Valmiki Ramayana - June 21

June 21 - Sargas 47 and 48 of Ayodhya Kanda.

The citizens of Ayodhya who had gone behind Rama certain that their loving demand for his staying back in Ayodhya will make him return are shocked at day-break when they find no signs of Sri Rama, Lakshmana or Sita. Even the chariot has not left any meaningful track marks to follow. They feel utterly ashamed at having lost Sri Rama.

They talk of giving up their lives. They propose that they go deep into the forest themselves. 

Finally, very tired and very dejected, they wend their way back into a city completely shorn of its splendour and activity. Their women are shocked to hear that the citizens have returned without Rama. Nobody is in a mood for any normal activity.

The women tell the menfolk that they should all go away to the forest and somehow join Rama and Sita. They are all convinced that wherever there is Rama there will be joy and prosperity. The women will serve Sita, the men can serve Rama, and in turn those two will take care of all of them. Nature will rejoice in Rama's presence and no danger or difficulty will be faced.

***

या पुत्रं पार्थिवेन्द्रस्य प्रवासयति निर्घृणा          ।

कस्तां प्राप्य सुखं जीवेदधर्म्यां दुषदटचारिणीम्   ॥

न हि प्रव्रजिते रामे जीविष्यति महीपतिः             ।

मृते दशरथे व्यक्तं विलोपस्तदनन्तरम्               ॥

मिथ्याप्रव्राजितो रामः सभार्यः सहलक्ष्मणः        ।

भरते सन्निबद्धाः स्मः सौनिके पशवो यथा         ॥

उपशान्तवणिक्पण्या नष्टहर्षो निराश्रया           ।

अयोध्या नगरी चासीन्नष्टतारमिवाम्बरम्           ॥

"The woman who can banish even the king's eldest son without any qualm, what kind of an evil would she harbour. What joy or peace can we look forward to as ordinary citizens under the care of such an unrighteous and patently dangerous woman?

"After Rama's going away to the forest, the king will certainly not survive.  Once Dasharatha is dead, the ruination of Ayodhya will come to be experienced.

"Rama was wrongly and untruthfully sent away to the forest, that too with Sita and Lakshmana. Now under Bharata we will become as helpless as animals tied up by the butcher for slaughter."

Thus, resounding with lamentations and apprehensions, the entire city of Ayodhya shut down. Shopkeepers and traders downed their shutters. Those few who opened their shops found no buyers.  The city of Ayodhya resembled a sky without stars in the night.

***

॥                   श्रीरामजयम्                    ॥  

   

International Yoga Day

Valmiki Ramayana - June 20.

June 20 - Sargas 45 and 46 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Valmiki describes how the citizens and venerable Brahmins followed Rama's chariot imploring him to return. Sri Rama found it impossible to shrug them off. In fact deep in the night, just before sunrise, he asked Sumantra to take the chariot quietly across the Sarayu river so that they could proceed into the forest without waking up the citizens.

***

आवेक्षमाणः सस्नेहं ताः प्रजाः स्वां प्रजाः इव।

उवाच रामः सस्नेहं चक्षुषा प्रपिबन्निव          ॥

या प्रीतिर्बहुमानश्च मय्ययोध्यानिवासिनाम्    । 

मत्प्रियार्थं विशेषेण भरते सा विधेयताम्       ॥

स हि कल्याणचारित्रः कैकेय्यानन्दवर्धनः     । 

करिष्यति यथावद् वः प्रियाणि च हितानि च  ॥

ज्ञानवृद्धो वयोबालो मृदुर्वीर्यगुणान्वितः.         ।

अनुरूपः स वो भर्ता भविष्यति भयापहः        ॥

Sri Rama looked with eyes overflowing with love at the citizens of Ayodhya, considering them to be as much his responsibility as they were the citizens of Ayodhya. 

He spoke in tender words to them: "Whatever love and regard the citizens of Ayodhya hold me in, it is my most earnest appeal that the same is extended and imposed in Bharata. 

"Bharata has a most worthy and auspicious character as much as he is the dear son of queen Kaikeyi. He will do whatever is dear to the people of Ayodhya and at the same time what ensures their welfare. 

"Although Bharata is young, know that he is very wise (the term is ज्ञानवृद्धः meaning as wise as a man of years of life's learning). He is soft-hearted and yet a valorous warrior. He is most appropriate to be your king (for a change you will have a young king!) and will rule so well that you need have no apprehensions at all. "

Despite all Rama's words and assurances, the people do not stop their appeal. 

In fact a group of wise and elderly Brahmins, with grey hairs, their radiance acquired through austerities, and their heads shaking with age, have come to importune Rama. They speak directly to the horses and ask that the horses do not take Rama into the forest but bring him back to Ayodhya! Even the horses seem to listen to them. 

When Rama does not relent, the Brahmins say their white umbrellas and their years of doing homa and tapas all are at his service. They have decided to follow him to the forest and are not worried about leaving behind their wives or family. 

Sri Rama is embarrassed that these holy men of advancing years are walking with difficulty while he is on the chariot. He gets down and asks Sita and Lakshmana also to alight. The three start walking towards the Sarayu river which they need to cross. 

At nightfall Sumantra and Lakshmana make grass beds for Rama and Sita to rest. Rama points out to the yonder forest and says, "look, Ayodhya is in distress and confusion after our departure. But the forest is resplendent and awaits us." 

Rama says they shall retire without eating as it is their first night of exile. 

As Sita and Rama are resting, Lakshmana keeps awake describing Rama's great qualities to Sumantra. 

It is almost dawn. Rama wakes up and tells Sumantra that the only way to proceed without the citizens is to quietly cross Sarayu into the forest. Sumantra gets the chariot ready and they cross over. 

Rama wants to cover their trail to send back the citizens. He asks Sumantra to drive the chariot in random directions for some distance to leave misleading track marks. Afterwards the three mount the chariot and Sumantra drives them into the forest on the northward auspicious path. 

***

॥            श्रीरामजयम्            ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - June 19

June 19 - Sargas 43 and 44 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Dasharatha has to now listen to Kausalya as she shows her grief and anxiety about Rama and her feelings towards Kaikeyi. One would expect nothing else from the senior queen slighted and ignored so far by Dasharatha and insulted by Kaikeyi in the past. Her sense of tragedy is indeed immense.

Then Valmiki brings in the sagely words of Sumitra. She speaks eloquently and convincingly to put a positive spin on the situation and assuages the feelings of Kausalya. 

