Summary
Seeing Rama being sad Seetha wants to know the reason Rama then lets her know his father's wish and his decision to go to forest. He then asks her to stay in Ayodhya.
Chapter [Sarga] 26 in Detail
The prince Rama, having been invoked blessings by his mother, after having salutation to Kausalya and remaining firmly in his virtuous path, set out journey to the forest. Entering to the road filled with people, he made it shine with his splendor and stirred the hearts of the people because of his excellent qualities.
Sita, practicing for the coronation ceremony, did not hear anything on that matter. She was thinking of installation of Rama alone as prince Regent in her heart
As she knows what is to be done and is aware of rules relating to kings Sita herself being rejoiced in heart, performed the worship of the gods and was waiting for the prince.
Thereafter Rama, slightly turning his face down, entered his own house which is well decorated and is filled with rejoicing people all around
Sita sprang up from her seat and trembled by seeing her husband stricken with sorrow, his mind perturbed with anxiety.
By seeing her, Rama the virtuous man could not contain that grief existing in his mind and hence got unveiled.
Seeing him pale-faced, perspired and without endurance, Sita (stricken with grief) spoke thus what is this now, my Lord!
Oh, Rama! It is indeed told by learned Brahmanas that today's constellation Pushya (which is presided by sage Brihaspati) which is propitious, is suitable (for coronation). Why you are sadly disposed?
Your handsome face does not shine splendidly as it should when covered by an umbrella white as water-froth and provided with a hundred ribs.
Nor your lotus -eyed face is not being fanned (as it should) by superior chowries shining like a moon and a swan
Nor the overjoyed and eloquent bards Sutas and Maagadhas (who sing portions of epic poems and ancient ballads) are seen here, praising you with auspicious words.
Nor Brahmanas who are well-versed in Vedas, have not placed , as per prescribed Rites , honey and curds on your head after you had taken the head -bath
All ministers, chiefs of Associations, citizens and country-folk, duly decked with ornaments, are not inclined to go along with you.
Why the main carriage used for traveling and pleasure, tied with four horses decked with gold ornaments and with excellent speed does not go ahead of you?
Oh, valiant prince! A glorious elephant which is worshipped for its good characteristics, resembling a mountain crowned with a dark cloud is not seen ahead in your journey.
Oh, brave man pleasant with the sight! I do not see marching before you an elephant having been placed in front with an excellent seat embroidered in gold meant for you
While coronation is getting ready now, the color of your face is appearing strange. Even happiness is not being seen (in you). Why is it?
Rama spoke thus to Sita, who is lamenting: Oh, Sita! My venerable father is sending me to a forest in exile.
Oh, Sita ! You are born in a great family. You know what is Right and practice virtue . hear me in what sequence it happened to me
Two great boons were given to my mother Kaikeyi long ago, by my father Dasaratha who is true to a promise.
Now that the arrangements initiated by the king for my coronation are getting ready , Kaikeyi came out with that promise of boons, turning the situation to her own advantage by grounds of morality
I have to dwell in Dandaka forest for fourteen years .Bharata is being appointed as prince by my father
Before setting forth to the lonely forest, I came to see you. I should not be praised at any time in the presence of Bharata. Men endowed with power and fortune indeed do not tolerate praise of others. Therefore, my virtues should not be extolled by you in front of Bharata.
You need not be attended in a special manner at any time by him. You can stay familiar to him, by behaving with him conformably.
The princely kingdom is given to him by the king permanently. Oh, Sita! He is fit to be rendered gracious by you, more so the king Dasaratha
Keeping up the pledge of my father, today itself. Oh, Sita of magnanimous mind! Remain firm.
Oh, Sita the good and faultless lady! After I leave for the forest frequented by the sages, you can become interested in religious vows and fasting.
You can rise up in dawn; perform worship of the deities as per precept and do salutation to my father, king Dasaratha.
Keeping in front of righteousness alone, you have to respect the aged Kausalya, my mother who is getting emaciated by grief.
For me all my mothers are equal in my eyes in point if fondness, love and the way in which they have looked after me (in my childhood). Hence the rest of mothers also deserve to be saluted always by you
You, in particular, should regard Bharata and Satrughna, as your brothers or sons.
Bharata is indeed king and the master both for the kingdom and for our family. Hence, you should not do what is displeasing to him at any time.
Kings being pleased by good character and served by exerting one's self become happy. They get angry if it is to the contrary
Kings abandon even their own sons, if they are antagonistic and accept even other people if they are fitting
Oh good lady! You such dwell here; doing conformably to the will of Bharata the king, remaining devoted to righteousness and with a vow of truth as you end.
Oh, my dear Sita! I can go to the great forest. You can stay here only, without doing harm to any one as it is .Listen to my words
Thus completes twenty-sixth chapter of ayodhya kanda in Srimad Ramayana
Sriman Moola Rama Vijayate
