As Rāma prepared to depart for the forest, the Brahmins, scorched by the sun and lacking an umbrella, offered their own Vājapeya umbrellas to shade him. Their resolve, guided always by the sacred Vedic mantras, now followed Rāma into the forest, steadfast in devotion to him. The Vedas, which resided in their hearts as their greatest wealth, would remain in their homes, along with their virtuous wives, protected by righteousness. They declared there was no need for further deliberation about Rāma’s departure, for when he was devoted to dharma, nothing remained for them but to follow the path of virtue. With humility, their heads bowed and hair as white as swans, dusted by the earth, they beseeched Rāma to return. Many sacrifices performed by Brahmins awaited completion, their fulfillment dependent on Rāma’s return. All beings, both moving and unmoving, expressed their devotion, imploring Rāma to reciprocate their devotion. The trees, unable to follow him, seemed to cry out as their roots were torn and they were lifted by the wind. Birds, motionless in their trees, refrained from food and movement, also beseeching Rāma, the compassionate to all beings. As the Brahmins cried out for Rāma’s return, darkness appeared, seeming to block his path. Sumantra, seeing this, released the weary horses from the chariot, turned them swiftly, and led them, their bodies soaked with water, toward the darkness. Then, on the pleasant bank of the Tamasā river, Rāghava settled with Sītā and spoke to Saumitri, Lakṣmaṇa. “This is our first night in the forest, Saumitri. May your dwelling here be auspicious, and do not let your heart be troubled.” He observed how the forests lay empty, as if weeping, with animals and birds withdrawn into their shelters. Rāma reflected that Ayodhyā, his father’s royal capital, would surely grieve for their departure, with its men and women mourning for him, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna, and Bharata. He sorrowed for his father and noble mother, praying they would not be blinded by tears. Yet, he trusted that Bharata, righteous at heart, would comfort their parents with words grounded in duty, wealth, and desire. Thinking again and again of Bharata’s compassion, Rāma felt reassured for his parents. He praised Lakṣmaṇa, saying, “You have fulfilled your duty by following me; now you must help protect Vaidehī.” Rāma decided to sleep by the water that night, finding pleasure in the simple forest dwelling. After speaking to Saumitri, Rāma addressed Sumantra, “Be ever vigilant with the horses, gentle one.” Sumantra tended the horses as the sun set, giving them abundant fodder and staying close by. When evening worship was performed and night had fallen, the charioteer prepared Rāma’s bed along with Saumitri. Rāma lay down on a bed of leaves by the Tamasā’s bank, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. As Rāma, weary, lay down with Sītā and fell asleep, Lakṣmaṇa stayed awake, recounting Rāma’s many virtues to Sumantra. Through the night, as the sun rose, Saumitri continued to speak of Rāma’s qualities on the riverbank. On the distant bank of the Tamasā, crowded with herds of cattle, Rāma spent the night with his companions. At dawn, the illustrious Rāma, seeing his companions, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, who bore auspicious marks. “Saumitri, see how the citizens, disregarding their own homes, have attached themselves beneath the trees, caring only for us. Their vow is so strong they would sooner give up their lives than abandon it.” Rāma suggested they depart while the townspeople slept, so they could travel without fear. “Let the devoted citizens of Ikshvaku’s city not continue to sleep beneath the trees. They must be freed from the sorrow caused by their own actions, but we should not make them suffer further.” Lakṣmaṇa agreed, standing as righteousness itself, and urged Rāma to ascend the chariot quickly. Rāma instructed Sumantra, “Quickly yoke the chariot; I will go to the forest. Drive swiftly from here, Sumantra.” Sumantra hastened, yoking the excellent horses, and with joined palms, reported to Rāma, “Here is your chariot, mighty-armed prince, best among warriors, yoked and ready. Ascend quickly, with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. May all be well with you.” Rāma mounted the chariot with his attendants, and together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, crossed the swift-flowing, swirling Tamasā river, beginning their journey deeper into the forest.