2. Ayodhya Kand
The Book of Ayodhya · 119 sargas
Preparations begin for Rama's coronation, but Kaikeyi — turned by Manthara — calls in two old boons: the throne for Bharata, and fourteen years of exile for Rama. Rama honours his father's word without hesitating. Sita and Lakshmana go with him. Dasharatha dies of grief, and Bharata refuses the kingdom, placing Rama's sandals on the throne in his stead.
Key Episodes
- Manthara turns Kaikeyi, and the two boons are claimed
- Rama accepts exile without protest, holding to his father's word
- Sita and Lakshmana insist on going with him
- Kevat the boatman, and the crossing of the Ganga
- Dasharatha dies grieving for Rama
- Bharata comes to Chitrakuta to bring Rama home, and leaves with his sandals
Shlokas
Ayodhya Kand
सर्वे क्षयान्ता निचयाः पतनान्ताः समुच्छ्रयाः । संयोगा विप्रयोगान्ता मरणान्तं च जीवितम् ॥
sarve kṣayāntā nicayāḥ patanāntāḥ samucchrayāḥ / saṁyogā viprayogāntāḥ maraṇāntaṁ ca jīvitam
All that is gathered ends in loss; all that rises ends in a fall; every union ends in separation; and life itself ends in death. Rama consoles Bharata with these words after Dasharatha's passing.