Ayodhya Kandam


19. Rama's Preparations for Forest Travel

[Rama is upset because Dasaratha was sad but Kaikeyi was particular that he should go to the forest immediately. He goes to take leave from his mother Kausalya. Lakshmana also accompanies him.]

That killer of enemies Rama hearing the unpleasant words, which were like death itself, was not distressed and told Kaikeyi. 19.1

"Let it be so. I shall go to the forest and live there wearing a matted hair and cloths made of bark, so that I would keep up the oath of my father." 19.2

"But I would like to know why the king, why the king who is the subduer of enemies, did not greet me like previous occasions." 19.3

"Oh great lady, do not be sorry because of this incident. For I tell you that I shall go to the forest wearing matted hair and robe made of barks. Be happy." 19.4

"Seeking the well-being of the king who is my father and who is my guru also as a grateful person, I will obey his orders without hesitation. Would I not do that which pleases him?" 19.5

"My heart is burning with displeasure, because the king did not tell me himself about the crowning of Bharatha." 19.6

"Without being urged by any one, as I am greatly pleased by my brother Bharatha, I would myself give him, my soul, this kingdom, the beloved people, all the wealth and even Sita." 19.7

"Having been ordered by my father who is the king and for fulfilling your desire I would keep up the promise." 19.8

"For that reason, please console the king. Why is it that the king with his eyes staring on earth is shedding tears?" 19.9

"As per the order of the king, let messengers go, riding on quick paced horses, to the home of the uncle of Bharatha to bring him." 19.10

"I am speedily going to the Dandakaranya forest and as per the words of my father I will stay there for fourteen years." 19.11

That Kaikeyi after hearing those words of Rama became happy and believing in the words of Rama, she wanted to hasten it up. 19.12

"Let it happen that way. To bring back Bharatha from his uncle's home messengers would go on horses with great speed." 19.13

"Since you are eager to go to the forest, it is not appropriate for any further delay and Oh Rama because of that you should speedily go to the forest." 19.14

"Oh best among men, the king is not talking to you because he is greatly ashamed and there is nothing else. So do not get distressed." 19.15

"As long as you do not go from the city to the forest oh Rama, Your father would neither bathe nor eat." 19.16

The king who was drowned in sorrow said, "What a calamity?" took tortured breath and afterwards fainted and fell down on the couch decorated with gold and fell down. 19.17

Rama rose up the king and then Rama was urged by Kaikeyi to depart to the forest like beating the horse with whip. 19.18

Rama hearing the unpleasant words of bad consequence of that ungentlemanly lady who did not seem to have any sorrow told. 19.19

"Oh lady, I am not interested in wealth like the people of the world, who strive for it. Know that I am equal to the sages who stand only in Dharma." 19.20

"If I can do anything little which would please my father, please inform me, so that I will do it even sacrificing my life." 19.21

"There is no Dharma that is greater than doing service to him and carrying out his orders." 19.22

"Though not having been directly told by this venerable one, due to your words, I would live in the solitary forest for fourteen years." 19.23

"Oh Kaikeyi, though you can rule over me as you are god like to me, you have spoken to the king instead of me, which shows that you did not trust me." 19.24

"I will take leave of my mother as well as Sita, will console them and today itself go the Dandaka forest". 19.25

"It is your duty to see that Bharatha should rule the kingdom and also look after my father and this is the law which is beginning less." 19.26

Hearing the words of Rama his father was struck with sorrow and was not able to speak but cried loudly. 19.27

Rama with great luster after paying homage to the feet of his swooned father and to the feet of ungentlemanly Kaikeyi came out. 19.28

After going round his father as well as Kaikeyi Rama came out from the private apartment and saw his friends. 19.29

With eyes full of tears, his brother Lakshmana, son of Sumithra, who was greatly angry walked behind him. 19.30

Rama went round the materials collected for the consecration, steadily looking at those with reverence and later Rama slowly moved away. 19.31

Loss of kingdom did not affect the wealth and great looks of the beloved one of the people of the kingdom, just like darkness of night cannot diminish the light of the moon. 19.32

Though having decided to leave the kingdom and go to the forest, no change of stance could be seen in that one who is beyond the comforts of the world. 19.33

Abandoning the auspicious umbrella, decorated fans and chariot and after taking leave of his own friends as well as citizens, holding back his sorrow of his in his mind, controlling his senses, he entered his mother's home to tell the unpalatable news to her. 19.34-19.35

All the glorious people around him did not notice any change in the countenance of the dignified Rama who always spoke truth. 19.36

Rama did not leave his usual happy looks like the autumnal moon which never leaves its usual brilliance. 19.37

The courageous and famous Rama honoured all people waiting there with his sweet speech and entered his mother's place. 19.38

His brother the extra ordinarily brave Lakshmana who was equal to him in virtues held back the sorrow in his mind and followed him. 19.39

Rama entered the palace with great happiness and seeing his friends there, did not show the great adversity that has befallen him, so that they will not get distressed. 19.40

This is the end of Nineteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


20. Kausalya Laments

[Rama tells Kausalya about his father's decision. She is greatly upset and is sad that he is going away and afraid of bad treatment by her co-wives. She tells Rama that she will accompany him.]

While Rama, the tiger among men was leaving, from the ladies of the private apartment great wailing arose. 20.1

"Rama without being recommended by his father has been by his private acts, our refuge and is the protector of the private apartments and he is going on exile." 20.2

"Right from his birth Rama was devoted to his mother Kausalya, and he is now conducting in the same way towards all of us." 20.3

"He never got angry even with all those who accused him and he avoids all deeds causing anger, and he used to make those who get angry soft and that Rama is going to the forest on exile." 20.4

"Without brain, Dasaratha is giving up Rama who is the protective source of all beings and by doing so he is destroying the world of living beings" 20.5

Like this all the wives of the king felt like a cow separated from their calves and they cried loudly accusing their husband. 20.6

Hearing loud sound of cries of distress from his private apartments the king was tormented by sorrow on account of his son and Dasaratha sank down on his seat. 20.7

However the troubled Rama who had control over his senses, heaving sighs like an elephant, along with his brother went to the private apartment of his mother. 20.8

There he saw a greatly honoured old man seated at the entrance while many people were standing. 20.9

Seeing that Rama all of them stood up and said, "Victory to the best among the victors, let your wealth increase." 20.10

After crossing the first courtyard, he saw the second courtyard and there he saw elderly Brahmins greatly learned in Vedas and honoured by the king." 20.11

After Rama saluted those Brahmins, he saw the third courtyard being guarded by old people, women and young children." 20.12

Seeing him with increased joy those women entered and informed mother of Rama about his arrival. 20.13

That lady Kausalya after waking up the entire night, in the morning was worshipping Lord Vishnu for the welfare of her son. 20.14

That lady clad in silk cloths in great delight, observed several penances and after performing the ritual of auspiciousness and was offering oblations to the fire. 20.15

