As the sage approached, radiant with an inner splendor yet bearing a certain gravity that inspired awe, the king’s face lit up with delight. With his own hands, the king offered the traditional welcoming water to the sage, honoring him as was proper. The sage graciously accepted the water, performing the prescribed rites, and then, in turn, honored the king by respectfully circumambulating him. Having thus received honor from the king, the sage’s face shone with joy. He inquired with genuine warmth after the king’s well-being and safety. The king, in his turn, having met the illustrious Vasiṣṭha—foremost among sages—greeted him with a smile and offered him the appropriate respects, then asked after his welfare. After this mutual honoring and exchange of courtesies, they gathered together, their hearts filled with happiness, and entered the royal palace. Once inside, they took their respective seats, their mutual presence enhancing each other’s brilliance. Seated thus, they all continued to respectfully inquire after each other’s welfare. To the wise Viśvāmitra, now comfortably seated, the king offered water for washing the feet, more welcoming water, and cows—again and again—expressing his utmost reverence. Having thus honored Viśvāmitra, the king, with hands joined and a heart pure and joyful, spoke these words: “Your arrival here is to me like the coming of nectar, like rain falling in a time of drought, or like the restoration of sight to the blind. Just as one who gains the wealth they most desire, or a childless couple who at last have a son, or one who finds in waking life what they had only dreamed—so is your coming to me. The joy I feel is like the union with all I have wished for, the arrival of a beloved one, or the recovery of something precious thought lost. It is as if I have ascended to the heavens, or as if someone dearly departed has returned—such is my happiness at your arrival, O Brahman, great sage. “Who would not rejoice in the presence of one who dwells in Brahmaloka? O sage, your coming is a blessing; I speak the truth to you. Tell me, what is your highest wish? What may I do for you? You are supremely worthy of honor, O Brahmin, and you have arrived here, righteous and noble. “You are to be honored as a royal sage, your people illumined by your austerity. Having attained the state of a brahmarshi, you are most worthy of my reverence, O venerable one. Just as I am refreshed by the sacred waters of the Ganga, so too does the sight of you bring a cooling joy to my heart. “You are free from desire, fear, and anger; detached and untroubled—O Brahman, it is truly wondrous that you have come to me. In your presence, I feel myself pure and untainted, as if situated in an auspicious field, like the full moon reflected in still water, O best knower of what is to be known. “Your arrival, O sage, seems as if Brahman itself has come before me; I am purified and blessed by your presence. By the merit of your coming, O noble one, my heart is gladdened; today my birth is fulfilled, and my life truly well-lived. Having seen you arrive, I honor and bow to you, and again bow within myself, as the ocean bows to the moon reflected in its depths. “Whatever purpose has brought you here, O foremost of sages, consider it already accomplished; you are greatly honored by me. Reflect upon your own duty, O Kaushika, for there is nothing unattainable for you in whatever you undertake. And you should consider the matter at hand in accordance with righteousness; I am wholly your servant, and you are the supreme divinity.” Hearing these words—so sweet, humble, and full of understanding, spoken with the virtues for which the king was renowned—the foremost among sages was filled with supreme joy. Then, hearing the king’s wondrous and expansive speech, the great and radiant Viśvāmitra, his hair standing on end with emotion, replied: “This is fitting for you alone, O tiger among kings, born of a noble lineage and guided by the wisdom of Vasiṣṭha. But as for the matter that lies within my heart, you, O king, should determine its proper course and uphold righteousness. “I have undertaken a sacred vow for the sake of accomplishment, O best of men, but terrible demons have arisen to obstruct it. Whenever I perform a sacrifice for the assembly of gods, those night-roaming demons come and destroy my sacrifice at that very moment. Many times, those chiefs among the rākṣasas have performed their own sacrifices there, offering flesh and blood upon the earth. “When the sacrificial ground had been so defiled, I, weary and disheartened, left that place. Nor does my mind incline to anger, O King; for such an act, no curse is fitting. Such is my forbearance regarding that great sacrifice. By your grace, without hindrance, may I attain its great fruit. “Therefore, protect me, who am afflicted and have come seeking refuge; for to abandon those who seek help is a reproach among the virtuous. “You have a son, illustrious, with the prowess of a lion, a hero like Indra—Rāma, destroyer of rākṣasas. That son, O king, Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, with dark locks, heroic and eldest—him you ought to give to me. Protected by me and endowed with his own divine brilliance, he alone is able to subdue those rākṣasas who commit such evil. “I will grant him blessings, manifold and endless, by which he will be honored in all three worlds. And when he confronts the night-dwellers, they will not be able to stand against him, just as deer cannot withstand an enraged lion in the forest during battle.