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Kanda 2 of 7119 sargas4,197 shlokas

Ayodhya Kanda

अयोध्याकांड

The Ayodhya Kanda is the second and longest book of the Valmiki Ramayana by sarga count. It tells of Rama's interrupted coronation, his exile with Sita and Lakshmana, the death of Dasharatha and Bharata's refusal to rule.

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What happens in the Ayodhya Kanda

Dasharatha decides to crown Rama, and Ayodhya rejoices. The maid Manthara turns Kaikeyi against the plan, and Kaikeyi demands the two boons Dasharatha once promised her. Rama accepts exile calmly, and Sita and Lakshmana insist on going with him.

The exiles cross the Ganga with Guha's help, visit Bharadwaja at Prayag and settle on Chitrakoot. In Ayodhya Dasharatha remembers killing the young ascetic Shravana and the curse that followed, and dies of grief.

Bharata returns from Kekaya, condemns his mother and goes to Chitrakoot to bring Rama back. Rama will not break his father's word, so Bharata carries his sandals home and rules from Nandigram.

Themes

The Kanda is a study of duty under pressure: a father bound by a promise, a son who obeys without anger, and a brother who refuses a throne he did not earn.

Contents

The 119 sargas of the Ayodhya Kanda

Each sarga opens with its Sanskrit shlokas, the same in English letters, and the meaning in Hindi and English.

