by Vanamali
Hari Aum Tat Sat
Rajeevalochanaya Namaha!
BOOK TWO
Ayodhya Kanda
Book of Ayodhya
Raghuttamaya Namaha!
CANTO I
Impending Coronation
Raghunam kuladipam cha
Nimeenam kuladeepikam
Suryavamshasamudbhutham
Somavamshasamudbhavam.
(Rama), light of the race of Raghu,
(Sita), lamp of the race of Nimi,
One was born in the Solar dynasty,
The other, in the lunar line.
The citizens of Ayodhya loved all four young princes of the realm, but they took special pride and pleasure in the eldest, Rama, as indeed did the king, his father. Rama was an extraordinary person. Nature had been lavish in her gifts to the young prince. Not only was he handsome of stature and mien, but even at this young age he was a fully enlightened being. The discourse given by sage Vasishta had been comprehended in its essence by him alone, and he shone among the rest as a diamond in the midst of pebbles. His physical beauty was great and his manners, charming. He had a keen intellect and could be tender and sympathetic when the occasion merited it. Though he was soft and kind with the weak and the poor, he could also be stern and inflexible when it came to wrongdoers. Always self-controlled and ever immersed in the Self, he was equable of temperament, never flared in anger nor gave way to unseemly mirth. In fact, he was a paragon of all virtues, yet he was never puffed up with pride or arrogance, accepting everything as the gift of God.
For twelve years after his marriage, Rama led a carefree life enjoying the company of his charming wife and learning to handle the multifarious affairs of the state. It was during this time that Kaikeyi’s brother took Bharata and Shatrugna for a holiday at his home.
Seeing his son Rama so full of noble qualities, King Dasaratha felt that it was his duty to install him as heir apparent as soon as possible, for he himself was becoming weak and old. Having once decided on this, he was in a desperate hurry to complete the task. He consulted his ministers and decided on a day for the installation. Invitations were sent to all the kings, but by a strange twist of fate, the king forgot to send invitations to two of his closest relations—his father-in-law, king of the Kekayas, and his son’s father-in-law, King Janaka. Had the former been invited, Bharata and his brother Shatrugna would naturally have accompanied them and the whole course of the story would have changed. However, by the time Dasaratha became aware of the omission, it was too late to send for them. Whether this omission was intentional or accidental is unclear, but it is said that Dasaratha consoled himself with the thought that they would hear the delightful news very soon.
There in the assembly of all the kings and prominent citizens of the city, Emperor Dasaratha proclaimed his intention of crowning his son Rama as prince regent the following morning. The most auspicious time was chosen by the astrologers, when the planet Pushya was in ascendance. All the kings present acclaimed the decision as a wise one.
He then turned to his guru Vasishta and asked him to prepare everything for the installation the following morning, for the function was to begin at daybreak. The minister Sumantra was sent to escort Rama to the assembly hall. Rama was the cynosure of all eyes as he walked into the hall with his stately gait. He prostrated before his father who, in turn, embraced him and bade him be seated on a special seat. He then apprised him of the honor in store for him on the morrow. Rama was neither elated nor displeased by this pronouncement, but took the news calmly as was his nature. He returned to his own palace, cheered by the populace who had thronged to the palace gates as soon as they heard the news.
The assembly now dispersed and the king retired to his own quarters. Thereupon he again sent his minister Sumantra to fetch Rama. Dasaratha was feeling agitated, since he had been told by his astrologers that he was passing through a very bad time that might even end in his death, so he was anxious that Rama’s installation should take place without delay. Moreover he had remembered that at the time of his marriage with Kaikeyi, he had promised his father-in-law that her son would become king after him. He was frightened that if Bharata happened to be present at the time of the installation, he might demand his rights.
