Ram's Promise to the Rishis and the Gift of Divine Weapons

After killing Viradh, Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta visited the ashrams of rishis such as Sharbhang and Suteekshna. Wherever they went, the rishis made only one request: to protect them from the demons. Ram promised to destroy the demons and went to Rishi Suteekshna's ashram. Rishi Suteekshna, a student of Rishi Agastya, welcomed Ram and described the demons' atrocities against the rishis. That night, Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta stayed at Rishi Suteekshna's ashram.

The next day, they proceeded forward after getting permission from the rishi. On the way, Seeta repeatedly requested Ram 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 rishis from the demons in the Dandak forest," said Ram, hearing Seeta'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 rishis, and their need for help makes it even more important."

Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta started to spend their time happily in the forest. They met several rishis and finally reached Rishi Agastya's ashram. Some of Rishi 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 rishi sitting—majestic as the sun. Upon seeing them, the rishi stood up. Ram touched the rishi's feet. Ram, Seeta, and Lakshman stood on one side of the rishi with folded hands. The rishi 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.

Rishi Agastya gave Ram Lord Vishnu's golden arrow, which Vishvakarma made. This arrow was given to the rishi 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. Rishi Agastya also gave Ram a quiver—given to him by Indra—that would never diminish and a sword covered by a sheath of gold. While providing these weapons, Rishi Agastya told Ram to destroy his enemies. Ram thanked Rishi 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 Rishi Agastya after thinking for a few moments. "This is a delightful place on the Godavari riverbank. Seeta will find that place pleasant. That place is peaceful, but no one lives there now."