Hearing Rama’s words, the decision was made: the demon Viradha would be cast into a pit. As the powerful demon was thrown in, his cries echoed through the forest, reverberating amidst the trees. Rama and Lakshmana, their faces bright with relief and joy, together cast Viradha into the pit upon the earth. Freed from fear, they rejoiced in the vast wilderness, covering the demon with heavy stones. With golden-ornamented bows in hand, the two brothers, having slain Viradha, took Maithili—Sita—with them. They wandered joyfully through the great forest, their presence radiant like the sun and moon shining in the sky. Let the fifth canto be heard. Having slain the mighty demon Viradha in the forest, the valiant Rama embraced Sita and comforted her, easing her fears. Then, Rama, whose splendor was like blazing fire, spoke to his brother Lakshmana: “This forest is wild and difficult. We are not accustomed to such harsh places.” He suggested, “Let us quickly approach the sage Sharabhanga, the possessor of ascetic wealth.” With that, Raghava led the way to Sharabhanga’s hermitage. Near Sharabhanga, whose soul was purified by asceticism and who possessed divine power, Rama witnessed a wondrous sight. He saw the lord of the gods, radiant and adorned, dressed in spotless garments, not touching the earth. The god, worshipped by many great souls, rode in a chariot drawn by green horses, moving through the sky. From a distance, Rama saw him shining like the rising sun, resembling a mass of white clouds, and like the orb of the moon. He beheld a spotless parasol adorned with marvelous garlands and two excellent fly-whisks with golden handles, of great value. Noble women held and waved them above the god’s head. Many Gandharvas, gods, Siddhas, and eminent sages were gathered there. The god, situated in the sky, was praised with excellent words and was conversing with Sharabhanga, along with Vasava. Seeing Shatakratu—Indra—there, Rama spoke to Lakshmana, pointing out the wondrous chariot to his brother: “Behold, Lakshmana, that radiant, splendid, and marvelous chariot, shining like the sun, moving in the sky. Those horses of Puruhuta, which we have heard belong to Shakra, are surely the divine horses moving in the sky. And those tiger-like men who stand all around, hundreds upon hundreds, youthful, wearing earrings, and holding swords—all have broad, expansive chests, arms like iron bars, clothed in garments with red rays, fierce as tigers and hard to approach. On their chests are necklaces blazing like fire; they all appear, O Saumitri, as if twenty-five years old. This, indeed, is always the age of the gods, as these tiger-like men are seen, pleasing to behold.” Rama then said, “Remain here for a moment, Lakshmana, together with Vaidehi, until I learn clearly who this radiant one in the chariot is.” Having spoken thus to Saumitri, Rama proceeded toward Sharabhanga’s hermitage. As Rama approached, the lord of Shachi—Indra—took leave of Sharabhanga and spoke to the gods: “Rama is coming here, but until he speaks with me, lead me away to completion; then he is worthy to see me. For I have conquered and fulfilled my purpose; soon I will depart. He must perform a great deed, difficult for others.” Having addressed and honored the ascetic, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, departed to heaven in his chariot yoked with divine horses. After the thousand-eyed Indra had departed, Raghava, with his retinue, approached Sharabhanga, who was seated at the sacrificial fire. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana clasped the sage’s feet and, with his permission, sat down, having received lodging and invitation. Raghava then inquired about Indra’s arrival, and Sharabhanga related everything to him: “This Indra, O Rama, is granting me a boon and wishes to take me to Brahma’s world, which is won by fierce austerity and is difficult to attain for those who lack self-control. Knowing you were nearby, O tiger among men, I did not go to Brahma’s world without seeing you, my beloved guest. Having met you, O great-souled and righteous one, I shall depart for the highest heaven. O best among men, I have conquered auspicious worlds that are inexhaustible; accept from me the Brahmanical and celestial realms.” Thus addressed by the sage Sharabhanga, Rama, skilled in all scriptures, replied, “O great sage, I myself shall win all the worlds; I desire only a dwelling here in this forest, as you have indicated.” Sharabhanga, wise and perceptive, spoke again: “Here, O Rama, dwells the highly radiant and righteous sage named Suteekshna, who lives in the forest with discipline; he will bring you greater benefit. Go to Suteekshna, the ascetic, in his pure abode, in the delightful region of the forest; he will arrange your dwelling. Follow this Mandakini river, O Rama, against its current; this river carries flowers and stars, and then you will reach your destination.” Thus, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, having received guidance and blessings from Sharabhanga, prepared to seek the sage Suteekshna, following the Mandakini river through the enchanting forest.