After a 11 Thousand year Rule of Rama Rajya, Death Comes to Seek out Rama

We had seen Bharata along with his two sons and vast army conquer Gandharvas and their kingdom of Gandhara. Guided by Sage Gargya and accompanied by his sons Taksha and Pushkala, Bharata marched with a vast army, joining forces with the Kaikeyas. A fierce seven-day battle ensued against the celestial Gandharvas, shaking earth and sky. On the eighth day, Bharata invoked the devastating Samvarta Astra, annihilating three hundred thousand Gandharvas and securing victory. He established his sons as rulers—Taksha in Takshashila and Pushkala in Pushkalavati, founding flourishing cities rich in trade and culture. After ensuring peace and prosperity for five years, Bharata returned to Ayodhya, where Rama received him with joy. We need to understand that the episode of conquest of Gandhara kingdom, put at the flag end of Uttara Kanda isn’t a final battle of epic or a military episode but a reflection of legacy, closure and the passing of dharma to the next generation. This chapter features Bharata and Yudhajit leading a campaign against the Gandharvas, culminating in the establishment of new rule lead by Bharata’s sons. It marks the beginning of delegation of responsibility from Rama and his brothers to their heirs—a key theme in the final chapters. We can see in the following chapter as well where Lakshmana’s two sons are given the responsibility of a kingdom. This continues till Rama bestows kingdom on his own sons – Lava and Kusa much later. 

In chapter 102, Rama bestows kingdom on Lakshmana’s sons. 

In the prosperous reign of Rama, when peace and righteousness prevailed across his dominion, tidings reached Ayodhya of the valor and triumph of Bharata in the northwestern lands. Pleased with the glory that had extended the Ikshvaku empire, Rama turned his thoughts to his beloved brother Lakshmana, the ever-devoted Saumitri, and the future of his two heroic sons, Angada and Candraketu. In the presence of his brothers, Rama, with joy and foresight, spoke these memorable words: 

“Your two youthful sons, O Saumitri, are worthy to reign. They are strong, valiant, and steadfast in dharma. Let them be established as kings. Seek out for them a pleasant and spacious region—safe from hostile powers and treachery, where ascetics may live undisturbed, and where peace and prosperity may prevail.” 

Hearing this command, Bharata, ever eager to serve the will of Rama, stepped forward with reverence and counselled, “There is a beautiful and healthful country named Karupatta, abounding in resources and blessed with serenity. Let two radiant cities be founded there for Angada and Candraketu. Let the first be called Angadiya, and the second, Candrakanta—cities that shall be splendid, secure, and worthy of their noble birth.” 

Rama, the magnanimous descendant of Raghu, approved Bharata’s words with delight. Immediately, he sent forth his ministers and architects to bring the lands under his rule and raise magnificent capitals there. Angadiya, the city of Angada, was built by Rama himself—a fortress of grandeur, with towering ramparts, beautiful palaces, and gardens fragrant with blossoming trees. It became a model of prosperity, filled with citizens loyal to dharma and skilled in arts and trade. 

For Candraketu, who was mighty and powerful like a celestial being, Rama chose the country of the Mallas, a sacred and fertile region renowned for its natural beauty. There, under his direction, rose the city of Candrakanta, resplendent like Amaravati, the capital of Indra. Its golden gates, marble halls, and luminous streets reflected the glory of Ayodhya itself. 

When both cities were completed, Rama, Lakshmana, and Bharata—those invincible brothers, embodiments of virtue and power—proceeded with great joy to perform the consecration and coronation of the young princes. The installation ceremony was conducted with divine solemnity. Rituals were performed under the guidance of holy sages, sacred waters from all rivers were brought, and celestial flowers showered from the heavens as Angada and Candraketu were anointed with the oils of kingship. 

After receiving Rama’s blessings, the two princes divided the lands with harmony and brotherly affection. Angada, under the guidance of Shatrughna, took charge of the western territories, ensuring peace and prosperity for all. Candraketu, accompanied by Lakshmana and Bharata, governed the northern realm, protecting its borders and upholding dharma among its people. Both kingdoms flourished under their virtuous rule—cities teeming with learning, valor, art, and righteousness. 

After establishing his sons securely upon their thrones, Lakshmana remained in Angadiya for a year, guiding Angada with wisdom and affection. When the kingdom was firmly settled, he returned to Ayodhya. Bharata, in turn, stayed another year with Candraketu in Candrakanta, ensuring his governance was just and strong before returning to the capital. 

