Shloka 2.54.29
भरद्वाजाश्रमप्राप्तिः — Arrival at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage and Counsel toward Citrakūṭa
दशक्रोश इतस्तात गिरिर्यत्रनिवत्स्यसि।महर्षिसेवितः पुण्यः सर्वतः सुखदर्शनः।।2.54.28।।गोलाङ्गूलानुचरितो वानरर्क्षनिषेवितः।चित्रकूट इति ख्यातो गन्धमादनसन्निभः।।2.54.29।।
daśakrośa itas tāta girir yatra nivatsyasi | maharṣisevitaḥ puṇyaḥ sarvataḥ sukhadarśanaḥ || golāṅgūlānucarito vānararkṣaniṣevitaḥ | citrakūṭa iti khyāto gandhamādanasannibhaḥ ||
Dear child, ten krośas from here lies the mountain fit for your dwelling—holy, visited by great rishis, delightful to see from every side, and known as Citrakūṭa, like Gandhamādana, with apes, monkeys, and bears moving about it.
O my son ten krosas (about twenty miles) from here is a mountain wellknown as Chitrakuta, resembling 'Gandhamadana'. That mountain frequented by maharshis is sacred. It looks pleasant from all sides. Monkeys, apes and bears wander there and it is an appropriate place for you to live in.
The verse reinforces dharma through wise placement: selecting a holy landscape that supports righteous conduct and stability during exile.
This verse repeats Bharadvāja’s guidance to go to Citrakūṭa, as preserved in the provided Southern Recension input.
Bharadvāja’s steadfast guidance and care for Rāma’s dharmic path, ensuring the exile proceeds with minimal harm and maximum spiritual suitability.