Ayodhya Kanda
The preparations for Rama’s coronation, Kaikeyi’s boons, the departure to the forest, grief of King Dasaratha, Bharata’s supreme devotion, and the Paduka consecration.
Instills supreme devotion to parents, truthfulness to vows, fraternal love, and dispassion towards worldly pleasures.
Sarga 1: Dasaratha resolves to crown Rama as Yuvaraja
Dasaratha resolves to crown Rama as Yuvaraja. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 1.
Sarga 2: Imperial council endorses Rama's coronation
Imperial council endorses Rama's coronation. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 2.
Sarga 3: Vasishtha prepares coronation rituals
Vasishtha prepares coronation rituals. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 3.
Sarga 4: Rama and Sita observe sacred vow of fasting
Rama and Sita observe sacred vow of fasting. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 4.
Sarga 5: Vasishtha visits Rama's palace
Vasishtha visits Rama's palace. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 5.
Sarga 6: Festive decorations across Ayodhya
Festive decorations across Ayodhya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 6.
Sarga 7: Manthara notices festive celebration
Manthara notices festive celebration. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 7.
Sarga 8: Manthara poisons Kaikeyi's mind
Manthara poisons Kaikeyi's mind. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 8.
Sarga 9: Kaikeyi enters anger chamber (Kopa Griha)
Kaikeyi enters anger chamber (Kopa Griha). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 9.
Sarga 10: Dasaratha attempts to console Kaikeyi
Dasaratha attempts to console Kaikeyi. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 10.
Sarga 11: Kaikeyi claims the two ancient boons
Kaikeyi claims the two ancient boons. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 11.
Sarga 12: Dasaratha's agonizing grief and refusal
Dasaratha's agonizing grief and refusal. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 12.
Sarga 13: Dawn breaks as Ayodhya awaits coronation
Dawn breaks as Ayodhya awaits coronation. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 13.
Sarga 14: Sumantra sent to summon Rama
Sumantra sent to summon Rama. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 14.
Sarga 15: Sumantra reaches Rama's palace
Sumantra reaches Rama's palace. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 15.
Sarga 16: Rama journeys through jubilant Ayodhya streets
Rama journeys through jubilant Ayodhya streets. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 16.
Sarga 17: Rama enters King Dasaratha's chambers
Rama enters King Dasaratha's chambers. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 17.
Sarga 18: Kaikeyi declares the exile decree
Kaikeyi declares the exile decree. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 18.
Sarga 19: Rama accepts exile with serene smile
Rama accepts exile with serene smile. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 19.
Sarga 20: Kausalya's overwhelming grief
Kausalya's overwhelming grief. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 20.
Sarga 21: Lakshmana's fierce fury & Rama's calming words
Lakshmana's fierce fury & Rama's calming words. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 21.
Sarga 22: Rama expounds the inevitability of Destiny (Daiva)
Rama expounds the inevitability of Destiny (Daiva). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 22.
Sarga 23: Lakshmana praises Kshatriya valor
Lakshmana praises Kshatriya valor. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 23.
Sarga 24: Kausalya grants maternal blessings for forest life
Kausalya grants maternal blessings for forest life. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 24.
Sarga 25: Kausalya performs auspicious Swastivachana
Kausalya performs auspicious Swastivachana. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 25.
Sarga 26: Rama informs Sita of the fourteen-year exile
Rama informs Sita of the fourteen-year exile. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 26.
Sarga 27: Rama describes perils of the wilderness to Sita
Rama describes perils of the wilderness to Sita. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 27.
Sarga 28: Rama urges Sita to remain in Ayodhya
Rama urges Sita to remain in Ayodhya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 28.
Sarga 29: Sita insists on following her Lord to the forest
Sita insists on following her Lord to the forest. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 29.
Sarga 30: Sita's impassioned plea; Rama consents
Sita's impassioned plea; Rama consents. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 30.
Sarga 31: Lakshmana begs to accompany and serve them
Lakshmana begs to accompany and serve them. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 31.
