Ayodhya Kaanda
66 - Dialogue between Sri Rama and His father; the sadness of the people of Ayodhya; their remonstrances with Kaikeyi
Chaupais
Description
Some blamed the Creator, who had offered nectar but actually given them poison. The whole city was astir and everyone felt distressed. There was deep agony in their heart and their briskness was gone. Brahmana matrons and other venerable and elderly ladies of the royal family and such other ladies as were most dear to Kaikeyi began to expostulate with her praising her amiability; but their words pierced her like shafts. "You have always said, and the whole world knows it, that Bharata is not so dear to you as Rama. You have borne natural affection towards Rama; for what offence do you exile him to the woods today? You have never harboured jealousy towards your co-wives; your loving disposition and credulity are known throughout the land. What wrong has Kausalya done you now due to which you should have hurled this thunderbolt against the whole city.