Rama, the illustrious scion of the Raghu dynasty, stood firm on the battlefield, his bow drawn in defense of the sages’ sacred rites. With unwavering might, he hurled a weapon at the chest of the demon Subahu, striking him down and sending him crashing to the earth. Then, seizing the Vayavya weapon, Rama unleashed its power upon the remaining Rakshasas, scattering them and bringing relief and joy to the assembled sages. Having slain all those who threatened the sacrifices, Rama—the delight of the Raghus—was honored by the sages with the same reverence that Indra once received in his triumphs. When the sacrifice was complete and the quarters cleared of all evil, the great sage Vishvamitra, filled with satisfaction, turned to Rama, the mighty-armed descendant of Kakutstha. “O illustrious hero,” Vishvamitra said, “my purpose is fulfilled. You have accomplished your teacher’s command and sanctified this Siddhashrama. Truly, you have brought great merit here.” Thus praising Rama, the sage led the two princes to the evening rites. With the sacrifice concluded, night fell. Rama and Lakshmana, their task accomplished, spent that night in Siddhashrama, their hearts filled with joy and delight. As dawn broke, they performed their morning rituals and then approached Vishvamitra and the other sages. Greeting the foremost sage, who blazed like fire, the brothers spoke with gentle, noble words: “O tiger among sages, here we stand as your attendants. Command us, best of sages—what shall we do?” Hearing their humble offer of service, the assembly of great sages, led by Vishvamitra, addressed Rama: “O best of men, King Janaka of Mithila will soon perform a most righteous sacrifice. Let us all go there together. And you, O tiger among men, should accompany us; for in Mithila you are worthy to behold a wondrous and precious bow. This bow, shining with supreme brilliance at the sacrifice, was once given by the gods in their assembly. Its power is immense and terrible. Neither gods, nor gandharvas, nor asuras, nor rakshasas, nor any human has succeeded in stringing it, though many mighty princes have tried in vain. This bow belongs to the great-souled King of Mithila. There, O descendant of Kakutstha, you will witness both the bow and the wondrous sacrifice. The king of Mithila, praised by all the gods, once requested this supreme bow as the fruit of his sacrifice. Now it is kept in the palace as a sacred object, honored with fragrances and incense of aguru wood.” Having spoken thus, Vishvamitra made ready to depart, together with the assembly of seers and Rama, after taking leave of the forest dwellers. “Farewell to you all,” the sage said. “I shall go, my work accomplished, from Siddhashrama to the northern bank of the Jahnavi, toward the rocky heights of the Himalayas.” With these words, Vishvamitra, steadfast in austerity, set out northward. As the great sage departed, a host of followers—devoted to the Vedas—accompanied him for a great distance, even as far as a hundred carts could travel. Groups of deer and birds, dwellers of Siddhashrama, also followed the revered Vishvamitra. After a long journey, as the sun began to set, the assembly of seers and the forest creatures turned back. When night had fallen, they bathed and performed their fire offerings. Then, led by Vishvamitra, those of immeasurable energy sat down together. Rama and Lakshmana, having duly honored the sages, took their seats before the wise Vishvamitra. Rama, radiant and mighty, turned to the sage with curiosity: “Revered one, what is this land, adorned with flourishing forests? I wish to hear its story—may it be well with you—please tell me truly.” Thus addressed, the virtuous sage Vishvamitra, amidst the assembly of seers, began to recount the history of that land. “There was once a great ascetic named Kusha, born from Brahma himself. Firm in his vows, a knower of righteousness, and honored by the virtuous, Kusha was endowed with immense strength. With a noble woman from Vidarbha, he begot four worthy sons: Kushamba, Kushanabha, Asurtarajas, and Vasu—radiant, energetic, and devoted to the duties of the warrior class. Kusha addressed his righteous and truthful sons, saying, ‘My sons, govern well; by upholding righteousness, you will obtain great merit.’ Hearing their father’s words, the four noble princes each established their own cities: Kushamba, of great splendor, founded the city of Kaushambi; Kushanabha, righteous in soul, established Mahodaya; Asurtarajas built Dharmaranya; and Vasu founded the excellent city of Girivraja. O Rama, this very land is the domain of the great-souled Vasu, and these five excellent mountains shine all around us. The delightful river Sumagadhi, famed among the Magadhas, flows here, gracing the midst of these five chief mountains like a garland. This is the Magadhi river of the great Vasu—long frequented, fertile, and abundant with crops. As for Kushanabha, the royal sage, righteous in soul, he begot a hundred incomparable daughters with the celestial nymph Ghritachi, O descendant of Raghu.