The Plot of The Play; A Pall of Gloom Casts Over Dasaratha, Ayodhya

In the last post, we came to know that Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana is prepared to go into exile. This book presents the story surrounding the exile in great detail as well as all the important events after he begins the journey away from kingdom. These details are captured in many chapters and let us navigate through them all in the same way it is being done till now. Let us continue to look at how Rama prepares for this banishment, gives away gifts, belongings to brahmins and others, arrives at his father’s place to take leave from him in the next few chapters. The great misfortune of a newlywed Rama, Sita being deported to an uninhabitable forest pierced the heart and soul of one and all. This sudden change in destiny of the Kingdom's royal prince casts a pall of gloom across the land. Let us look at the next many chapters at how the bad news has been handled by one and all. 

In chapter 32, Rama bestows parting gifts to Vedic scholars and their wives. Thereafter he also accords charities to Brahmins, young scholars, servants, and others. Rama accords an unusual gift, of cows filling a space of miles and miles, to a poor Brahmin named Trijata. Then Rama is blessed for a bon voyage by all of the eminent Vedic scholars.

Beholding Lakshmana returning with Suyajna, the Brahmin, whose effulgence was like that of fire, Rama and Sita went forth to greet him. Rama gave him many gifts and also wanted the holy one to accept a thousand elephants along with the elephant named Satrumjaya, gifted to him by his uncle. He also urged that he take with him, the bracelets, rings, anklets and girdle that Sita wanted Suyajna's wife to have. Gracefully accepting them, Suyajna showered the royal couple with his blessings. Lakshmana, according to the wishes of his brother also honored the great sages Agastya and Visvamitra bestowing on them many gifts. To the priest who conducted the prayers and rituals for Kausalya, was given chariot, attendants and fine clothes. Chitraratha, Rama's charioteer merited a thousand cows and wealth in the form of jewels and gems. Forgetting none that deserved his magnanimity Rama said, "May mother Kausalya be happy by witnessing all the Brahmins thus honored."

Rama consoled his faithful attendants, whose tears he tried to check and whose desolation at his departure, he could not stem. It was then that Trijata came accompanied by his wife, who suffered along with him and their children in utter poverty. He requested Rama to have pity on him, who through all his poverty glowed like a Bhrigu or Angiras. To him, Rama gave a thousand cows. With all his wealth distributed, no Brahmin friend, servant, pauper or beggar was left, who was not loaded with affection, attention and wealth, from the great lord Rama.

 

In chapter 33, Rama while going to his father at Queen Kaikeyi's palace listens the people's voice of sorrow for his exile. They sadly express their heartfelt feelings. On reaching the palace, Rama bids Sumantra to inform Dasharatha about his arrival for paying respects at the time of departure. 

All the wealth given away, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita set out to the palace of Dasaratha, to take leave of him. None in the city of Ayodhya were indoors, streets thronged with people who are still decked in their festive finery.Some climbed trees, terraces and seven storied buildings to catch a last glimpse of their adored prince. Rama came down the royal avenue neither crowned nor riding an elephant as he should have been, but walking barefoot. He was followed by Sita and Lakshmana without even a canopy to protect them from the heat of the sun. The desolate scene sent waves of shock and dismay, among those who looked in disbelief while gloom and anger reigned, at the unexpected turn of events. People aired their ire saying "Look at the princess so delicate and shielded until now, who even the celestials had not been able to fleetingly glance at. This embodiment of beauty and grace will soon be in the forest, where the rays of the Sun will scorch her, where rains will drench her and the unrelenting elements will rob her of her wondrous glow. "Rama who always rode splendid chariots of gold, drawn by the best of horses, accompanied by the four divisions of the army, now walks barefoot on the streets of Ayodhya. This deplorable depiction of injustice is the result of a folly committed by the king rendered witless by his evil queen. How can otherwise a son so blameless be banished? The root of the tree of humanity is Rama, and Dasaratha has severed that root without mercy." So venting their anger, the citizens of Ayodhya decided to move out of their city. "Let Lakshmana be our ideal, let us also follow Rama. May Kaikeyi rule a ghost city where abandoned homes will no longer contain wealth, where fields will be barren and where mice will run rampant. A pall of gloom will descend on the kingdom gained by Kaikeyi through her diabolic plotting. Emptied of its populace, a profound silence will reign. No Brahmin will remain, and no chants, prayers, or invocations will relieve that silence. Unkempt, unswept and inauspicious Ayodhya will fall to ruin. Let us make Rama's forest our city and this city the forest. Let vultures, beasts and serpents of the jungles, fleeing in terror from us, make Kaikeyi's capital their home."

