Bharata meets Rama

Out of the trance, all started marching towards Chitrakoota, blowing clouds of dust. The sages residing on the mountain were disturbed with the noise being made by the approaching troupe. Fearing for lives they went to Rama asking for help.
At that moment, dressed like sages, Bharata and Shatrughna came down from their chariots. From a distance they could see a hut, Rama sitting at the door. Sita was inside and Lakshmana standing guard outside.
Bharata rushed towards Rama and fell down at his feet. Rama lifted him and embraced him.
Bharata fell down at Rama's feet and asked him why he left Ayodhya. Women could say anything, why listen to them and not to reason. Ayodhya was dark without Rama.

Rama said : You are a learned person, why do you say things like this. I came because of father. I will return after fourteen years. We will talk about that later, first tell me how is our father?

Vashishtha then said it was probably not the right time to say this, but the king was no more.
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita could not believe this. They all started lamenting.

Vashishtha told Rama, as the eldest son he needed to perform the shraddha ceremony for Dashratha. Bharata has given fire to the king, whose body had been preserved in oil.

Rama asked Vashishtha how to proceed.
Listening to the sage, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita went to the nearby Falgu river, Standing in knee deep water, they offered water to the departed king. All the sages living nearby were invited for the shraddha ceremony.

After the ceremony, Rama asked Bharata to take over the kingdom of Ayodhya.

Bharata then said he would not rule Ayodhya. Rama would rule and Bharata would only oversee the proceedings. Bharata asked Rama to give him the wooden slippers he was wearing.

Rama gladly gave away his slippers to Bharata.

They all decided to leave. Kaushalya embraced Rama and Sumitra embraced Lakshmana with teary eyes.  They all left then.

Rama stayed for a few days in Chitrakoota after that.

On returning to Ayodhya, Bharata setup residence in Nandigarama. He built a throne, and placed the slippers of Rama on the throne. He then began ruling from there, waiting for Rama to return.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thus ends Ayodhya Kanda. 

Bharata meets Bharadwaja

Going further, after crossing the river, they saw beds made of leaves under a tree. Seeing that Bharata recognized this as a spot where Rama had rested. He saw a bit of string stuck to the leaves, probably from a garment worn by Rama or Sita.
Seeing the rays of the sun, coming through the tree branches, Bharata wondered how Rama had spent his night there, out in the open.
Becoming very emotional, Bharata fell on the ground, and Sumantra helped him up.
They spent the night in that spot and the next day they resumed their journey.
They came across the river Ganga and Guhaka arranged for Bharata and his troupe to cross. Once they crossed, Guhaka said he would leave and go back to his land. Bharata embraced him saying someone who was a friend of Rama, was dear to him.
Guhaka left and Bharata resuming his journey came across the ashrama of Rishi Bharadwaja. He went to the sage and introduced himself. He also told the sage that he had come in search of Rama.He told the sage that his troupe was waiting outside the ashrama.
The sage told Bharata to ask all following him, to enter. Bharata said there wasnt much room for all. The sage asked Bharata to go.
Sitting in front of the sacrificial fire, he made his offerings and invoked Vishwakarma, the celestial architect. He asked Vishwakarma to create a palace like the one Indra has. A golden palace with golden rooms appeared. In the palace grounds, was a lake where lotuses were blooming. In the rooms there were golden cots. Apsaras were there, singing melodious songs. Musk was kept everywhere and the rooms smelt heavenly. Rivers of drink were there, along with mountains of food. Kubera provided golden utensils. All this happened in the split of a second.
When Bharata came in with his troupe, they were asked to go inside the palace.

In the heavens, the Gods wondered what would happen after this. If Bharata convinced Rama to return with him, Ravana would not die. They enchanted all who were with Bharata, such that they all forgot why they were there, and started living in the palace. None of them wanted to leave. None, except Bharata, who was constantly thinking of Rama.

Staying the night, in the morning Bharata went to Bharadwaja and asked him where to find Rama. Pleased with Bharata's devotion, the sage asked him to ask for a wish. Bharata said his wish was to see Rama. The sage said Bharata would see Rama, but Rama would not return back. He asked Bharata to the mountain called Chitrakoota where Rama was residing.

