In the midst of a fierce confrontation, Viśvāmitra unleashed a torrent of celestial weapons upon Vasiṣṭha. He hurled two spears, the formidable Kankala weapon, a heavy club, the mighty Vidyādhara missile, and the dreadful Kāla missile, each one more terrifying than the last. Not stopping there, he released the fierce trident weapon, the Kapāla missile, and the Kankana missile, sending them all forth with determined might. Yet, Vasiṣṭha, foremost among those who chant sacred mantras, stood unshaken. To him, all these weapons seemed but a wonder. With the mere power of his Brahma staff, the son of Brahmā effortlessly consumed and neutralized each and every one of them. Seeing his weapons subdued, Viśvāmitra, the son of Gādhi, invoked the supreme Brahma missile. As this weapon was raised, the gods led by Agni, the divine sages, the Gandharvas, and the great serpents—all the beings of the three worlds—were seized with terror and alarm. The very invocation of the Brahma missile sent tremors through the cosmos. But even that dreadful missile was no match for Vasiṣṭha. With his Brahma staff, he absorbed the weapon entirely. As he did so, his form became awesome and terrible to behold, bewildering the three worlds. From every pore of his body, rays of light burst forth, blazing like smokeless flames of fire. The Brahma staff in Vasiṣṭha’s hand shone with a fierce, destructive brilliance, like the staff of Yama himself at the end of time. Witnessing this, the assembled sages raised their voices in praise, honoring Vasiṣṭha, the best among reciters of mantras: “Your power is unfailing, O Brahman; sustain your brilliance with your radiance. By you, mighty Viśvāmitra has been subdued. Your power is supreme and unfailing—may the worlds be free from fear.” Thus addressed, the mighty and radiant Vasiṣṭha composed himself and withdrew his blazing energy. Viśvāmitra, defeated and humbled, sighed deeply and spoke in sorrow: “Fie upon the power of the warrior, the strength of the Kṣatriya; the true strength is that of Brahmanic energy. With a single Brahma staff, all my weapons have been destroyed.” Reflecting deeply, he composed his senses and mind and resolved, “I will undertake great austerity, for that alone is the cause of becoming a Brahman.” Now, O Rāma, listen to the next chapter of this tale. Viśvāmitra, his heart scorched by grief and the memory of his defeat, sighed again and again, now seeing Vasiṣṭha as his adversary. With his queen, he journeyed south and there, as a great ascetic, undertook the most severe austerities. He lived on fruits and roots, practiced strict self-control, and performed supreme penances. In time, sons were born to him—Haviṣpanda, Madhuṣpanda, and Dṛḍhanetra, the great chariot-warrior—all devoted to truth and righteousness. When a thousand years of austerity had passed, Brahmā, grandsire of the worlds, appeared before Viśvāmitra and spoke sweet words: “By your austerity, O son of Kuśika, you have conquered the realms of royal sages. By this penance, we recognize you as a royal sage.” Having spoken thus, Brahmā and the gods departed for the heavenly realm. Hearing this, Viśvāmitra felt a touch of disappointment and modesty. Overcome by sorrow and anger, he spoke: “I have performed immense austerity, yet they know me only as a royal sage! All the gods and sages—what fruit is there in austerity if this is all?” Thus resolved, the great ascetic redoubled his determination to practice even greater austerity. At that very time, Triśaṅku, renowned as the enhancer of the Ikṣvāku lineage, conceived a desire: “I shall perform a sacrifice and, with my own body, attain the supreme state of the gods.” He summoned Vasiṣṭha and revealed his intention, but the great-souled Vasiṣṭha replied, “It is impossible.” Rejected, Triśaṅku journeyed southward. Seeking to fulfill his resolve, the king approached the sons of Vasiṣṭha, who were engaged in deep austerity. He saw a hundred brilliant sons of the sage, steadfast and devoted. Approaching them with humility, Triśaṅku greeted each one and stood with hands joined, his face lowered in respect. With reverence, he addressed them: “I have come to you for refuge, seeking shelter from those who grant shelter. I have been rejected by the great-souled Vasiṣṭha; desiring to perform a great sacrifice, I entreat you for your permission. I honor all the sons of the guru and beseech you, Brahmins devoted to austerity, to officiate for me with concentration, so that I may attain the world of the gods with this body. Rejected by Vasiṣṭha, I see no other path but through the guru’s sons. Among the Ikṣvākus, the family priest is the highest path; so, after him, you are my divinity.” Now, O Rāma, listen further to what transpired. Hearing Triśaṅku’s words, which were tinged with anger and desperation, the hundred sons of Vasiṣṭha addressed him sternly: “You have been rejected, O wicked-minded one, by your truthful guru; how, then, could you transgress and approach another branch?