Kaiykeyi Dasaratha Debate
Kayikeyi Words were like thunder clasping in Dasaratah’s ears. He lost his balance and fell into sea of Sorrow. “ this is not the character of Kaykeyi, to create impediment for Rama’s Coronation, She does not do like this. Hence this is not true. Am I dreaming? But I am awake. Or is it I am having intellectual hallucination? But there is no reason for that as well. Or Is it a replication/replay of Previous birth experience rememberance? In which case I should not have so much pain anguish.
Or is it there is disease in my body which has led to this mental instability? Thus Dasratha thought in many ways but he could not find solace. Then he regained composure and the piecing words of Kaykeyi’s which had caused his Body to lose it’s sense control like the Deer which has got hurt deep with greivious wounds by Arrows and lying in a state of innate discomfiture unable to react as per it’s natural instinct; or like the cruel snake charmer on whose mesmerising bugle the Snake is bound within a circle ,which is bound by the manthara(VERSE) and lying down inept breathing heavily but at the same time hissing intermittently , Dasaratha was seated in ground and bemoaned “ Chee Chee (eh eh) what sort of Life is this?”and was overcome by sadness and fell unconscious again.
King Dasaratha regained consciousness after very long time. With extreme anger he looked at Kaykeyi as though he is going to burn her and spoke “ hey Cruel Laldy! One who has wicked thoughts! One who has come to spoil my Lineage(Vansh)! Worst sinner! What sin have Rama or myself done to you? Rama who has the respect and Loylaty like his mother to you, how could you start this carnage upon him? Ayoh(Wife of Yama ie God of death) there is no use in telling you. This is an disaster which I have brought upon myself. In the world will anyone bring a Poisonous serpant in their house? I deemed you as the Virtuous Lady of Conduct and quality from a Noble family , alas now I am ruined, and have brought you to my house. That is the root cause of my disaster.
All people are praising the Uthama Gunangal (Noblest Virtues) of Sri Rama without an exception, with what fault can I shun him ? I will leave Kaushalya , I will ask Sumanthara the Minister to go away. I will lose all wealth fame etc I will forsake my Life. I will never forsake Ram who has immense attachment towards me.
I am now longing to see my eldest son Rama. Even if I do not see him for a minute my Life will go away and Die. May be possible for the worlds to exist without the Sun, without water grains may survive,but without Rama my body will not have Praanan(-Life force, Last Breathe,that without which causes Physical and medical Death).
You have determined to cause the greatest Sin, please stop with this. Please forgo this adamancy. I bow my head into your feet and beseech you. For heavens sake please forfeit this thought. How did you even dare to think of such a Henious crime?
Is it just to fathom if I have love/affection towards Bharatha that you mentioned these words? If that be the case you should have only mentioned that Bharatha should be coronated. You need have asked for Rama to be sent to forest. “ In Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) Rama is the best amongst all. Hence he is my eldest son. Bharatha is next only to him”. Your words about Rama expressed all along earlier and the current one of sending him to forest appear enmical. Or just to please me or make Rama serve you, you should have expressed. When you heard of Rama’s coronation you have attained excessive anguish ,you severly coerced me and now making me repent.You have surrendered to counseling by others ,you are lying down in Khopa room. Seeing these are not words meant to test me.
Those who have Virtuous qualities if they suddenly get wicked qualities then that will bring calamity to not only that family but the entire clan for generations. So far you had never faltered on the righteous path. Now that this wicked Thought have come to you , it forbodes ill omen for my clan’s disaster.
So far you have not done, which is not conducive to me or acted in a manner which is not dear to my heart. Hence if I think of the past or future iam not able to believe your words. “ Hey Lady! Have You not mentioned many a time that Rama equal to Mahathma Bharatha? for those your words are witnesses. Hence I will not believe what you have said now.
How did your heart agree to send Rama who is personification of Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) and who has earned the fame by his unwavering conduct? His heart always swayed around Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation)
There are no sins / faluts seen in him for which he should be sent to Forest as a punishment. He is grown up in Wealth and comfort. He has soft skin. How did your heart dare to send him to Forest? You are afraid of anything that is not Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation).Where has that fear gone now? you are now adamant in sending Rama to the cruel Forest. Let that be set aside for the moment. He is dear to all the animals , even will they agree to this suggestion that he should go to the forest?
