With gentle words and a heart full of affection, Rāma addressed his dear brother Saumitri, speaking as kindly as Brahmā himself might to the lord of the gods. “Saumitri,” he said, “honor Agastya and Kauśika, those two foremost Brāhmaṇas. Invite them with precious jewels, just as crops are nourished by water. O mighty-armed Rāghava, satisfy them with a thousand cows, gold, silver, gems, and abundant wealth.” He continued, “There is the teacher of the Taittirīyas, learned in the Vedas and devoted, who attends upon our mother Kausalyā, blessing her. Give him a vehicle, attendants, and silk garments—whatever that Brāhmaṇa desires, provide it for him. And for Citraratha, the charioteer and honored counselor who has served us faithfully, satisfy him as well with costly jewels, garments, and wealth. “With all the herds and a thousand cows, remember the many Kaṭhaka reciters and staff-bearing youths among us. Their devotion is to daily recitation; they do nothing else, preferring comfort, yet they are respected by the great. For them, have eighty vehicles filled with jewels given, two hundred fine oxen, and a thousand measures of rice. And for their maintenance, provide a thousand cows. A great assembly of girdled women has come to Kausalyā—give each of them a thousand, Saumitri. “Let my mother Kausalyā rejoice in her offering; honor all those twice-born ones completely, Lakṣmaṇa.” Lakṣmaṇa, best among men, carried out these instructions faithfully. He gave the wealth to the foremost Brāhmaṇas, as generously as the god of wealth himself. Then, his throat choked with tears, he spoke to the dependents, having given them much wealth and ensuring each had means for their livelihood. “Let the house of Lakṣmaṇa and mine not be empty for each one until my return,” he declared. Having spoken to all the dependents, who were distressed at the prospect of his departure, he turned to the treasurer and said, “Bring my wealth.” The dependents brought forth his riches, and the great heap was truly impressive to behold. Then, that tiger among men, Rāma, together with Lakṣmaṇa, distributed the wealth to Brāhmaṇas, to the young and old, and to the needy. Among them was a tawny-haired Brāhmaṇa of the Garga lineage, named Trijaṭa, who lived by tilling the forest, always using his plough and spade. His young wife, bringing their children, spoke to him, for a husband is revered as a goddess by women: “Set aside the plough and spade, do as I say; show yourself to righteous Rāma—perhaps you will obtain something.” Radiant as Bhrigu and Angiras, Trijaṭa was not stopped by anyone as he approached the fifth enclosure of the assembly. Nearing Rāma, Trijaṭa spoke, “Prince, mighty one, I am poor and have many children. I always live by tilling the forest; please consider me.” Rāma replied with a touch of humor, “Not even a single one of a thousand cows has been given by me; as much as you encircle with your staff, that much you shall receive.” In haste, Trijaṭa wrapped his cloth around his waist, drew his staff, and hurled it with all his strength. The staff flew across the Sarayu river and landed amidst a great herd of cows, near the oxen. Embracing him on the bank of the Sarayu, the righteous Rāma then led those cows toward Trijaṭa’s hermitage. Gently consoling him, Rāma said, “You should not be angry; this was only a jest of mine. Indeed, this is your power, which is insurmountable. Wishing to know it, I urged you for this very reason. Now, choose any other boon you desire. I declare truthfully, you shall not be restrained by me. Whatever wealth of mine you wish, let it be properly given to you, so that I may gain both merit and fame.” The great sage Trijaṭa, with his wife, joyfully accepted the herd of cows and, in return, offered blessings that increased Rāma’s fame, strength, and happiness. Rāma, whose manliness was complete, continued distributing the great wealth he had righteously acquired among his friends, prompted by words of proper honor. Whether a twice-born friend, a servant, or a poor beggar—there was no one left unsatisfied, each receiving gifts and honors as was fitting. Now, listen to the thirty-third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having given much wealth to the Brāhmaṇas, together with Vaidehī, the two descendants of Raghu—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—set out with Sītā to see their father. With their weapons carried by two attendants, and Sītā adorned with garlands and ornaments, they shone brightly. People climbed palaces, mansions, and the tops of towers to catch sight of the illustrious Rāma as he passed by. The streets, crowded with people, could not be traversed, so from the rooftops, the sorrowful watched Rāghava. Seeing him on foot with his brother and Sītā, the people, their hearts overcome by grief, spoke many words. “He whom once a great fourfold army followed—now only Lakṣmaṇa follows him, together with Sītā.