RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – I [6]

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RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – I [6]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Chapter 9Preparations for the Coronation

Meanwhile, the prince from Kekaya, the maternal uncle of Bharatha, approached

Dasaratha and represented that a long time had elapsed since he came from his

kingdom. "Father is waiting to see me back. He would have been very happy to be

present here during these festivities. He does not know about the wedding of

Bharatha. He would be very disappointed when he comes to know that the marriage

of his grandson was celebrated in his absence. That disappointment can be

assuaged to some extent if Bharatha is sent with me now, so that some

festivities might be arranged there for his satisfaction and pleasure."

Dasaratha consulted his wives and called Bharatha to his presence. "Son! Your

maternal uncle, Yudhajit, had come to take you with him from Mithila itself, I

did not agree. I have come to know that your grandfather is very anxious to see

you. So, make yourselves ready to accompany him", Dasaratha ordered. Then

Bharatha said, "Father! It would be very good if Satrughna too comes along with

me". So, he was also ordered to prepare himself to leave. And, both of them left

for the city of Girivraja, with their wives.

Moved by his respect towards elders, Bharatha made preparations to leave

Ayodhya, with his wife. No objections were raised, or arguments presented

against. Bharatha was endowed with the highest intellect; besides, he was

master of himself, his senses and desires, Bharatha and Satrughna, with their

wives, journeyed quite happily, and reached the city of Girivraja. The

grandfather was longing to see him and fondle him, and inquired about the

health and happiness of people in Ayodhya; he asserted that they looked

exhausted by the long hours of travel and insisted that they should rest; he

led them to the residences allotted for them. From that moment, he treated them

more affectionately than his own children and paid close attention to their

smallest needs.

Though the grandfather cared for their comfort and joy, the brothers appeared to

suffer from some secret discontent; for, they could not bear separation from

their aged father and Rama, who was the very breath of their existence. They

conversed among themselves constantly only about Dasaratha and Rama. Off and

on, anxiety about the health and welfare of the father tormented them, in spite

of themselves, and deprived them of peace of mind.

While their feelings in Girivraja were such, in Ayodhya, not a single moment

passed without Dasaratha pining for them. He sensed a void without them. Many

times, he asked himself the question, "Why did I send them from here? O, it

would have been good if I had not agreed to send them".

The four sons were as four arms for Dasaratha. Now he had been deprived of two.

One day, Rama saw his father plunged in thought, at the separation from

Bharatha and Satrughna. He approached his father and sitting near him spoke

soft and sweet words, making him happy. Rama was supremely gentle. However

harsh others might speak, he used to reply soft and sweet. Though others might

do him harm, he never remembered it against them. He only sought to be good and

be of service to them. Whenever he found time he used to discuss with aged

monks, revered Brahmins and learned scholars, codes of good conduct and rules

of morality. He analyzed the mysteries of Vedanthic thought in simple words and

like an ordinary enquirer; he posed problems before pundits for elucidation. The

sages and scholars who had mastered the science

of Vedanta and philosophical enquiry were elated at the elaborations given by

Rama of the knotty points he himself raised; they praised in a thousand

different ways his intelligence and scholarship.

Rama spoke to his subjects even before they spoke to him; so ardent was his love

towards them. He lovingly inquired about their welfare and was full of sympathy

for them. So, the subjects too loved him as their staunchest friend and dearest

kinsman, and they revered him for his affectionate interest in them. Rama

followed strictly the various rules of living, dictated by tradition, whatever

the inconvenience or discomfort. To whomsoever he spoke, he had a charming

smile on his face, a merry twinkle in the eye and lasting sweetness in his

words. No one noticed the slightest trace of anger, dislike, despair or hate in

his face.

He was the embodiment of compassion and sympathy. He was full of eagerness to

rescue those who surrendered their wishes to his will. Undesirable habits to

which royalty is an easy prey never dared approach him. He was not a victim of

the evil habits of garrulity and dalliance. In spite of this, if any one

displayed before him his cleverness in argument, he would never fail to foil

him by cleverer counter-argument and put him in his place. He never knew

illness of body or anxiety in the mind. He recognized the needs of the people

and, even before they represented them to the ruler, he considered the response

that could be made and remedied the grievance, after taking the permission of

Dasaratha and making the ministers interested in the solution. Dasaratha too

did not obstruct his wishes in any way; he put them

into execution the moment he came to know about them. Rama paid detailed

attention to even the smallest detail of administration and took adequate

precautions to see that problems and complexities do not raise their heads once

they had been solved and set right. Another quality, which was evident in Rama,

was: He never revealed in advance what he had resolved in his mind. Until it

took final shape no one could make out his will or wish. And his anger or

resentment, or his satisfaction would never be futile. He would not delay or

allow himself to be diverted or deceived. With such supreme characteristics,

Rama shone in glory. Dasaratha was delighted observing the way Rama was winning

the love and loyalty of his people. He heard from ministers, priests and others

the growing popularity of Rama and was thrilled.

One night, Dasaratha was thirsty and he desired to drink a little water; he did

not like to awaken the sleeping queens; so, he poured out himself into a small

cup the water from a jar near the bed and while drinking it, he observed that

his grasp was not firm; the fingers were shaking! He had no sleep after that.

His mind sank into a variety of thoughts. Finally, he inferred that old age had

brought on debility; he decided that he should no longer rule over the empire.

Any attempt to govern the people without strength of limb and will can only

spell confusion and calamity. He was counting the minutes so that as soon as

day dawned he could communicate his resolve to his ministers. At last, night

melted away and there was light.