When Rama arrived Dasaratha told him that he and Sita should observe a fast for the duration of the night and should keep vigil on a seat of darbha grass with a stone for a pillow. Rama agreed to everything and returned quickly to his own palace to give the news to Sita, but she was not to be found. He went to his mother’s quarters and found both Sita and Lakshmana’s mother, Sumitra, with Kausalya. She had heard the news and was praying for the well-being of her son. Rama was blessed by his mother and Sumitra. He turned to Lakshmana and invited him to share the good fortune that was to come to him on the morrow. After this he retired to his own apartments with Sita.
News of the impending coronation had spread like wildfire and people from all over the region poured into the city of Ayodhya, excited at the prospective event, which was anticipated with great joy since Rama was loved by all. Decoration of the city commenced immediately.
The name of Rama is the sole mantra to escape from the coils of the world. He who keeps this name in his mind constantly will have all power in the palm of his hand.
Hari Aum Tat Sat
Rajendraya Namaha!
CANTO II
Kaikeyi Contrives
Ayodhyapuranetharam,
Mithilapumayikam.
Raghavanamalakaram
Vaidehinamalamkriyam.
(Rama) Lord of Ayodhya,
(Sita) Princess of Mithila.
(Rama), jewel of the line of Raghu
And (Sita), the treasure of Videha.
Kaikeyi was the king’s youngest and favorite wife. When she came to Ayodhya she was accompanied by her maid, a hunchback called Manthara who had been deputized to look after her interests. That evening the woman happened to climb to the battlements and look down at the festivities going on in the town. She was quite astonished to see the city decorated all of a sudden, as if for a big occasion.
Seeing Rama’s old nurse standing nearby she asked, “Why has the city of Ayodhya gone mad with joy overnight? What is the special occasion?”
The nurse gave her the news of the impending installation. Hearing this, Manthara was shocked and rushed to her mistress, who was relaxing in bed.
“Rise up, O deluded queen!” she said. “Your husband who professes to love you has cheated you. Having sent your son away to his maternal grandparents, he is now set on crowning Kausalya’s son, Rama, as heir apparent tomorrow. Beguiling you with sweet words, your husband has behaved like a treacherous serpent.”
Kaikeyi rose up filled with delight at the news of Rama’s impending installation. She presented Manthara with a beautiful jewel, since she was the first to bring the good news to her, and said, “Thank you for having given me this most welcome news. In my eyes there is no difference between Rama and Bharata. I am delighted with the king’s decision.”
Manthara was shocked at Kaikeyi’s reception of her news. She threw away the jewel and spoke scornfully, “I cannot believe that you can be so blind to the misfortune that is to befall you. Once Rama becomes king, you will be only a maid to Kausalya and your son will be degraded to the status of a servitor to Rama.”
The hunchback ranted and raved over the calamities that she foresaw for her mistress and would not listen to Kaikeyi’s praise of Rama. Kaikeyi could not foresee any of the dire possibilities that Manthara kept insisting would happen, but at last after listening to this tirade for a full hour, Kaikeyi also began to believe that all Manthara said was true and the king had indeed plotted to deprive her son of his lawful position. This event shows how important it is to keep the company of the noble, and is why there is such stress in our scriptures on the value of satsang. Once we start mixing with wicked people, even the most elevated mind will slowly succumb to poisonous insinuations.
At last the pert
urbed Kaikeyi begged Manthara to tell her how she could save her son from this dire calamity that threatened to overtake him. Manthara reminded her of the two boons that Dasaratha had promised her long ago. At one time he had taken her along on one of his military sorties, and when he was sorely wounded and in an unconscious state, Kaikeyi had skillfully maneuvered the chariot and taken him away to a safe place. When he regained consciousness he was so grateful to her for having saved his life that he asked her to choose two boons. She had kept the offer pending and had almost forgotten about it. Manthara now reminded her of these boons and asked her to demand them now. One was that Bharata should be crowned as heir apparent and the second was that Rama should be banished for fourteen years to the forest, which would give enough time for Bharata to consolidate his position in the country. Manthara advised the queen to enter the apartment specially kept aside for sulking wives (sob chamber), and lie there with hair disheveled and torn clothes, thus indicating to her husband the unhappy state of her mind. Agitated by the hunchback, Kaikeyi proceeded to carry out Manthara’s directions, her own good sense completely stilled.
