Rāma, standing amidst the forest, spoke with deep affection of his younger brother Saumitra, the steadfast Lakṣmaṇa. “My dear brother, sent into exile by our father, has chosen to follow me,” he said. “Resolute in his vows, he has accompanied me here into the wilderness.” He then addressed the revered sage before him: “O venerable one, following our father’s command, we are entering this forest of austerity. Here, we shall live only by righteousness, sustaining ourselves on roots and fruits.” Hearing these words of wisdom from Rāma, the noble prince, the sage—righteous and compassionate—brought forth a cow, sacred offerings, and water for their welcome. This sage, his body bearing the marks of great austerities, offered them various forest foods—roots and fruits—and prepared a dwelling for their comfort. In that peaceful hermitage, surrounded by deer, birds, and sages, the sage honored Rāma with warmth and hospitality. After presenting his offerings and seating the illustrious Rāghava, the sage Bharadvāja spoke words filled with righteousness: “O descendant of Kakutstha, it is after a long time that I see you here. I have heard of your exile, which has come upon you without just cause.” He continued, “Here is a secluded spot at the confluence of great rivers, holy and delightful. Let you, the blessed ones, dwell here in happiness.” Thus addressed, Rāma, ever devoted to the welfare of all, replied with gentle and auspicious words: “O revered one, the people of the city and countryside are not far from here. If they see that I am here, I believe they will come to visit this hermitage. Many will wish to see Vaidehī and myself, and for this reason, I do not wish to reside so close.” He then pointed out, “O revered one, look at that excellent hermitage site on the edge. There, Vaidehī, the daughter of Janaka and deserving of happiness, will find delight.” Hearing these auspicious words, the great sage Bharadvāja responded to Rāma, conveying their meaning: “Ten krośas from here, dear one, is a mountain where you may dwell. It is holy, frequented by great sages, and pleasing to behold from every side. It is known as Citrakūṭa, a place where cows, langurs, monkeys, and bears roam, and it resembles the sacred Gandhamādana mountain. As far as one can see the peaks of Citrakūṭa, he attains auspiciousness and his mind turns not to evil.” He spoke further: “Many sages have spent a hundred autumns there, and by their austerities—with skulls as their headgear—they have ascended to heaven. I believe this secluded dwelling will be comfortable for you. Whether here or in the forest, stay, O Rāma, together with me.” With these words, Bharadvāja, knower of righteousness, welcomed Rāma, along with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, offering them all that they desired. As Rāma arrived at Prayāga to meet the great sage, the blessed night passed as they shared and recounted many wondrous tales. That night, the descendant of Kakutstha, though weary and accustomed to comfort, spent the hours happily with Sītā as the third, in the delightful hermitage of Bharadvāja. When the night had passed, Rāma—the tiger among men—approached the sage, radiant with ascetic power, and spoke: “Having spent the night in your hermitage, O truthful one, we now seek your permission to depart from this dwelling.” At the break of dawn, Bharadvāja said, “Go to Citrakūṭa, abundant with honey, roots, and fruits. I think that place is well suited for your dwelling, O mighty Rāma—adorned with 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 Sītā, 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 in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having spent the night there, the two princes—destroyers of foes—paid their respects to the great sage and set out toward the mountain. The sage performed a blessing for their journey and, watching them depart, followed them with the loving care of a father for his sons. Then, radiant in ascetic power, Bharadvāja spoke to Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor: “Having reached the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, O best of men, follow the Kālindī river, which flows westward. Upon reaching the swift-flowing Kālindī, you will see the ancient, sacred ford of that river. There, after making a raft, you should cross the shining waters. Then, reaching a great banyan tree with lush green foliage—grown large with many trees, dark, and frequented by perfected beings—there, Sītā should offer her joined palms and utter auspicious blessings.” He continued: “Having reached that tree, you may stay or move on. After traveling about a krosha further, you will see the blue forest, beautiful with palāśa and jujube trees, and bamboo from the Yamunā. That path to Citrakūṭa I have taken many times. It is pleasant, gentle, and free from forest fires.” Having thus described the path, the great sage Bharadvāja turned back, leaving Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa to journey onward toward their new home in the sacred forest of Citrakūṭa.