As Rama and Lakshmana journeyed together, Rama pointed out to Saumitri, “Look, near Prayaga, there rises a column of smoke. I believe it is the sacred fire of a sage—the sign of the divine Agni.” The brothers sensed they had reached the holy confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, for the sound of water striking against water filled their ears. Around them, logs split by forest dwellers lay scattered, and in the ashram of the sage Bharadvaja, many kinds of trees flourished. With hearts uplifted, the two archers continued onward as the day waned, and soon they arrived at the sage’s dwelling, situated at the sacred meeting of the rivers. Rama’s arrival startled the deer and birds of the forest, and after walking a while, he approached the sage Bharadvaja. Accompanied by Sita, the two heroes, wishing to meet the sage, respectfully stood at a distance. Entering the hermitage, they beheld the great-souled Bharadvaja, surrounded by his disciples. The sage was steadfast in his vows, focused in mind, and endowed with vision gained through austerity. Observing the sacred fire offering, Rama, along with Saumitri and Sita, greeted the sage with joined palms, full of reverence. Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, then introduced himself: “Revered one, we are the sons of Dasharatha—Rama and Lakshmana. This is my wife, Vaidehī, the virtuous daughter of Janaka; blameless, she has accompanied me into this lonely forest of asceticism. Saumitra, my dear younger brother, has followed me, sent into exile by our father; firm in his vows, he has come with me to the forest. O revered one, instructed by our father, we enter the forest of austerity, where we shall practice only righteousness, subsisting on roots and fruits.” Hearing these words of the wise prince, the righteous 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 greeting. After Rama received the offering and was seated, Bharadvaja 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 is a secluded place at the confluence of the great rivers—holy and delightful. Let the blessed ones dwell here happily.” Rama, ever devoted to the welfare of all, replied with auspicious words: “O revered one, the people of the city and countryside are nearby. If they see me here, I believe they will visit this hermitage. People will come to see Vaidehī and me; for this reason, I do not wish to reside here. O revered one, look at that excellent hermitage site at the edge; there, Vaidehī, the daughter of Janaka, deserving of happiness, will find delight.” Hearing these auspicious words, the great sage Bharadvaja spoke to Rama, conveying their meaning: “Ten krośas from here, dear one, is a mountain where you may dwell. It is holy, frequented by great sages, and pleasant to behold from all sides. It is known as Citrakūṭa, frequented by cows, langurs, monkeys, and bears, and resembles Gandhamādana. As far as a man can see the peaks of Citrakūṭa, he attains auspiciousness and his mind does not turn to evil. Many sages have spent a hundred autumns there; by their austerity, with skulls as headgear, they have ascended to heaven. I think 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 them all they desired. As Rama arrived at Prayaga to meet the great sage, the blessed night passed as they recounted many wondrous tales. The descendant of Kakutstha, weary and accustomed to comfort, spent that night happily with Sita as the third, in the delightful hermitage of Bharadvaja. When the night had passed, Rama, the tiger among men, approached Bharadvaja and spoke to the sage blazing with ascetic power: “Having spent the night in your hermitage, O truthful one, we now seek your permission to depart from this dwelling.” As the night ended, Bharadvaja said, “Go to Citrakūṭa, abundant with honey, roots, and fruits. I think that place is suitable for your dwelling, O mighty Rama—adorned with various flocks of birds, frequented by Kinnaras and serpents. Resounding with the calls of peacocks and attended by lordly elephants, that renowned mountain Citrakūṭa should be your destination. It is sacred and beautiful, rich with many roots and fruits; herds of elephants and groups of deer roam all around. You will see those herds, O Rāghava, wandering at the forest’s edge, and the riverbanks, slopes, and mountain streams nearby. As you roam with Sita, your heart will rejoice—on that auspicious earth, resounding with the calls of joyful cranes and cuckoos, and filled with many intoxicated deer and elephants, you will find a most delightful hermitage.” Thus concludes the fifty-fifth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa.