Exile of Rama
The exile of Rama is an event featured in the Ramayana, and is an important period in the life of Rama. In the epic, Rama is exiled by his father, Dasharatha, under the urging of his stepmother Kaikeyi, accompanied by his wife Sita and half-brother Lakshmana for 14 years. Rama's exile is a prelude to subsequent events of the epic, such as abduction of his wife Sita, his meeting with Hanuman and Sugriva, his battle with Ravana, and ultimately, the killing of Ravana, the purpose for which Vishnu had incarnated himself as Rama.
File:Rama in forest.jpg|thumb|227x227px|Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in forest.
Background
Early life of Rama
King Dasharatha was the king of Kosala Kingdom from Ikshvaku or Solar Dynasty. He had three wives: Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. Dasharatha was ashamed of being childless, despite being in his middle years, and thus, he performed a Putrakameshti Yajna on the advice of his ministers by Rishyasringa. From the sacrificial fire, Agni himself blessed Dasharatha with four sons, and thus, Dasharatha's three wives bore four sons, Rama from Kaushalya, Bharata from Kaikeyi and twins Lakshmana and Shatrughana from Sumitra. Rama was actually the seventh avatar of Vishnu, who incarnated himself as human, to kill the cruel demon king Ravana of Lanka. Rama lived a happy childhood with his brothers and parents and was educated by Guru Vasishtha in his Gurukula. After completing his education, Rama along with his brother Lakshmana accompanied Vishwamitra, to kill demons and protect the sages and their Yajnas. There, Rama killed several demons, including Maricha, Subahu and Tataka and even freed Ahalya, wife of Rishi Gautama from a curse during his journey to Mithila, and thus proved his divinity. After that, both brothers accompanied Vishwamitra to the Mithila for the Svayamvara of Mithila's princess Sita, daughter of King Janaka. He broke the bow of Shiva, as that was the condition of the Sita Svayamvara and married Sita. Rama's other three brothers also married to Sita's three sisters, daughters of Janaka's brother, Kushadhvaja. All four couples married and led a peaceful life in Ayodhya, for some time.Envy of Manthara
After several years, Dasharatha decides to make Rama the crown prince of Ayodhya. Rama's coronation was organized and led to celebration in Ayodhya. Manthara was a trusted maid and confidante of Queen Kaikeyi, known for her sharp wit and cunning nature. However, her loyalty to Kaikeyi was overshadowed by her envy towards Rama, the eldest son of King Dasharatha and Kaikeyi's stepson.Upon learning of King Dasharatha's intention to crown Rama as his successor, Manthara saw her position threatened. She seized upon Kaikeyi's love for her own son, Bharata, and planted seeds of doubt and fear in Kaikeyi's mind regarding Rama's ascendancy to the throne. Manipulating Kaikeyi's emotions and exploiting her insecurities, Manthara cunningly convinced her that Rama's coronation would endanger Bharata's future and her own status in the palace.
Driven by Manthara's relentless persuasion, Kaikeyi demanded the fulfillment of two boons granted to her by King Dasharatha years earlier. Exploiting these boons, Kaikeyi coerced Dasharatha into banishing Rama to the forest for fourteen years and crowning Bharata as the king instead.
Companionship and exile
To fulfill his father King Dasharatha's promise to Kaikeyi, Rama willingly accepts exile, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding dharma and honoring his father's word. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne of Ayodhya, Rama selflessly agrees to go into exile for fourteen years to honor his father's promise to Kaikeyi. Sita, Rama's wife, and Lakshmana, his brother, accompany him into exile, demonstrating their support and commitment to Rama. Amidst scenes of sorrow and lamentation, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana bid farewell to their loved ones and depart for the forest. The citizens of Ayodhya, grief-stricken at the departure of their beloved prince, express their sorrow as they watch the exiles leave the kingdom. The departure of Rama for the forest symbolizes the transient nature of worldly attachments and the importance of fulfilling one's duties and obligations, even at great personal cost. The episode underscores the central theme of dharma and the moral complexities inherent in familial relationships. The departure of Rama for the forest with his wife and brother remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian mythology.Early years
First day
Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, left Ayodhya during the night to honor his father King Dasharatha's word, despite protests and pleas from the citizens who were deeply attached to him. He did not want to cause them emotional distress, so he chose to leave while they were asleep.During their journey, Rama encountered several individuals who would later play significant roles in the narrative. Nishadraj Guha, a tribal leader and a devotee of Rama, provided shelter to them on the banks of the river Ganga on the first night of their exile. Kevat, the boatman, helped them cross the river and showed his devotion by washing their feet.
