Only will of God prevails

Sri Kesava Vajapeya Swamy said in a discourse that when the people of Ayodhya were immersed in joyous celebrations over the forthcoming coronation of Sri Rama, an unexpected and tragic turn of events awaited them. King Dasaratha, filled with happiness, went to Queen Kaikeyi’s palace to share the auspicious news. However, Kaikeyi’s mind had already been poisoned by her malicious maid Manthara. Instigated by her, Kaikeyi reminded the king of the two boons he had once granted her. To the utter shock and sorrow of Dasaratha, she demanded that her son Bharata be crowned king and that Rama be sent into exile in the forest for 14 years. Like a snake subdued by a charmer, Dasaratha stood powerless. Kalidasa reminds us that Manthara’s wicked counsel cost Kaikeyi her husband and earned her the painful reproach of her own son Bharata.

King Bhojaraja observes that Kaikeyi’s heart was originally pure and pristine like the sacred river Ganga, but it was violently disturbed and sullied by Manthara, who, like a raging buffalo, churned its waters and made them turbid. Valmiki declares that King Dasaratha worshipped Lord Ranganatha for thousands of years and ruled Ayodhya with unwavering righteousness. Yet even such a noble punyatma — one who had wrapped himself completely in dharma — was compelled to undergo this heartrending ordeal. If this be the fate of such a virtuous king, what then can be said of us, ordinary mortals?

The contrast between Dasaratha’s life of joy and fulfillment before meeting Kaikeyi and the dramatic events that unfolded overnight in her palace, completely overturning the course of events, clearly reveals a profound truth: nothing truly lies in our hands; it is the will of God alone that governs and decides everything.

Whatever obstacles may arise, the truly pious never lose their patience or tolerance. In this spirit, Sri Rama humbly and unhesitatingly accepted his father’s command to depart for the forest.