The sage Viśvāmitra, ablaze with ascetic power, called forth all the disciples, friends, and officiating priests learned in the Vedas. He invited anyone who, inspired by his words, wished to speak. Although he had clearly declared his intentions, his words were disregarded, and those present departed in all directions after hearing his command. Soon, from every region, Brahmanical sages gathered, bringing their disciples with them. They approached Viśvāmitra, who radiated the strength of his austerities. Speaking on behalf of all the assembled sages, they voiced their concerns, and hearing these words, the twice-born—those versed in sacred knowledge—began to arrive from every land, except from Mahodaya. The Vāsiṣṭhas, filled with wrath, spoke harsh words. They questioned, “How can a Kshatriya serve as the officiating priest for a Chandala? How can divine sages partake of his oblation, or great-souled Brahmins eat food from a Chandala?” They wondered how those protected by Viśvāmitra could attain heaven, their anger evident in their reddened eyes. The Vāsiṣṭhas, together with those from Mahodaya, continued to speak in this manner. Hearing their words, Viśvāmitra, the foremost of sages, grew furious. With eyes blazing from anger, he declared, “Though I am blameless and steadfast in fierce austerity, they revile me. Those 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, defamed in all worlds, shall become a Niṣāda, intent on killing living beings, devoid of compassion. For a long time, because of my wrath, he will dwell in misery.” Having spoken these words, Viśvāmitra, radiant among the sages, fell silent. Now, let the sixty-first chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, be heard. Knowing that the Vāsiṣṭhas and those from Mahodaya had been overcome by the power of his austerity, Viśvāmitra spoke among the sages. He introduced Triśaṅku, famed as a descendant of Ikṣvāku, righteous and generous, who had come to him for refuge. Triśaṅku wished to ascend to heaven in his own body, desiring to conquer the world of the gods. Viśvāmitra called upon the sages to commence the sacrifice together with him. Hearing his words, the great sages swiftly assembled, recognizing the righteousness of the act. They spoke in accordance with dharma, acknowledging that Viśvāmitra, descendant of Kuśika, was a sage of intense wrath. Whatever he said must be done without doubt, for the revered one, equal to Agni, could utter a curse in anger. Therefore, they agreed to proceed with the sacrifice so that Triśaṅku might ascend to heaven in his body by Viśvāmitra’s power. The sages began the rites, and Viśvāmitra, of great brilliance, took the role of officiating priest. The other priests, skilled in mantras, performed their duties according to the proper procedures and rules. After a long time, Viśvāmitra, steadfast in austerity, invoked the gods to receive their share of the sacrifice. Yet none of the gods appeared. Filled with anger, Viśvāmitra raised the sacrificial ladle and spoke wrathfully to Triśaṅku: “Behold the power of my austerity, O king. By my own strength, I shall lead you to heaven in your own body. Go to heaven in your own body, O king, which is difficult to attain; there is indeed some fruit of my austerity that I have acquired. By my power, ascend to heaven in your body.” As the sage spoke, Triśaṅku began to ascend to heaven in his physical form, watched by the assembled sages. But Indra, together with all the hosts of gods, confronted him: “Triśaṅku, return again; you have not earned a place in heaven.” Struck down by the curse of his teacher, Indra commanded him to fall to earth headfirst, and Triśaṅku began to descend. Desperate, Triśaṅku cried out to Viśvāmitra, “Save me!” Hearing his plea, Viśvāmitra became intensely angry and shouted, “Stop, stop!” Among the sages, he shone like another Prajāpati. Overwhelmed by wrath, Viśvāmitra created anew the seven sages who dwell in the southern path and established another lineage of stars. Turning to the southern direction, surrounded by other sages, he created a new constellation, his mind clouded by anger. In his wrath, Viśvāmitra declared, “I will make another Indra, or else let the world be without an Indra.” He began to create new deities as well. Alarmed, all the hosts of sages, gods, and asuras respectfully addressed the great-souled Viśvāmitra with conciliatory words, seeking to calm his anger and restore harmony.