Essentials of Hinduism - Srimad Ramayana

Essentials of Hinduism

Srimad Ramayana

Ayodhya Kanda

At the invitation of his Grandfather as well as his Maternal Uncle, Bharata went to Keykeya Kingdom to stay there for sometime. Satrughana also went with him. In the meantime, Rama was making perfect progress in all aspects. Dasaratha noticed His growth and also realized that because He himself is getting old, He should transfer His throne to Rama before His end comes. He consulted about this to Vasishta and other advisors and the decision was taken to perform the Rama Pattabisheka without any delay.

Dasaratha explained the details of Pattabisheka to Rama. Rama readily accepted his Father’s command. The Ayodhya people were notified and they were overwhelmed by the news. While the preparation for Rama Pattabhisheka the next day was going on in full tempo, there was also an evil plan that was brewing inside the Palace. Manthara who is the maid servant of Kaikeyi did not like the Pattabisheka for Rama. She went to Kaikeyi, and after prolonged conversation, convinced her that her Son Bharatha should be made the Crown Prince instead of Rama. Although initially Kaikeyi was angry at Manthara, she got brain- washed by Manthara to accept her advice. Due to a past incident, Kaikeyi has two un-claimed boons from her Husband Dasaratha.

She wanted Dasaratha to reinstate His promise of the Past – first, Rama should go and live in the Forest for 14 years; second, her son Bharatha should be Crowned as Prince instead of Rama. This request came as a shock for Dasaratha. After some back and forth conversation between Kaikeyi and Dasaratha, Dasaratha had to send word for Rama to tell Him the two bad news. Rama was ready to obey his Father’s reluctant command. Although Rama resisted initially, eventually He agreed to take Sita and Lakshmana with Him. Dasaratha and Kousalya reluctantly gave send off with deep grief. Kousalya said to Rama she has nothing to give to Rama going to the Forest. She blessed Rama, “You have practiced Dharma all these years. Never fail to practice Dharma under any circumstances. “Sumitra advised Lakshmana to take care of Rama and Sita in the Forest as his Father and Mother.

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana left the Palace in the Chariot driven by Sumantra. After they reached the Ganges River Bank, Rama asked Sumantra to return to Ayodhya. As soon as Sumantra left, Rama met with Guha who was in charge for that Territory. Guha requested Rama to stay with him for fourteen years and Rama politely refused. Guha took care of them, gave them lot of food and fruits, but Rama accepted fruits only.

The next day after Rama performed the Nithya Karma, Guha arranged with his men to take Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in a boat to cross the Ganges to the south shore. As planned, Rama met with Bharatvaja Maharishi; Bharatvaja knew that Rama is not aware that He is Mahavishnu Himself and He has come down to Bhuloka to achieve several purposes. So He received Rama with great respect and guided them that Chitrakuta is the place for them to spend their Forest Life. Rama proceeded to Chitrakuta through Forests; Lakshmana showed his Skill and set up a hut at Chitrakuta for their stay.

In the meantime, when Sumantra returned to Ayodhya and narrated sadly about Rama to Dasaratha, He collapsed and died. Guru Vasishta sent word for Bharatha who returned to Ayodhya with Satrughana. The brothers performed the last rite. Bharatha got furious that his Mother was responsible for sending Rama to the Forest for 14 years. He did not want to become the Crown Prince as desired by his Mother. Along with Vasishta, he set out to the Forest to meet Rama, took the help of Guha to locate Bharatvaja, and took Bharatvaja to locate Rama’s stay at Chitrakuta.

All four brothers performed the Srarda for their Father. Although Bharata requested Rama to return to Ayodhya in the interest of preserving the Dharma, Rama wanted Bharata to rule. At the advice of Kulaguru Vasishta, an arrangement was agreed by all – Bharata said: “Brother, You are my Father and my God. Give me your sandals. That token of Yours shall reign in Ayodhya until You return. For fourteen years, I shall stay outside the City and discharge the King’s duties in your place in accordance with the Dharma, paying reverent homage to Your sandals.

At the end of that period, You will return and accept the Kingship. “So be it,” answered Rama. Bharatha and his retinue (followers) returned to Ayodhya. With the help of the Ministers, Bharatha ruled the Ramarajya. This concludes the Ayodhya Kanda.

This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.