With honey, curds, clarified butter, and words of blessing, the brahmins were summoned to recite auspicious prayers for Rāma’s safe journey into the forest. After these sacred rites, Rāma’s illustrious mother Kausalyā offered the chief of the brahmins a generous fee, and then, turning to her son Rāghava, spoke words filled with hope and protection. “May the blessing that arose for Indra, the thousand-eyed lord revered by all the gods, when he slew Vṛtra, become your blessing. May the blessing that Vinatā once bestowed upon Suparṇa, when he sought the nectar, become your blessing. May the blessing that 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 Viṣṇu, of incomparable brilliance, took his three great strides, O Rāma, become your blessing. May the seers, the oceans, the islands, the Vedas, the worlds, and the directions, O mighty-armed one, grant you auspicious blessings.” Having completed these sacred invocations for her son, the radiant Kausalyā anointed Rāma, whose eyes were broad and beautiful, with fragrant substances. She performed a protective rite for him, using well-prepared, healing, and auspicious herbs, chanting mantras over her beloved son. Though her heart was heavy with sorrow, she spoke as if delighted, her words concealing the grief within. She bowed to him, smelled his head in blessing, and embraced him tightly. “Go, Rāma,” she said, “may you attain your desire and travel happily. May I see you, my child, returned to Ayodhyā, 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, Rāma, seated on an auspicious throne, returned from the forest, having fulfilled your father’s command. Having returned from the forest, endowed with blessings, always fulfill the wishes of my daughter-in-law, and go forth, my son. The hosts of gods led by Śiva, the great sages, beings, and celestial serpents whom I have worshipped—may they, and the directions, wish you well as you set out for the forest, O Rāghava.” Her eyes overflowing with tears, Kausalyā completed the blessings according to the sacred rites, circumambulated Rāghava, and again and again embraced him, gazing at him with deep longing. Having been thus honored by his mother, Rāma bowed repeatedly, pressed her feet in reverence, and, radiant with her love and blessings, set out for Sītā’s dwelling. Having bowed to Kausalyā, Rāma, steadfast in righteousness and intent on departing for the forest, took leave of his mother and stood firm on the path of duty. As he moved along the royal road, shining with the light of his virtues, the hearts of the citizens were deeply stirred. Meanwhile, Sītā, devoted to her vows and unaware of the turn of events, remained absorbed in thoughts of Rāma’s impending consecration as heir-apparent. Having completed her morning worship, grateful and joyful, she waited for the auspicious outcome, confident in the traditions of royal conduct. Rāma entered his splendidly adorned house, filled with delighted people. Yet, out of modesty, his face was turned slightly downward. Sītā, rising up at his arrival, trembled as she saw her husband’s sorrowful face, his mind agitated and senses disturbed by anxious thoughts. Seeing her, Rāma could no longer contain his grief and became visibly distraught. Observing his pale face and the sweat upon his brow, Sītā, tormented by worry, asked, “What is this now, my lord? Today, the auspicious day of Bṛhaspati joined with Puṣya, is declared by learned Brahmins, O Rāghava; why are you troubled in mind? Your charming face, usually shaded by a white umbrella like sea-foam, does not shine forth today. Nor is your lotus face fanned by the two chief fly-whisks, bright as the moon and swan, as is customary. The eloquent bards and heralds, delighted, do not appear today to praise you, nor do the Sutas and Magadhas recite auspicious verses. The Brahmins, masters of the Vedas, do not anoint your head with honey and curds as they would for one being consecrated. All the citizens and chiefs of the guilds, adorned, do not wish to follow you, nor do the townspeople and countryfolk. Why does your foremost flower-adorned chariot, yoked with four swift horses adorned with gold, not go before you? Nor do I see your splendid elephant, honored for all auspicious marks, dark as a rain cloud or mountain, leading your procession, O hero. Nor do I see your beautiful golden-embellished royal seat placed in front, as you proceed at the head. Now that the consecration is prepared, why is this with you? Your face shows an unfamiliar color, and no joy is seen.” To her, as she lamented in this way, Rāma, the delight of the Raghus, replied gently, “Sītā, my father is sending me to the forest. Born in a great family, knower and follower of righteousness, listen, Jānakī, to how this has come to me. By the king, my father Daśaratha, true to his word, two great boons were once granted to Kaikeyī, my mother.