Kaikeyi looked with utter contempt at Dasaratha, who grieving for his son had fallen senseless to the ground. Indifferent to his suffering she lashed out mercilessly, "Not only have you dishonored my boons, but you have also committed a breach of promise". She reminded Dasaratha of his ancestor Sibi who had sacrificed his body to save the dove from a hawk. Of Alarka, another Ikshvaku who had torn out his eyes to keep his promise to a Brahmin scholar and of the great Sagara who true to his vow never flowed over any territory beyond his bound.

"Truth is Brahman, truth is the foundation of dharma and since you are the essence of truth, honor that truth!For the third time I repeat that you banish Rama and crown Bharata. You may break your promise, but I shall keep mine and will end my life in your presence." Goaded ruthlessly, grieving and groping like one blinded, Dasaratha struggled back to his feet with great effort saying, "Caught in the snare of the cross fires of duty and dharma, I know not what to do. My mind does not function and I desire to see Rama. Kaikeyi wretched woman,I rue the day I took your hand in holy matrimony and now this dayI disown you and the son I begot by you".

Meanwhile, Vasishta having completed preparations for the coronation entered the city. He asked Sumantra to inform the king of the arrival of merchants, elders, scholars and great monarchs of many lands to witness the coronation of Rama. Sumantra conveyed this to the king and bowed in obeisance saying, "Sire, receive all those that await you in reverence to commence the installation ceremony at your command." With these words, Dasaratha's anguish reached greater heights. As he lifted his head painfully his face was haggard, his eyes were red with weeping and in them was an unfathomable pathos. "You rend my heart Sumantra," said the king, who at that moment should have been full of joy and radiant as the Sun. As Sumantra was bowing away from the king, the cunning queen Kaikeyi pounced on her chance and asked him to fetch Rama, saying that the king was weary, having spent a restless night. Sumantra was hesitant, as he had received no such orders from the king, who coming out of his stupor said "Bring my dear son Rama.I desire to see him."

The unknowing Sumantra, thinking that all was well went on his way happily and in all haste.He passed through the gates of the palace thronging with people loaded with gifts, eagerly waiting for the momentous occasion.