Sage Suteekshna, with reverence and a serene smile, addressed Rama:
“O Rama, you will be overjoyed to witness the luxuriant growth of green trees and the lush, verdant creepers encircling the hermitage of the venerable Sage Agastya. It is a place of divine serenity, where Sita and Lakshmana too may dwell in happiness. The majestic trees, heavy with foliage, create an atmosphere of piety and beauty. In the presence of this great sage, you may fulfill the remaining vows of your ascetic journey. If it pleases you, Rama, you may proceed to visit his ashram without delay.”
Thus resolved, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana offered their respects to Sage Suteekshna and embarked on their journey toward Sage Agastya’s hermitage. Along the way, they beheld the resplendent forest, adorned with trees laden with fruits and flowers. Lofty mountains rose as if to kiss the heavens, their peaks shrouded in clouds. Rama observed, “Surely, this tranquil and sacred atmosphere marks the abode of Agastya’s brother.”
As they ventured further, the air grew fragrant with the mingling scents of tender pepper, flowers, and ripe fruits. Dry wood, carefully gathered, lay prepared for daily fire rituals. The fragrant smoke rising from holy fire pits bore witness to the sanctity of Agastya’s hermitage. Rama reflected, “This sage is the protector of the South, his virtue a shield for the hermits of this land. Once, when the mighty demons Ilvala and Vatapi wrought havoc, endangering the lives and rituals of sages, it was Agastya who vanquished them, restoring peace and sanctity to the region.”
The trio performed their evening prayers as the sun descended into the western horizon and reached the ashram of Agastya’s brother, where they were warmly received and offered rest for the night. After completing their morning rituals at dawn, they sought permission to leave and resumed their journey toward Sage Agastya’s hermitage.
The path led them through fields of swaying paddy, forests of jackfruit trees releasing a sweet aroma, and groves of palmyra, pineapples, and tamarind. Elephants feasted on bamboo and sugarcane, while monkeys frolicked among the branches. Birds filled the air with melodious calls, unperturbed by fear. Rama remarked, “Lakshmana, this flourishing greenery, the harmony of animals and birds, all point to the sacred presence of Sage Agastya’s ashram.”
As they approached the ashram, Rama recounted Agastya’s legendary deeds: how he had commanded the towering Vindhya Mountains to cease their growth, thus restoring sunlight to the lands. “Such is the power of this sage,” Rama declared, “that demons and evil beings dare not approach this domain. It is here I wish to complete my ascetic vows.”
Upon reaching the hermitage, Lakshmana approached a disciple tending the fire altar and announced their arrival: “I am Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, the eldest son of King Dasaratha. My brother, accompanied by Sita, seeks an audience with the sage.” The disciple conveyed this to Agastya, who, delighted by the news, exclaimed, “Why hesitate? Bring them to me with due honor!”
The trio entered the sage’s presence and prostrated themselves at his feet. Sage Agastya, radiant as the sun, welcomed them warmly and offered them seats. After performing his rituals, the sage personally served them a meal, saying, “Rama, you are a prince among men, our protector and lord. We must honor you.”
When the meal was complete, Agastya presented Rama with celestial gifts: a golden bow adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, forged by Vishwakarma for Lord Vishnu; an arrow of immense power bestowed by Brahma; a quiver that never ran empty; and a sword from Indra capable of reducing any weapon it touched to fragments. The sage declared, “Rama, these divine weapons are meant for you, the protector of dharma. With them, you shall vanquish the wicked and uphold righteousness.”
Sage Agastya, aware of the divine purpose of Rama’s incarnation, prepared him for the battles to come. Thus, the threads of destiny wove themselves through the sage’s wisdom, guiding Rama toward the fulfillment of his cosmic role.