On the banks of that pond one ascetic was performing the most austere penances with his legs upwards and head downwards. There upon approaching him, Rama Said O you of good vows, blessed are you; I do ask you, now, O you highly effulgent and grown old in asceticism, in what Varņa you are born. I put this question out of curiosity. I am the son of king Dasaratha and my name is Răma.
तस्मिन्सरसि तप्यन्तं तापसं सुमहत्तपः। ददर्श राघवः श्रीमॉल्लम्बमानमधोमुखम्॥ राघवस्तमुपागम्य तप्यन्तं तप उत्तमम्। उवाच च नृपो वाक्यं धन्यस्त्वमसि सुव्रत॥ कस्यां योन्यां तपोवृद्ध वर्तसे दृढविक्रम। कौतूहलात्त्वां पृच्छामि रामो दाशरथिहम्॥