Rama Bids Mothers Emotional Farewell

Rama's exile begins as King Dasharatha grieves. Sita proves her devotion, vowing to follow Rama. Kausalya advises, mothers weep, and the palace echoes with sorrow as duty triumphs over love. 

Dasharatha's Anguish (Shlokas 2.39.1 - 2.39.8)

King Dasharatha and his wives fainted upon:

• Hearing Rama's words

• Seeing Rama dressed as an ascetic

Overwhelmed with grief, Dasharatha:

• Could not look at Rama

• Was unable to respond

After regaining consciousness, Dasharatha lamented:

"I must have harmed others in the past, separating families. This calamity is the result of those actions. Even seeing my son in ascetic robes doesn't bring me death, for life doesn't leave until its destined time."

He added, "Kaikeyi's selfish deception causes suffering for so many."

With tear-blurred vision, Dasharatha could only utter "O Rama" once before falling silent.

Dasharatha's Instructions to Sumantra (Shlokas 2.39.9 - 2.39.13)

Regaining his composure, Dasharatha instructed Sumantra (the charioteer):

1. Prepare the finest chariot for Rama's journey

2. Drive Rama outside the city

3. Return after dropping him off

Dasharatha reflected, "A son's exile by his parents seems to be the reward for virtue."

Sumantra obeyed, quickly preparing a well-decorated chariot with excellent horses.

Preparations for Sita's Departure (Shlokas 2.39.14 - 2.39.18)

Dasharatha summoned the treasury officer and ordered:

• Assess Sita's needs for her forest stay

• Provide valuable garments and ornaments

The officer promptly collected and presented the items to Sita. She adorned herself, illuminating the palace like the rising sun.

Kausalya's Advice to Sita (Shlokas 2.39.19 - 2.39.25)

Kausalya, Sita's mother-in-law, embraced her and advised:

1. Unfaithful women abandon husbands in misfortune

2. Some women are fickle, losing love quickly

3. Virtuous women consider their husband supreme

4. Sita should treat Rama as her god, regardless of circumstances

Sita's Response to Kausalya (Shlokas 2.39.26 - 2.39.31)

Sita replied respectfully:

"I will follow your instructions, as I understand my duties to my husband. I won't stray from virtue, just as the moon never loses its radiance."

Sita used metaphors to express her devotion:

• A stringless veena (lute) can't be played

• A wheel-less chariot can't move

• A woman without her husband finds no joy

She concluded, "For a woman, her husband is indeed a god."

Rama's Farewell to His Mothers (Shlokas 2.39.32 - 2.39.41)

Rama approached his mothers and said:

"Mother, don't grieve. Care for father. My forest stay will end soon. Fourteen years will pass quickly, and I'll return safely with friends."

To his other mothers, Rama spoke:

"Forgive any unintentional harshness. I now take your leave."

The palace, once filled with joyous sounds, now echoed with sorrowful cries, like those of female herons.

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