With deep resolve, Viśvāmitra, the great sage, turned to King Triśaṅku and spoke with compassion, “I will summon all the illustrious sages, those devoted to virtue and skilled in the sacred rites. With their presence, O king, you shall be able to perform the sacrifice and find satisfaction.” He then addressed the king’s predicament: “The form you now bear, brought upon you by your guru’s curse—know that with this very body, you shall ascend to heaven.” Viśvāmitra assured Triśaṅku, “Heaven itself is within your reach, O king, for you have come to me, the son of Kauśika, seeking refuge.” Having thus spoken, the radiant sage instructed his noble sons, who were wise in all matters, to prepare the materials needed for the great sacrifice. He summoned his disciples and commanded, “Go forth and bring all the sages, along with Vasiṣṭha himself. Gather their disciples, friends, and officiating priests learned in the Vedas. Let anyone else who wishes to speak, prompted by my words, also come.” Despite Viśvāmitra’s clear instructions, some disregarded his words. The disciples, having received his command, departed in all directions to carry out his wishes. Soon, from every region, Brahmanical sages assembled, their disciples gathering around Viśvāmitra, whose ascetic power shone brilliantly. These assembled sages spoke on behalf of all the Brahmanical sages, and as their words were heard, more and more twice-born priests arrived from all lands—save for those from Mahodaya. The Vāsiṣṭhas, filled with anger, spoke harshly: “Hear what I have said: How can a Kshatriya serve as the officiating priest for a Chandala, especially? How can the divine sages in this 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, they uttered these bitter words. All the Vāsiṣṭhas, together with those from Mahodaya, spoke thus. Hearing their accusations, Viśvāmitra, the foremost of sages, became furious. His eyes blazed red with anger as he declared, “Though I am innocent and steadfast in fierce austerity, they revile me. These wicked ones will surely 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. And 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 dwell in misery for a long time because of my wrath.” Having pronounced these terrible words, the great ascetic Viśvāmitra, radiant among sages, fell silent. Now, knowing that the Vāsiṣṭhas and those from Mahodaya had been subdued by the force of his austerity, Viśvāmitra addressed the assembled sages: “This is Triśaṅku, famed descendant of Ikṣvāku, righteous and generous, who has come to me for refuge. With this very body, he wishes to ascend to heaven and conquer the world of the gods.” He urged the sages, “Let the sacrifice be commenced by you together with me.” Hearing Viśvāmitra’s words, all the great sages quickly assembled, well-versed in dharma. They spoke among themselves, “This descendant of Kuśika is a sage of intense wrath. Whatever he commands must be done without question, for he is equal to Agni and may utter a curse in anger.” Thus resolved, they agreed, “Let the sacrifice proceed, so that the descendant of Ikṣvāku may ascend to heaven in his body by the power of Viśvāmitra.” The rites were begun. Viśvāmitra himself became the chief officiating priest, while the other priests, skilled in sacred mantras, performed their duties as prescribed. All the rituals were carried out according to the sacred rules. After a long time, Viśvāmitra, resplendent with austerity, performed the invocations, calling upon all the gods to receive their shares of the sacrifice. Yet, none of the gods appeared to accept their offerings. Angered by this, Viśvāmitra raised the sacrificial ladle and, his voice thunderous, addressed Triśaṅku: “Behold the power of my austerity, O king! By my own strength, I shall lead you to heaven in your own body. Go now, O king, and ascend to heaven with this very form—it is a difficult thing to attain, but by the fruit of my austerity, it shall be so.” As the sage finished speaking, Triśaṅku, in his own body, began to rise toward heaven before the eyes of all the sages. But as he reached the heavenly realm, Indra, king of the gods, together with all the hosts of heaven, confronted him and declared, “Triśaṅku, return! You have not earned a place in heaven. Struck down by the curse of your teacher, O fool, fall to earth headfirst!” Thus addressed by Mahendra, Triśaṅku was hurled down from heaven, falling headlong toward the earth. In his terror, he cried out, “Save me!” calling upon Viśvāmitra, the great possessor of austerity. Hearing Triśaṅku’s desperate plea, the great sage Kauśika prepared to act, his heart moved by his devotee’s suffering.