***

विवास्य रामं सुभगा लब्धकामा समाहिता      ।

त्रासयिष्यति मां भूयो दुष्टाहिरिव वेश्मनि        ॥

पातयित्वा कैकेय्या रामं स्थानाद् यथेष्टितः     ।

प्रविद्धो रक्षसां भागः पर्वणीवाहिताग्निना      ॥

Kausalya says, "Kaikeyi is fortunate. She has achieved her desire by sending away Rama to the forest. Now she will have me under her control at home and torment me like a wicked serpent.

"Succumbing to Kaikeyi's demand, you have banished Rama to the forest. You tripped him from his due coronation. It is as if the performers of a homa sacrifice wrongly direct the homa fire and divert the offerings intended for the gods and give them instead to the demons."

And so on. 

Kausalya again says she will die from this separation. 

There are many comparisons by Valmiki to the distress of a milching cow when her calf is separated from her and taken away. This shows how much cows and prized bulls were regarded in our culture, as well as how advanced the practice was of rearing cattle in a holistic manner.

As anyone would in her position, Kausalya also fantasises about the return of Rama and paints a glorious picture of how the people of Ayodhya will celebrate his triumphant return. She also says many things about the hardships and distress Rama, Lakshmana and Sita will face in the forest.

Not dwelling on the anguish of Dasharatha as he hears Kausalya, Valmiki brings in Sumitra and her eloquent words of reassurance to Kausalya.

***

यस्तवार्ये गतः पुत्रस्त्यक्त्वा राज्यं महाबलः         ।

साधु कुर्वन् माहात्मानं पितरं सत्यवादिनम्          ॥

शिष्टैराचरिते सम्यक्शश्वत् प्रेत्य फलोदये            ।

रामो धर्मे स्थितः श्रेष्ठो न स शोच्यः कदाचन       ॥

वर्तते चोत्तमां वृत्तिं लक्ष्मणोऽस्मिन् सदानघः       ।

दयावान् सर्वभूतेषु लाभस्तस्य महात्मनः             ॥

अरण्यवासे यद् दुःखं  जानन्त्येव सुखोचिता        ।

अनुगच्छति वैदेही धर्मात्मानं तवात्मजम्             ॥

Sumitra tells Kausalya, "Oh noble queen, indeed your son of great valour has discarded the kingdom and gone to the forest. He has done something very noble and righteous as he is upholding the word and honour of his great father who has always upheld truth.

"When such deeds are done by noble souls, they always yield lasting fruits for everyone in the future. Therefore Rama who is established in Dharma should never be grieved about.

" I am also very happy about Lakshmana. He is blemishless and always compassionate to all beings. He has done the right thing now in accompanying Rama to the exile. This I am sure will augur much good for him.

"And look at Sita! Knowing fully well the rigours and dangers to be faced during the forest exile, she has rightly followed her husband.  That is because she knows how noble your son is."

Sumitra adds that the sun, the moon, all the elements, and the weather too, will ensure Rama's comfort in consideration of his nobility. She reminds Kausalya how Rama's departure evoked utter distress in the entire Ayodhya. So Ayodhya will rejoice and welcome Rama with boundless joy when he returns triumphantly. Sumitra narrates how Rama has acquired divine weapons from Brahma himself and is unconquerable on earth. He is the sun to the sun, moon to the moon and fire to the fire. These words suggest that Sumitra indeed knew Rama was Vishnu himself!

More on these lines until Kausalya is feeling much much better.

निशम्य तल्लक्ष्मणमातृवाक्यम् 

          रामस्य मातुर्नरदेवप्तन्याः          ।

सद्यः शरीरे विननाश शोकः 

          शरद्गतो मेघ इवाल्पतोयः         ॥

Hearing these words from Lakshmana's mother and queen Sumitra, the emotions of Rama's mother and queen Kausalya were pacified. Grief left her body now, just as we see how clouds bearing light moisture scatter away during winter without causing distress.

***

॥                श्रीरामजयम्               ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 18

June 18 - Sargas 41 and 42 of Ayodhya Kanda. 

Valmiki evokes images of a desolate and spiritless Ayodhya reeling after the banishment of Sri Rama. Nature is gloomy. All the elements are dark and foreboding. People are listless and grieving, not interested in others. Life has lost all its colour.

Dasharatha has been watching the dust raised by Sri Rama's chariot. When it stops Dasharatha again collapses. Kausalya rushes to lift him up. As she holds his right arm, Kaikeyi comes to raise him from the left. Dasharatha recoils from her touch.

***

तां नयेन च सम्पन्नो धर्मेण विनयेन च           ।

उवाच राजा कैकेयीं समीक्ष्य व्यथितेन्द्रियः    ॥

कैकेयि मामकाङ्गानि मा स्प्राक्षीः पापनिश्चये    ।

नहि त्वां द्रष्टुमिच्छामि न भार्या न च बान्धवी। ॥

भरतश्चेत् प्रतीतः स्याद् राज्यं प्राप्यैतदव्ययम्   ।

यन्मे स दद्यात्  पित्रर्थं मा मां तद्दत्तमागमत्       ॥

 Dasharatha, who was  a man full of softness of heart, righteousness and culture, recoiled from Kaikeyi and said in obvious discomfort from her touch:

"Kaikeyi, you with your sinful resolve! You dare not touch my limbs. I don't want to set my eyes on you any more.  I disown you as my wife and annul any relationship. The bonds of our marriage are broken. Anyone who has anything to do with you is disowned by me. 

"If Bharata gladly accepts kingship free from encumbrances and rules Ayodhya, let his obsequential (rites for the dead forefathers) offerings not reach me in my after-life."

Dasharatha then begs that he is taken to Kausalya's palace. He does not rest well there, even though he rests on the royal couch. In the most woeful voice imaginable, in the middle of the night, he laments,

न त्वां पश्यामि कौसल्ये साधु मां पाणिना स्पृश       ।

रामं मेऽनुगता दृष्टिरद्यापि न निवर्तते                      ॥

"Dear Kausalya, would you please touch my hand? I cannot see you at all. My sight that followed Rama as he left has not returned to me even now."

***

॥                    श्रीरामजयम्                    ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 17

June 17 - Sargas 39 and 40 of Ayodhya Kanda. Amidst lamentations and protestations, Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave for the forest in a royal chariot driven by Sumantra.

***

King Dasharatha is described as collapsing, recovering, uttering the name of Rama in extreme distress, and lamenting his situation.

मन्ये खलु मया पूर्वं विवत्सा बहवः कृताः         ।

प्राणिनो हिंसिता वापि तन्मामिदमुपस्थितम्     ॥

न त्वेनानागते काले देहाच्च्यवति जीवितम्   ।

कैकेय्या क्लिश्यमानस्य मृत्युर्मम न विद्यते       ॥  

Dasharatha laments: "Indeed I believe that I must have tormented many beings and deprived them of their children, for me to now experience this situation as my due reward.