Finishing his morning ablutions and completing his rites of daily worship he

directed the chamberlains to call together the ministers, the leaders of the

people and the priests for a special meeting at the Palace. Bowing to the

command of the Emperor all whom he wanted gathered very soon, and awaited him.

Dasaratha fell at the feet of Vasishtha and informed him of the happenings

during the night and the stream of thought that they aroused in him. He said

that he had decided to place the burden of Imperial administration on Rama. He

prayed that no objection be raised against his proposal. He wanted that all

arrangements be made soon for the realization of his desire.

The chief among the Ministers, Sumanthra, announced this decision to the

gathering; the ministers, courtiers, citizens, priests and scholars who were

gathered there, acclaimed the news with joyful approbation. They cheered,

'Subham; Subham!' ("0 most auspicious! Fortunate are we"). Their applause

reached the heavens. Vasishtha rose from his seat and said, "Emperor! You need

not worry over this in the least. Rama is in every way fit for this great role

but we can well afford to wait a little and celebrate it on a grand scale

inviting all those whom we wish to be present. I suggest that we wait for a

month or two, so that the Coronation of Rama is done as magnificently as we

would like to."

But, Dasaratha exclaimed, "Mahatma! Nothing is beyond your ken; you are

omniscient. When the king loses strength of limb, he does not deserve to hold

the reins of high office. It is a bad sign when a king, whom old age has

debilitated, entertains the greed to continue on the throne. It indicates

avarice in the heart. Knowing all this, if I oppose it, I would have failed in

the duty I clearly envisage. Pardon me; do not try to adjourn this ceremony.

Grant me permission to appoint Rama as the Yuvaraja (heir-apparent) within the

next two or three days". Dasaratha pleaded thus, in great humility and with

deep reverence.

Vasishtha lifted Dasaratha up and conferred blessings on him. He said, "0 King!

The wedding of Rama too happened on the spur of the moment! It dropped from

heaven as Grace. So the people of the kingdom, your subjects, had no chance to

share in the joy of that momentous occasion. If the Coronation too is resolved

upon and celebrated suddenly, it would pain not only the rulers of many parts

of this land, but, even more, it will be a source of great sorrow for the

brothers, Bharatha and Satrughna. And Janaka who has become your kinsman and

friend might not be able to attend! I suggest, therefore, that you may well

ponder over these considerations before settling the date".

The chief among the Ministers then rose and said: "May the revered family

Preceptor pardon me! The decision of the Emperor has the appreciation and

approbation of every one. Ramachandra is, as the name indicates, as the Moon,

which repels the burning heat and restores coolness and comfort to all. He

removes the pain caused by hate, malice, greed and envy. There should not be

any delay in crowning him as Yuvaraja, for whatever reason. Please issue

necessary orders on this behalf, O Emperor! I am praying for this, on behalf of

the entire population of this empire".

When the Emperor and the Chief among the Ministers pleaded like this, Vasishtha

could not hold on to his attitude any longer. He said that it was necessary to

know what the people themselves thought about it. At this Dasaratha stood up

and with one sweep of his eye, he looked at the ministers, leading citizens,

pundits and priests, as well as others of the vast assembly. The assembly was

acclaiming the auspicious proposal in a voice of thunder! In the midst of that

excitement, one citizen, who belonged to a very important group, rose and

exclaimed, "Maharaja! The mighty emperors of your line fostered us, the

subjects of this empire, as if we were their own children. This Kosala realm

attained prosperity and peace through the care and affection of Ikshwaku. Your

eldest son Rama is rich in virtue, highly devoted

to the ways of righteousness, as heroic as the Chief of Gods, and more than all

he has the ability to rule over the three [triloka] worlds. It is indeed our

good fortune that you entertain the idea of crowning him as Yuvaraja. This is

undoubtedly our fortune."

When the citizen spoke thus, on behalf of all the subjects of the realm,

Dasaratha addressed the gathering, "Members of this Assembly! I have all these

years ruled over this empire along the path laid down by my forebears and

guarded its welfare and prosperity to the best of my abilities, with a sincere

desire to promote the good of the entire world. All the years of my life I have

spent under the shade of this White Umbrella [satwic way of life: pure, equal

and steady and detached] that is over my throne; I am now an old man. I have

realized that the vigor and vitality of these limbs have declined. This

dilapidated body has to be given a little rest. I have decided on this. It is

not an easy task, not an insignificant minion, to rule over a kingdom, for it

calls for dedication of oneself to Dharma or

Righteousness. Dharma can be maintained unbroken in the running of the

government only by a person engaged in constant Sadhana and who is endowed with

rigorous control of the senses. I have borne this burden so long that I am

exhausted with the effort. If all of you approve and appreciate my plan, I

shall tell you all about it. I shall never act against your desires and

preferences.

"There is no pressure on you; do not fear that I am forcing my wishes on you, or

that this is a royal command, which you have perforce to obey. I leave you to

your own free will and judgment. In case some other arrangement strikes you as

more beneficial, you are at perfect liberty to present it before us for candid

consideration. Therefore, confer among yourselves and inform me by nightfall

what you have agreed upon".

Even before Dasaratha concluded his address, the assembly became restive and

excited, as a flock of peacocks under a cloud-ridden sky that promises copious

thundershowers! They shouted aloud their assent, their gratitude and their joy,

in unmistakable terms. "You desire just what is our own desire. We do not want

any other gift; give us this gift. 0 this is indeed great good fortune. 0 Good

Luck! Yuvaraj Ramachandrajiki Jai. Jai Dasaratha Rama." The acclamation rent

the firmament. Listening to the popular acclaim, Dasaratha was tossed between

joy and apprehension.

