Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – King Dhasharatha visits the Kopagriha to meet Devi Kaikeyi

Chapter – 25– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– King Dhasharatha visits the Kopagriha to meet Devi Kaikeyi

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, it was the late evening, King Dhasharatha arrived in the chamber of Devi Kaikeyi, resembled the love personified rushing towards the callousness personified as Kaikeyi.  Soon, the King came to know that Devi Kaikeyi is in the Kopagriha, not in her chamber, he was aghast, his feet were not willing to move further out of anxiousness. King Dhasharatha whose powerful arms were sought after by the deities for protection, and whose fame is widespread among the Kings of the neighboring country was troubled to move forward noticing the anger of his consort, all that was the result of unconquerable pleasure of physical attraction to Devi Kaikeyi. Oh! Mune, it is impossible to win over the cupid arrows of Manmatha, even for the King who had won several battles, courageously stood before the spears, swords, powerful weapons resembled thunderbolts. King Dhasharatha reluctantly approached the Kopagriha, and found Devi Kaikeyi in a miserable state on the floor, she was laying on the rough and cold stone floor, her hair was disheveled, all her ornaments were battered on the floor. Her untidy and faded garment was well suited for the state of her mind, resembled the upcoming calamity in the family, revealing her impending widowhood. King Dhasharatha moved closer to her and spoke in a sweet tone “Oh! Pranapriye, why are you so angry?”

Sanjj Samaya Sanandha Nripu Gayau Kaikayi Geha | Gavanu Niduratha Nikata Kiya  Janu Dhari Dheha Saneha ||

Kopabhavana Suni Sakucheau Rau | Bhaya Basa Agahuda Parayi Na Pau || Surapathi Basayi Bahabala Jake | Narapathi Sakala Rahahi Rukha Thake || So Suni  Thiya Gayau Sukhayi | Dhekhahu Kama Prathapa Badayi || Soola Kulisa Asi Agavanihare | The  Rathinatha Sumana Sara Mare || Sabhya Naresu Priya Pahi Gayau | Dhekhi Dhasa Dhukhu Dharuna  Bhayau || Bhoomi Sayana Patu Mot Purana | Dhiye  Dari  Thana Bhooshana Nana || Kumathihi Kasi  Kubeshatha Phabi | Ana  Ahivathu Soocha Janu  Bhabi || Jayi Nikata Nripa Kaha Mridhu Bani | Pranapriya Kehi Hethu  Risani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The Kingdom of Ayodhya prepares for the grand coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 24– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The Kingdom of Ayodhya prepares for the grand coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya

 

The men and women of the Kingdom were too busy to take notice of the impending calamities, all of them were engrossed in the preparation for the grand ceremony as in the palace. The people were entering and leaving the palace in large numbers, the joy-filled atmosphere of Ayodhya was beyond description. Rama’s childhood companions arrived in huge number to the fortress to congratulate Rama on the auspicious occasion, was received with great respect, enquired about the happiness, health, welfare of them and their families. Thus, Rama spends pleasurable time with his childhood companions, finally, they have received permission to retire while leaving the palace they converse with each other “Is there anyone amiable, affectionate, kind, and compassionate as Rama in this world? Whatever birth we may achieve due to our Karma, all that we should pray to remain a sincere servant of Sitapathi Lord Rama, let us pray to that Almighty Lord to grant us the boon to achieve Sitapathi Rama as our Lord in all our births, and the devotion and the pure love to Rama may flourish in us.” The people of Ayodhya considered themselves as fortunate to be in the Ramarajya, and wished to continue to be the servant of Rama in all their births, and prayed to Almighty. Alas! Devi Kaikeyi’s heart was completely drenched in resentment and agony. Sri Maharaj speaks ‘who is not get ruined by the association of the wicked people? Even the intellectuals lose their good sense in the association of vile.”

