||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 17– Ayodhya Kandam

 Rama arrives in Shrungabheripura

It was early morning, people got up from their sleep and searched for Rama and found there was no chariot or Rama. They shrieked out in tears, and called out loudly for Rama, it was like a ferry full of people sunk deep in the water, created huge chaos among them. They cried to each other and behaved like the fishes out of the water. They cursed their fate, “ Our life is cursed without Raghurama, If God has the right to separate us from our dearest Raghuveera, why he is not willing to give death when we ask for it?” finally they returned to their homes in Ayodhya, it was impossible to describe the pain of separation of the people of Ayodhya. They lived with the sole hope that Rama will be back after fourteen years of his Vanavasa, till that decided to hold on to their lives. The males and females conducted various austerities for the safe return of Rama after the Vanavasa. Their lives were truly pathetic like the Chakravaha and lotus flowers in the absence of Surya.

Rama, along with Sita, Lakshman and Sumanthra arrived in Srunghaberapura on the shores of Ganga.  Rama enthusiastically got down from the Chariot and rushed towards Ganga and prostrated before her, Lakshmana, Sita and Sumanthra followed him. They took great pleasure in the shores of Ganga. The Devanadhi/suranadhi Ganga removes all the afflictions of people and provides perpetual bliss and auspiciousness to them. Rama described the glorious legends of Suranadhi Ganga to his beloved wife, dearest brother, and respectable Sumanthra. They took bath on the sacred waters, and forgot the tiredness of the journey; they drank the sacred waters and felt great happiness. Whoever listens or remembers the splendor of the sacred river Ganga, or take a holy dip and consume her water would get relieved from the cycles of death and birth. The supreme Lord Rama who is the essence of Sacchidhananda, performed all the rites like an ordinary human, the Lord of the clan of the Surya dynasty waved the path of the righteousness to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.

Guha who is the chief of the tribal clan of Shrungabheripura arrived with his people and family; they brought fruits and fiber roots in several baskets and came to meet Rama with extreme happiness. He kept the basket before the Lord and reverentially prostrated before him, and he could not withdraw eyes from Rama, he kept looking at Rama with great love with folded hands. The compassionate Raghurama asked him to take a seat near him and began to converse each other, Guha spoke “Oh! Natha, your lotus feet are the source of welfare and happiness of Jeeva, I am extremely fortunate one, Oh! Deva, my land, wealth, and the house is your wealth, I and my family are your slaves. Kindly make a visit to our village and purify them, and shower your eternal grace upon us. Let the entire village get the fortune to witness you.” Rama replied “Oh! Guha, intelligent one, you are absolutely right, but my father has a different command for me. He has ordered fourteen years of Vanavasa for me, and my lifestyle, food, and clothing should be like an ascetic, therefore my visit to your village is impossible.” Guha felt extremely unhappy listening to the words of Rama. The females of the village accompanied Guha praised the loveliness of Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, “How did they send these tender and lovely children to the woods? Anyway, it is good for us; we have the fortune to make our life fruitful.”  The king of Nishadha,  Guha led Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita under the shade of an Ashoka Vruksha, it was a beautiful place, the people spend some time with Rama and returned to their village. Raghuvara prepared to perform the worship of Surya in the hours of dusk, in the meantime, Guha prepared a beautiful mattress of Dharbha/sacred grass for Rama, and he prepared vessels out of the leaves and served all those fruits before him. Raghukulathilaka consumed the fruits with Sita and Lakshman and Sumanthra.  Rama relaxed on the Dharbha mattress, Lakshmana massaged the feet of the Lord. Once, Rama has fallen asleep, Lakshman advised Sumanthra to get some sleep. Lakshmana took his bow and arrow, and settled himself little away from Rama, to watch for the safety of the couple. Guha called his men and instructed them to protect them from different directions of the wood, he took his bow and arrow and seated with Lakshman.

