Rama told his mother, Kaushalya, the whole story. She was grief-stricken. But Rama had to uphold his father’s promise and ensure that his word was honoured. Lakshmana said he would go with him to serve him in the forest. Rama tried to dissuade him but all in vain.
Rama touched Kaushalya’s feet. Rama went to the chamber of his wife Seeta and narrated all that happened. Seeta insisted on going with him. Rama thus tried to persuade her, “O Dear! Please don’t be adamant. As you have been brought up in luxury, you won’t be able to cope with the life in the forest. Please stay here to serve mother Kaushalya and father.”
Seeta replied, “It is the duty of a wife to share her husband’s joys and sorrows. So, I must be by your side.” Thus Rama agreed to take Seeta along with him to the forest.
Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana took off their royal clothes and ornaments and put on the clothes that ascetics wear in forests. Rama walked through the palace to take a final blessing of king Dasharatha who hugged Rama saying, “O Son! I and not you am bound by promise. As you are competent and capable, rule over Ayodhya with full authority.” Hearing the words Rama felt sad.
He decided to abide by righteousness. King Dasharatha burst into tears. Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana bowed to everyone and asked for permission. Everyone had tears in his eyes. All the maids and the servants in the palace were weeping bitterly. King Dasharatha asked Sumantra to escort Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta in a chariot to the forest. Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta moved from there, followed by king Dasharatha and his wife Kaushalaya.
The news of Rama’s exile spread like wildfire. The people of Ayodhya also followed the chariot. Dasharatha stumbled out of the room to get a glimpse of Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta. As the chariot drew away, Dasharatha collapsed.
The chariot halted on the banks of river Tamasa that night. In the middle of the night, when all the citizens were sleeping, Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana stealthily left from there with Sumantra. The chariot left no wheel marks behind. When the citizens awoke, there was no sign of Rama and the others. Dejected, they returned to Ayodhya. Rama reached Shringverpur, the kingdom of Guha, the powerful but gentle chieftain of Nishada tribe.
