The Road into the Forest

1. Citizens followed Rama's chariot, begging Him to return. Rama loved them, but He could not break His father's promise.
2. At night the travellers moved on while the tired citizens slept. Rama spared them the pain of walking deeper into the forest.
3. At the Ganga, the Nishada king Guha embraced Rama as a dear friend. He offered food, boats and the protection of his people.
4. Rama and Sita slept beneath a tree while Lakshmana and Guha kept watch. Palace life already seemed far away.
5. Rama asked the loyal charioteer to return and comfort Dasharatha. Sumantra drove away slowly with tears in his eyes.
6. Guha's boat carried Rama, Sita and Lakshmana across the sacred river. Sita prayed that they would safely return after fourteen years.
7. The three travellers continued on foot through green forests and open fields. Lakshmana walked ahead, Sita in the middle and Rama behind to protect them.
8. Sage Bharadvaja welcomed them near the meeting of holy rivers. He offered fruits and showed the path to peaceful Chitrakuta.
9. They built a simple raft and crossed the Yamuna. Sita greeted the river with folded hands.
10. Flowering trees, clear streams and singing birds covered Chitrakuta. Rama chose it as their first forest home.
11. Lakshmana gathered wood and grass and made a strong little hut. Rama and Sita praised his loving service.
12. They worshipped the Lord and entered the cottage with gratitude. Simplicity brought them peace.
13. Sita watched deer and peacocks while Rama showed her flowering trees. Each day they greeted nearby sages.
14. The great sage Valmiki received the travellers and honoured their devotion to duty. His own life would later become closely joined with theirs.
15. Although they had lost a palace, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had one another. Love and dharma made the forest feel like home.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11