"Alas! It seems the time for my death is still not come, as life is not leaving my body even after suffering this grievous torment from Kaikeyi."

Dasharatha tells Sumantra to arrange the best royal chariot and drive Rama to the edge of Ayodhya himself.

Dasharatha also orders that the finest clothes and ornaments be brought at once to Sita, and they should be in sufficient quantity to last her the entire fourteen years of her forest sojourn. This is done immediately. Sita once again wears her royal robes and looks her usual self - a goddess.

Then some words from Kausalya to Sita are equally piercing.

तां भुजाभ्यां परिष्वज्य श्वश्रूर्वचनमब्रवीत्        ।

अनाचरन्तीं कृपणं मूर्ध्युपाघ्राय मैथिलीम्      ॥  

असत्यः सर्वलोकेऽस्मिन् सततं सत्कृताः  प्रियैः  ।

भर्तारं नानुमन्यन्ते विनिपातगतं स्त्रियः              ॥

स त्वया नावमन्तव्यः पुत्रः प्रव्राजितो वनम्         ।

तव देवसमस्त्वेव निधनः सधनोऽपि वा            ॥ 

Then Kausalya clasped her daughter-in-law in an embrace and smelled her head (a traditional act in our country for elders showing affection and blessing to a youngster) as Sita remained very dignified and unperturbed.

"It is not true that people are treated well by their dear ones always. Wives do not show respect and love for their husbands when they are down and out.

"But please remember that my son should not be slighted or ill-treated by you, Sita, even though he is going into this exile in the forest. Regard him as your god, regardless of if he is in utter penury or is wealthy."

To this Sita gives a most fitting reply:

न मामसज्जनेनार्या समानयितुमर्हति             ।

धर्माद् विचलितुं नाहमलं चन्द्रादिव प्रभा      ॥  

नातन्त्री वाद्यते वीणा नाचक्रो विद्यते रथः       ।

नापतिः सुखमेधेत या स्यादपि शतात्मजा      ॥

"Noble queen Kausalya, you should not equate me to women without virtue. It is impossible for me to abandon Dharma just as a moon cannot lose his radiance.

"A veena does not remain a veena if it loses its strings. A chariot does not remain a chariot if it loses its wheels. Similarly a woman cannot be happy without her husband even if she has a hundred sons."

Then it is the turn of Rama to reassure Kausalya that the fourteen years will pass in a jiffy and he will be back. She and other queens are exhorted by him to take the best care of Dasharatha. 

Valmiki concludes this sarga by saying that the loud wailing and remonstrations of all the ladies around rose up like a discordant beating of drums.

Then Sumitra is taken leave of by Lakshmana. Her words are also sacred.

व्यसनी वा समृद्धो वा गतिरेष तवानघ         ।

एष लोके सतां धर्मो यज्ज्येष्ठवशगो भवेत्    ॥ 

रामं दशरथं विद्धि मां विद्धि जनकात्मजाम्     ।

अयोध्यामटवीं विद्धि गच्छ तात यथासुखम्    ॥  

"Dear son Lakshmana, of impeccable virtue, in times of distress or in times of prosperity, Sri Rama is your refuge and resort. It is the timeless tradition of Dharma that one should be devoted and steadfast to one's elder brother always.

"Lakshmana, let me tell you the best mindset for you. Consider Rama as Dasharatha himself in terms of your filial duty, consider Sita to be myself, your mother. And consider the forest to be your beloved Ayodhya. Proceed thus, dearest, at peace with your situation."

These words of Sumitra are often quoted to demonstrate the value system people lived by in Ramayana times. We will see time and again the character and commitment of Lakshmana. This was born of great inspirations from Sumitra. 

***

The brothers and Sita mount the royal chariot. Its splendour is in stark contrast to everyone's mood. Sita is being sent with a full set of clothes and accessories for her fourteen years in the forest. The brothers are carrying their divine weapons, The entire Ayodhya is up in wailing. Dasharatha and the queens run behind the chariot. Rama tells Sumantra to speed away. The citizens don't want the chariot to advance at all. A king to be utterly pitied, in a situation no one should ever be in human history, is walking behind the chariot. What woeful imagery indeed.

***

यमिच्छेत् पुनरायातं नैनं दूरमनुव्रजेत्        ।

इत्यामात्या  महाराजमूचुर्दशरथं वचः       ॥

His ministers told the king Dasharatha, "your majesty, one should not accompany for a great distance anyone in bidding goodbye whom one wants to return. It is inauspicious."

***

॥                श्रीरामजयम्                 ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 16

June 16 - Sargas 37 and 38 of Ayodhya Kanda. 

The scene of Kaikeyi's thrusting the garments of forest-dwellers on Sita and her distress, and the way Vasishtha raises his voice are covered in these two sargas.

First of all Rama wants to end any discussion about troops and facilities being sent along for his comfortable stay in the forest. He will go and spend the fourteen years as a tapasvi living like anyone else would in the forest.

***

यो हि दत्त्वा द्विपाश्रेष्ठं कक्ष्यायां कुरुते मनः     ।

रज्जुस्नेहेन किं तस्य त्यजतः कुञ्जरोत्तमम्         ॥

Rama spoke to Dasharatha, " Oh king, I will take nothing of the royal life along. It is similar to someone who has gifted away a prize elephant. What attachment will he have for the rope tied to that elephant's girth?"

***

Kaikeyi hastens to bring valkala-garments, made of barks, grass and bamboo fibre, to be worn by the three. Rama and Lakshmana wear them silently, giving up their royal silks. When she thrusts it on Sita also, Sita is most bewildered and distressed. She has no idea how to wear them. Rama goes to help her and ties those grass and bamboo garments over her silk dress. In Sanskrit the silk robes were called चीर - that is the origin of the word Saree in English.

Sage Vasishtha is highly provoked. He speaks his mind to Kaikeyi:

***

न गन्तव्या वनं देव्या सीतया शीलवर्जिते     ।

अनुष्ठास्यति रामस्य सीता प्रकृतमासनम्      ॥

आत्मा हि दाराः सर्वेषां दारसङ्ग्रहवर्तिनाम्    ।

आत्मेयमिति रामस्य पालयिष्यति मेदिनीम्    ॥

भरतश्च सशत्रुघ्नश्चीरावासा वनेचरः              ।

वने वसन्तं काकुत्स्थमनुवत्सयति पूर्वजम्      ॥

ततः शून्यां गतजनां वसुधां पादपैः सह         ।

त्वमेका शाधि दुर्वृत्ता प्रजानामहिते स्थिता     ॥

यद्यपि त्वं क्षितितलाद् गगनं चोत्पतिष्यसि     ।

पितृवंशचरित्रज्ञः सोऽन्यथा न करिष्यति        ॥ 

Vasishtha spoke sternly to Kaikeyi : " Oh lady who has given up good conduct, please know that Sita need not go to the forest. In fact she should take her place on the throne left vacant by Rama. After all the wife is the soul of every husband, especially those who take good care of their wives. Therefore this Sita is the soul of Rama and shall rule Ayodhya in his place.

