Fearing that delay might bring some unpredictable obstacles, Dasaratha had
ordered the coronation to be done without waiting for Bharata's return to the capital.
This same fear and hurry were used by Manthara to persuade Kaikeyi to take the wrong path.
"Think, my Queen. Why this haste? Why does your husband rush through the ceremony
when your son is absent? Is it not to cheat him of his right? Is not the motive plain? The
King pretends to be enamoured of you. But this is only his hypocritical shrewd ness."
Thus tempted, Kaikeyi thought over
Manthara's advice. Kaikeyi was weak like any other woman. She had good feeling and good
culture, besides a keen intellect. But she bad little know ledge of the world. She was
also terribly obstinate. Easily deceived, she did not have the power to foresee the full
consequences of her action. Thus began the charter of grief in the Raamaayana. |
