Agastya is the great sage of the south who gives Rama divine weapons in the forest, sends him to Panchavati and, before the final battle, teaches him the Aditya Hridayam hymn to the Sun. In the Uttara Kanda he tells Rama the history of Ravana's race.
Frequently asked questions
What did Agastya give Rama?
Vishnu's bow, an inexhaustible quiver and a golden sword, and later the Aditya Hridayam hymn.
What is the Aditya Hridayam?
A hymn to the Sun taught by Agastya to Rama on the battlefield before he killed Ravana.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda (sargas 1.25)
- Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda (sargas 3.11, 3.12, 3.13)
- Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda (sargas 6.107, 6.111)
- Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda (sargas 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.31, 7.35, 7.77, 7.78, 7.79, 7.80, 7.81, 7.82)
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