Arriving at the mountain, Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa found themselves in a place vibrant with many kinds of birds, rich with roots and fruits, and adorned with beautiful lakes and waters. The gentle bank before them was covered in trees and winding vines, abundant with edible roots and fruits—a setting that seemed perfectly suited for their life in the forest. Rāma observed that great sages dwelled upon these rocky heights and suggested to Sītā, “Let this be our dwelling for now, dear one, and let us enjoy ourselves here.” With hands joined in reverence, the three approached the hermitage and greeted the sage Vālmīki. The great sage, delighted and versed in righteousness, warmly welcomed them, inviting them to be seated. After properly introducing himself to Vālmīki, Rāma then turned to Lakṣmaṇa 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, Lakṣmaṇa gathered various kinds of wood and constructed a beautiful leaf hut, skillfully tied and pleasing to the eye. When the hut was completed, Rāma addressed 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, Lakṣmaṇa, for this must be done; remember the rule prescribed in the scriptures, which is righteous.” Understanding Rāma’s command, Lakṣmaṇa, the slayer of enemies, did as instructed. Rāma 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.” Lakṣmaṇa, the 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, Lakṣmaṇa informed 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, 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. Following proper recitation of prayers and bathing in the river as prescribed, Rāma performed the highest offering to remove any 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 Sītā, satisfied the beings and, marked by auspicious signs, entered the beautiful shelter. The delightful leaf-thatched hut, well-built and sheltered from the wind, became their home, and they entered it together, like the hosts of gods entering their 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 felt his heart uplifted and released the sorrow caused by exile from his city. Now, the next sarga is to be heard in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. After a long conversation filled with deep sorrow, Guha, together with Sumantra, returned to his 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 witnessed by those present. Sumantra, having been permitted to depart, yoked the excellent horses and, his heart greatly troubled, set out for the city of Ayodhyā. As he traveled swiftly, he beheld fragrant forests, rivers, lakes, and passed through villages and cities. On the third day’s evening, the charioteer reached Ayodhyā and saw it bereft of joy. The city was silent and deserted, and Sumantra, deeply distressed and struck by a surge of sorrow, began to reflect, “Has this city, with its elephants, horses, people, and rulers, been consumed by the fire of grief for Rāma?” Filled with anxious thoughts, Sumantra hurriedly entered the city gate with his swift-footed horses. As he approached, hundreds and thousands of men rushed toward him, asking, “Where is Rāma?” He replied, “After taking leave of Raghava at the Ganga, I was permitted to return by that righteous, great-souled one.” Learning that Rāma had crossed the river, the people, their faces filled with tears, sighed, “Alas! Fie!” and cried out, “Ah, Rāma!” Sumantra heard their words as they stood in groups: “Truly, we are ruined, for we do not see Raghava here.” They lamented, “In gifts, sacrifices, weddings, and great assemblies, never again shall we see righteous Rāma among us.