Ayodhya wept for the misfortune that had befallen their master, but little was Rama's concern for it. He strode forth majestically and purposefully, a picture of serenity and did not stop once until he reached his father's doorstep guarded by Sumantra. Bowing to him Rama respectfully requested his arrival be made known to the king, his father.

 

In chapter 34, Rama comes to see his father Dasharatha and Dasharatha summons Sumantra to fetch all his wives to hither, and asks Rama to stay with him at least for a night. But Rama resolved in his vow, persuades his father to be peaceful. Dasharatha's anguish intensifies and he swoons at the departure of Rama.

 

Sumantra hurrying in, found the king shrouded in misery. Devastated at the thought of being separated from his son, Dasaratha's sorrow had robbed him of his brilliance, rendering him like the sun under eclipse. "My Lord", said Sumantra, "Rama is here. He wishes to bid you farewell". Dasaratha rousing himself from the depths of desolation asked Sumantra to bring all his wives so as to receive Rama. Red eyed with weeping, arrived his three hundred and fifty wives with Kausalya in their midst. 
 
When Rama entered with palms held together in reverence followed by Lakshmana and Sita, Dasaratha rushed to embrace his son but fell unconscious even before reaching him. Lakshmana lifted him tenderly and laid him on a couch. To Dasaratha still in a daze, Rama said, "I seek your permission to leave for Dandakaranya. May you permit Sita and Lakshmana to accompany me." In a voice full of remorse Dasaratha said, "By granting boons to Kaikeyi, I have been deceived. Challenge me Rama. Usurp the throne of Ayodhya and be its ruler.” But, Rama, the very essence of dharma, convinced his father otherwise "Father for many long years, you have been the magnanimous and mighty lord of this earth. I will not render your promises false. At the end of the fourteen-year exile I will come back to pay you my obeisance". 
 
Grieving for Rama, bound by his code of honor, constrained by Kaikeyi's demands, Dasaratha resigned himself to what was to happen. "Go in peace my son" he said, “my feeble mind cannot fight your fearless resolve. It was I who was deceived by a woman who hid her wickedness, as fire hides in the guise of ashes and it is you, who suffer the consequences of my imprudence.” Rama ever protective of his father whom he revered above all said, "Father, I renounce this kingdom, its inhabitants and its wealth. Let it be Bharata's. The promise you made on the battlefield to mother Kaikeyi must be fully honored. It does not befit a mighty Ikshvaku to grieve. A father is divine and in obeying you I obey God. Let Bharata guard the rich frontiers of this land and let your vows be implicitly fulfilled and I shall enjoy the sylvan forest where I will find happiness under the green canopies." 
 
Rama's decision was Dasaratha's final blow. With all his defenses down, he mercifully lost consciousness and his body fell in a heap. Unable to endure his master's suffering any more Sumantra too fell unconscious and witnessing it, the entire universe wept. But away from it all stood Kaikeyi silent, unconcerned and uncaring.

In chapter 35, Minister Sumantra requests and reproaches Queen Kaikeyi and asks her to take back her impositions. But she is adamant to all holy advices and wants Rama to go to forests. 

