At dawn, Rama arose early and gazed upon Lakshmana, who was still in slumber. “O Lakshmana,” he called softly, “heeds not the silence of your rest but the whispers of the koel, the sweet chatter of parrots, and the tender exchanges of the peacocks. Observe the flower-laden branches bowing to listen to the birds’ gentle murmurs. Behold the hares leaping in joy, while the vast sky is adorned by the sweeping flight of sea-searching birds. The tender deer encircle you, offering their morning blessings, and the radiant rays of Aditya greet you warmly. O conqueror of sleep, it is time to embark on our journey.”
Awakened by Rama’s melodic call, Lakshmana raised, his weariness swept away by the dawn’s charm. Together, they completed their morning ablutions in the sacred waters of the Yamuna, offering reverence to Aditya.
Rama turned to Sita, his gaze lingering on a magnificent kumsuka tree. “O Sita,” he mused, “beholds the flame of the forest! Its leaves have vanished with the monsoon, leaving only vibrant red blossoms to herald the autumn. See how the young birds flutter and cry, mistaking its fiery hues for forest flames, while the elder ones watch calmly, knowing the truth. The cashew trees, burdened with fruits and seeds, bend as though inviting us to partake of their bounty. Unspoiled by human hands, these riches of nature will sustain our ascetic life until we fulfill our sacred vow.”
He continued, “Lakshmana, every tree bears honeycombs, symbols of purity in this untainted realm. The ground is blanketed with flowers fallen through the night, tempting the cuckoo to abandon the trees and sing from the flower beds. Its joyful melodies are echoed by the peacocks. Chitrakuta’s peak, adorned with herds of majestic elephants, is a haven of harmony, where rain cuckoos sing in symphony, guiding the elephants’ rhythmic strides. Nature’s orchestra, crafted by the Creator’s infinite wisdom, frames a lyric unmatched and inimitable.”
Rama turned to Sita with a smile. “O Sita, this serene mount of Chitrakuta is the perfect abode for our ascetic life. Its abundant fruits, flowers, and waters shall provide for your sacred offerings, and its beauty shall ease the sorrow of our exile.”
As they conversed, they reached the hermitage of Sage Valmiki, who welcomed them with due reverence. After narrating the tale of their journey, Rama requested Lakshmana to construct a sturdy hermitage, fit to endure their fourteen-year exile. With care and skill, Lakshmana designed a dwelling that harmonized with nature’s beauty.
Rama reminded him, “To reside here in peace, we must follow tradition and perform pacificatory rites. Let us offer a black deer to the sacred fire, invoking the blessings of the gods of the cardinal directions.” With hymns and offerings, they sanctified the site, seeking divine protection.
Lakshmana then crafted a hermitage with a fireplace, a resting hall, and spaces for guests, all while preserving nature’s essence. Sita and Rama, adorned with garlands and carrying urns of sacred water, entered the sanctified dwelling. Birds flocked to the roof, while deer, antelopes, hares, and peacocks roamed freely, as if the hermitage was their own.
Rama observed Sita’s newfound joy in the companionship of these creatures. “See, Lakshmana,” he said, “Sita finds solace in the embrace of nature. These animals and birds are like kin to her. Here, free from distractions, we can devote ourselves to our ascetic pursuits. The Creator’s artistry is unparalleled, each element crafted with precision and purpose, awaiting the revelation of its wisdom.”