Agastya said - In the land of Vidarbha, was a king called Shweta. The king meditated in a forest. There were no animals in that forest which surprised the king. Listen to the reason for this. There was a king in Vidharbha, called Nala, who ruled that land. He had a son called Ikshvaku, who took over the kingdom after his father. It was this king who started the solar dynasty, in whose clan you were born, Rama.
His kingdom was taken over forcibly, by his younger brother, Danda. He was a cruel person.
One day he went to the house of the sage Shukra. Abja, the daughter of Shukra had gone to pluck flowers. Shukra was not there when Abja returned with the flowers.
Danda was smitten by her and grabbed her hand. Abja said she was the daughter of his Guru and it was not proper that he behave in that manner. Danda did not listen. and said he would have her by force.
Abja said that would mean the death of the king.
The king then raped Abja and left. Abja started crying out to her father.
Shukra coming to know this cursed the king to die.
Fire showers began in the kingdom and Danda and his entire family was burnt to death. The kingdom got transformed into a forest and became known as the Dandaka forest.
This is the forest where we are now.
Rama stayed that day with Agastya. They prayed together in the evening. Rama stayed there that night and in the next day morning he took leave of Agastya.
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