Dasratha decides to send Sri Rama to Forest
Heartless Kaykyei who saw the Emperor who had attained excellent Fame but now pleading with her rolling on the ground having lost control over his senses and in deep anguish said “You have promised that you will give the Boons sought by me. Then you have earned the Sins by not implementing same. Why are your rolling on the floor? You should not forget that you have to honour your word. All those who know Dharma say that that Speaking Truth is the most important Dharma. i am also complelling you to follow the Dharma of Sathyam (Truthfulness). Your forefather Emperor Sibi who kept his promise to an Eagle and gave his whole body cutting them to pieces and attained Salvation in God’s domain.The effervescent Saintly King Alarkan gave both his eyes to the blind Brahmin who sought alms from him. The King Of Oceans bound by his words does not cross his boundaires of Sea Coast/Shore.it is a very simple task for him eh. The Brahamam ie God which is what all Living beings seek is present as Sathyam ieTruth. EvenDharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) has it’ roots in Sathyam (Truth). By observing Sathyam one get immense benefit. If you want to be a Dharmavaan (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) do not forsake stead fast adherence to Sathayam ie Truth fullness. You are Greatest amongst Pious people and you give what ever one asks So let not my boons go waste. Please fulfill my wishes so that your Dharma may grow. Please send your son Rama to forest I am warning you once, twice and thrice be ware. If you do not do that and ignore me I will leave my Praanan(-Life force, Last Breathe,that without which causes Physical and medical Death) in your very presence.
Kayikeyie who was steadfast in her decision thus prompting him, King Dasaratha was caught in the web of his own Pledge given; Like Mahabali was caught by Upendra’s (MahaVishnu’s Incarnation) Plea.Being caught between Pscylla & Charibdhys or like the Buffalo caught between the wheels and the Wooden rod on it’s shoulder in the front was in a pitiable state with broken heart with pale face.Eyes coverd by moist was struggling like a Blind person for some time. Later as he is a Kshatriya (warrior clan) and also intelligent he stabilized himself , controlled his sorrow, took courage and said” Hey Sinner! I caught your hand in presence of Fire God long back to marry you, I am forsaking you and your son forthwith now itself. Night is over. Sun has risen. The Saints and Brahimns will urge me to perform the Coronation for Rama. From the materials organized for the same my funeral final rites can be performed.If you stop this coronation, the greatestSinner you and your son need not perform the rites for me Like tharpanam which are obeisance made to departed souls as per Hindu Customs. The people who were extreemly gladdened by the news of coronation of Rama, how will I see them hanging their head due to deep sorrow of this function being cancelled.
As Dsaratha was speaking like this the night which was dominated by Moon & Stars got over. Dawn happened. One way it gave sorrow to Dasaratha, since it continuously reminded him of Sri Rama it was a good day for him interms of salvation. Kaykeyi who normally speaks with poise and timley lost her balance in Anger and started to grill the King with cruel words hurling them at him “Like owing to drinking of Poison causes pain, fever and anguish, I am experienceing the unbearable caused because of your words Sire, Please get your son Rama immediately here. You send Rama to forest, coronate my son and thus ensure my son does not have enemies and thereby fulfill my 2 Boons.” Said Kaykyei.
Like the Horse which has been pricked by whip stick, Dasaratha could not bear the pain caused by Kaykyei’s words said “ I am bound by the Promise and the Dharma I adhere to . I have no proper mental balance right now. What shall I do ? I want to see my dear Child; who never falters on Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) once more “ moaned Dasaratha.