 

Pramudhitha Pura Nara Nari Sab Sajahi Sumangalachara | Yek Prabisahi Yek Nirgamahim Bheera Bhoopa Dharbar ||

Bala Sakha Suni Hiya  Harshahi | Mili Dhasa Panch Ramapahi Jahi || Prabhu Adharahi Premu Pahichani | Poochahi Kusala Khema Mridhubani || Phirahi Bhavanapriya Aayasu Payi | Karatha Parapara RamaBadayi || Ko Raghubeera Sarisa Samsara | Seelu Sanehu Nibahanihara || Jehi Jehi Joni Karama Basa Bhramahi | Thaha Thaha Esu Dheau Yaha Hamahi || Sevaka Hama Swami Siyanahu | Hoau Natha Yaha Aura Nibahu || Asa Abhilashu Nagara Sab Kahu | Kaikeyasutha Hridhaya Athi Dhahu || Ko Na  Kusangathi Payi Nasayi | Rahayi Na Neech Mathe  Chathurayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Manthara advises Devi Kaikeyi to take shelter in the Kopagriha/chamber specially made for the women to stay while grieving

Chapter – 23– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Manthara advises Devi Kaikeyi to take shelter in the Kopagriha/chamber specially made for the women to stay while grieving

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, the wicked hunch-back after setting the malicious plan in queen Kakikeyi’s mind, spoke to her fervently “Oh! Devi, take shelter in the Kopagriha/a special chamber to stay while the queens are unhappy and grieving, as I have advised, manage the whole affairs discreetly, do not believe the King and his sweet words easily.” Devi Kaikeyi praised the intelligence of the hunchback again and again, “Oh! Manthara, I have no trustworthy companion like you in this whole world. You have saved me from sinking in the deep ocean of grief, you have protected me from drowning, like the log in the river. If the Almighty Lord is favorable to me, he would fulfill my wishes tomorrow, Oh! Dear, I will protect you like an apple of my eyes in all my life.” Thus, Devi Kaikeyi repeatedly praised the shrewdness of Manthara and retired to the Kopagriha. The scheme resembled the seed, which was conceived by the servant maid Manthara served the purpose of heavy downpour, on the soil like the mind of Devi Kaikeyi, the water like the willingness of the queen to dance to the tune of Manthara’s words were already deep-rooted in the mind of the queen, began to sprout with the desire to ask for two boons, such as performing the coronation of Bharatha as the King of Ayodhya, and exile Rama to the woods, which was well enough to bear the fruit of calamities in the royal family. Devi Kaikeyi entered in the dark and untidy chamber/Kopagriha with a heart full of resentment, and lay on the floor. Alas! it was her bad luck, she was destined to take pleasure in the luxuries of the Kingdom, unfortunately, she was betrayed by her own wicked mind to take shelter in the dark and gloomy chamber, while the whole palace and the Kingdom were rejoicing at the upcoming coronation of Rama as the King of Ayodhya. Alas! nobody was aware of the conspiracy of Devi Kaikeyi and Manthara conceived together.”

 

Bada Kudhathu Kari  Pathakini Kahesi Kopagriha Jahu | Kaju Savarehu Sajaga Sabu Sahasa Jani  Pathiahu ||

Kubarihi Rani  Pranapriya Jani | Bar Bar Badi  Budhdhi Bakhani || Thohi Samahitha Na Mora  Samsara | Bahe Jatha Kayi Bhayisi Adhaara || Jau Bidhi Puraba Manorathu Kali | Karau Thohi Chakha  Poothari  Aali || Bahubidhi Cherihi Aadharu Dheyi | Kopabhavana Gavani Kaikeyi || Bipathi Beeju  Barasha Rithu Cheri | Bhuya Bhayi Kumathi Kakikeyi Keri || Payi Kapata Jalu  Ankura Jama | Bara Dhoau Dhala Dhukha Phala Parinama || Kopa Samaju Saji  Sabu  Soyi | Raju Karatha Nija Kumathi Bigoyi || Raura Nagara Kolahalu Hoyi | Yaha Kuchali Kacchu Jan Na Koyi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Manthara insists the queen Kaikeyi to ask for the boon promised by the King

 

Chapter – 22– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Manthara insists the queen Kaikeyi to ask for the boon promised by the King

 

Devi Kaikeyi replied “Oh! Manthara, I shall sincerely follow your suggestions, if needed I would throw myself into well, or even I would forsake my son and husband. Oh! Lady, if you are giving me a bit of advice to get rid of my anguish and grief, why should I refrain from following it?” Manthara realized that the sacrificial animal is already before her, all that she needs to pierce it with the knife, the queen Kaikeyi who resembled the sacrificial animal nibbling on the grass, without knowing the impending danger. Devi Kaikeyi was listening to the most agreeable words of Manthara, although it would heave the queen to painful consequences. Manthara enthusiastically served the queen with the devious plans as if feeding on honey mixed with the poison, she continued to speak “Oh! Devi, you have detailed to me about an interesting incident that took place several years ago and told me about a couple of promises given to you by the King, whether you remember it or not. Oh! Devi, it is the right moment to get your desires fulfilled, ask for the boon promised to you by the King, and get rid of the pain and anguish. Oh! Devi, ask the King to perform the coronation of Bharatha as the King of Ayodhya, and exile Rama to the woods, thus steal the happiness of all the queens. Oh! Devi, remember my word, do not ask for a boon, until and unless the King swear on Rama and promises to offer them, or he may change from his words. Oh! Devi, make sure our plans get succeeded before the daylight arrives, so cherish my words dearer than your life.”

