Ayodhya Kaanda
86 - Dialogue between Bharata and mother Kausalya and king Dasaratha's cremation
Chaupais
Description
With a cheerful countenance, and without either joy or anger, he comforted all in everyway and proceeded to the forest. Hearing this Sita followed him and would not stay, devoted as she was to Rama's feet. Laksmana also, when he heard this, sprang up and accompanied them; he would not be left behind even though the Lord of Raghus tried his best to detain hi m. The Lord of Raghus then bowed his head to all and departed with Sita and his younger brother (Laksmana). So Rama, Laksmana and Sita left for the woods, whereas I neither accompanied them nor sent my soul after them (leaving my body here). All this happened before these eyes and yet this wretched soul did not take leave of the body. I am not ashamed of my love; to think that a son like Rama should have a mother like me! The king knew well how to live and how to die; whereas my heart is a hundred times harder than adamant."