Guhaka and Bharata

Travelling, Bharata reached the land of Guhaka. Guhaka recognized this as the army of Ayodhya. He asked his army to be prepared. He said he thought Bharata was coming to fight Rama and take full control of Ayodhya.
When Guhaka saw Bharata, he asked his troupe to stop. It did not seem that Bharata had come with any negative intentions. He asked his people to fetch milk, butter, yogurt and coconut such that he could welcome Bharata.
If Bharata wanted Rama to be the king of Ayodhya, Bharata would be welcomed heartily, else he would be killed and his body would float in the river close by.

While Guhaka was wondering what to do, Sumantra came there. He asked Guhaka to point to the direction that Rama was travelling in. Bharata had come to take Rama back.

Hearing this, Guahaka bowed down at Bharata's feet and said Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were far from there. He asked Bharata to rest for sometime.

Bharata said he was restless and would have no rest till he saw Rama. Guahaka said he did not know what was the path that Rama had taken, but one of his messengers would be able to help.

Fetching the messenger, Guhaka said he would also join Bharata is search of Rama. He said he was not sure of Bharata's intention. If Bharata had come to fetch Rama, why had he come with army and why he dressed in royal robes?

Bharata said Looking try to understand my mental condition. For me, Rama's feet are what I desire. I have come in royal robes to give it over to Rama, and hand over the army to him.

Guhaka was impressed and all should have a brother like you.

Bharata said because of his mother, he was being blamed. He wanted to know Rama would be found.

Guhaka said Rama had stayed in his land for two days and then had gone somewhere, where he could be away Ayodhya. They had crossed the river Ganga and had gone to the other side. 

Bharata decides to go in search of Rama

Crying and grieving, Bharat spent the night. He was missing his father and Rama. On the thirteenth day, Bharata performed the shraddha ceremony, giving away gifts to priests.
Once the ceremony was over, the courtiers came and asked Bharata to take over the kingdom of Ayodhya.
Bharata said this was not possible. With the eldest alive, the younger one would not be able to take over the kingdom.
He said the only way possible was to go to the forests, search for Rama and send him back. In place of Rama, Bharata would live in the forests.
He said he needed to wash off the sins committed by his mother.

He gave orders for chariots and elephants to be made ready.

People of Ayodhya wanted to follow along. Bharata gave his consent. Kaushalya and Sumitra also insisted on going along.

Kaikeyi and Manthara, afraid of Bharata's anger did not ask to be taken along.

Vashishtha said, he knew Rama well and how much ever Bharata would try, he would not be able to bring back Rama.

They started on their journey, and reached the banks of Yamuna.

Last Rites of the king

Bharata decided to go to Kaushalya and ask for her forgiveness. He was also afraid of what Kaushalya would say to him, as he felt he was the cause of all this.
Shatrughna said Kaushalya would not be angry.
They quietly entered Kaushalya's room. Kaushalya hugged them both. Taking Bharata aside she told him to take over the reign of Ayodhya. She said whom did Rama ever hurt that your mother had to send him away on the day he was to be made king. Send me also to the forest where Rama is.

Bharata said You know I had no inclination of what was happening. I had no hand in this. Rama is dear to me and I would give my life up for him. If I take up the kingdom in place of Rama, let me damned for eternity.

Kaushalya said she knew how Bharata felt. She then said that the king's body was lying in a tub of oil. She asked him to perform the last rites for the king.

Vashishtha told Bharata that this was not the time to shed tears. The king had gone to heaven as he had not deviated from the truth. Seeing the body of the king, Bharata could not control himself. Crying he said, Father I have come. Please get up. People from all over have come to see you. Are you angry at me because of my mother?

Vashistha said it was  time for performing the last rites. It was the duty of the eldest son to perform the last rites but as Rama was not there, Bharata would have to perform the task.

Heaps of agar wood and sandal wood were brought. Pitchers of butter and honey were sent for. Garlands of fragrant flowers also came.  A cot studded with gems was brought. Dashratha was laid on the cot. Four bearers lifted the cot and went around the city, where people came by to have the last sight of the king. They all went, following Bharata. All went to the banks of river Sarayu.

The king's body was bathed in the waters of the river and the clad in clean white clothes. Perfume was then sprinkled all over the body and then covered with garlands. The body was then laid on the wood pile setup for the king. He was then covered with agar wood and sandal wood. Bharata poured molten butter on the wood pile and set it on fire.

