After hearing the sage’s words, Rāma arose at dawn, performed his morning rites, and prepared to continue their journey. He addressed Viśvāmitra, saying, “The Śoṇa river is beautiful, its waters pure and deep, adorned with sandbanks. O sage, by which path shall we cross?” Viśvāmitra replied, “This is the way I have shown you, the path traveled by great sages.” With these words, the wise Viśvāmitra led the group onward. Together, they journeyed, observing the varied forests along their route. After traveling a considerable distance and when half the day had passed, they came upon the Jāhnavī—the foremost river, beloved by sages. The sight of this sacred river, graced by swans and cranes, filled all the sages and Rāma with joy. On its bank, they arranged their lodgings and, after bathing in accordance with tradition, offered oblations to their ancestors and the 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. Surrounding the great-souled Viśvāmitra, 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 inquiry, Viśvāmitra began to recount the origin and birth of Gaṅgā. “O Rāma, Himavat, the lord of mountains and source of precious minerals, had two daughters of incomparable beauty. Their mother was Menā, slender-waisted and lovely, daughter of Meru, beloved wife of Himavat. From her were born Gaṅgā, the eldest, and Umā, the second. Desiring to accomplish the work of the gods, all the deities sought the eldest daughter, Gaṅgā, from Himavat. Himavat, acting righteously, gave his daughter Gaṅgā—purifier of the worlds, flowing by her own will—for the benefit of the three worlds. The gods, their purpose fulfilled, departed, taking Gaṅgā for the welfare of all realms. 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. This divine river, daughter of the lord of mountains, ascended to the world of the gods, sinless and bearing water.” Viśvāmitra paused, and Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, welcoming the tale, addressed the 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 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 before the gathered sages. “Long ago, O Rāma, the great ascetic Śitikaṇṭha, Mahadeva—the blue-throated Lord—had just wed the goddess. As Mahadeva sported with her, 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. Approaching Mahadeva, they bowed and pleaded, ‘O God of gods, great Lord, you delight in the welfare of the world. Please show us your favor. The worlds cannot bear your energy, O best of gods. Endowed with Brahma’s austerity, practice penance together with the goddess. For the good of the three worlds, restrain your energy within energy; protect all these worlds—you must not render the worlds uninhabitable.’ Hearing their plea, the great Lord of all worlds replied, ‘So be it,’ and continued, ‘I shall restrain my energy with energy itself, along with the goddess; let the gods and the earth attain peace. This supreme energy of mine, which has been stirred from its place—who will bear it? Let the best of the gods tell me this.’ The gods answered, ‘The energy of yours that has been stirred today, the earth will bear it.’ Thus spoken to, the mighty Lord released his great energy, filling the earth, its mountains and forests. Then again, the gods addressed Agni, ‘Enter, you of great energy, fierce and accompanied by wind.’” Thus, Viśvāmitra revealed to Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa the divine origins and deeds of Gaṅgā, the purifier of worlds, whose flowing paths and association with the gods shaped her renowned presence in the three realms.