Parau Koopa Thua Bachana Para Sakau Pootha Pathi Thyagi | Kahasi Mora Dhukhu Dhekhi Bada Kasa Na  Karaba Hitha  Lagi ||

Kubari Kari Kabooli Kaikeyi | Kapata Choori Ura Pahana Deyi || Lakhayi Na Rani Nikata Dhukhu Kaise | Charayi Haritha Thina  Balipasu Jaise || Sunatha Bath Mridhu Antha Kadori | Dhethi  Manahu Madhu  Mahura  Dhori || Kahayi Chori Sudhi Ahayi Ki Nahi | Swamini Kahihu Katha Mohi Pahi || Dhuyi Baradhana Bhoopa San Thathi | Magahu Aaju Judavahu Cchathi || Suthahi Raju Ramahi Banabasu | Dhehu Lehu Sab  Savathi Hulasu || Bhoopathi Ramasapatha Jab Karayi | Thab Magehu Jehi Bachanu Na Darayi || Hoyi  Akaju Aaju Nisi Beethe | Bachanu Mora  Priya Manehu Ji The ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Manthara influences Queen Kaikeyi to follow her advice

 

Chapter – 21– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Manthara influences Queen Kaikeyi to follow her advice

 

Devi Kaikeyi spoke passively “I have not committed sin towards anyone during my lifetime, I wonder I can’t even imagine what was the reason for the troubles mounted upon us all of a sudden. I would prefer to spend the rest of my life in my father’s Kingdom, instead of serving Devi Kausalya and the royal family.  No one would prefer to live with an enemy, even if it has all the luxuries of heaven, instead death would be appropriate.” Devi Kaikeyi continued to pour out her grief and anguish to the wicked hunch-back, who enjoyed every bit of it, began to speak as a well-wisher “Oh! Devi, do not give up, do not speak while you are grieving or angry, you will get back all your happiness and good fortune, and whoever plotted against you, and caused grief to you will reap the fruit of their misdeeds. Oh! Lady, ever since I have heard of the coronation of Rama as the King of Ayodhya, I have lost my appetite and sleep in the night, I have consulted with an astrologer, he assured me with a positive prediction that Bharatha shall be the King of Ayodhya. Oh!Bhamini/virtuous one, I shall advise you,  if you follow my suggestions sincerely, you may succeed to regain your fortune and happiness, the King must have certain obligations towards you too.”

 

Apane Chalatha Na  Aaju Lagi  Anabhala Kahuka Keenha | Kehi Adha Yekahi Bara Mohi Dhau Dhusaha Dhukhu Dheenha ||

Naihara Janamu Bharaba Baru Jayi | Jiatha Na Karabi Savathi Sevakayi || Ari  Basa Dhau Jiavath Jahi | Maranu Neeka Thehi Jeevana Chahi || Dheena Bachana Kaha Bahubidhi Rani | Suni Kubari Thiyamaya Dani || Asa Kasa Kahahu Mani Man Una | Sukhu Sohagu Thumha Kahu Dhina Dhoona || Jehi Raura Athi Anabhala Thaka | Soyi Payihi Yahu Phalu Paripaka || Jab  The  Kumatha Suna Mei Swamini | Bhookha Na Basara Neendha Na Jamini || Poocheau Guninha Rekha Thinha Khanchi | Bharatha Bhuala Hohi Yaha Sanchi || Bhamini Karahu Tha Kahau Upau | Hai  Thumhari  Seva  Basa Rau ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Manthara succeeds in her devious plans to manipulate the mind of Devi Kaikeyi

 

Chapter – 20– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Manthara succeeds in her devious plans to manipulate the mind of Devi Kaikeyi

 

