A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1476.1

c5.1476.1

Preparations were made at Ayodhyā for the inauguration of Rāma as successor to the throne. Kaikeyī, the second wife of Dasa-ratha, and mother of Bharata, was her husband’s favourite. She was kind to Rāma in childhood and youth, but she had a spiteful humpbacked female slave named Mantharā. This woman worked upon the maternal affection of her mistress until she aroused a strong feeling of jealousy against Rāma. Kaikeyī had a quarrel and a long struggle with her husband, but he at length consented to install Bharata and to send Rāma into exile for fourteen years. Rāma departed with his wife Sītā and his brother Lakshmana, and travelling southwards, he took up his abode at Chitra-kūta, in the Dandaka forest, between the Yamunā and Godāvarī. Soon after the departure of Rāma, his father Dasa-ratha died, and Bharata was called upon to ascend the throne. He declined, and set out for the forest with an army to bring Rāma back. When the brothers met there was a long contention. Rāma refused to return until the term of his father's sentence was completed, and Bharata declined to ascend the throne. At length it was arranged that Bharata should return and act as his brother's vicegerent. As a sign of Rāma's supremacy Bharata carried back with him a pair of Rāma's shoes, and these were always brought out ceremoniously when business had to be transacted.