Then the two sons of Raghu—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—ever united in purpose, entered the dense forest, Sītā walking beside them. The forest was wondrous yet daunting, filled with a profusion of trees heavy with blossoms and fruit. As they made their way deeper, Rāma beheld a hermitage set apart in a secluded spot, its entrance adorned with garlands of bark-cloth, marking it as a place of ascetic discipline. Within, seated in the manner of those who practice severe austerities, was the sage Sutīkṣṇa. His body bore the marks of penance—matted hair, soiled garments, and the dust of long meditation. Approaching with respect, Rāma addressed him, saying, “O venerable one, I am Rāma, come to see you. Speak with me, O knower of righteousness, great sage of true valor.” Sutīkṣṇa, radiant with ascetic power, welcomed him warmly: “Welcome, best of the Raghus, Rāma, foremost among upholders of truth. By your very presence, this hermitage is as if protected by a lord. Awaiting only you, O greatly renowned one, I have not yet ascended to the world of the gods, though my time on earth is done. I have heard of your exile, that you have left your kingdom and dwelt at Citrakūṭa, and now you have come here, O Kakutstha, and even Indra, lord of the gods, has visited. “Indra himself, the great lord, approached me and declared that by my merit I have conquered all the worlds. This place, honored by gods and sages and gained through my austerity, is yours by my favor. Dwell here with your wife and Lakṣmaṇa as you please.” Rāma, ever composed and truthful, replied to the sage with reverence, as Indra might speak to Brahmā: “O great sage, I too will conquer the worlds by my own efforts, but I desire to dwell here in the forest, as you have graciously indicated. Your wisdom and care for all beings is widely known; noble Śarabhaṅga and Gautama themselves have spoken of it to me.” Hearing these words, the great sage Sutīkṣṇa, renowned throughout the world, spoke joyfully: “This hermitage, O Rāma, is virtuous and delightful. Sages gather here, and the place abounds with roots and fruits. Herds of deer come here, tempted by the bounty, but they are never harmed and depart unafraid. The only trouble here comes from the deer themselves.” Hearing this, Rāma, ever steadfast and ready, took up his bow and said, “O most fortunate one, I will slay these assembled herds of deer with sharp arrows. But if you wish to spare them, what hardship would be greater than restraining myself?” He concluded, “I am not able to remain long in this hermitage.” With these words, Rāma ceased and performed the evening twilight rites. Having completed the sacred rites, Rāma settled to stay in the beautiful hermitage of Sutīkṣṇa, together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Sutīkṣṇa, the great-souled one, honored them properly and, as night fell, offered them pure food suitable for ascetics. Thus ends the seventh sarga. Rāma and Saumitri, having been duly honored by Sutīkṣṇa, spent the night there. At dawn, Rāma awoke, and, rising at the proper hour with Sītā, purified himself with cool water fragrant with lotuses. In that forest, a haven for ascetics, Sītā, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa performed their morning worship, offering homage to the fire and the deities. As the sun rose, dispelling all sin, they approached Sutīkṣṇa and spoke gentle words: “We have been happily hosted by you, O revered one, honored by your veneration. We now take our leave, for the sages urge us onward. We hasten to visit the many hermitages of those pure-hearted sages dwelling in the Dandaka forest. Grant us your permission, together with these foremost ascetics, ever steadfast in righteousness and blazing with the fire of austerity.” Having thus spoken, Rāma, Sītā, and Saumitri bowed at the sage’s feet. Sutīkṣṇa, filled with affection, raised them up and embraced them warmly. He spoke: “Go safely on your path, Rāma, together with Saumitri and Sītā, who follows you like a shadow. Behold the delightful hermitages of the ascetics of Dandaka forest, whose souls are purified by their penance. You will see forests rich with fruit and roots, blossoming trees, herds of noble deer, and flocks of peaceful birds. You will find ponds and lakes adorned with blooming lotuses, clear waters, and flocks of waterfowl. There will be charming sights, mountain streams, and lovely forests resounding with the cries of peacocks. Go, my child; Saumitri, you too. After seeing all this, you must return again to this hermitage.” Thus addressed, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa circled the sage in reverence and prepared to depart. Sītā, her eyes wide and bright, handed them their splendid quivers, bows, and shining swords. Fastening their quivers and taking up their bows with a resounding twang, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa left the hermitage, setting forth once more into the depths of the forest.