After sharing his profound words, the radiant sage Viśvāmitra fell silent. All the assembled sages, deeply moved, honored him, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” They praised the illustrious lineage of the Kuśikas, extolling its greatness and unwavering devotion to righteousness. The descendants of Kuśa, they declared, were noble souls, comparable even to Brahma, foremost among men. Especially Viśvāmitra himself, whose fame was widespread, and Kauśikī—the best among rivers—brought glory to his lineage. The delighted sages showered Viśvāmitra with praise, and, content, the glorious son of Kuśika settled into sleep, as serenely as the sun sets at dusk. Rāma and Saumitri, somewhat amazed by the sage’s brilliance and wisdom, also honored him with praise before taking their rest. As dawn approached, the thirty-fifth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, unfolds. The night passed peacefully on the banks of the Śoṇa, with Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and the great sages. When the night grew bright and the early dawn began to break, Viśvāmitra spoke gently to Rāma: “The night is bright, Rāma; the early dawn is beginning. Rise, rise, may all be well with you; prepare yourself for the journey.” Upon hearing Viśvāmitra’s words, Rāma performed his morning rites and, eager to depart, addressed the sage: “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 his wisdom, the travelers proceeded, observing the various forests along their way. After covering a considerable distance, with half the day gone, they came upon the Jāhnavī—the foremost river, beloved by sages. Seeing this sacred river, inhabited by graceful swans and cranes, all the sages, together with Rāma, were filled with joy. On its banks, they arranged their lodging. After bathing according to custom, they offered oblations to the ancestors and deities. Having performed the fire rituals and partaken of offerings that tasted like nectar, they settled upon the auspicious bank of the Jāhnavī, their hearts joyous. Surrounding the great-souled Viśvāmitra, all sat respectfully, including the Rāghavas. Rāma, his mind delighted, addressed 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?” Prompted by Rāma’s curiosity, Viśvāmitra began to recount the origin and birth of Gaṅgā. “O Rāma,” he said, “Himavat, lord of mountains and source of precious minerals, had two daughters of incomparable beauty. Their mother was Menā, the slender-waisted daughter of Meru, beloved wife of Himavat. From her, Gaṅgā was born—the eldest daughter; the second was Umā. Desiring to accomplish the work of the gods, all the deities sought Gaṅgā, the river that flows in three paths, from Himavat. The lord of mountains 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. Himavat gave Umā, revered by the worlds and unmatched in beauty, to Rudra, for she was endowed with fierce austerity. Thus, these two daughters of the king of mountains—Gaṅgā, the best of rivers, and Umā Devī—are honored by the world. O best of the wise, all this has been told to you—how the threefold-flowing Gaṅgā first ascended to the sky. This beautiful divine river, daughter of Himavat, ascended to the world of the gods, sinless and bearing water.” As the thirty-sixth chapter begins, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, having listened eagerly to the tale, 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 Gaṅgā, purifier of worlds, flow in three paths? How did she become known as the threefold-flowing one? In the three worlds, by what deeds and with whose association did she act?” Viśvāmitra, rich in austerity, replied, narrating the entire story in full. “Long ago, O Rāma, the great ascetic Śitikaṇṭha—Mahadeva, the blue-throated god—was newly wed. Beholding the goddess, the blessed Lord engaged in union with her. As Mahadeva sported thus, a hundred divine years passed, yet no son was born to her. The gods, led by the Grandsire, became greatly concerned. ‘If a being is born here, who will be able to withstand it?’ they wondered. So, all the gods approached, bowed down, and spoke: ‘O God of gods, great Lord, who delights in the welfare of the world, by our prostration, you ought to show us your favor.