|| om tat sat ||

अथ हैमवतीं राम दिशं त्यक्त्वा महामुनिः ।
पूर्वां दिशं अनुप्राप्य तपस्तेपे सुदारुणम् ॥

'Oh Rama ! Then the venerable sage left the direction of the Himalayas and moved east and performed severe penance'.

Balakanda
Sarga sixty Five

Satananda continued the narration of the story of Viswamitra!

'Oh Rama ! Then the venerable sage left the northern direction of the Himalayas and moved east and performed severe penance. Oh Rama ! He performed severe penance for one thousand years maintaining total silence. After thousand years , the body of the sage became a skeleton. Many impediment came in the way, but the sage did not become angry. Oh Rama he continued his penance with determination'.

'Oh Raghottama ! The determined sage having completed thousand years got ready to eat the food. At that time Indra appearing in the garb of Brahman asked for food. Giving all the food to that Brahman , with no food left the sage remained silent even without eating. Then without breathing he did penance for thousand years maintaining the vow of silence. As he held his breath, smoke was coming out of his head and it seemed like as though all the three worlds are being burnt'.

'Then the Devas , Pannagas, Asuras and Rakshasas were stunned by the brilliance of his Tejas. They were all very much agitated and spoke to the the father of all ."O Deva ! For various reasons the great sage is able to advance his Tapas in spite of several attempts to disturb and make him angry. There is not even an iota of weakness or fault in him. If the wish in his heart is not fulfilled he may destroy the three terrified worlds. There is disquiet in all directions. Nothing is glowing. The oceans are getting agitated and the mountains are getting shattered. The earth is shaking . The wind is blowing fiercely. The people are losing faith in God. O Brahman we are not knowing what is to be done. Sun's brilliance is diminished by his (sage's) brilliance. The three worlds are petrified by the disorientation. Oh Lord ! The great sage is a form of Agni. Before he thinks of destroying the whole world the Lord should please him. Like the timeless fire he can burn down everything, it is better to give even the kingdom of Devas if he so desires".

'Then with the father of the worlds leading in the front the legions of Devas spoke to Viswamitra with sweet words'.

"Oh Brahmarshi! Welcome to you. We are happy with your penance. Oh Kausika you achieved Brahmatva with rigorous penance. Oh Brahman ! Along with all the legions of Suras we are offering you long life. May everything be auspicious with you. O Saumya ! Please go back happily".

'Hearing those words of the father of all worlds, delighted , Viswamitra bowed to all and spoke as follows. "If I have earned Brahmatva as well as long life , you may also present me with knowledge of Vashatkara, Omkara as well as all Vedas. Oh Devas ! Vasishta , the son of Brahma and knower of Kshatra Veda and Brahma Veda may also address me accordingly ( Brahmarshi!). Oh Devas ! You fulfill my wish and go !"

'Then the Devas pleased Vasishta the best among those who do penance to make friendship . He too said "so be it". Then Devas told Viswamitra ," There is no doubt about your Brahmarshitva. Everything will be as desired." So saying they left for their places'.

'Viswamitra too having obtained Brahmarshitva then worshiped Vasishta. Having attained his wish he moved around the earth doing penance. Oh Rama ! he obtained Brahmarshitva in this way. Oh Rama he is best among all sages. He is an embodiment of penance. He is ever committed to the righteousness. He is a most powerful one".

Having said this the illustrious Brahmin Satananda became silent.

Janaka who heard the words of Satananda in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana, bowed to Viswamitra and spoke as follows.

"Oh Best of Sages ! Coming to this sacrifice along with the scions of Kakuthstha you have honored me. O Dharmika I am truly blessed. Oh Brahmarshi ! with your presence I am rid of my sins. Because of your presence I am blessed with many things. Oh Brahman! The widely elaborated penance of yours has been heard by me and Rama, the best of men too. The assembly and all the members of the assembly heard your great qualities. Oh Son of Kusika ! Your penance is unparalleled. Your power is unparalleled. Your strength is unparalleled. Your qualities are unparalleled. Oh Lord ! We cannot hear enough of this wonderful story of yours . Oh Best of Sages Sun is setting in his region. Oh Great one ! Please give is permission to see you again tomorrow morning. Our welcome to you. Please give us permission".

The best of sages having been thus requested was pleased and with pleasure praising the King Janaka , he gave them the permission. Having told the best of sage thus , the king of Mithila circumambulated the sage along with his entourage and left.

The righteous Viswamitra too having been worshipped by all other Maharshis reached his abode along with Rama and Lakshmana.

Thus ends the sixty fifth Sarga of Balakanda in Valmiki Ramayana.

|| Om tat sat ||

विश्वमित्रोsपि धर्मात्मा सहरामस्सलक्ष्मणः।
स्ववास मभिचक्राम पूज्यमानो महर्षिभिः ॥

The righteous Viswamitra too having been worshipped by all other Maharshis reached his abode along with Rama and Lakshmana.

||om tat sat||