The steady-minded Rama, with unyielding poise and resilience, cast aside regal formalities, the pleas of friends, the cries of citizens, and the entreaties of well-wishers. His heart was set on breaking the distressing news to his mother, Kausalya. Those around him could discern no shift in his graceful demeanour, for Rama’s natural majesty accompanied him, like the moon’s unchanging radiance. Speaking sweetly and respectfully to all, he approached his mother with steadfast composure. Lakshmana, mirroring his brother’s resolve, followed closely. As Rama entered Kausalya’s chambers, his very presence brightened the atmosphere, yet within him, he bore a sorrow he dared not display, fearing for his mother’s fragile heart.
When departing Kaikeyi’s harem earlier, Rama had offered his respects, prompting the women attendants to weep bitterly. The protector of all, who had always shielded others without being asked, was now leaving for the forest. They lamented, “Rama, who since childhood has shown equal respect to us as to his mother, is now forsaken. He who pacifies anger with wisdom now faces exile. What injustice is this?”
The women of the harem, their cries reverberating through the palace, questioned the king’s decision. Their wails created an atmosphere of dread, while King Dasharatha lay semi-conscious, stricken with grief. Yet Rama, master of his emotions, calmly reached Kausalya’s chambers, accompanied by Lakshmana. At the gate, Rama was greeted by an elderly holy man and his followers, who rose and blessed him, saying, “May the gods be with you.” Children and elders ran ahead, announcing Rama’s arrival at Kausalya’s quarters.
Kausalya, who had been fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu throughout the day and night, awaited him. She had been offering sacred water to the deity when Rama entered. He bowed to her feet, seeking her blessings. Placing her hand on his head, she said, “May your longevity rival the immortals, and your fame remain unparalleled. Your father, bound by his word, will fulfil his promise and grant you the throne.”
Offering him a meal, she invited him to sit beside her. Rama, however, touched the seat reverently and declined. “O Mother,” he began, “you are unaware of the calamity that has befallen us. It shall bring discomfort to Sita and Lakshmana as well. I must go to Dandakaranya. Why should I sit on a rich seat when the time has come to rest on holy grass? My sustenance will be roots, fruits, and herbs. Like a sage, I shall dwell in the desolate forest for fourteen years. Father has bestowed the throne upon Bharata and commanded me to embrace exile. I must honour his word.”
Hearing this, Kausalya collapsed like a mighty tree felled, as though a celestial being had been cast down. Rama gently lifted her, urging her to speak. Her voice trembled as she lamented, “O Rama, had I been childless, I would have been spared this sorrow. Your birth brought me hope, but now calamity overwhelms me. Your father, swayed by Kaikeyi, has dealt me nothing but grief. Once you are gone, I will be reduced to servitude, overshadowed by Kaikeyi’s arrogance. I endured years of hardship, awaiting the day you would ascend the throne, only to face this unbearable fate. Without you, I have no will to live. I shall follow you to the forest.”
Lakshmana, unable to contain his indignation, declared, “O Queen, Rama is being exiled on the whims of an immature woman. The king, bound to Kaikeyi’s demands, has betrayed his duty. No one—friend or foe—has ever found fault with Rama. Yet this unjust decision robs Ayodhya of its rightful heir. If the residents turn against Rama, I shall desolate this capital. Let Bharata’s supporters come—I will face them. Even a guru who strays from dharma deserves correction. Rama’s greatness is unquestionable, and I stand ready to fight for him.”
But Rama, serene and resolute, interjected, “Lakshmana, abandon your anger. Dharma guides my path, and obedience to my father is paramount. O Mother, I am bound to the sacred duty of honouring my father’s word. Countless sages and warriors before me have upheld this principle, even at great personal cost. I cannot deviate from the path of righteousness.”
Kausalya, trembling with sorrow, implored Rama to stay, citing ancient examples of sons who served their mothers. Yet Rama, bowing before her, said, “O Mother, I must fulfil my duty and honour my father’s command. In time, I shall return to Ayodhya. Until then, trust in dharma and prepare for my departure.”
As the echoes of his resolve filled the room, Kausalya’s cries subsided, and she was enveloped by the weight of destiny. Rama, embodying unwavering faith and filial devotion, prepared to embrace his exile, knowing that the unfolding events served a higher universal purpose.