Thus begins the twelfth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Aranya Kāṇḍa. Lakṣmaṇa, the devoted younger brother of Rāghava, entered the hermitage with purpose. Approaching the disciple of the great sage Agastya, he spoke respectfully, “There is a king named Daśaratha, whose eldest and mighty son, Rāma, has come here to see the revered sage, together with his wife Sītā. I am Lakṣmaṇa, his younger brother, devoted and favorable, if this is known to you. By our father’s command, we have entered this exceedingly wild forest. We all wish to see the venerable one; please announce our arrival.” Hearing Lakṣmaṇa’s words, the ascetic replied, “So be it,” and entered the fire-sanctuary to inform his master. Approaching the foremost sage, who was steadfast in his austerity and difficult to disturb, the disciple joined his palms and directly conveyed the news of Rāma’s arrival, just as Lakṣmaṇa had said. He announced, “These are the sons of Daśaratha, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. They have entered the hermitage with Sītā, their wife. The destroyers of foes have come, desiring to see you and to serve.” He then awaited the sage’s command. Hearing this, the sage Agastya understood that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa had arrived. Turning to the noble Vaidehī, Sītā, he said, “By good fortune, Rāma has come to see me today after a long time. I too have longed in my heart for his arrival. Let Rāma, honored, proceed with his wife and Lakṣmaṇa.” The disciple, bowing with joined hands, replied, “So be it,” and quickly went out to speak to Lakṣmaṇa. “Who is this Rāma? Let him come to see the sage and enter himself.” Then Lakṣmaṇa, together with the disciple, went to the hermitage, presenting Kakutstha Rāma and Sītā, daughter of Janaka. The disciple respectfully conveyed Agastya’s words and admitted them according to custom, honoring them as they deserved. Thus Rāma entered, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. As Rāma beheld the tranquil hermitage, filled with gentle deer, he saw there the sacred abodes of Brahmā and Agni. He also saw the places dedicated to Viṣṇu, Mahendra, Vivasvat, Soma, Bhaga, and Kubera. The dwelling places of Dhātṛ, Vidhātṛ, Vāyu, and the great-souled Varuṇa, who wields the noose, were also there. He saw the place of Gāyatrī, the abode of the Vasus, the place of the serpent king, and the abode of Garuḍa. He beheld the place of Kārtikeya and the abode of Dharma. Then, surrounded by his disciples, the illustrious sage Agastya himself came forth. Rāma saw the sage of blazing splendor approaching and said to Lakṣmaṇa, “Lakṣmaṇa, the venerable sage Agastya is coming out. By his generosity, I recognize this as the very treasury of austerities.” Having spoken thus, the mighty-armed Rāma, son of Raghu, respectfully approached and grasped the feet of Agastya, radiant as the sun. Rāma, together with Sītā of Videha and Lakṣmaṇa, stood with joined palms, offering their reverence. Agastya received Kakutstha, honoring him with a seat and water for washing. After inquiring about their well-being, he invited them to be seated. Having offered oblations into the fire, presented water for washing, and duly honored his guests, he served them food according to the rule of forest-dwellers. Then, having first sat down, the foremost sage, knower of righteousness, spoke to Rāma, who remained seated with joined palms and versed in dharma. “Having offered oblations into the fire and presented water, one should duly honor a guest; otherwise, O Kakutstha, if an ascetic acts otherwise, he will, in the next world, eat his own flesh as a false witness does. The king, who is righteous and a mighty chariot-warrior, is the lord of all people; he is to be honored and respected, and you have arrived as a dear guest.” Having spoken thus, Agastya honored Rāghava with fruits, roots, flowers, and other offerings as he wished, and then addressed him again. “This divine, great bow, adorned with gold and diamonds, belonging to Viṣṇu, was fashioned by Viśvakarman, O tiger among men. This unfailing arrow, shining like the sun, was given by Brahmā; these two inexhaustible quivers were given to me by Mahendra. These quivers are filled with sharp arrows, blazing like fire; and this sword, with a golden sheath, is adorned with gold. With this bow, O Rāma, Viṣṇu once slew mighty demons in battle and seized radiant glory among the gods. Accept this bow, these two quivers, arrows, and sword for victory, O bestower of honor, just as Indra accepts the thunderbolt.” Having thus spoken, the illustrious sage Agastya, radiant in power, gave all those divine weapons to Rāma and then spoke again. Now begins the thirteenth chapter. Agastya said, “Rāma, I am pleased with you—may good fortune be yours. I am satisfied, O Lakṣmaṇa, that you have come with Sītā to pay your respects to me. Perhaps you are both weary from the journey, troubled by great fatigue, or perhaps Sītā, daughter of Janaka, is clearly longing for her home.