To impede the sage’s intense austerity, all the gods appointed five chief apsarases, radiant as lightning. These celestial maidens, sent for the gods’ purpose, captivated the sage—who had witnessed both the heights and depths of existence—and brought him under the sway of passion. Thus, the five apsarases became his wives, and within the lake, a concealed dwelling was built for them. There, the apsarases lived freely, delighting the sage, who now embraced youth, with their ascetic practices and joyous union. From their playful activities, the sounds of musical instruments mingled with the jingling of ornaments and enchanting songs echoed forth. Witnessing this, the noble-minded Rāghava—together with his illustrious brother—accepted the sage’s words with wonder. As the conversation unfolded, Rāghava beheld a circle of hermitages, surrounded by kusa grass and bark garments, suffused with the divine radiance of Brahman. He entered this splendid circle of hermitages, accompanied by Vaidehī and Lakṣmaṇa. There, he stayed comfortably, honored by the great sages, and visited the hermitages of the ascetics in turn. The master of mighty weapons, Rāghava, had previously dwelt among them—sometimes for several months, sometimes for a whole year. At times, he stayed four, five, or six months in other places; elsewhere, he remained even longer, sometimes more than half a year. Happily, Rāghava lived three months and eight months in those hermitages of the sages. Dwelling harmoniously in these sacred places, ten years passed, during which Rāghava, knowledgeable in righteousness, journeyed about with Sītā. Eventually, he again arrived at the hermitage of Suteekṣṇa, and upon reaching it, was honored by the sages. Even there, Rāma, the subduer of foes, stayed for some time; then, while residing in the hermitage, he respectfully approached the great sage. Seated, the descendant of Kakutstha spoke to Suteekṣṇa: “O revered one, the eminent sage Agastya dwells in this forest. I have always heard tales of him recounted, but I do not know the location of his hermitage, due to the vastness of this forest. Where is the delightful hermitage of that wise, great sage? For your sake, I wish to approach him with my brother and Sītā. I wish to go to Agastya and pay my respects; this great desire revolves in my heart. That I might serve that foremost sage myself—” Hearing Rāma’s words, the righteous Suteekṣṇa replied, pleased: “I too wished to tell you this, along with Lakṣmaṇa. Go to Agastya, Rāghava, together with Sītā; by fortune, you yourself now ask me about this matter. I will tell you, Rāma, where the great sage Agastya is. From this hermitage, dear one, go four yojanas south; there you will find the splendid hermitage of Agastya’s brother. “In a region mostly open land, adorned with groves of pippala trees, charming with many flowers and fruits, and resounding with the calls of various birds. There are lotus ponds with clear waters, crowded with swans and cranes, beautified by chakravaka ducks. Having spent one night there, O Rāma, in the morning you should proceed, taking the southern direction along the edge of the forest tract. After traveling a yojana, you will reach the hermitage of Agastya, in a delightful part of the forest adorned with many trees. There, Vaidehī and Lakṣmaṇa will rejoice together with you, for that charming region is rich with many trees. If you have resolved to see that great sage Agastya, O wise one, then today fix your mind on going there.” Thus, having heard the sage’s words, Rāma, together with his brother, offered obeisance and set out toward Agastya, accompanied by Sītā. Along their path, they beheld wondrous forests, mountains resembling clouds, lakes, and rivers. Following the route indicated by Suteekṣṇa, they traveled comfortably, and Rāma, exceedingly delighted, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa: “Surely this is the hermitage of that great-souled sage, Agastya, the virtuous brother, as it now appears before us. For, as we have seen along the way, thousands of trees are bent with the weight of fruit and flowers in this forest. And from this forest comes the pungent fragrance, suddenly carried by the wind, of ripe pippali peppers. Here and there are piles of gathered wood, and darbha grass, shining like cat’s eye gem, is found cut and lying about. In the midst of the forest, resembling the peak of a dark cloud, the column of smoke from the hermitage fire is visible. In secluded bathing places, twice-born sages, having performed their ablutions, offer flowers they have gathered themselves. “Therefore, gentle one, as I have heard from Suteekṣṇa, this must indeed be the hermitage of Agastya’s brother. For the sake of the world’s welfare, his brother, a doer of virtuous deeds, subdued Death by force, and made this southern region a sanctuary.