As the sages prepared to depart, the radiant Viśvāmitra, observing their movements, addressed all the ascetics dwelling in the forest. He spoke with urgency, “A great obstacle has arisen in the southern direction. Let us move elsewhere and perform our austerities in another region.” He suggested, “In the vast western region, at Puṣkara, we will practice our austerities comfortably. That forest is indeed pleasant for asceticism.” With these words, Viśvāmitra, endowed with immense energy, led the sages to Puṣkara. There, he undertook fierce and unassailable austerities, subsisting on roots and fruits. During this time, Ambarīṣa, the illustrious ruler of Ayodhya, began preparations to perform a grand sacrifice. However, as he was about to commence, Indra, the king of the gods, seized the sacrificial animal. The priest, noticing the animal’s absence, approached the king and said, “O King, the animal brought for the sacrifice has been lost due to your negligence. O lord of men, faults destroy a king who does not protect.” He continued, “This is a great atonement, O best among men. Quickly bring the animal before the ritual proceeds.” Hearing his preceptor’s counsel, the wise and illustrious king searched for the animal among thousands of cows. He scoured various regions, towns, forests, and sacred hermitages. Accompanied by his son and wife, Ambarīṣa, a descendant of Raghu and a king of boundless brilliance, arrived at Bhṛgu mountain, where he saw the sage Ṛcīka seated. After bowing and gaining the favor of this great sage, blazing with ascetic power, Ambarīṣa respectfully inquired after Ṛcīka’s well-being. Then he spoke, “If you are willing, sell your son for a hundred thousand cows.” He explained, “O illustrious Bhārgava, for the sake of the sacrificial animal, I have fulfilled my duty. All regions have been searched, but I cannot find a suitable animal for the sacrifice. You should give me one son for a price.” Ṛcīka, mighty and steadfast, replied, “O best of men, I would never sell my eldest son.” Hearing Ṛcīka’s words, the mother of those great souls spoke to Ambarīṣa, “The venerable Bhārgava has said the eldest son cannot be sold. Know, O lord, that my youngest, Śunaka, is also dear to me; therefore, I will not give you the youngest son, O king. Generally, O best of men, the eldest is beloved to fathers, and the youngest to mothers; thus I will protect the youngest.” When both sage and his wife had spoken, Śunaḥśepa, the middle son, addressed them, “Father says the eldest cannot be sold, mother says the youngest; I think the middle one can be sold, prince, so take me.” The king of mighty arms, pleased with these words, spoke to the Brahmin, “With crores of gold, heaps of jewels and gems—” Ambarīṣa, delighted, took Śunaḥśepa in exchange for a hundred thousand cows, and departed. The royal sage Ambarīṣa, famed for his splendor, quickly mounted Śunaḥśepa onto his chariot and set out at once. Having taken Śunaḥśepa, Ambarīṣa, the illustrious king and best among men, rested at Puṣkara at midday. As he rested, Śunaḥśepa, renowned and illustrious, arrived at the sacred Puṣkara and saw Viśvāmitra. Afflicted and weary, his face downcast from thirst and exhaustion, Śunaḥśepa saw his maternal uncle, Viśvāmitra, engaged in austerities with the sages. He fell into the sage’s lap and spoke, “I have no mother, no father, nor any relatives or kin. O gentle one, foremost of sages, you ought to protect me by righteousness. For you, best of men, are the refuge and creator of all.” He pleaded, “Let the king accomplish his purpose, let me have long and unending life. Having performed supreme austerity, may I attain the heavenly world. Be my protector, for I am without protector, with a benevolent heart. Like a father to his son, O righteous one, you ought to save me from sin.” Hearing these words, the great ascetic Viśvāmitra comforted Śunaḥśepa in many ways, then spoke to his own sons. “For the sake of whom fathers desire sons, wishing for good, for the benefit of the next world—now is that time come. This boy, son of a sage, seeks refuge with me. My sons, do what is pleasing by giving him your very life. All of you, who have performed virtuous deeds and are devoted to righteousness, become the sacrificial victim for the king and satisfy the fire.” He continued, “Śunaḥśepa will have a protector, the sacrifice will proceed without hindrance, the gods will be gratified, and my word will be fulfilled.” Hearing their father’s words, his sons, beginning with Madhucchandā, replied with pride and in tears, “How can you abandon your own sons and save another’s child, O lord? We see this as improper, like eating the flesh of a dog.” Thus, the story unfolds, revealing the dilemma of duty, sacrifice, and compassion, as told in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa.