Verse fifteen of the Ramayana Chaupai
Kutil Manthara ne behkay, Kai kai ne yeh baat sunaihee
O crooked Mantara spoke improperly, Kaikeyi listened to her words
De do mere do vardan
give me my two boons
Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram A jai jai Ram
Manthara is Queen Kaikeyi's favorite hand maid. She is of a disposition that makes her easily susceptible to jealousy and bitterness. Knowing this, the Goddess Saraswati places a suggestion in her mind. Manthara tells Kaikeyi “Once Rama becomes King you will become a servant of his mother Kausalya. But I have a way for you to avoid this most dreadful fate. Listen to me my dear Kaikeyi.” Manthara reveals her plan, which starts with asking King Dasaratha for two boons.
This is to fulfill the mission of the gods that Vishnu incarnated as Rama to fulfill. So as selfish as her actions might be they are guided by a divine will. However this does not mean her actions are without consequence.
Meri Vinati tum sunh lijo, Bharat putra ko gaddhi dijo
Bestow the boons you promised, give the throne to my son Bharat
Hot prat van bhejo Ram
immediately send Ram to the forest
Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram A jai jai Ram
Kaikeyi summons the king to the weeping room. This is a special room were one of the royal family will go when they have a grievance. King Dasharatha finds Kaikeyi laying in a sunken state weeping on the floor. He pleads with Kiakeyi, his most favored and beautiful among the queens, “There is no need to be sorrowful. I will do anything to make this sadness of yours depart.” “Grant me the two boons you promised me o king when I saved you during the battle of the devas and asuras.” Kiakeyi's tone went from sulking to demanding in a moment. “I will grant you a hundred boons if it puts a smile back on your lotus face beloved.” Dasaratha tenderly spoke with eager eyes. “First, grant the thrown to my son, Bharatha, instead of Rama. Then exile Rama to the forest for fourteen years. Or would you rather tarnish the name of the Sun Dynasty?” Dasharatha swoons reaching like one suddenly blinded or struck by a great blow.
Dharani gire boop tatkalaa, Laaga dil mein shool bishaala
O how quickly darkness has befallen how quickly hearts become sorrowful
Tab Sumant bulvaaye Raam
O then Sumantra called Ram
Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram A jai jai Ram
Suddenly our celebration has turned to sorrow. The truly benevolent and wise incarnation of all that sustains dharma (righteousness, health, happiness, and peace) Lord Rama was so very close to being enthroned. Our remembrance of truth was almost unbroken. But those hopes have been dashed by an ignorant act of fear and passion. Ayodhya is in despair, the heavenly kingdom of our hearts. Kiakeyi, though very beautiful in appearance is very susceptible to the fear of losing the riches and power that this fleeting beauty has acquired. The miss-shapen crooked old fear of Manthara found an opportune time to slip her worries, doubts, and greed into the queen's mind.
The spiritual journey can go up and down and back around. The Aspirant seems to be making progress, they can feel the Absolute drawing near, the bliss of the Divine is filling them with untold joy. Suddenly Manthara appears and draws out their fears. We may choose to embrace old destructive and selfish habits. If so Rama is draw out of our hearts into the wilderness of trails and tribulations. The forest tests the will of the aspirant to strengthen our desire for the Divine. The seeker is left wanting. The journey of purification begins a new, more rigorous than ever as this deeper darkness has been reveled. The stage is set. The gods purpose, the destruction of Ravana (the ten headed ego) is underway now that Lord Rama has been called to the forest. The aspirant's greatest adventure will begin once they choose to embrace this summons.