O Rāma, listen as the lineage of noble kings is recounted. Sucandra, an illustrious king, had a son named Dhūmrāśva. Dhūmrāśva’s own son was Sṛñjaya, who became renowned for his glory and might. Sṛñjaya’s son was Sahadeva, a hero of great strength, and Sahadeva’s son was Kuśāśva, famed for his supreme righteousness. From Kuśāśva was born the powerful Somadatta, and Somadatta’s son was the celebrated Kākutstha. Kākutstha’s son, a radiant and unconquerable king named Sumati, now dwells in this very city, shining in brilliance and reputation. By the grace of the great Ikṣvāku, all the kings of Vaiśālī are known to be long-lived, noble, valiant, and steadfast in righteousness. Here, in this city, Viśvāmitra said to Rāma, "Tonight we shall rest in comfort; and tomorrow, O best of men, you will behold the illustrious Janaka." When the splendid King Sumati heard that the sage Viśvāmitra had arrived, he returned at once, eager and honored. Together with his teachers and relatives, he welcomed Viśvāmitra with the highest reverence. With palms joined, after inquiring of the sage’s welfare, Sumati spoke with deep gratitude: "Blessed and favored am I, O sage, that you have entered my land. Having seen you, there is none more fortunate than I." Now, after their mutual greetings and inquiries, Sumati turned to Viśvāmitra and asked, "May you be blessed, O sage. Who are these two radiant youths with you, who possess the valor of the gods, whose gait resembles that of elephants and lions, and who are as heroic as tigers and bulls? Their eyes are wide as lotus petals, and they carry swords, quivers, and bows. They stand in the fullness of youth, as beautiful as the Aśvins themselves. Arrived here as if by chance, they seem like immortals from the heavens. How have they come here on foot, for what purpose, and whose sons are they, O sage?" Sumati continued, "They shine upon this land as the moon and sun adorn the sky, alike in stature, bearing, and movement. What brings these best of men along this difficult path, bearing such excellent weapons? I wish to hear the truth of their coming." Hearing these earnest questions, Viśvāmitra related all that had transpired: their stay at Siddhāśrama, the slaying of the fierce Rākṣasas, and the noble deeds the princes had performed. The king listened, astonished at their valor and the sage’s words. Then, with great honor, he received Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the mighty and worthy sons of Daśaratha, and offered them all the customary hospitality. After spending a restful night as honored guests of King Sumati, the two Raghavas, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, continued their journey toward Mithilā. As they approached the auspicious city of Janaka, all the accompanying sages praised Mithilā, exclaiming, "Excellent, excellent!" and honored her greatly. Near Mithilā, in a serene grove, Rāma noticed an ancient, deserted, yet charming hermitage. Curious, he asked Viśvāmitra, "O venerable one, this place seems like a hermitage, yet it is devoid of ascetics. I wish to know—whose hermitage was this?" Viśvāmitra, wise and skilled in speech, replied, "Indeed, Rāghava, I shall tell you the true story of this hermitage, which was cursed in anger by a great soul. This was once the hermitage of the illustrious sage Gautama, revered even by the gods. Here, long ago, Gautama dwelt with his wife Ahalyā, practicing severe austerities for thousands of years." Viśvāmitra continued, "One day, knowing Gautama was away, Indra, lord of Śacī, took on the guise of the sage and approached Ahalyā, speaking these words: 'Those who desire union, O slender-waisted one, wait for the proper season with composure; but I desire union with you now.' Recognizing Indra in disguise, yet lacking good judgment and curious about the king of the gods, Ahalyā consented. When their union was complete, Ahalyā said to Indra, 'I am satisfied, O lord of gods; now go quickly from here and protect both yourself and me from Gautama.' Indra, laughing, replied, 'O beautiful-hipped one, I am satisfied and will depart as I came.' Thus, after their union, he left the hut at once. But in his haste and fear of Gautama, Indra saw the great sage returning, shining like blazing fire, carrying sacred fuel and kuśa grass. At the sight of Gautama, the lord of gods grew pale with fear. The virtuous sage, though righteous himself, saw Indra in his own likeness and spoke in anger: 'Assuming my form, you have committed this wrongful act, O wicked-minded one; therefore, you shall become fruitless.' As Gautama uttered this curse, Indra’s testicles immediately fell to the ground. Having thus cursed Indra, Gautama turned to his wife and said, 'For many thousands of years you shall dwell here, sustained only by air, fasting, scorched by penance, lying on ashes, unseen by all beings. You shall remain in this hermitage.'" Thus, Viśvāmitra revealed to Rāma the story of the ancient, deserted hermitage and the powerful curse that befell Ahalyā and Indra.