Valmiki Ramayana

Story of child Shravan

Long ago, nobody knows when, in the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya, there ruled a powerful but noble and wise king, King Dashrath. He belonged to the Raghu dynasty where "keeping promises was cherished as more important than life itself".

It was all too well known a fact that his forefathers had sacrificed their lives for upholding the path of righteousness and truth - Dharma.

Story of Child

Once during his youth, this king Dashrath went for hunting. He was an expert in archery. He had also acquired a peculiar gift of hitting the arrow even in the dark or blindfolded at the sound of the movement of the target or the prey.

On the fateful day, as it happened, the king could not hunt any animal. He was tired and was a bit dejected and irritated at this failure. Just then, from a distant pond there arose the sound, as if some animal were drinking water. The king could not directly see who was there, but he guessed that it must be some animal- his hunting prey!

The usually well balanced mind of the king thought for a while to reach the pond and then hunt down the prey. But the king was so much tired that he decided to use his skill of hitting the arrow at the sound and finish his job. He put the arrow on the bow, waited for the next sound to reach his ear, and hit the target in a flash.

And what a tragedy! The arrow did hit the target, but the cry which tore the peace and tranquility of the jungle was not of an animal, but of a young boy! The kind heart of the king melted like the butter over fire.

Disturbed, he rushed to the pond and saw, as feared, a young boy fatally wounded with his arrow in the chest. Tears flowed down the eyes of the king. He took the boy in his lap, put a few drops of water in his mouth to wet his drying lips, and inquired:

"O, young one, what brought you to this lonely place? Are you alone or, are there any co-travelers with you? What a grave mistake I have committed! How can I rectify this now?"

On hearing the king spoke thus, the boy pacified the king and said:

"O, King, I am a Brahmin boy. My name is

. My parents are old and blind. I am taking them to a pilgrimage all over this noble land of Bharat (India). I carry them on my shoulders in huge baskets attached to the bamboo with the ropes (kawad in our dialect). My parents are waiting at some distance for me. I was here to fetch water for them."

"I am their only support. Now I am worried that they may not survive after hearing the news of my death. I am also not sure whether you can help them because sooner or later they would come to know that you are responsible for all this. O, noble king, please take me to them as I am afraid my life-force may leave the body any time now."

With these words of great remorse and pathos, the young

died in the lap of the king.

Confused and with a heavy heart, tortured by the thought of the ignoble deed for which his impatience and indiscretion were responsible, the king slowly went to the old parents. He put the body of the

in front of them.

The sensitive ears of the father immediately guessed that something was amiss. Said the old man: "Who is there? Surely these heavy steps are not of our son." The king replied, "O, noble Brahmin, you are right. I am king Dashrath."
"Where is my son, O king. What has happened to him?", inquired the mother.

With great sorrow and heavy heart, the king narrated the unfortunate event that led to the sad death of their son. Hearing this tragic news the mother collapsed there only, never to come back to life again. The father, under great agitation and distress, thus cursed the king:

"O King, you have indiscriminately killed a Brahmin boy. Our sorrow cannot be described in words; our son was our only support. You have left us with no choice but to die. You have separated us from our most beloved son. I send a curse to you, O king, that you shall also die experiencing the pain and suffering of separation from your son."

Soon, the old man also left his body for good.

What could the king do, but shed tears and return back to his palace! Years passed by and the king started forgetting this sad incidence in his life about which he did not mention to anyone including his three wives.

Childhood of Ram

King Dasharath had three wives, namely Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. The queens were beautiful, royal, graceful, and faithful to the king. Simplicity, selflessness, modesty, and willingness to sacrifice their everything for the king and the kingdom (all such virtues, typical of Indian Womanhood), were embodied in them.

They never complained about inconvenience, suffering, pain, and deficiencies any time, although such situations were rare in a royal house.

However, despite a long married life, none of the queens was blessed with motherhood. Silently, as is every Indian woman's wont, they longed for their own son or daughter. The king was also aware of the undercurrent of gloom all around the palace and the kingdom.

