The Greatness of Sage Agastya: Adarshayan Project : Visions of the Ramayana

While journeying south toward the hermitage of the great Sage Agastya, Rama tells Sita and Lakshmana why the revered sage is honored throughout the three worlds. He begins with the tale of the wicked demon brothers, Ilvala and Vatapi, who delighted in murdering innocent Brahmins through a horrifying deception. Ilvala would transform Vatapi into a sacrificial ram and serve his flesh to unsuspecting guests. After the meal, Ilvala would call out to his brother, and Vatapi would tear his way out of the victims' bodies, killing them instantly. Countless sages fell prey to this cruel trick.