01
Origins and family
After years without heirs he performed a sacrifice that led to the birth of four sons.
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Character Chronicle
Ramayana · King of Ayodhya
Dasharatha
Aging king whose love for Rama collided with an old promise to Kaikeyi.
RamayanaThree queensPromises
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Biography
The story of Dasharatha
Dasharatha is aging king whose love for Rama collided with an old promise to Kaikeyi. Father of Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna; husband of Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra.
After years without heirs he performed a sacrifice that led to the birth of four sons.
He chose Rama as successor, believing the kingdom secure.
Kaikeyi claimed two old boons: Bharata's coronation and Rama's fourteen-year exile; Dasharatha felt bound to comply.
Unable to endure separation from Rama, he died in grief, recalling an earlier accidental killing that had brought a curse.
Life journey
Four defining chapters
02
Rise and relationships
He chose Rama as successor, believing the kingdom secure.
03
Defining crisis
Kaikeyi claimed two old boons: Bharata's coronation and Rama's fourteen-year exile; Dasharatha felt bound to comply.
04
Final phase and legacy
Unable to endure separation from Rama, he died in grief, recalling an earlier accidental killing that had brought a curse.
Promises made in one moment may become unbearable duties in another.
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