As Bharata journeyed through the forest, the dust raised by the hooves of countless horses swirled up, veiling the sky in a thick cloud, which the wind carried swiftly along, almost as if in service to him. Turning to Shatrughna, Bharata pointed out the chariots drawn by powerful steeds, guided by skilled charioteers, racing through the forest’s depths. The commotion startled the forest’s beautiful peacocks, who, frightened, quickly fled to seek refuge among the trees. As they pressed on, Bharata found the place before them exceedingly charming, its serene atmosphere and tranquil beauty revealing it to be the dwelling of ascetics—a place as inviting as the path to heaven itself. Herds of deer, graceful and adorned by nature as if with garlands of flowers, moved through the forest alongside their mates, adding to the scene’s gentle splendor. Bharata then instructed, “Let the noble troops proceed and search the forest, so that those two lion-like men, Rama and Lakshmana, may be found.” Obeying his command, the warriors, armed and vigilant, entered the forest. Soon, they noticed smoke rising in the distance. Pointing it out, they said to Bharata, “Fire does not occur where there are no people; surely the Raghavas are here.” Yet, they reasoned, if Rama and Lakshmana were not present, then those who resembled them must be ascetics dwelling in this place. Hearing these words, which all found reasonable, Bharata, the destroyer of enemy hosts, addressed his entire army: “Let all of you remain here; none should go ahead. I alone will proceed, along with Sumantra and the revered teacher.” The army halted, standing watchful in every direction, while Bharata fixed his gaze on the rising column of smoke. As they waited, hope blossomed in the hearts of the soldiers. The sight of the smoke ahead filled them with joy, for they believed a reunion with their beloved Rama was near. Thus concludes the ninety-third sarga of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa in the revered Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. Meanwhile, Rama, having dwelled for a long time on that mountain beloved by forests and hills, found comfort there, his mind captivated by thoughts of Sita, the beloved Vaidehī. Desiring to share its wonders, Rama showed Sita the marvels of Chitrakuta, shining with delight, much as Indra might show his queen Śacī the splendid city of the gods. He said gently, “O graceful one, the loss of the kingdom or separation from friends does not trouble my mind when I behold this delightful mountain.” He invited her to see the mountain adorned with flocks of many-colored birds, its peaks piercing the sky and decorated with vibrant minerals. Some peaks gleamed like silver, others shone with the red of fresh blood, while some were yellow, crimson, or radiant as precious gems. Certain regions sparkled like flowers, sunlight, or ketaka blossoms, and others glowed with the brilliance of fire—all displaying the mineral wealth of the lord of mountains. The mountain teemed with life: herds of deer, wild beasts, tigers, bears, and a multitude of trees, while harmless creatures and flocks of birds enlivened the scene. Mango, jambū, asana, lodhra, priyāla, jackfruit, dhava, aṅkola, bhavyatiniśa, bilva, tinduka, and bamboo trees flourished everywhere. There were also kāśmarya, ariṣṭa, varuṇa, madhūka, tilaka, badarī, āmalaka, nīpa, vetra, dhanvana, and bījaka trees, all bearing flowers and fruits and casting delightful shade, enhancing the mountain’s beauty. On the lovely slopes, Rama pointed out wondrous and awe-inspiring kinnaras—celestial musicians—delighting together in pairs. He showed Sita the swords hanging from branches and the splendid garments, marks of the enchanting playgrounds of the Vidyādhara women. Waterfalls, springs, and streams flowed across the mountain, which shone resplendent, like a mighty elephant adorned with fragrant ichor. The mountain breeze, carrying the sweet scent of countless flowers, delighted the senses—who could not be gladdened by it? Rama said, “If I dwell here for many autumns with you, O faultless one, and with Lakshmana, sorrow will not consume me. On this charming mountain, abundant with flowers and fruits, filled with many kinds of birds and varied peaks, I find delight, O lovely one. Through this exile in the forest, I have gained two fruits: I have fulfilled my duty to my father and I have done what is pleasing to Bharata.” He asked Sita, “Vaidehi, do you find joy here on Chitrakuta with me, as you observe the many forms of life, with mind, speech, and body restrained?” He recalled, “The royal sages of old declared this alone to be immortal: my ancestors undertook exile in the forest for the sake of spiritual purpose after death.” Rama drew her attention to the mountain’s broad rocks, shining in all directions, vivid with blue, yellow, white, and red hues. At night, the herbs growing there glowed with their own radiance, shining by the thousands on the mountain like tongues of sacred fire. Some regions of the mountain resembled dwellings, others appeared as gardens, and some, O beautiful one, shone as if formed from a single stone. “It is as if Chitrakuta has burst forth, splitting the earth; the peak of Chitrakuta is seen everywhere, auspicious in every direction,” Rama said. He showed her the beds of lovers covered with leaves of kuṣṭha, punnāga, asoka, and bhūrja trees, adorned with lotus petals. He pointed out garlands of lotuses, crushed and cast aside by lovers, and the various fruits scattered about. Finally, Rama declared, “This Chitrakuta mountain, rich in roots, fruits, and water, surpasses even the lotus-filled lakes of the northern Kurus, the abodes of the gods.