Messengers came before King Daśaratha, the illustrious ruler of the Ikṣvāku lineage, bearing news of the arrival of the renowned sage Viśvāmitra. Upon hearing their words, the king, together with his priests, became fully attentive and alert, recognizing the significance of such a guest. With joy in his heart, Daśaratha went forth to welcome the sage, much as Indra would approach Brahmā himself. Before him stood Viśvāmitra, an ascetic radiant with spiritual brilliance, unwavering in his vows. Daśaratha’s face shone with delight as he performed the traditional rites of hospitality, offering water for Viśvāmitra’s welcome. The sage graciously accepted the arghya, honoring the king’s gesture according to sacred custom. Then, Viśvāmitra inquired after the king’s well-being, asking about the prosperity of his city, his treasury, his country, and the welfare of relatives and friends. With genuine concern, the virtuous Kauśika further asked whether the king had subdued all his vassals and neighboring enemies, and whether both divine and human duties had been properly fulfilled. Meeting Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among sages, Viśvāmitra also greeted him and inquired after his welfare. The illustrious sage extended his greetings to all the other seers present, as was proper. Their hearts gladdened by his presence, the sages entered the king’s residence. Honored by Daśaratha, they took their seats, each in accordance with their status. Then, with his mind delighted, Daśaratha addressed Viśvāmitra, the great sage. Overflowing with reverence and joy, Daśaratha spoke: “Your arrival, O revered sage, is like receiving nectar, like rain falling during a drought, like the birth of a son to one who was childless, like regaining something lost, or the joy of a great fortune. Such is the blessing of your presence, O great sage. Welcome! What is your highest wish? What can I do to honor you, so gladdened am I by your arrival? You are deserving of my deepest reverence, O Brāhmaṇa. By good fortune you have come to us, bestower of honor. Today, my birth feels fulfilled, my life truly well-lived. “To see the lord of Brāhmaṇas is an auspicious event; my night has become sacred. Once you were known as a royal sage, but your brilliance has been kindled by austerity. Now you have attained the status of a Brahmarṣi, worthy of manifold worship. This is a wondrous and supremely pure event for me, O Brāhmaṇa. By your presence, O lord, I have entered a field of merit. Tell me what purpose brings you here. I wish to be favored by you and to contribute to your cause. You, steadfast in your vows, should not hesitate to state your request. Though I am agent in all matters, you are my divine protector. This great fortune has come to me, O Brahmin, and all this supreme righteousness arises from your arrival.” Daśaratha’s words, humble and pleasing, spoken by one self-controlled and renowned for virtue and fame, filled Viśvāmitra with supreme joy. Now begins the nineteenth section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. Hearing these wondrous and heartfelt words from the lion among kings, the radiant and mighty Viśvāmitra spoke, moved so deeply that his hair stood on end. “Such conduct, O tiger among kings, is fitting for you alone and for none other on earth, born of a great lineage and bearing the name of Vasiṣṭha. What I hold in my heart, the resolve for this task, you must accomplish; be true to your promise. “I observe a vow for its fulfillment, O best of men, yet two demons, capable of assuming any form, obstruct it. Whenever my vow nears completion, these two powerful and well-trained demons, Mārīca and Subāhu, appear. They shower the altar with streams of flesh and blood, defiling the sacrifice and hindering its completion. Exhausted and discouraged, I withdraw from the place, yet I do not allow anger to cloud my mind. “Such is my situation: the practice is thus, and the curse remains unlifted. O tiger among kings, you must give me your son Rāma, whose valor is true. I ask for your eldest son, Rāma, the heroic youth with hair like a crow’s wing. Protected by my own divine power, he is capable. He will destroy these demons who spoil the sacrifice, and I will bestow upon him manifold blessings—there is no doubt. “By him, fame will be attained in all three worlds, and those two cannot stand against Rāma in any way. No one other than Rāma, son of Raghu, is able to slay those two, who are arrogant in their strength and bound by the noose of time. Those two are not equal to the great-souled Rāma, O tiger among kings; nor should you let affection for your son sway you, O ruler. “I promise you: know that those two demons will be slain. I know Rāma, the great-souled one whose valor is true. Vasiṣṭha, radiant in ascetic power, and all those steadfast in austerity also know him. If you desire righteousness and supreme fame on earth—if you desire steadfastness, O king—you should grant me Rāma, if your ministers, O descendant of Kakutstha, give their approval. “Let all your counselors, with Vasiṣṭha at their head, consent, and you should give me your son Rāma, who is dear to you and unattached. The period of the sacrifice is ten nights, and Rāma, lotus-eyed, will not be delayed beyond the time of the sacrifice, as I have said.” Having spoken these words, the great and radiant sage Viśvāmitra fell silent. Hearing these auspicious words, the king of kings was seized by great sorrow. He trembled and became faint; regaining his senses, he rose, filled with fear and anxiety. The words of the sage pierced his heart and mind, and the great and noble king, deeply troubled, wavered and rose from his seat, his mind overwhelmed by the request.