Kausalya, having imbibed the essence of Rama’s perspective, understood that no force could deter him from undertaking his journey to the forest, bound as he was by the sacred word of his father. With a trembling voice and a heart heavy with sorrow, she spoke:
“Rama, my son, dearest to Dasaratha and steadfast in virtue, you, who wish well for all living beings, have never known hardship. How shall you endure a life sustained by roots, barks, fruits, and herbs? A soul of such nobility does not deserve such a fate. Alas, my son! Your denial of the crown reveals the inexorable hand of fate. Even as I bid you farewell, how can my mind and body endure your absence? This thought scorches my veins as a consuming fire. Wherever the calf goes, the cow must follow. Thus, I too shall abide by nature’s principle and follow you.”
Hearing these words of anguish, Rama, with serene composure, consoled his mother, saying:
“Kaikeyi has deceived me and brought untold sorrow to our house. But, dearest mother, if you too abandon father in his old age, he shall not survive. This is the unvarnished truth. A wife forsaking her husband in his twilight years is not in harmony with dharma. Such a choice will make your own mind rise as your accuser. Your foremost duty is to care for my father until his last breath. This is your sacred obligation.”
Rama’s words, infused with wisdom and devotion, brought a semblance of peace to Kausalya’s anguished heart. He continued:
“Mother, heed my plea. Honor my father’s command, for he is our king, protector, and the arbiter of duty. For fourteen years, I shall dwell in the forest, living an ascetic life, and then I shall return to your embrace. While I am away, take solace in Bharata’s just rule and your service to the king. Restrain even the faintest traces of anger, console him, and provide all comforts to restore his strength and spirit. Though you may forgo rituals or prayers, never neglect your service to him. This is the essence of dharma as enshrined in the sacred Sruti and Smriti. Pray to the gods and offer alms to Brahmins for the success of my sojourn. Until I return, uphold the traditions and safeguard my father.”
Kausalya, moved by his words, replied:
“Go, my son, with a resolute mind. I wish you every good fortune. All my fears will dissolve when you return safely. Undertake this journey as a sacred pilgrimage, and may you fulfill the hopes and aspirations of your family and kingdom. If I could see you return from the forest, clad in matted hair and simple garments, it would feel as though I had ascended to heaven itself.”
Resolving her heart, Kausalya performed auspicious rituals for her son’s journey. As she blessed him, she said:
“O Rama, follow the righteous path of great men. Pray to the gods dwelling in temples, mountains, and forests. Divine beings and forest guardians will watch over you. The sacred knowledge of Dhanurveda, bestowed upon you by Vishvamitra, will protect you from harm. Your devotion to duty and service to your elders will shield you from all perils in the wilderness. May holy grass, sacred trees, rivers, mountains, and the very elements safeguard you. May celestial beings—Sadhyas, Siddhas, Maruts, and sages—bless and protect you. O Rama, I have invoked every deity, every element of nature, to ensure your safety in the forest.”
As she adorned the deities with garlands and offered oblations, Kausalya entrusted her son to the divine care of the universe. With trembling hands, she tied a sacred bond around his wrist, imbued with protective herbs.
Finally, she said:
“Rama, may you return safely, fulfilling your father’s promise, and ascend the throne of Ayodhya. The day of your return shall be the dawn that dispels the darkness of my sorrow.”
With solemnity, Rama circumambulated his mother and departed to Sita’s chambers, step by step shedding the emotional bonds of his loved ones. Thus, the grand design of fate continued to unfold, drawing him ever closer to the path ordained by destiny.
