Having been honored with the highest reverence by the great sage Gautama, Rāma, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa, took leave and set forth for Mithilā. Guided by Viśvāmitra, the brothers journeyed northeast, drawing near to the grand sacrificial enclosure of King Janaka. As they approached, Rāma turned to Viśvāmitra and said, “O foremost among sages, the sacrificial prosperity of Janaka, the noble king, is truly admirable.” He observed the gathering: thousands of fortunate Brāhmaṇas from distant regions had assembled, all deeply devoted to Vedic study. Hermitages of sages dotted the landscape, bustling with hundreds of carts. Rāma requested, “O Brāhmaṇa, please show us where we might stay.” Viśvāmitra, attentive to Rāma’s words, arranged for their dwelling in a secluded spot with water, ensuring their comfort. News of Viśvāmitra’s arrival quickly reached King Janaka, who was flawless in conduct and accompanied by his chief priest, Śatānanda. The officiating priests, full of reverence, swiftly took the offerings and went forth to greet the sage. Janaka, righteous and noble, presented Viśvāmitra with honored gifts according to dharma. Viśvāmitra received this homage graciously and inquired after the king’s welfare and the flawless progress of the sacrifice. He also spoke with the assembled sages, their teachers and priests, meeting each with proper respect and joy. The king, hands joined in reverence, addressed the eminent sage. Viśvāmitra took his seat among the sages, as Janaka’s words were heard. The priests, officiants, and Janaka with his counselors took their places all around, each seated as befitted their station. Seeing Viśvāmitra present, Janaka spoke with gratitude, “Today, by the gods’ favor, the success of my sacrifice is fulfilled. I have truly attained its fruit by the sight of the revered one. Blessed am I, favored by the eminent sage’s arrival.” Janaka continued, “O Brahman, you have come to the sacrificial enclosure with the sages. The wise declare that the consecration lasts twelve days, O Brahmarṣi. Therefore, Kauśika, you should witness the gods who come seeking their shares.” With radiant joy, Janaka made his request to the tiger among sages. With hands joined and deep devotion, Janaka respectfully asked, “May you be blessed! Who are these two youths, equal to the gods in valor? Heroes whose gait rivals elephants, resembling tigers and bulls, with broad lotus-like eyes, bearing swords, quivers, and bows—beautiful as the Aśvins, standing at the threshold of youth. They seem to 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 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. 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 these words of noble Janaka, the immeasurable sage Viśvāmitra revealed, “They are the sons of Daśaratha.” He recounted their residence at Siddhāśrama, the slaying of the rākṣasas, their peaceful arrival here, and the sight of Viśālā. He spoke of their encounter with Ahalya, her reunion with Gautama, and their coming to test the great bow. All this Viśvāmitra reported to Janaka, then paused. Śatānanda, radiant and ascetic, listened to Viśvāmitra’s words and felt his hair stand on end. Gautama’s eldest son, shining with austerity, was filled with wonder at the sight of Rāma. Beholding the two princes seated comfortably, Śatānanda spoke to Viśvāmitra, “O tiger among sages, did my illustrious mother, long devoted to austerity, appear before the royal prince? Did my glorious mother, of great splendor, offer Rāma the worship due to all beings, with forest gifts? Was it told to Rāma what happened long ago—what my mother suffered at the hands of the god? O Kauśika, was my mother, the best of sages’ wives, united with my teacher after seeing Rāma? Did my teacher honor Rāma, the great-souled one, who came here and received worship? Did my teacher, with a peaceful mind, receive honor and greeting from Rāma, who came here?” Viśvāmitra, skilled in speech, replied, “O best of sages, nothing has been left undone by me. The wife was reunited with the sage, as Reṇukā was with Bhārgava.” Hearing these words, Śatānanda, radiant and wise, turned to address Rāma.