After bathing at the sacred site of Vijaya and worshipping the gracious Lord Ānandeśvara, the narrative turns to another holy place, established at Kuśasthalī. Once, from the slopes of Citrakūṭa, Rāma set forth on his journey, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Wherever Rāma traveled, he felt no separation from his beloved relatives, even as he endured the hardships of exile in the forest and mourned the passing of his father, the revered king. During this time, Rāghava, the illustrious descendant of the Raghu line, spoke certain words that were attentively heard by the foremost of Brāhmaṇas. In response, the Brāhmaṇa praised Rāma’s inquiry, saying, “You have asked well, O hero, enhancer of the Raghus’ glory.” He then described a place in the land of Avanti—a city called Kuśasthalī. There, the divine presence always bestows the fruits of one’s heartfelt desires. Both Brāhmaṇas and mighty kings who journey to this sacred city find it to be the foremost of holy places in Avanti. Upon arriving there, Rāma performed the ritual bath and offered oblations to his ancestors, honoring them with devotion. At that moment, a wondrous, bodiless voice—spoken by the god of gods—resounded: “This place has been given by me; do not doubt, O Rāghava.” The voice further declared, “O son of Sumitrā, you have been favored by the god Śambhu himself.” Hearing these divine words, Lakṣmaṇa established an image of Śaṃkara at that very spot. Rāma then called to him, “Come, Lakṣmaṇa, quickly bring water from the sacred river Śiprā.” Lakṣmaṇa, however, hesitated and asked, “What will you do with Sītā?” Rāma replied, “She stands before me, nourished, strong, and full-bodied.” Listening to this exchange, Sītā herself acted upon Lakṣmaṇa’s words and fulfilled the task. After spending the night at that holy place, Sītā prepared herself for departure. But Saumitri, Lakṣmaṇa, spoke earnestly: “I will not go, by any means. I will not proceed into the forest, nor return to Ayodhya. How did you previously leave Ayodhya together with me? If there was an error then, let it be so again—lead me too, O Raghava.” Lakṣmaṇa then declared to Rāma, “I will not go again into the forest.” Rāma responded, “Do not follow me, Saumitri; I will go alone into the woods.” Disturbed in mind, Lakṣmaṇa took up his bow and stood ready. Rāma then said, “Turn back, Saumitri, and hand over the bow to me.” Lakṣmaṇa, feeling abandoned, questioned, “For what reason have I been left behind? What offense have I committed?” Sītā too turned to Rāma and asked, “For what reason, by you, has Lakṣmaṇa...?” Raghava addressed Sītā with reassurance: “I will not abandon Lakṣmaṇa, O lovely-hipped one. It has been said before that this field has been disturbed—people act only for their own interests. Teacher and disciple no longer heed each other’s counsel or actions.” Having spoken thus and resolved their concerns, Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Janaki departed together. They bathed at the sacred ford dedicated to Rāma and beheld the holy image of Rameshvara Shiva. Freed from all sins, one who bathes there attains supreme good fortune. Afterward, having bathed at the sacred place known as the Clarified Butter, one should also bathe Lord Śiva with ghee, thus completing their acts of devotion.