Dasaratha came out of his stupor like one emerging from dementia. His face distorted with grief, eyes red with weeping and arms flailing restlessly, he was an epitome of sorrow. Sumantra, beholding his noble master writhing in such agony, became furious. Hurling words meant to pierce Kaikeyi’s soul, he said, "Dasaratha the Lord of all beings is also your consort and you have abandoned him? Is there no crime, which you are not capable of Kaikeyi? You will destroy Dasaratha and the great Ikshvaku dynasty. Why do you torment the noble king who is invincible like Indra, steadfast as the mountains and indomitable as the ocean? It is the tradition of this race for the first-born son to ascend the throne. How can you revoke that decree? Do not hold in contempt, that magnanimous soul, who bears you, grants you boons and is consort to you. Bharata may be crowned king, but we go where Rama goes. Why does not the earth rive open, Kaikeyi, in the face of your atrocities? 
 
"Just as the saying, 'as the seed, so the fruit', you inherit the qualities of your mother, who was born under an inauspicious sign. The world is aware, that a neem tree produces no honey. Your mother did not care if it cost her consort his life, in fulfilling her wishes, realizing which your father banished her from his kingdom. You are sinfully following the same path, which brought ruin upon your mother. In your arrogance you compel the king, who is so blameless, to commit a grave injustice. If Rama, enters the forest a terrible curse shall befall you". Neither Sumantra's pleas nor his incisive condemnations moved Kaikeyi. She did not display the slightest trace of fear, pity or remorse. 

In chapter 36, Dasharatha orders to send army and treasury with Rama to forests. Kaikeyi objects to such a lavish exile and she retorts the same legend of Sagara who exiled his son, Asamanja, without riches. Minister Siddhartha still tries to persuade her. Then vexed King Dasharatha also tries to embark on the exile along with Rama.

 

Dasaratha reconciling himself to the situation asked Sumantra to ready the four divisions of the army laden with wealth, to escort Rama. He also wanted chariots and hunters who knew the intricacies of the intractable forest to accompany the prince. "Let all the grain and treasures in my possession be at the disposal of Rama. Come bless him." said Dasaratha. His instructions shook Kaikeyi and her voice trembled, but the arrogance in it still dominated her tone as she thundered, "Bharata will not accept a kingdom denuded of its wealth".

Her utter disregard for decorum shocked those who heard her. Shamed and disgusted, Dasartha said, "By granting you boons I have earned the infamy of exiling Rama and of crowning Bharata. What other evils do you have in store to further your cause?" This enraged Kaikeyi even more, who denouncing the entire Ikshvaku race said, "An ancestor of yours, Sagara, banished his first-born son, Asamanjasa. Rama too departs in the same way, history repeats itself, my Lord!"

Dasaratha was aghast and the people were outraged at Kaikeyi's insolence. A minister of the state, Siddhartha, stepped in to clear Kaikeyi's insinuations as he revealed what had perpetuated that exile, "Asamanjasa had amused himself by drowning children as they played on the streets of Ayodhya by mercilessly throwing them into the river Sarayu. When Sagara asked the citizens the cause for their fear they had said, that the deranged mind of Asamanjasa had exulted in the death of their children. That struck terror in them. A just and noble ruler Sagara assured his subjects to rid them of their suffering, by banishing the guilty prince. What wrong has Rama committed, to warrant his banishment? If you know of a vice that vilifies Rama speak now Kaikeyi and he too shall face the same justice. Stop trying to mar his purity, rather seek your own redemption from universal condemnation."

 

Dasaratha in a voice that sounded dispirited and almost extinguishing said "Bogged down in evil if you still disregard counsel of my minister, you will bring upon you, your own destruction. Your deplorable conduct is divorced from all the righteousness. Rule Ayodhya, as you will, along with Bharata. As for me, abandoning my kingdom, my comforts and my wealth, I shall follow Rama."

This concludes chapters 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 of Ayodhya Kanda where we had seen the plot taking its full course and slowly rendering Rama into exile. The entire universe wept as the saga unfolds turning a most noble man to coronate as a king into an unassuming forest dweller. Dasaratha was the epitome of this misery and as can be seen he become feeble, lay unconscious several times due to the overpowering sorrow. Let us see further at how the world reacts to the departure in subsequent posts.

