Chithrakoot
Then they took leave of Sage Bharadwajha by doing Pradhakshinam (going around in clock wise manner) and thus paying respects to him. From there they left for Chithrakoot. That Sage considered them as his won Children and blessed them profusely and walked with them for some distance “ Rama ! you please go to the palce Ganga & Yamuna are joining, from there following the banks of Kalindhi river take a turn to the west , cross that speedy river with a Theppam (Round Boat), Then you will see a Huge Banyana tree which is known as Syam, there are many Sidhars (Saints who have acquired super natural powers with their penance). Sita can bow to them and with folded hands can pray for what ever she wants. If She is tired then you can stay there; or else you can further proceed,From there 2miles(3.2 km) you will see a black forest filled with Bhir tree and Phalasa tree and lots of Bamboo tress.that is the way to Chithrakoot.i have gone in this route many times.The place has a beautiful small soft sand. There is no trouble of Forest Fire.’thus having shown the way he returned to his Hermittage.
Thye bowed to him and said ‘ we will do accordingly’. Thus took leave off him and left. After some time Rama said “Lakhsmana ! it is the result of our Good fortune that we could meet Bharadwajha sage.” Thus talking they reached the banks of Kalindhi river.Seeing the fast cuurent flow of the river, they hesitated as to how they will cross the river? Then Lakshaman cut the wood and with Dry Bamboos kept acorss with roots he tied it up so that Sita can can comfortably be seated he spread leaves of Nochil tree spread it in one place. In that theppam (Round Boat ) Rama helped the Ravishing beauty to board the raft carefully. When her husband touched and helped her climb the boast, she got slightly shy, nearby her the dresses and Ornaments, Armaments, basket, space were also kept and the two Princes also climbed and thus they crossed that river. When in the middle of the river Sita said ‘ Devi ! May good fortunes shine on us. When my husband’s Prathignya (Swear/ Promise/Vow/Keep one’s word even at the cost of his own Life)gets ful filled and when we return to Ayodhya safely , then I will worship you with thousands of Cows and pot vessles.”thusSita prayed to the Diety of the River.
They then walked a little distance. They reached the Banyan tree having black leafs and giving shade named Syam. Then Sita said “hey great Tree! I bow to you. My husband’s Prathygnya _Vow should be fulfilled. I should see Kaushalya and Sumithra again and thus with folded hands went around the Tree. Seeing & Praying for his sake with affection Rama said “Lakshmana ! you walk in front of Sita. i with arms will come behind her. If she desires for any Flower or fruit, please go and fetch it for her forthwith”. Like a Female elephant walks between 2 Male Elephants Sita walked in between Rama and Lakshmana.Till then she had never seen a Forest; Showing each and every tree, plant and flower, she asked ‘ what is it’sname? what are it’s characteristic?’ Rama. The place was filled with variety of Flowers and frutis, which ever Sita wanted, Lalshaman will immediately fetch for her. Sita used to get ecstatic seeing the Swans playing on the ponds with peculiar type of sands.Rama Lakshamana walked 4 Miles from there killed many an animal wandering in the forest of Yamuna river;they had their food. Then they loitered for some time in that enchanting place filled with beautiful Peacocks, Monkeys. Showing Unique trees and animals to Sita at the time of Dusk, they chose a place of her liking and made arragements to stay.(Slokas 35).
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