Arrival at Maharshi Bharadwaja’s Ashram

Sita felt elated upon receiving Ganga's blessings. After bowing to the sacred river, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita continued their journey.

"Lakshmana, you are the only one with weapons," Rama said. "Please walk in front. Sita will walk behind you, and I will follow her to ensure her protection."

The following day, they arrived at Prayaga, which is a sacred place because it is the confluence of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. They bathed there, as it is supposed to bring good fortune. They then went to Maharshi Bharadwaja's ashram. 

Maharshi Bharadwaja warmly embraced Rama. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita spent the night at the ashram. The next morning, Rama and the sage discussed various topics. When Rama inquired about a peaceful and secure place to stay, the sage suggested that Chitrakuta would be the ideal spot.

After returning alone to the palace at Ayodhya, Sumantra saw that King Dasharatha and Queens Kaushalya and Sumitra were despondent. Lakshmana's wife, Urmila, also wept quietly. Due to grief and sorrow, Dasharatha was on the verge of death. As his condition deteriorated, he told Kaushalya that he had committed a heinous crime when he was young and was now being punished for it. Kaushalya begged him to tell her about it.