Dasharatha was a legendary king of the kingdom of Kosala, which was located in ancient India. He is best known as the father of Lord Rama, one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology. Dasharatha is also famous for his role in the epic Ramayana, where he is portrayed as a wise and just ruler.
According to Hindu mythology, Dasharatha had three wives – Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kausalya was the eldest and most beloved wife of Dasharatha, and she was the mother of Rama. Kaikeyi, the second wife, was the mother of Bharata, and Sumitra was the mother of Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
Dasharatha was a brave warrior and an able ruler who maintained peace and prosperity in his kingdom. He was greatly loved by his subjects and was known for his generosity and kindness towards them. Dasharatha was also a devout follower of the gods and performed many religious rituals and sacrifices to appease them.
However, Dasharatha’s life took a tragic turn when Kaikeyi, influenced by her maid Manthara, asked Dasharatha to fulfill two promises he had made to her earlier. The first promise was to make her son Bharata the heir to the throne instead of Rama, and the second was to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years. Dasharatha was heartbroken at this turn of events but had to fulfill his promises as a king.
Dasharatha died of grief soon after Rama’s banishment, and his passing was mourned by his family and the people of Kosala. Dasharatha’s legacy continues to live on through his sons and their descendants, who are believed to have ruled over the kingdom of Kosala for generations.