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Becoming angry, He said, “O goddess, you should return Sītā to Me or you will feel My wrath. Therefore be kind to Me and return Sītā, or else grant space to Me also. I will stay with Sītā wherever She has gone, whether it be heaven or the nether regions. O earth-goddess, hear My words or else I shall destroy you with all your mountains and forests.”

Bhadra glanced downward as he spoke and Rāma, catching the gesture, asked, “What else do they say, O Tell Me both the good and the ill words which are spoken. O Bhadra, speak without any fear or anguish.”

He turned to Lakṣman and said, “Although dressed as ascetics, these two appear like rulers of the earth Surely they are from royal stock, or even have some divine origin.

Great souls always endeavor for fame and good repute in this world. To avoid disrepute I would give up My brothers or even My own life—what then of Sītā?”

Lakṣman fell at His feet and told Him that Sītā had been left at Vālmīki’s ashrama. All gains end in loss, all elevations end in a fall, all union must end in separation, and life itself The wise therefore do not become attached to wives, sons, friends or riches. You know this well, O Rāma, therefore take heart and shake off Your sorrow.”

After they had gone Rāma dismissed the assembly and sat alone. He longed to see Her again and it was ordained by scripture that a king should perform sacrifice with It had been twelve years since Sītā’s departure and He had not seen Her since. Let both he and the Queen Herself take oath before the assembly that She has always remained pure. I do not want any further obloquy about Myself or Sītā circulating in the kingdom.”

“Wherever You are going, O Lord, be it the forest, mountains, ocean, heaven or even hell, we desire to

Spying Her through the trees, they ran back to their hermitage and spoke to Vālmīki. She certainly does not deserve any pain or sorrow.

He leaned on the side of His seat and wept in grief. I shall again bring Her back or go with Her for good.”

Janaka rose to leave and tightly embraced Rāma. He then went out of the chamber followed by his ministers and by Bharat and Shatrughna.

Rāma stood up and embraced His brother, and They then retired to Their quarters.

Lava and Kusha tightly embraced their father and then left Ayodhya for their respective kingdoms, which became known as Kushavati and Sravasti, taking vast amounts of wealth with them.

Two hours before sunrise the boys rose and performed their ablutions. After saying their morning prayers they made their way to the assembly of Brahmins and began to sing As they sang they expertly played upon lutes, and the music they produced stole the heart and captivated The Brahmin sages were enthralled and they repeatedly applauded the boys. “Excellent! Well done! Its exquisite music and meter are without compare.

He turned and walked toward the chariot, with Sītā following behind. “O son of Sumitra, why is it that My right eye throbs and My limbs shiver? My heart feels heavy and My mind is filled with anxiety. The earth itself seems distressed and all quarters appear desolate. May all be well with My lord and indeed with all living beings.”

She rose up and held out her hand to Sītā with gentle words of welcome. Sītā got onto the throne and sat next to Bhumi. Suddenly a great shower of fragrant flowers fell from the sky and covered Sītā. The gods loudly praised Sītā and, as all the kings and ṛṣis looked on in amazement, the throne slowly Everyone glorified Sītā for Her incomparable devotion and chastity to Rāma.

Gradually the vast arena filled up with royalty and ṛṣis. Nārada, Parvata, Vasiṣṭa, Vamadeva, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra, Durvāsā, Cyavana, and hundreds more were seen Representatives of the Rākṣasas, as well as many Vanaras, Gandharvas and other celestials arrived. In the sky the gods assembled and Rāma took his place in the arena.

Rāma requested all the sages to attend His sacrifice and they replied, “It shall be so.” Then they rose in a body and left the assembly.

The world had no robbers and no one suffered any harm from others. Every creature felt pleased and all men were devoted to righteousness. They performed all their duties as service to Rāma, and they always thought of Him within their hearts Rains fell when desired and the earth gave forth abundant produce. All people had everything they needed and were fully satisfied, being free from avarice.

Lava and Kusha could hardly face the prospect of separation from their father. They loudly lamented and fell to the earth when they heard that Rāma was departing. Rāma gently raised them and said, “Dear sons, you must remain on earth to carry on a righteous rule. Establish your capitals in the northern and southern territories. Always thinking of Me, lead the people with justice and compassion.

All the female inhabitants of the palace then followed, accompanied by Bharat and Shatrughna. Hundreds of thousands of Vanaras, Rākṣasas and bears also followed behind. Even the animals and birds left the city and went with the procession. No living creature of any kind remained in Ayodhya and they all made their way westward to the banks