In the realm of Ayodhya, a moment of great significance unfolded as Rāma, the beloved son of King Daśaratha, was prepared for a journey that would shape his destiny. With auspicious rites performed by his mother, the king, and the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, Rāma stood ready, blessed and adorned for the path ahead. King Daśaratha, his heart brimming with joy, embraced his son tenderly, inhaling the sweet fragrance of his hair, before entrusting him to the illustrious sage, Viśvāmitra. As Rāma, with his enchanting lotus-like eyes, set forth alongside Viśvāmitra, a gentle breeze stirred, carrying with it the fragrance of flowers. The air was alive with the sound of divine drums and conch shells, celebrating the departure of the great-souled prince. With his hair tied in a warrior’s knot and bow in hand, Rāma followed Viśvāmitra, flanked by his devoted brother, Lakṣmaṇa, both adorned with quivers and swords, their presence radiant and formidable. The two brothers, youthful and majestic, moved with grace, following Viśvāmitra like celestial beings, their beauty and strength captivating all who beheld them. They journeyed forth, reaching the southern bank of the sacred Sarayū River, where Viśvāmitra turned to Rāma with gentle words, urging him to take water and not lose precious time. He imparted to Rāma the sacred mantras of Bala and Atibala, promising that with these teachings, Rāma would remain untouched by fatigue, fever, or any harm, and that his strength would be unmatched across the three worlds. Viśvāmitra extolled Rāma’s virtues, declaring that in wisdom, generosity, and clarity of mind, he would find no equal. He encouraged Rāma to embrace these sciences for the protection of all beings, assuring him that such knowledge would bring fame and brilliance. Rāma, pure-hearted and joyful, accepted the teachings, touching the water with reverence. As the blessed sun illuminated the world with its golden rays, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa spent a peaceful night on the banks of the Sarayū, resting upon a humble bed of grass, attended by the wise words of Viśvāmitra, the night shimmering with the essence of happiness. When dawn broke, Viśvāmitra roused the two princes, urging them to rise and perform their daily divine duties. With hearts full of purpose, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa bathed, offered water, and recited their morning prayers, ready to embark on their journey anew. As they set out, they beheld the divine confluence of the Sarayū, where a sacred hermitage came into view, a sanctuary of sages who had devoted themselves to austere penance for countless years. Filled with curiosity and joy, the sons of Raghu turned to Viśvāmitra, eager to learn about the hermitage. The sage, smiling at their enthusiasm, revealed its storied past. He spoke of Kāma, the god of love, who once witnessed Lord Śiva in deep meditation at this very spot. When Kāma dared to disturb the great ascetic, he was met with the wrath of Rudra, who, with a mere glance, shattered his form, rendering him bodiless. From that moment, Kāma became known as Anaṅga, and the place of his demise was called Aṅgaviṣaya. Viśvāmitra explained that this sacred hermitage belonged to the ancient disciples of Kāma, devoted to righteousness, free from sin. He proposed they spend the night there, between the two holy rivers, assuring Rāma that their stay would be comfortable and blessed. Thus, with pure hearts and minds, they approached the sacred hermitage, ready to rest and reflect on the journey ahead.