Rama's Promise to the Sages and the Gift of Divine Weapons

After killing Viradha, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita visited the ashrams of sages such as Sharabhanga and Sutikshna. Wherever they went, the sages made only one request: to protect them from the demons. Rama promised to destroy the demons and went to Sage Sutikshna's ashram. Sage Sutikshna, a student of Sage Agastya, welcomed Rama and described the demons' atrocities against the sages. That night, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita stayed at Sage Sutikshna's ashram.

The next day, they proceeded forward after getting permission from the sage. On the way, Sita repeatedly requested Rama not to antagonize the demons unnecessarily. "In this forest, you are two armed brothers, but there are numerous wild animals," she pleaded. "Who will you kill?! A dry stick lying in front of a fire automatically catches fire. Similarly, armed warriors can suddenly get angry. After returning to Ayodhya, you may follow your duty as a warrior."

"I have promised to protect the sages from the demons in the Dandaka forest," said Rama, hearing Sita's concerns. "As long as there is life in my body, I cannot go back on my word. I love truth more than my life. It's my responsibility to protect the sages, and their need for help makes it even more important."

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita started to spend their time happily in the forest. They met several sages and finally reached Sage Agastya's ashram. Some of Sage Agastya's students gave them a grand welcome at the door of the ashram and ushered them inside. There, among other students, they saw the sage sitting—majestic as the sun. Upon seeing them, the sage stood up. Rama touched the sage's feet. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana stood on one side of the sage with folded hands. The sage accepted their greeting and, as per tradition, welcomed them. He inquired about their well-being and asked them to sit. He treated them with hospitality and gave them food suitable for ascetics.

Sage Agastya gave Rama Lord Vishnu's golden arrow, which Vishwakarma made. This arrow was given to the sage by Lord Brahma. This arrow was special because it was bright like the sun and unerring in hitting its target. A long time ago, Lord Vishnu used this arrow to kill demons and then returned it to the gods in heaven. Sage Agastya also gave Rama a quiver—given to him by Indra—that would never diminish and a sword covered by a sheath of gold. While providing these weapons, Sage Agastya told Rama to destroy his enemies. Rama thanked Sage Agastya and asked him where he should build his cottage amid lush greenery and sufficient water so that they may live in peace. 

"At a distance of two yojanas from here is Panchavati, which has trees and plants, fruits and flowers, a river, and is home to wide varieties of animals," said Sage Agastya after thinking for a few moments. "This is a delightful place on the Godavari riverbank. Sita will find that place pleasant. That place is peaceful, but no one lives there now."