Manthara

Manthara was the name of the personal attendant of Kaikeyi. She had accompanied Kaikeyi all the way from Kaikeyi's remote birthplace to Ayodhya after Kaikeyi's marriage. Little was known about Manthara's past to the family of Dasharatha. Manthara followed Kaikeyi like a shadow., and secretly tried to keep record of her activities, but certainly not on behalf of Dasharatha or any of the royal family.  No one knew who her parents were or where she was born and brought up. 

She was Manthara. Perhaps that was the pseudonym she had earned in the royal palace because of her slow and steady  way of moving around and gathering every bit of information she could find. She spoke in the language of the region where Kaikeyi came from. A day before the coronation she reached the terrace of Kaikeyi's mansion. She did it of her own accord.

Ramayana : Chaptrer 33. Rama Observes Retreat

It was time to take leave of Kausalya who was deeply moved by the knowledge of the great responsibility being bequeathed upon Rama by her husband. The hour had come; the hour which she had awaited long. Her penance and worship were going to bring her the fulfilment of her life. 

Rama looked at Laxman standing next to him. It was not hard for Rama to divine Laxman's state of mind. Laxman was seized of the gravity of the responsibility that he was implicitly and inevitably going to share with his revered brother. They regarded this moment of understanding in silence. A lot was shared between them in that silence.

Rama paid obeisance to Kausalya and Sumitra and quietly asked Seeta to follow him to their mansion.

In his royal mansion, Dasharatha, after he had completed the protocol of apprising  the prince of the future course of events, sent for the royal priest Vasishtha.  

On Vasishtha's arrival Dasharatha addressed him with deep reverence, " Your Holiness, I have great faith in your wisdom and your knowledge of the protocol and conventions to be followed prior to the coronation of the prince. Please get Rama and Seeta ready for the holy penance for the purpose of the safe future and welfare of the kingdom which Rama is going to claim soon."

After a due acknowledgement of the King's command Vasishtha ascended the chariot that was waiting for him and set off in the direction of the mansion of Rama. Vasishtha was aware in his mind that the man to whom he was gong to impart instruction on this solemn occasion was himself a sage at heart.

The mansion of the heir apparent shone like white clouds meandering in the clear blue afternoon sky. After reaching the splendidly decorated arched gate Vasishtha got off the chariot only after crossing three minor gates one after another. Rama emerged from the palace and rushed towards Vasishtha to give him the welcome he deserved. Rama reached near the chariot quickly and promptly assisted the elderly sage in getting down.

Indeed Rama was an endearing soul worthy of love. Vasishtha wasThose words, coming from his revered father and conveyed to Rama by the revered mentor Vasishtha overwhelmed by Rama's courtesy. In an upsurge of emotion he addressed him, "My dear child!" Rama was exhilarated by being addressed thus and he was all the more pleased when he heard the words uttered by his revered father and now brought to him by Vasishtha,  the revered mentor of their dynasty. 

Vasishtha said, "Shreeram, your father is pleased because you are going to inherit his kingdom from him tomorrow. So tonight you are going to observe a fast with your wife Seeta. O the honoured descendant of King Raghu, You will be anointed with holy water just the was your ancestor Nahusha had anointed his son Yayati in the past. Tomorrow morning is the time appointed  for your coronation."

And with this said, Vasishta initiated Rama into the ceremony of holy fasting along with Seeta.  

Ramayana Chapter 32 Kaikeyi: beyond Numbness and Pain

Ramayana

Chapter 32

Kaikeyi : Beyond Numbness and Pain

Time was passing by relentlessly. Kaikeyi wanted to sleep through it all. She was trained by her warrior father to rise up to every challenge without meditating too long. Political realities did not brook philosophical languor. But in spite of it all Kaikeyi felt her energy ebbing out. It was as if her life was poised for a final reckoning. The burden was killing her. She saw her life unfolding before her in many colours, not all of which was palatable even to the most stoic part of her own self. What did she want out of life? She was never able to define it to herself. She had arrived in Ayodhya among people who were not ready to accept her and there was least chance that they would ever accept her; not after what her fate called upon her to do now. She had lived with her loneliness all along, never being able to share it with any one. Her sultry pride had kept her apart from others. As a young wife and mother she was prepossessed by ambition and the anxiety and the insecurity which come in the wake of ambition. She was jealously busy guarding the interests of Bharat against the conspicuous inclination of everyone in the palace in favour of Rama in every respect.  Yet the bonding among all the brothers was beyond her understanding. She regarded it with awe, if not with reverence. But as time went by she realized that Rama had grown up to be a young man capable of reaching the heart of every living being. Very often she craved to be close to him when her despondency overpowered her. But the overriding memories of guilt in the ways she had dealt with him in his childhood, the many instances when she had caused inordinate pain to that innocent, vulnerable child, came back in a rush and built a wall of resistance between her and Rama. There was a stunning irony in the fate of both. A time was near at hand when Rama was going to fulfill the long-cherished hopes of all. This could also be the time for redemption for Kaikeyi, and how eagerly she had looked forward to that time and live thereafter with her mind and heart cleansed of all guilt. Whatever action she was required to take was going to alienate her from all. All along she had lived like an alien and henceforth she saw a doomed life of an accursed, malignant outcast.

