All at once, the cosmos was thrown into turmoil. The oceans churned restlessly, the mountains splintered, the earth itself quaked, and fierce winds swept across the land, filling every corner with confusion and fear. In the midst of this upheaval, the gods turned to Brahmā in distress, confessing, “O Brahmā, we are at a loss. None among us has faltered in faith, yet the three worlds are bewildered and our minds deeply troubled.” Such was the radiance of the great sage Viśvāmitra that even the sun’s brilliance was dimmed. Until this sage was appeased, no being, mortal or divine, could think clearly. The gods feared that, unless something was done, the sage—fiery and resplendent—would consume the three worlds entirely, just as the fire of cosmic destruction had done in ages past. In their desperation, the gods resolved, “Let us offer him the sovereignty of the heavens. Let us grant whatever he desires.” So, led by the Grandfather Brahmā, all the gods approached Viśvāmitra and addressed him with gentle, welcoming words: “O Brahmarṣi, we honor you! By your unmatched austerity, you have truly satisfied us.” They continued, “Through your intense asceticism, O Kauśika, you have reached the status of a Brāhmaṇa. O Brahman, I, along with the Maruts, grant you long life. May you know only welfare and good fortune. Go as you wish, gentle one.” Hearing these words, spoken by Brahmā and echoed by all the denizens of heaven, the great sage bowed joyfully and replied, “If I have indeed 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 even among those who know the Brahma Veda.” He continued, “Let Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā, proclaim this before all the gods. If this supreme wish is fulfilled, let the best of the gods depart.” Pleased by the gods’ request, Vasiṣṭha—the foremost among reciters—made peace with Viśvāmitra, the Brahmarṣi, and declared, “So be it. You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, without doubt; all is accomplished for you.” With this, the gods departed as they had come. Viśvāmitra, now established in the highest Brāhmaṇahood, honored the Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha. Having fulfilled his deepest desire, he wandered the earth, ever steadfast in his asceticism. Thus, O Rāma, did the great-souled Viśvāmitra attain Brāhmaṇahood—asceticism embodied, the highest righteousness, the constant refuge of valor. When the illustrious sage finished his tale, Śatānanda’s words resounded in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. King Janaka, with palms joined in reverence, addressed Viśvāmitra: “Blessed am I, favored am I, O foremost of sages, to have you present at my sacrifice together with the descendant of Kakutstha. Your very sight, O Brāhmaṇa, purifies me.” He continued, “Through seeing you, many virtues have come to me. Your great austerity has been extolled in detail. I have heard, O illustrious one, from Rāma and from the assembly, many virtues of yours. Your asceticism, your strength, your virtues—O son of Kuśika—are immeasurable. My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, but the time for duties draws near as the sun approaches its circle. Tomorrow at dawn, O illustrious one, please see me again. You are ever welcome—grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage praised Janaka and swiftly dismissed him, pleased and content. Janaka, lord of Mithilā, together with his teachers and relatives, respectfully circled the sage and departed. Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by the great souls. With the story thus told, the next morning dawned clear and pure. King Janaka, after performing his morning rites, summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra along with the princes of the Raghu line. Honoring the sage as prescribed by scripture, the righteous king then addressed the sons of Raghu: “Welcome, revered ones! What may I do for you? Please command me, for I am yours to command.” Viśvāmitra, skilled in speech, replied, “These two are the sons of Daśaratha, renowned kṣatriyas. They wish to see the excellent bow you possess. Blessings upon you—show this bow to the princes, so that, having seen it, they may depart as they desire.” Janaka responded, “Let me tell you why this bow is here. Devarata, eldest son of Nimi and renowned king, received it as a sacred trust. Long ago, at the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, the mighty Lord strung this bow and, in his anger, shattered the gods, declaring, ‘Because you, O gods, did not grant me my share, I will destroy your precious and divine limbs with this bow.’” Distressed, the gods sought to appease the Lord of the gods, and when he was pleased, he bestowed upon them this jewel among bows, belonging to the great-souled Lord of the gods.