Dawn broke. Sun also rose in the east. The auspicious time for Performing Coronation of Rama also came closer. Then Great Sage Vasishta who is adorned by sterling Virtues as His Character , followed by his entourages of Disciples, after making arrangements for the Coronation entered the city. The Streets have been made ready after cleaning with water. Beautiful Decorations of Arches, garlands were erected on this festive occasion. Flowers in abundance have been strewn all around emanating fragrance. Garlands of Flowers have been hung all over. The shops were open fully filled with materials. People who were eager to witness Rama’s coronation were discussing only this amongst themselves happily about the oncoming event of the day. The fragrance was filling the air such as Sandalwood, Akhil, with lighted Incense sticks. Sage Vasishta took bath in Sarayu river which was outside Ayodhya city and after compleitng his daily rituals he came to King’s Palace through the boulevards which was Like Celestial King Deva Indra. There Brahimns, city dwellers, rural citizens,the exponents in yaga and Yagnya who adorn the Throne were also present keenly awaiting Dasratha’s arrival. When Sage Vasishta was crossing them he saw the Charioteer cum Minister Sumanthra coming. Since Sumnathara was a very close friend of the King “ Hey Great Intelligent Minister! Please inform the King about my arrival. The Holy Ganges water and also the Water from Oceans have been brought in Golden Vesels for this auspicious occasion **(Akash Ganga came on 23/8/1974 in Jnakapuri for Temple Kumbha abhishekam)the plank seat made of Odhumbhara tree, the seeds of all types of grains, Fragrance materials, Gems, Honey, Curd, Milk, melted Butter(Ghee), battered Rice, Kusha grass, flowers,8 beautiful Damsels, Majestic Elephants, Horses driven Chariots, Special Knife, Arrow, bow, Planquin and other vehicles of yore, White Umbrellas which will make Moon feel shy,Whiite fans , Golden swing,White OX adorned by Golden ornaments, Lion with 4 Teeth which are clearly visible. Strong Horse, Throne adorned by Tiger Skin, the fire for Lighting Homam (Pit where fire will be lit and Vedic verses recited and prayers are done and offerings made to Gods & Celstials) ,Musical instruments, Ladies, Priests, Brahmins, Cows, Holy animals, Birds, all were made ready. The main leaders, traders amongst the People of different localities, Kings from various countries, and many more people, were all thinking good for Rama and were eagerly awaiting the Coronation of Rama. Dawn has broken, Sun has risen, the auspicious time has come nearer and Rama’s Coronation Abhishekam has to be performed at that time, Please hurry up King Dasaratha for that “ said Sage Vasishta to Sumanthara..
Immediately Sumanthara enterd the Harem of Dasratha singing in praise of the King. He was dear friend to the king and also elderly person, an he always had permission to enter the Palace without any security check. Hence the gate keepers did not stop him Since Sumanthara did not know the state in which Dasaratha was and the pain and anguish he was undergoing he went near the King and spoke to him in words which will be pleasant to the King.
The Oceans swell when Sun and Moon rises. Similarly you make us happy with your radating presence. At this juncture the Charioteer Mathaly praises Lord Indra, he got motivated and he defeated the demons. Similarly I am praising you , please wake up. Like Brahma is woken up by Vedas and Vedangas and all the Arts &Sciences , I am now waking you up. Like the All Living beings are woken up by the fulcrum Sun & Moon during Dawn and Night fall, I am waking you up. Hey Emperor please wake up. Please decorate your self with all ornaments for the Coronation, with radiance permeating from you like the Sun rising in Meru Mountain in Himalayas please give us your august presence.May Sun, Moon,Siva, Khuber(God of wealth), Agni(Fire), Indra (Celestial God), Varuna(God of Rain) may shower their blessings on you for your Success. The Night is over which has brought in the coronation ceremony of Rama which brings happiness to all Living beings. We have completed the arrangements as per your order for the coronation ceremony. Emperor! Please get up and give orders for further proceedings. All materials are ready. Citizens, traders, Brahmins, and others are waiting for you along with Sage Vasishta. So please give orders for the coronation of Sri Rama. It is like the Cow whole sale market without a Sheperd, Army without it’s General, Night without Moon, Cows without it’s husband Ox, Pople are worried at the absence of you King. Hence please show your august presence’ thus prayed Sumanthara sagciously according to the situation unaware of the development the previous night. But to King Dasratha it was like the molten Lead being poured in a wound. King Dasaratha known for his Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble, Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation), who had all the wealth , who was presently soaked in the sorrow of departing from his son shortly spoke “ hey Sumnathra ! my heart which is already experiencing the undescribable Sorrow , your words have caused further wounds.” In a growling weak voice.
Sumanthara got shocked by King’s words and looked intently at the King who was in deep pain, without uttering a word went 2 steps behind and stood there. Kayikeyi who saw the king in deep sorrow and unable to express anything took the reins in her hand and with determination to ful fill her ambition spoke “ Sumanthara ! King is tired as he was discussing regarding Cornoation ceremony of Rama. Now only he just slept. Please go and fetch the Famous Sri RAMA right now. You need not think of anything else. Please Hurry up.” Since he is being hurried Sunathara thought some thing great is going to happen to Sri Rama and he was happy for the same internally and took the Command of Kaykeyie’s as his king Dasartha’s command and hurried to Rama’s Palace. When he came out he saw the Kings from various countries and traders were waiting with their Presents in their hands in groups al over. (Slokas69 )