Rāma, standing before the venerable sage Sutikṣṇa, spoke with resolve: “O great sage, I could conquer the worlds if I wished, yet I desire to dwell here in the forest, as you have advised.” He continued, “You are wise in all matters and devoted to the welfare of all beings. Śarabhaṅga and Gautama, noble sages, have spoken to me of your virtues.” Hearing Rāma’s words, Sutikṣṇa—renowned throughout the world—was filled with joy and replied with sweet speech: “O Rāma, this very hermitage is virtuous and delightful. It is always frequented by groups of sages and abounds with roots and fruits. Herds of deer visit here, tempted by the abundance, but they are never harmed and depart without fear. The only challenge here comes from the deer themselves.” Upon hearing this, Rāma, the steadfast elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa, grasped his bow and arrows and 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 there, what hardship could be greater?” He added, “I am not able to dwell long in this hermitage.” Having said this, Rāma ceased and performed the evening twilight rites. After completing the evening rituals, Rāma arranged to stay in Sutikṣṇa’s beautiful hermitage, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Sutikṣṇa himself, the great-souled sage, honored the two noble brothers and, as night fell, offered them pure food suitable for ascetics. Let the eighth chapter be heard. Rāma and Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), having been duly honored by Sutikṣṇa, spent the night in the hermitage and awoke at dawn. Rising at the proper time with Sītā, Rāma purified himself with cool, lotus-scented water. In the forest refuge of ascetics, Sītā, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa worshipped the fire and the deities at dawn. As the sun rose and their sins were dispelled, they approached Sutikṣṇa and spoke gentle words: “O revered one, we have been happily hosted by you and honored with your veneration. We take leave, for the sages urge us onward. We hasten to see the entire circle of hermitages, where sages of pure conduct dwell in the Dandaka forest. We wish to receive your permission, along with these steadfast sages, ever devoted to righteousness and blazing with austerity like arrows of fire.” Having expressed their wish to depart, Rāma, along with Saumitri and Sītā, bowed at the sage’s feet. Sutikṣṇa raised them up, embraced them with affection, and spoke: “Go safely on your path, Rāma, together with Saumitri and Sītā, who follows like a shadow. Behold the delightful hermitages of ascetics dwelling in the Dandaka forest, O hero, whose souls are purified by austerity. You will see forests rich in excellent fruits and roots, blossoming trees, herds of noble deer, and flocks of peaceful birds. You will see ponds and lakes with blooming clusters of lotuses, clear waters, and flocks of waterfowl scattered about. You will see charming sights and mountain streams, lovely forests resounding with the cries of peacocks. Go, child; Saumitri, you too should proceed. After seeing all this, you must return again to the hermitage.” Thus addressed, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa replied, “So be it,” and, respectfully circling the sage, prepared to depart. Sītā, whose eyes were wide, handed the two brothers their splendid quivers, bows, and shining swords. Fastening the fine quivers and taking up their bows with a resounding noise, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa left the hermitage, ready to journey onward. Swiftly, the two brothers, handsome and permitted by the great sage, set out bearing bows and swords, accompanied by Sītā. Let the ninth chapter be heard. Having received Sutikṣṇa’s permission, Rāma, the descendant of Raghu, departed. Sītā spoke to her husband with heartfelt and affectionate words: “Indeed, by a very subtle method, great unrighteousness is attained; and by withdrawal, one can escape from misfortune born of desire and the like. There are three misfortunes arising from desire, but false speech is the greatest, and the other two are heavier because of it. Without enmity or cruelty, approaching another’s wife, and false speech—these have never occurred in you, nor will they, O Rāghava. How could there be desire for other women, which destroys righteousness? You have never had this, O king among men, nor has it ever arisen in you. Even in your mind, O Rāma, such a thought does not exist anywhere; you are always devoted to your own wife, O prince. Righteous, truthful, and obedient to your father’s command; in you, both righteousness and truth are firmly established. All this, O mighty-armed one, can be borne by those who have conquered their senses; I know your self-control, O one of auspicious appearance.” Thus, with reverence and purity, Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa continued their journey, blessed by the sage and by the mutual trust and virtue that bound them together.