Ayodhya Kandam


30. Rama's Permission to Sita

[Sita lashes out at her husband and makes it clear that she would not live without him. Understanding her spirit, Rama permits her to accompany him and tells her to distribute all her luxurious possessions among her servants and Brahmins.]

To Rama who was trying to appease the daughter of Janaka regarding living in the forest, she spoke the following addressing her husband. 30.1

That Sita pleading for a very noble demand to Rama who had a broad chest, out of her love for him and out of pride started blaming him. 30.2

"Oh Rama, I do not know what the king of Mithila who was also a lord of Videha thought of you, who are a woman in man's garb, before accepting you as his son in law?" 30.3

"Alas if the people say that there is no luster in Rama who is like the sun god, it would be something told out of ignorance." 30.4

"You want to desert me, who does not have any refuge, out of sorrow and fear. Please tell me the reason for that." 30.5

"Oh Valorous one I am like Savithri who faithfully flowed Sathyavan the son of Dhyumathsena and please know that I am under your subordination." 30.6

"Oh blemish less Rama, I am not like any other ordinary woman who brings disgrace to the family. My mind will not even think about anyone except you and so I shall go to the forest along with you." 30.7

"Oh Rama, I am your youthful wife who has been living under your control as a virtuous wife. Why are you interested in handing over to me to someone else like an actor?" 30.8

"Oh blemish less Rama, Whose welfare are you speaking about. For whose sake are you preventing me from coming along with you, though I shall be subservient to you." 30.9

"You being my lord, do not merit to go to the forest without me. I would be always with you whether to do penance in the forest or towards a journey to heaven." 30.10

"I would not feel even a little amount of discomfort on my way if I travel behind you as I will it as a luxurious journey on a luxurious coach." 30.11

"With you on the way the harsh thorny plants like Kusha, sara and Ishika as well as other trees, will be to me as soft as cotton or the skin of a black deer." 30.12

"Oh attractive one, the sand raised by the stormy wing would be considered as a dust of sandal by me and will not cause me harm." 30.13

"When I live in the middle of the forest and walk in the forest, I will lie down on the meadows of green grass and I would get more happiness than sleeping on the couch spread with carpets."30.14

"Even you bring a little quantity of leaves, roots and fruits and give it to me, they would taste like nectar to me." 30.15
"There I will not think of my mother, father or home, while I enjoy the seasonal flowers and fruits of the forest." 30.16

"There you will not be able to see me bored and so you would not become sad due to my activities and I will not be a burden to you." 30.17

"Your company is like a heaven to me and being away from you is like hell and so understand my love to you, and go with me to the forest." 30.18

"I am a determined lady bent upon going to forest and if you do not take me there, immediately I will drink poison, but I will not live with my enemies." 30.19

"Oh lord, if you abandon me there would be no life for me who is sad and so it would be better for me to die." 30.20

"I would not be in a position to tolerate sorrow, even for a moment and how can I tolerate it for fourteen years." 30.21

Thus caught in the grips of great sorrow, she cried pitiably, embraced her husband tightly and wailed in a loud voice. 30.22

Like a she elephant pierced by poisoned arrows she lashed at Rama with rain of words and unrestrained tears, like a flame produced by rubbing one stick to another. 30.23

Out of great distress tears which were like crystals sprang from her eyes which were like the water on a lotus leaf. 30.24

Her face which was like the spotless full moon, due to the flowing of tears from her expressive eyes withered like lotus plucked from water. 30.25

Rama hugged her who appeared fainted due to great sorrow, by his hands, pacified her and told her. 30.26

"Oh lady, I do not desire even heaven at the cost of your grief and there is not even a little fear in me like the self-created being." 30.27

"Oh auspicious lady, without knowing about your real view on this matter, I never wished you to live in the forest though I am capable of protecting you." 30.28

"Oh daughter of Mithila, since you were created for going to the forest with me, as a self-respecting man, I cannot abandon you as I cannot abandon my fame." 30.29

"Oh lady who has thighs like the trunk of an elephant, this was the Dharma practiced earlier by beings like Suvarchala following the sun." 30.30

"Oh daughter of Janaka, I could not say, "I will not go there" when the truth nourished by my father ordered me to go to the forest." 30.31

"Oh lady with well-formed posteriors, Obedience to father and mother is an act of Dharma and because of that I do not want to disobey their truthful order and continue to live." 30.32

"Mother, father and Guru are always within our reach, and so how can we not obey them and then try to worship God who is not visible?" 30.33

"Oh lady with pretty eyelashes, those three are equal to the three worlds and in this world there is nothing as holy as them and so they are to be worshipped." 30.34

"Oh Sita, Neither truth nor charity nor sacrifices with payment of Dakshina are considered as efficacious as doing service to father." 30.35

"If one fulfills the desire of father [elders?], it is not even slightly difficult to achieve heaven, money, grains, knowledge, sons and all other pleasures." 30.36

"Great men who are devoted only to the service of their father and mother, would easily attain the worlds of devas or Gandharwas or Lord Vishnu or Lord Brahma or any other desirable worlds." 30.37

"Whatever command my father who is well established in the path of truth and Dharma, gives, I desire to obey them as they are indeed the eternal truth." 30.38

"Oh Sita, my mind is determined to take you to the Dandaka forest as you are determined to follow me and say that you would live there." 30.39

"Oh exquisitely handsome lady whose eyes are like wine, you have been created to accompany me to the forest and so you can follow me and assist me in doing my Dharma there." 30.40

"Oh wife, Oh Sita, You have taken the auspicious decision which is highly fitting to the Dharma of your family, yourself and myself." 30.41

"Oh lady with auspicious posteriors, commence doing all that is necessary to reside in the forest and without you even heaven will not please me." 30.42

"Give jewels to the Brahmins and food to the beggars and gifts to all the needy persons. Do not delay and do all this with great speed." 30.43

"Give to your servants costly ornaments, blessed apparels, whichever things are charming and meant for entertainment, couches palanquins and all other such things. Give all the rest to Brahmins." 30.44-30.45

That lady Sita, understanding that her husband was favourable for her departure to the forest was greatly pleased and started distributing her things. 30.46

That famous one, having heard the words of her husband, with happiness completely filling her heart, That lady with heart willing to give, started giving away her wealth and gems. 30.47

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


31. Rama's Permission to Lakshmana

[Lakshmana requests permission to accompany Rama and Sita. Initially Rama protests saying that Kaikeyi would trouble Kausalya and Sumithra. Lakshmana points out the virtues of Bharatha and says that their mothers would be safe. Lakshmana is permitted to accompany Rama and Sita.]

Lakshmana, the delight of the Raghu clan, who had already come there already, heard the conversation between Sita and Rama and was unable to bear the sorrow and his eyes were filled with tears and he caught hold of the feet of Rama tightly and he who had done great penance addressed the famous Sita and Rama and told. 31.1-31.2

"If both of you have taken a decision to go to the forest filled with deer and elephants, I also shall accompany you and walk there in front of you holding the bow." 31.3

"You will roam many forests echoing with the sounds from all directions of multitude of birds and animals in my company." 31.4

"Without you I have no desire to either conquer the world of devas nor get immortality or the sovereignty over the worlds." 31.5

Hearing these words of the son of Sumithra who had decided on living in the forest, Rama tried to console him and dissuade him and then Lakshmana told. 31.6

"Earlier you had given permission to come and so why are you now preventing my coming with you?" 31.7

"Oh man without any blemish, why this protest when I want to go with you and so I request you to clear this doubt in my mind." 31.8

Then Rama with the great luster told Lakshmana who was in front of him, who was prepared to walk in front of him in the forest and who was begging him with folded hands. 31.9

"You have always been affectionate, follower of dharma and a valorous one. You always travel by the path of goodness. You are my obedient brother, a great friend and more than a soul to me." 31.10

"Oh son of Sumithra, if you come to the forest along with me who would look after Sumithra and Kausalya who are with Great fame." 31.11

"The great lustrous king who used to shower favours to his people like the god of rain is now in the clutches of passion." 31.12

