Rama, whose splendor shone brightly, turned to his brother Lakshmana and spoke: “This forest is harsh and difficult, and we are not accustomed to such wild places.” With this in mind, he suggested, “Let us quickly approach the sage Sharabhanga, the possessor of ascetic wealth.” Thus, Raghava made his way toward Sharabhanga’s hermitage. As Rama drew near to Sharabhanga, whose soul was purified by asceticism and who possessed divine powers, he witnessed a marvelous and wondrous sight. Before him appeared the lord of the gods, radiant and adorned, wearing spotless garments, floating above the earth without touching it. Rama saw this deity, worshipped by many great souls, riding in a chariot drawn by green horses, moving gracefully through the sky. From a distance, Rama beheld him, shining like the rising sun, resembling a mass of white clouds, and as luminous as the orb of the moon. Above the god was a spotless parasol adorned with marvelous garlands, and two excellent fly-whisks with golden handles, of great value, waved by noble women. Around him gathered many Gandharvas, gods, Siddhas, and eminent sages. The god, situated high in the sky, was being praised with excellent words and was conversing with Sharabhanga, accompanied by Vasava. Seeing Shatakratu there, Rama pointed out the wondrous chariot to Lakshmana. “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.” Rama also observed the tiger-like men who stood all around, hundreds upon hundreds—youthful, wearing earrings, and holding swords. All had broad, expansive chests, arms like iron bars, clothed in garments with red rays, fierce as tigers and difficult to approach. On their chests blazed fiery necklaces, and they all appeared, O Saumitri, as if twenty-five years old. “This, indeed, is always the age of the gods,” Rama remarked, “as these tiger-like men are seen, pleasing to behold.” Then Rama said, “Remain here for a moment, Lakshmana, together with Vaidehi, until I clearly learn who this radiant one in the chariot is.” Having spoken thus to Saumitri, Rama, the descendant of Kakutstha, proceeded toward Sharabhanga’s hermitage. Seeing Rama approaching, the lord of Shachi—Indra—after taking leave of Sharabhanga, addressed 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 thus honored the ascetic, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, departed to heaven in his chariot yoked with divine horses. After the thousand-eyed one had departed, Raghava, accompanied by his retinue, approached Sharabhanga, who was seated at the sacrificial fire. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana respectfully 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, granted me a boon and wished 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, whose strength was equal to Indra’s, 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. This is the path, O tiger among men; watch me for a moment, dear one, until I shed my limbs like a serpent casts off its old skin.” Then, having kindled the fire and offered ghee with proper mantras, the radiant Sharabhanga entered the sacrificial fire. In that moment, the fire consumed the hair and body of the great-souled sage—his old skin, bones, flesh, and blood. He then became like a blazing youth, rising from the fire altar, and Sharabhanga shone forth. Surpassing the worlds of those who maintain sacred fires, the great sages, and the gods, he ascended to Brahma’s world.