Part B of this week’s reading in Buck picks up with Rama
being exiled into the forest for fourteen years by Kaikeyi in favor of Bharata
to be king. Rama without objection gathers Sita and they head off into the
forest after giving away all of their possessions. Rama appears to be one of
the only people accepting of the situation, including his own father Dasharatha
whom he has to persuade to not be angry with Kaikeyi. The citizens of Kosala as
well attempt to follow Rama into the forest. Theelders of Ayodhya, however,
raised the river in order to block Rama’s path. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana meet
the sage Bharadwaja who convinces them to build a house in Chitrakuta.
Lakshmana builds the entire house for them so that they have a place to stay.
Back in town after Rama and Sita venture into the forest with Lakshmana,
Dasharatha realizes he did not have to do what Kaikeyi asked of him but it was
too late. Dasharatha thenis reminded of his time when he accidentally killed a
boy in the forest, the next morning Kausalya find Dasharatha dead.
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana with Bharadwaja
Source: Wikipedia
I feel like the exile of Rama was a huge part of the Ramayana because it helps progress the story of the Ramayana. It makes a huge impact on Dasaratha and his wives, as well as Rama and Sita’s characters. The kingdom and Bharatha are also influenced greatly by his exile. What did you think of Dasaratha’s decision? I think he should’ve been selfish and not fulfilled Kaikeyi’s request.
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