Ayodhya Kaanda
73 - Sri Rama, Sita and Laksmana proceed to the woods and slip past the citizens buried in slumber
Chaupais
Description
In this way Sri Rama consoled all and cheerfully bowed His head at the lotus feet of His preceptor. Invoking Lord Ganapati, Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and the Lord of Kailasa and receiving the blessings of His Guru, the Lord of Raghus proceeded further. There was great lamentation as He sallied forth; the piteous wail of the citizens was revolting to the ears. Evil omens appeared in Lanka and Ayodhya was plunged in grief, while the abode of gods was overcome with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. When the spell of unconsciousness broke, the king woke and calling Sumantra thus began, "Rama has left for the woods, but my life refuses to depart. I wonder what joy it seeks after by clinging to this body! What agony more severe than this can I have, that will draw my breath out of my body?" Then, recovering himself, the king said, "Follow him, my friend, with your chariot."