Miscellaneous - Religion   

Destiny's sway

CHENNAI : The Ramayana illustrates the extent of pressure that destiny exerts in the life of mankind, besides showing the need and the means to cope with its harassing influence. That destiny can suddenly and unimaginably obstruct an action and its effects cannot be counteracted is exemplified in the episode when Lord Rama's coronation that was begun with much fanfare and excitement was cancelled, said Mannargudi Sri S. Gopalakrishna Sastrigal in a lecture. The accidental visit of Kaikeyi's maidservant Manthara on the eve of this occasion became a turning point in the Ramayana.

Destiny is shown to bring about a tremendous change of heart in people so that unexpected upheavals are initiated. Kaikeyi who was genuinely elated at the news of Rama's coronation, and even gave Manthara one of her jewels, took a diametrically opposite stance within a short span of time when Manthara had used all her resourcefulness, cunningness, tact and persuasive powers to convince Kaikeyi to stop the coronation. Feigning to seek Kaikeyi's welfare, she spoke on behalf of Bharata to melt the mother's heart. Kaikeyi chided Manthara and told her that her attitude would not bring good either to her, or Kaikeyi or Bharata.

Then Manthara tried to fan the flame of jealousy against Kousalya in Kaikeyi. Noticing a slight whiff of change in Kaikeyi at this point, Manthara quickly alluded to Dasaratha's promise of yore to Kaikeyi's father of handing over the kingdom to Kaikeyi's son, wondering at Dasaratha's haste in going ahead with the coronation when Bharata was away. She also reminded Kaikeyi of the two boons Dasaratha had granted her when she had displayed remarkable charioting skills and saved his life. Kaikeyi had confided these matters only to Manthara who now urged her to avail herself of these. The emotional strain of Dasaratha at the turn of events wrought by destiny is offset by the equanimity of Lord Rama. There was no elation at the announcement of the coronation, nor was there any disappointment at the cancellation that carried with it the fourteen-year banishment order as well.

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