"Kaikeyi the daughter of Aswapathi, if she gets control over the kingdom, would make the co-wives sad and would not bother about their welfare." 31.13

"Once Bharatha obtains the kingdom setting all his confidence on Kaikeyi, will not remember Kausalya and the very sad Sumithra." 31.14

"Oh son of Sumithra either by your own efforts or by taking the help of the king, accomplish the objective of looking after the welfare of venerable Kausalya." 31.15

"Oh master of Dharma, If you do this for me, you would have shown clearly your devotion to me and worshipping of the elders is a matchless and great Dharma." 31.16

"Oh son of Sumithra, Oh son of the Raghu clan, please do this for me because deprived of our company, they would not experience any happiness." 31.17

Hearing these gentle words of Rama, Lakshmana, the expert in speech and an expert in eloquence Lakshmana replied to him. 31.18

"Due to your great power oh valorous one, Bharatha will worship Kausalya and Sumithra in a humble manner." 31.19

"One thousand villages obtain their wherewithal from Kausalya, and such a Kausalya can support one thousand persons like me." 31.20

"That famous lady Kausalya can not only look after herself, but she can look after Sumithra as well as me." 31.21

"You make me your companion and this is not considered against Dharma and I would have also accomplished my objective and your object would be fulfilled." 31.22

"Holding a bow and arrow as also a basket and a spade, I will walk in front, giving directions to your way." 31.23

"I will collect fruits and roots and any other thing which is eatable and provide you food fit to the ascetics." 31.24

"When you go for a stroll for pleasure on the mountain tops or when you are awake or when you are asleep, I would do every task of yours." 31.25

Rama after having been highly pleased by these words said, "Oh Lakshmana, go and take leave from all your friends." 31.26

"Oh Lakshmana, the great Varuna gave two divine awesome looking bows, two shields that cannot be penetrated, two inexhaustible quivers and two swords plated with gold and shining like Sun to King Janaka during a fire sacrifice. All these, after being worshipped have been deposited by me in the house of our Guru Vasishta. Please go and collect these and come back quickly." 31.27-31.29

Lakshmana who has decided to live in the forest, took leave of his friends, went to the home of the Guru of Ikshuvaku clan and collected the weapons. 31.30

The tiger among princes Lakshmana, after worshipping those divine weapons, decorated them with flower garlands and showed them to Rama. 31.31

That very spiritual Rama looked lovingly at Lakshmana who has arrived and told him, "Oh gentle Lakshmana, you have come back at the exact moment as desired by me." 31.32

"Oh Lakshmana who defeats his enemies, I want to give away, along with you, all my wealth to ascetic Brahmins." 31.33

"To the best of the Brahmins who are highly devoted to their Gurus as well as those of them who are dependent on me for their livelihood, I want to distribute freely all my wealth." 31.34

"Go and bring Suyajna, the son of sage Vasishta and all Brahmins belonging to a high race [pravara], swiftly so that, I can pay my homage to them and then go to the forest." 31.35

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

32. Rama Distributes Wealth

[Rama distributes all his matchless and enormous wealth to all the Brahmins including Suyagna, Vasishta and a poor learned Brahmin called Trijata.]

After hearing that auspicious command that he liked, Lakshmana went and entered the home of Suyagna. 32.1

Lakshmana went and saluted that Brahmin who was near the fire sanctuary and told him, "Oh friend, come to the house of Rama and see the task which is difficult to be accomplished by any other man." 32.2

After performing the ritual of the twilight, he along with Lakshmana swiftly went to the pretty and prosperous palace of Rama and entered there. 32.3

When Suyagna who was well versed in Vedas and who was shining like sacrificial fire entered there, Rama along with Sita worshipped him with folded hands and went round him. 32.4

Then the son of the Kakustha clan, gave in worship to Suyagna, golden anklets, auspicious ear rings, pearls strung in golden chains, crowns, armlets and several other costly jewels and upon the request of Sita told him. 32.5-32.6

"Oh my gentle friend, at this time Sita wants to give to your wife, her necklace, gold chain and girdle and so please take them also." 32.7

"Oh friend, Sita who is departing to the forest with me wants to give your wife her armlets as well as her auspicious bracelets." 32.8

"Sita also wants to give her couch with exquisite bed spread woven with various type of gems to be used in your home." 32.9

"Oh great Brahmin, my maternal uncle gave me an elephant called Satrugna. I am giving him along with another thousand elephants to you." 32.10

When Rama told him like this Suyagna accepted all those gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings on Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. 32.11

There after Rama who talks sweetly, addressing his very beloved brother Lakshmana, similar to Lord Brahma addressing Indra told. 32.12

"Oh son of Sumithra, please invite sage Agasthya and sage Kaushika, who are two great Brahmins and shower on them the precious gems just like crops are showered with rain." 32.13

"Oh great hero with great self-respect, you also satisfy them with thousands of cows, gold, silver and precious gems." 32.14

"Oh Lakshmana give away chariots, maid servants and silk cloths till he attains satisfaction to a Brahmin who is greatly learned in Thaithreeya Samhitha branch of the Vedas, who is agreeable to attend on Kausalya's religious needs." 32.15-32.16

"Minister of our father, charioteer Chithraratha has been in our service for many years. Please gratify him with gifts of highly valuable jewels, cloth, wealth, cows with young female calves in ten hundreds." 32.17

"Oh Lakshmana, there are many celibate students of Katha and Kalalapa branches of Vedas, who hold a staff in their hand, having great character due to their daily study of Vedas, who are lazy to do any other aspects of life and having great taste for delicious food. To each of these people who are respected by other great people, give eighty cart load of gems, thousand bulls capable of carrying paddy, two hundred bulls capable of ploughing and thousand cows f or preparing food". 32.18-32.20

"Oh son of Sumithra, there are large number of sacred thread wearing students, depending on queen Kausalya. To each of them give one thousand cows." 32.21

"Oh Lakshmana, give charities to all those Brahmins by giving it to them mother Kausalya would be greatly pleased." 32.22

There upon that tiger among men distributed all the wealth as per instructions of Rama to the great Brahmins, just like Khubera, the god of wealth might have done." 32.23

Thereafter Rama, after distributing abundant wealth to all his dependents who were standing with tears and choked throats and told them. 32.24

"Please do fitting activities so that the houses of mine, as well as Lakshmana is not unattended till we come back." 32.25

After telling like this to all his attendants who earned their sustenance from him, he requested the treasury officer to bring all his treasures. 32.26

When his entire wealth was brought there, the dependents of Rama were highly pleased to see the heaps of wealth. 32.27

That tiger among men, Rama, along with Lakshmana distributed all that wealth to poor but greatly learned Brahmins whether they are young or old. 32.28

There lived a Brahmin named Trijata a descendent of sage Gargya, who was reddish brown in colour in that place. He used to dig the forest with pickaxe, plough and a crow bar as his profession was digging of earth. 32.29

His young wife distressed by great poverty, keeping her young sons in front of her told that old Brahmin. 32.30

"Oh expert in Dharma, Please hear my words and throw away this pickaxe, crow bar and plough and then go and see Rama and you may obtain something." 32.31

Having hear his wife's words that Trijata, covering himself with a torn unfit upper cover started walking through the path leading to palace of Rama. 32.32

In that crowd since Trijata was having the luster of sage Bhrugu and Angiras, no one dared to stop him till he reached the fifth courtyard of Rama's palace. 32.33

That Trijata after approaching Rama told him "oh very famous prince, I do not have any money but have many children and I daily dig in the forest to collect left over grains, on which I am subsisting. Please show your mercy on me." 32.34-32.35

That Rama with a smile and in an jeering way told him, "I have yet not given away one thousand cows. You throw your staff and till the place it reaches you all the cows are yours." 32.36

That bewildered Trijata, after tightly tying up his upper garment at his waist, hurled the staff with all his strength after fixing the proper direction." 32.37

The staff which was released from his hand reached up to the bank of Sarayu River and fell in the middle of very many thousands of cows. 32.38

Rama, the soul of Dharma after embracing him, sent all the cows up to the Sarayu river along with herdsmen to his hermitage. 32.39

Afterwards Rama placated the descendent of sage Gargya and said, "please do not get angry, I only meant it as a joke." 32.40

"Your power is something that cannot be matched and only with a view to see it, I told you like this. Please ask for anything else that you desire." 32.41

"Oh great sage Trijata, I am telling you the truth and there is no limit to your demanding my wealth. All my wealth are for Brahmins only and by distributing all my wealth I aim to get fame and pleasure." 32.42

That great sage Trijata along with his wife after receiving the multitude of cows became delighted and blessed the great Rama with fame, strength, pleasure and prosperity. 32.43

That Rama with a fully satisfied mind, distributed that great wealth which was earned by his great strength and he was greatly praised by all of his friends for this action. 32.44

There at that place there was no Brahmin, friend, servant, beggar or for that matter anyone who was not satisfied by being honoured or by charity. 32.45

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

33. Rama Goes to Dasaratha's Palace

[Rama, Sita and Lakshmana walk down to the palace of Dasaratha. All people on the way are saddened and decide to go with Rama wherever he goes.]