The Plot of The Play; Sita and Lakshmana Persuade Rama To Accompany Into Exile

We are now looking at the many reactions from several people who came to know about the news of Rama’s exile. The last post listed the exchange between Rama, Kausalya and Lakshmana. Everyone other than Rama himself was furious about the dictate but slowly begins to buy in the reality. These conversations are detailed in several chapters depending on the role of the person in the kingdom. While Rama was ordered to live in forest for fourteen years, it isn’t clear till this point who will accompany him. This will be revealed in next few chapters and before that let us look at the conversation with Sita and her calmness in the midst of turmoil.

In chapter 25, Kausalya bids farewell to Rama preparing to go to forest. Rama leaves her residence and goes to Seetha.

Kausalya restrained her grief and resigned herself to Rama's departure. She told that noble Ikshvaku, who was ready to forsake the coveted kingdom of Kosala to uphold the commitment of his father, "Powerless to stop you, I will now wait for those dreadful fourteen years to end, go in peace my son. May you tread the path of your illustrious forefathers. May the dharma that you protect with such fervor in turn protect you. May all the celestials, the sages and the weapons bestowed upon you by Viswamitra be your defense. The gods that you worship every dawn, may they bless and shield you. May your obedience and loyalty towards your parents ensure your longevity. May all elements, the heaven, the Earth, and all existence protected by Brahma, protect you". Blessing her son in every way, Kausalya propitiated the gods for the welfare of Rama, by lighting the sacred fire and performing the holy rituals. May you come back safely, having achieved your purpose. I will wait for that day when I behold you, attired in royal splendor, with Sita, beautiful and bejeweled by your side, seated on the golden throne." Having completed the benedictory rites, a sorrowful Kausalya, her eyes full of tears, circumambulated Rama and embraced him tenderly while Rama paid obeisance to his mother, touching her feet repeatedly. He then made his way towards the palace of his beautiful consort Sita.

In chapter 26, seeing Rama being sad Sita wants to know the reason. Rama then lets her know his father's wish and his decision in alignment. He then asks her to stay in Ayodhya.

The streets of Ayodhya thronged with happy people charmed by their prince. They beheld Rama whose dazzling effulgence illumined the highways of Ayodhya as he passed through them. He arrived at the magnificent abode of Sita who waited to greet a king to be, with garlands and sandal paste. She was unaware of the tremendous changes that had taken place and of the upheaval caused. It was then that Rama's turmoil that he had hitherto concealed so carefully surfaced, clouding his face. His tormented soul vented its suffering, which manifested on his divine countenance as an expression of great desolation. Witnessing these alien signs on a face ever serene and radiant, Sita became alarmed. With great concern she asked Rama, "At this moment, ordained by the brahmins as auspicious for your coronation, what ails you my Lord? Where is the royal canopy, the chariot, the horses, and the elephants? Where is the royal retinue and the Brahmins who are to perform the rituals? At this moment of sublime glory why this unhappiness?" and Rama said, "Born of a great race famed for its righteousness, you will understand my words. Listen to what has transpired. My father, the very embodiment of truth, had in the past, given two boons to mother Kaikeyi. The queen has decided that now is the time to redeem them. The king bound by honor has consented to do so. The boons worded very simply, that I am to be exiled for fourteen years, while Bharata crowned king will rule Ayodhya, for that period of time. My dear, I have come to bid you farewell.”



"May your love for me be eternal and may you with patience forgive my absence. I leave my parents to your care; give them the strength to bear the pain of my separation. To Kausalya, my banishment will be unbearable and to my father the swift turn of events may be disastrous. He lived to witness my coronation, a coronation that destiny has opposed, and which will drown the monarch in an endless sea of sorrow. Do serve my noble parents worn out by grief, with great reverence. Serve all my mothers with the same devotion that I have for them. Bharata and Satrughna are dearer to me than my life; treat them with nothing but affection. Never displease Bharata, who will be the ruler and lawmaker, by your actions. Tread the path of dharma. Spend your time in worship and prayer. I am going to the forest and you, my beloved, shall stay here".

