Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
Kaikeyi was delighted that Rama had agreed to carry out her wishes. “Rama, I will send word to Bharatha. Meanwhile you can leave Ayodhya. On hearing this, Dasahratha cried out once again “Kaika, Kika, don’t be so cruel”. He could not even standup properly. Rama hurried to his father and hugging lovingly told him “Dear father, it is my duty to honour any promise you have made. “He turned towards Kaikeyi “Mother, please allow me a few moments to tell my own mother and my wife Sita”. He touched his parent’s feet in salutation and left the chamber in a very dignified manner. Kaushalya on hearing the news lamented “Rama, my child! How can I live without you? Take me along with you to the forest.”
Lakshmana who heard this was enraged. “Why is father banishing Rama to the forest? Is she afraid of Bharatha? In that case, I will wipe out Bharatha and his supporters. “he shouted in anger. But Rama Spoke in a calm and firm voice that it was his duty to carry out his father’s promises. Kaushalya felt very sad. Should a prince like Rama live in a forest eating simple food and sleeping on a rough – straw mat? But Rama would not hear of any such argument and so, with a heavy heart, she bid farewell to her dearest son. After taking leave of his mother, Rama went to talk to Sita. As soon as she heard that Bharatha was to be the king and that Rama was to live in the forest, she decided to go with her husband. Rama tried to prevent her by saying “Janaki, don’t worry about me. Please stay back in the palace and take care of my mothers. Treat my brothers well. At the end of the fourteen year of period, I will return safely to Ayodhya. No harm will come to me”.
Sita replied “Lord, I will follow you like a shadow. I do not want the comforts of the palace without you. Nothing can give me greater happiness than being with you”. Rama tried his utmost to dissuade her “Wild beasts roam around in the forest. You will not have a soft bed to sleep on. Nor will there be good food to eat. Your tender feet will hurt when you walk on the thorny paths”. Sita did not lose courage “Aryaputra, How, can the beasts attack me when you are there? Without you, even the softest bed will be like a bed of thorns. It is my duty to be with you. Please let me come with you” pleaded Sita softly. So, Rama agreed to Sita’s request. Lakshmana, who heard about Rama and Sita’s decision, came running to him, fell at his brother’s feet and begged of him “Please do not leave me behind. I will also come with you to the forest; Ayodhya will be like hell to me without you.” Rama hesitated, for, there was a very strong bond of love and affection between the two of them. But at the same time, why should Lakshmana undergo such exile for the sake of brotherly love, thought of Rama. So, he said, “Sowmitri, if you come away with me, who will protect and look after our parents? But Lakshmana refused to stay back “Bharatha will look after our parents, whereas, you will have none with you in the forest.
I can fetch you fruits and water and look after you and my respected sister-in-law. “So, saying, he went to his mother to break the news to her. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana discarded all their royal clothes. All that Rama and Lakshmana carried with them were their bows and arrows. By that time, this sad news had spread like fire all over Ayodhya and people wept at the thought that Rama would not be their king. None could witness the scene of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana walking barefoot, dressed like hermits. Fate is so cruel” thought many. Will these three be able to face the dangers of a forest” was their worry.