  1. Sarga1 50 shlokas Dasharatha Chooses Rama as Heir दशरथ का राम को युवराज बनाने का विचार Rama's virtues are praised: he is gentle, wise, brave and loved by every citizen. Seeing this, the aging Dasharatha resolves to make him crown prince and calls kings and elders from town and country to hear their view.
  2. Sarga2 54 shlokas The Assembly Approves सभा की स्वीकृति Dasharatha proposes Rama as prince regent before the assembly. The elders and citizens welcome it with one voice and list the qualities that make Rama fit to rule.
  3. Sarga3 49 shlokas Preparations for the Coronation राज्याभिषेक की तैयारी Dasharatha asks Vasishtha and Vamadeva to prepare the rites. Sumantra brings Rama, and the king tells him he will be crowned the next day and gives him advice on ruling well.
  4. Sarga4 45 shlokas A Father's Urgency पिता की आतुरता Troubled by bad dreams, Dasharatha calls Rama again and urges him to be crowned tomorrow, while Bharata is away. Rama shares the news with Kausalya, Sumitra, Sita and Lakshmana.
  5. Sarga5 26 shlokas The Vow of Fasting उपवास का व्रत Vasishtha visits Rama and instructs him and Sita to fast and keep vigil on the night before the coronation. Ayodhya is full of excitement.
  6. Sarga6 28 shlokas Ayodhya Rejoices अयोध्या में उल्लास Rama and Sita keep the prescribed rites. The city is decorated with flags and lamps, and crowds from the villages pour in to see the coronation.
  7. Sarga7 36 shlokas Manthara Brings the News मंथरा का समाचार From the palace roof the maid Manthara sees the celebrations and learns their cause. She rushes to Kaikeyi, who is delighted and gives her an ornament as a reward.
  8. Sarga8 39 shlokas Manthara Poisons Kaikeyi's Mind मंथरा द्वारा कैकेयी को भड़काना Kaikeyi praises Rama, but Manthara argues that his crowning will make Bharata a servant and Kaikeyi a rival's subject. Slowly her fear takes hold.
  9. Sarga9 66 shlokas The Chamber of Wrath कोपभवन Manthara reminds Kaikeyi of the two boons Dasharatha once gave her for saving his life in battle. Kaikeyi throws off her ornaments and lies on the floor of the chamber of wrath.
  10. Sarga10 40 shlokas Dasharatha Finds Kaikeyi दशरथ का कोपभवन में जाना The king comes to Kaikeyi's palace and finds her lying in anger. He pleads with her and swears by Rama that he will grant whatever she wants.
  11. Sarga11 29 shlokas The Two Boons दो वरदान Holding him to his oath, Kaikeyi asks that Bharata be crowned and that Rama live in the Dandaka forest for fourteen years as an ascetic.
  12. Sarga12 114 shlokas The King's Anguish राजा का विलाप Dasharatha faints, then begs, rages and weeps through the night, asking Kaikeyi how she can turn against the son who has always honoured her.
  13. Sarga13 26 shlokas Pleas in Vain व्यर्थ विनती The king falls at Kaikeyi's feet and pleads again, but she is unmoved. Dawn approaches while he lies broken.
  14. Sarga14 68 shlokas Morning of the Coronation अभिषेक का प्रभात Kaikeyi demands that Rama be summoned. Outside the city is ready for the ceremony, and Vasishtha arrives with the sacred materials, unaware of what has happened.
  15. Sarga15 49 shlokas Sumantra Is Sent for Rama सुमंत्र का राम को बुलाना Sumantra finds the king pale and silent. On Kaikeyi's instruction he goes to fetch Rama, while the waiting kings and citizens wonder at the delay.
  16. Sarga16 47 shlokas Rama Answers the Summons राम का पिता के पास जाना Sumantra delivers the message. Rama takes leave of Sita and rides with Lakshmana through cheering crowds who praise him as their future king.
  17. Sarga17 22 shlokas Through the Royal Road राजमार्ग पर राम Rama passes along the decorated highway, hears his friends' good wishes and enters his father's palace.
  18. Sarga18 41 shlokas Kaikeyi Reveals the Boons कैकेयी द्वारा वरों का प्रकटन Rama finds his father speechless with grief. Kaikeyi tells him of the two boons and asks him to keep his father's word by going to the forest.
  19. Sarga19 40 shlokas Rama Accepts Exile राम द्वारा वनवास की स्वीकृति Without anger Rama agrees to go to the forest and asks that Bharata be sent for. He bows to his father and Kaikeyi and goes to tell Kausalya.
  20. Sarga20 55 shlokas Kausalya's Grief कौसल्या का शोक Rama finds his mother at prayer and tells her he must leave. Kausalya falls to the ground and laments the life of sorrow she has borne.
  21. Sarga21 63 shlokas Lakshmana's Anger लक्ष्मण का क्रोध Lakshmana urges Rama to seize the kingdom by force and offers to fight anyone in his way. Rama calms him and Kausalya, saying a father's command must be obeyed.