As was customary in those ancient times, the king was advised to perform sacrificial rituals (called Yagna). Accordingly, arrangements were made for the vast resources required for such Yagna. Due invitations were sent to the most learned and expert 'Pandits' and Brahmins who would perform such a Yagna.

Many months passed by in these rituals, and at last the Yagna-Devata (The God) was pleased and the rituals and sacrifices bore fruits. Out of the Yagna-Kunda arose one Divine Form who said:

"O king, I am very much pleased with your deep faith and devotion in me. I offer you these four fruits which would fulfill the desires of the royal family. Your queens would bear sons in due course of time after ingesting the fruit."

The king, the queens, and for that matter whole of the kingdom of Ayodhya was agog with pleasure and joy that knew no bounds. Kausalya and Kaikeyi received one fruit each, and remaining two came to the lot of Sumitra.

In due course of time Ram was born to Kausalya, Bharat to Kaikeyi, and Sumitra gave birth to two sons--Laxman and Shatrughna.

The palace was filled with joy and merriment. The queens were overjoyed with the arrival of these four lovely princes. Ram was born of the eldest queen and hence attracted special attention, as the eldest son always had the first claim to the royal throne.

The four brothers grew under the loving care of their parents and relatives in the royal comforts of the palace. There was no want nor deficiency of any kind. All the four princes were sharp, intelligent, brave, and healthy. They were obedient and respectful towards their parents and teachers; and the love amongst these four brothers knew no precedence.

As they grew up, the old king made arrangements for their best education in humanities, art, science, and expertise in war-games. They acquired all special skills in archery, etc. at the holy feet of their teachers: Vashishtha and Vishwamitra.

Years passed by and the children grew into bold and brave adolescence. Their command over bow and arrow was not to be equaled by anyone on the earth.

(Sri Ram was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the savior of the universe, who had come to the earth to eliminate the evil and restore Dharma - righteousness. But this divine play cannot be known to many. Only a few sages were aware that Divinity had taken birth on this earth. Rest (like us) including the king, the queens, the citizens of Ayodhya took Ram and his brothers as ordinary humans.)

Ram and Laxman defeat the demons

Meanwhile the forest-dwelling rishis and sages encountered great obstacles and difficulties in performing their rituals of Yagnas. The evil tendencies in the form of demons used to interfere in their practice and rites by way of beating up the rishis and their associates. Moreover, the demons used to pour blood and flesh into the sacrificial fire which made the Yagna 'impure'.

Therefore, a delegation of such rishis and sages led by the great sage Vishwamitra requested king Dasharath to send Ram and Laxman to their rescue. They convinced the king that although Ram and Laxman were young and inexperienced, their bravery was unparalleled and unchallenged. These two brothers alone were capable of fighting the mighty demons and teach them a lesson for ever.

The tender heart of the Mother tried to resist this tough request. No mother wants her beloved son to take to such an arduous task at such a tender age. But the noble and dutiful king acceded to the just request of the rishis.

Thus, the first encounter was on cards where fight between the good and bad tendencies was to occur. Of course, the truth and good always prevails. And as such the young princes defeated the demons and returned to Ayodhya in due course of time. The fame and glory of Sri Ram and his brothers spread all over Ayodhya as well as to far off places.

The mighty demon king Ravan in the far-off Lanka also learnt about this upcoming force, a challenge to his supremacy.

Marriage with Sita

Years passed by. The princes reached adulthood, and as was customary, it was felt that they should marry. The search for appropriate brides led King Dasharath to the state of Mithila where king Janak had four beautiful daughters of marriageable age. Amongst these, Sita was the perfection of purity, grace, modesty and beauty.

King Janak had arranged for Sita's marriage with the condition that she would marry that brave and powerful prince who would break the Bow of Shiva. This Bow of Lord Shiva was unbreakable for ordinary mortals! For the selfish person, it was not approachable. Amongst the poor in spirit and cowards,It created fear and terror.

All the four princes of Ayodhya led by Ram decided to participate in this proposed marriage-ceremony -- Swayamvar -- as is known. With great pomp and show, accompanied by their Guru (Teacher), the foursome left for Mithila on one auspicious day.

