Kausalya, Rama’s revered mother, beheld her son as he prepared to depart for the forest. Her heart brimming with both sorrow and love, she addressed him with gentle firmness: “O best of the Raghu lineage, you cannot be restrained. Go now, my son, but return swiftly, and always abide by the path of the virtuous. The dharma you cherish with such affection and discipline—may that very dharma protect you, O tiger among the Raghus. “To those gods and in those temples where you bow your head, may they shield you in the forest, together with the great sages who dwell there. The mighty weapons bestowed upon you by the sage Vishvamitra—may they ever guard you, you who are adorned with virtues. Through your devoted service to your father and mother, and by your steadfast 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 all protect you, 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, led by Indra, the six seasons, months, years, and nights watch over you. “May the days and the hours always bring you auspiciousness, and may the Vedas, tradition, and dharma protect you everywhere, my son. May the divine Skanda, Soma, Brihaspati, the seven sages, and Narada shield you from every side. May the perfected beings, the guardians of the directions, and the lords of the quarters—whom I have praised in the forest—always keep you safe, my child. “Let all the mountains and oceans, King Varuna, the sky, the atmosphere, the earth, and the wind, along with all that moves and is still, protect you. May the stars, planets with their deities, day and night, and the twilights keep watch over you as you dwell in the forest. May the six seasons, months, years, divisions of time, and moments grant you happiness and well-being. “Even as you wander in the great forest, clad as a sage and wise, may both gods and demons always bring you happiness. May you, my son, never know fear from rakshasas, pisachas, fierce beings of cruel deeds, or flesh-eating creatures. Let monkeys, scorpions, biting insects, mosquitoes, reptiles, and worms not trouble you in the dense woods. May elephants, lions, tigers, fanged bears, buffaloes with horns, and fierce beasts do you no harm. “May those fearsome creatures who eat human flesh and all other wild species, whom I have honored here, not injure you, my son. May every auspicious omen come to you, may your endeavors succeed, and may all prosperity be yours, Rama; go forth safely, my beloved. May blessings rain upon you again and again from beings of the sky and earth, from all the gods, and even from those who oppose you. “May Shukra, Soma, Surya, Kubera, and Yama, whom I have worshipped, protect you, Rama, as you dwell in the Dandaka forest. May fire, wind, smoke, and the mantras uttered by the sages’ mouths protect you, Raghunandana, at the time of ritual touch.” Having invoked these blessings, Kausalya, radiant and devoted, adorned the place with garlands, divine fragrances, and hymns, worshipping the hosts of gods with reverent eyes. A great-souled Brahmin took up the sacred fire and performed the rituals according to the prescribed methods for Rama’s welfare. Kausalya herself, foremost among women, prepared ghee, white garlands, sacred fuel, and mustard seeds for the offerings. The preceptor, following the rite for peace and health, completed the external oblation with the remaining sacrificial materials. With honey, curds, clarified butter, and auspicious words, he had the Brahmins recite blessings for Rama’s safe journey into the forest. Thereafter, Kausalya gave the chief Brahmin his desired fee and spoke these words to her son: “May the blessing that arose for thousand-eyed Indra, revered by all the gods, at the slaying of Vritra, become your blessing. May the blessing Vinata bestowed upon Suparna when he sought the nectar become yours. May the blessing Aditi gave to the wielder of the thunderbolt as he struck down the demons at the birth of nectar become your blessing. May the blessing that was present when Vishnu of incomparable brilliance took his three great strides, O Rama, become your blessing. May the seers, the oceans, the islands, the Vedas, the worlds, and the directions, O mighty-armed one, shower you with auspicious blessings.” Having completed the remaining rites for her son, the radiant Kausalya anointed Rama, whose eyes were broad and beautiful, with fragrant substances. She performed a protective rite for him, using well-prepared, healing, and auspicious herbs, reciting sacred mantras over him. Though her heart was heavy with sorrow, she spoke as if delighted; her words were filled with hope, even if her heart trembled. Bowing to him, smelling his head, and embracing her beloved son, the illustrious mother said, “Go, Rama. May you attain your desire and travel happily. May I see you, my child, returned to Ayodhya, healthy and fulfilled in all your aims, walking again the royal paths. Freed from all sorrowful thoughts, my face shining with joy, I shall see you returned from the forest, like the full moon newly risen.