Kausalya in her sorrow blamed Dasaratha for the woes of her children. She asked him how, a king so righteous, renowned and compassionate could bear the thought of their suffering. "How can Sita exposed to the elements, living on forest fare, and hearing the fearful roar of animals in place of the melodies of music, survive? When will I behold my Rama enjoying the comforts of the palace? The princes who once had the luxuries of a kingdom at their command are now victims of your ruthless command. Should Rama return at the end of his fourteen-year exile, he will not accept the kingdom from Bharata. To him, it will be like the food offered at a 'Shraddha' ceremony. Rama will not accept a kingdom passed on to him after being enjoyed by a brother younger than him and will not suffer such ignominy.

Rama, whom the united forces of the Devas and Danavas cannot vanquish, has been destroyed by you. The first refuge for a woman is her husband, the second her son, the third her relatives. The fourth is independence, which does not exist for me in this world. Enslaved to Kaikeyi, you are no longer mine. As you are nothing to me you are no longer my refuge. My second refuge Rama is in the forests where I cannot go, because I am married to you. As for my family it is far away and beyond my reach, so in every way you have destroyed me, ruined yourself, the kingdom and the ministers. You have no crown, kingdom, kinsmen or counselors and have brought nothing but disaster. The inhabitants of Ayodhya, my son and I are ruined. Bharata and Kaikeyi alone rejoice!"Listening to Kausalya's accusations, Dasaratha's battered mind writhed with remorse. Overwhelmed with unbearable anguish it fell silent refusing to function.