Ramcharitmanas – Chapter 2: Ayodhyakand: Royal Loss

Ayodhya Kand: Royal Loss

In Bal Kand, we heard the description of Lord Shri Ram's childhood and his divine marriage. Now we move towards Ayodhya Kand, where the atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm in Ayodhya turns into sorrow in an instant. This chapter introduces us to the immutability of destiny and the complexity of human emotions.

Preparations for Coronation

There was an atmosphere of celebration in the city of Ayodhya. Considering his old age, Maharaj Dashrath had decided to crown Prince Ram. The entire city was decorated with lamps, rangoli was made, and auspicious songs were being sung in every house. All citizens were eager to see their beloved prince as king. Special prayers were being offered on the banks of the Saryu River, and Brahmins were chanting mantras for the well-being of Prince Ram. The atmosphere was a wonderful confluence of devotion, love, and enthusiasm.

"Today Ram will become king! What a happy day!" said an old woman. Another replied, "Yes, Ram is the embodiment of Dharma itself. His becoming king will bring welfare to Ayodhya." Princes Bharat and Shatrughna had also returned to Ayodhya from their maternal uncle's house to extend their heartfelt wishes on this auspicious occasion.

Kaikeyi's Boon

Just as the preparations for the coronation were at their peak, a maid named Manthara began to poison Queen Kaikeyi's mind. She reminded Kaikeyi that Maharaj Dashrath had granted her two boons, which she could use to make her son Bharat king and send Ram to exile for fourteen years. Kaikeyi, influenced by Manthara's wicked thoughts, decided to ask Maharaj Dashrath for her boons. When Maharaj Dashrath reached Kaikeyi's chamber, he found her sad and angry.

Maharaj Dashrath asked anxiously, "Kaikeyi, what happened? Why are you so sad? Can I help you in any way?" Kaikeyi replied in a stern voice, "I want both my boons, Maharaj. First, Bharat should be made the king of Ayodhya, and second, Ram should be sent to exile for fourteen years." Maharaj Dashrath fainted upon hearing this.

Ram's Exile

When Ram learned of Kaikeyi's boons and his father's helplessness, he decided to go to exile without any protest. He considered it his duty to obey his father's command. Mother Kausalya and Lakshman tried to stop Ram, but Ram remained firm in his decision. Sita also agreed to go to the forest with Ram. Ram, Sita, and Lakshman donned ascetic robes and took leave of the people of Ayodhya. The entire Ayodhya was plunged into sorrow at the news of their exile.

Ram said to his mother, "Mother, do not be sad. I am going to obey my father's command. I will surely return after fourteen years." Sita said, "I will live with you in the forest, my lord. Ayodhya is empty for me without you." Lakshman, raising his bow, said, "I will always be ready to serve you, brother. I will protect you in the forest."

End of Chapter 2

With the exile of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, the happiness of Ayodhya turned into sorrow. Maharaj Dashrath dies in separation from his son. Bharat returns from his maternal uncle's house, understands the situation, and goes to the forest to bring Ram back. However, Ram, obeying his father's command, decides to complete his exile, which will be followed in the next chapter, Aranya Kand: Life in Exile. From here, Ram's life in exile begins, and he protects sages and ascetics while slaying many demons.