As the night deepened, the cool-rayed moon rose into the sky, gently dispelling the darkness that had settled over the world. Its serene radiance delighted the hearts of all living beings, bringing calm and joy to their minds. Under the moon’s soothing light, the creatures of the night stirred—moving about were not only animals but also hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits, each going their own way beneath the watchful gaze of the stars. Amidst this tranquil scene, the great sage Viśvāmitra, who shone with immense brilliance, having finished speaking, became silent. All the assembled sages, filled with reverence and admiration, honored him, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the noble lineage of the Kuśikas, declaring it ever devoted to righteousness. The descendants of Kuśa, they said, were noble souls, comparable to Brahma himself, and foremost among men. Especially renowned among them was the illustrious Viśvāmitra, whose glory was further magnified by Kauśikī, the best among rivers, who brought honor to his line. Praised by the delighted sages, the glorious son of Kuśika settled into sleep, as peacefully as the sun setting at the close of day. Rāma, together with his brother Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), somewhat amazed by all they had heard, also praised the foremost sage before surrendering to sleep themselves. Thus, the night passed on the banks of the Śoṇa, with Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, Viśvāmitra, and the great sages resting together. As the night grew bright and dawn approached, Viśvāmitra awoke and spoke to Rāma: “The night is bright, Rāma, and early dawn is beginning. Rise, rise, and may all be well with you; prepare yourself for the journey ahead.” Hearing these words, Rāma performed his morning rites and, eager to continue, turned to the sage: “This Śoṇa river is beautiful, with pure and deep waters, adorned with sandbanks. By which path, O sage, shall we cross?” Viśvāmitra replied, “This is the path I have indicated—the very way the great sages travel.” Guided by Viśvāmitra’s wisdom, the company of sages, along with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, set out, observing the forests as they went. After traveling a long distance and as half the day had passed, they came upon the Jāhnavī, the foremost of rivers, frequented by ascetics and sages. Seeing this sacred river, where swans and cranes dwelled, joy filled the hearts of all, including Rāma. On its banks, they arranged their lodgings, bathed according to custom, and offered oblations to the ancestors and deities. After performing the fire rituals and partaking of the offerings—sweet as nectar—they settled on the auspicious banks of the Jāhnavī, their minds uplifted. Gathered around the great-souled Viśvāmitra, the sages and the Rāghavas sat respectfully. Rāma, his heart delighted, spoke to Viśvāmitra: “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?” Encouraged by Rāma’s words, the great sage Viśvāmitra began to recount the sacred origin of Gaṅgā: “O Rāma, Himavat, the lord of mountains and source of precious minerals, had two daughters of incomparable beauty. Their mother was Menā, the lovely daughter of Meru and beloved wife of Himavat. From her were born two daughters: Gaṅgā, the eldest, and Umā. Desiring to fulfill the work of the gods, all the deities approached Himavat, seeking his eldest daughter, Gaṅgā, the river who flows in three paths. Himavat, acting righteously, gave his daughter Gaṅgā—purifier of the worlds and flowing by her own will—for the benefit of the three worlds. Having received Gaṅgā, 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 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. This is how the threefold-flowing Gaṅgā first ascended to the sky—she, the beautiful and divine river, daughter of the lord of mountains, sinless and bearing water, rose to the world of the gods.” When Viśvāmitra finished, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, full of wonder, addressed the eminent sage: “O Brāhmaṇa, you have told this supreme and righteous account. Please describe in detail the birth of the eldest daughter of the king of mountains, for you know the full story of her divine and human origins. By what cause does the purifier of worlds, Gaṅgā, flow in three paths? How did the renowned Gaṅgā, best of rivers, become known as the threefold-flowing one? In the three worlds, by what deeds and with whose association did she act?” Thus urged, Viśvāmitra, rich in austerity, began to narrate the entire story before the assembled sages: “Long ago, O Rāma, the great ascetic Śitikaṇṭha—Mahādeva, the blue-throated Lord—was newly wed. Beholding the goddess, the blessed Lord united with her, and as he, the great and wise Mahādeva, sported thus, a hundred divine years passed. Yet, O Rāma, no son was born to her. Seeing this, all the gods, led by the Grandsire Brahmā, became greatly concerned…” Thus, amidst the sacred riverbanks and the company of sages, the wondrous tale of Gaṅgā’s origin and her journey through the three worlds began to unfold.