Rama entered the auspicious private apartments of his mother and there he saw his mother asking priests to offer oblations in the fire. 20.16

Rama saw the materials like curd, Akshatha Rice coated with turmeric], ghee, sweets and savories, and things required for oblation in fire like Puffed grain, white flowers, rice cooked in milk, Gingelly and rice cooked together and things like incense sticks, and vessels filled with sacred water, which were kept ready for religious rituals. 20.17-20.18

He saw her Wearing white silk, thin due to penances observed, engaged in making the gods happy and looking like a deva lady. 20.19

Seeing her son after a long time, the mother was filled with a great joy, and she with great joy went towards him as if he was a young child. 20.20

Rama saluted his mother and his mother came near him and hugged him tightly and smelled his head. 20.21

She spoke to the invincible Rama who was her soul like son and that Kausalya due to the affection to her son spoke the following affectionate words. 20.22

"Suitable to your clan, have long life and attain fame like old people protecting Dharma and royal sages who were great people." 20.23

"Oh Rama go and see your father who greatly values truth and that votary of Dharma will consecrate you as Yuvaraja." 20.24

Rama, who was invited to take food by his mother, after touching the seat and saluted with folded hands which were slightly raised. 20.25

Rama who had innate humility with seriousness, devotion and with humbleness commenced to tell about his intended departure to Dandakaranya. 20.26

"Oh goddess like lady, perhaps you do not know that a greatly fearful thing has happened and it will cause sorrow to you, Vaidehi and Lakshmana." 20.27

"I am going to Dandakaranya and this seat is of no use to me, for the time has come for me to sit on a mat weaved with grass." 20.28

"For fourteen years I would be living in the forest without people and I will be eating honey, fruits and roots like sages and avoid meat." 20.29

"The king is giving the position of Yuvaraja to Bharatha and I will be living in Dandakaranya like a sage." 20.30

"For fourteen years I would live in a people less forest and I would live there eating fruits and roots." 20.31

Then that god like lady fell down like a branch of Sal tree cut by an axe in the forest and like a Deva from heaven falling on earth. 20.32

Seeing her affected by sorrow and falling like a Banana tree, he lifted up his mother, who has lost her consciousness. 20.33

Like a mare which rolled on the ground due to the heavy burden, all her body was covered with dust and he slowly caressed her. 20.34

That Raghava sat near her who deserved happiness but was sick due to its absence and she addressed that tiger like man and spoke, with Lakshmana listening to it. 20.35

"Oh son, Raghava, why were your born to me? Had I been childless, I would not be experiencing the sorrow as great as this." 20.36

"Oh my son, a barren woman would have only one pain in the mind of not having a child and she does not have any other sorrow." 20.37

"When my husband was ruling over me, I never experienced any auspicious pleasure and I was holding to my life hoping for it from you, Rama." 20.38

"I being the eldest queen would hear, unpleasant and heart breaking words from my co-wives, who are younger to me." 20.39

"Nothing more sorrowful than these can happen to a lady, than these unending wails and crying." 20.40

"Even Though you were near me, I used to be neglected, and with you being away, death is certain to me." 20.41

"Treating me as equal to the attendants of Kaikeyi and not giving me any independence, my husband used to restrain me." 20.42

"Those who were serving me or following me. after seeing the son of Kaikeyi will not even talk to me." 20.43

"Oh son, will it be possible for me now to look at the face of Kaikeyi, who used to talk harsh words to me due to being very angry at me." 20.44

"Oh Rama after you completed seventeen years after birth, I always longed for my sorrows to come to an end." 20.45

"Oh Rama, having grown old and having suffered this unending sorrow, I do not desire to be insulted by my co-wives." 20.46

"Without seeing your face, which shines like the full moon, how can I continue this pitiful existence." 20.47

"Doing great effort like fasting and doing Yoga, with great sorrow, I have brought you up in vain." 20.48

"My heart does not break after hearing the news, like the banks of the river does not break due to flood water after a fresh rain." 20.49

"Definitely death will not occur to me and there is no place for me in the world of the god of death, and so the god of death will not drag me like a lion dragging away a deer." 20.50

"It is definite that my heart is made of steel, for it does not break, even if earth falls over it. Though my body has surrendered to many great sorrows, untimely death does not occur to it." 20.51

"I am sad that all my mortifications, penances and charities have gone in vain. Even my body which was hot due to severe penances practiced for getting progeny, did not lead to results like a seed sown on a barren land." 20.52

"If any one suffering from great sorrow can realize untimely death any time, since I am like a cow without a calf, I would have gone to the region of dead people now itself." 20.53

"Oh Rama, without seeing you with a face like full moon, what is the meaning of continuing this life without meaning. Like a enfeebled cow following its calf, I shall follow you to the forest, now itself." 20.54

She filled with unbearable pain, and great anger and was crying a lot and also seeing Rama, with greatly added sorrow, she looked like a kinnara woman whose son is imprisoned. 20.55

This is the end of Twentieth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

21. Rama Consoles

[Lakshmana in great anger tells Rama to disobey his father and if needed fight with Bharatha. Kausalya says that she is his mother and her words are to be obeyed. Rama consoles them.]

The helpless Lakshmana, hearing the greatly sorrowing mother of Rama, addressed Kausalya with words suitable for the occasion. 21.1

"Rama going to the forest sacrificing the kingdom and hearing the words of a lady is not liked by me. 21.2

"That king who is contrary to norms and an old man caught in the throes of passion can speak any type of words, if he is incited by her." 21.3

"I do not find anything criminal or anything wrong which merits his banishment from the kingdom and sending him away to the forest." 21.4

"Even in his absence I do not find any person, who can find any fault in him, whether he is his enemy or a criminal." 21.5

"I do not think that anyone who is observing Dharma would sacrifice his son, who is like God, who is upright, who has subdued emotions and one who is dear even to his enemies." 21.6

"Will any son, who has in his heart, the matchless life of a king, accept the words of a king who has again become a child." 21.7

"Before any other human being knows about it, make this country yours immediately with my help." 21.8

"Oh Rama, with me armed with a bow to protect you, who would be standing like a god of death, who can commit excesses on you?" 21.9

"Oh great man, I will make the city of Ayodhya without people using my sharp arrows, if any one there wants to cause harm to you." 21.10

"If anyone is on the side of Bharatha or anyone has his interest in mind, I will kill all of them as I know that a person of soft nature is always treated with disgrace." 21.11

"Even if our father, without caring for us, is instigated by Kaikeyi then, I would no more see him as our friend and I would imprison and kill him." 21.12

"Even if our Guru, without discriminating between good and bad and is haughty and takes recourse to a wrong path, then it is our duty to punish him." 21.13

"Oh best among men, based on what reason or what power, did the king give away the kingdom, which is yours, to Kaikeyi." 21.14

