The wise Brahmins, thoroughly learned in the Vedas, approached King Dasharatha and spoke with gravity: “O mighty ruler, by every possible means, summon here the son of Vibhandaka.” They advised him further, “Bring Rishyasringa, that Brahmin of great austerity and Vedic mastery, here with all due honor. Once he arrives, O king, bestow upon him your daughter Shanta in marriage, performing all the sacred rites with utmost care.” Hearing these words, the king was seized with anxiety. He wondered deeply how such a powerful and secluded sage could ever be persuaded to come to his city. After much deliberation with his ministers, the wise king decided to send his priests and counselors, treating them with respect and seeking their counsel. Yet, when these men heard the king’s command, they hesitated, troubled and bowing their heads. Fearful of the sage’s formidable austerity, they tried to dissuade the king from this course. But after further discussion among themselves, they assured the king, “We will bring the sage here, and there shall be no fault in this.” Thus, by the king of Anga’s design, Rishyasringa, the son of Vibhandaka, was brought to the city—not by force or guile of men, but by the gentle arts of courtesans. When Rishyasringa arrived, the long-awaited rain fell at last, and Shanta was given to him in marriage. Through this union, Rishyasringa became your son-in-law, O King, and it was foretold that he would bless you with sons. This, as Sanatkumara once told, I have now recounted. Delighted by this tale, Dasharatha turned to Sumantra and asked, “Tell me, by what means was Rishyasringa brought here?” Sumantra, thus prompted, addressed the king and his ministers: “Hear from me, in every detail, how Rishyasringa was brought to the city.” King Romapada of Anga, together with his ministers and priest, devised a plan that was safe and without blame. They knew that Rishyasringa, dwelling deep in the forest, was wholly devoted to austerity and study. He had never seen a woman, nor experienced any worldly pleasure or enjoyment. “By means of delightful sense-objects that allure and disturb the minds of men,” they resolved, “we shall quickly bring him to the city.” So it was decided: beautiful courtesans, adorned with ornaments, would go to the hermitage. Using gentle persuasion, they would bring the sage to the city, having treated him with honor. The king agreed to this plan, and the priest and counselors acted accordingly. The chief courtesans, hearing their task, entered the great forest and, not far from the hermitage, sought to find the sage. Rishyasringa, steadfast and content in his father’s company, never strayed from the hermitage. From birth, he had never seen a woman, nor even a man or any other being from the city or kingdom. The women, adorned in varied attire and singing sweetly, approached the young sage and spoke: “Who are you, O Brahmin? What are you doing here? We wish to know, for you wander alone in this dreadful, deserted forest—tell us your story.” Their forms, so unfamiliar and alluring, stirred the heart of Rishyasringa. He resolved to tell them of his father: “Our father is Vibhandaka, and I am his son. My name is Rishyasringa, and my deeds are known in the world. Our hermitage is nearby, O beautiful ones. Please, let me offer you proper hospitality, as is the custom.” Hearing this, the women agreed and followed him to the hermitage. There, Rishyasringa welcomed them, offering water for their hands and feet, and roots and fruits for their nourishment. The women, receiving his hospitality, became eager, but, fearing the sage Vibhandaka, decided to depart quickly. Before leaving, they offered him their finest fruits, saying, “O Brahmin, please accept these and eat without delay.” Filled with joy, they embraced him and gave him sweet cakes and various delightful foods. Rishyasringa, tasting these unfamiliar treats, thought they were simply forest fruits, for he had never known such things. After taking their leave and explaining their vows, the women, still fearful of Vibhandaka, departed as they had come. Left alone, Rishyasringa, the descendant of Kashyapa, became troubled in heart. Distressed by their absence, he wandered about, longing for their company. The next day, the radiant and valiant son of Vibhandaka returned to the place where he had met the women, his mind filled with thoughts of them. There, he saw the beautiful, well-adorned courtesans once again. Seeing him approach, their hearts were filled with joy. They drew near and spoke, “Gentle one, come with us to our hermitage. There are wondrous roots and fruits there, and surely a special destiny awaits you.” Hearing their heartfelt invitation, Rishyasringa resolved to go with them, and so the women led him away. As the great-souled sage was being brought toward the city, the gods, pleased, suddenly showered rain upon the land, bringing delight to all. With the coming of that blessed rain, the ascetic sage arrived at the city gates. The king himself went out to meet him, bowing his head to the earth in reverence. With proper hospitality, the king offered water and welcomed Rishyasringa with all due honor, earnestly seeking his favor and ensuring that no anger would arise in the sage’s heart. Thus, through wisdom, devotion, and gentle means, the sage was brought to the city, and the blessings of rain and prosperity returned.