As Rāma journeyed through the forest, his lotus-like eyes shone with gentle resolve. Turning to Lakṣmaṇa, his valiant brother and steadfast companion, he spoke warmly, “See, Lakṣmaṇa, the trees here glisten with glossy leaves, and the animals and birds move about with gentle calm. Not far from us lies the hermitage of a great sage, one whose mind is utterly pure.” He pointed ahead, his voice reverent. “There stands the hermitage, famed throughout the world as belonging to Agastya. By his own deeds, this place relieves the weariness of all who are tired. The forest around is veiled in thick smoke from sacred fires, adorned with garlands of bark-cloth, tranquil with peaceful herds of deer, and alive with the calls of many birds.” Rāma’s admiration deepened as he recounted the sage’s greatness. “Agastya, desiring the welfare of all the worlds, subdued Death itself by his power. Through his virtue, he made this southern quarter a place of refuge. Since he made his abode here, the Rākṣasas fear this region, which they can see but cannot enjoy. From the time this quarter came under the sage’s protection, the night-roaming beings have lived in peace, free from enmity.” He continued, “This southern direction, named for the blessed Agastya, is renowned in all three worlds and cannot be conquered by those of cruel intent. Even the mighty Vindhya mountain, which once tried to block the sun’s path, does not dare grow higher, obedient to Agastya’s command.” Rāma gazed at the hermitage with awe. “Here is the illustrious dwelling of Agastya, long-lived and famed for his deeds, served by graceful and well-behaved deer. He is a sage of great virtue, honored by all the worlds, ever devoted to the good of others. Surely, he will guide us toward what is best, now that we have arrived.” With gentle resolve, Rāma declared, “Here, I will worship Agastya, the great sage, and here, dear brother, I wish to spend the remainder of our forest exile. This is a place where gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and supreme seers, all with restrained diets, constantly attend upon Agastya. No liar, no cruel or deceitful or wicked person can dwell here—such is the power of the sage’s virtue. Gods, Yakṣas, Nāgas, and birds, all devoted to dharma, reside here. Great-souled Siddhas, shining like the sun in their chariots, have abandoned their mortal forms and ascended to heaven from this very place.” He added, “Here, the gods bestow yaksha-hood, immortality, and various kingdoms when worshipped with auspicious offerings. Now, Saumitri, we have reached the hermitage. Please, go before us and announce our arrival to the sage, telling him that I have come, together with Sītā.” Heeding Rāma’s words, Lakṣmaṇa entered the hermitage. Approaching Agastya’s disciple, he spoke with humility, “There is a king named Daśaratha, and his eldest and mighty son, Rāma, has come to see the sage, together with his wife Sītā. I am Lakṣmaṇa, his devoted younger brother, if you have heard of us. By our father’s command, we have entered this wild forest, and we wish to see the revered sage. Please announce us.” Hearing Lakṣmaṇa’s request, the ascetic disciple replied, “So be it,” and entered the fire-sanctuary to convey the message. Approaching the foremost sage, who was deep in austerity and difficult to disturb, the disciple joined his palms and spoke of Rāma’s arrival as Lakṣmaṇa had described. He said, “O revered one, the sons of Daśaratha—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—have entered the hermitage with Sītā. These destroyers of foes have come to see you, desiring to serve. Whatever is proper, please command.” Hearing this, the sage Agastya, his heart gladdened, spoke to the noble Vaidehī, “By great fortune, Rāma has come to see me today after a long time. I too have longed for his arrival. Let Rāma, honored, come to me with his wife and Lakṣmaṇa.” The disciple, bowing respectfully, replied, “So be it,” and hurried out to Lakṣmaṇa. He said, “Who is this Rāma? Let him come to see the sage and enter himself.” Then, together with the disciple, Lakṣmaṇa brought Rāma and Sītā to the hermitage. The disciple presented them, saying Agastya’s words with respect. According to custom, he welcomed them, honoring them as they deserved. Thus, Rāma entered the hermitage, with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa by his side. As he beheld the tranquil abode, alive with gentle deer, he saw the sacred places dedicated to Brahmā and Agni, to Viṣṇu, Mahendra, and Vivasvat, to Soma, Bhaga, and Kubera, to Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, to Vāyu and Varuṇa the noose-holder. He saw the place of Gāyatrī, the Vasus, the serpent king, and Garuḍa, as well as the abodes of Kārtikeya and Dharma. Then, surrounded by his disciples, the sage Agastya himself came forth, radiant as blazing fire. Rāma, seeing the illustrious sage approach, turned to Lakṣmaṇa, the ever-prosperous, and prepared to speak, his heart filled with reverence and joy.