The Plot of The Play; Sita and Lakshmana Persuade Rama To Accompany Into Exile

We are now looking at the many reactions from several people who came to know about the news of Rama’s exile. The last post listed the exchange between Rama, Kausalya and Lakshmana. Everyone other than Rama himself was furious about the dictate but slowly begins to buy in the reality. These conversations are detailed in several chapters depending on the role of the person in the kingdom. While Rama was ordered to live in forest for fourteen years, it isn’t clear till this point who will accompany him. This will be revealed in next few chapters and before that let us look at the conversation with Sita and her calmness in the midst of turmoil.

In chapter 25, Kausalya bids farewell to Rama preparing to go to forest. Rama leaves her residence and goes to Seetha.

Kausalya restrained her grief and resigned herself to Rama's departure. She told that noble Ikshvaku, who was ready to forsake the coveted kingdom of Kosala to uphold the commitment of his father, "Powerless to stop you, I will now wait for those dreadful fourteen years to end, go in peace my son. May you tread the path of your illustrious forefathers. May the dharma that you protect with such fervor in turn protect you. May all the celestials, the sages and the weapons bestowed upon you by Viswamitra be your defense. The gods that you worship every dawn, may they bless and shield you. May your obedience and loyalty towards your parents ensure your longevity. May all elements, the heaven, the Earth, and all existence protected by Brahma, protect you". Blessing her son in every way, Kausalya propitiated the gods for the welfare of Rama, by lighting the sacred fire and performing the holy rituals. May you come back safely, having achieved your purpose. I will wait for that day when I behold you, attired in royal splendor, with Sita, beautiful and bejeweled by your side, seated on the golden throne." Having completed the benedictory rites, a sorrowful Kausalya, her eyes full of tears, circumambulated Rama and embraced him tenderly while Rama paid obeisance to his mother, touching her feet repeatedly. He then made his way towards the palace of his beautiful consort Sita.

In chapter 26, seeing Rama being sad Sita wants to know the reason. Rama then lets her know his father's wish and his decision in alignment. He then asks her to stay in Ayodhya.

The streets of Ayodhya thronged with happy people charmed by their prince. They beheld Rama whose dazzling effulgence illumined the highways of Ayodhya as he passed through them. He arrived at the magnificent abode of Sita who waited to greet a king to be, with garlands and sandal paste. She was unaware of the tremendous changes that had taken place and of the upheaval caused. It was then that Rama's turmoil that he had hitherto concealed so carefully surfaced, clouding his face. His tormented soul vented its suffering, which manifested on his divine countenance as an expression of great desolation. Witnessing these alien signs on a face ever serene and radiant, Sita became alarmed. With great concern she asked Rama, "At this moment, ordained by the brahmins as auspicious for your coronation, what ails you my Lord? Where is the royal canopy, the chariot, the horses, and the elephants? Where is the royal retinue and the Brahmins who are to perform the rituals? At this moment of sublime glory why this unhappiness?" and Rama said, "Born of a great race famed for its righteousness, you will understand my words. Listen to what has transpired. My father, the very embodiment of truth, had in the past, given two boons to mother Kaikeyi. The queen has decided that now is the time to redeem them. The king bound by honor has consented to do so. The boons worded very simply, that I am to be exiled for fourteen years, while Bharata crowned king will rule Ayodhya, for that period of time. My dear, I have come to bid you farewell.”



"May your love for me be eternal and may you with patience forgive my absence. I leave my parents to your care; give them the strength to bear the pain of my separation. To Kausalya, my banishment will be unbearable and to my father the swift turn of events may be disastrous. He lived to witness my coronation, a coronation that destiny has opposed, and which will drown the monarch in an endless sea of sorrow. Do serve my noble parents worn out by grief, with great reverence. Serve all my mothers with the same devotion that I have for them. Bharata and Satrughna are dearer to me than my life; treat them with nothing but affection. Never displease Bharata, who will be the ruler and lawmaker, by your actions. Tread the path of dharma. Spend your time in worship and prayer. I am going to the forest and you, my beloved, shall stay here".

In chapter 27, Sita asks Rama to let her accompany him to the forest.

