Kanda 2 of 7 · 119 sargas
अयोध्याकाण्ड
Book of Ayodhya
Ayodhyā-kāṇḍa
Setting: Royal court of Ayodhya and the journey into exile
Central figure: Rama in his vow of dharma; Bharata in his rejection of the unearned throne
Kanda summary
Dasharatha resolves to crown Rama yuvaraja. Kaikeyi, manipulated by her maid Manthara, demands her two boons: Bharata be crowned and Rama exiled for fourteen years. Rama accepts unhesitatingly; Sita and Lakshmana insist on accompanying him. Dasharatha dies of grief. Bharata, returning from his uncle's house, refuses the throne, journeys to Chitrakuta, and begs Rama to return. Rama refuses; Bharata takes Rama's paduka (sandals), places them on the throne, and rules as regent.
Key episodes
- ●Kaikeyi's two boons
- ●Rama, Sita, Lakshmana depart for exile
- ●Guha the boatman; Bharadwaja's ashram
- ●Death of Dasharatha
- ●Bharata at Chitrakuta — Paduka coronation
Central teaching
The word of the father is dharma; obedience under injustice is the higher victory.