King Dasaratha was embroiled in fate.

[Guest guest]

The turn of events in Ramayana is mind boggling. Yes. Rama was getting ready for coronation and by the twist of events prompted by fate, he had to start a journey to forest. Neither Baratha was present in the scenery. Kaikeyi was blinded by attachment to her son and misguided by Manthara, she took the extreme step of extracting the boons from Dasaratha. Though Dasaratha acceeded her first request that Baratha should ascend the throne of Ayodhya, he was reluctant to grant the second boon that Rama should go to forest for 14 years. Rama was the darling child of Dasaratha. He got progeny after long years of waiting. He performed the Puthra kameshti yaga and the sacred "Payasam" was handed over to him from the agnikunda. By the effect of Divine blessings, he got issues. Dasaratha lived long years issueless even after wedding 3 queens. Now the boon came in the form of "Divine prasadam". After the birth of all four children, Dasaratha was enjoying a happy peaceful life. But fate was waiting to strike. Suddenly one day Viswamitra came to the court of Dasaratha and sought the brothers Rama and Lakshmana to protect the conduct of Yagnas in the forest. That was too much for Dasaratha. He prayed to Viswamitra, that he himself will come and protect the conduct of yagnas. Viswamitra roared "NO". I want only Rama and Lakshmana". If you are going back on your word, the name of Raghuvamsa will be spoiled by your conduct. Sage Vasista intervened and advised Dasaratha to send Rama and Krishna along with the maharishi. Even that seperation pained Dasaratha. But who can prevent the play of fate. However Rama and Lakshmana successfully guarded the Yagna and after its conclusion, Visvamitra took them to Mithila for witnessing a event. There, King Janaka has invited the valiant kings for the Swayamvara of Sita on one condition. The renowned "Shiva Dhanus" which was kept in a box must be lifted and the string of the bow should be fixed. None could move it even an inch. It was so heavy. Ravana came and failed miserably. Sage Viswamitra signalled Rama to attempt the task. Shri Rama gracefully walked towards the Shivadanus and lifted it effortlessly and tied the string to the bow and stretched it a little. The Bow broke with a thunderous sound. Everybody who witnessed the event were shivering at the sound. Now as promised, Janaka was ready to hand over Sita to Rama in wedding. But there are formalities. King Dasaratha and the queens have to be informed and only after their acceptance of the proposal, the wedding could take place. It was sweet moment for Dasaratha. He readily accepted the alliance and everybody from Ayodhya journeyed to Mithila to bless the wedding. Now it was the turn of Parasurama, to encounter Rama. While the retinue was returning to Ayodhya, Parasurama challanged Rama. Rama accepted the challange and humbled Parasurama. In turn Parasurama gifted Rama with some asthras and departed from the place. Every moment there were anxieties for Dasaratha. He was fearing that Rama should never come to harm. But he could not prevent the play of fate. He has to pronounce his own death by acceeding Kaikeyi. Sairam.