Lord Ram’s 14-years exile
Kaikeyi became angry at King Dasharatha’s idea of making Shri Ram the crown prince. Kaikeyi told King Dasharatha that she wanted her word which King Dasharatha had promised her. That whatever she asks for will have to be given to her. He first asked for the promise of sending Lord Ram for 14-years exile and asked for the throne given to his son Bhrat .
To fulfil his father’s promise, Ram ji accepted exile and Sita Mata and Lakshman ji also went with him. Urmila ji also insisted on going to exile along with Lakshman ji, but Lakshman ji refused her saying that he was going with him to serve Ram ji. If Urmila ji also goes with him, he will not be able to fulfil his Dharma of serving Ram ji.
And said that in my absence Urmila ji will take care of mother and father. There is also a story that only a person who had not slept even once in 14 years could kill Ravana’s son Meghnath. Lakshman ji did not sleep for 14-years during exile to serve Ram ji and Mother Sita. He had told Nidra Devi that in his place my wife Urmila would sleep for 14 years.
Beyond the Crown: A Brother’s Quest for Ram
When Bharat came to know about the exile of Ram Ji, Sita Mata and Lakshman Ji, he became very sad. Maharishi Vashishtha asked him to get the kingdom consecrated because King Dashrath had passed away due to the separation of Shri Ram ji. But Bharat refused to anoint the kingdom and ordered Shatrughan to prepare the army so that he could go to take back Ram ji. The people became extremely happy after hearing that Bharat is going to take back Ram ji in Ayodhya.
At that time Ram ji was living in Chitrakoot. Shatrughan, Mother Kaushalya, Mother Sumitra, Maharishi Vashishtha and many soldiers went with Bharat ji. During the journey, he reached the hut of Bhardwaj Muni and he welcomed him. From there everyone started their journey to Chitrakoot where Ram ji, Sita Mata and Lakshman ji lived in their hut.
Ramyan: Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Bharat and Shatrughan Arrived at Chitrakoot
Both Bharat ji and Shatrughan ji started crying after seeing Ram ji, sitting at his feet, then Ram ji picked them up and hugged them to his heart.
Bharat ji and Shatrughan ji also met Sita Mata and Lakshman ji. He asked Ram ji to return but Ram ji refused. Bharat ji also told them that Dashrath ji had passed away. Hearing this, Lakshman ji and Sita Mata started mourning along with Ram ji. Along with Ram ji, Lakshman ji and Sita Mata honoured the mothers. Even after Bharat ji’s request again, Ram ji refused to return to the kingdom.
Strike of Bharat
Everyone tried to convince Bharat ji but he said that he will be on protest (Strike) until Shri Ram gives permission to accompany him. On the persuasion of Ram ji, he gave up the idea of protesting (Striking). He told Ram ji that in the Raghukul, since it is always the eldest son who becomes the king, the younger son cannot get the kingdom anointed, this was also supported by Maharishi Vashishtha.
Then Bharat offers the two golden padukas at their feet in front of Ram ji, and said that you place your feet on them. These will ensure the welfare of the entire world. Shri Ram climbed on those pads and separated them again and handed them over to Mahatma Bharat.
Bharat said, Brave Raghunandan! I will also remain outside the city for fourteen years, wearing hair and rags, eating fruits and vegetables, waiting for Your arrival. Parantap! For so many days, I will keep waiting for you, keeping the entire burden of the kingdom at your feet.
‘Raghukulshiromane! If I do not get to see You on the first day of the new year after the completion of the fourteenth year, I will enter the burning fire. Shri Ramchandra ji approved by saying ‘very good’ and embraced Bharat and Shatrughan with great respect. Then Ram ji sent everyone to Ayodhya with a heavy heart and tears in his eyes.