Thus, the brothers, having fulfilled their duties as guardians of their sons and upholders of Rama’s command, resumed their noble place at Rama’s feet. Thereafter, in their devotion to him and their dedication to dharma, both Lakshmana and Bharata lived in Ayodhya for ten thousand years, utterly absorbed in righteous service. Their lives flowed in harmony—serene, luminous, and noble—resembling the Three Sacred Fires of a great Vedic sacrifice: ever united, ever radiant, sustained by divine purpose. 

In this long and blessed companionship, the brothers of Rama upheld the spiritual and moral order of the world, ensuring that the kingdom of Ayodhya continued to shine as the seat of dharma, prosperity, and unbroken brotherly love—a reflection of divine harmony on earth. 

In chapter 103, death is sent to seek out Rama. 

A long while into Rama’s reign, a strange and awe-inspiring figure arrived at the gates of the illustrious king. Appearing as a radiant ascetic, he revealed himself to be Death in disguise and declared that he came as a messenger from an all-powerful Maharishi with an important communication for Rama. The arrival caused immediate stir and reverence: Saumitri hastened forward to announce the visitor, extolling his sanctity and penances and urging that he be received with all honour. Lakshmana likewise praised the ascetic’s splendour and urged Rama to admit him. 

Rama, calm and regal, bade that the luminous ascetic be brought in. The stranger entered the royal presence blazing with spiritual effulgence, and, after the customary obeisances, took his seat upon a golden throne. Rama, courteous and curious, greeted him and offered the traditional arghya; he then asked the sage to state the purpose of his embassy. The ascetic spoke in a grave, harmonious voice, returning Rama’s courteous greeting and assuring the king of his own well-being before preparing to deliver his message. 

But the envoy’s manner quickly took on a tone of solemn secrecy. He declared that his message was the charge of the Lord of Ascetics and that it must be communicated in strict privacy: only Rama and the ascetic could be present. He warned that whoever overheard their exchange should be put to death, for the words of his master were secret and sacred and must be held in reverent confidence. The gravity of this injunction filled the hall with a hush. 

Rama received the demand calmly but with equal gravity. He assented to the sage’s condition and, mindful of the sanctity of the communication, instructed Lakshmana to stand guard at the door and send away the doorkeeper. Rama declared that he himself would be the executor of the prohibition, vowing to slay any who might overhear the private conference. In this way he placed the burden of secrecy upon himself and his household, affirming the sanctity of the message and his readiness to enforce the ascetic’s stipulation. 

Lakshmana took his station at the door as commanded; the court fell silent, watchful and charged with the sense of impending revelation. Rama, the magnanimous scion of Raghu, then addressed the ascetic with solemn invitation: speak freely, he said, for his heart would treasure whatever was entrusted to him. Thus prepared and shielded by an oath of secrecy and the vigilant presence of Lakshmana, the assembly closed like a ring about the two figures — king and sage — poised on the threshold of a disclosure that was to be both momentous and mysterious. 

The scene underscores Rama’s combination of royal courtesy, dutiful obedience to spiritual authority, and stern resolve to protect sacred confidences. It also reveals the atmosphere of the court: reverent, disciplined, and suffused with the weight of Dharma. The arrival of Death in ascetic guise, the demand for secrecy, and Rama’s immediate commitment to uphold that secrecy establish an ominous, expectant mood. This narrative leaves us suspended at the threshold of revelation — the silence before the utterance of a destiny-shaping truth — and highlights Rama’s unwavering readiness to honor the commands of sages and the seriousness with which he guards the moral order of his realm. 

This concludes chapters 102, 103 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Rama bestowing kingdoms upon the sons of Lakshmana and ruling for a long period of time from Ayodhya along with Lakshmana, Bharata. Two magnificent cities Angadiya and Candrakanta were built under the directions of Rama where he installed Angada and Candraketu, the two sons of Lakshmana to preside over their kingdom. Lakshmana and Bharata spent a year and two in the new kingdoms and returned to Ayodhya to live with Rama for ten thousand years, marking a tenure of calm and righteous rule without major incidents. After a spotless reign as a most noble and virtuous king for a long time giving great rule for the most fortunate citizens, death at last comes to seek out Rama. Death coming through a sage, asks for private conversation with Rama and we can see the message he delivers in subsequent chapters.

