Moved by compassion and duty, Gaṅgā entered the netherworld to fulfill the purpose of Bhagiratha’s deed. With careful devotion, Bhagiratha, the royal sage, guided her onward. As they journeyed, he saw his ancestors—those sons of Sagara—reduced to ashes, their consciousness lost. With the sacred waters of Gaṅgā, Bhagiratha washed the heap of ashes, and, purified of their sins, the ancestors ascended to heaven, radiant and free. Following Gaṅgā’s course, Bhagiratha reached the ocean and entered the depths of the earth, where the ashes of the Sagaras lay. When the ashes were immersed in Gaṅgā’s waters, Brahma, lord of all worlds, appeared and spoke to Bhagiratha: “O tiger among men, the sixty thousand sons of Sagara have been delivered and now dwell in heaven like the gods. As long as the ocean’s waters exist in the world, all the sons of Sagara will remain in heaven. “This Gaṅgā will be your eldest daughter, renowned throughout the world by your name, for your deed. She is called Tripathaga and Bhagirathi, for she traverses three paths and is remembered as Tripathaga. You, O king, are the ancestor of all the forefathers here; perform the water-rite and fulfill your vow. “Previously, your illustrious predecessor could not attain this wish. Nor could Aṃśumān, whose brilliance was unmatched, fulfill his vow to bring Gaṅgā. Even the royal sage Dilipa, your father—virtuous and radiant, equal to great sages—could not bring Gaṅgā, though he desired it. But you, O best of men, have surpassed them; you have attained the highest, most esteemed fame in the world. Through your accomplishment, the descent of Gaṅgā, you have reached the great abode of righteousness. “Immerse yourself in the water as is proper, O foremost of men; be pure and obtain the fruit of merit. Perform the water-rite for your forefathers; may you fare well. I shall depart to my own realm; you may go, O king.” With these words, Brahma, lord of the gods and grandsire of all worlds, departed, returning to his divine realm. Then Bhagiratha, the royal sage, performed the water-rite for the Sagaras, renowned and according to proper custom. Purified by the rites, the king entered his own city. Endowed with prosperity, he ruled his kingdom as the best of men. The people rejoiced upon his return, freed from sorrow and distress, prosperous and content. “O Rāma,” said the sage, “I have described to you the expanse of Gaṅgā. May good be yours, for the time of twilight is passing. Blessed and renowned is he who causes this tale to be heard among Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, and others. His ancestors and the gods are pleased; this narrative of Gaṅgā’s descent bestows long life and is auspicious. Whoever hears it, O descendant of Kakutstha, attains all desires; all sins are destroyed, and both lifespan and fame increase.” Thus ended the forty-fourth chapter in the Bālakāṇḍa of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. As the forty-fifth chapter began, Rāghava—Rāma—together with Lakṣmaṇa, was filled with wonder at Viśvāmitra’s words and spoke: “O Brāhmaṇa, your tale is marvelous—the sacred descent of Gaṅgā and the filling of the ocean. The night passed for us as if in a moment, as we pondered your story. With Saumitri, I spent the whole night reflecting on your auspicious tale.” At dawn, when the day was clear, Rāma, destroyer of enemies, completed his morning rites and spoke to Viśvāmitra: “The blessed night has passed, and the supreme story has been heard. Let us cross the sacred river, the best of streams, the threefold-flowing Gaṅgā.” A boat, easily traversed by sages of virtuous deeds, arrived quickly, knowing the venerable one was present. Hearing Rāghava’s words, Kauśika—Viśvāmitra—arranged for the crossing of the entire assembly of sages. Reaching the northern bank and honoring the group of sages, they settled on the bank of Gaṅgā and beheld the city of Viśālā. Swiftly, the eminent sage and Rāghava entered the delightful, splendid city of Viśālā, radiant like heaven. Rāma, wise and reverent, with joined palms, questioned Viśvāmitra about the excellent and vast city: “O great sage, which royal lineage is established here in Viśālā? I wish to hear, for I am greatly curious. May good be yours.” Thus, the tale flows from Bhagiratha’s fulfillment and Gaṅgā’s descent, through the rites and blessings, to Rāma’s journey and his eager inquiry into the ancient city, guided by the sage Viśvāmitra.