A mixture of cooked rice and black sesame seeds (pinda) was offered to the king and then immersed in the waters of the river.

Bharata said he did not want to go back to Ayodhya but wanted to jump in the pyre and burn himself. Seeing this Vashishtha said life and death was a reality. He asked Bharata to take control, return to Ayodhya and take over the kingdom.

Shatrughna and Manthara

Manthara hearing that Bharata had come, came decked in all her finery. Seeing her come, a guard came running and told Shatrughna that this was the woman who had caused all misery.
Shatrughna could not control himself. He decided that he would put an end to her.
Catching Manthara by her hair, she started dragging her on the floor. Bruised all over, Manthara started shouting, calling out to Kaikeyi for help.
Manthara had garlands decorating her hunchback. With all this dragging, the garland tore to pieces. Shatrughna said you are the cause of the death of my father and my brother going to forests.

Kaikeyi saw this. Thinking that Shatrughna will attack her next, after he had finished with Manthara, Kaikeyi fled from there. Seeing her run Shatrughna said to her : You are a very unfortunate wife. You were the most beloved of our father and what every you said, our father did. Killing you will send me to hell. You danced at the words of a maid and did not use your own reasoning.

Shatrughna hit Manthara hard and she started bleeding. With a kick, he broke an ankle of hers. Profusely bleeding, Manthara fainted. Bharata fearing that Shatrughna would get the sin of killing a woman, intervened.
He asked Shatrughna to stop. He said if Rama hears this, he would he hurt and would definitely forsake them. That was the reason why he had left his own mother alive.
Shatrughna then dragged the bleeding Manthara and kept her in Kaikeyi's room.

Bharata hears of the death of the king

Bharata suddenly got up. He was in his uncle's house. It was the middle of the night and he had had a bad dream.
When it was early morning, Bharata came out of his room and sat outside. People came to him asking him what had happened.
He said he had a dream where the Sun and Moon were both falling from the sky. An old man came and said Rama, Lakshmana and Sita had gone to the forests. Dashratha was lying dead in a tub full of oil.

Having seen this, Bharata was very disturbed. The people around said it was just a bad dream and he should ignore it.They also asked him to worship the Gods and distribute alms among brahamans and the poor.
Bharata had a bath and sat for his worship. He then distributed all his wealth among the needy.
His mind was still not calm. He went to the court and sat next to his grandfather.

When Bharata went there, a messenger arrived saying Bharata was needed in Ayodhya. Bharata then thought that his father wanted to see him. Which meant that the dreams were just false indications. Bharata then asked how all were, to which the messenger said all was well, it was just that Bharata was needed urgently in Ayodhya.

Bharata and Shatrughna both got ready. When they arrived in Ayodhya they saw the people all sad. When they saw Bharata they tried to avoid him. Wondering what was the matter, Bharata went to the rooms of his father but did not see him. Dashratha had died in Kaushalya's quarter and thus his body was there.
Bharata then went to look for his mother. Kaikeyi was sitting on a grand throne thinking of the day when Bharata would be king. When Bharata came and bent down before her, she got up and kissed his forehead. She wanted to know how people were in her household. Bharata said all was well.He then said I have answered your question, now answer me. Why are people avoiding me?

What people had been hesitating to tell Bharata, Kaikeyi told him. As a banana tree falls when cut in one stroke, thus Bharata fell on the floor. Kaikeyi said no where was it written that the parents had to live for ever. Bharata then asked where Rama and Lakshmana were? He also wanted to know why she was not grieving for her husband?

Kaikeyi kept telling Bharata about how she had sent Rama to the forest and that Lakshmana and Sita had gone along also.

As one feels when deeply wounded, Bharata started howling. He said to Kaikeyi , You talk as if nothing has happened. How can a younger one takeover the kingdom with the elder one being alive? Is this what your parents had taught you? You are a female rakshasha who was there to destroy everything. It was because of some sins committed that I was born as your son. I feel like like cutting off your head as Parashurama had cut off his mother's head.

Seeing Bharata speak thus, Kaikeyi fled. She said all that had happened was because she cared for him.

Having heard from his mother, Shatrughna came to Kaikeyi's room and both brothers started crying again. Then they went in search of Manthara.

