At the confluence of two great rivers, in a secluded and sacred spot, Bharadvāja the sage spoke warmly to Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā: “Here is a holy and delightful place, hidden away from the world. Let the blessed ones dwell here happily.” Rāma, ever devoted to the welfare of all, listened respectfully and replied with gentle, auspicious words. “O revered one,” he said, “the people of the city and countryside are nearby. If I remain here, they will surely come to visit this hermitage. Many will come to see Vaidehī and myself, and for this reason, I do not wish to reside here.” He continued, “O revered one, look yonder—there lies an excellent hermitage site on the edge. There, Vaidehī, the daughter of Janaka, who deserves happiness, will find delight.” Hearing Rāma’s thoughtful words, the great sage Bharadvāja responded with wisdom. “Ten krośas from here, dear one, stands 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, visited by cows, langurs, monkeys, and bears, and resembles Gandhamādana itself. As far as a man can see its peaks, he attains auspiciousness and his mind does not turn to evil.” Bharadvāja spoke further, “Many sages have spent a hundred autumns there, and by their austerity, wearing 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 Rāma, together with me.” With great reverence, Bharadvāja, knower of righteousness, welcomed Rāma, his dear guest, along with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, offering them all they desired. As Rāma arrived at Prayāga to meet the sage, the blessed night passed in recounting many wondrous tales. The descendant of Kakutstha, weary and accustomed to comfort, spent that night happily with Sītā as the third, in the delightful hermitage of Bharadvāja. When dawn broke, Rāma—the tiger among men—approached Bharadvāja and spoke to him, whose ascetic power shone brightly: “Having spent the night in your hermitage, O truthful one, we now seek your permission to depart from this dwelling.” When the night had ended, Bharadvāja said, “Go to Citrakūṭa, abundant with honey, roots, and fruits. That place is suitable for your dwelling, O mighty Rāma—adorned with various 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; herds of elephants and groups of deer roam all around. You will see those herds 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 concluded the fifty-fifth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having spent the night there, the two princes—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, destroyers of foes—paid their respects to the great sage and then set out toward the mountain. The sage performed a blessing for their journey, and, watching them depart, followed them as a father might follow his sons. Bharadvāja, radiant in ascetic power, spoke to Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor: “Having reached the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, O best of men, you should follow the Kālindī river, which flows westward. When you reach the swift-flowing Kālindī and see the ancient, sacred ford, behold it well. There, after making a raft, you should cross the shining river. Then, reaching a great banyan tree with green foliage—grown large with many trees, dark, and frequented by perfected beings—there, Sītā should offer joined palms and utter auspicious blessings.” He continued, “Having reached that tree, you may stay or move on. After going about a krosha further, you will see the blue forest, beautiful and mixed with palāśa and jujube trees, and with bamboo from the Yamuna. That path to Citrakūṭa I have taken many times. It is pleasant, gentle, and free from forest fires.” Thus describing the path, the great sage turned back. Rāma respectfully replied, “So be it,” and dismissed the sage. As Bharadvāja departed, Rāma spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, “We are truly blessed, O Saumitri, that the sage shows us such compassion.” The two mighty and wise men conferred together. Placing Sītā at the front, they went to the river Kālindī. Upon reaching the swiftly flowing Kālindī, they made a great raft from bundles of wood. Covered with dry bamboo and wrapped with roots, the strong Lakṣmaṇa gathered branches of cane and jambu trees. Having cut them, he made a comfortable seat for Sītā. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, seated his beloved as if placing her upon a throne of fortune. They placed their bows and arrows on the raft, and at Sītā’s side, her garments and warm coverings. Thus, Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa began their journey toward Citrakūṭa, guided by Bharadvāja’s wisdom and blessings, seeking solace and happiness in the sacred forest.