After the sage had offered his guidance and, with respectful words, taken his leave, Rama turned to Lakshmana and spoke warmly. “How truly blessed we are, O Saumitri,” he said, “that the sage shows us such compassion.” The two brothers, mighty and wise, shared their gratitude before turning again to their journey. With Sita walking before them, Rama and Lakshmana made their way to the banks of the river Kalindi. Upon reaching its swiftly flowing waters, they set about constructing a raft. Gathering a bundle of wood, they fashioned a sturdy craft, covering it with dry bamboo and binding it with strong roots. Lakshmana, ever resourceful, collected branches from cane and jambu trees and crafted a comfortable seat for Sita. Rama, with tender care, seated his beloved upon it, as if placing her upon a throne of fortune. They loaded the raft with their bows and arrows, and placed Sita’s garments and warm coverings at her side. The quivers and weapons were carefully arranged, and, with Sita seated first, the two brothers took hold of the raft and began their crossing. As they reached the middle of the Kalindi, Sita joined her palms in reverence and offered salutations to the river goddess. “Farewell, O goddess!” she prayed. “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 Rama returns to the city protected by the Ikshvakus.” With these heartfelt words, Sita honored the river as they made their way across. Upon reaching the southern bank, Sita—radiant and resolute—stepped onto the shore. The three, having crossed the shining, wave-covered Yamuna, left their raft behind and continued on foot, leaving the Yamuna forest behind them. Soon, they found a cool and lush banyan tree, its dark branches offering shade. There, Sita approached the sacred tree, joined her palms, and circled it in reverence. “Salutations to you, great tree!” she prayed. “May my vow of fidelity be fulfilled, may I see Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra again.” Rama, witnessing Sita’s devotion, spoke gently to Lakshmana, “Take Sita and go ahead, O Bharata’s younger brother. I will follow behind, armed, best among men; whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, offer it to her wherever her heart delights.” Thus they continued, with Sita walking between the two brothers—lovely as an elephant-cow between two mighty tuskers—her gaze wandering to every tree, bush, and flowering vine along their path. As she beheld many beautiful and unfamiliar trees, gentle Sita asked Rama about each one. Eager to fulfill her wishes, Lakshmana led Sita to a nearby river, its sands bright and varied, alive with the calls of swans and cranes. There, Sita delighted in the beauty of the river. After traveling about a krosha further, Rama and Lakshmana, skilled hunters, brought down many noble deer as they wandered through the Yamuna forest. The forest was alive with peacocks and elephants, and after enjoying its beauty, the three settled in a pleasing riverside grove, free from sorrow. Thus ended their day. When night had passed, Rama, ever attentive, gently awakened Lakshmana, who still slept. “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures; it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic,” Rama said. Awakened by his brother’s gentle words, Lakshmana cast off all sleep and fatigue. Together, they rose, purified themselves with the auspicious river water, and set out along the path shown by the sages, making their way toward Chitrakuta. As they journeyed, Rama spoke to Sita, whose eyes shone like lotus petals. “Vaidehi, see the trees all around, blooming as if aflame, the silk-cotton trees heavy with their own flowers at the end of winter. See the bhallātaka trees, untouched by people, bowed down with fruit and leaves—surely I will be able to live here. Look, Lakshmana, honeycombs the size of baskets hang from every mountain, filled with honey by the bees. Here the natyūha bird cries out, and the peacock answers, in this delightful forest thick with beds of flowers. See this mountain, its peaks towering, followed by herds of elephants and echoing with flocks of birds, its slopes varied and beautiful. On this lovely level ground, covered with many trees, we shall enjoy ourselves, dear one, in the sacred woods of Chitrakuta.” Walking together, the three reached the enchanting mountain of Chitrakuta, a place teeming with many kinds of birds, abundant in roots and fruits, beautiful, and rich with lakes and streams. “This lovely bank, gentle one, is covered with many trees and vines; rich in roots and fruits, it seems well suited for our life. Great sages dwell on these rocky heights; let this be our dwelling for now, dear one, and let us enjoy ourselves here,” Rama said, his heart at peace in the sacred woods of Chitrakuta.