A Brief on Mother Kausalya-Rama Bond and Bharata's Occupation of Gandhara

In the last post, we had seen Rama ruling over for many years, discharging the duties in the most noble ways a king can rule after the departure of Sita. In due time, the elderly queens also passes away. Rama’s mother Kausalya, now advanced in years, peacefully departs this world. Soon after, Sumitra, mother of Lakshmana and Shatrughna and Kaikeyi, mother of Bharata who had both performed many acts of devotion and penance, also left their mortal bodies, joining Kausalya and Dasaratha in heaven. Thus ends the life of parents of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna; the four brothers of the epic and the queens of father Dasaratha. It can be noted King Dasaratha passes away due to heartbreak upon learning about Rama’s 14-year exile. The grief of sending his beloved son away—especially under the pressure of Kaikeyi’s demands—proves too much for him to bear. Rama since then lives with Kausalya, his mother until old age claims her as well. Though we don’t see much narrated in between Rama and Kausalya, there is an episode in Ayodhya Kanda we can remember. We can observe she is the silent force behind the making of the most noble character of ages. No one can be as ecstatic as mother Kausalya at overlooking Rama but there is a phase of sorrow as well during his exile. 

One of the most poignant and beautiful moments between Rama and his mother Kaushalya unfolds just before Rama departs for his 14-year exile. When Rama learns of his banishment, he goes to Kaushalya’s chamber to inform her. She is unaware of the decision and initially believes he has come to share news of his coronation. But when Rama gently tells her about the exile, Kaushalya is devastated. She faints from grief, and upon recovering, she weeps bitterly. Yet, Rama remains calm, composed, and tender, without moving with the emotions of his mother. We already seen Dasaratha is crest fallen at learning about this as any parent would when a new married elderly son needs to rule over the inherited kingdom and not go on exile. The same happens to Kausalya as well but she regains her consciousness and composure. Despite her sorrow, Kaushalya embraces Rama with immense love and pride. She blesses him, places her hand on his head, and says: “May the forest be as kind to you as the palace has been. May the trees shade you like my arms once did.” Rama bows deeply, touches her feet, and says: “Mother, your blessings are my armor. Wherever I go, your love walks with me.” She then adorns him with simple ornaments and gives him food for the journey—not as a queen, but as a mother preparing her child for a long road ahead.  

Kausalya was not just a queen—she was the embodiment of maternal virtue. She was the calm and silent voice in the epic, shaping the man Rama is becoming. Her gentle nature and spiritual depth shaped Rama’s character from childhood. She instilled in him the values of humility, service, and righteousness. Her love was not possessive; it was liberating. She raised him not to rule, but to serve. Even in exile, Rama carried the emotional imprint of his mother’s love. It gave him resilience in the forest, compassion in battle, and wisdom in leadership. Her love was his invisible armor—never loud, but always present. Rama’s success wasn’t just in defeating Ravana or reclaiming Ayodhya—it was in remaining true to his values through every trial. Kausalya’s quiet strength nurtured that constancy. As the prayer goes, he is Kausalya Sukha Vardhana Rama—“Rama, who increases the joy of Kausalya.” It’s a poetic acknowledgment that her happiness is not just in his achievements, but in the kind of person he becomes: noble, selfless, and beloved by all. As the Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar beautifully said: “A mother feels more ecstatic to hear her son being praised than when the son was born.” Kausalya lives this truth. Her joy is spiritual, transcending worldly pride. She rejoices not just in Rama’s success, but in his unwavering character through trials and triumphs. Kausalya Supraja Rama Purva Sandhya Pravartate – this is the opening line of the famous Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham recited everyday at dawn across households in India which begins with the memory and name of queen Kausalya. This means - “O Rama, noble son of Kausalya, the early dawn is breaking. Arise, O tiger among men, it is time to perform your divine duties.” This was spoken by Rishi Vishwamitra in the Bala Kanda of the Ramayana which became a holy, popular hymn to this day and it beautifully highlights the reverence for Kausalya, Rama’s mother. This silent mother of Rama who is an important figure behind the becoming of Rama now calmy reunites with Dasaratha along with other two queens. 

Coming back to the last post, during Rama’s prosperous reign, the sage Gargya, son of Angiras, arrived in Ayodhya bearing rich gifts and a message from King Yudhajita of Kaikeya, Rama’s maternal uncle. Yudhajita requested Rama’s aid in conquering a fertile Gandharva land along the Sindhu River, abundant and beautiful but held by valiant warriors. Honoring the request, Rama appointed his brother Bharata to lead the campaign, with his sons Taksha and Pushkala under him, and the sage Gargya accompanying them. At an auspicious hour, Bharata departed with a vast and radiant army—composed of men, celestial beings, and creatures of the wild—whose grandeur rivaled the splendor of the gods. Marching with perfect discipline and morale, the army journeyed for a month and a half before reaching Kaikeya, where Bharata prepared to fulfill Rama’s command: to conquer the Gandharvas and establish Taksha and Pushkala as rulers, extending the glory of the Raghu dynasty to the Sindhu’s banks. 

