As Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa journeyed through the forest, Rāma turned to Sītā and pointed out the vibrant beauty around them. “Vaidehi, look at these trees, blooming so profusely that they seem aflame, the silk-cotton trees heavy with flowers now that winter has ended.” He continued, “See the bhallātaka trees, untouched by people, their branches bowed down with fruit and leaves. Surely, I will be able to live here.” Rāma called to Lakṣmaṇa, “Look, Lakṣmaṇa, there are honeycombs the size of baskets hanging from every mountain, filled with honey by the diligent bees.” As they walked, the natyūha bird cried out, and a peacock answered, filling the delightful forest thick with beds of flowers with their calls. Rāma’s gaze fell upon a magnificent mountain, its peaks towering, followed by herds of elephants and echoing with flocks of birds. Its slopes were varied and beautiful. He said to Sītā, “On this lovely level ground, covered with many trees, let us enjoy ourselves, dear one, in the sacred woods of Citrakūṭa.” Walking together, Sītā and Rāma reached the charming mountain Citrakūṭa, a place delightful to the mind. The mountain teemed with many kinds of birds, was abundant in roots and fruits, and was beautiful and rich with lakes and water. Rāma pointed out, “This lovely bank, gentle one, is covered with many trees and vines. It is rich in roots and fruits and seems well suited for our life.” He noticed the rocky heights where great sages dwelled and said, “Let this be our dwelling for now, dear one, and let us enjoy ourselves here.” With hands joined in reverence, Sītā, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa approached the hermitage and greeted the sage Vālmīki. The great sage, delighted and knowing righteousness, honored them, inviting them to be seated and welcoming them warmly. Rāma, the mighty-armed elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa, properly introduced himself to the sage and then spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, “Bring strong and excellent wood; build a dwelling, dear one, for my heart delights in staying here.” Lakṣmaṇa, hearing these words, brought various kinds of wood and built a leaf hut, skillfully tying it together. When the hut was completed and beautiful, Rāma 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 must be done. Remember the rule prescribed in the scriptures, which is righteous.” Understanding his brother’s command, Lakṣmaṇa did as instructed. Rāma 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.” Lakṣmaṇa, powerful son of Sumitra, killed the pure black antelope and cast it into the blazing fire. When it was cooked, thoroughly roasted and without blood, Lakṣmaṇa, tiger among men, spoke to Rāma, “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.” Rāma, self-controlled, virtuous, and learned in sacred chants, bathed and recited all the concluding mantras of the sacrifice in summary. Having worshipped all the hosts of gods, Rāma, pure and radiant, 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 the dwelling. Having properly recited the prayers and bathed in the river according to rule, Rāma 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, and water for libations, as well as sacred darbha grass and kindling as taught in the Vedas, the two Raghavas, together with Sītā, satisfied the beings. Then, marked by auspicious signs, they 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 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 conquered. Having reached the charming, picturesque mountain and the sacred river Mālyavatī, frequented by deer and birds, Rāma rejoiced, his heart uplifted, and let go of the sorrow caused by exile from his city. Now the fifty-seventh sarga is to be heard in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. After speaking for a long time, overwhelmed with deep sorrow, Sumantra and Guha returned to their own home once Rāma 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. Passing swiftly, he beheld fragrant forests, rivers, and lakes, as well as villages and cities. At the third day’s evening hour, the charioteer reached Ayodhyā and saw it bereft of joy. Seeing it silent and deserted, Sumantra, deeply distressed and struck by a surge of sorrow, began to reflect.