Lakshmana, the devoted younger brother of Rama, entered the hermitage of Agastya and approached the sage’s disciple. With respect, he spoke: “There is a king named Dasharatha, whose eldest and mighty son, Rama, has come to see the revered sage, accompanied by his wife Sita. I am Lakshmana, his younger brother, ever devoted and favorable, if this has reached your ears. By our father’s command, we have entered this wild forest, and we all wish to see the revered one. Please announce our arrival.” Hearing Lakshmana’s words, the ascetic replied, “So be it,” and went into the fire-sanctuary to inform his teacher. Entering, he approached the great sage Agastya, whose austerities made him difficult to disturb, and with joined palms, conveyed the news of Rama’s arrival. The disciple, esteemed by Agastya, repeated Lakshmana’s words: “These are the sons of Dasharatha, Rama and Lakshmana. They have entered the hermitage with Sita, their wife. The destroyers of foes have come to see you, desiring to serve. Whatever is appropriate here, you should command.” Upon hearing this, the sage Agastya understood that Rama and Lakshmana had arrived. He spoke to the noble Vaidehi, Sita: “By good fortune, Rama has come to see me today after a long time. I too have longed in my heart for his arrival. Let Rama, honored, proceed with his wife and Lakshmana.” The disciple, having bowed, replied “So be it,” and hurried out to speak to Lakshmana. He said, “Who is this Rama? Let him come to see the sage and enter himself.” Then Lakshmana, together with the disciple, returned to the hermitage, presenting Rama—Kakutstha—and Sita, the daughter of Janaka. The disciple respectfully conveyed Agastya’s words and admitted them according to custom, honoring them as they deserved. Rama entered with Sita and Lakshmana, and as he beheld the tranquil hermitage, filled with deer, he saw the sacred abodes: the dwelling of Brahmā, the site of Agni, the places of Viṣṇu, Mahendra, Vivasvat, Soma, Bhaga, and Kubera. He saw the abodes of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, Vāyu, and the great-souled Varuṇa who holds the noose. He saw the place of Gāyatrī, the abode of the Vasus, the serpent king’s domain, and Garuḍa’s abode. He saw the place of Kārtikeya and the abode of Dharma. Then, surrounded by his disciples, the sage Agastya himself came forth. Rama saw the sage of blazing splendor approaching and spoke to Lakshmana, increaser of prosperity: “Lakshmana, 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 Rama, son of Raghu, grasped the feet of Agastya, radiant as the sun. Having offered his respects, Rama stood with joined palms, together with Sita of Videha and Lakshmana. Agastya received Kakutstha, honored him with a seat and water for washing, and after inquiring of his welfare, invited him to be seated. Agastya offered oblations into the fire, presented water for washing, and duly honored the guests, giving them food according to the rule of forest-dwellers. Then, having first sat down, the foremost sage, knower of righteousness, spoke to Rama, who was 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 Raghava with fruits, roots, flowers, and other offerings as he wished, and then addressed him: “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 Rama, 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 spoken thus, the illustrious sage Agastya, radiant in power, gave all those divine weapons to Rama and then spoke again. Now begins the thirteenth chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Araṇya Kāṇḍa. Agastya addressed Rama: “Rama, I am pleased with you—may good fortune be yours. I am satisfied, O Lakshmana, that you have come with Sita to pay your respects to me. Perhaps you are both weary from the journey, troubled by great fatigue, or perhaps Sita, daughter of Janaka, is longing for her home. Though she is delicate, she has not faltered from hardship; urged by love for her husband, she has entered this forest, despite its many dangers.