The boat glided swiftly through the shallow waters, cutting a smooth path until it reached the center of the river, where deep and turbulent waves roared. Sita, with folded hands, bowed her head and prayed to the sacred Ganga, saying:
“O Devi! You are the sanctified sustainer of the three worlds. Your enchanting beauty inspires the spirit of women everywhere. Rama, the noble son of King Dasaratha, has undertaken a sojourn to the forest for fourteen years, honoring his father’s solemn word. Bless me, O Mother Ganga, that we may return fulfilled from this exile. Upon our return, I vow to conduct holy rituals to honor you and offer my gratitude. By your divine grace, be my shield in the wilderness. I shall donate cows, villages, and fine garments to Vedic scholars, knowing that such acts are dear to your heart. Bestow upon us your blessings for a safe return.”
Moved by her heartfelt plea, the turbulence of the river transformed into a gentle flow, easing their journey. Sita vowed to visit and offer reverence at every temple and hermitage along the sacred Ganga’s banks. The boat reached the southern shore safely, their destined landing. Alighting, they thanked the navigator and set forth toward the forest.
Rama, with a firm tone, cautioned Lakshmana:
“Whether these woods are desolate or teeming with life, be vigilant. Guard Sita with utmost care. These forests are foreign and perilous; signs of the unknown are everywhere. You will lead, Sita shall walk between us, and I will follow, keeping watch. Once a situation goes awry, it is often impossible to correct. Sita must brace herself for the challenges of forest life. These lands lack the comforts of cultivated gardens or fertile plains, scattered with caves and rugged terrain. Her steps will tread upon uneven ground, through heights and depths, as we navigate this wilderness.”
Heeding Rama’s words, Lakshmana took the lead, Sita followed in the middle, and Rama walked behind as their vigilant protector.
Meanwhile, Sumanthra, having watched the boat vanish into the horizon, turned back toward Ayodhya, content in his faith in Rama’s resolve. The trio journeyed onward, passing by the fertile and prosperous kingdom of Vatsa. By evening, Lakshmana gathered what food he could find, and they satisfied their hunger and thirst. Rama remarked:
“Lakshmana, now we are alone, unaided. This is our first night without the support of others. From tonight onward, we shall take turns staying awake to safeguard Sita. Let us gather fallen leaves to rest upon and resume our journey at dawn.”
As they settled for the night, Rama’s thoughts turned heavy:
“Lakshmana, our father, King Dasaratha, must be tormented by sorrow. Kaikeyi, in her triumph, likely rejoices in her cunning. I fear that Kaikeyi may stifle the king’s remaining will to live upon Bharata’s return. What a cruel price for a moment’s silence—a son, a daughter-in-law, and a kingdom lost. Desire has eclipsed all virtue in our father’s heart. Tell me, Lakshmana, is there any king who would follow such a ruinous path?
And Kaikeyi—was her entry into the Ikshvaku dynasty solely for wealth and power? With her newfound authority, she may ill-treat Queen Sumitra and Kausalya. Lakshmana, your mother walks the corridors of sorrow because of my decisions. I urge you to return to Ayodhya at dawn. Protect Sumitra and Kausalya from Kaikeyi’s cruelty. Convince Bharata to rule with justice and kindness. As for me, I shall continue to Dandakaranya with Sita.”
Lakshmana, moved by Rama’s turmoil, replied:
“O Rama, you are the strongest of the strong, unmatched in skill and virtue. Should you lose confidence, Sita and I would fall into despair. You are the breath and life that sustains us. Without you, we are like rivers cut off from their source. I have no desire for the comforts of the palace, nor to see Kausalya, Sumitra, or Bharata. My only duty is to serve and protect you and Sita.”
Under a sprawling banyan tree, they lay upon their leaf bed. The two brothers, resolved and resilient, resembled mighty lions at rest.
Rama, reflecting upon his turbulent thoughts, reminded himself of the importance of living in the present moment. “Alertness,” he mused, “is the essence of life, and awareness is the wisdom to remain grounded in time’s flow. Every mind, no matter how strong, is susceptible to the illusions of Maya. Even I, in a moment of weakness, was caught in its web. Yet, with resolve, I rise, attuned once more to the will of destiny.”