As dawn approached, Lakshmana was gently awakened by his brother at the proper hour. Shaking off sleep, drowsiness, and all the fatigue from their journey, he rose, fully alert. Together, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana rose from their resting place, touched the auspicious waters of the river in reverence, and followed the path pointed out by the sages, which led toward the sacred mountain of Chitrakuta. Setting out at the right time with Lakshmana, Rama turned to Sita, whose eyes shone like lotus petals, and spoke tenderly: “Vaidehi, look around at these trees, ablaze with blossoms, the silk-cotton trees heavy with flowers as winter ends.” He pointed out the bhallātaka trees, laden with fruit and leaves, untouched by people. “Surely, I will be able to live here,” he said with contentment. Rama’s gaze wandered to the mountains, and he spoke to Lakshmana, “See, honeycombs the size of baskets hang from every mountain, filled with honey by the bees.” In the delightful forest thick with beds of flowers, the natyūha bird cried out, answered by the peacock, filling the air with their calls. Rama admired the mountain’s towering peaks, followed by herds of elephants and echoing with flocks of birds, its slopes varied and beautiful. He turned to Sita again, “On this lovely level ground, covered with many trees, we shall enjoy ourselves, dear one, in the sacred woods of Chitrakuta.” Walking together, the three 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 remarked, “Gentle one, this seems well suited for our life.” He observed that great sages dwelled on the rocky heights and said, “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, honored them, inviting them to be seated and welcoming them warmly. Rama, the mighty-armed elder brother of Lakshmana, 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 leaf hut, skillfully tying it together. When the hut was completed, well-tied and beautiful, Rama addressed 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.” Lakshmana, understanding his brother’s command, 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 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 then 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 pacify the dwelling. After properly reciting the prayers and bathing in the river as prescribed, Rama performed the highest offering to remove 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 Raghavas, together with Sita, satisfied the beings and, marked by auspicious signs, entered the beautiful shelter. That delightful leaf-thatched hut, well-built and sheltered from the wind, they all entered together for dwelling, like the hosts of gods entering the 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 conquered. Having reached the charming, picturesque mountain and the sacred river Mālyavatī, frequented by deer and birds, Rama rejoiced, his heart uplifted, and let go of the sorrow caused by exile from his city. And now, the fifty-seventh sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa, is to be heard. After speaking at length, overwhelmed with deep sorrow, Sumantra and Guha returned to their own home when Rama had reached the southern bank. The journey to Bharadvāja, their stay at Prayāga, and their ascent of the mountain were all observed by those present there. Then Sumantra, having been permitted, yoked the excellent horses and, his heart greatly troubled, set out for the city of Ayodhyā.