Rama, steadfast in his resolve, gently spoke to his mother Kausalya, “Mother, both you and I must carry out the command of our father. The king is our husband, our teacher, the highest authority, and master of all. But know this: after I have spent these fifteen years in the great forest with utmost joy, I shall return and abide by your word.” Hearing these words, Kausalya, whose heart overflowed with love for her son, was overcome by anguish. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, “O Rama, I cannot bear to remain here among these co-wives. Take me with you, O Kakutstha, into the forest, just as a wild doe follows her beloved.” Seeing her sorrow, Rama’s own heart ached, and as he too wept, he replied, “Mother, 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. Always act with care for the welfare of the aged king. The woman 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 she does not bow or has ceased worshipping 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, known in the world, and always observed in fire-rites and by the noble-minded towards the gods. For my sake, let the gods be worshipped and the Brahmanas honored; wait patiently for my return, longing for me. Steadfast, with regulated diet, devoted to serving your husband, you will obtain your highest desire when I return.” As Rama spoke these words, Kausalya’s eyes brimmed with tears. Afflicted by grief, she said, “My mind cannot accept your departure, my child.” Yet, gathering her strength, she continued, “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 freed from fatigue. When you, illustrious one, come back, 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, with unwavering resolve, the queen saw Rama determined to dwell in the forest. She spoke auspicious words to her noble son, desiring only his welfare. Having dispelled her distress and purified herself with sacred water, Rama’s mother, thoughtful and composed, performed auspicious rites. She addressed Rama, “You cannot be restrained, O best of the Raghu lineage. Go now, and return swiftly, and always abide 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. 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 your service to your father, and likewise to your mother, and by truth, 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, may 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 Narada 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 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, planets along 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 rakshasas, pisachas, fierce beings of cruel deeds, and flesh-eating creatures. May monkeys, scorpions, biting insects, mosquitoes, reptiles, and worms not trouble you in the dense forest.” Thus, with a heart full of love and hope, Kausalya blessed her son Rama, sending him forth on his exile, her prayers encircling him like a shield as he set out to fulfill his father’s command.