Sita listened silently to Rama's monologue. A depiction of charm and grace, her presence produced a blissful serenity. So immense was her adoration of Rama, that even the thought of separation from him angered her. "Do your casual commands bid me to do what you take so lightly? What is my offence that you want to punish me so she said "My knowledge of dharma says every one - a father, mother, brother or son - is meant to enjoy or suffer the merits or demerits that they have accrued in their past lives. The wife alone is meant to share the fate of her husband. Accordingly, your banishment is mine. Do I have to teach you, an embodiment of dharma, of its subtleties? For a woman, her husband is her only refuge. Do you pretend ignorance of this rule, my lord? I do not mean to rebel or contradict your wishes, but life for me is not possible without you." And then her anguished heart gave way to such torrential tears that they drenched the very earth out of which she was born.



Rama gently wiped Sita's tears trying to cajole and reason with her, but his soft-spoken consort was not to be deterred, as she continued, "I do not mean to disobey, but separation from you will kill me. For a woman the glories of the world mean nothing, compared to being with her lord. The code of conduct imbibed in me says to follow that lord to the very ends of the world. When you who protect the most insignificant lives on earth are with me what do I have to fear? I will not shirk the forest where you are or live in a heaven where you are not. Serving you and living in the enchanting exuberance of a forest alive with a myriad bird and beasts, can life be anything but bliss? A bliss enhanced by your presence." Neither Rama's renowned eloquence nor dharma could shake the gentle princess from her single-minded resolve.

In chapter 28, Rama describes various troubles of staying in forest and beseeches Sita not to come along with him.

In anticipation of the many ordeals that they would have to face in the forest, Rama tried to dissuade Sita, "Sita, born of a noble race, at this hour of need, your duty is to do that which is righteous and not that which is suitable. You are too delicate for life in the wilderness choked with vine and bush. Great storms visit those miles of greenery, plunging it in darkness even by day and peril lies everywhere. Birds of prey infest the skies and large slithering snakes, that twist and turn tortuously, infest the land. The canopy of the forest will be our roof, the leaves shed by it our bed and the fruit our food. How can a princess so fragile, so used to the luxuries of a palace, survive the forest?"



"Though living in the forest, the devatas, the ancestors and the guests who visit must be offered ritual worship. Bathing three times a day and gathering flowers for the daily prayers is a must. Devoid of anger and desire one should spend time in penance, sustaining on whatever is available. For all these reasons and of your helplessness as a woman, habitation in the jungles is impossible." No hurdle mentioned by Rama daunted Sita and no plea was going to hold her back from following him. So, when Rama announced his final decision, she grew defiant and readied herself to fight her cause.

In chapter 29, Sita implores upon Rama to allow her to come to forests and says that she heard through some foretellers she has to live in forests for some time. But Rama is not interested to make Sita's life penurious in forests and once again tries to pacify her.

With her face bathed in tears, Sita gently kept imploring Rama, "It has been prophesied that I would have to live in the forest, for a period of time in my life. That time is now and my parents have impressed it upon me, that I should always follow you. With you by my side even the gods will not dare to harm me. The weak may dread the jungles but what frightens you who are so fearless? As decreed, a woman, who in this life has been given in holy matrimony to a man by her parents, belongs to him even after her death. Does it befit you to leave without me, your devoted wife in prosperity and adversity? If despite my grief my wishes are disregarded, I shall cast myself into the fire".

All of Sita's anguished pleas left Rama unmoved. His immense love for her made him reluctant to lay bare, the innocence of his cherished wife to the merciless jungle. Rama's rejection only doubled Sita's sorrow and her tears flowed unchecked.

In chapter 30, the persistence of Sita continues, to go along with Rama to forest. Rama tried to pacify her but finally had to yield, accepts her to come along and asks her to give away her personal belongings to Brahmins in charity before they proceed.

Rama tried to console Sita, who though distraught silently vowed to accompany him. Incensed with anger, tempered with love, she said, "My lord, my father committed a great blunder in choosing you for a son- in-law, little knowing that you are but a woman, in the garb of a man. He will be ashamed to hear that diffident about protecting your consort, you had abandoned me. Men in their ignorance talk of your might and its magnitude. Is that not a falsehood?”