Dashratha dies

Sita was finding it tough to travel, she had never been exposed to hardships and the toes of her feet were starting to crack.
They soon reached a clearing where other sages lived, and decided to stay there for sometime. The wives of the sages asked Sita who she was and why she was travelling on foot. Sita told them who they were.
They kept walking till they reached the banks of Yamuna and then Lakshmana built a raft and using that they crossed over.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sumantra reached Ayodhya after travelling for six days. He told them Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were fine and they had given their regards to the king. Hearing this, all queens and the king started crying out. The king told Kaushalya about how he had been cursed by the blind sage to die when he would be separated from his son. He also said he would not live long and this night may be his last night.
Taking the Rama the king passed away that night. The queens did not realize he was dead. In the morning, seeing the king not getting up, they went to wake him and then they discovered he was no more.
Kaushalya and Sumitra were inconsolable. They were grieving for their sons and now to add to that, they had lost their husband.

Vashishta consoled them. He said to Kaushalya that death was inevitable and that the king had gone to heaven. He told her to place the body of the king in a vat full of oil. He would stay like that, till Bharata returned.

All courtiers decided that Bharata should be summoned immediately. He was not to be told what had happened; just that he was needed urgently in Ayodhya.

Vashistha went to Bharata's uncle's house where he had gone, with Shatrughna. This was the kingdom of Giriraj, where the king Kaikei ruled.

Rama reaches Chitrakoot

Sumantra asked Rama what was the next task for him. Rama asked him to go back. He said for three days he had travelled in a chariot as per his father's wishes and now he wished to lead a life of a hermit. Rama asked him to take care of the king till Bharata came back. He also told him to tell Kaushalya and the king that he was fine in the forest and that they should not worry for him.
Rama also told him to go to Kaikeyi and tell her that he had no ill will towards her.
With tears in his eyes, Sumantra left.
Rama then said to Sita and Lakshmana that Ayodhya was not far from the place they were in, and Bharata would come to take them back from there.
They met Guhaka and from there decided to cross the river Ganga and reach the muntain called Chitrakoot.
Guhaka arranged for boats for them to cross the river.
Crossing the river, they met the rishi Bharadwaj. They introduced themselves to the sage.
The sage recognized Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu. When Rama asked for a place where he could stay, the sage pointed out to a nice part of the forest full of trees and birds.
They walked to the forest, Rama in front with bows and arrows in his hand, Sita in the middle and Lakshmana in the end guarding with bows and arrows.

In the skies there was a crow called Jayanta who was attracted by Sita's beauty. He came flying down from the skies, and with his claws he scratched Sita's breasts. After doing so, the crow flew off.
Sita started crying in pain. Rama invoked an arrow and released that, after the crow,

Wherever the crow flew, the arrow followed it. The crow flew towards the mount Kailasha, the arrow followed it there. It then went towards the heaven, but even there the arrow followed it.

When the crow entered the court of Indra, the arrow changed its form into a brahmin and told Indra it wanted the crow. Indra brought the crow there, and the arrow plucked an eye of the bird and went back to Rama.

Rama reaches the lank of Guhaka

Soon the chariot reached the banks of the river Tamasa. All got down and the horses were led into the water to freshen up. They decided to rest on the banks of the river as the sun was setting. Rama had a bath in the waters of the river.
Lakshmana made a bed with leaves and Rama and Sita sat on that. Lakshmana then fetched some water and Rama and Sita drank that. While Rama and Sita slept, Lakshmana stood guard the whole night.
The next day, early morning, after finishing their morning abulation, they resumed their journey.
Wherever they went, people would come and greet them and talk ill about Dashratha who banished a son like Rama. Wherever Rama heard ill will being said about his father, he swiftly left that place.
They crossed the river Gomati and reached the land of Kosala. Showing that land to Sita, Rama said this was where his mother was born and lived. Rama asked Sumantra to take the chariot to the banks of river Ganga.
All went there and rested on the banks of the river and then went to the land which was ruled by Guhaka. Rama told Lakshmana, here lived the king of Chandala, Guhaka, who was friend of his. They decided to spend a night with Guhaka.

