Rama Accepts Sita's Forest Journey

Sita pleads to join Rama in forest exile, challenging his resolve. Rama consoles her, explains his duty, and accepts her companionship. Their preparations begin for a 14-year journey. 

Sita's Initial Response (2.30.1 - 2.30.2)

Janaka's daughter, Sita (also called Maithili, meaning "princess of Mithila"), responded to Rama's attempts to console her about the impending forest exile. Agitated over this supreme cause, she upbraided the broad-chested scion of the Raghu dynasty out of love and injured self-respect.

Sita Questions Rama's Resolve (2.30.3 - 2.30.5)

Sita challenged Rama:

• "O Rama, did my father, the king of Mithila and lord of Videha, ever think you were a woman in the guise of a man when he accepted you as his son-in-law?"

• "It would be a falsehood if people say out of ignorance that there is no supreme splendor in you, like the shining Sun."

• "What causes your fear and depression, leading you to desert one who is so exclusively devoted to you?"

Sita Declares Her Devotion (2.30.6 - 2.30.7)

Sita affirmed her loyalty:

• "Know that I am as faithful to you as Savitri was to her husband, Satyavanta, son of Dyumatsena."

• "O sinless one, I have not looked at anyone except you, even in my mind."

• "I will go to the forest with you, not like other women who bring disgrace to their families."

Sita Accuses Rama of Abandonment (2.30.8 - 2.30.10)

Sita expressed her hurt:

"O Rama, do you wish to hand me over to others like an actor, even though I am your young and chaste wife who has lived with you for a long time? You should not depart for the forest without me. Whether it's for penance, the forest, or heaven, I wish to be with you."

Sita's Determination to Follow Rama (2.30.11 - 2.30.16)

Sita declared her readiness for forest life:

1. "Following you, I will feel no fatigue on the way, as if I'm going on a pleasure stroll or in a comfortable couch."

2. "The grasses and thorny trees will feel as soft as cotton or the skin of a black antelope."

3. "The dust raised by stormy winds will be like sandalwood powder to me."

4. "Sleeping on meadows will be more comfortable than couches spread with carpets."

5. "Whatever leaves, roots, or fruits you collect for me will be like nectar."

6. "Enjoying the seasonal flowers and fruits in the forest, I won't remember my mother, father, or home."

Sita's Final Plea (2.30.17 - 2.30.22)

Sita made her final appeal:

"You should not anticipate any problem from me in the forest. I won't be a burden or cause you sorrow. Wherever I am with you is heaven, and without you is hell. O Rama, recognize this truth and derive great pleasure in my company."

She continued, "If you don't take me to the forest without hesitation, I shall consume poison right now rather than live under the control of enemies in Ayodhya (the capital city of Rama's kingdom). I cannot bear this grief even for a moment, let alone fourteen years."

Tormented with grief, Sita piteously lamented. Exhausted, she embraced her husband tightly and cried bitterly.

Sita's Emotional State (2.30.23 - 2.30.25)

Sita's reaction to Rama's words:

• Felt like a cow-elephant struck by poison-smeared arrows

• Shed long-suppressed tears, flowing like water from lotuses

• Her face, with large eyes, brightened like an immaculate moon

• Yet withered with tears, resembling a lotus plucked from water

Rama's Consolation (2.30.26 - 2.30.29)

Rama embraced the grief-stricken Sita and spoke to restore her confidence:

1. "O Devi (goddess, a term of respect), your grief makes even heaven undesirable to me."

2. "Like Brahma (the self-created god), I fear no one."

3. "O Sita of auspicious countenance, I can protect you, but didn't know your intentions about forest life."

4. "You were born to accompany me to the forest, O daughter of Mithila (Sita)."

5. "I cannot abandon you, just as a self-respecting man cannot forsake his reputation."

Rama's Commitment to Duty (2.30.30 - 2.30.34)

Rama explained his dedication to righteousness:

• "I follow the path of righteousness practiced by the virtuous, as Suvarchala (wife of the Sun god) follows the Sun."

• "I must go to the forest, led by my father's truthful word."

• "Obedience to parents is a righteous act. I cannot disobey the word of truth."

• "We cannot worship God, who is beyond reach, by disregarding our parents and preceptors."

• "Parents and preceptors, equal to the three worlds, are the holiest and must be worshipped."

The Importance of Filial Duty (2.30.35 - 2.30.38)

Rama emphasized serving one's parents:

1. Service to one's father surpasses truth, munificence, homage, gifts, and sacrifices.

2. Fulfilling a father's wish makes achieving heaven, wealth, learning, and comfort easier.

3. Those devoted to their parents attain the worlds of gods, gandharvas (celestial musicians), and Brahma.

4. Rama's father, following truth and dharma (righteousness), represents eternal dharma.

Rama's Decision to Take Sita (2.30.39 - 2.30.42)

Rama agreed to take Sita to the forest:

• Acknowledged Sita's determination to follow him

• Recognized her as born for forest life

• Asked her to assist in carrying out his duties

• Praised her decision as befitting their family and themselves

• Declared that even heaven would not please him without her

Preparations for Departure (2.30.43 - 2.30.47)

Rama instructed Sita on preparations:

1. Give jewels to needy brahmins (priest class)

2. Offer food to religious mendicants

3. Distribute valuable items to attendants:

   • Ornaments

   • Excellent clothing

   • Court sport articles

   • Couches and chariots

4. Give remaining items to brahmins

Sita, delighted by Rama's acceptance, quickly prepared to distribute her possessions to the virtuous.

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