Sumitra Comforts Grieving Kausalya
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 44
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 44
Sumitra consoles a grieving Kausalya, praising Rama's virtues and prophesying his triumphant return. This poignant scene showcases devotion, hope, and the enduring bonds of family in the Ramayana.
While Kausalya (Rama's mother), the finest among women, was lamenting, the virtuous Sumitra (Lakshmana's mother) spoke these righteous words to her:
"O venerable lady, your son Rama is the greatest among men and is endowed with every good quality. What use is there in lamenting and weeping bitterly like this?"
Sumitra continued to console Kausalya:
Your mighty son has renounced the kingdom and gone to the forest to fulfill his father's truthful words.
Rama, the best among men, has chosen the path followed by the wise, which leads to everlasting results in the next world.
Such a peerless son should never be grieved over.
Blameless Lakshmana, compassionate to all beings, is showing the highest conduct in this matter, benefiting his great soul.
Sita (Rama's wife), though accustomed to comforts, has knowingly followed your virtuous son into the hardships of forest life.
Your son, who considers righteousness (dharma) and truth as wealth, is waving the flag of fame in this world.
What is there that your son has not achieved?
"Knowing Rama's pure nature and excellent greatness:
The Sun will not scorch his body with its rays.
A pleasant breeze, neither too hot nor too cold, will serve Rama in all seasons as it blows from the woodlands.
At night, while the sinless Rama sleeps, the Moon will comfort him by touching him with cool beams, like a father embracing his son."
"Remember:
The sage Vishwamitra gave divine weapons to the mighty Rama after seeing him slay Subahu (son of Timidhwaja), the lord of demons, in battle.
That brave Rama, the best of men, will reside in the forest without fear, relying on the strength of his own arms as though he were living in his palace.
When enemies who are targets of his arrows are destroyed, how can this earth not stay under Rama's command?"
"Upon returning from his forest exile:
Rama, endowed with splendor, valor, and strength that brings well-being, will quickly regain his kingdom.
He is like the Sun of the Sun, the fire of fire, the master of masters.
He is the prosperity of the prosperous, the fame of the famous, the forbearance of the forbearing, the god of gods, and the supreme among all beings.
Rama, the eminent among men, will soon be consecrated along with the earth, the goddess of fortune, and Sita."
"When the people of Ayodhya (Rama's kingdom) saw the godlike Rama departing:
He was clad in robes of kusha grass and tree bark.
They were moved to tears of grief.
What is impossible for him who is unconquerable and whom Sita, like the goddess of fortune, follows?
Lakshmana, the most skilled archer, goes ahead of Rama, bearing arrows, swords, and other weapons.
What difficulty can there be for Rama?"
"I tell you the truth, Kausalya:
You will see Rama's return when the period of exile is complete.
Give up your sorrow and delusion.
O irreproachable and auspicious one, you will see your son, like the rising Moon, touching your feet with his head.
Soon you will see him enthroned, shining in full glory on his return from exile, while tears of joy will flow from your eyes.
Do not entertain grief or distress, O Queen. Nothing inauspicious will happen to Rama.
You will soon see your son along with Sita and Lakshmana."
Sumitra continued to comfort Kausalya:
"O sinless lady, when you are meant to console others, why are you overcome with fear in your heart? You should not grieve, O Kausalya, for you have Rama as your son. There is none in this world superior to Rama, who stands steady on the path of virtue.
Like a flake of cloud in the monsoon, you will shed tears of joy soon, seeing your son along with his friends bowing to you in reverence. Your son, the bestower of boons, will soon return to Ayodhya and press your feet with his soft, tender hands.
While he pays obeisance to you, you will drench your brave son, surrounded by friends, with tears of joy, like a mass of clouds drenching a mountain."
After consoling Rama's mother with these words, Queen Sumitra, skilled in speech and of cheerful disposition, fell silent. Upon hearing Sumitra's words, the grief in Kausalya's heart instantly disappeared, like an autumn cloud that holds but little rain.
This concludes the forty first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.