Having made a firm resolve, O Rāma, the great sage Viśvāmitra entered into an unceasing practice of asceticism. When a thousand years of his vow had at last been fulfilled, his austerities complete, the mighty ascetic at last prepared to take food. But as he was about to eat, Indra, king of the gods, disguised himself as a Brāhmaṇa and approached Viśvāmitra, asking for the food he had prepared. Without hesitation, Viśvāmitra gave all that he had to the Brāhmaṇa guest, keeping nothing for himself. Having thus given away all his food, the great ascetic did not partake of any nourishment, nor did he utter a single word, maintaining his vow of silence. Once again, Viśvāmitra resumed his rigorous silence and ceased even to breathe. For another thousand years, the foremost of sages held his breath, and as he remained thus, smoke began to rise from his head. That smoke disturbed the three worlds, causing them to feel afflicted and anxious. The gods, sages, gandharvas, serpents, and rākṣasas—all beings—became bewildered by the force of his asceticism and the brilliance he radiated, their own lights dimmed and their hearts distressed. In their confusion and fear, all these beings approached the Grandfather, Brahmā, and spoke: “O Lord, the great sage Viśvāmitra, though tempted and angered many times, only increases in his ascetic power. There is not even the slightest fault to be found in him. If his heart’s desire is not granted, he will surely destroy the three worlds, with all their moving and unmoving creatures, by his ascetic might. All directions are disturbed, nothing is visible, the oceans are agitated, mountains are shattered, the earth trembles, and the wind blows violently, bringing confusion everywhere. “O Brahmā, we do not know what to do. No one doubts, yet the three worlds are bewildered, and our minds are greatly disturbed. Even the sun’s brilliance is dimmed by the radiance of the great sage. Until he is appeased, O god, no one can think clearly. Until then, the fire-like, radiant sage will burn up the three worlds entirely, just as the fire of destruction did in ages past. Let the sovereignty of the gods be offered to him; let whatever is in his heart be given.” Thus, all the hosts of gods, led by Brahmā, approached Viśvāmitra, speaking sweet words: “O Brahmarṣi, all honor to you! By your austerity, we are truly satisfied. Through your intense asceticism, O Kauśika, you have attained the status of a Brāhmaṇa. O Brahman, I, together with the Maruts, grant you long life. May you attain welfare and good fortune; go as you please, gentle one.” Hearing these words from the Grandfather and all the dwellers of heaven, Viśvāmitra, filled with joy, bowed in reverence and spoke: “If I have truly attained Brāhmaṇahood and long life, then let the sacred syllable Oṃ, the Vaṣaṭ call, and the Vedas themselves choose me. Let me be foremost among those who know the Kṣatra Veda and among those who know the Brahma Veda. Let Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā, declare this before the gods. If this supreme wish is fulfilled, let the best of the gods depart.” Then, pleased by the gods, Vasiṣṭha, foremost among reciters of sacred lore, made friendship with Viśvāmitra and said, “So be it. You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, there is no doubt; all is accomplished for you.” Having spoken thus, all the gods departed as they had come. And Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, having obtained the highest Brāhmaṇahood, honored the Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha, foremost of those who recite the Vedas. Having fulfilled his desire, he wandered over the earth, steadfast in asceticism. In this way, O Rāma, the great-souled Viśvāmitra attained Brāhmaṇahood. This, O best of sages, is Rāma; this is asceticism embodied; this is the highest righteousness, ever constant; this is the supreme refuge of valor. When the illustrious sage had thus finished his narration, all present, including Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, listened with rapt attention. Then Janaka, king of Mithilā, with joined palms, spoke to the son of Kuśika: “Blessed am I, favored indeed, O foremost of sages, by whose presence you have come to my sacrifice, accompanied by the descendant of Kakutstha. I am purified by your very sight, O great Brāhmaṇa. “Many and various virtues have come to me through seeing you, and your great austerity has been extolled in detail. I have heard, O illustrious one, from the great-souled Rāma and from the assembly, and in the hall I have heard of your many virtues. Your asceticism, your strength, and your virtues are all immeasurable, O son of Kuśika. “My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, O lord; but, O best of sages, the time for sacred duties draws near, as the sun approaches its zenith. Tomorrow at dawn, O illustrious one, you should see me again. O best of reciters, you are always welcome—please grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage Viśvāmitra praised the best of men and swiftly dismissed Janaka, who was pleased and content. The lord of Mithilā, Vaideha, having spoken thus to the best of sages, circumambulated him respectfully, together with his teachers and relatives. Then Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, together with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by all the great-souled ones. Now, let the sixty-sixth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, be heard. At dawn, when the day was pure, King Janaka, having performed his morning duties, summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, along with the sons of Raghu. Having honored him with rites prescribed by scripture, the righteous king then spoke to the great-souled sons of Raghu.