Hari Aum.
Om Sri Ramaya Namah.
Let us continue the story of the Ramayana written by sage Valmiki. Before I go any further, I want to say that I personally find it quite hard to read the Ramayana from the part of the exile of Rama. I know the story since childhood-- it is not new to me. But this is the first time that I am reading the original text and translation.
And the trouble is that Valmiki is too good a poet and author-- while reading his work, one effectively finds oneself in the world of Sri Rama, and the characters come to life in the mind's eye. He describes every thought, every feeling, every look, every movement, every little detail beautifully and poetically.
As many of us know, this story is filled with tragedy. For the greater part of it, the good are tormented while evildoers rejoice. Yes, evil is defeated in the end, but not before the good suffer greatly. Therefore, it is not an easy story to read.
And so, despite knowing the story, I found myself welling up many times last evening when I read the next section in full (and I still have to keep a box of tissues to hand while I type this!). As I do not enjoy reading and writing about the next bit (one of the most depressing sections), I am going to write this as briefly as possible (but without skipping anything essential to the story).
So, let us carry on from where we left off-- we are at the palace of Kaikeyi. She and Dasharatha have spent the entire night in conflict over her two wishes.
When morning dawned, Sumantra, the King's closest minister arrived to greet him and provide an update regarding the arrangements for the coronation of Sri Rama. Everything was ready. Everyone was ready. There was great rejoicing in the streets and homes all over Ayodhya. People could not wait to celebrate this day.
On entering the room where King Dasharatha was present, seated on a couch next to Queen Kaikeyi, the minister noticed that things seemed strangely amiss. The King looked most unwell; he was unable to even speak to the minister.
Kaikeyi spoke for the King-- she ordered Sumantra to bring Rama to them. The minister hesitated (as he was used to only accepting orders from the King) and Dasharatha then reluctantly requested him to bring Rama.
Sumantra left and travelled through the city to the palace of Rama. Recognising him as the King's key minister responsible for arranging the coronation, people everywhere greeted him with joy. He entered the magnificent palace of Rama and was taken to a room where he found Him seated on a couch next to Sita. They were delighted to see each other and exchanged affectionate greetings.
The minister then told Rama that King Dasharatha and Queen Kaikeyi had requested His presence at their palace. Telling Sita that they likely wished to discuss details related to the upcoming coronation, Rama left saying that He would soon be back (during this conversation, He praised Kaikeyi saying she always had His best interests at heart and that she surely wished to bless Him on this auspicious day).
Seemingly unaware of the events about to occur, He travelled with Sumantra to meet Dasharatha and Kaikeyi. Lakshmana, the faithful shadow of Rama, accompanied Him to their father's palace.
As they rode in their chariot, through the ornately decorated city, people were tremendously happy and excited to catch sight of Rama. There was much waving, exchanging of greetings and loud cheers of celebration.
Upon Rama entering the room of the palace where His father was present, He saw the King looking utterly wretched and miserable. Unusually, His father did not rise and greet Him affectionately-- he only managed to say "Rama" with eyes filled with tears. Rama was very worried upon seeing His father in this painful condition.
What was the matter, He asked Kaikeyi. Was the King angry or upset with Him? Had He accidentally done something to offend him?
Kaikeyi replied stating that Dasharatha was neither angry nor offended. She told Rama that the King had promised her two wishes years ago after she had saved in life in battle. She now wanted those wishes and offered to tell Him what they were if He would provide His support. She declared that it was vital for Rama to help His father to keep his word and uphold the truth at all costs.
Rama, hearing these words, immediately agreed. How could she even doubt His resolve, He asked. Of course, He would carry out his father's bidding. He would naturally do everything in His power to uphold the truth, to uphold righteousness/dharma.
She had but to tell Him what she desired and it would be done. Thus, Kaikeyi was satisfied.
She then told Rama what she wanted. She wanted Him to leave without delay for the Dandaka forest, far away from Ayodhya. She instructed Him to cast aside His royal attire and adopt the appearance of an ascetic wearing clothes made of tree bark and deerskin, and with matted locks of hair. Declaring that she desired Him to remain in the forest for fourteen years, she told Him to leave as soon as possible.
In place of Rama, she said that her son, Bharata, should be crowned as King that very day. The arrangements that had been made for Rama's coronation, should be used for his brother. These were her two wishes.
The King was miserable, she said, due to her asking him for these wishes that were not favourable towards Rama. This was the reason for his inability to even look his son in the face, let alone speak with Him.
Rama did not flinch even slightly at the words of Kaikeyi. He merely bowed and said that He would do everything to ensure that the truth was upheld. Assuring the Queen that His father's promise would not be broken, He said that He would leave the kingdom that very day.