  22. Sarga22 30 shlokas Fate Above All दैव की प्रबलता Rama tells Lakshmana that this turn of events is destiny, not Kaikeyi's fault, and asks him to stop the coronation preparations.
  23. Sarga23 40 shlokas Lakshmana Defies Fate लक्ष्मण का दैव पर प्रहार Lakshmana scorns fate as the excuse of the weak and swears to make Rama king. Rama wipes his tears and holds firm to his father's word.
  24. Sarga24 38 shlokas Kausalya Gives Her Blessing कौसल्या का आशीर्वाद Kausalya wants to go with Rama to the forest. He reminds her that her duty is to stay with her husband, and at last she gives her blessing.
  25. Sarga25 47 shlokas A Mother's Prayers माता की मंगलकामना Kausalya performs rites for Rama's safety and calls on all the gods to protect him in the forest. Rama then goes to Sita's palace.
  26. Sarga26 31 shlokas Rama Tells Sita राम का सीता को बताना Sita sees Rama's sorrow and asks its cause. He tells her of the exile and asks her to stay in Ayodhya and serve his parents.
  27. Sarga27 23 shlokas Sita Asks to Go सीता का साथ चलने का आग्रह Sita answers that a wife shares her husband's fate. For her the forest with Rama is better than any palace without him.
  28. Sarga28 26 shlokas The Hardships of the Forest वन के कष्ट Rama describes the dangers of forest life: wild beasts, thorns, hunger, cold and rakshasas. He tries hard to dissuade her.
  29. Sarga29 24 shlokas Sita Insists सीता का हठ Sita says that with Rama every hardship will feel like pleasure, and that a fortune teller once foretold she would live in a forest.
  30. Sarga30 47 shlokas Rama Agrees राम की स्वीकृति Seeing her tears and resolve, Rama agrees to take Sita and asks her to give away their possessions before they leave.
  31. Sarga31 35 shlokas Lakshmana Joins Them लक्ष्मण का साथ Lakshmana insists on coming. Rama agrees, and Lakshmana fetches the divine bows and weapons kept with Vasishtha.
  32. Sarga32 45 shlokas Rama Gives Away His Wealth राम का दान Rama honours Suyajna and gives his riches to brahmins, servants and the poor. The old brahmin Trijata throws his staff and is given the cows it covers.
  33. Sarga33 31 shlokas Walking to the King राजा के पास पैदल Rama, Sita and Lakshmana walk barefoot to Dasharatha's palace as citizens weep and condemn the injustice.
  34. Sarga34 61 shlokas Farewell to the Father पिता से विदाई Rama asks his father's leave. Dasharatha begs him to imprison him and take the throne, but Rama refuses, and the king faints.
  35. Sarga35 35 shlokas Sumantra Rebukes Kaikeyi सुमंत्र द्वारा कैकेयी की भर्त्सना Sumantra pleads with Kaikeyi and recalls her mother's stubbornness, but she will not change her mind.
  36. Sarga36 18 shlokas The Army Refused सेना देने से इनकार Dasharatha orders an army and treasure to go with Rama. Kaikeyi objects, the minister Siddhartha reasons with her, and Rama asks only for bark garments and a spade.
  37. Sarga37 37 shlokas Rama Puts On Bark राम का वल्कल धारण Rama and Lakshmana put on bark garments. When Sita struggles with hers, Vasishtha angrily tells Kaikeyi that Sita was never meant to wear bark.
  38. Sarga38 18 shlokas Rama's Last Request राम का अंतिम निवेदन Rama asks his father to care for Kausalya with kindness while he is away.
  39. Sarga39 41 shlokas Sita's Ornaments and Kausalya's Advice सीता को आभूषण और कौसल्या की सीख Sumantra brings the chariot. The treasurer gives Sita fine clothes and jewels, Kausalya advises her, and Rama bows to his mothers.
  40. Sarga40 51 shlokas Leaving Ayodhya अयोध्या से प्रस्थान The three set out in Sumantra's chariot. Citizens run after it, the queens wail and Dasharatha follows on foot until he can no longer see the dust.
  41. Sarga41 21 shlokas A City in Mourning शोक में डूबी नगरी With Rama gone, Ayodhya falls silent. The women of the palace and the citizens lament, and no fire is lit for cooking.
  42. Sarga42 35 shlokas Dasharatha Turns to Kausalya दशरथ का कौसल्या के महल जाना Dasharatha falls in the dust, renounces Kaikeyi, and asks to be taken to Kausalya's rooms.
  43. Sarga43 21 shlokas Kausalya's Lament कौसल्या का विलाप Kausalya mourns her son, imagining him sleeping on the ground and eating forest roots.
  44. Sarga44 31 shlokas Sumitra's Comfort सुमित्रा की सांत्वना Sumitra consoles Kausalya, reminding her of Rama's strength and virtue and promising he will return with glory.
