In a tranquil forest, the son of a sage welcomed a group of women with warm hospitality, offering them water for washing, water for their feet, and nourishing roots and fruits. The women, charmed by his kindness, were eager to accept his offerings. However, a sense of fear lingered in their hearts, for they were wary of the sage himself, prompting them to decide to leave quickly. Before departing, they presented the sage’s son with their finest fruits, urging him to eat without delay. Overjoyed by their gifts, they embraced him and shared sweet cakes and delightful foods. As he tasted these fruits, the radiant sage felt a sense of wonder, for he had never encountered such delicacies in his life spent in the forest. After bidding farewell and sharing their vows, the women left, leaving the sage’s son troubled and distressed, wandering aimlessly in his solitude. The next day, the valiant son of Vibhāṇḍaka arrived at the same spot, deep in thought. As he approached, he caught sight of the lovely, adorned women, and their hearts swelled with joy at his presence. They welcomed him warmly, inviting him to their hermitage, promising him many wondrous roots and fruits, and hinting at a special destiny awaiting him there. Encouraged by their heartfelt invitation, the sage resolved to go with them, and they led him away. As he journeyed, the heavens opened up, showering rain that delighted the earth. The sage arrived at the hermitage, where the king came forth to meet him, bowing his head respectfully to the ground. The king offered him water for hospitality and earnestly sought the sage’s favor, hoping to avoid any displeasure. He then led the sage into the inner chambers and, in accordance with tradition, presented his daughter, Śāntā, to him with a tranquil heart, filling the king with joy. Thus, the great and radiant Ṛṣyaśṛṅga dwelled there, honored and fulfilled, alongside his wife, Śāntā. In a different realm, the wise deity spoke once again, revealing to the king that a righteous king named Daśaratha, born of the Ikṣvāku lineage, would rise to prominence. This king would forge a friendship with the king of Aṅga and would have a fortunate daughter named Śāntā. The son of King Aṅga, known as Romapāda, would be the one to whom King Daśaratha would turn. The sage conveyed that he was childless and urged that Śāntā's husband perform a sacred sacrifice for progeny and the continuation of the lineage. Listening intently, the king resolved to give Śāntā's husband, who had a son, the honor of undertaking this sacred duty. Relieved of his anxieties, King Daśaratha joyfully prepared for the sacrifice, eager to secure his legacy. With reverence, he chose Rishyasringa, the most esteemed Brahmin, to assist him in this endeavor. In return, the sage would bless him with four sons of unparalleled valor, who would uphold the lineage and gain renown among all beings. Thus, the wise deity advised the king to proceed with honor, accompanied by his army and chariots. Delighted by these words, King Daśaratha consulted with his ministers and set out to find the sage, making his way through forests and rivers until he reached the abode of the eminent sage. Upon arriving, he saw the sage’s son, radiant and noble, and honored him with the respect due to such a revered figure. In turn, Romapāda, filled with joy from his friendship with the king, shared everything with the sage’s son, embracing him with bonds of kinship. After several days of fellowship, the king addressed Romapāda, stating that Śāntā was present with her husband and that it was time for her to return to his city for a significant purpose. The king agreed, promising the sage to facilitate their departure. With the king's permission, the sage and his wife embraced, their hearts filled with affection as they prepared to leave. King Daśaratha and the mighty Romapāda rejoiced in their friendship, and with heartfelt farewells, the descendant of Raghu set forth on his journey, hopeful for the future.