Rama Before the King — The Shattering Revelation (Ramayana Series 24)

Even after hearing Kaikeyi’s harsh and heartbreaking words—words as painful as death itself—Rama, the destroyer of enemies, did not grieve. With calm reverence he said to her:

“Let it be so, Mother. To uphold my father’s sacred word, I shall wear matted locks and go to the forest to dwell there. But before I leave, I wish to know only one thing—why does the mighty king, my father, no longer speak to me with the same affection as before? Kindly tell me the reason, Mother.”

Hearing Rama’s humble and obedient words, Kaikeyi felt reassured that he would indeed go to the forest. Growing eager for him to depart immediately, she replied:

“Rama, swift horses have already been sent with the royal guards to fetch Bharata from his maternal uncle’s home. But you—who are so eager to uphold your father’s vow—should not delay even a moment. Go to the forest at once.

Your father is silent only out of shame; there is no other reason. Give up your sorrow about his silence. Until you leave for the forest, the king will neither bathe nor eat.”

Hearing those words, the grief-stricken king—who had been lying silent like one drowned in sorrow—suddenly cried out:

“Alas! Shame upon me… I cannot bear this agony!”

With a deep, trembling sigh, he collapsed unconscious on his golden couch. Rama rushed to him, lifted him gently, and tried to assist him with utmost care. Yet Kaikeyi remained unmoved—her mind fixed only on sending Rama away so that everything would “fall into place.”

Rama then spoke with composed firmness:

“It is indeed strange, Mother, that after all these years beside you, you still have not understood my nature. I need very little time to prepare for the forest. Permit me only to seek my mother’s blessings and console Sita.

Once that is done, I shall depart for Dandakaranya.

As for Bharata—just as he will rule righteously, so also must he care for our aged father. Service to one’s father is an eternal duty.”

Hearing Rama’s words, Dasharatha’s sorrow became unbearable. Tears streamed down his face as he began to weep uncontrollably. Rama circumambulated both his father and Kaikeyi and walked out of the inner chambers. Lakshmana—who had quietly witnessed everything—followed him with eyes filled with tears and a heart burning with righteous fury.

As Rama stepped out, he bowed to the sacred pitchers filled with holy waters brought for his coronation from numerous rivers, lakes, and seas. With deep humility he prayed that Bharata might one day be crowned with those same auspicious waters. Without once glancing at the grand preparations made for his own coronation, Rama walked on slowly and steadily.

He gently stopped the royal guards carrying white umbrellas and ornate chamaras from following him. Leaving behind his chariot, friends, and the people of Ayodhya near the entrance of the palace, Rama concealed his own grief and suppressed all outward signs of sorrow. Master of his senses, strong in spirit, he entered Queen Kausalya’s chambers to convey the painful news.

All who saw him—ministers, nobles, and attendants—were astonished. Not a trace of regret or agitation could be seen on Rama’s radiant face. Neither the loss of coronation nor the prospect of exile had disturbed his serene dignity.