From that moment onward, O descendant of Kakutstha, the assembled Pitṛs began to partake of rams that no longer bore fruit, with the fruit itself assigned to them. And ever since, O Rāghava, Indra has borne the testicles of a ram, a result brought about by the power of Gautama's penance and his great soul. Then, O one of radiant brilliance, Viśvāmitra urged Rāma: go to the hermitage of the virtuous sage Gautama and deliver Ahalyā, whose divine form is blessed with great fortune. Hearing these words, Rāma, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa, followed Viśvāmitra into the hermitage. There, Rāma saw Ahalyā, radiant and blessed, her brilliance intensified by her austerities—so luminous that even gods and demons gathered together found her difficult to behold. Crafted by the Creator with great effort, her form seemed woven of illusion, enveloped in smoky haze like a blazing tongue of fire. Like the full moon’s brilliance veiled by frost and clouds, she shone in the midst of waters, difficult to approach, like the radiant sun. By the force of Gautama’s words, Ahalyā had become invisible to all three worlds. Yet, when Rāma gazed upon her, the curse was lifted, and she became visible once more. Then the two descendants of Raghu approached joyfully and reverently took hold of her feet. Remembering Gautama’s instructions, Ahalyā accepted their gesture. With composure, she offered water for washing their feet, hospitality, and gifts; Rāma accepted these offerings according to the prescribed rites. At that moment, a great shower of flowers descended, accompanied by the sound of divine drums, and a grand celebration arose among the Gandharvas and Apsarases. The gods praised Ahalyā, exclaiming “Excellent, excellent!”—her body purified by the power of her austerities, obedient to Gautama’s will. Gautama, radiant and wise, together with Ahalyā, rejoiced; after properly honoring Rāma, the great ascetic resumed his penances. Rāma too, having received the highest honor from Gautama according to proper rites, departed for Mithilā. Let the fiftieth chapter now be heard in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. Proceeding northeast, Rāma and Saumitri, led by Viśvāmitra, approached the sacrificial enclosure. Rāma spoke to the foremost sage, with Lakṣmaṇa beside him: “The sacrificial prosperity of Janaka, the great-souled king, is indeed admirable. Here are thousands of highly fortunate Brāhmaṇas from various regions, devoted to Vedic study. Hermitages of sages are seen, crowded with hundreds of carts. O Brāhmaṇa, please designate a place where we may stay.” Hearing Rāma’s words, Viśvāmitra arranged for their dwelling in a secluded spot with water. When word spread that Viśvāmitra had arrived, the foremost king, faultless in conduct, with Śatānanda the chief priest before him, hastened to greet him. The officiating priests quickly took the offering and went forth with reverence. Janaka, righteous and noble, honored Viśvāmitra in accordance with dharma. Viśvāmitra, having received the homage from Janaka, inquired after the king’s welfare and the flawless progress of the sacrifice. He then greeted the sages, their teachers, and priests as was proper, joyfully meeting all. The venerable sage took his seat among the eminent sages, listening to Janaka’s words. The priests, officiants, and the king with his counselors all settled in their places as was fitting, arranged around the assembly. Seeing Viśvāmitra present, Janaka spoke: “Today, the success of my sacrifice has been fulfilled by the gods. Today I have attained the fruit of the sacrifice by the sight of the revered one. Blessed and favored am I, for whom the eminent sage has come. O Brahman, you have arrived at the sacrificial enclosure with the sages. The wise declare that the consecration lasts twelve days, O Brahmarṣi. Therefore, Kauśika, you should behold the gods who seek their shares.” Having spoken thus to the tiger among sages, his face radiant with joy, the king again, with joined palms and devotion, respectfully asked: “May you be blessed! Who are these two youths, equal to the gods in valor? Heroes whose gait rivals that of elephants, resembling tigers and bulls, with broad lotus-like eyes, bearing swords, quivers, and bows; in beauty, like the Aśvins, standing at the threshold of youth. They have arrived on earth as if by chance, like immortals from the realm of the gods. How have they come here on foot, for what purpose, and whose sons are they, O sage? Heroes bearing excellent weapons, whose sons are they, O great sage? They adorn this land as the moon and sun adorn the sky. Resembling each other in stature, gestures, and movements; heroes with locks like crow’s wings, I wish to hear the truth about them.” Hearing these words of the great-souled Janaka, the immeasurable sage revealed, “They are the sons of Daśaratha.” He recounted their residence at Siddhāśrama, the slaying of the rākṣasas, their untroubled arrival there, and their sight of Viśālā. He spoke of the sight of Ahalyā, her reunion with Gautama, and their arrival here to test the great bow. Thus, the illustrious sage Viśvāmitra reported all these events to the noble Janaka, and then paused.