I shall survive on the strength of the fullest account of my sons and daughter-in-law, even as King Yayati, when hurled down from heaven with the stock of his merits exhausted through self-praise, lived happily in the midst of pious souls’ says Dasaratha to Sumantra.
The account of Yayati, as told in the Mahabharata is as follows: (vide Adiparva – ch 82): Rajarsi, Yayati attained heaven by his enormous merit. Once Indra, in order to test him, asked, “Yayati, who indeed is equal to you in austerities?” Yayati, in utter arrogance, replied, “None among the celestials, humans, gandharvas or renowned sages.” As he insulted all the species by his reply, Indra cursed him: “Drop down, O Yayati, from heaven.” Yayati requested Indra, “O King of the gods, having lost my abode in celestial region, pray, permit me to live in the midst of virtuous souls.” Indra granted him his wish.
Similarly, Dasaratha says, “I must live in the midst of hearing the account of my virtuous son, Rama, his younger brother, Lakshmana and my noble daughter-in-law, Sita.” Or, “give me the account of Rama who was thrown out of my kingdom, resembling heaven and went into the midst of virtuous ascetics in the forest.”
{NOTE: Actually, it was only Rama who sent the message as per earlier references. But it is now understood that Lakshmana also had his message sent.}
Lakshmana’s message to the king 2.58.28-31
“Your Majesty, for what offence is Prince Rama banished? You have carried out the command of Kaikeyi forthwith. You did not think whether it was right or wrong as a result of which we are put to unnecessary suffering. Whether Rama has been exiled out of Kaikeyi’s greed for power or because of the so-called boons, you have perpetrated a wholly unwelcome act. As a husband, your Majesty had a right to properly educate her and persuade her to righteousness. If she did not mend, she ought to be put out. Your Majesty ought to have told her that the question of kingship should be resolved ‘not by me only, but by the ministers, leaders etc.’ On all these counts, I do not regard the emperor as my father at all. Rama is my elder brother, master, and a father too. You, as king, may be good for your subjects. But the populace will not condone this act of yours. Having committed this offence, you have gone against all righteousness.”
Sumantra delivers the message of Rama 2.58.5-12
I shall survive on the strength of the fullest account of my sons and daughter-in-law, even as King Yayati, when hurled down from heaven with the stock of his merits exhausted through self-praise, lived happily in the midst of pious souls’ says Dasaratha to Sumantra.
The account of Yayati, as told in the Mahabharata is as follows: (vide Adiparva – ch 82): Rajarsi, Yayati attained heaven by his enormous merit. Once Indra, in order to test him, asked, “Yayati, who indeed is equal to you in austerities?” Yayati, in utter arrogance, replied, “None among the celestials, humans, gandharvas or renowned sages.” As he insulted all the species by his reply, Indra cursed him: “Drop down, O Yayati, from heaven.” Yayati requested Indra, “O King of the gods, having lost my abode in celestial region, pray, permit me to live in the midst of virtuous souls.” Indra granted him his wish.
Similarly, Dasaratha says, “I must live in the midst of hearing the account of my virtuous son, Rama, his younger brother, Lakshmana and my noble daughter-in-law, Sita.” Or, “give me the account of Rama who was thrown out of my kingdom, resembling heaven and went into the midst of virtuous ascetics in the forest.”
{NOTE: Actually, it was only Rama who sent the message as per earlier references. But it is now understood that Lakshmana also had his message sent.}
Lakshmana’s message to the king 2.58.28-31
“Your Majesty, for what offence is Prince Rama banished? You have carried out the command of Kaikeyi forthwith. You did not think whether it was right or wrong as a result of which we are put to unnecessary suffering. Whether Rama has been exiled out of Kaikeyi’s greed for power or because of the so-called boons, you have perpetrated a wholly unwelcome act. As a husband, your Majesty had a right to properly educate her and persuade her to righteousness. If she did not mend, she ought to be put out. Your Majesty ought to have told her that the question of kingship should be resolved ‘not by me only, but by the ministers, leaders etc.’ On all these counts, I do not regard the emperor as my father at all. Rama is my elder brother, master, and a father too. You, as king, may be good for your subjects. But the populace will not condone this act of yours. Having committed this offence, you have gone against all righteousness.”