Ayodhya Kand of Ramayana in Simple Language
Ayodhya Kand is the second book of the Ramayana and tells the story of Lord Rama’s life in Ayodhya before his exile. This part of the Ramayana focuses on family, duty, and devotion.
King Dasharatha was the ruler of Ayodhya. He had three queens—Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra—and four sons. Lord Rama was the eldest son, born to Queen Kausalya. Bharata was Kaikeyi’s son, and the twins, Lakshmana and Shatrughna, were born to Sumitra. Rama was loved by everyone for his wisdom, courage, and kindness.
Dasharatha loved Rama the most and wanted to crown him king. People of Ayodhya were happy, and preparations for Rama’s coronation had already begun. Everyone was celebrating, but Kaikeyi secretly felt jealous and wanted her son Bharata to become king instead of Rama. She remembered two promises that Dasharatha had made to her earlier, during her time of help in the past. Kaikeyi decided to use these promises to her advantage.
When the coronation day came, Kaikeyi approached King Dasharatha and reminded him of his promises. She demanded that Rama be sent to the forest for fourteen years and that Bharata be made king. Dasharatha was shocked and heartbroken because he loved Rama dearly. He tried to explain that Rama was the rightful heir, but Kaikeyi was firm and would not change her mind. The king had no choice but to obey her, as keeping promises was his duty.
Rama accepted his father’s command without any complaint. He was always devoted to truth and dharma (righteousness). He told his father that he would willingly go to the forest. Sita, his devoted wife, decided to accompany him, saying that life is meaningless without Rama. Lakshmana, Rama’s younger brother, also insisted on going to the forest to protect him. Dasharatha was deeply saddened but could not stop them.
Before leaving, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana received blessings from the elders and citizens of Ayodhya. The people were very sad to see their beloved prince leave, but they understood that Rama was following dharma. Dasharatha, overwhelmed by sorrow, returned to the palace, his heart heavy with grief.
Bharata, meanwhile, was away in his maternal home when he learned of his mother’s actions. When he returned to Ayodhya, he was shocked to see that Rama had been sent to exile and that his father had died from the grief. Bharata was heartbroken and angry with his mother but refused to accept the throne. He considered it dishonorable to sit on the throne while Rama was alive and following his father’s command.
Bharata rushed to the forest to meet Rama. He pleaded with Rama to return to Ayodhya, but Rama reminded him that he must complete his fourteen-year exile to uphold dharma. Bharata accepted Rama’s decision and showed his love and respect in a noble way. He took Rama’s sandals and placed them on the throne, ruling Ayodhya as Rama’s representative. Bharata promised that he would never sit on the throne until Rama returned. This showed his devotion, humility, and righteousness.
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana then began their journey in the forest. They faced many hardships but remained steadfast. Ayodhya Kand teaches important lessons about obedience, family duty, truth, and sacrifice. Rama’s character reflects perfect virtue and righteousness. Even in difficult times, he obeyed his father’s words, showing that following dharma is more important than personal desires.
Dasharatha’s death is a turning point in the story. It shows the pain of separation and the consequences of attachment. Bharata’s loyalty and selflessness highlight the importance of love, respect, and moral duty in family life. Sita’s decision to follow Rama demonstrates the strength of devotion and marital love.
Ayodhya Kand ends with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana settling in the forest, preparing to live a simple life. They face many challenges ahead, but their courage, patience, and devotion will guide them through the hardships. This part of the Ramayana teaches readers about the values of truth, duty, sacrifice, and love, which remain relevant even today.
More stories:
- English Short Stories of Raja Harishchandra
- English Short Stories of Lord Hanuman
- English Short Stories of Shivaji
- English Short Stories of Lord Ram
- English Short Stories of Lord Brahma