Kaikeyi did not want to think. The knowledge of the secret responsibility weighed her down. She did not want to be inducted into the march of the events as a force that was seemingly instrumental but yet inscrutable because she did not have the space inside which she could open her heart to anyone. The suffocation was unbearable. She could scarcely breathe.  

If she failed in her duty to stand by the promise she had made to Indra, the consequences were going to affect the very survival of a culture and a civilization. If Rama lived to rule Ayodhya, he would never have an insight into the requirement of the evolving conditions of what was happening in the world outside Ayodhya. But all these thoughts were forming amorphously in her mind at the time. Indra did not want her to think for herself. She was supposed to act, not think, and her actions were supposed to follow only the unsceptical promise she had made to Indra whose vision was far-reaching, beyond the human understanding.

Ramayana Chapter 31 Kaikeyi and the Future : A Fatal Dilemma

Ramayana

Chapter 31

Kaikeyi and the Future: A Fatal Dilemma

In the midst of the hectic events and the rapid enfoldment of the future course of events Kaikeyi lived withdrawn into her world of solitude. In a way, she needed it badly. All this while, the thought of that strange commitment which Indra had elicited from her through the clever negotiation of his secret agent, continued to trouble her mind days on end. She was still not clear about the full implications of what was happening at present. Indra had warned her in no uncertain terms that Rama’s mission required him to leave the place of his birth and travel to distant lands and regions. Dashratha’s love for Rama had made him blind to the rapid advance of hostile neighbors. The greatest threat was from Ravana, the king of Lanka. Though he had not ventured anywhere near Ayodhya, he had struck terror in the hearts of the mighty Devas who often sought the help of the kings in their constant wars with the Asura race. Ravana combined the best of every world. He was born to a great sage. So he had the strength that comes with the ascetic determination. He was an invincible fighter, an artist, a composer of music, an accomplished dancer, a poet and above all, an ardent worshiper of Lord Shiva. His kingdom was as yet confined to a small island of Lanka in the sea south to the continent of the Aryan kingdoms, many of which were the vassals of Ayodhya. Kaikeyi had a vague idea of the situation. Indra’s secret agent did not divulge all the information to her about Ravana. Even Dashratha vaguely knew about the real extent of the power wielded by Ravana. But from the down south regions there were continuous reports of the attacks and devastation caused by Ravana’s political allies and protégés. Life was certainly unsafe for the foresters and the sages living in the forests, because Ravana made use of the barbaric carnivorous race of the Rakshasas to terrorize and subjugate the kings on the subcontinent.  Though Kaikeyi was not acquainted with the minute details of the battles being waged in the far-flung regions, she was well-apprised of the purpose of Vishvamitra when he adopted Rama and Laxman as his chosen warriors to be trained for the combat against the new threat. The secret agent of Indra had given her a perspective that made her aware of the gravity of the threat.

However, she was still reluctant to play the part which Indra wanted her to play in this vastly intriguing scheme in which she was being led blindfolded. It was a terrible time for her. No one knew the secret responsibility that was entrusted to her. She was forbidden to share the truth about it. She was simply told to achieve a goal without any guidance as to how she was to go about it. She did not know how she was going to accomplish the mission without causing the deadly schism in the family which she could foresee all the more clearly as the festive spirit was reaching a crescendo in Ayodhya.

Ramayana Chapter 30 Ayodhya Is Getting Ready

Ramayana

Chapter 30

Ayodhya Is Getting Ready

After he left his father’s palace Rama went straight to his own palace. It was necessary to meet Seeta and prepare her for the momentous changes awaiting them. However, not finding Seeta in the palace he proceeded to his mother’s palace. He found Kausalya clad in a silken garment which she always wore according to the protocol of the family, on auspicious occasions like these. She was in the prayer-hall, sitting in the presence of the idol of Narayana who was the family deity.  She had closed her eyes in meditation. She was absolutely still. Because of the undivided state of mind she had entered, she was oblivious to the surroundings. Sumitra, Seeta and Laxman were present there. They were standing beside her in silence. Holy quiet pervaded the place. Rama went straight to his mother and touched her feet. They had no time to express emotions. Rama announced his father’s decision to her.

