Ramayana Major Events - Part 2

Thereafter, having seen the preparations for installation of Rama, queen Kaikeyi who had been promised earlier with boons by Dasaratha demanded of him the exile of Rama and enthronement of Bharata.

Dasaratha, true to his word and restrained by the bond of duty, sent his beloved son Rama to the forest.

Mighty Sri Rama in order to please Kaikeyi and obey the word of command of his father, went to the forest and help the king to keep his promise to Kaikeyi.

Lakshmana beloved brother to Rama is drawn towards him. Endowed with modesty he is an enhancer of the joy of his mother Sumitra. Displaying his fraternal love, he followed Rama who was departing to the forest.

Born in the race of Janaka and daughter in law of Dasaratha, Sita, beloved spouse of Rama is like his vital breath always desired the wellbeing of Rama she followed him like Rohini, the Moon. Endowed with all virtues she is the foremost woman.

The citizens and Dasaratha followed Rama for a long distance. Rama of righteous nature having approached Guha, king of nishadas, at Shrungiberapura sent back charioteer Sumantra and Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana crossed river Ganga.

When Rama had set out to Chitrakuta, king Dasaratha, stricken by the grief over the separation from his son and mourning over him departed to heavens.

Moving from one forest to another and crossing deep and wide rivers with plenty of waters, reached the Chitrakuta mountain by the command of sage Bharadwaja. They raised a hut made of leaves in the forest located in Chitrakuta mountain and dwelt there happily resembling devas and gandharvas.

After Dasaratha had passed away, mighty Bharata did not desire to rule the kingdom against the orders by Vasishta and other brahmins.

The brave Bharata, who had conquered envy and hatred went to the forest in order to worship Rama's feet.

Bharata reached Rama, so pleasing venerable, truthful and chivalrous, worshipped him with reverence and implored.

Bharata addressing Rama said, 'You are knower of righteousness. You alone should be the king (meaning that when the elder brother is alive, the younger brother is prohibited from ruling the kingdom)'.

Although a source of universal delight, although exceedingly generous and of cheerful countenance, highly renowned and capable Rama refused to accept the kingdom in accordance with the command of his father.

Having handed over his sandals to Bharata as symbol of authority for ruling the kingdom, Rama persuaded him again and again to return to the capital.

Disappointed in his mission to take Rama back, Bharata worshipped the sandals of Rama and ruled the kingdom from Nandigrama, awaiting his return.

When Bharata departed, Sri Rama, a man of good fortune and steadfast in vows one who had conquered under control perceiving that the citizens from Ayodhya would arrive there, entered the Dandaka forest with single minded determination (so that there would not be breach of his promise).