O Rama, the story unfolds as the sixty thousand sons of the great Sagara, once delivered, ascended to heaven like the gods themselves. As long as the waters of the ocean endure in this world, O king, all the sons of Sagara will remain in heaven, enjoying divine status. Furthermore, Ganga, the sacred river, became your eldest daughter, her renown spreading throughout the world, forever associated with your name and your noble deed. This divine Ganga is known as Tripathaga, for she traverses three paths, and also as Bhagirathi, in honor of you, her bringer. Since she flows in three realms, she is remembered as Tripathaga. You, O king of men, are the ancestor of all forefathers here. Now, fulfill your vow by performing the water-rite, honoring your lineage and their memory. For this wish, O king, was not granted to your illustrious and righteous predecessor. Likewise, Aṃśumān, radiant and unmatched in brilliance, sought to bring Ganga but could not fulfill his vow. The royal sage Dilipa, your own father, virtuous and equal to the greatest sages in brilliance, whose asceticism rivaled mine and who upheld the warrior’s duty, also desired to bring Ganga. Though his radiance surpassed yours, O sinless one, even he was unable to accomplish this sacred task. But you, O best of men, have surpassed them all. You have attained the highest and most esteemed fame in the world. The descent of Ganga has been accomplished through your efforts, O destroyer of foes, and by this deed, you have reached the great abode of righteousness. Now, O foremost of men, immerse yourself in the sacred waters as is proper. Purify yourself, and obtain the fruit of merit. Perform the water-rite for all your forefathers, and may you fare well. I shall now depart to my own realm; you too may go on your way, O king. Having spoken thus, the lord of the gods, the grandsire of all worlds, departed as he had come, returning to his celestial realm, renowned among the gods. Then Bhagiratha, the royal sage, performed the excellent water-rite for the Sagaras, following the proper order and custom. Having completed the water-rites and purified himself, the king entered his own city. Endowed with prosperity, the best of men ruled his kingdom wisely. The people rejoiced upon receiving their king, O Raghava; freed from sorrow, prosperous, and relieved of distress, they lived in contentment. Thus, O Rama, I have described to you the expanse and glory of the Ganga. May you fare well, and may good be yours, for the twilight is passing. Blessed and renowned is he who causes this tale to be heard among Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and others; life-giving, fruitful, and leading to heaven is this story. His ancestors are pleased, as are the gods; this narrative of the descent of Ganga bestows long life and is auspicious. Whoever hears this, O descendant of Kakutstha, attains all desires; all sins are destroyed, and both lifespan and fame increase. Thus ends the forty-fourth sarga in the Balakanda of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, the first poem. Let the forty-fifth sarga be heard in the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda. Having heard Vishvamitra’s words, Rama, together with Lakshmana, was filled with great wonder and spoke to the sage. “O Brahmana, what you have told is most marvelous—the sacred descent of Ganga and even the filling of the ocean. O subduer of foes, the night has passed for us as if in a moment, as we pondered your entire story. That whole night, together with Saumitri, passed for me while reflecting on the auspicious tale of Vishvamitra.” Then, at dawn, when the day was clear, Rama, destroyer of enemies, having completed his morning rites, spoke to the ascetic Vishvamitra. “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 Ganga. Indeed, this boat, easily crossed by sages of virtuous deeds, has come quickly upon learning that the venerable one is here.” Hearing these words from the great-souled Rama, Kauśika arranged for the crossing of the entire assembly of sages. Having reached the northern bank and duly honoring the group of sages, they settled on the bank of the Ganga and beheld the city of Vishala. Then the eminent sage, together with Rama, swiftly went to the delightful and splendid city of Vishala, which shone like heaven. Rama, highly wise, with joined palms, questioned the great sage Vishvamitra about the excellent and vast city. “O great sage, which royal lineage is established here in Vishala? I wish to hear—may good be yours—for I am greatly curious.” Hearing Rama’s words, the foremost among sages began to recount the ancient history of Vishala. “Listen, Rama, to the tale of Indra as I have heard it; hear truly what happened in this land, O descendant of Raghu. Formerly, in the Krita age, O Rama, the mighty sons of Diti and the greatly fortunate, powerful, and righteous sons of Aditi existed. Then, O tiger among men, those great souls deliberated: How might we become immortal, ageless, and free from disease? As those wise ones pondered, the thought arose among them: By churning the ocean of milk, we shall obtain the essence there.” And so, the story continues, with the ancient history of Vishala and the mighty deeds of the gods unfolding before Rama.