AYODHYA KANDA
(EVENTS IN AYODHYA)
The Heartwarming Tale of Rama’s Coronation as Crown Prince
A beautiful morning dawned in Ayodhya’s golden palace. King Dasharatha sat on his throne, his mind filled with one thought—”The time has come to crown my beloved son Rama as the heir apparent!”
Preparations in the Royal Court
Dasharatha summoned his ministers and declared, “All citizens of Ayodhya must attend this auspicious event. Decorate the golden pavilion, bring Ganga water, and chant Vedic hymns!” The streets of Ayodhya were adorned with flowers. Every home was lit with lamps.
Kausalya’s Joy
When Queen Kausalya heard the news, tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She embraced Rama and blessed him, “My son, protect the righteous and destroy the wicked.” Rama touched her feet and accepted her command.
Manthara’s Wicked Scheme
But in a dark corner of the palace, Kaikeyi’s maid Manthara turned into a venomous schemer. She poisoned Kaikeyi’s mind, whispering, “My queen, if Rama becomes king, your Bharat will be reduced to a servant!” The seed of malice was planted in Kaikeyi’s heart.
Bharata’s Absence
At that time, Bharata was away at his maternal uncle’s (Kaikeya Raja’s) place. He was unaware of these events. Rama’s dear brother could not be part of this joyous celebration.
Vasishta’s Preparations
Guru Vasishta prepared the sacred fire altar. He filled golden pots with Ganga water and sent invitations to all the kingdom’s nobles. Every home in Ayodhya was filled with happiness.
Rama’s State of Mind
Rama sat calmly in his chamber. There was no pride in his heart. His belief was firm—”Whether I get the kingdom or not, my duty remains the same.”
This event is described profoundly in Valmiki Ramayana. It was as if destiny had set the stage for a great tragedy amidst this celebration. The golden lamps of the palace and the darkness of Manthara’s heart—this strange contrast would later shape an epic!
The Two Boons Granted to Kaikeyi – The Full Story
Kaikeyi’s demand for two boons during Rama’s coronation was not just a scheme—it was rooted in an old promise. This story is connected to a battle in Ayodhya’s history:
The Promise During the Devasura War
Long ago, a fierce war raged between the Devas and Asuras. King Dasharatha went to the battlefield to aid Indra. Kaikeyi accompanied him. At a critical moment, when the chariot’s wheel broke, Kaikeyi used her hand as a wedge to hold it together, saving Dasharatha’s life.
The Oath
Moved by her bravery, Dasharatha turned to her and said, “Beloved, you have saved my life. I grant you the right to ask for two boons. You may claim them whenever you wish!”
Kaikeyi replied, “Not now, my king. I will ask at the right time.”
Rama’s Departure to Exile
A heavy gloom spread over Ayodhya’s golden palace. Due to Kaikeyi’s two demands, Rama had to accept fourteen years of exile. Sita and Lakshmana resolved to accompany him.
One morning, Rama dressed in simple clothes, matted his hair, and took his bow and arrows. Mother Sita abandoned her golden ornaments and adorned herself as an ascetic. Lakshmana sharpened his sword.
The entire palace wept. Tears streamed from Dasharatha’s eyes as he embraced Rama and lamented, “O God, how can I bear this?”
Rama humbly replied, “Father, upholding dharma is the true duty of a king.”
Then, the three of them walked through Ayodhya’s streets. To the grieving citizens, Rama said, “Stay calm. I shall return soon.”
Dasharatha’s Tragic Death
After Rama left, Ayodhya’s happiness crumbled. Dasharatha mourned day and night, lost in memories of Rama. One night, he dreamt of an incident from his past life—how, in his youth, he had accidentally shot Shravan Kumar with an arrow. Shravan’s parents cursed him: “You too shall die grieving for your son!”
When this memory resurfaced, Dasharatha’s heart shattered. Crying “Rama! Rama!”, he breathed his last. The grand palace of Ayodhya witnessed the end of a great king’s life.
Bharata’s Worship of Rama’s Sandals
Meanwhile, Bharata and Shatrughna were in Kaikeya’s kingdom. When news reached them, Bharata rushed back to Ayodhya—only to find his father’s lifeless body, a weeping Kaikeyi, and an empty throne.
Bharata’s grief and fury knew no bounds. He rebuked Kaikeyi, “You are not my mother—you are a demoness!”
Determined to bring Rama back, Bharata went to the forest. But Rama refused to break his vow. So Bharata placed Rama’s sandals on the throne and declared, “I am merely your representative. Till you return, I shall serve these sandals as your symbol.”
The people of Ayodhya praised Bharata’s devotion. He lived in a hut in Nandigram, waiting for Rama’s return.
source: this content was created with the assistance of AI and has been adapted and curated by Jignesh Gandhi for this blog.