Rich in fresh leaf, fruit and flower, they put to shame even celestial trees by their luxuriance. The feathered choir of the cuckoos, koels, parrots and partridges warbled and graceful peacocks danced.

In the centre of the garden was a lovely lake which shone bright with flights of steps made of many-coloured gems. Its limpid water contained variegated lotuses and was vocal with the cooing of water-fowl and the humming of bees.

Both the Lord and his brother were delighted behold the garden and the lake. Most lovely must have been that garden which delighted even Rama (lit., the delighter of all)!

After looking all about, and with the consent of the gardeners, the two brothers began in high glee to gather leaves and flowers. At that same hour Sita too came there, sent by her mother to worship Girija.

She was accompanied by her girl-companions, lovely and clever. They sang songs in ravishing tones. Close by the lake stood a temple, sacred to Girija, which was beautiful beyond description, and captivated the minds of those who looked at it.

Having bathed in the lake with her companions, Sita went with a glad heart to Girija’s temple. She offered worship with deep devotion and begged of the goddess a handsome spouse worthy of her.

One of her companions had wandered off from her to look at the garden. She chanced to behold the two brothers and returned to Sita, overpowered by love.