Kaikeyi Demands Dasharatha's Word
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 14
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 14
Kaikeyi demands Rama's exile, invoking truth and duty. King Dasharatha, torn between promise and love, faces an agonizing choice that will shape the future of Ayodhya.
Kaikeyi, the scheming queen, addressed King Dasharatha, who lay unconscious on the floor, writhing in agony over his son's fate. She said, "Why are you lying on the ground dejected, as if you've committed a sin, after promising me a boon? This behavior is unbecoming of your royal status."
Kaikeyi continued, emphasizing the significance of truth:
"Those who know righteousness say that truth is the highest virtue."
"By following the truth, I have reminded you of your duty."
"Truth is Brahman (the ultimate reality) in one word."
"Righteousness is firmly established in truth."
"Truth is the imperishable Vedas (sacred texts)."
"The supreme state can be attained through truth alone."
To support her argument, Kaikeyi cited examples of kings who kept their word:
King Saibya: Attained the highest state by offering his own body to a hawk, keeping his promise.
King Alarka: When asked by a Vedic scholar, plucked out his own eyes and gave them without hesitation.
She also mentioned that even the ocean, lord of rivers, doesn't transgress its shores in obedience to truth.
Kaikeyi then urged Dasharatha, "O excellent one, if your mind is firmly fixed on righteousness, then fulfill the boon granted to me. You are indeed the bestower of boons." She demanded:
"For the sake of righteousness and at my urging, exile your son Rama."
"I tell you this thrice."
She threatened, "O noble one, if you do not fulfill this agreement, it will mean I have been abandoned by you. Therefore, I will give up my life in your presence."
Urged by the fearless Kaikeyi, King Dasharatha found himself unable to escape the noose of his promise, much like Emperor Bali couldn't escape Indra's trap. The king's heart began to race, and his face turned pale. With great difficulty, he gathered his courage and addressed Kaikeyi:
"O wicked woman, I held your hand amid chanting of mantras with the sacred fire as witness. I now disown that hand, you, and the son begotten by me."
Dasharatha continued, his voice heavy with sorrow:
"The night has departed, and the sun is about to rise."
"The preceptors will now definitely ask me to hasten for the consecration."
"With the materials already collected for Rama's consecration, he will perform my funeral rite of offering water to the dead."
"O woman of inauspicious practices, since you are obstructing Rama's coronation, you and your son shall not perform my funeral rite."
"Having seen people formerly enjoying happiness, I cannot bear to see them again with their downcast, cheerless faces devoid of all joy."
As the night passed and the sun rose, the auspicious time for the coronation arrived. The venerable Vasistha (the royal priest), accompanied by his disciples, quickly entered the palace with the necessary articles for the ceremony. He was greeted with folded hands by the inhabitants of the town and country, including merchants.
Ayodhya, the capital city, was adorned for the grand occasion:
Streets were swept and sprinkled with water
Excellent flags decorated the city
Flowers of various colors were strewn about
The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and incense
Markets were abundantly stocked with merchandise
People rejoiced in anticipation of Rama's coronation
The city resembled Amaravati, the abode of Indra (the king of gods). The palace was filled with brahmins (priests) expert in sacrificial rituals, as well as citizens and villagers.
Vasistha saw Sumantra, the royal charioteer and minister, coming out of the palace gate. The sage instructed Sumantra to immediately inform the king of his arrival.
Vasistha listed the items prepared for Rama's consecration, each holding symbolic significance:
Pots filled with water from the Ganges and golden vessels with water from the seas (representing purity and abundance)
A throne made of udumbara wood (symbolizing strength and fertility)
Various seeds, perfumes, and precious stones (signifying prosperity)
Honey, curd, ghee (clarified butter), puffed grains, and kusha grass (used in sacred rituals)
Flowers and milk (representing purity and nourishment)
Eight beautiful girls (symbolizing auspiciousness)
An intoxicated elephant and a chariot drawn by four horses (representing royal power)
A sword and an elegant bow (symbolizing protection and justice)
A palanquin with bearers and an umbrella resembling the full moon (royal insignia)
White fans made of yak's tails and a golden vessel (symbols of royalty)
A pale-colored humped bull wearing a golden garland (representing dharma or righteousness)
A mighty lion and a powerful horse (symbolizing strength and speed)
Musical instruments of all kinds (for celebratory purposes)
Well-decorated courtesans and women (to participate in the celebrations)
Preceptors, brahmins, and cows (considered sacred and auspicious)
Sacred animals and birds (symbolizing divine blessings)
Vasistha urged Sumantra to hasten the king, as Rama needed to be installed as soon as the day broke under the auspicious Pushya star (a star associated with prosperity and growth in Hindu astrology). Sumantra, delighted at the prospect of Rama's coronation, entered the inner apartment, praising the king.
However, Sumantra found King Dasharatha in a state of distress. Unaware of the situation, Sumantra began to praise the king, comparing him to various deities and natural phenomena:
Like the ocean rejoicing at sunrise
Like Indra (the king of gods) being praised by his charioteer Matali
Like the Vedas awakening Lord Brahma
Sumantra urged the king to rise, saying, "O great king, get up at once like the Sun rising over Mount Meru. Put on your auspicious robes befitting the festivity."
Seeing the king's wretched state and his inability to respond, Kaikeyi intervened. She addressed Sumantra, cleverly concealing the true situation:
"O Sumantra, the king is overpowered with sleep. He stayed awake all night, excited about Rama's coronation. Go quickly and bring Prince Rama here. There's no need for hesitation in this matter."
Sumantra, thinking this was good news, left joyfully to fetch Rama. As he departed from the inner apartment, he saw a crowd of people gathered at the gate, including kings and wealthy citizens, all eagerly waiting for the coronation ceremony to begin.
This concludes the fourteenth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.