Ayodhya Kaanda
80 - Dialogue between Sri Rama and the sage Valmiki
Chaupais
Description
The eminent sage (Valmiki) thus showed Him many a dwelling place and his loving words gladdened Sri Rama's soul. "Listen, O Lord of the solar race," the sage continued, "I now tell You a retreat that will be delightful in the existing circumstances. Take up Your abode on the Citrakuta hill: there You will have comforts of every kind. Charming is the hill and lovely the forest, which is the haunt of elephants, lions and deer as well as of birds. It has a holy river glorified in the Puranas, which was brought by the sage Atri's wife by dint of her penance. It is a side stream of the Ganga and is known by the name of Mandakini-which is quick to destroy sins even as a witch strangles infants. Many great sages like Atri dwell there practising Yoga and muttering sacred formulas and wasting their bodies with penance. Wend Your way thither, Rama, and reward the labours of all, conferring dignity on this great mountain as well."