Clad in simple garments of bark and their hair bound in matted locks, Rama and Lakshmana shone with the radiance of twin sages, embodying the austerity of hermits. Having embraced the path of ascetics, Rama, steadfast in his vow, turned to his loyal friend Guha and spoke with care: “Be ever vigilant, Guha—watch over the army, the treasury, the fortresses, and all the people. For the protection of a kingdom is indeed a most difficult task.” Having offered this counsel, Rama, scion of the Ikshvaku lineage, took leave of Guha. With Sita and Lakshmana by his side, he departed swiftly and undisturbed. Reaching the bank of the swift-flowing Ganga, Rama addressed Lakshmana: “O tiger among men, the boat is ready. Board it, and gently help Sita, the noble lady, to embark after you.” Lakshmana, obedient and without hesitation, first assisted Sita, the daughter of Janaka, onto the boat, and then ascended himself. Rama, the illustrious elder brother, followed after. Guha, chief of the Nishadas, called upon his kinsmen to set the boat upon its course. As Rama, radiant with splendor, boarded, he recited sacred prayers for his welfare, as prescribed for both Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Together with Sita, Lakshmana ritually sipped water as the scriptures enjoin, and all three bowed in reverence to the river. Taking leave of Sumantra, Guha, and their companions, Rama directed the boatmen to proceed. Propelled by the skilled helmsman and the swift strokes of a fine oar, the boat quickly cut across the waters. When they reached the middle of the sacred Bhagirathi, Sita, flawless in virtue, joined her palms and prayed to the river: “O Ganga, this is Dasharatha’s son, the great and wise king’s child. May he, protected by you, fulfill his father’s command. After dwelling for fourteen full years in the forest with his brother and me, may he return again. O blessed and gracious goddess, when I have returned safely, I will worship you joyfully for the fulfillment of all my desires. O Tripathaga, you are beheld in the world of Brahma and, as consort of the ocean king, are seen in this world. Therefore, I bow to you and praise you, O beautiful one. When the tiger among men regains his kingdom and returns in safety, I will offer a hundred thousand cows, garments, and fine food to the Brahmins in your honor. With a thousand jars of wine and meat-rice offerings, I will worship you with devotion when I return to the city. All the deities who dwell upon your banks, all the sacred fords and shrines, I will worship them all. May I, joined again with my strong-armed husband and his brother, re-enter Ayodhya from the forest, O sinless one.” Thus praying, Sita reached the southern bank of the Ganga. There, Rama, the bull among men, disembarked from the boat with his brother and the noble Sita. Rama then turned to Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, and spoke with gentle authority: “Be vigilant for our protection, whether among people or in the solitude of the forest. Protection must certainly be ensured, especially in the unseen solitude of the wilderness. Go ahead, Saumitri, and let Sita follow you. I will walk behind, guarding you and Sita. Today, Vaidehī will experience the hardship of forest life. No action is easily accomplished before its time; today, she will indeed know the hardship of dwelling in the forest. Today she will enter the wilds, deserted by people, devoid of fields and gardens, full of difficulties and steep descents.” Hearing these words, Lakshmana set out ahead; Sita followed, and Rama, the delight of the Raghu lineage, walked behind her. Having crossed swiftly to the far shore of the Ganga, Lakshmana gazed at Rama with longing, but the length of the journey forced him to turn away, and the ascetic, distressed, shed tears. The great-souled Rama, whose might rivaled the guardians of the world, now crossed the mighty river and gradually approached prosperous villages, rich with beautiful crops and joyful calves. There, the brothers hunted four great beasts—a boar, a rṣya, a spotted deer, and a mighty stag. Taking the sacred meat, eager and hungry, they quickly sought shelter with the lord of the forest. As evening fell, Rama approached a tree, and after observing the western twilight, he spoke to Lakshmana: “Today is the first night we spend outside the city; though separated from Sumitra’s son, you should not feel anxious. From this day onward, we must remain vigilant through the nights without weariness, for Sita’s safety depends upon us, Lakshmana. Let us somehow pass this night, O Saumitri, spreading bedding on the ground from what we ourselves have gathered.” Though accustomed to a luxurious bed, Rama lay down upon the earth and spoke auspicious words to Lakshmana: “Surely tonight the great king sleeps in sorrow, Lakshmana; but Kaikeyi, having fulfilled her desire, must be satisfied.