The righteous Bharata, son of Dasharatha, pleased in heart, set forth on his journey, surrounded by his great army—the fourfold host resounding like thunder. This mighty force, vast as the surging ocean, spread across the earth as a monsoon cloud covers the sky. Their long march made clear that much time had passed; the distance traveled was great, and the vehicles showed signs of fatigue. Seeing this, the illustrious Bharata turned to Vasistha, foremost among counselors, and spoke with reverence: “From what I see, and as I have heard described, we have arrived at the place the sage Bharadvaja spoke of. Here stands Mount Chitrakuta, here flows the Mandakini river, and there, in the distance, is the forest, dark as a rain-laden cloud. The lovely slopes of Chitrakuta are now being trodden by my elephants, themselves as mighty as mountains. Look at the trees on these slopes—how they shed their blossoms like rain clouds pouring forth their waters when the heat subsides. “Shatrughna, behold this mountain region, frequented by Kinnaras and surrounded everywhere by deer, just as the ocean is ringed by makaras. See those herds of swift deer, urged onward, shining like rows of clouds scattered by the autumn wind. They seem to wear fragrant garlands of flowers upon their heads, much like the people of the south who adorn themselves with shining fruit that resemble clouds. Once, this forest was silent and fearsome, but now it feels as crowded as Ayodhya itself. “Dust rises from the hooves of our animals, covering the sky, and the wind carries it swiftly, as if doing me a favor. Look, Shatrughna, at these chariots drawn by spirited horses, driven by skilled charioteers, speeding through the forest. See how the frightened, beautiful peacocks rush for shelter among the trees. This place is exceedingly charming; it must be the dwelling of ascetics, resembling the very path to heaven. Many deer, together with their mates, are seen throughout the forest, beautiful in form and adorned as if with garlands of flowers. “Let the noble troops advance and search the forest, so that we may find those two tiger-like men, Rama and Lakshmana.” Hearing Bharata’s command, the warriors, weapons in hand, entered the forest. Soon, they saw a column of smoke rising above the trees. They turned to Bharata and said, “Fire does not occur where there are no people; surely the Raghavas are here.” And if not Rama and Lakshmana, then those who dwell here must be ascetics resembling them. Bharata, approving of their words, addressed the entire army: “Let all of you remain here; none should go ahead. I alone will proceed, along with Sumantra and the revered teacher.” Thus instructed, the army halted, watching in every direction, while Bharata fixed his gaze upon the rising smoke. The soldiers, stationed as commanded and observing the smoke ahead, soon grew joyful, sensing that a meeting with their beloved Rama was near. Thus ends the ninety-third sarga of the glorious Ayodhya Kanda in the venerable Valmiki Ramayana, the first epic. Meanwhile, Rama, having dwelled long on that beloved mountain amidst the forests and hills, remained there, his heart longing for Sita, the gentle Vaidehī, and finding solace in the beauty of the place. He showed the wondrous Chitrakuta to his wife, shining with delight like Indra showing Sachi the city of the gods. “O gentle one,” Rama said, “the loss of the kingdom or separation from friends does not trouble my mind when I behold this delightful mountain. See, O gentle one, this mountain adorned with multitudes of birds, its peaks piercing the sky and decorated with minerals of many colors. Some peaks resemble silver, some are like fresh blood, some are yellow or crimson, and others shine with the radiance of precious gems. Some regions gleam like flowers, sunlight, or ketaka blossoms; some glow like fire—such are the lands of the lord of mountains, all adorned with minerals. “This mountain is filled with many kinds of deer, wild beasts, tigers, bears, and trees, and inhabited by harmless creatures. It shines with flocks of birds. It is covered with mango, jambu, asana, lodhra, priyala, jackfruit, dhava, ankola, bhavyatinisha, bilva, tinduka, and bamboo trees. There are also kashmarya, arishta, varuna, madhuka, tilaka, badari, amalaka, nipa, vetra, dhanvana, and bijaka trees. Adorned with such trees, bearing flowers and fruits, and offering delightful shade, this mountain flourishes in beauty. “Look, on the lovely slopes, at the wondrous and awe-inspiring kinnaras, wise ones, delighting together in pairs. See the swords hanging from branches and the splendid garments—these are the enchanting playgrounds of Vidyadhara women. With waterfalls, springs, and streams flowing here and there, this mountain shines like an elephant exuding fragrant ichor. The mountain breeze, carrying the fragrance of many flowers, comes to delight the sense of smell—who would not be gladdened by it?” Thus, amid the beauty of Chitrakuta, Rama and Sita found solace, even as Bharata and his host drew near, the long-awaited meeting soon to unfold.