Rama, preparing for the journey across the Yamuna, carefully placed his quivers and weapons onto the sturdy raft. With gentle care, he seated Sita first, and then, together with Lakshmana, the two sons of Dasaratha grasped the raft and began their crossing. As they reached the middle of the swift-flowing Kalindi, Sita folded her hands in reverence and prayed to the river. “Farewell, O goddess,” she intoned. “May I cross you safely, and may my vow of fidelity be preserved. I promise to worship you with a thousand cows and a hundred jars of liquor.” She continued, “Farewell, when Rama returns to the city protected by the Ikshvakus.” With these heartfelt words, Sita, palms joined, sought the river’s blessing. Soon, they reached the southern bank. Sita, radiant and beautiful, stepped ashore, having crossed the shining, wave-tossed Yamuna. The banks were lined with many trees, and, leaving the raft behind, the three travelers continued their journey through the Yamuna forest. After some distance, they found shade beneath a dark, lush banyan tree. The coolness and verdant leaves offered comfort, and Sita, approaching the tree with reverence, spoke softly: “Salutations to you, great tree! May my vow of fidelity be fulfilled, and may I see Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra again.” She circled the tree with joined palms, making her request with pure devotion. Witnessing Sita’s faultless conduct, Rama, ever loving and dutiful, turned to Lakshmana. “Take Sita and go ahead, O younger brother of Bharata,” he instructed. “I will follow behind, armed. Whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, offer it to her wherever her heart delights.” And so, Sita walked between the two brothers—lovely as an elephant-cow between two noble tuskers—her gaze lingering on each tree, bush, and flowering vine that adorned their path. As they walked, Sita noticed many beautiful, blossoming trees she had never seen before. With gentle curiosity, she asked Rama about them. Eager to fulfill her wishes, Lakshmana led her to a river whose sands gleamed in many hues, where the calls of swans and cranes echoed. There, Sita, daughter of King Janaka, delighted in the river’s beauty. After traveling about a krosha further, Rama and Lakshmana hunted and brought down many noble deer, wandering through the enchanting Yamuna forest. The woods, alive with peacocks and elephants, brought them joy. Eventually, they reached a pleasing riverside grove, and there, free from sorrow, they settled for the night. With the passing of night, as dawn broke, Rama noticed Lakshmana still asleep. Gently, he awakened him, “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures—it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” Thus roused at the proper moment, Lakshmana cast off all sleep and fatigue, ready for the journey ahead. All three rose, touched the auspicious waters of the river, and set out along the path shown by the sages, making their way toward Chitrakuta. Rama, walking with Saumitri, spoke lovingly to Sita, whose eyes were like lotus petals: “Vaidehi, see how the trees bloom all around, aflame with flowers. The silk-cotton trees are heavy with blossoms as winter ends. Look at the bhallātaka trees, untouched by people, bowed down with fruit and leaves—surely I will be able to live here. “Lakshmana, see how honeycombs the size of baskets hang from every mountain, filled with honey by bees. Hear the natyūha bird’s cry and the peacock’s answering call in this delightful forest thick with flower beds. 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 with Sita, they reached the charming mountain, Chitrakuta, a place delightful to the mind. The mountain teemed with many kinds of birds, abundant roots and fruits, beautiful lakes, and sparkling waters. “This lovely bank, gentle one, is covered with many trees and vines, rich in roots and fruits—well suited for our life,” Rama said. “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 ever righteous, welcomed them warmly, inviting them to be seated. Rama, the mighty-armed elder brother of Lakshmana, introduced himself properly to the sage and then spoke, “Lakshmana, bring strong and excellent wood; build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Obediently, Saumitri gathered various kinds of wood and built a leaf hut, skillfully tying it together. When the hut was complete and beautiful, Rama spoke to his attentive younger brother, “Let us offer the meat of a deer here in the hut, Saumitri; the ritual for settling a dwelling must be performed by those who wish for long life.” Thus, in reverence and harmony, they began their new life in the sacred woods of Chitrakuta.