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The Journey to the Forest
365
"Oh you venerable one! This is not at all possible. I have taken a vow; and it cannot be altered. Hence, please do not ask me to return to Ayodhya.”
Shri Ram stood up; and proceeded on his journey. The ministers and the officials also followed him. They again and again entreated him to return to Ayodhya; but he refused to do so. Still, a tiny light of hope kept burning dimly in their hearts that Shri Ram would return to Ayodhya. So, they did not at once, return to Ayodhya. They kept following Shri Ram.
Travelling thus, they reached a forest called Pariyatra. It was a wild forest that surrounded the Pariyatra mountain; and for great distances, there was no sign of human habitation. The forest was wild and desolate abounding in thorny plants thick bushes and huge trees. Everywhere in the forest, wild animals wandered about freely.
Before entering the Pariyatra forest, they had to cross a river by name, the Gambhira. It was a wide and formidable river, Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman stopped on the bank of the Gambhira. Then Shri Ram said:
"Now, all of you kindly go back to Ayodhya, since from here onwards, the path in the forest is uneven. Please convey our regards to our father; and obey Bharath's commands. Just as all these days, you obeyed and served King Dasarath, now you obey and serve Bharath.”
The ministers shed tears. All began to weep. Shri Ram became serious and silent. Even the Gambhira grew silent and still as if affected by this sight.
“We are indeed wretched ....Fie upon our lives! Death is preferable to this life. We are unworthy of rendering service to Shri Ram.” The ministers and the officials said in one voice and shed tears. Shri Ram's heart which was soft and tender
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