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave for the forests

With the gifts given away, people who were poor became rich. This was the greatness of Rama.
Rama came out with Sita and Lakshmana. With Sita in the middle, the three were ready to leave.
The people of Ayodhya were sad to see their beloved prince leaving. The people said, Sita who was so delicate that sun rays hurt her, would now have to stay in the forest. The princes who lived in luxury and wealth would now be living like paupers.
They said the old King had lost his mind. With Rama away, how would he live?
They decided that they would also live with Rama for fourteen years in the forest. Let Kaikeyi and Bharata rule.
Dashratha heard Rama was leaving. He said to Kaikeyi, you are responsible for this. I will surely die after this. I have no problem with that. What I fear is, people will say there was a king who got swayed by his wife. I, who defeated ferocious demons got defeated by a cunning woman. Bharata will come and make amends.
Rama and Lakshmana were sad to see their father in a pitiable condition. They went to him, to take his leave.
Rama asked for permission to leave. The king said this was their meeting. He wanted to go along with Rama, but Rama stopped him.
The king asked Rama to take all the wealth he could from the treasury. When Kaikeyi heard this, she said Bharata would be king and this was his wealth. What would he have, if all was given to Rama?
Rama said one who was leaving for the forests had no need for wealth. The bark of the trees was enough to cover them, and the sticks were there with them for support. They were taking their bows for protection.
Dashratha said why were Lakshamana and Sita going along? Then he said, Sita could only one one condition, she would go, decked in all her finery.

Rama, Lakshmana and Sita climbed on a chariot. People of Ayodhya started following on foot. Rama said to Sumantra, who was the charioteer,  Please move faster, I will not be able to see father's pitiable condition.

Seeing Rama leave, Dashratha fainted. People rushed and took him to his quarters and lay him on his bed. When Kaikeyi came close to the king, the king told her not to come close to him. The king asked to be taken to Kaushalya's room. Both shared each other's 

Rama decides to leave

On hearing this Rama smiled. He said he would not delay and would leave for the forests that very day. He said would hand over Sita to his mother and then leave.
On the floor, the king was sobbing.
Rama touched his father's feet and left. He went out of the room where Lakshmana was waiting and both went to Kaushalya's room.
Kaushalya was worshiping her Gods. Sumitra was also present there.
Rama came and touched Kaushalya's feet and the queen blessed her son. She said he would make a great king.
Rama said it was not a time for joy, but a sad moment. He told Kaushalya what Kaikeyi had said.
On hearing this Kaushalya fainted.
Rama was afraid. Had he killed his mother by giving her this news.
Carefully Rama and Lakshmana lifted her and laid her on her bed. After some time she gained consciousness.
She started cursing Kaikeyi for sending Rama to the forests. She said none of the kings of the dynasty had been swayed away by the words of their queens.
Lakshmana said he would fight Bharata for Rama, and get the kingdom back. He would not agree to this condition.
Kaushalya said Give the kingdom to Bharata but do not go to the forests. Stay back here with me.

Rama said the words of the father had great value. Even Parashurama had cut off his mother's head at the word of his father. Dashratha was deeply hurt with this decision.
Kaushalya said if Rama went to the forests, she would kill herself.

Rama said this was destiny and not any one's fault. He said one should learn to forgive.
Lakshmana was fuming with anger and he said he would not listen to this reason. He said if Rama went to the forests the king would die and so would his mother and the sin of their deaths would come on his shoulder.

Rama said Bharata was not at fault and he had not done anything wrong.

Thus Rama explained to Kaushalya and Lakshmana why he needed to go.
Kaushalya had a mantra which she gave Rama. Using that, harm would not come to him, and he would be back safely from the forests.

Taking leave of his mother, Rama went to see Sita, along with Lakshmana. He told her what had happened and that he would leaving for the forests that very day.

Sita said for her, her husband was her God and she would not be able to live without Rama in the palace. She said the pains and hardships of the forests would be nothing if she was with Rama. On the contrary, the palace would be worse for her, if she stayed back.

Rama agreed to take her with him. Lakshmana said he would also be going with Rama to the forest.
Knowing that Lakshmana would not listen, he asked him to choose his bows and arrows and dress like a hermit.

Sita and Rama also changed their dresses and became ready to leave for the forests. They started distributing their jewels among the poor and gave away many gifts.

