Rāma, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, resolved to visit the great sage Sharabhanga, renowned for his immense ascetic power. With this intention, Rāma made his way to Sharabhanga’s hermitage. As he drew near, he encountered a sight both wondrous and extraordinary: Sharabhanga himself, his soul purified by austerities and radiating divine energy, was engaged in conversation with a celestial being. Rāma’s gaze was drawn upward, where he beheld the lord of the gods, Indra, dazzling in his brilliance, clad in spotless garments, and hovering above the earth. Indra was surrounded by reverent sages and divine beings, riding in a splendid chariot drawn by green horses, gliding across the sky. From afar, Indra shone like the rising sun, resembled a mass of white clouds, and was as radiant as the orb of the moon. Over Indra’s head floated a flawless parasol, adorned with marvelous garlands, and two exquisite fly-whisks with golden handles waved gently, held by noble women. Gathering around were Gandharvas, gods, Siddhas, and eminent sages, all present to honor the lord of the gods, who was being praised with eloquent words as he spoke with Sharabhanga, accompanied by Vāsava. Observing this celestial assembly, Rāma turned to Lakṣmaṇa and pointed out the marvelous chariot, gleaming like the sun and moving through the sky. He remarked that these were the divine horses of Puruhūta, the ones he had heard belonged to Śakra, the king of the gods. Around the chariot stood hundreds of youthful, tiger-like men, adorned with earrings and armed with swords. Their broad chests, iron-like arms, and garments with red rays made them fierce and formidable, yet pleasing to behold. Each wore necklaces blazing like fire, and all appeared to be in the prime of youth—about twenty-five years old—the eternal age of the gods. Rāma asked Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā to wait for a moment while he approached the hermitage to learn more about the radiant being in the chariot. Having spoken thus, Rāma proceeded toward Sharabhanga’s abode. As Rāma approached, Indra, the lord of Śacī, took leave of Sharabhanga and addressed the assembled gods, saying, "Rāma is coming, but before he speaks with me, let me depart to completion; then he will be worthy to see me. I have fulfilled my purpose and will soon depart. Rāma must accomplish a great deed, difficult for others." Having honored the sage, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, ascended to heaven in his chariot drawn by divine horses. After Indra had departed, Rāma, along with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, approached Sharabhanga, who was seated at his sacrificial fire. They respectfully clasped the sage’s feet and, with his permission, sat down, receiving his hospitality and invitation. Rāma then inquired about Indra’s visit, and Sharabhanga revealed all. He explained, "Indra offered me a boon and wished to take me to Brahma’s world, which is attained through fierce austerity and is difficult for those lacking self-control. Yet, knowing you were nearby, O Rāma, I did not wish to depart without seeing you, my beloved guest. Now, having met you, O great-souled and righteous one, I may depart for the highest heaven. O best among men, I have conquered auspicious, inexhaustible worlds; accept from me the Brahmanical and celestial realms." Rāma, skilled in all scriptures, replied with humility, "O great sage, I shall myself win all the worlds. I desire only a dwelling here in the forest, as you have indicated." Sharabhanga, recognizing Rāma’s strength and wisdom, said, "Here dwells the highly radiant and righteous sage 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 the Mandākinī river 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." Sharabhanga then kindled the sacred fire and, offering ghee with proper mantras, entered the flames. The fire consumed his hair and body, his old skin, bones, flesh, and blood. Emerging from the fire altar, Sharabhanga appeared as a blazing youth, shining brilliantly. Surpassing the worlds of those who maintain sacred fires, the great sages, and even the gods, he ascended to Brahma’s world. There, the virtuous sage, foremost among Brahmins, beheld the Lord of Creators surrounded by his attendants. The Lord, seeing Sharabhanga, rejoiced and welcomed him warmly, honoring the sage who had achieved the highest realm.