After giving away plenty of wealth to the Brahmins, Rama, Lakshmana along with Sita went to see their father. 33.1

The dazzling weapons that they were holding were decorated by Sita using garlands made out of flowers. 33.2

Climbing on balconies and terraces of their palaces and on the top of the towers, the wealthy people looked at them with remorse. 33.3

The streets were crowded by a large number of people making them impassable and for that reason men filled with grief ascended on the top of palaces to see Rama. 33.4

The people seeing Rama walking without the ornamental umbrella with a mind affected by great grief started talking in various ways. 33.5

"Whenever he used to march out, army with four divisions used to follow him but today he is walking alone with only Sita and Lakshmana following him." 33.6

"Rama while enjoying great wealth and had a great taste for comforts used to gratify the desires of those who desire. In spite of that being one who respects Dharma, he does not wish to break his father's words." 33.7

"Previously even the creatures flying on the skies were not able to get a glimpse of Sita, but today even those who are walking on the royal avenue are able to see her." 33.8

"Sita who used to apply scented creams and paste of red sandalwood on her body, will now be exposed to rain, heat and cold and would be discolored her body soon." 33.9

"Today Dasaratha has been possessed by an evil spirit otherwise will he talk like this and banish his beloved son." 33.10

"When it is impossible to banish a son with no character at all, what to say about Rama who has conquered the world by his good conduct?" 33.11

"Doubtlessness, compassion, learning, good character, restraint of senses and self control are the six qualities of men that adorn the best among men Rama." 33.12

"So trouble caused him greatly hurt people like when summer dries up the water in the lakes, aquatic creatures and people are greatly affected." 33.13

"Just like harm to the roots affect the tree, its leaves, flowers and fruits, harming of Rama harms everybody since he is the Lord of the world." 33.14

"Rama is the root of humanity, the essence of Dharma, the great light and all other peoples are connected to this tree like flowers, fruits, leaves as well as branches." 33.15

"So let us, including our wives and relations follow him like Lakshmana and go wherever he goes." 33.16

"We will leave our gardens, fields and houses and follow Rama with the same sorrow, same joy and same Dharma as him." 33.17

" Let this Ayodhya With empty coffers, ruined courtyards, with absence of wealth and grains, wholly deprived of wealth, covered with dust, abandoned by Gods, occupied by rats coming out of burrows running here and there, bereft of water, with no smoke emerging from anywhere, dirty because of not being swept, absence of offerings, sacrifices, recitations, libation, invocation and prayers, affected by famines, with dilapidated places and utensils and deserted by us, be owned by Kaikeyi." 33.18-33.21

"When Rama goes to the forest, let it become a city and deserted by all of us this city would indeed become a forest." 33.22

"After seeing us in the forest may the fanged creatures leave their lairs, animals and birds leave the caves on the mountains, lions and elephants leave their usual haunts and let them all occupy this city which is deserted by us." 33.23

"Let Kaikeyi, her son and other relatives acquire this country, occupied by wild animals and animals subsisting on grass, fruits and flesh and the relieved men will live in the forest along with Rama." 33.24-33.25

Even after hearing various such type of words from various people, Rama did not deviate from his decision. 33.26

That soul of Dharma who had the strength of an elephant in rut entered the palace of his father which resembled in its splendour the peak of mount Meru. 33.27

After he entered the palace guarded by valorous warriors, he saw in a distance the very dejected Sumanthra waiting. 33.28

Even though he saw the sorrow of the people, without revealing his feelings of sorrow but with a smile, as per the rules of the palace Rama entered in it, with the intention of carrying out the wishes of his father. 33.29

Before that, the son of Ikshuvaku clan, the great Rama who was determined to go to the forest, after seeing the very sorrowful looking Sumanthra, waited outside so that his arrival could be informed to his father. 33.30

Rama who was fond of Dharma, having decided to go the forest, after seeing Sumanthra, requested him to inform Dasaratha of his arrival. 33.31

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


34. Rama Seeks Dasaratha's Permission

[Rama asks permission from Dasaratha to go the forest along with Lakshmana and Sita. The king cries, wails and requests Rama to go next day but Rama feels that he has to leave that night itself.]

That great one Rama, with eyes like lotus leaf, who was black and who was matchless told Sumanthra the charioteer, "Please inform about my arrival to my father." 34.1

At the request of Rama with senses overwhelmed with sorrow, quickly entered the inner apartments and saw Dasaratha breathing heavily. 34.2

He saw the king Dasaratha, like an eclipsed son and a fire brand covered with ash and like a dried up tank. 34.3

The intelligent charioteer saw him as being greatly upset and thinking with great sorrow about Rama and approached him with folded hands. 34.4

That Charioteer after greeting the king by saying, "let victory be yours", trembling with fear he gently told him in a feeble voice. 34.5

"The tiger among men, Your son Rama is waiting to see you at the door, after giving away all his wealth to Brahmins and the attendants who serve him." 34.6

"Safety to you, please permit Rama who is truly valorous and who has taken leave of his friends, to see you." 34.7

"Oh Lord of the world, you may see him, who is endowed with al princely virtues and encircled by rays like the sun as he is ready to go the forest." 34.8

That king who is the votary of truth whose soul is Dharma and who resembled the majestic ocean and the pure sky replied. 34.9

"Oh Sumanthra, please bring all my wives whosoever are here as I want to see Rama the soul of Dharma along with all my wives." 34.10

Sumanthra then crossed in to the private apartments and told all the women, "Oh great ladies, Dasaratha wants all of you here. Come quickly." 34.11

When the order of the king was thus told by Sumanthra, all the ladies went to their husband's palace. 34.12

Then all his three hundred and fifty wives, surrounding Kausalya, who were steadfast to their marriage vows, with eyes turned red due to sorrow reached that place. 34.13

After having seen that all his wives have arrived, the king told the charioteer to go and bring his son. 34.14

Then that charioteer called Rama as well as Lakshmana and Sita and they went there and stood facing the king. 34.15

The king surrounded by his women seeing from a distance his son coming towards him with folded hands, suddenly got up. 34.16

That king of the world seeing Rama, ran swiftly towards him, and being tormented by grief fell on the ground unconscious. 34.17

Then Rama and the great warrior Lakshmana having seen him falling, speedily reached near the king, who has lost his consciousness. 34.18

Suddenly in the kings palace the sound of thousands of ladies crying "Ha, ha, Rama" along with the tingling sound of their ornaments was produced. 34.19

The king was hugged in their hands by Rama and Lakshmana and with the assistance of Sita, The king was laid on his bed. All of them were crying at that time. 34.20

After a moment Dasaratha regained consciousness and Rama being drowned in the ocean of sorrow, spoke to him folded hands. 34.21

"I am taking leave from you king as you are the God of us all, as I am going to Dandaka. I hope to see you all right." 34.22

