Long ago, there lived a noble king named Kuśa, son of the great Prajāpati. Kuśa’s own son was Kuśanābha, a ruler of immense power and supreme righteousness. The lineage continued with Kuśanābha’s son, Gādhi, famed across the land for his virtue. Gādhi’s son was none other than Viśvāmitra, a sage of dazzling brilliance and great renown. Viśvāmitra, mighty and illustrious, ruled the earth as king for thousands of years, his governance marked by justice and strength. One day, this radiant king gathered his vast army and, surrounded by his divisions, set out on a journey across the world. He traveled through bustling cities and distant kingdoms, crossed rivers and scaled great mountains. Visiting sacred hermitages one by one, he eventually arrived at a place of rare sanctity. Before him lay the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha, a haven adorned with flowering vines and trees, alive with many kinds of animals. The air was filled with the presence of perfected beings and celestial wanderers. Gods, demons, gandharvas, and kinnaras graced this tranquil retreat, which was also home to gentle deer and gatherings of twice-born sages. The hermitage thrived with assemblies of brahmarṣis and devarṣis, inhabited by great souls accomplished in asceticism, their austerities glowing like fire. Sages resembling Brahmā himself dwelled there—some subsisting only on water, others on air, and still others eating nothing but fallen leaves. There were those who lived on fruits and roots, sages who practiced self-restraint and had conquered their senses, including the devoted Vālakhilyas, immersed in recitation and sacrifice. The place was further beautified by Vaikhānasa sages on all sides. When Viśvāmitra, foremost among the mighty, beheld Vasiṣṭha’s hermitage, it seemed to him like another world of Brahmā—a realm of divine peace and power. As Viśvāmitra entered, the mighty sage was filled with supreme joy. With heartfelt reverence, he bowed to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost of those who chant sacred mantras. Vasiṣṭha welcomed him warmly and offered him a seat of honor. When Viśvāmitra had seated himself comfortably, the venerable sage, following tradition, brought him fruits and roots as a token of hospitality. Receiving this kindness, Viśvāmitra, the best of kings, inquired about the well-being of the ascetics, the sacred fires, and the disciples dwelling there. In that tranquil grove, Viśvāmitra exchanged words of welfare and respect with Vasiṣṭha, the king among sages. Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā and foremost among reciters, then asked Viśvāmitra about his own kingdom: “O King, is all well with you? Do you govern your people righteously and delight them with just rule? Are your servants loyal and well provided for? Have you conquered your enemies, O destroyer of foes? Is all well with your armies, treasury, friends, sons, and grandsons?” Viśvāmitra assured Vasiṣṭha that all was well everywhere. The two, joined in supreme joy, spent a long time in righteous and delightful conversation, relishing each other’s company. At the close of their conversation, Vasiṣṭha, his face bright with a gentle smile, said to Viśvāmitra, “I wish to offer hospitality to you and your mighty army, whose greatness is beyond measure. Please allow me to honor you as befits a guest of your stature.” Viśvāmitra, wise and gracious, replied, “Your words of welcome alone have fulfilled all honor, O sage. The fruits and roots you have offered, the water for washing and sipping, and the sight of your revered self—these are more than enough. I have been properly honored in every way. Permit me to take my leave, and look upon me with friendly eyes.” But Vasiṣṭha, noble-minded and righteous, invited him again and again to accept his hospitality. At last, Gādhi’s son consented, saying, “So be it! Let it be as you desire, O foremost of sages.” Pleased, Vasiṣṭha called out joyfully to Kalmāṣī, purified of all sin, and summoned Śabalā, the divine cow: “Come quickly, Śabalā, and listen to my words. I wish to honor this royal sage with a most excellent meal. Arrange it for me. For each and every one, according to their desire, let all those divine, wish-fulfilling things rain down—foods of every kind, with six flavors and full honor. O Kāmadhenu, let it be done!” “Śabalā, quickly produce every kind of food—solid and liquid, to be licked and to be sucked—rich with flavors, grains, and drinks.” Obedient to Vasiṣṭha’s command, Śabalā, the fulfiller of desires, provided for each person whatever they wished. She produced sugarcanes, honey, parched grains, the finest wines and liquors, costly drinks, and all kinds of foods, both rich and simple. Heaps of hot, well-cooked rice appeared like mountains, along with delicious dishes, soups, and curds in abundance. There were plentiful foods of every taste and flavor, sweetmeats, and thousands of dishes brimming with jaggery, all to honor the guests and their king in the sacred hermitage of Vasiṣṭha.