With loving care and unwavering duty, Rama turned to Lakshmana and gently spoke, “Take Sita and go ahead, O younger brother of Bharata.” He assured Lakshmana, “I will follow behind, armed, best among men; whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter desires, give to Vaidehi wherever her heart delights.” Thus, as they journeyed, Sita walked between the two brothers, radiant and graceful. She appeared as lovely as an elephant-cow walking between two mighty tuskers, gazing at each tree, bush, and flowering vine along the way. Seeing many beautiful, blossoming trees she had never encountered before, gentle Sita asked Rama about them, her curiosity awakened by the wonders of the forest. 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, the daughter of King Janaka delighted in gazing upon the river’s beauty. After traveling about a krosha further, the brothers 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, they settled, free from sorrow. Thus ended the fifty-fifth sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda in the glorious Valmiki Ramayana. When the night had passed and Lakshmana still slept, Rama, scion of Raghu, gently awakened him. “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 moment, Lakshmana cast off sleep, drowsiness, and all fatigue from their journey. All three rose, touched the auspicious river water, and followed the path indicated by the sages toward Chitrakuta. Setting out at the proper time with Saumitri, Rama spoke to Sita, whose eyes were like lotus petals: “Vaidehi, see the trees all around, blooming as if aflame, the silk-cotton trees heavy with 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.” He called out to Lakshmana, “Look, honeycombs the size of baskets hang from every mountain, filled with honey by the busy 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 Citrakūṭa.” Walking together with Sita, they reached the charming mountain Chitrakuta, delightful to the mind. Arriving at the mountain, teeming with many kinds of birds, abundant in roots and fruits, beautiful and rich with lakes and water, 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, honored them warmly, saying, “Be seated,” and welcomed them. 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 the words, Saumitri brought various kinds of wood and built a leaf hut, skillfully subduing all obstacles. Seeing the completed hut, well-tied 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. 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 it was thoroughly roasted and without blood, Lakshmana, tiger among men, spoke to Raghava, “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 and virtuous, learned in sacred chants, bathed and recited all the concluding mantras of the sacrifice. Having worshipped all the hosts of gods, Rama, pure and of immeasurable brilliance, entered the shelter with joy in his heart. He performed the Vaiśvadeva offering, as well as the fierce and Vaiṣṇava rites, and began auspicious ceremonies to pacify and bless the dwelling.