"And don't even imagine that Bharata will relish rulership. He will go along with Shatrughna, wearing the same forest clothes, and follow his elder brother Rama and live in the forest.

"Therefore what will be left for you, Kaikeyi, to lord over, will be this land without any people,  empty in every way, except for trees. You will rule over this land with your bad attitude which is totally against the welfare of the people. 

"Kaikeyi, even if you jump from earth to heaven and back, know that Bharata will not follow your plan, as he is fully cognisant of the reputation of this dynasty and what is the right course for him."

More tears, more regret for Dasharatha. More misery for all around. Dasharatha orders that Sita will go only in her royal clothes, with all jewels and ornaments befitting her as the daughter of Janaka, and welcomed by Dasharatha at the time of marriage with the promise that she will be treated with honour due in every way.

Before going away, Rama makes a request to Dasharatha:

***

इमां महेनद्रोपम जातगर्धिनीं 

      तथा विधातुं जननीं ममार्हसि    ।

यथा वनस्थे मयि शोककर्षिता       

      न जीवतं न्यस्य यमक्षयं व्रजेत्    ॥

"Dear king, you are like Devendra himself in position, prestige and reputation.  My mother here, Kausalya, has extreme attachment to you and me. Kindly take care of her well. After I go away to the forest, she will be so distressed. Please make sure she will not give up her life and go to Yama's world. "

***

॥                   श्रीरामजयम्                  ॥  

 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 15

June 15 - Sargas 35 and 36 of Ayodhya Kanda.

These two Kandas are a proof that people always had the courage to speak the truth in times of Ramayana. Sumantra, the minister, and another elder minister of Dasharatha, Siddhartha, openly rebuke Kaikeyi in the presence of hundreds and ask her to change her mind.

***

Valmiki describes how Sumantra, , reading Dasharatha's mind, expressing extreme frustration, grinding his teeth, beating his head, mincing no words, shaking with anger, addressed Kaikeyi:

वाक्यवज्रैरनुपमैर्निर्भिन्दन्निव चाशुभैः         ।

कैकेय्याः सर्वमर्माणि सुमन्त्रः प्रत्यभाषत     ॥

नह्यकार्यतमं किञ्चित्तव देवीह विद्यते          ।

पतिघ्नीं त्वामहं मन्ये कुलघ्नीमपि चान्ततः ॥

राजा भवतु ते पुत्रो भरतः शास्तु मेदिनीम्      ।

वयं तत्र गमिष्यामो यत्र रामो गमिष्यति        ॥

आभिजात्यं हि ते मन्ये यथा मातुस्तथैव च       ।

न हि निम्बात् स्रवेत् क्षौद्रं लोके निगदितं वचः ॥

With unprecedented thunder-bolt-like words that should have pierced Kaikeyi's entrails , Sumantra spoke extremely harsh words to Kaikeyi:

"It seems, oh lady, nothing is too despicable or low a deed for you who are destroying your husband and eventually will destroy the entire Ikshwaku lineage.

"If you have your say, let Bharata, your son, become the king of this land, but it will be abandoned by all of us as we will follow Rama wherever he goes.

"I see clearly in you the same evil nature as that of your mother. It is indeed rightly said in the world that honey does not flow from a neem tree."

Valmiki makes Sumantra narrate how Kaikeyi's mother tormented her husband, by giving some specific examples. We have seen even before that Sumantra was no ordinary minister and charioteer. He was a most learned and astute man. Wasn't he the one who suggested to Dasharatha to perform the Yaga to beget sons?

Sumantra again succinctly lays out how it is the royal tradition for the eldest born to be the heir. And how Rama is the most worthy to be the Yuvaraja by all his accomplishments, character and people's support to have been rightly chosen to be anointed as the Yuvaraja. 

All Sumantra's  sagely, passionate and well-articulated words tear everyone's heart with their truth. But Kaikeyi?

Kaikeyi is actually totally unmoved by all this. 

Dasharatha starts instructing Sumantra that in the event that Rama goes to the forest, all arrangements should be made at once for the army, the treasury, all kinds of housekeeping and entertainment facilities to be despatched with him so that he will be able to live in royal comfort even in the forest.

To this Kaikeyi speaks with great feeling of anger and protest. How dare the king convert his promise of banishing Rama to arrange a picnic of sorts for Rama? She will have none of it. Dasharatha dare not empty Ayodhya of all its wealth, resources and people for Bharata to rule an empty shell. Dasharatha has no answer for her.

Then Kaikeyi says something shocking. After all, is there not a precedent among kings of Dasharatha's lineage itself for a king to banish his son? Remember how Sagara the king sent away his first born son Asamanjas to the forest? 

Then a senior minister by name Siddhartha speaks up. He narrates for Kaikeyi's benefit and for everyone else's too how Asamanjas turned out to be an extremely evil man who got pleasure in drowning babies in the Sarayu river. His actions were so atrocious that the entire citizenry rose up in arms and went to Sagara insisting that Sagara could not continue as the king of Ayodhya unless and until he banished his most unbalanced and evil son Asamanjas. 

That is how Sagara sent away Asamanjas to the forest. How can Kaikeyi even begin to draw a parallel here to Rama's banishment that was being asked for by Kaikeyi against all Dharma, the well-being of Ayodhya, and the king's own sagely counsel from Vasishtha and others? 

Dasharatha at last spoke:

एतद्वचो नेच्छसि पापारूपे हितं न जानासि मामात्मनोऽयथा ।

आस्थाय मार्गे कृपणं कुचेष्टा चेष्टा हि ते साधुपथादपेता      ॥

"Oh evil Kaikeyi, don't you like this good advice? You seem not to know what is good for me or even for you. Otherwise how would you be so hell-bent on a course of rank evil and patently disastrous consequence for all of us?"

***

॥                श्रीरामजयम्                ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 14

June 14 - Sargas 33 and 34 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Watched in desperate grief by all the stricken citizens of Ayodhya, Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana walk to the palace to take leave of Dasharatha.

Dasharatha is inconsolable. He asks Rama to take over the kingdom by force. Rama explains that it is the highest priority for him to uphold Dasharatha's promises to Kaikeyi and he would like to leave at once with Sita and Lakshmana for the forest. Everyone displays unprecedented distress, except Kaikeyi.

