'You are dear to the king as life itself, O hero of Raghu’s line; he is too soft to rid himself of his scruple and love, and will sooner forfeit his virtue, fair fame and his happiness in the other world than ask you to go to the forest.

Bear this in mind and do as you please.’ Rama rejoiced to hear the queen’s admonition, but her words pierced the king like arrows. ‘Will my wretched life never depart?’ he said to himself.

The people felt much distressed and the king fainted outright; nobody knew what to do. But Rama at once dressed himself as an anchorite and bowing his head to his parents, went forth.

Having gathered together all that was needful for a journey to the forest, the Lord with his spouse and brother bowed to the feet of the Brahmans and the guru (Vasishtha) and set forth, leaving everyone in bewilderment.

He passed out of the palace and stood at Vasishtha’s door and found the people consumed with the anguish of separation. With words of affection Raghubira consoled them all and then summoned all the Brahmans.

He requested the guru to give them a year’s provision and captivated their hearts by his courtesy, gift and humility. He gratified the mendicants with gifts and honours and comforted his friends with demonstrations of affection.

Next, he summoned his men-servants and maid-servants and entrusting them to the care of his guru, spoke to him with folded hands, ‘My lord, look after them and be to them as their own father and mother.