Journeying deeper into the fearsome forest, where trees blossomed and bore sweet fruits, Rāma beheld a hermitage nestled in seclusion, its entrance adorned with garlands of bark-cloth. Approaching this peaceful abode, he found the ascetic Sutīkṣṇa, a sage renowned for his severe austerities, seated there—his body marked by the signs of penance and the customary garb of the forest-dweller. With reverence, Rāma addressed the sage: “O venerable one, I am Rāma, come to see you. Speak to me, O knower of righteousness, great sage of true valor.” Sutīkṣṇa welcomed him warmly: “Welcome, Rāma, best of the Raghus, foremost among the upholders of truth. Now that you have entered, this hermitage feels protected by a lord. Awaiting only you, O renowned one, I have not yet ascended to the world of the gods, though I have left behind all attachment to my body on earth. I have heard, O Kakutstha, that you were deprived of your kingdom and took up residence at Citrakūṭa, and now you have come here; indeed, even Indra, the lord of the gods, has visited this place. “The great lord, ruler of the gods, once approached me and declared that by my merit I have conquered all the worlds. This very place, honored by gods and sages and won through my austerity, is yours by my favor; you may dwell here with your wife and Lakṣmaṇa.” To this sage, blazing with the fire of penance and truthful in speech, Rāma, composed and self-controlled, replied as Indra might to Brahmā: “O great sage, I myself shall conquer the worlds, but my desire is simply to dwell here in the forest, as you have graciously offered. You are skilled in all matters and devoted to the welfare of all beings; the noble Śarabhaṅga and Gautama have spoken to me of your virtues.” Hearing these words, Sutīkṣṇa, his heart filled with joy, spoke sweetly: “This very hermitage, O Rāma, is virtuous and delightful, always visited by groups of sages, and abounds with fruits and roots. Great herds of deer come to this place, tempted by its peace, but they are never harmed and so depart without fear. Know that the only disturbance here comes from the deer.” Upon hearing this, Rāma, steadfast and grasping his bow with arrows, declared, “O most fortunate one, I will slay these assembled herds of deer. With a sharp, keen arrow, I could kill them; but if you were to heal them afterward, what hardship would be greater than that? I am not able to dwell long in this hermitage.” Having spoken thus, Rāma fell silent and performed the evening twilight rites. After completing the sacred rites, Rāma arranged to stay in the beautiful hermitage of Sutīkṣṇa, together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. As night fell, Sutīkṣṇa himself, the great-souled sage, honored the two princes and offered them pure food suitable for ascetics. Thus passed the night. At dawn, Rāma and Saumitri, having been duly honored by Sutīkṣṇa, awoke. Rāghava rose at the proper time with Sītā and performed purification with cool water fragrant with lotuses. In that forest, a refuge for ascetics, Sītā, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa, at dawn, worshipped the fire and the deities as prescribed. When the sun had risen and their sins were dispelled, they approached Sutīkṣṇa and addressed him gently: “We have been happily hosted by you, O revered one, honored with your veneration. We take our leave, for the sages urge us onward. We hasten to see the circle of hermitages of those sages of pure conduct who dwell in the Dandaka forest. We wish to receive your permission, together with these foremost sages, ever steadfast in righteousness and subdued by austerity, blazing like arrows of fire.” Having thus spoken their wish to depart, Rāma, along with Saumitri and Sītā, bowed at the feet of the sage. The venerable Sutīkṣṇa raised them up, embraced them with affection, and blessed them: “Go safely on your path, Rāma, together with Saumitri and Sītā, who follows like a shadow. Behold the delightful hermitages of those ascetics dwelling in the Dandaka forest, whose souls are purified by austerity. You will see forests rich in fruits and roots, blossoming trees, herds of noble deer, and flocks of peaceful birds. You will see ponds and lakes adorned with blooming lotuses, clear waters, and flocks of waterfowl. You will see charming sights and mountain streams, lovely forests resounding with the cries of peacocks. Go, my child; Saumitri, you too. After seeing all this, return again to this hermitage.” Thus instructed, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa replied, “So be it,” and, circling the sage in reverence, prepared to depart. Sītā, her eyes wide and bright, handed the two brothers their splendid quivers and bows, as well as their shining swords. Fastening the quivers and taking up their bows with a resounding noise, both Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa left the hermitage. Swiftly, permitted by the great sage, the two princes, bearing bows and swords, set out together with Sītā to journey further into the forest.