As Rāma prepared to depart for the forest, his mother Kausalya, overcome with sorrow, pleaded with him, “O Rāma, I cannot bear to remain among these co-wives. Take me with you, O Kakutstha, to the forest, as a wild doe follows her mate.” Her voice trembled with tears as she begged to accompany him, and Rāma, himself weeping, gently replied. He spoke with reverence, “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 protection, for the wise king, lord of the people, stands for us, and Bharata too is righteous, speaking kindly to all beings. Always act with care for the welfare of the aged king; a woman devoted to vows and fasting is the 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 does not bow or has ceased worshipping 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 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. Steadfast, with regulated diet, devoted to serving your husband, you will obtain your highest desire when I return.” Rāma’s words, spoken with tears in his eyes, touched Kausalya deeply. Afflicted by grief for her son, she replied, “My mind cannot accept your departure, my child.” Yet, seeing the time was unyielding and knowing the moment could not be turned back, she blessed him, “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, 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.” With utmost resolve, the queen saw Rāma determined to dwell in the forest. She spoke auspicious words to him, wishing for his welfare. Having dispelled her distress, Kausalya touched pure water and, thoughtful, performed auspicious rites for Rāma. She addressed him with loving firmness, “You cannot be restrained, O best of the Raghu lineage. Go now, and 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, 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 for his journey: “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.” Her prayers continued, “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. May great elephants, lions, tigers, bears with fangs, buffaloes with horns, and fierce beasts not harm you, my son. May those fierce creatures who eat human flesh and all other wild species, whom I have honored here, not injure you, my son. May auspicious omens come to you, may your endeavors succeed, and may all prosperity be yours, Rāma; go forth safely, my son.” Thus, with profound love and devotion, Kausalya blessed Rāma for his journey, surrounding him with prayers for protection, auspiciousness, and the hope of his safe return.