Having spoken thus, Rāma—foremost among the upholders of righteousness—once more addressed his mother, who was overwhelmed with sorrow. He said gently, “Mother, both you and I must carry out the command of our father. For the king is not only our father, but also the husband, teacher, highest lord, and master of all in the household. But do not grieve; after spending these fifteen years in the great forest, I shall return, and then I will abide by your word with utmost joy.” Hearing his words, Kausalyā, who loved her son more than life itself, was overcome with anguish. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, “O Rāma, I cannot bear to remain here among my co-wives. Take me with you, O Kakutstha, into the forest, like a wild doe follows her young.” But Rāma, also weeping as he saw his mother’s pain, replied with deep feeling, “Mother, if your mind is set on coming with me out of love for Father, remember: for a woman, her husband is her highest 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. Bharata too is righteous and speaks kindly to all beings.” He continued, “Always act with care for the welfare of our aged king. A woman who is devoted to her 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 no longer bows to 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 towards the gods. O Lady, for my sake, let the gods be worshipped and the Brāhmaṇas honored; thus, wait for the time, longing for my return.” He urged her, “Remain steadfast, with regulated diet, devoted to serving your husband. You will obtain your highest desire when I return.” As Rāma thus addressed her, her eyes brimming with tears, Kausalyā, afflicted by grief for her son, cried, “My mind cannot accept your departure, my child.” But then, striving to compose herself, she said, “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 all sorrow. When you, O illustrious one, come back after fulfilling your vow and 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; so 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, with great resolve, the queen saw Rāma determined to dwell in the forest. She spoke auspicious words to her noble son, desiring only his welfare. Now begins the next chapter. Having calmed her sorrow and purified herself with sacred water, Rāma’s mother, thoughtful and composed, performed auspicious rites for his journey. She said, “O best of the Raghu lineage, you cannot be restrained. Go now, and return swiftly, abiding by the path of the virtuous. The dharma you uphold with affection and discipline, O tiger among the Raghus—may that very dharma protect you.” She blessed him further: “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 Vishvāmitra, may they always protect you, for you are endowed with virtues. Through your service to your father and mother, and by truth, O mighty-armed one, may you live long and be safeguarded.” With deep devotion, she invoked blessings: “May the sacred fires, kusha grass, altars, shrines, the seats of the Brāhmaṇas, 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 auspiciousness; may the Vedas, tradition, and dharma protect you everywhere, my son. May the divine Skanda, Soma, Brihaspati, the seven sages, and Nārada protect you from all sides. May the perfected beings everywhere, the guardians of the directions, and the lords of the quarters, whom I have praised in the forest, always guard you, my son.” She continued, “May all the mountains, the oceans, King Varuṇa, the sky, the atmosphere, the earth, and the wind, with all that moves and is still, protect you. May all the stars, 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. May you, my son, never have fear of all the rākṣasas, piśāchas, fierce beings of cruel deeds, and flesh-eating creatures.” Thus, Kausalyā, with a mother’s boundless love and the power of her blessings, sent Rāma forth on his path, enveloped in prayers for his protection, happiness, and safe return.