You too wish me well, as does my own father, wherefore, with folded hands I implore you to remember that it is your duty in every way to prevent my father from sorrowing in his anxiety for our welfare.’

On hearing this conversation between Raghunatha and the minister(Sumantra), the Nishada chief and his kinsfolk felt much distressed and Lakshmana spoke a little angrily, but the Lord stopped him, for he thought his words to be most improper.

With some embarrassment he adjured Sumantra, by the love he bore him, not to repeat Lakshmana’s words. Sumantra then proceeded with the king’s message: "Sita will not be able to endure the hardships of the forest;

- therefore both you and Rama should endeavour that Sita may return to Ayodhya; otherwise, left entirely without any support, I must perish as inevitably as a fish out of water.

There is every comfort both in her parents’ home and with her husband’s parents, and she can live at ease wherever she pleases, until these troubles are ended."

The piteousness of the king’s entreaties and the earnestness of his affection are more than I can express in words.’ On hearing his father’s message, the all-merciful Rama tried in all possible ways to persuade Sita.

If you return,’ he said, ‘the affliction of my parents, the guru, our friends and kinsfolk will be at an end.’ In response to her lord’s advice Janaki said, ‘Hear me, most dear and loving lord of my life;