Rama goes to forest

Manthara said to Kaikeyi, “Listen, long ago your husband helped the Devas in their battle against the Asuras. During the battle, the axle of his chariot broke. Then you put your arm in its place, and thus helped the king to win. The king promised you two boons. Remember? This is your opportunity. First, ask the king to make your son Bharata crown-prince. Second, ask him to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years.”

Later, when the king came to her room, Kaikeyi said to him, “Lord, you promised me two boons.” Dasaratha replied, “Yes, I remember. Tell me what you want and it will be done.” Kaikeyi said, “You will not say 'No', my Lord?” Dasaratha replied, “Oh, no! Why should I?” Then Kaikeyi made the request that Manthara had prompted her to make. The king was shocked to hear it. However, he could not go back on his promise. He said at last, “Kaikeyi, how did such evil thoughts enter your mind? Let your son become crown-prince, if you like. Why should Rama be exiled to a forest for fourteen years? That would be cruel.”

“My Lord, do you want to keep your promise or not? Tell me that,” said Kaikeyi. The king made no answer. Kaikeyi then sent for Rama and told him, “Your father wants my son Bharata to become crown-prince, and you to spend fourteen years as an exile in a forest.”

Rama looked at his father. The king was crying. He was the very picture of misery. Rama, however, said smilingly, “Mother, I shall gladly obey you and my father. I feel happy at my brother becoming the crown-prince. I am ready to go and live in a forest.” Rama's wife Seeta and brother Lakshmana too, wanted to go with him. Rama did not want Seeta to follow him into a forest. But Seeta said, “My Lord, what happens to you, happens to me also.” So when Rama left, he took both of them with him to a forest home.