There was a very poor old brahman there called Trijata. He and his wife went to Rama for some gifts. The treasury was empty and all had been given away. Seeing this, Rama gave the brahman cows, which he and wife happily took away with them.
Being old in age, they were not able to control the cows. Seeing this Rama said the cows would remain in the royal cow shed and Trijata could come take care of them there. 

Kaikeyi asks the king to fulfill her promises

Manthara said , do not delay. Change your dress and do as I told you earlier.The king will come to you soon, so be ready.
Hearing the words, the queen took off her ornaments. She changed into old clothes and lay down on the floor.

Dashratha wanted to tell Kaikeyi about Rama to be made king. He made his way towards her rooms. Seeing her in a bad condition, the king was deeply hurt. Slowly he asked her what was the matter.
Kaikeyi did not reply.
The king said I am scared like the deer in the forest when it spots a tiger. What is the matter with you? If you are unwell, let me know. The best of the physicians will come and attend to you. Let me know what ails you, and that will be given to you.

Hearing this Kaikeyi started reminding him of the two promises he had made. She said she was well and would be asking for something, only when the king had promised her that what she wanted would be given to her.

The king said he was promising that whatever she wanted would be given to her.

Kaikeyi then said that all Gods and guardians of all directions be witness to what the king just said. She told the king about the two promises - when she had tended to him after a war, and how she had nursed him when he had a septic finger. She said would be asking for those now. With the first she wanted Bharata to be made king, with the second sending Rama to the forests for fourteen years.

The king collapsed. Collecting himself, he said if Rama goes, I will die. Rama is my life. What kind of wife are you, that wants her husband's death. If Bharata hears this, he will either kill himself or kill you. You are killing me before my time has come. I fall at your feet and beg for my life.

The king fell at Kaikeyi's feet.
He said as soon as it is dawn, kings will come to see Rama being made king. Rama is the crown prince now and in the morning he will be made king. 

Kaikeyi and Manthara

She asked Kaikeyi why she was relaxing when her whole world was collapsing. Rama was to made king and Bharata was being ignored. Ask the king to banish Rama. If Bharata is made king, you will have all, now you will get nothing.

Kaikeyi said Rama was just and truthful. Why should she just send Rama away when there was no reason for that? Rama always respected her.The law said the eldest son would rule, and Dashratha was following that principle. Rama would treat Bharata like a king.

Kaikeyi felt very happy that Rama would be king. She wanted to gift something to Manthara for bringing the news to her. She took off an ornament from her body and gave it to Manthara.

Manthara flung the ornament away and with her eyes red with rage, she started speaking.

I have been trying to tell you something that is good for you, and instead of listening to me, you are telling the opposite of that. Kaushalya, cunningly has ensured that her son gets the crown. That would imply that Kaikeyi would become Kaushalya's maid. Why else was this being planned when Bharata was not there, but was visiting your brother. I do not blame the king, he has been brainwashed by Kaushalya.

Rama and Lakshmana will rule and Bharata will get nothing. Bharata, hearing this, will not come back as you have taken away his right, as the son of the king's favorite queen. Think of a way to send Rama into the forest and make Bharata the king.


Hearing the words of Manthara, Kaikeyi was swayed. The words seemed to make sense to her.

She said you wish me well. I never realized that Rama was cunning. With Bharata away, Rama would be crowned king. Dashratha lived and breathes Rama. If Rama goes away, the king will die. Think of a way in which Rama is not banished, but is not given the kingdom. Maybe the kingdom should be divided among the four brothers, and each takes a part and rules it.

Manthara said if you want a way to achieve your way, I can give you an idea. Years ago, the king had promised to give you anything you wanted. You have two of those promises pending. Use those and ask the king to fulfill those wishes of yours. You do not have time, anytime soon, Rama would be crowned king.
Change your dress, and wear rags. Throw off your ornaments, and lie on the ground.When the king asks for the reason, do not say anything, just keep crying. Tell the king later and remind him of the two promises. Tell him to first swear that he will fulfill those. With the first ask Bharata to be crowned king, and with the second ask for Rama to be sent to the forest for fourteen years.


When Kaikeyi was small, she had, in ignorance, taunted a sage. The sage had cursed her saying the whole world would curse her.

Kaikeyi hugged Manthara and said she would have a bath only once the king promised her that Bharata would be king.

