Ayodhya Kandam

10. Dasaratha Consoles Kaikeyi

[Dasaratha is shocked to see his young wife in the room of anger. He promises that he would fulfill all her wishes as she is dear to him. Kaikeyi gets hope.]

That lady misled by the very sinful hunchback lay down on earth like a Kinnara woman hit by a poisoned arrow. 10.1

After making up her mind extremely well, that pretty, very skilful lady, told everything slowly to Mandhara. 10.2

After hearing the world that dejected pretty lady having made up her mind breathed long hot breath thought for some time and determined ways, which will lead her to happiness. 10.3

That Mandhara who was aiming for her own benefit, heard the queen's firm decision, became very happy and felt as if she has succeeded. 10.4

That very angry lady greatly angry and with a face knitted, with great determination lay down on the floor. 10.5

That Kaikeyi then threw the colorful garlands and divine ornaments and they reached the floor. 10.6

The garlands and ornaments which were thrown away by her was making the earth shine like the stars in the sky. 10.7

She was lying down on the floor of the house of anger with dirty cloths and tying a single braid like a kinnara woman. 10.8

After passing various orders regarding the coronation, the king took leave of those present and entered his home. 10.9

King Dasaratha who had his senses under control, though thinking that news of Rama's coronation was known to everybody entered his private apartments so that he can communicate the good news to her, who merited his love. 10.10

He who was very famous went to the home of Kaikeyi like a moon accompanied by Rahu on a white sky. 10.11

Dasaratha entered his inner apartment resembling heaven which was filled with parrots and peacocks, filled with the sound of swans and kinnara birds, filled with music from musical instruments, with hunchbacks and dwarfs moving here and there, blessed with Champaka, Asoka trees and houses of creepers, picture galleries, with stages decorated by gold, silver and ivory, filled with trees yielding flowers and fruits daily, Water tanks decorated by gold, silver and ivory, Excellent seats various kinds of food and drinks, various kinds of other eatables and with expensive decorations but did not see his beloved wife Kaikeyi on the excellent bed. 10.12-10.16

That passionate king seeking sexual pleasure not seeing his beloved wife was dejected and enquired with great depression. 10.17

Previously Kaikeyi was never missing at that time and the king had never before entered an empty apartment. 10.18

The king having reached the apartment without knowing the whereabouts of foolish Kaikeyi who was seeking selfish interest, as usual enquired. 10.19

Then the trembling door keeper bowing with folded hands told him, "Oh Lord, lady was in great wrath and went speedily towards the room of anger." 10.20

The king hearing the words of the door keeper became more agitated and due to his passionate frame of mind again became sad. 10.21

Then he saw her in the room of anger lying in an improper way and felt that she was feeling great sorrow. 10.22

That sinless old man, regarded his youthful wife with sinful intentions, much greater than his own life and she looked like a severed creeping plant and also like a goddess as well as kinnara lady who has fallen on earth and she also looked to him like an Apsara maiden who has slipped in to earth and like a broken down illusion and like a female deer which was tied down. 10.23-10.25

Then Dasaratha touched her like a giant elephant touching a she elephant which has fallen down due to a poisonous arrow. 10.26

That passionate one who was completely shattered due to his fear, touched that lotus eyed lady and spoke to her with great humility. 10.27

"Oh lady of auspicious qualities, I never knew that you were angry with me. Who has cursed you? Who has insulted you? I am immensely sad that you are resting on this dirty floor." 10.28

"When I have mind favourable to you, why are lying down like this on the floor like one possessed by the devil and causing me great sorrow? 10.29

"If you are not feeling well, there are skilled doctors who are being praised everywhere who can make you healthy and so please tell your sickness." 10.30

"To whom do you want to favour? Who has done something which is not liked by you? To whom should I show a favour and to whom should I do offense?" 10.31

"Oh great lady, do not weep nor make your body dehydrated? If you tell me, I shall kill a person who does not merit to be killed and release a person who merits to be killed. I shall make a poor man wealthy and a rich man a beggar." 10.32-10.33

"I and all people under my control would obey you and I do not want to even a little thing which is not liked by you." 10.34

"Tell me anything which you like and I would get it done even losing my soul and you know me so well that you would not have any doubt in that. I take an oath on Dharma that I would do whatever you like." 10.35

"My earth is as long as the extent my chariot can go. The eastern countries of Sindhu, Sauvira and Saurashtra, all the southern countries. The countries like Anga, Vanga, Magadha, Mathsya and the prosperous Kasi and Kosala are under my control." 10.36-10.37

In those countries are produced wealth, grains, animal products and which of those do you want to acquire, Oh Kaikeyi?" 10.38

"Oh coward, what is the need for all these exertion and please get up, Oh pretty one. Oh Kaikeyi tell me the source of your fear. I shall remove them forthwith like a sun removes the mist." 10.39

Consoled by the words spoken by him, she was getting prepared to tell words he may not like and she started harassing her husband further." 10.40

This is the end of Tenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


11. Kaikeyi Asks for Boons

[Dasaratha promises her that he would give any boon asked by her and takes the oath on Rama. Kaikeyi reminds him of the earlier war and his promise to give her two boons. She wants Bharatha to be crowned next day and that Rama should go to the forest for fourteen years.]

Armed with the darts of the God of love, she addressed the king who was completely caught in the net of passion with the following words. 11.1

"Oh god like king, I have not been offended by any one nor was I insulted by anyone but I want to communicate an opinion of mine to you." 11.2

"If you want to fulfill my desires, then give me a promise that you will fulfill whatever I ask for. Then I will tell you what I want." 11.3

The magnificent Dasaratha in the throes of passion with a visible smile, took the hair of the lady who can smile brightly in his hand and said. 11.4

"Oh lady with pride, don't you know that there is no one whom I love more than yourself other than the best among men Rama." 11.5

"I take an oath on the invincible Rama, who is broad minded and who is best among all those who live and so please tell me what your mind desires?" 11.6

"Ok Kaikeyi, I cannot live even for a moment without seeing Rama and as per your words, I take an oath." 11.7

"Oh Kaikeyi, I would choose Rama, the best among men, more than me or my other sons and I am taking an oath on him." 11.8

"Oh lady with great virtue, my heart is sinking and so Oh Kaikeyi touch me and lit my heart up and after you consider well, please tell me what you want?" 11.9

"You know your strength on my mind and there is no need for any doubt about it. I swear on my merits that I will do whatever you want." 11.10

That lady who was intent on fulfilling her wish, expressed her wish using very harsh words and without giving any alternative solution. 11.11

Becoming greatly happy by his words, she spoke about her wish which is highly dreadful and which had come in her mind like the God of death." 11.12

"You have been repeatedly taking an oath that you will fulfill my wish and let the thirty three gods lead by the fire God listen to it." 11.13

"Let the moon, the sun, the sky, all the planets, night as well as day, the ten directions, the entire world with all Gandharwas, Rakshasas, the ghosts who move around at night, the home gods in all homes and all other beings, know the words of your promise." 11.14-11.15

