As twilight faded into night, the noble sage Sutikṣṇa, filled with great warmth and respect, honored Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—the best among men—by offering them pure, wholesome food, suited to the life of ascetics. The night passed peacefully in his hermitage, and with the coming of dawn, Rāma and his brother Saumitri, having been received with due reverence, arose from their rest. At the proper time, Rāma, accompanied by Sītā, performed their morning purification with cool, lotus-scented water. In that forest, a sanctuary for ascetics, the three—Vaidehī, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa—gathered at dawn to worship the sacred fire and offer homage to the deities, fulfilling their daily rites. When the sun rose, bathing the woods in golden light and dispelling all sins, the three approached Sutikṣṇa. With gentle words, they expressed their gratitude: “O revered one, you have hosted us with great kindness and honor. Now, as the sages urge us onward, we must take our leave. We wish to see the many hermitages of those pure-hearted sages who dwell throughout the Dandaka forest.” Seeking Sutikṣṇa’s permission, they asked to depart, accompanied by those steadfast sages, radiant with the fire of their austerity. After expressing their intention to go, Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa bowed reverently at the feet of the sage. Sutikṣṇa, moved by affection, raised them up, embraced them warmly, and offered his blessing: “Go safely, Rāma, with Saumitri and Sītā, who follows you like a shadow. Behold the delightful hermitages of the ascetics in Dandaka, their souls purified by penance. You will see forests rich with fruits and roots, blossoming trees, herds of graceful deer, and flocks of peaceful birds. There are ponds and lakes adorned with blooming lotuses, clear waters, and gatherings of waterfowl. The mountain streams and lovely woods will charm you, resounding with the calls of peacocks. Go now, dear ones; but after seeing all this, return again to the hermitage.” Thus addressed, Rāma, the scion of Kakutstha, replied with respect, “So be it.” He and Lakṣmaṇa circled the sage in reverence, preparing to depart. Sītā, her eyes wide and luminous, handed the brothers their splendid quivers, bows, and shining swords. Fastening their fine quivers and taking up their bows, which rang out with a resounding noise, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa set forth from the hermitage, Sītā walking beside them. With Sutikṣṇa’s blessing, the two brothers, strong and handsome, armed with bows and swords, journeyed swiftly into the forest, Sītā faithfully at their side. As they went, Sītā spoke to her husband with affection and deep thought. “By subtle means, great unrighteousness can arise; yet by withdrawing from desire, one escapes misfortune. Of the three misfortunes born from desire, false speech is the gravest, and it makes the others even heavier. But you, Rāghava, have never approached another’s wife, nor spoken falsely, nor acted with enmity or cruelty. Desire for other women, which destroys righteousness, has never touched you, O king among men. Such a thought does not even arise in your mind; you are ever devoted to your own wife. Righteous, truthful, and obedient to your father’s command, you are steadfast in both righteousness and truth. All this can only be borne by one who has mastered his senses, and I know your self-control, O auspicious one. “You have vowed to protect the sages of Dandaka and to destroy the demons who trouble them. For this, you are renowned as having set out for Dandaka with your brother, armed with bow and arrows. Yet, seeing you depart thus, my mind has been troubled with anxiety. As I reflect on your journey, I ponder what would be truly beneficial. “I do not find joy in your journey to Dandaka, O hero, and I wish to tell you why. You and your brother, armed with weapons, go into the forest; but when you see the forest-dwellers, may you not use your arrows against them. For Kṣatriyas, the bow is like fuel to a fire—their power and energy grow when weapons are near. “Once, O mighty-armed one, there was a pure and virtuous ascetic, delighting in the company of deer and birds in a holy forest. To disturb his penance, Indra, lord of Śacī, came to his hermitage disguised as a warrior, bearing a sword. In that hermitage, the sword was left as a deposit, entrusted according to the sacred rule, while the ascetic continued his austerities. Having received the weapon, the ascetic became intent on guarding it, and while wandering the forest, he protected it, relying on his own strength.” Thus, with reverence, concern, and wisdom, Sītā spoke to Rāma as they journeyed deeper into the Dandaka forest, their hearts steadfast and their purpose clear.