Hearing this Mantha was elated.

Manthara hears the news

Ayodhya was lit like Amaravati, Indra's capital. Colorful flags were flying everywhere.
While everything seemed perfect, it was not so.

Ages ago there was an apsara called Dundubhi who had been born as Manthara. She was hunchbacked. She was cunning, vile and ugly. She was forever scheming. She had been sent from the heavens to find a way to send Rama to the forests. She had come along with Kaikeyi, at part of her dowry and she stayed since then, in Ayodhya.

Manthara came to see what was happening, why the people were celebrating. She heard from the people that Rama had been made the crown prince and the formal crowing was to happen next when Dashratha would hand over the kingdom to Rama.

Hearing this, Manthara went straight to Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi was resting, when Manthara entered her chamber.

Coronation

Next day Rama went to his father and greeted him. Dashratha said :

Do your duties as a just king. I had performed sacrifices to please the departed ancestors and gods. I looked after my subjects like my children. It is because one of the sacrifices that I got a son like you. I am old and will be leaving the world soon. I want you to be king after me and today I crown you king. Differentiate between friends and foes.
I have dreamt of ill omens. I have seen comets falling. I saw a lunar eclipse happening on a new moon day, something which cannot happen.
I feel my end is near and I would like you to be king in place of me.I am not sure how good a king Bharata will make, so I would like you to take up that role. Also, you being the eldest have the right to rule.
I have arranged for a formal ceremony to happen tomorrow.


Saying this Dashratha took leave of Rama.

Rama went to visit his mother, Kaushalya was busy with her worship when Rama approached her. He told her what Dashratha had told him. He asked her to pray to Durga and get her blessings.

Kaushalya blessed her son and Shiva and Durga be with you always to guide you.

Lakshmana came there looking for Rama. Rama told Lakshmana about the coronation.

The two brothers went to Sumitra, took her blessings and then they went back to Dashratha.

The preparations had started. Lamps were being lit everywhere. Everyone was happy and in a joyous mood. In the heavens, the gods also gathered to watch.

Slowly the sages started arriving and Rama took blessings of all of them.

Rama was anointed with sandal paste and with the chanting of mantras, he was crowned. Vashistha said the coronation would happen at an auspicious moment, the next day.

Joy of the people

Instruments were playing all over. Sages were chanting mantras and blessing Rama.
In a joyous mood, everyone was greeting each other.

With Rama's crowing, all griefs and worries would be over. Happy times were coming.

All, dressed in the finest of attire, went to see Rama, sitting on the throne.

Dashratha speaks to Rama

Dashratha spoke to Rama. He said :

You the eldest son of mine, born from my first wife. Starting learning how to rule the kingdom and learn the art of politics.

Do not ever look at another woman in bad light. Never gossip and never taunt others. Do not spread ill will among people. If a foe comes to you for shelter, do not refuse. Do not punish any one who has not committed a crime.

Respect your elders, sages and Gods. Act as per the scriptures.

See that your subjects know no grief.



The king thus taught Rama how to handle the kingdom and how to be a good king. When Kaushalya heard this, she was very happy. She started distributing alms among the poor and needy.

People who came to the palace were very happy to hear that Rama would crowned king. They went to Rama and blessed him.

After meeting and greeting the people Rama decided to go and visit his mother.

Dashratha decides to crown Rama

This is Ayodhya Kanda where Rama will go into the forest.

Dashratha had grown old, his hair was gray. He had been ruling for years and was tired. Many kings came to visit him, bringing gifts for his sons and their wives. They all wished their desire to see Rama as their future king. They said he was capable, having killed Taraka and vanquished Maricha at such a young age.

The king happy, did not want to show his feelings. He asked the people present what what had he done, that the people did not want him as the king anymore? He said he was taking care of his subjects like his own children.

The kings were stunned and did not know what to say.

Dashratha said he was joking and he agreed with the proposal. He said he would talk to Vashishtha and get a suitable date for the coronation of Rama.

A date in the month of Chaitra (March - April) was decided on for the event.

Arrangements started to procure all that was needed to crown Rama.

The king asked Sumantra, the charioteer, to fetch Rama. Sumantra wasting no time fetched Rama.

Rama came and bowed down to Dashratha.The king made his sit on the throne