Kaikeyi

Five years later, Rama asks Kaikeyi to accompany him to the temple to see the sages, as he says they are having problems, and he thinks Kaikeyi could help them. She goes with him, and Rama asks her to pray in the women’s area before he leads her back to the sages’ area. They are upset that he brought a woman to their sacred space, but they allow Kaikeyi back out of respect for Rama, whom they refer to as the yuvraja. Confused, Kaikeyi wonders if Rama will be hurt when he finds out that Bharata will be the next raja. The sages do not initially tell Kaikeyi what their problems are, as their services are well attended, and they still secure many donations. They finally admit that they are upset that women have been given more freedom, as it goes against the will of the gods. Kaikeyi takes offense that they do not speak to her with respect, as she is the radnyi. She and Rama leave, and he apologizes for the sages’ rudeness.

Back at the palace, Kaikeyi visits Dasharath. He mentions wanting to send Rama away to an ashram to train under sage Vishvamitra, a legendary warrior.