"Please also give permission to Lakshmana to go. Sita is also accompanying me to the forest. Though I have tried to dissuade them by telling many reasons, they both are not agreeable to stay back." 34.23

"Of king with great honour, discard your grief and give leave to me, Lakshmana and Sita to depart and behave like Brahma." 34.24

The king seeing the unruffled Rama waiting for getting his permission to dwell in the forest spoke to him like this. 34.25

"Oh Rama, I have been enchanted by Kaikeyi to give her the boons. So now you please arrange to arrest me and become the king of Ayodhya." 34.26

Rama the best among votaries of Dharma, who was skilled in speech, after being spoken this way, replied to his father with folded palms. 34.27

"Oh king, you will be the lord of this earth for many thousand years more. I shall reside in the forest as you should not act against truth because of me." 34.28

"After wandering in the forest for fourteen years, I will come and grasp your feet again after completing the vow, Oh king." 34.29

The king who was wailing and crying for his son but was tied by the rope of truth was further instigated by Kaikeyi and the king told to Rama like this. 34.30

"Let your fame increase my child, go now for returning after fourteen years. May your path be without sorrow and be without fear from any quarter." 34.31

"Oh Child, you are devoted to truth and Dharma and so it is not possible to dissuade you from your resolve." 34.32

"Oh son, whatever may be do not go tonight, for at least for one day I would be able to see you and move about." 34.33

"For tonight, you stay with me and your mother and start and with all your desires fulfilled you can start tomorrow at dawn." 34.34

"Oh Rama, you are doing a job that is difficult to be done and for the sake of my desire, you are leaving out all dear ones and going to the forest." 34.35

"Oh Son, Oh Raghava, I am swearing that this does not in any way pleases me but I have been deceived by a woman hidden with deceit like a woman hidden by ashes." 34.36

"I have been instigated by this Kaikeyi who is the breaker of penance of others and you want me to ignore this deceit." 34.37

"Oh son, being my eldest and your ensuring that my words should not become untruthful, is greatly surprising." 34.38

Then after hearing these distressing words of his father, Rama along with Lakshmana with great sorrow spoke. 34.39

"I would be getting more great things by going today rather than tomorrow and I so I would prefer to go to forest today itself." 34.40

"I am giving up this earth, with different countries, with its different people along with its wealth and grains, I am giving to Bharatha." 34.41

"I will not waver from my decision to live in the forest. Oh Father who blesses, this would make the boons that were given to Kaikeyi with joy remain truthful." 34.42

"I would obey the commands as told by you and would live in the forest for fourteen years along with the people who move about in forests." 34.43

"Do not revise your opinion, please give away the kingdom to Bharatha, for I do not have and desire for the kingdom or the pleasures that come from it but I love to obey your orders, oh son of the Raghu clan [Dasaratha]." 34.44-34.45

"Please put an end to your sorrow and let not your eye be filled with tears for you are like the ocean, which is the lord of rivers which never gets perturbed." 34.46

"I do not have desire this kingdom or this earth and nor all the desires in this earth or in heaven." 34.47

"Oh great man I want you to uphold your truth and that you should not become a person of falsehood and I am taking an oath in your presence based on all the merits that you have done." 34.48

"Oh father, it is not possible for me to stay here even for a moment, so bear the grief as there is no change in my decision." 34.49

I have been asked by Kaikeyi "Rama, go to the forest " and as I have promised her that "I will go", I will uphold my promise. 34.50

"Oh god like father, do not have worry in your mind as we will enjoy our life in the forest, with calm deer which move about and echoing with music and sound of birds." 34.51

"Father, even for devas, as told in the scriptures, father is their god and treating my father as God, I am going to the forest." 34.52

"Oh best among men, after spending fourteen years, I would return back and at that time, you can see me and so you should give up this sorrow." 34.53

"Oh tiger among men, when you are one who used to pacify people choking with tears, why this change has occurred in you?" 34.54

"These cities, kingdom and the entire earth, may be conferred on Bharatha and I, obeying your commands am going to the forest and dwell there." 34.55

"Ok king, I am giving away to Bharatha this earth with its mountain ranges, along with cities and peaceful forests along with well laid boundaries, so that he alone can rule over them, the way that you have told me." 34.56

"Oh sinless one, My mind is not interested in great pleasures or doing things liked by it but it is interested in carrying out of your orders, which is assented by the opinion of great people." 34.57

"Oh sinless one, because of that I do not desire for the eternal kingdom, or fulfillment of all my desires, pleasures or Sita herself or even life itself and my only wish is that your words should not become a lie." 34.58

"After entering the forest I would eat fruits as well as roots of various kinds of trees, I will see the mountains, rivers and lakes and become happy and so please do not be sad." 34.59

Then that king enfolded in sorrow and distressed by sadness and grief, embraced his son and lost his consciousness, fell on the ground and remained without movement. 34.60

Except the wife of the god like king all other ladies loudly wailed together and even Sumanthra wailed and fainted and everyone was shouting alas, alas. 34.61

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


35. Sumanthra Chastises Kaikeyi

[Sumanthra, the charioteer of king Dasaratha, tries to convince Kaikeyi and fails.]

After that the Charioteer Sumanthra sighing frequently, shaking his head, crushing one palm on another, grinding his teeth, with eyes turned due to anger, leaving out his natural colour and overcome with inordinate grief due to his observing the reaction of Dasaratha, pierced the mind of Kaikeyi with his replies which were like incomparable and inauspicious thunderbolts which were capable of breaking her vital parts. 35.1-35.4

"Oh lady, your husband Dasaratha who has been forsaken by you is the lord of all movable and immovable things of the world and I feel that there is nothing you are incapable of doing."35.5

"I think you are a killer of your husband, who is an exterminator of a clan, and are causing great grief due to your acts to the Indra like king, who is unshakable like a mountain and unperturbed like an ocean." 35.6-35.7

"Dasaratha, your husband, giver of all your needs, should not be insulted by you, because for a women, the desire of a husband is of greater value that ten million sons." 35.8

"After the death of the king, the princes would obtain the kingdom according to their age and why do you want to break this tradition in case of Rama, the lord of Ikshuvaku dynasty." 35.9

"Let your king Bharatha, become the king of this earth, and we all will go to the place where Rama goes." 35.10

"No Brahmin will feel worthy to stay in your country because of what you are intending to do is that insulting." 35.11

"Definitely all of us will take the path that Rama takes. Oh lady, with relations, all Brahmins, and virtuous men abandoning you always, what pleasures will you get out of getting the kingdom? Oh Kaikeyi, why do you desire to such a great insult? 35.12-35.13

"I am greatly surprised by what you are intending to do and when this lady is putting an end to the tradition, why does not the earth split right away?" 35.14

"When you are bent upon banishing Rama to the forest, it is a great wonder that you are not destroyed by the fearful staff like word "shame", which is a flame created by great Brahma rishis." 35.15

"By cutting a mango tree by an axe, and by nurturing a Neem tree by irrigating it with milk, one does not get sweet fruits." 35.16

" I think that your nobility of birth comes out of that of your mother's, since it is well known saying that honey does not flow from a Neem tree." 35.17

"Formerly we have heard about the unworthy stubborn habit your mother. One boon giver has bestowed on your father an extraordinary boon by which he could understand the language of speech of all horizontal moving beings?" 35.18-35.19

"One day near his bed, an ant Jrumbana was talking to his father and your greatly lustrous father understanding the meaning laughed exceedingly." 35.20

Then your mother who got angry because of that and who desired the noose of death addressed him and asked, "Oh soft natured king, I am desirous of knowing why you laughed now." 35.21

Then the king told the lady, "Oh lady, If I tell you that, I would die instantly without any doubt whatsoever." 35.22

Your mother addressing your father who was the king of Kekaya told, "do not ridicule me but tell it whether you are alive or dead." 35.23

"Hearing the words of his wife, Kekaya the king of earth, told about this to the great one who conferred on him the boon." 35.24

"Thereafter that good man who conferred the boon said, "do not do that, let her live or die." 35.25

