Dasharatha married Kaikeyi, princess of Kekaya, who saved his life in battle by serving as his charioteer. Their son Bharata was born after the Putrakameshti sacrifice. Kaikeyi later demanded Rama's exile and Bharata's coronation, using boons Dasharatha had granted her.
Kaikeyi invoked her two boons on the eve of Rama's coronation, demanding Ayodhya's throne for Bharata and Rama's banishment to the forest for fourteen years, plunging the city into mourning as its beloved prince departed through weeping crowds.
Dasharatha fought alongside the devas against the asuras in a celestial war. During the battle, Kaikeyi served as his charioteer when his driver was incapacitated, saving his life. In gratitude, Dasharatha promised her two boons — the same boons she later used to demand Rama's exile.
Kaikeyi's boons forced Rama into exile. Lakshmana was furious and urged Rama to seize the throne by force, but ultimately chose to accompany his brother into the forest.
Kaikeyi's boons forced Rama into fourteen years of exile. Sita chose to accompany Rama into the forest rather than remain in the palace, sharing every hardship of the exile Kaikeyi caused.
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