Sarga 32: Rama donates royal wealth to brahmins and Trijata
Rama donates royal wealth to brahmins and Trijata. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 32.
Sarga 33: Trio walks on foot to Dasaratha's palace
Trio walks on foot to Dasaratha's palace. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 33.
Sarga 34: Dasaratha faints seeing Rama in bark garments
Dasaratha faints seeing Rama in bark garments. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 34.
Sarga 35: Sumantra rebukes Kaikeyi for cruelty
Sumantra rebukes Kaikeyi for cruelty. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 35.
Sarga 36: Siddhartha advises leaving treasury; Kaikeyi refuses
Siddhartha advises leaving treasury; Kaikeyi refuses. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 36.
Sarga 37: Vasishtha reprimands Kaikeyi as Sita wears bark
Vasishtha reprimands Kaikeyi as Sita wears bark. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 37.
Sarga 38: Dasaratha orders royal attire and ornaments for Sita
Dasaratha orders royal attire and ornaments for Sita. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 38.
Sarga 39: Sumitra counsels Lakshmana: 'Look upon Rama as Dasaratha'
Sumitra counsels Lakshmana: 'Look upon Rama as Dasaratha'. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 39.
Sarga 40: Departure from Ayodhya; citizens weep bitterly
Departure from Ayodhya; citizens weep bitterly. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 40.
Sarga 41: Whole city mourns in deep despair
Whole city mourns in deep despair. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 41.
Sarga 42: Dasaratha and Kausalya follow chariot on foot
Dasaratha and Kausalya follow chariot on foot. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 42.
Sarga 43: Kausalya's lamentation in the empty palace
Kausalya's lamentation in the empty palace. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 43.
Sarga 44: Sumitra consoles Kausalya with divine wisdom
Sumitra consoles Kausalya with divine wisdom. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 44.
Sarga 45: Citizens follow Rama to banks of Tamasa river
Citizens follow Rama to banks of Tamasa river. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 45.
Sarga 46: Rama departs secretly while citizens sleep
Rama departs secretly while citizens sleep. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 46.
Sarga 47: Citizens wake up and lament in grief
Citizens wake up and lament in grief. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 47.
Sarga 48: Citizens return sorrowfully to Ayodhya
Citizens return sorrowfully to Ayodhya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 48.
Sarga 49: Rama crosses Kosala border and blesses motherland
Rama crosses Kosala border and blesses motherland. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 49.
Sarga 50: Arrival at Shringaverapura on sacred Ganga
Arrival at Shringaverapura on sacred Ganga. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 50.
Sarga 51: Nishada King Guha welcomes Rama; Lakshmana keeps night vigil
Nishada King Guha welcomes Rama; Lakshmana keeps night vigil. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 51.
Sarga 52: Crossing Ganga by boat; Sumantra bid farewell
Crossing Ganga by boat; Sumantra bid farewell. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 52.
Sarga 53: Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana enter Vatsa country
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana enter Vatsa country. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 53.
Sarga 54: Arrival at Sage Bharadwaja's Ashrama at Prayaga
Arrival at Sage Bharadwaja's Ashrama at Prayaga. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 54.
Sarga 55: Crossing Yamuna by raft; Kalindi prayer
Crossing Yamuna by raft; Kalindi prayer. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 55.
Sarga 56: Arrival at enchanting Chitrakoota Mountain
Arrival at enchanting Chitrakoota Mountain. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 56.
Sarga 57: Sumantra returns to grief-stricken Ayodhya
Sumantra returns to grief-stricken Ayodhya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 57.
Sarga 58: Sumantra delivers Rama's message to Dasaratha
Sumantra delivers Rama's message to Dasaratha. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 58.
Sarga 59: Dasaratha weeps hearing Rama's condition
Dasaratha weeps hearing Rama's condition. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 59.
Sarga 60: Kausalya censures Dasaratha in bitter agony
Kausalya censures Dasaratha in bitter agony. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 60.
Sarga 61: Kausalya repents her harsh words
Kausalya repents her harsh words. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 61.