In chapter 101, the slaying of Gandharvas and the conquest of their country can be seen. 

During the reign of Rama, a great military campaign unfolded that extended the glory of the Ikshvaku and Raghu dynasties into the northwestern regions of Bharatavarsha. Having received Rama’s command, Bharata, accompanied by his two valiant sons, Taksha and Pushkala, and guided by the sage Gargya, journeyed from Ayodhya with a vast and splendid army to assist his maternal uncle, King Yudhajita of Kaikeya. Their purpose was to conquer the fertile and prosperous land of the Gandharvas, a celestial race of warriors who occupied the region along the Sindhu River — a territory famed for its beauty, abundance, and wealth. 

When Yudhajita learned that Bharata had arrived with his mighty forces and the venerable Rishi Gargya, he was overjoyed. Without delay, he mustered his own armies and joined Bharata, marching with great enthusiasm and confidence toward the Gandharva dominion. The combined might of the Kaikeyas and the forces of Ayodhya created a vast sea of warriors, bristling with weapons and shining with banners. Their disciplined advance struck awe into the hearts of all who witnessed it. 

Upon hearing of the approaching invasion, the Gandharvas, proud and valiant, assembled swiftly for battle. Their warriors, gleaming like stars in celestial armor, filled the air with shouts of defiance and war cries that echoed through the plains of the Sindhu. Both sides, eager and unyielding, clashed in a fierce and cataclysmic battle that raged for seven days. 

The combat was of unimaginable ferocity — the earth trembled under the charge of elephants and chariots, the skies darkened with arrows, and rivers of blood flowed across the fields like crimson torrents. The slain warriors floated like fallen leaves upon the flood, and the battlefield itself became a dreadful ocean of destruction. Swords and spears gleamed like lightning, while broken chariots, mangled elephants, and the cries of the dying filled the air. 

For seven days neither side could claim victory; the valor of the Gandharvas matched the might of the sons of Ayodhya. But on the eighth day, Bharata, the righteous and resolute younger brother of Rama, was seized with divine wrath. His heart ablaze with purpose, he invoked the mighty celestial weapon known as Samvarta Astra — the weapon of dissolution, by which Time itself destroys the worlds. Empowered by sacred mantras, Bharata released it upon the Gandharvas. In an instant, the heavens blazed, the earth shook, and destruction swept through the ranks of the Gandharvas like a storm of annihilation. 

Three hundred thousand Gandharvas were slain in a single moment, their ranks consumed by the weapon’s radiance. The gods themselves, gazing from the celestial regions, marveled in awe and terror, for such devastation had not been witnessed since the dawn of ages. When the fury subsided, silence fell upon the field — the Gandharva army was utterly destroyed, and victory belonged to Bharata and the Kaikeyas. 

Thereafter, Bharata entered the two principal cities of the conquered land, rich with treasure and adorned with palaces, gardens, and temples. There he established his sons as rulers: Taksha in Takshashila and Pushkala in Pushkalavati. These cities, splendid and prosperous, became jewels of the northern realm, filled with noble citizens, flourishing trade, and the beauty of nature. They were adorned with groves of Tala, Tamala, Tilaka, and Bakula trees, and resounded with the bustle of markets, chariots, and festivals. 

For five years, Bharata remained in Gandhara, ensuring order and prosperity, nurturing his sons’ kingdoms, and honoring the bond between Ayodhya and Kaikeya. When his mission was complete, he returned to Ayodhya and presented himself before Rama. With humility, he bowed to his brother — the embodiment of Dharma — as Indra bows to Brahma. Rama listened with deep satisfaction as Bharata recounted the victory, the annihilation of the Gandharvas, and the establishment of the two radiant cities. Thus ended a glorious chapter of expansion, valor, and fulfillment under Rama’s reign — a testament to the might and righteousness of the sons of Kaikeyi and the enduring greatness of the House of Raghu. 

This concludes chapter 101 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Bharata and his two sons along with legions of Rama’s army conquered Gandharvas and their kingdom. The war lasted for eight days where on the last day, Bharata unleashed the celestial weapon Samvarta Astra to wipe out Gandharvas. Thereafter, he established his two sons as rulers in two principal cities and remained in Gandhara for five years. This also concludes the chapter of expansion, valor under Rama’s reign. We can see Rama bestowing kingdom to Lakshmana’s sons as well and death coming to seek out Rama in subsequent chapters.