SRI
RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY’S SRI RAMACHARITRYA MANJARI
(ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೆಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ವಿರಚಿತ “ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮಚಾರಿತ್ರ್ಯ
ಮಂಜರಿ ಅರ್ಥವಿವರಣೆ)
After
the “boon” that Dasharatha had promised to give to Kaikeyi was announced, Sri
Rama, as per the predetermined plan, decided to go to the forest for 14 years.
But, he had to inform his mother about the demand of Kaikeyi, the two boons
that Dasharatha had to concede to Kaikeyi, cancellation of his coronation and
his departure to the forest for fourteen years. Therefore, Sri Rama went to
Kausalya Devi and revealed the then situation. Immediately on seeing Sri Rama, tears
of joy started flowing out of the eyes of his mother and she blessed him “Dear
Son, ascend the throne and occupy the seat of a prince.”
Sri
Rama smiled, looked at Lakshmana and told his mother that he would be telling
her something unpleasant. He explained to her the tricky situation in which
Dasharatha had to concede two boons to Kaikeyi and then revealed the gist of
those boons delivered by Kaikeyi on behalf of Dasharatha. Kausalya Devi fell
flat on the ground like a felled tree. She kept on cursing herself for what had
befallen on Sri Rama. She was very much disturbed. She introspected if there
was any defect in her horoscope, attitude or devotion and claimed that there
was no defect in her horoscope or lacuna or shortcoming in her love for her
son. She enquired with her son to know if there was any problem with the
planetary positions in her horoscope. She vehemently argued that Sri Rama
should not try to please a particular woman but go by or honor the popular
opinion which was in favor of Sri Rama ascending the throne as Prince. “You don’t
have to go to forest to satisfy Kaikeyi. You can stay in Ayodhya to satisfy the
citizens of Ayodhya. My heart is probably made of diamond as it has not cracked
or shattered after hearing the news that you are going to the forest for
fourteen years.” Kausalya said that according to Shastras, mother was greater
than father simply due to the fact that she was responsible for delivering and upbringing
of a child. Sri Rama said that Shastras alone cannot be the yardstick to decide
on certain matters. Moreover, every woman had to obey, follow and adhere to
what the husband wished. Under the prevailing conditions, Dasharatha had
conceded the two boons to Kaikeyi and as his prime queen, it was imperative
that Kausalya Devi honored those boons. He said that he would go to the forest
as directed by the father. Kausalya Devi could not refute Sri Rama. She knew
that she could not stop Sri Rama from going to the forest. Sri Rama promised
Kausalya that on the expiry of fourteen years’ exile, he would return to
Ayodhya without fail and without any delay.
Sri
Rama then turned to Lakshmana and said that it was his fate that he had to go
to the forest and that he could not overrule the providence. “No one is
responsible for the present situation. Everything happens as per the destiny.
There is no reason to become angry. Please calm down,” Sri Rama tells
Lakshmana, who was fuming with rage. Lakshmana maintained that Kaikeyi had
hoodwinked Dasharatha and her unholy demand for execution of boons had
perturbed the entire Ayodhya. Lakshmana told Sri Rama that he would defeat the
designs of the divine with his masculine power. Lakshmana said: “If you go to
forest, none of the people of Ayodhya, except Kaikeyi, will be happy. By going
to forest, you should not make all the people unhappy for the sake of making
Kaikeyi happy.”
Sri
Rama replied that for him there was no difference between Ayodhya and the
forest because he had renounced everything. Every emperor in the lineage of
Ikshwaku dynasty had contributed a lot for the honor and dignity of the
dynasty. They had ensured that there was no black spot in the history of their regime.
He said that he would not want to bring disrepute to the dynasty by disobeying
his father. Several Munis, saints, Rishis and ascetics were living in different
parts of the forest. His exile into the forest would provide him with an
opportunity to serve those Rishis and even protect them from the attacks of
demons. “Lakshmana, you are agitated because of your affection and devotion for
me. But, after hearing me, shun your wrath. Be obedient to your father, mother,
Kausalya Devi and Kakeyi, Bharata and serve them with compassion,” Sri Rama
told Lakshmana.
Lakshmana became calm. But, he told Rama “Oh my Lord, I will be with you
wherever you go. I cannot live in a place where you are not
While
getting ready to depart, Sri Rama asked Lakshmana to distribute his wealth
among the citizens, especially the poor, weak, desolate and aged. Seetha Devi
also asked Lakshmana to distribute all her jewels and clothes among the needy.
Before
moving towards the forest, Sri Rama met his father, pacified him and promised
to return after completing the exile term. Dasharatha pleaded with Rama to go
to forest with all essential items to lead a comfortable life in the forests.
But, Sri Rama did not agree. He wore fabric clothes while Lakshmana and Seetha
also followed suit. Sri Rama noticed that everyone, including his father, was
abusing Kaikeyi. He asked everyone not to abuse Kaikeyi. Sri Rama also asked
Sage Vasishtha not to criticize Kaikeyi. Finally, Sri Rama got ready to depart.
The departure will be described in the next
episode. Please read, comment and share. SDN 
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