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The Story of Bhagwaan Ram
This story is from the Jain religious mother, Queen Kaikeyi, had saved
book, PADMAPURAAN. A similar. King Dasharath's life. So he had story appears in the religious books promised her three wishes. When of Hindus as well.
Kaikeyi found out that Ram was going
to get the throne, she reminded King A long time ago, King Dasharath
Dasharath of his promise. She asked was the ruler of Ayodhya. He had four
him to give the throne to her son sons, Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and
Bharat and to exile Ram from the Shatrughna. Ram's mother was Queen
kingdom for fourteen years. King Kaushalya. Bharat was Queen
Dasharath agreed to fulfill his promise Kaikeyi's son.
and renounced all his worldly At the same time, King Janak possessions. ruled over Mithila. He had a daughter named Sita. Princess Sita was very
Ram was patient and beautiful. Just as Ram was wise and
understanding. He religiously followed brave, Sita was intelligent and good
the wishes of his father and left natured. King Janak arranged a
Ayodhya. His wife Sita and his brother SWAYAMVAR for Sita's marriage.
Lakshman accompanied him. Prince SWAYAMVAR was a ceremony in
Bharat was not in Ayodhya at that which the bride would choose her
time. Upon his return, he found that own groom. King Janak invited princes
his elder brother Ram had gone to from far and near. Ram and Lakshman
live in the forest. Bharat felt very sad. were among those invited. The
He and his mother, Queen Kaikeyi, condition of SWAYAMVAR was that
went to visit Ram. They tried to Sita would marry the prince who could
persuade Ram to return to Ayodhya. handle the VAJRAVALI Bow. Of all the
Ram would not go against the wishes princes, only Ram could handle the
of his father and politely refused. heavy bow. Ram and Sita's marriage
Ram, Sita and Lakshman were was celebrated with great pomp and show.
content living in the forest. They helped
several weak and needy people. One One day, King Dasharath decided day, Sita was alone in the cottage. to give up his throne and to spend Raavan, the King of Lanka (Ceylon), his remaining life working towards saw her and was struck by her beauty. spiritual enlightenment. He wanted to He took her to his kingdom against give the kingdom to Ram, his eldest her wishes. When Ram and Lakshman son. However, some time ago, Bharat's returned to the cottage and did not
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