Lakṣmaṇa stood before Rāma, his palms joined in reverence, steadfast and eager to accompany his brother into exile. Yet, Rāma gently questioned him, “Why do you forbid me, blameless one, from going to the forest? I wish to know, for I am uncertain.” Rāma, mighty and compassionate, addressed Lakṣmaṇa—his affectionate and righteous brother, always devoted to virtue, dear as life, obedient, victorious, and his closest friend. He explained, “If you, Saumitri, come with me today to the forest, who will care for our mothers—Kausalyā and the illustrious Sumitrā? The king, bound by desires like a cloud showering them upon the earth, will not bring happiness to his sorrowful co-wives, even after Kaikeyī’s daughter obtains the kingdom. Bharata, established with Kaikeyī, may not support Kausalyā or the deeply distressed Sumitrā.” Rāma urged, “Saumitri, stay and support that noble lady yourself, or by the king’s favor; fulfill this duty for Kausalyā. In doing so, your devotion to me will be clear, and your incomparable righteousness will shine in honoring the elders who know dharma. Do this for my sake, delight of the Raghu lineage, so that our mother, bereft of us, does not lack happiness.” Hearing Rāma’s gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa, skilled in speech and knowing how to respond, replied, “By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—there is no doubt. But if, having obtained the kingdom, Bharata does not rule justly and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-minded one—there is no doubt; and all those on his side as well, even if they be the three worlds.” Lakṣmaṇa continued, “That noble Kausalyā could support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with 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 forest foods suitable for ascetics. You, together with Vaidehī, shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will do everything for you, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma, greatly pleased by these words, replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” He spoke of the two divine bows, fierce in appearance, which Varuṇa had given to King Janaka at his great sacrifice, along with impenetrable armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun, adorned with gold. Having taken leave of his friends and resolved upon dwelling in the forest, Lakṣmaṇa approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus and took up the excellent weapons. He displayed all those divine weapons, honored and adorned with garlands, to Rāma, the tiger among kings. Rāma, self-controlled and affectionate, said to Lakṣmaṇa, “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa. I wish to give all my wealth to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, and all my dependents. But you, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, after honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Thus ends the thirty-second chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having understood his brother’s dear and beneficial command, Lakṣmaṇa quickly entered the residence of Suyajña. Bowing to the Brāhmaṇa in the fire-chamber, he said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.” After the twilight worship, Suyajña went with Saumitri and entered the splendid and prosperous house of Rāma. Rāma honored Suyajña with excellent golden armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, and bangles, along with many other jewels. At Sītā’s urging, Rāma spoke to Suyajña, “Gentle one, have a necklace and a golden chain taken to your wife; and Sītā, my companion, wishes to give her a girdle as well. Also, my companion gives you, for your wife who is going to the forest, splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. Vaidehī wishes to have you set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels. This elephant named Śatruṃjaya, which my maternal uncle gave me, I now give to you, best of Brāhmaṇas, along with a thousand gold coins.” Thus addressed, Suyajña accepted these gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā.