Rama Enters Kaikeyi's House before He Enters His Own
Uttara Kanda, Chaupai 10
Doha 11 · Movement 1 of 2
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Rama knows that shame still covers Kaikeyi, so before going to his own palace he enters hers. He consoles the mother whose demands began the exile and gives her abundant peace. Only then does Hari proceed to his dwelling.
As the ocean of compassion enters the palace, happiness spreads through every man and woman of Ayodhya. Vashishtha gathers the learned ones and declares that all auspicious conditions have assembled on this day. Let Ramachandra sit upon the throne.
The proposal moves through the assembly like the first clear sound after a long storm. The gathered voices answer gently that Rama's consecration will delight the world. Best of sages, they urge, delay no longer. Place the royal mark upon the great king. Yet the coronation has already disclosed its inward law: Rama will not step into public glory while Kaikeyi remains alone inside disgrace. He restores a hidden heart before accepting the visible crown.
The road to Rama's throne first passes through the chamber of the mother who cannot forgive herself.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रभु जानी कैकेई लजानी। प्रथम तासु गृह गए भवानी।। ताहि प्रबोधि बहुत सुख दीन्हा। पुनि निज भवन गवन हरि कीन्हा।। कृपासिंधु जब मंदिर गए। पुर नर नारि सुखी सब भए।। गुर बसिष्ट द्विज लिए बुलाई। आजु सुघरी सुदिन समुदाई।। सब द्विज देहु हरषि अनुसासन। रामचंद्र बैठहिं सिंघासन।। मुनि बसिष्ट के बचन सुहाए। सुनत सकल बिप्रन्ह अति भाए।। कहहिं बचन मृदु बिप्र अनेका। जग अभिराम राम अभिषेका।। अब मुनिबर बिलंब नहिं कीजे। महाराज कहँ तिलक करीजै।।
The Lord, knowing that Kaikeyi felt ashamed, first went to her palace, O Bhavani. He consoled her and gave her great comfort, then Hari returned to his own dwelling. When the Ocean of Mercy entered his palace, all the men and women of the city were filled with happiness. Guru Vasishtha called the learned ones and said, 'Today all auspicious signs have gathered together.' 'All of you, joyfully give your consent: let Ramachandra ascend the throne.' The gracious words of Sage Vasishtha delighted all the learned ones who heard them. Many spoke gentle words: 'Rama's coronation will bring joy to all the world.' 'Now, O best of sages, delay no longer. Let the great king receive the sacred tilak.'