Rama Accepts Exile

Morning arrived and the time for the coronation was approaching. Maharshi Vashishtha and his students came to the palace with a golden urn filled with water from holy rivers. He sent Sumantra, to wake King Dasharatha from his sleep. Kaikeyi commanded Sumantra to call Rama because the King wanted to speak to him.

Rama was unaware of what had transpired between Dasharatha and Kaikeyi as he prepared for his coronation. Suddenly, Sumantra arrived at Rama's mansion and said that the King and Queen Kaikeyi wished to see him. Rama immediately went to the sulking chamber. 

He was shocked to see his father lying on the floor. "Mother, why is Father in this state?" he asked Kaikeyi. "What grief is he drowning in?"

"Long ago, your father promised to grant me two boons," replied Kaikeyi. "Last night, I asked for those boons. I told him that my son, Bharata, should be crowned king and that you must spend the next fourteen years in the forest."

Upon hearing Kaikeyi's words, Rama smiled. "Mother, whatever you have planned for me will be a blessing to me," he said politely. "Your wish is my command. I am ready to go to the forest for fourteen years. Please take care of Father and reassure him not to worry about me."

Kaikeyi was both happy and surprised when Rama readily agreed to go to the forest. After touching Kaikeyi's and his father's feet, Rama, like an ideal and dutiful son, got ready to go.