Dasaratha's Final Plea to Kaikeyi

King Dasaratha's heart-wrenching plea to Queen Kaikeyi, begging her to spare Prince Rama from exile. A tale of love, duty, and manipulation in the Ramayana epic. 

Dasaratha's Lament and Kaikeyi's Persistence (Shlokas 2.13.1 - 2.13.13)

King Dasaratha lay on the floor, undeserving of such treatment. He resembled King Yayati, who had fallen from heaven after exhausting his merits. Kaikeyi, the embodiment of misfortune, having achieved her goal, fearlessly pressed Dasaratha again about the boons she had been promised. Despite appearing afraid, Kaikeyi was resolute in her demands.

Kaikeyi challenged Dasaratha, saying, "O great king, you boast of being truthful and steadfast in your vows. Why do you now seek to avoid granting me this boon?"

Provoked by Kaikeyi's words, King Dasaratha, momentarily delirious with anger, replied:

"O ignoble Kaikeyi, my enemy, you will achieve your desire only after Rama, the foremost among men, is exiled and I am dead. How will I face the inquiries about Rama's welfare from the gods in heaven? It would be unbelievable if I were to say, 'To please Kaikeyi, I have sent Rama to the forest.'

I obtained Rama as a son after great effort when I was childless. How can I abandon him now? Rama possesses many admirable qualities:

• Bravery and wisdom

• Control over his anger

• A forgiving nature

• Eyes resembling lotus petals

• Complexion like a blue lotus

• Long, strong arms

How can I exile such a son to the Dandaka forest (a dangerous wilderness)? Rama deserves happiness, not suffering. How can I bear to see my wise son in distress?

If death were to come to me now, before I inflict sorrow on Rama, I would welcome it gladly. O cruel Kaikeyi, with your evil intentions, why do you propose such a harmful act against Rama, who has truth as his prowess and who is so dear to me? Surely, you will earn unparalleled infamy and disgrace in this world for this deed."

Dasaratha's Despair and Plea to Kaikeyi (Shlokas 2.13.14 - 2.13.26)

As King Dasaratha lamented with a distracted mind, the sun set and night fell. Despite being adorned with the lunar orb, the night brought no comfort to the anguished king. He continued to lament pitifully, his gaze fixed on the sky.

Dasaratha's Address to the Night

Heaving hot sighs, Dasaratha addressed the night:

"O auspicious Night adorned with stars, I do not wish to see the dawn. O gentle night, be kind to me, I pray with folded hands. Or, if you must, pass quickly. I cannot bear to see the merciless, malicious Kaikeyi, who is the cause of this great misfortune."

Dasaratha's Final Plea to Kaikeyi

After these words, the king, with folded hands, tried once more to appease Kaikeyi. His desperate pleas included:

• Reminding her of his age and devotion to her

• Appealing to her sense of duty towards a king

• Requesting her kindness and compassion

• Urging her to allow Rama to receive the kingdom

• Emphasizing the favor would benefit not just him, but also Rama, the world, all preceptors, and even Bharata (Kaikeyi's son)

Despite Dasaratha's pure-hearted and piteous wailing, the heartless Kaikeyi, full of wicked thoughts, did not heed his words. Seeing his beloved wife unsatisfied and insisting on his son's banishment, the grief-stricken king fainted and fell unconscious to the floor.

The Passing of the Night

The dreadful night passed with the high-minded king lamenting and heaving deep sighs. When morning came and the panegyrists (court poets who sing praises) tried to awaken him as usual, the eminent king stopped them from doing so.

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