  45. Sarga45 33 shlokas By the Tamasa River तमसा तट पर Citizens follow Rama, begging him to return. The party reaches the bank of the Tamasa as night falls.
  46. Sarga46 34 shlokas Leaving the Citizens Behind नागरिकों को सोता छोड़ना At dawn, while the citizens sleep, Rama has Sumantra drive the chariot on so that they cannot follow.
  47. Sarga47 19 shlokas The Citizens Return नागरिकों की वापसी Waking to find Rama gone, the citizens search for the chariot's tracks and return home in despair.
  48. Sarga48 37 shlokas The Women of Ayodhya Weep अयोध्या की स्त्रियों का विलाप The women of the city grieve for Rama and blame Kaikeyi, fearing life under her rule.
  49. Sarga49 18 shlokas Crossing the Borders of Kosala कोसल की सीमा पार Rama crosses the rivers Vedashruti and Gomati, leaves the kingdom of Kosala and looks back toward Ayodhya.
  50. Sarga50 51 shlokas Guha Welcomes Rama गुह द्वारा स्वागत At Shringaverapura on the Ganga, Guha, king of the Nishadas and Rama's friend, offers food and his kingdom. Rama accepts only fodder for the horses and sleeps under a tree.
  51. Sarga51 27 shlokas Lakshmana Keeps Watch लक्ष्मण का पहरा Lakshmana stays awake all night. He tells Guha of his fears for Ayodhya and his parents now that Rama has gone.
  52. Sarga52 102 shlokas Crossing the Ganga गंगा पार करना Guha brings a boat. Rama sends Sumantra back with messages, Sita prays to the Ganga for a safe return, and the three cross the river.
  53. Sarga53 35 shlokas A Night of Doubt शंका की रात Under a tree Rama worries about his parents and asks Lakshmana to return to Ayodhya. Lakshmana refuses to leave him.
  54. Sarga54 43 shlokas At Bharadwaja's Hermitage भरद्वाज का आश्रम At the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna they reach the hermitage of Bharadwaja, who welcomes them and suggests Chitrakoot as a peaceful place to live.
  55. Sarga55 20 shlokas Across the Yamuna यमुना पार They cross the Yamuna on a raft. Sita prays to the river and delights in the flowers and fruits along the way.
  56. Sarga56 37 shlokas A Home at Chitrakoot चित्रकूट में निवास They reach the beautiful Chitrakoot hill and meet Valmiki. Lakshmana builds a leaf hut, and Rama enters it after the proper rites.
  57. Sarga57 34 shlokas Sumantra Returns सुमंत्र की वापसी Sumantra returns to a silent Ayodhya. Hearing that Rama has gone on into the forest, Dasharatha and Kausalya faint.
  58. Sarga58 37 shlokas Rama's Messages राम का संदेश Sumantra repeats Rama's words of love to his father and mothers, and Lakshmana's angry words against the king.
  59. Sarga59 38 shlokas Ayodhya Withers अयोध्या का मुरझाना Sumantra describes how even trees, ponds and animals seem to grieve for Rama. Dasharatha longs to see his son.
  60. Sarga60 23 shlokas Sumantra Comforts Kausalya सुमंत्र द्वारा कौसल्या को सांत्वना Sumantra assures Kausalya that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are content and fearless in the forest.
  61. Sarga61 27 shlokas Kausalya Reproaches the King कौसल्या का उलाहना In her grief Kausalya blames Dasharatha for exiling their son, and the king is overwhelmed.
  62. Sarga62 20 shlokas A Memory Returns पुरानी स्मृति Dasharatha begs Kausalya's forgiveness and she relents. Suddenly he remembers a sin of his youth and understands his suffering as its fruit.
  63. Sarga63 53 shlokas The Death of Shravana श्रवण कुमार की मृत्यु Dasharatha tells how, hunting by sound at night, he shot a young ascetic filling a water pot, thinking him an elephant. The dying youth asked him to carry water to his blind parents.
  64. Sarga64 30 shlokas The Curse and the King's Death शाप और राजा की मृत्यु The blind father cursed Dasharatha to die of grief for a son. Recalling this, Dasharatha cries out for Rama and dies at midnight.
  65. Sarga65 29 shlokas The Palace Wakes to Grief महल में शोक At dawn the singers find the king dead. Kausalya, Sumitra and the queens lament and the palace fills with cries.
  66. Sarga66 29 shlokas The King's Body Is Preserved राजा के शरीर की रक्षा With no son present, the ministers preserve Dasharatha's body in oil to await the funeral rites, and Ayodhya sinks into darkness.
  67. Sarga67 38 shlokas A Kingdom Without a King राजा विहीन राज्य The ministers and priests describe the dangers of a land without a ruler and urge Vasishtha to name an heir at once.
  68. Sarga68 22 shlokas Messengers to Kekaya केकय को दूत Vasishtha sends swift messengers to Rajagriha in Kekaya to bring Bharata and Shatrughna, without telling them the news.
