After adopting the austere path of the hermits, Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana, took his sacred vow and addressed Guha, his trusted companion. With concern for Ayodhya’s welfare, Rama counseled Guha, “Be ever vigilant, Guha, over the army, treasury, fortresses, and the people; for the kingdom is most difficult to protect.” Having thus advised Guha, Rama, the scion of the Ikshvaku dynasty, took leave and departed swiftly, undisturbed, with Sita and Lakshmana by his side. Arriving at the riverbank, Rama, desiring to cross the swift-flowing Ganga, spoke to Lakshmana, “O tiger among men, board this boat which is ready, and gently help Sita, the noble lady, to embark after you.” Obedient to his brother’s command, Lakshmana first assisted Maithili, Sita, onto the boat, then ascended himself. Rama, the illustrious elder brother, followed, and Guha, chief of the Nishadas, urged his kinsmen to action. Once aboard, Rama, radiant and of great splendor, recited sacred prayers as prescribed for both Brahmins and Kshatriyas, seeking his own welfare. Together with Sita, Lakshmana ritually sipped water as the scriptures dictate, then bowed to the river, radiant and delighted. Rama took leave of Sumantra, Guha, and their forces, and instructed the boatmen to proceed. Responding to their urging, the boat, expertly steered by the helmsman and propelled by a fine oar, swiftly crossed the waters. When they reached the middle of the Bhagirathi, Sita, flawless and devoted, joined her palms and spoke to the river, “This is the son of Dasharatha, the great and wise king; may he, protected by you, O Ganga, fulfill his father’s command. After dwelling for fourteen years in the forest, together with his brother and me, he will return again. Then, O blessed and gracious goddess, when I have returned safely, I will worship you joyfully for the fulfillment of all my desires.” Sita continued, “For you, O goddess Tripathagā, behold the world of Brahma; as the consort of the ocean king, you are seen in this world. Therefore, O goddess, I bow to you and praise you, O beautiful one, when the tiger among men regains his kingdom and returns in safety. I will give a hundred thousand cows, garments, and fine food to the Brahmins, wishing to please you. With a thousand jars of wine and meat-rice offerings, I will worship you, O goddess, with devotion, when I have returned to the city. All the deities who dwell on your banks, and the sacred fords and shrines that exist, I will worship them all. May I, joined again with my strong-armed husband and his brother, re-enter Ayodhya from the forest, O sinless one.” Having thus spoken, Sita quickly reached the southern bank of the Ganga. Upon arrival, Rama, the bull among men, left the boat and, with his brother and noble Sita, set out on foot. Rama then addressed Lakshmana, Sumitra’s son, “Be vigilant for our protection, whether among people or in solitude. Protection must be ensured, especially in the unseen solitude of the forest. Go ahead, Saumitri, and let Sita follow you. I will walk behind, guarding you and Sita. Today, Vaidehī will experience the hardship of forest life. No action is easily accomplished before its time; today, Vaidehī will indeed know the hardship of forest dwelling. Today she will enter the forest, deserted of people, devoid of fields and gardens, full of difficulties and steep descents.” Hearing Rama’s words, Lakshmana set out ahead; Rama, the delight of the Raghu lineage, followed after Sita. Having swiftly crossed to the far shore of the Ganga, Sumitra’s son gazed intently at Rama, but as the journey lengthened, his gaze turned back; the ascetic, distressed, shed tears. The great-souled Rama, whose power rivaled the guardians of the world, crossed the mighty river and gradually approached prosperous villages, rich with beautiful crops and joyful calves. There, the two brothers killed four great beasts—a boar, a rṣya, a spotted deer, and a mighty stag. Taking the sacred meat and eager with hunger, they went quickly to the lord of the forest for shelter. As evening descended, Rama approached a tree and, observing the western twilight, spoke to Lakshmana, “Today is the first night spent outside the city; separated from Sumitra’s son, you should not feel anxious about it. From today onward, we must remain vigilant through the nights without weariness; for Sita’s safety depends upon us, Lakshmana. Let us somehow pass this night, O Saumitri, spreading out bedding on the ground made from what we ourselves have gathered.” Rama lay down upon the earth, though accustomed to a luxurious bed, and spoke auspicious words to Lakshmana. “Surely tonight the great king sleeps in sorrow, Lakshmana; but Kaikeyī, having fulfilled her desire, must be satisfied. That queen Kaikeyī, for the sake of the kingdom, would not even hesitate to give up her life upon seeing Bharata return.” Thus, the first night of exile began for Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, marking the start of their journey into the forest, sustained by faith, devotion, and duty.