He stood petrified by this spontaneous outburst of loyalty and affection.

Recovering composure after some time, Dasaratha gazed upon the assembly and

started speaking: "Members of this Assembly! No task is more important to me

than acceding to your wishes. I shall, without fail, crown Rama as the

Yuvaraja. But, I have some little apprehension too. I want to explain it to you

and receive from you consolation on that point. I desire that you should tell me

your correct assessment and give me the satisfaction I crave. The fact is while

I was about to lay before you the proposal to crown Rama as Yuvaraja, even

before I spoke about it, you proclaimed that I must crown him without fail and

that he had unbounded capabilities to rule over this realm efficiently and

well. Looking this fact in the face, it is obvious that

you are a little dissatisfied with my rule, or that some of my laws are against

your interests or inclinations. Or, did I exhibit any tendency opposed to

Dharma? Are you yearning for the coronation of Rama as Yuvaraja because you

doubt my ability to govern you for your good? I invite you to point out my

faults or the errors I have committed, fearlessly and fully. I welcome this

frank recital".

At this, one of the people’s leaders rose and replied, "The capacity and

intelligence of Rama are beyond description. And, you, 0 King, are equal to the

God of Gods; you are like Sankara (Siva), with the same divine compassion and

readiness to confer whatever is asked on behalf of the subjects. You are Vishnu

in your ability to protect us. We must be awfully vile and wicked if ever we

cast aspersions on your rule. Those who do so are atrocious sinners. You have

arrived at this resolve, since you are eager to do us good, and you are anxious

to make us happy. We obey unquestioningly your command". At this, Dasaratha

turned to the Chief Priest. "0 Greatest among Brahmins! you have heard the

expressions of the wishes of the people. Do not delay any further; collect all

the materials and ritual requirements for the

Coronation Ceremony", declared Dasaratha, thrilled with the excitement of

anticipation. "Erect the enclosures and the platforms that the scriptures

prescribe for the component rites, the sacrificial sites and other sacred

structures", he said.

He fell at the feet of the Family Preceptor, Vasishtha, requesting him to

supervise the process. "Master! All those who can make it will be present; let

us not delay, awaiting those who have to come from afar. They can derive equal

joy when they hear that Rama has been crowned. Do not suggest, as a reason for

postponement, the need to invite the Kekaya ruler or Janaka and wait until they

arrive. Grant permission to have the holy rite of Coronation performed as early

as possible", he pleaded and prayed with folded hands.

"Maharaja!" Vasishtha responded, "I have got all things ready; we can get going

as soon as you want. I have directed that the hundred sacred pots, the tiger

skin, the covered sacrificial enclosure with its adjuncts, the materials laid

down in the scriptures for the rituals of worship, the herbs and flowers, will

all be available by dawn tomorrow. Nor is this all. I have intimated the four

wings of the armed forces to be in good trim; and also the elephant,

Sathrunjaya, the one which has every auspicious mark that the Sasthras lay

down, to be caparisoned most magnificently; the White Umbrella of Splendor, the

Royal Flag of the Imperial Dynasty will also be ready at the Palace. The

auspicious moment too has been selected; it will be tomorrow". When Vasishta

announced the good news the populace was overcome with

grateful ecstasy; they leaped in joy.

The roads were scrupulously swept and cleaned; elaborate designs were painted on

them and on the walls and buildings facing them; festoons were hung; arches and

awnings and shades were erected over the roads; every citizen was busy and

happy. The entire city was working fast and excitedly The Brahmins and the

leading citizens took leave of Dasaratha and emerged from the Palace, a

veritable stream of exhilaration and excited conversation. The ministers and

Vasishtha proceeded into the Inner halls with the Emperor.

Dasaratha sent for Rama, and meeting him in the Durbar Hall, he explained to him

all the ceremonial formalities and rituals connected with the Coronation. He

reminded him that he should be ready before sunrise, and described the

preliminaries he had to observe. Lakshmana heard the news; he ran towards

Kausalya, the mother, to convey the joyful tidings and communicate his

exultation. She could not contain her happiness; she just waited for Rama to

appear before her. There was very little time before them; so, the entire city

was agog [full of intense interest] with excitement. The villages around for

miles and even neighboring states knew of it pretty soon, for good tidings

spread quick and fast. And no one waited for another; no sooner did he hear

than he hurried forward to the Capital City. The flow of humanity

along all the roads leading to Ayodhya became an uncontrollable surge.

Ramachandra listened to what Dasaratha was detailing to him, but he did not

reply; his feelings were beyond words. He could not express what passed in his

mind; he stayed silent. So, Dasaratha accosted him; "Son! Why is it that I do

not see in you any sign of joy at the prospect of your being crowned tomorrow

as Yuvaraja? Do you not like to become Yuvaraja? Or, is it a sign of anxiety or

fear that we are placing on your head the burden of the State?" In spite of long

questioning, and fond appeals, Rama appeared tongue tied before the Emperor. At

last, he said, "Father! I do not understand why you are acting in such hurry.

My dear brothers, Bharatha and Satrughna, are not here now. Again, grandfather

is far away and he may not be able to reach in time. Father-in-law also might

not be able to come. And, rulers of

other States, Princes, the vassal Kings - they too may find it difficult to

attend. My mind is heavy because we are disappointing such large numbers of

people. It does not accept the idea of celebration when so many are certain to

feel pained". Pleading pardon for his sentiments, he fell at the feet of

Dasaratha.

