Lanka Victory Story – Chapter 3: Exile and Dandaka Forest

Exile and Dandaka Forest

After Sita chose Ram in the Sita Swayamvar, there was an atmosphere of joy and celebration in Ayodhya. Ram and Sita were married, and the people of Ayodhya were waiting for their coronation. But fate had something else in store, the colors of destiny were about to become even deeper.

Kaikeyi's Promise

The scent of coronation was in the air of Ayodhya, preparations for the festival were going on in every house. The sound of Ram's name was echoing all around. Just then, Manthara's poisonous words tainted the mind of Maharani Kaikeyi. The fire of jealousy flared up in her heart, and she reminded King Dashrath of her two previous boons. Her face turned red with anger, tears filled her eyes and bitterness filled her voice. She asked the king for the kingdom for Bharat and fourteen years of exile for Ram.

King Dashrath's heart broke. He was bound by his promise, but the thought of sending Ram into exile was unbearable for him. "Kaikeyi! What are you saying?" King Dashrath said groaning, "Ram is my life, how will I live without him? Ask me for something else, but don't take Ram away from me." But Kaikeyi remained firm, steadfast on her boon.

Ram's Departure to the Forest

When Ram received the news of this incident, he was not disturbed at all. It was his duty to obey his father's word. He bid farewell to his mother Kaushalya and his wife Sita. Lakshman was also eager to go to the forest with Ram. Sitaji also firmly decided to live in exile with Ram. She said, "Lord, wherever you will be, that will be my Ayodhya. Without you, this royal happiness is useless to me."

While leaving for exile, Ram bid farewell to his subjects. The people of Ayodhya were drowned in sorrow. Everyone's eyes were moist seeing Ram going to the forest. Ram consoled everyone and said, “I will return soon, and will rule happily with all of you again. You all respect Bharat, he is your king now.”

Kevat Episode

On the way to exile, Ram, Lakshman and Sita reached the banks of the Ganges River. They needed Kevat's boat to cross the river. Kevat was a poor boatman, but his devotion to Ram was immense. Kevat expressed his desire to wash Ram's feet. He said that, "Lord, I have heard that there is so much power in your feet that they can turn a stone into a woman. If my boat also becomes a woman, then how will I feed my family?"

Seeing Kevat's devotion and love, Ram smiled and allowed him to wash his feet. Kevat respectfully washed Ram's feet and made him sit in the boat and crossed the Ganges. Ram wanted to give him something as a fare, but Kevat lovingly refused. "Lord, I am blessed to serve you," he said, "I don't need anything else." Ram hugged Kevat, and pleased with his devotion, blessed him.

Residence in Panchavati

After crossing the Ganges, Ram, Lakshman and Sita enter the Dandaka forest. They received blessings from many sages and decided to live in the forest and do penance. Finally, they reached a place called Panchavati. Panchavati was a beautiful place, where the Godavari River flowed and there were lush green trees all around. Lakshman built a beautiful hut there, in which Ram, Sita and Lakshman started living.

Ram experienced peace and happiness in Panchavati. He meditated daily, gained knowledge from the sages and protected the creatures of the forest. Sitaji stayed in the hut and served Ram and Lakshman, and enjoyed the beauty of the forest. This peace and happiness did not last long. Destiny had some other plans for Ram.

The Role of Sita's Abduction

Amidst the happy life of Ram, Lakshman and Sita in Dandaka forest, Ravana's sister Shurpanakha arrives. Shurpanakha becomes fascinated by Ram and proposes to marry him. Ram rejects her proposal, after which she becomes angry and tries to attack Sita. Lakshman stops her and insults her. Shurpanakha goes to Ravana to take revenge for her insult, and describes the beauty of Sita to him. This description becomes the role of Sita's abduction, and a new crisis comes in Ram's life.