"What fear causes this hesitation, in taking me? Leaving me behind, do you gift me to the world, to be its courtesan? The duties you remind me of towards your parents, towards myself and towards Bharata, why can you not dispense them yourself? As for me, no heaven, forest, or penance would I enter without you. How can I, who cannot live even for a moment away from you, survive fourteen long years of separation?" Sita finally, gave vent to her torment as she fell into Rama's arms with hot tears of anguish flowing down her face. Embracing her, Rama said, "My dear, the very heavens have no use for me, if you are not happy. Like the self-created Brahma, I am fearless. Not knowing your wish, I tried to stop you. You have been created to share my life and will ever follow me, as Suvarchala follows Surya. I enter the forest not by choice, but as commanded by my father who is my god and guru. Reverence to one's parents alone is the means to heaven, knowledge, fame, prosperity and progeny. Come walk the path of dharma with me. Your decision brings honor to your family and mine. You have proven yourself a jewel among women. Give away all our wealth to the Brahmins, to the poor and to all those who have served us". The glow was back on Sita's face, rapturous and expectant she began to dispose of all their possessions without delay.

In chapter 31, Lakshmana who overhears the conversation of Rama and Sita, enters into dialogue with his brother, insisting that he too shall accompany. Rama tries to persuade him to stay back, but in vain. Then Rama had to agree to Lakshmana's insistence and asks him to fetch the divine bows, arrows and swords given by gods.

Hearing Rama grant permission to Sita, Lakshmana fell at his brother's feet and begged to let him also accompany them. Lakshmana looked pleadingly at Sita and then at Rama who was reputed never to abandon any, who sought refuge in him, 'Even if there is a place on this earth where there is neither old age nor death, I do not desire it. Without you, I do not want kingship, heaven or earth". Rama said, "Lakshmana, you are not only my brother but my friend and my life. What of Kausalya and Sumitra if you come with me? The king enticed by Kaikeyi may slight them and she with the kingdom in her hands, may not do them justice. Indebted to Kaikeyi and trying to please her, Bharata may not spare much thought to my mothers. Stay back Lakshmana, there is no greater dharma than serving one's parents." Lakshmana who refused to be dissuaded said, "Kausalya can take charge of a thousand Lakshmanas like me and bear them. So can Sumitra who is equally competent. As for Bharata, he is a noble Ikshvaku and will cherish the queens with the greatest of love and reverence. Take me with you, I will be your servant."

Moved by Lakshmana's devotion, Rama agreed saying, "Go bid farewell to those dear to you. Bring with you the bows and the quivers, the swords and armor". Darting away happily, he also brought back Suyajna son of Vasishta and his disciples into Rama's presence along with other eminent Brahmins so that they could pay them their worshipful homage before departing.

This concludes chapters 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 where we had seen the conversation between Rama and Sita about going together to the forest. As can be seen, Rama is more worried about the difficulties which she may face in exile and asks her to live in comforts of palace, taking care of elders. He tells the same to Lakshmana who persuades to accompany him. Both Sita and Lakshmana want to follow Rama dearly while he is against the wish. Finally, he yields to them and thus it has been apprised that the trio – Rama, Sita and Lakshmana will together go into exile for fourteen years. Let us look at how it pans out and all the further moments of heat surrounding the exile in subsequent posts.

The Plot of the Play; Kausalya and Lakshmana Comes to Terms With Dangerous Twist

As we can see in the bygone description, Rama received the painful news, took it without any despair and accepted to exile, leaving the riches and the throne to Bharata for fourteen years. This is not any ordinary position to relinquish and he is not any ordinary person. There are many of his close subjects and people who look up to him as their hope and a leader. While it may be easy for Rama to leave the kingdom; the people, who are reveling and looking eagerly for his rule, may not take the news without any anguish. There are many close associates who opine their reaction to the agonizing prospect which is detailed in many chapters. Let us look at how his mother Kausalya and Lakshmana reacted before looking at conversation with Sita. This continues after Rama leaves the place of Dasaratha and Kaikeyi. 

