Though Sītā was delicate by nature, she did not falter in the face of hardship. Motivated by her deep love for her husband, she had entered this wild and dangerous forest alongside him. The sage, seeing this, spoke to Rāma, saying, “Just as Sītā finds contentment here, O Rāma, so too should you. She has accomplished what is difficult for anyone—she has followed you into the forest out of devotion.” He continued, “This is the way of women, O descendant of Raghu: when fortune smiles, they are loyal, but they often abandon those who have fallen into distress. Their nature is as fickle as lightning, as sharp as a weapon, as swift as Garuḍa or the wind. But your wife is untouched by these faults; she is worthy of praise and fame, like the noble Arundhatī herself. “O subduer of foes, this place is made auspicious by your presence, as you dwell here with Saumitri and Vaidehī, Sītā.” Thus addressed by the sage, Rāma, with hands joined in reverence, spoke respectfully to the radiant seer, whose brilliance was like fire: “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 Rāma’s words, the best of sages pondered for a moment. Righteous in soul, he spoke these auspicious words: “Go there, establish your hermitage with Saumitri, and delight yourself, faithfully upholding your father’s command as spoken. All your story is known to me, O sinless one, by the power of asceticism and out of affection for Daśaratha. By my austerity, I have discerned the desire that dwells in your heart—your wish to reside here in this forest hermitage with me. “Therefore, I say to you: go to Pañcavaṭī, for that woodland region is delightful, and there Maithilī will find joy. That place is praiseworthy, not far from here, O Rāghava, and it is near the sacred river Godāvarī; there Sītā will be happy. It is abundant with roots and fruits, filled with many kinds of birds, secluded, O mighty-armed one, sacred and beautiful as well. You are ever righteous and capable of protection; and, dwelling here, O Rāma, you will also safeguard the ascetics. “This great forest of madhūka trees is seen here, O hero; passing to its north, you must proceed, and you will also come upon a banyan tree. Then, ascending the plateau not far from the mountain, you will reach the well-known Pañcavaṭī, a grove ever blooming with flowers.” Thus instructed by the sage Agastya, Rāma, together with Saumitri, respectfully took leave of the truthful sage. Having received his permission, and after bowing at his feet, the two, along with Sītā, journeyed to the hermitage at Pañcavaṭī. The two sons of the king, bows in hand and quivers fastened, undaunted in battle, proceeded with focused minds along the path the great sage had shown. Now listen to the next chapter of the tale. As Rāma journeyed toward Pañcavaṭī, the delight of the Raghu line encountered a great-bodied vulture of terrifying might. Seeing him dwelling in the forest, the illustrious Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa mistook him for a rākṣasa-bird and asked, “Who are you?” With gentle and pleasing words, as if to gladden them, the bird replied, “My children, know me as a friend of your father.” Taking him for his father’s companion, Rāghava honored him, and then inquired about his lineage and his name. Hearing Rāma’s words, the bird revealed his lineage and origin, telling of his birth among all creatures: “In ancient times, O mighty-armed one, there were the progenitors of beings. Hear from me, O Rāghava, as I recount them all from the beginning. Kardama was the first among them, then Vikṛta after him; then Śeṣa, Saṃśraya, and the valiant Bahuputra; Sthāṇu, Marīci, Atri, and the mighty Kratu; Pulastya, Aṅgirā, Pracetas, and Pulaha as well. Dakṣa, Vivasvān, another named Ariṣṭanemi, O Rāghava, and the radiant Kaśyapa, who was the last among them. “It is well known, O Rāma, that Prajāpati Dakṣa had sixty illustrious daughters, famed for their great renown. Kaśyapa accepted eight of those daughters, all possessing beautiful forms: Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kālakā, Tāmrā, Krodhavaśā, Manu, and Anala. Pleased with these maidens, Kaśyapa said, ‘You shall bear sons who will be rulers of the three worlds and equal to me—Aditi, Diti, and Danu.’ “The Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, and the Aśvins were born, O scorcher of foes; Diti gave birth to sons, the renowned Daityas. For them, this earth was once covered with forests and oceans. Danu gave birth to a son named Aśvagrīva, destroyer of enemies. Naraka and Kālaka were born, as well as the Kālakās; Krauncī, Bhāsī, Śyenī, Dhṛtarāṣṭrī, and Śukī. Tāmrā gave birth to five daughters, renowned throughout the worlds; Krauncī bore owls, Bhāsī gave birth to Bhāsas.” Thus, the great vulture introduced himself to Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, recounting the ancient lineage from which he had come.