"That king who heard the advice of that man of Dharma with a pleasant mind, repudiated your mother and moved freely like Lord Khubera." 35.26

"Oh lady who only sees evils, Like that you are also moving in the path of bad people out of unfair persistence out of great desire." 35.27

"To me the generally told saying, that "Sons resemble their fathers and daughters resemble their mothers", seems to be true." 35.28

"Do not imitate those traits [of your mother]. After understanding the opinion of the king follow them, and protect the people." 35.29

"Being encouraged by sinners, do not attribute unrighteousness to your husband who shines like the king of devas and is the protector of the world." 35.30

"Oh Kaikeyi, that faultless Dasaratha, who has eyes like lotus petals and who is prosperous, will not make the promises given to you as myths." 35.31

"Let the valiant Rama, who is the eldest, who is generous, who is expert in doing his work, who is the protector of his own Dharma and who is the protector of all beings, be crowned as the king." 35.32

"If Rama goes to the forest, leaving his father here, a blame of yours would be spread among great people." 35.33

"Let Rama rule the kingdom and you get rid of your mental afflictions, for no one else resided in this city who is as competent as Rama to rule." 35.34

"When Rama becomes the Yuvaraja, the great archer king Dasaratha will retire to the forest, remembering the custom of our earlier people." 35.35

Like this Sumanthra chastised Kaikeyi using harsh as well as gentle words in the presence of the king, aimed to make her sorry and stood with folded palms. 35.36

That lady was not perturbed in the least and did not feel remorse and change of the colour of her face could not be noticed. 35.37

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

36. Dasaratha's Proposal

[Dasaratha wants Rama to lead a luxurious life in forest. Kaikeyi objects and points out that one king Sagara banished his eldest son. It is pointed out to her that Asamanja was a wicked prince.]

Then Dasaratha, the scion of Ikshuvaku clan, becoming afflicted by his oath, with tears, breathing with difficulty, again and again told these words to Sumanthra. 36.1

"Oh charioteer immediately arrange, the four divisions of army along with precious gem to escort Rama to his journey to forest." 36.2

"Also arrange pretty ladies with musical voice, courtesans, very rich people, traders, well spread men as well as sons of people of the army to accompany him and make it graceful." 36.3

"To those who depended on Rama for living and to those who were companions in sports Of Rama, give them lot of compensation and make them participate in this procession." 36.4

"Let important weapons, people of the city, carts, conductors in the forest and fowlers follow that son of Kakustha clan." 36.5

"By hunting for deer and elephants, drinking the honey of the forest and seeing pretty rivers, he would think of the kingdom." 36.6

"Let both the entire contents of my granary as well as that of the treasury, follow Rama when he goes to the desolate forest." 36.7

"Performing sacrifices in holy places, liberally giving fees to Brahmins, Rama will live in the forest along with sages." 36.8

"The greatly heroic Bharatha would look after Ayodhya and let all auspicious things for enjoyment be furnished to Rama". Thus spoke Dasaratha. 36.9

When Dasaratha was talking like this fear gripped Kaikeyi and her mouth dried up and voice became choked. 36.10

That Kaikeyi who was scared, dejected and with dried up face facing the king spoke. 36.11

"Oh simple one, Bharatha will not accept a deserted kingdom, devoid of wealth and impossible to be enjoyed which is like the wine, whose essence has evaporated." 36.12

Hearing the shameless and horrible words spoken by Kaikeyi, the king Dasaratha told the following words to the broad eyed one. 36.13

"Oh enemy of mine Kaikeyi, You fastened to me the yoke and I am pulling forward, oh ungentlemanly lady, why are you prodding me further. Why did you not stop me at the beginning itself?" 36.14

That blessed lady Kaikeyi hearing the very angry words of the king became doubly enraged and addressed the king. 36.15

"In your clan itself king Sagara prevented the crowing of his eldest son Asamanja and similar to that Rama also has to go." 36.16

When she told like Dasaratha could only say one word, "Shame" and all the people felt ashamed but Kaikeyi did not notice it. 36.17

An aged favorite minister of Dasaratha named Sidhartha who was very good person addressed Kaikeyi and told these words. 36.18

"The wicked Asamanja used to catch hold of children playing on roads, throw them all in river Sarayu and used to amuse himself." 36.19

Seeing this all people of the city were angry and told the king, "Oh enhancer of the prosperity of the kingdom, choose either us or Asamamnja." 36.20

Then the king told them, "What is the reason of this fear?" and hearing the words told to them the citizens replied. 36.21

"That one with a lunatic mind, throws our young sons in the Sarayu river due to his mad nature and becomes supremely happy." 36.22

"That king hearing the words of his citizens, with an intention of pleasing them banished his son." 36.23

"Then placing his son along with his wife and with all their needs in a chariot, the king ordered that" As long as they are alive they are banished." 36.24

"Then that evil doer wandering about in all directions with a plough and a basket spent his time digging the mountain forts." 36.25

"That was why that king who was an upholder of Dharma banished his son. What sin has Rama committed so that he should be banished like this?" 36.26

"We do not see even a little of bad qualities in Rama which are like the stain on the moon." 36.27

"But lady, if you find any such fault in Rama, you may please tell us and then we will banish Rama." 36.28

"But banishing someone who is engaged in the good path of Dharma, would even destroy the splendour of Indra." 36.29

"Enough oh lady, do not cause obstruction to the prosperity of Rama and it is also necessary for you to save yourself by being criticized by the world, Oh pretty lady." 36.30

The king after hearing the words of Sidhartha, with a progressively failing voice, tinged in grief told Kaikeyi. 36.31

"I know you will disregard these words, Oh sinner as you do know what is good for you or to me as you have adopted a vile wicked path forsaking the right path." 36.32

"After giving up pleasures, kingdom and wealth, I will go today with Rama and you along with king Bharatha, for a long time, enjoy this kingdom." 36.33

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

37. Rama Wears Bark Cloth

[Rama refuses all those accompaniments. Kaikeyi brings bark cloths for him. Rama and Lakshmana wear it. Grass cloth is brought for Sita and she does not know how to wear it. Vasishta becomes furious on Kaikeyi.]

Hearing the speech of the minister Rama told the following great words with humility to Dasaratha. 37.1

"Oh king, I would be living in the forest with what is available there, after giving up all pleasures. What is the use of all these accompaniments to me who has given up all attachments." 37.2

"Having given up the elephant, would I be interested in the rope that was used to tie it, for when you do not want the best of elephants, why love towards its rope." 37.3

"Oh best amongst all people, Oh king, what is the use of army to me, as I am giving up everything and I only need a bark." 37.4

"I would be going to the forest with nothing but a crowbar and a basket as I am going to live there for fourteen years." 37.5

Then Kaikeyi, in the midst of all people without any shame brought the bark robes and told Rama, "Wear them." 37.6

The tiger among men Rama, after receiving the bark robes from Kaikeyi removed all his fine cloths and after wearing the bark robes attained the position of an ascetic." 37.7

Lakshmana also removed his auspicious fine cloths and in the presence of his father wore the bark robes. 37.8

Then Sita who was wearing silk cloths, having seen the bark cloth, which she was supposed to wear, was frightened like a doe having seen the snare of the hunter. 37.9

Sita who was auspicious but distressed, who observed Dharma and who knew her Dharma, after receiving the cloths made of Kusa grass from Kaikeyi, with a thorough feeling of shame and with her eyes filled with tears, addressed her husband who was like A Gandharwa king and spoke these words. 37.10-37.11

"How do the sages who live in the forest wear this dress made of grass?" asked Sita who did not know how to wear it and again and again saw Rama. 37.12

Sita with one hand holding one end of the grass cloth to her neck and holding the other end in her hands and not knowing what to do looked embarrassed. 37.13

Seeing that Rama, the foremost among those who follow Dharma, quickly came forward and fastened the grass garment over the silk garment that she was wearing. 37.14

Seeing that Rama was tying that excellent grass cloth on Sita, all the women of the private apartment who were standing there cried by shedding tears from their eyes. 37.15

