Having destroyed Mahodaya and the sons of Vasishta by the power of his asceticism, Visvamitra spoke to the congregation of sages, "This is Trisanku of the Ikshvaku dynasty, a king steeped in dharma and magnanimity. Hoping to ascend to the heaven he has sought my help and protection.Let us offer a sacrifice to help him achieve what he most desires". Visvamitra's word was law and none dared to incur his wrath by disobeying him! So the sages agreed to perform the yagna without hesitation.

With Visvamitra as chief priest the sacrificial rites were carried out impeccably. At the appropriate moment, when Kausika invoked the gods to accept their share of the ritual offerings, none appeared. None honored his call. The infuriated sage, disregarding the gods bade Trisanku to ascend to the heaven, that he so intensely desired! Even as he started his ascentIndra intervened saying, "Fool! Cursed by your guru, you neither deserve nor have a place in heaven! May you fall to earth, head first!" And the hapless king went hurtling down, crying for help.

Outraged that his command was not honored, Visvamitra asked Trisanku to halt.Standing among the sages resembling another Prajapathi, he created one more constellation of the seven planets in the southern part of the sky.Agitated and scornful he swore that he would also create one more Indra, and in his boundless fury started creating the very gods!

Thoughthe devatas, asuras and sages told Visvamitra that Trisanku cursed by of his guru was not worthy of entering heaven with his body Visvamitra insisted that his promise to Trisanku should be honored.Saying "Forever shall this king of the Ikshavakus remain with his mortal body in heaven, and forever shall remain all that I have created. Let this be his eternal abode, and may you all consent to this."'So be it' said the gods agreeing that the innumerable constellations beyond the path of Vaisvanara would exist forever and Trisanku would live in that heaven shining amidst the stars like another celestial star. The sacrifice ended and the spectators dispersed lauding Visvamitra's powers.