Maharshi Agastya Gifts Rama Divine Weapons

After killing Viradha, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita went to the old Sage Sharabhanga's ashram. Sharabhanga had been clinging to life with the sole desire of seeing Lord Rama. He suggested that they visit Sage Sutikshna and then voluntarily immolated himself to attain liberation. 

Sage Sutikshna, a disciple of Maharshi Agastya, also warmly welcomed Rama and the others. When he described the demons' atrocities against the sages to Rama, the three of them decided to stay there for some time to protect the sages, who were performing religious rituals. Rama also promised to always safeguard them from demons. The next day, they took leave of the sage and continued their journey. 

On the way, Sita begged Rama not to antagonize demons unnecessarily. "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."

Maharshi Agastya and his wife, Lopamudra, resided in his ashram, which was located on the southern slope of the Vindhya Mountains. When Rama and his companions arrived at the ashram, some of the sage's students welcomed them and ushered them in. There, among the other students, they saw the Maharshi seated—majestic as the sun. Agastya stood up, and Rama respectfully touched his feet. Agastya treated his guests with great hospitality and gave them food befitting ascetics.

Agastya then gave Lord Vishnu's divine bow, which had been crafted by Vishwakarma, to Rama. The bow was called Sharanga and was decorated with gold and diamonds. Lord Vishnu had once used this bow to kill demons and then gave it to the gods in heaven. Agastya also gave Rama two inexhaustible quivers given to him by Lord Brahma and a divine sword with a golden sheath given to him by Indra. Agastya told Rama that he was giving him these weapons so he could annihilate his enemies.

Rama thanked Agastya and inquired about a peaceful place with access to water where he could build a cottage. "At a distance of two yojanas from here is Panchavati, a delightful place on the Godavari riverbank," said Agastya after thinking for a few moments. "It is lush with fruit-bearing trees and flowering plants, and is home to a wide variety of animals. Sita will find it pleasant there."