In chapter 27, Sita asks Rama to let her accompany him to the forest.

Sita listened silently to Rama's monologue. A depiction of charm and grace, her presence produced a blissful serenity. So immense was her adoration of Rama, that even the thought of separation from him angered her. "Do your casual commands bid me to do what you take so lightly? What is my offence that you want to punish me so she said "My knowledge of dharma says every one - a father, mother, brother or son - is meant to enjoy or suffer the merits or demerits that they have accrued in their past lives. The wife alone is meant to share the fate of her husband. Accordingly, your banishment is mine. Do I have to teach you, an embodiment of dharma, of its subtleties? For a woman, her husband is her only refuge. Do you pretend ignorance of this rule, my lord? I do not mean to rebel or contradict your wishes, but life for me is not possible without you." And then her anguished heart gave way to such torrential tears that they drenched the very earth out of which she was born.



Rama gently wiped Sita's tears trying to cajole and reason with her, but his soft-spoken consort was not to be deterred, as she continued, "I do not mean to disobey, but separation from you will kill me. For a woman the glories of the world mean nothing, compared to being with her lord. The code of conduct imbibed in me says to follow that lord to the very ends of the world. When you who protect the most insignificant lives on earth are with me what do I have to fear? I will not shirk the forest where you are or live in a heaven where you are not. Serving you and living in the enchanting exuberance of a forest alive with a myriad bird and beasts, can life be anything but bliss? A bliss enhanced by your presence." Neither Rama's renowned eloquence nor dharma could shake the gentle princess from her single-minded resolve.

In chapter 28, Rama describes various troubles of staying in forest and beseeches Sita not to come along with him.

In anticipation of the many ordeals that they would have to face in the forest, Rama tried to dissuade Sita, "Sita, born of a noble race, at this hour of need, your duty is to do that which is righteous and not that which is suitable. You are too delicate for life in the wilderness choked with vine and bush. Great storms visit those miles of greenery, plunging it in darkness even by day and peril lies everywhere. Birds of prey infest the skies and large slithering snakes, that twist and turn tortuously, infest the land. The canopy of the forest will be our roof, the leaves shed by it our bed and the fruit our food. How can a princess so fragile, so used to the luxuries of a palace, survive the forest?"



"Though living in the forest, the devatas, the ancestors and the guests who visit must be offered ritual worship. Bathing three times a day and gathering flowers for the daily prayers is a must. Devoid of anger and desire one should spend time in penance, sustaining on whatever is available. For all these reasons and of your helplessness as a woman, habitation in the jungles is impossible." No hurdle mentioned by Rama daunted Sita and no plea was going to hold her back from following him. So, when Rama announced his final decision, she grew defiant and readied herself to fight her cause.

In chapter 29, Sita implores upon Rama to allow her to come to forests and says that she heard through some foretellers she has to live in forests for some time. But Rama is not interested to make Sita's life penurious in forests and once again tries to pacify her.

With her face bathed in tears, Sita gently kept imploring Rama, "It has been prophesied that I would have to live in the forest, for a period of time in my life. That time is now and my parents have impressed it upon me, that I should always follow you. With you by my side even the gods will not dare to harm me. The weak may dread the jungles but what frightens you who are so fearless? As decreed, a woman, who in this life has been given in holy matrimony to a man by her parents, belongs to him even after her death. Does it befit you to leave without me, your devoted wife in prosperity and adversity? If despite my grief my wishes are disregarded, I shall cast myself into the fire".

All of Sita's anguished pleas left Rama unmoved. His immense love for her made him reluctant to lay bare, the innocence of his cherished wife to the merciless jungle. Rama's rejection only doubled Sita's sorrow and her tears flowed unchecked.

