As Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, accompanied by Viśvāmitra, completed their sacred encounter at Gautama’s hermitage, a wondrous event unfolded. From the heavens, a great shower of flowers descended, filling the air with fragrance and beauty, while the melodious thunder of divine drums resounded. In the celestial realms, the Gandharvas and Apsarases rejoiced, celebrating with joy and delight. The gods themselves praised Ahalyā, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” Her body, once purified by the power of her austerities, and her heart, steadfast in obedience to her husband Gautama, shone with renewed grace. United again, Gautama—resplendent with spiritual brilliance—found happiness with Ahalyā by his side. Together, they respectfully honored Rāma, whose presence had brought about this reunion. Having paid proper homage to the divine prince, Gautama, the great ascetic, returned to his life of penance and meditation. Rāma, too, having received the highest honors from the venerable sage Gautama according to all sacred rites, took his leave and continued his journey toward the city of Mithilā. Proceeding northeast, Rāma and his brother Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), guided by the sage Viśvāmitra, approached the grand sacrificial enclosure prepared by King Janaka. As they drew near, Rāma remarked to Viśvāmitra, “Indeed, the sacrificial prosperity of the great-souled Janaka is admirable.” They observed thousands of fortunate Brāhmaṇas gathered from various regions, all devoted to the study of the Vedas. The grounds were dotted with hermitages of sages, and hundreds of carts crowded the area. Turning to Viśvāmitra, Rāma requested, “O Brāhmaṇa, please designate a place where we may stay.” Hearing Rāma’s words, the great sage Viśvāmitra arranged for their dwelling in a secluded spot with abundant water. News of Viśvāmitra’s arrival quickly reached King Janaka. The righteous king, accompanied by his chief priest Śatānanda, came forth to greet the sage. The officiating priests, filled with reverence, brought offerings and welcomed Viśvāmitra with due honor. Janaka, steadfast in dharma, presented the honored gift to Viśvāmitra, who graciously received it. Viśvāmitra inquired after the king’s welfare and the flawless progress of the great sacrifice. Then, turning to the assembled sages, their teachers, and priests, he greeted them with joy and respect. Seated among the eminent sages, Viśvāmitra listened as King Janaka, his hands joined in reverence, addressed him. “Today, by the gods’ grace, the success of my sacrifice is assured,” Janaka declared. “I have attained the fruit of my sacrifice by the sight of the revered one. Blessed and favored am I, for the eminent sage has come to my sacrificial enclosure with the sages. The wise declare that the consecration lasts twelve days, O Brahmarṣi. Therefore, Kauśika, you should behold the gods who seek their shares.” After speaking thus, Janaka, his face radiant with joy, again addressed Viśvāmitra with devotion: “May you be blessed! Who are these two youths, equal to the gods in valor, whose gait rivals that of elephants, who resemble tigers and bulls, with broad lotus-like eyes and bearing swords, quivers, and bows? In beauty, they are like the Aśvins, standing at the threshold of youth. They seem to have arrived as if by chance, like immortals from the heavens. How have they come here on foot, for what purpose, and whose sons are they, O sage?” Janaka continued, “Heroes bearing excellent weapons, whose sons are they, O great sage? They adorn this land as the moon and sun adorn the sky. They are alike in stature, gestures, and movements, with hair as dark as crow’s wings. I wish to hear the truth about them.” Hearing these words, the sage Viśvāmitra revealed to the noble Janaka, “They are the sons of Daśaratha.” He recounted their stay at Siddhāśrama, the slaying of the rākṣasas, their peaceful journey here, and their visit to Viśālā. He spoke of their encounter with Ahalyā, her reunion with Gautama, and their coming to Mithilā to test the great bow. All these events Viśvāmitra narrated to Janaka before pausing. Hearing Viśvāmitra’s account, Śatānanda—the radiant and ascetic son of Gautama—was filled with wonder, his hair standing on end. Gazing at the two princes seated before him, Śatānanda, shining with the fruits of his own austerities, addressed Viśvāmitra: “O tiger among sages, did my illustrious mother, long devoted to austerity, appear before the royal prince? Did she, of great splendor, offer Rāma the worship due to all beings, with gifts from the forest? Was it told to Rāma, all that happened long ago—what my glorious mother suffered at the hands of the god? O Kauśika, was my mother, the best of sages’ wives, reunited with my father after seeing Rāma? Did my teacher honor Rāma, the great-souled one, who came here and received worship? O son of Kuśika, did my father, with a peaceful mind, receive honor and greeting from Rāma, who came here?” Thus, Śatānanda, filled with devotion and wonder, sought to know the full story of his mother and the divine intervention of Rāma, as the assembly listened in reverence.