"Oh destroyer of pride of foes, after creating matchless enmity either with you or with me, based on which strength did the king bestow the kingdom on Bharatha?" 21.15

"Oh mother, I truly love my brother from the bottom of my heart and I am taking an oath on my bow, the charities that I gave and on the sacrifices that I carried out." 21.16
"You please know that if Rama were to enter a burning forest, Oh god like lady, I would already be there." 21.17

"I would blow away your sorrow like a sun driving away the darkness. Oh god like lady, let you as well as Rama see my valour." 21.18

Hearing these words from the great Lakshmana, Kausalya who was crying caught in the web of sorrow, told Rama. 21.19

"Oh son, you have heard what your brother has said so far and if you like it, you have to do what is needed in this case." 21.20

"Hearing the words spoken of my unjust co-wife, it is not proper for you to leave me, who is full of great sorrow." 21.21

"Oh follower of Dharma, if you are a follower of Dharma and wants to act as per Dharma, you would serve Dharma better by remaining here." 21.22

"Oh son, Kashyapa, who did service to his mother by living according to rules his own home, was considered as one who has done divine penance and went to heaven." 21.23

"Like your father merits your serious worship, I also merit that. I shall not permit you to go to forest, so you should not go." 21.24

"Being separated from you, I would not get any pleasure in life and if I am with you, I can even live eating grass." 21.25

"If you depart to the forest leaving me in a state of sorrow, I would seek death by not eating anything." 21.26

"Thereafter son, you will reach bad fame, like the world famous ocean which due to conduct against Dharma killed a Brahmin and attained hell." 21.27

Then that depressed Kausalya, who was his mother, cried and Rama told her the following words which follow Dharma. 21.28

“I do not have the strength to disobey my father. I bow to you with my head and tell you, "I Want to go to the forest." 21.29

"Kandu, a sage who observed penances, who was a learned man, and who was knowledgeable of Dharma killed a cow upon the order of his father." 21.30

"Even in our clan, by the command of their father, Sagara went on digging and ultimately they were killed." 21.31

"Rama the son of Jamadagni killed himself his mother using his axe in the forest obeying the orders of his father." 21.32

"Oh goddess like mother, like this there are many who have acted like gods and obeyed the words of their father and I shall also make the words of my mother true." 21.33

"Oh great lady, I am not the only one who obeyed the words of my father, for all those persons whom I mentioned had obeyed the words of their father." 21.34

"I am not creating a rare Dharma and going against Dharma, for I am only following the path followed by people earlier to me." 21.35

"Obeying the orders of the father which I am doing cannot be done in another manner for no one will perish doing that." 21.36

After telling like these to his mother, Rama who was an expert in language and the best among expert archers again told like this to Lakshmana. 21.37

"Oh Lakshmana, I know about your matchless love towards me and I also know about your valour, strength and matchless energy." 21.38

"Oh Lakshmana of auspicious qualities, the sorrow of my mother is without comparison and due to that she does not have any opinion about truth and self-restraint." 21.39

"In this world Dharma is supreme and truth is established in Dharma and Dharma says that it is best to follow the words of father." 21.40

"When a word is given to the father or mother or a Brahmin, Oh valorous one, one who depends on Dharma should not allow it to go in vain." 21.41

"Oh hero, I cannot disobey fathers command because it was told to me by Kaikeyi, because she told it at the instruction of my father." 21.42

"So leave out the ungentlemanly thought which goes against the dharma of royal clans, follow Dharma, leave out violence and follow my decision." 21.43

The elder brother of Lakshmana addressed his brother affectionately in this way and with folded hands and bowed head, he again addressed his mother. 21.44

"Oh great lady, you may please swear on my life permit me to go to the forest as I have decided to go to the forest. And then perform all ceremonies for my prosperity." 21.45

"After completing my vow, I would again return to the city, like in olden times Yayathi left the heavens and reached it back again." 21.46

"Oh mother, control your sorrow and make your heart pure and divine. I will definitely come back after fulfilling my father's words." 21.47

"Me, yourself, Sita, Lakshmana and Sumithra would fulfill father's words and obey our beginning less Dharma." 21.48

"Oh mother, withdraw these preparations made, destroy the sorrow in the mind and allow me to act as per Dharma and live in the forest." 21.49

Having heard these words confirming to Dharma, not showing distress or nervousness that mother, felt as if she has come back from death and again told the following words to Rama. 21.50

"Oh son, similar to your father, I am also like a Guru to you like your father due to your Dharma as well as affection. I will not permit you to go and you are not leaving me and go away leaving me with this great sorrow." 21.51

"What is this life to without you? I do not have any use of the other world with nectar, food for manes and your presence even for a very small time brings me greater satisfaction [fame] in this world." 21.52

"Like men creating great difficulties for the great elephant on its way by of burning firebrands, having heard the pitiable cries of his mother, Rama was greatly distressed." 21.53

Rama who follows Dharma addressing his mother who has almost lost her consciousness and distressed Lakshmana who was tormented by suffering, spoke according to Dharma as he alone was competent to do it. 21.54

"OH Lakshmana, I know your devotion towards me as well as your great valour but without understanding my opinion, you along with mother are causing great pain to me. 21.55

"Oh dear son, Dharma, Artha and Kama are important, but people are bothered more about the fruits of Dharma, But I do not have any doubt whatsoever that all these join for having an obedient wife who gives us good sons." 21.56

"By giving up those activities in which all these are not joined, we should try to do that action which is only dharma oriented. The pleasure seeker is not liked by this world and he whose actions are dictated by desires is not admired by anyone." 21.57

"When the king who is our teacher, father and that too an old man, out of anger or joy or even passion asks us to do something, it is our Dharma to obey those orders and it will be not be obeyed only by one who is cruel." 21.58

"It will not be possible for me not to perform completely and properly the order of my father, for both of us he is our Guru as well as father and for her our mother he is her husband, refuge as well as ultimate Dharma." 21.59

"While that king of Dharma is alive, especially in his own path of Dharma, if at this time this venerable lady comes with me, it would be like an ordinary woman, who has lost her husband." 21.60

"Oh venerable lady, give me permission to go the forest and I would return back like the king Yayathi who returned to heaven after leaving but please perform rituals to enhance my prosperity." 21.61

"Just for the sake of the kingdom, I will not forsake my respectability and oh great lady do not keep me back from my mission. The life is of a short duration and I do not want to take this Kingdom against dharma." 21.62

"That a great man who wanted to depart to the Dandaka forest courageously, pacified his mother and taught his younger brother of his good intentions and then went round his mother." 21.63

This is the end of Twenty First Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


22. Rama Consoles Lakshmana

[Rama explains the power of fate to Lakshmana. He requests him to disband all arrangements so that his mother Kaikeyi does not get distressed.]

