Ramayana Episode 15: Journey to the forest

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The Stories of the Ramayana 19 min 8 chapters transcribed
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

The Stories of the Ramayana Retold by Sudipto Bhaumik Welcome dear friends to another episode of The Stories of the Ramayana.

What events lead to Ram's departure from Ayodhya?

In the last episode, we heard about Ram's departure from Ayodhya along with Lakshman and Sita.
As Rama's chariot thundered towards the forest, he noticed a vast throng of men on chariots and horses trailing behind them. With a heavy heart, Rama turned to Sumantra and said, Sumantra, Horta chariot, I must address these people and bid them return to Ayodhya. Sumantra obeyed and the chariot came to a stop. The men quickly caught up surrounding Ram's chariot.

How does Ram address the people following him?

The dismounted from their chariots and horses knelt before him and with tearful eyes implored Ram to return to Ayodhya. Ram gazed at them with compassionate eyes and said, My dear friends, please return to Ayodhya and allow me to fulfill my duty. shower my brother Bharat with the same love and respect you have given me. Though young, Bharat possesses the wisdom of an elder. I trust he will do everything necessary to ensure your safety and happiness. As a ruler, he surpasses me. Believe me, he will care for you better than I ever could. Be kind to him and ensure my father the great king does not suffer. If you wish to please me, then please heed my words. The men, however, were not ready to listen. A few wise old Brahmins in the group knelt before the horses and prayed.
O noble steeds, do not take our lord away.

What emotions do Ram and his companions feel as they journey into the forest?

Though you are animals, you possess ears and minds like ours. Hear our pleas and refrain from carrying our beloved prince away from us. Please, please.

What significance does the river Tamasa hold for Ram, Sita, and Lakshman?

Their desperate prayers touched Ram's heart deeply. He turned to Sita and Lakshman and said, let us dismount and continue our journey on foot. He gently helped Sita down from the chariot. They bowed to the Brahmins and began their walk. Yet, the men persisted following them and continually beseeching Ram to change his mind. Ram with a heavy heart tried to ignore their pleas and pressed on with Sita and Lakshman by his side. Soon they arrived at the serene banks of the river Tamasa. The gentle flow of the river captivated their senses and they paused to soak in its tranquil beauty. Sumantra released the horses allowing them to drink from the river and graze freely. Ram, Sita and Lakshman settled by the river bank listening to the symphony of birds returning to their nests.
Ram's gaze fell upon Sita who sat on the pebbly beach with a serene expression. Turning to Lakshman, he said, So Mitri, do you hear the cries of the birds in their nests? The men and women of Ayodhya must be weeping just like these birds.

How do Ram and his companions adapt to life in the forest?

Oh, how I miss our father and mother. Their eyes must be swollen from endless tears. I hope that when our brother Bharat returns to Ayodhya, he can console them. That is my only solace. He paused, then continued. I am grateful you decided to accompany us. Otherwise, I would have had to rely on others to care for Vaidehi, which would have been quite challenging. He glanced around at the surrounding forest and trees and said, I am sure we can find fruits and root vegetables here. But tonight, I wish for nothing more than a drink of river water and a peaceful sleep. After the evening prayers, Sumantra and Lakshman prepared a bed for Ram and Sita using grass and leaves. As Ram and Sita slept, Lakshman stayed awake, recounting Ram's glorious deeds to Sumantra.
The men from Ayodhya who had been following Ram slept nearby under the trees. At dawn, Ram woke up and saw the sleeping men. He whispered to Lakshman, Brother, look at these men. It seems they won't give up and will keep pursuing us to return to Ayodhya. Let's silently mount our chariot and depart before they wake up. Sumantra brought the chariot and Ram and Lakshman and Sita mounted it without making a sound. Sumantra drove the chariot down to the river and crossed the shallow waters to the other side. Once they reached the opposite bank, Ram, Sita and Lakshman dismounted. Ram instructed Sumantra, Sumantra, We will walk from here towards the Dandakaranya forest. You drive the chariot north for a while and then return to pick us up.

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