Lakshmana Builds and Rama Consecrates Hermitage

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana find solace in Chitrakuta forest during exile. Through rituals and adaptability, they transform their humble dwelling into a sacred haven, embracing forest life with grace and devotion. 

Rama and Lakshmana Observe the Forest (Shlokas 2.56.1 - 2.56.7)

As night gave way to dawn, Rama, the delight of the Raghu dynasty, gently roused the sleeping Lakshmana. With a soft voice, he said:

"Saumitri (son of Sumitra), listen to the sweet songs of the forest birds. It's time for us to set out, O vanquisher of foes."

Lakshmana, awakened by his brother, quickly shook off his slumber and the fatigue from their journey. The trio - Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita - rose, touched the auspicious waters of the river, and set off on the path to Mount Chitrakuta, as directed by the sage Bharadwaja.

As they walked, Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana, turned to Sita, whose eyes resembled lotus petals, and said:

"Vaidehi (daughter of Videha), observe the beauty around us:

1. The kimsuka trees (Butea monosperma) are in full bloom, their flowers like bright garlands adorning the branches.

2. Look at those bhallataka trees (marking nut), heavy with fruits and leaves. Though untouched by people, they offer us sustenance.

3. Lakshmana, do you see the large honeycombs hanging from the trees? They're as big as water pots, filled by industrious bees.

This delightful forest region, with its ground strewn with fallen flowers, echoes with the calls of various birds. The peacock responds to the cries of the cuckoo."

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, having conquered their senses, found joy in the forest's splendor. Rama concluded, "Truly, we can make our home in this beautiful place."

Building the Hermitage and Performing Rituals (Shlokas 2.56.8 - 2.56.20)

As Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita explored the lush forest of Chitrakuta, they marveled at its beauty:

1. The woods teemed with various animals and birds.

2. Trees bore clusters of vibrant flowers.

3. The air resonated with the calls of wild creatures.

Rama, of immeasurable radiance, addressed Lakshmana: "Brother, fetch strong, quality logs. Let's build our dwelling here, for my heart delights in this place."

Heeding his brother's words, Lakshmana, the subduer of foes, gathered various types of wood. With skill and care, he constructed a spacious leaf-thatched hut.

Upon seeing the well-built, attractive hut with walls reinforced by woven mats, Rama spoke to Lakshmana, who stood attentively awaiting further instructions:

"Let us consecrate our new home with proper rituals. Bring the meat of a black antelope (krishna mriga, considered pure for sacrificial purposes), for those who wish to dwell long in a place must first appease the presiding deity. This sacred act will harmonize our presence with the forest spirits."

Lakshmana swiftly fulfilled Rama's request. Rama then said, "Cook this venison. We shall make our offerings to sanctify the hut. Hurry, for this day and moment are auspicious for the rites. Our adherence to dharma (righteous duty) begins with respecting the subtle forces of our new home."

The powerful Lakshmana prepared the pure meat of the black antelope and offered it to the well-kindled fire. Once the meat was thoroughly cooked and drained of blood, Lakshmana informed Rama, the tiger among men (a title denoting Rama's unparalleled strength and nobility):

"O godlike one, the black antelope is well-prepared. Please perform the sacrifice, for you are proficient in these sacred rites that bridge the mortal and divine realms."

Rama Performs Sacred Rituals (Shlokas 2.56.21 - 2.56.33)

Rama, versed in spiritual practices and particularly skilled in reciting mantras associated with the conclusion of sacrificial sessions, prepared himself for the sacred rites. He first purified himself with a bath, then controlled his senses through meditation. With focused concentration, he began to intone all the necessary mantras, showcasing his profound knowledge of Vedic rituals.

The ritual unfolded in this manner:

1. Rama offered worship to all the deities.

2. He performed oblations to the Vishvadevas (universal gods), Rudra, and Vishnu.

3. He conducted rites to appease the Vastu devata (deity of the dwelling).

4. He chanted prayers silently, as prescribed by tradition.

5. He took another ritual bath in the river.

6. Finally, he made a supreme offering for the expiation of sins.

Upon completing these sacred acts, Rama, now purified, entered the leaf-hut. A profound sense of joy filled his heart, illuminating his already radiant countenance.

