Summary



Rama seated under a tree after his evening worship told Lakshmana that they should now be doubly alert in the guarding of Sita. Thinking of Ayodhya he said "Lakshmana, the king must be having a restless night, May Kaikeyi in her lust for power, not make an attempt on his life. Deprived of my presence, a victim of old age, dominated by his passion for Kaikeyi, what can he do? How can he defend himself? Which father deluded and enticed by a woman would banish a son like me? Kaikeyi seems to have entered our lives for the destruction of Dasaratha. Hostile towards me, intoxicated with power, she may torment Kausalya and Sumitra. So return to Ayodhya Lakshmana. Let no mother bring into this world a son like me, who causes her constant sorrow. What will I not do to prevent such sorrow! I would face the world alone if I were the only one concerned. It is not a question of courage but a question of dharma that made me give up the crown."

After days of quiet surrender Rama finally vented the torment raging in him. Exhausted and ravaged by having witnessed so much of anguish and turmoil he was like a fire extinguished. Lakshmana said, "Is it worthy of you to lament Rama? Like fish out of water neither Sita nor I can live away from you." Thus comforted Rama lay back peacefully resolving for all times, to go through the fourteen years of banishment, fulfilling his duty. The vast forest caused no fears, or distress to the noble Ikshvakus who, roamed the sylvan region like lions.