Rama was unmoved by Kaikeyi's merciless tirade. It brought no sadness upon him to know that her dishonourable wishes would only bring distressing results.In all humility, gracious to the core, he said, "Why did my father himself not tell me of Bharata's coronation when I would have willingly given up all that I possess, for the asking, to my brother Bharata.How much more will I not relinquish for my king, who is also my father, my 'Guru' and my god. To honor his vows I shall go into exile.Let messengers ride swift-footed horses, to escort Bharata back to Ayodhya."

Rama's words thrilled Kaikeyi. Not wanting to jeopardize her moment of triumph, she wished Rama away that very instant urging him to tarry no further. She even tried to convince him that it was of no concern if the king, shamed and confused did not speak to Rama his beloved son. She then dealt the ultimate blow by announcing to Rama that the king may not even bathe or eat until he left. Aghast at the blatant lie, Dasaratha's dwindling strength and tolerance crumbled. His battered mind succumbed to the havoc created by Kaikeyi's wiles and the great king fell unconscious on his golden couch.

Unaffected by the queen's jarring words, Rama, the virtuous son of a virtuous father, neither lost his his composure nor his grace. Beyond reach of all emotions he lifted his father tenderly, urged all the while by Kaikeyi to start on the journey. Impervious of Kaikeyi's frantic efforts, Rama, tranquil as ever told her with utmost courtesy, "Mother I have no ambitions. Know me to be an equal of the rishis. In dharma alone I take refuge. If fulfilling my father's wishes brings upon me my very death, so be it! If there be a greater virtue than that of serving my father, I am not aware of it. Even if my father does not say so I will still exile myself, so as to honor your wishes. Did you doubt my nature and my obedience towards you so much that you had to make your desire sound like a royal decree? I now take leave of you. Rest assured that I would not remain a moment more than it would take to bid farewell to my mother Kausalya and not a moment more than necessary to appease Sita."

Witness to all this, Dasaratha's tears flowed unchecked. A king broken and defeated agonized helplessly over his son. Once again he fought a losing battle with his consciousness and once again did it betray him. Rama took silent leave of his father who lay unconscious by worshipfully touching his feet. Kaikeyi's wickedness did not prevent Rama's nobility from paying her an equally reverential farewell. He then joined his friends followed by Lakshmana whose eyes streamed with tears of anger.

Relinquishing the kingdom did not mar Rama's serenity nor did it diminish his glory. Like a great sage whose heart was ever devoid of turmoil, Rama set out. Renouncing the throne and being banished from the country cast no shadow over him. Bidding an affectionate farewell to all those around him he went to see Kausalya with no trace of emotion. His only concern was of the distress that the fateful changes would cause, where supreme joy had prevailed. In relinquishing the kingdom Rama gave up the entire fanfare and trappings that went with it. Abandoning the royal canopy, the beautifully ornate fans and the chariot, he walked to his mother's apartments, his face radiating a divine glow.