Agastya

Also known as: Saint Agastya · Family: Hermits · Role: sage · First appears: Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad

In Book I, Canto 27, Agastya cursed Márícha to assume a giant’s form and Táḍaká to become a fearful man-eater. In Book II, Ráma sent gifts to Agastya and Viśvámitra; in Book III, Ráma welcomed him as a host. Agastya gave Ráma divine weapons, including Vishṇu’s bow, and directed him and Lakshmaṇ and Sítá to shelter in the grove.

In Book III, Canto 11, Ráma told how Agastya devoured Vátápi and consumed Ilval with a fiery glance, making the grove a refuge from oppression. Later, in Book IV, Sugríva’s search party was to seek Agastya’s permission before continuing south. In Book VI, Agastya gave Ráma an arrow and blessed him to save the chieftain’s life.