It was Vasishta who replied. "Rama! Even we raised these objections; do not

think that we quietly acceded to the wish of the Emperor. We thought of all the

arguments for and against, and we consulted the opinion of the people before we

decided. Do not raise any objection now; respect the wish of the Emperor; the

Coronation and the anointment have to take place tomorrow itself. You have to

observe certain vows; this day you should not use a cot or a soft bed. You and

Sita have to be on fast. As soon as day breaks, you must both take bath, after

applying sacred oil on the head; for, the auspicious star Pushya, which has

been selected for the holy rite rises at that time. So, retire into your

residence now, without demur".

As soon as the Preceptor finished, Rama fell at the feet of his father and of

Vasishtha and proceeded to his palace, accompanied by Sumanthra, the trusted

Minister. He had no hesitation this time. He conveyed the news to Sita, and

thence moved on fast to the apartments of his mother. He prostrated before her;

she raised him tenderly, and fondled him affectionately, overwhelmed with joy;

she directed him to give away to Brahmins, as a mark of thanksgiving, cows

which she had collected for the purpose and which she had decorated with costly

ornaments. She made Rama give away many other varieties of gifts to others.

Lakshmana and his mother were there, at that time. Kausalya had Rama seated by

her side and wiping the tears of joy that flowed freely she said, "Son! I had

long waited this precious moment; my yearning

is now fulfilled. I am happy; my life is rendered worthwhile. 0 dearest jewel!

My golden son! From tomorrow, you are the Yuvaraja! Live long, rule over the

empire, let the welfare of the people be ever your ideal; may your rule be

happy and secure, in accordance with the dictates of justice and morality;

accumulate untarnished fame and maintain the reputation and glory earned by the

kings of this line; attain might and majesty more than even your father. The day

you achieve that position, I would feel that my life has attained fruition; my

vows, fasts and vigils would have then borne fruit".

Kausalya, the mother, caressed Rama, stroked the curls of his hair and spoke

sweet words of benediction. She gave him very valuable counsel, to which Rama

paid meticulous attention. Rama chuckled at Lakshmana and teased him in

innocent fun. "Brother! Can you tell me which Rajyalakshmi will be delighted at

this lovely taunt?" He reported, "Brother! I need no Rajyalakshmi to wed me. In

your kingdom itself, if you assign any responsibility, I shall fulfill it; that

is enough fortune for me". With that, he prostrated at Rama’s feet!

Rama said, "Lakshmana! You are my breath. So, half the responsibility in

governance is yours. So, you too should get ready, with me, wearing jewels and

regal robes. You have a half share in my burdens, and in my happiness, my fame

and fortune. You have a half share in all that I am and will".

While Rama was speaking thus, Sumithra was shedding tears, and showering

blessings on both Rama and Lakshmana. She said, "Rama! The love that subsists

between you and Lakshmana gives me great happiness. My son needs no higher

status than being your servant. If he is able to have for ever your love and

affection, that is enough for him". When she finished, Rama fell at the feet of

the mother and rose. Lakshmana too did the same and accompanied Rama to his

palace, when he moved towards it. Rama began the vow of ritual fast at

nightfall. He lay upon a mat made of the sacred kusa grass.

Chapter 10(a)The Two Boons

Vedic hymns echoed everywhere. For the ceremonial bath of Rama and Sita,

attendants brought the holy water of the Sarayu River in pots of gold. Pundits

recited hymns calling down benediction on them; the recitation was most

heartening and pleasant to the ear.

While Mandaara, the maid of Kaikeyi, was returning the previous night, she

witnessed the excitement of the populace and asked some one the reason. She

came to know about the imminent Coronation of Ramachandra, which was the cause

of all the joy and exultation. She also saw the maids of the Palaces of

Kausalya and Sumithra dressed in jasmine-white saris and bedecked in costly

jewels, hurrying hither and thither. She could not bear the sight any longer.

She had creeps all over her body like scorpion-stings in plenty. She ran

towards the palace of Kaikeyi, and finding that the queen had already retired

into the inner apartments, she neared the door and shrieked, "Mother! Mother!

Open the door! A very urgent matter, now! Your life itself in mortal danger! An

earthquake is afoot". Hearing her excited announcement in

words that rolled one over the other, the Queen hastily opened the door and

inquired in fear, "Why? What has happened? What is the calamity? Has anything

caved in? Why all this anxiety and pain?No, nothing of mine is destroyed.

Your life is being destroyed, that is all. You have to live hence-forward as a

crazy care-worn woman", Mandaara said. All in tears, she elaborated the

pitiable state that awaited the queen and with many a gesture and groan, she

lamented, loud and long.

Kaikeyi could not make out why. "The Maharaja is quite well, isn't he? And,

Rama, Lakshmana? Kausalya? Sumithra? There is nothing the matter with them?

Well! If these are quite well, and no danger threatens them, I am not worried

at all. What can happen to me? Has any danger come to them, tell me, Mandaara!

Tell me soon!', the Queen insisted. She turned the maid's head towards her,

held her chin in endearing appeal and pleaded for an answer.

Mandaara replied, "Nothing evil has happened to those whom you mention! But,

they have decided ...... to wring the neck of your son!", and she broke into a

pathetic wail. At this, Kaikeyi retorted, "You are committing a mistake,

Mandaara! The Maharaja is not such a person; nor is Rama, or Lakshmana, or my

sisters, Kausalya and Sumithra! These my sisters love my son even more than

their own sons. Your statement reveals your warped mind that is all. It is not

the truth! Well, you have not told me yet what the matter really is; come on,

tell me the full story."

