As the night deepened, Viśvāmitra continued his tale, revealing to Rāma the story of his lineage and the sacred rivers. He spoke with reverence of his sister Kauśikī, who, divine and pure, became a beautiful river resting upon the Himalaya for the welfare of the world. United in affection with her, Viśvāmitra dwelled happily beside the mighty mountain, finding joy in their bond. He explained that the virtuous Satyavatī, steadfast in truth and righteousness, devoted to her husband and blessed with great fortune, became Kauśikī—the best among rivers. Yet, by observance, Viśvāmitra had left her behind and journeyed to Siddhāśrama, where he had been perfected by Rāma’s own energy. Thus, he concluded, this was the account of his birth, lineage, and the land, as Rāma had requested. Midnight had passed as Viśvāmitra finished his stories. He gently urged Rāma, the mighty-armed descendant of Kakutstha, to seek sleep, wishing him good fortune and an unhindered journey ahead. Outside, the trees stood motionless, wild animals and birds had withdrawn, and the directions were shrouded in darkness. Twilight faded, and the sky, veiled as if by countless eyes, shimmered with the light of stars and constellations. The cool-rayed moon rose, dispelling the world’s darkness and delighting all living beings with its radiance. Night-dwelling creatures stirred, as did hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits. Having spoken thus, the great sage of immense brilliance fell silent. All the 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 himself. Especially, they celebrated Viśvāmitra’s renown and Kauśikī, the best among rivers, who brought glory to his lineage. Praised by the delighted sages, the glorious son of Kuśika entered sleep, like the sun setting. Rāma, together with Saumitri, somewhat amazed, praised the sage and also took to sleep. Thus ended the thirty-fourth chapter. The thirty-fifth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, began. When the remainder of the night had been spent on the banks of the Śoṇa, and the night grew bright, Viśvāmitra spoke. “The night is bright, Rāma; the 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 desired 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.” Following the wise sage’s guidance, the group proceeded, observing the various forests along the way. After traveling a long distance and with half the day passed, they reached the Jāhnavī, the foremost river, frequented by sages. Upon seeing the sacred river, inhabited by swans and cranes, all the sages, together with Rāghava, were filled with joy. On its bank, they arranged their lodging; after bathing according to custom, they offered oblations to the ancestors and deities. Having performed the fire rituals and eaten the offerings, which were like nectar, they entered 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, spoke to 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,” he said, “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 of Himavat; the second daughter was Umā by name. “Desiring to accomplish the work of the gods, all the deities sought the eldest, Gaṅgā, the river that flows in three paths, from the lord of mountains. Himavat 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 sake of the three worlds, those desiring the welfare of all realms 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, as 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 has been told to you—how the threefold-flowing Gaṅgā first ascended to the sky. Then this beautiful divine river, daughter of the lord of mountains, ascended to the world of the gods, sinless and bearing water.” Thus, Viśvāmitra narrated the sacred origins of Gaṅgā and Umā, filling the hearts of Rāma and the sages with awe and reverence as they rested by the holy riverbank.