Rama, filled with both wisdom and concern for his family, gently counseled Sumantra, his faithful charioteer. He urged Sumantra to embrace Bharata and anoint him as the heir-apparent, assuring him that such an act would ease the sorrow born from their distress. Rama instructed that Bharata should be advised to treat all the royal mothers with equal respect, just as he would honor the king himself. He especially emphasized that Bharata should regard Queen Kausalya, Rama’s own mother, with particular reverence, treating her as he does Kaikeyi and Sumitra. Rama spoke of the happiness Bharata could bring to both worlds through his affection for their father and his acceptance of royal duties. When Sumantra, distressed and sorrowful, was urged by Rama to return, he listened to all these instructions and, moved by affection, addressed Rama, the scion of Kakutstha. Sumantra explained that if his words lacked the proper formality, it was only because of his unwavering devotion, and he asked for forgiveness. He lamented how he could return to Ayodhya without Rama, likening it to a son overwhelmed by grief at separation from his father. Sumantra feared the people would be devastated upon seeing the chariot empty of Rama, even if it still bore his name. He imagined the city falling into misery at the sight of the chariot with only the charioteer remaining, like an army bereft of its heroes. Though Rama would reside far away, Sumantra knew the people would keep Rama alive in their hearts, fasting and thinking of him. Sumantra reminded Rama how the citizens had become agitated and distressed during his exile, their hearts weary with grief. He feared the cry of distress would become a hundred times greater upon his return, as the people saw him alone in the chariot. He wondered what he could possibly say to Kausalya, Rama’s mother; he could not bring himself to utter the false comfort that Rama had merely gone to his uncle’s house. Even if it were a lie, Sumantra could not speak such unpleasant words. He worried about how Rama’s kinsmen, bound by his command, would learn from the noble horses that the chariot was bereft of its master. Sumantra declared his inability to return to Ayodhya without Rama, pleading to be allowed to accompany him to the forest. If Rama insisted on leaving him behind, Sumantra resolved to enter the fire with the chariot, forsaken. He promised to use the chariot to ward off any obstacles to ascetic practices in the forest, hoping to find happiness in serving Rama during his forest dwelling, just as he had found happiness serving him with the chariot. Sumantra wished even the horses might attain the highest state by serving Rama in the forest. He pledged to serve Rama with his head while dwelling there, renouncing Ayodhya and even the realm of the gods. He could not enter Ayodhya without Rama, for the royal city of mighty Indra was inaccessible to one who had committed evil deeds. Sumantra longed for the day when, after the period of forest dwelling was completed, he could carry Rama back to the city with the same chariot. Fourteen years spent with Rama in the forest would pass like moments, whereas hundreds of years apart would feel unbearable. He pleaded not to be abandoned, declaring his devotion and steadfastness in service. Thus, humble and distressed, Sumantra repeatedly pleaded with Rama in many ways. Rama, compassionate to his servant, addressed him kindly. He acknowledged Sumantra’s supreme devotion and explained the reason he must return to the city. When Sumantra reached Ayodhya, Rama’s younger mother Kaikeyi would be convinced that Rama had indeed gone to the forest. The queen, satisfied by Rama’s departure, would not suspect the righteous king of being a liar. Rama’s foremost wish was that Kaikeyi might secure a flourishing kingdom for her son Bharata, kept safe. For the sake of Rama’s own happiness and that of the king, he instructed Sumantra to return to the city with the chariot and deliver his messages as appropriate to each person. Having spoken thus and repeatedly consoled Sumantra, Rama then addressed Guha with firm and purposeful words. He explained to Guha that it was not fitting for him to dwell in the inhabited forest; instead, he must reside in the hermitage, as prescribed by the rule. Therefore, embracing the ascetic vow for the welfare of his father, Sita, and Lakshmana, Rama prepared to proceed. He requested Guha to bring the milk of the banyan tree, which Guha quickly provided. With this, Rama fashioned matted locks for Lakshmana and himself, assuming the ascetic’s appearance. Clad in bark garments and wearing circles of matted hair, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana shone like twin sages. Having adopted the path of the hermits with Lakshmana and taken his vow, Rama spoke to Guha, his companion, instructing him to remain vigilant regarding the army, treasury, fortresses, and people, for the kingdom was most difficult to protect. Then, having taken leave of Guha, Rama, the scion of Ikshvaku, departed swiftly and undisturbed, accompanied by his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana, to begin their life in the forest.