Though weighed down by suffering, the king addressed the sage with a heart full of humility and hope: “O gentle one, even in affliction, I have steadfastly upheld the duty of a Kshatriya. I have performed many kinds of sacrifices and protected my people through righteousness. The great elders have been pleased with my conduct and character, for I have always strived for righteousness and longed to perform sacred rites. Yet, O best of sages, the elders remain unsatisfied. I now see fate as supreme, and human effort as powerless. All is overpowered by fate; truly, fate is the highest path. I am greatly afflicted and come to you seeking grace—please act on my behalf, blessed sage, for my actions are obstructed by destiny. I have no other refuge, no other shelter. Only you can turn aside fate through your own effort.” Hearing these words, the son of Kuśika, the great sage Viśvāmitra, was moved to compassion. He spoke sweetly to the king, who had been reduced to the status of a Chandala by the force of a curse. “O descendant of Ikṣvāku, welcome, my child. I know you are truly righteous. I will grant you refuge—do not fear, O foremost of kings. I shall summon all the great sages who assist in sacrifices. Then, O king, you shall perform your sacrifice with satisfaction. The form that has come upon you, caused by your guru’s curse—with this very form, you shall ascend bodily. Heaven is within your grasp, since you have come to me, the son of Kuśika, seeking shelter.” With these words, the radiant sage instructed his supremely righteous sons, wise in all things, to prepare the sacrificial materials. He called his disciples and commanded, “Bring here, at my word, all the sages along with Vasiṣṭha. Bring their disciples, friends, and the officiating priests learned in the Vedas. Let anyone else come who, prompted by my words, wishes to speak.” Despite Viśvāmitra’s clear instructions, his words were disregarded by some. Nevertheless, the disciples departed in all directions to carry out his command. From every region, Brahmanical sages gathered, their disciples assembling and approaching the sage blazing with ascetic power. They spoke on behalf of the assembled sages, and soon, all the twice-born began to arrive from every land—except from Mahodaya. The Vāsiṣṭhas, filled with anger, uttered harsh words: “How can a Kshatriya be the officiating priest for a Chandala? How can the divine sages in the assembly partake of his oblation, or the great-souled Brahmins eat food from a Chandala? How will those protected by Viśvāmitra attain heaven?” Their eyes reddened with wrath, the Vāsiṣṭhas and those from Mahodaya voiced their protest. Viśvāmitra, hearing their words, became furious. With eyes blazing red from anger, he declared, “Though I am blameless and steadfast in fierce austerity, they revile me. Those wicked ones shall be reduced to ashes; today, by the noose of Time, they are led to the realm of Yama. For seven hundred births, let them be born as Mṛtapās, feeding on dog flesh, merciless, and known as Muṣṭikas—deformed and misshapen, wandering the worlds without honor. As for Mahodaya, of perverse mind, who slandered me though I am blameless—he shall become a Niṣāda, intent on killing living beings, devoid of compassion, and will dwell in misery for a long time because of my wrath.” Having spoken thus, the great ascetic Viśvāmitra, radiant among sages, fell silent. Now, knowing that the Vāsiṣṭhas and those from Mahodaya had been overcome by the power of his austerity, Viśvāmitra addressed the assembled sages: “This is Triśaṅku, famed as a descendant of Ikṣvāku, righteous and generous, who has come to me for refuge. With this very body, desiring to conquer the world of the gods, he wishes to ascend to heaven in his own form. Let the sacrifice be commenced by you together with me.” Hearing Viśvāmitra’s words, all the great sages quickly assembled. Recognizing the intensity of Viśvāmitra’s wrath, they agreed, “Whatever he has said must be done without doubt; for the revered one, equal to Agni, may utter a curse in anger. Therefore, let the sacrifice proceed so that the descendant of Ikṣvāku may ascend to heaven in his body by the power of Viśvāmitra.” Thus, the great sages began the rites at that time. Viśvāmitra himself, of great brilliance, became the officiating priest; the other priests, skilled in mantras, performed their duties in order. All the rites were carried out according to the prescribed procedure and rules. After a long time, Viśvāmitra, of immense austerity, invoked all the gods to receive their share of the sacrifice. Yet at that moment, none of the gods came to accept their portion.