Then, pleased by the gods’ intercession, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha—foremost among those who chant sacred hymns—made friendship with Viśvāmitra, the Brahmarṣi, saying, “So be it.” He declared, “You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, without doubt; all is accomplished for you.” Having spoken these words, all the assembled gods departed as they had come. Viśvāmitra, now of righteous soul and having attained the highest state of Brāhmaṇahood, honored Vasiṣṭha, the eminent Brahmarṣi. With his deepest desire fulfilled, Viśvāmitra wandered the earth, steadfast in asceticism. In this way, O Rāma, did this great-souled sage attain the supreme state of Brāhmaṇahood. This, O best of sages, is Rāma; this is asceticism embodied; this is the highest righteousness, ever unwavering; this is the supreme refuge of valor. Thus, when the illustrious sage had finished speaking, and after Śatānanda’s words were heard in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, Janaka, with joined palms, addressed the son of Kuśika: “Blessed am I, favored am I, O foremost of sages, that you have come to my sacrifice accompanied by the descendant of Kakutstha. I am purified by your presence, O Brāhmaṇa, and 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 within the hall, of your many virtues. Your asceticism is immeasurable, your strength is immeasurable, and your virtues are indeed immeasurable, O son of Kuśika. “My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, O lord; yet, 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 chant, you are welcome—please grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage praised Janaka, the best of men, and swiftly dismissed him. Janaka, pleased and content, circumambulated the sage with his teachers and relatives, showing him due reverence. Thereafter, Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, together with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by the great-souled ones. Now, let the next sarga be heard. At dawn, when the day was pure, King Janaka, having completed his morning duties, summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, along with the princes of the Raghu line. After honoring the sage with all rites prescribed by scripture, the righteous king addressed the sons of Raghu with deep respect: “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.” Thus addressed by Janaka, the righteous sage, 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, thus addressed, replied to the great sage: “Let it be heard for what reason this bow is here. Devarata, renowned as the eldest of Nimi’s line, received this as a trust. Long ago, at the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, the mighty Lord (Śiva) strung the bow, and, angered, shattered the gods and 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 (Śiva) became pleased with them. Pleased with all those great souls, he gave them this jewel of a bow. Thereafter, as a trust, it was deposited with our ancestor, the illustrious king. 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, who arose from the earth and grew as my daughter. My daughter, born of no womb, was established as the prize for prowess; she who arose from the earth grew as my own child. Kings came, O best of sages, seeking her hand; all the rulers of the earth desired to win my daughter. I declared, ‘O revered ones, I do not give my daughter except for prowess as the bride-price.’ Then all the kings, O best of sages, having come to Mithila, wishing to prove their strength, were presented with the bow of Śiva. Yet, none could even grasp that bow, nor lift it. Seeing their strength to be lacking, O great sage, the kings were rejected. Then, in great anger, all the kings, doubting their own prowess, besieged Mithila, feeling deeply insulted. Overcome with wrath, they afflicted the city of Mithila. When a full year had passed, all their resources were exhausted. Then, O best of sages, I was greatly distressed; so I propitiated all the hosts of gods with my austerities.