Ayodhya Kaanda
72 - Sri Rama, Laksmana and Sita call on king Dasaratha to take leave of him; Dasaratha's advice to Sita
Chaupais
Description
Sita was too modest to give any reply. But Kaikeyi flared up on hearing their talk. She brought hermits robes, ornaments and vessels and, placing them before Sri Rama, addressed Him in soft accents, "You are dear as life to the king, O Hero of Raghu's line; he is too soft to shake off his scruple and attachment for you. He would sooner forfeit his virtue, good reputation and his happiness in the other world than ask you to proceed to the woods. Bearing this in mind do as you please." Sri Rama rejoiced to hear His stepmother's admonition; but her words pierced the king like shafts. "Will my wretched life never depart," he said to himself. The people felt much distressed while the king fainted; no one knew what to do. Sri Rama presently dressed Himself as a hermit and bowing His head to His parents departed.