For another thousand years, the great sage Viśvāmitra entered into such deep meditation that he did not even breathe. As he remained in this intense state of austerity, smoke began to rise from his head. This smoke disturbed the three worlds, afflicting all beings. The gods, sages, gandharvas, serpents, and rākṣasas were bewildered by the force of his penance and brilliance—so much so that their own radiance seemed to fade. Tormented and distressed, they all gathered and went to the grandsire, Brahmā, to seek his counsel. They spoke to him, saying, “O Lord, the great sage Viśvāmitra, having been tested and angered many times, only grows stronger in his ascetic power. He is without fault; should his heart’s desire go unfulfilled, he could destroy the three worlds and all their creatures, both moving and unmoving, by the might of his penance. The very directions are disturbed, and nothing is visible. The oceans are agitated, mountains are shattered, the earth trembles, and fierce winds blow, throwing everything into confusion. “O Brahmā, we are at a loss; none of us doubts, but the three worlds are bewildered and deeply troubled. Even the sun has lost its brilliance before the radiance of this great sage. Until Viśvāmitra is appeased, O Lord, none of us can think clearly. If he is not satisfied, he will burn up the three worlds with his fiery asceticism, just as the fire of dissolution did in ages past. Let us offer him the sovereignty of the gods and grant whatever is in his mind.” Thus resolved, all the gods, led by Brahmā, approached Viśvāmitra with sweet words: “O Brahmarṣi, welcome! By your austerity, we are truly satisfied. Through your intense penance, O Kauśika, you have attained the status of a Brāhmaṇa. O Brahman, I, together with the Maruts, grant you long life. May you enjoy welfare and good fortune; go, gentle one, as you please.” Hearing these words from the Grandfather, spoken by all the dwellers of heaven, the great sage Viśvāmitra joyfully bowed and replied: “If I have indeed attained Brāhmaṇahood and long life, then let the sacred syllable Oṃ, the Vaṣaṭ call, and the Vedas themselves acknowledge me. Let me be foremost among those who know the Kṣatra Veda and even 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.” Pleased by the gods, Vasiṣṭha, the foremost of reciters, accepted Viśvāmitra’s friendship and declared, “So be it. You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, without doubt; all is accomplished for you.” With these words, all the gods departed as they had come. Viśvāmitra, now possessing the highest Brāhmaṇahood, honored the Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha, foremost among those who recite the Vedas. Having fulfilled his heart’s desire, Viśvāmitra wandered freely over the earth, steadfast in his asceticism. In this way, O Rāma, the great-souled Viśvāmitra attained Brāhmaṇahood—this is the embodiment of asceticism, the highest righteousness, the supreme refuge of valor. When the illustrious sage had finished his tale, Śatānanda ceased speaking. Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, along with the assembly, listened with great attention. Then King Janaka, his palms joined in reverence, addressed the son of Kuśika: “Blessed am I, favored am I, O foremost of sages, whose presence graces my sacrifice. You, O Kauśika, have come to my sacrifice accompanied by the descendant of Kakutstha; your very sight, O Brāhmaṇa, purifies me. Many virtues have come to me by seeing you; and your great austerity has been extolled in detail. “I have heard, O illustrious one, from Rāma the great-souled, and in the assembly, many of your virtues. Your asceticism, strength, and virtues are truly immeasurable, O son of Kuśika. My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, O lord; but the time for duties is near as the sun approaches its setting. Tomorrow at dawn, O illustrious one, please see me again; you are always welcome—please grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage praised Janaka, the best of men, and graciously dismissed him. Janaka, lord of Mithilā, together with his teachers and relatives, circumambulated the sage and departed, pleased and content. Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, along with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by all. Now begins the sixty-sixth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. At dawn, as the day became pure, King Janaka completed his morning duties and summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, along with the sons of Raghu. He honored the sage with rites prescribed by scripture, then spoke to the noble sons of Daśaratha: “Revered sir, welcome! What may I do for you, O faultless one? Please command me, for I am at your service.” Thus addressed by the great-souled Janaka, the righteous sage Viśvāmitra, skilled in speech, replied: “These two are the sons of Daśaratha, renowned kṣatriyas; they wish to see the excellent bow that is with you. Show this, blessings to you, to the princes whose wishes are fulfilled; after seeing this bow, they may depart as they desire.