"Let all the gods hear that the truthful, greatly lustrous, votary of Dharma and the well composed Dasaratha is granting me his word." 11.16

That Lady after flattering the great archer Dasaratha like this and spoke like this to the passion filled giver of boons." 11.17

"Ok king, remember the battle between Devas and Asuras which took place long ago and there the enemy destroyed your everything except your life." 11.18

"Oh God like person, you conferred on me two boons when I rescued you as I made great efforts with alertness to save you." 11.19

"Oh king, Oh lord wedded to truth, oh god, now I am seeking those boons which were left with you, to be demanded when I want them." 11.20

"Thus bound by dharma, if you do not give me those boons, insulted by you, I would give up my life immediately." 11.21

Thus that Kaikeyi made the king in to her power by the arrow of words and the king entered in to the trap laid by her like a deer walking in to the trap. 11.22

After wards she spoke to the king who was caught in passion and who was also the giver of boons "Oh God, now I will ask for those boons which you had given me earlier and Oh king, I will ask them now, please hear." 11.23

"Arrangements have been already made for the coronation of Rama and with these materials you now conduct the coronation of Bharatha." 11.24

"Oh God, you have also given me a second boon, pleased with me, in the war between devas and asuras and time has come to ask that also." 11.25

"Rama like a saint should live for fourteen years in the Dandaka forest clad in bark of wood or skin of deer and wearing a matted hair." 11.26

"Let Bharatha enjoy the position of Yuvaraja without any thorns to trouble him and this is my great desire and please grant it. I want to see Rama departing to the forest today itself." 11.27-11.28

"Oh king of kings, become the protector of truth and protect your clan, character and birth. Those whose wealth is penance are saying that only telling of truth will ensure you great welfare in the other world." 11.29

This is the end of Eleventh Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


12. Dasaratha Requests Kaikeyi

[Dasaratha is shattered and he reasons out, chides, shouts, begs and requests Kaikeyi to change her decision. She seems to be unyielding.]

Hearing those horrible words, the great king, became very sad and extremely pained. 12.1

He thought, "Am I dreaming? Has my mind paralyzed? Is it one of those bad omens which I have been experiencing recently? Or is it a disease of the mind?" 12.2

Having thought over like this, the king did not get comfort. Being beaten by the words of Kaikeyi, that king could not regain his senses for a long time and after that he felt startled and distressed like a deer seeing a ferocious tigress. Then he sat down in a great stupor and he heaved sighs like a highly venomous snake controlled in a circle by powerful chants. After saying "What a pity?' being benumbed by great sorrow, he again lost his consciousness. 12.3-12.5

After a long time he regained his consciousness, affected by great sorrow, with burning eyes saw Kaikeyi and said. 12.6

"Oh cruel woman, Oh lady of bad character, oh destroyer of the clan, what sin has Rama done and for that matter what sin I have done?" 12.7

"That son of Raghu clan was treating you equal to his mother, and for what purpose are you trying to bring misfortune to him?" 12.8

"Out of ignorance, thinking that you are a daughter of a king, I brought you home not knowing that you are a very poisonous snake and invited my own destruction." 12.9

"When all the living world is praising Rama, for what crime should I abandon my son." 12.10

"I can give up Kausalya, Sumithra or all my wealth but If I am alive I will not give up Rama, who is my darling son." 12.11

"I feel supreme bliss on seeing my first born son and if I do not seem him, my soul will be lost." 12.12

"The world can exist without sun and crops can exist without water but I and my body cannot exist without Rama." 12.13

"Oh lady who has decided to do sin, this is enough. Give up your evil intention. I am touching your feet with my head. Please take mercy on me." 12.14

Oh sinful one, why did you get this horrible thought. Are you interested in knowing my opinion of Bharatha? Let it be like that. Earlier you used to say "Rama is like my eldest son. He is an expert in Dharma and one who fulfills his duty of my eldest son perfectly." Such sweet words uttered by you

"Could not have been spoken only to please me." 12.15-12.17

"You are one who listens to the words of others and you have caused me great pain by entering this empty room of anger." 12.18

"Oh lady, till now you have been possessing great virtues but now a great immorality has fallen on the clan of Ikshuvakus." 12.19

"Oh broad eyed one, you have never even done a minute improper or wrong act towards me in the past and for that reason I am unable to believe your words." 12.20

"Oh childish girl, several times you have told me that the great Rama is equal to Bharatha to you." 12.21

"Oh lady who is a coward, how is it that you are desiring that famous votary of Dharma should stay in the forest for fourteen years.?" 12.22

"Why do you desire the very tender Rama who follows Dharma should stay in a dreadful forest?" 12.23

"Oh lady with auspicious eyes, why do you desire Rama should go away to a far off place when he is interested in serving you?" 12.24

"Rama is always doing much more service to you than Bharatha and because of that I feel that you should not have more affection towards Bharatha." 12.25

"Though there are thousands of lady attendants to you in your apartment, I feel, Rama, the best among men, will honour you, do you great service and carries out all your orders truthfully." 12.26

"The word of blame or word of finding fault never applies to Rama. Rama with a clean mind appeases all beings. He attracts everyone in the country by performing acts dear to them." 12.27-12.28

"He wins people by truth and he wins the downtrodden by charity and wins over elders by doing service to them and he wins over his enemies by his bow." 12.29

"Truth, charity, penance, sacrifice, friendliness, purity, uprightness, knowledge, service to the elders are fixed firmly in the mind of that son of Raghu clan." 12.30

"Oh lady, he is the one endowed with honesty, he resembles devas and has luster greater than sages and how can you desire harm to such a one." 12.31

"I never recollect having heard Rama who speaks sweet words, speaking unpleasant words to any one and for your sake, how can I speak such unpleasant words to him." 12.32

"What can I ever do without Rama blessed with forgiveness, self -command, sacrifice, truth, Dharma, gratefulness, and also non-violence towards all human beings." 12.33

Oh Kaikeyi, you need to give consideration to my old age, being on the verge of death, and also being wretched and wailing and show mercy on me." 12.34

"I would give you anything that one can find in this earth surrounded by the ocean and so please leave out your anger." 12.35

"Oh Kaikeyi, I bow to you with folded palms and I will also touch your feet. I surrender to you and not sin done to Rama touch me." 12.36

Then Kaikeyi who was extremely angry replied using harsher words to the king who was drowned in sorrow, crying, deprived of his senses, tottering with distress, overwhelmed with great pain of sorrow, who was again and again requesting her not to take him to the other bank of the ocean of sorrow. 12.37-12.38

"Oh king if you are repenting like this after giving the boon, how can you talk of Dharma in this earth?" 12.39

"Oh follower of Dharma, when innumerable royal sages join together and ask you about it, what answer will you give?" 12.40

Will you tell them, "By Kaikeyi's grace, I am living and she looked after me and I am breaking the oath given to her." 12.41

