Sunday 3 March 2013

41. A bolt from the blue.

        Kaikeyi became bolder by hearing the words of Dasharatha.  Remembering the advice of her mentor, Kaikeyi decided to be very harsh to the King, who was struck by cupid's arrows and yielded to a passionate lust.  She said  "Oh, King! no one insulted me  or despised me.  But I have a certain desire that needs to be fulfilled by you.  If you want to fulfill my desire, you first give me a solemn promise to that effect.  Only after such a promise from you, I will tell you what I require from you." 
      The most majestic, loving and lusty Dasharatha smiled a little and caressing her hair told "Oh, My Sweet Darling!  Don't you know that there is nobody on this earth more dearer to me than you except Rama, my most beloved son.  Rama cannot be defeated by enemies.  He is a very important person in our family.  He is the supporter of life.  I take my oath by him.  Tell me what is desired by you.  Oh, my dear!  I can't live even for a moment without seeing Rama.  This is certain.  By that Rama, I take my oath and promise to fulfill your wish   I desire the well being of Rama.  Even at the cost of my life or the lives of my other sons, I take oath by that Rama and tell you that I shall fulfill your desire.  Oh, the most beautiful woman!  My heart is sinking.  You raise it by your loving touch. You observe all this and tell me that which you think as good.  You need not doubt me as you know your authority over me.  I am taking oath on my auspiciousness.  I shall do whatever is desired by you."
      Kaikeyi by herself was very shrewd and cunning.  Now she was well rehearsed.  She, therefore did not shoot immediately what she wanted.  She started praising him to such an extent until she was pretty sure that he was completely infatuated by lust and was totally in her spell.      
      Dasharatha, after having thus yielded in full measure to kaikeyi's spell, fell into her trap as a deer, for his self destruction.  With a simulated passion and lust she then spoke to Dasharatha, who was  infatuated by lust  "Oh, King! the lord of Earth!  Now I am asking for those two boons which were promised by you  in the battle between the celestials and the demons
      "All arrangements have been made to undertake Rama's coronation.  My first boon is that  my Bharata instead be coronated on this occasion itself.
      "The second boon is Rama has to take refuge in the forest of Dandaka for fourteen years and let him become an ascetic wearing rags, deer skin and matted hair, etc.
      "Now itself,  Bharata has to get the rights of succession to the kingdom, which is free of enemies.  This is my greatest desire.  Now I am asking for the boons promised by you earlier.  Oh King of the Kings, Dasharatha! Be true to your promise and protect your caste, character and birth.  Are not the ascetics telling that for human beings to get happiness in another world, they have to speak only the truth.?"
=====================================================================