Bharata’s mighty army, vast and formidable, surged forward like waves upon the ocean, covering the earth as rain clouds blanket the sky during the monsoon. Their progress spoke of many days and nights passed, for the journey had been long and arduous. The vehicles and steeds, now weary from the relentless march, showed signs of fatigue. Bharata, illustrious and wise, turned to Vasistha, the foremost among counselors, and spoke: “From what I see, and from what I have heard, it is clear we have reached the place described by Bharadvaja.” He gestured toward the landscape. “Here stands Mount Chitrakuta, here flows the Mandakini river, and in the distance, that forest appears dark as a rain-laden cloud.” The slopes of Chitrakuta, delightful and lush, were now being trampled by Bharata’s elephants, themselves immense as mountains. Trees along the slopes shed their blossoms, just as clouds release their waters when the heat of summer subsides. “Look, Shatrughna,” Bharata said, “at this mountain region, frequented by kinnaras and surrounded everywhere by deer, much like the ocean is ringed by makaras. See those herds of deer, swift and urged onward, shining like rows of clouds scattered across the autumn sky by the wind. They wear fragrant garlands of flowers upon their heads, much as people in the south adorn themselves with shining fruits resembling clouds.” He marveled at the transformation of the forest: “This place, once silent and fearsome, now seems as crowded as Ayodhya itself.” Dust stirred up by the army’s hooves rose and covered the sky, carried swiftly by the wind, as if doing Bharata a favor. “See, Shatrughna, these chariots drawn by horses and driven by skilled charioteers, speeding through the forest. And look at those frightened, beautiful peacocks quickly seeking shelter among the trees.” Bharata’s heart was filled with wonder. “This place appears exceedingly charming—it must be the dwelling of ascetics, like the path to heaven. Many deer, together with their mates, are seen throughout the forest, beautiful in form and adorned as if with flowers. Let the noble troops proceed and search the forest, so that those two tiger-like men, Rama and Lakshmana, may be found.” Hearing Bharata’s command, the warriors, weapons in hand, entered the forest and soon noticed smoke rising ahead. Seeing this, they said to Bharata, “Fire does not occur where there are no people; surely the Raghavas are here.” If not, then those who resemble Rama must be ascetics dwelling in this place. Bharata listened to their words, which were approved by all, and addressed his entire army: “Let all of you remain here; none should go ahead. I alone will proceed, accompanied by Sumantra and our revered teacher.” Thus instructed, the army stood fast in every direction, while Bharata fixed his gaze where the smoke rose. The army, stationed by Bharata and observing even the smoke ahead, soon became joyful, sensing that a meeting with their beloved Rama was near. Thus concludes the ninety-third sarga of the glorious Ayodhya Kanda in the venerable Valmiki Ramayana. Meanwhile, Rama, having dwelled long upon that mountain dear to the forests and hills, longing for his beloved Vaidehi and captivating his own mind, remained there. The son of Dasharatha showed the wondrous Chitrakuta to his wife, as Indra might show Shaci the city of the gods. “O gentle one,” Rama said to Sita, “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. Some peaks resemble silver, some 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 shine with the glow of fire. All these lands of the lord of mountains are adorned with minerals.” He continued, “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. Mango, jambū, asana, lodhra, priyāla, jackfruit, dhava, aṅkola, bhavyatiniśa, bilva, tinduka, and bamboo trees cover it. There are kāśmarya, ariṣṭa, varuṇa, madhūka, tilaka, badarī, āmalaka, nīpa, vetra, dhanvana, and bījaka trees as well. Adorned with such trees, bearing flowers and fruits, with delightful shade, this mountain flourishes in beauty.” On the lovely slopes, Rama pointed out wondrous, 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 the Vidyadhara women. With waterfalls, springs, and streams flowing here and there, this mountain shines like an elephant exuding fragrant ichor. The mountain breeze, carrying fragrances from various flowers, comes to delight the sense of smell—who would not be gladdened by it?” Rama’s heart was serene. “If I dwell here for many autumns with you, O faultless one, and with Lakshmana, sorrow will not consume me.