Guha felt extremely unhappy watching Rama sleeping on the grass bed, his eyes filled with tears, and spoke to Lakshman “ The palace of Ayodhya excels the beauty of Amaravathi of Devendra, its roof made of precious yellow metals and gem decorated, it has exquisite beauty as it was made by Kamadeva, it is the abode of luxuries, richness, purity, and splendor, decorated with full of fresh alluring flowers of rich fragrances, and highly expensive mattresses and pillows, gem decorated earthen and crystal lamps, and it is the abode of prosperity and luxuries indeed. The mattress must be decorated with highly expensive fur, gem, and beautiful cushions, bedspread, etc. It must be the place where Rama and Sita spend their nights that kindle jealous even in Kamadeva and Devi Rathi. It is difficult to watch Rama and Sita sleeping on the grass without a single spread to cover them, and they have fallen asleep in extreme exhaustion. Rama who is beloved of his parents, people of Ayodhya, Kings’ men, companions, relatives, and attendants, sleeping on the grass floor is tearing my heart apart. Devi Sita whose father is Rajarishi Janaka, father in law is well famous King Dhasharatha who is Raghukuladheesha and associate of Devendhra, and her husband Ramachandra, is sleeping on the ground. Is Rama and Devi Sita is deserved to be in the forest? As everyone says the destiny is powerful.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 16– Ayodhya Kandam

Rama leaving the city of Ayodhya

Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, prepared to leave to the forest and all the arrangements were made, Prabhu, Devi Sita and Lakshman reverentially prostrated before the twice-born and preceptors while the people of Ayodhya watching in awe.  They have arrived in the hermitage of Sage Vashishta and met all those people of Ayodhya who were besieged with the sorrow of separation from Raghuveera, he comforted them and called for the twice-born. Rama requested Maharishi Vashishta to make an immediate arrangement for the remuneration of twice-born for a year, so that it won’t create any hurdles to perform their rites, in this way Rama stolen the hearts of those twice-born with his humility, righteousness, and simplicity. He provided an abundance of charities to the beggars, showered boundless affection towards his companions, and made them satisfied, he called out for the female and male attendants and left them under the protection of preceptor and spoke “Oh! Swami kindly takes good care of these people and consider them as your children.” Rama with folded hands spoke to the people assembled “Oh! My eminent subjects of Ayodhya, whoever works for the welfare of the King, Kingdom, and its subjects are my favorites; you have to take care of my mother’s not to get distressed at the pain of separation from me.” Rama calmed the people surrounded him with the pleasing words and prostrated before Sage Vashishta. Thus, Rama received blessings from the preceptor, begun the journey to forest contemplating upon supreme Lord Ganesha, Gauri and Parameshwara.

Rama felt extremely difficult to move forward listening to the miserable cries of the people of Ayodhya, immediately there were bad omens appeared in the city of Lanka, the city of Ayodhya doomed in grief, the abode of deities drenched in happiness as well as sorrow. King Dhasharatha regained consciousness and enquired Sumanthra “Oh! Sumanthra, Rama must have started the journey to the forest, but my life is still clinging on to this body. What did the Prana expect from this body? Is there any happiness left for this Prana to enjoy? There is no pain could take away my Prana, other than the separation from Rama. Oh! Dear companion, follow Rama in your chariot. These two princes are too young and tender aged, and Sita is too youthful. Take them for a ride in the forest for two or three days, and bring them back to the palace. If the two brothers are not willing to return home, pray with folded hands to send back Maithili to the palace, she would get scared of the wilderness of the forest, advise her to return home, her parents are worried about her safety in the forest, and ask her to live with parents-in-law or her parents home as she desires. Kindly, make all effort to bring them back, if she returns back I may survive, otherwise, I could not live, Oh! Sumanthra, bring back Rama, Lakshman, and Sita,” King Dhasharatha wept bitterly and fallen unconscious.

Sumanthra prostrated before King Dhasharatha, he arranged the fastest chariot to travel to the forest, and in no time arrived at the place where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana settled out of the city. Sumanthra informed the instructions of King Dhasharatha and requested them to get into the chariot. They took a seat on the chariot and heartily prostrated Ayodhya and began their journey. The people of Ayodhya found it difficult to live in Ayodhya without Rama, so they began to follow Rama to the forest. The Supreme Lord who is Kripasindhu advised them several times and to return to their homes and follow their duties and responsibilities, unfortunately, they could not get peace without Rama, so they rushed back to join with Rama.

The darkness in the city of Ayodhya roused terror in its people, and the people looked like wild animals and they were scared to look each other, their homes had the resemblance of funeral ground and people lived in  it had the appearance of the spirit, and their children, parents, and relatives looked like the emissaries of Yama. The gardens and pleasure homes lost their charm, the trees, shrubs, and creepers dried, the well, ponds, and streams were lost its beauty and the purity of the water. All those herds of horses, elephants, and domesticated animals, birds, cuckoo, myna, Chathaka, Chakravaha, parrots, pelican, swan, Chakora were restless and produced anxious cries. The city had the appearance of the dense forest, filled with trees full of fruits, and the male and female of the city had the appearance of animals and birds, as if God has given the role of Kiratha woman to Devi Kaikeyi to burn down the forest like Ayodhya.

