With warmth and assurance, Lakṣmaṇa 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. Yet, if Bharata, having gained the excellent kingdom, 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.” He 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, O Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” He then spoke of the two divine bows, fierce in appearance, which the great-souled Varuṇa himself had given to King Janaka at his great sacrifice. Along with these bows, there was impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun, adorned with gold. Lakṣmaṇa, resolved on dwelling in the forest, took leave of his friends and approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus to collect the excellent weapons. He then displayed to Rāma all those divine weapons, honored and adorned with garlands, as befitted a tiger among kings. Rāma, self-controlled and affectionate, addressed Lakṣmaṇa: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa. I wish to give all this wealth of mine, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, and also 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. 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 performed the twilight worship, he joined Lakṣmaṇa and together they entered the splendid and prosperous house of Rāma. There, Rāma honored Suyajña with excellent golden armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, bangles, and 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. 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 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 would address the lord of the gods: “Saumitri, honor Agastya and Kauśika, those two foremost Brāhmaṇas, inviting them with jewels as crops are with water. O mighty-armed Rāghava, satisfy them with a thousand cows, with gold and silver, with 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, Saumitri, 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 with a thousand cows, and those many Kaṭhaka reciters and staff-bearing youths here—because they are always devoted to their daily recitation, they do nothing else; they are indolent, fond of comfort, yet respected by the great—for them, have eighty vehicles filled with jewels given, and two hundred fine oxen, and a thousand measures of rice. And, Saumitri, for their maintenance, provide a thousand cows; a great assembly of girdled women has come to Kausalya—give each of them a thousand, Saumitri. So that my mother Kausalya may rejoice in her offering, honor all those twice-born ones completely, Lakṣmaṇa.” Thus, with reverence and generosity, Rāma prepared to depart for the forest, ensuring the welfare of his loved ones and the Brāhmaṇas, and fulfilling his duties with noble resolve.