RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – 6

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Om Sri Sai Ram

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – 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 9

Preparations 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