Lakshmana, moved by deep devotion to his brother, spoke passionately to Rama: “O hero, if Bharata, having gained the splendid kingdom, does not rule it justly and acts with a troubled mind—especially out of pride—then I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-minded one, without doubt. I would not hesitate to destroy all those who side with him, even if they were as vast as the three worlds themselves. “As for noble Kausalya, she is so resolute and capable that she could support a thousand sons like me, for she has been granted a thousand villages with all their dependents. She is fully able to provide for herself, for my mother, and for others like me. She is truly a woman of great strength and determination. “Let me go with you, Rama. There is no unrighteousness in this. If you allow me to accompany you, I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also be accomplished. Armed with my strung bow, with a spade and basket at my side, I will walk ahead and show you the path through the forest. I will always gather roots, fruits, and other foods suitable for ascetics, ensuring you never lack for sustenance. “You and Vaidehī shall find delight on the mountain slopes, while I will serve you in every way, whether you are awake or asleep.” Hearing these heartfelt words, Rama was deeply pleased and replied with affection, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” Then, Rama instructed Lakshmana to bring forth the two divine bows—those fierce and powerful weapons that the great-souled Varuṇa had given to King Janaka at his grand sacrifice. Along with them were the impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two radiant swords adorned with gold, shining like the sun itself. Resolute in his decision to dwell in the forest, Lakshmana took leave of his friends and approached the family preceptor of the Ikshvaku lineage to collect these excellent weapons. He displayed all the divine arms, honored and adorned with garlands, to Rama, who was a tiger among kings. Rama, ever self-controlled, spoke with warmth to Lakshmana, “You have come at the perfect time, dear one, just as I wished. Now, I desire to give away all my wealth to the Brahmanas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brahmanas, steadfast in their devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. “But first, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, who is the foremost among the twice-born. I wish to honor all the distinguished Brahmanas before I depart for the forest.” Lakshmana, understanding his brother’s noble intent, quickly went to the residence of Suyajña. Bowing respectfully to the Brahmana, who was engaged in his sacred fire rituals, Lakshmana said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs great deeds.” After completing his twilight worship, Suyajña accompanied Lakshmana to Rama’s splendid and prosperous home. There, Rama honored Suyajña with gifts: excellent golden armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces threaded with gold, gems, bracelets, bangles, and many other jewels. At Sita’s gentle urging, Rama spoke further: “Kind sir, please accept a necklace and a golden chain for your wife. Sita, my companion, also wishes to give her a beautiful girdle. For your wife who is also going to the forest, Sita offers splendid anklets and armlets. She also requests that you set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels.” Rama continued, “This elephant named Shatrumjaya, a gift from my maternal uncle, I now give to you, best of Brahmanas, along with a thousand gold coins.” Suyajña, thus addressed and honored, accepted the gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. Then Rama, with kind words, addressed his dear brother Saumitri as Brahma might address the Lord of the Gods: “Lakshmana, honor Agastya and Kaushika, those two foremost Brahmanas, inviting them with jewels as crops are nourished by water. Satisfy them with a thousand cows, with gold and silver, with gems and great wealth. “And the teacher of the Taittiriyas, learned in the Vedas and devoted, who attends upon Kausalya with blessings—give him a vehicle, attendants, and silk garments, as much as he desires. Also, honor the charioteer Citraratha, our respected counselor who has long served us, with costly jewels, garments, and wealth. “For the many Kaṭhaka reciters and staff-bearing youths who are always devoted to their daily recitation and do nothing else—though fond of comfort, they are still respected by the great—have eighty vehicles filled with jewels given to them, along with two hundred fine oxen and a thousand measures of rice. For their ongoing maintenance, provide a thousand cows. And for the great assembly of women who serve Kausalya, give each of them a thousand, Saumitri. “In this way, let my mother Kausalya rejoice in her offerings. Honor all the twice-born ones completely, Lakshmana.” Lakshmana, best of men, faithfully carried out Rama’s instructions, giving that wealth to the foremost Brahmanas, like the god of wealth himself. Thus, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita prepared for their journey, ensuring that all who served them, and all the revered Brahmanas, were honored and provided for, their hearts full of generosity and righteousness as they readied themselves for the forest exile.