Rama Bids Farewell to Loyal Sumantra

Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana, begins forest exile. Crossing the sacred Ganga, they face new challenges as Rama guides their journey into an unknown wilderness. 

Dawn Approaches (Shlokas 2.52.1 - 2.52.3)

As night gave way to dawn, Rama, known for his broad chest and great renown, spoke to his brother Lakshmana:

"Dear Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, the night is over, and sunrise approaches. Listen to the signs of dawn:

• The deep, dark cuckoo is singing

• Peacocks are screaming in the forest

• We must cross the swift-flowing Ganga (Ganges river), which merges into the sea"

Preparations for Departure (Shlokas 2.52.4 - 2.52.7)

Lakshmana, understanding Rama's words, took action:

1. He called Guha (the Nishada king, ruler of the local tribe)

2. He summoned Sumantra (the royal charioteer)

3. He then stood before his brother, ready for instructions

Guha, upon hearing and accepting Rama's proposal, quickly prepared for their departure:

1. He summoned his ministers

2. He ordered them: "Bring a strong, auspicious boat with skilled helmsmen to the sacred bank of the Ganga. Ensure it's suitable for an easy river crossing."

3. His ministers promptly brought a beautiful boat and informed him that his orders had been carried out

Guha's Devotion and Rama's Instructions (Shlokas 2.52.8 - 2.52.13)

Guha, showing his devotion, approached Rama with folded hands and said, "The boat is ready, my lord. What else can I do for you?"

Rama, touching Sumantra with his right hand, replied with clear instructions:

"Sumantra, your duties here are complete. Now, you must:

1. Return immediately to the king (Dasharatha)

2. Be attentive in serving him

3. I will now walk into the great forest on foot"

Sumantra's Distress (Shlokas 2.52.14 - 2.52.20)

Sumantra, pained at being sent back, expressed his anguish to Rama:

"No one in this world has ever faced such a situation - you, along with your brother and wife, living in the forest like common people. If this grief has come to you despite your virtues of:

• Celibacy

• Learning

• Compassion

• Purity

Then I think there is no use for these virtues.

We who are deprived of you will be destroyed, caught under the control of the sinful Kaikeyi (Rama's stepmother), full of sorrow."

Seeing Rama preparing to leave, Sumantra, who considered Rama as dear as his own self, wept for a long time in deep distress.

Rama Consoles Sumantra (Shlokas 2.52.21 - 2.52.36)

After Sumantra's tears subsided, he sipped water to purify himself. Rama then spoke to him with sweet words:

Praise for Sumantra's Loyalty

"Sumantra, I see no one as loyal to the Ikshvaku family (the royal dynasty of Ayodhya) as you. Please ensure that King Dasharatha does not grieve for me."

Understanding the King's State

Rama described the king's condition:

• Overwhelmed with sorrow

• Advanced in age

• Under the control of his passions

Instructions for the Kingdom

Rama provided clear guidance:

1. Follow the king's orders: "Whatever little King Dasharatha orders to make Kaikeyi happy, do it without hesitation."

2. Understand the nature of kingship: "Kings rule their kingdoms so that their wishes are not obstructed in any way."

Messages for the Family

Rama asked Sumantra to convey specific messages:

1. To the king: "Neither I, nor Lakshmana, nor Sita regret our banishment to the forest."

2. To mother Kausalya: "Inform her of our well-being."

3. To Bharata (Rama's younger brother): "Treat all mothers equally, just as you treat the king."

4. Specific instruction for Bharata: "Treat Kaikeyi, Sumitra, and especially my mother Kausalya with equal respect."

Sumantra's Plea (Shlokas 2.52.37 - 2.52.58)

Hearing Rama's words, Sumantra, still afflicted with grief, made an impassioned plea:

Sumantra's Concerns

1. Returning to Ayodhya (the capital city): "How can I return to Ayodhya without you? The city will be like a woman who has lost her son."

2. People's reaction: "Seeing the empty chariot, the people will be heartbroken, like an army left with only a charioteer after its hero is killed in battle."

Sumantra's Request

Sumantra begged to accompany Rama in exile, offering his services:

• Use his chariot for protection against wild animals

• Serve Rama with utmost devotion

• Drive Rama back to Ayodhya once the exile is complete

He appealed to Rama's compassion: "O Rama, you are affectionate towards your servants. It does not befit you to forsake a devoted servant like me."

Rama's Response and Instructions (Shlokas 2.52.59 - 2.52.72)

Rama, compassionate towards his servants, replied to Sumantra's plea:

Acknowledgment of Devotion

"I know your supreme devotion to me, Sumantra."

