Viśvāmitra, having accomplished the highest austerities, now stood before the assembly of gods and sages. With profound humility, he spoke: “Let Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā, declare before the gods that I have attained this supreme wish. If this is fulfilled, let the best of the gods depart.” Pleased by the gods’ request, Vasiṣṭha—the foremost among reciters and a Brahmarṣi himself—graciously accepted. He made friendship with Viśvāmitra and declared, “So be it. You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, without doubt; all is accomplished for you.” With these words, the assembled gods took their leave, departing as they had come. Now, Viśvāmitra, of righteous soul, having at last obtained the highest Brāhmaṇa-hood, honored the Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha, acknowledging him as the foremost among those who recite the sacred hymns. With his heart’s desire fulfilled, Viśvāmitra wandered the earth, steadfast in his asceticism. Thus, O Rāma, did the great-souled Viśvāmitra attain the state of Brāhmaṇa-hood. This, O best of sages, is Rāma: the very embodiment of asceticism, the highest righteousness ever constant, and the supreme refuge of valor. When the illustrious sage had thus spoken, he fell silent. Śatānanda’s words, spoken in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, were heard by all. King Janaka, with hands respectfully joined, addressed Viśvāmitra, the son of Kuśika: “Blessed am I, favored am I, O foremost of sages, by your presence here. 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 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 praised. Your asceticism, strength, and 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 my 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 Viśvāmitra praised the king and swiftly dismissed Janaka, who departed, pleased and content. The lord of Mithilā, Vaideha, together with his teachers and relatives, respectfully circumambulated the sage. Then Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, along with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by the great-souled ones. Now begins the sixty-sixth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. At dawn, when the day was pure, King Janaka, having performed his morning duties, summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, together with the Raghavas, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. Having honored the sage with rites prescribed by scripture, the righteous king spoke to the 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.” Addressed in this way by Janaka, 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.” Janaka replied to the great sage: “Let it be heard for what reason this bow is here. Devarata, renowned as the eldest of Nimi, the king, O revered one, received this as a trust placed in his hand. Long ago, at the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, the mighty one strung the bow and, in anger, shattered the gods, then spoke these words: ‘Because you gods, seeking your share, did not allot me my portion, I will destroy your precious and divine limbs with this bow.’ “Then all the gods, distressed, sought to appease the Lord of the gods, and Bhava became pleased with them. Pleased with all those great souls, he gave them this jewel of a bow, belonging to the great-souled Lord of the gods. Then, as a trust, it was deposited with our illustrious ancestor. And as I was ploughing the field, she arose from the furrow. “While I was clearing the field, I found her, famed by the name Sītā; she who arose from the earth grew as my daughter. My daughter, born of no womb, was established as the prize for prowess; she who arose from the earth, growing as my own child. “Kings came, O best of sages, seeking her hand; all the rulers of the earth desired to win my daughter. ‘O revered one, I do not give my daughter except for prowess as the bride-price.’ Then all the kings, O best of sages, having come to Mithilā, wishing to prove their strength, for those who sought to be tested, the bow of Shiva was brought forth. “They were unable to grasp that bow, nor even to lift it; seeing their strength to be lacking, O great sage, the kings were rejected—know this, O ascetic. Then, in great anger, all the kings, doubting their own prowess, besieged Mithilā, feeling themselves insulted. “Overcome with great wrath, they afflicted the city of Mithilā; then, when a full year had passed, all their resources were exhausted.” Thus, the story flowed from sage to king, from king to sage, as the dawn of destiny brightened over Mithilā.