Exile Embraced: Ram's Unwavering Duty

Upon hearing Kaikeyi's words, Ram began to smile. "Mother, whatever you have planned for me will be my blessing," he said politely to Kaikeyi. "Your wish is my command. I am ready to go to the forest for fourteen years. Please take care of Father and reassure him not to worry about me."

Kaikeyi was happy and surprised when Ram readily agreed to go to the forest. After touching Kaikeyi's and his father's feet, Ram, like an ideal and dutiful son, got ready to go. Lakshman, who was standing outside the room, followed Ram. After this, Ram went to his mother, Kaushalya, to seek her blessings. "Father has made me king of the forest. Please bless me to protect the forest from humanity's enemies," Ram said to his mother, Kaushalya.

Even though Ram was the avatar of Lord Vishnu, he experienced happiness and sadness just like an ordinary man. However, he differed from an ordinary human, especially during difficult times. While an ordinary person might become disappointed when facing adversity, Ram consistently upheld the highest ideals of life under all conditions. He always remained mindful of his responsibilities as a man and as a son. That's why even today, Ram is honored as Maryada Purushottam, which means 'the greatest among men'.

Seeta was Ram's consort. They had two bodies but one mind. So, Seeta stubbornly insisted upon accompanying Ram to the forest. Lakshman also declared that he would go to the woods with Ram as he could not live without his older brother. Ram, Seeta, and Lakshman went to Dasharath for permission to go to the forest. The emperor was lying unconscious on the floor. He had a vacant expression and looked bereaved. Ram and Lakshman sat him down, touched his feet, and sought his permission and blessings to go to the forest.

Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta, dressed in ascetics' clothes appropriate for the occasion, left the palace. The three of them were seated on a chariot and began their journey to the forest. The people of Ayodhya were beating their chests and crying. Some left their houses and followed the chariot, deciding to accompany Ram into the woods. There was so much dedication toward Ram because he had boundless affection for every citizen of Ayodhya. Emperor Dasharath came out of Kaikeyi's mansion and caught a fleeting glimpse of his beloved Ram amid the dust flying from the chariots. After that, he became unconscious again. Ram was the epitome of love. His love extended not only to humans but to all creatures worldwide. When he went to the forest, the citizens of Ayodhya were overwhelmed with grief. The people were restless to see Ram, and even animals and birds did not want Ram to go to the forest.