After spending a long time on the mountain beloved by forests and hills, Rāma, his heart captivated by thoughts of Sītā, remained there, longing for his beloved Vaidehī. One day, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, joyfully showed Sītā the wondrous beauty of Citrakūṭa, shining with splendor as Indra might show Śacī the city of the gods. He spoke gently to her, “O graceful one, neither the loss of my kingdom nor the separation from friends troubles my mind when I behold this delightful mountain.” He invited her to look around: “See, O gentle one, this mountain adorned with multitudes of birds, its peaks piercing the sky and decorated with minerals. Some peaks gleam like silver, others like fresh blood, some are yellow or crimson, and still others shine with the radiance of precious gems. Certain regions glow like flowers, sunlight, or ketaka blossoms; some shimmer with the glow of fire. All these lands of the lord of mountains are adorned with minerals.” Rāma described the mountain’s abundance: “It is filled with many kinds of deer, wild beasts, tigers, bears, and trees, and inhabited by harmless creatures. Flocks of birds shine everywhere. Look at the mango, jambū, asana, lodhra, priyāla, jackfruit, dhava, aṅkola, bhavyatiniśa, bilva, tinduka, and bamboo trees. 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.” He pointed out the wondrous slopes: “On these lovely slopes, see the 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 Vidyādhara 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, delights the sense of smell—who would not be gladdened by it?” Rāma continued, “If I dwell here for many autumns with you, O faultless one, and with Lakṣmaṇa, sorrow will not consume me. On this charming mountain, abundant with flowers and fruits and filled with many kinds of birds, with its 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 Sītā, “Vaidehi, do you find joy here on Chitrakuta with me, as you observe the many forms of life, restrained in mind, speech, and body?” He reflected on the wisdom of old: “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.” Rāma admired the mountain’s splendor: “The broad rocks of the mountain shine all around in their hundreds, abundant with many colors—blue, yellow, white, and red. At night, the herbs, radiant with their own light, shine by the thousands on the lord of mountains, like tongues of sacred fire. Some regions of this mountain resemble dwellings, others appear like gardens, and some, O beautiful one, shine as if formed from a single rock. It is as if Chitrakuta has burst forth, splitting the earth; the peak of Chitrakuta is seen everywhere, auspicious in every direction.” He showed her the signs of love on the mountain: “See, the beds of lovers are covered with leaves of kuṣṭha, punnāga, asoka, and bhūrja trees, and adorned with lotus petals. See, O fair one, the garlands of lotuses, crushed and cast aside by lovers, and the various fruits scattered about. This Chitrakuta mountain, rich in roots, fruits, and water, surpasses even the lotus-filled lakes of the northern Kurus, the abodes of the gods. O lovely one, I will spend this time with you, Sītā, and with Lakṣmaṇa, delighting in a joy that upholds the noble path, established in the highest self-restraint.” Afterwards, Rāma descended from the mountain and showed Sītā the beautiful Mandakini river, with its pure waters. Lotus-eyed Rāma spoke to the noble princess, whose face was as lovely as the moon. “Behold the Mandakini river, charming with its varied sandbanks, frequented by swans and cranes, and adorned with lotuses. See how she is encircled on all sides by many kinds of trees bearing flowers and fruits, shining like a lotus pond of a king of kings.” He observed, “Now, the waters at the fords, muddied by herds of deer, are delightful to me and awaken my joy. At the proper time, the sages, wearing matted locks and deer skins, and clad in bark garments, enter the Mandakini river, beloved. O wide-eyed one, these great sages, steadfast in their vows, stand with arms raised in discipline, worshipping the sun.” Rāma pointed out the lively scene: “See how the mountain, with its peaks shaken by the wind, seems to dance, while the trees all around shed their leaves and flowers into the river. Behold the Mandakini river: here she shines like a string of jewels, there she is lined with sandy banks, and in some places she is crowded with perfected beings. See the heaps of flowers scattered and spread out by the wind, and look at the various creatures swimming in the midst of the water. O auspicious one, those twice-born sages called ‘Rathanga-invokers’, whose words are exceedingly sweet, ascend her banks, singing beautiful hymns.” Thus, Rāma and Sītā, with Lakṣmaṇa, found solace and delight in the beauty and sanctity of Citrakūṭa and the Mandakini river, upholding the noble path in their forest exile.