After the ascension of Sarabhanga to the abode of Brahma, the rishis of the forest came to Rama. Their creeds were diverse and their methods of spiritual pursuits various. Among them were those who had sprung from the nails of Brahma known as Vaikhanasas. From his hair were born Valakhilyas. There were those who constantly bathed, known as Samprakshalas, and the Marichas who for ever drank the rays of the Sun and the Moon. The Asmakutas hit themselves with stones, the Patraharas survived on leaves and the Unajjakas had only their head above water, while their body was immersed. Some continued their penance without even a roof over their head. Oblivious to the varied moods of the elements, neither the heat of the Sun, the fury of the winds nor the ravages of rain daunted them. Some stood in water, while others subsisted on water and air alone. These sages of flawless discipline, endowed with the supreme powers of Brahma gathered around Rama. They told him that just as Indra was lord of the 'devas' Rama was the lord of those that inhabited the earth. "You are famed in the three worlds for your glory and valor. In you abide the most virtuous qualities of justice, faith, duty and truth. The world commends your filial devotion. We come to you who are an embodiment of Dharma, seeking your protection. Though kings collect their taxes, not many dispense their duties as rulers and such kings fall victims of 'adharma'. The Brahmins who inhabit this wilderness are mercilessly persecuted. That mountain of white you see yonder is made up of the bones of slaughtered ascetics. Though these holy men eke out a living on fruit and roots and cannot pay taxes to their kings, they pass on to the rulers a fourth of the dharma earned by them. To these Brahmins you must be the refuge, so that they do not perish like orphans in the relentless carnage of the rakshasa hordes. The plight of those along the River Pampa, on the banks of the river Mandakini and on the slopes of Chitrakuta is deplorable. The mindless destruction has to be stopped. You are our only asylum; we seek your blessings and protection from the evil that stalks these sylvan glades". Rama then told the rakshasas, "The enormous powers of your penance, your sublime virtues and your nobility empower you to command me. Eradication of the menace of the demons and fulfillment of my father's vows are the reason for my presence here. To achieve your freedom is my duty. With Lakkshmana's help I will soon put an end to the violence that is rife in these jungles." Having given his assurance to the sages, Rama started on his journey.
Summary
After the ascension of Sarabhanga to the abode of Brahma, the rishis of the forest came to Rama. Their creeds were diverse and their methods of spiritual pursuits various. Among them were those who had sprung from the nails of Brahma known as Vaikhanasas. From his hair were born Valakhilyas. There were those who constantly bathed, known as Samprakshalas, and the Marichas who for ever drank the rays of the Sun and the Moon. The Asmakutas hit themselves with stones, the Patraharas survived on leaves and the Unajjakas had only their head above water, while their body was immersed. Some continued their penance without even a roof over their head. Oblivious to the varied moods of the elements, neither the heat of the Sun, the fury of the winds nor the ravages of rain daunted them. Some stood in water, while others subsisted on water and air alone. These sages of flawless discipline, endowed with the supreme powers of Brahma gathered around Rama. They told him that just as Indra was lord of the 'devas' Rama was the lord of those that inhabited the earth. "You are famed in the three worlds for your glory and valor. In you abide the most virtuous qualities of justice, faith, duty and truth. The world commends your filial devotion. We come to you who are an embodiment of Dharma, seeking your protection. Though kings collect their taxes, not many dispense their duties as rulers and such kings fall victims of 'adharma'. The Brahmins who inhabit this wilderness are mercilessly persecuted. That mountain of white you see yonder is made up of the bones of slaughtered ascetics. Though these holy men eke out a living on fruit and roots and cannot pay taxes to their kings, they pass on to the rulers a fourth of the dharma earned by them. To these Brahmins you must be the refuge, so that they do not perish like orphans in the relentless carnage of the rakshasa hordes. The plight of those along the River Pampa, on the banks of the river Mandakini and on the slopes of Chitrakuta is deplorable. The mindless destruction has to be stopped. You are our only asylum; we seek your blessings and protection from the evil that stalks these sylvan glades". Rama then told the rakshasas, "The enormous powers of your penance, your sublime virtues and your nobility empower you to command me. Eradication of the menace of the demons and fulfillment of my father's vows are the reason for my presence here. To achieve your freedom is my duty. With Lakkshmana's help I will soon put an end to the violence that is rife in these jungles." Having given his assurance to the sages, Rama started on his journey.