Visvamitra was sick at heart, as he reflected upon his humiliating his defeat and his enmity with the most noble of sages Vasishta. Sighing in silent anguish, he decided to travel southward, along with his queen to the region south of the river Saravathi. Thereforehe began a relentless penance living on roots and fruits. Many thousands of years passed by in penance, when one day Brahma appeared and told Visvamitra that he had reached the status of a royal sage by merit of his penance. But that proclamation brought no joy to Visvamitra. This announcement of Brahma brought no cheer to Visvamithra who hung his head in shame to learn that he was merely a Rajarshi. So he once again began severe austerities to gain the higher status of a Bramharshi.

At that time, Trisanku, born of the Ikshvaku dynasty, wanted to perform a yagna to reach heaven with his physical body.He spoke of his wish to Vasishta who told him that such a thing was not a possible. Refused by Vasishta, Trisanku sought out the sons of Vasishta and requested them to conduct the sacrifice.