"Oh great king you are bringing great disgrace to all kings, by giving the two boons and by talking differently as of now." 12.42

"When the pigeon and hawk had a disagreement, King Shaibya gave his pound of flesh and king Alarka, gave away his eyes and went to heaven." 12.43

"Having the oath to the Gods, water of oceans never cross over to the shore. Please recollect the stories of earlier kings and do not make yourself false." 12.44

"Oh bad one you want to go against Dharma, install Rama as a king and enjoy the remaining life with Kausalya." 12.45

"Whatever I have demanded may be according to Dharma or against Dharma, it may be true or false but you cannot go away from the promise that you have given." 12.46

"If Rama is installed as Yuvaraja today, In your presence I will drink strong poison and will die when you are watching me." 12.47

"Even if for one day I see the mother of Rama being honoured and receives salutations, I would prefer to die." 12.48

"Oh lord of men, I am taking a vow on Bharatha and on my life that I would not get satisfied by anything except banishing of Rama to the forest." 12.49

After seeing all this Kaikeyi became silent and did not give any reply to the king who was wailing. 12.50

That king hearing the inauspicious boons asked by Kaikeyi about Rama's banishment to the forest and the very wealthy life of Bharatha, due to great sorrow did not talk to Kaikeyi for a long time. 12.51

He stared at his dear queen who was telling words which were not liked by him, who shot words as strong as Vajrayudha at him, and was filled by dreadful distress and anguish and felt great amount of discomfort. 12.52-12.53

He thought over the great determination of Kaikeyi as well as the vow taken by her, the king crying "Oh Rama" fell down like a severed tree. 12.54

Having lost his mind and behaving like a mad man and behaving in a contrary manner, he was a sick person bereft of his luster. He was lying like a serpent. 12.55

The king addressed Kaikeyi in great sorrow, "Who has given you this meaningless idea which appears to be in your interest? You are talking to me without any shame, with your faculties being directed by a devil." 12.56

"Earlier, when you were young, I never noticed this, sorrow due to absence of character in you and now I am seeing the just opposite of it." 12.57

"You were requesting that Bharatha should occupy the throne and Rama should go to the forest. Who put this fear of Rama in you?" 12.58

"If you want to do good service to your husband as well as Bharatha, leave the thought permanently that Bharatha should become the king and Rama should go to the forest." 12.59

"Oh cruel lady, Oh sinful lady, Oh troublesome one, oh lady who does evil deeds, what sin [drawback] are you seeing in me and Rama." 12.60

"Removing Rama from the throne, Bharatha will never occupy it because he is much more stronger in Dharma than Rama." 12.61

"How can I see the pale face of Rama who has a moon like face, when I tell him to go to the forest". 12.62

"I have taken the decision to make Rama as Yuvaraja in consultations with my friends and going back from the decision would be like retreating before an army after being defeated by enemy armies. How can I see the face of kings from different states for they will ask, how did this childlike Dasaratha rule the country for so long?" 12.63-12.64

"When various elders possessing various virtues and who are also well known, ask me about the Kakustha clan, what shall I reply them?" 12.65

If I tell them the truth that, "I took the decision to banish Rama, due to torture of Kaikeyi" they will think that I am telling a lie." 12.66

"Suppose I banish Rama to the forest, what will Kausalya tell about it? After doing such an unpleasant act, what reply can I give her?" 12.67

"Oh lady, Kausalya with sweet words, who is desirous of my welfare and who gave me, my very dear son, looked after me like a servant, like a friend, like a wife, like a sister and like a mother and merited my great attention but never got it." 12.68-12.69

"I have done lot of good to you and now like a sick person eating rice with tasteless add on, those actions are burning me." 12.70

"If Sumithra sees the punishment meted out to Rama by sending him to forest, what confidence will she have on me?" 12.71

"In a greatly pitiable state that Vaidehi [Daughter of Videha] will hear about the two bad news of Rama going to the forest and also my death." 12.72

"Vaidehi would become sad for my death like a she kinnara being thrown on slopes of Himalaya by a Kinnara." 12.73

"After I see Rama travel to the great forest and after seeing Sita crying, I will not be alive for a long time." 12.74

"Oh lady, as a widow along with your son, you will look after this kingdom for a long time as I do not wish to live after Rama goes to the forest." 12.75

"Like people drinking wine mixed with poison as wine, I was considering you as a very pretty chaste woman you are really unchaste." 12.76

"You used to comfort me with sweet but untrue words, like a hunter attracting a deer by music and later killing it." 12.77

"Respectable gentleman would certainly call me ungentlemanly for having sold my son and consider me like a mean Brahmin who has consumed liquor." 12.78

"What a sorrow, what a pain that I have to tolerate your words. This sorrow must have come because of the sins committed by me earlier." 12.79

"Oh sinner, due to the sins committed by me, I was protecting you till now for a long time and it is like the rope taken care of well, turning in to a noose to hang me." 12.80

"All along when you were entertaining me and I did not realize that you are goddess of death. It was like a child in a solitary dark place touching a venomous snake that I touched you." 12.81

"Being wicked minded, I have made the great Rama as fatherless and the people of the world can rightly condemn me." 12.82

What a great childishness, that Dasaratha, the soul of passion is sending his son to the forest for the sake of a woman." they will say. 12.83

"Rama already emaciated due to celibacy as well as penances as prescribed by the Gurus, is going to suffer further great pain in this time meant for pleasure." 12.84

"If I see a word, "go to the forest" my son will not wait for a second word and say and he would immediately go to the forest." 12.85

"If my Rama is urged to go to the forest, if he tells a word opposing to it, then it will be very dear to me." 12.86

Pure in thought Rama will not know my intentions and if I say "go to forest", he will say "immediately." 12.87

"If that son of Raghu clan goes to the forest, being berated by all the world, and death will take me to the land of God of death." 12.88

"After the greatest among men Rama goes to the forest and after I am dead, of sinful woman, what are your plans of treatment of those who are dear to me?" 12.89

"If Kausalya loses me, her son Rama and her other sons, she will not able to bear the sorrow and follow me and die." 12.90

"Oh Kaikeyi, after throwing me, Kausalya, Sumithra and my other three sons to hell, please lead a pleasant life." 12.91

"After me and Rama are thrown out, the stable Ikshuvaku clan which does only good and which cannot be shaken will continue with great sorrow." 12.92

"If Banishing of Rama to the forest is liked by Bharatha, after I am dead, let Bharatha not perform my funeral rites." 12.93

"Oh my enemy, Oh one who is not a cultured lady, Oh Kaikeyi, be fulfilled in your desires, After Rama the best among men has left to the forest and after my death, you rule this kingdom along with your son." 12.94-12.95

"Till now you were living in my abode as the daughter of a king and I am sure to get matchless bad fame and be disgraced and all living beings would look at me who is a sinner with great contempt." 12.96

"My son Rama was used always to move around on horses or elephants of chariots but now he will walk around the forest on foot." 12.97

