Upon entering, Rama beheld Dasaratha seated on his magnificent throne, with Kaikeyi by his side. He did not notice either the despondency of his father or his grief- ravaged face. With great love and reverence he prostrated to Dasaratha and to Kaikeyi. Dasaratha attempting to speak to Rama could not go beyond the one word 'Rama', before breaking down in. Having never seen this frightening form of Dasaratha, Rama, who could withstand the onslaught of any calamity, who was unshakable in the face of a thousand sorrows, was shattered.The impact of the shock was almost physical and he recoiled as one who had stepped on a venomous snake. A great turmoil raged within Dasaratha caused by the choice he had to make between the promise he had made to his son and the one he had made to his. This made him feel like an ocean battered by the fury of a tempest. Rama's heart went out to his father, who seemed a personification of misery.He even questioned himself, whether he could be the cause for his father's sorrow! "If so I shall not live to see the morrow", thought Rama.

Looking at Kaikeyi imploringly, Rama asked her, "Why does the king always so loving, not speak to me? Is he sick? What ails my noble Sire? Are Bharata and Satrughna safe? Have I not obeyed you, my parents, who are my living gods? Mother! Did you speak to him in anger or arrogance, for his soul to be tormented so?" Kaikeyi's reply was like a whiplash! Brazenly, with no trace of regret or shame she said, "Rama, nothing ails the king nor is he displeased. His boundless love for you prevents him from telling you, that which is unpleasant. Ignoramus that he is, your father fails to honor the boons he had granted me. Make sure the king will not be false to his vows, because of you."Kaikeyi's deplorable words that went beyond all barriers of decency, hurt Rama deeply and he said, "Mother, it is not befitting of you to speak so.As for my father, his very word is my command.Ordered by him, I am willing to throw myself into the fire or cast myself into the ocean.I will die for any one, be it the king, my preceptor, a friend or who so ever demands it of me. What Dasaratha desires shall be carried out.I promise you, Rama never utters that which is false."

Kaikeyi then had the audacity to tell that most righteous of men, "If you desire your father and yourself to be known as men of honor in this world Rama, listen to me.As vowed by the king you are to be exiled.All that has been procured for your coronation shall be used to install Bharata as king. Forsaking the throne of Kosala, you will live in the Dandaka forest for a period of fourteen years, clad in robes of bark.Bharata will rule the kingdom of Kosala from its capital city of Ayodhya, which abounds in gems, jewelry, horses, chariots and elephants. This is the reason for the king's grief. A breach of promise is a grave transgression, save your father from committing that ignominy and save him from perjury."

Struck at the misfortune that had befallen his beloved son, Dasaratha's soul writhed in agony.His eyes were unable to see beyond the veil of tears, and his voice choked with emotion was rendered speechless. But Rama the most noble and virtuous of men, betrayed no sign of sorrow.