When Rāma had spoken to Lakṣmaṇa with gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa—skilled in speech and wise in reply—addressed his elder brother with devotion. “O hero,” he said, “by your own radiance, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with the deepest devotion; there is no doubt in this. But if, after attaining the excellent kingdom, Bharata fails to rule justly and acts out of pride and confusion, I will not hesitate to destroy that wicked, cruel-minded one—of this I am certain—even if all the three worlds stand with him. “As for Kausalyā, she is more than capable; she could support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with their people. She is resolute and fully able to provide for herself, for my mother, and for others like me. Therefore, let me be your companion; there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also be accomplished. “I will walk ahead of you, with my bow strung and slung, and a spade and basket at my side, showing you the path. I will always gather roots and fruits for you, and all other forest foods suitable for ascetics. You and Vaidehī shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will do everything for you, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma was greatly pleased by Lakṣmaṇa’s words, and replied with warmth, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” He also spoke of the two divine bows—fierce in appearance—which the great-souled Varuṇa had given to their father at Janaka’s great sacrifice, along with the impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two shining swords adorned with gold. Having taken leave of his friends and firmly resolved to dwell in the forest, Lakṣmaṇa approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvāku lineage and took up the excellent weapons. He displayed all those divine arms, honored and adorned with garlands, to Rāma, who was the very tiger among kings. Rāma, ever self-controlled, spoke affectionately to Lakṣmaṇa as he arrived: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished. Now, I wish to give all my wealth, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But you, 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.” And so begins the thirty-second chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, Lakṣmaṇa quickly went and entered the residence of Suyajña. Bowing to the Brāhmaṇa, who was in the fire-chamber, Lakṣmaṇa said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.” After Suyajña had completed his twilight worship, he accompanied Saumitri and entered the splendid and prosperous house of Rāma. There, Rāma honored Suyajña with excellent golden armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces strung with gold, gems, bracelets, and bangles, along with many other jewels. Then, at Sītā’s gentle urging, Rāma spoke further: “Good sir, let a necklace and a golden chain be taken to your wife; and Sītā, my companion, wishes to give her a girdle as well. My companion also gives your wife, who is going to the forest, splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. And 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.” Suyajña, thus addressed by Rāma, accepted these gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā. Then Rāma, speaking kindly, addressed his dear and composed brother Saumitri, as Brahmā might address the lord of the gods: “Saumitri, honor Agastya and Kauśika, those two foremost Brāhmaṇas, inviting them with jewels as crops are with water. Satisfy them with a thousand cows, gold and silver, gems, and great wealth. And the teacher of the Taittirīyas, learned in the Vedas and devoted, who attends upon Kausalyā with blessings—give him a vehicle, attendants, and silk garments, as much as that Brāhmaṇa desires. “And the charioteer Citraratha, the honored counselor who has long served—satisfy him as well with costly jewels, garments, and wealth. With all the herds and a thousand cows, and those many Kaṭhaka reciters and staff-bearing youths here—because they are always devoted to their daily recitation, doing nothing else, fond of comfort, yet respected by the great—have eighty vehicles filled with jewels given to them, two hundred fine oxen, and a thousand measures of rice. And for their maintenance, provide a thousand cows. A great assembly of girdled women has come to Kausalyā—give each of them a thousand, Saumitri.” Thus, with devotion and generosity, Rāma made ready to honor all those around him before his departure to the forest, ensuring that each person was remembered and cared for according to their station and service.