  69. Sarga69 21 shlokas Bharata's Dream भरत का दुःस्वप्न In Kekaya Bharata wakes from a terrible dream of his father falling from a mountain and riding south toward death.
  70. Sarga70 30 shlokas Bharata Is Called Home भरत को बुलावा The messengers arrive and ask Bharata to come quickly. He takes leave of his grandfather Ashwapati and uncle Yudhajit.
  71. Sarga71 47 shlokas The Road Back लौटने का मार्ग Bharata travels for days across rivers and forests. As he nears Ayodhya he sees it dull and lifeless and his fear grows.
  72. Sarga72 53 shlokas Bharata Learns the Truth भरत को सत्य का पता Kaikeyi greets Bharata and tells him that his father is dead and Rama exiled so that he may rule.
  73. Sarga73 10 shlokas Bharata Condemns Kaikeyi भरत द्वारा कैकेयी की निंदा Bharata is horrified. He denounces his mother and vows to bring Rama back and serve him.
  74. Sarga74 36 shlokas Bharata's Vow भरत की प्रतिज्ञा Bharata rebukes Kaikeyi again, tells her she has destroyed the family, and swears to restore Rama to the throne.
  75. Sarga75 64 shlokas Bharata and Kausalya भरत और कौसल्या Kausalya receives Bharata coldly, suspecting him. He swears terrible oaths that he knew nothing, and she embraces him.
  76. Sarga76 23 shlokas The Funeral of Dasharatha दशरथ का अंतिम संस्कार Guided by Vasishtha, Bharata performs his father's cremation on the bank of the Sarayu with full rites.
  77. Sarga77 26 shlokas Gathering the Bones अस्थि संचय On the thirteenth day Bharata collapses while gathering his father's bones. Vasishtha and Sumantra comfort the brothers.
  78. Sarga78 26 shlokas Shatrughna Seizes Manthara शत्रुघ्न और मंथरा Seeing Manthara dressed in finery, Shatrughna drags her by the hair. Bharata stops him, saying Rama would not approve of harming a woman.
  79. Sarga79 17 shlokas Bharata Refuses the Crown भरत का राज्य अस्वीकार The ministers offer Bharata the throne. He refuses and orders a road built into the forest so that he can bring Rama back.
  80. Sarga80 22 shlokas Building the Road मार्ग निर्माण Engineers, woodcutters and workers clear forests, bridge rivers and build a royal road toward the Ganga.
  81. Sarga81 16 shlokas The Assembly Gathers सभा का आयोजन Vasishtha calls an assembly of ministers, generals and citizens, and Bharata is summoned with music as the new king.
  82. Sarga82 32 shlokas Bharata Sets Out भरत का प्रस्थान Bharata declares that the kingdom belongs to Rama and leaves for the forest with the army, the queens and the people.
  83. Sarga83 26 shlokas The Great Procession विशाल यात्रा Bharata travels with the queens, ministers, priests and citizens, a vast procession heading for the Ganga.
  84. Sarga84 18 shlokas Guha's Suspicion गुह की शंका Guha sees the army approach and fears Bharata means harm to Rama. Learning his true purpose, he welcomes him warmly.
  85. Sarga85 22 shlokas Bharata Asks the Way भरत का मार्ग पूछना Bharata tells Guha he wishes only to bring Rama home and asks the way to Bharadwaja's hermitage.
  86. Sarga86 25 shlokas Guha Remembers गुह की स्मृतियाँ Guha tells Bharata how Lakshmana kept watch all night beside the sleeping Rama and Sita.
  87. Sarga87 23 shlokas Where Rama Slept राम का शयन स्थान Guha shows Bharata the grass bed where Rama slept and describes how the brothers matted their hair.
  88. Sarga88 30 shlokas Bharata's Sorrow भरत का दुख Seeing the grass bed, Bharata grieves at the contrast with Rama's palace life and vows to live as an ascetic too.
  89. Sarga89 22 shlokas Across the Ganga गंगा पार Guha's boats carry Bharata, Shatrughna and the whole host across the Ganga, and they make for Bharadwaja's hermitage.
  90. Sarga90 24 shlokas Bharadwaja Tests Bharata भरद्वाज की परीक्षा Bharadwaja asks Bharata why he has come with an army. Satisfied by his answer, he blesses him.
  91. Sarga91 83 shlokas A Feast Fit for Gods दिव्य आतिथ्य By the power of his penance Bharadwaja summons Vishwakarma and the gods to feast the entire army in splendour.
  92. Sarga92 39 shlokas On to Chitrakoot चित्रकूट की ओर Bharata introduces the queens to Bharadwaja, who reassures Kaikeyi that all this will end in good. The army marches toward Chitrakoot.
  93. Sarga93 27 shlokas Smoke on the Hill पर्वत पर धुआँ Nearing Chitrakoot, Bharata sees smoke rising and guesses it marks Rama's hermitage. He goes ahead with Vasishtha and Shatrughna.
  94. Sarga94 27 shlokas The Beauty of Chitrakoot चित्रकूट का सौंदर्य Unaware of Bharata's approach, Rama shows Sita the mountain's peaks, waterfalls and flowering trees.
