With deep reverence, Viśvāmitra began to teach Rāma the secrets of many divine weapons. He instructed him in the use and mastery of Lakṣya and Alakṣya, Dṛḍhanābha and Sunābhaka, Daśākṣa and Śatavaktra, Daśaśīrṣa and Śatodara. Then he imparted knowledge of Padmanābha, Mahānābha, Dundunābha, Sunābhaka, Jyotiṣa, Śakuna, as well as both Nairāsya and Vimala. The sage continued, teaching Yaugandhara and Vinidra—those destroyers of demons—along with Śucibāhu, Mahābāhu, Niṣkali, Viruca, Sārcirmālī, Dhṛtimālī, Vṛttimān, and Rucira. He further revealed the secrets of Pitrya and Saumanasa, both Vidhūtamakaras, Paravīra, Rati, and Dhanadhānya. Rāma then learned of Kāmarūpa, Kāmaruci, Mohamāvaraṇa, Jṛmbhaka, Sarvanābha, and Panthanavaruṇa. Viśvāmitra, his heart full of blessing, said, “O Rāma, accept from me these radiant, shape-shifting sons of Kṛśāśva. You are worthy of them—may their bestowal be auspicious for you.” Rāma, the noble Kakutstha, replied with joy shining in his heart, “Certainly.” At that very moment, the divine and radiant embodied weapons appeared before him, bringing delight. Some resembled glowing embers, others were like smoke, some shone with the brilliance of the moon and sun, and some stood with hands joined in reverence. With sweet and gentle voices, these beings addressed Rāma, “Here we are, O tiger among men. Command us—what shall we do for you?” Rāma, with gracious composure, told them, “Go as you wish. When the time of need arises, you will assist me with your minds.” Bowing and circumambulating Rāma, they said, “So be it,” and departed as they had come. Recognizing the power and presence of these weapons, Rāma turned to the great sage Viśvāmitra as they walked. He spoke softly, “O revered one, what is that cluster of trees, dark as rainclouds and shining near the mountain? My curiosity is truly great. It is a beautiful sight, teeming with deer and adorned by many birds whose delightful calls fill the air. We have emerged from the dense forest that thrilled us, and I sense the pleasantness of this region. Tell me, whose hermitage is this, where those wicked, sinful slayers of Brahmins once attacked you? To obstruct your sacrifice, O great sage, those evil-minded ones came. Please tell me about the place where your sacrificial rites are performed.” “Hear now,” the sage began, “the story of this holy place.” And thus began the next sacred narration. Viśvāmitra explained, “Here, O Rāma of mighty arms, Viṣṇu—revered by the gods—spent many years and hundreds of ages. In this very place, the radiant Kaśyapa, shining like fire, together with Aditi, performed a divine vow for a thousand years, praising Madhusūdana, the bestower of boons. Kaśyapa beheld Viṣṇu, the supreme person, composed of and embodying austerity. In his vision, he saw the entire world within Viṣṇu’s body—without beginning and beyond description—so he took refuge in him. Pleased, Hari spoke to Kaśyapa, ‘Choose a boon, O blessed one. You are dear to me and worthy of a boon.’ Kaśyapa replied, ‘Aditi, the gods, and I have all requested this together: O bestower of boons, let this sage, sinless one, become my son, and also the son of Aditi. Become the younger brother of Indra, O slayer of asuras, and assist the gods who are afflicted by sorrow.’” As this tale concluded, the next sacred chapter began. The two princes, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—foremost among men, skilled in speech and knowing the proper place and time—spoke to Viśvāmitra, “O venerable one, tell us when the night-roving demons must be guarded against, so that we may not miss that moment.” Eager and ready for battle, the sons of Kakutstha awaited instruction, and the assembled sages praised them with delight. Viśvāmitra replied, “From today, for six nights, you two Raghavas must stand guard. I have undertaken a vow and will observe silence.” Hearing these words, the illustrious princes remained sleepless, vigilantly protecting the hermitage for six days and nights. These mighty warriors, skilled archers, kept careful watch over Viśvāmitra, the destroyer of foes. When the sixth day had passed and the crucial time arrived, Rāma said to Saumitri, “Be alert and attentive.” As Rāma spoke, eager and ready for battle, the altar blazed forth, with teachers and priests gathered. The sacrificial altar, adorned with darbha grass, ladles, vessels, and heaps of flowers, shone brightly with Viśvāmitra and the officiating priests present. The sacrifice proceeded according to the prescribed rites and mantras. Suddenly, a great and terrifying sound arose in the sky. A cloud covered the heavens, as in the rainy season, and the two rākṣasas, employing their magic, rushed forward, bringing with them a sense of impending battle.