As the sun began its ascent, a great shower of flowers graced the air, accompanied by the resounding sounds of divine drums and conches, heralding the departure of the great-souled sage, Viśvāmitra. With a commanding presence, he led the way, followed closely by the illustrious Rāma, his hair styled in the fashion of a warrior, bow in hand, and his brother, the valiant Lakṣmaṇa, trailing behind. Adorned with quivers and weapons, the two brothers radiated strength and beauty, captivating the attention of all who beheld them, much like two serpents with three heads weaving through the ten directions. Together, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa followed Viśvāmitra, their youthful vigor and splendor reminiscent of the Aśvins, the twin deities of health and medicine. As they journeyed, they approached the southern bank of the sacred Sarayū River, where Viśvāmitra, with gentle words, urged Rāma to take water, emphasizing the importance of not losing time. He then bestowed upon Rāma the powerful mantras known as Bala and Atibala, promising that with these, Rāma would never experience fatigue, fever, or any change in his appearance. Viśvāmitra assured Rāma that no spirit of mischief would overpower him, whether in slumber or in moments of carelessness. He declared that there was none equal to Rāma in strength across the three worlds, and that his virtues—good fortune, generosity, wisdom, and clarity—were unmatched. As Rāma absorbed this dual knowledge, he would find himself without peer, for these mantras were the very mothers of all wisdom. With a heart full of gratitude, Rāma accepted these teachings, knowing they would not only protect him but also bring fame and brilliance to the earth. After touching the water in reverence, Rāma, pure and joyful, prepared for the journey ahead. As the blessed sun shone down, casting its golden rays like the autumn sky, the three travelers spent a night filled with joy on the banks of the Sarayū. Though the sons of King Daśaratha rested on a humble bed of grass, the warmth of Viśvāmitra's words enveloped them, making the night feel like a celebration of happiness itself. When dawn broke, Viśvāmitra, observing Rāma lying on a bed of leaves, called out to him with affectionate urgency. "O Rāma, son of Kausalya, the time for your divine duties has come. Arise, tiger among men!" The two heroic princes, stirred by the sage's words, bathed in the river, offered water, and recited their morning prayers. With spirits high, they greeted Viśvāmitra with respect, ready to continue their journey. As they set out, the trio approached the divine confluence of the Sarayū, where they beheld a sacred hermitage, home to sages who had devoted themselves to austere practices for countless years. The sight of this holy place filled Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with joy, and they turned to Viśvāmitra, eager to learn more about the hermitage and its inhabitants. "Whose is this sacred hermitage? Who dwells here, O revered one?" they inquired, their curiosity piqued. With a smile, Viśvāmitra recounted the history of the place, revealing that it once belonged to Kāma, the god of love, who had disturbed Lord Śiva during his deep meditation. In a moment of wrath, Śiva had struck down Kāma with a mere glance, rendering him bodiless. From that day forth, he was known as Anaṅga, and the site of his demise became Aṅgaviṣaya, a blessed region. Viśvāmitra continued, "This is the sacred hermitage of that one, and these are his ancient disciples, devoted to righteousness, free from sin." He proposed that they spend the night in this holy place, nestled between two rivers, and assured them of a comfortable stay. As they approached the hermitage, the sages, their eyes filled with the wisdom of years spent in austerity, recognized the noble sons of Raghu. Filled with joy, they welcomed Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, offering them water for washing their feet and extending their hospitality to the son of Kuśika. The sages honored the brothers with warm stories and hospitality, creating a bond of reverence and camaraderie that would linger in their hearts long after the night had passed. Thus, the evening unfolded, a tapestry of divine connection and the promise of great adventures yet to come.