Triśaṅku, the radiant king of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, approached the revered sage Vasiṣṭha with a heartfelt request: he wished to perform a great sacrifice that would allow him to ascend to the world of the gods with his body. But Vasiṣṭha, wise and steadfast, told the king that such a feat was impossible. Rejected, Triśaṅku, his hopes dashed, turned southward, searching for another way to fulfill his desire. Determined, Triśaṅku sought out the sons of Vasiṣṭha, who were deep in their austerities, their minds unwavering and their brilliance shining forth. He approached these hundred ascetic sons with humility, greeting each one respectfully and standing before them with his head bowed. With hands joined in reverence, Triśaṅku pleaded, “I have come to you for refuge, seeking shelter from those who grant it. I have been rejected by the great-souled Vasiṣṭha, yet I long to perform a great sacrifice. Please grant me your permission.” He honored the sons of his guru, beseeching them earnestly, “May you, for the sake of accomplishment, officiate for me with concentration, so that I may attain the world of the gods with my body. Rejected by Vasiṣṭha, I see no other path except through you, the guru’s sons. Among all the Ikṣvākus, the family priest is the highest path; after him, you all are my divinity.” When Triśaṅku finished speaking, the hundred sons of Vasiṣṭha, angered by his words, replied sharply, “You have been rejected, O wicked-minded one, by your truthful guru; how could you transgress and approach another branch? Among all the Ikṣvākus, the family priest is indeed the highest path, and the words of the truth-speaking one cannot be transgressed. The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha said, ‘It is impossible’; yet you seek to assemble the sacrifice through us.” They rebuked him, “You are childish, O best of men; return to your own city. The venerable one is capable of performing the sacrifice even for the three worlds. How could we possibly insult him?” Hearing their angry words, Triśaṅku replied, “I have been rejected by the venerable one, and likewise by the guru’s sons. I shall seek another path. Farewell to you, O ascetics.” The sons of Vasiṣṭha, enraged by his resolve, cursed him, “You shall become a Caṇḍāla!” With that, they returned to their hermitages. When night had passed, the curse took effect: Triśaṅku became a Caṇḍāla. His appearance changed—his skin darkened, his hair became disheveled, and he wore garments of rags, smeared with ashes and adorned with iron ornaments. Seeing him thus transformed, his ministers and the townspeople fled in fear, leaving the king—descendant of Kakutstha—alone, yet possessing supreme self-control. Tormented day and night, Triśaṅku sought out the sage Viśvāmitra. When Viśvāmitra saw the king, now rendered fruitless and dreadful in appearance, compassion stirred within him. The great ascetic, supremely righteous, spoke gently, “May it be well with you. For what purpose have you come, O mighty prince?” Triśaṅku, with joined palms, addressed the sage, “I have been rejected by my guru and likewise by the sons of my guru. Without attaining my desire, I have met with the opposite. May I ascend to heaven with my body, O gentle one. Though I have performed a hundred sacrifices, I do not obtain their fruit. I have never spoken falsehood, nor will I ever. Even when afflicted, I have upheld the Kshatriya duty, performing many sacrifices and protecting the people by righteousness. The elders have been pleased by my conduct and character, yet they are not satisfied. I consider fate to be supreme, and human effort to be fruitless. Everything is overpowered by fate; fate is the highest path. For me, greatly afflicted and seeking your favor, you ought to act, O blessed one, for one whose actions are obstructed by fate. I have no other refuge, nor any other shelter; you ought to turn aside fate by your own effort.” Viśvāmitra, moved by compassion, spoke sweet words to Triśaṅku, now a Caṇḍāla in truth. “O Ikṣvaku, welcome, my child. I know you are truly righteous. I will grant you refuge; do not fear, O foremost of kings. I will summon all the great sages of virtuous deeds, those who assist in sacrifices. Then, O king, you shall perform the sacrifice with satisfaction. The form that has come upon you, caused by the guru’s curse—with this very form, you shall ascend bodily.” Thus, Triśaṅku found hope once more, embraced by Viśvāmitra’s compassion and resolve.