Significance of Kaikeyi
In Finnish: Kaikeyi; In Spanish: Kaikeyi; In Dutch: Kaakeyi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Kaikeyi'
Kaikeyi, in Hinduism, is portrayed as King Dasaratha's ambitious and cruel wife, whose demand for Rama's exile initiates a chain of tragic events, leading to deep grief and turmoil for her family.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The wife of King Dasaratha who demands the exile of Rama, expressing her desperation and anger.[1] (2) The queen who demanded Rama's exile and Bharata's ascension to the throne, playing a crucial role in the narrative's conflict.[2] (3) The wife of King Dasaratha, depicted as ambitious and cruel, responsible for the misfortunes befalling Rama due to her desires.[3] (4) The character responsible for the banishment of Rama, whose influence has led to the king's deep regret and the ensuing calamity.[4] (5) The second queen of King Dasaratha, whose jealousy leads to Sita's exile.[5]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A brahmin girl whose faithful performance of Shiva's Vratas led her to great happiness.[6]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The youngest wife of King Dasharatha, who bore the son Bharata.[7]
From: Agni Purana
(1) One of King Dasharatha's wives, who, influenced by Manthara, demands that Rama be sent to the forest.[8]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) Kaikeyi is the queen of Ayodhya and wife of king Dasharatha, known for her significant role in the story of Rama.[9]
Jain concept of 'Kaikeyi'
In Jainism, Kaikeyi is interpreted as the virtuous daughter of Subandhutilaka and Queen Mitra, noted for her good temperament, illustrating values such as kindness and moral character within the faith's teachings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The daughter of Subandhutilaka and Queen Mitra, known for her good temperament.[10]
The concept of Kaikeyi in local and regional sources
Kaikeyi, King Dasaratha's youngest wife and Bharata's mother, played a pivotal role in Sita's exile by manipulating her husband's promises, significantly altering the fate of characters in the Ramayana through her actions and motives.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Bharata's mother, depicted in a complex light, showing both selfishness and unselfish sacrifice.[11] (2) The wife of King Dasaratha whose actions led to Rama's exile.[12] (3) The step-mother of Sri Rama, who instigated the turn of events that led to Rama being denied his crown.[13] (4) The wife of King Dasaratha and mother of Bharata, involved in the plot against Sri Rama.[14]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Ram’s stepmother, mentioned in the context of acting on doubt and leading to unfavorable outcomes similar to the woman's fate.[15] (2) The youngest wife of King Dashrath, whose actions led to Rama's exile.[16] (3) The youngest wife of Dasharath who instigated Rama's exile to fulfill a promise from her husband.[17]