The sinister plot to impede the coronation of Sri Rama and send him into exile is in full ascendance with Kaikeyi stubborn on her stance in conversation with Dasaratha. The noble king he is, Dasaratha was in shock and grief, which are overpowering his normal being. Nothing is melting the plot, which is going to unravel in full strength as time passes. Sumantra is summoned to bring Sri Rama to their place. It would be a lesson to see how Rama receives and reacts to the drastic news as opposed to how his father reacted to the whimsical fancies of his polluted wife. Let us look at all that is there to explain the moments before the story takes a decisive turn.
In chapter 15, Sumantra enters the royal court and observes all the arrangements made for the coronation of Sri Rama. Ordered by Dasaratha to fetch Sri Rama, he enters the mighty building of Sri Rama.
Robbing the night of its darkness, rose the Sun, pure and brilliant. The Pushya star was in ascendance and the ruling planet Karkata was in position, as it was the day Rama was born. Vedic brahmins led by Vasishta, the ministers, the army chiefs and the elite of Ayodhya had all congregated at the palace, to participate and witness the great event. Everything was in readiness for the consecration ceremony, prelude to the coronation. No effort had been spared to enhance the splendor of the occasion. A canopy that shone with the brilliance of a new moon was erected, while the throne, dazzling in its magnificence waited for its divine master. Chariots draped with tiger skins looked resplendent. Waters from every sacred river, lake and sea were procured for the rituals. Courtesans bejeweled and bedecked in all their finery created an atmosphere of pulsating beauty and merriment.
Upon this scene came Sumantra assuring the expectant gathering that he was on his way to escort Rama. Sumantra went on to the chambers of Dasaratha and respectfully informed him, that all of Ayodhya awaited him eagerly. Dasaratha said he would come, but it was now imperative that Rama be brought to him in all haste. Sumantra swiftly rode through the highways of Ayodhya, teeming with hordes of revelers to reach the spectacular mansions of Rama, glowing like mount Kailash. Its arched doorways were studded with diamonds and corals. Golden statues dotted the courtyard, proud peacocks strutted around, vying with other birds of exquisite plumage while incense and sandal perfumed the air. Sumantra's heart throbbed with elation at such magnificence. Making his way through a large concourse teeming with visitors, Sumantra entered the palace of Rama which resembled the chariot of the gods. There he beheld zealous young men, vigilant and devoted to their master, armed with bows and spears. Elderly men robed in red, guarded the apartments of the women. The guards were asked to inform Rama of Sumantra's arrival.
In this chapter 16, Sumantra arrives at Rama's palace to bring him to royal court. Rama starts to the royal court to meet his father. On the way Rama observes the jubilant city.
Rama with Sita by his side received Sumantra respectfully. Paying his obeisance to the most magnanimous of princes, Sumantra told Rama that both the king and Kaikeyi wished to see him. Hearing this Rama turning to Sita said, "Ever mindful of my interests like a mother, the queen must have sent me this message to tell me of my enthronement." Accompanying her lord to the doorway, giving herself up to dreams of good fortune Sita said, "May all the gods of the four directions protect you. I will await your installation, to pay you homage." Rama mounted his chariot and sped through the beautifully decorated streets of Ayodhya. The wheels of the chariot thundered, the horses galloped like the wind and Lakshmana stood in faithful attendance behind Rama.
Seeing their master set out, the waiting sea of humanity in hundreds and thousands surged from all directions. Mounted on horses and elephants they too followed Rama. The sound of trumpets, the singing of the bards and the shouting of the warriors rose to a crescendo. Women stood on balconies, showering flowers and praise on Rama as he went past. They said "Sita, that virtuous lady beyond compare, beautiful and beloved consort of Rama must have undergone many austerities, to merit being united with Rama. "They commended Kausalya's good fortune in begetting Rama as son. The happy populace jostling about and jovial, predicted universal prosperity as no misfortune or calamity could take place under Rama's rule. Hearing the comments, beholding the large quantities of gems and precious stones displayed by merchants, amidst the neighing of horses and trumpeting of elephants, Rama approached the palace of his sire.
The chapter 17 further describes journey towards the royal palace. On the way Rama hears blessings and well-meaning words of his friends and various people gathered there.
