Sumantra Drives Rama into Exile

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana bid farewell to King Dasharatha and depart for exile. Witness the emotional turmoil as Ayodhya's citizens and royal family grapple with their beloved prince's departure. 

Bidding Farewell (Shlokas 2.40.1 - 2.40.3)

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana approached King Dasharatha with joined palms. In a sorrowful state, they:

1. Touched the king's feet

2. Circled him respectfully

Rama, the righteous one, along with Sita, then:

1. Took leave of Dasharatha

2. Paid respects to his mother Kausalya, who was overcome with grief

Lakshmana followed suit, first bowing to Kausalya before holding the feet of his own mother, Sumitra.

A Mother's Advice (Shlokas 2.40.4 - 2.40.7)

As Lakshmana paid homage, his mother Sumitra:

1. Shed tears

2. Kissed his forehead

3. Offered him guidance

Sumitra's advice to Lakshmana:

• "Though deeply attached to your loved ones, your duty now lies in the forest."

• "Never neglect your brother Rama on this journey."

• "In adversity or prosperity, Rama is your refuge."

• "It is the duty of the virtuous to obey the eldest brother."

She reminded him of their family's noble traditions:

1. Charity

2. Initiation in sacrifices

3. Giving one's life in battles

Preparations for Departure (Shlokas 2.40.8 - 2.40.17)

After advising Lakshmana, Sumitra turned to Rama and repeatedly urged him to go. To Lakshmana, she said:

• "Consider Rama as Dasharatha"

• "Think of Sita as me"

• "Regard the forest as Ayodhya"

• "Go in peace, my child"

Sumantra (the charioteer) approached Rama respectfully, saying:

• "O illustrious prince, please mount the chariot."

• "I will swiftly take you to your destination."

• "You must spend fourteen years in the forest as Queen Kaikeyi directed."

The boarding of the chariot:

1. Sita, adorned and cheerful, boarded first

2. Rama and Lakshmana followed, carrying weapons and armor

King Dasharatha provided:

• For Sita: clothes and ornaments for their forest stay

• For Rama and Lakshmana: weapons, armor, and protective gear

The City's Lament (Shlokas 2.40.18 - 2.40.27)

As Rama departed, the city fell into despair:

• People were drained of energy

• Streets filled with cries of distressed citizens

• Elephants trumpeted in agitation

• Horses neighed loudly

The citizens' actions:

1. Ran towards Rama like heat-stricken people rushing to water

2. Clung to the sides and back of the chariot

3. Pleaded with Sumantra to slow down

They praised:

• Sita's devotion, comparing her to a shadow following Rama

• Lakshmana's good fortune in being able to serve his brother

The King's Anguish (Shlokas 2.40.28 - 2.40.37)

King Dasharatha's state:

1. Emerged from the palace surrounded by grieving wives

2. Said, "I wish to see my beloved son"

3. Appeared diminished, like a full moon eclipsed by Rahu (a celestial body believed to cause eclipses)

Meanwhile, Rama urged Sumantra to drive faster. Sumantra's dilemma:

• Rama commanded him to go

• Citizens pleaded for him to stay

As Rama departed:

• Dust raised from the earth settled with citizens' tears

• The city was in turmoil, people crying "Alas, alas!"

Rama's Resolve (Shlokas 2.40.38 - 2.40.51)

Rama's actions:

1. Glanced back to see his dejected parents following

2. Struggled to look at them directly, bound by his sense of duty

3. Urged Sumantra to drive faster upon seeing his parents walking

Kausalya's reaction:

• Ran after the chariot

• Cried out, "O Rama! O Sita! O Lakshmana!"

Rama's instructions to Sumantra:

• To tell the king he hadn't heard the order to stop

• Said prolonging the agony would be sinful

The final moments:

1. Sumantra urged the horses to greater speed

2. King's attendants turned back after mentally circumambulating Rama

3. Ministers advised the king not to follow further

4. Dasharatha stood with his wives, gaze fixed on his departing son

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