Sarga 62: Dasaratha recalls his youthful sin of Shabda-vedhi
Dasaratha recalls his youthful sin of Shabda-vedhi. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 62.
Sarga 63: Story of Shravana Kumara & blind parents' curse
Story of Shravana Kumara & blind parents' curse. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 63.
Sarga 64: King Dasaratha passes away remembering Rama
King Dasaratha passes away remembering Rama. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 64.
Sarga 65: Palace queens wail in tragic grief
Palace queens wail in tragic grief. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 65.
Sarga 66: Dasaratha's body preserved in oil cauldron (Taila Droni)
Dasaratha's body preserved in oil cauldron (Taila Droni). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 66.
Sarga 67: Sages debate the dangers of a kingless realm (Arajaka)
Sages debate the dangers of a kingless realm (Arajaka). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 67.
Sarga 68: Envoys dispatched to Kekaya to summon Bharata
Envoys dispatched to Kekaya to summon Bharata. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 68.
Sarga 69: Bharata sees ominous nightmares in Rajagriha
Bharata sees ominous nightmares in Rajagriha. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 69.
Sarga 70: Envoys arrive; Bharata departs immediately
Envoys arrive; Bharata departs immediately. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 70.
Sarga 71: Bharata enters mournful, silent Ayodhya
Bharata enters mournful, silent Ayodhya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 71.
Sarga 72: Kaikeyi informs Bharata of Dasaratha's death & Rama's exile
Kaikeyi informs Bharata of Dasaratha's death & Rama's exile. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 72.
Sarga 73: Bharata unleashes thunderous wrath upon Kaikeyi
Bharata unleashes thunderous wrath upon Kaikeyi. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 73.
Sarga 74: Bharata takes solemn oaths disavowing any complicity
Bharata takes solemn oaths disavowing any complicity. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 74.
Sarga 75: Bharata weeps before Queen Kausalya, touching her feet
Bharata weeps before Queen Kausalya, touching her feet. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 75.
Sarga 76: Dasaratha's solemn cremation rites performed on Sarayu
Dasaratha's solemn cremation rites performed on Sarayu. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 76.
Sarga 77: Offering of Asthi and Tarpanam
Offering of Asthi and Tarpanam. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 77.
Sarga 78: Shatrughna punishes hunchback Manthara
Shatrughna punishes hunchback Manthara. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 78.
Sarga 79: Ministers urge Bharata to ascend the throne
Ministers urge Bharata to ascend the throne. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 79.
Sarga 80: Bharata rejects throne and resolves to bring Rama back
Bharata rejects throne and resolves to bring Rama back. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 80.
Sarga 81: Construction of royal highway towards forest
Construction of royal highway towards forest. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 81.
Sarga 82: Grand royal assembly in Ayodhya court
Grand royal assembly in Ayodhya court. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 82.
Sarga 83: Entire population of Ayodhya marches with Bharata
Entire population of Ayodhya marches with Bharata. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 83.
Sarga 84: Nishada King Guha suspects Bharata's intentions
Nishada King Guha suspects Bharata's intentions. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 84.
Sarga 85: Guha meets Bharata and is moved by his pure devotion
Guha meets Bharata and is moved by his pure devotion. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 85.
Sarga 86: Guha describes Rama and Lakshmana's night at Shringaverapura
Guha describes Rama and Lakshmana's night at Shringaverapura. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 86.
Sarga 87: Bharata weeps seeing the grass bed where Rama slept
Bharata weeps seeing the grass bed where Rama slept. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 87.
Sarga 88: Bharata marvels at Rama's supreme tapas
Bharata marvels at Rama's supreme tapas. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 88.
Sarga 89: Army crosses holy river Ganga with Guha's fleet of boats
Army crosses holy river Ganga with Guha's fleet of boats. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 89.
Sarga 90: Arrival at Sage Bharadwaja's Ashrama at Prayaga
Arrival at Sage Bharadwaja's Ashrama at Prayaga. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 90.
