The tale unfolds with the sage, one who had witnessed both the highest and the lowest truths, being drawn under the sway of passion by the apsarases, as the gods had intended. Five apsarases became his wives, and for them, a hidden dwelling was built within a lake. There, the apsarases lived as they pleased, delighting the sage—who now embraced the vigor of youth—with their ascetic practices and companionship. From their playful activities arose the sounds of musical instruments, mingled with the jingling of ornaments and enchanting songs. Hearing this marvelous account, the noble-minded Rāghava accepted the sage’s words with admiration, joined by his illustrious brother. As the sage spoke, Rāma beheld a circle of hermitages, surrounded by kusa grass and bark garments, glowing with the divine radiance of Brahman. Together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma entered into that splendid circle of hermitages. There, he was received with honor by the great sages and made himself comfortable. He visited the hermitages of the ascetics one by one, spending time among them. Sometimes he stayed several months, sometimes a whole year; at other times, four, five, or six months in different places, and elsewhere for longer periods—even more than half a year. In the hermitages of the sages, Rāghava lived happily, staying for three months here and eight months there. Thus, in harmony and contentment, ten years passed as Rāghava, ever mindful of righteousness, wandered with Sītā. Eventually, he returned to the hermitage of Suteekṣṇa. Upon their arrival, they were again honored by the sages. Rāma, the subduer of foes, stayed there for some time, and then, while residing in the hermitage, approached the great sage Suteekṣṇa with respect. Seated before him, the descendant of Kakutstha said, “O revered one, I have heard that the eminent sage Agastya dwells in this forest. Though I have listened to many stories about him, I do not know the location of his hermitage, for this forest is vast. Where is the delightful hermitage of that wise and great sage? For your sake, I wish to approach him with my brother and Sītā. My heart is set on paying my respects to Agastya and serving that foremost sage myself.” Hearing Rāma’s words, Suteekṣṇa, pleased, replied, “I too wished to speak to you of this, together with Lakṣmaṇa. Go to Agastya, Rāghava, together with Sītā; it is fortunate that you now ask me about this. I will tell you where the great sage Agastya resides. From this hermitage, dear one, travel four yojanas to the south; there you will find the splendid hermitage of Agastya’s brother. The region is mostly open land, adorned with groves of pippala trees, charming with many flowers and fruits, and resounding with the calls of many birds. There are lotus ponds with clear waters, crowded with swans and cranes, beautified by chakravaka ducks. Spend one night there, O Rāma, and in the morning, proceed southward along the edge of the forest. After traveling another 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 with you, for the forest is beautiful and rich. If you are resolved to see the great sage Agastya, O wise one, then today fix your mind on going there.” Having heard these words, Rāma and his brother offered obeisance to the sage and set out toward Agastya, accompanied by Sītā. Along the way, they beheld wondrous forests, cloud-like mountains, serene lakes, and flowing rivers. Following the path Suteekṣṇa had described, they traveled comfortably, and Rāma, delighted, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, “Surely this is the hermitage of that great-souled sage, Agastya, the virtuous brother, as it now appears before us. See, thousands of trees are bent with the weight of fruit and flowers. The wind carries the pungent fragrance of ripe pippali peppers. Piles of gathered wood are here and there, and darbha grass, shining like cat’s eye gems, lies cut and ready. In the midst of the forest, like the peak of a dark cloud, rises the column of smoke from the hermitage fire. In secluded bathing places, twice-born sages, having performed their ablutions, offer flowers they have gathered themselves. As I have heard from Suteekṣṇa, this must indeed be the hermitage of Agastya’s brother.” Rāma continued, “For the sake of the world’s welfare, Agastya’s brother, a doer of virtuous deeds, subdued Death by force and sanctified this southern region. It is said that here once dwelled the cruel Vatapi and Ilvala, two mighty asuras and slayers of Brahmins, who lived together as brothers.