Rama tried to console Sita, who though distraught silently vowed to accompany him. Incensed with anger, tempered with love, she said, "My lord! my father committed a great blunder in choosing you for a son- in-law, little knowing that you are but a woman, in the garb of a man. He will be shamed to hear that diffident about protecting your consort you had abandoned me. Men in their ignorance talk of your might and its magnitude. Is that not a falsehood?

"What fear causes this hesitation, in taking me? Leaving me behind, do you gift me to the world, to be its courtesan? The duties you remind me of towards your parents, towards myself and towards Bharata, why can you not dispense them yourself? As for me, no heaven, forest or penance would I enter without you. How can I, who cannot live even for a moment away from you, survive fourteen long years of separation?" Sita finally, gave vent to her torment as she fell into Rama's arms with hot tears of anguish flowing down her face. Embracing her Rama said, "My dear, the very heavens have no use for me, if you are not happy. Like the self created Brahma, I am fearless. Not knowing your wish, I tried to stop you. You have been created to share my life and will ever follow me, as Suvarchala follows Surya. I enter the forest not by choice, but as commanded by my father who is my god and guru. Reverence to one's parents alone is the means to heaven, knowledge, fame, prosperity and progeny. Come walk the path of dharma with me. Your decision brings honor to your family and mine. You have proven yourself a jewel among women. Give away all our wealth to the Brahmins, to the poor and to all those who have served us". The glow was back on Sita's face, rapturous and expectant she began to dispose of all their possessions without delay."



SARGA- 31



Hearing Rama grant permission to Sita, Lakshmana fell at his brother's feet and begged to let him also accompany them. Lakshmana looked pleadingly at Sita and then at Rama who was reputed never to abandon any, who sought refuge in him, 'Even if there is a place on this earth where there is neither old age nor death, I do not desire it. Without you, I do not want kingship heaven or earth".Rama said, "Lakshmana, you are not only my brother but my friend and my life. What of Kausalya and Sumitra if you go with me? The king enticed by Kaikeyi may slight them and she with the kingdom in her hands, may not do them justice. Indebted to Kaikeyi trying to please her, Bharata may not spare much thought to my mothers. Stay back Lakshmana, there is no greater dharma than serving one's parents." Lakshmana who refused to be dissuaded said, "Kausalya can take charge of a thousand Lakshmanas like me and bear them. So can Sumitra who is equally competent. As for Bharata, he is a noble Ikshvaku and will cherish the queens with the greatest of love and reverence. Take me with you, I will be your servant."

Moved by Lakshmana's devotion, Rama agreed saying, "Go bid farewell to those dear to you. Bring with you the bows and the quivers, the swords and armor". Darting away happily, he also brought back Suyajna son of Vasishta and his disciples into Rama's presence along with other eminent Brahmins so that they could pay them their worshipful homage before departing.



SARGA- 32

Beholding Lakshmana returning with Suyajna, the Brahmin, whose effulgence was like that of fire, Rama and Sita went forth to greet him. Rama gave him many gifts and also wanted the holy one to accept a thousand elephants along with the elephant named Satrumjaya, gifted to him by his uncle. He also urged that he take with him, the bracelets, rings, anklets and girdle that Sita wanted Suyajna's wife to have. Gracefully accepting them, Suyajna showered the royal couple with his blessings. Lakshmana, according to the wishes of his brother also honored the great sages Agastya and Visvamitra bestowing on them many gifts.To the priest who conducted the prayers and rituals for Kausalya, was given a chariot, attendants and fine clothes. Chitraratha, Rama's charioteer merited a thousand cows and wealth in the form of jewels and gems. Forgetting none that deserved his magnanimity Rama said "May mother Kausalya be happy by witnessing all the Brahmins thus honored."

Rama consoled his faithful attendants whose tears he tried to check and whose desolation at his departure he could not stem. It was then that Trijata came accompanied by his wife, who suffered along with him and their children in utter poverty. He requested Rama to have pity on him, who through all his poverty glowed like a Bhrigu or Angiras. To him, Rama gave a thousand cows. With all his wealth distributed, no Brahmin friend, servant, pauper or beggar was left, who was not loaded with affection, attention and wealth, from the great lord Rama.



SARGA- 33

All the wealth given away, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita set out to the palace of Dasaratha, to take leave of him. None in the city of Ayodhya were indoors, streets thronged with people still decked in their festive finery.Some climbed trees, terraces and seven storied buildings to catch a last glimpse of their adored prince. Rama came down the royal avenue neither crowned nor riding an elephant as he should have been, but walking barefoot. He was followed by Sita and Lakshmana without even a canopy to protect them from the heat of the sun. The desolate scene sent waves of shock and dismay, among those who looked in disbelief while gloom and anger reigned, at the unexpected turn of events. People aired their ire saying "Look at the princess so delicate and shielded until now, who even the celestials had not been able to fleetingly glance at. This embodiment of beauty and grace will soon be in the forest, where the rays of the Sun will scorch her, where rains will drench her and the unrelenting elements will rob her of her wondrous glow. "Rama who always rode splendid chariots of gold, drawn by the best of horses, accompanied by the four divisions of the army, now walks barefoot on the streets of Ayodhya. This deplorable depiction of injustice is the result of a folly committed by the king rendered witless by his evil queen. How can otherwise a son so blameless be banished? The root of the tree of humanity is Rama, and Dasaratha has severed that root without mercy." So venting their anger, the citizens of Ayodhya decided to move out of their city. "Let Lakshmana be our ideal, let us also follow Rama. May Kaikeyi rule a ghost city where abandoned homes will no longer contain wealth, where fields will be barren and where mice will run rampant. A pall of gloom will descend on the kingdom gained by Kaikeyi through her diabolic plotting. Emptied of its populace, a profound silence will reign. No Brahmin will remain and no chants, prayers, or invocations will relieve that silence. Unkempt, unswept and inauspicious Ayodhya will fall to ruin. Let us make Rama's forest our city and this city the forest. Let vultures, beasts and serpents of the jungles, fleeing in terror from us, make Kaikeyi's capital their home."

Ayodhya wept for the misfortune that had befallen their master, but little was Rama's concern for it. He strode forth majestically and purposefully, a picture of serenity and did not stop once until he reached his father's doorstep guarded by Sumantra. Bowing to him Rama respectfully requested his arrival be made known to the king, his father.