Tamasa River Marks Exile's Start
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 46
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 46
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana begin their forest exile, evading devoted citizens. Rama's compassion and strategy shine as they depart Ayodhya, marking the start of an epic journey.
Rama, descendant of Raghu, took shelter on the beautiful bank of the Tamasa river. He looked at Sita and spoke these words to Lakshmana:
"Lakshmana, this is our first night of exile in the forest. You shouldn't feel longing in your mind. I wish you well."
Rama continued, "Look at the deserted forests all around. The wild animals and birds have returned to their hideouts, filling the air with their cries. The city of Ayodhya, my father's capital, must now be mourning our departure, both men and women alike."
Rama spoke of the people's loyalty:
The citizens are deeply attached to the king, to you, to me, and to Shatrughna and Bharata, due to our many virtues.
What distresses me is the thought that both father and our illustrious mother may become blind from weeping over us repeatedly.
However, righteous Bharata will console our parents with words that align with dharma (duty), artha (purpose), and kama (desire).
As I reflect on Bharata's benevolent nature, I have no concerns about our parents.
Rama acknowledged Lakshmana's companionship:
"Lakshmana, you've done well by accompanying me. Your assistance will be crucial for Sita's protection. Tonight, I'll sustain myself with water alone, though various forest products are available. This is my preference."
After speaking to Lakshmana, Rama turned to Sumantra, saying:
"Gentle friend, tend the horses with care."
As the sun set, Sumantra tethered the horses, fed them abundantly, and sat close by. After worshipping the auspicious twilight (sandhya) and seeing night approach, the charioteer prepared beds for Rama and Lakshmana.
Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, lay down on the bed made of tree leaves on the bank of the Tamasa. While Rama and Sita slept, Lakshmana stayed awake, describing Rama's virtues to Sumantra throughout the night until sunrise.
Rama spent the night with his subjects not far from the river bank, which was crowded with herds of cattle.
Upon waking, Rama spoke to Lakshmana:
"Lakshmana, look at these people sleeping under the trees. Out of affection for us, they're even indifferent to their homes. Seeing their resolve to take us back, it seems they're prepared to give up their lives rather than abandon their determination.
While they sleep, we must quickly mount the chariot and fearlessly proceed on our way. These loyal inhabitants of Ayodhya should not have to sleep under trees again because of us.
A prince should deliver citizens from sufferings they bring upon themselves, not cause them to suffer on his account."
Lakshmana agreed with Rama's proposal to leave quickly. Rama then instructed Sumantra to harness the chariot. The charioteer swiftly prepared the vehicle with splendid horses and informed Rama with folded hands.
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana boarded the chariot with their belongings. They crossed the swiftly flowing Tamasa river, agitated with whirlpools, and proceeded on an auspicious and smooth highway that inspired confidence even in the timid.
To confuse the citizens, Rama instructed Sumantra:
Drive the chariot northward for a while.
Then turn back.
Do this in a way that the citizens won't know where we've gone.
Sumantra followed Rama's instructions. Then, seeing auspicious omens for the journey, he set the chariot in a northerly direction. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana boarded the chariot and departed for the forest, marking the beginning of their exile.
This concludes the forty sixth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.