Mandaara answered, "Matter? At dawn tomorrow, Ramachandra is to be crowned

Yuvaraja! The Senior Queen, her mind full of unrestrained joy, is giving away

costly silk saris and jewels to her maids. She is asking Rama to give away gold

and cows in plenty. Engaged in all these activities of celebration, they are

neglecting you! I cannot bear this in silence. I cannot tolerate it. You are

unable yet to understand the implications. You revel in the empty boast that

there is none so fortunate. Your fortune is drying up fast. For your husband

and co-wives, you have become a neglectable person. Before long, you will be

reduced to the despicable status of a maid. Be advised to be a little alert,

ere that humiliation overtakes you. Awake from sleep; plan your course of

action with full awareness of the consequences. Decide

upon the means by which you can escape from the calamity that yawns before you;

it is approaching you fast.

"When Rama becomes Yuvaraja, the entire empire will be held in the grasp of

Kausalya, remember! Just as every one else, you too will have to dance to her

tune." Mandaara was acting her role and shedding false tears to reinforce her

wily stratagem.

Kaikeyi was impressed by her loyalty, but she was not convinced of the rightness

of her arguments. She said, "Mandaara! What has happened to you? Have you become

insane? Why do you talk like mad! Rama becoming the Yuvaraja is the happiest

augury for the entire empire. Here, take this necklace of mine, as a reward, a

gift, for bringing me this great good news first! Be happy, be full of joy! The

coronation of Rama as Yuvaraja gives me even more joy than perhaps to Kausalya.

My joy at this good news is boundless. Ramachandra too loves me more than he

does even his mother, He reveres me more. I will not listen to such imputations

against such a pure, loving person. You seem to have lost your wits; your reason

has taken leave of you." Kaikeyi reprimanded Mandaara sharply.

Mandaara became even more demonstratively aggrieved. She got more excited and

clamorous. "My reason is clear and fresh; it is yours that has suffered!" she

ejaculated. "You are not concerned about the evil rate that awaits you. You hug

blindly your old faith and fond attachment. I am anxious and worried for the

sake of your happiness and self-respect. The others are all play-acting and

pretending, just to deceive you. They have no respect for you in their hearts.

The Maharaja has no love towards his other Queens: he is enamored only of the

Senior Queen, Kausalya. Just to please you, he might use endearing words now

and then, that are all; but, he has no love in his heart towards you. Consider

this. These people did not inform you; they did not consult you about this

proposal, for they have no regard or respect

for you. Have they spoken to you about it even once, on one single day? Consider

how many months they usually deliberate and plan in order to come to such a

decision. You cannot have a Coronation so suddenly; it doesn't drop from the

sky one fine day on its own... Can it? But, they have decided silently and

secretly."

"The whole thing is the intrigue of Kausalya" asserted Mandaara. Kaikeyi could

not suffer it any longer. She burst out: "Stop that stuff, Mandaara! My sister

is incapable of intrigue; she will never descend so low. It can never be. And,

the Maharaja? He is much nobler, more righteous than even my sisters! You

cannot find in him a trace of subterfuge or meanness. They must have resolved

upon the Coronation quickly, for good reason. The wedding celebrations of Rama

which would have involved months of preparation took place at short notice,

didn't they? So too, the Coronation of Rama might have been decided at short

notice; why should it not be? The Maharaja himself will reveal to me the

special reason that induced him to arrange it so. You have not cared to know

the truth; you have conjured up all kinds of absurd

reasons and baseless fears and cast doubts on the motives of innocent persons!

In a few minutes, things will be clarified; have patience." Kaikeyi admonished

the maid severely.

Mandaara feared that her stratagem would fail ignominiously. So, she stooped to

even worse tactics of persuasion. "Dear Mother! Ponder over the matter a little

more deeply; I have listened to many things while moving about, outside the

palace. In fact, this Coronation affair has been decided upon, months ago. That

is the reason why Bharatha and Satrughna were packed out of the capital. They

were apprehending that their presence here would cause complications. And,

there must be good ground for such fears; or else, who will arrange for the

Coronation when they are away? Have you become incapable of asking yourself

this simple question? Formerly, when you were accepted in marriage, Dasaratha

had promised and given his plighted word that the son born of you will be

crowned king of this realm; you might forget it,

but I refuse to. It is the fear that the presence of Bharatha here at the

present juncture might rouse the memory of that promise and prove an obstacle

to their plan, which made them keep Bharatha out of the way, by sending him to

his grandfather's place. When once the Coronation is accomplished, nothing can

be done to reverse it. To promote this mean trick, they kept the idea secret

and kept it from you so long; think about this for a while, the inner design.

You do not spend any thought on such matters; you believe 'all that is white is

milk!' Your foolishness and innocence are taken advantage of by others. You

simply exult in your love for Rama and recite 'Rama, Rama,' in your

infatuation. Well, leave everything else aside! Did that Rama, whom you love so

greatly, did he at least inform you of this great good fortune happening to

him?"

The crooked-minded Mandaara used many a specious and cunning argument to cloud

and poison the pure unselfish mind of Kaikeyi.