***

पदातिं सानुजं दृष्ट्वा ससीतं च जनास्तदा    ।

ऊचुर्बहुजना वाचः शोकोपहतचेतसः          ॥

निर्गुणस्यापि पुत्रस्य कथं स्याद् विनिवासनम् ।

किं पुनर्यस्य लोकोऽयं जितो वृत्तेन केवलम्   ॥

वनं नगरमेवास्तु येन गच्छति राघवः           ।

अस्माभिश्च परित्यक्तं पुरं सम्पद्यतां वनम्     ॥

People had filled every inch of space on terraces and balconies, and were watching the dismal and unbelievable picture of Rama Lakshmana and Sita (who wouldn't be seen in public ever before) proceeding on foot, sans paraphernalia and guards and processions, on their way to the exile. They all spoke as if in one voice, plunged in sorrow. 

"It is inconceivable to banish even a worthless son to the forest. Then how come our king is sending away Rama, who has won over the entire world with just his character and conduct?

"Now that Rama is leaving the city and going to the forest, for all our purposes, the forest shall be our city. Let us all leave this capital and follow Rama to the forest".

The people spare no words to describe how they will fill the forest and displace all the wild animals who will come and haunt Ayodhya. A derelict and inauspicious place that Ayodhya shall become - let Kaikeyi make merry here with her son and well-wishers.

***

Eventhough every word that was heard pierced one's heart, Sri Rama walked with a pleasant and majestic demeanour, and ascended the steps of the palace with Sita and Lakshmana.

***

Dasharatha sends for all his wives (he has 350 women as wives etc.) to assemble and witness the proceedings. They are all wailing and uttering the name "Rama Rama". Dasharatha collapses and is revived by Rama and Lakshmana.

***

अनुजानीहि सर्वान्नः शोकमुत्सृज्य मानद       ।

लक्ष्मणं मां च सीतां च प्रजापतिरिवात्मजान् ॥

प्रतीक्षमाणमव्यग्रमनुज्ञां जगतीपतेः              ।

उवाच राजा सम्प्रेक्ष्य वनवासाय राघवम्        ॥

अहं राघव कैकेय्या वरदानेन मोहितः            । 

अयोध्यायां त्वमेवाद्य भव राजा निगृह्य माम्    ॥

एवमुक्तो नृपतिना रामो धर्मभृतां वरः          । 

प्रत्युवाचाञ्जलिं कृत्वा पितरं वाक्यकोविदः  ॥

भवान् वर्षसहस्राय पृथिव्या नृपते पतिः       । 

अहं त्वरण्ये वत्स्यामि न मे राज्यस्य काङ्क्षिता  ॥

Sri Rama spoke to king Dasharatha: "Kindly give up your grief, oh lord and bestower of honour as the king! Please grant permission to all of us - Lakshmana, me and Sita, to go to the forest, just as lord Brahma gave permission to his four sons who wanted to go to the forest to perform austerities (the Sanatkumaras). "

To Rama thus waiting for his permission, displaying no grief or disturbance of mind, looking up at the king for his signal to leave for the forest, the king spoke. 

" Dear Raghava, I came under the delusion of fulfilling my promises to Kaikeyi. I deserve to be imprisoned by you now and you should take over as the king of Ayodhya."

When spoken thus by the king, Rama, who was the foremost among men who upheld righteousness, spoke, bending in obeisance, with all his eloquence:

" Oh king, you shall rule for a thousand years Ayodhya. I on my part will live in the forest. I have no desire at all for the kingdom." 

Dasharatha realises that the die is cast and events cannot be averted. He gives his bountiful blessings and prayers to Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. 

***

Dasharatha then tells Rama, now that he has made up his mind, please let him stay for the night in the company of his mothers and father and fulfill all his desires with all enjoyments in the opulence of Ayodhya. Then they may leave at daybreak for the forest. 

Rama rejects the idea at once. He says that his mind is already on its way and nothing - no royal pleasure or comfort - attracts him. His only goal is to fulfill his father's promises without the slightest delay. He will therefore leave immediately. 

***

पुरं च राष्ट्रं च मही च केवला 

        मया विसृष्टा भरताय दीयताम्     । 

अहं  निदेशं भवतोऽनुपालयन् 

      वनं गमिष्यामि चिराय सेवितुम्      ॥

"Dear lord, let this capital, this kingdom and all the land, that I have relinquished, be kindly handed over to Bharata. I on my part shall fulfill your order and go to the forest to live there for long". 

There is all-round wailing and a loud clamour of distress from the large number of Dasharatha's queens. Even the minister, Sumatra, swoons. 

***

॥           श्रीरामजयम्            ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - June 13

June 13 - Sargas 31 and 32 of Ayodhya Kanda.

We see Lakshmana now convince Rama that he should also go along with Rama and Sita to the forest. 

Then Valmiki elaborates how Sri Rama gave away all his wealth to people of all types in Ayodhya.

***

एवं श्रुत्वा स संवादं लक्ष्मणः पूर्वमागतः      ।

बाष्पपूर्णाकुलमुखः शोकं सौढुमशक्नुवन्     ॥

स भ्रातुश्चरणौ गाढं निपीड्य रघुनन्दनः          ।

सीतामुवाचातियशां राघवं च महाव्रतम्        ॥

यदि गन्तुं कृता बुद्धिर्वनं मृगगजायुतम्           ।

अहं त्वानुगमिष्यामि वनमग्रे धनुर्धरः             ॥   

On hearing the conversation between Rama and Sita, Lakshmana who had arrived a bit earlier, was unable to bear his sorrow. His face was full of tears. He bowed down and clasped tightly the feet of Rama, one known for great resolve and execution, and Sita, that most noble lady. The prince of Raghus, Lakshmana, spoke thus:

"Dear brother, if you have made up your minds to proceed to live in the forest surrounded by wild animals like deer and elephants, I shall go with you, in fact ahead of you, holding my bow." Lakshmana assures Rama that he will take care that Sita and Rama will have an enjoyable experience of living in the forest. He is very clear that nothing - not heaven nor riches nor kingdoms - interests him in life at all if it happens to be without serving Rama.

Sri Rama now dissuades Lakshmana in many ways. Once he is gone, who will take care of Kausalya and Sumitra? Kaikeyi will not treat them well. Bharata will have to be under her authority and will be helpless. How can Lakshmana bear the thought of their utter distress that will ensue if Lakshmana also goes away to the forest?

Lakshmana has a ready answer. First of all Rama knows that Bharata is a very good man, and has been inspried by Rama's behaviour always.. Bharata therefore will not behave badly. And if at all he does, it will take no time for Lakshmana to destroy his evil self and ensure that the mothers are well looked after. 

Lakshmana also reminds Rama that Kausalya has large tracts of villages and prosperous regions under her hold and in fact supports large numbers of priests and students studying the scriptures from her own resources. Even Sumitra is well provided for. So his presence is not needed in Ayodhya for providing them material needs. In fact even Dasharatha will not leave them destitute in any way.

