Ayodhyākānda - Canto 52

While about to step into the boat brought by Guha’s men and asked by Guha if he could be of any further use to the prince, Śrī Rāma enjoins him to obey the Emperor. Importuned by Sumantra to take him as a personal attendant to the forest, the prince declines his loving offer and, expostulating with him, sends him back to Ayodhyā. Entangling their locks into a thick mass with the milk of a banyan tree, procured by Guha, Śrī Rāma and Laksmana with Sītā get into the boat. On reaching the middle of the stream, Sītā offers prayers to Mother Gangā (the deity presiding over the stream) and after crossing the river all the three halt for the night at the foot of a tree.