At the boundaries of Kosala, Rama got out of his chariot and turned towards Ayodhya to pay his obeisance to the citadel of the Ikshvakus. He blessed its inhabitants to live in peace protected by the presiding deities. Finally Rama crossed the borders of his beloved country, blessed, beautiful and flourishing. A land where rivers and lakes sparkled, temple bells pealed, and sacred chants echoed and re-echoed through out the kingdom.

Many miles south of Kosala, Rama beheld the breath taking Ganga. Her pristine waters were home to shoals of fish and her banks were haven to a myriad bird, beast and bush.Rama decided to spend that night on the banks of that holy river. Mean while the ruler of that region Guha, chief of Nishadas whose devotion to Rama was boundless received news of his arrival. Hurrying to receive his divine visitor and embracing him, Guha was distressed at his bark robes. He said, "Welcome mighty one! The entire earth belongs to you. Blessed are we to receive you. Your very word is our command."Guha then spread before them the feast he had brought but Rama said, "I am touched by your generosity but regret my inability to accept it. Your devotion is matchless but my vows are irrevocable. Bound by them I have come to spend a span of fourteen years to live the life of an ascetic. As such I can enjoy neither lavish hospitality nor royal comfort ."

Accepting the water from Lakshmana, Rama lay down. For the mighty prince hounded by a fate and innumerable miles away from home, long passed the night. He slept on the hard crust of the earth softened by a bed of leaves and grass lovingly gathered by Lakshmana.