Week 3 Story: Rama's Token

Rama's Token

Coronation of Rama's golden sandals

Web Source: Smile Maker Krishna

Many years ago, there were two princes named Rama and Laksmana. These princes were known to all of the land as the richest and most handsome men in all of the land. For quite awhile, these princes grew to know a life that composed of only them and their father.

Their father was the king of the ancient and extravagant city, Ayodhya. Their father grew tired of spending his nights alone and took another bride named Kaikeyi. The king and his wife brought another heir into this world. They called him, Bharata.

Bharata grew to love his elder brothers and even learned the secret identity of Rama. Rama was an incarnation of the God, Vishnu. The three brothers lived a glorious life together and shared many adventures.

As years passed, the young princes grew into men and Rama became the first to take a bride. His bride, Sita, was said to be more beautiful than the moon. Together they lived in harmony with Rama's family.

Until one day, the queen, Kaikeyi, began to express her hatred towards Rama and worked her evil-doings onto the king. Kaikeyi wanted her son to become the new king of Ayodhya and she knew this could not be done with the two elder princes having a legitimate claim to the throne.

Her plan? She sunk her claws into the king and had him banish his eldest son, Rama. The queen knew that Laksmana was loyal to Rama and would follow after him. 

Two birds or should I say princes, were killed with one stone.

The two brothers disappeared into the jungle, taking Sita with them.

The king soon felt extreme grief and it became too much to bare. His body had grown old and weak throughout the years that the banishment of his son was enough to end his life.

The king has perished.

Bharata learned of his father's death and immediately sought Rama, however, he was nowhere to be found. Bharata then sought his mother and her evil plan unfolded right before her eyes.

The queen exclaim "IT SHOULD BE YOU TO CARRY ON THE THRONE!"

Bharata silenced her and went chasing after his brothers because he knew that Rama was the rightful heir to the throne. Into the jungle Bharata went and it was not long before he discovered his banished brothers and sister-in-law. Bharata had set out on a mission to bring his family home and was determined not to leave unless they agreed to leave with them. He urged Rama to return home and take his seat on the throne, but Rama declined.

Rama stated, "I will return in 14 years when I have fulfilled my exile. I will not break my oath to our father."

Bharata felt defeated and did not want to return to the city without them.

Rama comforted Bharata and said, "Brother, do not be upset. You shall not return to the city without me," and offered his gold-plated sandals to Bharata as a token of appreciation for his unwavering loyalty.

Bharata began to tear up and swore to Rama that his most prized sandals would be placed upon the throne and guarded until his return.

Rama agreed to rule after completing his exile and Bharata returned home to fulfill his promise.

Author's Note:

I decided to put a spin on the original story of Rama's sandals and give it a Cinderella vibe. By this I mean that, I decided to play on his step-mother's intentions of banishment and give more depth to her character. I do like having Bharata be the center of attention and the one to discover his mother's wrong-doings. I also decided to change the original story of Bharata gifting Rama a pair of sandals to Rama gifting them to Bharata as a token of appreciation. 

Bibliography:

"The Sandals" by Donald A. Mackenzie Web Source