In the depths of the forest, the young sage Rishyasringa encountered a group of women whose beauty and allure were unlike anything he had ever seen. Their forms, previously unknown to him, stirred feelings in his heart that were both new and powerful. Moved by curiosity and a wish to be hospitable, he decided to speak with them about his heritage. He addressed them with gentle words, saying, “Our father is Vibhandaka, and I am his own son. Throughout the world, both my name and my deeds are known—I am Rishyasringa. Our hermitage is close by, O lovely ones. Please, let me offer you hospitality as is our custom.” Hearing his invitation, the women resolved among themselves to visit the hermitage. Together, they made their way there, where Rishyasringa welcomed them with all the courtesies of a gracious host: “Here is water for washing, water for your feet, and roots and fruits for you to enjoy.” The women, delighted by his kindness, accepted his hospitality, yet they remained wary of his father, the sage Vibhandaka. Their hearts eager but cautious, they quickly decided it was best to depart soon. Before leaving, they offered Rishyasringa their finest fruits, saying, “O noble Brahmin, please accept these and eat without delay.” With joy, they embraced him, presenting him with sweet cakes and a variety of delightful foods. Rishyasringa, having spent his life in the forest, had never tasted such things before. As he savored them, he thought, “These must be fruits,” for he knew nothing of the world beyond simple forest fare. After sharing their vows with him and taking their leave, the women departed, still mindful of the sage’s father. Left alone, Rishyasringa, descendant of Kashyapa, found his heart troubled and restless. He wandered about, unable to shake the feelings awakened within him. 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 the previous encounter. There, he saw the same charming, well-adorned women, who were overjoyed to see him approach. They greeted him warmly, saying, “Gentle one, come to our hermitage. There are wondrous roots and fruits here, and surely, a special destiny awaits you in this place.” Moved by their heartfelt invitation, Rishyasringa agreed to go with them, and they led him away. As they journeyed, the gods themselves seemed to rejoice, for rain began to fall, bringing relief and delight to the world. With the rain came Rishyasringa, the ascetic sage, to the city of the king. The king himself went out to greet him, bowing low to the earth in respect. He welcomed Rishyasringa with all due honor, offering water for hospitality and seeking his favor, careful that no anger might arise in the sage. Bringing him into the inner chambers, the king presented his daughter Śāntā to Rishyasringa with a tranquil mind, fulfilling custom and bringing great joy to his heart. Thus, the great and radiant Rishyasringa dwelled there, honored and cherished, together with his wife Śāntā. Now, in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the next section of this tale is to be heard. Once again, the wise sage spoke to the king: “Listen to my words, O king, for they will bring you benefit. In the illustrious lineage of Ikṣvāku, there will be a highly righteous king named Daśaratha, famed for his truthfulness. This king will form a bond of friendship with the king of Aṅga, who has a most fortunate daughter named Śāntā. “The son of King Aṅga is Romapāda, and the renowned Daśaratha will go to him. 'I am without children, O righteous one,' Daśaratha will say. 'Let Śāntā’s husband perform the sacred sacrifice for me, as you have instructed, so that I may have progeny and continue my lineage.' “Hearing these words, and reflecting deeply, Romapāda will grant Daśaratha’s request, giving him Śāntā’s husband, the self-possessed sage Rishyasringa. With the sage’s arrival, Daśaratha’s anxieties will be lifted, and he will joyfully prepare for the sacrifice with all his heart. “Desiring fame and progeny, Daśaratha, with joined palms, will choose Rishyasringa, the best of Brahmins and knower of righteousness. Through this foremost Brahmin, the king will attain his cherished goal: sacrifice, progeny, and a place in heaven. And to him will be born four sons of immeasurable valor, who will establish the royal lineage and be renowned among all beings. “Therefore, O great king, go yourself with proper honor, accompanied by your army and vehicles.” Hearing these words from Sumantra, Daśaratha was filled with delight. After consulting with his sage Vasiṣṭha and listening to the charioteer’s counsel, he set out with his court and ministers, journeying through forests and across rivers to the place where the great Brahmin Rishyasringa resided, close to King Romapāda. Approaching the sage’s son, who shone with the brilliance of fire, Daśaratha honored him with all due ceremony. Because of their friendship, King Romapāda joyfully explained everything to the wise Rishyasringa, strengthening the bonds of kinship and hospitality. Having been so well received, Daśaratha stayed there for seven or eight days. Then, the king spoke to Romapāda: “O lord of men, your daughter Śāntā is here with her husband.” Thus, through friendship, faith, and the coming together of destinies, the tale of Rishyasringa and Śāntā unfolded, paving the way for the great events yet to come in the house of Ikṣvāku.