JAPA TIME — Agastya Muni welcomes Lord Rāma and gives Him Viṣṇu’s divine bow

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

In Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12, Agastya Muni learns that Rāma has arrived with Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā. The sage says that he has long yearned for Rāma’s arrival and orders that all three be welcomed (3.12.9–12). Rāma enters the hermitage, where docile deer roam (3.12.16), sees the radiant sage and reverentially touches his feet (3.12.21–25). Agastya receives his guests with a seat, water and food according to the duties of a forest hermit (3.12.26–31). He then shows Rāma a great divine bow belonging to Viṣṇu, made by Viśvakarmā and adorned with gold and diamonds (3.12.32). He also presents an unfailing arrow from Brahmā, two inexhaustible quivers filled with sharp arrows and a gold-adorned sword given by Indra (3.12.33–34). Agastya recalls that Viṣṇu once used this bow to defeat mighty demons and restore prosperity to the celestials (3.12.35). He asks Rāma to accept the bow, quivers, arrow and sword for victory, and gives all these excellent weapons to Him (3.12.36–37). The illustration depicts the exact act of presenting the bow in verses 3.12.32–37.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

Agastya Muni had long wished to see Lord Rāma. After welcoming Rāma, Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa according to the sacred duty of hospitality, he entrusts Rāma with Viṣṇu’s divine bow and the weapons meant for His mission in the forest.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

Agastya yearns to see Rāma

Hearing that Rāma has arrived with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, the sage immediately orders that they be welcomed.
(Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.24–37)

Rāma bows at the sage’s feet

Recognizing Agastya by his spiritual radiance, Rāma approaches him with reverence.
(Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.24–37)

The guests are properly received

Agastya offers a seat, water and food in accordance with the duties of a forest hermit.
(Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.24–37)

Viṣṇu’s bow is revealed

The divine bow was made by Viśvakarmā and adorned with gold and diamonds.
(Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.24–37)

The weapons are entrusted to Rāma

Agastya gives the bow, two inexhaustible quivers, an arrow and a sword for victory over the demons.
(Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.24–37)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

The Lord honours His devotee

Although Rāma is the Supreme Lord, He approaches the sage humbly and touches his feet.

Hospitality is sacred service

Agastya first honours his guests with water, a seat and food before speaking of the weapons.

A gift is perfected by service

The divine weapons are not displayed for prestige; they are entrusted to Rāma for the protection of dharma.

The Lord’s mission is supported by devotees

Agastya recognizes Rāma’s purpose in the forest and places the proper means in His hands.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Receive others attentively

Offer one guest or family member today undivided attention and a concrete act of care.

2. Place your abilities in service

Choose one skill or resource you possess and use it for a duty that protects or supports others.

3. Read the exact gift of the bow

Read Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.24–37 and remember Rāma’s humility before Agastya during japa.

Receive the bow, the two quivers, the arrow and the sword for victory, as the wielder of the thunderbolt receives his weapon.

— Meaning of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 3.12.36

How to use this darśanam page

View the image, read the narration and śāstra-pramāṇa, contemplate the tattva, and complete the practice through seva. Follow the sequence: darśana → śravaṇa → manana → seva.