In the heart of a desolate and fearsome forest, a group of women encountered a solitary Brahmin wandering amidst the wilderness. Curious and cautious, they addressed him: “Who are you, O Brahmin? What brings you here, alone in this dreadful place? We wish to know your purpose.” The Brahmin, stirred by the presence of these women—whose alluring forms he had never seen before—felt compelled to share his story. He spoke: “Our father is Vibhandaka, and I am his own son. My name and deeds are known throughout the world as Rishyasringa. Our hermitage is nearby, O beautiful ones. Allow me to offer you hospitality according to custom.” Hearing his words, the women resolved to visit his hermitage. When they arrived, Rishyasringa welcomed them warmly: “Here is water for washing, here is water for your feet, here are roots and fruits for you.” The women received his hospitality gratefully, but, fearful of the sage Vibhandaka, soon decided to depart. Before leaving, they said, “O Brahmin, here are our finest fruits—please accept them, noble one, and eat without delay.” Filled with joy, they embraced Rishyasringa and presented him with sweet cakes and various delightful foods. Having always lived in the forest, Rishyasringa had never tasted such delicacies. As he sampled them, he thought, “These are fruits,” unaware of their true nature. After informing him of their vows and taking leave, the women departed as instructed, still wary of his father. Left alone, Rishyasringa, descendant of Kashyapa, felt troubled at heart. Distressed, he wandered about, longing for the company and flavors he had just experienced. The next day, the valiant Rishyasringa, splendid in appearance, returned to the place where he had met the women, his mind filled with thoughts of them. There, he saw those charming, well-adorned women once again. Their hearts rejoiced upon seeing the sage approach. Drawing near, they invited him: “Gentle one, come to our hermitage. There are many wondrous roots and fruits here; surely, a special destiny awaits you in this place.” Moved by their heartfelt words, Rishyasringa resolved to go with them. As the women led him away, the gods themselves showered rain, delighting the world. With the rain falling, Rishyasringa arrived at the city, where King Romapada went out to meet him, bowing his head to the earth in reverence. The king offered Rishyasringa water for hospitality and earnestly sought his favor, hoping to avoid any anger. He then brought the sage into his inner chambers and, with a tranquil mind, gave him his daughter Śāntā in marriage, according to custom. Thus, King Romapada attained great joy. Rishyasringa, honored with every desire, dwelled there with his wife Śāntā, his brilliance and virtue shining brightly. Now, the eleventh section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, begins. Once again, O king, listen to these beneficial words, as the wise foremost deity spoke. “In the lineage of Ikṣvāku, there will be a highly righteous king named Daśaratha, renowned for his truthfulness. He will befriend the king of Aṅga, who has a fortunate daughter named Śāntā. The son of King Aṅga is Romapada, and the illustrious Daśaratha will go to him. ‘O righteous one, I am childless. Śāntā's husband should perform the sacrifice for me, as you have instructed, so that I may have progeny and continue the lineage.’ Hearing these words and reflecting, Romapada will give Śāntā's husband, who has a son, with self-possession. Having received the sage, King Daśaratha, relieved of anxiety, will joyfully undertake the sacrifice with all his heart. Desiring fame and progeny, King Daśaratha, with joined palms, will choose Rishyasringa, the best of Brahmins and knower of righteousness. For the sake of sacrifice, progeny, and heaven, the king will obtain his desired goal from this foremost Brahmin. And to him, there will be four sons of immeasurable valor, who will establish the lineage and be renowned among all beings. Therefore, O tiger among men, go personally with proper honor, O great king, with your army and vehicles.” Hearing Sumantra’s words, Daśaratha became delighted. He took counsel with Vasishta and listened to the charioteer’s speech. With his inner court and ministers, Daśaratha set out to where the Brahmin resided, slowly passing through forests and rivers. He approached the place where the eminent sage was, coming near the best of Brahmins, who was close to Romapada. Daśaratha saw the sage’s son, blazing like fire, and performed the appropriate honors for him. Because of his friendship with King Daśaratha, Romapada, with great inner joy, told the wise sage’s son everything. He honored him with the bonds of friendship and kinship. Thus, having been well received, the best of men stayed there, ready to fulfill the king’s hope.