All of them greatly distressed addressing Rama who had great luster told him, "No one has ordered the very dear Sita to live in the forest." 37.16

"From the time you are going to the forest obeying the words of your father, till you come back, let her fruitful presence be available to us." 37.17

"Oh little son, live in the forest with the assistance of Lakshmana as this auspicious lady is not fit to live in the forest as an ascetic." 37.18

"Oh son, please fulfill our humble request and let the pretty Sita remain here and since you are faithful to your duty, you would not like to remain here." 37.19

Though spoken to, this way, that son of Dasaratha, while listening fastened the grass robe tightly on Sita, who had a similar nature like him. 37.20

When Sita was tying the grass garment, Vasishta the Guru of Dasaratha stopped her from doing it and spoke to Kaikeyi. 37.21

"Oh lady with excess of indecency, who has an evil intention, Oh lady who is a disgrace to the clan, after having deceived the king, your conduct is not as per Dharma." 37.22

"Oh lady who has given up her virtues, Sita need not go to the forest and by remaining here, she can occupy the throne along with Rama." 37.23

"To an householder who protects his wife, she is like a soul to him, and Sita is the soul of Rama and would rule the earth with him." 37.24

"Otherwise, if she decides to go to the forest along with Rama all of us who are in this city will also follow him." 37.25

"The guardians of the frontiers, along with the king and all people who are living here and the people of the kingdom along with retinue of all servants would follow him." 37.26

"Bharatha and Shatrugna wearing cloths of grass also will wander in the forest living with their elder brother Rama." 37.27

"This empty earth devoid of people and populated by people would be ruled by you, who is intent on harming people and having bad character." 37.28

"A kingdom will not exist, if Rama is not its king and the king where Rama would live would become the kingdom." 37.29

"Bharatha is not fit to rule this kingdom because it was not endowed to him with full heart by his father, nor will he behave like a son to you, if he is born to him." 37.30

"Even if you can fly from earth to sky, that one who knows the history of his father's clan will not do otherwise." 37.31

"So you who are interested in the fate of your son is doing great harm to him as there is no one in this world who will not follow Rama." 37.32

"Oh Kaikeyi today itself you will see flocks, sheep, elephants, deer and birds following him and even trees bending towards him." 37.33

"So Oh lady, remove that grass dress from your daughter in law and give her precious ornaments as she is not fit to wear the grass dress." Saying this Vasishta stopped Sita from wearing the dress of grass. 37.34

"Oh daughter of the king of Kekaya, you have only requested Rama to live in the forest and so let her be well dressed and adorned with ornaments, live with him in the forest." 37.35

"Let chariots and chiefs of servants accompany the princess Sita along with garments and other necessities, as you had only asked for Rama's living in the forest." 37.36

Even when the Guru of the king, who was foremost among the Brahmins with great and immeasurable power told like this, Sita did not agree and did not change her decision to serve her husband. 37.37

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

38. Dasaratha Forbids Sita Wearing Grass Dress

[Dasaratha tells Kaikeyi that Sita's wearing of grass dress was not included in the boon. He falls down when Rama was about to go. Rama requests him to look after Kausalya.]

When she was wearing the dress made by grass, like someone who does not have support of her husband, all the people there shouted to Dasaratha "shame on you". 38.1

That king became extremely sad on hearing that sound and he lost faith in his life as well as his faith in Dharma. 38.2

That one belonging to clan of Ikshuvaku, breathing hot told his wife Kaikeyi, "Sita does not deserve to go the forest wearing a dress of grass." 38.3

"She is tender bodied, young and accustomed to life of pleasure and as my Guru has spoken she is not fit to go the forest." 38.4

"To whom has this daughter of a king who wearing a grass garment like an ascetic has done even a little harm?" 38.5

"Let the daughter of Janaka take off that grass garment for this is not the oath given by me and let that daughter of the king go to the forest happily along with her jewels and her usual needs." 38.6

"Unfit to live and for gratification, I had given that cruel promise and by your folly, you are burning me like a bamboo being burnt by its own flowers." 38.7

"Oh sinner, oh demeaned one, has Rama ever done to you anything which is even little unbecoming and what offence has this Sita done to you?" 38.8

"What harm has this daughter of Janaka who is like a doe, who has eyes like fully opened flower, who is soft natured and who does penance, done to you?" 38.9

"Oh sinner Is not the banishment of Rama which has been agreed upon, sufficient to you? Why are you further committing wretched crimes?" 38.10

"Oh lady, I heard you speaking to Rama, when he came here for the coronation. Only that much, has been promised by me." 38.11

"You have exceeded all that and now are desirous of seeing her wearing the grass dress and by that you are wishing to go to hell." 38.12

That great king wailed like this and he was not seeing even a little possibility of the end of a sorrow and immersed in great sorrow by the separation of his son, he fell on the ground. 38.13

Rama who was about to start to the forest, then spoke these words to his father with a bowed head. 38.14

"Oh follower of Dharma. Oh my god, oh famous one, my aged and venerable Mother Kausalya who has a faultless character does not find fault with you?" 38.15

"Oh giver of boons, without me she will be immersed in the ocean of sorrow. She is unaccustomed to such suffering. It is only proper that you take care of her well." 38.16

"She would be constantly thinking of me and doing penance about me and grieve due to sorrow of parting with her son, which she does not desire. If you are venerable treat her with honour, she may live further." 38.17

"Oh Lord who is equal to Indra, my mother who has a possessive feeling, does not merit to go back to the Lord Brahma, due to the sorrow caused by my stay in forest and you only can accomplish it." 38.18

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

39. Rama Takes Leave of his Mothers

[Dasaratha unable to bear the parting of Rama, further chastises Kakeyi. He instructs Sumanthra to drop Rama outside the city in a chariot. Rama and Sita take leave of Kausalya and other mothers.]

After the king heard the words of Rama along with his wives, when he saw Rama in the dress of ascetic, his senses were deprived because of grief, and he was tormented, he could not lift his eyes to see Rama and speak to him due to great sorrow. 39.1-39.2

That great king fainted due to great sorrow and that great one wailed because he was only thinking of Rama. 39.3

"Earlier I might have separated several children from their families and I might have troubled human beings, because of that this hardship might have come to me." 39.4

"Without the proper time nearing, the soul will not leave this body and possibly because of that even after my son removing the fine cloths he was wearing and changing in to ascetic garb and even after standing in front me and also after Kaikeyi tormented me, my soul is not leaving me." 39.5-39.6

"It is because of only Kaikeyi, who practiced deception to meet her selfish ends that all these people are suffering." 39.7

After telling all and having uttered with sorrow once "Rama", his eyesight was blanked out by tears and he was not able to speak. 39.8

That king after regaining his senses after a moment, with eye full of tears he addressed Sumanthra. 39.9

"After taking a suitable chariot and having harnessed good horses to it, you shall leave this accomplished one in the forest outside the city." 39.10

"I consider that, this is said to be the reward of good people for doing good acts like this one where the mother and father are seeing their heroic and pious son being banished." 39.11

As per the order of the king, Sumanthra of swift steps brought a decorated chariot yoked with horses, to that place. 39.12

That charioteer with folded hands, informed that a golden chariot, harnessed with good horses has been brought for use of princes. 39.13

The king who was expert in the affairs of time and space, summoned an officer of the treasury, who was firm and honest and told him. 39.14

"After calculating the number of years, that Sita will live in the forest, bring highly valuable apparels and dresses for her which would be sufficient for her." 39.15

Hearing the words of the great king, that officer went back to the treasury and brought all those things that were needed by Sita and gave them to her. 39.16

That high born, pretty Sita, started to depart to the forest after wearing sparkling ornaments on her pretty limbs. 39.17

That well adorned Sita lighted that palace, like the sun rising at dawn illuminating the sky. 39.18

Queen Kausalya hugged her daughter in law and kissing on her forehead told the following words to her, who was acting on a manner not evoking pity from others. 39.19

"In this world the untruthful women, though greatly honoured by their husbands, never follow their husbands when they fall in to misfortune." 39.20