She said, "Mother, who is there in this City of Ayodhya willing to pay some

little regard to us? Who treats you here as worthy of count? They are all one,

united against you. You are a stranger here. They might even throw you out of

Ayodhya shortly; they will not desist from even such meanness. The Emperor is a

crafty trickster, a clever juggler; when he approaches you, he speaks soft

endearment to satisfy his whims; and then he departs triumphant! You do not

realize the fault in you, which is preventing you from attaining the high

status you deserve. Mother! You may remember, the kings are ever ruled by lust,

and not by love. Your father knew this fact, and so he did not agree to give you

in marriage to this aged suitor. After prolonged negotiations and

confabulations, through the intercession of sage Garga,

when it was decided that you be given in marriage, the suitor was compelled to

agree to many conditions.

"This day, those agreements have been cast into flames; and your son has been

cheated; all the while, they are quietly playing their merry drama! Else, why

should they take advantage of this chance, of your son being away? Why should

they be in such hurry that no ruler can attend the Coronation from any State

beyond the bounds of the empire? Consider how their low mentality reveals

itself! How full of mischief and deceit are they!

"When neighboring Rulers are invited, your father will certainly not miss the

opportunity to attend. Naturally, he will bring to the notice of all the

promise made to him. So, the plan is to get through the Coronation without

informing anyone, and once that is over, they know, nothing can be done to undo

it. This conspiracy is hatched by the wily with this objective; so, be warned in

time. Once this moment is missed, your fate will be as contemptible as that of a

dog. Therefore, do not delay; ponder deeply; decide upon some method of

preventing the Coronation from taking place". Mandaara fanned the flames of

anger and hatred. Kaikeyi succumbed to her machinations, at last! She said,

"Hearing your words I feel that each statement is more convincing than the

previous one! Yes, indeed! This is no matter that can

wait. What has to be done next? If you can indicate the step I have to take, I

shall put it into action".

When Kaikeyi gave this clear sign of having been won over by her wiles, Mandaara

was overwhelmed with pride and joy. She spoke with greater assurance now.

"Mother! There is no need to spend further thought. The arguments that can

support your demand are ready and strong. That day, when the Emperor thankfully

accepted your timely help, did he not offer you two boons, any two you might

demand of him? And, did you not tell him that since you had no need then for

anything, you would reserve the gift and ask for the two boons when the need

arose? This day, these two will serve a thousand purposes! You can demand that

he grant them now, can't you?" When Mandaara spoke thus, plainly and

emphatically, Kaikeyi raised her head as if she was startled, and said, "O

Mandaara, how clever you are! Though in appearance you are

an ugly hunchback, in resourcefulness and intelligence, you are extremely

charming. Though wanting in beauty of body, you make up by being an expert in

intellectual attainments. Tell me how I am to secure these two boons, and what

those boons are to be."

Mandaara replied, "Mother! One boon shall be that your son shall be crowned

Yuvaraja. The second can well be that Rama shall not stay in the empire".

Listening to her suggestions, given on the spot, without a moment's thought,

Kaikeyi fell into a trough of reflection; she said, after recovering herself,

"Mandaara! It may be a just demand that my son should be crowned, but my mind

will not agree to send Rama out of the kingdom. I am pained at the very

thought". With that, she dropped into a seat. Mandaara saw that she must act

quickly. "Mother! This is no occasion for sentimental qualms. Procrastination

turns even ambrosia into poison. You have to be a little firm or else, we

cannot succeed in our plan. For the cruel wrong done by them this is no

adequate reprisal. If you desire that your son must rule as King

and that you should have the status of the Queen Mother, then, act this way; or,

I shall end my life by taking poison. I cannot bear to see you suffer while I am

alive". Mandaara wept aloud, as if she was carried away by intense love and

attachment towards Kaikeyi.

She was the nurse who brought up Kaikeyi from childhood; she had petted her,

played with her and fondled her, all these years. Towards Mandaara, Kaikeyi had

great affection and regard; she raised no further objection; she started to calm

her sorrow instead. "Mandaara! Rest assured! I shall, without fail, act in such

a way that you are pleased. Tell me how shall I act now?" she said.

Mandaara replied, "When I suggested you should ask that Rama be sent into exile

into the forests beyond the realm, do not imagine, I had not weighed the

consequences. I did it only after due deliberation". Since Kaikeyi was a child

in political affairs and legal lore, she said. "The law declares that

unhampered possession and enjoyment of usufruct for twelve continuous years

give the person ownership of the property. So, it is better to fix a length of

years for the exile, say, fourteen years; when he returns after that period, he

cannot claim the kingdom; it becomes the unquestioned property of your son".

Mandaara noticed that the Queen had accepted the proposal to ask for the two

promised boons in the form suggested by her. So, she said, "Mother! Don't delay

further! If you beg him for the boons, just as you

are now, the Emperor will not be persuaded to yield. You must work up a wave of

rage; scatter the pillows and sheets in your bedroom; throw off your jewels

into the corners; loosen the hair and make it wild and disheveled; act as if

you have resolved to give up your life! Go and lie down on the floor of the

Hall of Anger, the room where queens who are overcome by anger and grief

retire, so that they may be discovered and consoled. You cannot just go to him

as you are and straight away ask for the boons. Pretend that you are in

desperate agony and that only the grant of the boons can save you from death.

Then only will your demand be worthy of consideration and acceptance. Rise!

Take the first step for the work ahead!"

When Mandaara pressed her, Kaikeyi yielded to her persuasion, and after carrying

out her directions, she entered the Anger Hall and lamented her fate and the

impending calamity. And, Mandaara flopped on the floor outside the door of that

Hall, after drawing the doors together, as if she was unaware of what was

causing all the furore inside.