  95. Sarga95 19 shlokas The Mandakini River मंदाकिनी नदी Rama and Sita walk by the Mandakini, admiring its waters, birds and the sages who bathe there.
  96. Sarga96 31 shlokas Lakshmana Sees the Army लक्ष्मण का सेना देखना Hearing a great noise, Lakshmana climbs a tree, sees Bharata's banner and, in anger, prepares to fight.
  97. Sarga97 31 shlokas Rama Trusts Bharata राम का भरत पर विश्वास Rama tells Lakshmana that Bharata would never harm them and has surely come out of love.
  98. Sarga98 18 shlokas Bharata Finds the Hermitage भरत को आश्रम मिलना Bharata searches the forest with eagerness and at last finds the hut where Rama lives.
  99. Sarga99 42 shlokas The Brothers Meet भाइयों का मिलन Bharata sees Rama in bark and matted hair and falls weeping at his feet. Rama raises and embraces him.
  100. Sarga100 76 shlokas Rama's Questions on Kingship राम के राजधर्म संबंधी प्रश्न Rama asks after their father and questions Bharata at length on how he governs: ministers, army, treasury, justice and care for the people.
  101. Sarga101 9 shlokas The News of Death मृत्यु का समाचार Bharata begs Rama to return and tells him that Dasharatha is dead.
  102. Sarga102 49 shlokas Libations in the Mandakini मंदाकिनी में जलांजलि Rama, Sita and Lakshmana mourn their father, and the brothers offer water and food to his spirit in the Mandakini.
  103. Sarga103 32 shlokas The Mothers Arrive माताओं का आगमन The queens reach the hermitage and weep to see Rama offering simple food to his father's spirit.
  104. Sarga104 27 shlokas Rama Holds to His Word राम की दृढ़ता Bharata pleads again. Rama explains that a son must make his father's word true and that he will not return before fourteen years.
  105. Sarga105 46 shlokas On Life and Change जीवन और परिवर्तन पर Rama comforts Bharata with reflections on how all things that rise must fall and all meetings end in parting.
  106. Sarga106 35 shlokas Bharata's Many Pleas भरत की अनेक विनतियाँ Bharata argues in every way he can, and the priests and mothers praise him, but Rama remains firm.
  107. Sarga107 19 shlokas Go Back and Rule लौटकर राज करो Rama asks Bharata to return to Ayodhya and rule as their father wished, while he keeps his vow in the forest.
  108. Sarga108 18 shlokas Jabali's Argument जाबालि का तर्क The priest Jabali argues as a sceptic that duty to the dead is meaningless and that Rama should enjoy the kingdom.
  109. Sarga109 39 shlokas Rama Answers Jabali राम का जाबालि को उत्तर Rama firmly rejects Jabali's view and defends truth as the root of dharma and of the world itself.
  110. Sarga110 34 shlokas Vasishtha on the Ikshvaku Line वसिष्ठ द्वारा इक्ष्वाकु परंपरा Vasishtha recounts the creation and the Ikshvaku line, in which the eldest son always rules, and urges Rama to take the throne.
  111. Sarga111 32 shlokas Rama Declines Again राम का पुनः इनकार Vasishtha appeals to Rama's duty to his guru, but Rama answers that his father's command comes first. Bharata vows to fast until Rama agrees.
  112. Sarga112 31 shlokas The Sandals पादुकाएँ The sages praise both brothers. Bharata asks for Rama's sandals and vows to rule as their servant from outside Ayodhya until Rama returns.
  113. Sarga113 24 shlokas Bharata Carries the Sandals Home पादुकाओं के साथ वापसी Bharata places the sandals on his head and returns with Shatrughna and the host, passing Bharadwaja's hermitage and Shringaverapura.
  114. Sarga114 31 shlokas A Gloomy Ayodhya उदास अयोध्या Bharata finds Ayodhya dark and joyless without Rama and Dasharatha.
  115. Sarga115 27 shlokas The Sandals Rule from Nandigram नंदिग्राम से पादुका राज्य Bharata moves to the village of Nandigram, enthrones Rama's sandals and governs in their name, living as an ascetic.
  116. Sarga116 26 shlokas The Sages Leave Chitrakoot ऋषियों का चित्रकूट छोड़ना The ascetics of Chitrakoot, fearing Khara and his rakshasas, take leave of Rama and move away.
  117. Sarga117 27 shlokas At Atri's Hermitage अत्रि का आश्रम Rama also leaves Chitrakoot and visits the sage Atri, whose wife Anasuya welcomes Sita.
  118. Sarga118 54 shlokas Anasuya's Gifts अनसूया के उपहार Anasuya praises Sita's devotion and gives her a garland, garments and ornaments that never fade. Sita tells her the story of her birth and marriage.
  119. Sarga119 22 shlokas Into the Dandaka Forest दंडक वन में प्रवेश Taking leave of Atri and Anasuya, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana enter the great Dandaka forest.