Rama is never lax in serving you. Does not Rama do service to you more than Bahratha? When that is the case what special quality did you find in Bharatha? Who else is there who can serve you better than Rama the greatest amongst mortals? Who else is there who gives you excessive, consistent and continued respect and conduct himself as per your command? When that be the case how did your heart agree to send Rama to forest?
This country has Crores(Millions) of Women. Amongst them has any one said “ Rama has done an act which is not supposed to be done,because of which had he ever got a bad fame? .” Have you heard any such incident? This country has thousands of servants. Is there any one amongst them out of jealousy without reason has cursed Rama, that caused dent to Rama’s reputation? Rama with pure heart shows Love Affection caring words and emulates by conduct his pure thoughts and takes along all including animals/living creatures and gives the People what they want and thus enchants them. Since he searches for doing good to all living beings he is able to command respect in all worlds of Heaven and Vaikuntam(Vishnu’s abode). He does limitless Charity to poor with humility by which is able to endear them. He dedicates himself in helping Elders and earns their Love and makes them guide him. In Battlefield by his mere stringing of the Bow and Arrow he is able to win over the enemies and bring them around.Hence Mercy, Charity,he is greatest amongst the Learned as well as amongst those who show PARAKRAM (Achievement, Might, Puissance,Exploits,Valor, Heroism, Gallantry,Prowess,Ability,Valour)He is the Warrior. He always speaks truth, and does charity which will help in the World after Life., the diet control as prescribed by Sashtras, like Ahneeyam Thapas (Meditation/Penance), Charity which begets Love in this world. To be a friend to all is called Snaanam. Do be pure by constant recitation of God’s name. Conduct oneself as per other person’s opinion, Philosophy, To be of service to the Guru (mentor/teacher) these sterling qualities are inborn with Rama. Man with these sypmtons and is like the Celestials, and who exhibits radiance equal to Great Sages, and one has Love for all living beings how can you have malice towards such a person Like Rama and ask him to be sent to Forest.
Rama speaks enderalingly with all living beings, so you have no reason to even think he will talk to you unpleasantly. Rama who is dear to my Life how can I do something which is not in his interest to him; just because it pleases you.
Rama has these sterling qualities Sathaym-Truth, Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation),Patience,Humility,Charity, Gratitude,Care for Animals.Who else other than Rama can protect me? How can I do anything that is detrimental to Rama and push him into the Forest?
Kaykeyi now I am old. I will not survive for Long. Any one who sees my plight will have sympathy. As iam old I go on repeating what I have said earlier. So do show mercy on me. I will give you all the materials in the Earth which is surrounded by seas. Please do not have hatred towards Rama. Kaykeyi you are younger by age to me. Still with folded hands do Namskarams(Prostrations are done only to Elders by Hindus) to you. I touch your feet and beseech you. Please grant Rama protection. Please do not make me do which is not Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation).
Please do not make me falter the word given to Rama(is crowning him as King). Thus Dasratha was overcome by sorrow and blabbering fell unconscious. Then he got up. Staggering, then he thought he may have to part from Rama fell into the deep sea of sorrow and suffered in pain & anguish. He pleaded with Kaykeyi that she should agree for Rama’s coronation. Kaykeyi talked harshly with anger with more venomous cruel words as follows “Hey King! When there were Kings galore, if I ask you “what have you rewarded to me when I have saved your Life ?” you are knower of all Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble, Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) what reply will you give? How will you prove that you have not faltered on Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble, Charity , being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation)?
On whose help my life was saved by risking her Life. I gave her 2 Boons satisfied her. Later She asked for them i have refused to give them” will you say this Oh King? The Emperor and Greatest amongst Kings . Having given the Boons earlier, now why are you speaking opposing the same?
In the world if one person of a particular clan is wrong then the entire clan get besmirched with bad name. Similarly the Entire Kings of the World will get a bad name by this.
In earlier time when there was a debate between the Pigeon and an Eagle, did not Emperor Sibi cut parts of his body equal to the weight of Pigeon as it had surrenderd to him and did he not satisfy the Eagle? A blind Brahimn prayed to a Saintly King who said “ I will grant the Boons you have asked for”. The Brahmin asked for the 2 Eyes of the King. Immediately the King took out his eyes and gave it to the Brahmin which enabled him to attain salvation and reach God’s Feet. Once the celestials prayed to King of the Sea not to cross his boundaries of sea shore, he agreed for the same and has not since crossed the boundaries till date. These were all your forefathers who have acted in the above manner. Can you forget them?. Can you forget on the Pledge you have made?
