Dasharatha Dies of Grief

Kaushalya shuddered as she listened to this tragic incident from her husband's past.

"The curse of Shravanakumara's parents is coming true," the king continued. "I can hear their souls 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."

Dasharatha soon lost his eyesight and became blind, like Shravanakumara's parents. After Rama left for the forest, he survived for only six days. In his final moments, he repeated Rama's name six times and then passed away. 

Kaushalya and Sumitra wailed over their husband's lifeless body. Everyone in the palace, including the servants, mourned the loss of the king. Once the news of his death spread, sadness permeated the entire city. 

The next morning, the sages arrived at the palace. Maharshi Vashishtha tried to console everyone. Dasharatha's corpse was embalmed in oil, and Bharata and Shatrughna were sent for immediately.

Bharata experienced nightmares throughout the night. Sensing that something terrible had occurred, he and Shatrughna quickly prepared their chariot and headed back home. When they arrived in Ayodhya eight days later, they saw that the city was deserted. Upon reaching the palace, they went straight to Dasharatha's room, only to find it empty. Worried, they went to Kaikeyi's room, where she lay on a bed of gold. She rose, and they sought her blessings by touching her feet. She embraced both of them.

"Mother, where is Father?" Bharata asked frantically. "Where are Rama and Lakshmana? And where is my sister-in-law Sita? I don't see any of them here."