King Kuśanābha, witnessing his daughters freed from the curse by the grace of the wind, was overwhelmed with joy and celebrated their release again and again. After their marriages, the king sent Brahmadatta, his son-in-law, along with his wives and accompanied by their teachers, on their journey. Somadā, Brahmadatta’s mother, saw her son acting with virtue and, following tradition, joyfully welcomed her new daughters-in-law. She touched them with affection and praised Kuśanābha for his noble deeds. As the tale continues, the thirty-fourth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, begins. After Brahmadatta’s marriage and departure, the childless King Kuśanābha, longing for a son and a grandson, undertook a sacred sacrifice. While the rituals were underway, the supremely noble Kuśa, son of Brahmā, appeared before Kuśanābha and spoke: “O son, a righteous child, equal to yourself, will be born to you. Through him, you will receive Gādhi and everlasting fame in the world.” Having blessed Kuśanābha, Kuśa rose into the sky and returned to the eternal world of Brahmā. In due time, Kuśanābha was blessed with a supremely righteous son named Gādhi. Viśvāmitra, addressing Rāma, explained, “O descendant of Kakutstha, Gādhi is my father, and I, Kauśika, am born in the lineage of Kuśa, O delight of the Raghus. My elder sister, steadfast in virtue, is named Satyavatī, who was given in marriage to Ṛcīka. That supremely noble Satyavatī, following her husband in devotion, ascended to heaven in her own body and became the great river Kauśikī. Divine, pure, and lovely, she rests upon the Himālaya, bringing welfare to the world as the river Kauśikī. Therefore, I dwell happily by the side of the Himālaya, united in affection with my sister, O delight of the Raghus. Satyavatī, established in truth and righteousness, devoted to her husband and greatly fortunate, became Kauśikī, the best among rivers.” Viśvāmitra continued, “By observance, I left her and came here, reaching Siddhāśrama and attaining perfection through your energy, O Rāma. Thus, I have recounted my birth, lineage, and the land as you asked, O mighty-armed one. Now, O descendant of Kakutstha, midnight has passed while I have been telling these stories. Seek sleep now, may good fortune be yours, and may nothing hinder our journey.” The world was still and silent: trees stood motionless, wild animals and birds had withdrawn, and the directions were shrouded in darkness. Twilight slowly faded, and the sky, gleaming with stars and constellations, shone like a veil of eyes. The cool-rayed moon rose, dispelling the darkness and delighting all living beings with its radiance. Night-dwelling creatures wandered, as did hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits. Having spoken thus, the great sage Viśvāmitra fell silent. The assembled sages, honoring him, exclaimed, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the noble lineage of the Kuśikas, always devoted to righteousness, and the descendants of Kuśa, noble souls comparable to Brahma, foremost among men. Especially Viśvāmitra himself was renowned, and Kauśikī, the best among rivers, brought glory to his lineage. Praised by the delighted sages, the glorious son of Kuśika entered sleep, like the sun setting. Rāma and Saumitri, somewhat amazed, praised the foremost sage and then also took rest. The story now enters the thirty-fifth chapter. At dawn, having spent the remainder of the night on the banks of the Śoṇa river with the great sages, Viśvāmitra spoke as the night brightened: “The night is bright, Rāma; the early dawn is beginning. Rise, rise, may all be well with you; prepare yourself for the journey.” Hearing these words, Rāma performed his morning rites and prepared to depart. He asked, “This Śoṇa river is beautiful, with pure water, deep, and adorned with sandbanks. By which path, O sage, shall we cross?” Viśvāmitra replied, “This is the path I have indicated, by which the great sages travel.” Guided by Viśvāmitra, the sages proceeded, observing the various forests along their journey. After traveling a long distance, when half the day had passed, they came upon the Jāhnavī, the foremost river, frequented by sages. Seeing this sacred river, inhabited by swans and cranes, all the sages and Rāma rejoiced. On its bank, they arranged their lodging, bathed according to custom, and offered oblations to the ancestors and deities. After performing the fire rituals and eating offerings as sweet as nectar, they settled on the auspicious bank of the Jāhnavī, their minds filled with joy. Surrounding the great-souled Viśvāmitra on all sides and seated properly, Rāma, his mind delighted, addressed the sage: “Revered one, I wish to hear about Gaṅgā, the river that traverses three paths. How did she, after conquering the three worlds, become the lord of rivers?” Thus, the narrative unfolds, with Rāma seeking to hear the sacred story of Gaṅgā from the illustrious Viśvāmitra.