In response to the king's wishes, Rama wended his way in all haste to the royal abode. Accompanied by his friends and well-wishers, he went through highways lined with imposing mansions, their roofs almost touching the clouds. The air was redolent with the scent of aromatic resins and sandal as Rama beheld Ayodhya, the pride of the world, in all its glory. Traders displayed their exquisite wares of rich silks, pearls, perfumes and endless other merchandise. Anything and everything were available for the asking. As Rama passed through this splendor, benedictions were showered on him from all directions. Every lip moved in a prayer for him, and every heart wished for his well-being, peace and prosperity.
The charm of the god-like Ikshvaku prince was mesmeric. The citizens were spell bound and so were those visiting from far and near at such beauty and radiance. They looked upon Rama, whose demeanor was so compassionate, so serene and so very divine, in wonder and veneration. Their gaze riveting on his face refused to shift, as they stood transfixed in his glow, like those in a trance. Ecstatic were those, on whom fell his benign glance, while shattered were they who could not even catch a glimpse of him. Feeling bereft they were held in contempt by their own conscience. But noble Rama beheld all with impartial grace, courtesy and mercy. "No greater fortune can befall us, than to witness the coronation of Rama," was the verdict of the people. After paying homage to every temple, monument and grove enroute, Rama reached the first gateway to his father's palace. He went through the first three gateways on his chariot, the next two by walking through them and finally leaving behind his retinue, he went to see his father.
In the chapter 18, Rama arrives at the king's presence. Seeing King disturbed, Rama becomes grieved and wants to know the cause of king's perturbance. Queen Kaikeyi describes to Rama about the boons that Dasaratha had given earlier and also her wishes of coronating Bharatha instead of Rama and sending Rama to Dandaka forest. On listening to these harsh words of Kaikeyi, Rama did not become sorrowful, but Dasaratha was very much disturbed.
Upon entering, Rama beheld Dasaratha seated on his magnificent throne, with Kaikeyi by his side. He did not notice either the despondency of his father or his grief- ravaged face. With great love and reverence, he prostrated to Dasaratha and to Kaikeyi. Dasaratha attempting to speak to Rama could not go beyond the one word 'Rama', before breaking down in. Having never seen this frightening form of Dasaratha, Rama, who could withstand the onslaught of any calamity, who was unshakable in the face of a thousand sorrows, was shattered. The impact of the shock was almost physical and he recoiled as one who had stepped on a venomous snake. A great turmoil raged within Dasaratha caused by the choice he had to make between the promise he had made to his son and the one he had made to his wife. This made him feel like an ocean battered by the fury of a tempest. Rama's heart went out to his father, who seemed a personification of misery. He even questioned himself, whether he could be the cause for his father's sorrow. "If so, I shall not live to see the morrow", thought Rama.
Looking at Kaikeyi imploringly, Rama asked her, "Why does the king always so loving, not speak to me? Is he sick? What ails my noble Sire? Are Bharata and Satrughna safe? Have I not obeyed you, my parents, who are my living gods? Mother, did you speak to him in anger or arrogance, for his soul to be tormented so?" Kaikeyi's reply was like a whiplash. Brazenly, with no trace of regret or shame she said, "Rama, nothing ails the king nor is he displeased. His boundless love for you, prevents him from telling you, that which is unpleasant. Ignoramus that he is, your father fails to honor the boons he had granted me. Make sure the king will not be false to his vows, because of you. "Kaikeyi's deplorable words that went beyond all barriers of decency, hurt Rama deeply and he said, "Mother, it is not befitting of you to speak so. As for my father, his very word is my command. Ordered by him, I am willing to throw myself into the fire or cast myself into the ocean. I will die for any one, be it the king, my preceptor, a friend or who so ever demands it of me. What Dasaratha desires shall be carried out. I promise you, Rama never utters that which is false."
Kaikeyi then had the audacity to tell that most righteous of men, "If you desire your father and yourself to be known as men of honor in this world, Rama, listen to me. As vowed by the king, you are to be exiled. All that has been procured for your coronation shall be used to install Bharata as king. Forsaking the throne of Kosala, you will live in the Dandaka forest for a period of fourteen years, clad in robes of bark. Bharata will rule the kingdom of Kosala from its capital city of Ayodhya, which abounds in gems, jewelry, horses, chariots and elephants. This is the reason for the king's grief. A breach of promise is a grave transgression. Save your father from committing that ignominy and save him from perjury."
