In the sacred forest, as Rama listened with reverence, Jatayu began to recount the ancient origins of the world’s beings. He spoke of the first sages: Sthāṇu, Marīci, Atri, the mighty Kratu, Pulastya, Aṅgirā, Pracetas, and Pulaha. Then came Dakṣa, Vivasvān, Ariṣṭanemi, and finally the radiant Kaśyapa, the last among them. Jatayu explained that Prajāpati Dakṣa was famed for his sixty illustrious daughters, renowned throughout the worlds. Of these, Kaśyapa accepted eight, each possessing great beauty: Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kālakā, Tāmrā, Krodhavaśā, Manu, and Anala. Pleased with these maidens, Kaśyapa promised them, “You shall bear sons who will rule the three worlds and be equal to me.” Thus, Aditi, Diti, and Danu were blessed. From Aditi were born the Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, and Aśvins—celestial beings of great power. Diti gave birth to the renowned Daityas, who once covered the earth with forests and oceans. Danu’s son was Aśvagrīva, a destroyer of enemies. Naraka and Kālaka were born, along with the Kālakās. Tāmrā gave birth to five daughters: Krauncī, Bhāsī, Śyenī, Dhṛtarāṣṭrī, and Śukī, each famed throughout the worlds. Krauncī bore owls; Bhāsī gave birth to Bhāsas; Śyenī’s offspring were hawks and powerful vultures; Dhṛtarāṣṭrī produced swans and all kinds of Kalahaṃsas, including Cakravākas. Śukī bore Natā, whose daughter was Vinatā. Krodhavaśā, another daughter, gave birth to ten offspring: Mṛgī, Mṛgamaṇḍā, Harī, Bhadramadā, Mātaṅgī, Śārdūlī, Śvetā, Surabhī, Surasā, and Kadrū. Mṛgī’s descendants were all deer; Mṛgamaṇḍā gave rise to bears, Sṛmaras, and Camaras. Bhadramadā’s daughter Irāvatī bore Airāvata, the mighty elephant, lord of the world. Harī’s offspring were ascetic monkeys; Śārdūlī gave birth to Golāṃgūlas and tiger cubs. Mātaṅgī’s progeny were elephants, and Śvetā’s were the elephants 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. Surasā produced serpents, and Kadrū gave birth to nagas. Manu, another daughter, generated human beings from the great sage Kaśyapa: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. From Kaśyapa’s mouth were born Brahmins; from his chest, Kshatriyas; from his thighs, Vaishyas; and from his feet, Shudras, as declared in the scriptures. Manu also produced all trees bearing virtuous fruits, and even the fireless ones. Vinatā and Śukī were granddaughters, while Kadru and Surasa were sisters. Kadru gave birth to a thousand serpents, while Vinatā had two sons: Garuda and Aruna. Jatayu revealed, “From Aruna I was born, and my elder brother is Sampati; know me as Jatayu, son of Śyenī, O subduer of foes.” With warmth, Jatayu offered, “If you wish, I will be your companion here. 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, remembering the friendship his father had often spoken of. Entrusting Maithili Sita to the mighty bird, Rama and Lakshmana set out for Panchavati, eager to destroy their enemies as fire consumes moths. Now, listen to the fifteenth sarga in the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, Aranyakanda. Having reached Panchavati, a place teeming with serpents and deer, Rama spoke to his brother Lakshmana, radiant in his splendor. “We have arrived, as the sage directed, at the place he described. This is Panchavati, gentle one, a forest blossoming with flowers. Survey all around, for you are skilled in the forest. In which place do you think our hermitage should be built?” “Find such a place, Lakshmana, where Vaidehi, you, and I may delight, and which is near a water source. Where the forest is charming and the water delightful, and where firewood, flowers, sacred grass, and water are close at hand.” Thus addressed, Lakshmana, with joined palms, spoke in Sita’s presence, “O Kakutstha, I am dependent on you, even if you remain here a hundred years. But tell me to build the hermitage myself in a pleasing place.” Greatly pleased by Lakshmana’s words, Rama thoughtfully chose a place endowed with every virtue. He approached that delightful spot for the hermitage, took Lakshmana by the hand, and said, “This land is level and splendid, covered with blossoming trees. Here, gentle one, you should properly build the hermitage. Nearby is a lovely lotus pond, fragrant and shining like the sun, adorned with blooming lotuses.” Thus, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita prepared to dwell in the beautiful forest of Panchavati, surrounded by the blessings and origins of all creatures, as recounted by the noble Jatayu.