Seeds of Poison
Seeds of Poison
Dasaratha returned to Ayodhya with his sons and daughters-in-law. There was rejoicing everywhere. The four brothers, especially Rama, were the centre of attraction of all eyes and Rama became the idol of the citizens of Ayodhya. Dasaratha was having a very happy time. Some time passed in this manner.
Then, he thought of the future. He would not live long, as he was advancing in age. So, he thought it was the appropriate time to install Rama on the throne. He called Vasishtha, the Guru of Ikshvakus, and sought his advice. The Guru Vasishtha gave his support to the king’s idea and fixed the very next day as the auspicious day for the Coronation of Rama. Dasaratha ordered that all arrangements were to be made accordingly. On hearing the news, the joy of the citizens knew no bounds and they were eagerly waiting for the dawn.
But, Kaikeyee’s personal maid, Manthara thought otherwise. She approached Kaikeyee and poisoned her mind. Kaikeyee, who was very affectionate towards Rama, paid a deaf ear to Manthara’s incitement. But, slowly, she succumbed to her maid’s crafty wordplay.
Manthara arranged the proper scenario for Dasaratha’s visit. Dasaratha came to convey the news to his favourite consort, Kaikeyee. Kaikeyee did not even receive him. He found nobody greeted him in the usual manner. He inquired about the queen Kaikeyee. Nobody replied. But, he found her in the anteroom lying in a corner. He thought she might be troubled from something. So, he inquired about her welfare.
At last, after much coaxing and cajoling, she told him in unmistakable terms, ”Dear, do you remember you once granted me two boons, which I reserved to be claimed when I wanted? The time has now come for you to grant them.”
Dasaratha replied, “After all, for this reason you are worried, my dear? Now, I am ready to grant them for your mere asking.”
Kaikeyee said, “I know you keep your word surely. Please listen. The first is that my son Bharatha should be enthroned in the Kingdom Ayodhya. The second is that Rama should go the forest for fourteen years.”
Dasaratha could not believe his ears. He was too shocked to speak. He implored, “What has Rama done to you? I am sure He has not caused harm even to an ant. Don’t you know that I can’t live separated from my beloved Rama? So relent, my dear, and withdraw these and ask for something else, which I readily give. But, Kaikeyee was adamant. She insisted on her demands.
Dasaratha was in a great predicament. He even stooped to catch her feet and implore her. But, Kaikeyee stood firm like a rock. She declared, “If Rama is crowned, I shall take poison and die.” Dasaratha’s state of mind can well be imagined. He had to choose between his love for Rama and his love for Dharma. In the end, his passion for Truth won. He said, “All right, go ahead as you desire. I will die with Rama’s Name on my lips.” So saying, he fainted at Kaikeyee’s feet.
Dawn was approaching. The citizens of Ayodhya were eagerly awaiting the blow of trumpets and instruments to hear the commencement of the Coronation. But, nothing came.
Rama was summoned to Kaikeyee’s chambers. He found his father lying motionless there. Rama was agitated and inquired from his step-mother. She told him calmly, “Dear son, You alone can remove Your father’s agony.”
Rama said, “Mother, I will do anything to bring cheer to My father, Command Me.”
Kaikeyee repeated the two boons which Dasaratha promised to fulfil.
Rama took the words with utmost calm and declared, “Father’s wish shall be fulfilled whatever may be the consequences.” Then, He touched His father’s and Kaikeyee’s feet and came away. He went straight to His mother Kaushalya’s chambers. There were assembled Sumitra, Sita and Lakshmana. He calmly broke the news to them and asked them not to unduly worry about His going to the forest.
Kaushalya immediately fainted. Rama sat at her feet and slowly brought her to normalcy.
After many bitter words were exchanged, it was decided that Sita and Lakshmana would accompany Rama to the forest. Everybody blamed Kaikeyee, but Rama requested them not to accuse her. He said that He was gladly fulfilling His father’s desire and nothing else.
Finally, Dasaratha joined them and ordered that the entire Ayodhya should accompany Rama to the forest. He should be provided all royal comforts there. But, Rama said, “Bharata should not be asked to rule an empty city and a deserted palace.”Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita wore garments made of bark. According to the king’s bidding, Sumanta, the minister, took the three in a chariot and amidst tumultuous scenes, the chariot left Ayodhya.
Kaushalya accused Dasaratha for having sent their loving Son to the forest. At this time, Dasaratha was reminded of a past incident that had occurred during his youth. He narrated it to Kaushalya and told the story of Shravan Kumar and also, admitted that this present situation was the consequence of his past karma, even though it had been done unknowingly.
He had gone hunting in the forest on a summer night. He was a highly skilled archer and was able to shoot in the direction of any sound, without looking. Suddenly, he heard a sound like that of an elephant drawing water through its trunk and he shot an arrow immediately in that direction. He instantly heard a wailing human voice,”Oh, father and mother, I die.”
Dasaratha was shocked. He ran out to the spot and found a young ascetic crying out in pain near a pond. He said, “Dasaratha, why did you kill me? I was innocently drawing water for my blind parents, who are lying there. They can’t bear my separation. I can’t live. I am dying. Go and give water to my parents and fall on their feet.”
Dasaratha rushed to the old couple with the pitcher of water and fell on their feet. He told them, “I am not your son. I committed a grave sin by killing your son. Please forgive me.”
On hearing these words, the old couple was dazed. “You have committed a great sin, though unknowingly. You, too, as a father will have to suffer the pangs of separation from your beloved son, someday.”
Dasaratha narrated this to Kaushalya and said, “I am only reaping the consequences of my own actions.