In the deep and tranquil forest, there lived the sage Rishyasringa, a young ascetic wholly devoted to austerity and sacred study. He was innocent of all worldly pleasures, having never encountered women or tasted the delights of ordinary life. His days were spent in quiet meditation, untouched by the distractions that often disturb the minds of men. But in a distant city, a plan was taking shape. The king and his wise priest, recognizing the unique purity of Rishyasringa, resolved to bring him to the city. “Let us use alluring sense-objects, the delights that captivate men’s hearts, to entice him here swiftly,” they agreed. “Let the most beautiful courtesans, adorned with splendid ornaments, go forth. By their charm and persuasion, honored and welcomed, they will bring him to us.” The king, hearing this counsel, replied with approval, and the priest and counselors made preparations at once. Thus, the chief courtesans, radiant in their finery, ventured into the great forest. Not far from the hermitage, they sought every means to find and approach the young sage. Rishyasringa, steadfast and content in his father’s company, seldom strayed beyond the bounds of their hermitage. From his birth, he had never laid eyes on a woman, nor even met another man or any being from the city or kingdom. His world was the forest and the sacred presence of his father, Vibhandaka. Drawing near, the courtesans, dressed in varied attire and singing with sweet voices, approached the sage’s son and greeted him with gentle words. “Who are you, O Brahmin? What do you do here, wandering alone in this fearsome, deserted forest? We wish to know your story.” The sight of these women, whose forms were entirely new and alluring to him, stirred Rishyasringa’s heart. With innocence and openness, he replied, “Our father is Vibhandaka, and I am his own son. My name and deeds are known in the world as Rishyasringa. Our hermitage is close by, O beautiful ones. Let me offer you the hospitality that is our custom.” Hearing his invitation, the women decided to visit the hermitage. There, Rishyasringa welcomed them with proper rites: “Here is water for washing, here is water for your feet, here are roots and fruits for you.” The women, pleased by his kindness, became eager, but mindful of the formidable sage Vibhandaka, they soon resolved to leave. Before departing, they offered him their own finest fruits. “O Brahmin, please accept these and eat without delay,” they urged. Filled with joy, they embraced him and gave him sweet cakes and other delightful foods. Rishyasringa, tasting these treats for the first time, thought they were simply fruits, for he had never before known such flavors. After receiving his hospitality, the women revealed their vows and, still wary of his father, took their leave as he instructed. When they had gone, Rishyasringa, the noble descendant of Kashyapa, felt a deep restlessness in his heart. Distressed and troubled, he wandered about the hermitage, longing for the company he had just experienced. The next day, his mind filled with thoughts of the visitors, Rishyasringa, splendid in appearance, returned to the place where he had met them. There, he found the same charming, well-adorned women waiting. Their hearts filled with joy at his arrival, they greeted him warmly. “Gentle one,” they said, “come with us to our hermitage. There are many wondrous roots and fruits here, and surely, a special destiny awaits you in this place.” Hearing their heartfelt words, Rishyasringa agreed and followed them as they led him away. As the great-souled sage was brought from the forest, the gods themselves rejoiced, sending down rain to delight the world. Arriving with the welcome rain, Rishyasringa was met by the king, who bowed low, honoring the sage with reverence and hospitality. The king offered water for washing and for the feet, and earnestly sought the sage’s favor, wishing to avoid any anger. With all due ceremony, the king brought Rishyasringa into his palace and, with a tranquil mind, gave him his daughter Śāntā in marriage. The king’s heart overflowed with joy, for his wish had been fulfilled. Thus, the radiant Rishyasringa dwelled in the kingdom, honored and cherished, together with his wife Śāntā, and all his desires were fulfilled. Now, in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the next section unfolds. Once again, the sage’s wise words are to be heard. A king will be born in the illustrious line of Ikṣvāku, known for his righteousness and truthfulness—this is King Daśaratha. He will befriend the king of Aṅga, who has a most fortunate daughter named Śāntā. The son of King Aṅga is Romapāda, and Daśaratha will go to him with a heartfelt request: “O righteous one, I am childless. Let Śāntā’s husband perform the sacred sacrifice for me, as you have advised, so that I may have progeny and continue my lineage.” Hearing these words and reflecting deeply, Romapāda will agree and give Śāntā’s husband—Rishyasringa, now blessed with a son of his own—with composure and goodwill. With the sage’s presence, King Daśaratha’s anxieties will be relieved, and he will joyfully prepare to undertake the great sacrifice. Desiring fame and with palms joined in respect, Daśaratha will choose Rishyasringa, the foremost of Brahmins and knower of righteousness. For the sake of the sacrifice, for progeny, and for heaven, Daśaratha will obtain his heart’s desire from that revered sage, and thus the wheels of destiny will turn.