Hey Man with crooked mind! You forsake Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation). You have decided to crown Rama and Live happily with Kaushalya. Immaterial if my Boons are as per Dharma or against Dharma , Sathyam(Truth), or against Sathyam I will not withdraw the Boons I have asked for. If you Coronate Rama I will drink poison just now in your presence and die. I only give you more happiness to your heart than Kaushalya eh? When that is the case, I will rather not witness all the people praising with folded hands the Crown Prince mother Kaushalya ; instead I will rather die . I solemnly pledge on my son Bharatha’s name and myself “Hey Protector of Mankind ! Unless you send Rama to forest , my heart will not get satisfied,” for all this rantings of Kaykeyi Dasrath did not reply.
King Dasratha was too stunned with all his senses becoming numb watching Kayikeyi with eyes welled up, when he heard those cruel words “ Send RAMA to Forest and Crown my son Bharatha “ of Kaykeyi that too coming from her who was most dear to him. Her words pierced his heart like the Thunderbolt, created immense Pain ,Anguish and sorrow. He was aghast at the Vast Vow he has undertaken and Kaykeyi’s adamancy; Dasaratha moaned “Rama” and fell down as a log of Wood ,breathing heavily. He looked like men whose heart is broken, mentally ill, person who has Janni(whose body temperature has gone beyond 105 Deg Farehit Temperature limits),person whose behavior has changed due to umnetioneable incurable Diseases,Like the Serpant which lost all it’s Vigour due to Manthra (Verse) spelt on it.
Then he with all humility addressed Kayikeyi “ hey Lady ! Who counselled you with this catastrophic advise, which appears to be in your interest? Like a Vampire your Intellect has been squandered, you are speaking to me unashamedly. When I married you, you were young. I could not infer then ,that you had bad intentions then. After old age your natural habit/instincts are coming out. Whom are you scared of and why you are seeking these Boons? If you really want to do good for Bharatha, myself, and all the Living beings then shun this wicked thought. In your previous birth you have committed Henious Sin. Hence in this Birth you are getting these wicked thoughts.You have decided to do Sin again by sending Rama to Forest. So where do you have word called Mercy in you. Can you say have you ever been hurt by either by me or Rama which caused you sorrow?
Despite all your strenuous efforts, and acquiring this huge Sin, and earning the wrath of the People of their Anger, Hatred, and curse; hence your thinking will not fruitify. Only if Rama stays in this city will Bharatha stay here. If Rama is not there Bharatha also will not stay here. Bharatha is great person than even Rama. Hence I will split this country equally amongst all my 4 sons. Or I will coronate Bharatha . at least agree for Rama to be beside me in this old age. If you do not do this, your plan will not work out. You will unnecessarily torture me to death that is all that will remain.
When I utter “ Go to Forest” to Rama how will I face him; as he will be downcast like the Moon which has come under Lunar eclipse. I had decided on Rama’s coronation after consulting Ministers, Friends, Citizens, Other Kings, Brahmins, Saints, and after long delebrations & consultations in depth . How can I now be a witness to your Adamancy which is going to bring Peril to this country ;which is akin to the enemy forces destroying my defence forces? What will the various Kings who have come to witness the Coronation say about me ? Dasratha despite being 60,000 years old does not have maturity, it is just sheer luck he has so far been ruling Ayodhya, will they not say so?
When elders, and Noble persons of character and Learned eminent Luminaires whey they ask tomorrow morning “ Where is Rama? Why Coronation is not happening?” what should I reply ‘earlier time I had given Kaykeyi 2 Boons , to fulfill same, I have to now send Rama to forest and I am going to coronate Bharatha’ If I say that then will not my Promise to Rama to coronate him also become a Lie? .
When Kaushalya asks me after Rama departs for forest “ What sin has Rama done unto you king?” having done this injustice what reply will I give her? I had been ignoring her Uthama Gunangal (Noblest Virtues) all along. When she served me, she forgot she is the Queen and will conduct herself like a Maid Servant. When I used to play games of Dice , she used to behave like a friend. While doing matters of Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation)she would not behave like a Queen by being quite with Pride , whereas she will be like the house wife as expected of a wife. When I got married to other Queens she behaved with them like a Sister. While taking care of my body, she will take care of me like my mother. She is always bent on fulfilling my thoughts. After me she has affcetion towards my children.Afraid you may get angry, I had not treated my 1st wife so far properly. What ever I good I have done so far to you have all been in vain. A person who is having disease if he goes on eating without thinking he will only suffer, like wise your bad characters have been coming out and causing hardship to me, thinking of this I am burning within myself.
