The sage spoke with warmth and reverence, guiding Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa toward their next destination: the renowned mountain Citrakūṭa. “Let Citrakūṭa be your goal,” he said, “a place where the calls of peacocks echo through the air and lordly elephants roam. That sacred and beautiful mountain is rich with many kinds of roots and fruits, and herds of elephants and groups of deer wander freely throughout its forests.” He painted a vivid picture for Rāma: “You will see those herds, O Rāghava, wandering at the forest’s edge and along the banks of rivers, on the slopes, and beside the mountain streams. As you walk there with Sītā, your heart will rejoice on that auspicious earth, alive with the joyful calls of cranes and cuckoos, and filled with many intoxicated deer and elephants. There, you will find a most delightful hermitage.” Having spent the night at the sage’s hermitage, the two princes—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, destroyers of their foes—rose at dawn and paid their respects to the great sage Bharadvāja. The sage, radiant with ascetic power, blessed them for their journey and, like a loving father seeing his sons off, accompanied them for a time. Then, Bharadvāja spoke to Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor: “When you reach the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, O best of men, follow the Kālindī river as it flows westward. When you come to the swift-flowing Kālindī, you will see the ancient, sacred ford of that river.” He instructed them further: “There, after fashioning a raft, you should cross the shining river. On the far bank, you will find a great banyan tree, lush and green, grown large with many trees and dark with shade, frequented by perfected beings. There, Sītā should offer her prayers and auspicious blessings with joined palms. After you reach that tree, you may rest or continue on. If you go about a krosha further, you will see the blue forest—beautiful, filled with palāśa and jujube trees, and bamboo from the Yamunā. I have taken that path to Citrakūṭa many times. It is pleasant, gentle, and free from forest fires.” Having described the way, the great sage turned back. Rāma respectfully replied, “So be it,” and, after taking leave, watched as the sage withdrew. As he departed, Rāma said to Lakṣmaṇa, “We are truly blessed, O Saumitri, that the sage shows us such compassion.” The two brothers, mighty and wise, conferred together. With Sītā at the front, they made their way to the river Kālindī. Upon reaching its swift, shining waters, they gathered wood and constructed a sturdy raft, covering it with dry bamboo and wrapping it with roots. Lakṣmaṇa, resourceful and strong, gathered branches of cane and jambu trees and fashioned a comfortable seat for Sītā. Rāma tenderly seated her upon it, as if placing her on a throne of fortune. They placed their bows, arrows, and quivers on the raft, along with Sītā’s garments and warm coverings. Once Sītā was seated, the two brothers took hold of the raft and set out. When they reached the middle of the river, Sītā offered her salutations to the goddess of the Kālindī: “Farewell, O goddess! May I cross you safely; may my vow of fidelity be preserved. I will worship you with a thousand cows and a hundred jars of liquor. Farewell, until Rāma returns to the city protected by the Ikṣvākus.” With joined palms, Sītā prayed to the river. Crossing the shining, swift, and wave-covered river, they reached the southern bank. With many trees lining the shore, they left the raft behind and entered the Yamunā forest. There, beneath a dark and lush banyan tree, they paused to rest. Sītā approached the tree and, joining her palms, prayed: “Salutations to you, great tree! May my vow of fidelity be fulfilled; may I see Kausalyā and the illustrious Sumitrā again.” She circled the tree in reverence, her devotion shining forth. Witnessing Sītā’s piety, Rāma, ever loving and dutiful, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa: “Take Sītā and go ahead, O Bharata’s younger brother. I will follow behind, armed. Whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, give it to her wherever her heart delights.” Thus, Sītā walked between the two brothers—lovely as an elephant-cow between two mighty tuskers—her eyes wandering with wonder to each tree, bush, and flowering vine. As they journeyed, Sītā saw many beautiful, blossoming trees she had never encountered before. With gentle curiosity, she asked Rāma about them. Eager to fulfill her wishes, Lakṣmaṇa led her to a river adorned with colorful sands and filled with the calls of swans and cranes. Sītā delighted in gazing at the river, and after traveling about a krosha further, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa hunted many noble deer in the Yamunā forest. After enjoying the beautiful forest, alive with peacocks and elephants, they reached a pleasing riverside grove and settled there, their hearts free from sorrow.