Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 248

BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND EXILE OF RĀMA AND LAKṢMANA 213
Kausalya said, weeping: "Oh, I, unfortunate, am destroyed, since you also are going to the forest, son, deserting me. Do you alone stay here. Do not leave, Lakṣmaṇa, to console me as I am afflicted by separation from Rāma."
Lakṣmaṇa said: "You are Rama's mother, surely. Enough of this lack of self-control which is suitable for ordinary women, mother. My brother goes far away; shall follow him, quickly. Do not hinder me, queen. I am always devoted to Rāma."
With these words Saumitri bowed to her and ran in haste after Sītā and Rāma, carrying his bow and quiver. The three of them left the city, their lotus-faces blooming, eager for a forest-dwelling like a pleasure-grove. Men and women in the city fell into a miserable state at the departure of Maithili, Rama and Lakṣmaṇa as if they were the breath of life. The townsmen ran after them quickly from very strong affection, abusing cruel Kaikeyi and fate. The king also, in tears, with his harem and attendants followed Rāma swiftly, drawn by the strings of love. Because the king and the people had followed Rāmabhadra rapidly, the city of Ayodhya became entirely depopulated, as it were. Then Kakutstha (Rāma) stopped his father and mothers and made them return somehow or other by a speech which was the essence of propriety. Likewise he dismissed the townsmen with suitable words and proceeded with very great haste, accompanied by Sītā and Saumitri.
At every village he was urged to stop by the villageelders; at every city by the important men; but Kakutstha did not stop.
Now Bharata did not take the kingdom; but, on the contrary, reproached Kaikeyi and himself, not enduring the separation from his brothers. Eager to become a mendicant, the king despatched his vassals and ministers to bring back Rama and Lakṣmaṇa for the kingdom. In great haste they reached Rama going to the west and with devotion told him the king's command to return.