With deep concern for Sita’s well-being, Rama spoke gently to her, seeking to dissuade her from joining him in exile. “O Maithili,” he said, “in the forest, one must be content with whatever is found—be it food or shelter. The forest is a place of hardship. Fierce winds blow, darkness prevails, and hunger is a constant companion. Great dangers lurk everywhere, making the forest even more painful to endure. Many serpents of various forms roam boldly along the paths, and snakes dwelling in the winding rivers often block the way, making travel more perilous. “There are moths, scorpions, insects, and biting flies that relentlessly torment the weak. The trees are thorny, and the forest is thick with kuśa and kāśa grasses, their tangled branches forming an almost impenetrable maze. Bodily hardships and many fears beset those who dwell in such wilderness. Anger and greed must be abandoned, and the mind set upon austerity. One must not fear what is fearful, for the forest is ever full of hardship. “Therefore, Sita, it is not fitting for you to go. There is no safety for you in the forest. As I consider all this, I see only the many dangers that await.” Yet, seeing Rama’s resolve not to take her, Sita did not heed his warnings. Deeply distressed, she spoke out, her face streaming with tears. “The dangers you describe, beloved, I see as virtues, simply because I wish to be with you. The deer, lions, elephants, tigers, sharabhas, camels, wild boars, and all the other creatures of the forest—none of them have seen your form before, O Raghava. Upon seeing you, they will flee, for all are afraid of you. “I must go with you, as commanded by our elders. If you leave me behind, Rama, I will not survive—I would abandon my life here. Even Indra, lord of the gods, could not harm me by force while I am beside you. A woman bereft of her husband cannot survive; you yourself have shown me such an example. “Moreover, O wise one, long ago in my father’s house, I heard from learned brāhmaṇas that I must one day dwell in the forest. Hearing this prophecy, I have always been eager for forest life. It is said that I must receive the command for forest dwelling, and so, with you, my husband, I will go—there is no other way for me. “The time has come to fulfill that command and depart with you; let the brāhmaṇas’ prophecy be true. I know well that forest life is full of hardship, and that such hardships are endured by those whose minds are untrained. As a maiden in my father’s house, I heard of forest dwelling from a gentle mendicant woman, in my mother’s presence. Many times, I have pleaded with you for this journey, for I long to go with you. I am prepared, O Raghava, for the journey; the life of a hero in the forest appeals to me. “With a pure heart and out of love, I will remain free from sin, following my husband, for the husband is the highest deity for a wife. Even after death, O blessed one, my union with you will endure, for such is spoken in the sacred teachings of the brāhmaṇas. In this world, the woman whom a man receives from his fathers, through water and according to his own duty, remains his even after death. “Why, then, do you not wish to take me, your devoted and virtuous wife, from your own household? You ought to take me, who is faithful, destitute, and equal in happiness and sorrow—one who shares your joys and pains. If you refuse, O Rama, I shall embrace poison, fire, or water, for I cannot live apart from you.” Sita pleaded in many ways, but the mighty-armed Rama did not consent to take her into the lonely forest. Overwhelmed by sorrow, Maithili fell into anxiety, her tears flowing like rain upon the earth. Seeing her so troubled, Rama, ever compassionate, sought to console her with gentle words, wishing to ease her distress and dissuade her from her resolve. Yet Sita, daughter of Janaka, consoled by his words but still deeply distressed, spoke again to her husband. With affection and pride, she addressed Raghava, broad-chested and noble. “What did my father, the king of Mithila, think when he received you as a son-in-law, Rama? Did he see a woman in the form of a man? Alas, if people say out of ignorance that there is no great energy in Rama, it is false, for you shine like the sun.” Thus, Sita’s unwavering devotion and resolve shone forth, as she pleaded to accompany Rama into the forest, undeterred by all hardships and dangers, her love and loyalty unshaken.