Then to his younger brother, who was miserable, especially greatly angry, and was breathing like a king Cobra and had eyes bulged to great anger. That self-possessed Rama who has steadfast composure approached his beloved and nice hearted brother Lakshmana and told. 22.1-22.2

"Destroy your anger and sorrow and depend only on your courage. Forget about insults and have within you only joy. You please discard whatever little has been arranged for my consecration and then start doing all that would remove obstacles." 22.3-22.4

"Oh son of Sumithra, show that great enthusiasm with which you made arrangements for my coronation, to completely disband those same arrangements." 22.5

"My mother Kaikeyi whose heart is troubled and fluttering due to arrangements for my consecration should not have any fearsome doubt by any of our actions." 22.6

"I would not be able tolerate her doubts which arise in her mind even for a very small time and so do not neglect anything." 22.7

"Intentionally I have not done anything at any time and I have never done anything contrary to the wishes of my father or mother at any time." 22.8

"Let the vow made by my father who always strove for the truth, who was valorous in upkeep of truth and who is now afraid of the next world be made true and let him not have any fear." 22.9

"If whatever arrangements made for my consecration are not withdrawn, he would think that truth will not be kept up and he would be troubled by mental agony and that would make me suffer." 22.10

"Oh Lakshmana, because of that I want to immediately call of all these arrangements for the coronation and I will go to the forest directly from here." 22.11

"After I depart that daughter of the king would feel great success and quietly conduct the coronation of Bharatha." 22.12

"If I wear the bark as dress, and with matted hair and carrying a deer skin and go to the forest, then Kaikeyi will get pleasure of mind." 22.13

"After composing my mind well and after great thinking, this decision has been taken. I do not want to inflict any pain on him and so I would go to the forest forthwith." 22.14

"Oh son of Sumithra, fate should be seen as the reason for my travel, and the awarding of kingdom to me as also taking it away from me." 22.15

"For what reason did Kaikeyi get determined to inflict pain on me, unless the thought has been put in her mind by God or destiny." 22.16

"Oh Lakshmana, between my mothers, I do not have any distinction and also Mother Kaikeyi does not differentiate between me and Bharatha." 22.17

"I do not find any reason for the reason for prevention of my consecration as well as banishing me, and her bad angry words, except destiny as I am not able to think of any other reason." 22.18

"How can the daughter of the king, blessed with good nature speak such harsh words to me in front of her husband, like a uncouth ordinary woman." 22.19

"It is not clear why the effect of fate on all beings cannot be stopped and it is also clear that adverse destiny has fallen on me and Her [Kaikeyi]." 22.20

"Oh Lakshmana, which powerful man can attempt to fight with destiny and its grip can only be seen after some results occur." 22.21

" Pleasure and pain, in fear, in anger, in birth and death, whatever occurs any time to us is only due to the destiny." 22.22

"Even those great sages who do rigorous penances are intensely troubled by fate and becomes unable to do their austere penances to emotions like anger." 22.23

"When Suddenly a very much unanticipated hindrance takes place takes place to any act, it is deemed to be due to destiny." 22.24

"Even when my consecration was stopped, I did not have a feeling of sorrow, because I controlled it by using my intellect." 22.25

"And so you also follow me who is not affected by any sorrow and immediately disband all arrangements made for consecration." 22.26

"Oh Lakshmana, With the sacred waters collected in the pots for my consecration, would be very useful to me for taking bath to commence my life of penance." 22.27

"Otherwise what is the use of this material, which has been collected spending the money of the kingdom. So I will use this water collected by me to initiate my penance." 22.28

"Oh Lakshmana do not become sad due to the loss of the kingdom. Between the kingdom and life in the forest, the latter brings glory to us easily." 22.29

"Oh Lakshmana, in the matter of stoppage of the consecration, our younger brother should not be blamed, because fate was making those words of hatred. You know the great power of fate." 22.30

This is the end of Twenty Second Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


23. Lakshmana Frets and Fumes

[Lakshmana does not agree with Rama that fate is all powerful and also he does not agree that, according to Dharma, he should go to forest. He says that he will kill everyone who stands on his way and perform coronation of Rama.]

When Rama was speaking thus Lakshmana kept his bent hearing him with mind, midway from sorrow to joy. 23.1

The best among men with a frown in between the eye brows, due to anger and breathed like a great serpent in its liar. 23.2

Then with a frightening look and contracted eye brows, he shined like an angry lion. 23.3

Shaking his forearm like an elephant shaking its trunk, holding his body and head erect and with eyes staring straight he told his brother. 23.4

"Oh greatest among brave of the royal clans, you have come to the conclusion to go to the forest feeling that if you do not obey the commands of the father, harm will be done to Dharma and this hasty and unwarranted conclusion was taken in an improper time. How are you telling that fate is all powerful when it really is powerless?" 23.5-23.6

"What for are you praising fate as powerful while it is powerless? Why are you not having any doubt about those two sinners?" 23.7

"Oh Soul of Dharma, Why are you not recognizing these are but soft deceptions of Dharma? You, who are known to be good, should recognize their adamant and selfish nature and repudiate them." 23.8

"Oh Rama, if both of them had not decided this action before, those boons promised to her would have been given long back?" 23.9

"Oh Valorous one, consecration to anyone other than you would be detested by all people and I cannot tolerate this, so I deserve a pardon from you?" 23.10

"Oh intellectual one, there is duplicity in your thoughts due to your association with Dharma and I do not like it." 23.11

"Though you are capable of acting why are you following the unjustifiable and fit to be berated words of father who is influenced by Kaikeyi and which are against Dharma." 23.12

"This treacherous deed made by a guilty mind is not being prevented by you, who has a right mind. I feel sad about it and feel that such attachment to it in not at all, right." 23.13

"Those who two who are doing the penance of passion are not bothered by your welfare. How can you carry out the wishes of those parents who are really your enemies?" 23.14

"If you are telling me that all this is the decree of fate, it does not please me to overlook what is happening?" 23.15

"While a fear stuck coward follows destiny, the valorous and respected souls do not honour it." 23.16

"Fate cannot trouble a man who puts very great effort and such a man will not grieve by defeat and will not blame fate." 23.17

"Today every man will see the strength of a man as well as strength of fate and the difference between man and fate would be clearly visible." 23.18

"Today people would see that the fate is defeated, by my masculine power, let us defeat destiny by your consecration." 23.19

"I will definitely win over fate, which is like a madly running elephant in rut, which is proud of its great strength, which cannot be controlled by goad nor shackled." 23.20

"All the guardians of the different directions of the world as well all the three worlds united would not be capable of stopping Rama's coronation. What of the king who is our father." 23.21

"Oh king, those people who have planned to send you to the forest would themselves would reside in the forest for fourteen years." 23.22

"And so I will cut off the desire of your father as well as Kaikeyi, of obstructing your consecration and gifting of the kingdom to her son." 23.23

"Those who oppose my strength by their strength as well as strength of fate, would experience great sorrow, due to my very fierce strength." 23.24

