"Believe me, Raama will return, beautiful like the full moon, and touch your
feet with joy and devotion. You will then shed tears not of grief but of joy. Dear, dear
Kausalya, give up your grief. You will see the three of them returning. You should console
and encourage the other women in the palace and not stand broken-hearted yourself. Who
else in this world stands firm by dharma like Raama? Is this a cause for grief? No, be
proud of your son, Kausalya!"
Listening to Sumitra's words, Kausalya was
somewhat consoled.
The people of the city followed Raama's
chariot in a huge crowd. They tried to stop the chariot, shouting, "Do not go to the
forest. Return to the city."
"I am going to the forest to uphold my
father's, word," Raama said. "There is no theme for sorrow here and you should
not seek to hinder me." |
