15. Sumantra's Visit to Rāma's Palace [Sumantra is again sent back by the people in charge of arrangements to get final approval of the King. Daśaratha sends Sumantra to bring Rāma. Sumantra goes to the crowded palace of Rāma.] Those Brahmins who were expert in Vedas having stayed for the whole night, along with the priests of the king assembled

16. Rāma Goes to Meet Daśaratha [Sumantra informs Rāma that his father and queen Kaikeyi want to see him. With great expectations he takes leave from Sītā and goes in Sumantra’s chariot. Lakṣmaṇa also travels with him. The people express their expectation from Rāma and their great admiration. Rāma reaches the palace of Daśaratha.] Sumantra who was conversant with epics

17. Scenes on Rāma's Way to Daśaratha's Palace [A detailed description of the way to Daśaratha's palace as well various people on the way is described.] That Rāma sitting on the chariot surrounded by friends who were filled with joy saw the city decorated with banners and flags and made perfumed by burning of Sandal and Aguru and crowded by

18. Kaikeyī’s Demands [Rāma finds Daśaratha sorrowful and upset. He did not speak to him. When he asked Kaikeyi about it, she tells about the background and informs about her demands. Rāma agrees to them.] Rāma saw his father reclining on the auspicious seat with Kaikeyi and had a dry face and pathetic look. 18.1 He with a well composed

19. Rāma's Preparations for Forest Travel [Rāma is upset because Daśaratha was sad but Kaikeyi was particular that he should go to the forest immediately. He goes to take leave from his mother Kausalya. Lakṣmaṇa also accompanies him.] That killer of enemies Rāma hearing the unpleasant words, which were like death itself, was not distressed and told Kaikeyi. 19.1 "Let

20. Kauśalya Laments [Rāma tells Kauśalya about his father's decision. She is greatly upset and is sad that he is going away and afraid of bad treatment by her co-wives. She tells Rāma that she will accompany him.] While Rāma, the tiger among men was leaving, from the ladies of the private apartment great wailing arose. 20.1 "Rāma without being

21. Rāma Consoles [Lakṣmaṇa in great anger tells Rāma to disobey his father and if needed fight with Bhārata. Kauśalya says that she is his mother and her words are to be obeyed. Rāma consoles them.] The helpless Lakṣmaṇa, hearing the greatly sorrowing mother of Rāma, addressed Kauśalya with words suitable for the occasion. 21.1 "Rāma going to the forest

22. Rāma Consoles Lakṣmaṇa [Rāma explains the power of fate to Lakṣmaṇa. He requests him to disband all arrangements so that his mother Kaikeyi does not get distressed.] Then to his younger brother, who was miserable, especially greatly angry, and was breathing like a king Cobra and had eyes bulged to great anger. That self-possessed Rāma who has steadfast composure

23. Lakṣmaṇa Frets and Fumes [Lakṣmaṇa does not agree with Rāma that fate is all powerful and also he does not agree that, according to Dharma, he should go to forest. He says that he will kill everyone who stands on his way and perform coronation of Rāma.] When Rāma was speaking thus Lakṣmaṇa kept his bent hearing him with