Vaalmeeki Raamaayan

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2 - Ayodhyaa Kaand
Sarg 12

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Sarg 12 - Dashrath Pacifies Kaikeyee

Hearing Kaikeyee's words, Raajaa Dashrath got worried and then became unconscious for a few moments. He repeatedly remembered Kaikeyee's words and then got unconscious again. After some time when he gained consciousness, he said - "O sordid destroyer of Kul, Tell me the fault of Raam or me so that you are so hard on Him. He always serves you as He serves His own mother, then why do you want to harm Him? For what offence do I have to forsake Him when the whole world is praising Him? 

I will die without seeing Raam. The world can exist without Sun, or crop without water but I cannot survive without Raam. Please leave this idea, I touch your feet. O sinful woman, If I have any unkindly feeling towards Bharat, then resolve that but why do you talk about Raam? You have never behave in such a way before that is why I can't believe that it is you who is speaking like thus.

How can you take delight in sending tender-bodied Raam to such a dreadful forest for 14 years?  In fact who else can serve you better than Raam? Raam has all qualities, such as truthfulness, charity, austerity, sacrifice, straightforwardness. Please be merciful to me - the old feeble, miserable man. Whatever can be attained from Prithvi, I can give to you." 

Kaikeyee again spoke fierce words - "Hey Raajan, If you repent again and again then how will you proclaim piety on Prithvi? When many royal saints will ask you what will be your reply? You have granted the boons today, now you are talking in another way. Raajaa Shibi offered his own flesh to save the pigeon from hawk, and Raajaa Alark gave his eyes to keep his promise. By installing Raam as Crown prince you want to enjoy life with Kaushalyaa for ever? Whether it is righteous or unrighteous, there is no change in whatever you have promised to me. If Raam is coronated then I will drink poison before your eyes."

Hearing all this Raajaa couldn't move his lips, but just gazed towards Kaikeyee without blinking his eyes.  He fell down like a cut tree and lost his senses. After a while he spoke - "Who gave you this terrible idea? I never saw you like this before. From whom you have picked up this idea that Bharat should be coronated and Raam should go to forest? If you love your husband and Bharat then just drop this idea of sending Raam to Van. 

Without Raam, Bharat will not take this kingdom at all, as far as I know him, because he is stronger in virtue than even Raam. What these kings ho have come from all directions will talk about me, that "a foolish Raajaa was ruling for such a long time?" When many virtuous leaders will ask me about Raam what shall I tell them? If I will speak the truth that I sent Raam because of Kaikeyee, nobody will believe me. Alas, seeing Ram living in Van Seetaa will also lament and I also will not have a desire to live. You want to rule this kingdom with Bharat as a widow, because I am not going to live without Raam? Oh, I am getting these troubles because of some sins of my previous lives.

When the time came for Raam to enjoy, He will have to go to forest. My son Raam will never say a second word to me to go to forest, He will just say "Be it so". After Raam had gone to forest I would die condemned by all men. Raam will go to forest and I will die, what more sinful act you can do? Seeing Raam in forest, myself dead, Kaushalyaa and Sumitraa will also follow me along with their three sons. You be happy.

If Bharat also wants to send Raam to forest then let him not perform my last rites after my death. O wicked woman, When Raam has gone to forest, I am dead, then you rule this Prithvi with your son. Whose terrific thoughts are demanding Raam's exile and Bharat's consecration as king. Life may exist without Sun or rain but no person can survive seeing Raam going to Van. Do not act like this, have pity on me." And Dashrath fell down on the ground.

 

 

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Created by Sushma Gupta on 5/27/03
Contact: bhagvatjee@yahoo.com
Updated on
10/28/03

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