As Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana prepared to continue their journey, Sita turned to the sacred river Yamuna, also called Kalindi. With hands joined in reverence, she prayed, “Farewell—when Rama returns to the city protected by the Ikshvakus, may we meet again.” Having offered her respects, the beautiful Sita boarded a raft and, together with Rama and Lakshmana, crossed the shining, swiftly flowing, wave-covered river to its southern bank. The banks of the Yamuna, lush with many trees, welcomed them as they left the raft behind and set out from the forest that bordered the river. Soon, they paused beneath a great banyan tree, its thick green leaves casting a cool, soothing shade. Approaching the tree, Sita, also called Vaidehi, spoke with devotion: “Salutations to you, great tree! May my vow of fidelity be fulfilled, and may I see Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra again.” With palms joined, Sita circumambulated the banyan tree, her heart full of hope and prayer. Witnessing Sita’s pure devotion, Rama, ever loving and attentive, turned to Lakshmana and said, “Take Sita and go ahead, O Bharata’s younger brother. I will follow behind, armed, best among men. Wherever Janaka’s daughter desires fruit or flower, offer it to her.” So, as they proceeded, Sita walked between the two brothers—graceful as an elephant-cow between two mighty tuskers—her gaze lingering on every tree, bush, and blossoming vine along their path. As they moved through the forest, Sita marveled at the many beautiful, unfamiliar trees in bloom. With gentle curiosity, she asked Rama about each one. Eager to please her, Lakshmana led Sita to a riverbank adorned with colorful sands and alive with the calls of swans and cranes. There, Sita delighted in the sight of the river’s sparkling waters. After traveling about a krosha further, Rama and Lakshmana hunted and brought down several noble deer, wandering through the Yamuna forest, which was alive with peacocks and elephants. Enjoying the beauty of the woodland, they eventually reached a pleasant riverside grove and settled there, their hearts free from sorrow. With this, the fifty-fifth sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda concludes, and the fifty-sixth begins. When the night had passed, Rama found Lakshmana still asleep. Gently, he awakened his brother, saying, “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures; it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” Stirred by these words, Lakshmana cast off the last remnants of sleep and fatigue. The three rose and, after touching the auspicious river water, followed the path pointed out by the sages toward Chitrakuta. As they set out at the proper hour, Rama turned to Sita, whose eyes resembled lotus petals, and spoke: “Vaidehi, see how the trees all around are blooming as if aflame, the silk-cotton trees heavy with flowers at the end of winter. Look at the bhallātaka trees, untouched by people, bent low with fruit and leaves; surely, I will be able to live here. Behold, Lakshmana, honeycombs as large as baskets hang from every mountain, filled with honey by the bees. Listen—the natyūha bird calls, and the peacock answers, in this delightful forest thick with beds of flowers. See this mountain, its peaks towering, herds of elephants following along, its slopes echoing with flocks of birds and varied beauty. 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, Rama and Lakshmana at last reached the charming mountain of Chitrakuta, a place delightful to the mind. The mountain teemed with birds of every kind, abounded in roots and fruits, and was adorned with beautiful lakes and streams. Rama pointed out a lovely riverbank, rich with trees and vines, and said, “This place, gentle one, is abundant in roots and fruits and 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 and invited them to be seated. After properly introducing himself to the sage, Rama said to Lakshmana, “Bring strong and excellent wood, dear one, and build a dwelling, for my heart delights in staying here.” At his brother’s command, Lakshmana gathered various kinds of wood and constructed a beautiful, well-tied leaf hut. When the hut was complete, Rama, pleased, spoke to his attentive 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. Kill a deer and bring it quickly, Lakshmana, for this must be done; remember the rule prescribed in the scriptures, which is righteous.” Understanding his brother’s command, Lakshmana did as instructed, and Rama spoke again: “Let this black antelope be prepared as an offering; we shall perform the sacrifice. Hurry, gentle one, for this moment is fleeting, and the day is surely passing.” Thus, in devotion, harmony, and righteousness, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana began their life in the sacred forests of Chitrakuta.