Rama's unwavering devotion to duty clashes with Lakshmana's fierce loyalty and Kausalya's maternal anguish. Witness the emotional turmoil as Rama prepares for his forest exile. 

Lakshmana's Pledge to Rama (Shlokas 2.21.1 - 2.21.20)

Lakshmana's Initial Response

While Rama's mother, Kausalya, was lamenting, the sorrowful Lakshmana spoke words fitting the occasion:

"O venerable one, I strongly disapprove of Rama going to the forest. He should not yield to a woman's words and renounce the welfare of the kingdom. Our father, the king, is of perverse nature, aged, and overpowered by carnal pleasures. He can say anything when incited by Kaikeyi."

Rama's Innocence

Lakshmana continued, emphasizing Rama's blamelessness:

• "I see no fault or offense in Rama for which he should be banished.

• I cannot find anyone in this world, even an adversary or one defeated, who would find fault with Rama, even in his absence.

• Who, disregarding righteousness, would abandon a son who is:

  1. Equal to a god

  2. Upright

  3. Self-restrained

  4. Loved even by his enemies"

Lakshmana's Proposed Action

Lakshmana then suggested a bold course of action:

"O Rama, before anyone learns of this situation, let's bring the kingdom under your control with my assistance. Protected by me and my bow, you'll stand like Yama (the god of death). Who would dare to challenge you? If anyone opposes you, I shall depopulate this entire Ayodhya with my sharp arrows."

He added forcefully, "I'll slay all those who support Bharata or seek his prosperity. Indeed, a gentle person is often treated with disgrace."

Lakshmana's Fierce Loyalty

Demonstrating his unwavering loyalty, Lakshmana declared:

"Even if our father, instigated by Kaikeyi, becomes our enemy, he shall face consequences regardless of our relationship. Even a preceptor who follows the unrighteous path deserves discipline."

Addressing Rama directly, he questioned, "O chastiser of foes, what authority does our father have to give the kingdom to Bharata, creating hostility between us?"

Lakshmana's Vow

Finally, Lakshmana made a solemn vow to Kausalya:

"O mother, I swear by my bow, my charitable deeds, my truthfulness, and all my good actions that I am truly loyal to my brother. Rest assured, if Rama enters a blazing fire or a forest, I will have already entered it. Like the rising Sun dispelling darkness, I shall eliminate your sorrow. Both you and Rama shall witness my valor."

Kausalya's Plea and Rama's Response (Shlokas 2.21.21 - 2.21.40)

Kausalya's Appeal to Rama

After hearing Lakshmana's impassioned words, Kausalya, still weeping and overcome with sorrow, addressed Rama:

"My son, you have heard your brother Lakshmana's words. If it pleases you, do what needs to be done in this matter. Consider the following:

• It is not right for you to leave me, stricken with grief, after hearing the unrighteous words spoken by my co-wife (Kaikeyi).

• O knower of dharma (righteousness), if you truly wish to follow dharma, stay here and serve me. This is the highest virtue.

• Remember, my son, the sage Kashyapa attained heaven by serving his mother and living at home with self-discipline, credited with the highest penance."

Kausalya's Ultimatum

Kausalya continued, emphasizing her importance and expressing her desperation:

1. "Just as the king is worthy of your respectful homage, so am I. I will not permit you to go from here to the forest.

2. Without you, I have no use for life or happiness in this world or the next.

3. I would prefer to live with you even if it means eating grass.

4. If you depart for the forest, leaving me overwhelmed by sorrow, I shall seek death by fasting. I cannot live without you.

5. Then, my son, you will incur sin and fall into the hell renowned in all worlds, just as the ocean, lord of all rivers, incurred the sin of killing a Brahmin through unrighteous conduct."

Rama's Righteous Response

Hearing his mother's lament, the virtuous Rama spoke words consistent with dharma:

"I do not have the power to transgress my father's orders. Bowing my head, I beseech you, allow me to go to the forest. Consider these examples:

• Learned sage Kandu, who knew righteousness and strictly observed his vows, once slew a cow to carry out his father's command.

