Let me share with you the tale as it unfolds in these sacred verses. Once, a boon was granted: “Let one move freely in Brahmā’s world, another dwell in Indra’s realm; and a third, renowned as Divyavāyu, also of great fame, shall be established.” Four others, by divine command, were destined to roam the four directions. With blessings and hope for their fortune, it was declared that, in due time, these would be the children of the great mother. By the merit of her deeds, these sons would come to be known as the Maruts. As these words were spoken, Indra, the thousand-eyed Purandara, slayer of Bala, joined his palms in reverence and replied, “So it shall be, just as you have said—there is no doubt. Your sons, divine in form, will move as you wish.” Thus, an agreement was made, and mother and son, their purpose fulfilled, departed the forest of austerities and ascended to heaven. This very place, O Rāma, was once inhabited by Mahendra himself. Here, Diti, accomplished in her penances, once moved about. And here too, O descendant of Ikṣvāku, a righteous son was born to Alambuṣā—his name was Viśāla, famed throughout the land. It was he who founded the city of Viśālā in this very spot. Viśāla’s lineage was illustrious: his son was the mighty Hemacandra, whose own son was the renowned Sucandra. Sucandra’s son was the illustrious Dhūmrāśva, and Dhūmrāśva’s son was Sṛñjaya, glorious and powerful. Sṛñjaya’s son was Sahadeva, mighty and virtuous, and Sahadeva’s son was Kuśāśva, famed for his righteousness. From Kuśāśva came the great and powerful Somadatta, and his son was the renowned Kākutstha. Now, Kākutstha’s son, brilliant and unconquerable, dwells in this city—his name is Sumati. By the grace of Ikṣvāku, all the kings of Vaiśālī are long-lived, noble, valiant, and highly righteous. “Here, tonight,” the sage said, “we shall rest in comfort for one night. Tomorrow, O best of men, you will meet King Janaka.” Sumati, radiant and renowned, upon hearing of Viśvāmitra’s arrival, promptly returned with his teachers and relatives. With joined palms and words of welcome, he honored the sage: “Blessed and favored am I, O sage, that you have entered my land. Having seen you, there is none more fortunate than I.” Now listen, as the next chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa begins. After exchanging kind inquiries, Sumati asked Viśvāmitra, “May you be blessed, O sage—who are these two youths by your side? They are equal to the gods in valor, their gait like elephants and lions, heroic as tigers and bulls. Their eyes are wide as lotus petals; they bear swords, quivers, and bows, and stand in the fullness of youth, as beautiful as the Aśvin twins. Arriving here like immortals, how have they come on foot, for what purpose, and whose sons are they? They adorn this land as the moon and sun adorn the sky, alike in stature and bearing. Why have these best of men come by such a difficult path, bearing excellent weapons? I wish to hear the truth.” Hearing these words, Viśvāmitra related all that had transpired: their stay at Siddhāśrama, the slaying of the Rākṣasas, and all else that had occurred. The king was greatly astonished by the sage’s words. He welcomed the two sons of Daśaratha with great honor, as was their due, and after receiving the highest hospitality, the noble Raghavas spent the night there. The next morning, they set forth towards Mithilā. As they beheld the auspicious city of Janaka, all the sages praised Mithilā, exclaiming “Excellent, excellent!” and honored her greatly. Near Mithilā, Rāghava saw an ancient, deserted, yet charming hermitage and questioned the foremost of sages, “O venerable one, this place resembles a hermitage, yet it is devoid of ascetics. Whose hermitage was this?” Viśvāmitra, skilled in speech, replied, “I will tell you, Rāghava. Listen well to whose hermitage this is, which was cursed in anger by a great soul. This was once the hermitage of the illustrious Gautama, revered even by the gods. Here, long ago, he dwelt with Ahalyā, practicing austerities for many thousands of years. Knowing Gautama’s absence, Indra, lord of Śacī, took on the guise of a sage and approached Ahalyā, saying, ‘Those who desire union wait for the proper season, but I desire you now.’ Recognizing Indra in disguise, Ahalyā, lacking good judgment and curious about the king of the gods, consented. With his desire fulfilled, Ahalyā said, ‘I am satisfied, O lord of gods; go quickly from here, and by all means, protect both yourself and me from Gautama.’ Indra, laughing, replied to Ahalyā…” Thus, the tale unfolds, each event following the other, in the sacred narrative of the Rāmāyaṇa.