The second volume of Valmiki’s Ramayana is titled Ayodhya Kand. After Bala Kand, it recounts Rama’s exile from Ayodhya and the utter anguish that engulfs not only his family but the entire city. King Dasharatha proudly declares his choice to name Rama as his heir in Ayodhya Kand I. But when his youngest wife Kaikeyi requests Rama’s exile and the installation of her son Bhorata as the Yuvaraja, his hopes are dashed. Given that he gave Kaikeyi two boons earlier and is now obligated to keep his word, Dasharatha is in a horrible predicament.
Rama accepts the tough choice voluntarily and gets ready to go because he is determined to preserve his father’s reputation. Lakshmana and Sita decide to go with him. Even after receiving heavy criticism from the populace and many appeals to her better judgement from the grieving king, Kaikeyi refuses to change her brutal course of action. While Lakshmana’s mother, Sumitra, comforts her, Kausalya bids her son and daughter-in-law farewell with tears in her eyes.
As the chariot carrying the three leaves the city, the entire kingdom descends into gloomy despondency. The residents of Ayodhya are unable to accept the loss and refuse to part ways with their prince and follow him.
Books Info
| Books name | Ramayana – Ajodhyakanda / ରାମାୟଣ – ଅଯୋଧ୍ୟାକାଣ୍ଡ |
| Author | Prof. Sudarshan Acharjya |
| No Of pages | 184 |
| Publisher | Tara Tarini Pustakalaya |
| Publication | 2000 |
| Printed At | NA |
| Distributor | NA |