Viśvāmitra’s asceticism had grown so intense that its heat threatened to consume the three worlds—heaven, earth, and the regions below—along with all their moving and unmoving beings. The very directions of space were thrown into turmoil, and a dense obscurity covered everything, so that nothing could be seen. The oceans churned restlessly, mountains were shattered, the earth itself trembled, and fierce winds swept through, spreading confusion everywhere. In this state of cosmic upheaval, the gods, bewildered and deeply disturbed, turned to Brahmā, the Creator. “O Brahmā,” they cried, “we do not know what to do! No one among us doubts or loses faith, but the three worlds are confounded, and our minds are greatly troubled.” Such was the radiance of Viśvāmitra’s penance that even the sun lost its brilliance. “Until the great sage is appeased, O god,” they pleaded, “no one among us can think clearly. Until that time, this fire-like, resplendent sage will burn up the three worlds entirely, just as the fire of destruction did in ages past.” Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the gods resolved: “Let us offer him the sovereignty of the gods; let whatever is in his heart be granted to him.” Led by the Grandfather Brahmā, all the gods approached the great-souled Viśvāmitra and addressed him with gentle words: “O Brahmarṣi, welcome! By your austerity, we are truly satisfied.” They continued, “Through your intense asceticism, O Kauśika, you have attained the status of a Brāhmaṇa. O Brahman, I, together with the Maruts, grant you long life. May you attain welfare and good fortune, and go as you please, gentle one.” Hearing these words spoken by Brahmā and echoed by all the dwellers of heaven, the great sage Viśvāmitra bowed joyfully and replied, “If I have indeed attained Brāhmaṇahood and long life, then let the sacred syllable Oṃ, the Vaṣaṭ call, and the Vedas themselves choose me. Let me be the foremost among those who know the Kṣatra Veda and even among those who know the Brahma Veda. Let Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā, declare this before the gods; if this supreme wish is fulfilled, let the best of the gods depart.” The gods, pleased, turned to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost of reciters, who joyfully embraced Viśvāmitra as a friend and said, “So be it. You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, there is no doubt; all is accomplished for you.” With these words, the gods departed as they had come. Having attained the highest Brāhmaṇahood, Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, honored the Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha, foremost among reciters. His heart’s desire fulfilled, Viśvāmitra wandered the earth, established in his asceticism. Thus, O Rāma, did the great-souled sage attain Brāhmaṇahood. This, O best of sages, is Rāma; this is the embodiment of asceticism, the highest righteousness, ever steadfast, and the supreme refuge of valor. Having narrated this, the illustrious sage fell silent. When Śatānanda’s words had been heard by Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, King Janaka, with joined palms, addressed the son of Kuśika, Viśvāmitra: “Blessed am I, favored am I, O foremost of sages, by your presence. You, O Kauśika, have come to my sacrifice accompanied by the descendant of Kakutstha; I am purified by you, O Brāhmaṇa, by your very sight, O great sage. Many and various virtues have come to me through seeing you, and your great austerity has been extolled in detail. I have heard, O illustrious one, from Rāma the great-souled, and from the assembly, and having entered the hall, many virtues of yours have been recounted.” “Your asceticism is immeasurable, your strength is immeasurable, and your virtues are indeed immeasurable, O son of Kuśika, ever. My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, O lord; but, O best of sages, the time for duties draws near as the sun approaches its circle. Tomorrow at dawn, O illustrious one, you should see me again; O best of reciters, you are always welcome—please grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage praised Janaka, the best of men, and graciously dismissed him, seeing that the king was pleased and content. Janaka, lord of Mithilā, together with his teachers and relatives, reverently circled the sage and departed. Viśvāmitra, of righteous soul, together with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by the great-souled ones. Now, let the sixty-sixth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, be heard. At dawn, when the day was pure, King Janaka performed his morning duties and summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, along with the sons of Raghu. Having honored the sage with all the rites prescribed by scripture, the righteous king then spoke to the noble sons of Daśaratha: “Revered sir, welcome to you! What shall I do for you, O faultless one? Please command me, for I am ever at your service.” Thus addressed by the great-souled Janaka, the righteous sage, skilled in speech, replied, “These two are the sons of Daśaratha, renowned kṣatriyas. They wish to see the excellent bow that is in your possession. Show this, blessings to you, to the princes whose wishes are fulfilled. After seeing this bow, they may depart as they desire.” Janaka responded, “Let it be heard for what reason this bow is here. Devarata, renowned as the eldest of Nimi’s line, received this as a trust. Long ago, at the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, the mighty Lord strung the bow, and in anger shattered the gods, then spoke these words: ‘Because you gods, seeking your share, did not allot me my portion, I will destroy your precious and divine limbs with this bow.’” All the gods, distressed, sought to appease the Lord of the gods, and Bhava—Shiva—was pleased with them.