Chapter 37e

The illustrious Rishi Agastya, sprung from a vessel, paying obeisance to Rama, as Brahma pays homage to Shiva, addressed that hero whose prowess was truth, saying:—

“Do you hear me!”

Thereafter the highly effulgent Agastya began to relate the subsequent events in that legend, and the blessed Sage with a delighted heart described to Rama all he had heard narrated, saying:—

“O Illustrious and Long-armed Rama, it is on this account that the vicious-souled Ravana stole Sita, the daughter of Janaka, away. O You who art possessed of long arms, O Great Warrior, O You who art invincible, Narada recounted this tale to me on the summit of the Meru Mountain. O Raghava, the highly effulgent One told me this story in the presence of the Devas, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Ascetics and other great Beings. O Lord of Monarchs, O Conferer of Honours, do you hear this tale which removes great sins!

Listening to it, O You of long arms, the Rishis and the Devas, with delighted hearts, their eyes shining with the splendour of lotus flowers, said to the Ascetic Narada:—

“‘He, who listens to or relates this story with faith and devotion, shall be blessed with sons and grandsons and, after his death, be honoured in the Celestial Region.’”