As the night deepened, the sage Viśvāmitra continued his tale to Rāma and the assembled sages. He spoke of Satyavatī, the supremely noble woman who, devoted to her husband, ascended to heaven in her very body and became the great river Kauśikī. Divine and pure, Kauśikī rested upon the slopes of the Himālaya, her waters lovely and beneficent, bringing welfare to the world. Viśvāmitra explained that he himself dwelled happily beside the Himālaya, united in affection with his sister Kauśikī, whose virtue and devotion had transformed her into the best of rivers. He recounted that Satyavatī, steadfast in truth and righteousness, was greatly fortunate to become Kauśikī, the river revered by all. Yet, through his observances, Viśvāmitra had left her side and journeyed to Siddhāśrama, where he had been perfected by Rāma’s own energy. Thus, he concluded, this was the account of his birth, his lineage, and the land, as Rāma had requested. As Viśvāmitra finished his story, he noted that midnight had passed. He urged Rāma, descendant of Kakutstha, to seek sleep, wishing him good fortune and hoping nothing would hinder their journey. All around, the trees stood motionless, wild animals and birds had withdrawn, and darkness enveloped the directions. Twilight faded, and the sky shone with stars and constellations, as if veiled by countless eyes. The cool moon rose, dispelling the world’s darkness and delighting all living beings with its gentle radiance. Night-dwelling creatures stirred, as did hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits. Having spoken thus, the brilliant sage fell silent. The assembled sages honored him, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the noble lineage of the Kuśikas, always devoted to righteousness, and the descendants of Kuśa, noble souls comparable to Brahma. Especially Viśvāmitra was renowned, and Kauśikī, the best among rivers, brought glory to his line. Praised by the delighted sages, the glorious son of Kuśika entered sleep, like the sun setting. Rāma and Saumitri, somewhat amazed, praised the sage and also took to sleep. The narrative now turns to the next morning. Having spent the remainder of the night on the banks of the Śoṇa river with the sages, as the night grew bright, Viśvāmitra addressed Rāma. “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, eager to depart, spoke, “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 the wise sage, the company of sages moved forward, observing the various forests along the way. After traveling a long distance and with half the day gone, they arrived at the Jāhnavī, the foremost river, frequented by sages. Seeing the sacred river, inhabited by swans and cranes, all the sages, together with Rāma, rejoiced. On its bank, they arranged their lodging. After bathing according to custom, they offered oblations to ancestors and deities. Having performed fire rituals and eaten offerings as sweet as nectar, they entered the auspicious bank of the Jāhnavī, their minds filled with joy. Surrounding the great-souled Viśvāmitra, 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?” Prompted by Rāma’s words, Viśvāmitra began to recount the origin and birth of Gaṅgā. “O Rāma, Himavat, the lord of mountains and great source of minerals, had two daughters of incomparable beauty on earth. Their mother was Menā, the lovely and slender-waisted daughter of Meru, beloved wife of Himavat. From her was born Gaṅgā, the eldest daughter; the second was Umā by name. “Desiring to accomplish the work of the gods, all the deities sought the eldest, Gaṅgā, who flows in three paths, from Himavat. Righteously, Himavat 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 sake of all realms, the gods departed, their purpose fulfilled. “The other daughter, Umā, steadfast in severe vows, practiced intense austerity. Himavat gave Umā, revered by the worlds and unmatched in beauty, to Rudra, for she was endowed with fierce austerity. Thus, O Rāghava, these are the two daughters of the king of mountains, honored by the world: Gaṅgā, the best of rivers, and Umā Devī. “All this, O best of the wise, has been told to you—how the threefold-flowing Gaṅgā first ascended to the sky.