Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, youthful, handsome, and radiant in their glory, walked together, their flawless presence enhancing the scene wherever they went. As they journeyed, their appearance was likened to the unthinkable god Sthāṇu or the sons of Fire themselves. Accompanying the sage Viśvāmitra, the two brothers traveled for half a yojana and reached the southern bank of the Sarayū river. There, Viśvāmitra turned to Rāma with gentle words: “Take water, my child, so that the proper time is not lost.” He continued, “Receive from me the collection of mantras—Bala and Atibala. With these, you will never know fatigue, fever, or any change in your appearance. Nor will mischievous spirits overpower you, whether you are asleep or careless; on earth, there is no one 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 the world. When this dual knowledge is attained, none shall be your equal; for Bala and Atibala are indeed the mothers of all knowledge. O Rāma, 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.” Rāma, pure and joyful-faced, then touched water to receive the knowledge. As the blessed sun, shining with a thousand rays like in autumn, illuminated the scene, Viśvāmitra entrusted all duties to Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. The three spent that night very happily on the banks of the Sarayū, with the noble sons of King Daśaratha resting on a bed of grass, lovingly attended by Viśvāmitra’s words. That night glowed with happiness itself. Now listen: this is the twenty-third chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. When the night had passed, the great sage Viśvāmitra addressed Rāma, who lay on a bed of leaves: “O Rāma, son of Kausalya, blessed with noble offspring, the early dawn is approaching; arise, tiger among men, the daily divine duties must be performed.” Hearing these generous words, the two heroic princes bathed, offered water, and recited the supreme prayer. Their morning rites completed, the mighty heroes, full of joy, respectfully greeted Viśvāmitra and stood ready for departure. Setting out, they saw the divine river at the auspicious confluence of the Sarayū, a threefold stream. There, they beheld a sacred hermitage belonging to sages of purified souls, who had practiced supreme austerity for thousands of years. Filled with great joy at the sight, the sons of Raghu spoke to Viśvāmitra: “Whose is this sacred hermitage? Who dwells here, O revered one? We wish to hear, for our curiosity is indeed great.” Viśvāmitra smiled and replied, “Listen, Rāma, to whom this ancient hermitage belonged. Kāma, the embodied god of love, once saw Śiva here in deep penance, steadfast in discipline. But when the Lord of the gods, newly wed, was proceeding with the hosts of Maruts, Kāma, evil-minded, dared to disturb him, and was rebuked by the great-souled one. O descendant of Raghu, then Rudra struck him down with a glance, and all the limbs of that wicked one were shattered from his body. There, his body destroyed and consumed in anger by the Lord of the gods, Kāma was rendered bodiless. From that time onward, O Rāghava, he became known as Anaṅga, the bodiless one, and the place where his body fell is called Aṅgaviṣaya, the blessed region. This is the sacred hermitage of that one, and these are his ancient disciples, O hero, devoted to righteousness; among them, no sin is found. Let us spend the night here today, O Rāma of auspicious vision, between these two holy rivers; tomorrow we shall cross over. Let us all, pure in mind, approach this sacred hermitage; here our stay will be most excellent, and we shall pass the night in comfort.” Having bathed, performed their recitations, and offered oblations, the group conversed as the ascetics gazed upon them with eyes long practiced in austerity. Recognizing them, the sages, filled with supreme joy, approached with delight and offered water for washing feet, water for welcome, and hospitality to Viśvāmitra. Afterwards, they performed the rites of hospitality for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, and, having received due honor, delighted them with pleasant stories. Then, as was proper, those focused sages performed the evening prayers, joined by the resident ascetics and those of virtuous vows. There, in the hermitage of Kāma, they dwelt most happily; the sage Kauśika, righteous and foremost among ascetics, entertained the princes with delightful tales. Now listen: this is the twenty-fourth chapter. At dawn, when the day was clear, the two destroyers of enemies, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, having completed their morning rites, approached the riverbank with Viśvāmitra leading. All the great-souled sages, firm in their vows, prepared a fine boat and spoke to Viśvāmitra, ready for the next stage of their journey.