When Rama had spoken thus, the auspicious Kausalya, deeply pleased by the pure-hearted words of her blameless son, replied with gentle assent, “So be it.” Yet Rama, ever steadfast in righteousness, saw the sorrow that still clouded his mother’s heart and addressed her again with words of comfort and duty. He said, “Mother, both you and I must carry out the command of our father. For the king is not only our lord, but also husband, teacher, and master above all. Let us honor his word. But know this: after I have spent these fifteen years in the great forest with joy, I shall abide by your wishes and return to you.” Hearing these words, Kausalya, whose love for her son was boundless, could not hold back her tears. In anguish she cried, “O Rama, I cannot bear to remain here among my co-wives. Take me with you to the forest, O Kakutstha, as a wild doe follows her young.” Seeing her resolve and grief, Rama too was overcome with emotion. He answered her, weeping, “If your heart is set on coming only out of regard for our father’s command, listen: For a living woman, her husband is her deity and lord. Today, for both you and me, the king is the supreme master. We are not unprotected—for the wise king, lord of the people, is ours, and Bharata too is righteous and speaks kindly to all.” He continued, “Always act with care for the welfare of our 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 one who neglects to bow or worship the gods 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 upheld in the world, always observed in fire-rites and by the noble-minded toward the gods.” “Therefore, O Lady, for my sake, let the gods be worshipped and the Brahmanas honored. Await my return, longing for me, and steadfast in your duties. Be firm, regulate your diet, and devote yourself to serving your husband. By doing so, when I return, you will attain your highest desire.” As Rama spoke thus, Kausalya’s eyes overflowed with tears and her heart ached for her son. She said, “My mind cannot accept your departure, my child.” Then, resigning herself to the unyielding nature of time, she blessed him: “O hero, truly time cannot be turned back. Go, my son, with single-mindedness—may you always be blessed, O noble one. When you return, I shall be free from sorrow. When you come back, having fulfilled your vow and duty to your father, I will rest in supreme happiness.” She cautioned him, “The path of death is always uncertain in this world; whoever urges you, O Raghava, heed my words. Go now, mighty-armed one, and return safely. Delight me, my son, with gentle and pleasing words. Perhaps the time will soon come when you will return from the forest, and I may see you, my child, wearing matted hair and bark garments.” Thus, with unwavering resolve, the queen saw Rama determined to dwell in the forest. She spoke auspicious words to her noble son, her heart filled with desire for his welfare. Having composed herself and touched pure water, Rama’s mother, thoughtful and steadfast, performed auspicious rites for his well-being. She said, “O best of the Raghu lineage, you cannot be restrained. Go now, return swiftly, and always walk the path of virtue. The dharma you uphold with affection and discipline, O tiger among the Raghus—may that very dharma protect you.” She prayed, “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 guard you, for you are endowed with virtues. Through service to your father and mother, and by your truthfulness, O mighty-armed one, may you live long and be safeguarded.” “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, and Dhātā, Vidhātā, Pūṣā, 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 good fortune; may the Vedas, tradition, and dharma protect you everywhere, my son.” “May the divine Skanda, Soma, Brihaspati, the seven sages, and Narada protect you on all sides. May the perfected beings everywhere, the guardians of the directions, and the lords of the quarters, whom I have praised in that forest, always guard you, my son. May all the mountains, the oceans, King Varuna, the sky, the atmosphere, the earth, and the wind, with all that moves and is still, protect you. May all the stars and planets, with their deities, day and night, and the twilights, protect you as you dwell in the forest. May the six seasons, the months, the years, the divisions of time and moments, grant you happiness and well-being. Even as you wander in the great forest, dressed as a sage and wise, may the gods and the demons always bring you happiness.” Thus, with a mother’s love and sacred blessings, Kausalya sent her son forth—her heart full of hope, her prayers a shield around him as he began his exile in the forest.