Who is in the Ayodhya Kanda

All characters
78 sargasRamaरामRama, prince of Ayodhya and seventh avatar of Vishnu, is the hero of the Ramayana. Exiled for fourteen…43 sargasBharataभरतBharata, son of Dasharatha and Kaikeyi, refused the throne his mother won for him. He went to Chitrakoot…32 sargasDasharathaदशरथDasharatha was the righteous king of Ayodhya and father of Rama. Bound by a promise to his queen…32 sargasLakshmanaलक्ष्मणLakshmana, son of Dasharatha and Sumitra, is Rama's devoted younger brother who followed him into exile and guarded…30 sargasSitaसीताSita, found in a furrow by King Janaka of Mithila, married Rama when he broke Shiva's bow and…26 sargasKaikeyiकैकेयीKaikeyi was the favourite queen of Dasharatha and mother of Bharata, whose two boons, demanded under Manthara's influence,…25 sargasKausalyaकौसल्याKausalya was the eldest queen of Dasharatha and mother of Rama, a figure of dignity and quiet strength…17 sargasVasishthaवसिष्ठVasishtha, a Brahmarshi and one of the Saptarishi, is the family guru of Ayodhya's solar dynasty and the…

Stories from the Ayodhya Kanda

All Ramayana stories
StoryKevat Ferries Rama Across the Gangaकेवट और श्रीरामOn his way into exile, Rama reached the Ganga at Shringaverpur, where the boatman Kevat refused to ferry him until he had washed Rama's feet, fearing their dust…StoryShravan Kumar and the Curse on Dasharathaश्रवण कुमार और दशरथ का शापIn his youth, King Dasharatha, hunting by sound alone, mistook the sound of a pitcher filling for an elephant and killed Shravan Kumar, the devoted son of a…StoryBharata and the Sandalsभरत और पादुकाOffered the throne his mother had seized for him, Bharata refused it, went to Chitrakoot to beg Rama's return, and when Rama would not break their father's word,…StoryThe Exile of Ramaराम का वनवासOn the eve of his coronation, Rama was sent into fourteen years of forest exile by Kaikeyi's two boons. He accepted it without bitterness for his father's word;…

Frequently asked questions

How many sargas are in the Ayodhya Kanda?
119 sargas in the edition used here.
Why was Rama exiled?
Kaikeyi used two boons Dasharatha had promised her to make Bharata king and send Rama to the forest for fourteen years.