"During his food time cooks wearing ear globes used to compete with each other for preparing excellent food and drinks. How will my son live in the forest eating astringent, bitter and pungent roots and fruits." 12.98-12.99

""Having enjoyed a great life of pleasure wearing costly cloths, how will he live wearing ochre robes, that too sleeping on the floor." 12.100

"Who has given this inconceivable and dreadful advise of sending Rama to the forest and crowning of Bharatha?" 12.101

"The name woman means one who are always adamant and greatly selfish but I can't say that all women are like the mother of Bharatha." 12.102

"Oh dangerous lady, oh lady with avarice, oh cruel lady, Oh lady with a firm intention of making me pitiable, what undesirable qualities are you seeing in Rama who is devoted to welfare of others?" 12.103

"On seeing Rama plunged in great sorrow, fathers would leave their sons and wives who love their husbands are also would abandon them." 12.104

"Me seeing my god like son fully decorated coming towards me would be drowned in joy and just seeing him would make me younger." 12.105

"The earth can continue to live without the Sun or the rains caused by Devendra holding Vajrayudha but I am sure all those who see Rama go to the forest would not be interested in living further." 12.106

"I made you who like an enemy who desires my destruction as well as the ruin of others to love me and all that while for a long time I was keeping a highly poisonous snake on my lap, like one keeping his death near him. Due to delusion I am now ruined." 12.107

"Let you and Bharatha, without me, Rama and Lakshmana, having killed all our relations, rule the kingdom, to the delight all of our enemies." 12.108

"You are a woman of very cruel nature, hitting others when they are drenched in sorrow and I am not able understand why your teeth are not breaking in to thousands of pieces and fall on the ground, when you are talking such harsh unpalatable words?" 12.109

"Rama never tells even slightly unpalatable, unkind and harmful words. He does not know how to talk harsh words. He always talks pleasing words and recognized and honoured for his great virtues. How are you finding faults with him?" 12.110

"The contemptible one of the Kekaya country, you grieve, get burnt and get destroyed. Even if you get broken in to thousand pieces and reach the earth, the pitiable me will not act according to your words." 12.111

"You are like a knife, talking daily sweet and deceitful words, having wicked nature, destroying your own clan, one who never pleases the mind and interested only in destroying my mind from its roots and so I cannot tolerate living with you." 12.112

"I do not have a life without my son and why to talk of happiness in my life. While I am alive a self respecting man will not seek carnal pleasures from you. Oh lady, you should not do this harmful act. I will touch your feet, please be kind to me." 12.113

"Much beyond the limit of his respectability that king, whose heart was in the grip of a woman, like an orphan wailed and tried to touch her feet but because she pulled them out, he could not touch her feet and fell down like a very sick person." 12.114

This is the end of Twelfth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


13. Dasaratha's Diplomacy Fails

[Dasaratha again cries but when he sees that she is not bothered about it, flatters her in various ways and requests her not to insist on that boon.]

The king who did not merit this treatment was lying down in an unsuitable manner like King Yayathi who had fallen from the land of devas after his blessed deeds are exhausted. That personification of danger, who was adamant on her opinions, displaying fear though not having any fear, again urged him for the boons that she has asked. 13.1-13.2

"Oh king you used to boast that you are a votary of truth and steadfast on what you do, Why are you trying to avoid granting the boons that I requested?" 13.3

The king Dasaratha addressed this way by Kaikeyi, remained for some time in a state of delirium and angrily replied. 13.4

"Oh fatal woman, Oh my enemy, Oh person who is not like a lady, after the great man Rama goes to the forest and after I die, you can live happily after achieving your objective." 13.5

"When devas ask me about the welfare of Rama after I reach there, how will I tell them about his banishment? How?" 13.6

"If I tell them, "To please Kaikeyi, I have banished him to the forest "they will think that I am telling them a lie." 13.7

"Me who was childless, with great effort, I got the very great Rama, who was very strong and so how I can forsake him." 13.8

"How can I banish the lotus eyed Rama who is valorous, well educated, one who has won over anger, one who is patient. " 13.9

"How can I send Rama who has the black colour of blue lotus, who has long hands, who is very strong and who is charming every second." 13.10

"He deserves pleasure and not suitable for sorrow and how can I see the sagacious Rama who is caught in sorrow." 13.11

"Without sorrow reaching Rama, if death comes to me now, I would be really happy." 13.12

"Oh Cruel Kaikeyi with evil intentions, Rama has truth as his valour and is very dear to me and why do you want to cause harm to him? Inevitably I will get matchless notoriety and disgrace in this world by this." 13.13

When with a nervous mind he was crying the sun went down the Astra mountain and night set in." 13.14

"For the king with the anguished mind who was lamenting, the time dragged on for three quarters night, and the moon was shining, it appeared dark for him." 13.15

That very old king Dasaratha breathing warmly and heavily like a sick man, stared at the sky and pitiably cried. 13.16

"Oh auspicious looking night adorned with stars do not ever give way to dawn as I do not desire it. I would salute you with folded hands and beg you to do this kindness to me." 13.17

"Or otherwise go away quickly as I do not want to see the heartless, malicious Kaikeyi, who has done such a bad thing to me." 13.18

Having told like this the king Dasaratha, folding his hands in salutation try to please Kaikeyi again and spoke these words." 13.19

"Oh fortunate one, oh lady, I am a humble and depressed old man with good conduct who is greatly devoted to you. Please do this favour especially because I am a king." 13.20

"Oh lady with a fair hip, All that I have not has not been told to any one and Oh young one as you are very good hearted please do me this favour." 13.21

"Oh queen, be pleased Let this very big kingdom be given by you to Rama. Oh lady with long eye lashes." 13.22

"Oh lady with elegant hips, charming eyes and a pretty face, you will be doing this to me, Rama, to the world, to the great teachers and to Bharatha." 13.23

Hearing the pitiable wail of the king with very good thoughts, with a stable mind whose eyes were reddened and filled with tears and who was pitiably wailing, that wicked malicious woman did not obey him. 13.24

Seeing that beloved wife was not pleased in spite of his humble requests and was urging him to banish his son, again the king fainted and fell on the ground overcome with his grief. 13.25

Like this the grieving, very intelligent king, spent the night breathing heavily and after the end of the night that great king stopped his attendants from awakening him. 13.26

This is the end of Thirteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

14. Coronation Day

[Kaikeyi keeps on tormenting Dasaratha. The day of coronation dawns. Vasishta wants to see the king and sends Sumanthra to announce his arrival. The king is not able to tell anything. Kaikeyi orders Sumanthra to bring Rama immediately.]

