Ramopakhyana Parva — The exile of Rama into the forest

Yudhishthira said : Your worshipful self has related (to me) separately of the birth of Rama and others, O Brahmana, I am (now) desirous of hearing of the cause of their exile. Tell me, O Brahmana, why the heroic sons of Dasharatha, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana, departed to the forest, together with the renowned Maithili (Sita, daughter of the king of Mithila).

Markandeya said: O King, Dasharatha, always devoted to religion and given to the performance of) religious ceremonies and engaged in ministering to the comforts of his elders, was (very) glad at the birth of his sons.

Those sons of his, gradually grew up in strength, obtained mastery over the Vedas together with all their mysteries and became skilled in the science of weapons.

When after having observed the Brahmacharya vows, they got they got married. Dasharatha, O king, became (very) pleased and happy.

(And) among them his intelligent eldest son, who gladdened the heart of his father and delighted his subjects, was named Rama on account of his sweet disposition.

O Bharata, then that wise monarch considering himself far too advanced in age (to look after worldly affairs), for the installation of Rama as the prince regent; consulted with his righteous ministers and priests.

And all those best of advisers thought that it was the proper time (for the purpose). O descendant of the Kurus, king Dasharatha was greatly pleased on beholding his son (Rama) of red eyes and mighty arms, endued with the gait of an elephant mad (with exuberance of spirits), of long arms and broad chest, having blue and curly hair, blazing with beauty, brave as Shakra in battle, versed in all the religious duties, wise as Brihaspati, an object of adoration with all his subjects, proficient in every science and art, of subdued passions, pleasant to the eye of even his enemies, the chastiser of the wicked, the protector of the virtuous, endued with high intellect, invincible, ever victorious and never vanquished and the enhancer of the joy of (his mother) Kausalya.

That highly energetic and powerful one (Dasharatha) thinking of the qualifications of Rama, was well-pleased and (thus) addressed his priest, "O Brahmana, this night the constellation Paushya being in the ascendant, will be a highly auspicious time. Let therefore my attendants collect materials (for the inauguration) and let Rama also be invited.”

Hearing these words of the king, Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi) went to Kaikeyi and addressed her these words suited to the occasion.

O Kaikeyi, your great ill-luck has today been proclaimed by the king. O unfortunate one, may a fierce and angry venomous snake bite you.

It is indeed Kausalya who is fortunate in as much as her son will be installed. Where is your good fortune since your son will not obtain the kingdom?

O hearing these words of (Manthara), Kaikeyi with her waist resembling the middle of a Dambura, decked with all sorts of ornaments and wearing a highly beautiful appearance, sought her lord in a secluded place and making a show of love, smilingly spoke these sweet words.

"O king, you are (always) firm in your promise. Formerly you promised me a boon. Do you grant it now and thereby save yourself the sin of an unredeemed promise."

The King said: "I am ready to grant you any boon you like. Is there anybody to be slain that does not deserve death or is there any one to be set at liberty who is imprisoned?

Whom shall I heap riches upon and whom shall I deprive of his wealth? Everything on earth belongs to me except what is possessed by the Brahmanas.

I am, in this world, the king of all kings and the guardian of the four orders, O fortunate one, express your desire without delay".

Listening to these words of the king and binding him to his promise, she, well aware of her influence over him, spoke these words,

“Let Bharata be installed with the materials brought for Rama and let Raghava depart to the forests."

O the best of the Bharata, on hearing this disagreeable speech of terrible significance, the king weighed down with grief, could not speak anything.

Learning that his father has been thus promise-bound and considering that the king's truth ought to remain inviolable, the virtuous and powerful Rama went into the forests.

And, may you be blessed, he (Rama) was followed by the prosperous Lakshmana, the foremost of bowmen and his wife Sita, the princess of Videha and daughter of Janaka.

Then Rama having departed to the forest, Dasharatha, following the eternal law of time, gave up the ghost.

And seeing that Rama had left for the forest and that the king had breathed his last, Kaikeyi causing Bharata to be brought, addressed to him these words.

“Now that the king has gone to heaven and Rama and Lakshmana have left for the forest, accept this auspicious and extensive kingdom with all its thorns weeded out."

(Thereupon), the virtuous (Bharata) said to her “You have committed a very cruel deed by killing your husband and exterminating the family actuated by greed of wealth alone. O accursed (woman) of (our) family, hurling disgrace upon my head, fulfill your desire now.” Saying this to her mother, he gave free vent to his tears.

And vindicating his character before all the subjects, he set out, desirous of bringing back his brother Rama.

Placing, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi in vehicle at the van (of his train), he set out with a sorrowful heart, accompanied by Shatrughna.

Vasishtha, Vamadeva, thousands of other Brahmanas and the people of the cities and the provinces, with an eager desire to bring Rama back.

(And he) found Rama together with Lakshmana in the mountain) Chitrakuta bow in hand and wearing the garb of ascetics.

(But), being dismissed by Rama who was bent on obeying his fathers; words, he (Bharata) began to reign at Nandigram placing his brother's shoes before him.

And Rama too, afraid of the return of the people of the cities and provinces entered into the mighty forest of Dandaka near the hermitage of Sharabhanga.

Paying his adorations to Sharabhanga and taking refuge in the Dandaka, forest he began to dwell on the banks of the beautiful river Godavari.

While dwelling there, Rama had great enmity with Khara who had his abode in the Janasthana, on account of Shurpanakha.

The descendant of Raghu, devoted to virtue, slew fourteen thousands of Rakshasas on earth for the protection of the ascetics and the intelligent Raghava having slain the highlypowerful Khara and Dushana resorted peace to that sacred forest.

Those Rakshasas being slain, Shurpanakha with her nose and lips cut off returned to Lanka, the abode of her brother (Ravana).

Then that Rakshasas-woman senseless with grief and with marks of dry blood on her face, approaching Ravana, fell down at his feet.

Seeing her thus multilated Ravana became senseless with rage and fired with anger and gnashing his teeth, rose up from his throne.

And dismissing his ministers he asked her in private "O gentle sister, who has made you so by despising and disregarding me?

Who is he that having got a sharp spear has rubbed it all over his body? Who is he that is sleeping in peace and security, keeping a fire near his head?

Who is he that has trodden over a terrible snake? Who is he that has thrust his hand into the jaws of a mained lion?"

While he was saying thus, sparks of flame issued out from his organs of senses like those that are emitted from the hollows of a tree on fire at night.

Then his sister informed him of the prowess of Rama causing the defeat of the Rakshasas led by Khara and Dushana.

Then king (Ravana) settling as to what course to adopt and making arrangements for the protection of his capital and consoling his sister, rose up in the air.

Crossing the mountains Trikuta and Kala he beheld the mighty ocean of deep waters, the abode of the Makaras (alligators).

Then Dashanana (Ravana, who had ten mouths) crossing it (the ocean) reached Gokarna the beloved place of the high-souled wielder of the trident (Shiva).

Then the ten-headed one went to his exminister Maricha who had long before at that very place adopted the mode of life led by the ascetics, through fear of Rama.