"It is the characteristic of women, that though they have experienced pleasure earlier, on experiencing even a little discomfort they censure their husband or even abandon them." 39.21

"The young ladies who have decided to do sin are untruthful, perverted and have a mind difficult to comprehend and in an instant they become devoid of affection." 39.22

"The heart of a lady does not get attracted by noble birth, knowledge, gifts, help received or even by accumulated wealth as their mind is very unstable." 39.23

"But the mind of virtuous ladies is fixed in good character, truth, scriptures and peace and to them only their husband is greatly sacred." 39.24

"During your travel outside [banishment], you should not feel disdain towards my son, for whether he is poor or rich, he is your God." 39.25

Understanding perfectly those words along with its Dharma and Artha, facing her mother in law with folded hands Sita said. 39.26

"I would do all these as instructed by the gentle lady. I already know as to how I should behave towards my husband." 39.27

"I am not fit to be equated with bad people by the venerable lady for I will not at any time waver from the path of Dharma, like the light never leaving the moon." 39.28

"You cannot play a Veena without strings and you cannot run a chariot without wheels and like that a woman cannot happiness without her husband even though she has one hundred sons." 39.29

"Limited happiness is given by father, mother and sons but the husband gives unlimited joy and so should be worshipped." 39.30

"Oh great lady, since I have been instructed in obligations to Dharma by an eminent woman, how can I insult my husband, for to me he is really God." 39.31

"When Kausalya heard these heart stirring words of Sita, that lady's pure mind was filled by sorrow as well as joy burst in to tears of joy." 39.32

Rama after hearing the words of his mother who was a great follower of Dharma, with hands folded in salute went near her and spoke. 39.33

"Mother, do not be sad and look after my father well. My stay in the forest would come to an end quickly." 39.34

"These fourteen years would pass quickly like a night's sleep and you will see me here back safely surrounded by my friends." 39.35

After Rama spoke these words embedded with sense, to his mother, he looked at his other three hundred and fifty mothers. 39.36

That son of Dasaratha seeing that all mothers also were greatly distressed, with folded hands spoke these words of Dharma. 39.37

"If by virtue of company or out of ignorance, if I have committed, even a little harsh deeds towards you, please forgive me and I am taking your leave." 39.38

All those ladies with their mind shattered by grief heard these well balanced words which were according to Dharma. 39.39

When Rama were talking like this, those wives of the king wailed like a flock of geese. 39.40

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


40. Rama Starts Journey

[Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, after taking leave of Dasaratha, Kausalya and Sumithra, start in a chariot driven by Sumanthra. Dasaratha ran out along with Kausalya behind the chariot. All the citizens wailed. As per instructions of Rama, Sumanthra drove the chariot with great speed.]

Then Sita, Rama and Lakshmana saluted the very sad king, touched his feet and went round him. 40.1

Rama that expert in Dharma, after taking leave of Dasaratha, along with Sita saluted their mother Kausalya who was dumbstruck with sorrow. 40.2

Following them immediately Lakshmana saluted Kausalya and then clasped the feet of his mother Sumithra. 40.3

When he saluted her, that mother Sumithra cried, after kissing his forehead wished him well and told. 40.4

"Oh son, Due to your great love towards those to whom you are devoted, you are going to the forest, Never be inattentive to the needs of Rama when you are in the forest." 40.5

"Oh blameless one, In both sorrow of Joy, he is your only refuge. In this world Dharma consists in following your elder brother." 40.6

"In your clan, the perennial customs are charity, observing penance in Yagnas and fighting in battle." 40.7

"That Sumithra, after saying this to Lakshmana, who was ready to depart with Rama, again and again told "go, go". 40.8

"Consider Rama as Dasaratha, and consider Sita as myself, think of the forest as Ayodhya and with these convictions, please go my son." 40.9

Then Sumanthra with folded hands told the following to Rama, like the well behaved and Modest Mathali talking to Indra. 40.10

"Oh Rama, safety to you, Oh famous son of the king, get in to the chariot and I will make you reach the place you want to go quickly." 40.11

"As per the orders of the lady, you have to spend fourteen years in the forest and you can assume that it has started now." 40.12

With a happy mind Sita after decorating herself well climbed in to the chariot which was gleaming like Sun. 40.13

After wards the brothers gleaming like fire, immediately boarded the chariot, which was decorated by gold. 40.14

Then the father in law gave ornaments and cloths to Sita, after checking whether it was sufficient for her period of her stay in the forest. 40.15

Then multitude of weapons along with armors for brothers were kept in the centre of the chariot along with hard leather covering for their hands. After seeing whether the threesome including Sita have boarded properly, the honourable Sumanthra drove those horses with the speed of wind. 40.16-40.17

Seeing Rama starting to the forest for a long stay all the men were stupefied and also lost their strength. 40.18

That city was greatly distressed, being full of the intoxicated elephants which were provoked and the mighty sound of tinkling bells tied to the feet of neighing horses. 40.19

The greatly distressed young and old people of the city, ran towards Rama like the one who is thirsty due to heat, runs towards water. 40.20

They, hands behind, to the sides and on the front of the chariots with their faces wet with tears and breathing heavily addressed Sumanthra. 40.21

"Oh charioteer, control the horses and proceed slowly and slowly, so that we can have a glimpse of the face of Rama, as we would not be able to see him soon. 40.22

"For what reason does the heart of Kausalya does not break, even after seeing her god like son going to forest, we do not understand." 40.23

"By following her husband like a shadow, . The daughter of Videha must be greatly contended and she is like the sunlight which never fails to fall on Meru Mountain." 40.24

"Oh Lakshmana, you have fulfilled the purpose of your life by attending on your brother who is like devas and who talks with love." 40.25

"Oh Lakshmana, you have achieved a great goal by following Rama and this will you lead to great prosperity and in the end of the heaven." 40.26

Thus speaking about and following their beloved Rama, who was the joy of Ikshuvaku clan. all those people who had arrived there could not hold back their tears. 40.27

At that time the king surrounded by his wives who were with distressed face came out and told, "I want to see my beloved son." 40.28

In front of him he heard women wailing in a very loud tone, which was similar to the cries of the female elephant when its child is captured. 40.29

Rama's father, son of Kakustha clan who had great splendour was seen to be greatly shrunk, like the moon at eclipse affected by Rahu. 40.30

That great man who has a soul greater than thought, who was the son of Dasaratha went on egging the charioteer to driver faster and faster. 40.31

While Rama was urging the charioteer to go fast and at the same time when the people wanted it to be driven slow, he was unable to do both acts. 40.32

While the great Rama was going out, tears also came out of the eyes of the people, fell on the ground and subsided the dust that was raised. 40.33

At the time of departure of Rama, the entire city was drenched by the tears of weeping of the people, and horror stricken sounds raised by them as if they were tormented. 40.34

Tears fell from the eyes of ladies fell out of great sorrow, like the water falling like rain drops from lotus flowers when they are shaken by movement of fishes. 40.35

The great king whose single minded thought was sorrow, seeing the sorrow of the people, fell down like an uprooted tree. 40.36

A great and tumultuous sound from the people arose behind Rama, after seeing the greatly sorrowful and enfeebled king. 40.37

Some people loudly cried "Oh Rama" and some other people cried "Oh mother of Rama", hearing which made the members of inner apartment to cry loudly. 40.38

When Rama hearing that glanced back he saw his mother and father following him behind with a highly disturbed mind. 40.39

Like a young child who is tied by a rope [by affection], Rama who was bound by duty, could not see his parents properly. 40.40

Seeing his parents walking when they are worthy of going on a chariot, accustomed to comforts but now suffering great sorrow, he urged to the charioteer to go with greater speed. 40.41

That tiger among men, who was suffering like an elephant being tormented by a goad, was not able to tolerate the sorrow of his father and mother. 40.42

Like a cow running to the house to see its calf which is tied there due to its great affection, Kausalya ran after the chariot. 40.43

Kausalya crying, followed that chariot wailing "Oh Rama, Oh Rama, Oh Sita, Oh Lakshmana" and shedding tears for sake of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, looked like a dancing mother. 40.44-40.45

The king cried "Stay, stay", and Rama said "go, go" and mind of Sumanthra felt like it was caught in between two wheels. 40.46

"When the king reproaches you for not stopping, you can always say that you did not hear but "Prolonging this agony is sinful" Rama said to Sumanthra. 40.47

Obeying the orders of Rama to drive fast, that charioteer even though prevented by people, drove the horses faster. 40.48

The people of the king after mentally going round Rama, returned back but the flow of tears of all the other people did not stop even mentally. 40.49

"All those who desire can go back, do not follow him for a long distance" said the ministers addressing king Dasaratha. 40.50
Hearing those words full of virtue Dasaratha with a body covered with sweat and a melancholic look, along with his wives stood there itself staring at his son. 40.51

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


41. Ayodhya and its People Mourn for Rama's Departure

[The chapter is about how the wives of the king and the citizens of Ayodhya expressed the great sorrow they felt about going away of Rama. The poet even tells that even nature was mourning about it.]

