King Dasharatha announced the coronation of Shri Rama, and all of Ayodhya was filled with joy. But swayed by the words of her maid Manthara, Queen Kaikeyi asked the king for the two boons he had promised her years before: the throne for Bharata, and fourteen years of exile in the forest for Shri Rama.
Bound by his word, Dasharatha was heartbroken, but Shri Rama accepted his father's promise with a smile. Sita and Lakshmana went with him to the forest. As he ferried them across the Ganga, the boatman Kevat washed the Lord's feet, an everlasting moment of devotion.
Grieving the loss of his son, King Dasharatha passed away. Bharata, returning from his mother's family home, opposed what his mother had done and went to Chitrakoot to bring Shri Rama back. When Shri Rama would not break his word, Bharata brought back his sandals, placed them on the throne, and ruled the kingdom from Nandigram, living like an ascetic.
During the exile Shri Rama freed many sages from the torment of demons and made his home at Panchavati. The aged devotee Shabari lovingly tasted berries before offering them, and the Lord ate them with joy, showing that God cares for devotion, not caste or birth.