The people of Ayodhya could not control their grief, they have taken a collective decision “There is no happiness in the city of Ayodhya, in the absence of Rama, Lakshmana, and Devi Sita. Therefore, we will live together with Rama in the forest, there is no work left for us in Ayodhya in the absence of Rama.” In this way, they have abandoned their beautiful houses and the comforts, even the deities got jealous of watching their beautiful homes and richness, and they followed Rama. Will it be possible for the worldly matters to attack the person who is vested intense faith and devotion at the lotus feet of Rama? These people left the elderly and small children at homes and moved to the forest. On the first day, Rama stayed on the riverbank of Thamasa. He felt extremely sad watching the people of Ayodhya, the troubles they have taken, and their intense love and devotion towards him. The compassionate Lord gets easily emotional watching the troubles of his devotees; he pacified them with lovely words. Rama imparted knowledge in Dharmashasthra and advised them to return to their homes, but they could not follow them due to their intense love and devotion upon Rama, it put Rama in deep grief. That night, the people were tired of grief drown to deep sleep, eventually, the Maya of Lord heaved them to a state of stillness. It was darkest hours in the night; Rama spoke to Sumanthra “Oh! Father, keeps your chariot moving here and there so that no one could trace out the direction of the chariot, otherwise, we cannot proceed to our duties.” Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana contemplated upon Lord Shambhu and seated on the chariot, Sumanthra tactfully moved the chariot into different directions in such a way that it was impossible to locate the direction of the chariot and in this way, they have crossed several miles.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 15– Ayodhya Kandam

Rama meets King Dhasharatha to bade farewell to leave to forest

 Lakshmana rushed out of the chamber of Devi Sumithra with a fear that his plan to follow his elder brother should not get disrupted.   He hurried out like a deer luckily got out of the trap of the hunter. Lakshmana rushed to Janakinatha, he felt immensely happy in the presence of his elder brother. He prostrated before the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita and followed them to the palace. There was a huge crowd of female and male of the Ayodhya assembled on the entrance of the palace, they were shrunken in grief, and disappointed, like the bee that lost its beehives, they bet hardly on their head; felt like wingless birds, and their grief was beyond description.

Sumanthra assisted King Dhasharatha to get seated on the bed, and informed the arrival of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. King Dhasharatha was anxious to watch three of them, he embraced them repeatedly. King was too weak to utter a word; he was shrunken in deep grief, feeling extreme pain. Rama prostrated at the feet of King and began to speak “Oh! Father, kindly gives me permission to proceed to woods, why are you feeling unhappy in this auspicious moment? Oh! Dear father, increased desire would compel a person to move away from duties and responsibilities, which could bring ill fame and a bad reputation.” King Dhasharatha affectionately holds Rama’s hand and shed tears, and began to speak “Oh! Dear child, listen to me carefully, the sages and Rishis speak you are all-pervasive, and Lord of living and non-living things. The Veda affirms that the supreme Lord gives the fruit of our Karma, and the Jeeva is fastened with Karma and its results.  It is quite unnatural, in my case, one has done the mistake and another one is going through the punishments, it is difficult to understand that the supreme Lord who is highly confidential.”

King Dhasharatha made a futile effort to prevent Rama leaving the Kingdom of Ayodhya, eventually understood that Rama who is righteous, valorous, and courageous was not going to change his plan to leave to the forest, he is determined to leave the Kingdom. King Dhasharatha embraced daughter-in-law and advised her, and described the hardships in living in the forest, and also suggested the comforts and security in living with parents in law and her own parents in the palace. But Sita who was already made up of her mind to follow Rama like a shadow, fixed her mind at the lotus feet of Rama did not find interest in the comforts of both the palaces. The wives of ministers and illustrious Sages and Rishis assembled made an effort to make her understand the difficulties involved in living in the woods, they affectionately spoke to her “Oh! Sita, you are not ordered to go to live in the forest, therefore listen to your husband, and parents-in-law’s advice.” Even though it was most considerate and affectionate, she felt unbearable; she did not answer a word.

