As Rama prepared to depart for the forest, his mother Kausalya, overwhelmed with sorrow, spoke to him with deep emotion. “Just as a cow follows her calf wherever it goes, my child, so too will I follow you, no matter where you journey.” Hearing these words from his grieving mother, Rama—the best among men—gently replied to her. He said, “Mother, once I have gone to the forest, the king, deceived by Kaikeyi and abandoned by you, will surely not survive. For a woman, abandoning her husband is an act of great cruelty; it is a sin not even to be contemplated. You must not do such a thing, for it is condemned by all.” He continued, “As long as my father, the lord of the world and scion of the Kakutstha line, lives, he must be served. That is the eternal duty. Please, Mother, let your service to him continue.” Hearing Rama’s words, Kausalya, noble and auspicious, was pleased with her blameless son and replied, “So be it.” But Rama, ever steadfast in righteousness, addressed her again, seeing her heart still burdened with sorrow. He said, “Both you and I must obey our father’s command. The king is not only a husband, but also a teacher, the highest lord, and master of all. After I have spent these fifteen years in the great forest with joy, I shall return and fulfill your wishes.” Kausalya, her love for her son overflowing and her face streaming with tears, spoke in anguish, “O Rama, I cannot bear to remain among these co-wives. Take me with you to the forest, O descendant of Kakutstha, like a wild doe follows her companion.” Seeing her resolve, Rama, himself weeping as she wept, replied, “If your mind is set on my departure out of regard for our father, listen to me. For a living woman, her husband is her deity and lord. Today, for both you and me, the king is our ruling master. We are not without protector, for the wise king, lord of the people, is ours. And Bharata, too, is righteous and speaks kindly to all beings.” Rama continued, “Mother, always act with care for the welfare of the aged king. The woman who is devoted to vows and fasting is most excellent. If a woman does not follow her husband, she falls into misfortune; but by serving her husband, she attains the highest heaven. Even if one ceases to worship the gods, she should still serve her husband, delighting in what pleases and benefits him. This is the eternal duty of a woman, declared in the Veda and in the world, and always observed in fire-rites and by the noble-minded toward the gods.” He added, “For my sake, let the gods be worshipped and the Brahmanas honored. Wait for the time of my return, longing for me. Steadfast, with regulated diet, devoted to serving your husband, you will obtain your highest desire when I return.” When Rama, with eyes brimming with tears, spoke thus, Kausalya, grief-stricken for her son, said, “My mind cannot accept your departure, my child. O hero, surely time is unyielding and cannot be turned back. Go, my son, with single-mindedness—may you always be blessed, O noble one. When you return, I will be free from fatigue. When you come back, illustrious one, having fulfilled your vow and accomplished your purpose, and having discharged your duty to your father, I will sleep in supreme happiness. The path of death, my son, is always difficult to discern in this world; whoever urges you, O Raghava, heed my words. Go now, mighty-armed one, and return safely; you will delight me, my son, with gentle and pleasing words. Perhaps now is the time when you will return from the forest, and I may see you, my child, wearing matted hair and bark garments.” Thus, seeing Rama’s unwavering resolve to dwell in the forest, the queen, with utmost strength of mind, spoke auspicious words to her noble son and became desirous of his welfare. After dispelling her distress and touching pure water, Rama’s mother, thoughtful and composed, performed auspicious rites. She said, “You cannot be restrained, O best of the Raghu lineage; go now, return swiftly, and abide by the path of the virtuous. The dharma you uphold with affection and discipline, O tiger among the Raghus, may that dharma protect you. Those to whom you bow, my son, among the gods and in their temples—may they protect you in the forest along with the great sages. The weapons given to you by the wise Vishvamitra—may they always protect you, for you are endowed with virtues. Through service to your father, and likewise to your mother, and by truth, O mighty-armed one, may you live long and be safeguarded.” She invoked blessings upon him: “May the sacred fires, kusha grass, altars, shrines, the seats of the Brahmins, mountains, trees, shrubs, lakes, birds, serpents, and lions protect you, O best among men. May the Sādhyas, the Viśvedevas, the Maruts with the great sages, may Dhata, Vidhata, Pusha, Bhaga, and Aryaman grant you auspiciousness. May all the guardians of the worlds, headed by Indra, the six seasons, the months, the years, and the nights protect you. May the days and the hours always bring you auspiciousness; may the Vedas, tradition, and dharma protect you everywhere, my son. May the divine Skanda, Soma, Brihaspati, the seven sages, and Narada protect you from all sides.” Thus, with blessings and counsel, Kausalya sent her beloved son forth on his path of dharma, her heart full of love and hope for his safe return.