At that time, the great ascetic Viśvāmitra began to eat his food, O best of Raghu’s line. But Indra, assuming the form of a Brāhmaṇa, approached him and asked for the meal that had been prepared. True to his resolve, Viśvāmitra gave all the food to the Brāhmaṇa, keeping nothing for himself; when the food was gone, the sage did not eat a single morsel. Maintaining his vow of silence, Viśvāmitra spoke not a word to the Brāhmaṇa. He returned to his practice of silence, even refraining from breathing. For another thousand years, the foremost sage remained without breath, his ascetic power so intense that smoke arose from his head. The smoke disturbed the three worlds, afflicting them as if by some calamity. The gods, sages, gandharvas, serpents, and rākṣasas were bewildered by Viśvāmitra’s asceticism and radiant brilliance—their own light seemed dimmed. Afflicted and distressed, all these beings approached the grandsire, Brahmā. “O Lord,” they said, “the great sage Viśvāmitra, though tempted and angered for many reasons, only increases in ascetic power. Not even the slightest fault is seen in him. If his heart’s desire is not granted, he will destroy the three worlds, with all their moving and unmoving beings, by his asceticism. All directions are disturbed; nothing is visible. The oceans are agitated, mountains shattered, the earth trembles, and the wind blows violently, causing confusion. O Brahmā, we do not know what to do. No one loses faith, but the three worlds are bewildered, their minds greatly disturbed. Even the sun has lost its brilliance because of the sage’s radiance. Until he is appeased, O god, no one can think clearly. Until then, the fire-like, greatly radiant sage will burn up the three worlds entirely, just as the fire of destruction did before. Let the sovereignty of the gods be offered to him; let whatever is in his mind be given.” Then, all the hosts of gods, led by Brahmā, approached Viśvāmitra and spoke sweet words: “O Brahmarṣi, welcome to you! By your austerity, we are truly satisfied. By your intense asceticism, O Kauśika, you have attained the status of a Brāhmaṇa. And, O Brahman, I, together with the Maruts, grant you long life. May you attain welfare, may good fortune be yours—go, gentle one, as you please.” Hearing the words of the Grandfather, spoken by all the dwellers of heaven, Viśvāmitra made obeisance with joy and spoke: “If I have attained Brāhmaṇahood and long life as well, then let the syllable Oṃ, the Vaṣaṭ call, and the Vedas themselves choose me. Let me be the foremost among those who know the Kṣatra Veda and even among those who know the Brahma Veda. Let Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā, declare this of me before the gods. If this supreme wish is fulfilled, let the best of the gods depart.” Pleased by the gods, Vasiṣṭha, foremost of those who recite, made friendship with the Brahmarṣi 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. Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, having obtained the highest Brāhmaṇahood, honored the Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha, foremost of those who recite. Having fulfilled his desire, he wandered over the whole earth, established in asceticism. In this way, O Rāma, the great-souled one 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. Having spoken thus, the illustrious sage ceased. After hearing Śatānanda’s words in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, Janaka, with joined palms, spoke to the son of Kuśika: “Blessed am I, favored am I, O foremost of sages, by whose presence—You, O Kauśika, have come to my sacrifice accompanied by the descendant of Kakutstha. I am purified by you, O Brāhmaṇa, by your very sight, O great sage. Many and various virtues have come to me through seeing you; and, O Brāhmaṇa, your great austerity has been extolled in detail. I have heard, O illustrious one, from Rāma the great-souled, and from the assembly, and having entered the hall, many virtues of yours have been heard. Your asceticism is immeasurable, your strength is immeasurable, and your virtues are indeed immeasurable, O son of Kuśika, ever. My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, O lord; but, O best of sages, the time for duties draws near as the sun approaches its circle. Tomorrow at dawn, O illustrious one, you should see me again; O best of those who recite, you are welcome—please grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage, having praised the best of men, swiftly dismissed Janaka, who was pleased and content at that time. Having spoken thus to the best of sages, the lord of Mithilā, Vaideha, quickly circumambulated him, together with his teachers and relatives. And Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, together with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by the great-souled ones. Now begins the sixty-sixth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. At dawn, when the day was pure, the king, having performed his duties, summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, along with the Raghavas. Having honored him with rites prescribed by scripture, the righteous king then spoke to the great-souled sons of Raghu: “Revered sir, welcome to you! What shall I do for you, O faultless one? Please command me, for I am to be commanded by you.