When Queen Sumithra sees me sending Rama to forest, she will get terrified and wonder “When will he drive away my sons?”and will she ever believe me?
I pity Sita who will hear two messages of “ I am expired and Rama has been sent to Forest” on her ears at the same time , just like the Lady in the valley of Himalaya suffers pangs of separation of her husband so Sita will experience and may Part with her Life.(In those days noble people could part with their bodies at will and Die).
Will my Life exist after seeing Rama goes to Forest and Sita suffering the seaparation? After sending Rama to forest and sending me off to another world after death,it is certain your son will rule this country and you will be a Widow. **(Prophetic word of a good king)Can I survive and be alive after sending Rama to forest?. Seeing the dazzling Liquor mixed with Poison lured by it after consuming same ;the person undergoes torture, like him, I fell for your beauty and I assumed you are Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wiife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) and of good conduct I married you. Now with time you have revealed you are not of good conduct and do not have Pathivratha Dharam, You spoke words which were false and enchanted me and have enticed me like the Hunter lures the Deer by his beautiful singing and Traps it in the Net and sure you are going to kill me. Just as the people who despise the Brahmin who drinks , like wise I am a person who has sold his son to earn the affection of a Lady all the Good Persons in every street of my country will despise and Hate me. So far I have not had such problems in Life. What Sorrow? What a situation to be in? Just like the fruits of previous Birth follows in this Birth as well iam now being tortured by the Long last Boons I gave you.
I am a great sinner, for my selfish interest I had been caring for you ; I did not realize that you have come to kill me. Just like the person who Is going to commit suicide by Hanging , safe gaurds the Rope carefully;like wise I have searched my Death and brought it up and showered with special Love , ignored others, and did all that is possible Upachaaram –Extend Courtsies-Civilities-vidhipadi,finally I am meeting my fateful disaster. Hey Damsel ! having played all these days with you I did not realize you are my Death just like a small child catches Black Cobra I also sought your hand (due to my ignorance) as my 2nd wife. “ Emperor Dasratha has become a fool like a young child. He has become slave to Desire” All the animals will speak ill of me thus “Will any one banish his eldest son full of Virtues to Forest ,for the sake of pleasing a Lady?”.
I had observed strict Fasts as per Vedas, also observed Celibacy as is expected of Brhamachary(Bachelors),and controlled my Body with Service to Guru and also controlled my Mind and senses and I had achieved all these with strenuous efforts . But once I was married, I had fallen a prey in physical enjoyment with my wives, and I have now lost all that I have earned and suffering same. .
“ You have to go to Forest” the moment I tell this to Rama he will happily accept same with out uttering a word. If in case he replies it may appear to be uncouth, and may be perceived as having transgressed my command, still I will be happy. But my son will not do this. Pure Rama will not know my cunning heart. if I tell him “Go to forest”, he will consider that as truth and “ I shall do so” will be his reply.
If Rama goes to Forest all the Living beings will curse and accuse me. How will I tolerate same? Even after Death I will reach Hell, there is no doubt on the same. After Rama leaves for forest my close assosciates will ask me “ What other injustice have you planned to do?” If Rama goes to Forest Lakshaman also will go along with him. Sahtrugna is with Bharatha.Kaushalya will die. Having lost me, Rama and Kaushalya , the 3rd Queen Sumihtra also will leave her body. So having pushed me, Kaushalya, Sumithra into the Hell of Sorrow you enjoy the comforts of Kingodm along with Bharatha. Our Kishwaku Kulam (Ikshwaku Dynasty) which so far have stood with Pride full of Virtues, Decorated by Kings of Character,without any blemish, and have been flying high all these years after my and Rama’s departure will be in total disarray.
