Having received the sage’s permission, and after reverently bowing at his feet, Rama and Lakshmana, together with Sita, set out for the hermitage at Panchavati. The two sons of King Dasharatha, armed with their bows and quivers, steadfast and fearless in battle, proceeded along the path shown by the great sage, their minds focused on their purpose. As they journeyed toward Panchavati, Rama—the delight of the Raghu lineage—encountered a mighty vulture of imposing form and strength. Seeing this great bird dwelling in the forest, Rama and Lakshmana at first mistook him for a rākṣasa-bird and questioned him, “Who are you?” The vulture, with gentle and pleasing words that seemed to gladden their hearts, replied, “My children, know me as a friend of your father.” Recognizing him as his father’s companion, Rama honored the bird and inquired about his lineage and name. Responding to Rama’s inquiry, the bird began to recount his origin and the birth of all creatures. He spoke: “In ancient times, O mighty-armed Rama, there were progenitors of beings. Listen as I recount them from the beginning: Kardama was the first, then Vikrita, followed by Shesha, Samshraya, and the valiant Bahuputra. Then came Sthanu, Marichi, Atri, the mighty Kratu, Pulastya, Angira, Pracetas, and Pulaha. Daksha, Vivasvan, Ariṣṭanemi, and finally the radiant Kasyapa. It is well known, O Rama, that Prajapati Daksha had sixty illustrious daughters, famed throughout the worlds. Kasyapa accepted eight of these daughters, all possessing beautiful forms: Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kalaka, Tamra, Krodhavasha, Manu, and Anala. Pleased with them, Kasyapa promised: ‘You shall bear sons who will be rulers of the three worlds and equal to me—Aditi, Diti, and Danu.’ From Aditi were born the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, and Ashvins, O destroyer of foes. Diti gave birth to the renowned Daityas. In their time, the earth was covered with forests and oceans. Danu gave birth to Ashvagriva, destroyer of enemies, and also to Naraka, Kalaka, and the Kalakas. Tamra produced five daughters renowned throughout the worlds: Kraunci, Bhasi, Syeni, Dhritarashtri, and Shuki. Kraunci bore owls, Bhasi gave birth to Bhāsas, Syeni gave birth to hawks and vultures of great energy, Dhritarashtri bore swans and all kinds of Kalahamshas, and also Cakravakas. Shuki bore Natā, whose daughter was Vinata. Krodhavasha, O Rama, gave birth to ten offspring: Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari, Bhadramada, Matangi, Sharduli, Shveta, Surabhi, Surasa, and Kadru. All deer are the children of Mrigi; bears from Mrigamanda; Sramaras and Camaras likewise. Bhadramada bore a daughter named Iravati, whose son was Airavata, the great elephant, lord of the world. Hari’s offspring were monkeys, ascetic in nature; Sharduli gave birth to Golangulas and to tiger cubs. Matangi’s offspring were elephants, and Shveta gave birth to the elephant of the directions. Surabhi had two daughters: Rohini, auspicious and blessed, and Gandharvi, renowned among all. Rohini gave birth to cows, Gandharvi to swift horses. Surasa gave birth to serpents, and Kadru to nagas. Manu generated human beings from the great sage Kasyapa: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. From his mouth were born the Brahmins, from his chest the Kshatriyas, from his thighs the Vaishyas, and from his feet the Shudras, as declared in the scriptures. She also produced all trees bearing virtuous fruits, and even those without fire. Vinata and Shuki were granddaughters; Kadru and Surasa were sisters. Kadru gave birth to a thousand serpents, O supporter of the earth, and Vinata had two sons: Garuda and Aruna. From Aruna I was born, and my elder brother is Sampati. Know me as Jatayu, son of Syeni, O subduer of foes. If you wish, I will be your companion here, for this dense forest is frequented by beasts and demons. While you and Lakshmana are away, I will protect Sita, dear child.” Rama honored Jatayu, embraced him joyfully, and bowed, for he had often heard from his father about their friendship with Jatayu. Then, entrusting Maithili Sita to that mighty bird, Rama went with Lakshmana to Panchavati, eager to destroy his enemies as fire consumes moths. Having reached Panchavati, a place filled with many serpents and deer, Rama—radiant in his splendor—spoke to his brother Lakshmana, thus beginning the next chapter of their journey.