The Scheme of Manthara Continues (Ramayana Series 17)

` Despite Manthara’s highly provocative words, Queen Kaikeyi remained unmoved. Instead, she grew joyful, having understood that Shri Rama was to be crowned the Crown Prince. Her face radiated happiness, bright as the moon during the spring season. Rising from her bed, she gifted Manthara a divine and auspicious necklace as a reward for delivering the good news. She said,“Manthara! The news of Shri Rama’s coronation is the most beloved message I have ever heard. No reward could ever match the joy of this precious tidings. Tell me, Manthara, is there any other boon you wish to ask of me or any other good deed you desire me to perform for you? Speak freely. Between Rama and Bharata, there is no difference in my affection. Bharata is as dear to me as Rama. Therefore, the king’s decision to crown Rama fills me with immense happiness. No material possession can ever be a suitable reward for such a precious announcement. Ask for whatever you desire without hesitation.”

However, Manthara did not stop her scheming. Thinking, “Can this woman be so foolish?” she threw the necklace Kaikeyi had given her right in front of the queen. In a tone of anger and despair, she accused Kaikeyi: “You are nothing but a senseless cow! What is this happiness at such an inopportune time? Do you not realize you are sinking into an ocean of grief? I am deeply pained to see you rejoice in the face of impending disaster.

King Dasharatha has as much right over Rama as he does over Bharata. This fact is already known to Rama. When Queen Kausalya becomes the queen mother after Rama’s coronation, gaining unparalleled wealth and honor, you, however, will remain like an ordinary maid, standing below her, without dignity. You and all your servants will remain in the shadow of Kausalya, while your own son Bharata will serve Rama as his subordinate. The exalted women connected to Rama will feel supreme joy at his coronation.”

Even as Manthara continued speaking ill of Rama, Kaikeyi calmly praised Rama’s virtues: “Manthara! Shri Rama is the knower of Dharma, full of virtues. He does not remember small favors done to him. He is truthful, pure in heart and action, and has obtained wisdom from his forefathers. It is certain that after Rama’s coronation, Bharata — the best of men — will become king, even if after a hundred years.”

These words deeply pained Manthara. Realizing that her plot was failing, she sighed long and said to Kaikeyi: “Kaikeyi! Your opinion that Bharata will become king after a hundred years is mistaken. That is not the custom or tradition. Rama shall be crowned king tomorrow, and after him, his son will ascend the throne. Bharata will never get a chance to rule, neither he nor his descendants. You are also guilty in this matter, for sending Bharata to his maternal uncle’s house while still so young. Had Bharata stayed here, there would have been no possibility of showing partiality toward Rama. The love King Dasharatha has for Bharata is equally strong as it is for Rama. Since Bharata is with Sumitra, the same fate befell Shatrughna. The brotherly affection between Rama and Lakshmana is unparalleled. Lakshmana is always bound to protect Rama, and vice versa.

Therefore, it is clear that Rama cannot commit any sin against Lakshmana. Yet, in Bharata’s case, the king would certainly attempt to destroy him. Without a doubt, this is inevitable. Thus, the only appropriate solution seems to be sending Bharata to the forest immediately. By doing so, your position as Kaikeyi — and your son’s future — will be preserved. Otherwise, as soon as Rama takes the throne, you will become powerless, destined for disgrace and ruin.

Time is of the essence. Do not let this opportunity pass. You must act now. Alongside sending Rama for the coronation, you should think of a way to exile Bharata into the forest. Only by acting in this manner will you safeguard your own well-being and that of your son.”