With gentle words, the noble sage Agastya spoke to the virtuous Sita, the noble Vaidehi: “By great fortune, Rama has come to see me today after such a long time.” He revealed that he, too, had long cherished the hope of Rama’s arrival in his heart, and now that the wish had come to pass, he wished that Rama, honored as he deserved, should enter with his wife and Lakshmana. Agastya’s disciple, bowing with joined palms, replied respectfully, “So be it.” Without delay, he hastened out and approached Lakshmana, asking, “Who is this Rama? Let him come to see the sage and enter himself.” Together, Lakshmana and the disciple made their way to the hermitage, bringing with them Kakutstha—Rama of the royal line—and Sita, daughter of Janaka. The disciple, honoring them as custom dictated, conveyed Agastya’s words with deep respect and admitted them, offering the reverence they were due. Thus, Rama entered the hermitage, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana. As he stepped inside, he beheld a tranquil abode, alive with gentle deer. There, he saw the sacred dwelling places of the gods: the abode of Brahma, the seat of Agni, the place of Vishnu, Mahendra, and also Vivasvat. He gazed upon the places dedicated to Soma, Bhaga, and Kubera, as well as the sanctuaries of Dhatr and Vidhatr, the place of Vayu, and the abode of the great-souled Varuna, holder of the noose. He saw as well the place of Gayatri, the home of the Vasus, the seat of the serpent king, and the abode of Garuda. The sacred places of Kartikeya and Dharma were there too. As Rama took in the sacred splendor of the hermitage, the sage Agastya himself emerged, surrounded by his disciples. Rama, seeing the sage of radiant energy approaching, turned to Lakshmana and said, “Lakshmana, the venerable sage Agastya is coming forth; by his generosity and presence, I recognize this place as a true treasury of austerities.” When Agastya descended, Rama, mighty-armed and ever righteous, approached and reverently touched the sage’s feet, honoring him as one would the blazing sun. Together with Sita and Lakshmana, Rama stood before Agastya with joined palms. The sage received Rama, offering him a seat and water for washing, and after inquiring about his welfare, invited him to sit. Having performed the sacred oblations into the fire and offered water and food in accordance with the rule of forest-dwellers, Agastya honored his guests as was proper. When all were seated, the foremost of sages, knower of righteousness, addressed Rama, who sat with hands folded in respect. “A guest must be honored, O Kakutstha, by offering oblations into the fire and water for washing. If an ascetic neglects this, he will, in the next world, suffer the fate of a false witness and eat his own flesh. The king, righteous and mighty, is lord of all people and must be honored and respected. You, Rama, have come as a beloved guest.” Having spoken thus, Agastya honored Rama with fruits, roots, flowers, and other offerings, giving freely as Rama wished. Then, with a gracious heart, the sage spoke again: “This divine, great bow, adorned with gold and diamonds, once belonged to Vishnu and was fashioned by Vishvakarman himself, O tiger among men. This unfailing arrow, shining like the sun, was given by Brahma. These two inexhaustible quivers were gifts from Mahendra. They are filled with sharp arrows, blazing like fire. And this sword, sheathed in gold and adorned with golden ornaments, is yours as well.” Agastya continued, “With this bow, O Rama, Vishnu once slew mighty demons in battle and won radiant glory among the gods. Accept this bow, these two quivers, arrows, and sword for your victory, O bestower of honor, just as Indra accepts the thunderbolt.” With these words, the illustrious sage, radiant in his ascetic power, bestowed all the divine weapons upon Rama. Turning to the next chapter, the sage addressed Rama and Lakshmana with warmth: “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 your journey, troubled by fatigue, or perhaps Sita, daughter of Janaka, is longing for her home.” He looked kindly upon Sita and said, “Though she is delicate, she has not faltered despite hardship. Urged by love for her husband, she has entered this forest, braving its many dangers. Just as Sita finds joy here, O Rama, so should you. She has done what is difficult, following you into the wilderness. This is the nature of women, O descendant of Raghu: they are devoted when all is well, but may abandon one in distress. Women are as fickle as lightning, as sharp as weapons, as swift as Garuda and the wind. But your wife is free from these faults; she is worthy of praise and renown, like the virtuous goddess Arundhati.” Agastya blessed the place, declaring, “This spot is made auspicious, O subduer of foes, where you shall dwell with Saumitri and this noble Vaidehi, Sita.” Thus addressed by the sage, Rama, with hands joined in reverence, replied respectfully to the radiant seer: “Blessed and favored am I, for the foremost of sages is pleased with the virtues of my brother’s wife and myself, and is satisfied with us as a teacher. But please, direct me to a place with water and many trees, where I may build a hermitage and dwell happily in devotion.” Hearing Rama’s words, the best of sages paused in thoughtful contemplation. Righteous in soul, he then spoke auspicious words, ready to guide Rama further on his sacred journey.