"After you administer for one thousand years and after you have gone to the forest, your sons would rule the country." 23.25

"In earlier days the royal sages were fated to live in the forest after entrusting the kingdom to be ruled by their sons." 23.26

"Oh follower of Dharma, if the king things in many directions, with doubt the disturbances will shake the kingdom, you need not have any apprehension about it. Oh valorous one, I am taking an oath That I will protect the kingdom like a ocean protects its banks and If I do not do it, I will not go the heaven of the heroes. 23.27-23.28

"With the auspicious materials already collected, be busy in getting yourself crowned and I am single handedly confidant of being able to drive away all kings." 23.29

"These two hands are not there for ornamental purpose and my bow is not an ornament and this sword is not for just tying to my waist and my arrows do not remain stationary in my quiver and all these are meant to tame all my enemies." 23.30

"Anyone who desires to be my enemy would not be allowed to remain alive any further. Holding my sharp edged sword which would be able to move like lightning, I shall kill my enemy, even if he is Devendra." 23.31-23.32

"The entire earth would become a place where no one can enter and one not possible to cross, by those cut by my sword like, the trunks, flanks and heads of elephants and by warriors killed by me." 23.33
"Those who are cut by my sword would be burning like mountains, as my enemies would fall to the ground like the lightning from rich clouds." 23.34

"When I stand before them armed with a bow and a protector for the arm and fingers, which one will say that he is many among men?" 23.35

"With many arrows I will strike one enemy and throw him down and with one arrow I will hit many and I shall sent my arrows and hurt the vital parts of men. Horses and elephants." 23.36

"Today you will see the power of my powerful arrows struck with power by me, and I will make the present king powerless and make you the lord of this kingdom." 23.37

"Today, Coated with sandal paste and wearing crown, my arrows held in my hand, which are meant for distributing wealth and protecting friends, would perform the worthy act of putting down those who are causing cancellation of your coronation." 23.38-23.39

"Point out to me your enemy, who should be cut off from their life, fame and friends. Order me how you want this earth should become yours. I will get all those things done as I am your servant." 23.40

Rama who is the source of prosperity of the clan of Raghus, wiped his tears again and again, consoled Lakshmana and said to him, "Oh gentle man, you should know that the right path for us is to follow the words of our father." 23.41

This is the end of Twenty Third Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


24. Kausalya's Permission to Rama

[Kausalya further tries to argue with Rama, but Rama tells her that her duty is with her husband. With a sorrowing mind Kausalya permits Rama to go to the forest.]

Kausalya seeing The Rama is bent upon obeying his father, told the following words with tear filled eyes, which are full of Dharma. 24.1

"How will darling of all Rama who is a follower of Dharma who has never seen a sorrow, who is born to me and Dasaratha, live on grains collected from the ground." 24.2

"When his servants and maids are eating food and blessed with ample amount of food, how will he like an orphan live on fruits and roots?" 24.3

"Who would believe that the Virtuous and affectionate Rama would be banished this way and hearing which who will not tremble." 24.4

"Oh Rama, who is the joy of the world, if you are required to go to the forest, It would be said that destiny which rules everything in this world, is indeed very powerful." 24.5

"If you who were born out of my body disappear like the wind, I will certainly wail with sorrow which are my offerings to the fire and shed tears due to anguish which are my oblations in the fire of my worry and tears. Oh son, when your thought again and again returns to my mind, this intense sorrow would be produced. Such a fire of sorrow tires me out and burns me like the dead trees of a forest are burnt by fire." 24.6-24.8

"Which cow will not follow its dear calf wherever it goes and like that I will follow you wherever you go my son." 24.9

"As soon as his mother spoke out these words, the best among men heard them and he became extremely sad and spoke." 24.10

"After being deceived by Kaikeyi and after I go the forest, if you also come with the king will not live further." 24.11

"If a woman deserts her husband it is a very cruel act and so do not ever think of any such action." 24.12

"It is an eternal dharma that as long as the king, who is the son of Kakustha clan lives. You should do him service." 24.13

The well-meaning Kausalya who heard these words from Rama, greatly pleased told "be it so." 24.14

Greatest among the upholders of Dharma, Rama heard what his mother told and told his very sad mother as follows. 24.15

"It is the duty of you and me to obey the words of father, as he is to you, king, husband teacher and the greatest God who protects you." 24.16

"After spending my time in the great forest for fourteen years, I will return with joy and obey all your orders." 24.17
When her dear son told like this the eyes of Kausalya were filled with tears and she who liked her son very much told. 24.18

"Oh Rama, it is very difficult to live in the middle of co-wives, Oh son of Kakustha clan, if you have decided to go to the forest, take me also along with you like a wild deer." 24.19

Seeing her crying this, Rama told these words while he himself was crying "As long as woman lives, her husband is like a God to her and also her lord." 24.20

"To me and to you, the king is our great lord who can command us. How can we say that we are without any lord as long as that lord of the world lives?" 24.21

"Bharatha who is a great follower of Dharma also speaks sweetly and as he is attached to Dharma, he would be obedient to you." 24.22

"After I go away the king will be very sad due to my parting and at that time please put in efforts and be alert that he would not be stuck by even little grief." 24.23

"See to it the extreme grief does not affect the health of the king who is old and ensure always that you are with a composed mind." 24.24

"Though a lady is greatly virtuous, observes fast and also follows all rituals, if she does not follow her husband, she would go towards sinful existence." 24.25

"But a lady who serves her husband would go to the highest heavens, even though she does not salute the Gods nor does worship to them." 24.26

"It is the Dharma of the wife that she looks after her husband and keeps attention to his welfare and this has also been truth mentioned from ancient times and mentioned in the Vedas and declared in Shruthi." 24.27

"Oh mother on my behalf do fire sacrifices and do worship of Gods with flowers and also worship Brahmins who do great penance on my behalf." 24.28

"Spending time this way, please wait for my arrival with love, taking food as per need and doing service to your husband." 24.29

"You will get all desires fulfilled when I come back, if the greatest among the followers of Dharma is able to live till that time." 24.30

When Rama told like this with her eyes filled with tears, That Kausalya who was distressed on account of what her son told him. 24.31

"I have not been able to dissuade from your firm resolution of going to the forest and it would be greatly difficult to spend that time." 24.32

"You may go with a concentrated mind, may the lord keep you safe always. I would only be relieved of my sufferings when you come back." 24.33

"Oh great one, after you become satisfied after accomplishing your objectives and fulfilled your undertaking given to father, and when you come back, I will get peace." 24.34

Oh son, your going away, disregarding my words, is what has been prompted by fate and cannot be understood by the world." 24.35

"Oh great warrior, you may go now and come back safely. Oh son, return later and make me happy with your sweet voice." 24.36

"Oh little son, how happy it would be, if it is the day of your return wearing matted locks and dress made of bark." 24.37

She after seeing him determined to live in the forest and that great lady after seeing him with an excellent mind and after talking to Rama who had auspicious qualities, wanted to perform rituals to ensure prosperity of Rama. 24.38

This is the end of Twenty Fourth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

25. Kausalya Bids Farewell to Rama

[Kausalya advices Rama about forest life, prays for his safety and bids him farewell.]

