As Viśvāmitra approached, the mighty sage Viśvāmitra was filled with supreme joy upon seeing Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among those who recite sacred mantras. With reverence, Viśvāmitra bowed before Vasiṣṭha. The great Vasiṣṭha welcomed him warmly, offering a seat with the respect due to an honored guest. Once Viśvāmitra was comfortably seated, Vasiṣṭha, following the custom of hospitality, brought him fruits and roots from the hermitage. Having received this gracious welcome, Viśvāmitra—the best of kings—asked after the welfare of the ascetics, the sacred fires, and the disciples in Vasiṣṭha’s care. At that moment, Viśvāmitra, radiant and splendid, spoke words of well-being to Vasiṣṭha, the king among sages, amidst the tranquil assembly of trees. Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā and foremost among those who recite sacred mantras, then questioned Viśvāmitra, who was seated comfortably and renowned for his austerity. “O King,” Vasiṣṭha asked, “is all well with you? Do you govern your people righteously and delight them through your conduct as a virtuous king? Are your servants well provided for, and do they remain obedient to your command? Have you conquered all your enemies, O destroyer of foes? O tiger among men, O sinless one, is all well with your armies, treasury, friends, sons, and grandsons?” Viśvāmitra replied to Vasiṣṭha that all was well everywhere. Addressing Vasiṣṭha, who was endowed with humility, Viśvāmitra confirmed his prosperity and contentment. The two spent a long time in righteous conversation, rejoicing in each other’s company and delighting in their mutual respect. When 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 from me what is fitting. You are the foremost of guests, O king, and worthy of worship with utmost care. Please accept this honor I have prepared for you.” Viśvāmitra, wise and discerning, replied, “It is done, O king, by your words of welcome. Whatever fruits and roots are available in your hermitage, along with water for washing feet and sipping, and the sight of your revered self—in every way, O greatly wise one, I have been properly honored with what is due. I bow to you, and I shall depart—look upon me with friendly eyes.” As Viśvāmitra spoke thus, Vasiṣṭha, righteous and noble-minded, repeatedly invited him again and again to stay and accept his hospitality. Gādhi’s son, Viśvāmitra, responded, “So be it! Let it be as the venerable one desires, O foremost of sages.” Thus addressed, Vasiṣṭha, best among reciters, joyfully summoned Kalmāṣī, purified of sin. He called out, “Come, come quickly, Śabala, and listen to my words. 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.” Now begins the fifty-third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. Thus addressed by Vasiṣṭha, 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, accompanied by delicious dishes, soups, and curds in abundance. There were also plentiful foods of various tastes and flavors, sweetmeats, and thousands of well-filled dishes of jaggery. Everything was perfectly satisfying, and all were filled with joy and nourishment. Vasiṣṭha, O Rāma, fully gratified Viśvāmitra’s entire army. Viśvāmitra, the royal sage, along with his household, priests, and attendants, became delighted and well-nourished. Honored with his ministers and servants, filled with supreme joy, he spoke to Vasiṣṭha: “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 jewels. Therefore, O twice-born, give me Śabalā by right.” Thus addressed, the venerable Vasiṣṭha, foremost of sages, replied: “I will not give up Śabalā for a hundred thousand cows, nor for hundreds of millions. O king, I will not give up Śabalā for heaps of silver either; I am not fit to part with her, O subduer of foes. Śabalā has always been mine, as is the fame of a virtuous man; through her, I obtain offerings for gods and ancestors, and my very livelihood. Through her depend the sacred fire-ritual, offerings, oblations, the utterance of svāhā and vaṣaṭ, and various branches of knowledge. All this, O royal sage, depends on her—there is no doubt; she is my everything, my source of satisfaction and truth. For many reasons, O king, I will not give you Śabalā.” Thus addressed by Vasiṣṭha, Viśvāmitra then spoke, his heart stirred by the sage’s unwavering devotion.