Sarga 91: Sage Bharadwaja creates celestial feast for entire army
Sage Bharadwaja creates celestial feast for entire army. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 91.
Sarga 92: Bharata departs Prayaga toward Chitrakoota
Bharata departs Prayaga toward Chitrakoota. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 92.
Sarga 93: Sight of beautiful Chitrakoota Mountain
Sight of beautiful Chitrakoota Mountain. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 93.
Sarga 94: Rama describes the beauty of Chitrakoota to Sita
Rama describes the beauty of Chitrakoota to Sita. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 94.
Sarga 95: Rama describes the sacred Mandakini river to Sita
Rama describes the sacred Mandakini river to Sita. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 95.
Sarga 96: Lakshmana spots vast approaching army from tree top
Lakshmana spots vast approaching army from tree top. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 96.
Sarga 97: Rama pacifies Lakshmana, praising Bharata's spotless love
Rama pacifies Lakshmana, praising Bharata's spotless love. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 97.
Sarga 98: Bharata approaches Rama's leafy hermitage on foot
Bharata approaches Rama's leafy hermitage on foot. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 98.
Sarga 99: Joyous and tearful reunion of Rama and Bharata
Joyous and tearful reunion of Rama and Bharata. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 99.
Sarga 100: Rama inquires about statecraft (Kachchit Sarga)
Rama inquires about statecraft (Kachchit Sarga). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 100.
Sarga 101: Bharata reveals King Dasaratha's demise
Bharata reveals King Dasaratha's demise. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 101.
Sarga 102: Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana offer water oblations in Mandakini
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana offer water oblations in Mandakini. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 102.
Sarga 103: Rama meets mothers Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi
Rama meets mothers Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 103.
Sarga 104: Vasishtha visits Rama's hermitage
Vasishtha visits Rama's hermitage. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 104.
Sarga 105: Rama discourses on the impermanence of mortal life
Rama discourses on the impermanence of mortal life. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 105.
Sarga 106: Bharata earnestly begs Rama to return and rule Ayodhya
Bharata earnestly begs Rama to return and rule Ayodhya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 106.
Sarga 107: Rama steadfastly upholds father's solemn vow
Rama steadfastly upholds father's solemn vow. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 107.
Sarga 108: Sage Jabali presents materialistic arguments (Lokayata)
Sage Jabali presents materialistic arguments (Lokayata). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 108.
Sarga 109: Rama refutes atheism, upholding eternal Truth (Satya)
Rama refutes atheism, upholding eternal Truth (Satya). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 109.
Sarga 110: Vasishtha recites Ikshvaku lineage, requesting Rama's return
Vasishtha recites Ikshvaku lineage, requesting Rama's return. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 110.
Sarga 111: Rama remains resolute on righteousness
Rama remains resolute on righteousness. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 111.
Sarga 112: Bharata threatens hunger strike (Prayopavesha); Rama counsels him
Bharata threatens hunger strike (Prayopavesha); Rama counsels him. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 112.
Sarga 113: Rama bestows His Sacred Golden Sandals (Padukas)
Rama bestows His Sacred Golden Sandals (Padukas). Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 113.
Sarga 114: Bharata places holy Padukas on his head and departs
Bharata places holy Padukas on his head and departs. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 114.
Sarga 115: Bharata installs Padukas at Nandigrama and rules as servant
Bharata installs Padukas at Nandigrama and rules as servant. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 115.
Sarga 116: Demons disturb hermits at Chitrakoota
Demons disturb hermits at Chitrakoota. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 116.
Sarga 117: Rama departs Chitrakoota; reaches Sage Atri's Ashrama
Rama departs Chitrakoota; reaches Sage Atri's Ashrama. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 117.
Sarga 118: Anasuya instructs Sita on the sublime glory of Pativrata Dharma
Anasuya instructs Sita on the sublime glory of Pativrata Dharma. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 118.
Sarga 119: Anasuya gifts divine garments & cosmetics; Rama enters Dandakaranya
Anasuya gifts divine garments & cosmetics; Rama enters Dandakaranya. Traditional canonical recitation of Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 119.