Dasharatha Troubled by Kaikeyi's Distress

King Dasharatha finds Queen Kaikeyi in distress, influenced by Manthara. He pleads and promises her anything, unaware of the impending tragedy that will shape Rama's destiny. 

Kaikeyi's Distress (Shlokas 2.10.1 - 2.10.3)

Queen Kaikeyi, misled by the wicked hunchback Manthara, lay on the floor like a fallen celestial maiden struck by a poisoned arrow. The intelligent and beautiful Kaikeyi carefully planned her strategy and slowly revealed everything to Manthara. Overcome by Manthara's words, Kaikeyi:

• Sighed deeply like a female serpent

• Contemplated ways to bring happiness to herself

• Appeared wretched and distressed

Manthara's Reaction and Kaikeyi's Resolution (Shlokas 2.10.4 - 2.10.8)

Manthara, driven by her desire to fulfill her resolve, was highly pleased upon hearing Kaikeyi's firm determination. She felt as if her objective was nearly accomplished. Kaikeyi, now fully committed to her decision:

1. Lay down on the floor with a frown on her face

2. Cast off her colorful garlands and costly ornaments

3. Fastened her hair into a single braid

4. Wore soiled clothes

The discarded ornaments adorned the ground like stars in the sky. Kaikeyi lay in the chamber of wrath (a room designated for expressing anger or displeasure) in a lifeless state, resembling a kinnarī (a mythical being, half-human and half-bird).

Dasharatha Enters the Palace (Shlokas 2.10.9 - 2.10.16)

King Dasharatha, after issuing orders for Rama's installation ceremony and taking leave of his close associates, entered the palace. Knowing that Rama's coronation was public knowledge, he entered the inner apartment to convey this pleasant news to Kaikeyi, whom he deemed worthy of hearing it first.

The illustrious king entered Kaikeyi's excellent abode, which was:

• Filled with the sounds of parrots, peacocks, cranes, and swans

• Echoing with music

• Attended by hunchbacks and dwarfs

• Adorned with champaka and ashoka trees

• Surrounded by creepers and picture galleries

• Embellished with altars and sofas made of ivory, gold, and silver

• Enhanced by trees bearing flowers and fruits in all seasons

• Beautified by large pools

• Prepared with various kinds of food, drinks, and delicacies

The palace resembled heaven in its splendor and opulence.

The King's Distress (Shlokas 2.10.17 - 2.10.27)

To Dasharatha's dismay, he did not find his beloved Kaikeyi on her usual bed. This was unusual, as:

• Kaikeyi had never before missed his time of arrival

• The king had never entered her empty apartment

Concerned, Dasharatha enquired about Kaikeyi's whereabouts from the frightened doorkeeper, who informed him that the queen had rushed to the chamber of wrath in anger.

Upon hearing this news:

1. The melancholic king became even more distressed

2. He found Kaikeyi lying on the floor in an unbecoming manner

3. Grief filled his heart at the sight

Dasharatha, the guileless and aging king, beheld his youthful wife, who was dearer to him than his own life, in this pitiful state. Kaikeyi appeared:

• Like a severed creeper

• Like a fallen goddess

• Like a celestial nymph cast down from heaven

Dasharatha, like a mighty elephant in the forest, lovingly caressed Kaikeyi. Despite his terrified mind, the passionate king gently touched his lotus-eyed wife with both hands and began to speak to her.

Dasharatha's Concern and Promises (Shlokas 2.10.28 - 2.10.33)

King Dasharatha, deeply troubled by Kaikeyi's distress, spoke to her:

"O queen, I cannot understand the cause of your anger. Who has cursed or disrespected you? Your lying in the dust is the source of my sorrow. Why are you afflicting my mind when I am favorably disposed towards you?"

Dasharatha offered his support:

1. He promised to summon expert physicians to restore her health.

2. He asked whom she wished to favor or punish.

3. He offered to grant favors or cause displeasure to anyone she named.

The king made grand promises to Kaikeyi:

• "I can slay one who should not be slain or release one who should be slain."

• "I can make a poor man rich and a wealthy man poor."

Dasharatha's Devotion and Wealth (Shlokas 2.10.34 - 2.10.38)

Dasharatha emphasized his devotion to Kaikeyi:

"My kin and I are under your control. I will make no effort to go against your wishes, even slightly. Tell me what you desire, even if it means sacrificing my own life. I swear on my merits that I will do whatever pleases you."

The king then described the extent of his realm, which included:

1. Eastern regions

2. Sindhu-Sauvira areas (in present-day Pakistan and western India)

3. Saurashtra (a region in present-day Gujarat)

4. Southern regions

5. Prosperous kingdoms such as:

   • Banga (in present-day Bengal)

   • Anga (in present-day Bihar)

   • Magadha (in present-day Bihar and Jharkhand)

   • Matsya kingdom (in present-day Rajasthan)

   • Kasi-Kosala (in present-day Uttar Pradesh)

Dasharatha's realm extended as far as a chariot's wheel could rotate, symbolizing the vast extent of his kingdom.

The king offered Kaikeyi the wealth of his kingdom:

"In these lands, there is abundant:

• Wealth

• Food grains

• Livestock (including sheep and goats)

O Kaikeyi, ask for whatever you wish from these riches."

Dasharatha's Final Plea and Kaikeyi's Reaction (Shlokas 2.10.39 - 2.10.40)

The king made a final appeal to Kaikeyi:

"O timid one, why do you exert yourself? Arise, arise. O charming Kaikeyi, tell me the cause of your fear. I will dispel it just as the Sun dispels morning mists."

Despite Dasharatha's heartfelt words and generous offers, Kaikeyi's reaction was unexpected and troubling:

1. She breathed a sigh of relief, as if gathering strength for what was to come.

2. She intended to tell him something unpleasant, steeling herself for the impact of her words.

3. Instead of being moved by his devotion, she began to torment her husband even more, hinting at the gravity of her impending demands.

This concludes the tenth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.