The next stage of Rama’s journey loomed with formidable resistance—an intricate tangle of emotions, convoluted arguments, irrelevant appeals, and soul-stirring exchanges. Rama, fully aware of these impending trials, resolved to transform these obstacles into opportunities, for it was his bounden duty to uphold his dharma.
After completing acts of charity to the satisfaction of all recipients, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita expressed their desire to meet King Dasharatha. The streets of Ayodhya were teeming with sorrowful onlookers, their hearts heavy as they watched the trio. Rama, clad in simple linen garments and walking barefoot, gazed intently at each face in the crowd. The people, unable to engage in ordinary conversation, whispered amongst themselves, marveling at the strangeness of this scene.
Once a prince who traversed the land surrounded by the mighty fourfold army—Chaturangabala—Rama now walked alone, accompanied only by Sita and Lakshmana. His silence offered no answers to the unspoken questions of the people, whose thoughts and hearts were disarrayed. Wise men in the crowd murmured:
“Rama, the very embodiment of righteousness, once lived amid riches, protecting and fulfilling the needs of others. Now, he walks the path of his own choosing—not for personal gain, but for the greater good. Such is Rama’s way. He honors his father’s word and upholds the truth, bound by dharma. Surely, he will complete his task and return in glory.”
Sita’s rare presence among the common folk added to the marvel of the moment. Some lamented, “How will this delicate queen endure the harsh trials of the dense forests?” Others decried the king’s decision, saying, “Even unworthy sons are not cast out, yet King Dasharatha has banished his noble heir, a prince who possesses the six illustrious qualities: compassion, kindness, virtue, self-control, restraint, and wisdom. Rama shines not because he is a king’s son, but because he is the personification of every virtue.”
Moved by their devotion, some resolved to follow Rama, leaving behind wealth and comforts. “Rama is the trunk of a mighty tree,” they said, “and we are its branches and leaves. We shall journey with our families to the forest, leaving Ayodhya to Kaikeyi and her kin. Together, we will transform the wilderness into a new Ayodhya.”
Despite these declarations, Rama remained steadfast in his resolve. As he approached the royal palace, towering like Mount Kailasa, he encountered Sumantra, whose grief-stricken visage betrayed the sorrow in his heart. Summoning his strength, Sumantra informed the king of Rama’s arrival. Dasharatha, though overwhelmed by despair, summoned Queen Kaikeyi and her attendants, a retinue of 350 women, to witness Rama’s departure.
The sight of Rama stirred unbearable emotion in the king, who collapsed in anguish. Seeing his father, once capable of leading armies and protecting the realm, reduced to such a state, Rama and Lakshmana gently lifted him to a seat. With hands folded in reverence, Rama spoke:
“O King, my lord and father, I have come to bid you farewell as I embark on my journey to Dandakaranya. Permit Sita and Lakshmana to accompany me, for they have convinced me of their unwavering resolve. Grant us your blessings, as Brahma would bless his children.”
Gathering his strength, Dasharatha replied, his voice trembling:
“O Rama, my noble son, I have been deceived by Kaikeyi under the guise of her boons. Take the throne, imprison me if you must, but do not leave Ayodhya. Yet, your virtue binds you to my word, and your actions shield me from the curse of falsehood. Stay this one night with me and your mother. Depart in the morning, strengthened by our blessings.”
Rama, unwavering in his dharma, replied:
“O King, your word is my command. I shall honor it fully and live as an ascetic in the forest for fourteen years. Wealth, pleasure, or power hold no allure for me. Truth and virtue are my only guides. Do not grieve for me, for we three shall find harmony in the forest—delighting in its streams, flowers, and the innocent company of its creatures. Console the people of Ayodhya, for they need your strength in my absence. I entrust this kingdom, its people, and its prosperity to Bharata.”
Dasharatha, overwhelmed by Rama’s resolve and selflessness, fell silent. Around him, the women of the court wept bitterly, save Kaikeyi, who remained unmoved. Rama, ever composed, stood firm in his faith in dharma, prepared to face the next chapter of his journey with unshakable resolve.