After the chief sage had spoken, the king of Ayodhya sat in silence, troubled and uncertain, his mind weighed down with doubt. He waited quietly, his distress evident to those around him. In the royal palace, the queens grew anxious, sensing the unrest, and everywhere people watched Rama’s behavior with keen attention, wondering what would unfold. At that very moment, the renowned sage Vishvamitra arrived at Ayodhya’s gates, seeking an audience with the king. Vishvamitra’s own sacrifice was being disrupted by powerful demons, intoxicated by their magical strength, despite his wisdom and steadfast devotion to righteousness. Unable to complete his ritual without hindrance, the sage had come to seek the king’s protection. Intent on ending the threat to the ascetics, the radiant Vishvamitra—whose austerities had made him a treasury of spiritual power—approached the city. He spoke to the gatekeepers with urgency: “Quickly announce that I, Kauśika, son of Gādhi, have arrived.” The gatekeepers, stirred by his command, hurried to the palace and reported to the chief chamberlain that the great sage Vishvamitra was at the gate. The chamberlain quickly made his way to the assembly hall, where the king sat surrounded by his court, and informed him: “O lord, at the gate stands a radiant man, shining like the young sun, his matted locks flaming red, and his splendor is immense. He has adorned the entrance with fans and banners, horses, elephants, men, and weapons, making the place shine like gold with his brilliance. Go quickly and humbly inform the king that the sage Vishvamitra has arrived.” Hearing these words, the noble king rose from his golden seat, accompanied by his ministers and vassals. With a great retinue of kings on foot, and praised by his vassals, he proceeded with the chief sages Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva to meet Vishvamitra. As he arrived at the threshold, he saw the tiger among sages standing there. Vishvamitra had come to earth like the sun, filled with Brahminical brilliance and the mighty energy of a warrior. His shoulders were wrapped in rough, aged matted locks from years of intense ascetic practice, resembling a mountain wreathed in twilight clouds. He was tranquil and handsome, radiant and unimpeded, composed and majestic, his body resplendent. His presence was gracious yet awe-inspiring, serene yet intense, and his profound, overflowing brilliance inspired all who saw him. He held a smooth lute in his hand, his mind ever unfading, accompanied only by the blameless companion—endless duration of life. Compassion filled his heart, and his gentle, clear eyes seemed to sprinkle nectar upon those around him. His glances, both bright and dark, and his elevated brows brought both joy and fear to those who beheld him. Seeing the sage from afar, the king bowed low, his jeweled crown touching the earth in homage. Vishvamitra greeted the lord of the earth as the sun greets Indra, his words sweet and noble. All the twice-born, led by Vasiṣṭha, honored him with due welcome and respect, declaring, “By your radiant and unhesitating presence, O noble one, we are blessed, just as lotuses are by the sun. That which is beginningless, undisturbed, and free from decline—that blissful happiness we have attained today by seeing you, O sage. Surely today we are counted among the foremost of the righteous, for by virtue of righteousness, we have become the focus of your arrival.” As they conversed among themselves, the kings and great sages took their seats in the assembly hall. Seeing Vishvamitra, radiant and somewhat fearsome, the king, his face bright with delight, personally offered him welcoming water. Vishvamitra accepted the water, performing the ritual as prescribed in the scriptures, and then honored the king by circumambulating him. Having been honored by the king, the sage, his face shining with joy, inquired after the king’s welfare and security. He greeted Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among sages, with a smile and honored him as appropriate, then asked after his well-being. After mutually honoring one another, they gathered together for a moment, their hearts joyful, and entered the royal palace. Seated upon their respective seats, their brilliance mutually enhanced, they respectfully inquired after each other’s welfare. To the wise Vishvamitra, now seated, the king offered water for washing the feet, water for welcoming, and cows, again and again. Having duly honored Vishvamitra, the king, with joined palms and pure heart, joyfully spoke: “Just as the arrival of nectar, as rain in a drought, or as sight to the blind, so is your coming here. Just as the gain of desired wealth, the birth of a son to the childless, or obtaining in waking what was seen in a dream, so is your arrival.” Thus, the king honored the sage’s presence, and the assembly was filled with reverence and joy at the arrival of Vishvamitra.