That sinner looked at the scion of Ikshuvaku clan who had been tortured on account of sorrow regarding his son and who had lost his senses and was writhing on the floor and said. 14.1

"After hearing about the promised boons, why are you acting like a dejected man and lying on the floor as if you have committed a sin? You should maintain your dignity." 14.2

"People who are conversant with Dharma say that telling truth is a great virtue and I have told you, your duty if you are going to depend on truth." 14.3

"Oh king, Saibhya the king, kept up his promise to the hawk and gave it his own body and attained the highest state." 14.4

"In the same way, the lustrous Halarka, when a Brahmin who had mastered Vedas, begged from him, plucked his own eyes and gave it to him." 14.5

"The ocean who is the lord of the rivers who follows the truth, even on the days of high tide does not cross the thin boundary at his shore." 14.6

"Truth" is a word that is Brahman, Dharma is installed on truth and "Truth" is the never dying Vedas and only by depending on truth you can attain the highest state. 14.7

"Oh good man, If your brain is fixed firmly on Dharma, follow truth and fulfill the boons given to me. Are you really a boon giver?" 14.8

"As per my requests, for the sake of fulfilling your dharma, Rama may be exiled to the forest. I am repeating this thrice." 14.9

"Oh husband, at this time, if you do not fulfill my request, it means you have forsaken me and so I will give up my life." 14.10

By the urgings of Kaikeyi done without any hesitation, Dasaratha felt trapped in the noose of his promise like Mahabali got trapped in the noose set by Indra. 14.11

Due to the heart beating fast, his face became ashen and pale and he was like a bullock torturously moving between the yoke and the wheel. 14.12

That king with blurred eyes and a very poor vision, with great difficulty and courage, he found is footing stood up and told Kaikeyi. 14.13

"Oh sinner I married you according to Vedic rituals with fire as the witness and now I will give you up along with your son begotten through me." 14.14

"Oh lady, the night has gone away and the sun is about to rise. My guru and others will now definitely hasten me up to get ready for the coronation of Rama with the preparations already made." 14.15

"Oh woman of inauspicious practices, if you prevent Rama's coronation, then you and your son would not be eligible to do water based funeral rites to my dead body." 14.16-14.17

"I am not capable of seeing their cheerless, joyless downcast faces having seen them enjoying pleasures." 14.18

While the great king was talking to her like this the night with moon and stars faded away and the auspicious day time dawned. 14.19

Afterwards that Kaikeyi with sinful behaviour, who was an expert in speech but rendered speechless due to great anger again spoke these harsh words to the king. 14.20

"Oh king, why are you speaking these words of venomous pain? It is proper for you to summon immediately Rama who has not suffered any pain." 14.21

"Only after crowning my son and banishing Rama to the forest, and seeing me without any rivals, you would have done your duty." 14.22

Like a well bred horse lashed by the sharp whip, King Dasaratha, was greatly agitated by the words of Kaikeyi and said 14.23

"I am fettered by Dharma and my intelligence has vanished and I want to see my eldest son, who is virtuous and beloved Rama". 14.24

By that time the night had lifted and gave way to morning and the sun has risen and the auspicious star also had come and sage Vasishta surrounded by several disciples of good character after assembling the required materials entered the city. 14.25-14.26

The streets of Ayodhya were swept and sprinkled with water and flowers of different hues were spread on them. The great flags also had been hoisted and decorated with flower garlands. The roads were crowded by people who were in joyous mood and for the sake of coronation of Rama festivities were being held in various places. The people were anxiously crowding everywhere. Sandalwood and other incense were burnt everywhere and the city resembled the capital city of Indra. Vasishta who entered the city saw the king's private apartments, which was graced with very learned Brahmins who were experts in rituals relating to the rules of conducting a Yagna, Several assistants and other eminent Brahmins were also present. 14-27-14.30

The great sage Vasishta, greatly pleased entered the private apartments passed through large number of people. 14.31

Sage Vasishta saw at the entrance of those apartments of Dasaratha, the tiger among men, the very pleasing Sumanthra who was a minster as well as the charioteer. 14.32

The sage Vasishta who had great luster told that son of a charioteer "please announce my arrival to the king." 14.33

"Here are pots of Ganga water and also golden pots with water of the ocean. Here is the auspicious seat made of Udumbara wood for the installation ceremony. All kinds of seeds and perfumes, gems, honey, curd, ghee, puffed rice, Durba, flowers, milk, eight pretty maids, the elephant in rut, a luxurious chariot drawn by four horses, sword, good bow, Vehicle accompanied by men resembling moon, umbrella, white fans, golden vessel tied with golden ropes, a pale coloured bull, a good strong horse with four teeth, throne, tiger skin, samith [sticks for fire sacrifice], fire, all kinds of musical instruments, courtesans, well decorated woman, priests, Brahmins, cows, sacred animals and birds, inhabitants of towns and villages along with their societies and merchants, and many others speaking sweet words and also kings who are here for Rama's coronation. 14.34-14.41

Please bring the king here with haste since Rama has to be installed soon when there is Pushya Nakshatra. 14.42

Hearing these words the great son of the charioteer, entered the palace praising the tiger among the kings. 14.43

The guards of the door being desirous of king's interests were not competent to stop the old Sumanthra who was liked by the king. 14.44

Going nearer the king but not knowing his state of mind, he started praising him in very complementary pleasing words. 14.45

Then that charioteer entered the apartment of the king and with folded hands showered praises on the king which were appropriate. 14.46

"Like the splendid ocean rises along with the rise of the Sun, be pleased to get up with a happy frame of mind." 14.47

"Just as Mathali, the charioteer wakes up Indra, who is the conqueror of all asuras at the present time, I also wake you up." 14.48

"Like Vedas along with Vedangas wakes up the self born Brahma, in the same way I am awakening you now." 14.49

"Like the sun and moon support the life of all beings of earth, in the same manner, I am awakening you." 14.50

"Oh great king, clad in auspicious cloths suitable to the occasion, please get up like the sun coming out of the Meru mountain." 14.51

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, let the sun and the moon, shiva and Khubera, Varuna, Agni and also Indra bless you with prosperity." 14.52

"Oh great king the goddess night has passed by. After acquainting yourself with tasks which have been done so far, do whatever is necessary to the coronation of Rama." 14.53-14.54

All the citizens of your kingdom have arrived saluting you and the great sage Vasishta who is a god like Brahmin is waiting for you at the gate." 14.55

"Ok king quickly give the order for the coronation of Rama. Like the cow without the keeper, the army without the commander, night without moon cows without bull, would be the kingdom, if it does not see its king." 14.56-14.57

The king hearing these meaningful and appeasing words, again was completely pervaded with great grief. 14.58

That virtuous and glorious king, with destroyed pleasure and reddish eyes due to great sorrow looked up to the charioteer and said, "With words you are piercing my important parts of the body." 14.59

Having heard those words of sorrow and having seen the pitiable king, Sumanthra moved away from the place with folded hands. 14.60

Due to his very miserable state the king could not speak anything but the very diplomatic Kaikeyi said to Sumanthra. 14.61

"Oh Sumanthra, excited by happiness due to the thought of Rama, the king could not sleep all through the night and is very tired as he is very sleepy." 14.62

"And so oh charioteer, rush out and bring illustrious prince Rama without any hesitation and delay. Please be safe." 14.63

He thinking of that auspicious event felt happy with the king's order and quickly went away. 14.64

Sumanthra thought that summoned by Kaikeyi, Rama the follower of Dharma would definitely come here for the purpose of the crowning. 14.65

Deciding like this, that charioteer with great joy came out of palace with an idea of going and meeting the great Rama. 14.66

Sumanthra having left the auspicious private apartment which was like an ocean, he saw ahead of him crowds of people thronging the entrance. 14.67

Then immediately moving and after reaching the entrance, he saw several kings standing at the door and he also saw kings, wealthy people and citizens who had already come and waiting there. 14.68

This is the end of Fourteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


15. Sumanthra's Visit to Rama's Palace

[Sumanthra is again sent back by the people in charge of arrangements to get final approval of the King. Dasaratha sends Sumanthra to bring Rama. Sumanthra goes to the crowded palace of Rama.]

