As Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana journeyed through the forest, Lakshmana spoke with devotion, promising to follow behind, armed and vigilant, as the best among men. He vowed that whatever fruit or flower Janaka’s daughter, Sita, desired, he would ensure it was given to her wherever her heart delighted. As they walked, Sita moved between the two brothers, radiant and graceful, like an elephant-cow flanked by two mighty tuskers. She gazed with wonder at each tree, bush, and flowering vine along their path. Sita, gentle and curious, noticed many beautiful, blossoming trees she had never seen before and asked Rama about them. Eager to fulfill her wishes, Lakshmana led her to a river adorned with varied sands and enlivened by the calls of swans and cranes. Sita delighted in gazing at the river’s beauty. After traveling about a krosha further, Rama and Lakshmana hunted and slew noble deer in the Yamuna forest. They wandered, enjoying the forest’s splendor, where peacocks danced and elephants roamed, until they reached a pleasing riverside grove. There, they settled, free from sorrow. Thus ended the fifty-fifth sarga, and the fifty-sixth began. When the night had passed, Rama gently awakened Lakshmana, who was still asleep. “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures; it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic,” Rama said. Awakened at the right time, Lakshmana cast off sleep, drowsiness, and all 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 with Lakshmana, 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 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 area 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, the brothers 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 many trees and vines, rich in roots and fruits, and declared it well suited for their life. He noted that great sages dwelled on these rocky heights, and suggested, “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, saying, “Be seated,” and welcomed them warmly. Rama, the mighty-armed elder brother, properly introduced himself to the sage and then spoke to Lakshmana: “Bring strong and excellent wood; build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Hearing these words, Saumitri brought various kinds of wood and built a beautiful leaf hut. When Rama saw the completed, well-tied hut, he 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 then said, “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 without blood, Lakshmana 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 of immeasurable brilliance, entered the shelter, his mind filled with joy. He performed the Vaiśvadeva offering, as well as the fierce and the Vaiṣṇava rites, and began auspicious ceremonies to pacify the dwelling. Having properly recited the prayers and bathed in the river according to rule, Rama performed the highest offering to remove sin. Thus, the three found peace and contentment in their new home, surrounded by the beauty of Chitrakuta, guided by righteousness and the blessings of the sages.