Return, I pray, with them all to the city; for you are here and the king (my father) is in heaven (there is no one to look after the city). I have said enough and presumed greatly; but do, holy master, as you thing best.’

‘O, Rama,’ replied the guru, ‘it is no wonder that you, bulwark of righteousness and home of compassion, should speak thus. But the people are wearied, let them rest for a couple of days and enjoy your presence.’

On hearing Rama’s words, the whole company had trembled with fear, like a ship tossed on the ocean; but when they heard the auspicious words of the guru, it was as though the wind had turned in their favour.

Three times a day they bashed in the sacred Payasvini, the mere sight of which wipes out any multitude of sins; and they feasted their eyes on the incarnation of blessedness, looking joyfully at him with repeated prostrations.

Then they went to see the hill and woods hallowed by the presence of Rama, where reigned joy of every kind and which was free from all sorrows where flowed cascades of water sweet as nectar, and winds, soft, cool and fragrant, soothed every pain of mind and body.

There, too, were trees and creepers and grasses of infinite variety, and fruit and flowers and leaves of many kinds; beautiful boulders and grateful shade of trees – who can describe this incomparable beauty of the forest?

Lotuses adorned the ponds, waterfowl cooed and bees hummed; while forgetful of mutual anti-pathies, beasts roamed about in the forest and birds of varied plumage.