The Ramayan Chapter-2

Chapter 2 - The Ayodhya Kand of Ramayana

The Ayodhya Kand of Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas sets the stage for Ram's epic journey. Ram, the personification of virtue and the presumed heir to the Ayodhya kingdom, encounters an unjust turn of events.

Preparations for the Coronation of Ram

Overcome with happiness, King Dasharatha chooses to appoint Ram as his heir.

The city is decked out for the coronation event, and people are looking forward to a golden age under Ram's rule as preparations get underway. But there's a cloud of doom hanging over the celebrations.

Kaikeyi's Two Boons

Manthara, the maidservant of Kaikeyi, manipulates her and reminds her of the two boons granted by King Dashrath in the past. Driven by excessive love for her son Bharat, Kaikeyi goes to Dashrath and insists on her two wishes being granted. Her son Bharat's coronation as king is the first boon; Ram's fourteen-year exile into forests is the second. Hearing these requests, King Dasharath collapses, overcome by grief and bound by his oath. He begs Kaikeyi to change her mind but she is relentless. Dasharath becomes seriously ill because he is torn between his love for Ram and his obligation to his wife.

Ram's Unflinching Determination

When Ram finds out about the circumstances, he shows a great deal of acceptance and maturity. He puts the stability of the kingdom and his father's prestige ahead of his personal interests. Despite the catastrophe that is happening, he doesn't lose his composure.

Sita declares her steadfast support for Ram. Enraged by the injustice, Lakshman criticizes Ram's choice to go into exile without voicing any opposition.

Ram emphasizes the value of following their father's instructions and preserving dharma (righteousness). He emphasizes that keeping their father's pledge is worth the tiny price of being exiled.

Sita, unwilling to be separated from Ram, insists on accompanying him into exile. Lakshman, Ram's loyal brother, also chooses to join them.

Ram, Sita and Lakshman Head to the Forest

With great sadness, King Dasharath bids farewell to Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. He expresses his deep regret and helplessness against Kaikeyi's demand.

Ram consoles his devastated father, assuring him of his everlasting love in the midst of overwhelming sorrow.

The people of Ayodhya are unwilling to accept the forthcoming exodus. In an effort to persuade Ram to stay, they assure him of his legitimate right to the throne.Despite their pleas, Ram remains resolute in his commitment to carry out his father's wishes. He encourages the residents of Ayodhya to maintain their loyalty to Bharat and acknowledges that his exile is a duty towards his father that he must fulfill.

Significance of The Ayodhya Kand of Ramayana

The Ayodhaya Kand establishes the core conflict of the Ramayana – the violation of dharma (righteousness) by Kaikeyi and the subsequent consequences. It showcases Ram's righteousness, Sita's devotion, Lakshman's loyalty, Bharata's integrity and Dashrath's commitment to his words.

The Aranya Kand in the Ramcharitmanas narrates the tale of the forest life of Ram, Lakshman and Sita including Sita’s abduction by the demon King Ravana.

Finding Home in the Forest

After being banished, Ram travels far into the Dandaka forest with Sita and Lakshman. The tranquil lakes and verdant surroundings of the natural world provide a striking contrast to the chaos they left behind in Ayodhya. Ram constructs a modest ashram and begins a life of serenity, abiding by the precepts of dharma and coexisting with the natural world. They become friends with the sages and ascetics who live in the forest.

Dandakaranya forest is infested by demons who bother the saints and ascetics. Ram kills demon like Viradha and others so sages can live peacefully. Then he visits the ashrams of Sharabhanga and Suteekshna.

Ram, Sita and Lakshman reach the ashram of Saint Agasthya. Agasthya greets Ram and offers powerful weapons. He also suggests them to go to Panchavati, on the banks of river Godavari, and settle there. On the way to Panchavati, the mighty old eagle Jatayu greets Ram.

Encounter with Surpanakha, Sister of Ravan

A demoness woman, Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, was captivated by the matchless beauty of Ram. She attempted to seduce him. But when she failed to win either of the two princes, she turned to attack Sita. Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears as a punishment. Hearing of this, her demon brother, Khara, organized an attack against the princes. Ram destroyed Khara and his huge army.