Kaikeyi shrieked at the women who advised Devi Sita to live in the palace, she kept a tray full of saffron robes and prayer beads before Rama and spoke affectionately “Oh! Raghuveera, you are dear as life to King, he is not in a position to leave you to the forest, he is willing to abandon his fortune in the life and afterlife as well, but not willing to let you go. Therefore, you have to do wisely.” Her words were promising to Rama, but it shot like an arrow on King Dhasharatha, he cried out calling for death, the people surrounded were extremely unhappy, King lost consciousness, and people became anxious. Rama attired in a saffron robe, prostrated before parents, and immediately took leave from the chamber.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 14– Ayodhya Kandam

Devi Sumithra's advice to Lakshman

Lakshman became frantic and pale listening to the advice of Rama. He could not speak, he was completely shaken, fallen at the feet of Rama, and spoke “Oh! Natha, I am your servant and you are my Lord, if you abandon me where will I go? Oh! Swami, you have given me the most auspicious advice, but I am weak to follow your advice. People who are Varishta, Dheera, and righteous are qualified to learn and follow the advice from Veda and scriptures and Neethishasthra. I am a child always been under the protection and love of you. How did a swan carry Mandhara Mountain and Meru? I do not know a preceptor, father, or mother. Oh! Swamin, kindly, believes me, I am telling you the truth, you are my sole relative prescribed in the Veda, Oh! Dheenabandho, Oh! Sarvantharyami, people who yearn for fame, fortune, and welfare have to follow Dharma and principles. Oh! Kripasindho, I have surrendered at your feet with my words, actions, and thoughts, how could you abandon me?”

The compassionate Lord Rama understood Lakshmana is restless and terrified, after listening to soft tone; Rama embraced him affectionately and comforted. Rama advised him to seek permission from Devi Sumithra and get ready to leave for the forest. Lakshmana became happy and relieved from anxiousness. He happily returned to his mother’s chamber, like a blind attained eyesight. He met Devi Sumithra and fallen at her feet, he explained all that conversation took place with Rama.  Devi Sumithra terrified after listening to Lakshmana like a female deer witnessed the forest fire. It put Lakshman in extreme anxiousness and doubtful whether he would obtain permission from Mother out of love for her son.

Devi Sumithra shed tears thought of loveliness and virtues of Rama and Sita and the love of King Dhasharatha towards his four children, and the wickedness of Kaikeyi.  Devi Sumithra could not control her grief, she bet her head hard, and soon regained her courage, spoke in a soft tone “Oh! Dear son, Vaidhehi is your mother, Rama is your father, and they have an abundance of love for you. The place where Rama lives consider Ayodhya for you, the sunlight causes day. If Rama and Sita have decided to leave the city of Ayodhya, then you have no work left in the city of Ayodhya. One should serve the preceptor, parents, siblings, and deities sincerely, and consider them as your life and serve. But Rama is more than dear to your life; he is our Prana and a self-less companion of all.  And whoever promising to Rama are venerable too. Oh! My dear child, follow Rama to the forest and attain the fruitfulness of your life. Oh! Child, I promise you that you have sincere love and respect at the lotus feet of Rama that would be our good fortune.”

Devi Sumithra continues “Oh! Son, a woman whose son has an intense love for Rama would be considered her life fruitful as gave birth to male child, otherwise, she would be treated as a childless woman. The woman who gave birth to a son, who has no devotion or love for Rama, is apt to call her childless and unfortunate, and her pain of labor to give birth of the child is futile. You are fortunate to follow Rama in the forest. Oh! Child, The highest of the piousness is devotion at the lotus feet of Rama and Sita while serving them do not give place for Raga, Dhvesha, jealous, Madha, Moha, in your heart, not even in your dreams. Oh! Dear son, leave all your emotions, and sincerely serve them with your mind, action, and words, you will live happily with them in the forest. You have Rama and Sita as parents in the woods, Oh! Dear son, you have to make sure Rama is not having any difficulties in the forest, this is all I can advise you. Oh! Dear child,  Rama, and Sita should feel protective and comfortable in your service, they should forget their pain of separation from the parents, and should forget all those royal comforts, you should work for that.” In this way, Devi Sumithra gave permission to Lakshman and bade farewell to her dear son with loads of advice to serve the Lord of Tulsidas. She blessed her son “Let your devotion and faith upon the lotus feet of Rama and Sita remain everlasting, pure and fresh always.” Lakshmana prostrated at the lotus feet of Devi Sumithra and left the chamber. 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 13 – Ayodhya Kandam

