Hearing the words of Viśvāmitra, Rāma, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa, respectfully entered the hermitage, following the sage as their guide. Within, Rāma beheld Ahalyā, the highly blessed one. Her radiance, intensified by her austerities, was so dazzling that even when gods and demons gathered together, she remained difficult to behold. Ahalyā had been created with great effort by the Creator, her form seemingly divine and woven of illusion. Her body was enveloped in a haze like smoke, reminiscent of a blazing tongue of fire. She shone amidst the waters, her brilliance veiled like the full moon behind frost and clouds, and was as difficult to approach as the radiant sun. By the power of Gautama’s words, Ahalyā had become invisible to all three worlds; only Rāma’s gaze brought an end to her curse, making her visible once more. The two descendants of Raghu, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, joyfully approached and reverently took hold of her feet. Remembering Gautama’s injunctions, Ahalyā graciously accepted their homage. With composure and warmth, she offered water for washing their feet, hospitality, and gifts, all in accordance with proper rites. Kakutstha, Rāma, accepted these offerings as prescribed. At that moment, a great shower of flowers descended from above, accompanied by the sound of divine drums, and there was a grand celebration among the Gandharvas and Apsarases. The gods themselves praised Ahalyā, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” Her body, purified by the power of her austerity and her obedience to Gautama’s will, was radiant. Gautama, of great brilliance, together with Ahalyā, was filled with happiness. Having properly honored Rāma, the great ascetic Gautama resumed his austerities. Rāma, too, having received the highest honor from Gautama according to proper rites, departed from the hermitage, continuing his journey toward Mithilā. Proceeding northeast, Rāma and Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa) approached the sacrificial enclosure, led by Viśvāmitra. Observing the scene, Rāma spoke to the sage, with Lakṣmaṇa by his side: “Indeed, the sacrificial prosperity of Janaka, the great-souled king, is admirable.” They saw thousands of highly fortunate Brāhmaṇas from various regions, all devoted to Vedic study. Hermitages of sages crowded the area, surrounded by hundreds of carts. Rāma respectfully asked Viśvāmitra to designate a place where they might stay. Hearing Rāma’s request, Viśvāmitra arranged a dwelling in a secluded spot with water. News of Viśvāmitra’s arrival reached Janaka, the faultless king, who came forth with Śatānanda, his chief priest, leading the way. The officiating priests, great-souled and reverent, quickly took the offerings and came forward. Janaka, righteous above all, honored Viśvāmitra with gifts in accordance with dharma. Viśvāmitra graciously accepted this homage from Janaka. The sage then inquired after the king’s welfare and the flawless progress of the sacrifice, and asked after the sages, their teachers, and priests. He met with all the assembled sages joyfully, as was proper. Janaka, with hands joined in respect, spoke to Viśvāmitra. The venerable sage took his seat, surrounded by eminent sages, having heard Janaka’s words. The priests, officiants, and the king with his counselors all sat upon their seats, arranged fittingly around the assembly. Seeing Viśvāmitra present, Janaka spoke with gratitude: “Today, the success of my sacrifice has been fulfilled by the gods. The fruit of this sacrifice is mine by the sight of the revered sage. Blessed and favored am I, for whom the eminent sage has come.” “O Brahman, you have arrived at my 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, Janaka again, with joined palms and devotion, respectfully asked: “May you be blessed! Who are these two youths, equal to the gods in valor?” He described them as heroes whose gait rivaled that of elephants, resembling tigers and bulls, with broad lotus-like eyes, bearing swords, quivers, and bows. In beauty, they were like the Aśvins, standing at the threshold of youth. They seemed to have arrived on earth as if by chance, like immortals from the realm of the gods. Janaka wondered how they had come here on foot, for what purpose, and whose sons they were. He asked Viśvāmitra about these heroes bearing excellent weapons: “Whose sons are they, O great sage? They adorn this land as the moon and sun adorn the sky. They resemble each other in stature, gestures, and movements. Heroes with locks like crow’s wings, I wish to hear the truth about them.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the immeasurable sage Viśvāmitra revealed, “They are the sons of Daśaratha.” He recounted their residence at Siddhāśrama, their slaying of rākṣasas, their untroubled arrival, and their visit to Viśālā. He spoke of their encounter with Ahalyā, her reunion with Gautama, and their coming here to test the great bow. All this the illustrious sage Viśvāmitra reported to noble Janaka, and then paused. As these words of wise Viśvāmitra were spoken, Śatānanda, radiant and ascetic, felt his hair stand on end. Śatānanda, Gautama’s eldest son, shining with the power of austerity, was filled with great wonder just by seeing Rāma.