Those Brahmins who were expert in Vedas having stayed for the whole night, along with the priests of the king assembled near the place where coronation would take place. 15.1

Ministers, chiefs of army, chiefs of merchant associations had also assembled there with great joy for Rama's coronation. 15.2

The chiefs of Brahmins had decided to celebrate the coronation of Rama when the Sun becomes bright in the Pushya star and when Karkidaga Lagna, which was the Lagna of Rama, is in ascendant. 15.3

Golden jars with water, a well decorated throne with a tiger skin spread on it and a chariot were all shining. 15.4

Sacred water from the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, as also water from other sacred rivers, wells, lakes, ponds and from rivers flowing east or west words and from rivers which has joined together, and those rivers flowing crookedly and from all oceans had been brought. 15.5-15.6

Gold and silver pots filled with excellent water, together with popped grains covered by milky sappy leaves along with lotuses and water lilies were shining. 15.7

Honey, curds, ghee, puffed rice, Dhurbha, flowers, milk, Courtesans with dignified conduct and well ornamented were all have been arranged. 15.8

A great fan made with hairs of Yak, made of gold and inlaid with various precious gems, which resembled the diffused rays of the moon was held in readiness for Rama. 15.9

A white majestic Umbrella resembling the full moon which is to be used before the coronation was kept ready. 15.10

A white bull was kept ready. A white horse and a white majestic elephant in rut, which were worthy of ridden by a great king was also got ready. 15.11

Eight auspicious maids decorated with all types of ornaments, all sorts of musical instruments and poets who flatter and others were waiting. 15.12

All the articles which were arranged for the coronation of a prince belonging to the Ikshuvaku race were also arranged for the coronation of the king's son. All those people who were assembled there as per the order of the king told, "Who will tell the king about our arrival?" 15.13-15.14

"The sun has risen and we are not able to see the king though all arrangements to make Rama as Yuvaraja are kept ready." 15.15

When great kings from all over were talking like this among themselves, Sumanthra who had met the king said. 15.16

"As per the orders of the king, I am going speedily to meet Rama. You are all honourable to the king and especially to Rama." 15.17

"I shall ask the king, on your behalf, his welfare; wish him long life and the reason for his not coming here." 15.18

That expert in all things historic, after saying this entered the private apartments, which remained closed always. 15.19

After having entered and after praising the king's clan, he approached the bed room of the king and stood there. 15.20

After entering near the bed room and he stood behind the curtain, he praised the king Dasaratha and also told him the words of blessing. 15.21

"Oh king of Kakustha clan, may the sun and the moon, Shiva and Khubera, Varuna, fire God and Indra bless you with victory." 15.22

"The divine night has come to an end and the auspicious day has arrived. Oh tiger like king, please wake up and attend to your other duties." 15.23

"Oh member of Raghu clan, oh king, several Brahmins, army commanders and merchants have arrived and are seeking your audience and so please wake up." 15.24

That king who woke up saw Sumanthra, the minister and charioteer, and an expert in Manthras and told him as follows. 15.25

"Oh Charioteer, you have been told by her to bring Rama speedily and for what reason are my orders not implemented?" 15.26

And Again the king Dasaratha ordered the charioteer, "I have not been sleeping and instantly go and bring Rama." 15.27

After hearing the orders, respecting him with a bow of head, he again left the king's residence, thinking himself about the coming auspicious event. 15.28

The Charioteer saw the royal avenue well decorated by flags and banners and was greatly pleased by it. 15.29

That charioteer over heard the conversation between all the well pleased assembled citizens about the coronation of Rams. 15.30

Then Sumanthra saw the palace of Rama resembling the Kailasa peak which in splendour resembled the residence of Devendra. 15.31

Sumanthra saw the palace closed by two very great doors, shining with hundreds of galleries, with idols of gold kept on its top and with decorations made of costly gems. He saw it like the lustrous clouds of autumn resembling the shining cave of Mount Meru. It was decorated with garlands of precious stones and pearls strewn here and there with pearls and being decorated by sandal and aloe wood. It was emitting fragrance like the Peak of Dardura Mountains and captivated all minds. The sarasa birds and peacocks added to its glitter by their sweet songs and the palace was well decorated with well carved images and other trimmings. With its great splendour it captivated the eyes and minds of all living beings, It was shining like the Sun and moon and looked like the residence of Khubera and was like the mirror image of the palace of Indra. It was populated by various types of birds. And that Charioteer saw the house of Rama like the peak in Meru Mountain. The villagers had come as crowds bringing gifts along with them and were waiting impatiently to see the coronation. That palace of Rama which looked like a great cloud was well decorated and filled with variety of gems. It was also crowded with hunchbacks and hunters. 15.32-15.40

That charioteer travelling in the chariot drawn by horses delighting the people and the royal clans and all the people of the city reached the house of Rama. 15.41

Having reached there, that charioteer was greatly thrilled on seeing the magnificent and great riches of the house of Rama filled with peacocks and great beauty and resembling the house of Indra. 15.42

The courtyards of that house of Rama was like Kailasa and greatly decorated and resembled the house of devas and being very close to Rama passed through several waiting friends and entered the private apartment of Rama. 15.43

There the charioteer heard all the people who were greatly delighted by the arrangements made for the coronation of Rama and talking about the auspicious future of the son of the king. 15.44

Sumanthra saw Rama's house which looked like the home of Indra, filled with various animals and birds and it looked like the Peak of Meru Mountain and shining with light. 15.45

Millions of people from the village had arrived and having left the chariots were standing near the gate, giving salutations with folded hands and they had also brought several gifts. 15.46

There he also saw a huge bodied royal elephant named Sathrunjaya, resembling the great clouds surrounding the mountain, with flowing ichors from its temples, standing without caring for the goad and waiting for Rama to climb on it. 15.47

The important minister had already come there riding on well decorates chariots, horses and elephants but Sumanthra found his way to Rama's private apartment walking the crowds on both sides of the road. 15.48

With its great towers the house looked like Mahendra mountain surrounded by motionless clouds and it had very many rooms and that charioteer entered it like a crocodile entering the sea which was blessed with different type of precious stones. 15.49

This is the end of Fifteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


16. Rama Goes to Meet Dasaratha

[Sumanthra informs Rama that his father and queen Kaikeyi want to see him. With great expectations he takes leave from Sita and goes in Sumanthra's chariot. Lakshmana also travels with him. The people express their expectation from Rama and their great admiration. Rama reaches the palace of Dasaratha.]

