RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 19 FIRST PART

              RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 19, FIRST PART

Rama lent a joyful ear to the words of Kaikeyi. “My queen!” he addressed Kaikeyi like this, “I will go to the dark forests. I will live there like a hermit. I will sport matted hair. I will be dressed in deerskin and bark of trees. It is my duty to fulfil my father’s promise! But my father knows me very well. Nothing can shake his iron will.  He is the flower of valour and heroism. I am surprised that he does not show his delight at my sight. I am anxious to know why. But I pray you do not entertain any doubt. I will stick to my promise. I swear it before you again. I will go to the forests and live like a hermit. The king is a guardian of my interest. I have sat at his feet and learned about life. He is the Lord and Ruler over us. Ingratitude was never associated with his name. It is a great joy to obey him. But one thought rankles in my heart. Why did not the King himself tell me about Bharata’s coronation? Was it to spare me any mental pain? How can he forget that Bharata is none other than my own brother? There is no one who loves Bharata more. Would I not have most willingly resigned my right as the first-born son? If only Bharata expressed his wish?! I hold these wealth, kingdom and my very life only so far as they are of service to him. It is the most sacred duty of mine to fulfil my father’s promise. Alas! My heart bleeds to see the King in this condition. I pray you to soothe away his grief. Let the messengers go to Kekayas to bring back Bharata. I go straight from here to the forests of dandaka. I will live there for fourteen years. I would not think twice about obeying my father’s command!”