As Rāma prepared to enter the forest, he was told, “O Rāghava, you will see herds of animals wandering at the forest’s edge, along the riverbanks, slopes, and mountain streams nearby.” The auspicious earth would resound with the joyful calls of cranes and cuckoos, and be filled with many intoxicated deer and elephants. As he roamed with Sītā, his heart would rejoice, for he would find a most delightful hermitage in that vibrant wilderness. After spending the night in the company of the great sage Bharadvāja, the two princes—Rāma and Lakshmana, destroyers of foes—paid their respects to the sage before setting out toward the mountain. Bharadvāja performed a blessing for their journey and, watching them depart, followed them with the affection of a father for his sons. Radiant in ascetic power, the sage Bharadvāja addressed Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, saying, “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 of that river, you will behold it. There, after making a raft, you should cross the shining river; then, you will come upon a great banyan tree with green foliage—grown large with many trees, dark, frequented by perfected beings. There, Sītā should offer joined palms and utter auspicious blessings. “Having reached that tree, you may stay or move on. After traveling 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 Citrakuta I have taken many times; it is pleasant, gentle, and free from forest fires.” Having thus described the path, the great sage turned back. Rāma respectfully replied, “So be it,” and, dismissed by Rāma, the sage 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 the swiftly flowing river, they gathered a bundle of wood and made a great raft. They covered it with dry bamboo and wrapped it with roots, then Lakshmana, strong and attentive, gathered branches of cane and jambu trees. After cutting them, Lakshmana made a comfortable seat for Sītā. Rāma, son of Dasaratha, seated his beloved as if placing her on a throne of fortune. They placed their bows and arrows on the raft, and at Sītā’s side, her garments and warm coverings. Rāma also placed the hard quivers along with the weapons. First seating Sītā, the two brothers took hold of the raft and began to cross. 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. Having reached the southern bank, the beautiful Sītā, by raft, crossed the shining, swiftly flowing, wave-covered river. With many trees lining the banks, they crossed the Yamuna river. Leaving the raft behind, they set out from the Yamuna forest. They sat beneath a dark banyan tree, cool and lush with green leaves. Approaching the banyan, 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, making her request. Seeing Sītā’s devotion, Rāma, loving and dutiful, spoke to Lakshmana, “Take Sītā and go ahead, O Bharata’s younger brother. I will follow behind, armed, best among men; whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, give to Vaidehi wherever her heart delights.” Thus, Janaka’s daughter walked 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, the 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 Rāma and Lakshmana, having slain many noble deer, wandered in the Yamuna forest. After enjoying the beautiful forest, 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 gently awakened him. “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures; it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” Thus, their journey continued, guided by the blessings of sages, the beauty of nature, and the devotion of Sītā.