At nightfall the emperor entered Kaikeyi’s chamber, eager to share the news of the forthcoming event with his favorite consort. He was quite dejected to see that she was not awaiting his arrival as she usually did. He was even more dejected to hear that she was in the sulking chamber. He hurried to that room and was horrified to see his beauteous wife writhing on the floor with her jewels scattered everywhere, hair unkempt, her face darkened with anger.
“What is it, my dearest one?” the old king inquired in distress. “Who is it that has dared to offend you? What is it that you lack? Whatever be your wish do not hesitate to ask. You know that I will gladly give you anything you request.”
Kaikeyi then spoke, “I have neither been insulted nor treated with disrespect, but desire something that only you can give me. Promise me that you will fulfill my desire; only then will I rise up.”
The infatuated monarch smoothed her disheveled locks with his hands, placed her head on his lap, and solemnly swore that he would grant her whatever she wished.
The queen, knowing full well what effect her words would have on him, cruelly spoke the following words as prompted by Manthara.
“O King! Do you remember when I saved your life in the war and guarded you till you regained consciousness? At that time you promised me two boons. The time is now ripe to redeem your pledge. I request you to install my son Bharata as prince regent and secondly to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years. These are my two wishes, and if you do not grant me these wishes, you will be proving yourself a traitor to the noble family in which you have been born and be guilty of the great sin of breaking your solemn word.”
The king could not believe that he was hearing such cruel words coming from his beloved’s mouth. Unable to bear the anguish that her words had caused him, he swooned.
Coming out of his swoon at last, the king said, “What has possessed you, O wicked woman, to ask for such terrible boons? What has the innocent Rama ever done to you? When the whole of the country is extolling Rama’s virtues, why are you alone bent on ruining him, as well as this noble race? You know full well that I cannot continue to live without seeing Rama even for a day. Are you bent on killing your husband as well? What demon has possessed you, O Kaikeyi? Have I been nurturing a viper in my bosom all these years? I beg of you, I will fall at your feet, but please spare me from going against my word, for I cannot agree to this most terrible request.” Thus saying, the agonized king fell at her feet.
But the queen, whose good sense had been completely stilled by the wicked words of Manthara, retorted cruelly, “How can you, who claim to be the scion of the Ikshvaku race, break your word to me not once, but twice, for you not only gave me your word at that time, but also just now? Shame on you that you should be so false to your own race and have no pride in your status as king. Hear this, O perverted King. If Rama is instated as prince regent, I shall surely drink poison in front of your eyes and die here this very minute.” Saying this she sank down and refused to utter a single word.
The demented king now ranted and raved at how all the other kings would despise him when they heard that he had countermanded his own command to have Rama instated, placed Bharata in his stead, and sent the peerless Rama to the forest. What would he say to Sita? What could he say to Kausalya?
“O wicked woman! Do you want to kill your husband and enjoy the kingdom with your son? How will my darling and delicate Rama survive in the forest? How will the daughter of the king of Videha bear her separation from her beloved husband?” Thus wailing, the unhappy monarch writhed in pain on the floor beside his cruel consort.
The night had passed and the auspicious day on which the inaugural was to take place had dawned. Sage Vasishta entered the city with his disciples and requested the minister Sumantra to apprise the king of his arrival. Sumantra was astonished to see the king on the floor and Kaikeyi in a disheveled state beside him. She ordered him to go and get Rama. Sumantra left immediately and brought Rama to the king’s chamber. As the chariot with Rama and Lakshmana seated within passed through the thronged streets, Rama was hailed on all sides and showered with flowers and jewels. Entering the royal palace, Rama bowed before the dejected king and before Kaikeyi. He was surprised to see his father, who was usually so happy, sitting with downcast eyes.
“Have I caused you any unhappiness, O father? In what way have I displeased you?” he asked.
