Viśvāmitra, the renowned sage, journeyed until he reached the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha. This was no ordinary ashram—it was a place of rare beauty, adorned with blossoming vines and trees, teeming with many kinds of animals. The sacred grounds were frequented by perfected beings and celestial wanderers, and graced by the presence of gods, demons, gandharvas, and kinnaras. Peaceful deer moved about in tranquility, while groups of twice-born sages attended the hermitage, their presence lending an atmosphere of deep serenity. Within these sacred precincts, assemblies of brahmarṣis gathered, and hosts of devarṣis frequented the place. Great souls, accomplished in rigorous asceticism, resided there, their austerity likened to blazing fire. The hermitage was always filled with illustrious sages, radiant as Brahmā himself. Some subsisted solely on water, others on air, and still others ate only fallen leaves. There were sages who lived on fruits and roots, all self-restrained, having conquered their faults and senses—among them the Vālakhilyas, devoted to constant recitation and sacrifice. The hermitage was further adorned by the presence of Vaikhānasa sages all around. As Viśvāmitra, foremost among the mighty, beheld Vasiṣṭha’s ashram, it seemed to him like another world of Brahmā, a realm apart in its sanctity and splendor. Now, listen to the next sarga in the glorious Rāmāyaṇa. Upon seeing Vasiṣṭha, the mighty Viśvāmitra was filled with supreme joy. With deep reverence, he bowed to the sage, who was foremost among those who recite sacred mantras. The great Vasiṣṭha greeted Viśvāmitra with warmth, saying, “Welcome to you,” and offered him a seat of honor. Once the wise Viśvāmitra was comfortably seated, Vasiṣṭha, following tradition, brought him fruits and roots as tokens of hospitality. Having received this welcome, Viśvāmitra, the best of kings, inquired after the well-being of the ascetics, the sacred fires, and the disciples in the hermitage. At that time, Viśvāmitra, radiant with splendor, spoke words of goodwill to Vasiṣṭha, the king among sages, amid the tranquil assembly of trees. Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā and foremost among reciters, then turned to Viśvāmitra, who was seated comfortably and possessed great austerity, and asked, “O King, is all well with you? Do you govern your people, delighting them through righteousness, and do you rule with the conduct befitting a virtuous king? Are your servants well provided for and obedient? Have you conquered your enemies, O destroyer of foes? O sinless one, is all well with your armies, treasury, friends, sons, and grandsons?” Viśvāmitra replied that all was well everywhere. The two great souls, after spending a long time in righteous and affectionate conversation, delighted in each other’s company. When their conversation drew to a close, the venerable Vasiṣṭha, his face bright with a gentle smile, spoke to Viśvāmitra, “I wish to offer hospitality to you and your mighty army. Please accept from me what is fitting and proper. You are the foremost of guests, O king, and worthy of the highest honor.” Viśvāmitra, wise and gracious, replied, “You have already honored me, O king, with your words of welcome. Whatever fruits and roots are available in your hermitage, the water for washing and sipping, and the sight of your revered self—all these have honored me fully. I bow to you and shall now depart; look upon me with friendly eyes.” But Vasiṣṭha, righteous and noble-minded, insisted again and again, inviting Viśvāmitra to accept his hospitality. At last, Gādhi’s son relented and said, “So be it! Let it be as you desire, O foremost of sages.” Overjoyed, Vasiṣṭha summoned his sacred cow, Kāmadhenu, also known as Śabalā, who was purified of all sin. “Come quickly, Śabala,” he called, “and listen to my words. I am resolved to provide this royal sage with the finest meal and honor. Arrange it for me! For each and every one, according to their desire, with all six tastes and full honor, let all those divine wish-fulfilling things rain down for me, O Kāmadhenu. Quickly produce every kind of food—solid and liquid, to be licked and sucked, rich with flavors, grains, and drinks!” Now, hear the next sarga of the glorious Rāmāyaṇa. Thus commanded by Vasiṣṭha, Śabalā, the wish-fulfilling cow, set about her task. For each person present, she provided whatever they wished for. She produced sugarcanes, honey, parched grains, the finest wines and liquors, costly drinks, and a rich variety of foods, both sumptuous and simple. There appeared heaps of hot, well-cooked rice like mountains, along with delicious dishes, soups, and abundant curds. Plentiful foods of every taste and flavor, sweetmeats, and thousands of well-filled dishes of jaggery were laid out. Everyone was perfectly satisfied and filled with joy. O Rāma, Vasiṣṭha fully gratified Viśvāmitra’s entire army. The royal sage Viśvāmitra, along with his household, priests, and attendants, became delighted and well-nourished. Honored with his ministers and servants, filled with supreme joy, Viśvāmitra turned to Vasiṣṭha and said, “O Brāhmaṇa, you have honored me with the highest hospitality. Listen, O master of words, as I speak: Give me Śabalā in exchange for a hundred thousand cows, for this cow is a jewel, and kings are collectors of such treasures.