Rama, intent on repairing unto the forest, and treading in pious tracks,
after duly saluting Kaucalya and beautifying the royal road, crowded
with people, captivated their hearts by means of his high
accomplishments. Vaidehi, ever engaged in ascetic rites, did not hear of
all these affairs; there was in her heart only the thought of Rama's
installation. That daughter of the king, after offering her service unto
the deities according to the proper royal rites, was eagerly awaiting
the approach of Rama with a grateful and pleased heart. Entered Rama
this beautiful abode, excellently furnished and filled with people
highly delighted, having his head hanging down a little with shame.
Sita, seeing her husband, racked with sorrow and troubled in mind with
anxiety, rose up trembling from her seat. Seeing her, that virtuous
soulcd Raghava, could not bear his internal sorrow, which manifested
itself by external signs. Finding him with face pale and perspiring, and
incapable of containing grief within, Sita sore distressed with sorrow
addressed him, saying, "Oh my lord, why do I perceive such a change in
thee? Today the constellation Pushya is in conjunction with the moon,
--and planet Vrihaspati is presiding over this conjunction, this day has
been declared as the most auspicious one by the learned Brahmins, then
why do thou cherish such a sorrow in thy mind? Why has not thy charming
face been placed under the shade of an umbrella, having hundred ribs and
white as a watery foam? Why do not the servants fan thee, having eyes
like lotus' petals, with chowries white as the moon or a goose? I do not
see thee, Oh best of men, eulogised with auspicious songs by the
panegyrists, encomiasts and family bards. Why do not the Brahmins,
versed in the Vedas, observing the formal rites, sprinkle on thy head
honey and curd, after washing it duly? Why are not thy subjects,
citizens, urbans, and leading members of society dressed and adorned,
willing to follow thee? Why does not that excellent sport-chariot go
before thee, having four fast going steeds, adorned with golden
ornaments tied unto it? Why does not that excellent elephant precede
thee, Oh great hero, which is gifted with auspicious marks and resembles
a mass of dark clouds and a mighty hill? Why do not the servants run
before thee, Oh mighty hero, with a pretty looking royal seat
embroidered with gold? Why do I perceive thy face so pale as never seen
before, and why therein is no mark of gladness, when every thing for thy
installation has been made ready?" Wereupon spoke unto that weeping
Sita, the descendant of Raghu thus:--"Oh Sita, Oh thou born of a great
family, versed in the knowledge of religion and intent on the
performance of religious rites, my father has banished me unto the
forest! Do thou hear, Oh daughter of Janaka, how has this calamity
befallen me. In the days of yore was granted unto my mother, Kaikeyi two
boons by my father, king Dacaratha of truthful vows. When every thing
was made ready by my father for my installation, Kaikeyi reminded him of
his promise and gained over him for his righteousness. I shall live in
the forest of Dandaka for fourteen years and Bharata shall be installed
by my father as the heir apparent of the throne. And myself bound to fly
as an exile unto the wood, come here to see thee; do thou not praise me
ever before Bharata. Those who are crowned with prosperity cannot bear
another's praise; it therefore behoves thee not to extol my virtues in
the presence of Bharata. Thou shouldst not extol me even in the company
of thy friends; thou shalt be then able to live with Bharata as one
favourable to his party. The monarch has granted him this lasting heir
apparentship; it is therefore proper for thee, Oh Sita, to please him
specially for he is the king now. To day shall I repair unto the forest
for redeeming my father's vows; do thou, Oh high-minded one, live here
in undisturbed mind. Do thou, Oh sinless and auspicious one, live here
engaged in religious rites and fasts, when I shall wend my way unto the
forest inhabited by the great ascetics. Rising from the bed early in the
morning, adore the deities every day, and then bow down unto the feet of
my father Dacaratha, the lord of men. My mother Kaucalya is old and much
pressed down with sorrow; do thou show proper respects unto her,
considering it to be a pious deed. Thou shouldst then bow down unto my
other mothers who all minister unto me, with equal love and affection.
Shouldst thou specially regard Bharata and Satrugna like unto thy sons
or brothers, who are dearer unto me than my life itself. Thou shouldst
not do, Oh Vaidehi, any such thing as might be unpleasant unto Bharata,
for he is the king of the land as well as of the family.
The monarchs are always propitiated by being served with assiduity and
good temper; they are offended when any thing contrary to it happens.
They renonnce even their own son, born of their loins, when they find
him bringing about their mischief, and admit into their favour persons
devoted to their welfare bearing no relationship whatever. It therefore
behoves thee, Oh auspicious one, to live here, abiding by Bharata's
commands and being engaged in religious rites and truthful vows. I am
going unto the forest, Oh my darling, and thou shalt live here. Oh
excellent lady, abide by my word as didst thou never formerly falsify
it.