When the night had been spent, that best of Raghus gently awakened
Lakshmana from his light sleep. "O Sumitra's son, do thou hear the
dulcet notes of the birds in the woods. Let us proceed. O repressor of
foes, the time of our departure is present." Awakened at the proper
time, Rama's brother left off sleep and drowsiness and clinging fatigue.
Then they all arising touched the sacred waters of the river, and began
to proceed on the way to Chitrakuta inhabited by ascetics. Setting out
in season with Sumitra's son, he of eyes resembling lotus-petals spoke
these words unto Sita,--"O Vaidehi, behold these flowering trees, the
Kinsukas in spring appearing engarlanded with their own flowers, and as
if flaming.--Do thou behold the Bhallatakas and Vilwas bending beneath
their fruits and flowers, with no man to enjoy them. Surely, we shall be
able to live here. Behold, O Lakshmana, these honeycombs measuring about
a _Drona_ have been hung up on trees by the bees. In the charming woods
overarched by flowers, the _Datyuha_ cries, and is responded to by the
peacock. Do thou behold Chitrakuta frequented by mad elephants and
resonant with the voice of multitudes of birds--the mountain with its
towering summits. O child, we will disport in the sacred woods of
Chitrakuta with fine level plains,and covered with divers trees." Then
they proceeding on foot along with Sita, arrived at the charming and
beautiful mountain Chitrakuta. And arriving at the mountain inhabited by
birds of various kinds, abounding in fruits and roots, and furnished
with watery expanses, (Rama) said, "O amiable one, methinks this
beautiful hill furnished with innumerable fruits and roots, is fraught
with subsistence. And the hill is inhabited by high-souled ascetics. Let
this, O child, be our abode. We will dwell here." Then Rama, Lakshmana
and Sita with joined hands presented themselves at the asylum of Valmiki
and saluted him. Thereat the Maharshi cognizant of morality said unto
them, "Be seated!" and addressed Rama, saying,--"Has thy journey been a
pleasant one?" Then having duly acquainted the saint with matters
pertaining to himself, that lord, the mighty- armed elder brother of
Lakshmana, said unto the latter, "O Lakshmana, bring thou wood good and
strong. O amiable one, construct a dwelling. My mind is set upon staying
here." Hearing his words, Sumitra's son procured wood of various
descriptions, and then that subduer of foes reared a cottage thatched
with leaves. Beholding that goodly dwelling walled with wood and
furnished with doors, Rama addressed these words unto Lakshmana, intent
upon ministering unto his brother. "Procuring meat, we will worship the
deity presiding over this dwelling. O Sumitra's son, those who wish to
live long, should pacify the household gods. O Lakshmana graced with
auspicious eyes, do thou killing deer, swiftly bring it here. It behoves
us to observe the rules prescribed by the scriptures. Do thou follow the
ordinance." Acquainted with the words of his brother, Lakshmana, slayer
of hostile heroes, did as he was told. Thereupon Rama addressed him
again, "Do thou cook this meat. We will worship the presiding deities of
this mansion. Bestir thyself,--the moment is mild and the day is styled
_Dhruva_." Then Lakshmana the son of Sumitra endowed with vigor, having
slain a sacred black deer, threw it into flaming fire. And seeing it
well scorched and hot and free from blood, Lakshmana spoke unto that
foremost of men, Raghava, saying,--"Here is the entire black deer
roasted by me, capable of serving any purpose. Do you, O you that
resemble a celestial, worship the gods." Having performed his ablutions,
Rama conversant with the ritual and possessing a knowledge of _Japa_,
restraining his senses, performed all the _mantras_ that are necessary
for completing a sacrifice; and having in a pure spirit communed with
all the deities, entered the habitation. And (this having been done),
Rama of immeasurable energy rejoiced exceedingly. And sacrificing unto
Vaicya, Rudra and Vishnu, he performed some ceremonies for removing
malign influences from the abode. And having duly performed _Japa_ and
bathed in consonance with the ordinance, Rama made an excellent
sacrifice for removing sin. And then Raghava established a dais, and a
_chaitya_ proportionate to the abode.[151] And as the celestials enter
the hall entitled Sudharma, they together with the view of dwelling in
it, entered the mansion beautiful to behold, thatched with the leaves of
trees, built at a convenient site, well-made, and keeping out the
wind.[152] And having come to the charming Chitrakuta and the river
Malyavati furnished with excellent bathing places, and haunted by beasts
and fowls, they rejoiced with glad hearts, and forsook the grief
incident to their exile from the city.
[151] The N. W. P. text reads:--"And in that romantic forest abounding
in various kinds of beasts and birds, with trees bearing a
profusion of variegated flowers, and resounding with the roars of
beasts and serpents, those ones and, who had conquered their
senses, began to live happily."-- T.
[152] Another reading is:--"And having with garlands made of wild
flowers, fruits, roots, meat cooked according to the ordinance,
water, _Japa_ as prescribed by the Veda, grass, and faggot,
worshipped the spirits, those descendants of Raghu, the auspicious
Rama and Lakshmana, in company with Sita entered the graceful
mansion."-- T.