Recognizing that the sage was pleased, a Gandharva maiden, radiant with delight and skilled in gentle speech, addressed him with a sweet voice. She said, “O illustrious ascetic, resplendent with Brahmanical splendor and austerity, I desire a righteous son, one who will embody the power of Brahmanical penance. I am without a husband and belong to no one; having approached you by the path of righteousness, you alone are worthy to grant me a son.” Pleased with her sincerity, the great sage, a Brahmarṣi, granted her wish. From his mind, he bestowed upon her an excellent son endowed with Brahmanical qualities, who came to be known as Brahmadatta, the son of Cūlī. This Brahmadatta, blessed with kingly virtues, resided in the splendid city of Kāmpilya, shining with supreme glory, like the lord of the gods in heaven. In time, King Kuśanābha, steadfast in righteousness, resolved to give his hundred daughters in marriage to Brahmadatta. Summoning the illustrious Brahmadatta, the delighted king entrusted all his hundred daughters to him. Brahmadatta, in noble fashion, took their hands in marriage, as the lord of gods does with his consorts. At the very touch of Brahmadatta’s hand, the hundred maidens were instantly freed from their deformities and afflictions, and they shone forth with supreme beauty. Witnessing his daughters thus released from their suffering, King Kuśanābha was overwhelmed with joy, rejoicing again and again. Having married the king’s daughters, Brahmadatta departed with his wives, accompanied by teachers and elders, as was proper. Somadā, the Gandharva maiden, seeing her son perform such worthy deeds, and following custom, joyfully welcomed her daughters-in-law. She touched them with affection, praised King Kuśanābha, and honored the new union. Now, O Rāma, hear the next chapter. When Brahmadatta had been married and departed, the childless King Kuśanābha, desiring a son and a grandson, performed a great sacrifice. As the sacred rites were underway, the supremely noble sage Kuśa, son of Brahmā, appeared and spoke to King Kuśanābha, saying, “O my son, a righteous son, equal to yourself, will be born to you. Through him, you will obtain Gādhi and everlasting fame in the world.” Having spoken thus, Kuśa ascended into the sky and returned to the eternal realm of Brahmā. In due time, a supremely righteous son was born to the wise Kuśanābha, and he was named Gādhi. O descendant of Kakutstha, that Gādhi is my father; I am Kauśika, born in the illustrious lineage of Kuśa, O delight of the Raghus. My elder sister, steadfast in virtue, is Satyavatī, who was given in marriage to Ṛcīka. That supremely noble Satyavatī, faithful and devoted, followed her husband and, ascending to heaven in her own body, became the great river Kauśikī. Divine, pure, and beautiful, she flows from the Himalaya for the welfare of the world. Therefore, O Rāma, I dwell happily by the side of the Himalaya, united in affection with my sister Kauśikī. That virtuous Satyavatī, established in truth and righteousness, devoted to her husband and greatly fortunate, became Kauśikī, the best of rivers. Indeed, O Rāma, after fulfilling my observances, I left her and came here; I reached Siddhāśrama and have been perfected by your energy. O Rāma, this is the account of my birth, my lineage, and my land, as you have asked, O mighty-armed one. Now, O descendant of Kakutstha, midnight has passed as I have recounted these stories; seek sleep now, may good fortune be yours, and may nothing hinder our journey. All the trees stand still, the wild animals and birds have withdrawn, and the directions are veiled in the darkness of night. Twilight is slowly fading, and the sky, as if adorned with countless eyes, shines with the light of stars and constellations. The cool-rayed moon rises, dispelling the world’s darkness and delighting all beings with its gentle radiance. Night-dwelling creatures now move about, as do hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits. Having spoken thus, the great sage of immense brilliance became silent. All the assembled sages honored him, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the greatness of the Kuśika lineage, always devoted to righteousness, and declared the descendants of Kuśa to be noble souls, comparable to Brahmā himself. They especially praised the illustrious Viśvāmitra and the glory that Kauśikī, the best of rivers, brings to his lineage. Praised by the delighted sages, the glorious son of Kuśika entered into sleep, like the sun setting at day’s end. Rāma, together with Saumitri, amazed and filled with reverence, praised the great sage and also took their rest. When the night had passed, and the banks of the Śoṇa were bathed in the brightening light of dawn, Viśvāmitra addressed Rāma. “Rāma, the night is bright and the early dawn is beginning. Arise, arise, may all be well with you; prepare yourself for the journey.” Hearing these words, Rāma performed the morning rites, eager to depart, and spoke in readiness for the day’s journey.