Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana journeyed onward, making their way toward the sacred place where the mighty Bhagirathi Ganga meets the Yamuna. Their path led them into a vast and dense forest, alive with mystery and beauty. As they traveled, the illustrious trio beheld many lands and delightful sights that were new to their eyes, marveling at the wonders of the world unfolding before them. Journeying safely through the wilderness, they passed beneath the shade of many kinds of trees. As the day drew to a close, Rama turned to his brother Saumitri and spoke: “Look, Saumitri, near Prayaga, a column of smoke is rising. I believe it is the sacred fire of a sage—the sign of divine Agni.” Listening closely, Rama continued, “Surely we have come to the very confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, for I hear the sound of water striking against water.” Their eyes fell upon logs split by forest dwellers, and in the ashram of the sage Bharadvaja, they saw many different trees. With hearts uplifted, the two archers pressed on as the sun sank lower, at last reaching the sage’s dwelling at the sacred confluence of the rivers. As Rama entered the ashram, his presence startled the deer and birds that lived there. After walking for a while, he approached the great sage Bharadvaja. Together with Sita, Rama and Lakshmana, wishing to see the sage, respectfully stood at a distance. Entering the hermitage, they saw the great-souled Bharadvaja, surrounded by his devoted disciples. The sage was steadfast in his vows, focused, and radiant with the vision that comes from deep austerity. Seeing the sage’s sacred fire offering, Rama, accompanied by Saumitri and Sita, greeted Bharadvaja with joined palms, full of reverence. 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; she, blameless, has accompanied me into this lonely forest of asceticism. Saumitra, my dear younger brother, has followed me, sent into exile by our father; this brother, firm in his vows, has come with me into the forest. O revered one, instructed by our father, we shall enter the forest of austerity, and there, we will practice only righteousness, living on roots and fruits.” Hearing these words of the wise prince, the righteous sage Bharadvaja brought a cow, offerings, and water for them. Scorched by his own austerities, the sage gave them various kinds of forest food—roots and fruits—and prepared a dwelling for their comfort. Surrounded by deer, birds, and other sages, Bharadvaja welcomed Rama with honor and warm greeting. Having received the sage’s offerings, Rama and his companions were seated, and Bharadvaja spoke words filled with righteousness: “O descendant of Kakutstha, after a long time, I see you come here. I have heard of your exile, which is without cause. Here, at the confluence of these great rivers, is a secluded, holy, and delightful place. Let the blessed ones dwell here happily.” Thus addressed, Rama—always devoted to the welfare of all—replied with gentle words: “O revered one, the people of the city and countryside are not far from here. If they see me here, I believe they will come to this hermitage. People will come to see Vaidehī and me; for this reason, I do not wish to reside here. O revered one, look—there is an excellent hermitage site at the edge; there, Vaidehī, the daughter of Janaka, who deserves happiness, will find delight.” Hearing these auspicious words, the great sage Bharadvaja spoke to Rama, conveying their deeper meaning: “Ten krośas from here, dear one, is a mountain where you will dwell. It is holy, frequented by great sages, and pleasant to behold from all sides. It is known as Citrakūṭa—inhabited by cows, langurs, monkeys, and bears, and it resembles the splendid Gandhamādana. As far as the eye can see the peaks of Citrakūṭa, one attains auspiciousness and the mind turns away from evil. Many sages have spent a hundred autumns there, and by their austerity, with skulls as headgear, they have ascended to heaven. I believe this secluded dwelling will be comfortable for you. Whether here or in the forest, stay, O Rama, together with me.” Bharadvaja, knower of righteousness, welcomed Rama—his dear guest—along with Sita and Lakshmana, offering all that they desired. So it was that Rama arrived at Prayaga to meet the great sage, and the blessed night passed as they recounted many wondrous tales. The descendant of Kakutstha, though weary and accustomed to comfort, spent that night happily with Sita and Lakshmana in the delightful hermitage of Bharadvaja. When the night had passed, Rama, the tiger among men, approached Bharadvaja and addressed the sage, radiant with ascetic power: “Having spent the night in your hermitage, O truthful one, we now seek your permission to depart from this dwelling.” At dawn, Bharadvaja replied, “Go to Citrakūṭa, abundant with honey, roots, and fruits. I believe that place is suitable for your dwelling, O mighty Rama—adorned with flocks of birds, frequented by Kinnaras and serpents. It resounds with the calls of peacocks and is attended by lordly elephants. That renowned mountain, Citrakūṭa, should be your destination. It is sacred and beautiful, rich with many roots and fruits; there, herds of elephants and groups of deer roam all around.” Thus, with the sage’s blessings and guidance, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana prepared to continue their journey, their hearts filled with gratitude and purpose.