Rama and Lakshmana embark on a journey with sage Vishwamitra to Mithila, where King Janaka's sacrifice and a legendary divine bow await. 

Journey to Mithila (Shlokas 1.31.1 - 1.31.23)

Rama and Lakshmana's Night of Joy (1.31.1 - 1.31.3)

1. Having fulfilled their purpose, the heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana spent the night with joyful hearts.

2. At dawn, they performed their morning rituals and approached Vishwamitra (a sage) and the other rishis (sages).

3. Rama and Lakshmana, known for their sweet speech, respectfully greeted Vishwamitra, who shone like a blazing fire. They addressed him with gentle and noble words:

"Great sage, we are at your service. Please command us freely. What task shall we undertake?"

Vishwamitra's Invitation to Janaka's Sacrifice (1.31.4 - 1.31.7)

Hearing their words, Vishwamitra, leading the group of great sages, spoke to Rama:

1. "Janaka, the king of Mithila, is performing a grand religious sacrifice.

2. We shall attend this event.

3. You, Rama, will accompany us.

4. There, you'll have the opportunity to see a remarkable bow, a true jewel among weapons."

The History of the Divine Bow (1.31.8 - 1.31.13)

Vishwamitra continued, explaining the bow's significance:

1. "This bow possesses immeasurable power, appearing fearsome and brilliantly radiant.

2. The gods bestowed it upon King Janaka in ancient times during a sacrifice.

3. No being - god, gandharva (celestial musician), asura (demon), rakshasa (evil spirit), or human - has been able to string this bow.

4. Many mighty princes and kings have attempted to test their strength against it, but all have failed to even lift or string it.

5. O Rama, descendant of Kakutstha, you will witness this bow belonging to the great-souled king of Mithila, alongside the awe-inspiring sacrifice.

6. This excellent bow, strong at its center, was offered to King Devarata of Mithila by all the gods as the fruit of his sacrifice.

7. It is now worshipped in the king's palace as the principal deity, honored with:

   • Various perfumes

   • Sandalwood paste

   • Incense

   • Fragrant agaru (aloe wood)"

The Journey Begins (1.31.14 - 1.31.23)

1. After his explanation, Vishwamitra, the best of sages, began the journey.

2. Accompanied by Rama, Lakshmana, and a group of rishis, he bid farewell to the forest deities, saying: "May you be safe. My purpose in this Siddha ashrama (a hermitage of accomplished sages) is fulfilled. I shall now go to the Himavanta mountain on the northern bank of the Jahnavi (Ganges) river."

3. The group then:

   • Circumambulated the supreme Siddha ashrama with reverence

   • Set out northward

   • Was followed by nearly a hundred carriages of Vedic scholars

   • Was briefly accompanied by birds and beasts from the Siddha ashrama before Vishwamitra sent them back

4. After a long journey, they halted on the bank of the Sona river at sunset. The sages:

   • Bathed

   • Performed fire rituals

   • Sat down, honoring Vishwamitra

5. Rama and Lakshmana also paid their respects to the sages and sat before Vishwamitra.

6. Filled with curiosity, Rama asked Vishwamitra: "O venerable one, what is this region adorned with lush forests? I wish to hear about it. Please tell me truthfully, and may it be auspicious for you."

Vishwamitra Begins the Tale (Shloka 1.31.24)

Urged by Rama's words, the great sage Vishwamitra, renowned for his rigid austerities, began to narrate the entire story of that region in the presence of the other rishis (sages).

Thus ends the thirty first sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.