Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
1.4. KAIKEYI AND HER WISHES
Soon after Rama’s marriage with Sita, king Dasharatha wanted to crown him the king as himself was getting older. Dasharatha therefore consulted his ministers about this. All of them wholeheartedly welcomed this decision. Dasharatha felt very happy and enthusiastic. He looked forwarded to the coronation of Rama. He therefore immediately made announcements to this effect. He invited all the important people of Ayodhya and told them “I have decided to crown my eldest son Rama. This is my ardent desire. If all of you agree. I, will go ahead with the arrangements.” Everybody was delighted.
The people of Ayodhya rejoiced that Rama was to be their king. Hectic preparations were on. Singers, dancers and other artists were invited to the city to provide entertainment to the people. The chiefs of the city were instructed to decorate it on a very grand scale. Even while these preparations were going on. Dasahratha had a talk with Rama and advised him about how king should conduct himself. “A king should never fall a prey to vices: He should treat each and every one with respect and rule the kingdom well” was Dasharatha’s advice to Rama. He also talked to his son about the duties of a king. Kaushalya was very happy to hear that Rama was to be crowned shortly. She generously gifted valuable jewelry to those who conveyed this good news to her.
At the time of proclaiming that Rama was to be crowned, Bharatha and Shatrugna were away from Ayodhya. Sumitra, Shatrugna mother was also happy to hear the news. When this news reached Kaikeyi, she was delighted that Rama was to be the king, but soon, Manthara, her maid poisoned her mind. “Kaika, have you forgotten that you also have a son? Your son Bharata has equal rights over this kingdom. If Rama becomes the king, then Kaushalaya’s haughtiness will know no bounds. You will be her maid and Bharata will be treated like Rama’s servant. You are supposed to be king Dasharatha’s favourite.But how has he proved it? By making Rama the king and ignoring Bharata totally? Is it fair? “Just think about the future.” “Why should I think about the future?” replied Kaikeyi. “Manthara, Rama is the eldest born. He is virtuous; he is valiant and is thoroughly well-versed in all sciences and all arts. People love him. So do me. Because I love him more than my own son. Manthara would not give up. Speaking in loving tone, she told Kaikeyi “Dear child! I am old enough to know the ways of the world. I can only pity you for your misplaced love towards Rama. Just imagine! What will be the fate of Bharata! And look at your husband. He has taken this decision at a time when Bharatha and Shatrugna away from Ayodhya.
The King knows that Lakshmana will be a mere puppet in his hands. Kaikeyi! Don’t be idiotic. If you do not act now, you will be sending Bharatha to exile. Provoked by Manthara, Kaikeyi thought about what she said. No, she did not mind Rama being the king. But could she, the favorite wife of Dasahratha, be a slave to Kaushalya? “Never” decided Kaikeyi mind. So, she immediately asked Manthara “I agree with you. But how do we prevent Rama from becoming the king?” “Simple” answered Manthara, “Send him to the forest.” “But how?” “Don’t you remember that Dasharatha had agreed to grant you two wishes when you saved him in the war against devas and Asuras? Ask them now. Dasahratha will come to your chambers To, talk about Rama’s coronation. Show him that you are angry. And demand your two wishes. First of all, demand that Bharatha should be crowned the king. Your second wish should be to banish Rama to the forest for 14 years” Kaikeyi was totally changed. She forgot about Rama’s love for her or that she had looked upon him as her own son. At that moment, Rama appeared to be her enemy, someone who was usurping Bharatha of the kingdom.