[A very beautiful account is given regarding the stay of these princess as the guests of Janak. How the accidental meeting of Ram and Sita leads to blooming of love in their bosoms; how Sita vows in the heart of her heart to marry Ram and Ram alone, etc.]

And the day of reckoning dawns! One by one the princes from various states and kingdom try their luck in attempting to lift and break that Bow of Shiva. But was that ever possible! Was that ever destined!

Even the most powerful amongst all the kings, all over the world, the great Ravan of Lanka could not even move the bow one inch above the ground! Everyone laughed at this tragic show and defeat of Ravan.

Ram succeeds

At last it was the turn of Ram. With due humility and respect, Ram saluted the Bow (i.e. Shiva Himself), and prayed to give him strength and courage to attempt and succeed in this almost impossible task. In one attempt Ram lifted and set apart the bow in two!

The whole Royal Court was filled with shouts of 'Glory Unto Ram, Victory to Ram', etc. However, this made king Ravan jealous and insulted; he mentally vowed to defeat Ram some day if the opportunity arose.

Thus, in the most wonderful setting, the auspicious marriage of Ram and Sita took place. Along with Ram, his three brothers also got married to the three sisters of Sita. Four sons of King Dasharath married four daughters of King Janak!

Now Sita, as already mentioned, was pious, obedient, intelligent, simple and sober ; the perfect embodiment of purity in thoughts, words, and deeds. Other than Ram, she could not and did not even think of other male. This faithfulness towards one man -- husband -- is a very special virtue of Indian Womanhood, and Sita is the true representative of this. It is, of course, also imperative that the husband should not think of other woman except his wife. Therefore, it is common in India to look upon and address every woman other than wife as "Mother or Sister".

[At the death of her husband, therefore, it was not unusual to see the widow attempting to immolate herself at the funeral pyre of her husband (Sati Tradition). Of course, later in medieval India, many instances of widow-burning were related to acquisition of ancestral property etc. But that was an aberration rather than the rule. Today this system is not in vogue any more.]

Coming back to our story, the joyous marriage procession with decorated chariots, bullock carts, horses and elephants reached Ayodhya. The atmosphere was of celebration and merriment, as if the princes had returned after having won a Great War.

Ram to become the King

To add to the joy of wedding, King Dasharath announced that Ram, his eldest son, would succeed him to the throne of Ayodhya. Everyone, including the queens, the ministers, and the citizens of Ayodhya were overjoyed with this news. The auspicious day for this noble ceremony was decided accordingly.

Manthara provokes Kaikeyi:

But there was a corner in the palace where this news caused a different reaction. Instead of joy and merriment, the chamber of queen Kaikeyi was tense. The maid-servant of queen Kaikeyi -- Manthara by name - was trying to convince the queen how great injustice had been done to her and her son -- Bharat. Instead of Ram, her son was the right successor to the throne.

Queen Kaikeyi was puzzled. Her love for Ram and Bharat knew no distinction; to her, her own son Bharat and Ram were equal. In fact, she was overjoyed that Ram would be the next king and Bharat would get opportunity to serve his elder brother. She thought Ram to be the proper choice because of his decent character, nobility, intelligence, bravery, and also because Ram was the son of the eldest queen.

Reflecting thus, the queen said to her maid, "O Manthara, why raise this unnecessary controversy on this auspicious and opportune time? Are you not aware of my immense and equal love for both Ram and Bharat? Moreover, Bharat also has no objection and is loyal to Ram."

But Manthara was in a different mood. Boldly she replied, "O honorable queen, pardon me for crossing my limits of modesty, but I must say what I feel to be just and correct towards my Lady and her son Bharat. If Ram becomes the king, your son Bharat would never get an opportunity to occupy the cherished throne of Ayodhya. As a mother, should you not help him fulfill his ambition? And have you forgotten the past two boons the king - your husband - Dasharath has conferred upon you!"

The Story of Two Boons

Manthara was correct in reminding Kaikeyi about the two boons king Dasharath had promised to her in the past. The circumstances were as follows:

Once in his youth, king Dasharath was engaged in a ferocious battle with a powerful enemy. Queen Kaikeyi, who was young, brave, and very bold had insisted to accompany her husband in this battle. Both, the king and the queen, were in the same chariot when a major breakdown occurred as one wheel of their chariot got damaged.

