Kausalya, Rama’s revered mother, gathered her son close and, with a heart full of love and concern, offered him her deepest blessings. “May you, my son,” she prayed, “never know fear from the rakshasas, pisachas, fierce beings of cruel deeds, or any flesh-eating creatures in the wild. May the monkeys, scorpions, biting insects, mosquitoes, reptiles, and worms not trouble you as you journey through the dense forest. May mighty elephants, lions, tigers, fanged bears, buffaloes with horns, and all fierce beasts do you no harm, my beloved child. And may those fearsome beings who devour human flesh, and all wild species whom I have honored here, not injure you, my son. “May auspicious omens be yours, may your endeavors succeed, and may all prosperity attend you, Rama; go forth safely, my child. May blessings rain upon you again and again from beings of the sky and the earth, from all the gods, and even from those who might stand against 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’ lips shield you, Raghunandana, especially at the moments of ritual touch.” With devotion, Kausalya adorned the sacred space with garlands, divine fragrances, and fitting hymns, her eyes shining with reverence as she worshipped the hosts of gods. The chief of the brahmins, taking up the sacred fire, performed the ritual precisely as prescribed for Rama’s welfare. Kausalya, foremost among women, prepared ghee, white garlands, sacred fuel, and mustard seeds for the offering. The learned preceptor, having completed the rite for peace and health, arranged the external oblation with the remaining sacrificial materials. Then, with honey, curds, clarified butter, and auspicious words, he had the brahmins recite blessings for Rama’s safe journey into the forest. When the rituals were complete, Rama’s illustrious mother presented the chief brahmin with a fee of his choosing and spoke to her son: “May that blessing which arose for thousand-eyed Indra, revered by all the gods, when he slew Vritra, become your blessing. May that blessing which Vinata bestowed upon Suparna when he sought the nectar, become your blessing. May that blessing which 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 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, bestow upon you auspicious blessings.” Having completed all the remaining rites, the radiant Kausalya anointed Rama, broad-eyed and noble, with fragrant unguents. She performed a protective rite for him with well-prepared, healing, and auspicious herbs, reciting powerful mantras. Though her heart was heavy with sorrow, she spoke as if delighted, her words conveying only outward cheer, not betraying the pain within. Bowing, she inhaled the scent of his head and embraced him tenderly. “Go, Rama,” she said, “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. I shall see you again, Rama, seated on an auspicious throne, returned from the forest, having fulfilled your father’s command. When you return, blessed and radiant, always honor the wishes of my daughter-in-law, and then go forth, my son. “The hosts of gods led by Shiva, the great sages, beings, and celestial serpents whom I have worshipped—may they, and all the directions, wish you well as you set out for the forest, O Raghava.” Her eyes brimming with tears, Kausalya completed her blessings according to the sacred rites. She circumambulated Rama, embracing him again and again, unable to look away from her beloved son. Rama, having been thus blessed by his mother, bowed deeply and pressed her feet in reverence. Radiant with her glory, he then departed for Sita’s dwelling. Having thus concluded the twenty-fifth chapter of the Ayodhyākāṇḍa of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, the story continues. Having bowed to Kausalya, Rama, steadfast in righteousness and determined to fulfill his duty, took leave of his mother and prepared to depart for the forest. As he walked along the royal road, radiant and dignified, the people thronged around him, their hearts stirred by his virtues. Meanwhile, Vaidehi—Sita—devoted to her vows, was unaware of these events; her heart remained fixed on the joyous expectation of Rama’s imminent consecration as heir-apparent. Having completed her divine duties, grateful and joyful, the princess, well-versed in royal conduct, awaited what she believed would be a happy outcome. Rama entered his splendidly adorned house, filled with delighted people, his gaze modestly lowered. Sita, rising and trembling, saw her husband deeply troubled, his mind disturbed by anxious thoughts. Seeing her, Rama, righteous as ever, could not restrain the sorrow in his heart, and his distress became evident. Observing her beloved pale-faced, sweating, yet without resentment, Sita—tormented by worry—asked gently, “What is this now, my lord? Today is the auspicious day of Brihaspati joined with Pushya, as declared by learned brahmins, O Raghava; why, then, are you troubled in mind?