King Dasharath’s heart sank and he was deeply saddened. Everyone was surprised by the fact that Kausalya did not oppose Ram’s decision of going in exile. She was of course disappointed about the separation; but was proud of Ram’s decision. Sumitra also did not oppose Lakshman from accompanying Ram. It is impossible to express in words, the greatness of Urmila, Lakshman’s wife. Thinking from a general perspective, her husband was unnecessarily going in exile and that too very soon after their marriage. The fact that she did not oppose Lakshman from going does definitely show her greatness; but more than that, it is highly commendable that she did not wish or express her wish to accompany Lakshman. If she had accompanied Lakshman, that would have caused Lakshman’s mind to divert from Ram’s work, since Urmila being a beautiful woman, he would have had to arrange for her protection from time to time. This would have caused interruption in Ram’s work. Hence Urmila accepted the decision of staying separated from her husband for fourteen years. The ease with which she accepted this decision compels us to say that Urmila’s greatness in not accompanying Lakshman is of the same level, in fact, may be superior to that of Seeta’s greatness of accompanying Ram in exile.
In front of all these towering personalities, Kaikayee’s character appears to be very mediocre. The king also seems to be at the human level, devoid of any divine quality. Rest all personalities seem to be transcending the human values - extremely great and divine. Vasishth Rishi approved all these decisions silently. This is because, at the spiritual level, he knew the purpose and importance of the work of Ram as an incarnation of God. But if we think from a common perspective, had Ram discarded Kaikayee’s wish and ascended the throne as the king, and then had Bharat stayed along with them, this would have led to family tensions. In future, Bharat was also going to reciprocate Ram’s greatness in obeying his parents' wish. His conduct was never going to be against Ram.
All the three were ready to go. Everyone walked in silence. The unhappy followers also walked behind them. Ram was knowing that all this was happening for some bigger goal. Everyone else was of the opinion that they were doing this for Ram, and this gave them the peace of mind. Still, some poets said, ‘Not only humans but even the trees and the birds were disappointed. Owing to this disappointment, they did not utter any word nor moved, rather just sat in a depressed mood. The only sound that was coming was of the footsteps - of Ram, followed by that of Lakshman’s, then Seeta’s and of those people that were following. Time was passing by in silence, without any indication. It was also approaching king Dasharatha with that same silence in order to take him!
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