Somadā, witnessing her son’s noble deeds, and the Gandharva maiden, in accordance with tradition, joyfully welcomed their new daughters-in-law. They greeted them with affectionate touches and words of praise for Kuśanābha, honoring the family’s virtuous union. Now, listen to the next chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, as the story unfolds. After Brahmadatta’s marriage and departure, the childless King Kuśanābha, longing for a son and a grandson, performed a great sacrifice. As the sacred rites were underway, the supremely noble sage Kuśa, son of Brahmā, appeared before the king and spoke, “O son, a righteous child, equal to yourself, will be born to you. Through him, you will be blessed with a son named Gādhi and everlasting fame in the world.” Having thus blessed King Kuśanābha, the sage Kuśa ascended into the sky and returned to the eternal realm of Brahmā. In due time, a supremely righteous son was indeed born to Kuśanābha, and he was named Gādhi. O descendant of Kakutstha, that Gādhi, renowned for his virtue, 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 named Satyavatī. She was given in marriage to the sage Ṛcīka. That noble Satyavatī, devoted to her husband, ascended to heaven in her very body and became the great river Kauśikī. Divine and pure, with lovely waters, she rests upon the Himālaya and became a river for the welfare of the world. Therefore, I dwell happily by the side of the Himālaya, united in affection with my sister Kauśikī, O Rāghava. That virtuous Satyavatī, established in truth and righteousness, greatly fortunate and devoted to her husband, became Kauśikī, the best of rivers. Yet, by observance of my vows, I left her and came here to Siddhāśrama, and have been perfected by your energy, O Rāma. Thus, O mighty-armed one, I have recounted to you the story of my birth, my lineage, and this land, as you have asked. Now, O descendant of Kakutstha, midnight has passed as I have been telling these tales. Seek rest now—may good fortune attend you and may nothing hinder our journey. All the trees stand motionless, the wild animals and birds have withdrawn, and the directions, O delight of the Raghus, are shrouded in the darkness of night. Twilight is 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 living beings with its gentle radiance. Night-dwelling creatures move about, as do hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits. Having spoken thus, the great sage of immense brilliance fell silent. All the assembled sages honored him, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the greatness of the Kuśika lineage, always devoted to righteousness, the descendants of Kuśa—noble souls, comparable to Brahmā himself, foremost among men. Especially you, illustrious Viśvāmitra, are renowned; and Kauśikī, the best among rivers, brings glory to your line. Praised by the delighted sages, the glorious son of Kuśika entered sleep, like the sun setting at day’s end. Rāma and Saumitri, somewhat amazed, praised the great sage and likewise took their rest. The next chapter now begins. Having spent the remainder of the night on the banks of the Śoṇa, together with the great sages, when the night grew bright, Viśvāmitra spoke: “The night is over, Rāma, and early dawn is beginning. Rise, rise, may all be well with you; prepare yourself for the journey.” Hearing his words, Rāma performed the morning rites and, eager to depart, asked, “This Śoṇa river is beautiful, with pure, deep water and lovely sandbanks. By which path, O sage, shall we cross?” Viśvāmitra replied, “This is the path I have indicated, the one taken by the great sages.” Thus guided, the wise Viśvāmitra and the company of sages, along with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, proceeded on their way, observing the various forests. After journeying a great distance, when half the day had passed, they beheld the Jāhnavī, the foremost of rivers, frequented by sages. Upon seeing that sacred river, inhabited by swans and cranes, all the sages, together with Rāghava, were filled with joy. On its bank, they arranged their lodging, and after bathing according to custom, they offered oblations to the ancestors and deities. Having performed the fire rituals and partaken of the offerings, which were like nectar, they settled on the auspicious bank of the Jāhnavī, their hearts brimming with happiness. Gathering around the great-souled Viśvāmitra, Rāma and the others seated themselves with proper reverence. Rāma, his mind delighted, addressed Viśvāmitra: “Revered one, I wish to hear about Gaṅgā, the river that traverses the three worlds. How did she, after conquering the three worlds, become the lord of rivers?