Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.138

c9.138

12) *Trip to Pañcavaṭī.* From Mount Citrakūṭa Śrī Rāma and others started towards the forest. When they continued their journey after visiting the Sage Atri’s āśrama a Rākṣasa called Virādha ran away carrying off Sītā. Rāma killed Virādha and regained Sītā. Then they visited the āśrama of sage Śarabhaṅga in the Kumuda forest. Therefrom they went to the Mṛkaṇḍu forest where they visited maharṣi Agastya, and there Rāma took the vow to kill Rāvaṇa and other evil Rākṣasas and thus render the land safe for sages to perform tapas. Agastya presented to Rāma a Vaiṣṇava bow, a Brāhma arrow and a Śaiva quiver. Rāma kept them with Agastya himself to be given to him when required. Then Agastya gave Rāma a divine ornament such as was not available in all the three worlds. Rāma tied it round Sītā’s neck. Taking leave of Agastya, Rāma and others went to the Daṇḍaka forest. It was on a high peak of Mount Mahākrauñca in the forest that Jaṭāyu, brother of Sampāti and a very close friend of Rāma lived. Rāma and Jaṭāyu renewed their old frindship and decided to be of mutual service in future. After that Rāma and others rested themselves on the banks of the near-by Godāvarī.