Upon hearing Lakshmana’s resolute determination, Rama decided to continue their fourteen-year journey into exile without further deliberation. As the two warriors moved slowly across the rugged forest terrain, their armed stride resembled a pair of majestic lions, pacing regally in their domain. They rested beneath a sprawling banyan tree that night, leaving at dawn’s first light to explore the uncharted wilderness.
In their wanderings, they came upon a dense forest, adorned with lush foliage and exquisite natural beauty, where the sacred confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers unfolded before them. Their majestic pace consumed the day, and Rama remarked, “Lakshmana, behold the ritual pole surrounded by holy fumes emanating from the sacred fire. This must mark the holy grounds of Prayaga. I suspect the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja lies nearby. Listen closely—the clash of the gushing waters confirms we are at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.”
Noticing logs hewn by forest dwellers, the trio—Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana—pressed on toward the hermitage. As Rama approached, bow in hand, the sounds of birds and harmless animals grew frantic, startled by their presence. At the hermitage, Rama beheld Sage Bharadwaja surrounded by disciples, chanting hymns like a radiant fire encircled by its glowing embers. The sage’s austerities were profound, his fame reaching celestial heights.
Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita greeted the sage with folded hands and introduced themselves. Rama said, “O venerable sage, we are the sons of King Dasaratha. This is Sita, my wife and the pure-hearted daughter of Rajarshi Janaka, who has accompanied me into exile. My brother Lakshmana, resolute and devoted, has followed me as commanded by our father. We lead an ascetic life, subsisting on roots, pods, and fruits, abiding by dharma.”
The courteous sage, following ascetic tradition, offered sacred water, linen garments, and the milk of a cow as hospitality. Revered by gods and sages alike for his penance, he invited them to stay the night and provided grass beds covered with deer skin. The hermitage was alive with harmony: disciples chanting, animals and birds living in concord, and the air imbued with sacred serenity.
Sage Bharadwaja addressed Rama, saying, “O prince, it is my fortune to see you. I have heard of your unjust exile. This confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna is a tranquil haven, adorned with nature’s beauty and ideal for penance. You may pursue your ascetic life here.”
Rama, always mindful, replied, “O holy sage, while this place is indeed sacred, its proximity to human settlements may disturb your austerities and Sita’s solitude. Pray, guide us to a more secluded spot.”
The sage suggested Mount Chitrakuta, a sacred site akin to Mount Gandhamadana, lying some forty-six miles away. “This place,” said Bharadwaja, “is teeming with flora and fauna—monkeys, baboons, bears, and birds—but lacks fierce predators. Its serene environment steadies the mind and fosters holy thoughts. Many sages have performed penance there, leaving a residue of virtue that enriches the land. I recommend this sacred mountain, though my hermitage remains open to you.”
That night, enriched by discussions on dharma and life’s profound truths, Rama and his companions rested peacefully. The harmonious sounds of nature—the chirping of birds, the hum of insects, and the gentle rustling of leaves—lulled them to sleep. At dawn, after completing their morning rituals, they sought the sage’s blessings and set out for Chitrakuta.
Bharadwaja described the destination vividly: “Chitrakuta is a place of divine beauty, where kinnara and uragas often visit. The calls of peacocks and koels echo through the dense forest, and the trees, laden with fruits year-round, captivate the heart. Herds of deer and elephants roam freely, enhancing the serenity. Here, all mental struggles will dissolve, and your ascetic life will unfold in peace.”
With the sage’s wisdom guiding them, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita embarked on their journey, their path illuminated by purpose. The vibrant yet tranquil atmosphere of their journey symbolized the harmony of ascetic life—a seclusion vibrant with nature’s grace, paving the way for a profound poetic narrative of their quest for dharma.