Kaikeyi's ever-pure mind at first resisted Manthara's counsel but soon underwent a terrible transformation. Spurned by fate, instigated by evil, the virtuous woman, discarding all her natural grace grew furious. Flushed with anger she said, "Me, a slave? Never! Tell me how I can banish Rama this moment to crown Bharata as king of Kosala?"

Crafty Mantara with a malicious smile that displayed her diabolic mind said, "Many years ago in a conflict between the gods and the Asuras, king Dasaratha went to aid the gods taking you along with him. Upon reaching the city of Vaijayanta, ruled by Timidhvaja also known as Sambara, a fierce battle ensued, in which Dasaratha was riddled with arrows. Wounded by the missiles and unconscious, he was borne away by you and saved. It was then that the grateful monarch had granted you two boons.You had said that you would ask for their gratification, whenever you so desired.Demand them now! Seek the kingdom for Bharata as one of the two boons.Use the other to banish Rama into the forest for fourteen years".

"Go now into the chamber of anger. Wearing soiled clothes throw yourself on the floor and when the king sees you, unable to bear your distress he will not only honor your wishes but will sacrifice his very life for you. Disregard offers of gold, gems and wealth of every kind as consolation. Do not forget the purpose."

Thus prevailed upon, Kaikeyi fell prey not only to her maid's sinister designs, but also to her scheming mind and physical appearance, "You are the world's first hunch-back who is most consistent and intelligent. Most crippled people are hideous, but you are like the lotus, bent by the wind. A beautiful gold ornament will cover your hump and a gold crown will sit on your head soon as Bharata is crowned and Rama is banished into the forest.I shall bejewel and bedeck you with the most beautiful of ornaments and clothes, which will make you, look like a goddess and those of your kind will minister to you, as you have ministered to me." Overwhelmed by Kaikeyi's flattering eulogy Manthara said, "Rise and do that which you must do. It is of no use to build a dam, after the waters have drained away".

Kaikeyi went to the chamber of wrath with Manthara. Casting away her jewels and her very precious pearls, laying her golden hued body on the ground she said, "Inform the king that Rama is to be exiled and Bharata installed king. Until such a thing comes to pass I want neither carpets, crowns, unguents, food nor drink. Not even life itself. If my wishes are thwarted, I shall be the cause of my own death". The defiant queen having pronounced the terrible threat, her face darkened by a wrath she could not contain flung herself on to the bare earth. Unkempt and unadorned she was like the night sky bereft of stars.