Rama's Heartbreaking Decision

Rama ordered his doorman to summon Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. The doorman soon ushered the three brothers into Rama's chamber. They touched their eldest brother's feet out of respect. Rama lifted them up, gave them a hug, and requested them to sit.

"All of you mean everything to me," Rama told them. "I can rule Ayodhya only because you collaborate with me. I now want to discuss a very sensitive topic with you. Please listen carefully and do not protest my decision."

Rama's brothers were distressed to hear him speak this way. They wondered what the matter could be. Rama then narrated the incident of the washerman and his wife.

"I don't know how Ayodhya's citizens can say such indecent things about Sita," lamented Rama.

He then turned to Lakshmana and said, "Lakshmana, you were present when the fire god, Agni, established her purity. I know Sita is innocent, but I cannot tolerate these false accusations. Tell Prime Minister Sumantra to prepare a chariot for tomorrow morning. Take Sita outside Ayodhya's border in the chariot; Maharshi Valmiki's ashram is on the Tamsa riverbank—not far from the Ganga riverbank. Leave her at a secluded place and return to the palace. Earlier today, Sita told me she wished to go to the Ganga riverbank and spend her days in meditation. I want you to fulfill her desire." Rama's eyes welled up with tears as he said the last sentence. He then left his brothers and went to bed.