Raam Pita ko shish nawaaye, mukh se vachan kahaa nahin jaaye
O Ram saw his father in distress, looking at his face he could not make out the cause of his distress
Keikai vachan suniyo Raam
O Kaikeyi told Ram the news
Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram A jai jai Ram
Ram is brought to meet his distressed father and king, Dasharatha, by minister Sumantra. Ram has never seen the bright sun that is his father's face look so dark and dreary like a withered tree sitting lonely in a dismal swamp. The king slumps over his royal chair ornamented with fine gold and silk, studded with jewels like a used sack, deflated and exhausted. His eyes can barely connect with his son, and his mouth seems to have lost the ability to form words. He was like a man blinded, hopeless to ever see the beautiful colors of the world again. Kaikeyi stood up beside the sunken Dasharatha, eyes cold, head upturned, arms folded, with a slight smirk, now looking in the noble and concerned prince's direction. “The king has vowed to grant me two boons, dear son of the Raghu clan, he can not speak because the conflict between his honor and desire is crippling him. Therefore I will notify you of the great changes to soon occur.”
Raaja ke tum pran-piyaare, inke dukh haroge saare
O dearest, you are the life breath of the King, the one who removes all his sorrow
Ab tum ban mein jaao Raam
But, now you will go to the forest Ram
Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram A jai jai Ram
“Oh Scion of the Raghu dynasty you are so very precious, a jewel that gives light to the King as well as the Noble Empire of the Sun. All despair melts away with your presence, and the gods themselves are given radiance because of you. The darkness in the hearts of men are purified in contemplation of your sacred name, image, and life. However, you are not accepted here, for your light will out shine my desire if you remain.” Kaikeyi lifts her hand daintily and points to a pile of forest dweller's clothing made from bark and simple cloth. She looks dismissively and turns away from the young prince.
Ban Mein chaudaaha barash bitaao, Raghukool reeti neeti apanaao
O for 14 years you will remain in the forest, you will thus fulfill the righteous ways of the Raghu dynasty
Aage ichhaa teri Raam
It is your choice ahead, Ram
Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram A jai jai Ram
“Is it not the duty of the son to carry out the father's will. Is it not the honor of this dynasty to ever remain steadfast in all matters of truthfulness. Will you fulfill your dharma as son of Dasharatha and prince of Ayodhya?” Kaikeyi now sits down lovingly by the side of her husband stroking his head like a mother would to a sleepy child.
What would we do in the same situation as Ram? Would we yell? “Why are you so evil women! You have no right to do this! You can take your shameful desire to the deepest depths of hell!” Would we punch walls, knock over furniture, or move into strangle the wicked queen?
Would we lament? How could anyone possibly comply with such an unfair request? After all these years of living together as mother and son. Our bound was so very close even though I was born of another womb. That never mattered. You comforted me when I fell. And we laughed together in play. In both sorrow and joy we embraced each other as mother and son. Now you forsake me over a desire. What could be more important than the love we shared!
Would we rage in anger over our lose? My jewels, gold, luxurious bed, fine clothing, delicious food, beautiful wife, good friends, festive gatherings, public fame, expertly crafted bow and chariot, exotic pets, and joyful past times. You expect me to give up all the things I deserve because of your desire!
Would we have the patience and peace within to remember that all these luxuries only shine and give pleasure because they reflect the noble honor of the Sun Dynasties adherence to dharma and truth? Would we remember that love and deep bounds that sustain us are held together by our wiliness to give when it is compassionate to do so, to uphold what is dharmic and righteous despite our own desires? What will be revealed to us as we follow the story of Shri Ram as we see through his eyes, one with his glorious movement of dharma?