Dasharatha Sends Sumantra after the Departing Three
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 81
Doha 81 · Movement 1 of 2
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After explaining every duty, Ram bows to Vasishtha, worships Ganesha, Gauri, and Shiva, and departs beneath their blessing. A wave of lament rises through Ayodhya.
Lanka receives evil omens, Ayodhya drowns in grief, and heaven trembles between joy for divine purpose and sorrow for human suffering.
Dasharatha revives and wonders why life remains after Ram has gone. No answer brings relief. Gathering courage, he calls Sumantra and commands him to take the chariot after the three. The father cannot stop exile, but one final plan races from his anguish toward the road.
As Ram's footsteps leave the palace, Dasharatha sends a chariot racing after the life that has gone from him.
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एहि बिधि राम सबहि समुझावा। गुर पद पदुम हरषि सिरु नावा। गनपती गौरि गिरीसु मनाई। चले असीस पाइ रघुराई।। राम चलत अति भयउ बिषादू। सुनि न जाइ पुर आरत नादू।। कुसगुन लंक अवध अति सोकू। हहरष बिषाद बिबस सुरलोकू।। गइ मुरुछा तब भूपति जागे। बोलि सुमंत्रु कहन अस लागे।। रामु चले बन प्रान न जाहीं। केहि सुख लागि रहत तन माहीं। एहि तें कवन ब्यथा बलवाना। जो दुखु पाइ तजहिं तनु प्राना।। पुनि धरि धीर कहइ नरनाहू। लै रथु संग सखा तुम्ह जाहू।।
In this way, Rama gently explained everything to all, then joyfully bowed his head at the lotus feet of his guru. Having worshipped Ganapati, Gauri, and Gireesu, the Lord of Raghus departed after receiving their blessings. As Rama set forth, a great wave of sorrow arose. The cries of anguish throughout the city were more than any ear could bear. Evil omens appeared over Lanka, while Ayodhya was drowned in grief. The realm of the gods trembled, caught between joy and sorrow. When the king's swoon at last passed and he opened his eyes, he called for Sumantra and began to speak. 'Rama has gone to the forest, yet my life breath will not depart. For what happiness does it linger in this body? What suffering could be mightier than this? They say that unbearable pain drives the soul from the body, yet here I remain. Then, gathering his courage, the king said: My dear friend, take the chariot and go after him.'