In chapter 20, Rama approaches his mother Kausalya to inform her of the calamity. Kausalya on hearing the news, faints. On recovering, she laments in the most grievous tones to Rama.

A pall of gloom descended over the palace as Rama left it, with palms together, in a gesture of farewell. The women inside lamented aloud, their wails drowning the happy sounds of revelry. Ruthlessly condemning Dasaratha for abandoning Rama, they said, "Foolish that he is, the king seeks to devour all life on earth by renouncing his noble son, who is the refuge of all. Unshakable in the most abusive of situations, patient and kind Rama has been like a mother to us," lamented Ayodhya. Even the queens of the once mighty king, who was now reduced to a bundle of misery, reproached him for his dastardly act. They blamed the hapless monarch, whose plight cried out for compassion and not disdain. The grief-stricken voices and the forlorn sounds of weeping fell on Dasaratha's ears as he lay crushed and bewildered.

Meanwhile Rama entered his mother's abode, unaccompanied by any kind of royal fanfare or pomp. Kausalya, who had spent a night of meditation and prayer, was in the temple of Vishnu, invoking his blessings upon her son. Rama beheld his mother clad in soft silks, radiant as a celestial, as she hurried to embrace him and softly touched her lips to his forehead saying, "My son! May you become a Rajarshi, illustrious and famous as befits your race. Go to your father, the honorable king, who waits to coronate you king of Kosala". Rama with head bowed in an attitude of reverence prepared himself to tell Kausalya that he was not to be king. Gathering his courage to take leave and dreading the pain it would cause her, Rama gently said, "Mother, Bharata will be crowned ruler of Ayodhya and I am to dwell in the forest for fourteen years, leading the life of a mendicant."

Kausalya looked at Rama in disbelief. The blow dealt by those words was almost physical and she was thrown to the ground where she lay stunned. Recovering slowly, she said, "My son, if I had not borne you, I would have been spared this grief. Without you my life has no meaning, I will follow you like a cow follows. Even at the height of the king's glory I have never enjoyed the privileges that should have been mine. Slighted by him, dominated by Kaikeyi who is spiteful and full of anger, I have led a life of insignificance. Tormented by such agony, why does not my heart break? Disciplining myself with prayer and meditation I brought you up. My efforts cannot go waste like this," lamented Kausalya. Overwhelmed by the pathos of the situation, fighting a losing battle with her grief, the noble queen broke down sobbing without restraint.

The chapter 21 describes Lakshmana's anger and Rama consoling Lakshmana.

 

Consoling Kausalya, Lakshmana said that he saw no reason for Rama to go to the forests, forsaking the throne merely on an order passed by a woman. "Goaded by Kaikeyi, enslaved by his passion for her, with a mind rendered feeble with age, what will not Dasaratha say? What trespasses has Rama committed to warrant his banishment? There is none in this world that dare confront him with an accusation. God-like, guileless, impeccably disciplined by great masters, dear even to his enemies, Rama is an embodiment of nobility. How can a father beholding a son so immaculate, exile him without cause or compunction? Before word of this banishment spreads, let us together take over the kingdom. With me by your side, no man will dare face you. If the wicked king, our father, infatuated and instigated by Kaikeyi chooses to turn our enemy, I will not hesitate to capture him, nor will I hesitate to even slay him. If a father, who is also the guru, goes beyond the barriers of justice in his arrogance, he is punishable. What authorizes the king to bestow this realm on Kaikeyi, which is your inheritance? What gives him the courage to alienate and distance us, so as to crown Bharata?"

 

Lakshmana turned to mother Kausalya assuring her, "I pledge my allegiance to my brother in every way. Any forest or fires that Rama enters, consider it done, that I will enter it first. I will dispel your grief like the Sun dispels the dark of night." Kausalya pleaded with Rama to act upon Lakshmana's advice. "Can you leave me to the mercy of Kaikeyi, a woman so full of spite and malice? You speak of righteousness and that righteousness says a mother is as sacred to man as his father, and that both are his Gurus. Be righteous Rama! I command you not to go. Stay by my side and serve me. I cannot live without you. If you do not heed me, I shall fast unto death."

