When Queen Kausalyā learned of her husband’s impending departure, joy and eagerness filled her heart. Inspired by his words, she promptly began to give away gifts. Delighted and her heart fulfilled, the illustrious queen, a noble-minded woman among the righteous, distributed wealth and jewels generously, her spirit uplifted by her husband’s command. Meanwhile, Lakṣmaṇa, having heard the recent conversation, arrived before Rāma and Sītā. His face was streaked with tears, for he could not bear the weight of his sorrow. He pressed Rāma’s feet firmly in reverence, and, addressing both Sītā and Rāghava, the great vow-holder, he spoke with determination: “If you have resolved to go to the forest, filled with deer and elephants, let me precede you, bearing my bow. With me by your side, you will wander through those delightful woods, echoing with the calls of birds and the movement of wild animals. I do not seek the realm of the gods, nor immortality, nor even the sovereignty of worlds, if it means being apart from you.” Though Rāma tried, with gentle words, to restrain him from this resolve, Lakṣmaṇa remained steadfast. “You once permitted me to accompany you—why now do you restrain me? For what reason is this prohibition made against one who longs to go? Tell me, O blameless one, for I am uncertain.” Rāma then addressed Lakṣmaṇa, who stood before him with joined palms, unwavering in his devotion. “Affectionate, devoted to righteousness, steadfast, ever established in virtue, obedient, victorious, and my friend—if you come with me to the forest today, who will serve Kausalyā or the illustrious Sumitrā? Our father, the mighty king, is bound by desire, like a rain-giving cloud bound to the earth. With the kingdom in her grasp, Kaikeyī will not bring happiness to her sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, once enthroned and established with Kaikeyī, may not support Kausalyā or the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Saumitri, support our noble mother yourself, or by the king’s favor; fulfill this duty to Kausalyā as I have spoken. Thus your devotion to me will be clear, and your great and incomparable righteousness in honoring our elders will shine forth. Do this for my sake, O delight of the Raghu lineage, so that our mother, bereft of us, will not be left without happiness.” Hearing these gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa, skilled in speech and wise in reply, addressed Rāma: “By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—of this I have no doubt. But if, having gained the kingdom, Bharata does not rule justly, and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, I will certainly slay that wicked one, and all who side with him, even if they be the three worlds. Noble Kausalyā could support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with their dependents. She is fully capable of providing for herself, for my mother, and for those like me—she is a woman of great resolve. Make me your companion; there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also be accomplished. With my bow strung and slung, and a spade and basket at my side, I will walk ahead of you, showing you the path. I will always gather roots and fruits for you, and other foods suitable for ascetics. You and Vaidehī shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will serve you in all ways, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma, greatly pleased by Lakṣmaṇa’s words, replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” He then recalled the two divine bows, given by the great-souled Varuṇa to King Janaka at his grand sacrifice—fierce in appearance and mighty in power. Alongside them were impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun, adorned with gold. Lakṣmaṇa, resolved on forest life, took leave of his friends and approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus, receiving those excellent weapons. He displayed all the divine arms, honored and adorned with garlands, before Rāma, the tiger among kings. Rāma, self-controlled and affectionate, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished. I desire to give all my wealth, together with you, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But now, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, after honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Thus, the preparations for Rāma’s exile advanced, each step marked by duty, generosity, and devotion.