When Rama heard Dasaratha he gently said, "Father, having renounced all comforts to live in the forest, of what use is an escort? He, who gives away his elephant, has no use for the rope that had once bound it. I desire to possess nothing.Grant me robes of bark and allow me to take a spade and basket, to serve me in my exile". At that moment in the presence of the entire assembly Kaikeyi had the supreme audacity to shamelessly present them to Rama saying, "Wear them!" Rama quietly exchanged them for his silken finery and Lakshmana followed suit. Sita, that most virtuous of women and cherished daughter of Janaka, looked with great fear at the coarse robes, as a deer would at a deer trap. Her mind in turmoil, eyes filled with tears, she stood rooted to the ground, clutching them. Unaware of how they should be worn, open to the scrutiny of a thousand eyes Sita bashful and sad asked Rama, as to how they should be worn and he quickly helped drape the ascetic habit over her silken robes. Shedding tears of distress the women who had witnessed this poignant act implored Rama to let Sita be. "The revered princess is not meant to dwell in the forest like a hermit. Grant us the favor of her presence here, in Ayodhya".

Sita would not give up her resolve of accompanying Rama. Vasishta who was witnessing the heart-rending scenes finally gave way to unbridled anger. His explosive voice boomed menacingly as he berated Kaikeyi, "Your wickedness will destroy the mighty Ikshvaku dynasty. Sita need not to go into exile but can rule in Rama's place, as the wife is one half of the husband. If Sita goes to the forest so will the kingdom, the treasury and the people. Bharata and Satrughna also clad in bark garments will be with keep Rama. Alone you will rule a deserted kingdom. Obstinate woman, you were born to destroy the earth. A kingdom where there is no Rama, is no kingdom, it is now in the forest where he dwells. Never will Bharata accept a crown that is not bestowed upon him, nor will he, born of Dasaratha, allow himself to live under your tutelage. Aware of the tradition of the Ikshvakus he will never allow himself to be king, so long as an heir older than him is alive. You have committed a great folly in trying to crown Bharata, the favor you think you have rendered him pales in the injury it will cause him. None will remain in the kingdom, even animals will follow Rama. As for Sita, she was not part of your boons, spare her. Call for chariots and attendants. She will not wear bark robes but fine silks and jewels". Not a word of this tirade seemed to penetrate Kaikeyi's stubborn stance, nor did it dissuade Sita, from following her Lord.