In chapter 30, the persistence of Sita continues, to go along with Rama to forest. Rama tried to pacify her but finally had to yield, accepts her to come along and asks her to give away her personal belongings to Brahmins in charity before they proceed.

Rama tried to console Sita, who though distraught silently vowed to accompany him. Incensed with anger, tempered with love, she said, "My lord, my father committed a great blunder in choosing you for a son- in-law, little knowing that you are but a woman, in the garb of a man. He will be ashamed to hear that diffident about protecting your consort, you had abandoned me. Men in their ignorance talk of your might and its magnitude. Is that not a falsehood?”

"What fear causes this hesitation, in taking me? Leaving me behind, do you gift me to the world, to be its courtesan? The duties you remind me of towards your parents, towards myself and towards Bharata, why can you not dispense them yourself? As for me, no heaven, forest, or penance would I enter without you. How can I, who cannot live even for a moment away from you, survive fourteen long years of separation?" Sita finally, gave vent to her torment as she fell into Rama's arms with hot tears of anguish flowing down her face. Embracing her, Rama said, "My dear, the very heavens have no use for me, if you are not happy. Like the self-created Brahma, I am fearless. Not knowing your wish, I tried to stop you. You have been created to share my life and will ever follow me, as Suvarchala follows Surya. I enter the forest not by choice, but as commanded by my father who is my god and guru. Reverence to one's parents alone is the means to heaven, knowledge, fame, prosperity and progeny. Come walk the path of dharma with me. Your decision brings honor to your family and mine. You have proven yourself a jewel among women. Give away all our wealth to the Brahmins, to the poor and to all those who have served us". The glow was back on Sita's face, rapturous and expectant she began to dispose of all their possessions without delay.

In chapter 31, Lakshmana who overhears the conversation of Rama and Sita, enters into dialogue with his brother, insisting that he too shall accompany. Rama tries to persuade him to stay back, but in vain. Then Rama had to agree to Lakshmana's insistence and asks him to fetch the divine bows, arrows and swords given by gods.

Hearing Rama grant permission to Sita, Lakshmana fell at his brother's feet and begged to let him also accompany them. Lakshmana looked pleadingly at Sita and then at Rama who was reputed never to abandon any, who sought refuge in him, 'Even if there is a place on this earth where there is neither old age nor death, I do not desire it. Without you, I do not want kingship, heaven or earth". Rama said, "Lakshmana, you are not only my brother but my friend and my life. What of Kausalya and Sumitra if you come with me? The king enticed by Kaikeyi may slight them and she with the kingdom in her hands, may not do them justice. Indebted to Kaikeyi and trying to please her, Bharata may not spare much thought to my mothers. Stay back Lakshmana, there is no greater dharma than serving one's parents." Lakshmana who refused to be dissuaded said, "Kausalya can take charge of a thousand Lakshmanas like me and bear them. So can Sumitra who is equally competent. As for Bharata, he is a noble Ikshvaku and will cherish the queens with the greatest of love and reverence. Take me with you, I will be your servant."

Moved by Lakshmana's devotion, Rama agreed saying, "Go bid farewell to those dear to you. Bring with you the bows and the quivers, the swords and armor". Darting away happily, he also brought back Suyajna son of Vasishta and his disciples into Rama's presence along with other eminent Brahmins so that they could pay them their worshipful homage before departing.

This concludes chapters 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 where we had seen the conversation between Rama and Sita about going together to the forest. As can be seen, Rama is more worried about the difficulties which she may face in exile and asks her to live in comforts of palace, taking care of elders. He tells the same to Lakshmana who persuades to accompany him. Both Sita and Lakshmana want to follow Rama dearly while he is against the wish. Finally, he yields to them and thus it has been apprised that the trio – Rama, Sita and Lakshmana will together go into exile for fourteen years. Let us look at how it pans out and all the further moments of heat surrounding the exile in subsequent posts.