Witness the legendary meeting of sages Viswamitra and Vasishta. Experience their profound exchange and Vasishta's extraordinary hospitality, invoking the divine cow Kamadhenu.

Viswamitra's Visit to Vasishta's Hermitage (Shlokas 1.52.1 - 1.52.23)

The Arrival of Viswamitra (Shlokas 1.52.1 - 1.52.5)

The mighty and heroic Viswamitra, upon seeing Vasishta (the greatest among ascetics), became overwhelmed with joy. He offered respectful salutations to Vasishta out of deep respect. The magnanimous Vasishta welcomed Viswamitra and ordered a seat for him.

Once Viswamitra was seated, Vasishta, following tradition, offered him fruits and roots. After receiving this hospitality, Viswamitra inquired about the well-being of Vasishta's:

• Austerities (spiritual practices)

• Fire sacrifices (ritualistic offerings to the gods)

• Disciples (students learning under Vasishta)

• Trees in the hermitage (part of the forest dwelling)

Vasishta, in turn, assured Viswamitra that all was well in these matters.

The Exchange of Courtesies (Shlokas 1.52.6 - 1.52.11)

Vasishta, son of Brahma (the creator god) and the greatest among those who recite prayers, asked the comfortably seated King Viswamitra:

"O King, is all well with you? O righteous and heroic one, are you ruling your subjects in accordance with the duties of a king? Are you governing them in conformity with the code of morality to ensure their happiness?

Are your servants well provided for? Do they abide by your commands? O Destroyer of foes, have you conquered all your enemies?

O Tormentor of enemies, O Sinless one, O Tiger among men, is all well with your army, treasury, friends, sons, and grandsons?"

Viswamitra, with great humility, informed Vasishta that all was indeed well. Both these virtuous personalities then engaged in a long, delightful conversation, discussing various matters and interesting anecdotes, deriving mutual pleasure from their interaction.

Vasishta's Offer of Hospitality (Shlokas 1.52.12 - 1.52.17)

At the end of their conversation, the venerable Vasishta, with a smile, said to Viswamitra:

"O Highly powerful one, I wish to offer appropriate hospitality to you and your incomparable army. Please accept it. You, being a king, are a distinguished guest and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect in all possible ways."

To these words, the great intellectual Viswamitra replied:

"O Worshipful one, you have spoken kind words, which in themselves are hospitality for me. You have excellently honored me in all possible ways with the fruits and roots available in your hermitage, with water for washing feet and sipping, and by allowing me to meet your revered self. O Profoundly wise one, I shall take my leave now. Please look upon me with eyes of friendship."

Vasishta's Insistence and Viswamitra's Acceptance (Shlokas 1.52.18 - 1.52.23)

As Viswamitra was speaking thus, the righteous and generous Vasishta repeatedly requested him to accept his hospitality. Finally, Viswamitra agreed, saying, "O Preeminent among sages, let it be as you desire."

Pleased with this acceptance, Vasishta, who was highly brilliant and free from sins, called upon Kamadhenu (the divine wish-fulfilling cow, also known as Shabala):

"Come quickly, O Shabala (Kamadhenu), and listen to my words. I have decided to honor this royal saint and his army with excellent food. Make the necessary arrangements.

O Kamadhenu, quickly provide them with food of six kinds of tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and pungent), as desired by each. Create at once all food items consisting of liquids and solids for drinking, tasting, and sipping."

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