As such, life of the king was in great peril and danger. But the bold and brave queen was quick to throw her life for her husband's safety. She managed to control the chariot and supported the wheel with her arm! Her arm was bleeding and there was intense pain, but she endured it. Her presence of mind and sacrifice resulted in not only saving the life of her husband but also his winning the battle.

So pleased was the king with Kaikeyi that he said, "O my beloved, today you have not only saved my life but also have set an example of bravery and presence of mind on the battle field. You have shown that women are not inferior in any way in the matter of bravery and sacrifice. I grant you two boons; ask for any two things or desires and I will fulfill the same for you. Whatever you shall ask I will give it to you. I promise."

With due regards for her husband, the queen told that she would seek her boons later in her life if and when she required anything. And King Dasharath had agreed to this condition.

Thus, Manthara reminded the queen of those almost forgotten promises the king had made to her. She told the queen it was the most opportune time to claim those two promises NOW. And without any delay also suggested what should Kaikeyi demand:

1. Of the first boon, O queen, ask that instead of Ram her son Bharat be given the throne of Ayodhya, and,

2. Of the second, ask for the banishment of Ram to the forest for fourteen years.(Bharat was not present in Ayodhya during all this period.)

The weakness of human nature is very nicely described in the original text. How a small ambition and love for the son takes control of the mind of Kaikeyi that leads to major upheaval later in her own life, and in the lives of her near and dear ones. She would become a widow! As the tragic separation from his most loved son Ram was sure to take the life-force away from the heart of the king Dasharath.

We must remember the first episode -- story of Shravan -- where the old father of dying Shravan, mortally wounded by the arrow of the king, had put the curse on Dasharath: "I send a curse to you, O king, that you shall also die experiencing the pain and suffering of separation from your son."

Mother Kaikeyi objects

Indeed, Kaikeyi was convinved about the injustice being done to her son Bharat! She was angry and did not come out to greet her husband Dasharath. Therefore, the king himself went to her chamber and inquired about her well- being. In fact, the king loved queen Kaikeyi the most!

But today the words of Manthara had done their trick. Queen Kaikeyi reminded Dasharath about the two boons he had promised her years back. The king remembered and was in fact pleased to grant the boons on that auspicious day. And as the fate had it, Kaikeyi asked:

1. Of the first boon, O my beloved husband, I ask that instead of Ram, Bharat be given the throne of Ayodhya, and,

2. Of the second boon, I ask for the banishment of Ram to the forest for fourteen years.

The king was not prepared for such unusual demands. He tried to persuade the queen to ask for something else, but no. Kaikeyi was firm in her resolve. The king went for compromise in granting the throne to Bharat, but pleaded with his queen not to insist to send Ram to the forest. But still, no. Kaikeyi was firm on both the counts.

King Dasharath was heartbroken on listening to the resolve of Kaikeyi to send Ram to the forest for fourteen years. He could not imagine, even in dream, that his most beloved son Ram would be put to such an acid test. He knew that the separation from Ram would be the last thing his old and frail body could tolerate.

With a heavy heart, he pleaded with his wife, "O Kaikeyi, what has possessed your kind heart! Why has your love for Ram disappeared! Please say that you are speaking in jest, and that you are not serious about your two demands."

"Ask for anything else. Ask for many palaces and jewelry, ask for army of thousand of elephants and horses, ask for my life, but spare my Ram from the hardships of forest and banishment to the life of a recluse. I grant Bharat the throne of Ayodhya."

But, no. Kaikeyi was firm as a rock in her demands. Said she, "Come what may, you must keep your word of honour. If you fail, you will see my corpse at the sunrise next morning." She also reminded the King about the lofty tradition of keeping promises even at the cost of life in the Raghu dynasty.

The news reached the chamber of Ram and Sita, as also all around the palace, that something grossly inopportune has happened to the king, and that he is ill in the chamber of Kaikeyi. The prime minister - Sumant - was summoned by the king to fetch Ram to the chamber of Kaikeyi.

