The young sage, gentle and radiant, introduced himself to the women who had come near his forest dwelling. “Our father is Vibhandaka,” he said, “and I am his own son. My name and deeds are known in the world as Rishyasringa.” With simplicity and warmth, he invited them: “Our hermitage is nearby, O beautiful ones. I will offer you all proper hospitality here, according to custom.” Hearing these welcoming words, the women resolved among themselves to visit the hermitage. Together, they made their way to the sage’s abode. Upon their arrival, Rishyasringa received them with the utmost courtesy, saying, “Here is water for washing, here is water for your feet, here are roots and fruits for you.” The women, delighted by his hospitality, grew eager to linger, but mindful and somewhat afraid of the sage’s stern father, they soon decided to take their leave. Before departing, they offered Rishyasringa their finest fruits. “O Brahmin, please accept these noble gifts and eat without delay,” they said. With joy and affection, they embraced him and presented him with sweet cakes and various delightful foods—treats far beyond the simple forest fare he had always known. Tasting these offerings, the innocent sage believed them to be fruits, for he had never experienced such flavors before. After informing him of their vows and taking their leave, the women departed as they had planned, still wary of Vibhandaka’s presence. Left alone, Rishyasringa, a descendant of Kashyapa, felt troubled in his heart. Distressed and restless, he wandered about, his mind unsettled by the unfamiliar emotions and experiences. The next day, Rishyasringa, valiant and splendid in appearance, returned to the place where he had first met the women. He reflected deeply, drawn by thoughts of their kindness and the new world they had revealed to him. There, he saw them again—charming, well-adorned, and radiant. Their hearts filled with joy at his approach. They greeted him warmly, saying, “Gentle one, come to our hermitage.” They spoke of wondrous roots and fruits, and hinted that a special destiny awaited him there. Moved by their words, Rishyasringa resolved to go with them, and so the women led him away from his secluded life. As the great-souled sage was being brought to their dwelling, a miraculous event occurred: the gods showered rain upon the land, delighting all the world. With the coming of this blessed rain, Rishyasringa arrived in the city. The king himself came out to meet the sage, bowing his head to the earth in deep respect. The king welcomed Rishyasringa with all proper reverence, offering water for hospitality and seeking his favor, careful that no anger might arise in the sage. He brought him into the inner chambers of the palace and, with a tranquil mind and according to custom, gave his daughter, Śāntā, to Rishyasringa in marriage. The king’s heart was filled with joy. Thus, the great and radiant Rishyasringa dwelled there, honored in every way, together with his wife Śāntā. Now, in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the next section is to be heard. Once again, O king, listen to these beneficial words, as the wise and foremost deity spoke. In the lineage of Ikṣvāku, there would be born a highly righteous king named Daśaratha, renowned for his truthfulness. This king would have a close friendship with the king of Aṅga, who had a highly fortunate daughter named Śāntā. The son of King Aṅga was Romapāda, and the illustrious Daśaratha would go to him. Daśaratha, being childless, would say, “O righteous one, let Śāntā’s husband perform the sacrifice for me, as you have instructed, for the sake of progeny and the continuation of my lineage.” Hearing these words and reflecting, Romapāda would agree and give Śāntā’s husband—Rishyasringa, who now had a son—with self-possession to King Daśaratha. With the sage’s arrival, Daśaratha, relieved of his anxieties, would joyfully prepare to undertake the great sacrifice from the depths of his heart. Desiring fame and progeny, King Daśaratha, with joined palms, would choose Rishyasringa, the best of Brahmins and knower of righteousness, to perform the sacred rites. Through the blessings and efforts of this foremost Brahmin, Daśaratha would obtain his long-desired goal: four sons of immeasurable valor, who would establish the royal lineage and be renowned among all beings. Therefore, O tiger among men, the instruction was given: “Go personally with proper honor, O great king, with your army and vehicles.” Hearing the wise words of Sumantra, Daśaratha was delighted. He took counsel with Vasiṣṭha and listened to the charioteer’s advice. Accompanied by his inner court and ministers, Daśaratha set out, slowly passing through forests and rivers, until he reached the place where the eminent sage, close to Romapāda, resided. There, Daśaratha saw the sage’s son, Rishyasringa, blazing with the radiance of fire. The king honored him with all due ceremony. Because of his friendship with Daśaratha, King Romapāda spoke to the wise sage’s son with great joy, explaining everything. He honored him with the bonds of friendship and kinship, and thus, the best of men—Daśaratha—was well received and stayed there. After seven or eight days, Daśaratha addressed Romapāda: “O lord of men, Śāntā, your daughter, is here with her husband. Let her go to my city, for a great task is at hand.” Romapāda agreed, and, promising the wise one, prepared for their departure. Thus, through honor, friendship, and the blessings of the sage Rishyasringa, the way was prepared for the great sacrifice that would fulfill Daśaratha’s longing for sons and secure the future of the royal lineage.