Rama prostrated himself before the sage and the holy Brahman gave him his blessing. The sight of Rama’s beauty gladdened his eyes and with all deference he conducted the Lord to his hermitage.

Finding a guest as dear to him as life itself, the holy sage sent for delicious bulbs and roots and fruit, and Sita, Lakshmana and Rama partook of them. Then the sage offered them choice seats.

Profound was the joy of Valmiki’s heart as his eyes beheld Rama, the perfect image of bliss. Then Raghunatha, folding his lotus hands, spoke to him words that charmed the hermit’s ears:

‘You directly perceive all time, past, present and future, O lord of sages; and the whole universe is like a little plum in the palm of your hand.’ So saying, the Lord related to him the whole story and just how the queen (Kaikeyi) had exiled him into the woods.

Compliance with my father’s commands, gratification of my stepmother (Kaikeyi), the installation of brother like Bharata and my own visit to you – all these, my lord, are blessings that only past merit can have won for me.

In beholding your feet, O king of sages, all my good deeds win their reward. Now I intend to go wherever it may be your order, and no anchorite be disturbed.

For those monarchs burn, even though there be no fire, who vex hermits and ascetics; the satisfaction of Brahmans is the root of all happiness, while their wrath consumes millions of generations.