Coming to his going with Rama, in fact the way Rama has spoken to Kausalya and others, it was already made clear that Lakshmana would go with him. Why this change of thought? 

Lakshmana elaborates on how he will take care of them in the forest, by clearing the paths, taking care of difficulties and dangers, bringing the roots and fruits for their food, and so on. He concludes, 

भवांस्तु सह वैदेह्या गिरिसानुषु रंस्यसे      ।

अहं सर्वं करिष्यामि जाग्रतः श्वपतश्च ते    ॥

"Dear brother, you will live happily with Sita, daughter of Videha, on mountain peaks (safest places from wild animals, but will need everything to be carried from the valley below!) I shall take care of everything, yes, everything, and will take care of you while you are awake and also asleep."

We will see later many descriptions how Lakshmana was exemplary in service and competence and did so many heroic things during those fourteen long years. Perhaps there is no other such character in literature.

***

रामस्त्वनेन वाक्येन सुप्रीतः प्रत्युवाच तम्       ।

व्रजापृच्छस्व सौमित्रे सर्वमेव सुहृज्जनम्         ॥

ये च राज्ञे ददौ दिव्ये महात्मा वरुणः स्वयम्     ।

जनकस्य महायज्ञे धनुषी रौद्रदर्शने                ॥

अभेद्ये कवचे दिव्ये तूणी चाक्षय्यसायकौ        ।

आदित्यविमलाभौ द्वौ खड्गौ हेमपरिष्कृतौ      ॥

सत्कृत्य निहितं सर्वमेतदाचार्यसद्मनि               ।

सर्वमायुधमादाय  क्षिप्रमाव्रज लक्ष्मण            ॥

Sri Rama was very pleased to hear Lakshmana speak thus. He replied indicating permission to Lakshmana, "well then, please proceed now to inform your friends and well-wishers of your impending journey and take their leave." This was a very diplomatic act I think, since someone responsible and close to him should break the news to the citizens of Ayodhya of the turn of events. So the very first task for Lakshmana was to be the lord's spokesperson.

The next was even more interesting.  On the occasion of the breaking of the Shiva Dhanush and the marriage with Sita, king Janaka had gifted some divine weapons to Rama. These had been given to him during his Yajna by Varuna, the god of the seas. It consisted of two divine fierce-looking bows, inexhaustible quivers of arrows, bejewelled and goldplated divine swords that shone with sun's radiance (an apt description since that is one weapon that glitters by its shiny sides!), and impenetrable armours. Sri Rama had worshipped them and placed them in custody in the ashrama of great sage Vasishtha. Lakshmana should collect of all them and bring them for the journey. Rama asks Lakshmana to return quickly.

***

Sri Rama also arranges for all their wealth - riches, clothes, jewels, grains, cows, bulls, in fact everything valuable that would have been in use for him as the Yuvaraja, to be given away. He makes an elaborate list and asks Lakshmana and Sita to start distributing them all. He invites the son of Vasishtha, himself a great sage by name Suyajna, and showers these gifts on him and says many gifts are also given by Sita for his wife.

I see here again great statesmanship. Rama is making it known to all that he was never after power and prosperity. By his deeds of such charity he has shown what stuff he is made of and when he does return, we can be sure of the kind of reception that will await him. 

Rama makes sure nobody in want is left uncared for. Poor people, students, beggars, everyone is given gifts in plenty. There is a strange sage by name Trijata. He is aged but with a young wife and many children. He lives in the forest and somehow ekes out a living (Valmiki says he lives by digging for food!). His wife hears of Rama's munificence and makes him rush to Rama. Rama has in fact given away most of his wealth by then. But when Trijata comes asking, Sri Rama says, surely, he will give him cows that would cover the ground as much as he can throw his staff (stick he holds for walking) to cover. So some kind of a test. The old rishi takes a deep breath, practises his swing and throws the staff really far- so far that it goes to the other bank of Sarayu! Sri Rama smiles and gives him thousands of cows and all the land covered by that throw. He smiles and says the sage should not think he was making fun of him as Rama wanted everyone to see how strong the man was even in his advanced age.

स चापि रामः प्रतिपूर्णमानसो

    महाधनं धर्मबलैरुपार्जितम्        ।

नियोजयामास सुहृजजने चिराद्

    यथार्हसम्मानवचः   प्रचोदितः    ॥

द्विजः सुहृद् भृत्यजनोऽथवा   

    दरिद्रभक्षाचरणाश्च यो भवेत्        ।

न तत्र कश्चिन्न बभूव तर्पितो

     यथार्हसम्मानदानसम्भ्रमैः           ॥   

Thus did Rama, who had over the years administered Ayodhya well and earned riches by righteous means, and with a reputation for his great valour and ability, distribute, with all generosity of heart, his wealth and provide for his well-wishers in plenty for the future, speaking words of due respect to them for receiving his gifts.

Brahmins and priests, relatives and servants, poor people who lived on alms, vagrants - whoever a person may be, received his gifts, There was no one left who had not received gifts from Rama. All was done with great decorum, respect and grace as well as in a mood of celebration.

***

॥                 श्रीरामजयम्                  ॥ 

Puranas - article in A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Swami Harshananda-ji of Ramakrishna Mission was a scholar of immense learning and prodigious output. I show below his article in his work, A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, from the RKMathBangalore website. I have pasted it here for your ready reading.

Valmiki Ramayana - June 12

June 12 - Sargas 29 and 30 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Sita manages to convince Rama that she should accompany him. Rama discloses that he also knew that she would come along but was only explaining how difficult their circumstance had turned. He asks her to give away all precious belongings as gifts before their departure.

***

ये त्वया कीर्तिता दोषा वने वस्तव्यतां प्रति          ।

गुणानित्येव तान् विद्धि तव स्नेहपुरस्कृता            ॥ 

अदृष्टपूर्वरूपत्वात्  सर्वे ते तव राघव                  ।

रूपं दृष्ट्वापसर्पेयुस्तव सर्वे हि बिभ्यति                 ॥

त्वया च सह गन्तव्यं मया गुरुजनाज्ञया               ।

त्वद्वियोगेन मे राम त्यक्तव्यमिह जीवितम्           ॥

Sita tells Rama: "Dear lord, these circumstances and difficulties of forest life you have described, please know that they are indeed for me attractions alone, since I am so much loved by you. 

"Further, the creatures in the forest have never seen someone like you (armed warrior). In fact they will run away in fear on seeing you.

"The elders' order for you to go to the forest applies equally to me. My only course if I am separated from you will be to give up my life."