Rama's advice to Janaki /Rama's conversation with Lakshman

Devi Sita speaks “Oh! Swami, I will not experience tiredness while moving through the woods closely watching your feet, serve my dearest husband relentlessly and forget my tiredness, I can remove your exhaustion, wash your lotus feet, fan your perspiration and we can take shelter under the shades of the trees. I won’t get time to grieve over the troubles, serving your charming body, and removing the perspiration would make me forget about my exhaustion. Oh! Natha, I am your sincere attendant could massage your lotus feet and take pleasure in it, while you relax on the bed made of grass and leaves, watching your lovely appearance would remove my tiredness from the scorching heat and the wind. None would have the courage to look at me while I live with you, I shall remain lioness before the rabbit and the fox. I have born to serve you, won’t it be a quirk of fate taking pleasure in the royal comforts when I am young and my husband going through various hardships in the forest and undertaking austerities and penances? My heart is too hard, that is why it did not explode after listening words of separation from you, and therefore this unfortunate woman would surpass the long years of pain of separation from my dearest husband.”

Devi Sita became inconsolable; she could not bear the words of the pain of separation from her husband.  Immediately, Raghupathi realized that if he did leave Devi Sita against her will in the palace, she could not stay alive. The compassionate Lord Raghunatha spoke “ Oh! Devi, you need not grieve, you can follow me to the woods.  This is not the time to grieve, therefore get ready to leave to the forest.” Rama pacified Devi Sita, and both of them fallen at the feet of Devi Kausalya and received her blessings. Devi Kausalya spoke “Oh! Vathsa, return home safely after the Vanavasa and remove the grief of the people, do not forget your mother’s love. Oh! Bhagavan, when did I see this beautiful couple again in my life? Will I be alive to watch this marvelous face like the moon? When did I address my son affectionately as ‘Vathsa’ ‘Dear Child’ ‘Oh! Raghuvara, Oh! Raghupathi, Oh! Thatha,’? When did I get the opportunity to embrace my dear children?” in this way, Devi Kausalya shed tears of extreme grief, was pacified by Rama.

Devi Janaki fell at the feet of mother-in-law and spoke “ Oh! Mother, I am an unfortunate one, I have to serve you in the absence of your elder son, but God has some other plans for us, sending me for Vanavasa. Kindly do not get angry, continue to shower your love on me.  Fate is harsh sometimes, cannot blame anyone.” Devi Kausalya could not bear the grief of her daughter-in-law, she repeatedly embraced her, and advised her “Long live your chastity, like the sacred river Ganga and Yamuna on the Earth, let it continue to flow on Earth for several thousand years.”Devi Kausalya blessed Devi Sita and advised her about the life of chaste woman, and Devi Sita reverentially prostrated before her feet and returned to their chamber.

Lakshmana hurried to Rama after hearing the thunderbolt like news about Vanavasa of Rama, his body was quivering in rage, his eyes welled up in tears, and he fell at the feet of Rama with intense grief. He was troubled like the fish out of water, could not speak a word, stood like a portrait. There were thousands of questions raised in his mind “My good fortune and happiness have ended, do not know what did Rama advise? Did Raghunatha leave me in the palace? Or will he advise me to accompany him?” Rama who has abandoned the family and the royal comforts as grass, a man of good moral values, the abode of happiness, graciousness, simplicity, generosity, love, kindness, watched Lakshmana standing with folded hands, and spoke “Oh! my beloved brother, do not leave your control of mind due to love for me, you should understand one thing, everything will end happily. Whoever sincerely follows the advice of father, mother, preceptor, companions, and Lord, will attain success in their lives, otherwise, life would become miserable. Oh! Brother, always remember my words, you have to serve our parents sincerely. Bharatha and Shathrughna are not at home. Our father has become too old and too anxious about me. If I have taken you to the forest with me, it would be an injustice to the people of Ayodhya, my preceptor, parents, and all.  They could not control their disappointments and grief. Oh! Brother, you have to take good care of everyone and live in the palace; otherwise, our clan has to undergo punishment for the grave sin. The King who heaves the people of his Kingdom to troubles deserved to be in hell. Therefore you have to live in the palace.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 12 – Ayodhya Kandam

The conversation between Rama and Devi Sita

Devi Kausalya speaks “The Supreme Lord has created the daughters of Kiratha and Kola who do not take interest in worldly matters, to live in the forest. Their hearts as rock and they have no problem living in harsh situations in the forest. The Tapasvis and saintly men who have abandoned all the worldly matters could live in that dense forest. Oh! Son, Sita gets scared of a portrait of a monkey, how did she live in the forest? How did a female swan lives in the Manas Saras get used to the mud pond? Kindly think about all these, and I will advise her as you wish. If she lives at home that would be a great help to me.” Rama listened to that soft and compassionate words of Devi Kausalya and began to advise Devi Sita about the hardships in the forest.

