Upon gazing at the tranquil waters of the Tamasa River, Rama spoke to Sita and Lakshmana with calm resolve:
“Let us rest here tonight on the serene and sanctified banks of this river. This marks the first day of our sojourn into the forest. Sita, Lakshmana, be at ease; cast aside your worries. The forest now lies quiet, the birds and animals having retreated to their abodes. Yet this silence echoes the boundless roar of our absence in Ayodhya. Surely, our father, mother, and kin must be weeping over our departure.
Ayodhya itself must tremble with confusion and grief. Yet I take solace in Bharata, who is a man of great virtue and unlikely to incite discord. His gentle and compassionate nature will console our parents, though their incessant tears may dim their sight. Bharata’s care will lessen their sorrow. Lakshmana, my trust in Bharata eases my fear for our parents’ well-being.
O noble brother, your devotion in accompanying me is a service beyond measure. I shall rely on you to guard and support Sita. Tonight, I will partake only of water, though the forest offers abundant sustenance. Sumanthra,” Rama continued, “ensure the horses are well attended.”
As the sun set, Sumanthra gathered grass, tethered the horses securely, performed his sacred duties, and prepared grass beds for Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. While they slept peacefully, Lakshmana kept vigilant watch, contemplating the virtues of his elder brother. Thus, the night passed, and with the break of dawn, the scholars accompanying them arose from their slumber on the riverbank.
Observing the devoted followers who had left their homes out of reverence, Rama turned to Lakshmana: “Look at these noble souls who have forsaken their comforts for our sake. They sleep here, oblivious to their sorrow. It is our duty to prevent further grief from befalling them. Let us leave swiftly, sparing them the burden of our absence.”
Sumanthra, ever dutiful, prepared the chariot. “Rama,” he said, “I shall navigate the Tamasa skillfully.” Crossing its swirling waters with care, they pressed onward into the forest. Rama instructed Sumanthra to lead the chariot northward to mislead those lingering by the river. Deftly, Sumanthra altered their path and guided them towards the sanctified region of Tapovan.
As morning dawned, the citizens awoke to find Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana gone. Disheartened, they lamented: “Our sleep has robbed us of Rama’s presence. He has gone far from us. How can we return to Ayodhya without him? What shall we say to those who question us?”
They searched for traces of the chariot but soon lost the trail. Resigned, they returned to their homes, overwhelmed by grief and unable to resume their daily lives. Consolation from their families offered little relief, and they lingered in despair, reminiscing about the one they revered.
Among themselves, they spoke: “Lakshmana is truly fortunate to serve Rama and Sita. The very rivers and ponds where they bathe will be hallowed. The trees, creepers, mountains, and caves will be sanctified by their presence. Wherever Rama treads, the land itself will bloom, the streams will flow sweetly, and fear will vanish, replaced by sacred peace. How blessed is the earth to host such a noble guest!”
Despite their anguish, they resolved to honor Rama’s wishes, though their hearts yearned to follow him. Meanwhile, a pervasive fear of Queen Kaikeyi’s influence gripped them. They speculated: “If Kaikeyi could ruin her own family, how can we trust our safety? The kingdom, bereft of Rama, is like a rudderless ship. Without him, even King Dasaratha may not endure.
Our beloved land now stands vulnerable, and perhaps migration is our only refuge. Rama was our strength, our anchor. What shall we do now?” Such were the thoughts that occupied the minds of the people, their despair mirrored in the stillness of Ayodhya.
As night fell, the city descended into a desperate silence, with women lamenting as if their own brothers had departed. Yet, unknown to them, their sorrow would soon merge with the greater tide of destiny, shaped by the silent and mighty hand of fate.
