As the first light of dawn crept through the forest, Rama gently called to his brother, “Saumitri, listen to the sweet sounds of the forest creatures; it is time for us to set out, O great ascetic.” At Rama’s words, Lakshmana awoke at the proper hour, casting aside the last traces of sleep, weariness, and the fatigue of their long journey. Together, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana rose and, in reverence, touched the auspicious waters of the river. They then followed the path pointed out by the sages, making their way toward the sacred mountain of Chitrakuta. Setting out at the right time, Rama turned to Sita, whose eyes shone like lotus petals, and spoke with gentle delight: “Vaidehi, see how the trees all around us are in full bloom, as if set aflame, and the silk-cotton trees are heavy with flowers at the end of winter.” He pointed out the bhallātaka trees, laden with fruit and leaves, untouched by human hands, and said, “Surely I will be able to live here, amid such abundance.” To Lakshmana, Rama exclaimed, “Look! Honeycombs as large as baskets hang from every mountain, filled with honey by diligent bees.” The forest echoed with the calls of the natyūha bird and the answering cry of the peacock, their voices mingling in the delightful woodland thick with beds of flowers. Rama’s gaze fell upon the mountain before them, its peaks towering high, herds of elephants wandering its slopes, and flocks of birds filling the air with their calls. The slopes were varied and beautiful, and on the lovely, level ground below—shaded by many trees—Rama said to Sita, “Here, dear one, in the sacred woods of Citrakūṭa, we shall enjoy ourselves.” Walking together with Sita, Rama and Lakshmana reached the enchanting mountain of Citrakuta, a place that delighted the mind. The mountain was alive with many kinds of birds, abundant in roots and fruits, adorned with beautiful lakes and clear waters. On the bank, covered with trees and vines, Rama said to Sita, “This gentle, lovely bank, rich in roots and fruits, seems well suited for our life.” He pointed to the rocky heights above and said, “Great sages dwell here. Let this be our dwelling for now, dear one, and let us enjoy ourselves in this sacred place.” With their hands joined in reverence, Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana approached the hermitage and greeted the sage Vālmīki. The great sage, delighted and knowing righteousness, welcomed them warmly, inviting them to be seated. After properly introducing himself to the sage, Rama turned to Lakshmana and said, “Lakṣmaṇa, bring strong and excellent wood. Build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Hearing his brother’s words, Lakshmana gathered various kinds of wood and, with skill, built a beautiful leaf hut. When the hut was completed, well-tied and pleasing to the eye, 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, Lakṣmaṇa, for this rite must be done as prescribed in the scriptures.” Understanding his brother’s command, Lakshmana, ever obedient and skilled, did as instructed. Rama then said, “Let this black antelope be prepared as an offering; we shall perform the sacrifice. Hurry, gentle one, for the moment is fleeting and the day is passing.” Lakshmana, the powerful son of Sumitra, killed a pure black antelope and cast it into the blazing fire. When it was thoroughly roasted and free from blood, Lakshmana, tiger among men, said to Rama, “This black antelope is now fully prepared, O noble one, cooked as it should be. 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 the auspicious ceremonies to pacify their new dwelling. Having properly recited the prayers and bathed in the river as prescribed, Rama performed the highest offering to remove all sin. Raghava established altars, shrines, and sanctuaries appropriate for the hermitage. With forest garlands, fruits, roots, ripe meats, water for libations, sacred darbha grass, and kindling as taught in the Vedas, the two brothers, together with Sita, satisfied all the beings. Marked by auspicious signs, they entered the beautiful shelter. That delightful leaf-thatched hut, well-built and sheltered from the wind, became their dwelling, and they entered together as if the hosts of gods were entering a noble assembly hall. In that excellent forest, resounding with wild beasts, filled with many kinds of deer and birds, and adorned with trees bearing clusters of varied flowers, they rejoiced happily, their senses under control. Having reached that charming, picturesque mountain and the sacred river Mālyavatī—frequented by deer and birds—Rama’s heart was uplifted. He rejoiced, letting go of the sorrow caused by exile from his beloved city. Now begins the fifty-seventh sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. After a long and heartfelt conversation, Sumantra and Guha, overwhelmed with deep sorrow, returned to their own home once Rama had crossed to the southern bank. The journey to Bharadvāja, their stay at Prayāga, and their ascent of the mountain were all witnessed by those present there.