“As you already must have received the news, I need not repeat. Father has instructed me regarding the holy rites to be performed and the discipline to be followed before the auspicious constellation Pushya is seen in the eastern sky in the morning tomorrow. Accordigly, Seeta will have to share with me the rites and the other ceremonies. Please give orders to the priests accordingly”.

Kausalya was beside herself. She was overwhelmed to see Rama and hear the words from his mouth. With tremor in her voice, she addressed Rama. “May you live long my son! May God give you the power to annihilate the foes. May those who wish you ill, be destroyed by the will of God. You will certainly give happiness to me, Sumitra and our well-wishers when you will be surrounded by the magnificent aura of the crown. Indeed, there were auspicious stars in the sky to bless you at the time of your birth. It was God’s will that you should endear yourself to your father. My prayers are answered today. My prayers have brought to you the splendor and the glory of the crown of this illustrious Ishwaku dynasty.”

After this, her voice failed her. She was unable to utter a word beyond this.   Rama restrained himself. He did not want her emotions to affect his balance. He turned to Laxman and saw him listening intently, with deep reverence. He was probably absorbing the meaning of every word that Kausalya had uttered.

Rama felt drawn to him more than anyone else in this moment, which was perhaps a moment of loneliness and uncertainty in their relationship.

Turning to him, Rama tried to communicate a renewed warmth and assurance. His face beaming with a smile and with the awareness of his new responsibility towards this beloved brother, he said, “Oh Laxman, I am happy more for you than for my own self. I look forward to your participation and cooperation in this holy mission. I shall not be able to fulfill it without you by my side. I shall not be alone while ruling over this kingdom. You will be my right hand. You are my soul. You are as much the recipient of this glory as I. I am accepting the crown to see you experience the splendor and the power that is bestowed upon those nearest to the king.”

Laxman was speechless. He was at a loss for words. So he remained silent.  But he was certain that what he desired above everything was the safety and the well-being of Rama.   

  

Ramayana chapter 29 Dashratha Meets Rama Again

Ramayana

Chapter 29

A Meeting with Rama in the Privacy of the Inner Chamber

After Rama had left the assembly-hall Dashratha turned once again to his ministers. After a quick but precise give and take regarding the plan of action the future was more or less sealed for Dashratha and the ministers. 

Dashratha retired to his inner chamber, exhausted, but fulfilled. But still, his mind was not at peace. Visions and memories buried deep were reawakened from the past. He had sealed them long in his heart, but now he felt impelled to unlock them and who else could he share them with but Rama? He was restless with anxiety. He had spent several sleepless nights, unable and unwilling to unburden himself to those in the family.

Finally, he made up his mind and asked Sumanta to bring Rama to the inner chamber. When the guards at Rama’s inner chamber apprised him of Sumanta’s purpose of coming again, he was apprehensive. His future was rapidly evolving and was bound to take some definite form and direction, but somehow, his spirit was not ready for the change. He knew that he had to define to himself his own perception and role in it and there was no room for evasion or escape.

He looked at Sumanta carefully as he conveyed to him his father’s desire to have a talk with him in the privacy of the inner chamber.  There was no sign of perturbance on Sumanta’s countenance. He seemed to know Dashratha’s mind and understood the need Dashratha felt for sharing his most intimate fears and anxieties with his son. The assurance in Sumanta’s conduct rested Rama’s mind and he proceeded towards Dashratha’s palace with Sumanta as his sole companion and escort.

Rama watched his father carefully as he entered the inner chamber. He greeted Dashratha from a distance and approached him without taking his eyes off. Dashratha was eager to compose his thoughts. Expression and coherence was all that was most important to him at that moment. He did not allow Rama to bend. He led Rama to his seat and then occupied a place a little far away from Rama. The distance helped him focus attention.

Dashratha started speaking, without looking at Rama.