After abandoning her tiresomeness, Kausalya purified herself by touching pure water, and performed auspicious ceremonies to Rama. 25.1

"Oh best among the Raghu clan, since I am not able to dissuade you, you may go now, but return speedily. Please follow the paths of good men." 25.2

"Oh tiger among the Raghu clan, you would be protected by performance of your duty with great courage and self-discipline." 25.3

"Let the salutations that you do in temples and other sacred places as well as the great sages protect you." 25.4

"Let the sacred weapons gifted to by the great sage Viswamithra, protect you, who is endowed with all good qualities." 25.5

"Oh great warrior, let the service that you did to your father as well as the service to mother as well as the truth protect you for a long time." 25.6

"let the sacred sticks, sacred grass, holy rings made of Dharbha, your leaning of Vedas, the temples, various peculiar sacrificial grounds, mountains, trees, plants, lakes, birds, serpents as well as lions also protect you." 25.7

Let Sadhyas, Viswedevathas, maruths, sages, Dhatha [the giver-Vishnu], Vidhatha [the decider-Lord Brahma], Sun, Bhaga, Yama, Aryama and Lokapala [protector of the earth], all bless you. 25.8

"Let all the seasons, let the twin fortnights of the month, months, years, nights, days, divisions of days may bring good for you always." 25.9

"Oh son, let memory, decision as well as Dharma protect you always. Let Skanda, gods, devas, moon, Bruhaspathi, seven great sages and Narada provide you protection always. 25.10-25.11

"Let all Sidhas, directions, gods of directions, who were all praised by me, protect you always and from all directions in the forest." 25.12

"When you are living in the forest let all mountains, oceans, kin g Varuna, heaven, environment, earth, all rivers and all stars as well as subsidiary devas, day and night, dusk, noon and dawn protect you." 25.13-25.14

"Let blessings, the six seasons, months, years, Kala and Kashta [minute divisions of time] may show you the paths of welfare." 25.15

"Let all those who wander in the forest in the garb of sages, devas who are the great sons of Adithi, asuras the sons of Dithi bestow pleasures on you." 25.16

"Oh little son, let the Rakshasas, Bhoothas who are the horrible performers of evils as well as the flesh eating beings, not create fear in you and frighten you." 25.17
"Deep inside the dense forests let you not be troubled by monkeys, scorpions, gnats, mosquitoes, and other reptiles." 25.18

"Oh little son, let not you be hurt by the deep incisors of Tigers and lions as well as big elephants, bears with horns and ferocious wild buffaloes." 25.19

"Oh son you would not be hurt by human flesh eating animals as well, ferocious other animals because I have worshipped them and requested them not to harm you." 25.20

"Oh child, Let the paths that you travel be safe. Let you be blessed with occult powers, valour as well as all types of wealth. Oh Rama, please go safely." 25.21

"Let you be protected by devathas of the sky again and again from enemy kings. Let all devas protect you from all your enemies." 25.22

"Oh Rama, let Guru, Sun, Moon, Khubera as well as Yama Whom I have worshipped for your welfare protect you in the Dandaka forest." 25.23

"Oh Rama, let fire, wind, sun and the sacred prayers chanted by great sages protect you while you are taking bath." 25.24

"Let Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, sages and all other remaining devathas protect you, while you are in a forest." 25.25

Thus the famous broad eyed one, worshipped with flowers and incense, using appropriate prayers worshipped all the devas. 25.26

After lighting of the fire, great and well-read Brahmins according to law gave offerings to different devas for the sake of welfare of Rama. 25.27

The noble lady Kausalya procured ghee, garlands of white flowers, sacred sticks and white coloured mustard seeds for offering them to gods. 25.28

The priest according to rules of procedure after performing the sacrifice for peace, with the remaining materials performed other sacrifices externally. 25.29

After having made the Brahmins chant the Manthras of safety along with honey, curds, rice and ghee, she made them recite the chants for conferring prosperity on Rama. 25.30

The illustrious mother of Rama, gave monetary offerings to all the Brahmins as desired by the Brahmins and told the following words to Rama. 25.31

"Let that auspiciousness which was bestowed on the thousand eyed god, who is saluted by all devas, after the destruction of Vruthra, may be bestowed on you." 25.32

"Let the same auspiciousness which was wished by Vinatha [mother of Garuda], praying for nectar on Garuda be bestowed on you also." 25.33

"Let the auspiciousness conferred by Adhithi on Indra after the generation of nectar and killing of all the asuras be conferred on you also." 25.34

"The greatly lustrous Vishnu as Trivikrama occupied the three steps as the three worlds and got glorified. Let the same auspiciousness be conferred on you." 25.35

"Oh Great hero, May the good and auspicious seasons, seas, islands, Vedas, worlds, and the eight directions bring you auspiciousness." 25.36

The broad eyed pretty lady Kausalya, after telling all this, placed all the remaining of the offerings on Rama's head, applied sandal paste on his body, for getting his mission properly done she tied an amulet containing Vishalyakarani herb on his hand and muttered in a very low tone. 25.37-25.38

Caught in deep distress but acting as if she was greatly pleased, she said words which did not come from her mind. 25.39

That famous lady, bent down smelt his head hugged him and told him, "Oh Rama go with joy, and fulfill your objectives in peace." 25.40

"Oh son, I would happy to see you back having no diseases after you achieved all your objectives and then get firmly established in this kingdom." 25.41

"When you return from the forest, I would like to see you resembling the full moon, with no sorrow me and me being with full of joy." 25.42

"Oh Rama, after coming from the forest, occupy the throne, after completely fulfilling the words of your father." 25.43

"Oh Rama after you have returned from the forest with auspiciousness, you be engaged in fulfilling all desires of me and my daughter in law." 25.44

"Oh Rama I have worshipped Lord Shiva and others, several devas, great sages, Bhoothas, suras, serpents as well as the eight directions, and they will look after you when you are in the forest." 25.45

Like this she with tear filled eyes, after completing all rituals, went round Rama, again and again held him tightly and deeply embraced him. 25.46

After she went round him, Rama fell at his mother's feet again and again and that Rama shining in her glory went to Sita's palace. 25.47

This is the end of Twenty Fifth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


26. Rama Tries to Bid Farewell to Sita

[Seeing the dejected Rama, Sita is upset and worried. Rama tells her as to what happened and asks her permission for him to go. He tells her as to how she should live after he leaves to the forest.]

