Lakshmana, ever attentive and resourceful, cut down branches and fashioned a comfortable seat for Sita. Rama, the noble son of Dasaratha, gently seated his beloved wife upon it, as though placing her upon a throne of fortune and honor. With care, they placed their bows and arrows upon the raft that would carry them across the river, and at Sita’s side they arranged her garments and warm coverings. Rama then set their sturdy quivers and weapons upon the raft as well. Ensuring Sita was safely seated first, the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, took hold of the raft and began their crossing. As the heroic sons of Dasaratha made their way over the waters, reaching the middle of the swift-flowing Kalindi, Sita paused to offer her salutations with joined palms. She prayed, “Farewell, O goddess! May I cross you safely, and may my vow of fidelity remain unbroken. I promise to worship you with a thousand cows and a hundred jars of liquor.” With reverence she continued, “Farewell—when Rama returns to the city protected by the Ikshvakus.” Thus, Sita prayed to the goddess of the river, her heart full of faith and hope. Safely reaching the southern bank, the radiant Sita stepped ashore. The three had crossed the shining, swiftly flowing, wave-laden Yamuna, its banks lined with many trees. Leaving the raft behind, they departed from the forested banks and pressed onward. Soon, they came to rest beneath a dark, lush banyan tree, its cool shade inviting after their journey. Approaching the tree, Sita, daughter of Janaka, spoke with humility and devotion: “Salutations to you, great tree! May my vow of fidelity be fulfilled. May I see Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra again.” With joined palms, Sita respectfully circled the tree, her heart steadfast and pure. Witnessing Sita’s reverence, Rama, ever loving and dutiful, turned to Lakshmana and said, “Take Sita and go ahead, O younger brother of Bharata. I will follow behind, armed and watchful. Whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires along the way, give it to Vaidehi wherever her heart delights.” Thus, as they traveled, Sita walked gracefully between the two brothers—lovely as an elephant-cow between two mighty tuskers—her eyes wandering to every tree, bush, and blossoming vine along their path. Marveling at the many beautiful and unfamiliar flowering trees, gentle Sita asked Rama about each one, her curiosity awakened by the wonders of the forest. Eager to fulfill her wishes, Lakshmana led her to a river adorned with colorful sands, its banks alive with the calls of swans and cranes. There, Sita delighted in gazing at the sparkling waters. After traveling about a krosha further, Rama and Lakshmana hunted and slew many noble deer as they wandered through the Yamuna forest. The three enjoyed the beauty of the woodlands, filled with peacocks and elephants, until they reached a pleasing riverside grove, where they settled for the night, free from sorrow. Thus ended their journey for that day. When night had passed and Lakshmana still slept, Rama, the scion of Raghu, gently awakened his brother. “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures. It is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” Awakened at the right time by his brother’s soothing words, Lakshmana cast off the last traces of sleep and fatigue. Rising together, they touched the auspicious waters of the river and set out, following the path indicated by the sages toward Chitrakuta. As they departed, Rama spoke to Sita, whose eyes were like lotus petals: “Vaidehi, see how the trees all around are blooming as if aflame, the silk-cotton trees heavy with their flowers at the end of winter. Look at the bhallātaka trees, untouched by people, bowed down with fruit and leaves. Surely, I will be able to live here.” He pointed out the honeycombs, large as baskets, hanging from every mountain, filled with honey by industrious 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, 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, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana reached the charming mountain of Chitrakuta, delightful to the mind and teeming with many kinds of birds. The area was abundant with roots and fruits, beautiful, and rich with lakes and clear waters. Rama said, “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.” With hands joined in reverence, Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana approached the hermitage and greeted the sage Valmiki. The great sage, delighted and knowing righteousness, welcomed them warmly, inviting them to be seated. After introducing himself respectfully to the sage, Rama turned to Lakshmana and said, “Lakshmana, bring strong and excellent wood; build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Hearing his brother’s words, Saumitri gathered various kinds of wood and built a sturdy leaf hut, ensuring their new home was secure and comfortable. Thus, in the sacred forest of Chitrakuta, the three settled, their hearts at peace, ready to begin this new chapter of their exile.