Kausalya Blesses Rama's Forest Exile

Kausalya blesses Rama before his forest exile, invoking divine protection. Her heartfelt rituals and emotional farewell capture the love of a mother and the duty of a prince. 

Kausalya's Preparations (2.25.1 - 2.25.2)

Kausalya, the noble-minded mother of Rama, controlled her sorrow and performed the achamana (purification ritual of sipping water). She then conducted auspicious ceremonies for her son. Kausalya addressed Rama:

"O best among the descendants of Raghu (an ancient king of Ayodhya), I cannot stop you from going to the forest. Go now and return soon. Follow the path of the virtuous."

Kausalya's Blessings (2.25.3 - 2.25.6)

Kausalya continued to bless Rama:

1. "May your duty, carried out with courage and self-discipline, protect you, O tiger among the Raghus.

2. May the gods in temples and sacred places, along with the great sages you honor, guard you in the forest.

3. May the weapons imbued with sacred chants, given to you by the wise Vishwamitra, always keep you safe.

4. O my strong-armed son, may you live long, protected by your service to your parents and your dedication to truth."

Invoking Divine Protection (2.25.7 - 2.25.14)

Kausalya called upon various elements and deities to protect Rama:

• Sacred objects: Sacrificial fuel, kusha grass, altars, temples

• Nature: Mountains, trees, plants, lakes

• Celestial bodies: Stars, planets

• Gods: Varuna (water god), Indra (king of gods)

• Time: Day, night, dawn, dusk

• Sages and divine beings

She prayed for all these to guard Rama during his forest exile.

Ritual Offerings and Final Blessings (2.25.15 - 2.25.31)

Kausalya performed several rituals for Rama's protection:

1. She offered honey, curds, rice, and clarified butter to brahmins, who recited protective prayers.

2. She tied a special herb called Vishalyakarani to Rama's arm for safety.

3. She blessed Rama, comparing his fortune to:

   • Indra's victory over the demon Vritra

   • Garuda's quest for the nectar of immortality

   • Vishnu's conquest of the three worlds in three steps

Finally, Kausalya embraced Rama, smelled his forehead (a gesture of affection), and said:

"My son, go in peace and return after completing your task. May I see you back in Ayodhya, healthy and successful, firmly established as king."

Kausalya's Invocations (2.25.32 - 2.25.36)

Kausalya continued to bless Rama with various invocations:

1. "May you receive the same blessings that Indra, the thousand-eyed god, received when he defeated Vritra, the demon of drought.

2. May you be blessed as Garuda, the divine eagle, was by his mother Vinata when he sought the nectar of immortality.

3. May Aditi's blessings to Indra, given when he conquered the demons during the churning of the cosmic ocean, be yours.

4. O Rama, may you achieve the glory that Vishnu attained when he conquered the three worlds in three strides.

5. May the seasons, seas, islands, Vedas, worlds, and directions all bestow their blessings upon you, my mighty-armed son."

Final Rituals and Blessings (2.25.37 - 2.25.42)

Kausalya performed the final rituals for Rama's protection:

1. She placed the sacred offerings on Rama's head and applied sandalwood paste to his body.

2. She tied an auspicious herb called Vishalyakarani to his arm while chanting protective mantras.

3. Though heartbroken, Kausalya spoke with a seemingly joyful voice: "Go forth, my son, and fulfill your duty. Return to Ayodhya in good health. I long to see you again, victorious and seated on the royal throne. When you come back from the forest, may you shine like the full moon, and may my face glow with joy, all sorrows forgotten."

Kausalya's Emotional Farewell (2.25.43 - 2.25.47)

As the moment of departure neared, Kausalya's emotions intensified:

1. She expressed hope to see Rama return, having honored his father's words.

2. She asked Rama to always fulfill the wishes of his wife, Sita, and herself.

3. Kausalya invoked the divine beings she had worshipped: "May Shiva and other gods, great sages, celestial beings, powerful asuras (supernatural beings with often malevolent intent), and serpents protect you in the forest."

4. With tears in her eyes, Kausalya completed the sacred rites.

5. She walked around Rama in a clockwise direction and embraced him repeatedly, holding him close.

Rama, radiating his innate glory, bowed to his mother and touched her feet multiple times. He then made his way to Sita's chambers.

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