Sumantra Consoles Grieving Queen Kausalya
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 60
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 60
Kausalya's anguish as Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana enter exile. Sumantra's vivid account of their forest life, highlighting Sita's resilience and unwavering devotion to Rama amidst adversity.
Overwhelmed with grief, Queen Kausalya (the mother of Rama) trembled as if possessed by an evil spirit. She fell to the ground, her senses seemingly lost, and addressed the charioteer Sumantra repeatedly:
"Take me to where Kakutstha (another name for Rama, referring to his lineage as a descendant of King Kakutstha) is, where Sita and Lakshmana are. I cannot bear to live here even for a moment without them. Quickly turn your chariot back and take me to the Dandaka forest. If I cannot follow them, I shall enter the abode of Yama (the god of death)."
Sumantra, the charioteer, tried to console the queen. With folded hands and words faltering due to his own tears, he said:
"My queen, please abandon your grief, delusion, and despair born of sorrow. Cast aside your anguish, for Raghava (another name for Rama) will dwell in the forest, overcoming all difficulties. Lakshmana, ever aware of his duty and with his senses under control, serves at Rama's feet in the forest, thus securing his place in the next world. As for Sita, though in the desolate forest, she lives there as comfortably as if at home. With her mind fixed on Rama, she remains fearless and confident."
Sumantra continued to console Queen Kausalya, describing Sita's remarkable adaptation to forest life:
"I couldn't perceive even the slightest sign of dejection in Sita. She appears as if she were accustomed to living away from home. Just as she used to enjoy herself in the pleasure gardens of the city, she now delights in the desolate forests.
Sita, whose face resembles the full moon, revels in the forest like a child at play. Her mind is completely absorbed in Rama. Even in that isolated wilderness, she remains a paragon of virtue. Her heart belongs entirely to Rama, and her very life is under his control. For her, even Ayodhya would become a forest without Rama's presence.
As we journeyed, Vaidehi (another name for Sita, referring to her as the princess of Videha) would inquire about the villages, cities, river courses, and various types of trees we encountered. She would ask Rama or Lakshmana about these sights, seeming as carefree as if she were visiting a pleasure garden just a krosa (approximately two miles) from Ayodhya."
Sumantra paused, recalling something Sita had said about Kaikeyi (Rama's stepmother who had orchestrated his exile), but he quickly diverted the topic. Instead, he continued with words meant to bring solace to Kausalya:
"Neither the fatigue of the journey, nor the force of the wind, nor the scorching heat could diminish the moon-like radiance of Vaidehi's countenance."
Sumantra continued his account of Sita's remarkable adaptation to forest life, emphasizing her unwavering beauty and courage:
"Vaidehi's (Sita's) radiance, resembling the beams of the moon, remains undimmed by the hardships of the journey, the force of the wind, the haste of travel, or the scorching heat. Her face, as lovely as a hundred-petalled lotus and as splendid as the full moon, shows no sign of distress.
Though her feet are no longer adorned with red lac dye, they still appear naturally red and shine like lotus buds. The noble lady walks gracefully, as if her movements are accompanied by the tinkling of ankle bells, though she has cast off her ornaments out of devotion to Rama.
Taking refuge in Rama's strong arms, Sita shows no fear when she encounters elephants, lions, or tigers in the forest. Indeed, there is no need to pity them, yourself, or even the king. This epic tale of their exile will endure forever in this world.
They have shaken off their sorrow and proceed with cheerful hearts, firmly set on the path established by great sages. They enjoy their life in the forest, subsisting on wild fruits, all the while upholding their father's noble promise."
Despite Sumantra's well-chosen words of consolation, Queen Kausalya, overwhelmed by grief for her son, could not be calmed. She continued to cry out, "O my beloved! O my son! O Raghava (Rama)!"
This concludes the Sixtieth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.