At dawn the next day, the exiles bathed in the cool water, fragrant with the scent of lotuses. After their morning worship, they went to Sutikshna. With utmost courtesy Rama asked, "May we take leave of you? We will start on our journey before noon. Permit us to meet with the great sages and ascetics who live in Dandaka". The sage bade farewell to his guests. "Visit the enchanting Dandaka, where hermits live in peace, where woods abound in fruit and flower and birds fly over lotus ponds. The tranquil lakes are home to waterfowl that vie with the clarion calls of the peacock." Blessed by Sutikshna, Rama and Lakshmana set out of the hermitage with bows and quivers strapped on securely, as Sita walked silently by their side.