Meanwhile, the Emperor has finished making all arrangements for the Coronation

Ceremony, and when he emerged from the Durbar Hall, he felt that, instead of

proceeding to the apartments of Kausalya, he should communicate the happy

tidings to Kaikeyi first; so, he hurried towards her palace. The maids who

stood at attention all along the passage appeared upset with anxiety; the

Emperor argued within himself that they had not heard the good news; for, it

would have lit up their faces! He pitied them that they did not know that Rama

was to be crowned the next day! He directed his steps to the bedroom where he

expected the Queen to be.

There his eyes fell on the scattered jewels, the unkept bed, the heaps on the

floor and the general state of untidiness and distraction. He was surprised at

all this and searched for the Queen in the room peeping into the corners. A

maid-in-waiting announced, "Maharaja! Her Highness Kaikeyi Devi is now in the

Hall of Anger". Hearing this, he was gravely upset; he turned his steps in that

direction. Kaikeyi was sprawling on the floor, in the blinding darkness of the

room, wailing and weeping. He said, "Kaika! What ugly scene is this! Why are

you so angry? Who caused you so much sorrow? Tell me, I shall kill them this

very moment; I shall confer joy on you. You have only to tell me what you

desire; I am ever ready to fulfill you wish. Your joy is my joy. Don't you know

that I have nothing in this world higher and

dearer than you? Come, do not test me further". The Emperor sat by her side,

and, caressing her head, he consoled her in various ways, and questioned her

about the reason for her anger and grief.

Kaikeyi was in a fit of rage; she gnashed her teeth noisily; she threw aside the

hands of the Emperor when he tried to fondle her. She said angrily: "Enough of

this false pretence! I put faith in you so long, and this is the degradation I

have brought on myself! I do not trust you any more. I could not believe that

you are capable of this hypocritical game. Is this the punishment for putting

faith in you? Go, go to your favorites; why sit here by my side? You mortgage

your mind in one place and your tongue in another. Give your tongue to the

place where you have given your mind. I am not in a mood hereafter to place

faith in your words. Do not inflict more sorrow on me, but go back the way you

came. What do you care what happens to me? Better to die as a queen than drag

on as a slave! This day is the last day of

my life."

These wailings heard between her sobs and sighs conveyed no meaning to

Dasaratha. He was utterly confused, and struck with amazement. He moved nearer

the Queen and tried to console her and assuage her anger. "Kaika!” began he,

"What do these words mean! I do not understand. I never use false hypocritical

words, nor can I ever use them. My mind and my tongue act in unison; they will

ever be the same; where my love is, there my sweet expressions will be. My

tongue will not falsify my mind; it is impossible for it so to behave. I do not

know how it has happened, how you have not been able to know me and my sincerity

in spite of the lapse of many years. Without telling me plainly what has

actually happened to give you so much grief and pain, do not torture me like

this. Tell me what has happened, why are you

behaving like this? What has caused you this agony?"

Dasaratha pleaded piteously for a long time, but with no effect! The Queen only

retorted sharply, brushed aside with effrontery, ridiculed sarcastically and

turned a deaf ear to the importunities of the Emperor. She pretended as if she

treated his words as of no worth. Dasaratha was wounded very deep in his heart.

Not knowing what to do, he called Mandaara in. She rushed in, play-acting her

conspiratorial role, shrieking for help for the queen, her mistress. "O King!

Save my mother!" she cried and clasped the feet of the Emperor.

The Emperor was really the embodiment of innocence; he had no trace of duplicity

in him. So, he could not see through the drama they were enacting. He feared

that some calamity must have happened to make his beloved so perverse and

stern. So, he asked Mandaara again to tell him what exactly had taken place.

Mandaara said, "Maharaja! What can I tell you? I am not aware of the least bit

of what happened. Mother does not divulge the reason for her anger to any one.

All of a sudden, she hastened from the bedroom into this Hall of Anger.

Noticing this, I came hither. I prayed and pleaded in various ways, but she

does not disclose the reason. She does not confide even in you; will she then

reveal it to poor me? We see her suffering and in agony; it is unbearable; we

cannot simply look on any longer! We are afraid of

what might happen to her, and so, we have been waiting for your arrival. Unless

you comfort her and bring joy into her mind, her condition might become

critical. She has suffered too deep and too long. Her condition is growing

worse every moment. We will retire now."

Mandaara left the Hall with the other maids, saying: "Please find out from her

the reason for her grief and anger and pacify her soon by appropriate

remedies". Mandaara only added to the mystery, and Dasaratha was even more

confused by her statements; he sat by the side of the disconsolate Queen, and

said, "Kaika! Why do you keep me in the dark?" He gently lifted the head of the

Queen from the bare floor and placed it on his lap, and sought to persuade her

to reveal to him the reason for her inconsolable suffering. After some time,

Kaika shook off her silence, and began to speak. "Maharaja! You haven't

forgotten, have you, the two boons you promised to confer on me, that day,

during the battle between the Devas and the Asuras?" Dasaratha was relieved. He

said, "Kaika! Why have you put yourselves into all this

temper and pain for the sake of this simple thing? I will not forget the promise

of the two boons so long as there is life in me. That promise is as dear to me

as Kaika herself; you are the breath of my life, and the promise too is as the

breath.

"Queen! Has any one harmed you? Or, is your health affected adversely? Or has

any wicked person dared act against your will? Speak! For your sake, I shall

face even mortal injury, and punish them so that happiness may be restored to

you. Do not doubt me. O, Embodiment of Charm! Why do you suffer thus? Are you

unaware that the entire Empire is at your beck and call? Whatever you wish to

have, from any region, you have only to tell me, I shall secure them for you

and bring you joy. Inform me, what is it that you fear, what has brought this

sorrow; do not withhold any thing, or hesitate to speak out! As the sun

scatters the mist, I shall shatter the grief that smothers you". Dasaratha

fondled and flattered the Queen, and tried various means of consoling her and

restoring her

spirits.