“My son,” said Dashratha, “You are God’s blessing for me and Kausalya. Now listen carefully to what I say to you. I have experienced the splendor of this crown and I have known the responsibilities and the anxieties which the crown brings. I am weary now and I need to be relieved of this burden, the sooner, the better it will be for all. I am old. I have lived long. I have experienced everything that is best that a king can wish for. I think, I have redeemed myself of all that I owe to God and the humans.  Nothing   needs to be accomplished now except to establish you as the heir apparent and then as the anointed king of this empire. Now it is your duty to do as I say. I wish to see you crowned soon because this is what everyone in the kingdom wants. Moreover, how do I make you understand my state of mind at present?  My son, I am in the grip of deadly apprehensions and fears. I am chased by bad dreams every night. Besides, people have begun to see stars crashing down from the sky in the broad day-light with the sound of thunder. My astrologers say that the constellation that was on the eastern horizon at the time of my birth is being invaded by the Sun , Mars and Rahu, which is not a good sign for me to continue to rule. These signs portend ill omens for the ruler. They bring trouble for the ruler and in the long run, they might cause the king’s death. So my son, it is best for me to accomplish my mission while I am in sound mind and sound body. So while my mind is clear of all delusions and distractions, I want to see you crowned as the heir of the kingdom. The heart and mind of the humans is susceptible to illusions and insanity. Before the evil forces prevail, I want to accomplish my mission on this earth. Tomorrow, the moon will enter the auspicious constellation Pushya.  I know you can vanquish foes and conquer all opposition. I am paying heed to my intuition at this moment and it is telling me to make haste. So I am determined to see you anointed as the heir to the kingdom without delay. I order you to observe celibacy tonight. Observe a fast and go to sleep on a bed of grass tonight with Seeta. Tonight, I want all your friends to shield you from every possible calamity or mishap, because none can predict what obstacles may befall when one is on the way to some momentous accomplishment. Besides, I see it  the appropriate time to achieve this aim while Bharat is still at his maternal uncle’s palace. I have no doubt that Bharat looks up to you as his beloved and most revered elder brother, but in the matters like these, you cannot predict the behavior even of the virtuous and the wise.”

Without entering into any further discussion on the matter, king Dashratha ordered Rama to go and do as he had commanded and Rama surrendered to his wish quietly.

Ramayana Chapter 28 Dashratha Meets Rama

Ramayana

Chapter 28

Dashratha Meets Rama

It took no time for the news to spread far and wide, and through every nook and corner of the capital city of Ayodhya. Ayodhya was a city of ethnic diversity. There were people of the Arya origin as well as non-Aryas. All of them rejoiced over the decision taken by the king and his ministers. In fact every one of them, Gandharvas, the godly beings called Devas, the ferocious race of the Asuras, the Nagas—all had joined in the prayers for the smooth transition of the crown from the father to the son who was the rightful heir to the kingdom according to all. Women staked all they considered most precious in life, praying to God that there may be no obstacle in Rama’s path as he moved towards his tryst with the destiny.  The entire city was alive with tremulous hope and anxiety.

It did not take long for the ministers to come to a unanimous conclusion. By now they had charted the path and drawn the salient points of the future course of action. But even before their consultations were over and the points clinched to be presented to the king, instructions were already on the way, given by Vasishtha to the priests of the royal family that they should start the preparations for the holy rites.  

There was the anxiety and trepidation that precede the expectations when something intently wished for is close by. These are the times when the mind and the heart go weak with the fear that anything and everything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Everyone was now looking at Dashratha for the next step. Dashratha turned to his friend philosopher and guide at such times: his beloved friend Sumanta and whispered to him that Rama be called to the assembly-hall.

Soon Rama entered the assembly hall as Dashratha and the ministers watched. Handsome like a Gandharva and with the confidence like that of a powerful, young elephant, Rama walked into the assembly hall. He bent down to touch the feet of his father. “Father, I am your son Rama, bowing down to touch your feet,” said he. But before he could complete the gesture, Dashratha pulled him close and hugged him.

It was the most intimate moment, though marked by the gravity of the occasion which demanded the correctness of protocol.  Keeping that awareness in mind, Dashratha addressed Rama as everyone listened.

“My beloved son, you are born to the eldest among my queens, Kausalya, and you have inherited everything that is best in that gracious and virtuous lady. You excel me in every respect. Need I say anything more than this? You, my most beloved son of all, you have endeared yourself to one and all in this kingdom by your noble heart and the princely grandeur and valour. It is the wish of all that you formally assume the position of the heir to this throne. Tomorrow, soon after the holy constellation ‘Pushya’ appears in the sky, you will be anointed and be declared as the heir to the throne. We know that you do not need to be taught your responsibilities and the traditions of a prince. But my love and concern for your well-being compels me to give you a word of advice as to how a prince should conduct himself. Let there be grace and modesty in your demeanor. Do not let base passions rule you. Be always in control of your spirit , mind and soul. Anger and lust cause the downfall of a prince. Stay away from all the vices which come in the wake of anger and lust. Make truth the light on your path and remember that for a prince it is of utmost importance to remember that while ruling people, truth and justice are inseparable. So while delivering justice, see to it that you understand truth objectively, as it is. Rely on reason when you study the information and knowledge brought to you by your most trusted secret agents. Use your intuition in support of reason when you listen to the grievances expressed to you in person by your subjects. This is the way a prince and a king should deliver justice. You should not displease or offend your ministers, office-bearers, the chief of the armies, and above all your subjects. This is the secret of successful rule for a prince, and I am sure you will abide by word of advice. “

Everyone listened in awe and reverence as Dashratha addressed his son.