Kaikeyi was delighted upon hearing Rama's acceptance of her wishes. Saying that she would send messengers forthwith to bring Bharata back from the palace of his maternal grandfather in Kekeya, she urged Rama to depart at once. There was no need for Him to remain in Ayodhya any longer, she said.
As she spoke these unpleasant words, the misery of the King deepened. He had appeared to be in a daze, a sort of semi-conscious state, throughout the conversation between Kaikeyi and Rama. He now sighed a few times saying "How shameful! How painful!" and appeared to slip in and out of unconsciousness.
Rama then told Kaikeyi that she had greater authority over Him than His own father and that it pained Him that she had not directly told Him of her wishes. He would have carried them out if she had done so; there had been no need to involve His father.
Stating that He had no desire for material wealth, and that He was devoted to dharma/righteousness in the same way as the rishis (sages), He vowed that He would certainly leave Ayodhya that very day and as soon as possible. However, He requested her to allow Him a short time to say goodbye to His mother, Kausalya, and His wife, Sita.
Rama then said that Kaikeyi should ensure that as King, Bharata, would serve the country well, by protecting it from internal conflict and external aggression. His brother should also serve their aged father well. This, He said, was the eternal code of dharma.
Hearing these words of Rama, King Dasharatha was unable to speak due to grief and only shed bitter tears. Rama then bowed at the feet of the King and Queen, went around them as a mark of respect, and left their presence. As He left, other members of the royal household, who had heard the news, shed tears, and Dasharatha felt even more wretched hearing them weeping.
On leaving the palace, there was no change in Rama's demeanor-- He appeared calm and cheerful and gave no external indication of the events that had just taken place. His brother, Lakshmana, who had also now learned of Kaikeyi's wishes, was filled with grief and rage. With eyes filled with tears, he followed Rama as He travelled to the palace of Kausalya.
On arrival at His mother's palace, Rama found her in excellent spirits, performing worship to Vishnu for His welfare. She was invoking the Divine to bless her son with good fortune in His upcoming role as King.
Upon Rama informing her that there was a change of plan, and that He was to leave that very day for the Dandaka forest (which was known to be filled with ferocious wild animals and birds, and fearful asuras) and remain there in exile for fourteen years, Kausalya was consumed with grief. Feeling faint, she lay down, and Rama spent some moments speaking reassuringly to help her recover.
Then there was a painful conversation between mother and son. Kausalya made every possible attempt to persuade Rama to stay. She told Him that she felt unsafe at the palace without Him, as Kaikeyi had always been hostile towards her and the King had done little about this. It was only Rama who was her comfort, she said. With Him gone, life at the palace would be unbearable.
If He would not stay, then she would go with Him to the Dandaka forest. However, she asked Him to consider the wishes of the rest of His family and the people of Ayodhya-- they would all be deeply unhappy in His absence. Stating that she had equal authority over Him as His father, Kausalya said that she would not give Him her consent to leave.
Rama replied affectionately but firmly, stating that He had to leave for the forest to uphold His father's word and the principle of truth (which was the essence of righteousness). He could not rule as King based upon a broken promise, He said. Reassuring her, He said that He would be back after fourteen years to serve His family and kingdom. He said that He could not take her to the forest with Him as her place was by her husband, His father.
Lakshmana had been silently witnessing all these events and masterfully controlling his feelings so far. However, hearing the pleas and sobs of Queen Kausalya, he could bear it no longer!
Exploding with fury, he expressed his frustration and rage at the sheer injustice of the events that had unfolded. Declaring that Kaikeyi was a wicked woman, and that their father was weak and likely senile, he declared that he would ensure that Rama was crowned King that very day. Rama alone, he said, was most suited to the role and the people wanted Him and nobody else!
Declaring that his valour and strength were dedicated to protecting his brother, Rama's interests, Lakshmana stated that his sharp arrows would put to death anyone who stood in the way-- even if it was a member of the family! He would not remain silent and helpless in the face of such utter nonsense, he said!
When Rama replied saying that the change of circumstances was simply His destiny and that this needed to be accepted, Lakshmana retorted that the brave did not helplessly accept destiny. They fought it tooth and nail where necessary, he said-- and he was not afraid to fight for his brother's rights, for justice! Under no circumstances, should Rama leave for the forest and allow the wicked Kaikeyi to have her way, he declared.
Rama, however, remained adamant. Telling Lakshmana that he should abandon thoughts of violence towards anyone, He stated that He must uphold the truth. He would leave for the Dandaka forest that day-- now only Sita remained to be informed.
Queen Kausalya, realising that her son would not change His mind, gave in and blessed Him. She performed some prayers for His safety and protection in the forest and said that she would await His return. Rama went around His mother as a mark of respect and, bowing at her feet, left for His own palace to give the news to Sita.
To be continued....
Om Sri Ramaya Namah.
Hari Aum Tat Sat.