Sumanthra who was conversant with epics having entered through the door, which was crowded with lot of peoples reached the sparsely populated courtyard which was being guarded with alertness, attentive young men who were devoted to king and who were wearing shining ear studs. 16.1-16.2

There he also saw well ornamented old people wearing ochre robes, holding a staff in their hands and appointed to guard the entrances of the apartments of ladies. 16.3

On seeing him all those guards who were interested in the welfare of Rama, with great haste stood from their seats. 16.4

That humble minded son of the charioteer courteously informed them, "Please tell Rama quickly that Sumanthra is waiting at the entrance." 16.5

They who were always interested in doing good to the master, went and met Rama who was in the company of Sita and informed him accordingly. 16.6

When Rama was informed by them that the charioteer who was a close friend of his father has arrived, he ordered them to bring him inside so that he himself will have the pleasure of seeing him. 16.7

That charioteer saw Rama who resembled the god of wealth, completely decorated sitting on a richly covered golden seat. He was well adorned and anointed with red perfumed sandal paste resembling in colour the red blood of a boar. With Sita by his side fanning him with a fan of yak tails in her hand he resembled the moon along with the star Chithra. 16.8-16.10

Sumanthra well known for his humility and modesty saluted Rama who had natural luster like the sun, the giver of boons. 16.11

Sumanthra who is honoured by Dasaratha having seen the son of a king with pleasant looks sitting on an easy chair with saluting hands said. 16.12

"Oh great son of Kausalya, your father along with queen Kaikeyi wants to see you and so please go there without any delay." 16.13

When thus spoken the lustrous lion among men was greatly pleased and after honouring Sumanthra told Sita, 16.14

"It is certain that the king and queen after meeting and discussing about the coronation, are thinking about some important aspect." 16.15

"Having an opinion, that dark eyed, skilled queen who is interested in general welfare, is urging the king in my favour." 16.16

"My mother, who is the daughter of the king of Kekaya, who follows the wishes of the king perhaps wants to do something in my interest." 16.17

"It is fortunate that the king and his dear wife who is the queen, has sent Sumanthra who desires my earning of Artha and Kama as their messenger." 16.18

"As per the opinion of the council, a befitting messenger has arrived and it is certain that the king will consecrate me as Yuvaraja today." 16.19

"Sure, I will go to the king immediately from here, meanwhile you entertain yourself along with the attendants." 16.20

That black eyed Sita, greatly recognized by her husband thinking over the coming auspicious events, followed him up to the entrance. 16.21

"The king will give you the kingdom served by Brahmins, who are worthy of helping one to conduct Rajasuya sacrifice, like Lord Brahma gave the deva loka to Indra." 16.22

"I would like to see you observing the rituals, after completing the penance, wearing the excellent purified deer skin and carrying the horns of antelope." 16.23

"Let Indra protect you from east, Yama protect you from south, Varuna protect you from west and Khubera protect you from north." 16.24

After taking leave from Sita, wearing auspicious ornaments, Rama left the palace along with Sumanthra. 16.25

Having come out of the palace like a lion coming out of the mountain cave Rama, saw Lakshmana standing at the entrance who bowed and saluted him. 16.26

Then that son of the king who was tiger among the men met his friends in the middle courtyard. He approached and greeted all of them who were interested in seeing him and later he clad in a tiger skin and resembling a fire entered the chariot. 16.27-16.28

That Rama whose brilliance matched the thousand eyed Indra, mounted in to that spacious and well harnessed chariot decorated with gold and precious gems, which was dazzling the eye due to its great luster equal to that of the sun, drawn by excellent swift moving horses which looked like young elephants and which was moving creating sound like thunder and sped away swiftly. 16.29-16.30

That chariot moved making sounds like thunder like a dark rich cloud emerged from the house like moon emerging from behind the cloud. 16.31

Lakshmana the younger brother of Rama holding in his hands a fan and an umbrella mounted at the rear of the chariot to guard his brother. 16.32

Then from the multitude of people who were gathered the sound of applauds emanated. 16.33

Chiefs of soldiers in hundreds and thousands riding on best horses and mountain like elephants followed him. 16.34

Well prepared heroic men applying sandal and agaru in their bodies holding swords and bows, greeting Rama went ahead of him. 16.35

Then on the way musical instruments were played and poems flattering him were being sung by poets along with lion like roaring by warriors. 16.36

Well dressed women standing on balconies of their houses all the way showered heaps of flowers from all sides on the tamer of his enemies. 16.37

Women with faultless body standing on the top of the houses as well as on the ground were praising Rama with sweet words aiming to please him. 16.38

"Oh Rama who gives joy to his mother, since you have got the kingdom of your father, you must be seeing that your mother is greatly delighted." 16.39

Those women considered Sita as greater than all women, because she was dear to the heart of Rama. 16.40

"There is no doubt that, Sita like, Rohini joining with moon, was united with Rama, because of the great penance done by her formerly." 16.41

When the great man Rama was going through the royal avenue heard the conversation between woman standing on the top of their homes. 16.42-16.43

Then that Rama heard the words of admiration, from those very happy citizens concerning himself using different words. 16.44

"Due to the grace of the king Rama is going to receive this kingdom and its wealth. Because he is going to protect us, all our desires would be fulfilled." 16.45

"If Rama looks after our kingdom for a long time it will bring benefit for all the people. If he looks after us, nothing that we do not like will happen and there would be no sorrow." 16.46

Rama proceeded further like Khubera and was preceded by elephants and horses and his praise was sung about by great poets, while very sweet music was also being played. 16.47

Rama thronged by he and she elephants as well as horses and the road junctions were filled with great number of people. The highway which looked splendid was also filled lot of merchandise and lot of gems for sale. 16.48

This is the end of Sixteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


17. Scenes on Rama's Way to Dasaratha's Palace

[A detailed description of the way to Dasaratha's palace as well various people on the way is described.]

