“O King, having renounced wealth to embrace an ascetic life in the forest, what use do I have for luxuries or attendants? Having gifted a mighty elephant, why would one retrieve its harness, tied around its neck? After the noblest of donations, to ask for the return of an empty bag is a futile endeavor. I have given everything to Bharata. Grant me only a few simple garments. I am departing to the forest for fourteen years, and all I require is a crowbar and a small container to dig and gather roots. I need nothing more.”
In an act born of wounded pride, Kaikeyi offered bright linen garments and bid Rama to take them. Rama and Lakshmana cast aside the attire they wore and donned the garments offered by Kaikeyi. Sita, overcome with modesty, took her linens but hesitated, unsure of how to wear them. As the embodiment of righteousness, Rama swiftly ensured Sita’s dignity, sparing her further embarrassment.
The women of the royal household wept bitterly at the sight. They pleaded with Rama in unison:
“O noble prince, the forest exile is not for Sita. None has commanded her to endure such hardship. You depart for the forest bound by your father’s decree; leave her in our care until your return. Her presence here will at least partially ease the void of your absence. Do not deny our earnest prayer.”
But their entreaties fell on deaf ears. Sita, dressed in simple linens, stood resolute. At this, Vasishtha, the revered sage, turned to Kaikeyi and rebuked her:
“Kaikeyi, you have crossed every boundary of human decency. You have brought ruin upon Ayodhya, disgraced the lineage of Raghu, and weakened a noble king. Your actions defy the laws of the throne and crown. Sita is not bound by your selfish boons. She deserves the throne, for every virtuous wife is the soul of her husband, and Sita is Rama’s very soul. If you insist on this injustice, the sages, the people of Ayodhya, and even King Dasharatha himself will follow Rama into exile. Bharata and Shatrughna too shall don linens and dwell with their brothers. You may rule over a desolate kingdom, but know this: wherever Rama dwells, that land prospers. Bharata, virtuous as he is, will reject your misguided ambitions and your tainted desires.”
Vasishtha then demanded, “Replace Sita’s humble linens with silk and jewels befitting her station. If she must go to the forest, let her do so in regal splendor. Your boons did not extend to her suffering.”
Though Vasishtha’s words stirred gratitude within Sita, her resolve to accompany Rama remained unshaken. She prayed silently, imploring the sage not to hinder her choice. She declared, “Rama is my soul, and I am his heartbeat. We shall share comfort or adversity together.”
As Sita prepared to leave, every eye in Ayodhya brimmed with tears. The air was heavy with curses against Kaikeyi and grief for the departing trio. Hearing the commotion, King Dasharatha, overwhelmed with despair, confronted Kaikeyi:
“Sita does not deserve this fate. She is a princess, worthy of royal glory. Vasishtha’s counsel is wise and just—Sita was never included in your demands or my promises. Why should she endure such trials? Your heartless cruelty in forcing her into these linens will be your undoing. Rama’s departure alone is agony enough—why impose this suffering upon Sita? Your sadistic delight will lead you to ruin and hell itself.”
Rama, seeing his father’s anguish, spoke with tender reverence:
“Father, Kausalya has always been devoted and never displeased you. In her advancing years, she is now in distress. I implore you to care for her in my absence. Bless her with comfort and protect her from the sorrows of my exile. This is my only request.”
Through calm and unwavering resolve, Rama transformed every tense and critical moment into a harmonious conclusion, fortifying the hearts of all involved. Each word he spoke was imbued with divine purpose and selfless intent. As the moment of their departure from Ayodhya approached, Rama’s actions kindled hope and faith, preparing the world for its ultimate deliverance from the clutches of evil.
