Then Rama of exceeding energy, influenced by curiosity, asked that foremost of ascetics, Viśvāmitra, having asceticism for his wealth, saying, 'O worshipful one, what country is this, graced with luxuriant woods? I am desirous of hearing this Good betide you, it behove you to tell me this truly.
अथ रामो महातेजा विश्वामित्रं तपोधनम्॥ पप्रच्छ मुनिशार्दूलं कौतूहलसमन्वितम्। भगवन् को न्वयं देशः समृद्धवनशोभितः॥ श्रोतुमिच्छामि भद्रं ते वक्तुमर्हसि तत्त्वतः।