Struck at the misfortune that had befallen his beloved son, Dasaratha's soul writhed in agony. His eyes were unable to see beyond the veil of tears, and his voice choked with emotion was rendered speechless. But Rama the most noble and virtuous of men, betrayed no sign of sorrow.
In chapter 19, Rama, on hearing the harsh and cruel words of Kaikeyi, remains unruffled. He asks Kaikeyi sorrowfully about the reason the king did not speak to him directly about the matter. He then immediately decides to leave for forest after duly saluting the king and Kaikeyi. Before that, he desires to visit his mother and Sita and inform them of his decision.
Rama was unmoved by Kaikeyi's merciless tirade. It brought no sadness upon him to know that her dishonorable wishes would only bring distressing results. In all humility, gracious to the core, he said, "Why did my father himself not tell me of Bharata's coronation when I would have willingly given up all that I possess, for the asking, to my brother Bharata. How much more will I not relinquish for my king, who is also my father, my 'Guru' and my god. To honor his vows, I shall go into exile. Let messengers ride swift-footed horses, to escort Bharata back to Ayodhya."
Rama's words thrilled Kaikeyi. Not wanting to jeopardize her moment of triumph, she wished Rama away that very instant urging him to tarry no further. She even tried to convince him that it was of no concern if the king, shamed and confused did not speak to Rama, his beloved son. She then dealt the ultimate blow by announcing to Rama that the king may not even bathe or eat until he left. Aghast at the blatant lie, Dasaratha's dwindling strength and tolerance crumbled. His battered mind succumbed to the havoc created by Kaikeyi's wiles and the great king fell unconscious on his golden couch.
Unaffected by the queen's jarring words, Rama, the virtuous son of a virtuous father, neither lost his composure nor his grace. Beyond reach of all emotions he lifted his father tenderly, urged all the while by Kaikeyi to start on the journey. Impervious of Kaikeyi's frantic efforts, Rama, tranquil as ever told her with utmost courtesy, "Mother I have no ambitions. Know me to be an equal of the rishis. In dharma alone I take refuge. If fulfilling my father's wishes brings upon me my very death, so be it. If there be a greater virtue than that of serving my father, I am not aware of it. Even if my father does not say so, I will still exile myself, so as to honor your wishes. Did you doubt my nature and my obedience towards you so much that you had to make your desire sound like a royal decree? I now take leave of you. Rest assured that I would not remain a moment more than it would take to bid farewell to my mother Kausalya and not a moment more than necessary to appease Sita."
Witness to all this, Dasaratha's tears flowed unchecked. A king broken and defeated agonized helplessly over his son. Once again, he fought a losing battle with his consciousness and once again did it betray him. Rama took silent leave of his father who lay unconscious by worshipfully touching his feet. Kaikeyi's wickedness did not prevent Rama's nobility from paying her an equally reverential farewell. He then joined his friends followed by Lakshmana whose eyes streamed with tears of anger.
Relinquishing the kingdom did not mar Rama's serenity nor did it diminish his glory. Like a great sage whose heart was ever devoid of turmoil, Rama set out. Renouncing the throne and being banished from the country cast no shadow over him. Bidding an affectionate farewell to all those around him he went to see Kausalya with no trace of emotion. His only concern was of the distress that the fateful changes would cause, where supreme joy had prevailed. In relinquishing the kingdom, Rama gave up the entire fanfare and trappings that went with it. Abandoning the royal canopy, the beautifully ornate fans and the chariot, he walked to his mother's apartments, his face radiating a divine glow.
This concludes chapters 15,16,17,18 and 19 of Ayodhya Kanda where we had seen the wish of banishment of Rama gets to Rama himself, who accepted it with nothing but obedience to his parents. The mighty among men followed the path dictated by dharma and prepares to forego his own royal life and coronation without any second thought. When wicked minds hatches a cruel conspiracy, the noble among men reacts with highest order of civility and instigate a gloom over the kingdom. Let us look at how Lakshmana, Kausalya, Sita, Vashista, Sumantra and other ministers took the news, before getting it to Bharata. The next many chapters will describe these exchanges in light of the unshakable resolve to exile Rama and crown Bharata. Let us look at all of them in great description and how Rama went into exile in subsequent posts.
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