After saluting Kausalya, who did rituals for his welfare, that follower of Dharma Rama got prepared to go to the forest with a firm resolve. He entered and illuminated the royal avenue crowded with people, captivating the hearts of people by his virtues. 26.1-26.2

The daughter of Videha [Vaidehi], since she was doing penance had not heard about the developments and her mind thought about only consecration of Rama. 26.3

With a very pleased mind she had done the service [worship] of the devas as she was conversant with the royal Dharma and she was waiting for the prince. 26.4

Rama entered that well decorated palace from the road which was crowded by joyous people and with his slightly bent head was looking little sad. 26.5

Sita sprang up from her seat and trembled to see her husband who was sad and was in a greatly agitated state. 26.7

Seeing Rama with a pale face, heavily perspiring and greatly thoughtful, Sita became extremely sad and asked him, "Why are you like this?" 26.8

"Today with Bruhaspathi presiding over star Pushya has been declared as auspicious by learned Brahmins and why are with an upset mind?" 26.9

"Your charming face protected by a hundred ribbed Umbrella, which is as white as the foam, does not appear to be shining." 26.10

"Why is it that your face similar to one hundred petal lotus, is not being fanned by chowries, as white and bright as the moon as well as the lotus?" 26.11

"Oh best among men, why is it that eloquent poets singing your praise and bards praising your clan in delightful and auspicious words, are not to be seen?" 26.12

"Why is it that those Brahmins, who are experts in Vedas, after completing your consecration, have not confirmed it by sprinkling honey and curd on your head?" 26.13

"Why are you not surrounded by citizens and why are the chiefs of guilds and citizens of towns and villages not following you?" 26.14

"Why is it that ceremonial golden chariot drawn by four horses which runs with great speed preceding you, while you are coming here?" 26.15

"Oh valorous one, why am I not seeing the auspicious elephant who shines like the dark clouds and resembles a mountain, which is being worshipped properly lead your procession?" 26.16

"Oh valorous one with very pleasant looks, why is it that your attendants are not carrying before you, your throne which is carved in gold?" 26.17

"When all arrangements for the crowning have been made why are you looking like this, with a pale face and with no trace of joy?" 26.18

Seeing her who was wailing like this, that son of Raghu clan replied "Oh Sita, my father who has a great luster is banishing me to the forest?" 26.19

"You were born in a great clan and you know and follow Dharma. Please hear, daughter of Sita, I will tell you how this happened." 26.20

"My father, the king Dasaratha had promised to give my mother two boons at an earlier time." 26.21

"Today when arrangements for my coronation has been made by the king, she had requested for the boons and he had to agree to it because of Dharma." 26.22

"She had asked that I should go to the Dandaka forest for fourteen years and my father should consecrate Bharatha as the Yuvaraja." 26.23

"I have come here to meet you before going to the lonely forest. You should not praise about my qualities in front of Bharatha, because people who are intelligent cannot tolerate the praising of others. Because of this do not mention about my qualities in front of Bharatha." 26.24-26.25

"At any time, you cannot expect any special treatment from Bharatha, but if you talk things favourable to him, you can exist near him." 26.26

"The king has conferred on him the position of hereditary title of Yuvaraja and so you have to keep him well pleased. You also have to keep the king pleased." 26.27

"For fulfilling the oaths given to my father, I am going to the forest immediately, Oh Sita who has occupied my mind be firm and courageous." 26.28

"Oh faultless and auspicious Sita, the forest is occupied by sages and here you keep yourself engaged in doing penances and austerities." 26.29

"Get up at dawn and perform worship of Gods as per rules laid out and then you please salute my father Dasaratha who is the king." 26.30

"My mother is an old woman and affected by great sorrow and apart from your duty she deserves your respect." 26.31

"You should daily salute all my mothers and also look after them as from point of view of love, affection and service, they are all equal to me." 26.32

"Bharatha and Shatrugna are as dear as my souls to me and so you have to look at both of them like your brothers and sons." 26.33

"Bharatha is now the king and the lord of our clan as well as country and so you should do no activity which is not liked by him." 26.34

"The kings would be pleased with good conduct as well as good service to them and they would get upset/angry if contrary acts are noticed." 26.35

"And auspicious one, live here being obedient to the king Bharatha and also live here doing the penance of truth and Dharma," 26.36

"Oh darling, I am going to the great forest. Oh pretty one, you live here without causing harm to anybody and I request you to obey these words." 26.37

This is the end of Twenty Sixth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


27. Sita Requests Rama to Take Her to Forest

[Sita tells that without Rama, even heaven would be like hell to her. She tells that if Rama is present, she will enjoy her life in the forest. She says that she would prefer to die, if she is left out in Ayodhya.]

Hearing all this, the sweet talking daughter of Janaka, who merits to be loved, became angry with her husband due to love and said. 27.1

"Why are you talking like this Rama? Oh son of the king, people would ridicule you for these light hearted words spoken to me." 27.2

"Oh my husband, the mother, father, brother, son and daughter in law, would receive things according to the blessed deeds done by them and would experience prosperity according to their own fate only." 27.3

"Oh great man but wife alone shares the fate of her husband and therefore if you are going to live in the forest, I also would live there." 27.4

"In this world and in the next husband alone is the refuge of a lady and not her father, son, her own soul, mother or her friends." 27.5

"Oh Rama, now itself I will accompany you even if you are going to very dense and harsh forest, walking in front of you crushing the thorns as well as the Kusa grass and make the way comfortable for you to walk." 27.6

"Oh valorous one, anger and hatred, which have arisen due to your banishment are like water left over in the drinking pot after you drink and should be thrown out without hesitation and not taking me with you is a sin." 27.7

"A woman in all the stages of her life would prefer to live on the shadow of her husband instead of living in palaces and mansions or wandering in the path of the sky." 27.8

"My father and mother have taught me about the duties that I have to perform under different circumstances and so I need not be taught about them now." 27.9

"I will also go to the impassable forest, which has bees deserted by men but teeming with various types of animals including tigers and other wild beasts." 27.10

"I would live happily in the forest considering it as the home of my father without thinking of the three worlds but thinking of only my virtue as a wife." 27.11

"Oh valorous one, I shall observe the vow of celibacy, do services to you and wander along with you in the honey scented forest." 27.12

"Oh person with great honour, you are capable of protecting everyone in the forest and what is the need to doubt about me?" 27.13

"Oh great one, without any doubt whatsoever, I shall go with you today to the forest and no power can prevent me from doing it." 27.14

"I would live with you, without causing any sorrow to you and would live by eating fruits as well as roots." 27.15

"I would like to see the rivers, mountains and lakes and also along with you without any fear with the company of the very powerful you." 27.16

"I would like to see comfortably in the company of yourself who is a great warrior, lakes filled with swans and water cranes and ponds filled with fully open lotus flowers." 27.17

"Observing penance daily and taking bath [anointing myself] daily in those lotus ponds, I will be living with you giving you great happiness." 27.18

"I am of the opinion, that if I live like that with you thousand years or even one hundred thousand years, I shall not feel any problems and would prefer that life to that of living in heaven." 27.19

"Oh Rama, oh tiger among men, even a life in heaven but living without your company would not interest me." 27.20

"I would go along with you to the impassable forest filled with monkeys as well as elephants and live there like it is the home of my father and live a disciplined life taking your feet as my refuge." 27.21

"Since I am not having any other thought except love towards you, If I live away from you, I would definitely die and so you please take me along with you and I would never become a burden to you." 27.22

Though she was talking like this to the lover of Dharma, that prince was not prepared to take her with him and he talked about the very many problems of life in the forest to dissuade her. 27.23

This is the end of Twenty Seventh Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


28. Rama's Advice to Sita

[Rama then tells large number of realistic reasons which would make life in forest difficult for a lady and says, he will not take her with him.]

