They gain the blessings of numerous wise men and sages along the way. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana wander the forests, combating evil wherever they encounter it. Upon Ram's insistence, Bharata rules as his proxy over Ayodhya throughout the 14 year exile. Bharata decides instead to bring back to the palace Rama's paduka and places them on the throne as a gesture that Ram is the true king. However, Rama refuses, bound by his duty to carry out his father's promise.

When Bharata learns that his mother is responsible for Rama's exile, he follows Rama and begs him to return with him to Ayodhya. Ram reluctantly accepts the company of his wife, Sita, and his younger brother, Lakshmana. Rama happily accepts the exile and leaves for the forest. Reluctantly, he asks Rama to leave for the forest. Although heartbroken, Dasharatha is compelled to keep his word. Recalling that Dasharatha had once promised to grant her any two boons that she asked of him, she demands first that Rama should be exiled to the forest for 14 years and second that Bharata should be crowned ruler in his stead.

Rama is to become the king of Ayodhya upon his father's retirement, but his stepmother, Kaikeyi, under the influence of her maid Manthara, desires that her son, Bharata, become the king instead. Ramayan narrates the tale of Rama, who was the eldest of the four sons of Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya.

Ramayan 2012 cast