Raman Leaves accompanying Citizens
Rama while being seated in the banks of Thamasa River said “Lakshmana ! The first Night stay in our Forest Life will be spent in the banks of Thamasa River. How will Sita be able to walk down to the Forest? ; do not worry about that. These Forests have lost their Lusture, looks like they are in grief and lamenting. The Birds and Animals in stead of going to their homes are wailing/ howling/ growling that looks like as though the forest itself is crying.Today all the Ladies and Men in Ayodhya will be thinking sad for us. As our King is filled with noble Virtues the subjects will have affection to him as well as Bahratha & Shatrugna . They have same Love . Due to frequent crying by parents their eyes will be moist. When I think of that my heart reaches out. But Bharatah is Dharmathma.When we are able to convince our parents with apporpirate words and pacify them , it gives solace. Since Bharatha is not like Kayikeyie, he is more merciful and no harm will come to our Parents and we do not have to worry.
When Sita decided to come with me, I was feeling that she will not have any one to help her. But by your coming ,you have ensured there was no need for such a worry.My joy knows no bounds as you have come with me to the Forest. This is the 1st day in our Forest Life. In addition this place is holy. Hence tonight we should drink water and observe fast. The food in the forest will be avaialbe here also. But we do not need them. “ and he asked Sumnathara to look after the Horses carefully.
He tied the horses and fed the grass as much as they wanted. When Sun set Rama did Sandhyavandhanam( Dusk & Dawn Prayers), he and Lakshmana laid out a soft bed of Leaves for Rama. Then Rama and Sita slept their comfortably. Lakshmana and Sumanathra did not sleep through out the night. As Laskhamana was describing the Auspicious Virtues of Rama ,Sumanthara was hearing same with all Humility and Devotion**(Sumnathara was aware Rama is none other than Maha Vishnu’s incarnation), meanwhile the Sun also rose.
Rama and the citizens slept on the shores of Thamasaa river bed that night. When Rama woke up early morning, saw the people were fast asleep due to the strain of walking the previous day said “ Lakshmana ! these people have forgotten the house, wife, children due to the love they have for us are sleeping on the floor and tree bed. These people will lay down their Lifes if need be and take us to Ayodhya; they are not going to leave us. When they are asleep , let us get into the Chariot let us go to distant place.I cannot see my citizens sleeping on the ground and under the tree again,. Is it not the duty of the King to remove the troubles of the citizens? To make them feel sad for our sake is the greatest Sin.Seeing Rama as though he is the Reincarnation of Dharma Lakshmana also said ‘ I also feel doing this is correct please hurry up in boarding the Chariot’, Rama intervened and said ‘ Sumanthara! We should go from here immediately. Ready the Chariot., when he did that they crossed the Thamasa River which was swirling very quickly.
They got down from the Chariot,across the River’s opposite bank, they identified a path in the Forest there and in order to distract the people told ‘ Sumanthara ! in order to make them believe please drive the chariot Northwards by walking ;so that they believe that I have gone back to Ayodhya. Then come back so that the people do not trace you ,and return to Ayodhya. If I also come with you it will be against my Vow to come towards Ayodhya. ‘ Sumanthara did accordingly and returned. The he took Rama Lakshamana and Sita on the Chariot and took few steps in the Norhern direction as symbol of good oomen and then went very fast towards the Forest .(Slokas34).
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