Rama was reluctant to speak anything to Sita in front of his mother, but he decided to take the matter seriously and spoke “ Oh! Princess, kindly listen to my advice, do not mistake me. If you wish for the welfare of me and you, then you have to follow my advice and stay at home. You have to follow my words and take care of your mother-in-law. Oh! Bhamini, it is advisable to stay at home for you, a virtuous woman attains an abundance of piousness by serving her elderly in-laws. Oh! Priye, you should comfort her by narrating the legends from scriptures whenever my mother gets worried about my safety, Oh! Sundari, I am leaving you with my mother for her service. You can live here without any sufferings, and you will attain all the piousness with the performance duties prescribed in the scriptures, otherwise, it would bring endless troubles as in the life of Sage Gavala and King Nahusha.”

Gavala was the disciple of Sage Vishwamithra, once he completed education under the guidance, he requested Sage Vishwamithra to ask for Gurudhakshina. Sage Vishwamithra discouraged him, but Gavala repeatedly approached the Sage with the same request, therefore Sage Vishwamithra asked him to bring thousands of white horses with black ears, later he had to face a lot of troubles to produce these kinds of horses before the preceptor.

King Nahusha was appointed as the King of deities, Indra, when Devendra was afflicted with the Bhramahathya sin. Once, King Nahusha met Devi Shachi who is the chaste wife of Devendra and fallen in love with her, Devi Shachi informed Sage Bhrihaspathi about it was made an effort to keep away King Nahusha from the path of Devi Shachi was not worked. Hence Sage Bhrihaspathi advised Devi Shachi, and eventually informed Nahusha to arrive in a palanquin carried by the Saptharishis and approach her, and then she would yield for his desires. Thus, the Saptharishis carried a palanquin in which King Nahusha was comfortably seated, he lost his good sense was completely blind by love for Devi Shachi. The Saptharishis were moving with the palanquin became tired, eventually the speed has reduced, but Nahusha could not control his anger, he impatiently gave a kick on Sage Agasthya and ordered to speed up was cursed by the Sage, to become the serpent, thus King Nahusha assumed the form of a serpent.

Rama speaks “Oh! Sumukhi, Oh! Intelligent one,  I will follow the command of my father and return home safely, the days will fly like anything. Oh! Sundari, kindly listen to my words, otherwise, if you are firm in your decision due to extreme love towards me, it may bring afflictions to you. The wood has unpredictable weather conditions, sometimes it will have extreme heat or cold, torrential rains, storms, and wind.  The forest is full of rough pathways, filled with sword-like grasses, and thorns. You have to walk through the harsh roads without footwear, your lotus-like feet are supple and soft; it would be difficult for you to walk through the hills, mountains, ponds, streams, caves, etc. and these are extremely dangerous to cross, and deep and life-threatening as well.  The roar of lions and cries of untamed elephants and wild animals would create intense trepidations even in the valorous men. You have to sleep on the floor, have to wear saffron robes, there will be fiber roots available to eat, and possible to eat what’s available according to the season. There will be horrific demons who consume human meats, they assume various forms and threaten humans. The watercourses in the hills and forest are extremely toxic, it is impossible to describe the dangers in the forest. There will be numerous species of birds and venomous serpents, there are several demons who steal the male and females in the forest, even the extremely valorous person would get terrified listening to their boisterous voices. Oh! Sundari, you are not born to live in the forest, Oh! Mriganayani,  you are very soft and kind-hearted, if I took you to forest the people will blame me. How a female swan that lived in the sweet waters of Manas Saras survive in the ocean waters? How a cuckoo that lived in the garden of mango trees survive in the dense forest? Therefore I would suggest you stay at home, Oh! Chandramukhi, life in the forest is too harsh. The person, who is not willing to follow the advice of a preceptor, companion, or Master, would always go through the troubles and regret in the future.” Devi Sita’s eyes flooded with tears after listening to the soft and most appropriate words of her dearest darling. It pained her like the sight of autumn moon spread grief to Chakora bird; Vaidhehi could not speak a word. She could not bear the thought of separation from her lovely husband who is the abode of peace and happiness.

