Rama pressed on as Sita and Lakshmana followed him. Their travel took them through beautiful landscapes and waterscapes. The vistas that unfolded before them as they went along were breathtaking. The majestic mountains veiled in the mists appeared blue, undulating sand dunes lent charm to the sinuously flowing rivers, and lakes were studded with jewel like lotuses of varied colors. Waterfowl, crane and duck enlivened its waters. In the woods roamed elephants, deer and buffalo. One day they came to a lake, whose pristine waters shimmered and were host to swan and duck that glided gracefully on its surface. From its quiet and limpid waters, there emanated the sound of music. To the eyes nothing was visible, but to the ears reached the melody of song accompanied by the instruments of music. Captivated by it and curious, they asked the ascetic Dharmabhrit of it. He narrated a story in reply. "This lake," he said, "created by the powers of sage Mandakarni's penance is known as Panchapsara. Living on air, standing in water the sage practised rigid austerities for ten thousand years. Alarmed and agitated, the devas said to each other, "Mandakarni aspires to our state." To put an end to this impending threat, the Gods sent for five of the most enchanting apsaras. Dazzling and shining like streaks of lightening, they came down to earth to distract and destroy his tapas. Enticed by them, enamored of their charms, he married them, abandoning the austerities that had sustained him for thousands of years. The home of the apsaras is on the bed of this lake, where they live in joy with their master rendered youthful by merit of his profound austerities. They pass their time in song and dance which mingles with the tinkle of their ornaments. That is what you hear", concluded the ascetic. Taking leave of Dharmabhrit, Rama beheld a cluster of holy ashrams ahead of them sanctified by the spiritual might of the rishis. Received by them with delight, worshipfully honored, the god-like Ikshvaku warrior wandered the silent woods, sojourning with the many sages in the forest of Dandaka.Rama would spend from several weeks to several months, in some hermitages and a little over a year at others enjoying their hospitality. Thus passed ten years of his exile. Later Rama went back to Sutikshna's hermitage where he stayed for a while. One day as he sat at the feet of the sage, he said in all humility "Sir, where does sage Agastya dwell in the forest? I have always wanted to pay him my respectful homage. May I, with your consent do so?" Sutikshna said "It is also my desire that you meet him. His hermitage lies south of here. Break your journey at the ashram of Sudersana, brother of Agastya".

One day travelling through beautiful country Rama said, "In the past, demons that were pitiless and wicked lived here. Among them were the two asura brothers who had hatched a plot for the destruction of all Brahmins. They were Ilvala and Vatapi, who enticed their prey by Vatapi changing into the form of a goat, while Ilvala in the guise of a holy Brahmin would accost unwary Brahmins. Ilvala would impress his victims with his impeccable Sanskrit and invite them for a meal, stating that it was the day of his father's 'Shraddha'. Beguiled, the guest would agree. Later, Vatapi turning into a goat would be killed, cooked and consumed by the unsuspecting guest. According to the plan, Ilvala would then call out 'Vatapi! Come out'. Vatapi would jump out, bleating and tearing at the entrails of the guest. Their victim would then be their meal for that day! "Even, as the devas watched helplessly, this dreadful plan continued until they finally sought Agastya's help. Heeding their plea the sage one-day sauntered past the place where Ilvala was wont to lie in wait for a possible prey. Sure enough he was invited. The asura brothers repeated their performance of host and goat. The rishi was fed with great enthusiasm. The make-believe 'Shraddha' ceremony over, as usual Ilvala called out for Vatapi, but Vatapi did not appear. Mocking at the demon Agastya said, "No longer does he have the power to respond to your command, digested by me, he has already reached the abode of death". Enraged, the foolish demon attacked Agastya. As he flung himself on him, the sage's fiery looks generated flames in which the demon was reduced to ashes." After narrating the episode, Rama along with the others entered the hermitage of Sudersana where he was received with much warmth and honour. After a night of rest, they bade farewell to their host, and set out on their last lap of journey. Looking around Rama observed, "Lakshmana! Here leaves shimmer, birds are unruffled and ferocious beasts seem to bask in the serenity of the place. These signs of peace and calm suggest the proximity of Agastya's hermitage .The rishi who has conquered death has set apart this holy region as a refuge to help the world." Famed for taming the Vindhya Mountain, his supreme powers, gained through his rigid Sadhana are matchless and mighty. Fearing his presence the rakshasas no longer go on rampage against the ascetics that inhabit these parts. In honor of him, the southern direction is known as the direction of Agastya. He whose powers commanded and stopped the unbridled growth of Vindhya, threatening to block out even the rays of the Sun, sends waves of fear through the world of demons. Here we shall spend the rest of our exile. Lakshmana! We are here; do inform the sage that Sita and I wait for an audience with him".