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Daśaratha handovers the throne to Bharata
Then, he summoned Rama and Laksmana and said," was compelled to fight a large number of Ksatriya warriors when Kaikeyi chose me as her respective bridegroom. I could defeat them all, only because Kaikeyi volunteered to be my charioteer. I had granted a boon to her, which she prefered to keep secure for future. Now, she desires that I offer my crown to Bharata, and thus be free from the debt which I owe her. O Rāma! you are my eldest son. You are my heir apparent. Though the crown belongs to you and you alone, my worthy son, I am compelled to usurp your rightful claim and hand it over to Bharata, so that I can take the vows without any hindrance."
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When Bharata's mother Kaikeyi heard this, she was worried. She thought, 'My husband has already resolved to become an ascetic. If he becomes an ascetic, will not be called the royal consort, nor will I enjoy the power and the privileges. If Bharata becomes a king, there is still hope for me, for I would be addressed as the royal mother and here is my son, all set to shatter my aspirations.' Overpowered by the temptations, she said, "My Lord, everything is possible in this world. The sun may tomorrow rise in the west and set in the east. It might rain in the spring. Everything under the sun may change in due course, except one thing, the promise of a Satyavādi, a man who speaks nothing but truth. My Lord, I believe that you are a man who upholds the truth. Do you remember that you had granted me a boon when you tied nupital knots on being pleased with my charioteership ? You owe me a debt, for I have still not asked you for that boon. The religious law says that a person with a debt cannot renounce the world. I truely desire that there shouldn't be any hindrance in your path to salvation."
OVERVIEW HUL HUVREUISIVES
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Dasaratha said, "Dear queen! I distinctly remember my promise. Ask me for anything, except changing my decision of renouncing the world." Kaikeyi said, "My Lord, how can I ever ask you to change your decision and compel you to remain in this materialistic world, which is called a massive swamp by the learned. I only request you to hand over the scepter to my son Bharata." Dasaratha relented and said "Bharata is free to inherit my throne."
DILIP SONI
Jain Education International
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