That expert in Dharma who liked Dharma spoke to Sita, thinking about the difficulties in the forest and not willing to take her there. 28.1

That Soul of Dharma seeing her eyes made dirty by the copious tears, having consoled her, told the following to dissuade her again. 28.2

"Oh Sita, you belong to a very noble family and you are engaged in duties protecting Dharma. If you practice your ritualistic dharma staying here, I would be happy." 28.3

"Oh Sita, Oh weak lady, please do as I tell you. There are many problems in the forest and I shall tell them about them and so please listen." 28.4

"Oh Sita, leave out the idea of living in forest from your brain. It is impenetrable and has many great hardships." 28.5

"I am telling these words with your welfare in your mind. I do not know that it is full of pleasures but is full of very many sufferings." 28.6

"It is fearful and a source of pain to hear the sound of water falling from a mountain along with the roar of a lion from within the cave." 28.7

"Mad animals moving about freely in deserted places in the forest would attack men on seeing them, Oh Sita, this is another great source of danger." 28.8

"The rivers filled with mud and infested with crocodiles are difficult to be crossed by even a mad elephant and such things life in forest dangerous." 28.9

"With places with no water and pathways covered with creepers having thorns, echoing with the sounds of water fouls make the life in the forest dangerous." 28.10

"You should sleep when you are exhausted on a bed of leaves spread on the self-broken earth and these make the life in a forest dangerous." 28.11

"Oh Sita, after restraining oneself at night we have to get satisfied by eating fruits fallen from trees, and these make the life of forest dangerous." 28.12

"Oh daughter of Mithila, sometimes we have to fast due to non-availability of food, and we have to wear a heavy matted hair and also wear dress made of bark." 28.13

"We have to worship devas and manes as per prescribed rituals and hospitably receive and treat guests arriving unexpectedly." 28.14

"We have to wander in the forest observing prescribed rituals and take bath three times a day, and this makes life in a forest difficult." 28.15

"Oh young girl, you should make offerings with flowers which are collected by your own hands according to the rules of the learned and this makes life in the forest difficult." 28.16

"The people who live in the forest should be satisfied with whatever food they get there and this becomes our happy duty and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.17

"Wind and darkness are extremely great in the forest and daily there will be great hunger as well as fear, and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.18

"Oh pretty lady, various types of reptiles crawl in the ground of the forest and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.19

"The serpents which live in rivers move crookedly like rivers and obstruct our path, and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.20

"Frail lady, butterflies, scorpions, insects, mosquitoes and flies would trouble us daily, and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.21

"Oh pretty lady, With thorny trees with their branches interlaced on the top and kusa grass and reeds below, obstruct the way, and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.22

"Those who live in the forest suffer various illnesses and fears of various types, and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.23

"Giving up anger and avarice and doing activities like a sage and mind should not be scared in scary situations, and this makes life in forest difficult." 28.24

"Therefore forest life is not suitable to you and so you are not going to the forest and when I rethink, I find many more problems." 28.25

"When the great Rama took a negative decision regarding taking her to the forest, and did not follow the words of Sita, with great sorrow, she told again." 28.26

This is the end of Twenty Eighth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.


29. Sita Pleads with Rama

[Sita tells Rama that astrologers had predicted that she would live in the forest. She further tells him that she would be safe as he would protect her.]

Hearing these words, Sita who was made sorrowful by Rama, with flowing tears from the eye told slowly as follows. 29.1

"All those difficulties that you mentioned against living in the forest because to you who is virtuous accompanying me with love, would fly away." 29.2

"Oh Rama, those deer, Lions, elephants, tigers, Sarabhas, birds srimaras, and wild beasts wandering in the forest, seeing you, whom they have not seen before would run away due to great fear arising within them." 29.3-29.4

"As per the instructions of my elders and teachers, I have to go to the forest along with you and also, if I part with you, I would give up this life." 29.5

"Oh Rama, if I live in yor company, even Indra, with all his might, will not be in a position to trouble me." 29.6

"Oh Rama, with great liking to me, you have instructed that a wife cannot/should not, live without the company of her husband." 29.7

"Oh very intelligent one, Moreover when I was in my father's house, great Brahmins who have having heard about me has foretold that I will have to live in forest for some time." 29.8

"Oh mighty one, having heard the words of the great Brahmins based on my form, I had been daily desirous of living in the forest." 29.9

"Oh beloved, it is necessary for me to obtain permission to stay along with you in the forest, for There is no question of my not accompanying to the forest." 29.10

"The prediction will come true and I will accompany you to the forest. The time has arrived for the prediction of the Brahmin to be realized." 29.11

"Oh valorous one, I am aware of the several hardships that are likely to happen in the forest and know that such hardships are experiences by those whose senses are not under their control." 29.12

"When I was young and living in my father's house, a beggar woman saint predicted forest life for me in front of my mother." 29.13

"Oh Lord, earlier you had favoured my services to you for a long time and now I desire to live with you in the forest." 29.14

Oh Rama, may you be safe. Since then I am waiting for departing to the forest and I would very much like to follow my valiant Lord to the forest." 29.15

"Oh pure hearted one, by following the husband with love, I would become a lady without sins, as husband is my God." 29.16
"I have heard from pious and venerable Brahmins that I would live auspiciously with you even after death for, Oh greatly intelligent one, That woman, who in this world is given by her father with offering of water according to religious tradition, belongs to her husband even after his death." 29.17-29.18

"I, being a virtuous woman of good conduct belonging to you, why are you not interested from taking me from this place." 29.19

"I am your devotee, a virtuous wife who is depressed and an equal your pleasures and sufferings, and so it is only proper for you to share your sorrows and joys." 29.20

"If you do not wish to take me, who is suffering very great sorrow, to the forest, then I shall take refuge in poison or water or fire, which would become my cause of death." 29.21

Though she pleaded about coming with him with the very strong one in various ways, he was not willing to take her to the desolate forest. 29.22

When told like this the worried daughter of Mithila shed warm tears on the ground so as to wet the ground before her. 29.23

That spirited son of Kakustha dynasty consoled in many ways that greatly sad, Sita in very many ways. 29.24

This is the end of Twenty Ninth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.