|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 127-  The legend of Lord Rama -5

Emperor Dhasharatha completely shattered at the request of two boons of Kaikeyi, fallen unconscious on the floor.  Once, he regained the consciousness, refuses to look at Kaikeyi who was once dearest wife, further he reveals hatred through harsh words.  Rama visits his father in the chamber, shocked and enquires the reason for his grief.   Kaikeyi says “ Oh! Rama, you are the reason for his troubles.  Your father has already offered two boons to me, you have to follow his order to protect his promises.”  Rama reveals his willingness to sacrifice anything for the welfare of his father and waits for her instructions.  Devi Kaikeyi speaks “ Oh! Rama, you have to sacrifice the royal attire and ornaments, and offer them to Bharatha. You have to wear saffron robes and leave for woods for fourteen years.”  Emperor Dhasharatha became inconsolable, but Rama was unwavering, he accepted all the orders of his stepmother with a smile, Rama was already earned the highest of the spiritual knowledge/selfless nature while he was in the association of Sage Vishwamithra.  Later, Rama could praise the affection of his stepmother Kaikeyi who gave the difficult task of ruling the Kingdom to Bharatha and the effortless the task of living in the woods to him.  Emperor Dhasharatha could not bear the separation of Rama, soon after left his mortal coil in utter grief.

Lakshman reacts to the whole scenario in extreme anger; he addresses his father as the most selfish, womanizer and deserved to be punished.  Rama advises Lakshman about his demeanor to father, “ Oh! Saumithre, listen to me carefully, leave your anger, I know your affection towards me, do not hurt anyone. Oh! Saumithre, learn to accept that this kingdom is not destined to me.  All these material possessions and happiness are fleeting nature, it is not permanent, and the supreme soul is eternal. The attachment to the material world, and desire to accumulate wealth is the same as a frog that was caught its two legs on the mouth of a serpent and stretching its tongue to get hold of its prey, without the knowledge that all the living beings on Earth are fastened by the ‘Time’.  The human life on Earth is like living together, sharing and caring for each other in a guest home, and leaving to their own destination after the stay.  Oh! Lakshman, all these material things are not permanent, therefore don’t get attached to it, and concentrate upon the ‘Sath’ /supreme soul which is permanent.” In this way, Rama elevated the soul of Lakshmana who was besieged with anger and sorrow. 

Rama, preparing to leave the Kingdom was followed by  Lakshmana and Devi Sita, even though Devi Sita was discouraged to follow her husband who is extremely caring, describing the difficult life in woods, the threat from untamed animals, difficulties involved in living in the woods etc.  Devi Sita who considered the happiness of her husband as hers, instantly sacrificed all the royal comforts and happiness, she reveals her willingness to serve her husband in any circumstance, and make any sacrifice for the welfare of her husband.  This divine couple who symbolizes self-sacrifice receives the saffron robes offered by stepmother Kaikeyi.