Ayodhya Kand: Prince Rama was the eldest son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. He was wise, strong, and loved by all. The king decided to crown him as the next ruler. The people of Ayodhya were happy with this decision. However, Queen Kaikeyi, one of Dasharatha’s wives, was not pleased. She wanted her son Bharata to be king. Long ago, Dasharatha had promised to grant her two wishes. Kaikeyi reminded him of this promise and asked him to make Bharata the king and send Rama into exile for fourteen years.
Ayodhya Kand Summary
King Dasharatha was heartbroken, but he had to keep his promise. When Rama heard about this, he accepted his fate calmly. He decided to leave Ayodhya without any anger. His wife, Sita, and his younger brother, Lakshmana, insisted on going with him. Rama tried to stop them, but they refused to stay behind. So, the three left for the forest, wearing simple clothes and walking barefoot.
The people of Ayodhya were sad. Many followed Rama for a long distance, crying. But Rama convinced them to return home. Meanwhile, King Dasharatha could not bear the pain of separating from Rama. He remembered how he had once accidentally caused the death of a young boy, and the boy’s father had cursed him to suffer the same pain. Overcome with sorrow, Dasharatha passed away.
Bharata, who was away at his uncle’s place, returned to Ayodhya and learned everything. He was angry at his mother for her selfish wish. He refused to take the throne. Instead, he went to the forest to bring Rama back. But Rama refused to return. He believed in duty and wanted to fulfill his father’s promise. Seeing Rama’s determination, Bharata took his sandals and placed them on the throne, ruling Ayodhya as Rama’s representative.
Thus, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana continued their exile, facing many challenges in the forest. This part of the Ramayana shows Rama’s patience, righteousness, and devotion to duty.