After crossing the river Ganga, Arya Sumant, the minister, who was sent by Dasharatha to bring Rama back to Ayodhya returned to Ayodhya adhering to the orders of Rama. Despite being unhappy with Rama's decision to stay in exile keeping his father's words, Sumant was forced to return Ayodhya without Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
Chitrakoot and initial days
After Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana depart from Ayodhya following Rama's exile decree, their journey brings them to Chitrakoot, a region along the banks of the Mandakini River. This marks the beginning of their temporary abode during the exile period.Upon arriving in Chitrakoot, Rama seeks out the renowned sage Bharadwaja, known for his wisdom and spiritual prowess. Sage Bharadwaja's ashram in Chitrakoot serves as a sanctuary for Rama, providing him with spiritual guidance during this challenging time.
Sage Bharadwaja warmly welcomes Rama, recognizing his divine lineage and righteous character. He offers his blessings and imparts valuable guidance to Rama, advising him on the path of dharma and the duties of a prince even in exile.
During their stay in Chitrakoot, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana immerse themselves in the teachings of Bharadwaja. They engage in spiritual practices, meditation, and discussions on philosophy and morality.
Bharadwaja serves as a trusted counselor and mentor to Rama, offering counsel on various matters and providing emotional support during moments of doubt or adversity. His wisdom and guidance strengthen Rama's resolve to fulfill his responsibilities. Chitrakoot's natural beauty provide Rama and his companions with a backdrop for contemplation and introspection.
The teachings and experiences gathered during this period lay the foundation for Rama's steadfast adherence to dharma and his unwavering devotion to righteousness.
Death of Dasharatha
After Sumantra returned with the news of Rama's exile, Dasharatha was overcome with grief and guilt. His heart, already burdened by the separation from Rama, could not bear the additional shock. He fell seriously ill, his health rapidly deteriorating as he struggled to come to terms with the events unfolding in his kingdom.Despite the best efforts of the palace physicians, Dasharatha's condition worsened day by day. He suffered from intense emotional distress, leading to physical complications that ultimately proved fatal. Surrounded by his loved ones and advisors, Dasharatha died.
After the death of Dasharatha, Bharata along with Shatrughana, who was at the Kekeya kingdom are summoned by Sage Vashishta.
After the death of King Dasharatha, Bharata's return to Ayodhya is marked by a mix of emotions and challenges. As he arrives, the atmosphere in Ayodhya is heavy with grief and uncertainty. The sudden demise of the king, coupled with the circumstances surrounding his death, leads to suspicion and distrust among some of the people towards Bharata.
One of the primary reasons for this suspicion is the role played by Kaikeyi, Bharata's mother. Kaikeyi's actions, driven by her desire to see Bharata crowned as king, are widely criticized and seen as a betrayal of Rama, who was dearly loved by the people of Ayodhya. This leads to doubts about Bharata's loyalty and intentions, despite his innocence in the matter.
However, Bharata remains steadfast in his devotion to Rama and his commitment to the well-being of Ayodhya. Upon his return, he takes on the responsibility of performing the last rites of his father Dasharatha with utmost reverence and respect.
Despite the challenges and criticisms he faces, Bharata's love and reverence for Rama shine through. He is prepared to go to Chitrakoot, where Rama was staying in his exile, to tell him the news of his father's demise and bring him back to ascend the throne of Ayodhya.
Bharata, along with his three mothers, ministers, citizens and priests travel to Chitrakoot in order to bring Rama back to Ayodhya. He meets with Guha on the way, who directs him to Chitrakoot.
Bharata and Rama's meet or ''Bharatmilaap''
With company of Guha and other people, Bharata reached Chitrakoot in order to meet Rama, and he was first misunderstood by Lakshmana. The event of Rama and Bharata's meeting is generally called as Bharatmilaap.Bharata meets Rama in the forest where Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, has been living a life of asceticism. Bharata, dressed in simple attire and carrying Rama's wooden sandals, approaches Rama with reverence and humility. He expresses his deep sorrow at the turn of events and his earnest desire to see Rama return to Ayodhya as the rightful king.
Rama, touched by Bharata's devotion and unwavering loyalty, embraces his brother warmly. The emotional reunion between the brothers is depicted with great sensitivity. The scene is often portrayed with musical accompaniment and poetic recitations in traditional retellings of the Ramayana.
Following the Bharat Milap, Bharata takes Rama's sandals and requests him to return to Ayodhya and assume the throne. However, Rama, bound by his father's promise and his own sense of honor, refuses to break the exile vow. Instead, he entrusts Bharata with the responsibility of ruling Ayodhya in his absence and assures him of his support and guidance from the forest.
The Bharat Milap concludes with Bharata returning to Ayodhya with Rama's sandals, symbolizing his commitment to preserving Rama's legacy. The event is celebrated annually in various parts of India through theatrical performances, religious ceremonies, and cultural festivities, reinforcing its enduring significance in Ramayana and cultural heritage.