This was the sage who came to Dasharatha’s palace. Vishwamitra was going to perform a great sacrifice and wished to do so without Mareecha and Subahu spoiling it. But Dasharatha was stunned by the request. How could he send his beloved Rama, who was so very young, to fight against strong demons? Vasishtha saw him sitting silent and realised what he must be thinking. He rose to speak to Dasharatha, “Have no fear or anxiety, O King! Send Rama and Lakshmana with me, for they are strong and intelligent. The sage will bring them great good fortune. No ill shall befall them.” Dasharatha was devoted to Vasishtha, and reassured by his words, he called his sons and gave them into the care of Sage Vishwamitra. They set off into the forest with the sage, crossing the river Ganga into a dense forest beyond the Dandakaranya, that was full of wild animals.
Vishwamitra’s Request
