Rama Warns Sita of Forest Dangers

Rama, bound by duty, refuses to take Sita to the forest. He vividly describes the perils of forest life, trying to dissuade her. Sita, deeply grieved, prepares her response. 

Rama's Dilemma (2.28.1 - 2.28.2)

Rama, knowledgeable in dharma (righteousness) and devoted to duty, contemplated the hardships of forest life. Despite Sita's earnest pleas, he couldn't bring himself to agree to take her along. The righteous Rama consoled Sita, whose eyes were blurred with tears. To dissuade her from accompanying him to the forest, he spoke these words:

Rama's Advice to Sita (2.28.3 - 2.28.6)

"Sita, you come from a noble lineage and are always devoted to dharma. Practice your duties here, as it will bring happiness to my mind. O delicate one, heed my words. The forest holds many hardships; listen as I explain them to you. Abandon this desire to live in the forest. I say this with your best interests in mind. I know no happiness in the forest, only constant hardship."

Dangers of the Forest (2.28.7 - 2.28.10)

Rama then described the perils of forest life:

• The frightening roars of lions echoing from mountain caves

• Wild animals attacking humans in deserted areas

• Rivers infested with crocodiles and filled with mud, challenging even for elephants to cross

• Paths entangled with thorny creepers, echoing with the cries of wild fowl, lacking water, and difficult to traverse

Hardships of Forest Life (2.28.11 - 2.28.15)

Continuing, Rama explained the difficulties:

• Sleeping on the ground on beds of fallen leaves

• Sustaining oneself only on fruits that have fallen from trees

• Fasting according to one's ability

• Wearing robes made of bark and maintaining matted hair

• Regularly worshipping gods and ancestors, and extending hospitality to unexpected guests

• Performing ablutions three times a day at prescribed hours while wandering like an ascetic

Rigors of Forest Dwelling (2.28.16 - 2.28.20)

Furthermore, he elaborated on the challenges:

• Offering flowers collected by hand on altars as per Vedic injunctions

• Being content with limited food, as forest dwellers must be

• Enduring extreme winds, darkness, hunger, and constant fear

• Encountering various fierce reptiles crawling on the ground

• Avoiding serpents that obstruct paths near rivers

Discomforts and Dangers (2.28.21 - 2.28.24)

Rama described additional hardships:

• Dealing with troublesome birds, scorpions, insects, gnats, and mosquitoes

• Navigating through thorny trees with interlaced branches, and areas filled with sharp grasses and reeds

• Facing numerous physical afflictions and fears

• The need to abandon anger and greed, focus on ascetic practices, and remain fearless in alarming situations

Rama's Final Plea (2.28.25 - 2.28.26)

Rama concluded his argument:

"For these reasons, it's not suitable for you to go to the forest. Upon reconsideration, I see that forest life is full of great dangers."

Despite Rama's decision not to take Sita to the forest, she did not accept his words. Deeply grieved, Sita prepared to respond to Rama's concerns.

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