Upon hearing the news of Vishvamitra's arrival, Dasarath quickly went with his ministers to greet the sage. As soon as he saw Vishvamitra, the king respectfully brought him in, sat him down and washed his feet. He then stood with folded palms and spoke words that were filled with joy. "Your arrival here is as welcome as rainfall arrived in a drought, the recovery of a lost treasure or as the birth of a child to a childless couple. What can i do for you today?"
Dasarath was conscious of Vishvamitra's glory. The sage was famous all around the world for his virtuous behaviour and his ability to perform severe austerities. Once, he had created an entire constellation of planets which still shone in the southern sky. Knowing his greatness, the king was exuberant and wondered what had brought him to Ayodhya. Sitting at his feet, Dasarath continued to address him.
"You are worthy of my service in every way. I wish to perform some pleasing work for you, oh noble sage, and you may consider it already completed. As a guest, you are no less than God to me, and I shall not hesitate to do anything you desire."
Addressed so pleasantly, Vishvamitra felt ecstatic as he replied
"Your speech has pleased me in every way possible, Oh tiger among kings. Your are descended from proud ancestry and have been instructed by Vasishtha, the god-like sage. Prove true to your promise, oh virtuous one. "
Vishvamitra had walked for three days non stop, without eating or sleeping, his mind fixed on his purpose. His body was lean and powerful, golden coloured and clothed by a black deerskin. In his hands, he held a water pot and a staff, his only possessions. He knew what he had come to ask for was hard for the king to grant. The sage gazed resolutely into the eyes of Dasarath as he spoke.
"I stand here today consecrated for a sacrifice. However, two robust Rakshasa demons named Maricha and Subahu constantly interfere in its performance. They are capable of changing form and ranging the skies. Every time my sacrifice is close to culmination, these Rakshasas appear overhead and drop down volumes of flesh and blood. Ruining it altogether. To this day I have not completed that sacrifice, feeling dispirited,accomplishing nothing but travail." Dasarath listened intently to every word that came from Vishvamitra's mouth. He knew that Vishvamitra wouldn't have come to him, the emperor of the earth, unless there was some difficult task at hand.
"Although capable to destroy those Rakshasas with a curse, O King, I will not do so, as a condition of my sacrifice is that I must not give way to anger. My mind must remain steady and controlled. Please, therefore, give me your eldest and most heroic son, Rama. Although he is young, Rama is possessed of true prowess and is more than a match for any Rakshasa."
Dasarath's mouth fell open, he was aghast. Was Vishvamitra serious? Send Rama? The Prince was a boy! He had never seen action on the battlefield. Of course there was no doubting his bravery, but how could he face the Rakshasas? They could contend even with the demigod. What chance would Rama have against them?