• In our family's history, the sons of Sagara met a terrible death while excavating the earth on their father's orders.

• O Devi (mother), all these god-like people and many others fulfilled their fathers' words. I shall also make my father's wish come true.

• I am not the only one obeying my father's command - all those I have mentioned to you did the same."

Rama's Commitment to Dharma

Rama continued, explaining the importance of following his father's wishes:

"I am not advancing anything new, contrary to existing practice. I am only following the trodden path of our ancestors. In this world, I will not do anything contrary to what others have done in fulfilling their duty. No one who obeys their father's commands falls from the path of righteousness.

Remember these principles:

1. Righteousness alone is supreme in this world.

2. Truth is established in righteousness.

3. This excellent command of our father is supported by righteousness.

4. O hero (Lakshmana), anyone who has taken recourse to righteousness should not allow a promise made to their father, mother, or a Brahmin to go in vain."

Rama's Unwavering Resolve (Shlokas 2.21.41 - 2.21.63)

Rama's Explanation of Duty

Rama continued his discourse on duty and obedience:

"I cannot transgress my father's command. At his instance, Kaikeyi urged me to go to the forest. Therefore:

1. Leave this ignoble thought.

2. Resort to the duty of a kshatriya (warrior class).

3. Take the righteous path.

4. Do not adopt violence.

5. Follow my decision.

O Lakshmana, I truly know:

• Your profound affection for me

• Your valor

• Your strength

• Your unassailable energy

However, our mother is unaware of the significance of truth and self-restraint, which is why she is overcome with incomparable grief."

Rama's View on Righteousness

Rama elaborated on the importance of righteousness:

1. "Righteousness alone is supreme in this world.

2. Truth is established in righteousness.

3. Our father's command is supported by righteousness.

4. Promises made to father, mother, or a Brahmin must not be broken by those who follow righteousness.

5. Even a preceptor who follows the unrighteous path deserves discipline if they:

   • Are filled with haughtiness

   • Are unable to discriminate between good and bad"

Rama's Appeal to Lakshmana

Addressing Lakshmana directly, Rama said:

"O Lakshmana, by virtue of duty and affection, I am as much your preceptor as our father. Therefore:

• I will not grant you permission to act against dharma.

• You should not go against righteousness.

• You must not leave our deeply distressed mother.

Without following dharma:

• Life has no purpose

• Happiness is meaningless

• Even the other world holds no value

I would prefer one moment of righteous living to the whole world of unrighteous existence."

Rama's Resolve and Promise

Rama then made a solemn promise to return:

"Like rajarshi (royal sage) Yayati who lost heaven and regained it, I shall:

1. Go to the forest

2. Fulfill my vow

3. Return to Ayodhya

To my mother, I say:

• Do not grieve

• Subdue your sorrow in your heart

• I shall come back after fulfilling father's words

All of us - you, Sita, Lakshmana, Sumitra, and I - shall abide by father's words. This is the eternal law."

Rama's Final Appeal to Kausalya

Rama made a final appeal to his mother, Kausalya:

"O mother:

1. Withdraw the articles for my consecration

2. Subdue the sorrow in your heart

3. Approve of my plan to dwell in the forest

4. Grant me permission to go

5. Perform ceremonies for my prosperity

I beseech you:

• Subdue your sorrow prudently

• Do not grieve

• Trust that I shall return after fulfilling my duty

• Follow my righteous decision regarding my forest dwelling"

Kausalya's Acceptance

Hearing Rama's words, which were:

• Unruffled

• Tranquil

• Conforming to righteousness

Kausalya's reaction:

1. Appeared like a dead person regaining consciousness

2. Looked intently at Rama

3. Spoke again, showing reluctant acceptance of Rama's decision

This concludes the twenty first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.