Reasons for Sending Sumantra Back

1. To convince Kaikeyi: "When Kaikeyi sees you've returned to Ayodhya, she'll believe I've truly gone to the forest."

2. To protect the king's reputation: "This will satisfy her and remove any doubts about King Dasharatha's integrity."

3. To fulfill Rama's wish: "My primary wish is for my younger mother (Kaikeyi) to enjoy the prosperous kingdom ruled by her son Bharata."

Final Instructions to Sumantra

"Return to the city with the chariot for my sake and for the king's. Convey the messages I've given you exactly as instructed."

Instructions to Guha

Rama then turned to Guha and said:

1. Regarding living arrangements: "This forest where people live is not suitable for my stay. I must live in a hermitage and perform the prescribed austerities."

2. Immediate need: "Please fetch me the sap of a banyan tree."

Preparations for Forest Life (Shlokas 2.52.73 - 2.52.75)

Transformation into Ascetics

1. Guha brought the latex of a banyan tree.

2. Rama used it to mat his own hair and Lakshmana's.

3. The brothers, dressed in bark and wearing crowns of matted hair, now resembled two resplendent ascetics.

Final Advice to Guha

Rama instructed Guha to be vigilant about:

• Army

• Treasury

• Forts

• Provinces

He reminded Guha: "Remember, a kingdom is protected with great difficulty."

The Sacred River Crossing (Shlokas 2.52.76 - 2.52.82)

After bidding farewell to Guha, Rama departed with Sita and Lakshmana. They approached the bank of the Ganga (Ganges) river, considered sacred in Hindu tradition. A boat awaited them for this significant crossing, symbolizing their transition from royal life to exile.

Rama's Careful Instructions

Rama, ever mindful of his companions, instructed Lakshmana:

1. "Board the boat slowly and carefully."

2. "Help Sita get in by holding the beam that balances the boat."

The Boarding Sequence

Lakshmana followed Rama's instructions precisely:

1. He helped Sita board first

2. Then he got in himself

3. Finally, Rama boarded the boat

Guha, showing his continued support, instructed his kinsmen to row the boat. As they reached the middle of the river, a moment of spiritual significance occurred.

Sita's Devotional Prayer to the Ganga (Shlokas 2.52.83 - 2.52.91)

As they crossed the sacred river, Sita, with folded palms, addressed the Ganga. This prayer demonstrates the deep reverence for nature and divine forces in Hindu culture.

The Prayer's Purpose

Sita's prayer served multiple purposes:

• Seeking protection for Rama during their exile

• Promising future worship and offerings

• Acknowledging the Ganga's divine status

Key Elements of Sita's Prayer

1. Protection for Rama: "O Ganga, may you protect Rama, son of the wise King Dasharatha, as he fulfills his father's command."

2. Hope for Safe Return: "After living in the forest for fourteen full years with his brother and me, may he return safely."

3. Promise of Future Worship: "When we return safely, I will worship you with great joy, having fulfilled all our desires."

4. Acknowledgment of Ganga's Divine Nature: "You are Tripathaga (flowing in three worlds), beholding the realm of Brahma, and you are the spouse of the ocean king in this mortal world."

5. Vows of Offerings: Sita promised to offer to brahmins:

   • One hundred thousand cows

   • Clothing

   • Delicious food

6. Additional Promises: "I shall worship you by offering a thousand pots of nectar and food in the form of meat."

7. Comprehensive Worship: "I shall also worship all the deities inhabiting your banks, all sacred spots, and all temples."

Arrival on the Southern Bank and Forest Entry (Shlokas 2.52.92 - 2.52.102)

Disembarking and Rama's Strategic Planning

As they reached the southern bank, symbolizing their official entry into exile, Rama demonstrated his leadership and protective nature:

1. Order of March:

   • Lakshmana in front (for scouting and initial protection)

   • Sita in the middle (for maximum safety)

   • Rama at the rear (to protect both Sita and Lakshmana)

2. Rama's Advice: "Be alert for our protection, whether in populated areas or solitary places. In this unfamiliar, desolate forest, we must be concerned about our safety."

Sumantra's Emotional Farewell

On the other bank, Sumantra, the loyal charioteer, watched until Rama disappeared from view, symbolizing the separation of Rama from his past life.

First Experiences in the Forest

Rama described their new environment:

• Devoid of farms and pleasure groves

• Uneven and inaccessible

• Full of deep ditches

This description emphasizes the stark contrast between their former royal life and their new forest dwelling.

Adapting to Forest Life

Demonstrating their quick adaptation to forest life, Rama and Lakshmana, now famished, hunted four types of animals for food:

1. A boar

2. A rishya (a type of antelope)

3. A spotted deer

4. A great deer with black stripes

This act signifies their transition from royal luxury to self-reliance in the forest.

The day concluded with them finding rest under a tree, marking the beginning of their forest exile.

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