Kaikeyi Binds Dawn to Ram's Departure
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 33
Doha 33 · Movement 2 of 2
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Kaikeyi fixes an ultimatum upon the approaching dawn. Ram must leave dressed as an ascetic when morning comes.
If he does not, she declares that death will follow for her and dishonour for Dasharatha. The king's love, royal name, and fear of her death are bound to the same hour.
Dawn, which Ayodhya awaits as coronation light, is transformed inside the chamber into a deadline for exile. The sun has not risen, yet Kaikeyi has already assigned its first ray the work of separation. Time itself becomes pressure against the king's heart.
The dawn Ayodhya awaits for a crown is made the appointed hour for bark cloth and departure.
Read the passage from the Manas
होत प्रात मुनिबेष धरि जौं न रामु बन जाहिं। मोर मरनु राउर अजस नृप समुझिअ मन माहिं।।33।।
If at dawn Rama does not go to the forest dressed as a sage, then know this in your heart, O king: my death will follow, and your dishonor with it.