Rama and Seeta, with Lakshmana, had lived in the Dandaka Forest for about ten years. There, they met Sage Agastya who was the first to reach Mount Vindhaya. Sage Agastya advised Rama to go to Panchavati across river Godavari.Upon reaching Panchavati, they met a huge vulture sitting on a tree along the way. It was […]
Viradha’s Salvation It had been several days since Bharata returned to Ayodhya. The distance of Ayodhya from Chitrakoot was not much and people used to come there for Rama’s advice. He did not like it. After consulting with the saints and the sages they moved towards the Dandak Forest. After a few days, they reached
A kingdom is unsafe in the absence of a king who protects the kingdom and its subjects and carries out administrative duties. Thus Sage Vasishtha called a council of ministers to decide what was to be the next course of action. Bharata was also present there. Some of them wanted that Rama should be called
The next day, in consultation with Sage Vasishtha, messengers were sent to Kekaya to bring back Bharata and Shatrughna. Hearing the message, the two brothers got worried and immediately left for Ayodhya.They reached Ayodhya eight days later. The city seemed deserted and quiet. When the two brothers entered the palace, they found the same silence
Sumantra returned to Ayodhya and the people surrounded him. Everyone wanted to know about Rama. But Sumantra walked away towards the palace. He found king Dasharatha and queen Kaushalya grieving deeply.On seeing Sumantra, Dasharatha who was in queen Kaushalya’s chamber said, “Where is my Rama? How are Seeta and Lakshmana?” Sumantra’s eyes welled up. He
The moment Rama was about to step into the boat, the boatman said, “I have heard of you and of your powers. You turned a rock into a woman with the dust of your feet. My wooden boat is the only source of my livelihood. If you step into it and it turns into a
Guha’s happiness knew no bounds. He along with his near and dear ones received Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana warmly and provided them with whatever hospitality he could. Rama, Seeta, Lakshmana and Sumantra spent the night as the guests of chieftain Guha. The next morning, Rama asked Sumantra to return to Ayodhya and look after king
Rama told his mother, Kaushalya, the whole story. She was grief-stricken. But Rama had to uphold his father’s promise and ensure that his word was honoured. Lakshmana said he would go with him to serve him in the forest. Rama tried to dissuade him but all in vain.Rama touched Kaushalya’s feet. Rama went to the
Finally, the desperate king said, “I promise, my beloved queen, to fulfil any wish you have. Please tell me why you are so upset.” Then Kaikeyi said, “I will tell you, but first promise me that you will give me what I ask for.” “I swear in the name of Rama; I will surely fulfil
“What should I do?” Kaikeyi asked Manthara who stated, “Do you remember the two boons king Dasharatha had promised he would grant to you? Ask him to make Bharata his successor and send Rama into exile in the forest for fourteen years! Go to the sulking chamber and throw a tantrum!” Kaikeyi followed her advice.
Manthara was a close companion and maid to Queen Kaikeyi. Manthara came with Kaikeyi at the time of marriage. Manthara did not like the idea that the coronation of Rama should take place when Bharata and Shatrughna were away at Kekaya. She felt that it was done on purpose. She wanted Kaikeyi to be the
Preparations for Coronation Ceremony One day, king Dasharatha felt that, as he himself was growing old, suitable arrangements must be made to appoint a successor. Next day, he consulted with Sage Vasishtha in this regard and called an assembly of his ministers and courtiers. There, he proposed Rama as his successor as he was the
Seeta grew as beautiful as the moon. Many princes had their eyes on her. That’s why king Janaka was worried about her. Once, Seeta lifted the unique ‘Pinaka’ bow given by Shiva. Thereafter, king Janaka announced the swayamvara of Seeta.When, Sage Vishwamitra with Rama and Lakshmana reached Mithila, they were received by king Janaka with
The solar kingdom of Videha was established by Ikshvaku’s son Nimi. The area which was formed by the churning or drying of the swamp as a result of the conduct of yajna was called Mithila.The kings of Mithila were known as ‘Janak’. At that time, Sheerdhwaj Janak occupied the throne of Mithila. Sheerdhwaj was also
After a few days, Sage Vishwamitra got an invitation to the Swayamvara of Seeta. He took both the princes to Mithila. On the way, they came to a beautiful but deserted ashrama. Rama wanted to know the reason behind it.Sage Vishwamitra told Rama that long ago, Sage Gautama used to live there with his beautiful