Consoling Kausalya, Lakshmana said that he saw no reason for Rama to go the forests, forsaking the throne merely on an order passed by a woman. "Goaded by Kaikeyi, enslaved by his passion for her, with a mind rendered feeble with age, what will not Dasaratha say? What trespasses has Rama committed to warrant his banishment? There is none in this world that dare confront him with an accusation. God-like, guiless, impeccably disciplined by great masters, dear even to his enemies, Rama is an embodiment of nobility. How can a father beholding a son so immaculate, exile him without cause or compunction? Before word of this banishment spreads, let us together take over the kingdom. With me by your side, no man will dare face you.If the wicked king, our father, infatuated and instigated by Kaikeyi chooses to turn our enemy, I will not hesitate to capture him, nor will I hesitate to even slay him.If a father, who is also the guru, goes beyond the barriers of justice in his arrogance, he is punishable. What authorizes the king to bestow this realm on Kaikeyi, which is your inheritance? What gives him the courage to alienate and distance us, so as to crown Bharata?"

Lakshmana turned to mother Kausalya assuring her, "I pledge my allegiance to my brother in every way.Any forest or fires that Rama enters consider it done that I will enter it first.I will dispel your grief like the Sun dispels the dark of night." Kausalyapleaded with Rama to act upon Lakshmana's advice. "Can you leave me to the mercy of Kaikeyi, a woman so full of spite and malice? You speak of righteousness and that righteousness says a mother is as sacred to man as his father, and that both are his Gurus.Be righteous Rama! I command you not to go. Stay by my side and serve me.I cannot live without you! If you do not heed me, I shall fast unto death."

Neither Kausalya's tears nor Lakshmana's anger swayed the noble son of Dasaratha, from his resolve, as he said, "I do not have the strength to defy my father.In the days of yore, Rishi Kandu accrued the sin of slaying a cow in discharging his filial duty.The sons of Sagara destroyed many lives in fulfilling their father's wishes. Parasurama executing the orders of his father Jamadagni axed his mother to death. Many a man of might and honor had obeyed his sire and so will I. Am I establishing a new code of honour that had not existed earlier?

"The king, all his life, has been famed for his virtue, knowledge and righteousness. If such a man commands me, I will not ask the reason why. I shall only obey and so shall you.It is up to me to help him keep his promise to Kaikeyi. Kshatriya dharma does not permit disobedience to the word of a father, mother or a Brahmin even if they arise out of anger, passion or desire. It is by the order of the king that Kaikeyi banishes me. Perish your thoughts of violence and honour your duty!

"Mother! So noble and so god fearing is Dasaratha, that he is the image of dharma. When such a man is alive, how can you say you will follow me into the forest? Never shall I sacrifice my duty, even if it be to inherit the earth, nor shall I accept an inheritance which is not impeccably just. In a life so impermanent, I do not wish to rule a world equally impermanent for which I have little use. The rewards of kingship are so paltry and inferior, compared to the immortal fame gained by strict adherence torighteousness." Rama then bade an affectionate and reverential farewell to his mother.