Rama, scion of the Raghu dynasty, then set about establishing the hermitage properly. He created:

• Altars in all quarters

• Places of worship

• Sacred spots for the ritual fire

All these were constructed in a manner befitting a proper hermitage, harmonizing with the forest's spiritual essence.

Throughout the ritual, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita offered:

• Garlands of wild flowers

• Forest fruits and roots

• Well-cooked venison

• Water

• Vedic chants

• Darbha grass (sacred grass used in rituals)

• Faggots and kusha grass (another type of sacred grass)

With these offerings, they propitiated all beings, both seen and unseen, honoring the interconnectedness of all life in their new forest abode.

After the completion of all rites, Rama and Lakshmana, both possessing auspicious qualities, accompanied by Sita, entered their new, sanctified dwelling. The leaf-thatched hut, now consecrated through these elaborate rituals, stood as a humble yet sacred space in the heart of the forest, a testament to their commitment to dharma even in exile.

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita Settle in the Forest (Shlokas 2.56.34 - 2.56.38)

Having completed the sacred rituals, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita prepared to make their new dwelling their home. Their actions reflected both their royal upbringing and their adaptability to forest life:

1. They adorned the hut with garlands of wild flowers, bringing beauty to their humble abode.

2. They gathered forest fruits and roots, embracing the sustenance provided by nature.

3. They cooked meals using the venison they had prepared, honoring the forest's bounty.

The trio continued their spiritual practices in their new surroundings:

• They used water for purification rites.

• They recited Vedic mantras, maintaining their connection to sacred knowledge.

• They utilized darbha grass, faggots, and kusha grass in their daily rituals.

Through these acts, they sustained their devotion and appeased the subtle beings of the forest, creating harmony between themselves and their new environment. Their unwavering commitment to their spiritual practices demonstrated their adherence to dharma (righteous duty and cosmic order) even in challenging circumstances.

Rama and Lakshmana, both bearing auspicious marks, entered the leaf-thatched hut alongside Sita. Though simple in construction, their dwelling now radiated a divine aura, rivaling the celestial courts of the gods. This transformation symbolized how their presence and devotion could elevate even the humblest of spaces. It stood as a testament to their ability to find contentment and maintain their dharma, regardless of external circumstances.

As they settled into their forest life, they found joy in the natural beauty surrounding them:

• They observed kimsuka trees ablaze with bright flowers, their branches appearing to be wreathed in flame.

• They delighted in the songs of various birds, including the melodious cries of peacocks.

• They marveled at the sight of elephant herds roaming freely through the lush landscape.

Rama, his heart filled with wonder, spoke to Lakshmana:

"Brother, behold the magnificence of Mount Chitrakuta with its towering peaks. See how it teems with diverse wildlife and resounds with the calls of countless birds. Truly, this sacred forest of Chitrakuta, with its even ground and abundance of trees, shall be a joyous home for us."

As they explored their new surroundings, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita approached the beautiful and enchanting Mount Chitrakuta. The mountain, rich in roots and fruits and blessed with sweet water, captivated their senses.

Rama, deeply moved by the beauty around him, exclaimed:

"Lakshmana, this mountain is truly delightful, adorned with various trees and creepers, abundant in roots and fruits. I feel that we shall live happily here, nourished by the forest's gifts."

In this way, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, though in exile, found solace and joy in the natural splendor of Chitrakuta. Their ability to appreciate beauty in their circumstances and find contentment in simplicity exemplified the virtues of acceptance and adaptability, key themes in the Ramayana. The sorrow of their banishment from Ayodhya began to fade, replaced by the peace and beauty of their forest sanctuary, illustrating the transformative power of a positive outlook and unwavering faith.

This concludes the fifty sixth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.