Kaikeyi Calls Ram Dearer than Her Own Life
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 15
Doha 15 · Movement 1 of 2
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Kaikeyi assures Manthara that no anger lives within her. If Ram is crowned tomorrow, the day will be blessed, and the maid may ask for any gift that pleases her heart.
The solar dynasty's custom is beautiful: the elder brother rules and the younger serves. All the queen mothers are dear to her, and Ram gives each natural affection while showing Kaikeyi special tenderness she has tested herself.
She prays that in another birth she might belong again to Ram and Sita's family. Ram is dearer than her own breath. The scene lets Kaikeyi speak her uncorrupted truth fully before fear covers it, preserving the depth of love that makes the coming reversal tragic.
Before fear remakes her vision, Kaikeyi names Ram as dearer than the breath sustaining her life.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रियबादिनि सिख दीन्हिउँ तोही। सपनेहुँ तो पर कोपु न मोही।। सुदिनु सुमंगल दायकु सोई। तोर कहा फुर जेहि दिन होई।। जेठ स्वामि सेवक लघु भाई। यह दिनकर कुल रीति सुहाई।। राम तिलकु जौं साँचेहुँ काली। देउँ मागु मन भावत आली।। कौसल्या सम सब महतारी। रामहि सहज सुभायँ पिआरी।। मो पर करहिं सनेहु बिसेषी। मैं करि प्रीति परीछा देखी।। जौं बिधि जनमु देइ करि छोहू। होहुँ राम सिय पूत पुतोहू।। प्रान तें अधिक रामु प्रिय मोरें। तिन्ह कें तिलक छोभु कस तोरें।।
O sweet-spoken one, I have given you my counsel. Even in my dreams, I hold no anger toward you. That day alone is auspicious and full of blessing on which your words come true. The elder brother is lord, the younger serves him. This is the beautiful tradition of the House of the Sun. If Rama's coronation truly takes place tomorrow, then ask whatever boon delights your heart, dear friend. All the queen-mothers are as dear as Kausalya, and Rama loves them all with natural affection. They show me special tenderness. I have tested their love and seen it for myself. If Providence, by its grace, grants me another birth, may I become the daughter-in-law of Rama and Sita. Rama is dearer to me than my own life-breath. How could his coronation ever bring you distress?