Dasharatha Dies of Grief

"The curse of Shravana Kumara's parents is coming true. I can hear them calling out to me. I believe my time has come, Kaushalya. The grip of death is tightening around me. Will Rama come to release me from this curse? Can I see Rama one last time before I pass? Only Rama can save me from the clutches of death."

After Rama left for the forest, Dasharatha remained alive for only six days. In his final moments, he repeated Rama's name six times. When the news of the King's death spread, the palace was filled with grief. All the queens were sobbing and screaming as they held the King's dead body. The entire palace, including the servants, was overcome with sorrow as they mourned the loss of their ruler. The city of Ayodhya was also shrouded in despair, with sadness reaching every household. 

The morning after Dasharatha's passing, the sages arrived at the palace. Maharshi Vashishtha wished to alleviate the grief, and until Bharata returned, King Dasharatha's corpse was treated with oil. Messages were sent to ensure Bharata and Shatrughna's immediate return.

Bharata experienced nightmares during the night, suspecting something terrible had occurred at the palace. His suspicions were confirmed when a messenger informed him that Maharshi Vashishtha awaited him in Ayodhya. Bharata and Shatrughna quickly prepared their chariot and hastened toward Ayodhya. Eight days later, they arrived home.

Bharata and Shatrughna arrived in a deserted city filled with sadness. The two brothers then went to Queen Kaikeyi's room to find her lying on a bed of gold. She rose to embrace Bharata and Shatrughna. After they sought her blessings by touching her feet, she showered them with parental affection, kissing their foreheads. Bharata inquired about the whereabouts of his father, brothers Rama and Lakshmana, and sister-in-law Sita, as they were all missing.

"Dear son, your father enjoyed his life and lacked nothing," Kaikeyi answered diplomatically. "He earned a great name and fame and lived a holy life. All his wishes had come true, and he had nothing more to acquire. He now resides in Svarga and ranks among the gods."