In the bright court of Ayodhya, King Daśaratha, filled with joy, summoned his beloved sons, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Rāma, having received the auspicious rites from his mother, his father, and the revered sage Vasiṣṭha, was prepared for a significant journey. With a heart full of pride, King Daśaratha embraced Rāma, inhaling the fragrance of his son’s hair, and entrusted him to the wise Viśvāmitra, who was known for his profound knowledge and spiritual prowess. As Rāma, with eyes like lotus petals, set forth alongside Viśvāmitra, a gentle breeze began to blow, carrying with it the sweet fragrance of flowers. The heavens seemed to celebrate this momentous occasion, showering blossoms upon the earth, while the sounds of divine drums and conches echoed in the air, heralding the departure of the great-souled Rāma. With his hair tied in a warrior's knot and bow in hand, Rāma walked with grace, closely followed by his devoted brother Lakṣmaṇa, both adorned with quivers, their presence radiating strength and beauty. The two brothers, youthful and mighty, followed Viśvāmitra like celestial beings, their splendor captivating all who beheld them. As they journeyed, they resembled the divine Aśvins, embodying vitality and charm. With their bows at the ready and swords by their sides, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa enhanced the scene with their noble demeanor, moving forward with purpose. After traveling a short distance, they reached the serene southern bank of the Sarayū River. There, Viśvāmitra turned to Rāma with gentle words, urging him to take water to mark the beginning of their sacred endeavors. He imparted to Rāma the powerful mantras of Bala and Atibala, promising that through these teachings, Rāma would be shielded from fatigue, fever, and any form of weakness. Viśvāmitra declared that no one on earth could match Rāma’s strength, and that these mantras would ensure his unmatched prowess in the three worlds. He praised Rāma’s virtues, declaring that in fortune, wisdom, and clarity of intellect, Rāma was unparalleled. With the promise of great protection and the assurance of fame, Viśvāmitra encouraged Rāma to embrace these sciences, which were the very essence of knowledge. Rāma, pure of heart and joyful, touched the sacred waters, ready to receive the gifts of wisdom. As the blessed sun rose, casting its golden rays like a thousand jewels, the three companions spent the night peacefully on the banks of the Sarayū. The two noble sons of King Daśaratha rested upon a bed of grass, their hearts filled with tranquility, while Viśvāmitra’s wise words enveloped them like a warm embrace. With the dawn breaking, the great sage Viśvāmitra stirred Rāma, the illustrious son of Kausalya, urging him to rise and fulfill their daily divine duties. The two heroic princes, awakened by the sage's call, bathed and performed their morning rites with reverence, offering water and reciting sacred prayers. Once their rituals were complete, they greeted the ascetic sage with respect, ready for the journey ahead. As they set out, the companions came upon the divine confluence of the Sarayū, where the waters met in a sacred embrace. There, they discovered a hermitage, a sanctuary of sages who had devoted themselves to years of austere penance and righteous living. The sight of this holy place filled Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with great joy, and they turned to Viśvāmitra, eager to learn about the hermitage and its esteemed residents. The sage smiled and began to recount the history of the sacred site, revealing that it once belonged to Kāma, the god of love, who had dared to disturb Lord Śiva during his deep meditation. In a moment of divine wrath, Śiva had struck Kāma down, rendering him bodiless, and from that day forth, he was known as Anaṅga, the bodiless one. The place where his body fell became known as Aṅgaviṣaya, a blessed region. Viśvāmitra explained that this hermitage was home to the ancient disciples of Kāma, who were devoted to righteousness and free from sin. He suggested that they spend the night there, nestled between the holy rivers, before continuing their journey the next day. Rāma, filled with anticipation and respect for the sacred space, agreed, ready to embrace the adventures that lay ahead.