5. Rāma's Coronation Further Preparation [Daśaratha sends sage Vasiṣṭha to Rāma to instruct on the rituals to be observed. Vasiṣṭha carries out his instructions. On his way back, Vasiṣṭha observes the people of Ayodhyā in a festive mood.] After giving farewell to Rāma, Daśaratha sent word to Vasiṣṭha who was his priest to discuss about the coronation that was to

6. Rāma's Observation of Rituals [Rāma and Sītā perform rituals and woke up early morning. Ayodhyā was celebrating the great function and all thoroughfares were full of happy people.] After the departure of the family priest Rāma took bath and worshipped Lord Nārāyaṇa with great concentration along with his wife who had broad eyes. 6.1 Then in accordance with the

7. Mandāra's Advice to Kaikeyi [The hunchback Mandāra, who is the personal servant of Kaikeyī, tells her that the crowning of Rāma is a bad news to Kaikeyi. She is rebuffed as Kaikeyi becomes happy with the news.] The family maid servant who was living with her from the time of her birth, without any specific reason came out of

8. Mandāra's Further Advice to Kaikeyi [Mandāra tries to tell in skilful words, the problems that may arise when Rāma becomes the king. She says that Kaikeyi would be made a slave by her co-wife.] Mandāra thoroughly disgusted and filled with rage and sorrow, rejected that ornament and said. 8.1 "Oh childish lady, why are you happy at the inappropriate

9. Kaikeyi is Influenced by Mandāra [By the influencing words of Mandāra, Kaikeyi asks Mandāra for a plan to crown Bhārata. Mandāra suggests that she should request for two boons promised earlier by Daśaratha and ask that Bhārata should be crowned and Rāma should go to the forest for fourteen years. According to her advice, Kaikeyi strips off all her

10. Daśaratha Consoles Kaikeyi [Daśaratha is shocked to see his young wife in the room of anger. He promises that he would fulfil all her wishes as she is dear to him. Kaikeyi gets hope.] That lady misled by the very sinful hunchback lay down on earth like a Kinnara woman hit by a poisoned arrow. 10.1 After making up

11. Kaikeyi Asks for Boons [Daśaratha promises her that he would give any boon asked by her and takes the oath on Rāma. Kaikeyi reminds him of the earlier war and his promise to give her two boons. She wants Bhārata to be crowned next day and that Rāma should go to the forest for fourteen years.] Armed with the

12. Daśaratha Requests Kaikeyi [Daśaratha is shattered and he reasons out, chides, shouts, begs and requests Kaikeyi to change her decision. She seems to be unyielding.] Hearing those horrible words, the great king, became very sad and extremely pained. 12.1 He thought, "Am I dreaming? Has my mind paralyzed? Is it one of those bad omens which I have been

13. Daśaratha's Diplomacy Fails [Daśaratha again cries but when he sees that she is not bothered about it, flatters her in various ways and requests her not to insist on that boon.] The king who did not merit this treatment was lying down in an unsuitable manner like King Yayāti who had fallen from the land of devas after his