After spending a peaceful night beneath the shelter of a great tree, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana awoke at sunrise, refreshed and ready to continue their journey. As the radiant sun rose in the sky, they set out, making their way toward the sacred place where the Bhagirathi Ganga merges with the Yamuna. Their path led them into a vast and dense forest, filled with unfamiliar sights and the beauty of untouched nature. Along the way, the illustrious trio beheld many wondrous lands and delightful places, marveling at scenes they had never before witnessed. They traveled safely beneath the forest canopy, passing a variety of trees, and as the day began to wane, Rama turned to Lakshmana and spoke, his voice filled with gentle wonder. “Look, Saumitri,” Rama said, “near Prayaga, a column of smoke rises in the distance. I believe it is the sacred fire of a sage—the visible sign of the divine Agni.” As they listened, the sound of water striking against water reached their ears, and Rama knew they had arrived at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. Not far away, they saw split logs, evidence of forest dwellers, and glimpsed the ashram of the sage Bharadvaja nestled among many kinds of trees. With hearts uplifted, Rama and Lakshmana, both skilled archers, walked happily onward. As dusk settled, they reached the sage’s dwelling at the sacred confluence. Their arrival startled the deer and birds of the hermitage, and after walking quietly for a while, Rama approached the sage Bharadvaja. Accompanied by Sita, the two brothers paused at a respectful distance, desiring to see the great-souled sage. Entering the ashram, they saw Bharadvaja surrounded by his devoted disciples, steadfast in his vows, his mind focused, and his vision deepened by austerity. Observing the sage engaged in his sacred fire offering, Rama, together with Lakshmana and Sita, approached reverently and greeted him with joined palms. Then Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, introduced himself: “Revered one, we are the sons of Dasharatha—Rama and Lakshmana. This is my wife, Vaidehī, the virtuous daughter of Janaka, who, blameless, has accompanied me into this lonely forest of asceticism. My dear brother Saumitra, firm in his vows, has followed me, sent into exile by our father. Instructed by him, we enter this forest of austerity, resolved to practice righteousness and subsist only on roots and fruits.” Hearing these humble words, the sage Bharadvaja, righteous and compassionate, brought forth a cow, offerings, and water for them. Though scorched by his own austerities, the sage provided them with various forest foods, roots, and fruits, and prepared a dwelling for their comfort. Surrounded by the gentle presence of deer, birds, and other sages, Bharadvaja welcomed Rama with honor and affection. After receiving these offerings and being seated, Rama listened as the sage spoke words full of righteousness: “O descendant of Kakutstha, after a long time I see you here. I have heard of your exile, which is without cause. Here, at the confluence of these great rivers, is a secluded and delightful place—let the blessed ones dwell here happily.” Rama, ever mindful of the welfare of all, replied with gentle wisdom: “O revered one, the people of the city and countryside are nearby. If they see me here, they will surely come to this hermitage to see Vaidehī and me. For this reason, I do not wish to reside here. But look—there at the edge is an excellent hermitage site. There, Vaidehī, daughter of Janaka, who deserves happiness, will find delight.” Hearing these auspicious words, the great sage Bharadvaja responded with kindness: “Ten krośas from here, dear one, is a mountain fit for your dwelling. It is holy, frequented by great sages, and pleasant to behold from all sides. It is known as Citrakūṭa, a place where cows, langurs, monkeys, and bears roam, and which resembles the mountain Gandhamādana. As far as one can see the peaks of Citrakūṭa, auspiciousness abides, and the mind does not turn to evil. Many sages have spent a hundred autumns there; through their austerities, they have ascended to heaven. I believe this secluded place will be comfortable for you. Whether here or in the forest, stay with me, O Rama.” With these words, the sage, knower of righteousness, welcomed Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana as dear guests, offering them all they desired. That night, as Rama arrived at Prayaga to meet the great sage, they spent the blessed hours recounting many wondrous tales. The weary descendant of Kakutstha, accustomed to comfort, spent the night happily with Sita and Lakshmana in the delightful hermitage of Bharadvaja. When dawn broke, Rama, the tiger among men, approached the sage, whose presence shone with ascetic power. “O truthful one,” he said, “having spent the night in your hermitage, we now seek your permission to depart.” With the new day, Bharadvaja replied, “Go to Citrakūṭa, abundant with honey, roots, and fruits. That place is suitable for your dwelling, O mighty Rama—adorned with flocks of birds, and frequented by Kinnaras and serpents. There, the calls of peacocks resound, lordly elephants wander, and the renowned mountain Citrakūṭa awaits you. Let that be your destination.