For countless years, the mighty and illustrious Viśvāmitra reigned over the earth, governing as a noble king. One day, radiant and renowned, he gathered his vast army and, surrounded by his divisions, set forth on a journey across the land. Traveling through cities and kingdoms, crossing rivers and towering mountains, he visited hermitages one after another until he arrived at a particularly wondrous retreat. This was the hermitage of the sage Vasiṣṭha, a place adorned with flowering vines and trees, teeming with many kinds of animals, and frequented by perfected beings and celestial wanderers. Gods, demons, gandharvas, and kinnaras graced its tranquil grounds, which were filled with peaceful deer and attended by groups of twice-born sages. Assemblies of brahmarṣis crowded the hermitage, accompanied by hosts of devarṣis and inhabited by great souls accomplished in asceticism, their austerity shining like fire. The hermitage was ever vibrant with illustrious sages, resembling Brahmā himself. Some subsisted only on water, some on air, others on fallen leaves. There were sages who ate only fruits and roots, who were self-restrained and had conquered their faults and senses, including the Vālakhilyas, devoted to recitation and sacrifice. All around, the hermitage was adorned by Vaikhānasa sages. Viśvāmitra, foremost among the mighty, beheld Vasiṣṭha’s hermitage and felt it was like another world of Brahmā. Upon seeing Viśvāmitra, the mighty sage was filled with supreme joy. With reverence, the hero bowed to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among those who recite sacred mantras. Vasiṣṭha warmly welcomed him, offering a seat, and when Viśvāmitra was comfortably seated, the eminent sage brought him fruits and roots, as was the custom. Receiving Vasiṣṭha’s hospitality, the king inquired about the welfare of the ascetics, the sacred fires, and the disciples. At that moment, Viśvāmitra, radiant and wise, spoke words of well-being to Vasiṣṭha amidst the assembly of trees. Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā and foremost among reciters, then questioned Viśvāmitra, who was comfortably seated and possessed great austerity: “O King, is all well with you? Do you govern your people, delighting them through righteousness, and rule with the conduct befitting a virtuous king? Are your servants well provided for? Do they remain obedient to your command? Have you conquered all your enemies, O destroyer of foes? Is all well with your armies, treasury, friends, sons, and grandsons?” Viśvāmitra replied that all was well everywhere, addressing Vasiṣṭha, who was endowed with humility. Having spent a long time in righteous conversation, the two great souls delighted in each other’s company. Then, as their conversation drew to a close, the venerable Vasiṣṭha, smiling gently, spoke to Viśvāmitra: “I wish to offer hospitality to you and your mighty army, whose greatness is immeasurable. Please accept what is fitting from me. You are the foremost of guests, O king, and worthy of worship with utmost care.” Viśvāmitra, wise and gracious, replied, “Your words of welcome have fulfilled all that is due, O king. Whatever fruits and roots are available here, along with water for washing and sipping, and the sight of your revered self—these have honored me in every way. I bow to you and shall depart; look upon me with friendly eyes.” Yet Vasiṣṭha, righteous and noble-minded, repeatedly invited the king again and again. At last, Gādhi’s son, Viśvāmitra, agreed: “So be it! Let it be as you desire, O foremost of sages.” With joy, Vasiṣṭha summoned Kalmāṣī, purified of sin. “Come quickly, Śabala, and listen to my words,” he said. “I am resolved to provide this royal sage with a most excellent meal and honor—arrange it for me. For each and every one, according to their desire, with six flavors and full honor, let all those divine wish-fulfilling things rain down for me, O Kāmadhenu. O Śabalā, quickly produce every kind of food—solid, liquid, to be licked, and to be sucked—rich with flavors, grains, and drinks.” Śabalā, the wish-fulfilling cow, responded to Vasiṣṭha’s command and 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 various tastes and flavors, sweetmeats, and thousands of well-filled dishes of jaggery. Everything was perfectly satisfying, and the people were joyful and nourished. Vasiṣṭha fully gratified Viśvāmitra’s entire army. The royal sage Viśvāmitra, along with his household, priests, and attendants, became delighted and well-nourished, basking in the hospitality of Vasiṣṭha’s wondrous hermitage.