Kaikeyi kept in her mind the advice that Mandaara had given her; she resolved

that she must secure from her husband a promise on oath, before revealing her

bitter wishes to him. To induce it out of him, she displayed exaggerated and

seductive love, and wiped the tears from her eyes; she held firm the hands of

the King, so pitiably enslaved by her enchantments and so greatly enamored of

her charms. She said, "Lord! I have no resentment against any one, nor has any

one done me any harm or dealt me any insult. I have no craving for anything

from any distant region of the earth. But, I have a long-nourished desire, I

must admit. If you swear on oath that you will fulfill it, I shall tell you

what it is". She enticed him with a smile playing on her face; Dasaratha too

smiled in response, and sliding a little towards

her, said, "O, you foolish Queen! For this one simple affair, why was it

necessary for you to put on so much of temper, and cause so much of anxiety and

anguish? Hear this: Among women, you are most dear to me; and, among men, Rama

is most dear to me. You are both my very breath. You know this well, don't you?

I cannot survive a single day without feasting my eyes on you and him.

Therefore, I swear on Rama himself. Tell me what your wish is; I shall fulfil

it without fail". When he declared thus on oath, with both her hands in his,

Kaikeyi was overwhelmed with joy! She rose and sat up; she demonstrated even

more love towards him for she was glad he had changed into a well-wisher of

hers.

She asked, "O King! You have sworn on Rama; he is the witness to the oath; is

this genuine?" and, she made her position doubly secure, saying, "Lord! You are

a Votary of Truth! You are the Highest among the Righteous! You are endowed with

sovereign Might and Majesty! You must have in your memory the war between the

Gods and the Demons; yet, let me remind you of that exploit once again. That

day, when the Demon Sambara slaughtered all before him, you struggled

desperately to defeat him. Had I not guarded you and nursed you into life,

keeping myself vigilant and alert, you know what would have happened to you.

You appreciated my devoted sacrifice and declared, 'Kaika! You rescued me from

death itself. What can I give you in return! Whatever it may be, ask me two

boons; I shall fulfill them, and repay the debt I

owe you, the gratitude I have to evince.' You desired that I should name the

boons you offered to grant. But I felt then that your coming back to life was

itself the most precious boon for me, and so, I replied, 'Lord! I have no boon

to ask from you now; I shall present my request for them some time later; Keep

them with you in reserve for me,' I pleaded with you. You were elated at my

attitude and expressed your admiration! You said you liked my renunciation, and

declared that the boons will be kept on trust, so long as life lasts, and can be

drawn upon with no objections raised. All this must be fresh in your

consciousness, aren't they? You are the monarch of the earth. You are faithful

to the plighted word. Therefore, give me now the two boons of mine that you

kept in abeyance on my behalf. Make me happy thereby. I do not demand any new

boon from you. I ask only for what are really mine. I need not remind you; you

know very well that it is a heinous sin to refuse to give back

riches placed in trust in one's hands for safe custody. If you say now that you

cannot grant them, you will be injuring me, with that breach of faith. I cannot

bear the disappointment; rather than live with that sense of defeat; I consider

getting rid of life is more Honourable. When the husband does not honour the

word given to the wife, how can the wishes of the people in the kingdom be

realized? An Emperor who stoops to deceive his wife, making her believe him and

then acting against that belief does not deserve the position of protector of

his subjects, does he? You know that the lawgiver sage Manu has laid down that

such ungrateful prevaricators should not be treated as monarchs. Why should I

dilate further on this point and repeat a thousand arguments? In case my boons

are not granted this day, Kaikeyi will not be alive at dawn".

Announcing thus, she burst into loud weeping and wailing. Dasaratha was rendered

helpless and weak by her histrionics; like an innocent deer that is drawn into

the net spread for his capture by the imitative cries of the hunter, Dasaratha

overcome by cooings of love and drawn by the entrancing gestures of the Queen

fell into the trap, like an insane ineffective man. He vowed solemnly "I shall

certainly give you the two boons," holding her palms tightly in his.

No sooner were those words uttered than the eyes of Kaikeyi bloomed wide and

bright. She watched the face of Dasaratha intently for some time, and said, "O

King! This day I have realized how good you are! This day, you have proved the

genuineness of your claim that you will never break a promise once made". She

started extolling Dasaratha in this and other ways. The love-lorn Emperor was

highly elated by her praise; he urged her on, with the prompting, "Kaika: Why

do you delay further? Ask! Ask for the boons!" Kaikeyi hesitated; she

stuttered: "With the arrangements made for the Coronation of Rama, perform the

coronation of Bharata, my son: this is the first boon I demand! Next, Rama,

wearing matted hair and deerskin, and dressed in tree-bark raiment, shall go

into the Dandaka forest and remain there for

fourteen years, as a forest-dweller; this is the second boon I ask for. Bharata

must become the Heir-Apparent, with no one obstructing his path. Rama must be

sent out into the jungle before my very eyes. Grant these two boons and

maintain the honour and dignity of your line untarnished; or else, assent to

the extinction of Kaikeyi's life this very moment". Thus declaring, she stood

up and stared wildly in a determined stance, like a demoness.

TO BE CONTINUED

With Sai love from Sai brothers – ‘’