Reading Notes: Rama Goes Into Exile Part A

The story opens up with Rama approaching his wife Sita informing her that he must depart the city where the reside, the reason is not known until later in the story. Rama asks Sita to stay behind and be a faithful wife but Sita has other plans which involve her accompanying her husband into the jungle. Though Rama would love for his beloved wife to come with him he knows that there will be many obstacles in their path which can lead to death and Rama is not prepared for Sita to die on his behalf. Finally after much argument and crying Sita is able to convince Rama that she would rather go with him and suffer than remain at home without him. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana who is Rama's brother all left the city to venture into the forest. At this point they go to talk to Dasharatha where Rama informs her that he has been told to leave the city for 14 years. The 3 were demanded to wear clothing made of bark but Sita refused and so the three were excused from wearing it.

Image Information: Rama, Sita, and Lahshmana head off

Source: Rama Goes Into Exile. Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).