In the heart of the forest, there was a sacred and beautiful place, abundant with roots and fruits, where herds of elephants and groups of deer wandered freely in every direction. Rāma was told that he would see these herds roaming along the forest’s edge, near riverbanks, slopes, and mountain streams. As he traveled with Sītā, his heart would rejoice on that auspicious earth, echoing with the calls of cranes and cuckoos, and alive with many intoxicated deer and elephants. Amidst such delight, he would find a most charming hermitage. After spending the night there, the two princes, Rāma and Lakshmana—destroyers of foes—paid their respects to the great sage and prepared to journey toward the mountain. The sage blessed their path, and, filled with affection, followed them as a father would his sons. Sage Bharadvāja, radiant in his ascetic power, then addressed Rāma, who was steadfast in truth and valor. He advised, “When you reach the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, O best of men, follow the Kālindī river, which flows westward.” Upon arriving at the swift-flowing Kālindī and seeing its ancient, sacred ford, the two descendants of Raghu beheld its beauty. The sage instructed them to fashion a raft and cross the shining river. On the southern bank, they would find a grand banyan tree with lush green foliage, grown large amidst many other trees and frequented by perfected beings. There, Sītā should offer her joined palms and utter auspicious blessings. After reaching the banyan tree, they could rest or continue onward. About a krosha further, they would see the blue forest, beautiful with palāśa and jujube trees, and bamboo from the Yamuna. The sage shared that he had traveled this pleasant and gentle path to Citrakuta many times, and assured them it was free from forest fires. Having described the way, the great sage turned back. Rāma respectfully replied, “So be it,” and dismissed the sage, who withdrew. As the sage departed, Rāma spoke to Lakshmana, “We are truly blessed, O Saumitri, that the sage shows us such compassion.” The two mighty and wise brothers conferred together. Placing Sītā at the front, they made their way to the river Kālindī. Upon reaching its swiftly flowing waters, they constructed a sturdy raft from bundles of wood, covering it with dry bamboo and wrapping it with roots. Lakshmana gathered branches of cane and jambu trees, and, after cutting them, made a comfortable seat for Sītā. Rāma then seated his beloved, as if placing her on a throne of fortune. They placed their bows and arrows on the raft, along with Sītā’s garments and warm coverings. Rāma also placed the hard quivers and weapons beside Sītā. With Sītā seated first, the two brothers took hold of the raft and began their crossing. As they reached the middle of the Kālindī, Sītā offered her salutations, praying, “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, when Rāma returns to the city protected by the Ikshvakus.” With joined palms, Sītā prayed to the river Kalindi. Having reached the southern bank, the beautiful Sītā crossed the shining, swiftly flowing, wave-covered river by raft. With many trees lining its banks, they crossed the Yamuna river, and, leaving the raft behind, set out from the Yamuna forest. They rested beneath a cool, lush, dark banyan tree with green leaves. Approaching the tree, Vaidehi spoke, “Salutations to you, great tree! May my vow of fidelity be fulfilled, may I see Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra again.” Sītā, joining her palms, circled the tree. Seeing her faultless devotion, Rāma, loving and dutiful, said to Lakshmana, “Take Sītā and go ahead, O Bharata’s younger brother. I will follow behind, armed. Whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, give to Vaidehi wherever her heart delights.” As they walked, Janaka’s daughter moved between the two brothers, lovely as an elephant-cow between two mighty tuskers, gazing at each tree, bush, or flowering vine. Seeing many beautiful, blossoming trees she had never seen before, gentle Sītā asked Rāma about them. Eager to fulfill Sītā’s wishes, Lakshmana led her to a river adorned with varied sands and the calls of swans and cranes. There, Sītā delighted in gazing at the river. After traveling about a krosha further, the brothers, having slain many noble deer, wandered in the Yamuna forest. Enjoying the beautiful surroundings, filled with peacocks and elephants, they reached a pleasing riverside grove and settled there, free from sorrow. When the night had passed and Lakshmana was still asleep, Rāma, the scion of Raghu, gently awakened him, ready to continue their journey.