Rama met the challenge of Parasurama and lifted the Vishnu Danush. He then told Parasurama that the arrow has to be pointed either at all the worlds or at Parasurama’s feet. He also told Parasurama that he cannot proceed to this world or next world without Rama’s command. Parasurama at once realized that he is Vishnu in human avatar. He then narrated his own life story. Parasurama meditated upon Lord Vishnu, who appeared to him and revealed that he is a part of the Lord. He explained that every seeker, especially those dedicated to the path of devotion, will find a suitable guru to guide them toward liberation. Parasurama states that liberation is imbibing that Brahman is the experiential reality. Furthermore, Parasurama emphasizes that one must not be carried away by vacillations of mind or situations. Finally, he states that Rama must fulfil his life's purpose to continue the work of establishing dharma in the world. Picture Credit: 18th Century Rajasthani painting, National Museum, Delhi

After Rama lifted the Vishnu Danush, Parasurama realized that Rama is Vishnu avatar. He then transfers all his Vishnu energy to Rama. This transfer is presented as a spiritual act necessary for Rama to fulfil his life's purpose as desired by Lord Brahma and Lord Siva. By transferring this divine essence, Parasurama empowers Rama to continue the work of establishing dharma. Parasurama also tells Rama that the six conditions of life are not applicable to Rama. The six conditions are existence, birth, increase, modification, decay and death. Parasurama asks Rama to point the arrow at all the good actions that Parasurama has undertaken. In Valmiki Ramayana, Rama says he will either destroy the gait of Parasurama or destroy the divya-lokas Parasurama has gained through his tapas. There is no mention of Parasurama bequeathing his energy to Rama. Additional Source: Essential Ramayana by Arjun Bharadwaj. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications.

In the beginning of the Ayodhya Kandam, Narada came to Ayodhya to remind Rama of the purpose of his life, which he is bound to forget while in human form. Narada notes that Lord Brahma and Lord Siva desired Rama to solve a grave problem faced by the world caused by Ravana. Narada warns that if Rama is coronated as king now, it would be difficult to achieve this goal. Human minds fluctuate all the time and sometimes someone must remind them of their duty, strength, and purpose. Therefore, Narada serves to keep the mission of annihilating Ravana and re-establishing dharma always fresh in Rama's mind. Rama in turn tells Narada that he would be leaving for Vanavas for 14 years during which time he will defeat the asuras. He also mentions that Sita will be main reason for all these events in the future. Narada’s visit to Ayodhya is not part of Valmiki Ramayana. Picture Credit: Babeesh, Guruvayoor Devaswom Mural Institute

Narada describes Rama as omnipresent and asserts that the universe is Rama’s house. He observes that Rama is very good at pretending to be a king and that his life is a drama that he plays. He explains that Rama and Sita Devi are like the glowing sun and the effulgence emanating from the sun. Narada explicitly states that he does not see anyone else other than Rama anywhere he turns to. He says “May your Maya never conceal my power of discrimination. May I be blessed with devotion unto your lotus feet! Please treat me as your servant's, servant's, servant.” He asks Rama for the discrimination to see the "truth from untruth, reality from illusion, and sat from asat." Picture Credit: Dr. K.U. Krishnakumar and Guruvayoor Devaswom

Bharata and Shatrughna were sent to the kingdom of Kekaya at the request of Yudhajith, who is the king of Kekaya and brother of Queen Kaikeyi. Yudhajith wanted them to spend time in his palace. This is used by Manthara to instigate Kaikeyi. She tells Kaikeyi that it was a design by Dasaratha to coronate Rama when Bharata is away. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications.

Dasaratha consulted Vasishta about his thoughts of coronating Rama. Once they decided to have the coronation the next day itself, Dasaratha asked Vasishta to inform Rama. Vasishta revealed to Rama that he knows all the secrets about the avatar of Rama and Sita Devi. He acknowledged that everything is a divine play in which all characters are playing their roles under the spell of Maya, the illusory force of ignorance. He told Rama that the coronation is a prominent part of that drama. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications.

The Gods became concerned at the news of Rama’s coronation. They knew that if Rama became king, the plan to annihilate Ravana would not happen. The Gods requested Goddess Saraswathi to intervene to disrupt the coronation ceremony, Saraswathi performed magic by residing at the tips of the tongue of Manthara, the chief maid of Queen Kaikeyi. This action caused Manthara to begin admonishing Kaikeyi and planting seeds of suspicion regarding the coronation of Rama. In Valmiki Ramayana Manthara instigates Kaikeyi on her own. After getting convinced by Manthara, Kaikeyi offers to paint her entire hunch-back in Gold once Bharata is coronated. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications.

Kaikeyi was granted two boons by Dasaratha because she saved his life during a war with demons. When a wheel of the king's chariot was about to dislodge from the axle during battle, Kaikeyi put her finger in the pinhole to prevent the accident. She continued to hold her finger till the end of the battle. Because she saved his life, the king offered her two boons, which she finally chose to use to demand that Bharatha be crowned and Rama be banished. In Valmiki Ramayana, Dasaratha falls unconscious in the battlefield and Kaikeyi is his charioteer. She carries him to safety and restored him. She rescues him a second time too; and receives promise of two boons from Dasaratha. Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Lala Baij Nath Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications.