Character
Dasharatha: FAQ & Sources
दशरथKing of Ayodhya; father of Rama. Also called Raghunandana's father | Lord of Kosala | King of the Raghu line.
Dasharatha was the righteous king of Ayodhya and father of Rama. Bound by a promise to his queen Kaikeyi, he was forced to exile his beloved son Rama, and died of grief — the tragic hinge of the Ramayana.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dasharatha?
The king of Ayodhya in the Ramayana, father of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna, of the Sun (Ikshvaku) dynasty.
Why did Dasharatha exile Rama?
He was bound by two boons he had long ago promised Queen Kaikeyi, who demanded that Bharata be crowned and Rama exiled for fourteen years.
How did Dasharatha die?
Of grief, unable to bear the separation from his beloved son Rama, soon after the exile began.
How many sons did Dasharatha have?
Four — Rama (by Kausalya), Bharata (by Kaikeyi), and the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna (by Sumitra).
What does the name Dasharatha mean?
'Ten chariots', signifying a warrior who could fight in ten directions at once.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda and Ayodhya Kanda
- Tulsidas, Ramcharitmanas
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