Sita, full of devotion, joined her palms and reverently circled a tree, offering her prayers. Rama, seeing his faultless wife thus engaged, spoke warmly to Lakshmana: “Take Sita and go ahead, O younger brother of Bharata.” He added, “I will follow behind, armed, best among men. Whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, give it to Vaidehi wherever her heart delights.” And so, as they set out, Sita walked between the two brothers, radiant and graceful, resembling a lovely elephant-cow flanked by two mighty tuskers. She moved between them, her eyes lingering on every tree, bush, and flowering vine they passed. As they journeyed, Sita saw many beautiful, blossoming trees she had never seen before. With gentle curiosity, she asked Rama about them. Eager to fulfill Sita’s wishes, Lakshmana led her to a river adorned with varied sands, alive with the calls of swans and cranes. There, Sita, daughter of King Janaka, delighted in gazing at the river’s beauty. After traveling about a krosha further, Rama and Lakshmana, having slain many noble deer, wandered through the Yamuna forest. They enjoyed the enchanting woods, filled with peacocks and elephants, until they reached a pleasing riverside grove. There, free from sorrow, they settled for the night. When the night had passed, Lakshmana still slept. Rama, scion of Raghu, gently awakened him. “Saumitri,” he said, “listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures; it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” Awakened at the right moment by his brother, Lakshmana cast off sleep and the fatigue of their journey. The three rose, touched the auspicious water of the river, and followed the path indicated by the sages toward Chitrakuta. Setting out at the proper time with Saumitri, Rama spoke tenderly to Sita, whose eyes were like lotus petals: “Vaidehi, see the trees all around, blooming as if aflame. The silk-cotton trees are heavy with their own flowers at the end of winter. See the blooming 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 with Sita, they reached the charming mountain, Chitrakuta, delightful to the mind. The mountain teemed with many kinds of birds, abundant in roots and fruits, beautiful and rich with lakes and water. Rama pointed out a lovely bank, covered with trees and vines, rich in roots and fruits, and said, “It seems well suited for our life.” He noted that great sages dwelled on the rocky heights, and suggested, “Let this be our dwelling for now, dear one, and let us enjoy ourselves here.” With joined hands in reverence, Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana approached the hermitage and greeted the sage Valmiki. The great sage, delighted and knowing righteousness, honored them, saying, “Be seated,” and welcomed them warmly. Rama, mighty-armed elder brother of Lakshmana, properly introduced himself to the sage and then spoke: “Lakshmana, bring strong and excellent wood; build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Hearing Rama’s words, Saumitri brought various kinds of wood and built a beautiful leaf hut. Rama, seeing the completed hut, well-tied and pleasing, 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. 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, slayer of enemies, did as instructed. 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.” Lakshmana, powerful son of Sumitra, killed the pure black antelope and cast it into the blazing fire. When he saw that it was cooked, thoroughly roasted, and free from blood, Lakshmana, tiger among men, spoke to Rama: “This black antelope is now fully prepared, O noble one, cooked as it should be. Like a god among men, offer the sacrifice, for you are skilled in the rites.” Rama, self-controlled, virtuous, and learned in sacred chants, bathed and then recited all the concluding mantras of the sacrifice. Having worshipped all the hosts of gods, Rama, pure and radiant, entered the shelter, his mind filled with joy.