TO THE FOREST

In the Raamaayana, Sumitra is a woman of few words and mature wisdom and great tact and infinite courage, full of faith, in whom 'hope shines like a fame when it has gone out in all others.' The tradition is that Sumitra knew Raama's divinity and the purpose of his incarnation and that this enabled her not only to com fort Kausalya but to see a holy ministration in Lakshmana's sharing Raama's exile.

Sumitra said: "Ascend the chariot, O Prince. God blesses you. Tell me where I am to drive, for the fourteen-year period has begun, my Prince."

Seeta got up the chariot cheerfully. Kausalya had made up for her a packet of personal requirements. The shields, bows and arrows and other weapons of the two brothers together with pick axes and baskets were placed in the chariot. Pickaxes and baskets are essential in the forest. Raama and Lakshmana ascended the chariot. Sumantra drove it forward.

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