In those ancient days, there existed weapons and powers so profound that neither gods nor sages, nor the immortals, nor Rākṣasas, nor even the foremost Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Kinnaras, or mighty serpents could fully comprehend them. These extraordinary weapons, whose sons were supremely righteous, had once been bestowed upon Kauśika by the sage Kṛśāśva during his reign. The sons of Kṛśāśva, born of the daughters of Prajāpati, possessed diverse forms and immense strength, radiant and victorious in their nature. Among these daughters, Jayā and Suprabhā, O slender-waisted daughter of Dakṣa, gave birth to a hundred shining weapons and missiles. Jayā, having received boons, bore fifty sons of immeasurable might, destined for the destruction of Asura armies. Suprabhā likewise gave birth to fifty fierce and unconquerable sons, known as the ‘Destroyers,’ mighty and difficult to overcome. The son of Kuśika, Viśvāmitra, knew all these weapons intimately, and being learned in righteousness, could even create new ones. For this foremost sage, knower of dharma and great-souled, nothing—past or future—remained unknown. Endowed with such power and brilliance, the illustrious Viśvāmitra, radiant and renowned, stood beyond all doubt. Thus, King Daśaratha was assured that Rāma’s departure with Viśvāmitra would be safe and auspicious. Upon hearing these words, the foremost of the Raghus, King Daśaratha, felt his heart ease and rejoiced. The renowned king gladly approved, deep within, of Rāma’s journey with the son of Kuśika. Now begins the twenty-second sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. When Vasiṣṭha had spoken thus, King Daśaratha, his face beaming with joy, summoned Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. The two princes received auspicious rites from their mother, their father Daśaratha, and the priest Vasiṣṭha, with sacred blessings pronounced over them. Deeply pleased, Daśaratha embraced his son Rāma, lovingly smelling his head, and then entrusted him to Viśvāmitra, the son of Kuśika. As Rāma, lotus-eyed, departed with Viśvāmitra, a gentle, dustless breeze began to blow. Flowers showered from above, accompanied by the sound of divine drums; conches and drums resounded as the great-souled Rāma set out. Viśvāmitra led the way, and behind him followed the illustrious Rāma, his hair tied in the warrior’s style, bow in hand. Saumitri, Lakṣmaṇa, followed after him. Both princes were adorned with quivers and bows, gracing all ten directions, following the sage like two serpents with three heads. Youthful and mighty, they followed him as the Aśvins would follow their grandsire, radiant and flawless in their beauty. Splendidly adorned, with gauntlets fastened and swords at their sides, the sons of Daśaratha, bow in hand, followed the son of Kuśika. Youthful and handsome, radiant in glory, the brothers enhanced the scene, like the unthinkable god Sthāṇu or the sons of Fire. After traveling half a yojana, they reached the southern bank of the Sarayū. There, Viśvāmitra addressed Rāma with gentle words: “Take water, my child, so that the proper time is not lost.” He then bestowed upon Rāma the collection of mantras—Bala and Atibala. “With these, you will never know fatigue, fever, or any change in your appearance,” said the sage. “Nor will spirits of mischief overpower you, whether asleep or careless; on earth, there is none equal to you in strength of arms. In all the three worlds, O Rāma, there will be none your equal as you recite Bala and Atibala, O Rāghava, my son.” “O sinless one, in good fortune, generosity, wisdom, clarity of intellect, or in answering and replying, there is no equal to you in this world. When this dual knowledge is attained, none shall be your equal; for Bala and Atibala are indeed the mothers of all knowledge. O Rama, best among men, hunger and thirst will not afflict you when you have learned Bala and Atibala, O descendant of Raghu. Take up these two sciences, O delight of the Raghu lineage, for the protection of all people; when these two are studied, fame will arise on earth. These sciences, endowed with brilliance, are indeed the daughters of the grandsire. O descendant of Kakutstha, you alone are worthy to receive them; indeed, all virtues are present in you—there is no doubt about this. These, gathered through austerity, will manifest in many forms.” Rama, pure and joyful-faced, touched water, accepting the sacred mantras. The blessed sun, with a thousand rays, shone as in autumn. Having entrusted all duties to the son of Kuśika, the three—Viśvāmitra, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa—spent that night happily on the banks of the Sarayu. Though the two noble sons of Daśaratha rested on a bed of grass, not suited for royalty, they were lovingly attended by the words of Viśvāmitra, and that night shone as if filled with happiness itself. Now begins the twenty-third chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. When the night had passed, the great sage Viśvāmitra addressed Kakutstha, who lay on a bed of leaves. “O Rama, son of Kausalya, blessed with noble offspring, the early dawn is approaching; arise, tiger among men, for the daily divine duties must be performed.” Hearing the sage’s generous words, the two heroic princes bathed, offered water, and recited the supreme prayer. Having completed their morning rites, the mighty heroes, full of joy, respectfully greeted Viśvāmitra, the ascetic rich in austerity, and stood ready for departure. As the mighty heroes set out, they beheld the divine river, the threefold stream, at the auspicious confluence of the Sarayu.