When Ram reached there he saw his father lying semiconscious on the floor full of grief and pathos. His eyes were filled with tears of desperation and sorrow. Ram pleaded with Kaikeyi to tell him what had happened to his father.

When the whole story of the promises etc. was told, Ram understood the situation very well. He knew that both King Dasharath and himself are caught in a situation that demanded supreme sacrifice. Bharat was not present in Ayodhya during all these happenings.

Ram was full of praise for Kaikeyi. Said he,

"O mother, you have bestowed a great honour upon me by asking for these two promises. Firstly, I agree with you that Bharat would be a better king than I. Secondly, what of fourteen years of forest life! Time will fly with wink of the eyes. But I must be grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to be close with the nature. Moreover, I shall personally look after the conditions of subjects in far off places of our kingdom."

" I would be more than happy to redress their grievances. And most importantly, I shall get the rare opportunity to submerge myself in spiritual practices to seek the God. The daily hectic life of the king otherwise also comes in the way of God-realization and meditation. And last but not the least, to uphold the word given by the parents is the duty of every son, even if it puts him to utmost suffering. It is a rare opportunity offered to anyone to die for the honour of his father."

Sita and Laxman decide to go with Ram

Thus, Ram genuinely felt nothing at such an arduous predicament. Everyone present was stunned to listen to the brave and high thinking of Ram. Respect for Ram doubled in everyone's heart.

But the daughter of Janak - Janaki (i.e. Sita), the newly married wife of Ram, was not to be left behind. After seeking permission from her mother-in-law, she spoke with dignity and composure to her husband, "O Lord, I will also accompany you to the forest."

Instantly many objections were raised by Queen Kausalya, Prime Minister, and Ram himself that for the newly-wedded queen it would not be proper to leave the comforts of the palace and seek difficult life of the forest. Moreover, her in-laws needed her care more than the able-bodied husband. Kaikeyi has not asked her to accompany her husband.

But Sita was not to be so easily put off. With firm determination she said to Ram, "Please do not deny me the chance of serving you when you need it most. I am your shadow, I have taken wedding vows to be with you in joy and sorrow, in palace or in jungle, in life and death. I cannot remain alive without you. If you still insist that I should stay here with your parents, I declare that I will jump in the river Sarayu after your departure!"

At last, when every effort of persuasion failed, Ram conceded to the request of Sita, his wife, to accompany him. And then comes the extreme sacrifice of a brother for elder brother.

Ram banished to forest

Laxman who was watching all the proceedings with some emotions, said, "O brother, Sita and you are like mother and father to me. A child cannot remain alive separated from his parents. Let me accompany you both so that I not only can serve you, but also protect you from the predators and the demons of the jungle."

" Otherwise, who would look after you when you sleep under the open sky or a small make-shift hut? Will not the tender body of Sita Ma suffer with efforts of labour all alone! O Ram, take me with you otherwise I would suffer like a fish out of water."

All eyes were wet with tears of distress and grief, except those of Kaikeyi and Manthara. The love between the brothers and supreme sacrifice of dutiful Sita made every heart heavy with tons of grief and pathos.

Next day the trio Ram, Laxman, and Sita gave up the royal silk and valuables and put on simple clothes fit for the forest life: robes of sanyasin. Sita still looked pretty without her ornaments, but every heart in Ayodhya was filled with despair and remorse. Every eye was wet with the tears of separation and sorrow. The palace was filled with the silence of grief.

Around the palace every inch of land was occupied by the people of Ayodhya. Some were sitting in the path, others were lying down as if to prevent their beloved to leave. Nobody was in a mood to allow them to depart. It was difficult to control the crowd, it was equally difficult to control the emotions.

But promise was a promise, not only for the royal family, but for every citizen of Ayodhya. Everyone knew that although Kaikeyi was harsh in her demands, but she could not be faulted on that account alone. She had every right to demand her two promises which the King Dasharath must keep, come what may.