Sita goes on to narrate that in Mithila, she had actually been foretold by astrologers and seers that she was destined to live in the forest. She says that is in fact coming true now!

कृतादेशा भविष्यामि गमिष्यामि त्वया सह           ।

कालश्चायं समुत्पन्नः सत्वयान् भवतु द्विजः           ॥

"Given the order to go to the forest (and with your consent) I shall go to the forest along with you! Therefore the time has come for the prophesy of the Brahmins to be proven true!"

Sita repeats what Rama had told earlier about the difficult circumstances she would face in Ayodhya after his departure. That is enough reason not to allow such a situation. She repeats that when given in marriage to him, it was a sacred bond for this life and even in the life after. So he cannot leave her.

***

Sita started shedding copious tears when Rama seemed unmoved. Valmiki says her hot tears drenched the earth. Rama tried his best to console her but in vain.

Sita, in extreme agitation, then taunted Rama:

किं त्वामन्यत वैदेहः पिता मे मिथिलाधिपः         ।

राम जामातरं प्राप्य स्त्रियं पुरुषविग्रहम्              ॥ 

किं हि कृत्वा विषण्णस्त्वं कोतौ वा भयमस्ति ते    ।

यत् परित्यक्तुकामस्त्वं  मामनन्यपरायणाम्         ॥

महावातसमुद्भूतं यन्मामवकरिष्यति                    ।

रजो रमण तन्मन्ये परार्ध्यमिव चन्दनम्                ॥

न च तत्र ततः किञ्चिद् द्रष्टुमर्हसि विप्रियम्           ।

मत्कृते न च शोको न भविष्यामि दुर्भरा               ॥

"What is it- when the king of Videha  gave me away in marriage to you, Rama, he thought he got a great son-in-law, but perhaps it is to a woman dressed up as man?

"What makes you gloomy or afraid to take me along? Don't you know that I am devoted totally to you and have no other person in my life?

"Dearest Rama, know that when I am in the forest with you, every experience will be only pleasant to me. For example, if I am caught in a raging whirlwind that will deposit so much sand on me, I shall consider that I am being bathed in sandal dust."

"Therefore I beg you not to think that any unpleasantness or difficulty will arise for you on my account. I shall not be a burden to you in any way and no sorrow will be caused to you by me." 

Sita said that if he was not going to take her along, it was better for her to die right now. Crying aloud and shedding copious tears, Sita fell into Rama's arms, full of extreme anguish. Sri Rama embraced Sita and said these words:

***

न देवि बत दुःखेन स्वर्गमप्यभिरोचये            ।

नहि मेऽस्ति भयं कञ्चित् स्वयम्भोरिव सर्वतः। ॥

धर्मस्तु गजनासोरु सद्भिराचरिता पुरा            ।

तं चाहमनुवर्तिष्ये यथा सूर्यं सुवर्चला            ॥

न खल्वहं न गच्छेयं वनं जनकनन्दिनि            ।

वचनं तन्नयति मां पितुः सत्योपबृंहितम्          ॥    

"My dearest Sita, if it causes sorrow in you, I shall not enjoy a trip even to heaven. Then what of this exile. 

"Know that nothing on earth can cause fear in me, just as nothing in this universe can cause fear in Narayana.

"Now that I know your feelings clearly, and your readiness for the forest life, you shall accompany me to the forest. Indeed this has been the practice of yore and conforms to Dharma. Follow me just as Suvarchala follows Surya, the Sun god.

"Also, dear daughter of Janaka, I think you know that the prospect of going to the forest is not something I desired. That plighted word of my father and his being tied down by Kaikeyi is what is driving me away to exile."

Both Sri Rama and Sita are now full of resolve for the life ahead. They will sail through thick and thin in accordance with Dharma.

Sita is mightily relieved that she is not being left behind. Sri Rama tells her that they should quickly prepare for their departure and she should give away all royal garments, jewellery, household articles, food, precious articles of amusement, and anything else valuable, to Brahmins, to others in need and those in supplication...and Sita jumps into action.

***

॥                 श्रीरामजयम्                 ॥ 

  

Valmiki Ramayana - June 11

June 11 - Sargas 27 and 28 of Valmiki Ramayana.

We get to hear for the first time the voice, and flow of thought, of Sita in Ramayana only now. That too in these extremely unhappy circumstances. Nobody can fail to develop a deep respect for Devi Sita after hearing her. In fact Valmiki has hinted more than once that Ramayana is foremost the saga of an exemplary woman, Sita.

After hearing Rama's discourse to her on how she should conduct herself in Ayodhya during his forthcoming exile, Sita is filled with extreme grief and anger. She does not mince words but makes her point without either hurting or insulting Sri Rama.

***

एवमुक्ता तु वैदेही प्रियार्हा प्रियवादिनी ।

प्रणयादेव संकृद्धा भर्तारमिदमब्रवीत्   ॥

Thus advised, daughter of Videha, Sita, who deserved the highest affection from Rama and who spoke always with love to him, was provoked into anger only because of her love for him. She replied to her husband:

किमिदं भाषसे राम वाक्यं लघुतया ध्रुवम्    ।

त्वया यदपहास्यं मे श्रुत्वा नरवरोत्तम          ॥

आर्यपुत्र पिता माता भ्राता पुत्रस्तथा स्नुषा     । 

स्वानि पुण्यानि भुञ्जानः स्वं स्वं भाग्यमुपासते ॥

भर्तुर्भाग्यं तु नार्येका प्राप्नोति पुरुषर्षभ       ।

अतश्चैवाहमादिष्टा वने वस्तव्यमित्यपि        ॥

"Dear Rama, how come you speak these extremely slighting words to me? I am only amused by your words.

" Oh noble prince, Everyone - father, mother, brother, son, daughter-in-law, all reap the fruits of their own independent deeds. That is their lot. But never so for a wife. She is one to share equally in the fortunes of her husband as her right and duty. So it is very clear that I should share equally in carrying out the order given to you to go and live in the forest. "

Sita goes on to say that the a woman's sole refuge  is always her husband, and nobody else. If Rama is going to the forest, he should know that she will actually travel ahead of him, stepping on the kusha grass and thorns in the path. She does not at all mind eating remnants of what he eats, doing tapas and eschewing any irritation. It is much more desirable for a wife to live in her husband's shadow in the forest rather than stay behind in the luxury of the palace. 

Sri Rama does not need to school her in what is the right conduct for her, nay, thank you sir, but she has been very well brought up and trained by her parents in Mithila. She shall be concerned in the forest always about her husband's wellbeing and will be never bothered by life's hardships and dangers.

Sita also says she looks forward to enjoying the sights, fauna and flora like lotus ponds and trees in spring in the company of her dearest husband Rama. 

