Rāma, with gentle earnestness, spoke to Sītā, his beloved wife. “O lady,” he said, “even heaven holds no joy for me if it comes with sorrow. I am fearless, like the self-born creator himself. Yet, without knowing your every wish, O auspicious one, I do not desire to dwell in the forest, even though I could protect you there. Maithili, you were created alongside me for this very journey; my affection for you is as deep as for my own self, and I cannot abandon it. But, O daughter of Janaka, know this: I would not go to the forest if my father’s command, rooted in truth, did not compel me. This, O woman of lovely hips, is true righteousness—to obey father and mother. If I were to disregard their command, I could not bear to live. How can one worship destiny, which is beyond our control, by neglecting those who are within our reach—mother, father, and teacher? Where these three exist, O woman of auspicious eyes, it is as pure as the three worlds on earth; nothing else equals it, and thus it is to be revered. Neither truth, nor charity, nor honor, nor sacrifices with abundant gifts, O Sītā, are as powerful as service to one’s father. Heaven, wealth, grain, knowledge, children, and happiness—nothing is unattainable through devoted service to one’s teacher. Great souls devoted to mother and father attain the worlds of the gods, Gandharvas, cows, and even Brahma’s realm. As my father, steadfast in truth and righteousness, instructs me, so I wish to act; for that is the eternal law. My mind is firmly resolved, O Sītā, to lead you to the Dandaka forest; so be certain to follow me and dwell there. You have been destined, O flawless-limbed one with intoxicating eyes, for the forest; follow me, O timid one, and be my companion in righteousness. In every way, O Sītā, your resolve is fitting for me and for your own lineage; your decision, O beautiful one, is most admirable. Begin, O woman of auspicious hips, the tasks suited for forest life; now, O Sītā, even heaven does not please me without you. Give jewels to the Brahmins and food to the mendicants; grant to those who ask, and hurry—do not delay. All the precious ornaments, fine garments, and whatever delightful items there are for play—beds, vehicles, and all my other possessions—give them to our servants, after giving to the Brahmins.” Hearing her husband’s words and knowing of his imminent departure, Sītā, joyful and eager, promptly began to give away gifts. Delighted and with her heart fulfilled, the illustrious lady, noble-minded and righteous, gave wealth and jewels to the Brahmins and the needy, as Rāma had instructed. Meanwhile, Lakṣmaṇa arrived, having overheard their conversation. His face was overwhelmed with tears, unable to endure his sorrow. Pressing his brother’s feet firmly, the delight of the Raghu lineage spoke to Sītā and to Rāghava, the great vow-holder. “If you have resolved to go to the forest filled with deer and elephants, I will follow you ahead, bearing my bow. Joined by me, you will wander through delightful forests, resounding everywhere with flocks of birds and herds of wild animals. I do not seek to ascend to the realm of the gods, nor do I desire immortality; nor do I wish for the sovereignty of worlds without you.” Thus speaking, Saumitri, resolved on dwelling in the forest, though restrained by Rāma with many gentle words, spoke again. “Since I was already permitted by you before, why now again is restraint imposed upon me? For what reason is this prohibition made against me, who wishes to go? I wish to know this, for I am uncertain, O blameless one.” Then the mighty Rāma spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, who stood before him, steadfast and seeking, with joined palms. “Affectionate, devoted to righteousness, steadfast, always established in the path of virtue, dear as life, obedient, victorious, and my friend—if you, Saumitri, go with me today to that forest, who will serve Kausalyā or the illustrious Sumitrā? The mighty king, who showers desires upon the earth like a cloud, is bound by the fetters of desire. Having obtained the kingdom, the daughter of the horse-lord will not bring happiness to the sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, attaining the kingdom and established with Kaikeyī, will not support Kausalyā and the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Saumitri, support that noble lady here yourself, or by the king’s favor; fulfill this spoken duty for Kausalyā. Thus, your devotion to me will be clearly shown, along with your great and incomparable righteousness in honoring the dharma-knowing elders. Do this, Saumitri, for my sake, O delight of the Raghu lineage; let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us.” Thus addressed by Rāma in gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa, skilled in speech and knowing how to reply, spoke to Rāma. “By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—of this there is no doubt.” Thus concludes the thirty-first chapter in the Ayodhyākāṇḍa of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa.