Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana Prepare for Exile (Ramayana Series 30)

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana Prepare for Exile

Moved by Sri Rama’s resolve, Sumantra entered the inner chambers of the palace. There he beheld King Dasharatha, deeply agitated and consumed by grief, his thoughts fixed constantly upon his beloved son. Bowing respectfully, Sumantra spoke:

“O Lord! Sri Rama, whom you remember at every moment, has distributed all his wealth among the Brahmins and those who sought refuge in him. He now stands at the entrance of your inner chambers, awaiting your presence.”

Hearing these words, Dasharatha summoned all his queens to the inner palace and instructed that Rama be brought before him. Once all had assembled, Sri Rama folded his hands in reverence and said:

“O Maharaja! You are the sovereign lord of us all. I have therefore come seeking your permission. Look upon me with auspicious grace as I set out for the Dandaka forest. Grant Lakshmana also leave to accompany me. Sita, too, has resolved to follow me into the forest. Though I tried in many ways to dissuade them, neither wishes to remain behind without me. Abandon your grief and grant us permission to depart for the forest.”

At these words, Dasharatha cried out in anguish:

“O Raghava! I have been ruined by the boon I granted to Kaikeyi. Bind me this very moment and ascend the throne of Ayodhya!”

To this plea, Sri Rama—foremost among the righteous, master of measured speech—replied calmly:

“O Maharaja! May you rule this world for a thousand years yet. I shall dwell in the forest. It is not my duty to render your word untrue. I shall wander in the wilderness for fourteen years, and once my vow is fulfilled, I shall return to Ayodhya and bow at your feet.”

Bound by the fetters of truth, tormented by grief, and secretly compelled by Kaikeyi to send Rama away, the king wept bitterly. Blessing Rama through his tears, he said:

“My child! Travel to the forest with single-minded devotion—for spiritual merit, worldly welfare, and eventual return to Ayodhya. May auspiciousness attend you.”

Sighing deeply at every moment, Dasharatha then commanded Sumantra:

“O charioteer! Issue orders at once. Let the fourfold army—chariots, elephants, cavalry, and infantry—adorned with nine kinds of precious gems, prepare to accompany Sri Rama. Bharata, mighty-armed though he is, shall rule an Ayodhya bereft of people and prosperity. Let Rama proceed to the forest with every comfort.”

As the king spoke thus, Kaikeyi was struck with fear. Her face withered, her voice failed her. Standing before the king, pale and shaken, she declared:

“After all joy is drained away, what remains is tasteless dregs. Just so, when the people depart and all pleasures vanish, this empty Ayodhya will be of no use to Bharata.”

Hearing her words, Dasharatha thundered:

“O sinful woman! You know not what is truly good for me. This vile act of yours follows a base path, far removed from the way of the noble. I shall renounce kingdom, wealth, and comfort, and follow Rama into the forest this very moment. You may remain here and enjoy the pleasures of this kingdom with Bharata as king.”

Listening to their exchange, Sri Rama spoke with serene firmness:

“O Maharaja! I am departing after renouncing all pleasures, resolved to live on roots and tubers found in the forest, having abandoned all worldly attachments. What purpose would an army, or wealth, gold, garments, and vehicles serve for me? Who would desire the rope once a noble elephant has already been given? Likewise, having renounced the very fortune of empire, why would I need this army? I have no attachment to any of these. Let Bharata accept all royal possessions with my consent. What I need now are garments of bark. Let servants bring mattocks and tools—for I shall dwell in the forest for fourteen years.”

No sooner had Rama spoken than Kaikeyi—shameless and unmoved—herself brought the bark garments and handed them to him. Sri Rama, the noblest among men, accepted them, laid aside his priceless silken robes, and donned the ascetic attire befitting a forest hermit.

As the assembly cried out, “Alas! What a cruel reversal of fate!”, Lakshmana too removed his rich garments before his father and clothed himself in bark, suitable for a tapasvi.

Sita Devi, who had always worn only fine silks, was repeatedly entreated by Sage Vasishta and others not to don such attire. Yet, desiring in all things to be one with her beloved lord, Sita remained steadfast in her resolve and chose the bark garments without hesitation.