The king could not speak or even raise his eyes to look at him and Kaikeyi said, “The king is neither angry nor displeased with you. He is unhappy because he does not wish to keep the promise he gave me long ago. It is your duty as an obedient and loving son to see that your father does not break his word. One who breaks his word will go to a special hell reserved for such people.”
Rama was astonished to hear this and said, “How can my father doubt that I would obey his command? I would jump into the fire if he so ordered me.”
Kaikeyi now spoke again, “Know this, O scion of the Raghus, the two boons I have asked for are these—that my son Bharata be instated as prince regent in your place and that you be banished to the forest for fourteen years. Your father cannot bear to carry out these wishes of mine and that is why he has such a sorrowful look and refuses to look at you.”
Not by a flicker of an eyelid did Rama betray the fact that the news was a great shock to him. He had come there expecting to be feted and celebrated, instead of which he had been stung as if by a venomous serpent, yet his countenance showed no anger or hatred.
In an even voice he asked, “How can you doubt, O princess of Kekaya, that I would be obedient to my father’s wishes, even though I have not heard this command from his own lips? Your wish is my command. Just give me time to take leave of my mother Kausalya and the princess of Videha and I shall do your bidding and go to the forest with matted locks this very day, as desired by you.”
Thus saying, Rama circumambulated his father and Kaikeyi thrice and backed out of the room. The agonized king was choking with grief and could not utter a word, but Rama walked out of the palace without a backward glance. Nothing in his mien or behavior gave an inkling to his waiting friends and citizens of the shocking news he had just received. Waving aside the white umbrella and fan of royalty, he strode into his mother’s apartments in complete control of himself and his emotions as befitted a sthitha prajna, a master yogi who has risen above all the pairs of opposites (dualities). But Lakshmana strode after him with blazing eyes, his face suffused with fury, his hand clutching and releasing the sword at his side, as if ready to draw and kill even his father if Rama so desired it.
Rama entered his mother’s apartments accompanied by Lakshmana and saw his mother seated for puja. She rushed to greet him, embraced him fondly, and offered him a bejeweled seat. Rama merely touched the seat. He was sad at having to upset his mother but there was no way of breaking the news gently to her.
“O moth
er!” he said, “I fear I must give you some bad news. This jeweled throne is not for me, nor the white umbrella, for by my father’s orders I am to proceed directly to Dandaka forest, clothe myself in bark, and exist on fruits and roots for the next fourteen years, while Bharata rules in my stead.”
Hearing this shocking news Kausalya fell to the ground in a dead faint. When she recovered, she began to lament, “O my beloved son! Can I be hearing aright? Can the king give such a shameless order? How can I live without you? For many years after he married Kaikeyi, the king treated me with scant respect but at least after you were born, I had some claim to merit. Now, without you, I shall surely be despised and treated like Kaikeyi’s servant. I will not stay but will follow you as a mother cow follows her calf.”
Hearing this, Lakshmana, who was in a furious mood, spoke up, “O brother, who will follow the orders of a man in his dotage who is completely under the thumb of a woman? Who but a fool would forsake a son as godly as you and listen to the prattle of his wife? Before anyone comes to know of this shameful fact, take the reins of administration in your own hands and install yourself as prince regent. The priests and the people will support you and I will stand guard over the gates of the city, ready to kill anyone who thwarts you, even if it be the king himself or Bharata. On what authority does the king dare to give the kingdom to Kaikeyi’s son, when you alone have sole right over it? I shall kill my aged and wretched father, who is in his second childhood, and hand over the reins of government to you this minute!”
Kausalya added, “Indeed Lakshmana speaks rightly. I will not grant you permission to go to the forest. If you go, I shall fast to death.”
Knowing her agony, yet unable to help her, Rama spoke to his mother, “O noble lady, please try to understand that I cannot flout the command of my father, even if it brings grief to you and to me. Our land is filled with stories of great men who, at the behest of their fathers, were ready to carry out any order. It is my duty as a son to do this. Moreover I have already given my word to mother Kaikeyi and will not go back on it. It is your duty to bless me and give me leave to carry out my duty.”
