Having shown Sita the river that meandered at the foot of Chitrakuta, Rama sat with her on the hillside. He regaled her with his culinary skills and the many different ways of cooking meats. It was a blissful scene but bliss short lived as Bharata would soon invade this sylvan paradise with his troops. Rama saw the dust that rose by Bharata's vast armies and heard its clamor. Rivaling the din of the approaching army was a more powerful and tumultuous noise. Animals fled from a danger they sensed but could not define. Alarmed at an impending disaster even mighty elephants turned tail and lumbered away as fast as their large legs could carry them."What are these sounds Lakshmana? Could a king on a hunt have frightened the denizens of the forest? See what causes this great terror and the rumble akin to thunder," said Rama.

Lakshmana quickly clambered up a tree and scanned the horizon. Towards the north, the armies loomed clear and large. Seeing the vast armies of Bharata, with their horses, elephants, chariots infantry and fluttering banners, Lakshmana called out to Rama, "Brother! I see troops. Put out the fire, hide Sita in the cave. Ready your bow, your arrows and your shield."Rama asked, "Under which banner does the army march?" Lakshmana said, "To safeguard his throne it is evident that Bharata has come to eliminate us. I see the emblem of the Kovidara on his chariot. The ruthless son of a ruthless mother, not content with what he possesses, wanting to rid his kingdom of all its enemies comes to slay us. Should we go up the mountain or remain here? Bharata and his banner shall soon fall prey to us and he shall pay for our misfortune. Kill him Rama and rule the earth. I do not see any blame in putting an end to Bharata, who has caused you great harm and is devoid of all dharma. May Kaikeyi grieve, beholding her son destroyed like a tree, felled by an elephant! I shall fight the army and slay Kaikeyi and her hunch- backed friend, ridding the world of a great taint." With his pent up emotions giving way to burning anger Lakshmana threatened to let loose his arrows saying, "I shall rive the bodies of Bharata's men and their blood shall drench Chitrakuta. Let their bodies be dragged away by the beasts of the wild!"