That Rama sitting on the chariot surrounded by friends who were filled with joy saw the city decorated with banners and flags and made perfumed by burning of Sandal and Agaru and crowded by people of all types. 17.1

Rama drove in the middle of the street, which was made scented by agaru and incense and with white buildings resembling cloud on both sides. 17.2

He entered the excellent royal highway made fragrant by heaping of Sandal and pre-eminent Agaru on sides as well as pure white silk, white pearls without holes and several excellent articles made of crystals. It was very spacious, strewn with different type of flowers and food articles of all types were available on either side. 17.3-17.5

Rama saw the royal avenue looked like the avenues of God in heaven and the broad areas covered by cross roads were worshipped with curds, parched grains, sacrificial libations, rice coated with turmeric, fragrant substances like sandal and agaru. 17.6

He heard many blessings, said by his friends and after honouring each according to their rank, he travelled further. 17.7

"After being consecrated today, you follow the path for ruling followed by grandfather and great grandfather." 17.8

"When Rama becomes the king, he will rule us better than his father and grandfather and we would live with great happiness." 17.9

"If we are going to be able to see consecrated as the king today, then we can live devoid of food, because there would be nothing more to be accomplished in this life." 17.10

"For us nothing greater need to be achieved than the coronation of the greatly lustrous Rama as a king." 17.11

Hearing all these words praising him told by his friends as well as other auspicious dialogues, Rama remained listless as they further proceeded on the royal avenue. 17.12

Though Rama has crossed them and gone ahead, no one was able to no one was able to remove his image from their eyes or mind. 17.13

They thought that if a person does not see Rama or Rama does not see him, will be found fault by all the worlds besides he will blame himself. 17.14

The best among those who follow Dharma would show mercy to all the four Varnas [caste groups], for that reason all of them devoted him. 17.15

The son of the king crossed intersections of two roads, roads leading to the temples, religious structures and temples and he crossed them on the right and proceeded. 17.16

That prince reached the family house of the king which resembled the dazzling home of Indra in this earth in its royal splendour, with its various peaks similar to the cluster of clouds, white peaks of auspicious Kailasa and like the air planes decorated by gems which covered the entire sky. 17.17-17.19

The great man Rama crossed the first three courtyards, which were protected by the archers, riding on horses and crossed the remaining two courtyards by foot. 17.20

Rama, the son of Dasaratha after passing through the courtyards sent back all his followers and entered the private quarters of the king. 17.21

When the prince went to his father's presence all the people were happy and started waiting like the lord of waters waiting for the appearance of moon and were waiting for his moon like rise. 17.22

This is the end of Seventeenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


18. Kaikeyi's Demands

[Rama finds Dasaratha sorrowful and upset. He did not speak to him. When he asked Kaikeyi about it, she tells about the background and informs about her demands. Rama agrees to them.]

Rama saw his father reclining on the auspicious seat with Kaikeyi and had a dry face and pathetic look. 18.1

He with a well composed mind, after first saluting the feet of father with great humility, he saluted his mother Kaikeyi's feet. 18.2

Dasaratha with eyes full of tears said "Rama" and the king was not able to look at him or say anything further. 18.3

Having seen very rarely this appearance of his father, Rama was scared as if he has stamped a serpent. 18.4

The king with senses devoid of pleasure, emaciated because of sorrow and grief, with an agitated and upset mind was taking tortured breaths. He was like a ocean full of agitated and beating waves, like a sun caught in an eclipse, like a sage who has told a lie and was without luster and Rama was scared to see him like that. 18.5-18.6

After worried thinking about the reason for the sorrow of the king, Rama became agitated like a ocean during the full moon. 18.7

Then that Rama thought over about his father to whom he was devoted and thought, "Why is my father not replying to my greetings today like all other days." 18.8

"At other times on seeing me, my father even though angry used to get calmed down but today even after seeing me, why is it that he is sad?" 18.9

Depressed and extremely sad Rama with a face of diminished luster, after saluting Kaikeyi asked her. 18.10

"Without intention have I committed an offence? Why is my father angry with me? Please tell and show kindness to me." 18.11

"Why does he who is always with love to me, today dejected? Today he is with a pale face and depressed look. Why is he not speaking to me?" 18.12

"Is his mind or body sick? Does some great distress trouble him? Surely one cannot always have pleasures." 18.13

"Has some misfortune befallen on the lovely Bharatha or the very powerful Shatrugna or to any of my mothers? I hope not." 18.14

"If the great king is not happy with me for not obeying his words, I do not want to live even for a second." 18.15

"For a man, if his father, who is his root of origin and who is his God, exists, how else can he conduct himself?" 18.16

"Did you speak harsh words to him out of wounding of self-respect or due to anger, which has upset his mind?" 18.17

"Oh great lady, I am asking you repeatedly the reason for this negative emotion of the king, which has never happened. Please tell me the reason." 18.18

When the great Rama asked like this to Kaikeyi, then she replied without shame and with evil intentions in mind. 18.19

"Oh Rama, the king is not angry and he does not suffer from any sorrow but he is hesitating to talk to you some matter existing in his mind, due to his fear of you." 18.20

'He is not able to speak something which is not liked by you, due to his great love to you and so you should fulfill the promise that he has given to me." 18.21

"Earlier he had honoured me by giving two boons and now like a common man he is repenting for giving them to me." 18.22

"The king after saying, "I shall give you two boons", now desires to construct a dam, after the water has flown away." 18.23

"Oh Rama, truth is the corner stone of Dharma and virtuous people agree to this and so you act so that the king does not sacrifice the truth due to anger." 18.24

I shall tell you everything, if you tell me that "I would obey what the king says, whether it is auspicious or inauspicious." 18.25

"If you promise me that whatever the king tells you, will not go in vain, I shall tell it to you as the king is not willing to tell it to you." 18.26

Hearing the words uttered by Kaikeyi Rama was greatly depressed and he told the great lady in presence of the king. 18.27

"Oh great lady, what a pity, such words from you are not fit to be told, because on hearing the words of the king I would jump into the fire or even consume strong poison or get drowned in the ocean as he is my worshipful father who would desire only good to me." 18.28-18.29

"Because of that Oh great lady, please tell me in words the desire of the king. I, Rama am promising and Rama never repeats anything twice." 18.30

Kaikeyi with sincerity told Rama, who is the votary of truth, these very cruel words which are not fit to be told by a lady. 18.31

"Oh Rama, earlier in a great war between devas and asuras when your father was wounded I saved him and he promised me two boons." 18.32

"Using those two boons, I requested the king to perform the coronation of Bharatha and your departure to Dandakaranya forest today itself." 18.33

"Oh best among men, if you and your father want to protect the oath, then please hear my words." 18.34

"As per the oath of your father, which you have heard, you enter the forest for fourteen years." 18.35

"Bharatha would be consecrated with the preparations made by the king for your coronation." 18.36

"You occupy the Dandakaranya [punishing forest] for fourteen years after sacrificing your coronation and wearing matted hair and cloths of bark." 18.37

"Bharatha will stay in the capital of Kosala country [Ayodhya] which is blessed with various types of gems and horses, chariots and elephants and rule this earth." 18.38

"For that reason the king greatly under the control of mercy has face showing sorrow and is not competent even to see you." 18.39

"Oh son of the Raghu clan, carry out these words of the king and see to it that you adhere to truth and liberate him." 18.40

After hearing these words which hurt, Rama never felt any sorrow but the king was greatly pained to see the calamity which fell on his son.

This is the end of Eighteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.