During the reign of King Daśaratha in the glorious city of Ayodhyā, the kingdom flourished under his wise rule. Vasiṣṭha, the foremost knower of Brahman, served as his chief priest, guiding the king in righteousness. There was harmony throughout the land: disease, famine, drought, and all forms of affliction vanished, not only among the Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, and Vaiśyas, but especially among the Śūdras. Joy prevailed in every hermitage, and the people lived in contentment as Daśaratha, scion of the Ikṣvāku lineage, ruled. Yet, elsewhere in the cosmos, a great conflict erupted between the gods and the demons, each vying for sovereignty. Sometimes the gods triumphed, sometimes the demons. As this struggle continued, the three worlds suffered greatly. At this time, I addressed the Daityas and Dānavas, seeking to restore peace. But the gods, in particular, did not heed my words, and another fierce battle broke out. Seeking guidance, the gods approached Viṣṇu and Īśāna, the lord of the universe. Both addressed the gods and the Asuras, Daityas, and Dānavas, saying, “Let those who are strong through austerity go and perform penance again, then wage battle.” Thus, all departed, resolved to undertake austerities. However, envy consumed the gods, and they sought the help of the Rākṣasas once more. A most terrible battle ensued between the gods and the Dānavas, but neither side could claim victory. As the conflict raged, a bodiless voice proclaimed, “Those who have King Daśaratha on their side are the victors, not the others.” Upon hearing this, both the gods and the Dānavas sought out Daśaratha, hoping to secure victory. Vāyu, swift as the wind, hastened to the king and spoke, “You must come, O king, to the battle between the gods and the Dānavas. Wherever King Daśaratha is, victory is renowned to be there. Therefore, you should side with the gods, so that the gods may be victorious.” Daśaratha listened to Vāyu’s words and replied, “I will certainly come; go, Vāyu, as you please.” After Vāyu departed, the Daityas approached the king and pleaded, “O lord, you ought to assist us as well. Illustrious Daśaratha, victory rests with you; therefore, you ought to assist the lord of the Daityas.” But Daśaratha, remembering his promise to Vāyu, replied, “I have already pledged this; let the Daityas and Dānavas depart.” Staying true to his word, Daśaratha ascended to heaven and fought a mighty battle against the Daityas, Dānavas, and Rākṣasas. As the assembly of gods watched, the brothers of Namuci shattered the king’s chariot axle with sharp arrows. In the heat of battle, Daśaratha did not realize his chariot’s axle was broken. Kaikeyī, his beloved queen of beautiful brows, stood nearby. Without informing the king, the virtuous lady saw the broken axle and, with great presence of mind, placed her own hand where the axle had been. This wondrous act astounded all: Daśaratha, the foremost charioteer, prevailed in battle with Kaikeyī’s hand serving as the axle of his chariot. Having conquered the Daityas and Dānavas, and having received many boons from the gods, Daśaratha was permitted to return and happily made his way back to Ayodhyā. On the journey home, the king saw his beloved Kaikeyī and, witnessing her extraordinary deed, was filled with utmost astonishment. In gratitude, he granted her three boons, saying, “O Nārada, let these boons remain with you until you desire them.” Kaikeyī, after seeking the king’s permission, replied, “Let these boons, O king of kings, remain with you until I desire them.” Daśaratha adorned his beloved with ornaments and returned victorious and joyful to his city with her in the chariot. What is there that should not be given to beloved women at the proper time? Once, Daśaratha, surrounded by hunters, set out for the hunt. He wandered through the forest at night and constructed a water reservoir, for a king must be free from the seven vices. Though he knew this, fate led him otherwise: entering a pit to drink, he shot those who had come with sharp arrows. The mighty-armed king slew animals, but hear now of fate’s reversal. While the king was in the pit, in that very excellent city, there lived an old man named Vaiśravaṇa, who could neither hear nor see. His wife suffered likewise. One night, they spoke to their son, “We two are tormented by thirst, and night has fallen; the life of the aged is wholly dependent—yet you are but a child, dear son. Shame on the life of the blind, the deaf, and the aged; shame, shame, my son, on the life of those whose bodies are worn by old age. A man should live only as long as he possesses wealth, a strong body, and unimpeded authority; otherwise, death is preferable, especially at holy places.” Hearing these words from his elders, the son, devoted to his teachers, spoke gently to remove their sorrow. “While I live, how can such sorrow afflict you both? A son who does not dispel his parents’ mental distress through his conduct is unworthy. What use is such a son here, who only brings distress to the family?” Having spoken thus, bowing to his parents and comforting them, the noble-minded son then placed his aged parents upon the trunk of a tree, caring for them with utmost devotion.