Citizens Lament Rama's Departure

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana depart for exile, leaving citizens heartbroken. As they follow duty, the people lament and vow to join them, showcasing unwavering loyalty and love. 

Rama's Departure (Shlokas 2.33.1 - 2.33.2)

Rama and Lakshmana, accompanied by Sita, generously distributed wealth to the Brahmins (priests). After this charitable act, they set out to see their father, King Dasharatha. Sita adorned their weapons with garlands, making them shine brilliantly.

The People's Reaction (Shlokas 2.33.3 - 2.33.5)

The wealthy citizens climbed to the terraces of their palaces and mansions to watch Rama's departure with sadness. The streets were so crowded that they became impassable. People felt miserable as they gazed at Rama from their homes.

Seeing Rama walking without the royal umbrella, the citizens were shocked. They expressed their distress in various ways, particularly noting how Sita, who was previously kept in strict seclusion as per royal custom, was now visible to all.

The People's Lament (Shlokas 2.33.6 - 2.33.15)

1. They remembered how Rama used to be followed by a powerful army, but now he walked alone with only Lakshmana and Sita.

2. They praised Rama's commitment to righteousness, noting that he refused to let his father break his promise.

3. They marveled at how Sita, once hidden from view even from celestial beings, was now visible to all passersby.

4. They worried about how the harsh weather would affect Sita, who was accustomed to the comforts of the palace, such as fragrant unguents and red sandalwood paste.

5. They criticized King Dasharatha, suggesting he must be possessed by an evil spirit to banish his beloved son.

6. They listed Rama's virtues: harmlessness, compassion, learning, good conduct, restraint of senses, and self-control.

7. They compared the people's suffering to that of aquatic creatures in a drought.

8. They likened Rama to the root of a tree, with the people as its branches, leaves, and fruits.

The People's Resolve (Shlokas 2.33.16 - 2.33.25)

The citizens declared their intention to follow Rama into exile:

1. They vowed to leave their gardens, fields, and houses behind.

2. They described how their abandoned homes would fall into ruin, with treasures unearthed and courtyards destroyed.

3. They invited Kaikeyi (Rama's stepmother) to take possession of their deserted city, with its broken utensils and absence of religious rituals.

4. They declared that the forest would become their new city, and the abandoned city would turn into a forest.

5. They imagined how the animals would flee the forest due to their presence, and suggested Kaikeyi and her son should live in that wild country instead.

Rama's Reaction (Shlokas 2.33.26 - 2.33.31)

Despite hearing these heartfelt laments, Rama remained resolute in his decision to honor his father's command. He approached his father's palace, which resembled the peak of Mount Kailasa in its grandeur. Inside, he saw the dejected Sumantra (the royal charioteer) standing nearby.

Rama, though observing the people's distress, maintained a composed demeanor. He stood waiting for Sumantra to announce his arrival to the king. Determined to obey his father's command to enter the forest, Rama asked Sumantra to inform the king of his presence, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to filial duty despite the circumstances.

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