Siddhartha Defends Rama's Innocence
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 36
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 36
King Dasaratha's anguish over Rama's exile unfolds as Kaikeyi demands her promise. Minister Siddhartha defends Rama, recounting Asamanjasa's banishment. Dasaratha makes a final plea.
King Dasaratha, a descendant of Ikshvaku (an ancient solar dynasty king), was deeply troubled by the promise he had made. With tears in his eyes and heaving deep sighs, he spoke repeatedly to Sumantra (his trusted charioteer):
"O charioteer, quickly arrange for four divisions of the army to escort Rama on his journey to the forest. Ensure they are well-equipped with:
Precious stones
Beautiful courtesans with sweet voices
Wealthy merchants with their wares
Give generous rewards to:
Those who depend on Rama for their living
The brave youths he used to play with
Include them all in this entourage."
Dasaratha continued, detailing what should accompany Rama:
Main weapons
Citizens as bodyguards
Carts and carriages
Forest wanderers
Hunters well-acquainted with the woods
He explained, "While in the forest, Rama will:
Hunt elephants and deer
Drink forest honey
Observe various rivers along the way
These activities will keep him from thinking about the kingdom."
The king then ordered, "Let my entire granary and treasury follow Rama wherever he lives in the desolate forest. In the forest, he will:
Perform sacrifices in holy places
Give appropriate gifts liberally
Live happily in the company of sages
Meanwhile, the mighty-armed Bharata will rule Ayodhya (the capital city). Provide Rama with all objects of enjoyment."
As Dasaratha spoke these words, Kaikeyi (his youngest wife) was gripped by fear. Her face turned pale, and her voice choked. Dejected and frightened, with a dry countenance, she looked at the king and said:
"O virtuous one, Bharata will not accept a kingdom:
Abandoned by its people
Drained of wealth
Incapable of being enjoyed
It would be like wine with its essence evaporated."
Hearing these cruel and shameless words from Kaikeyi, King Dasaratha replied, "O brutal one, why do you goad me when I'm already yoked to this burden? O vile woman, why didn't you stop me from the beginning?"
Kaikeyi, now even more furious, responded, "In your own dynasty, King Sagara prevented his eldest son, known as Asamanjasa, from assuming the kingdom. Rama should depart in the same manner."
Dasaratha could only utter "shame" in response. All the people present felt ashamed, but Kaikeyi failed to understand their reaction.
An aged and respected minister named Siddhartha addressed Kaikeyi:
"The wicked-minded Asamanjasa used to:
Seize children playing on the street
Throw them into the waters of the Sarayu river (a river in Ayodhya) for his amusement
Enraged by this, all the citizens approached the king and said, 'O enhancer of the kingdom's prosperity, choose either Asamanjasa or us.'"
The king asked them about their fear, and they explained Asamanjasa's cruel actions. Upon hearing this, King Sagara, intending to please his subjects, banished his malevolent son. Asamanjasa and his wife were:
Immediately placed in a carriage
Given only the clothes on their backs
Ordered to leave for life
Siddhartha continued, "The righteous King Sagara abandoned his son. But what sin has Rama committed to deserve such banishment? We see no fault in Rama. It's as difficult to find a blemish in him as it is to find a stain on the moon."
He challenged Kaikeyi, "O Queen, if you see any fault in Rama, speak truthfully now, and then he will be exiled. Banishing an innocent person who follows the righteous path is like destroying Indra's (king of the gods) brilliance by restraining righteousness. O Queen of auspicious countenance, it's enough that you've ruined Rama's prosperity. Save yourself from the world's censure."
After hearing Siddhartha's words, King Dasaratha, with a grief-stricken and gradually weakening voice, addressed Kaikeyi:
"O one of vicious behavior, you don't accept even Siddhartha's words. Having adopted wicked ways and abandoned the right path, you can't understand what's good for you or me. I shall follow Rama today, forsaking:
This kingdom
Its comforts
All wealth
You can enjoy the kingdom for a long time with King Bharata."
This concludes the thirty sixth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.