When Rāma resolved to depart for the forest teeming with deer and elephants, Lakṣmaṇa stepped forward with unwavering resolve. He declared, “If you are set on going to such a forest, I will go ahead of you, carrying my bow.” Lakṣmaṇa promised that, together, they would wander through delightful woodlands, filled with the songs of birds and the presence of wild animals. His devotion was so deep that he wished for neither the realm of the gods nor immortality, nor even the sovereignty of all the worlds, if it meant being separated from Rāma. Lakṣmaṇa, determined to dwell in the forest, spoke these words even as Rāma tried to gently restrain him. He questioned Rāma, “You permitted me before—why do you now restrain me? Why forbid me, when I wish to go? Please tell me, for I am uncertain, O blameless one.” Rāma, seeing Lakṣmaṇa standing before him with joined palms and steadfast resolve, addressed him with affection. He praised Lakṣmaṇa’s devotion, righteousness, virtue, obedience, and friendship, saying, “If you come with me today, Saumitri, who will care for Kausalyā or the illustrious Sumitrā? The mighty king, who showers desires upon the earth like a cloud, is bound by the fetters of desire. Kaikeyī, upon gaining the kingdom, will not bring happiness to her sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, established with Kaikeyī and attaining the kingdom, will not support Kausalyā and the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Saumitri, support that noble lady yourself, or by the king’s favor; fulfill this duty for Kausalyā. In doing so, your devotion to me will shine clearly, as will your incomparable righteousness in honoring the dharma-knowing elders. Do this for my sake, O delight of the Raghu lineage; let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us.” Hearing Rāma’s gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa, skilled in speech and knowing how to reply, spoke again. “By your radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—there is no doubt. If Bharata, having obtained the kingdom, does not rule justly and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-minded one, and all those on his side—even if they be the three worlds. Kausalyā could support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with dependents. She is fully capable of providing for herself, for my mother, and for those like me—she is a woman of great resolve. Make me your companion; there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also be accomplished. With my bow strung and slung, and a spade and basket at my side, I will walk ahead of you, showing you the path. I will always gather roots and fruits for you, and other forest foods suitable for ascetics. You, together with Vaidehī, shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will do everything for you, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma, greatly pleased by Lakṣmaṇa’s words, replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” He then spoke of the two divine bows, fierce in appearance, which the great-souled Varuṇa had given to the king at Janaka’s great sacrifice. Along with these, there was impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun, adorned with gold. Lakṣmaṇa, resolved on dwelling in the forest, took leave of his friends. He approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus and took up the excellent weapons. He displayed all these divine weapons to Rāma, honored and adorned with garlands. Rāma, self-controlled, spoke affectionately to Lakṣmaṇa, saying, “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa. I wish to give all my wealth, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, and all my dependents. But you, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, after honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Lakṣmaṇa, understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, quickly went and entered the residence of Suyajña. Bowing to the Brāhmaṇa, who was in the fire-chamber, Lakṣmaṇa said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.” After Suyajña completed his twilight worship, he went together with Saumitri and entered Rāma’s splendid and prosperous house. There, Rāma honored Suyajña with excellent golden armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, and bangles, along with many other jewels. At Sītā’s urging, Rāma spoke to Suyajña, continuing the sacred preparations for his departure. Thus ends the thirty-second chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa.