Rāma, the noble descendant of the Ikṣvāku line, prepared for his journey into exile. He gathered before him the impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords that shone like the sun, all adorned with gold. Resolute in his purpose to dwell in the forest, he took leave of his friends and approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus to receive these excellent weapons. As Rāma stood ready, Saumitri—Lakṣmaṇa—displayed to him all those divine weapons, beautifully honored and adorned with garlands, befitting the son of Daśaratha, the tiger among kings. Rāma, ever self-controlled, spoke with warmth to Lakṣmaṇa, who had come at that very moment: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa.” With gentle affection, Rāma continued, “I wish to give all this wealth of mine, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, with you by my side. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in their devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But now, 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 Brāhmaṇas and others.” Lakṣmaṇa, understanding the dear and beneficial command of his elder brother, quickly made his way to the residence of Suyajña. Entering the fire-chamber, he bowed to the Brāhmaṇa and said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs such difficult deeds.” After Suyajña completed his twilight worship, he joined Saumitri and together they entered the splendid and prosperous home of Rāma. There, Rāma honored Suyajña with gifts of excellent gold armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces threaded with gold, gems, bracelets, bangles, and many other jewels. At Sītā’s gentle urging, Rāma spoke further to Suyajña, “Gentle one, please accept a necklace and a golden chain for your wife. Sītā, my companion, also wishes to give her a girdle. And for your wife who is accompanying you to the forest, she offers splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. Vaidehī also wishes to have you set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels. Moreover, 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 graciously accepted these gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā. Then Rāma, speaking kindly, addressed his dear and composed brother Saumitri, with the gentle authority of Brahmā addressing 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, 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, 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—though they are fond of comfort and do nothing else, they are respected by the great—provide for them eighty vehicles filled with jewels, two hundred fine oxen, and a thousand measures of rice. For their maintenance, give a thousand cows. A great assembly of girdled women has come to Kausalyā—give each of them a thousand. So that my mother Kausalyā may rejoice in her offering, honor all those twice-born ones completely, Lakṣmaṇa.” Lakṣmaṇa, best of men, carried out Rāma’s instructions, distributing wealth to the foremost Brāhmaṇas like the god of wealth himself. He spoke to the dependents, his throat choked with tears, having provided each with their livelihood, “Let the house of Lakṣmaṇa and this house of mine not be empty for any of you until my return.” Having thus reassured those who were distressed, he instructed the treasurer, “Bring my wealth.” As all the dependents gathered, a great heap of wealth was brought forth, truly impressive to behold. Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the tigers among men, gave this wealth generously to Brāhmaṇas, to the young and old, and to those in need. Among those who came was a tawny-haired Brāhmaṇa of the Garga lineage named Trijaṭa, who lived by tilling the forest with plough and spade. His young wife, gathering their children, spoke to him, “Set aside the plough and spade, do as I say; show yourself to righteous Rāma—perhaps you will obtain something.” With a radiance equal to Bhrigu and Angiras, Trijaṭa entered the assembly, unimpeded up to the fifth enclosure. Approaching Rāma, he spoke humbly, “Prince, mighty one, I am poor and have many children.” Thus, Rāma, preparing to depart for the forest, honored the Brāhmaṇas and dependents with generosity and compassion, ensuring that all who relied on him were cared for before he set forth on his exile.