In Chitrakoot, Rama was visited by many people from Ayodhya and this constant stream of visitors disturbed the peace for the sageswho dwelt in the forest. Rama decided to leave Chitrakoot and live elsewhere.

Rama , Lakshmana and Sita left Chitrakoot and go to the hermitage of sage Atri. They were welcomed by the sage. Rama told Sita to learn the duties of wifehood from Anusuya , Sage Atri’s wife. While they spent their time there, Anusuya told Sita many lessons in the duties of an ideal wife. When they left, she gifted Sita celestial garments and ornaments that always looked fresh and new. They had been given to Anusuya by Indra’s wife Shachi. Thus blessed by Atri and Anusuya, the three proceeded towards Dandaka van (forest called Dandaka).

On the way, they met Viragh, a demon who blocked their way. He wanted to capture Sita but Rama killed him. As soon as he was killed, he was released from the curse that made him a demon. He took his original form of a Gandharva (celestial being) and flew off.

In Dandaka forest, Rama went to the hermitage of Sharbhanga Rishi. The aging sage was awaiting the arrival of Rama and postponing the moment of release from his earthly form till he had a darshan of Rama . Meeting Rama fulfilled his desire. With the energy generated by his yogic powers, he immolated his body to go to heaven.

The sages living in Dankakaranya showed Rama around the dense forest. He saw huge heaps of human bones strewn in the jungle. The sages told Rama that these were the remains of rishis who had been killed by demons. Rama took a vow to rid the earth of all demons. They walked on to reach the garden and hermitage of Sootikshna . While the sage was meditating, Rama appeared in his heart in his divine form. Sootikshna was filled with devotion and adoration of Rama . He then led them to the ashram of his Guru Agastya . The venerable sage extended an emotional welcome to Rama, Sita and Lakshmana . He gifted Rama with amogh weapons that never miss their mark so that he could kill all demons. Rama asks sage Agastya to suggest a place where they can spend the rest of their exile. The sage tells them of a place in Jansthan on the banks of River Godavari at Panchavati. Rama , Sita and Lakshmana set out to seek the spot suggested by Sage Agastya .

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