If Bharatha is agreeable to sending Rama to Forest then that sinner need not do my final rites of creamtion (Funeral).Hey Lady of mean mentality!, Sworn Enemy of my Life!, Kaiykeya King’s Daughter!, is your heart’s thirst quenched at least now? Have you achieved, what you set out to do ? The Noblest amongst Men Rama be sent to Forest, ensure my death and then you along with your son Bharatha rule this Kingdom happily. You are a Princes for name sake. I will earn Unparralled Bad name & Shame because of you. All the people of the world will ignore –reject me. When they see me all the Livign beings will shun me as though I am untouchable and move away from me. You live in my house with all these 3 Bad Name -Shame- Crooked wicked Mind qualities as an embodiment .
My child Rama will have to walk in the dense Forest, who so far has been riding on Elephant, Horse Chariot and had lived a Princely Life. Chefs would compete and prepare special dishes to serve Rama, he has to eat food available in Forest, unlike the Food of different tastes specially cooked and made with differing Sweet, Sour, Spicy,Bitter etc. How is he going to survive in such terrain? He has been wearing very costly Dresses of fine texture and fabric and slept in Flower bed of pleasant fragarnace made of Jasmine flowers whose stems have been peeled off. He was surrounded by the musicians, Singers and story tellers,in the palace and used to sleep comfortably. Now he has to use Kashayam(Safron robes) and wooden Leaf dresses with Deer skin and has to sleep on floor full of thorns and stones and with wild animals growling, roaring, barking, neighing how can he sleep in the Forest?
What a surprise, how did it occur to someone that Rama should go to Forest and Bharatha should be crowned as Prince. Who got such an idea? No one ever thougt, such a henious scheming has been created, chee chee eh eh we should banish Ladies. Oh my God I have spoken ill of all Ladies. Bharatha’s mother alone is the culprit. Hey Wicked thought Lady! You are focused on fulfilling only your wish! One who has cruel Behaviour!What sin you could identify in me or person like Rama who thinks of only well being of others ? Please tell. When he suffers will not all parents repent? as he is darling of all elders. Wives will forsake their Loving husbands (Learning from you). All Living beings will get unsuppressable rage against you. Rama by nature is Like the Celestials and is handsome as well , further enhanced by the ornaments he is adorning. I used to admire his majestic walking gait like a Rogue Elephant. Seeing him, energized me to be a Youngster myself. How will I Live without such a Rama?
Once Rama leaves for Forest,my Death will be no surprise. Living beings may survive even if Sun does not rise, Grains may grow without rain caused by Indra, I am sure those who have seen or not seen Rama will feel sad when they come to know of Rama goes to Forest.
You want me to die seems to be your motive. You do not think in my interest. You are my enemy, you are the God of Death who has come to kill me. i have reared you in my home for a long time. What a surprise ! I was keeping in my Lap a Poisonous snake. It is going to bite and kill me. You and Bharatah are going to wipe out my relations, with my enemies help be happy, Please govern this country without Rama & Lakshmana,
Cruel Conduct Lady ! You have dared to talk to your Husband like this having forgotten the respect the wife should give her husband. How is that your teeth have not broken into pieces? Has Rama talked even one day with out affection and that which is not beneficial to other person?
He does not know hurting harsh words. All accept hat Rama has all the Uthama Gunangal (Noblest Virtues). He speaks endearingly in pleasant tone to everyone. You are insinuating allegations against him. You have come to Destroy the Clan of Kaykeya King. Even if you melt by deep anguish or you become exceedingly angry , even if you die, even if you break into thousands of pieces and mingle with dust in the earth, I will not do this henious act hearing your words. You are cruel like the sharp Knife(Stilleto). You falsify praisings which are wrong. You are of bad conduct which cannot be speakable. You destroy Your Clan/Lineage You want me to be eliminated from the root. Your being alive is not acceptable to me. Death has not come to you yet.!
I will also not be alive. What is the Sukham(Comfort, Luxury, Joy, Fun,Cheer, Love, Affection and fulfilled her Desires) being separated from my dear child.Even if I survive I will have only malice for you how can I ever have affection for you? Hence you need not give any troubles for me. I am catching your Legs and begging you. Please show mercy to me despite being Emperor he was in no position to control Kaykeyi. He had excess Love for her , he fell for her, and like an orphan was blabbering “ Your being alive is not acceptable to me. I am touching your feet and beseeching you, please do have mercy on me.” Dasaratha bent to touch the feet of Kayikeyi who was sitting arrogantly stretching her Leg without any respect for her husband , He was overcome with emotions and fell unconscious like a Log of wood. (Slokas 115)
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