After the tiger among men had departed with folded hands in reverence, great cries of distress arose from the private apartment of the king. 41.1

"Rama was the refuge and protector of those who do not have any one, those who were weak and those who do penance and where does such a lord go?" 41.2

"He does not get angry even when we shout at him and he never does any act which makes others angry. Also he pacified those who get angry. Where does such a great soul go?" 41.3

"He who has great luster treated all of us like his mother Kausalya and where does such a great soul go?" 41.4

"Due to being tormented by Kaikeyi, King Dasaratha ordered him, who was the protector of the world to go to forest. Where does he go?" 41.5

"Alas, the senseless king has sent to the forest, he who is the darling of all beings and who is the votary of truth." 41.6

Like this all the queens cried loudly like a cow separated from its calf, due to their great sorrow. 41.7

The king who was suffering due to the sorrow of parting with his son, hearing these dreadful wailing from his private apartments, became much more sad. 41.8

The householders did not make offerings to the fire nor cooked food and also the people did not attempt to do their daily chores. Even the Sun appeared to be dim. 41.9

Elephants dropped down the handful of food that they took, cows did not suckle their calves and even mothers after seeing the first born were not happy. 41.10

Trisanku, Mars, mercury and Jupiter were fiercely approaching the moon with a pitiable aspect. 41.11

The stars had lost their strength and planets had lost their luster and star Vishaka [the star of Kosala country] was shining with smoke in the sky. 41.12

The great ocean was aroused by a wind similar to the deadly wind at deluge, after Rama departed to the forest and the city was greatly shaken. 41.13

All the directions on earth were agitated and covered with darkness, and planets as well as stars were also not shining. 41.14

Suddenly all people of the city were feeling depressed and nobody was interested in food or recreation. 41.15

All the people of Ayodhya were caught in the nets of very great sorrow and were often breathing heavily and were sad about the fate of Dasaratha. 41.16

The faces of people who were walking in the royal avenue had tear stained faces and nobody could be seen there who were sorrowing. 41.17

At that time, the breeze was not blowing and the moon was not pleasant look at and Sun was not hot and the entire world was agitated. 41.18

The sons were not bothered about their mothers and husbands were not interested in their wives and similar was the case among brothers. All of them left of everything and were thinking only about Rama. 41.19

All the friends of Rama had a mind which refused to think and they were depressed by their burden of sorrow and they were not even bothered to sleep. 41.20

That Ayodhya without the great Rama, looked like the earth with its mountains but without Indra, caught by fear and sorrow and agitated horribly and occupied by army, elephants and horses who were producing great sound. 41.21

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


42. Dasaratha Wails Further

[After Rama disappeared from the horizon, Dasaratha fell down. When Kaikeyi tried to lift him up, he shouted her. He told his assistants to take him to Kausalya's palace. He spent a sleepless night.]

As long as the dust raised by the chariot of Rama who had set out to the forest was visible, that son of Ikshuvaku dynasty did not withdraw his eyes. 42.1

As long as the king was able to see his son, who was a great follower of truth, the dust appeared to be growing, over his chance of seeing his son. 42.2

When the king was not able to even see the dust then with the increasing grief, and great sorrow the king fell down. 42.3

That lady Kausalya reached to lift him by holding his right hand and the lover of Bharatha reached for his left side. 42.4

Endowed with foresight, humility and virtue, that king, with great pain saw Kaikeyi and said to her. 42.5

"Oh evil one, Oh Kaikeyi, do not touch my body, I do not want to see you, as you are neither my wife or relation." 42.6

"Those who depend on you for their lives, they are not mine as you are interested only for my wealth and you have forsaken Dharma and so I am giving you up." 42.7

"I, who has taken you by taking your hand and going round the fire, am renouncing you in this and the other world." 42.8

"If Bharatha takes over this imperishable kingdom and enjoys its benefits, the sacred water he gives to me, who is his father, after my death, will not reach me." 42.9

Then that extremely sorrowing Kausalya raising up the king who was coated with dust, took him back to the palace. 42.10

That soul of Dharma who was greatly sorrowing due to having seen his son as an ascetic felt as if, he has intentionally killed a Brahmin or placed his hand in burning fire. 42.11

Turning to see again and again the trail of the chariot, that sorrowing king's form appeared as if it was the moon caught by Rahu. 42.12

That sad one thinking of his beloved son the king wailed and understanding that he has reached the outside of the city, he told. 42.13

"The splendid vehicle has carried away my soul like son and I am able to see only impressions of the hooves but not that great son." 42.14

"My great son was till now sleeping on pleasure giving cushions, after being applied with sandal paste, being fanned by gracious women but from today he would sleep somewhere searching for a root of a tree and sleeping with a piece of rock as his pillow." 42.15-42.16

"That unfortunate one would get up from the earth being coated with dust and breathing heavily, like the he elephant arising from the prasruvana mountain for the she elephant." 42.17

"The people who wander in the forest from today would be seeing the long armed Rama walking there like one who will protect them." 42.18

"From today that daughter of Janaka who is used to a pleasure filled life, would be walking in the forest troubled by piercing thorns." 42.19

"She who is not accustomed to the forest would suffer great fear, hearing the roaring of wild animals which is fearful and would cause horripilation." 42.20

"Oh Kaikeyi, let your desires be fulfilled and you live in this country as widow, for I am not interested in living without that tiger among men." 42.21

The king crying like this was surrounded by lot of people, and they entered the city like, one entering the house after a funeral bath. 42.22

Seeing the entire city of Ayodhya, with deserted palaces in high ways, with closed markets and temples, with sick and very weak people who were exhausted with grief, with very empty great roads, Dasaratha entered the city with a heavy heart like the sun entering behind a dark cloud. 42.23-42.24

His great heart was perturbed like the lake from which Suparna snatched away the serpents, due to the absence of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. 42.25

That king cried and told his attendant, with a choked throat in a feeble and sad tone. 42.26

"You please take me to the house Of Rama's mother Kausalya's house, because in no other place my mind will be at peace." 42.27

When the king told like this, that door keeper, took him the home off Kausalya and there with humility, made him to lie down. 42.28

After having entered the house of Kausalya, even though he occupied the couch, he tossed about. 42.29

To the king, that house where he could not see both his sons as well as his daughter in law, looked like, the sky without a moon. 42.30

That valorous king seeing this lifted his hands up and in a loud tone shouted "Oh Rama, you have forsaken me." 42.31

"Those great people are blessed who will live till Rama returns back and are able to hug him at that time. What a pity?" 42.32

That night appeared like the night of death to Dasaratha and in the mid night, he spoke to Kausalya. 42.33

"Oh Kausalya, my sight which followed behind Rama has not returned back till now. I am not able to see clearly. Please touch me with your hand." 42.34

Kausalya who was sitting by his side, seeing that the king was thinking continuously of only Rama and no one else, was greatly distressed and breathing heavily, she started crying loudly. 42.35

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