Sita adds a punch-line. Rama, being a prince, will surely wish to extend the best hospitality to any visitors who may come to him even in the forest. Being by his side, she will fulfill that role too with equal responsibility! 

***

Sri Rama wants to explain to Sita why he thinks the forest is unsuitable for her. 

"Every aspect of forest life is full of hardship. What they eat, the way they sleep, the fury of the elements, and lying on a grass bed at night unable to recover from a most tiring day of toil. Wild animals attack in all forms and shapes. One has to also somehow manage to live out the pious life of prayer and ritual praying to gods and forefathers at appointed intervals. "

Rama concludes to Sita that most decidedly, the forest life will not be suitable for her. 

***

वनं च नेतुं न कृता मतिर्यदा बभूव रामेण तदा महात्मना   । 

न तस्य सीता वचनं चकार तं ततोऽब्रवीद् राममिदं सुदुःखिता   ॥

When the noble-souled Rama for these reasons refused to take her to the forest, Sita did not accept his word. She replied to him with much affliction of mind. 

We shall see that tomorrow! 

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्             ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - June 10

June 10 - Sargas 25 and 26 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Valmiki gives an indication of the temperament of queen Kausalya and then of Sita. We also read of Sri Rama's way of breaking the news to Sita. 

***

There is a popular saying in Indian languages you hear when we speak highly of any person's greatness and valour. We say, "whose milk has he drunk (who is his mother)!?"                         So the effect a mother has on her son is regarded as  the foremost influence.

Here we see how Kausalya blesses Sri Rama and protects him with her prayers:

यं पालयसि धर्मं त्वं प्रीत्या च नियमेन च         ।

स वै राघवशार्दूल धर्मस्त्वामभिरक्षतु              ॥

येभ्यः प्रणमसे पुत्र देवेष्वायतनेषु च                ।

ते च त्वामभिरक्षन्तु वने सह महर्षिभिः             ॥

यानि दत्तानि तेऽस्त्राणि विश्वामित्रेण धीमता     ।

तानि त्वामभिरक्षन्तु गुणैः समुदितं सदा            ॥

पितृशुश्रूषया पुत्र मातृशुश्रूषया तथा                ।

सत्येन च महाबाहो चिरं जीवाभिरक्षितः           ॥

आगमास्ते शिवाः सन्तु सिध्यन्तु च पराक्रमाः     ।

सर्वसम्पत्तयो राम स्वस्तिमान् गच्छ पुत्रक          ॥

प्रणष्टदुःखसंकल्पा हर्षविद्योतितानना               ।

द्रक्ष्यामि त्वां वनात् प्राप्तं पूर्णचन्द्रमिवोदितम्     ॥   

"Dearest Rama, that Dharma you so lovingly uphold with discipline, may He that Dharma protect you, oh tiger of the Raghu dynasty!

"The prayers you have offered to deities in the temples, may those deities protect you, along with sages, in the forest.

" Those divine weapons that the great sage Vishwamitra has conferred on you, may they always protect you with all their powers fully manifested under your control.

"The dedicated service you have rendered your father, and your mothers, may that truly protect you in your exile.

"May all that is auspicious come to you in the future. May your valour and glory blossom fully. May you win all true treasures in the forest. Please proceed with your best foot forward, my son!

"I shall be rid of my sorrow entirely, and my face shall light up with great joy, when I shall behold you shining like the full moon rising, on your return from the forest!"

Kausalya also says prayers to all fauna, flora, creatures, divine and other beings, directions, seasons, and spirits, and so on, to protect Rama always.

The stage is set for Sri Rama's departure to the forest. She circumambulates him and he does so her in turn and Sri Rama now proceeds to break the news to Sita.

***

Sri Rama silently passes through the royal highway full of people eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite prince and heir apparent. Nobody is the wiser about the latest developments. So also is Sita, waiting for Sri Rama with eager anticipation after the coronation. 

***

Sita saw a Rama with a dejected and gloomy face enter. Naturally she was alarmed.

अथ सीता समुत्पत्य वेपमाना च तं पतिम्         ।

अपश्यच्छोकसंतप्तं चिन्ताव्याकुलितेद्रियम्    ॥  

Therefore Sita sprang up from her seat shaking with anxiety. She saw her husband burning with grief and all his features full of sorrow and anxiety.

***

Sita is simply unable to guess what has happened. She bursts out with questions to Sri Rama. "What is up, my lord? Today is the auspicious star of Pushya and the priests had recommended your coronation. You should have the royal umbrella over your crowned head. You should be fanned by attendants and bards and courtiers should be singing your royal praises formally. You should have been ceremonially bathed and adorned by the priests. You should have a retinue of ministers and traders and others around you. Your procession in a golden chariot should be preceded by royal elephants and horses. Someone must be carrying for you the royal seat. But I see none of this, and your countenance is one full of sorrow!? What has happened?"

The poet Valmiki is regarded as the greatest because he narrates the story through the eyes and words of the characters. By now you would have a graphic image of what is the scene, what are Rama's and Sita's mental states.

***

इतीव विलपन्तीं तां चौवाच रघुनन्दनः            ।

सीते तत्रभवांस्तातः प्रव्राजयति मां वनम्          ॥  

कुले महति सम्भूते धर्मज्ञे धर्मचारिणि             ।

श्रृणु जानकि येनेदं क्रमेणाद्यागतं मम              ॥

To Sita, who was crying thus, Sri Rama, the scion of Raghus, replied in a sombre voice.

"Oh Sita, what happened there is this. The king and my father Dasharatha asked me to go away to the forest.  

Dearest Janaki, you are one of noble birth, full of great virtues., You know what is Dharma, and you always conduct yourself according to Dharma. Please hear all that has happened to me today."

***

I am too sad even to write down all the verses. 

***

Rama narrates how two old boons given to Kaikeyi by Dasharatha have been used by her to bring the king under her thumb today. Just when the preparations were all readied for Rama's coronation, she asked that Rama should immediately go and live in Dandaka forest for fourteen years. Dasharatha then decided that Bharata shall be made the heir apparent, Yuvaraja. Rama has come to visit Sita just before going away to the forest. 

Sri Rama now advises Sita how to conduct herself during his exile. She should never praise Rama or speak of his virtues to anyone, especially not mention Rama at all in the presence of Bharata. For men are extremely jealous.

Sita should be very respectful to Bharata and in no way provoke him. 

Rama is leaving right now for the forest. In his absence Sita should occupy herself with penance and prayers. She should take care of Dasharatha and Kausalya and Rama's other mothers, who have all been very affectionate to him in the past. She should regard Bharata and Shatrughna as her own brothers or sons. 

Rama is on his way to the forest and Sita should stay back and conduct herself thus in Ayodhya.

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्              ॥