Towards the jungle

The Divine three kept walking ahead

Behind them, the crowd did tread

King Dasaratha watched this from the palace top

His heart, every second, was threatening to stop

He thought of what he could do now, best

And a chariot for Ram was sent at his behest

The chief minister Sumanthra himself drove it well

And reached the noble three in a spell

Sumanthra addressed Lord Rama and spoke

Filled with sorrow his voice did choke

“The King sent me to ride for you

Until you reach the jungle and say adieu”

All the while, Sumanthra hoped secretly

That he would talk to Rama discreetly

And somehow change the latter’s mind

This decision of exile, to leave behind

Ram, Sita and Lakshman got on to the vehicle

Hoping to overcome the delicate obstacle

That people had created by following them

Out of love and respect though Ram did condemn

The chariot tried to move and take speed

The crowd started to wail, beg and plead

The path of the chariot, they decided to block

In front of the chariot they started to flock

The people shouted prayers for Rama to be stopped

Some even offered their lives for the gods to be sopped

For Sumanthra to stop, they gave out a pleading call

Even at the feet of the horses they did fall

Sumanthra was unable to speed up the horses

He became deeply hurt on seeing their faces

He turned back to see with hope at Rama’s face

But could not see as usual the merciful grace

Disappointed, he somehow cut through the crowd

Which had gathered helplessly hoping to shroud

The path of fate that draws their prince,

Whose mere glance would destroy their bondage and sins

Though the chariot kept moving, leaving them behind

They did not complain that Rama was unkind

They all decided to travel to the jungle with Him

They would not allow Him to be a fate’s victim

The chariot by now crossed the country’s limits

And entered the forest dwelt in by pious hermits

Rama continued to expound through out the ride

About the view to Sita who sat by His side

As nature’s beauty unfolded before their eyes

The noble three’s spirit started to lighten and rise

Ram and Lakshman recalled some pleasant memories

Of fun and frolic from their childhood stories

They had been in jungle on numerous occasions

As princes and warriors to pursue their passions

In riding, shooting and hunting some game

So that their skill with weapons would become tame

With a smile on her lips, Sita listened with intent

And laughed out loud hearing comedy content

Sumanthra felt light on seeing them in lighter vein

But at the bottom of his heart there was immense pain

Within his mind he wished to talk Rama out of this

Take Him back to the city and soak it in bliss

He kept thinking of what to speak as he drove

During which the chariot entered a beautiful grove

On river Tamasa’s banks the grove was set

Like a heaven on earth, one could bet

Seeing the beauty of the place they decided to stay

Rama instructed Sumanthra to call it a day

Sumanthra unyoked the horses allowing them to rest

Of all the royal steeds they were the best

He took them to the river and bathed them clean

Thirst quenched and refreshed they glittered with sheen

Ram and Lakshman offered prayers to the sun

Without whom, life on earth would not run

And then they ate some jungle fruits

For they had vowed to live on fruits and roots

After the meal they sat under a tree

Admiring the surrounding, peaceful and free

As Sumanthra decided that it was time to talk

He heard sounds from afar denoting people walk

The four heard indistinct sounds of a crowd

Which gradually became clear and loud

Lord Rama smiled and shook His head

Realising, all the way behind Him, people had tread

Both men and women young and old

Surrounded Rama with affection untold

Determined to stay with their beloved Ram

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!