Mantharā, ever scheming, pressed her counsel upon Queen Kaikeyī, saying, “If you wish for the true welfare of your family, then Bharata must inherit the ancestral kingdom, in accordance with righteousness. Consider: Bharata, accustomed to every comfort, is a natural rival to Rāma. How could he, deprived of prosperity, endure living under the authority of one who possesses everything? Just as a mighty elephant leader is driven away in the forest by a lion, so too must you, Kaikeyī, protect Bharata, who is overshadowed by Rāma’s brilliance. Remember, once, in your pride over your good fortune, you rejected Rāma’s mother, your co-wife. Do you not see how she might now harbor enmity toward you? When Rāma gains the earth, adorned with countless treasures and mountains, then you, gentle lady, will suffer misfortune and defeat, together with your sorrowful son Bharata. If Rāma is crowned, Bharata will surely be lost. Therefore, consider how the kingdom may go to your own son, and reflect on the reason for Rāma’s exile.” As these words sank in, Kaikeyī’s face grew fierce with anger. Her breath came hot and heavy as she replied to Mantharā, “Today itself, I will send Rāma away to the forest. I will see that Bharata is swiftly anointed as heir. But tell me, how can I accomplish this, so that Bharata alone receives the kingdom and Rāma is prevented by any means?” Mantharā, intent on her dark purpose, responded, “Listen carefully, Kaikeyī, so that your son Bharata alone will be king. Why do you not remember, or why do you hide from me, that which concerns your own interest? If you wish to hear my counsel, listen well and act as I say.” Hearing Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī rose a little from her well-made bed and spoke, eager for instruction. So Mantharā, determined to harm Rāma, continued, “Long ago, during the great war between the gods and the demons, your husband Daśaratha, accompanied by the royal sages, took you with him to aid the lord of the gods. You traveled southward to Daṇḍaka, to the city of Vaijayantam, where the shark-banner flew. There, a mighty demon named Śambara, master of a hundred magical illusions and undefeated by the gods, fought Indra in battle. In that fierce conflict, the demons would drive away the men and slaughter the wounded and sleeping at night. There, your husband Daśaratha fought valiantly, but his mighty arms were shattered by weapons. O queen, you yourself carried your unconscious husband from the battlefield, protecting him even as you were wounded. Pleased by your devotion, Daśaratha granted you two boons, saying, ‘Whenever you wish, you may claim them.’ At the time, you answered, ‘I will accept them when I desire,’ and the great-souled king agreed. I did not know of this, O queen, until you told me before. Out of love for you, I have kept this story in my mind. Now is the moment: prevent the preparations for Rāma’s consecration and turn them back. Ask your husband for those two boons—the anointing of Bharata and the exile of Rāma for fourteen years. For fourteen years, while Rāma dwells in the forest, your son, beloved by the people, will become firmly established. Today, enter the chamber of anger, as if enraged with the king, and remain hidden there on the ground, wearing soiled garments. Do not look at him or speak to him. When the king, longing for you and filled with sorrow, comes to you, remain weeping but say nothing. You are always dear to your husband—of this there can be no doubt. For your sake, the great king would even enter fire. He cannot be angry with you, nor can he bear to see you angry. For your sake, he would even give up his life. The king cannot refuse your word; recognize the power of your own good fortune. He would offer you pearls, gems, gold, and many jewels. Do not set your heart on these. Instead, remind him of the two boons he granted you in the battle between gods and demons—he must not break his promise. When Rāghava himself lifts you up, and the king is present, then claim your boons. Let Rāma’s exile be for fourteen years—nine and five—and let Bharata be crowned king. For those fourteen years, while Rāma dwells in the forest, your son will grow strong, take root, and remain established. O queen, ask for this boon—the exile of Rāma. Thus, your son’s every desire will be fulfilled. With Rāma gone, he will no longer be a threat, and Bharata, free from rivals, will be king for you. By the time Rāma returns from the forest, your son will be firmly rooted in the kingdom, both inside and out.” Thus did Mantharā guide Kaikeyī, planting the seeds of a fateful resolve.