The daughter of Mother Earth, stopped her tears and fallen at the feet of her mother-in-law and began to speak “Devi, kindly forgive me for my mistakes, my dear husband has pronounced all that favorable to me. I have understood one thing, there is nothing difficult and painful than the separation from my husband. Oh! Prananatha, who is the abode of compassion, kindness, bliss, welfare, beauty, and omnipresent, Oh! Chandra of the cluster of lotus-like the clan of Raghu, heaven seems hell in your absence. A woman without a husband cannot live in peace and happiness even though she is surrounded by all those relatives, father, mother, brothers, sisters, companions, in-laws, preceptors, attendants, and children with good-natured. In the absence of her husband, everything would seem like scorching heat of the mid-noon sun. The life, wealth, house, lands, possessions, kingdom, etc. are a cluster of sorrow for a woman without a husband, the ornaments are heavy for her, and the life on the Earth is painful as in the hell. Oh! Prananatha, in this world I have nothing precious and promising other than you. Oh! Swami, a woman without a husband is dead as alive, and river without water, Oh! Natha, I will live happily with you always, watching your lovely face resembles a cloudless autumn moon. Those birds and animals would become my relatives, the forest would become my city, and the saffron robe would become my pure garments. Oh!Natha, the hermitage ours would be the abode of deities. The most gracious Vanadevatha and Vanadeva would protect me like my in-laws, the beds made out of grass and tender leaves would excel the bed of Kamadeva, whatever available fiber roots would make our meal sumptuous, the hills would resemble the fortress of Ayodhya, I would live like the Chakravaha and take great pleasure in serving Your lotus feet. You have described the endless miseries in forest life, the fears, pains, struggles, etc. I am prepared to suffer all that, Oh! Kripanidhe, those troubles would not be as hard as the pain of separation from you. Oh! Gnanashiromane, kindly take me to the forest with you, kindly do not leave me in the palace. Oh! Sarvantharyami, resides as a soul in living beings, Oh! Prabho you are the knower of all, Oh! Dheenabandho, Oh!Sundara, Oh! Sukhapradha, Oh! Susheela, Oh! Snehanidhe, If you leave me in the palace of Ayodhya and proceed to the forest, you cannot see me alive when you return home after fourteen years.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 11 – Ayodhya Kandam

Rama's conversation with Devi Kausalya

Rama went to meet Devi Kausalya, he was extremely happy and enthusiastic as well. He did not expect that the King would create an obstacle for his journey to woods, he was excited like a baby elephant that was fastened by the regime of the Kingdom of Ayodhya was got freed. He felt extremely happy after listening to Mother Kaikeyi about her the decision to send him to woods, felt relieved from the worldly bondage, and was looking forward to living in the woods.  Raghukula Thilaka with folded hands greeted Mother Kausalya, he prostrated at her feet and they embraced each other. She kissed on the forehead of her son, her eyes filled with tears of joy, she repeatedly embraced him. Her happiness and love for Rama were beyond description, it was like beggar attained the status of Kubera. She looked at him affectionately and spoke in a sweet tone “Oh! Dear child, kindly tell me, when is that auspicious moment/Lagna going to take place? We are looking forward to the most fortunate, blissful, and contented moments in our lives. All the people of Ayodhya are waiting like Chakora birds for the raindrops like those blissful moments with great excitement. Oh! Dear child, go and get ready to have a bath and eat something favorite sweet of yours. Go and meet your father, Oh! Dear, it is already too late.” The sweet and affectionate words of Mother Kousalya resemble the flowers of Kalpavriksha did not melt the bee-like heart of Rama.  He is the essence of righteousness, spoke in a soft tone “Oh! Mother, Father has given me the ruling of the woods; I could perform huge tasks in the woods, therefore kindly give permission to proceed to the forest. So that my journey to the forest would become happy and comfortable, you need not worry about my welfare, I will be always happy with your blessings. I will finish the fourteen years of living in the woods at the instruction of the King, I will return safely after that period, do not worry about me.”

The sweet words of Rama shot like arrows in the heart of Devi Kausalya, she has become pale, horrified like an antelope that heard the roar of the lion, and she withered in extreme pain, her eyes welled up in tears, her body quivered, she regained her courage and asked “Oh! My dear child, you are dear as life to your father. He enjoys all your amusements, it gives him immense pleasure, and he has decided to perform your coronation ceremony, what was your mistake to send you to the forest? Oh! Dear child, kindly tell me everything, who set fire in the clan of Surya?” Devi Kausalya realized the firmness from the eyes of Rama, the son of Sumanthra who was accompanied Rama described all that happened between the King and Devi Kaikeyi, she stood like a pillar, and could not speak a word in extreme pain. Devi Kausalya did not stop Rama or did not give her permission, she shrunken in extreme agony, she thought “I was prepared to write Chandra but it has turned out Rahu, due to the twist of the pen.”

