Ayodhya Kaanda
81 - Sri Rama takes up His abode at Citrakuta; the services of the Kolas and Bhilas
Chaupais
Description
Elephants, lions, monkeys, boars and deer, all sported together, free from enmity. Herds of deer were enraptured when they beheld the beauty of Sri Rama roaming about in search of prey. All the forests of gods existing in the universe were filled with envy at the sight of Sri Rama's forest. The heavenly river (Ganga), Saraswati, the Sun-born Yamuna, Narmada (the daughter of Mount Mekala), the blessed Godavari and the various other lakes, seas, streams and rivers, all extolled the Mandakini. The eastern and western hills (from and behind which the sun is believed to emerge and disappear every morning and evening), Mounts Kailasa (the abode of Lord Siva), Mandara, Meru, all abodes of gods, and mountains like the Himalayas, all sang praises of Citrakuta. Glad was the deity presiding over the Vindhya range*, whose delight was more than his heart could contain, to think that he had won such great renown without much exertion.