Rama Before the King - The Shattering Revelation (Ramayana Series 23)

As soon as Sumantra conveyed the message that King Dasharatha wished to see him, Rama immediately boarded the chariot and proceeded toward the inner palace. When he entered, he saw his father seated on a royal seat with Queen Kaikeyi beside him. But something was terribly wrong—Dasharatha looked pale, exhausted, and overwhelmed by sorrow.

With his usual humility, Rama first bowed at his father’s feet and then at Kaikeyi’s.

King Dasharatha, filled with unbearable emotion, uttered a single word—“Rama!” Tears clouded his eyes so heavily that he could not look at his beloved son. His throat tightened, making speech impossible.

Rama had come expecting his father’s affectionate smile and warm embrace. Instead, the king’s appearance filled him with deep concern.

“What is this?” Rama wondered. “My father has always lifted me up with joy the moment I bowed to him. But now he sits silent, troubled, and unable even to look at me. What could have happened?”

Turning to Kaikeyi, Rama asked softly:

“Mother, I have knowingly committed no fault. If by chance I have unknowingly erred, tell me—you must help Father become calm again. Has something happened to Bharata, Shatrughna, or my mothers? Mother, I cannot bear to see Father like this. Please tell me what has caused this grief.”

Kaikeyi, unashamed and unmoved, replied:

“Rama, the king is neither angry nor ill. But there is something he hesitates to tell you—something he fears you will find unpleasant. He once granted me two boons in return for a great service I rendered him. Now that I have asked for them, he regrets it, like a man trying to build a dam after the floodwaters have already washed everything away.

He is overcome with sorrow because he must uphold his promise. And you, Rama, must ensure that he does not break his word.

If you agree to carry out what he must command you to do, then I will tell you everything—because he himself cannot speak it.”

Rama’s heart felt heavy, yet his voice remained steady:

“Mother, you doubt whether my father’s command will be acceptable to me? Shame on me if such doubt has arisen in your mind. Whether the task is pleasant or painful, I will do whatever the king commands. I shall leap into fire, drink poison, or drown in the sea if he wishes.

I promise you—Rama never speaks a second word. I never go back on my word.”

Hearing this firm assurance, Kaikeyi revealed her demand:

“Long ago, during a great war between gods and demons, your father fainted from his wounds. I saved his life by taking him to safety and nursing him back. Grateful, he granted me two boons. Today I have claimed them.

The first boon: Bharata shall be crowned king.

The second: You must depart today itself to Dandaka forest and live there for fourteen years.

Give up your coronation, wear simple garments, and dwell in the forest. Meanwhile, Bharata will rule Ayodhya.

Your father is grief-stricken only because of his love for you. He cannot bring himself to tell you this. But if you care for him—if you value truth—then fulfill his promise. Uphold his honor by accepting exile.”

Though Kaikeyi’s words were harsh and merciless, Rama stood calm, without the slightest trace of sorrow.

His devotion to truth and obedience shone brighter than ever.