Rama visits Sarbhanga

After killing Viradha, Rama decided to go near the banks of river Gomati. A sage called Sarbhanga lived there. Rama said they would visit the mendicant. They travelled that day, halting to sleep at night and the next day went to see the sage. Knowing that Rama was going to visit the sage, Indra came to the sage, riding a chariot made of pearls, accompanied by many other Gods.
Rama saw Indra entering the ashrama and asked Lakshmana to wait till the visitors left.
Indra went and met the sage. He told the sage that Vishnu in the form of Rama would be coming to meet him. Vishnu had taken birth in this form to kill many rakshashas, He would need help and for that Indra was keeping a bow and arrows for Rama. When Rama comes there, he was to given those. Saying this, Indra left.

After Indra left, Rama entered the ashrama. The sage was very happy to see Rama. He said he was alive to only have a glimpse of the Lord, and now his life's aim was achieved. He gave Rama the weapons that Indra had given. He then said, he would end his life. Saying this, he lit a pyre and taking the name of Rama, jumped into it.

The body of the sage burnt, and a handsome man came out of the fire. This being bowed to Rama and went heavenwards.