It is quite common that the expectations turn disappointments, she has immersed in various thoughts, she was in dilemma, finds it difficult to make a decision to support the command of her husband, or performs the part of motherly affection to her son. She thought “If I stop Rama not to follow the command of his father, it would be against the righteousness, and it would create misunderstanding among brothers, If I let Rama go to woods, it would bring endless miseries to all.” Devi Kausalya became inconsolable; she could not take a firm decision. Immediately, she regained her courage and remembered the righteousness of the clan, moreover Rama and Bharatha equal to her, in this way she pacified herself and spoke “Oh! Dear child, you are right. The highest of the righteous deed is to follow the command of the father. I have no grief or difference of opinion against your father who declared the coronation ceremony and later changed his mind to send you to live in the woods. But, your absence would cause intense afflictions to Bharatha, your father, and the people of Ayodhya. If it was only your father’s advice, you need not go, because a mother’s command is superior to a father’s. If it was the collective decision of father and mother Kaikeyi, then you can proceed to woods.  The Vanadeva would protect you like father, and Vanadevis would protect you like a mother, and all those animals and birds would serve your lotus feet that would bring the happiness of hundreds of the city of Ayodhya. The Vanavasa is preferable for a King in his later years of age, but I feel sad that my child is going to have Vanavasa at a young age that is breaking my heart. Oh! Raghuvamshathilaka, the woods are fortunate, the city of Ayodhya is ill-fated because you have abandoned her. Oh! Son, if I ask you to take me with you would put you in more trouble. You are beloved of all; you are dear as life to us. You are ‘Prana’ in us, you have informed me of your decision to leave, and I am still clinging on to you and feeling helpless. I am not compelling you, I am praying you to think of your mother, and don’t let slip my love from your heart. ”

Devi Kausalya continues “Oh! Bhoolokanayak, let all the deities and Pithrus protect you from all the dangers, like the eyes protected by eyelids. The fourteen years of Vanavasa is like water, and your family and relatives are fishes in it. You are compassionate and righteous as well. Kindly find a way to keep us alive till your return from the woods, Oh! Son, you can leave to the forest, abandoning your family, your subjects and the Kingdom of Ayodhya, I would treat that the fortune of us has ended. All our good luck turned against us from today.” Devi Kausalya shed tears and fallen at the feet of Rama, she could not control her grief; it is difficult to describe the pain of Devi Kausalya. Rama lifted her and embraced her, and pacified her with sweet words.

Devi Sita worriedly approached her mother-in-law, prostrated before her, and took a seat on the floor. Devi Kausalya sadly looked at the tender physique of Devi Sita, pacified her; she worriedly looked at Sita’s beautiful appearance and her deep love for Rama. Devi Sita with her head hung down immersed in thought “My dearest husband is preparing to leave to the forest. I have to see who has the fortune to go with him, my body and Prana, or my Prana alone. It is difficult to know the plans of the supreme Lord.” She pressed her toe fingers on the floor produced the beautiful sounds of anklets; as if those anklets were praying to her not to leave Rama. Devi Sita shed tears, watching this Devi Kausalya spoke “Oh! Dear child, listen to me, Sita is supremely gorgeous and dear to everyone in the palace, and her father Janaka is the gem among the Kings, and her father-in-law is the Sun in the Surya dynasty and  her husband (you) is the full moon in the clan of Raghu, you are the storehouse of virtues and beauty. My daughter-in-law is the essence of love, beauty, and virtues, I am taking care of her like my eyes, my life surrounds her, I love her dearly as my life. I treat her as tender divine creeper in the Devaloka, and I am nurturing her with all the love, my divine creeper is about to flowering, the supreme Lord has turned against me. Who knows how this is going to end? Sita has not stepped in harsh pathways; she was taking pleasure on my lap, cushions, and highly expensive fur. I am taking care of her as the creeper of Sanjeevani. I have not entrusted even the smallest work. Oh! Raghunatha, that Sita is waiting for your decision to follow you to woods. How did a Chakora bird that used to drink the nectar from the Chandra look at the Surya? Oh! Child, The forest is full of untamed animals, wild animals, lions, demons and how did a divine Sanjeevani creeper grow among the dense poisonous plants?”