If it created tragic condition of gloom and helplessness the people were willing to suffer stoically, without violence or revenge. Kaikeyi never was threatened, no, nobody ever thought of harming her. But the crowd made the departure of our heroes very slow. Ram advised all to remain calm and collected; to support the would-be king Bharat, and to look after the ailing king Dasharath and the helpless queens.

The night fell even as Ram-Laxman-Sita could barely cross the limits of the city. It was a painfully slow process to leave the people. At this juncture, minister Sumanta drove his chariot towards Ram and said, "My Lord, the people are asleep. Let me take you across the border quickly without much ado." Ram agreed and thus leaving all tired people behind, Ram-Laxman-Sita fled far off under the cover of night sky.

Story of Adivasi Chief Guhaka

Thus Ram-Laxman-Sita reached the banks of the river Tamasa. The small, simple village was predominantly populated by the outcasts Bhill, an aboriginal caste. The chief of this clan was Guhaka, a very wise man although illiterate.

These simple, hard-working, honest and poor people were neglected as no officer would visit them in distress or want. The revenue minister and officials would be content to collect their dues and report to Ayodhya 'everything is fine there'.

Thus, although a part of Ayodhya kingdom, these people were denied any chance of contact with the royal house or the king. However, despite their poverty and inconvenience, their chief Guhaka was aware of the noble character and pious nature of Ram.

He had also the news of the recent ill-fated happenings in Ayodhya. Therefore, he was waiting for the arrival of Ram-Laxman-Sita with great expectations and eagerness. He was keen to serve the nobility, and in particular Ram.

On their arrival, Guhaka arranged for their meals consisting of fruits and milk only as he was not sure whether other items would be accepted by the members the royal family. He saluted Ram from a distance, but Ram went a step ahead and embraced the chief as his old friend!

This unexpected gesture of solidarity beyond caste consideration on the part of Ram made Guhaka very happy. He could not control his tears that fell on the chest of Ram. Laxman and Sita were silent witness to this high drama of love between the two.

The night fell and arrangements were made for Ram and Sita to retire. The bed of straw was hastily prepared as Ram refused to enter the village and accept the hospitality of the chief, saying, 'O dear friend, I have taken the vow of leading a simple life in a forest. I cannot come inside your palace.'

It is important to note that Ram and Sita did not have any physical contact during these fourteen years of forest life.

Laxmana did not sleep for he had come to protect and serve Ram and Sita. He and Guhaka had night-long talk on the decency of Ram's character and divine qualities. According to Laxman, Ram as the God-incarnate and Guhaka as the devotee made a wonderful duo of peace, love, and tranquility.

Guhaka was also impressed with the insights that Laxman offered about the real nature of Ram as Brahma-incarnate. It is the Absolute GOD that has deliberately planned all this sport of forest-treading, banishment, etc. so that more democratic, peaceful, righteous, society without caste and creed, racial or ethnic hatred should emerge.

Moreover, the king Ravan, the mighty Demon King of Lanka was too powerful wicked, and unrighteous who required to be vanquished. Only Ram was capable of defeating Ravan, and hence all this play of forest life.

Story of Bharat

What was the reaction of Kaikeyi and others when Bharat returned to Ayodhya? What happened to king Dasharath after Ram left for the forest?

As we know the minister Sumant accompanied Ram and company for some time. The idea was to persuade Ram to return back to Ayodhya; the argument was that Kaikeyi would repent her hastiness and accept her mistake. She would not mind Ram coming back and stay at Ayodhya, even if Bharat be the king!

But , no, Ram flatly refused to return back. He said to his minister, "O honorable one, I can understand your concern and love for me, but do not expect me to follow the course of action that has even minimum indication of cleverness, ambiguity, or suspicion. I have given my word to my father and people of Ayodhya to lead forest life of simplicity and renunciation for fourteen years, and I cannot think or act otherwise."

"It is not a question of comfort or privilege, it a matter of principle, truth, which one must even die to uphold. Don't I know that Sita who is so tender and inexperienced is suffering? But once decided, let us do our duty."

Bharat returns to Ayodhya

Thus Sumant, without success, had returned to Ayodhya. Meanwhile, news of these dramatic happenings was sent to Bharat who was far away from Ayodhya. He was told that king Dasharath sought his urgent meeting. He was not told about the banishment of Ram, role of his mother, and the critical condition of his father.

