Background stories about Dasaratha's past, Sage Vibandaka and his son Rshyashrnga

Sage Bharadwaja's gifts; Rama, Sita and Lakshmana's journey to scenic Chitrakuta; Sumatra returns to Ayodhya and witnesses King Dasarata and Queen Kowsalya's unbearable grief

Farewells, crossings and new meetings.

Key characters: Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Guha, Sumatra, Sage Bharadwaja

Rama leaves Ayodhya trailed by a band of determined followers; Guha welcomes Rama

Sita reasons with Rama to accompany him during his exile. Rama leaves Ayodhya, with his parents blessings, to start his 14 years long exile in the forest.

Rama meets with King Dasaratha and Queen Kaikeyi and reaches a decision about his coronation. He informs Queen Kowsalya and his beloved Sita about his decision. 

Dasaratha and Kaikeyi spend the eve of Rama's coronation discussing Kaikeyi's demands

Queen Kaikeyi hears about Rama's coronation from her old attendant Mantra.

Rama qualifies to be Yuvaraj

Dasaratha's Rama meets Parasurama and wields the divine Vishnu bow.