Travelling deeper into the forest the exiles beheld the unsurpassed beauties of nature, which were mesmeric. At sunset they reached the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna where at a distance rose a column of smoke. Knowing it to be the region where the hermitage of Bharadhvaja was situated and walking towards it they saw the sage finishing his evening worship. Bowing to him Rama said, "We are the sons of Dasaratha, Rama and Lakshmana and this is my consort Sita. I am here banished from Ayodhya, commanded by my father to lead the life of an ascetic."

Bharadhvaja welcomed and honored the guests with his impeccable hospitality telling them that he knew of the advent of Rama. He said that the place they were now in, was at the confluence of two sacred rivers and most suitable for their ascetic pursuits. But Rama said, "This wonderful place is too close to Ayodhya and my people will be tempted to visit us often. So I wish to move on to a region less accessible."The sage then suggested that ten miles from his hermitage was the mountain Chitrakuta. There innumerable ascetics had performed rigorous penance, attaining heaven with their mortal bodies. Rama gratefully thanked Bharadhvaja for the information and passed that night at the hermitage.