Greatness of Rama and Seetha

Enthronement ,which was about happen slipped through fingers at the last moment.Whatever was in their hands or in their possession,they donated to the needy and servants.Only happiness was left for them.To be happy thereis no need for materealistic things in life.Only mmental status was needed.Happiness we acquire by following truthfulnessis far greater than the materialistic benefits.Rama and Seetha could understand this truth. So they could be happy and relaxed.Lakshman was observing all this from behind. He slowly knelt beside Rama and pleaded him to take him also along with him.Rama told him to look after their mothers,Kowsalya and Sumithra.But Lakshmana convinced him That Bharatha was a person and he would after their mothers well.Rama agreed atlast.Hetold Lakshmana toget ready fastand tell their friends about the journey.During Janakas Yagna, Varunadeva gavemany powerful bows and arrows andbodymasks.They were preserved in Vasishtas abode.Rama told Lakshmana to bring all of them and he obliged.

Seethas reply

Seetha did not like the way Rama talked.Wife alone has right to accept good and bad of her husband.So if Rama was ordered to go to forest it meant she too was supposed to go.So she too was coming with him. sHE WOULD NOT give any trouble to him. She would accept the life of woods happily because Rama would be with her.She was eager to lead life at the woods.Rama tried to hold her back but she did not deter .She was adamant and told him that if he did not take her along with him ,she would commit suicide.She loves Rama and a pious lady. She can equally accept good and bad with him happily.Still Rama did not accept her request. Then she got angry and accused him that her father would call him a woman in the guise of a man.She was agreat woman like SATI Savithri.She was his wife. She was in prime of her youth. They led family life for a long period happily.Then was it right to hand over her to others?Then Rama allowed her to accompany him. He wanted to be sure that she really wanted to accompany him.It was as if Seetha was born to accompany him to the woods. He told her to get ready for the travel.He told her to feed Brahmins and gift the items to needy.

Kowsalyas blessings

Kowsalya understood that she could not alter the situation. So, she blessed him all the best on his journey to the forest.All the gods and goddesses would shower their blessings on him in this hour .HIs truthfulness only would help him.Bows and arrows given by Viswamitra would help him.Everything would protect him.She made Brahmins to do Yagna in his benifit and blessed him.After returning from woods she told Rama to fulfil Seethas wishes.Rama took leave of his mother and started for Seethas palace.

Seetha wasn ignorant of the latest developments. She was waiting for Rama.He was coming barefoot. He could not hold back his sorrow and tears came.Seetha was questioning what happened and he explained about Kaikeyis wish.He told her to be godfearing and RESPECT Bharatha because he was going to be the king.He told her not to praise Rama in front of Bharatha because if king is angry he would discard even his children.He told her to treat his brothers as her sons.He was going to the forest.

Ramas philosophy

Rama was pacifying KOwsalaya and Lakshman thus.All these developments were directed by Almighty. Otherwise stately lady like KAIKEYI WOU;LD NOT talk so cheap.For certain things we strive so much but we cant get them. For some other things without our trials also we benefit immensely. So all this is the work of God. So they should accept the reality and let hi go to woods.Lakshman is again trying to make Rama see reason.Rama need not obey vicious manipulations of Kaikeyi and Dasaratha.What boons?wHY DID THEY NOT COME BEFORE?You are the eldest. why younger one is going to be enthroned?Dasaratha is not your real father. HE IS lustful man and slave pf Kaikeyi. Only weaklings talk about god. I would use my shoulder strength to prove it.HE WOULD KILL EVERY ONE AND make Rama the king.Kowsalya understood that Rama has decided to go and no one could stop him. She atleast wanted to accompany him into woods.Rama did not accept this also. He said that for a woman husband is the ultimate and she could not leave him in this hour of need. She could pray for his wellbeing. Bharatha was a perfect gentleman and he would respect Kowsalya.

Lakshmans reaction

SEEing KOUSALYAlamenting thus, Lakshman opened up.Just for the sake of a womans words Rama need not go the woods.Dasaratha was an old man who was unstable,materialistic and influenced by Kaikeyi.Rama had not done any wrong. So why should he go ?So before entire world knows about this matter, Rama could easily capture Ayodhya and become the king.Lakshman would back him efficiently.Lakshman is ready to destry who ever comes in the way of Rama becoming the king.He is ready to kill even Dasaratha .Lakshman is consoling KOWsalya in this way. HE is taking oath that he would accompany Rama whereever he goes with his arms.She need not worry.Kowsalaya again started pleading with Rama to stay back and serve his mother.Rama requested his mother to permit him to go to woods. obeying fathers wish is fulfilling Dharma. If he did not fulfill his fathers wish,Dasaratha would be called ASATHYAVADI.Lakshman was talking about diplomacy .There is lot of difference betweenJUstice and political rightness.Not only he but even Kowsalya, Sumithra,Lakshman and others are also bound by Dasarathas directions.

KOUSALYA and Rama

Kousalaya was very happy that her son was about to be enthroned.She was a pious woman and so prayed Vishnu and bade Brahmins to do homam.She hugged Rama and praised her husband that he did not go back on his words but was going to make Rama the king.Rama then told her of the recent developments.He told her he had to go the forest for 14 years and Bharatha was going to be made the king.Hearing this she fainted.She lamented that if she did not have any children that pain was lot better than this present pain.Though she was the first queen and wife to Dasaratha ,his other wives looked down upon her quite often. Now she wanted to make it even once Rama became the king. Even that hope is lost.Kaikeyi would definitely humiliateher.

Rama in Kaikeyis palace

Rama entered the palace and saw Dasaratha in a pathetic condition.Rama greeted both of them.Rama never saw him in such aplight. So he started asking kaikeyi regarding the reason behind his pathos.Then kaikeyi without any shame answered him everything was alright.If you want to obey your father whether right or wrong ,kaikeyi would disclose the matter.Rama convinced her that he owuld gladly abide by his fathers words.

Kaikeyi then told him aboutdevasura war and how she saved Dasarathas life. Then he gave her two boons .THey were--tosend Rama to forest for 14 years and then to make Bharatha the king of Ayodhya.Rama accepted her offer without aflutter of eyelids.Rama told Kaikeyi that he was least interested in materialistic issues like wealth and kingdom.HE is more interested in fulfilling dharma.He told her to send for Bharatha to make him the king and he would leave for the forest as soon as he takes leave from his mother,Kowsalya and wife Seetha.Hearing Rama say so, Dasaratha fainted.Lakshmana was angry with these developments but was simply walking behind Rama.Rma was as happy bas when he had gone inside. His face was glowimg as before. He left for Kowsalyas abode by walk.