But when he entered the boundaries of the kingdom, he was aware that something was amiss. "Why the birds are not at their usual happy chirping? Why these cattle is dried up and thinned out? Why all people are so silent, instead of their usual fun and play; their eyes swollen as if with constant crying? Why the usual sweet music and singing at the palace not audible to his ears?"

He could guess of impending tragedy, but was not sure as to what exactly might have happened. He straight way went to the chamber of his mother and was pained to see his father lying semiconscious on the floor. He was angry as well as confused. With a firm voice he inquired of her mother,

"O mother, what is all this? Can anyone tell me what has happened to my father, who has brought this disgrace to him, and why is Ram not to be seen?" A series of rapidfire question, but no immediate answer! Who would describe this sudden catastrophe where the fault was of his mother Kaikeyi only!

Ultimately through the intervention of the ministers gradually Bharat came to know all the details of the happenings. He was flabbergasted that her mother would be so mean to take life of her own husband! How can she not feel the pain of separation from her son Ram! Then with language that was sharper than the razor's edge, Bharat takes her mother to the task.

Says he, "O mother, to call you mother is an insult to motherhood. Indian tradition does not allow to kill one's mother and hence I am desisted from doing so, otherwise any one other than you would have not remained alive for more than a minute after doing this to my father and brother Ram. Let the world know that from today you cease to remain my mother, I will not speak to you for fourteen years. From today onwards, my mother's place is taken by Kausalya and Sumitra."

Bending low down, he then lifted the head of his father in his lap and said, "O father, what should I do to pacify you? On one side there is that noble Ram and here I am so unlucky and useless to become the king at the cost of my father and brother. Why have I lived to see this unfortunate day! Please tell me father what is your command for me."

Dasharath dies separated from son Ram

Thus full of remorse Bharat did not know exactly as to what he should do. In a weak voice then, Dasharath said, "O my son, my end is near, I cannot live where Ram is not. The life force here draws its sustenance from Ram alone. But my request to you is to go and fetch Ram-Laxman-Sita from wherever they may be. After my departure from this earthly bond, I do not want the people of Ayodhya and all of you to suffer the agony of separation from Ram."

All eyes were wet. Bharat vowed to seek the forest-dwelling of Ram and to bring him back and offer him his legitimate right to throne. On hearing these words, the heart of Dasharath was pacified to some extent, and he breathed his last with repetition of 'Hey Ram, Hey Ram, Hey Ram.

Rishis praise Ram

Soon the trio reached the holy Ashram of the sage Bharadwaj. The sadhu received them with dignity and poise. The sage was already aware of the true nature of Ram and his mission:

"Whenever there is threat to righteousness, whenever vices prevail, whenever the saints and sadhus (spiritual aspirants) are threatened with unrighteousness, Brahman, with the help of His Maya-Shakti (Power) incarnates as Ram (or Krishna, etc.) on the earth."Why?

"To show the right path to the devotees and to remove the obstacles in their way by subduing the wicked."

After accepting the hospitality of tribal -low caste- people and thereby establishing a new and revolutionary precedence, Ram-Laxman-Sita proceeded ahead. They reached the bank of mighty and holy river Ganges.

The boatman (called Kewat in Hindi), washed the holy feet of the trio and made arrangements for taking them to the other shore. When Ram offers him the fare, the devotee (Kewat), eyes full of tears, describes the glory of Lord in a touching song. Says he,

"Sri Ram, the Almighty Redeemer, who ferries millions of souls across this ocean of worldliness, seeks himself to be ferried across the river today! Lord seeks help from his Bhakta! I must have done some good work in my past birth to get this opportunity to serve Ram. O Compassionate One, to deem my fare, I will wait for fourteen years on this bank of river till your return."

Seeking tearful leave from the boatman, Ram and company reached the holiest confluence of three rivers in India - Triveni Sangam of the rivers Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati at Prayag, North India. The confluence of Bhakti -devotion, Jnana -knowledge, and Karma -action.