Ayodhya Kaanda
72 - Sri Rama, Laksmana and Sita call on king Dasaratha to take leave of him; Dasaratha's advice to Sita
Chaupais
Description
The king sincerely tried every means to detain Sri Rama. But he discovered Sri Rama's intention and came to know that He was not going to stay, a champion of righteousness, strong-minded and foresighted as He was. The king thereupon clasped Sita to his bosom and most lovingly admonished Her in many ways. He described the terrible hardships of forest life and explained to Her the comforts She would enjoy if She chose to stay with Her husband's parents or Her own father. Sita's mind, however, was attached to Sri Rama's feet; hence neither home seemed attractive to Her nor the forest repulsive. Everyone else too expostulated with Sita dwelling on the many miseries of the forest. The minister's (Sumantra's) wife as well as the preceptor's (Vasistha's) and other prudent ladies fondly urged Her in gentle tones: "Nobody has exiled you to the forest: therefore, do as your husband's parents and preceptor bid you."