As the sixth day drew to a close, a sense of anticipation filled the air, and Rāma turned to his devoted companion, Saumitri, urging him to remain alert and attentive. The altar, beautifully adorned with darbha grass, ladles, and vessels, blazed with an inner fire, illuminated by the presence of revered teachers and priests. Together with the great sage Viśvāmitra, they conducted the sacred rites, chanting the prescribed mantras, when suddenly, a thunderous sound echoed through the heavens. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, reminiscent of the rainy season, as the two fierce rākṣasas, Mārīca and Subāhu, unleashed their malevolence, descending like storms intent on destruction. With their followers, they rained down torrents of blood upon the altar, an ominous sight that stirred Rāma’s righteous fury. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, his gaze fixed upon the sky where the wicked beings loomed. Turning to Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma pointed out the evil rākṣasas, flesh-eaters driven by dark magic, and declared his intent to confront them. Yet, he hesitated, feeling the weight of killing such creatures. With determination, he readied his bow, channeling his noble spirit into the powerful Manava missile. In a swift motion, he released it towards Mārīca, striking him squarely in the chest. The force of the arrow hurled Mārīca a hundred yojanas into the ocean, leaving him unconscious and spinning in the cold grasp of the arrow’s might. Rāma turned to Lakṣmaṇa, explaining how the Manava arrow, crafted by Manu, bewildered Mārīca without taking his life. But Rāma's resolve did not waver; he vowed to slay the remaining rākṣasas who sought to disrupt the sacred sacrifice. Displaying his extraordinary skill, he seized the Agneya missile and hurled it at Subāhu, who fell to the ground, vanquished. Rāma then wielded the Vayavya weapon, swiftly dispatching the rest of the rākṣasas, bringing joy and relief to the gathered sages. With the evil forces vanquished, the sacrifice was completed, and the great sage Viśvāmitra, witnessing the purity restored, praised Rāma for fulfilling his task. He acknowledged the illustrious hero's role in sanctifying the Siddhashrama, and together they approached the evening rites, a sense of accomplishment enveloping them. As night fell, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, their hearts filled with joy, rested at the sacred site. When dawn broke, they performed their morning rites and approached Viśvāmitra, greeting him with reverence. The two brothers, eager to serve, asked the sage what they could do next. The great sage, with a commanding presence, informed them of a righteous sacrifice being performed by King Janaka of Mithila, where they were to go. He spoke of a wondrous bow, a divine object of immeasurable power that none, not even the mightiest of beings, could string. This bow, crafted for a grand purpose, had been requested by Janaka as a fruit of sacrifice, and it was revered by the gods. Viśvāmitra, having imparted this knowledge, prepared to depart, accompanied by the assembly of sages. He bid farewell to the forest dwellers, expressing his intent to journey to the northern bank of the Jāhnavī, towards the majestic heights of the Himalayas. As he set out, a multitude of followers, devoted to the Vedas, accompanied him, while the gentle creatures of Siddhashrama trailed behind, honoring the great sage. After traveling a considerable distance, the assembly of seers, along with the birds and animals, turned back as the sun began to set, leaving behind the sacred site, filled with the echoes of their shared purpose and the promise of new adventures ahead.