Dasharatha decides to abdicate and consults his counsellors and they all agree that Rama should be the next king. His three wives are not part of the decision making. A maid poisons the mind of Kaikeyi and she demands that Bharata be made king. The king unable to break promises made earlier, the reputation of Ikshavku clan is at stake, falls down senseless. Kaikeyi sends for Rama and there is a poignant moment when Rama calmly accepts the words of his step mother that his father wants Bharata to become the king and wonders why his father does not speak to him directly.
Kambar says:
When fell these cruel words from Kaikai's lips, who can his calmness fitly paint? ....It was like before, the faultless lotus opening to the dawn, his unchanged look outshone in tranquil grace.....He said, 'Ee'n were it not my father's will....would Ram thy son transgress thy will? and Bharata's fortune can it ever be less dear than mine? I say no more: I take thy blest command a sacred duty; Behold this very day I start and take my leave.'
In Valmiki Ramayana the scene is different.
Rama even said this when Kaikeyi tells him that Dasharatha wants Bharata to be king:
"Without being asked, I myself would have gladly offered even Sita with kingdom, even my life, loved ones and wealth." Kaikeyi glad that he would certainly go, urged him to make haste at once.
Back to Kambar:
The artless Kausalya first reacts nobly. 'This is contrary to usage, but renunciation doth well become thee, son. And, having bestowed the sceptre on thy brother, live with him in friendship and peace.' But when Rama tells her that he is required to live in the forest for fourteen years, it is too much for her. And 'like a deer struck to the heart by the murderous arrow. she fell to the ground and broke out into heart-rending sobs.' Rama manages to convince her that he has to obey his father and the duty as a wife conquered the affection of the mother and she lets him go with a blessing.
The news of his exile spreads, Rama has the difficult task of calming the impetous Lakshamana who swore that he would install Rama as the king and fight even gods if necessary. Sumitra who loved Rama was filled with grief at the turn of events, consoled by Rama, commands Lakshamana to accompany his brother.
Rama finally meets Sita, explains to her the situation and asked leave of her.......Sita replies 'But, lord, thy word to me to stay at home while thou dost leave, an exile to the wilds unknown, that word has pierced my heart'. Said Rama: 'Thy tender feet are not made to tread the stony wilds that burn like molten wax.'.. 'But can the stony wilds', said she, 'burn more than the separation from my Ram?' ...So saying, before Rama can reply, goes in and gets ready and stood by his side without a word to accompany him to the forests. All the men and women that witnessed that strong love and quiet determination, wept with renewed grief.
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