Hearing the words of Agni, the assembled Pitṛs took the testicles of the ram and implanted them in the thousand-eyed Indra. From that time onward, O descendant of Kakutstha, the Pitṛs have eaten rams that are fruitless, with the fruit itself assigned to them. And, since then, by the power of Gautama’s penance, Indra has possessed the testicles of a ram. Then, O one of great brilliance, Viśvāmitra said, “Go now to the hermitage of the virtuous sage and deliver Ahalyā, who is highly fortunate and divine in form.” Hearing Viśvāmitra’s words, Rāma, together with Lakṣmaṇa, entered the hermitage, following the sage’s lead. There, Rāma beheld the blessed Ahalyā, her radiance intensified by austerity, so resplendent that even gods and demons gathered together could scarcely look upon her. She appeared as if fashioned with care by the Creator himself, divine and woven from illusion, her body shrouded in a smoky veil like a blazing tongue of fire. Like the brilliance of the full moon hidden by frost and clouds, she shone in the midst of waters—difficult to approach, like the radiant sun. By Gautama’s words, Ahalyā had become invisible to all three worlds, and only when Rāma’s gaze fell upon her was the curse lifted, making her visible once more. Then Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the noble descendants of Raghu, joyfully touched her feet. Remembering Gautama’s words, Ahalyā accepted them with humility. With composure, she offered water for washing their feet, hospitality, and gifts; Rāma received them according to the prescribed rites. At that moment, a great shower of flowers rained down, accompanied by the sound of divine drums, and the Gandharvas and Apsarases rejoiced in celebration. The gods praised Ahalyā, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!”—her body purified by austerity and her mind obedient to Gautama’s will. Gautama, radiant and filled with joy, reunited with Ahalyā. Together, having honored Rāma properly, the great ascetic resumed his penances. Rāma, too, having received the highest honors from Gautama according to the proper rites, then departed for Mithilā. Proceeding northeast, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, led by Viśvāmitra, approached the sacrificial enclosure. As they arrived, Rāma spoke to the sage, “Truly, the sacrificial prosperity of Janaka, the great-souled one, is admirable.” All around were thousands of fortunate Brāhmaṇas from various regions, devoted to Vedic study. Hermitages of sages were visible, bustling with hundreds of carts. Rāma respectfully requested, “O Brāhmaṇa, please designate a place where we may stay.” Hearing this, Viśvāmitra arranged a dwelling for them in a secluded spot, complete with water. News of Viśvāmitra’s arrival quickly reached King Janaka, who was faultless and accompanied by his chief priest, Śatānanda. The officiating priests, too, took the offerings and came forth with great reverence. Janaka, ever righteous, welcomed Viśvāmitra with gifts, honoring him in accordance with dharma. Viśvāmitra, having received the king’s homage, inquired about Janaka’s welfare and the flawless progress of the sacrifice. He also greeted the assembled sages, their teachers, and priests with proper respect, meeting each joyfully. Once the venerable sage was seated, surrounded by eminent sages, priests, and counselors, King Janaka addressed him: “Today, my sacrifice finds fulfillment by the grace of the gods. The fruit of my sacrifice is attained by the sight of the revered one. Blessed am I, for the eminent sage has come to my sacrificial enclosure with these sages. The wise declare that the consecration lasts twelve days, O Brahmarṣi. Therefore, Kauśika, you should witness the gods who come to claim their shares.” Having spoken thus, his face radiant with joy, Janaka again, with joined palms and devotion, respectfully inquired, “May you be blessed! Who are these two youths, equal to the gods in valor? Their gait is like that of noble elephants; they resemble tigers and bulls, with broad, lotus-like eyes, bearing swords, quivers, and bows. In beauty, they are like the Aśvins, standing at the threshold of youth. Arriving here as if by chance, like immortals from the heavenly realms—how have they come here on foot, for what purpose, and whose sons are they, O sage? These heroes, bearing excellent weapons, adorn the land as the moon and sun adorn the sky. They resemble each other in stature, gesture, and movement, with locks like crow’s wings. I wish to hear the truth about them.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the great sage Viśvāmitra revealed, “They are the sons of Daśaratha.” He recounted their stay at Siddhāśrama, the slaying of the rākṣasas, their peaceful journey here, and their visit to Viśālā. He spoke of their sight of Ahalyā, her reunion with Gautama, and their arrival here to behold and test the great bow.