Ayodhya Follows the Chariot into the Night
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 83
Doha 83 · Movement 1 of 2
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Sumantra conveys the king's words and helps Ram enter the chariot. Sita and Lakshmana join him, and all three bow inwardly toward Ayodhya as the wheels begin to move.
The orphaned citizens follow. Ram counsels them to turn back, but love repeatedly brings them after him. Doomlike darkness seems to descend upon the abandoned city.
Homes resemble cremation grounds, relatives appear like spirits, and gardens, rivers, and lakes lose beauty. Separation does not simply remove Ram from Ayodhya; it alters the appearance of everything remaining, because the light by which the city knew itself travels with the chariot.
Behind the departing chariot, Ayodhya's homes and gardens darken as though their living light has gone.
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तब सुमंत्र नृप बचन सुनाए। करि बिनती रथ रामु चढ़ाए।। चढ़ि रथ सीय सहित दोउ भाई। चले हृदयँ अवधहि सिरु नाई।। चलत रामु लखि अवध अनाथा। बिकल लोग सब लागे साथा।। कृपासिंधु बहुबिधि समुझावहिं। फिरहिं प्रेम बस पुनि फिरि आवहिं।। लागति अवध भयावनि भारी। मानहुँ कालराति अँधिआरी।। घोर जंतु सम पुर नर नारी। डरपहिं एकहि एक निहारी।। घर मसान परिजन जनु भूता। सुत हित मीत मनहुँ जमदूता।। बागन्ह बिटप बेलि कुम्हिलाहीं। सरित सरोवर देखि न जाहीं।।
Then Sumantra conveyed the king's words, and with humble entreaty helped Rama mount the chariot. Both brothers mounted the chariot with Sita and departed, bowing their heads to Ayodhya in their hearts. Seeing Rama leave and Ayodhya now orphaned, all the stricken people began following him. The ocean of compassion counseled them in many ways, yet overcome by love, they would turn back only to come following again. A terrible dread fell upon Ayodhya, as though the darkness of the night of doom had descended. The men and women of the city became like frightful creatures, each one trembling at the sight of another. Homes seemed like cremation grounds and family members like spirits. Sons, friends, and loved ones appeared like messengers of Yama. The trees and creepers in the gardens withered. The rivers and lakes became unbearable to behold.