As dawn broke and the forest lay quiet, Rama, the scion of the Raghu line, saw that Lakshmana was still asleep. With gentle affection, he roused his younger brother, saying, “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures. It is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” Awakened at the perfect moment by his brother’s voice, Lakshmana shook off the last traces of sleep and all the weariness of their journey. Rising together, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana performed their morning ablutions, touching the auspicious water of the river. They then followed the path the sages had shown, making their way toward the sacred mountain of Chitrakuta. At the proper hour, Rama turned to Sita, whose eyes shone like lotus petals, and spoke warmly: “Vaidehi, see how the trees around us are blooming, glowing as if aflame. The silk-cotton trees are heavy with their own bright flowers at winter’s end. “Look at the bhallātaka trees, untouched by people, their branches bowed with fruit and leaves. Surely, I could live here with ease. Lakshmana, see how 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. Look at this mountain, its peaks towering high, followed by herds of elephants, echoing with the calls of flocks of birds. Its slopes are 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, Rama and Lakshmana soon reached the charming mountain, Chitrakuta, a place delightful to the mind. The mountain teemed with many kinds of birds, abounded in roots and fruits, and was beautiful, rich with lakes and clear waters. Rama continued, “This lovely riverbank, gentle one, is covered with many trees and vines. Rich in roots and fruits, it seems perfectly 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 wise in righteousness, welcomed them warmly, inviting them to be seated and honoring them with kind words. Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, properly introduced himself to the sage, and then spoke to Lakshmana, “Lakshmana, bring strong and excellent wood. Build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Hearing these words, Saumitri gathered various kinds of wood and skillfully built a leaf hut, well-tied and beautiful. When the hut was completed, Rama turned 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, the 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 it was thoroughly roasted and free of 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 recited all the concluding mantras of the sacrifice. Having worshipped all the hosts of gods, Rama—pure and radiant—entered the shelter, his heart filled with joy. He performed the Vaiśvadeva offering, as well as the fierce and Vaiṣṇava rites, and began auspicious ceremonies to sanctify their new dwelling. After properly reciting the prayers and bathing in the river as prescribed, Rama performed the highest offering to remove all sin. He established altars, shrines, and sanctuaries appropriate to the hermitage. With forest garlands, fruits, roots, ripe meats as prescribed, water for libations, sacred darbha grass, and kindling as taught in the Vedas, the two brothers, together with Sita, satisfied all beings and, marked by auspicious signs, entered the beautiful leaf shelter. That delightful hut, well-built and sheltered from the wind, they entered together, as the hosts of gods would enter their noble assembly hall. In that excellent forest, resounding with wild beasts, filled with many kinds of deer and birds, and adorned with clusters of varied flowers, they rejoiced happily, their senses conquered. Having reached the charming, picturesque mountain and the sacred river Mālyavatī, frequented by deer and birds, Rama’s heart was uplifted. He rejoiced and let go of the sorrow caused by his exile from the city. Thus, the fifty-seventh sarga is now to be heard in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. After Rama had reached the southern bank and, after much heartfelt conversation, Sumantra and Guha, overwhelmed with deep sorrow, returned to their own home.