Rama gets permission to leave for Forest
Seeing Rama in the garb of Hermit and hearing his words Dasaratha and his Queens could not bear the sorrow lost their mental balance. Tears crowded the sight of Dasaratha.His voice choked while trying to speak to Rama.For 1 ½ hours the time elapsed in this suffocation and again thinking of his son started blabbering. In may previous briths”Did I separate countless Cows from their Calfs? Did I torture the innocent creatures cruelly ?or else will I have to undergo such sfferings? The Purpose of Life is to experience the Karma**(ommissions and comminssions of past births have to be settled in full measure respectively in Thought, Action and Deed in this brith/life) and the Death will come only after completion of Karma for good Souls. (Others will carry forward same it is called Vinay in Tamil, there are 4448 types of Vinay Human commits) , Instead of being tormented by Kayikeyei like this, it is better to do die, but alas the Death will not come earlier than the Appointed time. Rama who had the aura of the Fire which is burning well , who shed his expensive royal attire and wore the Saints dress made of Wooden Leaves/Barks in my presence, I am still Living and why hasn’t Death come to me as yet havig been a witness to this act.? ‘ What a surprise ! A Lady is adamant to usurp a benefit; due to which countless people are forced to bear the suufering.’ Beyond this Dasarath could not talk as tears from his eyes closed his vision an “Rama” cried aloud and fell unconscious. After some time he regained consciousness, with tears welling addressed Suamnthara“ please make ready the Chariot fitted with Pure Breed Horses and come. Then take Rama in that and go towards southern direction. Seeing a Pious and Valorous Rama being driven away by his parents, it appears that Noble Character persons have to undergo such Dhukkam (Grief, Pain, Anguish,sorrow, suffering,worry , unhappiness,heart rending )and there is no other benefit. Hene it appears that emulating Good Character also entails only more hardships.
Immediately Suamanthara organized for a Chariot with Horses as per Dasaratha’s instructions and came spoke to Rama “ Hey Lord! Everything is arranged for your Departure” . Then Dasratha called his head of Treasury “ Bring the choicest of clothes , ornamnets that you deem it fit for Sita’s tenure in the forest after assesing same . That official was adept in knowing the moment and was Learned, pure in thought action and deed. He was aware of the Character and measure of each of the items in his treasury. So according to the order of the king he brought for the same and kept it in front of Sita. Sita came from the Earth and unlike other woman who are born in this world by mingling of Human bodies. Hence She was Prisitine Pure and had all the unique features of the limbs of body as per Samudhrika Lakshanam. By wearing those Oranaments she dazzled much more prettier. Like the Sun when It rises with it’s 1000 rays, similarly Sita radiated illuminence to the entire Hall with her Jewellery adorned.Then Kaushalyadevi overwhelmed by affection hugged Sita and kissed the top of her forehead and said “ Child ! you have started observing the Noblest Dharma.In the world the Wicked Ladies conduct is such , when the husband is rich however much the husband adore them and satisfy them or however much their husband is affectionate to them, when their same Husband is in trouble financially,these Ladies forget all that the husband has done for them in one minute,then there is no limit to their insulting the very same husband. Earlier even if though they had enjoyed all the comforts , even if little difficulty/danger is faced , then they immediately start ridiculing or making fun of their husband.and go away from them;these are the trade marks of Wicked woman. The mean woman Is keen on telling Lies. They change themselves often, no one can fathom their Heart.They are intent on doing sins.;Earlier affection will be forgotten in seconds and have instantly develop hatred instead. They are not Pativratas. For such even if the Husband is born in Highly noble family,or he had done lot of help, he may be exponent in all matters, so what if he had adorned you with whatever you had desired and satisfied?,so what if he had married him in presence of Fire?, these thing will not bind such wicked Ladies.They have no God except themselves. No Husband, as they keep changing often eh?
Those who do not give up the Family tradition, they do not deviate from the path of Sathyam(Truth), those who respect and are guided by the Elders, those Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wiife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) who are able to keep uner check Lust,Anger , for them Husband is the Greatest in all the worlds. There is nothing more purer than the Husband. My Son Rama had so far been in a positon of Pirnce. Now due to Karma(ommissions and comminssions of past births have to be settled in full measure respectively in Thought, Action and Deed)he is being removed from Kingdom. You should not take this as an excuse and ignore him. Even if he is poor or rich you should consider him as God,” thus advised Kaushalya.
Thus the Noblest Virtues of Dharma were explained by Kaushalya and Sita with folded hands paid respects to her and said “ I will do as per your instructions without failing a least bit.I am aware how to behave with my husband, my parents have taught me the same in young age. You should not compare me with those who are not Pathivrata. Like the luminance of Moon will not leave him , like wise my Mind will not leave the Pathirvarata Dharma. Will a Veena which does not have strings make sound? Will chariot run without wheels? Like wise for Ladies however many sons she may have , will she have Sukham (Comfort, Luxury, Joy, Fun,Cheer, Love, Affection and fulfilled Desires)without Her Husband? Only our parents and our children alone can give us Happiness & Kshema(well being ,Prosperity,innate happiness reflected in their Living). Is that big? The person who can give Kshema both in this world and other World( Life after Death) is the Husband. Will there be any one who does not worship him? I have decided to observe Pathivarata Dharma. I have heard from Ladeis like my Mother who are Pathivrata in general and the special features .Will I insult my Husband even in Dream? ForLadeis Husband is the God. “ these words Pleased Kaushalya immensely. On one side her dearest child is going to suffer in the forest for 14 Long years and cannot be seen was the grief;on the other side her daughter in Law is so Pious, and the best amongst Pathivrathas , what Bhagyam ( Good fortune due to past Birht’s good virtuous deeds )have I done? The words she uttered are sweet and pleasant and as per Dharma, what a Supreeme Bliss of Happiness?, because of these two gems being with her kaushalya poured tears profusely unabashedly happily.
The Rama with folded hands did Pradhakshinam (went around clockwise) Kayshalya who was respected by all woman and prostrated before her” Amma ! Do not have sorrow. It is your duty to take care of my Father. The 14 years of my forest life will fly away like 14 Minutes. It will be like you have just slept and got up.Very soon I will fulfill King’s vow and Kayikeyie ‘s desire as well , I will come and meet you with my friends.” Said Rama.
Thus Rama conveyed his message in brief. Like those 350 Queens who were also feeling the pain, Rama with folded hands paid respects as is expected of anyone with Elders and Said “ Devis! I am a young boy. Since my childhood, you have reared me like your son with opulence and affection. Since I have been freely mixing with you for Long, there might have been an occasion where I might have done some act which was not acceptable to you. Please have mercy and pardon me for the same.Until you say so, I will not have peace of mind. Please grant me permission to go to Forest” spoke Rama. Seeing him in Saintly garb and in a pitiable state, Dasaratah’s wives could not contain themselves and cried like the Krouncha Birds. Till then the hall had been reverberating with auspicious Musical instruments sucha s Mridhangam(Drum) which thundered like the Clouds was now filled with Wailing and Lamentation only. (Slokas 41)
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