O mighty-armed Rāma, intent on righteousness and generosity, turned to Lakṣmaṇa and gave his commands: “O Rāghava, satisfy all those assembled with a thousand cows, with gold and silver, with gems and great wealth.” He spoke of the revered teacher of the Taittirīyas, learned in the Vedas and devoted, who attended upon Kausalyā with blessings. “Give him,” Rāma said, “a vehicle, attendants, and silk garments, Saumitri—as much as that Brāhmaṇa desires.” He continued, “And the charioteer Citraratha, the honored counselor who has long served our house—satisfy him as well with costly jewels, garments, and wealth.” Rāma’s generosity extended further: “With all the herds and with a thousand cows, and those many Kaṭhaka reciters and staff-bearing youths here—because they are always devoted to their daily recitation, and do nothing else; though they are fond of comfort and indolent, they are respected by the great. For them, have eighty vehicles filled with jewels given, and two hundred fine oxen, and a thousand measures of rice. And, Saumitri, for their maintenance, provide a thousand cows. A great assembly of girdled women has come to Kausalyā—give each of them a thousand, Saumitri.” Rāma’s heart swelled with the wish that his mother, Kausalyā, might rejoice in her offering, so he urged Lakṣmaṇa to honor all those twice-born ones completely. Lakṣmaṇa, the best among men, did as instructed; he distributed the wealth to the foremost Brahmins like the god of wealth himself. Then, with his throat choked with tears, he spoke to the dependents, having given much wealth and providing each with their livelihood: “Let the house of Lakṣmaṇa and this house of mine not be empty for each one until my return.” Having said this to all those dependents, who were distressed at the prospect of his departure, he spoke to the treasurer: “Bring my wealth.” All the dependents brought forth the wealth, and a great heap was seen there, truly impressive. Then that tiger among men, together with Lakṣmaṇa, gave that wealth to Brahmins, to the young and old, and to the needy. Among those present was a tawny-haired Brahmin of the Garga lineage named Trijaṭa, who lived by tilling the forest, always using plough and spade. His young wife, with their children, spoke to her husband, for a husband is a goddess to women: “Set aside the plough and spade, do as I say; show yourself to righteous Rāma—perhaps you will obtain something.” With a radiance equal to Bhrigu and Angiras, Trijaṭa made his way unimpeded up to the fifth enclosure of the assembly. Approaching 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 gentle 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, released from his hand, crossed over the Sarayu river and fell 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. Rāma gently consoled Trijaṭa: “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, distributed 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, with gifts and honors given 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 set out with Sītā to see their father. Their weapons were carried by two attendants, and Sītā, adorned with garlands and ornaments, shone brightly at their side. 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. He, who knew the taste of sovereignty and was a great source of pleasures, would never speak falsely, out of reverence for dharma. She whom even beings moving in the sky could not see before—today, the people on the royal road behold Sītā.