 

Neither Kausalya's tears nor Lakshmana's anger swayed the noble son of Dasaratha, from his resolve, as he said, "I do not have the strength to defy my father. In the days of yore, Rishi Kandu accrued the sin of slaying a cow in discharging his filial duty. The sons of Sagara destroyed many lives in fulfilling their father's wishes. Parasurama executing the orders of his father Jamadagni axed his mother to death. Many a man of might and honor had obeyed his sire and so will I. Am I establishing a new code of honor that had not existed earlier?” 

"The king, all his life, has been famed for his virtue, knowledge and righteousness. If such a man command me, I will not ask the reason why. I shall only obey and so shall you. It is up to me to help him keep his promise to Kaikeyi. Kshatriya dharma does not permit disobedience to the word of a father, mother or a Brahmin even if they arise out of anger, passion or desire. It is by the order of the king that Kaikeyi banishes me. Perish your thoughts of violence and honour your duty.”

 

"Mother, so noble and so god fearing is Dasaratha, that he is the image of dharma. When such a man is alive, how can you say you will follow me into the forest? Never shall I sacrifice my duty, even if it be to inherit the earth, nor shall I accept an inheritance which is not impeccably just. In a life so impermanent, I do not wish to rule a world equally impermanent for which there is little use. The rewards of kingship are so paltry and inferior, compared to the immortal fame gained by strict adherence to righteousness." Rama then bade an affectionate and reverential farewell to his mother.

 

In chapter 22, Rama further tries to pacify Lakshmana and tells him that his stay in forest is the will of gods. He also wants all the celebration for his coronation to be stopped.

 

Lakshmana shook with an uncontrollable rage. He stomps around with flailing arms, flashing eyes and stormy demeanor, making him seem like an intoxicated tusker. To this fiery embodiment of fury, whose sighs sounded like the hissing of king cobras, Rama quietly said "Lakshmana! Your anger against our father and your sorrow for me has to be restrained. The coronation has not been stopped for any lack of competence on your part, so it is of no disgrace to you. Do show the same zeal in procuring things for my exile, as you did for my coronation. As for mother Kausalya, I rely on you to dispel her doubts about my becoming ruler of Ayodhya. It grieves me to see her agonizing over me, but the king will be distressed if his promises are violated. His distress will also be mine. My early departure will make queen Kaikeyi happy and clear the way for Bharata's installation.

"Listen Lakshmana! To be given a kingdom for a moment, only for it to be snatched away the next, is merely an act of the Gods. The merciless utterances of mother Kaikeyi, to prevent my coronation are destiny. My banishment now and my enthronement later, is destiny. How otherwise, can a princess so noble, so virtuous, ill-treat me like a common shrew, in the presence of her king and consort? Even the devatas cannot allay the mysterious forces of destiny. It is this unalterable judgment that has altered my fortune and Kaikeyi's feelings for me. No man can conquer fate. Good and evil, fear and anger, gain and loss, being and non-being and all that they involve are ruled by destiny."

 

"Even sages in all their glory, driven by that mysterious force, fall prey to it. Rendered victims of their anger and passion they lose the powers of their immense penance. A coronation stops mid-way, is that not destiny? I see no reason to bemoan it. Stop sorrowing; help me depart in peace and not in turbulence. To me, whether it is a palace or a forest makes no difference. Banished to live amidst exotic forest life is a joy. It is more a blessing than a bane, for a crown comes with a price and many demands. A forest has no demands. I will have the good fortune to see the greatest of sages and ascetics who live in sylvan solitude."

Noble and compassionate to the core, Rama did not abandon thoughts of Kaikeyi. Protective to the end, his kindness compelled him to remind Lakshmana that the reason why the crown chose to rest on a head other than his was not Kaikeyi. He said it was purely an act of destiny condoned by the gods. "Do you now realize the powers of the divine, Lakshmana?" asked Rama.

