavu all looked at King Raghavendra with awe after that show of power.

Rangayya whispered, "We are friends... with the master of this?"

Vira watched the army, feeling the vibration in his bones. He looked up at Raghavendra and felt a surge of fierce pride.

The camera pans up to the higher stage. It shows King Maniraja, looking satisfied; Queen Rathnavalli, proud; and Princess Nilaveni, her eyes shining with hope.

Finally, the camera focuses on the Golden Jeweled Throne.

There sat Maharaja Raghavendra.

The blue flag with the golden sun snapped in the wind behind him. He looked out over his army, his people, and his friends. He didn't look like a prince anymore. He looked like a god king.

Under his rule, the kingdom of Maniyanuru looked unstoppable.

Invincible.

Eternal.

(End of Chapter 7)