Manathara spoke vehemently “You would be like the unfortunate Vinatha who was persecuted by Kadhru, the mother of serpent race, in the same manner, Devi Kausalya would dictate you, treat you as her servant after the coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya. Finally, Bharatha would be thrown into prison and tortured for no reason, and Lakshman would serve the newly crowned King Rama.” Devi Kaikeyi, daughter of Kaikeya shriveled listening to the most horrific predictions of Manthara after coronation of Rama, she could not utter a word out of anxiousness, her body quivered like the plantain tree, drenched in perspiration and agony. The wicked hunch-back, bit her tongue looking at the pathetic state of the queen, understood her traitorous act worked very well on Devi Kaikeyi, the way she has portrayed Bharatha and the queen had shaken the world before the queen. Manthara continued to fill the ears of Devi Kaikeyi with the miserable stories of the queens in the royal families and comforted the queen to be courageous and fight for her right. At last, Manthara succeeded in her plan to change the mind of Devi Kaikeyi completely, the queen has mistaken the heron as a swan, considered Manthara as a loyal servant, and praised her intelligence “Oh! Manthara, whatever told are absolutely right, I have been witnessing the bad omens for the last few days, my right part of the limb is trembling, I have been troubled by nightmares for the past few days, but I didn’t mention it to you. Oh! Manthara, I did not dream of anyone devious against me, I am innocent by nature, I cannot distinguish a friend and foe.”

 

Kadhru Binathahi Dheenha Dhukhu Thumhahi Kausila Deba | Bharathu Bandhigriha Seyihahi Lakhanu Rama Ke  Neba ||

Kakayasutha Sunatha Katu Bani | Kahi Na Sakayi Kacchu  Sahami Sukhani || Thana Paseau Kadhali Jimi Kapi | Kubari Dhasana Jeeba  Thab Chapi || Kahi Kahi Kotika  Kapata Kahani | Dheeraju Dharahu Prabodhisi Rani || Phira Karamu Priya Lagi  Kuchali | Bakihi Sarahayi Mani Marali || Sunu Manthara Bath Phuri Thori | Dhahini Aakhini Nitha  Pharakayi Mori || Dhin Prathi Dhekhau Rathi Kusapane | Kahau Na Thohi Moha Basa Apane || Kaha Karau Sakhi Soodha Subhau | Dhahina  Bama Na Janau Kau ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Manthara infuses extreme fear and anguish in Devi Kaikeyi

 

Chapter – 19– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Manthara infuses extreme fear and anguish in Devi Kaikeyi

 

The wicked hunch-back Manthara who is skilled in creating trouble discreetly influenced the queen Devi Kaikeyi with several mischievous stories related to the wives of Kings who were victimized in the families,  and the stories of jealousy and crookedness among the women in the royal families. It was unfortunate, Devi Kaikeyi kept great trust in sinful Manthra who continued aggressively “Oh! Devi, it is strange that you are not aware of the upcoming coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya. What do you know about the happenings in the Kingdom? Even the dull people know what’s happening around them, and know what’s good or bad, the preparation for the ceremony has been begun from the last fortnight, alas! you came to know about the ceremony from me today. Oh! Devi, I get my food and clothing from serving you, so I have spoken the truth to you, and you can’t blame me for that. If I speak lie to you, that would be awful, Almighty God will punish me. Anyways, it was God’s willing, the ceremony of coronation of Rama as the King of Ayodhya was disposed of, and He has sown the seeds of your misfortune. Oh! Devi, I swear to God and affirm you that you have been discarded from the royal family, like the fly from the milk. Oh! Lady, the coronation ceremony of Rama would change the status of you and your son Bharatha, both would remain as a servant in the family, sometimes you may be allowed to live in the fortress, otherwise not.”

Rachi Pachi Kotika  Kutilapana Keenhesi Kapata Prabodhu | Kahisi Katha Sath Savathi Kai Jehi Bidhi Bada Birodhu ||

Bhavi Basa Pratheethi Ura Ayi | Pooch Rani Puni Sapatha Devayi || Ka Poochahu Thumha Abahu Na Jana | Nijahitha Anahitha Pasu  Pahichana || Bhayau Pakhu Dhina Sajatha Samaju | Thumha Payi Sudhi Mohi San Aju || Khayia Pahiria Raj Thmhare | Sathya Kahe  Nahi Dhoshu Hamare || Jau Asathya Kacchu Kahab Banayi | Thau Bidhi Dheyihi  Hamahi Sajayi || Ramahi Thilaka Kali Jau Bhayau | Thumha Kahu Bipathi Beeju Bidhi Bayau || Rekha Khachayi Kahau Balu Bhashi | Bhamini Bhayihu Dhoodh Kayi Makhi || Jau Sutha Sahitha Karahu Sevakayi | Thau Dhara Rahahu Na Aana Upayi ||