 

Rama's words brought no comfort to Lakshmana. Swaying between anger and sorrow, he stomped like a lion provoked. A personification of fury his rage was frightening. Frowning unhappily, with a sidelong glance at his brother, Lakshmana said, "What cannot a fearless chief of warriors do, to control the dictates of destiny? Ill-timed is this strange behavior of yours. The king and queen conspire to deceive you, veiling their wickedness behind the mask of virtue. You not only refuse to see it but agree to suffer it. For want of discrimination, a king deluded by his passion for a woman falls prey to her wiles. He dismisses the most noble of his sons to languish in the wilds of Dandakaranya. How can the younger son take precedence over the elder in affairs of the state? I cannot comprehend your so-called sense of duty. Mighty as you are, how can you submit yourself to this unjust and unpardonable command of the king, who is, but a puppet in Kaikeyi's scheming hands. Why was not the matter of the boons revealed before preparations for the coronation were made? The king and Kaikeyi are your enemies, masquerading as your parents. Attributing this matter to fate is whimsical, for destiny is powerless before you.

 

Wait Rama, and the world will not only witness destiny bow down to my might, but also assist at your coronation, a coronation that was not destined to be! I will see that those who tried to banish you to the forest, themselves inhabit it for fourteen years" stormed Lakshmana. It may befit me as a prince to sport sandal paste and ornaments on my arms but those arms which were also meant to protect friends and dispense alms to the needy, will soon let loose arrows which will pierce many. The earth shall be made impassable by corpses of men, horses and elephants, which piling up will prevent even the light of the Sun from reaching the earth. As I hold my bow and my dazzling sword, which among the brave will want to boast of their bravery? Even if the enemy were Indra, I shall terminate him. Today I shall deprive the king of his powers and bestow them on you. Issue the command Rama and I, your slave, shall subjugate the entire earth." Wiping away Lakshmana's tears, Rama quietly said, "I remain loyal to my father. His wishes are my commands and this alone is the right path". 

In chapter 24, Kausalya requests Rama to take her to forest also. But Rama stops Kausalya saying that service of husband is the ultimate dharma of wife and he obtains her permission for him to go to forest.

 

Beholding Rama, ever in the service of his father, Kausalya held back her tears thinking, "Stranger to sorrows and hardships until this day, showering words of love on all beings, can this noble son of Dasaratha live on grain, scattered on the forest floor by chance? Can he subsist on the fruits and roots that the forest has to offer? Who will not shudder upon hearing that the most virtuous and beloved of all in this world has been banished by the king? The gods that impel his exile must be truly powerful". Aloud she said, "My son, the breath of your departure augments my grief, my lamentations feed it and my tears are libations to the fire that it causes. I will be scorched and consumed by its intensity. Let me live Rama. Let me come with you".

 

Rama thought otherwise "Mother! After my departure, deceived by Kaikeyi and deserted by you, the king will surely die. Do not commit the sin of abandoning your consort. So long as the king lives, submission to him is an unwritten law. Do not abandon him, in his hour of need. A woman's place is beside her husband, who is her lord and master. She may neglect even her worship and prayer, but cannot disregard her duties as a wife. Why do you sorrow, when a prince as noble as Bharata who knows no path except the path of dharma, is there to serve you with the greatest devotion."

Queen Kausalya finally gave in, coming to terms with what seemed to be an impossible situation. She saw her son, a stalwart in every virtue, rooted in dharma, standing before her with an unwavering resolution. Her eyes brimmed with tears of pride and sorrow as she blessed him with every good fortune and bade him farewell, "Go my sons! Go in peace. My heart protests, but my lips urge your departure. I will wait to hear your gentle voice. O Rama! Why cannot that moment of your return be now?"

 

This concludes chapters 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 of Ayodhya Kanda where we had seen the impulsive exchanges between Rama, Kausalya and Lakshmana on the grievous matter of his exile and coronation of a younger sibling. Kausalya reacts like any mother would, her own inability to take the severe shock and the grief of impending misfortune for his son. Lakshmana is all fire and proposes to even wage a war against his parents, the words of affection for his elder brother masking the distinction between right and wrong. Finally, Kausalya yields in and agrees for the departure as the right thing to do. Let us look at how the better half of Rama, Sita would come to terms with the banishment in the next post.