As Rama prepared to depart for the forest, his mother Kausalya, her heart overflowing with both love and concern, invoked every blessing she could for her beloved son. With deep affection, she prayed that in the dense woods, monkeys, scorpions, biting insects, mosquitoes, reptiles, and worms would not trouble him. She wished that mighty elephants, lions, tigers, bears with sharp fangs, buffaloes with formidable horns, and all fierce beasts would do him no harm. Even those dreadful creatures who feed on human flesh, and all wild species whom she had honored in her prayers, she begged to leave Rama unharmed. Kausalya’s voice trembled with hope as she wished that auspicious omens would attend Rama, that his every endeavor would succeed, and that all prosperity would be his. She prayed that blessings would rain upon him again and again, from beings of the sky and earth, from all the gods, and even from those who might oppose him. She invoked the protection of Shukra, Soma, Surya, Kubera, and Yama—deities whom she had worshipped with devotion—asking that they watch over Rama as he dwelt in the Dandaka forest. She called upon the guardianship of fire, wind, smoke, and the sacred mantras uttered by sages, that these might shield Rama at every ritual touch. With garlands, divine fragrances, and fitting hymns, Kausalya worshipped the hosts of gods, her eyes filled with reverence and devotion. A great-souled Brahmin, taking the sacred fire, performed the ritual for Rama’s auspiciousness according to the prescribed method. Kausalya, ever attentive, prepared offerings of ghee, white garlands, sacred fuel, and mustard seeds for the ceremony. The preceptor, performing the rites for peace and health, completed 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. After the rituals, Kausalya gave the chief Brahmin a worthy fee, then addressed Rama, her voice gentle but firm: “May the blessing that arose for Indra, the thousand-eyed, when he slew Vritra, be yours. May the blessing Vinata bestowed upon Suparna as he sought the nectar become your own. May the blessing Aditi gave to the wielder of the thunderbolt, as he struck down the demons at the birth of nectar, be with you. May the blessing that was present when Vishnu took his three great strides be yours, O Rama. May the seers, the oceans, the islands, the Vedas, the worlds, and the directions grant you all auspiciousness, mighty-armed one.” Having completed the remaining rites, Kausalya, radiant and loving, anointed Rama with fragrant substances. She performed a protective rite for him with well-prepared, healing, and auspicious herbs, reciting mantras for his safety. Though sorrow weighed heavily upon her heart, she spoke as if delighted, her words expressing only what was proper, not betraying her inner pain. Bending low, she smelled her son’s head and embraced him tightly. “Go, Rama,” she said, “may you attain your desires and travel happily. May I see you, my child, returned to Ayodhya, healthy and fulfilled, walking again the royal paths. Freed from sorrow, my face shining with joy, I shall see you return from the forest, like the full moon newly risen. I shall see you again, Rama, seated upon an auspicious throne, returned from the forest, having fulfilled your father’s command. When you return, blessed and prosperous, always fulfill the wishes of my daughter-in-law, and go forth, my son. May the hosts of gods led by Shiva, the great sages, beings, and celestial serpents whom I have worshipped, and the directions themselves, wish you well as you set out for the forest, O Raghava.” Her eyes brimming with tears, Kausalya completed the blessings as prescribed, circumambulated Rama, and embraced him again and again, gazing at him as if to fix his image in her heart forever. Rama, having been circled by his mother, bowed deeply, pressed her feet, and, radiant with her blessings, departed for Sita’s dwelling. Having thus completed the rites, Rama, steadfast in righteousness, took leave of his mother, bowing to Kausalya, and stood firm on the path of duty. As he walked along the royal road, thronged with citizens, the people’s hearts were stirred by his virtues and noble bearing. Meanwhile, Sita—Vaidehi—devoted to her vows and ever mindful of her duties, heard nothing of the commotion outside. Her heart was fixed solely on the impending ceremony that would make Rama heir-apparent. Having performed her divine duties, grateful and joyful, she awaited the outcome, well-versed in the conduct of royalty. Rama entered his splendidly adorned house, filled with delighted people, his face slightly lowered out of modesty. At that moment, Sita rose, trembling, and saw her husband, his face clouded by sorrow, his senses disturbed by anxious thoughts. Seeing him thus, Raghava could not contain the grief in his heart, and his distress was clear to see. Observing his pale face, his sweat, and his gentle, unresentful demeanor, Sita, herself tormented by sorrow, asked, “What is this, my lord? Today is the auspicious day of Brihaspati joined with Pushya, declared by learned Brahmins, O Raghava; why are you so troubled in mind? Your face, usually shaded by the white royal umbrella like sea-foam, does not shine forth today.” Thus, Sita beheld her beloved, and the air was thick with unspoken fears and the weight of impending separation.