Rama Crosses Kosala's Borders
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 49
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 49
Follow Rama's exile journey as he leaves Kosala, crossing sacred rivers. Witness the people's lament and Rama's reflections on family and duty. Sita accompanies him into an uncertain future.
Rama, the foremost among men, covered a vast distance during the remaining part of the night. He kept his father's command in mind as he traveled. (2.49.1)
As Rama journeyed, the auspicious night came to an end. After performing the morning sandhya (a ritual of prayer and meditation at twilight), he reached the borders of the Kosala kingdom. (2.49.2)
Rama swiftly passed by villages with plowed outskirts and forests in bloom. Though he moved quickly on excellent horses, it felt to him as if he was going slowly. As he traveled, he overheard the discussions of people living in the villages. (2.49.3)
The villagers spoke among themselves:
"Shame on King Dasharatha, who has been overtaken by passion! What a pity! The wicked and sinful Kaikeyi is now committed to evil deeds. (2.49.4-5)
She has banished the king's son to forest exile. This prince is righteous, wise, compassionate, and self-controlled. How could this cruel Kaikeyi break all limits of decency and commit such an atrocious act? (2.49.5-6)
How will Sita, the fortunate daughter of Janaka, endure these hardships? She has always been accustomed to comfort and luxury. (2.49.7)
Alas, how can King Dasharatha, without affection, wish to abandon his own sinless son Rama, who is dear to all his subjects?" (2.49.8)
The valiant Rama, lord of Kosala, crossed the boundaries of the kingdom while listening to these words from the people in villages and hamlets. (2.49.9)
Rama crossed the river Vedasruti, which carried sacred waters. He then headed towards the southern direction, where the revered sage Agastya resided. (2.49.10)
After traveling for a long time, Rama reached the river Gomati. Its cool waters flowed towards the sea, and herds of cows grazed on its marshy banks. Rama and his party crossed this river. (2.49.11)
Using swift horses, Rama then crossed the river Syandika. The air around this river echoed with the cries of peacocks and swans. (2.49.12)
As they traveled, Rama showed Sita the vast tracts of land encircled by kingdoms. He explained that this land had been given to their ancestor Ikshvaku by Emperor Manu long ago. (2.49.13)
As they continued their journey, Rama, his voice melodious like that of an intoxicated swan, repeatedly called out to his charioteer. With a hint of nostalgia, he said: (2.49.14)
"When will I return and reunite with my parents? When will I go hunting again in the blooming groves by the Sarayu river? These thoughts come to me now as we leave our homeland." (2.49.15)
"I don't greatly desire to hunt in the Sarayu forest. Yet, I know that hunting is considered an unparalleled delight in this world, especially among royal sages." (2.49.16)
"In our world, hunting in the woods is a pleasure for royal sages and is sought after by skilled archers. People undertake it at appropriate times, as a sport and a test of skill." (2.49.17)
The descendant of Ikshvaku (Rama) spoke these and other thoughts to the charioteer in a sweet voice as he continued his journey into exile. His words reflected both his acceptance of his current situation and his longing for the life he was leaving behind. (2.49.18)
This concludes the forty first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.