Viśvāmitra, that great sage, continued his account to Rāma: “O Rāghava, I have an elder sister named Satyavatī, steadfast in virtue, who was given in marriage to the sage Ṛcīka. Satyavatī, supremely noble, followed her husband with unwavering devotion. In time, she ascended to heaven in her very body and, by the power of her virtue, became the great river Kauśikī. Divine and pure, her waters lovely and serene, Kauśikī now rests upon the slopes of the Himālaya. My sister became a river for the welfare of the world, her presence a blessing to all beings. It is for this reason, O delight of the Raghus, that I dwell happily by the side of the Himālaya, united in affection with my sister Kauśikī. Satyavatī, established in truth and righteousness, devoted to her husband and greatly fortunate, thus became Kauśikī, the best of rivers. Yet, through my observances and vows, I left her side and journeyed here, arriving at Siddhāśrama. There, O Rāma, I have been perfected by your energy and presence. This, O mighty-armed one, is the account of my birth, my lineage, and the land as you have asked. Now, O descendant of Kakutstha, midnight has passed while I have been recounting these stories. Seek your rest, may good fortune be yours, and may nothing hinder our journey ahead. See how all the trees are still, the wild animals and birds have withdrawn, and darkness covers the directions, O delight of the Raghus. 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 the minds of living beings with its gentle radiance. All the night-dwelling creatures move about, as do hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits.” Having spoken thus, the great sage, brilliant and serene, fell silent. The assembled sages, honoring his words, exclaimed, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the lineage of the Kuśikas, always devoted to righteousness, noble souls among men, comparable to Brahmā himself. Especially you, illustrious Viśvāmitra, are renowned, and your sister 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. Rāma and Saumitri, somewhat amazed by all they had heard, praised the sage and then also took their rest. With the night thus spent on the banks of the Śoṇa, surrounded by great sages, the first light of dawn appeared. Viśvāmitra addressed Rāma: “The night is bright, Rāma; early dawn is here. Rise, rise—may all be well with you. Prepare yourself for the journey ahead.” At his words, Rāma and his companions performed their morning rites and prepared to depart. Rāma then asked, “This Śoṇa river is beautiful, with pure, deep waters and sandbanks. By which path, O sage, shall we cross?” Viśvāmitra replied, “This is the path I have shown, the way by which the great sages travel.” Guided by the wise Viśvāmitra, the company of sages set out, observing the many forests along the way. After traveling a long distance, when half the day had passed, they came upon the Jāhnavī, the foremost of rivers, frequented by sages. Seeing that sacred river, inhabited by swans and cranes, all the sages, along with Rāghava, were filled with joy. On its banks 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 offerings as sweet as nectar, they settled on the auspicious bank of the Jāhnavī, their hearts uplifted. There, surrounding the great-souled Viśvāmitra, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa sat respectfully. Rāma, his mind delighted, addressed the sage: “Revered one, I wish to hear the story of Gaṅgā, the river that traverses three worlds. How did she come to be the lord of rivers, conquering the three worlds?” Prompted by Rāma’s words, Viśvāmitra began to recount the origin and birth of Gaṅgā. “O Rāma, Himavat, the lord of mountains and source of all minerals, had two daughters of incomparable beauty upon this earth. Their mother was Menā, the lovely and slender-waisted daughter of Meru, beloved wife of Himavat. From Menā was born Gaṅgā, the eldest daughter of Himavat; the second daughter was named Umā. Desiring to accomplish the work of the gods, all the deities approached Himavat and sought his eldest, Gaṅgā, the river that flows in three paths. Himavat, acting righteously, gave his daughter Gaṅgā—purifier of the worlds, who flows by her own will—for the benefit of the three worlds. Having received Gaṅgā for the welfare of all realms, the gods departed, their purpose fulfilled. The other daughter, Umā, steadfast in severe vows, practiced intense austerity. In time, Himavat gave Umā, revered by the worlds and unmatched in beauty, to Rudra, for she was endowed with fierce austerity. O Rāghava, these are the two daughters of the king of mountains, honored by all: Gaṅgā, the best of rivers, and Umā Devī.