After calling to mind the beauty and amiability and noble disposition of Rama and Sita, and considering the king’s affection for them, Sumitra beat her head and said that it was the wicked queen (Kaikeyi) who had played him foul!

But perceiving that this was no time for grieving, she calmed herself and, possessing as she did a naturally good heart, spoke in gentle tones, ‘My dear son, Videha’s daughter is your mother, and Rama, who loves you most dearly, is your father.

There is Ayodhya wherever Rama dwells; there alone is day wherever is the light of the sun. If Sita and Rama are really going to the woods, you have no business at Ayodhya.

One’s guru, parents, brother, gods and master – all these should be cherished as one’s own life, but Rama is dearer than life, the soul of our soul, and the selfless friend of all.

Whosoever are worthy of adoration and most dear to us should be accounted as such only because of their association with Rama. Bearing this in mind, accompany him to the forest and receive, my son, the fruition of your existence in the world.

Bless you, my son. It is your great good fortune as well as mine, I solemnly declare, that your mind in all sincerity has made Rama’s feet its home.

Only that woman is a mother in this world who has a son devoted to Raghunatha; if not, it is better to be barren; for she who deems herself fortunate in having a son hostile to Rama has given birth in vain.