RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 18, THIRD PART

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 18, THIRD PART

After Rama’s outburst, Kaikeyi spoke to Rama.

“In the past, there was a great battle. And the battle was between the gods and the asuras. In the battle, your father fought for the gods! The asuras wounded your father grievously. He was at death’s door. I brought him back to life and safety. For this, he was pleased to give me two boons. Now I demand the fulfilment of those boons. If you think your father’s promise must be carried out, just listen to me. Bharata should be crowned today. He is the heir-apparent. The articles prepared for your coronation must be used for Bharata’s coronation. You should cancel all arrangements for your coronation. You must live in the forest of Dandaka for fourteen years like a recluse. You must sport matted hair. You must be dressed in deer-skin and bark of trees. My Bharata should reign from today. Ayodhya has treasures of gold and silver, horses and elephants. The king is torn between the conflicting emotions. He is torn between compassion and grief. He does not want you even to see him. You must fulfil the promise made by your father. You must thus walk in the path of Truth. This is how you can save your father from hell!”

The cruel words fell on Dasarath’s ears. And he wreathed in impotent agony. “Alas! What sin have I committed? Why should I have to listen to her words? She is a fiend in human shape. Now I have to inflict this cruelty on Rama! Rama is dearer to me than my very life. Even the worst enemies would shrink from such cruelty!”

But Rama’s heart was serene and joyful. He wanted to carry out his filial duty. His face was a faithful index of his heart. He did not show any sign of grief. There was no anger or disappointment. He did not think Kaikeyi’s actions and words as cruel. Though it was an injustice and an irony of fate! Rama did not think that the crown was his by right of birth. He did not even think that his father proclaimed to the whole world about his coronation. He did not think that at the last moment he had to lose the crown. He did not worry about having to renounce all the comforts and luxuries. The wealth and pomp and power, all these, he had to renounce. Rama was the Supreme God. So he maintained complete equilibrium in the face of such a turn of the events!